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SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 5, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Huge turnout at 4 years after Obama’s India Chelsea rocked Saudi embassy Egypt revolt, trip aimed at by Bradford to mourn jails clogged boosting Saudi King2 with activists8 partnership11 20 World leaders arrive in Min 04º Max 24º Saudi after king’s death High Tide 02:33 & 15:35 Obama cuts short India trip to pay respects Low Tide 09:25 & 21:46 40 PAGES NO: 16413 150 FILS RIYADH: World leaders converged on Saudi Arabia yes- terday to offer condolences following the death of King Abdullah, with US President Barack Obama cutting short a trip to India to pay respects. President Obama has cut short his visit to India, can- celling a planned trip to the Taj Mahal, to “pay respects” to new King Salman in Saudi Arabia, the White House said yesterday. Obama was scheduled to go to India’s famed monu- ment to love accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama at the end of a three-day visit to the country, during which he is to be chief guest at tomorrow’s Republic Day celebrations. Instead, the White House said Obama would travel to Riyadh from New Delhi on Tuesday morning to meet the new monarch after the death of Salman’s half-broth- er King Abdullah on Friday. “The president regrets that he will be unable to visit Agra during this trip,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest in a statement, referring to the town where the Taj Mahal is located. One after another, foreign aircraft landed at a Riyadh military base where leaders from Africa, Europe and Asia descended a red-carpeted ramp to be welcomed KUWAIT: The Kuwait Towers are lit up with the portrait of Saudi Arabia’s late by Saudi officials and served a traditional tiny cup of King Abdullah (left) and the color of the Saudi flag (right) yesterday as a trib- Arabic coffee. ute to the ruler of the world’s top oil exporter and the spiritual home of Islam Others who came included French President Francois who passed away on Friday.— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Hollande, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani, Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, and Spain’s King RIYADH: Saudi’s newly-enthroned King Salman (center) receives oaths of loyalty Felipe VI. British Prime Minister David Cameron and in a traditional Islamic investiture ceremony that bestows his legitimacy yester- Images of late King Continued on Page 13 day. —AP adorn Kuwait Towers KUWAIT: The Kuwait Towers, Kuwait’s ernmental bodies over the death of the major landmark, were seen adorned by a Saudi King Abdullah. Iran FM in rare Saudi visit special light projection by night yesterday His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- depicting images in honor of the late Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah HH the Amir RIYADH: Iran’s foreign minister arrived in declined a Saudi invitation to visit the king- Iran’s neighbors, especially Saudi Arabia. Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al- sent a congratulatory cable to Saudi Saudi Arabia yesterday for a rare visit to the dom, citing continued negotiations between Since the June 2013 election of Rouhani, Saud. Arabia’s newly-enthroned King Salman bin regional rival, bringing condolences after the his country and international powers over regarded as a moderate, Iran has engaged in a A portrait of the influential ruler lighted Abdulaziz Al-Saud. death of King Abdullah, television pictures Iran’s disputed nuclear program. diplomatic push with Riyadh but relations up the medium-sized tower - which carries In his cable, HH the Amir wished the showed. Saudi officials greeted Foreign In August last year Iran’s Deputy Foreign have soured in recent months over the falling one globe - illuminating the waters of the new king success in continuing develop- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif after he land- Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held talks global price of oil. Both countries are mem- Arabian Gulf, which both neighboring ment, progress and prosperity in the king- ed at a military airport in the capital Riyadh. with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al- bers of the Organization of the Petroleum nations share, and emphasizing the close dom, and in serving the issues of both Arab Iran and Saudi Arabia, the region’s foremost Faisal in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. That was Exporting Countries but Iranian officials have ties between the two brotherly peoples. and Muslim nations. His Highness the Shiite and Sunni Muslim powers, have had the first high-level Iranian visit to the kingdom expressed frustration at Saudi Arabia for not The color green, symbolizing the Saudi Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- troubled relations in recent years after taking since Hassan Rouhani became the Islamic taking steps to cut supply. Iran has been flag, lighted up the main globe in the Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime different sides in the Syrian civil war. republic’s president a year earlier. They dis- among the oil exporting countries worst hit tallest of the three towers. Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Tehran has backed Syrian President Bashar cussed the fight against Islamic State group by the price fall. Rouhani expressed his condo- Meanwhile, Kuwait lowered the flags Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar congratulato- Al-Assad while Riyadh supported Sunni rebels jihadists, who both nations oppose. Rouhani lences after the death on Friday of Saudi King for three days all over the countries’ gov- ry cables to the new Saudi king. — KUNA trying to topple him. Zarif has previously has stated his wish to improve relations with Abdullah. — AFP

Japan scrambles to verify video on hostage murder TOKYO: Japan was scrambling today to verify a video posted online claiming that one of two men held hostage by Islamic State jihadists had been executed, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe con- demned the militant’s “intolerable violence”. Abe called an emergency meeting of senior ministers that began at around 1.20am (1620 GMT Saturday) as his government demanded “the remaining” hostage be immediately set free. “A photograph apparently showing Mr Yukawa had been murdered has been posted on the Internet,” Abe said. “The pain the family is feeling DUBAI: Birds are pictured resting on a tree at the Ras Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on must be beyond what what we imagine. This is an the outskirts of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates yesterday. The sanctuary which is act of terrorism and intolerable violence. “I am Dubai’s only desert wetland occupies about 2.4 square miles on the banks of Dubai infuriated. I condemn it absolutely. Again I strongly Creek and comprises of mudflats, lagoons, pools, and mangroves. — AFP demand they not harm Mr Goto and release him.” SANAA: A Shiite Huthi rebel threatens Yemeni protesters during a rally against “The images show Kenji Goto holding a photo the control of the capital by Huthi rebels yesterday.—AFP of Haruna Yukawa apparently dead has been post- ISIL on defensive, but ed on the internet,” Abe’s chief spokesman Yoshihide Suga told a press conference shortly Mammoth anti-Houthi after midnight. still a potent force The government is currently working to confirm protests across Yemen the authenticity of the video, added defence chief WASHINGTON: While there are signs of kilometers roughly assessed as dominated Gen Nakatani. The video was not posted on any of SANAA: Thousands of Yemenis took to shouted, using a nickname for former progress in the campaign against ISIL with or controlled by the Iraqi government out of the IS group’s official channels and it the streets yesterday in the biggest President Ali Abdullah Saleh who was the group more on the defensive, “they are Baghdad, and 56,000 square kilometers does not bear the group’s black and white flag. demonstrations yet against the Houthi toppled in a 2011 uprising against his 33- still a potent force inside Iraq and in Syria,” assessed to be under Kurdish control, Kirby The purported execution of Yukawa is also not group that dominates the country, two year-rule. Saleh had been cited by the Rear Admiral John Kirby, Pentagon said. shown. days after President Abd-Rabbu Mansour UN Security Council for aiding the spokesman, said on Friday. “We have said These numbers fluctuate over time and Several supporters of the IS group on social Hadi’s resignation left the country in Houthis to capture Sanaa, capital of the this is going to take several years-three to will continue to change, he said, as will the media channels have contested the veracity of the political limbo. Houthi gunmen shot and predominantly Sunni country, in five, probably,” Kirby said during a briefing. estimate of 20,000 to 30,000 ISIL fighters, video, while Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the wounded four people at a protest in the September. From a military perspective, he said, the real Kirby said. Those fighters are no longer out in Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said negoti- Red Sea port of Hodeida, residents said. Hadi, who stepped down on Thursday, goal is good governance in Iraq and Syria, the open, and one reason there are fewer ations for the two men’s release are still ongoing. In Sanaa, two intelligence agents were blamed the Houthis’ control of Sanaa for “options for people so they do not have to ISIL targets for the coalition to strike is “We have seen the video purporting to show that shot dead by gunmen on a motorbike, scuttling his attempt to steer Yemen be attracted to this ideology.” The center of because “they are hiding more. ... We are not Japanese citizen Haruna Yukawa has been mur- two security sources told Reuters. toward stability after years of turmoil, gravity for ISIL is its ideology, “not their fight- seeing them try to take new territory as dered by the terrorist group ISIL. The intelligence Witnesses said a crowd estimated at tribal unrest, deepening poverty and U.S. ers, not their trucks and not necessarily every much anymore. They are getting into defen- community is working to confirm its authenticity,” up to 10,000 people marched from Sanaa drone strikes on Sunni Islamist militants. little camp they set up or position that they sive positions on territory that they do have. the US National Security Council deputy University towards Hadi’s home some 3 The Houthis virtually held Hadi prisoner establish,” he said. And we are seeing them try to protect spokesman Patrick Ventrell said in a statement, km (1.8 miles) away and back, repeating at his home residence this week. They “It is about this ideology, and that is going their ... supply lines and communication using alternative acronyms for the militant group. chants denouncing both the Shi’ite accuse him of reneging on a power-shar- to take time, and it is not going to be done lines.” More children are being recruited to If Yukawa’s death is confirmed, it would mark a Muslim Houthi group and predominantly ing agreement they signed with the through military means alone,” he said. In fight or conduct suicide attacks, which could very grave turn of events for Japan, which has Sunni Al-Qaeda. country’s main political parties in his Iraq, there are 55,000 square kilometers mean ISIL is having trouble in the realm of Continued on Page 13 “Long live the Yemeni people. No to presence after they seized Sanaa. assessed as dominated by ISIL, 77,000 square recruiting and manpower, he said. — KUNA Houthis and no to Affash,” the crowd Continued on Page 13 LOCAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Crown Prince heads to Saudi Arabia to pay respects on King’s demise Sheikh Nawaf laments loss of King Abdullah KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah departed the country yesterday, along with an official delegation, heading to Saudi Arabia to pay respect on demise of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. His Highness’s delegation includes Sheikh Salem Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Advisor at His Highness the Prime Minister Diwan, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Hawally Governor His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Deputy Chairman of the National Guard Sheikh Kuwaiti Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Humoud Al- Malek Al-Sabah. was laid to rest on Friday, His Highness the Crown Peace Initiative for solving the Palestinian issue and to serve his religion, country and people. His Highness was also accompanied by a number Prince said “may his soul be blessed and may God his efforts to put an end to the conflicts in Iraq, Sheikh Thamer expressed his deepest condo- of members of the ruling family, including Sheikh bring solace to the Saudi royal family and people.” Yemen, Syria and other countries. lences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Abdullah Earlier, in a similar cable addressed to the Saudi Late king Abdullah was a sincere leader whose and Deputy Prime Minister Prince Muqrin bin Sabah Al-Saud Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al- Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister Prince policies and decisions helped resolve many of the Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Ahmad Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al- Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, His Highness Sheikh world’s disputes, Sheikh Meshal said, noting the Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Mohammad Khalifa Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud Al- Nawaf described King Abdullah as “a wise leader, Kuwaiti people will remember his bold stances dur- bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, the royal family and Saudi Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al- who sacrificed his life to serving his nation and its ing the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990. During people for the death of king Abdullah. Sheikh Sabah, Sheikh Ahmad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, people, and the Arab and Islamic worlds.” the occupation, Saudi Arabia’s leadership and peo- Thamer prayed to Allah the Almighty to bless the Sheikh Ali Nasser Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ali Salem ple supported Kuwait and helped form an unprece- soul of the late king with mercy in Paradise. He Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Bold stances dented international alliance to help it expel the added that the Kuwaiti government and people Sheikh Athbi Nasser Al-Athbi Al-Sabah, Head of His Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the National Iraqi forces and liberate the country, he said. share sadness and sorrow of Saudi people for the Highness the Crown Prince Diwan Sheikh Mubarak Guard Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sheikh Meshal expressed his deepest condo- demise of king Abdullah. Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah, and Undersecretary of His expressed his deepest sorrow and sadness over the lences to the royal family, Saudi people and both Late king was beloved by many people due to his Highness Crown Prince for Protocols Sheikh demise of Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. In a Arab and Muslim nations for the death of king sincere stances that served causes of Gulf Mubarak Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. statement to KUNA yesterday, he described the late Abdullah, wishing success for King Salman and his Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and His Highness the Crown Prince was seen of at the Saudi king as a great leader who devoted his life to Crown Prince Muqrin to complete the march of brought views of people in the region close togeth- airport by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs serve causes of both Arab and Muslim nations. development. He voiced his confidence that Saudi er, Sheikh Thamer noted. “Late king Abdullah had a Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and Saudi Ambassador to Sheikh Meshal added that the history would Arabia under the leadership of King Salman would noticeable role in serving causes of both Arab and Kuwait Dr Abdulaziz Al-Fayez. record late king Abdullah’s bold stances and wise continue its leading role on the regional and inter- Muslim nations and a leading role on the regional policy toward his country and religion. King national levels. and international levels,” he said. Wise leader Abdullah was one of the outstanding leaders in the Late king Abdullah launched initiatives that con- His Highness the Crown Prince had earlier sent a world, who sought to promote security, peace and Beloved king tributed to achieving peace, security and stability in cable of condolences to the Saudi Deputy Crown stability on the international level and offered great In the meantime, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Saudi the Middle East region and in the world as a whole, Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Interior services for the humanity. Arabia Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- he noted. Ambassador Thamer wished success for Minister Prince Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz The history will forever remember late king Sabah emphasized that with the demise of Saudi King Salman to complete the march of development on the demise of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Abdullah’s several initiatives aimed at achieving king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, both Arab and Muslim and boost the Saudi Arabia’s position on the interna- Expressing sorrow over the late monarch, who peace across the globe, he said, referring to the Arab nations have lost a wise leader, who devoted his life tional stage. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Parliament Speaker Mubarak Al-Khurainej (second from left), Chief of the Supreme Judicial Council Faisal Al-Mershed (third from left) and others offer condolences to Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al- Fayez (far left) at the Saudi embassy yesterday. (Right) Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah offers condolences to Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdulaziz Al-Fayez. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Huge turnout at Saudi embassy to mourn King Abdullah

KUWAIT: A huge number of people turned out at the Saudi Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Fayez was in attendance. Scores of embassy yesterday to mourn the death of Saudi King Abdullah individuals expressed words of sorrow and sadness while sign- bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Dr ing the condolence book offered by the embassy. — KUNA

Japanese Ambassador Toshihiro Tsujihara British Ambassador Matthew Lodge

Jordanian Ambassador Mohammad Al-Kayed Iraqi Ambassador Mohammad Bahrullolom

Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Daifullah Sharar Indian Embassy announcement Embassy of India in Kuwait is organising the 66th Republic Day of India on the embassy premises on 26 January 2015. Flag hoisting is at 0900 hours. Tea, juices and snacks shall be served. All Indian nationals are cordially invited. UAE Ambassador Rahma Al-Zaíabi Omani Ambassador Hamid Al Ibrahim Egyptian Ambassador Abdul-Kareem Suleiman SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 LOCAL

Kuwaitis in Saudi Arabia express sorrow at King’s departure RIYADH: A number of Kuwaiti citizens liv- Arab and Islamic unity. ing in Saudi Arabia voiced much sorrow The Kuwaiti citizen lauded the many and sadness over the demise of Saudi accomplishments made by the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. leader whether when he became the Interviewed by KUNA, they regarded the crown prince of the kingdom or the king death of the Saudi king as a big loss not in 2005, pointing to his effort to achieve only to the Saudi people but to Kuwaitis peace in the Middle East through the as well. “Arab Peace Initiative”. The great and sincere efforts of the The late king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was wise in addressing issues, and adopt- were not restricted to his nation and ed balanced policies on both internal people, but they also included both Arab and external levels which contributed to and Muslim worlds and even the entire development in the kingdom, Falah Al- world, Dhari Al-Daihani said. Sebei said. He pointed to the late leader’s He highly commended the clear-cut many development accomplishments in economic, political and social accom- economic, political, social, cultural and plishments made by the late leader in all sports domains. the governorates and provinces of the For his part, Hamad Al-Enezi hailed kingdom. Kuwaiti-Saudi relations were the late king as the “father of everyone” greatly developed during the late Saudi who extended help to the needy and king’s tenure, Daihani said, pointing to affected people both at home and his support during the Iraqi invasion of abroad. He highly acclaimed the late Kuwait in 1990. Saudi leader’s instructions for humanitar- Nasser Al-Salem voiced grief and sad- ian relief convoys to different world ness at the departure of the late Saudi countries regardless of gender or reli- leader. He considered his departure at gion. He also struggled to provide his this critical time as a big loss to both people with a decent life and devoted his Arab and Muslim worlds, noting that he life to achieving comprehensive develop- had exerted great efforts to maintain ment involving all fields. — KUNA Palestine PM postpones visit to Kuwait

RAMALLAH: Palestinian Prime Minister Palestine and Kuwait announced an official Rami Hamdallah said Friday he would post- mourning following the death of King pone his visit to Kuwait, which was sched- Abdullah, the Palestinian Prime Minister’s uled for yesterday, because of the state of office said in a statement. It mourned the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with mourning following King Abdullah bin late Saudi Monarch, and commended his the late King of Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia’s demise. solid support of the Palestinian cause and The visit has been postponed because Palestinian people. Hamdallah was scheduled to discuss Kuwaiti, Saudi leaderships: with the Kuwaiti officials the reconstruction of Gaza Strip, the support of occupied Jerusalem and the Palestinian govern- Brothers against all odds ment’s financial troubles caused by the Israeli blocking of Palestinian tax money. Meanwhile, Palestinian Hamas move- KUWAIT: Standing side-by-side in a brotherhood In their dealings with each other, His Highness being brothers through countless occasions, a rela- ment extended deepest condolences for against all odds, the Kuwaiti and Saudi leaderships the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah tionship that will surely remain true and continue the passing of King Abdullah. Hamas, in a showcased on more than one occasion how deeply and late King of Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin between the two countries in the reign of current statement, praised the deceased strong rooted the relations between the two nations were. Abdulaziz Al-Saud personified the true meaning of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. — KUNA support of the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people. Arab, International Relations Hamas deputy politburo chief Ismail Ahmadi Governor Haniya said King Abdullah had great Council convenes in Jordan endeavors in the Palestinian reconciliation, expresses condolences Palestinian Prime Minister Rami reconstruction of Gaza and supporting over Saudi king’s death KUWAIT: Chairman of the Arab and Hamdallah Jerusalem. — KUNA International Relations Council KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Mohammad Jassem Al-Saqer Fawaz Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al- announced yesterday that the Gulf Bank participates Sabah expressed condolences to Council’s board of directors is to the people and ruling family of hold its fourth meeting tomorrow in in Britain trade exhibition Saudi Arabia on the death of the Amman, Jordan. Custodian of the Two Holy The two-day meeting is to dis- KUWAIT: Gulf Bank recently sponsored the currently operating across an extensive range Mosques King Abdullah bin cuss and approve financial and successful 9th ‘Britain in Kuwait’ 2015 exhibi- of industry sectors including: retail, automo- Abdulaziz Al-Saud. He prayed to administrative matters, in addition tion which took place at the Salwa Sabah Al tive, healthcare, education, engineering, avia- Allah Almighty to bestow His mercy to reviewing ways to revive the Arab Ahmad Ballroom under the patronage and in tion, banking and finance, and hospitality. on him, and accept him in Heaven. Peace Initiative with Israel, and presence of His Highness Sheikh Nasser The ‘Britain in Kuwait’ exhibition was Sheikh Fawaz said that the Arab holding several discussions on the Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. established in 1997 to solidify the trade ties and Muslim nations lost a wise future of the Middle East, current During the exhibition, Gulf Bank present- between the two nations and reinforce the leader. “History will always remem- regional situations, and the Arab Chairman of the Arab and ed its latest products and services to the visi- long standing relationship that joins them ber the late king’s patriotic stands role, Saqer said in a press statement. International Relations Council Mohammad Jassem Al-Saqer tors. The exhibition also showcased a number together, and continues to grow stronger and achievements in defending the Ahmadi Governor Sheikh He also added that other discus- of British and Kuwaiti companies which are until this day. Arab and Muslim causes, as well as Fawaz Al-Khalid Al-Sabah sions include developing a roadmap and radical Islamic groups are also his role in Arab-Arab reconcilia- Kuwait and its people, especially for future of the Middle East includ- to be addressed during discussions, tions,” he added. during the Iraqi occupation and the ing dimensions of the regional secu- Saqer said, noting that these sub- “We will always remember, with kingdom’s contributions to the rity situation. jects pose a major challenge, espe- pride, the late King’s stands towards Kuwait liberation,” he said. Subjects such as ways to handle cially after the fall back of Arab the radical political Islamic ideology national ideology. — KUNA Kuwait’s KIHSE-2015 conference, exhibition draws growing interest

KUWAIT: With over 70 confirmed speakers and a Kuwait National Petroleum Company able to more than 500 attending delegates and growing number of sponsors, exhibitors and del- Asaad Al-Saad, Chief Executive Officer, business leaders. egates, the “Kuwait International HSE conference Petrochemicals Industries Company and exhibition” (KIHSE-2015) has consolidated its Peter Bartlett, Chief Executive, Bapco Strong topics position as a leading world-class regional event Dr Mohammed Yousef Al-Mulla, Vice Chairman The Conference programme includes 3 themed in Kuwait. and CEO, QAPCO tracks for Health, Safety and Environment; along Held under the high patronage of Dr Ali Saleh Raoul Restucci, Managing Director, Petroleum with a set of plenary sessions, to provide an in Al-Omair, Kuwait’s Minister of Oil and Minister of Development Oman (PDO) depth coverage of the key topics related to the State for National Assembly Affairs; and hosted In addition to a long list of other managers, development of a sustainable HSE culture. by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), experts, and consultants in the HSE fields. The The plenary sessions will focus on the HSE KIHSE-2015 aims to promote Kuwait’s commit- packed programme will also include 30 poster- management practices and strategies in general ment to the highest standards of health, safety, presentations by local and international HSE and will provide a platform to discuss strategic and environmental (HSE) practices. experts during the accompanying exhibition. topics, including a view by major regional CEOs It is expected to become a major drive for on the importance of HSE matters. Each one of the three other tracks will provide a set of ses- Alderman Alan Yarrow, Lord Mayor of the City of London visits the Gulf Bank booth HSE awareness, not only in the petroleum sector, National, regional sponsors sions with highly strategic topics presented by during the 9th Britain in Kuwait Trade Exhibition. but also across all economic and social activities Additionally, a growing number national and in the country, creating a culture of commitment major international experts in the HSE field. The to a healthy, safe and environment-friendly soci- organizers of the event expected KIHSE-2015 to ety. The KIHSE-2015 will take place on 16 and 17 become a platform for involved oil companies, Six days remaining to enter February 2015 in the Regency Hotel and their prospective suppliers and members of the Conference Centre in Kuwait City and will run civil society to meet and network, benefiting Al Dana’s quarterly draw around the main theme of, “We Can Make a from Kuwait’s remarkable advancements in the Difference to Our World.” HSE fields. KUWAIT: The countdown to the 1st place every 3 months; their cash prizes In addition to the full support and endorse- Quarterly Al Danah draw for 2015 has range from KD25,000 - KD500,000. ment by the KPC and its subsidiaries, this world- Main supporter begun and only 6 days remain for cus- Finally, the annual draw, offers the class event has attracted a big interest from the Petrochemicals Industries Company (PIC), a tomers to increase their deposits or to biggest single prize in the Middle East, oil and gas industry in Kuwait and the GCC subsidiary of KPC, is among the main supporters open an Al Danah account by January that being the KD Million cash prize. The region, as well as other parts of the world. of KIHSE-2015, which reflects the company’s com- 31st, to enhance their chances of win- more customers save, and the longer the mitment to HSE practices. In this context, PIC’s ning, and be eligible for the 1st Quarterly duration, the more chances they have to Key issue Chief Executive Officer, Asaad Al-Saad, indicated draw held on 26 March, 2015 announc- be one of the lucky winners of Al Danah’s This interest has been reflected in the impor- that the company allocated 17 percent of the ing winners of KD200,000, KD125,000 draws. tant contributions from business leaders, total value of its projects to HSE-related projects. and KD25,000. Open an account and Deposit now to experts and decision makers who joined the KPC He added that PIC gives priority to HSE training to Opening an Al Danah account merely Win Big, Live big, with Al Danah 2015. and its subsidiaries in recognizing the impor- boost the performance of its workforce and to requires a minimum balance of KD 200 to Gulf Bank would like to remind its cus- tance of HSE as a key issue for the whole energy PIC’s CEO Asaad Al-Saad reduce the number of industrial accidents. Saad be deposited as to allow active participa- tomers that opening an Al Danah sector. The KIHSE programme has gathered over explained that HSE training courses represented 70 speakers, including: regional sponsors and exhibitors have aligned 60 percent of all training courses for employees at tion in the Al Danah draws. Minors wish- Account is quick and simple through its Dr Ali Saleh Al-Omair, Minister of Oil and themselves with the event, including some of PIC. He added that 85 percent of PIC staff partici- 59 branches strategically located ing to open an account require their par- Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs the most important state companies and lead- pated in HSE training, and that more than 85 per- ents or their legal guardian to open the throughout Kuwait. Customers are Abbas A Al-Naqi, Secretary General, ing oil and gas players in the region like cent of enrolled employees successfully passed account on their behalf. Customers are encouraged to go to their nearest Gulf Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Chevron, Petrofac, Technip, and many others. these training courses. In addition to business advised to maintain the minimum bal- Bank branch or call the Customer Countries (OAPEC) The adjacent specialized exhibition will per- activities, the KIHSE conference, will be conduct- ance, allowing them to automatically Contact Center on 1805 805 and the Nizar M Al-Adsani, Deputy Chairman and Chief mit more than 50 companies to showcase the ing several activities that aim to inform and edu- enter the Al Danah Draws. The Al Danah Customer Care Center representatives Executive Officer, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation latest in HSE technologies and services. This cate the industry about the advantages of having account offers the Daily Draw, 3 will be delighted to assist with any fur- Ali Al-Jarwan, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi exhibition will boast national, regional and inter- proactive and forward-leaning HSE Policies and Quarterly draws as well as an annual ther information or questions on Al Marine Operating Company, ADMA-OPCO national companies, providing them with the effective management systems, according to KPC draw. The daily draw has two winners Danah or on any of the Bank’s products Mohammad Husain, President and CEO, EQUATE opportunity to present their latest products and sources. drawn for every working day and accord- and services. Customers can also log on Petrochemical Company services. This web of activities ensures that par- KIHSE is an initiative by KPC, and is organized ingly up to 10 winners announced the to Gulf Bank’s bilingual website www.e- Hashem Sayed Hashem, Chief Executive Officer, ticipants will have access to all the latest infor- in collaboration with Global Events Partners Ltd following week with each receiving gulfbank.com/aldanah for further infor- Kuwait Oil Company mation and technologies to guarantee that HSE (GEP), a major UK-based event management KD1000. The 3 Quarterly draws take mation. Mohammad Al-Mutairi, Chief Executive Officer, best practice solutions and methods are avail- company affiliated to the dmg::events network. SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 LOCAL Crime Report

Woman dies after gastroplasty surgery

KUWAIT: A woman lost her life following a gastroplasty operation. A security source said a woman went through a liposuction and a gastroplasty, after which she suffered complications and lost consciousness. Her family took her to hospital, but she was pronounced dead. Investigations are underway.

Egyptian haris robbed Two thieves robbed an Egyptian haris (building jan- itor) of the rent money he collected from tenants of the building, after kidnapping and beat him inside his room. The two then searched the room and found KD 2000, which he was keeping until the building owner returns from abroad. The two then took the victim to a desert area where they beat him again and escaped. ‘Horeca Kuwait 2015’ ends successfully Farwaniya detectives are investigating. KUWAIT: ‘Horeca Kuwait 2015’ exhibition bronze prizes. concluded its activities successfully by Leaders Group Managing Director Stabbing case honoring those who won the internation- Nabila Al-Anjari once again thanked the Ahmadi police dealt with a fight that was going on in al cooking contests. Director General of sponsors, exhibitors, judges and contest- the parking lot of a mall in Fahaheel. One citizen was Leaders Group Company Nabila Al-Anjari ants in addition to the media and lauded stabbed three times because of previous disputes. A secu- and Director General of Hospitality their cooperation in making the event a rity source said a call was received about a fight in which Services Company Jumanah Damos fantastic success. knives are used in a Fahaheel mall, so the five were arrested handed over the medals to the winners. Head of the judges team chef Samaan including one who sustained stab wounds and taken to The event marked as the finale of the Hilal said Horeca contests are improving Adan hospital. Police are investigating the case. spectacular exhibition. According to the year after year. It builds new impressions organizers, the exhibition succeeded in as chefs are keen to present new surpris- bringing together a large number of es and innovative cuisines. Trespasser caught exhibitors under one roof where partici- He said Horeca is considered a large A driver was detained at Qairawan police station for pants got an ideal opportunity to interact window to showcase chefs’ skills and entering the residence of his sponsor’s neighbor house with them. exchange expertise in methods of cook- while under the influence of alcohol. A security source More than 50 pioneering companies in ing and serving. said that a citizen heard his family screaming while in the hospitality and food industry sectors Meanwhile, several company owners the diwaniya, and was surprised to find the driver in showcased their products and services who participated in Horeca 2015 the living room drunk. The citizen took the driver to during the three-day event at the expressed their pleasure as Leader Group the police station, where he was detained. Jumeira Hotel where businessmen and Company responded to their demands to specialists from the hospitality and food increase the number of activities bolster- industry attended. More than 5,500 visi- ing the hospitality and tourism sectors. Brother assaulted tors also attended the event. They said that the major success of A citizen accused his brother and broke his finger fol- Thirty gold medals were handed to Horeca year after year underlines the lowing a family dispute. The two brothers, who were the winners in 17 various categories confidence Leaders Group has in the spending the weekend in Abdaly, had a dispute leading while 75 chefs were presented silver and industry. one of them to break the other one’s fingers. Police are investigating.

Marijuana seized A female customs officer uncovered three kilo- grams of marijuana between meats in plastic contain- ers. The officer noticed a passenger attempting to keep his bags away from the officers’ attention. So she asked him to open the bags where she found the plas- tic cans filled with marijuana. He was sent to con- cerned authorities.

Mubarak Al-Kabeer applies to become healthy city

KUWAIT: Mubarak Al-Kabeer neighbor- global movement aiming to engage local hood, of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, governments in health development had applied to join the World Health through a process of political commitment, Organization (WHO) Healthy Cities project. institutional change, capacity-building, Governor of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Ahmad Al- partnership-based planning and innovative Rujaib has signed the registration form to projects. join the project, Kuwait’s Liaison Officer at The project indicates that health is the The drugs caught with the suspect in Hawally. the WHO project Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti business of all sectors and local govern- announced yesterday. ments are in a unique leadership position, Rifles, guns stolen If the application is approved, Mubarak with power to protect and promote their Al-Kabeer neighborhood would be the citizens’ health and well-being. The initia- from security fourth Kuwaiti neighborhood to join the tive is not only concerned with the health international healthcare project after sector, but it includes the health considera- Yarmok and Adiliya neighborhoods of the tions in economic, regeneration and urban academy warehouse Al-Asimah Governorate and Rehab neigh- development efforts. borhood of Al-Farwaniya Governorate. In May 2014, Yarmouk was declared as By Hanan Al-Saadoun Shatti added that Mubarak Al-Kabeer the first Kuwaiti member of the project Governor also plans to present applications after organizing activities to improve KUWAIT: Eleven old shotguns, 11 pistols and five M16 for several other neighborhoods in his gov- health and environment in the city, leading assault rifles from the arms warehouse of Saad Al-Abdallah ernorate to the join the initiative later this it to fulfill WHO’s requirements. KUWAIT: Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor Ahmad Al-Rujaib signs the registration form. — KUNA Security Sciences Academy were. The security source said year. He noted that the project aims to The activities included a fight against achievements including setting a well- water and establishing an environmental- there were no surveillance cameras in the store and that improve health services in the country. obesity, a walking marathon, beautification equipped walking track, planting trees, friendly park, among other life-improving there were security personnel to guard the warehouse. The The WHO Healthy Cities project is a and cleaning. Moreover, Yarmouk had other washing the streets, saving power and activities. — KUNA source said the theft was discovered last week and investi- gations are going on. A security source said a patrol in Salmiya spotted a car obstructing traffic. Then they noticed Weekly Wrap-up two persons inside the car who could not control them- selves. The car was stopped and a suspicious substance was found with them. The two were sent to narcotics authorities. Crackdown on dual citizens Ten arrested Ahmadi patrols arrested 10 persons without IDs. 15 cars KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s Nationality and ty, at instructions of Minister of Social Affairs and disorders and protecting domestic laborers.— Chancellor Yousuf Al-Mutaw’a.—Al-Jarida were impounded and 80 traffic violations were issued. Two Passports Department is collecting data on dual Labor Hind Al-Subaih, referred the visa traffick- Al-Watan persons wanted for financial cases were arrested and one citizens in order to revoke their Kuwait nationali- ers to the public prosecutions based on the IS suspect person wanted to serve a one-year jail sentence during ty, a government source said. Preliminary data human trafficking law, in which the punishment Raj’an’s accounts A Kuwaiti man was recently detained and security campaigns on Friday. has been collected and based on this, the revo- may reach 15 years or life in prison. The public prosecution recently received referred to court after urging worshippers at a cation will take place, the source indicated. He “There are clear laws and legislations to deal over 300 documents from Swiss authorities con- Suliabiya mosque to join the Islamic State (IS) Illegal barbecuing added that the issue of nationality revocation is with human trafficking, but we suffer from the cerning the Swiss bank accounts of former and support IS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. Hawally security in cooperation with Salmiya municipal- not closed and the government continues to lack of strict and deterrent punishments against Public Authority For Social Security’s (PIFSS) The suspect had built a mosque in Suliabiya ity carried out a security campaign in Mishref desert area implement the law and expose all those proven visa traders” the source added. —Al-Qabas Chief Fahad Al-Raj’an, well-informed legal without permission from the Ministry of Awqaf along the Sixth Ring Road. The campaign covered barbe- to have dual citizenship. sources said. Raj’an had been accused of embez- and Islamic Affairs, using donations he had col- cue areas in the Mishref parks and desert area. The cam- The source clarified that the government UN inquiries zling public funds after a case was filed against lected. The suspect used the mosque as a plat- paign resulted in recording 49 violations. Officials arrested does not target anyone in particular, rather infor- Six European countries have prepared him by former PIFSS board member Dr Fahad Al- form to promote IS ideas, sources said. three persons whose visas were expired. They arrested mation, data and decisive evidence is what inquiries to be directed to Kuwait during the Rashid. Speaking before the public prosecution, the three people for renting ATVs without a license. decides whether the nationality is revoked or periodic comprehensive hearing, due to be held Swiss authorities had received a request from suspect stressed that Al-Baghdadi was the not. When asked whether the numbers of those on January 28 at the United Nations. The hearing Kuwait’s public prosecution in 2011 to freeze Al- Muslims’ ‘Caliph,’ that he leads the Muslims army, Wanted man held whose nationality will be revoked is large, the will discuss human rights issues in Kuwait. Raj’an’s bank accounts and assets, the sources that he is his Imam and that he pledges alliance Hawally police caught a man who escaped from a source said, “the revocations are not over and The first inquirer will be the United Kingdom, said. The public prosecution has been investigat- to him. He also provided the prosecutors with checkpoint. When they inquired about him, he was found the process of counting continues”. —Al-Qabas who intends to inquire about citizenship with- ing this case since 2008. It cross examined several Baghdadi’s real name, saying that he was wanted to serve a 10-year jail sentence on drugs charges. drawal, gender discrimination in the citizenship individuals in various Arab and European cities, ‘Ibrahim Bin Awwad Al-Badri Al-Husseini Al- Visa traffickers law, namely concerning women rights to grant before making the request to the Swiss authori- Qorashi’. The suspect added that he joined IS The Manpower Public Authority is waiting for their children citizenship the Kuwaiti citizenship. ties to freeze Raj’an’s accounts. —Al-Jarida simply because he was a Muslim, and because IS a decision from the public prosecution with The UK also plans to inquire about bedoons’ applied ‘true Sharia law’ and fought the ‘infidels’ regards to 53 files of companies accused of visa (stateless people) mistreatment. Mershed quits constitutional court to liberate Muslims lands. — Al-Rai trafficking, according to a source inside the Belgium, as the second inquirer, intends to High-ranking sources said that the Supreme authority. He added that the companies were ask about Kuwait’s intention to approve Rome’s Judicial Council recently accepted a request to Forged certificates referred to the public prosecution based on law criminal court’s basic system, measures taken to reform the Constitutional Court after Chancellor Well-informed sources said that upon a 91/2013, which fights human trafficking and solve the bedoons problem and stopping all Faisal Al-Mershed resigned from the court’s complaint filed by the ministry of higher edu- smuggling of immigrants. forms of discrimination against them, improving board, and chose to remain as head of the Court cation contesting the validity of certificates, Meanwhile, the source argued that the man- immigrant labor living conditions, reconsidering of Cassation and the Supreme Judicial Council. the public prosecution summoned 300 citi- power authority and the Ministry of Social the death penalty, increasing the minimum mar- The sources added that the council hailed zens over accusations of obtaining forged cer- Affairs and Labor had failed to deal with the visa riage age to 18 for both men and women and Al-Mershed’s tenure in the Constitutional tificates from a Saudi high school. The sources trafficking trade, adding that referring the com- legislations incriminating domestic and sexual Court, and described his positions as ‘patriot- explained that the citizens had applied to the panies to investigations department has so far violence. ic.’ They also noted that Chancellor Ali ministry to resume their university studies and failed to serve as a deterrent. The Czech Republic also intends to discuss Bogammaz, who also works as an advisor for that examining the certificates took 45 days He explained that the punishments that the same issues, in addition to protecting the Appeals Court and had headed a com- during which the ministry discovered the used to be issued against visa traders reached a human rights’ advocates. Meanwhile, Holland mittee investigating ministers’ trial, is to fraud when Saudi educational authorities con- maximum KD 200 fine - not an enough punish- intends inquiring about freedom of expression, replace Mershed in the Constitutional Court’s firmed that the concerned school has been ment to deter the traders. Therefore, the authori- reconsidering laws against people with gender membership under the chairmanship of closed for long. —Al-Jarida SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 LOCAL Lawyer warns people against supporting IS

By Nawara Fattahova told the people who came to pray to join and provoking people against the ruling sys- Daish and announced his full support to the tem or attempting a coup or rebellion under- KUWAIT: Despite all the bombings, atrocities illegal organization and its leader. mining security of the state. This also includes and terrorist activities being committed by Most probably he may not be the only sup- encouraging others to travel and join the ille- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or porter of the IS in the country. Stickers were gal organization,” he told the Kuwait Times. ‘Daish’, many people are still supporting the also noticed on some vehicles showing the Al-Asfour was defending one of such cas- militant group. Daish was listed among the logo of ISIS or phrases supporting the organi- es occurred recently in the United Arab banned organizations in Kuwait. This means it zation. As people know that such acts maybe Emirates. “I was defending an Emirati citizen is illegal to join IS or support it. illegal in the country they usually try to do it who was accused of distributing leaflets per- This makes its supporters to be very cau- in a tacit manner. suading people to join a banned extremist tious in expressing their support to the According to attorney Hussein Al-Asfour, Islamic organization and verbally convincing banned outfit. Last week, a citizen, who took sympathizing or showing support to ISIS is her colleagues in the school. I proved that the role of Imam of a mosque in one of the illegal. “Arousing people to join or support she didn’t commit these crimes and that she new areas in Kuwait, was arrested. He built Daish is illegal, whether it was verbal as the was only accused of supporting her husband Burgan Bank announces the mosque from donations he collected from Imam did or practical such as collecting dona- who is an extremist and was previously people and appointed himself the Imam with- tions or travelling to the banned destinations arrested for issues related to terrorism. In Value Account draw winner out the permission of the Ministry of Awqaf to join the ISIS army. Those persons may also fact, I don’t accept such cases in Kuwait,” he KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced Raphy on a quarterly basis. All expatriates with and Islamic Affairs. In one of his sermons, he be accused of other crimes such as inflaming further clarified. Jos Erinjery as the winner of its Value salaries of KD 150 and above are eligible to Account draw. The lucky winner took home be a Value account holder. Burgan Bank’s a cash prize of KD 4000. renewed Value account presents a range of The Value Account has been re-launched merchant discounts to the clients. Opening with more added value features that have a Value account is simple, customers are Aid distributed to hundreds been designed for expatriates living in required to visit their nearest Burgan Bank Kuwait. Account holders can now obtain a branch, or simply call the bank’s Call Center free credit card for one year, apply for a 1804080 for more details. For further infor- of Syrian families in Lebanon loan, and receive a chance to win KD 4,000 mation visit www.burgan.com

AKKAR/BEQAA: In collaboration with yesterday on board of Kuwaiti mili- the Syrian refugees. In a another Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) tary plane carrying about 30 tons of statement to KUNA, head of KRCS and the Lebanese Red Cross, a dele- humanitarian aid of dates, clothes, mission in Lebanon Dr Musaed Al- gation of Kuwaiti volunteers distrib- blankets and cleaning materials, Enezi said KISR is networking with uted aid to 350 Syrian refugee fami- directed in particular to the displaced Kuwaiti fund-raising agencies to pro- lies in Akkar city, north Lebanon, yes- Syrians in the northern parts of vide a sustainable lifeline for the terday. Lebanon. Syrian refugees across Lebanon. The aid consisted of food pack- “The suffering of the refugees in ages, blankets, diesel for heating in Philanthropic action Lebanon has coupled with the recent addition to gifts for kids, enough to On Friday, a delegation from the severe cold which requires the aid meet the needs of a family of five Kuwait initiative in aid of the Syrian agencies to double their life-saving members for two weeks, head of the people distributed assistance among effort, “ he stressed, noting that tune delegation Feryal Al-Furaih said. 650 Syrian refugee families in Zahla of Kuwaiti assistance to the Syrian This generous initiative comes city, east Lebanon, in collaboration refugees in Lebanon this year under the guidance of the political with KRCS. The initiative aims to amounted to $30 million. leadership, led by His Highness the mobilize philanthropic action to alle- A number of refugees expressed Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- viate the suffering of the Syrian gratitude to Kuwaiti leaders and peo- Jaber Al-Sabah, and aims to mobilize refugees in the eastern Beqaa Valley, ple for their firm support since the philanthropic action to alleviate the Furaih told KUNA. start of the Syrian crisis. On Thursday, suffering of the Syrian refugees, she “Thanks to the contributions of a Kuwaiti military plane, carrying the added. For her part said the delega- benevolent people in Kuwait, the delegation and 30 tons of humanitari- tion member Fouziah Al-Salman, that campaign was able within 10 days to an aid for Syrian refugees, arrived at the Kuwaiti aid to the displaced at raise the necessary funds for provid- Beirut international airport. this time would go far to help them ing the refugees with foodstuffs, A number of Syrian refugees get through the winter season. blankets, heaters and other house- expressed deep appreciation of the Futouh Al-Dalali, a delegation mem- hold items,” she pointed out. Dalali Kuwaiti help to thousands of dis- ber, stressed the keenness to stand by said meanwhile that the Kuwaiti relief placed families in these difficult cir- the Syrian people who live in human effort for needy people is distinct cumstances. Kuwait has been tragedy, noting that the team is try- from that of other donors in its among the leading countries to ing to provide the displaced Syrians promptness. She thanked KRCS for offer aid and humanitarian supplies with their basic needs. providing logistic support to the del- to over one million Syrian refugees The Kuwaiti delegation arrived egation and relentless efforts to help in Lebanon. —KUNA SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 LOCAL

wIn my vie PROTECTING PUBLIC FUNDS Local Spotlight Needs of Syrian Freedom of press refugees

By Muna Al-Fuzai By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

[email protected] ormer MP Salah Al-Mulla was sent to jail for tweets on his twitter page and, a popular newspaper was shut resident of the International Committee of F down. These two incidents, happened over a period of Pthe Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer warned one month in Kuwait, have created a doubt in people’s minds during a recent regional tour that covered whether freedom of expression is in danger in the country. Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon that the number of Article 36 of the Kuwaiti Constitution affirms that every refugees who escaped from warzones in the citizen has the right to express his/her opinion either verbally Middle East is on the rise. He further called for fur- or in writing and freedom of the press is one of such means ther response to provide aid to poor countries suf- of expression. Now with the advent of the social media such Al-jarida as Twitter, Facebook etc, the ambit of an individual’s freedom fering from humanitarian crises. The international of expression has become even wider. Basically speaking, our community must respond to these calls, and freedom of expression is guaranteed constitutionally and any improve cooperation with the ICRC to facilitate infringement on it is improper. The Kuwaiti Journalists Association (KJA) has declared sol- kuwait digest idarity with the cause on Sunday evening and expressed its It is a critical situation rejection for the suppression of freedom of press. I think this Let people separate good and evil is a good move and I’m honored to be a part of the KJA. because refugees’ needs No doubt that the decision to shut down Al-Watan news- paper was a shock to journalists and activists who defend of shelter, food, By Ali Mahmoud Khajah freedom of expression and it had a significant impact locally and internationally. Ironically, the newspaper was closed by medicine and education Shiite believes that Sunnis are wrong and that is why occasional controversial argument can flare up into a major an order issued by the ministry of commerce, not by an order he adapts his ancestors’ doctrine and remains a controversy in Kuwait if some politicians wish to do so. The by the ministry of information! It is worrisome because, the A closure was more political than commercial. increase as time goes by Shiite. The same applies for Sunnis, Christians, Jews, most recent of which was when some politicians, mainly Apostates and those worshipping cows, the sun or even the Shiites, called for banning Sunni scholar, Mohammed Admittedly, the newspaper was taking the side of the moon. Each believes his/her own beliefs are correct while Hussein Ya’qoub’s lecture in Kuwait during Hala February opposition on many issues with several outspoken colum- nists opposing government policies and the position of the humanitarian works and delivery of aid. those of others are wrong! activities. Well, in the first place, we would not have had many doc- Actually, I had not known Ya’qoub before demands were current National Assembly. Perhaps this would have also In the meantime, Kuwait announced hosting contributed to attracting the wrath of many writers and the third donors’ conference for Syrian refugees. trines and beliefs if it was not for the fact that every belief made to ban him in Kuwait. I am not interested in his argu- follower thinks others are wrong. In each case, the follower ments, either because if they oppose Shiite, this is quiet nor- activists who refused exposures to media organizations; in This is another bright spot added to Kuwait’s illus- has his own way of proving his beliefs right and refuting mal because he adapts the other doctrine and, accordingly, particular, the opposition as it reflects freedom of opinion. trious history of humanitarian work. It also comes those of others either by exposing what he sees wrong in believe that Shiites are wrong. The man is free to use The closure of newspapers will send a wrong message to at a critical time in which the number of Syrian other people’s beliefs or by beautifying his own. I myself whichever method to promote his ideas. By the way, the the world that we do not respect freedom of press nor we refugees has reached 1.8 million in Lebanon alone cannot tell which is wrong and I do not actually believe same absurd demands are occasionally made by Sunni appreciate its role. This message can tarnish the image of the for example. Those refugees are in dire need for either of them is because some situations necessitate using politicians to ban Shiite scholars because they contradict country internationally. It is worth mentioning that the history of the Kuwaiti urgent aid. It is a critical situation because refugees’ a certain methodology while others necessitate using with Sunnis, which is a principle for Shiites. another! The problem is that politicians from all facets and beliefs press, which originated in the 1920s, began with calls for needs of shelter, food, medicine and education reforms, enlightenment and independence creating a wider increase as time goes by. If I want to develop my knowledge about a certain theo- know for sure that such demands for ban are useless ry, take communism for instance, the easiest options would because I can listen to all what Ya’qoub advocates without political and national awareness in the country. Al-Watan International organizations need to play a more of course be to read a book or watch a lecture, a debate, a having to bring him to Kuwait in person. Yet, some of those newspaper recently celebrated its 41st birthday after four active role in providing help to thousands of peo- program or a movie about it online. It will take only a few politicians insist on continuing with such silly demands. decades of service in the media industry. Its first edition was ple who left their homes, and declare the area a cri- minutes to review whatever I want without much effort. Gentlemen, let Kuwait receive all and leave the option to inaugurated at the time of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- sis zone. This means that I would not need to bring a veteran com- Kuwaitis themselves to separate good and evil. Stop this sil- Salem Al-Sabah. I believe that opposition is a part of any We wish success to all the efforts that will be munist to Kuwait, go to the headquarters of a progressive ly retardation that has turned Kuwait to look like a huge democracy and no democratic system can grow without a real opposition. Today, I am concerned about the freedom of exerted during the upcoming donors’ conference bloc, or smuggle a book or an audio-visual recording into prison that only accepts certain ideology determined by Kuwait to study the principles of communism. I would sim- politicians. Unfortunately, instead of advocating freedom of press and expression in Kuwait as we are facing a real crisis in Kuwait, and hope to see countries jump to the today. If we could not safeguard the freedom of press as help of refugees who are in dire need for the world ply go online to access and look up whatever information I expression, the government yields to demands of bans sim- need even if the website was blocked in Kuwait because ply because it has never dared and will never dare to con- guaranteed by the constitution, what else is left for us to be to stand by their sides - especially as they suffer there are a thousand ways to unblock such sites! front loud voices no matter if it was right or wrong! proud of? I believe that the government can still remedy the under the merciless winter at this time of the year. This introduction is necessary to prove a point that an — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida situation and correct the mistake before it is too late. [email protected]

kuwait digest Washington Watch Don’t obscure Boehner/Netanyahu: ‘So smart, they’re stupid’ the light please By Dr James J Zogby

By Sami Abdullatif Al-Nisf hen I was growing up, I remember a saying 2011, at Boehner’s invitation, to rebuke President Boehner/Netanyahu attempted coup calling it an Wthat was used to describe the behavior of Obama’s call for a peace agreement based on the effort to undermine American leadership and an n the eve of celebrating its 41st anniver- persons who were so cocky that they did “1967 borders with mutually agreed upon land unprecedented breach of protocol. sary and while it was receiving roses and really dumb things-”He’s so smart, he’s stupid.” swaps”. At the time, observers across the globe were Several leading Israelis commentators were like- O I thought of this expression when I heard Speaker amazed at the gall of Congress to invite a foreign wise concerned that “Netanyahu’s Congressional plaudits on the occasion, Kuwait local Arabic daily, Al-Watan was ordered to close down of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, leader to slap their president in the face and then to gambit...could endanger Israel’s long-term interests in by the ministry of commerce and industry based announce that he had invited Israeli Prime Minister respond by giving the foreign leader 29 standing ova- the United States” and, in any case, would most likely on certain law. I would not wish to go into the Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of tions. not sway Israeli voters who, at this point, either love details of the law because I am neither specialized Congress in order to challenge President Obama’s So the ever self-assured Netanyahu relishes the or hate the long-time Prime Minister. More interesting in law nor I want to amplify this point as the mat- handling of “the grave threats of radical Islam and opportunity that his agents cooked up for him to were reports that the leadership of Israeli intelligence once again demonstrate that he, together with his agency undercut their Prime Minister’s case by warn- ter is now sub judice. Therefore, let us talk about Iran”. I’m sure that, as he was making his announcement, Republican allies, can dominate Washington. The fact ing a visiting group of US Senators against imposing the problems of Arab journalism in general. By the Boehner thought that he was being the smartest guy that his appearance comes just weeks before the any new sanctions targeting Iran while negotiations way, the name Al-Watan is probably the most in Washington. He had just stolen the President’s Israeli election is “icing on the cake”. are on-going. They said that such a move would be widely used newspaper name throughout the thunder on the day after the State of the Union akin to “throwing a grenade into the process”. Arab world and thus the issue is important for all speech. I’m equally sure that Netanyahu sat back in Political calculations If Netanyahu won’t politically benefit from his countries with green experiences in democracy Jerusalem crowing to himself just how smart he was Crass political calculations are also key to effort in Israel, will Boehner and the GOP fare any bet- and media freedom! to be in a position, once again, to deliver a frontal Boehner’s intent. Not only does he get to embarrass ter with the American electorate? Those pundits who Notably, advanced democracies support pri- assault against an American President who had the the President, the invitation presents an opportunity suggest that Boehner’s action threatens to make sup- vate media including newspapers and satellite TV temerity to oppose him. for Republicans to try to make Israel a wedge-issue port for Israel into a partisan issue miss an important channels. Cases filed against them are usually Boehner’s invitation was not so much intended as showing that they, not Democrats, are Israel’s best point-it already is a partisan issue and is becoming rejected on first hearings themselves because a challenge to the President’s foreign policy; he had friends in Washington. And it doesn’t hurt that the more so with every passing year. they believe in the role of free media in building some obvious political motives, as well. According to societies. The media institutions, on the other Israeli press reports, the idea for the speech was first Demographically divided hand, prefer to avoid becoming bankrupt by get- suggested by Israel’s Ambassador to Washington, Ron The division of the American electorate is not ting embroiled in endless litigations. Dermer. Dermer, a former Republican operative and a The division of the merely by party, but by demographics. Republican The Arab media, including newspapers, satel- confidant of both Netanyahu and billionaire GOP base voters are largely older and white and male, lite TV channels and radios, is in dire need of mul- donor, Sheldon Adelson, had apparently proposed American electorate is including strong cohorts who identify themselves as tiform support today in order to enable it to retain the idea of the speech to Republican leaders as early “born-again Christians”. Democratic voters, on the its independence. It plays a major role as a as January 8th. An agreement was reached for the not merely by party, but other hand, are young people, professional educated whistleblower in exposing corruption and wrong- Speaker to extend the invitation days before the State women, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian doings in our societies. Doing so, the media of the Union-without any notice given to the White by demographics Americans. What Obama’s victories demonstrated is reflects a true image to our officials about what is House or the Department of State. that the GOP base is shrinking while the Democrat’s going on in their societies as well as in ministries. base is growing. Furthermore, our polls show that The last thing the private media needs is to be let US-Israel relationship decision to bring the Prime Minister to Congress will Democrats (that is, younger, educated, and “minority” down or not to be misunderstood. They should Netanyahu is running for reelection in Israel facing make Sheldon Adelson happy. Adelson, after all, voters) may continue to support Israel, in the abstract, face the fate of many renowned newspapers of opponents who are raising concerns that he has dam- spent more than $100 million in a failed effort to but are increasingly opposed to Israeli behaviors. And the past such as the Pravda, The Revolution and aged the US-Israel relationship. He, therefore, craves defeat Obama in 2012, and has committed to spend while Netanyahu has strong favorable ratings among Al-Qadisiya. The Arab societies will be the ulti- the opportunity of standing before an adoring US at least as much to bring a Republican to the White Republicans, his ratings are decidedly lower among mate losers in closing down newspapers and ban- Congress giving him multiple standing ovations House in 2016. Democrats. And, by the way, polls also show that the ning writers. enabling him to demonstrate that he, not Obama, While the calculations made by both sides may vast majority of American Jews continue to vote for I wish that the Arab League would contribute in rules in American politics. It was Netanyahu, after all, seem smart, there’s more to this story. Washington’s Democrats, supported President Obama in 2008 and setting up legislations and a code of conduct for who was caught on tape a decade ago telling sup- reaction to this breach in protocol was immediate. 2012 (as did Arab Americans), and support his efforts dealing with Arab media keeping a proper bal- porters “I know what America is...America is a thing The White House and State Department made it clear to rein in Iran and achieve and just Israeli-Palestinian ance between liberty and responsibility and have you can move very easily”. And he believes that he that they would not meet with the Israeli leader when peace. all practitioners commit to them. I wish govern- has a record to justify his cockiness. he comes to the US. One American official was quot- The Boehner/Netanyahu insult to the President ments would encourage building institutions to Netanyahu has long been married to the neo-con- ed in the Israeli press saying that not having the cour- may get cheers from some weak-kneed Members of train journalists on media industry and its princi- servative wing of the Republican party, working with tesy to call the White House to inform them that he Congress in both parties, but it won’t sway voters ples and ethics because many mistakes take place them for years to sabotage US peace-making efforts. was scheduling a speech before Congress “is not the either in Israel or the US. And if Congress attempts to inadvertently because of ignorance or amateurish During the 1990’s, he collaborated with the Gingrich- way people act...it is unprecedented. It is barbaric buck the President by passing new sanctions legisla- tion, he will, as promised, veto the bill. And so it approaches. led Congress to pass the Jerusalem Embassy behavior. It is so impolite that it is disgraceful. It is simply inconceivable”. The same official noted that appears that the instigators of this entire affair will Arab newspapers and satellite TV channels are Relocation Act, over the objections of both President Clinton and then Israeli Prime Minister Rabin. Once “the Israelis know how to pick up the phone...scream- get little more than a black eye for their efforts. more like suns, stars and moons that light up our elected as Prime Minister, Netanyahu delivered his ing for help” when it comes to opposing Palestinian The bottom line: this was one of the most ham-fist- Arab skies and lead societies. So, do not turn off first address to a joint session of Congress, at efforts at the UN, the International Criminal Court, or ed, irresponsible, and potentially dangerous political and obscure such light and allow us to live in dark- Gingrich’s invitation, pledging to end the Oslo peace for more help with Iron Dome. Another American offi- stunts ever engineered by American and Israeli politi- ness where mistakes multiply! By the way, I would process. That speech had been written with the help cial reminded the Israelis that Obama will be presi- cal leaders. All I can say is “they were so smart, they like to thank the organizers of the Arab Tourism of leading American neo-conservatives like Richard dent for two more years, and doesn’t have to worry were stupid”. and Culture Festival held in Cairo by the Arab Perle, Doug Feith, and David Wurmser. about another election campaign. Note: Dr James J Zogby is the president of the Arab League for honoring me. He used his next appearance before Congress in Media commentators were equally put off by the American Institute — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Japan vows not to give 4 years after Egypt revolt, jails clogged with activists up on hostages till ‘the very end’ Page 8 Page 12 Syria opposition demands ‘radical change’ Little hope of breakthrough as Russia hosts Syria talks

CAIRO: Syria’s opposition factions called yesterday for “radical demo- cratic change” in the war-torn country ahead of April talks aimed at unifying their plan for a political solution to the conflict. In a two- day conference held in Cairo, the regime-tolerated opposition met with members of the exiled National Coalition and agreed on a 10-point vision, as well as announc- ing fresh talks slated for April. The groups agreed that “any negotiation process should lead to... a democratic regime and a sov- ereign civil state,” according to a joint statement. Meanwhile, Russia plans to bring together members of the Syrian regime and opposition in a new push to resuscitate talks on ending the country’s nearly four-year civil war, although hopes of a break- through are slim. The January 26- 29 behind closed doors talks will include Syria’s regime-tolerated domestic opposition and members of Bashar Al-Assad’s government but not the Western-backed exiled National Coalition. Moscow hopes to burnish its credentials as a top diplomatic mediator, although Russia itself is mired in a show- down with the West over fighting in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed hope that the meetings would help the UN peace envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, organize a new peace conference to negotiate a way out of the civil war that has claimed an estimated more than ALEPPO: People look at the body of a reported member of the pro-government forces, who was killed by opposition fighters on the frontline, as he is displayed on a street yesterday in the Al- 200,000 lives. Breij district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. — AFP Two previous rounds of talks in Geneva ended without success. was not a reliable partner. :Such unified political vision and to unify The latest initiative from the Syrian excuses no longer work,” he said. the opposition’s efforts,” said Saleh regime’s most powerful backer Al-Nebwani, member of the comes amid signs that Washington US Syria policy shifting? regime-tolerated domestic may be recalibrating its strategy, Lavrov also praised US President National Coordination Committee prioritizing the fight against the Barack Obama for what he called for Democratic Change. hardline Islamic State (IS) group, Washington’s growing realisation The Coalition and top opposi- which is increasingly active within that it is IS militants-and not Assad tion figure Moaz al-Khatib previ- Syria, over Assad’s exit. - who present the most serious ously announced they will not Analysts said the talks were threat. attend talks with the Syrian regime unlikely to bear fruit and some said He said he detected a shift in in Moscow this month aimed at it would be an achievement if they Washington’s perception of the finding a political solution to the take place at all, pointing to a lack Syria crisis, referring to Obama’s war that has killed more than of agreement among Syrian oppo- State of the Union address in which 200,000 people so far. But the inter- sition members. But they said he asked lawmakers to give him nal opposition said yesterday that Russia will use the meeting to show updated war powers to go after the some invited members were the West it can do business with IS group. They added that any expected to attend the meeting. the Syrian regime and buttress political solution to Syria’s four-year Fayez Sarah from the National Assad. “If there is some sort of civil war “must guarantee a radical Coalition said the Cairo meeting agreement at this meeting-and we democratic change that criminalis- did not discuss the Moscow talks are hoping there will be-of course, es violence and sectarianism”. “because a decision was already this will strengthen the legitimacy The National Coalition was infor- taken” on this issue. of Bashar al-Assad as president,” mally represented in Cairo by sev- Moscow’s effort to host the said Boris Dolgov, a researcher at eral members, including Ahmed peace talks comes after two UN- the Centre for Arabic and Islamic Jarba, a former coalition chief who brokered meetings in Geneva last Studies at the Institute of Oriental is close to Saudi Arabia. A Coalition year between regime and opposi- Studies. source had earlier said its members tion representatives failed to pro- Lavrov this week pointed to were not attending the Cairo meet duce results. Russia is the most efforts by the Syrian government in an official capacity. powerful backer of the govern- to destroy its chemical weapons, The next opposition general ment of Syrian President Bashar Al- rubbishing claims that Damascus conference “aims at agreeing on a Assad. — Agencies Syrian refugee boy in Turkey beaten for eating leftovers ANKARA: A Syrian refugee child has been beaten by a restau- rant manager in the Turkish city Istanbul for eating a customer’s leftovers, local media reported yesterday. A photo circulating on social media shows the 11-year-old boy sitting bloodied on stairs after having been beaten Wednesday by the manager of fast food chain Burger King’s outlet in the Sirinevler district. The reason for the beating, accounts say, was the boy eating a customer’s leftover chips. Halil, who fled to Turkey with his family from Aleppo, Syria two years ago said he wanted to grab leftovers because he was starving, but the manager punched him in the face and kicked his feet, the Milliyet newspaper reported. The boy said he was begging in the streets of Istanbul to earn a living. Burger King said that the manager was fired after the attack. “This incident is unacceptable,” it said. Turkey is home to nearly two million Syrian refugees. Many reside in camps along the border, but others are scattered throughout the country, including big cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

Refugee children The photos on display at a Beirut theatre show Syrian refugees chopping wood, getting married, and playing in a Lebanese field. They are the work not of professionals, but Syrian refugee children. The exhibition is the culmination of a year-long project that gave cameras to 500 Syrian refugee children in Lebanon, allow- ing them to document lives turned upside down by their coun- try’s nearly four-year conflict. In many cases the children turned their cameras on each other, showing images of warming hands over a fire, peeking through a hole in a tattered tent and standing barefoot in a muddy field. The project is a collaboration between Lebanese foundation Zakira and the UN children’s agency UNICEF, and builds on a similar project done with Palestinian refugee children in Lebanon. There are more than 1.1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, many living in dire conditions in makeshift camps. About half of them are children. — AFP p8_Layout 1 1/24/15 9:35 PM Page 1

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Libya’s Ansar Al-Sharia chief dead

BENGHAZI, Libya: The head of Libya’s tion. It has branches in Benghazi, in the Ansar Al-Sharia jihadist group, whose fate eastern city of Derna, and in Sirte, in central has been a mystery since fighting in Libya. Zehawi, who was jailed under the October, was mortally wounded then, regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, took Islamist websites and an army officer said part in the 2011 uprising that toppled and yesterday. killed the strongman. He had also fought in Mohamed Al-Zehawi “was killed in Al-Qaeda ranks in Afghanistan. Benina clashes near the Benghazi airport, Washington believes the group is southeast of the city,” the Islamist militias responsible for the 2012 attack on the US February 17 Martyrs and Rafallah Al-Sahati consulate in Benghazi that killed the Brigades said on Facebook. ambassador and three other Americans. In A source at the shura council of November, the United Nations blacklisted Benghazi rebels also confirmed his death to Ansar al-Sharia Benghazi and its sister AFP saying “Zehawi was killed in the Benina group ,Ansar Al-Sharia Derna, over links to clashes on October 11. “He was buried in Al-Qaeda and for running camps for the Sirte (west of the city) after efforts to save Islamist State group. his live failed because he had received a Meanwhile, gunmen opened fire on direct hit in the chest and was suffering Libyan police guarding a UN building in the from diabetes,” the source added. capital Tripoli, killing one officer, state An army officer, who did not wish to be media and the UN said yesterday. On Friday named, said the military learned of gunmen shot from a passing car at police- Zehawi’s death from an “Ansar Al-Sharia men on duty outside the office of the UN militant who was made prisoner and who development agency UNDP in Tripoli, a confirmed the news.” Islamist websites have state news agency and the UN mission to also posted pictures allegedly showing Libya (UNSMIL) said. Zehawi dead and another one purported of One officer died of his wounds in hospi- him in a shroud. tal. “UN staff were not involved in the inci- Zehawi’s fate has been a mystery since dent,” the UN said in a statement. Tripoli is October clashes between pro-government controlled by a faction called Libya Dawn, forces and Islamist militias in the eastern which has set up a rival government and CAIRO: Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood movement leave as security forces arrive to disperse a demonstration yesterday in the Cairo dis- city of Benghazi killed dozens. In mid- forced the internationally recognized Prime trict of Heliopolis, ahead of the 4th anniversary of the outbreak of an 18-day uprising that drove former president Hosni Mubarak from power October, during a government-backed Minister Abdullah Al-Thinni to the east. The 2011.— AFP counter-offensive against Islamists who United Nations and most Western and Arab had overrun much of Benghazi, one battled countries evacuated their diplomats in the took place in Al-Majouri, a central district summer during fighting between rival fac- 4 years after Egypt revolt, and Zehawi’s home. tions who are battling for control of the oil- Medical sources reported more than 20 producing state four years after the fall of dead on October 17 alone, mostly soldiers Muammar Gaddafi. and civilian backers, but the Islamists, as Bombs exploded in November near the jails clogged with activists always, did not reveal any toll. Ansar Al- Egyptian and United Arab Emirates Sharia is classified by the United States and embassies and last week outside Algeria’s the United Nations as a terrorist organiza- mission. — Agencies Court orders retrial for 37 Brotherhood members CAIRO: Zyad Al-Elaimy was among millions who millions on Cairo’s Tahrir Square in a movement leaders of the revolt like Ahmed Maher and rallied to overthrow Hosni Mubarak in 2011, but that drove Mubarak from power. Mohamed Adel-both sentenced to three years. Kurdish forces fire into four years later he is visiting some of them who After he stepped down, Mubarak and his for- And their April 6 Youth Movement, which spear- are now in jail while the ousted strongman mer security chiefs were arrested and put on tri- headed the uprising, has been banned by court IS-controlled Mosul edges closer to release from prison. al over the deaths of protesters during the upris- order. The jubilation that had marked Mubarak’s ing. The charges have been dropped, bringing Ahmed Abdel Rabo, professor of political sci- ARBIL: Kurdish forces have fired rockets and cutting the extremist group’s main toppling-a key event of the 2011 Arab Spring — Mubarak closer to release. ence at Cairo University, said Egypt is experienc- into Mosul for the first time since Islamic supply line from the city to the west. is dead, and activists say an even more autocrat- Legal experts have said the court decision on ing a “settling of political scores with anyone State militants overran the northern Iraqi Twenty-one senior Islamic State mili- ic regime now rules the most populous Arab Mubarak and his security chiefs was inevitable who represented the January 2011 revolution.... city last summer, Kurdish military sources tants were killed during the operation, the country. because the prosecution had failed to compile a What is happening reflects how the state sees said yesterday. Kurdistan Region’s Security Council said in Meanwhile, an Egyptian court ordered a case against the ousted strongman. the revolution.” The brunt of the government A Kurdish officer said 20 Grad missiles a statement on Friday. It said the slain retrial for 37 Muslim Brotherhood members sen- And days before the fourth anniversary of the crackdown has targeted Morsi’s supporters and had been launched into Mosul on Friday Islamic State leaders included the head of tenced to death and 115 others sentenced to life January 25 revolt, Mubarak’s two sons walked members of his Muslim Brotherhood, which after receiving information that Islamic Nineveh province’s administrative institu- in a mass trial last year, judicial sources said yes- out of prison pending retrial on separate corrup- posted strong electoral gains following State militants were gathering to meet near tions and a close commander of its special terday. tion charges. Elaimy, a lawyer and former MP, Mubarak’s ouster and propelled Morsi to power the city’s Zuhour neighborhood. “We hit forces, the statement said. The 152 were initially sentenced last March at said the Mubarak verdict “is a message to us... in 2012. their positions,” said Captain Shivan There was no way to independently ver- a trial of more than 500 defendants, some tried that no matter how much corruption and The crackdown has killed more than 1,400 Ahmed, who belongs to the unit that fired ify the claims. in absentia. The proceedings lasted only a few oppression the authorities commit, they will people, most of them within hours, in clashes as the rockets from around 20 kilometres (12 days and were widely criticized by Western gov- always get away without any punishment. And police broke up two pro-Morsi camps in Cairo miles) north of Mosul. Baghdad blast ernments and human rights groups. They will that is very painful.” weeks after the president’s ouster on July 3, Kurdish officials said the strikes had hit Meanwhile, authorities in Iraq say two face a retrial for carrying out attacks during Throughout the trial, the prosecution mainly 2013. More than 15,000 Morsi backers are also their intended target, but two residents of bombings have killed seven people in the clashes that erupted in the southern province of summoned other security chiefs who exonerat- imprisoned, and dozens have been sentenced to Mosul contacted by Reuters said three civil- capital, Baghdad. Police officials say one Minya after the forced dispersal of two Muslim ed Mubarak and his aides. Meanwhile, dozens of death after speedy trials that the United Nations ians were killed in the attack. It was not bomb exploded yesterday near a small Brotherhood protest camps in Cairo on August activists who had risen up against the former has denounced as “unprecedented in recent his- possible to independently verify the restaurant in Baghdad’s mainly Shiite 14, 2013, when hundreds were killed. president are now in prison for holding unau- tory.” accounts. Following the attack, Islamic southeastern district of Zafaraniyah, killing The Brotherhood was protesting at the thorized protests. On Saturday, a court ordered the retrial of 37 State militants published images of a girl four people and wounding 13. removal of President Mohammad Morsi after he Islamists who had been sentenced to death. The lying in a hospital bed, whom they said had Later, police say a bomb blast missed a was ousted by the military following mass ‘Settling political scores’ Muslim Brotherhood itself has been designated been wounded by fire from the Kurdish passing police patrol, but killed three civil- protests against his rule. The original trial last “The Egyptian judiciary has shown a double- a terrorist organization. Ammar Motawee, a peshmerga fighters. ians and wounded eight in western year in Minya also saw 377 sentenced in absen- standard for justice by exonerating state officials young Brotherhood member whose sister spent US-led airstrikes regularly target areas Baghdad. They say the blast also damaged tia. Those sentenced in absentia automatically from any guilt in committing human rights viola- three months in detention, said that “after four outside of Mosul, but rarely strike inside the several cars. Medical officials in nearby hos- receive retrials when they turn themselves in, tions on the one hand; and on the other, by issu- years we are now fighting a harder battle against city due to concerns about civilian casual- pitals confirmed the casualties. All officials according to Egyptian law. ing hefty prison terms against those who exer- a regime that is more violent, and a public opin- ties. A statement attributed to an unnamed spoke on condition of anonymity because Since he deposed Mubarak’s successor, cise their civil and political rights,” said the ion that accepts crushing the opposition.” senior Kurdish military source and posted they are not authorized to talk to journal- Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, former International Federation of Human Rights group. Sisi consistently defends his regime, and on the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party’s ists. army chief and now President Abdel Fattah Al- A lower court jailed the Mubaraks last May for insisted soon after the murder charges against official website said the shelling had “struck Iraq sees near-daily attacks, mainly tar- Sisi has been accused by activists of having embezzling millions of dollars from state funds Mubarak were dropped that Egypt was “on a great fear into the hearts of the terrorists”. geting the country’s Shiite majority and installed a more repressive regime. But Sisi, who allocated for renovating presidential palaces. But path to establish a modern democratic state Peshmerga forces this week launched a security forces. The attacks often are won more than 90 percent of votes against a an appeals court overturned that verdict and based on justice, freedom, equality and renunci- ground offensive northwest of Mosul claimed by the Islamic State group, which socialist opponent in last year’s election, enjoys ordered a retrial. “When we used to meet to plan ation of corruption”. backed by coalition airstrikes, reclaiming seized about a third of the country last widespread support among Egyptians weary of the January 25 protests in 2011, we were expect- But for Elaimy, “nothing has changed” over nearly 500 square kilometers of territory year. —Agencies political and economic turmoil. ing to be hanged if the revolution failed.... Today the past four years. Attempts to protest are not “Bread, freedom, social justice and human we are paying the price for our political stances,” only met by rapid police action, but also by dignity,” were not just slogans but the aims of said Elaimy, who was elected to parliament in shrugs, even hostility, from millions of Egyptians pro-democracy activists who converged in their the first post-Mubarak polls. Those jailed include who just want a return to normalcy. — AFP Iran lawmakers drafting law on nuke enrichment TEHRAN: Iran’s parliament has started to draft a law that would allow the country’s nuclear scientists to intensify their uranium enrichment, a step that could complicate ongoing talks with world powers. The move, announced yesterday by parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, comes after US lawmakers said they were planning legislation that could place new sanctions on Iran. The negotiations between Iran and the permanent BAGHDAD: Smoke rises from buildings behind Iraqi security forces during the second members of the UN Security Council-Britain, China, France, day of a military operation launched by the Iraqi army, supported by pro-government Russia and the United States-plus Germany, face a June 30 militia, to retake positions held by Islamic State (IS) group jihadists near the village of deadline for a final deal. Sharween, in Diyala province, north of the capital Baghdad yesterday.—AFP But with two deadlines already missed last year both sides have admitted big differences remain on the hard detail of what a comprehensive agreement would look like. Australian women joining Hossein Naghavi Hosseini, committee spokesman in Tehran, told the ISNA news agency that draft legislation IS foreign fighters: Minister was underway. A relative of Lebanese soldier Mohammad Ali Alaeddine, who was killed alongside “This bill will allow the government to continue enrich- four other soldiers in clashes with gunmen near the Syrian border, mourns with the SYDNEY: Increasing numbers of young “The Australian people should be aware ment, using new generation centrifuges,” he said, referring national flag draped over her shoulder during his funeral yesterday.—AFP women are altering the profile of Australians that this is a real and growing problem.” to more modern machines that would speed up produc- joining the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Canberra has passed a law criminalizing tion. “The parliament’s nuclear committee is working on Syria, Attorney-General George Brandis said travel to terror hotspots without good reason, the technical issues and details of this draft,” he added. A Lebanese army says 3 more yesterday, enticed by the “false glamour” of fearful that nationals will pose a risk when key stumbling block in any final deal is thought to be the the organization. they return radicalized. Under new laws, any- amount of uranium Iran would be allowed to enrich and soldiers killed in Friday’s attack “At an earlier time, perhaps even six one who heads to nominated areas will face the number and type of centrifuges Tehran can retain. months ago, we were concerned almost up to 10 years in jail. Under an interim deal, Iran’s stock of fissile material has BEIRUT: The Lebanese army said yesterday It was not immediately clear which entirely about young men,” Brandis said, In December, Senator Brandis accused been diluted from 20 percent enriched uranium to five per- three more soldiers were killed in fighting group the attackers belonged to but according to the Australian Broadcasting Islamic militants of using foreign fighters as cent in exchange for limited sanctions relief. Experts say on Friday between troops and militants Syrian-based Islamist groups such as Al- Corporation (ABC). “But a more recent esti- “cannon fodder” and “propaganda tools” as he such measures pushed back the “breakout capacity” to who attacked an army post near the border Qaeda’s Nusra Front and the hardline mate by the national security agencies sug- revealed 20 Australian nationals had been make an atomic weapon, which Iran denies pursuing. with Syria. The army said on Friday it lost Islamic State have attacked Lebanon in gests that a growing number of young killed in Syria and Iraq, where IS militants con- Tehran insists its nuclear program is for domestic energy five soldiers in an attack near the village of recent months. Ras Baalbek is near the women are travelling to participate in that trol huge swathes of territory. The problem production and that more modern centrifuges are neces- Ras Baalbek in an area that has seen regular town of Arsal, which Sunni Islamist mili- fighting as well.” was not exclusive to Australia in the region, sary to make fuel for a fleet of power reactors that it is yet incursions by Islamist militants fighting in tants attacked last August and seized a Brandis said about 90 Australians were he said, but one also faced by Indonesia, to build. Syria. group of Lebanese soldiers. The militants now believed to be caught up in the conflict, Thailand and Malaysia. World powers, however, are skeptical about why Iran A Lebanese security official, who asked have since killed some of the soldiers and compared to 70 last year, the ABC reported. Top officials from the US-led coalition needs such a large enrichment capability and UN atomic to remain anonymous, said dozens of mili- about two dozen remain captive. Ever more young people were being “enticed against the IS group met in London on inspectors say Tehran has not yet fully addressed questions tants were killed in fighting that ensued. Lebanon’s security has been repeatedly and ensnared here in Australia with the false Thursday for the first talks since the Paris about past nuclear activities. With the talks seemingly The army said it repelled the attack on its jolted by the Syria conflict, which has also glamour of participating in the civil war on attacks in which 17 people were killed, with deadlocked, the new Republican-controlled US Congress is post and its units were chasing the remain- contributed to the country’s political paral- behalf of ISIL, or Daesh,” he added, using alter- the threat posed by homegrown jihadists considering fresh legislation that could level new sanctions ing fighters who fled to the mountainous ysis. Lebanon has been without a head of native acronyms for the group. high on the agenda. —AFP on Iran if talks fail.—AFP areas around the village. state since May. — Reuters SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Some counter-terrorism efforts in Yemen frozen: US

WASHINGTON: The United States has Yemeni forces at the southern Al-Annad the Institute for the International things are going politically in Yemen The administration confirmed on halted some counter-terrorism opera- airbase, an intelligence post for moni- Political Studies in Italy. “That means before we can make any new decisions Thursday that it had pulled more US tions against Al-Qaeda militants in toring the Yemeni affiliate of al Qaeda, more ability to plan attacks against the or move forward in any significant way staff from its embassy in the capital Yemen following a takeover of the or AQAP, which claimed responsibility US.” on counter-terrorism in Yemen,” Kirby Sanaa due to the deteriorating security country by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, for attacks this month in Paris that killed told a Pentagon briefing. Kirby later said situation after the Houthi rebels battled US officials said on Friday. 17 people. “TOUCH AND GO” it would be “wrong to conclude” the their way into Hadi’s presidential palace. The collapse of the US-backed gov- Other US officials, speaking to Along with Pakistan, Yemen has been United States had stopped focusing on A former senior US official said that ernment of Yemen on Thursday has left Reuters on condition of anonymity, said an important strategic location for US the terrorist threat in Yemen “or that we Yemeni authorities for now “will be America’s counter-terrorism campaign the situation on the ground was fluid drone attacks on al Qaeda figures. won’t take action if and when neces- much more focused on what goes on in “paralyzed”, two US security officials and described the halt as a temporary Nineteen US drone strikes killed 124 sary.” the capital Sanaa than what goes on said, dealing a major setback to measure to assess chaotic conditions on militants and four civilians in Yemen in Alistair Baskey, a spokesman for the with Al-Qaeda in the countryside.” Washington’s fight against al Qaeda in the ground. 2014, according the New America White House National Security Council, The Shiite Muslim Houthi rebels are the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a potent White House press secretary Josh Foundation, which maintains a data- later issued a statement, saying, “The enemies of AQAP, a Sunni Islamist mili- wing of the militant network. Earnest said the United States wanted base of drone operations. The last dead- political instability in Yemen has not tant group. But they also oppose the Three US officials said the halt in to continue its close counter-terrorism ly drone strike was an attack that killed forced us to suspend counterterrorism United States, a fact on display during operations included drone strikes, at cooperation with Yemen and was com- nine suspected Al-Qaeda militants on operations,” and adding, “We also con- rallies on Friday in Sanaa, where thou- least temporarily, following the abrupt mitted to pursuing its strategy there. “I Dec. 6, it said. tinue to partner with Yemeni security sands gathered with placards calling for resignation of the president, prime min- don’t have any policy changes to A new government could withdraw forces.” “Death to America, Death to Israel.” ister and cabinet amid mounting fears announce at this point,” he told tacit approval for US drone strikes, leav- Another official said it would be “Hadi was a unique figure who not the Arab world’s poorest country was reporters. The United States has killed ing Washington with a tough decision incorrect to characterize the counter- only tolerated drone strikes, he wel- veering toward civil war. The US move dozens of suspected AQAP fighters and to make about whether to launch uni- terrorism partnership as fully “ceased.” comed them,” said Bruce Riedel, director underscores another setback for leaders with drone strikes and officials lateral strikes against AQAP. “What the future holds? I don’t know. of the Brookings Institution think tank’s President Barack Obama’s Middle East fear that the growing chaos in the coun- Rear Admiral John Kirby, the It’s touch and go right now,” the official Intelligence Project. policy and raises doubts about a count- try will give the group more space to Pentagon press secretary, said the dis- said. “I don’t think we’re going to have er-terrorism strategy that has relied on plan and launch attacks on Western tar- puted government in Yemen did not The collapse of Hadi’s government that kind of enthusiastic partner in the drone warfare and often shaky foreign gets. necessarily prevent the United States threatens to upturn Obama’s policy foreseeable future,” Riedel added, saying partners to avoid sending large US “It would mean that AQAP would from engaging in counter-terrorism toward a country he hailed just four the United States may be left dealing ground forces to battle militant threats have a much freer hand in parts of the operations. months ago as a model for “successful” with fractured, competing institutions far from American shores. country,” said Lorenzo Vidino, author of “We recognize we need to get a partnerships in the fight against Islamic in Yemen, with varying attitudes toward Many US personnel work with “Al Qaeda in Europe” and an analyst at much better understanding of where militancy. Washington. — Reuters US sends highest-level official to Thailand since military coup Russel to hold talks with Thai officials tomorrow

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is Shinawatra, another ousted prime minister, and said it was up to Thais to determine the legitima- sending its highest-level diplomatic visitor to prevent them from returning to power. cy of their political and judicial processes. But Thailand since last year’s military coup, although In response to the coup, the United States has she added, “We believe that the impartial admin- a return to democracy there remains a distant suspended $4.7 million in military assistance to istration of justice and rule of law is essential for prospect. its oldest Asian ally. It has been calling for quick equitable governance and a just society.” In a The top US envoy for East Asia, Daniel Russel, elections and a resumption of civilian rule. A sign Washington doesn’t want its strained ties will be holding talks with Thai officials tomorrow, new constitution is being drafted first, and ana- with Bangkok to prevent deeper security ties days after the military appointed legislature vot- lysts don’t expect elections before 2016. with the wider region - or leave too deep a rift ed to ban ousted prime minister Yingluck Still, Washington chooses its words carefully with the Thai military - the US is pressing ahead Shinawatra from politics for five years. Yingluck as it looks to sustain a 182-year-relationship with next month with annual, multi-nation military is also facing criminal charges that carry a 10- Thailand, which has traditionally served a hub exercises in Thailand, called Cobra Gold, albeit year prison term. The accusations against for US government engagement in Southeast on a smaller scale than past years. Thailand has Yingluck, which she denies, center on her over- Asia. Russel, who is on a four-nation tour of the faced political turmoil since Thaksin’s ouster in sight of a money losing rice subsidy scheme pro- region, will meet in Bangkok Monday with politi- 2006. The latest coup and the military’s squelch- MOBILE: Cari Searcy (left) and Kim McKeand pose for a portrait with their son Khaya moted by the elected government she led cal leaders “on all sides” and discuss the US con- ing of dissent has ended escalating violence but in Mobile, Alabama. Alabama became the latest state to see its ban on gay marriage before the military takeover last May. But it’s cerns with the government, the State risks deeper divisions between the pro-military fall to a federal court ruling on Friday as the issue of same-sex marriage heads to the widely seen as an attempt to cripple the political Department said. Spokeswoman Jen Psaki took elite and largely rural poor who strongly support US Supreme Court. — AP machine founded by Yingluck’s brother, Thaksin note Friday of the actions against Yingluck, and Thaksin. — AP Alabama seeks to stay order overturning gay marriage ban

MONTGOMERY, Alabama: The Alabama begun to erode even in our conservative attorney general is asking a federal judge state.” Advocates of gay marriage cheered to stay a ruling that overturned Alabama’s what they called a historic victory in a ban on gay marriage, as advocates cheer state traditionally hostile to gay activism. what once seemed an improbable victory Ben Cooper, chairman of Equality in the deeply conservative state. Alabama, said, “We expect and hope that Attorney General Luther Strange’s the attorney general will uphold the deci- office asked a federal judge on Friday to sion to recognize same-sex marriage. put the ruling on hold since the US These laws are irrational and finally have Supreme Court plans to take up the issue come to the forefront of this debate of gay marriage this term, “resolving the thanks to brave women like Cari Searcy issues on a nation-wide basis.” and Kimberly McKeand.” US District Callie V S Granade on Friday Granade enjoined Strange from enforc- ruled in favor of two Mobile women who ing the state’s same-sex marriage bans, sued to challenge Alabama’s refusal to rec- raising the question of what happens ognize their 2008 marriage performed in next. Lawyers said the couple plan to refile California. their adoption paperwork next week and The ruling is the latest in a string of believe same-sex couples can begin to wins for advocates of marriage rights. wed in the state as early as Monday. Judges have also struck down bans in sev- A spokesman for Strange said the state eral other Southern states, including the was disappointed in the decision. In seek- Carolinas, Florida, Mississippi and Virginia. ing a stay, state lawyers argued there The US Supreme Court announced this would be widespread confusion if “mar- month that it will take up the issue of riages are recognized on an interim basis whether gay couples have a fundamental that are ultimately determined to be right to marry and if states can ban such inconsistent with Alabama law.” unions. David Dinielli, deputy legal director for Alabama plaintiffs Cari Searcy and the Southern Poverty Law Center LGBT Kimberly McKeand have been a couple for Rights Project, said in his personal view more than 14 years and have a son couples should be able to seek marriage together who was conceived with the licenses when the doors of the county help of a sperm donor. They filed a federal clerks’ offices open Monday, but that it will lawsuit after courts refused to let Searcy likely take much more litigation. be recognized as the adoptive parent of Alabama has two laws banning gay their son because they were not spouses marriage, a state statute and a constitu- under Alabama law. tional amendment called the “Alabama BUENOS AIRES: The ex wife of Argentine late prosecutor Alberto Nisman, federal judge in San Isidro Sandra Arroyo Salgado, leaves the prosecu- The couple posted “Love wins!!!!” on Sanctity of Marriage Amendment” that tor’s office after giving testimony to prosecutor Viviana Fein for more than eight hours, in Buenos Aires, on Friday.—AFP their Facebook page Friday. “They are was approved by voters in 2006. Granade ecstatic. They are over-the-top happy said both were in violation of the equal- about the ruling,” said Christine Cassie protection and due-process clauses of the Hernandez, a lawyer representing the cou- US Constitution. Granade rejected argu- Police probed in case of dead ple. The judge’s decision Friday reverberat- ments from Alabama that the state had an ed through the Deep South state, where interest in promoting marriage between 81 percent of state voters in 2006 men and women for the benefit of chil- Argentine prosecutor approved inserting a ban on gay marriage dren. She said the state does not ban mar- into the Alabama Constitution. riage for couples who are infertile, elderly, “It is outrageous when a single unelect- or want to remain childless, and she said BUENOS AIRES: The 10 police officers apartment with a bullet wound in his head. His saying she was now convinced it wasn’t a sui- ed and unaccountable federal judge can children of gay couples are equally assigned to protect a federal prosecutor who death came days after Nisman gave a judge a cide. overturn the will of millions of Alabamians deserving of protection under the law. accused President Cristina Fernandez of shield- report alleging Fernandez secretly reached a Nisman’s allegations, she said, were based who stand in firm support of the Sanctity “The attorney general does not explain ing Iranians sought in an Argentine terrorist deal to prevent prosecution of former Iranian on false information given to him by the for- of Marriage Act,” Alabama House Speaker how allowing or recognizing same-sex bombing are being investigated for their officials accused of involvement in the 1994 mer head of the intelligence services. In her Mike Hubbard said. Alabama Republican marriage between two consenting adults actions on the day the prosecutor was found bombing of Argentina’s largest Jewish center, second letter, published Thursday, she por- Party Chairman Bill Armistead said the will prevent heterosexual parents or other shot to death. the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association. The trayed Nisman’s death as a way to damage her news is a “demonstration of how tradition- biological kin from caring for their biologi- The officers, along with two supervisors, are attack killed 85 people and injured more than administration. al values espoused by Alabamians have cal children,” Granade wrote.—AP being looked at as part of an internal police 200. The US government won’t comment on the investigation into the handling of Alberto Also on Friday, justice officials said they specifics of the case because the probe is in Nisman’s death, a person close to the investiga- have been unable to locate the man who progress, but “we call for a complete and tion told The Associated Press on Friday on loaned Nisman the gun used in his death impartial investigation,” State Department Crews survey ocean, condition of anonymity. despite “repeated attempts,” and were ordering spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters in The officers are not considered suspects, that he be barred from leaving the country Washington on Friday. Oahu coastline for said the person, who was not authorized to without first getting permission from “The United States and the international comment publicly. In particular, he said, inves- Argentine authorities. community continue to work with the tigators are looking into the time it took two Argentine government, as well as victims of oil after ship sinks officers assigned to the door of Nisman’s build- Suspect the AMIA bombing and their families, to seek ing to advise their superiors that they had not Diego Lagomarsino, who spoke to authori- justice,” Psaki said. HONOLULU: Crews are studying a red the Barbers Point offshore mooring buoy. been able to reach him by telephone. ties soon after Nisman’s death, said he had giv- Iran’s government has long denied any diesel sheen south of the Honolulu airport Fredrickson says both are related to Earlier this week, those two officers made en a .22-caliber pistol to Nisman because the involvement in the bombing, and Iranian a day after a vessel sank off Oahu. US Thursday’s sinking of the 95-foot Nalani. declarations to lead investigator Viviana Fein, prosecutor wanted it for protection. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Friday rejected Coast Guard spokesman Chief Petty Overflight surveys showed no sheen in Officer Kurt Fredrickson says crews are the water where the ship sank, and coastal who would ultimately decide whether to try Lagomarsino has not been named as a sus- Nisman’s accusation that his country had con- checking to see if any of the oil is recover- teams haven’t seen any diesel come them for anything. All 10 have been suspended pect. Fernandez, who has dismissed Nisman’s spired with Fernandez’s government. “It’s able. ashore. But a diesel smell was reported in during the investigation, the person close to allegations of a cover-up in the bombing, pub- unfortunate that certain people try to keep this The sheen was found about 7 miles White Plains and Nanakuli. The Nalani sank the case said. lished two letters on social media this week alive in Argentina in order to make political south of the airport Friday. Separately, a 1- after taking on water 2 1/2 miles off The 51-year-old prosecutor was found about the prosecutor’s death - the first saying it mileage out of it. It has nothing to do with mile-by-50-foot sheen was observed near Barbers Point Harbor. — AP Sunday night slumped in the bathroom of his appeared he had killed himself, then a second Iran,” Zarif said in Davos, Switzerland. —AP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Britain marks 50th anniversary of Churchill’s death

LONDON: Britain yesterday marked the 1951 to 1955. Prime Minister David to fight on against Hitler saved our tous decision in May 1940: ‘We shall from Churchill’s family, including the last 50th anniversary of the death of Winston Cameron led tributes, describing country and arguably saved the world.” defend our island, whatever the cost photograph of the wartime leader, have Churchill, the iconic cigar-chomping Churchill as Britain’s “greatest ever prime “I think this year we should also all may be. “We shall fight them on the gone on public display for the first time prime minister who led his nation in minister” in a video tribute in which he remember the many great things that beaches, we shall fight them on the at his former residence Chartwell in defying Nazi Germany during World War called on people to share their favourite he said.” landing grounds, we shall fight them on Kent, southeastern England. II. Churchill, who died aged 90 on Churchill quotations on social media. Cameron quoted from Churchill’s “we the streets and in our fields, we shall On Friday, the 50th anniversary of his January 24, 1965, was Britain’s prime “Churchill was our greatest ever shall never surrender” speech. “My fight them in the hills. We shall never state funeral, a remembrance service will minister through the war years of 1940 prime minister and we owe him every- favourite quotation from Churchill is the surrender’.” be held at London’s Houses of to 1945, and again in peacetime from thing. In May 1940 that crucial decision one he made shortly after that momen- To mark his passing, personal items Parliament. — AFP

DR Congo speaker admits police ‘lapse’ in protests

KINSHASA: Democratic Republic of toll at 42. The demonstrations broke out Congo’s parliament speaker yesterday after the National Assembly last weekend admitted security services “lapses” during passed a contested bill that many see as an protests against President Joseph Kabila attempt by Kabila to stay in power. After that left around 40 people dead. “Never the deadly unrest, the Senate on Friday vot- again will we allow police to fire live bullets ed unanimously to amend the legislation on demonstrators, students or others in DR and a joint commission of both houses of Congo,” Aubin Minaku, the speaker of the parliament is now due to meet to try to country’s National Assembly, said in a hammer out an agreement on an amended tweet. bill. If lawmakers cannot come to an agree- “There was a lapse, no supposed author- ment, the National Assembly would have ity can give an order to fire on its people,” the final word. he said. According to rights groups, at least At issue in the contested bill is a provi- 40 people have died in protests over the sion that ties 2016 presidential and legisla- past week against a proposed bill that tive elections to a census, which is sup- could extend Kabila’s hold on power in the posed to begin this year and is expected to vast African nation. take up to three years to complete. The government has put the death toll Opponents of Kabila, who is constitutional- at 12. In a statement on Saturday, Human ly mandated to step down in 2016 when Rights Watch said that security forces used his second term ends, say he is trying to excessive force during the protests and cling to power. The government has then tried to remove evidence. It said it has acknowledged that the census could delay confirmed 36 dead in protests in the capital the elections. Kinshasa, 21 of whom were fatally shot by Kabila, now 43, came to power in security forces, and four dead in the east- January 2001 when politicians rushed to ern city of Goma. make the young soldier head of state after A previous toll by the International the assassination of his father, rebel- Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) put the turned-president Laurent Kabila. —- AFP

Police arrest four suspected ATHENS: Greece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras leaves an election kiosk of his conservative New Democracy party, in Athens, yesterday. Islamist militants in Spain Greece goes to the polls today in a snap general election that has thrown into question whether the country will abide by the terms of its inter- national bailout agreement if the left-wing Syriza comes to power. —AP MADRID: Police in Spain’s North African gating whether the four men had been enclave of Ceuta arrested four men yester- planning an attack in Spain. Authorities in day suspected of belonging to a militant Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city border- Islamist network that may have been plan- ing Morocco, declined to comment. Austerity-battered Greece ning an attack in Spain, the interior min- Sources close to the investigation told El istry said. Pais newspaper the probe had started two Spain has stepped up security as well as weeks ago when one of the four posted a efforts to prevent the radicalisation of video on his Facebook page showing him braces for ‘turning point’ young Muslim citizens following attacks in providing military training and urging oth- Paris this month in which Islamist gunmen ers to wage jihad. killed 17 people. Spain is among a number of European Confirming the arrests, Spanish Interior countries struggling to deter young Muslim Tsipras promises to restore ‘dignity’ to Greece Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz told citizens from becoming jihadists in Syria or reporters: “They are two pairs of brothers, Iraq, fearing they might return to plot ATHENS: Greece stood yesterday on the brink of a Monetary Fund (IMF) and European Central Bank crucial turning point. “Fasten your seatbelts” said highly radicalised and highly trained.” attacks on home soil. make-or-break general election which could sweep (ECB). Unemployment is around 25 percent and the the Proto Thema weekly. It warned that Greece had Diaz said there were “many parallels” The Spanish cabinet has said it will put the anti-austerity Syriza party to power and set the economy has shrunk by a quarter since the start of “one foot outside the eurozone” if it failed to stick with the two brothers who attacked the forward a plan to counter radicalisation country on a collision course with its international the eurozone crisis. to the ECB’s debt repayment schedule. Paris office of the satirical newspaper among Muslim citizens at its weekly meet- creditors. The pro-government Kathimerini newspaper Charlie Hebdo earlier this month, shooting ing next Friday. Spanish and Moroccan The possibility of Syriza winning today’s vote ‘Make debt manageable’ said whichever party won, Greece faced “suffocat- dead 12 people. He did not elaborate. police arrested seven people in December has sparked fears that Greece could fail to keep up Tsipras has said he wants to work out a solution ing deadlines” imposed by its international credi- El Mundo newspaper quoted Diaz as in a joint operation to prevent the recruit- its debt repayments and leave the euro. Alexis on the debt with the ECB by July, and has promised tors. In Germany, which is widely seen by Greeks as saying the four detained brothers were of ment of women to go to Syria and Iraq to Tsipras’ radical left-wing party have a clear lead of to cut the amount by half. the driving force behind the stringent cuts linked Moroccan origin but held Spanish national- support Islamic State insurgents there. around four points over the incumbent conserva- A supporter, Paris Lizos, 59, said at Syriza’s final to its bailout, the weekly centre-left Die Zeit news- ity. In searches carried out alongside the Last September, Spanish police arrested tive New Democracy party of Prime Minister rally on Thursday that many Greeks were pinning paper said if Tsipras won, he could no longer be arrests, police found combat gear and nine people suspected of belonging to a Antonis Samaras, according to opinion polls. their hopes on a new approach, even if it was a “demonised” by the rest of Europe. knives, he added. militant cell linked to Islamic State in In his final appeal to voters on Friday, Tsipras leap into the unknown. “(ECB chief) Mario Draghi and Alexis Tsipras, of Earlier, the interior ministry released a Melilla, another Spanish enclave on the promised he would restore “dignity” to Greece. He “We don’t know if Tsipras will manage to cut the all people, could be the men to save the euro,” it short statement saying police were investi- northern coast of Africa. — Reuters wants to renegotiate Greece’s massive 318 billion debt but we hope he will be able to make it more said in an editorial. euro ($357 billion) debt and put an end to years of manageable,” said the father of three children who “Tsipras knows that reforms that hurt the Greek austerity measures linked to an international lost his job in the private sector two years ago. people cannot be sustained forever and he could bailout. Samaras told his party’s supporters in his Yesterday, campaigning is banned under Greek be the man to give Europe’s austerity policy the closing rally that it would be crazy to elect Syriza law, so Tsipras met journalists covering his cam- legitimacy it has so far lacked with the Greek peo- just when the fiscal reforms he has supported paign. Samaras visited New Democracy party work- ple. Draghi senses this, and as yet nobody has could be about to pay off. ers in rainy central Athens, where he was greeted come up with better proposals,” it said. German “Syriza will turn all of Europe against Greece.... by a media scrum. He said he took hope from polls Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday appealed to They don’t understand Europe, they don’t believe showing around 10 percent of voters remained Greece to stay in the eurozone. in Europe,” he said. Greece has endured deep budg- undecided and predicted they would choose the “At the heart of our principles lies solidarity. I et cuts tied to its 240 billion euro bailout from the “stability” he represented. Greek newspapers told want Greece, despite the difficulties, to remain part so-called troika-the European Union, International voters the country was on the cusp of a potentially of our story,” she said. —AFP Boko Haram kills 15 villagers in northeast

MAIDUGURI: Boko Haram fighters have killed 15 his first stop there since March 2013. The visit was lack the arms and ammunition to fight the better- villagers near Maiduguri, the city which is the epi- shrouded in secrecy. A previous trip to the restive equipped militants. Brutal raids, massacres, suicide MADRID: People hold a Spanish flag as thousands gather Plaza de Colon in Madrid centre of the Islamist group’s six-year insurgency region in May last year was cancelled at the last bomb attacks and kidnappings by Boko Haram yesterday during a demonstration called by the Victims of Terrorism Association and where President Goodluck Jonathan is to minute. He had planned to visit the remote Borno have claimed at least 13,000 lives and driven an (AVT) association in Madrid yesterday under the slogan “No more betrayals” (No mas launch his re-election campaign yesterday. town of Chibok after Boko Haram militants kid- estimated 1.5 million people from their homes, traiciones) branding the government traitors for allowing the release of jailed mem- The killings near the embattled city took place napped 276 girls from their school in a crime that mainly in arid northeast Nigeria. bers of the armed Basque separatist group ETA. —AFP Friday, eve of the president’s visit, security sources shocked the world. Nigeria’s neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Niger and residents said. “The terrorists attacked Kambari Boko Haram was founded in Maiduguri in 2002 have launched a joint regional bid to combat the village which is less than five kilometres to and remained largely peaceful until a police and militants and halt their advance, and officials from Maiduguri around 5:00 am. They killed 15 people military crackdown against its then-leader Nigeria and those three countries met this week to 15 killed in Mariupol and set the entire hamlet ablaze,” said a security Mohammed Yusuf and his followers in 2009. thrash out details of a new regional force to count- source who requested anonymity. Jonathan’s last visit took place before a state of er the Islamists. An existing force, made up of “After fruitless efforts to enter Maiduguri emergency was declared in Borno and neighbour- troops from Nigeria, Niger and Chad appears to shelling in Ukraine through Konduga without success, the terrorists ing Yobe and Adamawa states in May 2013. have collapsed in disarray even before a January 3 took a different route and attacked Kambari,” he Nigeria’s military has been criticised for failing attack on its headquarters near the northeastern KIEV: A crowded open-air market in Ukraine’s fighting. Mariupol city council urged resi- said. A woman from the village who simply gave to crush the rebellion but soldiers complain they town of Baga.—AFP strategically important coastal city of dents not to panic and to ignore rumors that her name as Kyallu said four of her children were Mariupol came under rocket fire yesterday Ukrainian armed forces were planning to among the dead. “They killed four of my grown-up morning, killing at least 15 people, police withdraw. “On the contrary, all units are on children when they attacked our village about the said. Mariupol lies on the Azov Sea and is the fully battle-ready. Security measures in the time for the morning prayers,” Kyallu, who is now in major city between mainland Russia and the city have been strengthened,” the council said Maiduguri, told AFP. Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula. Heavy in a statement. “They shot my children dead without any fighting in the region in the autumn raised No armed separatist units have been not- prompting. I had to leave the village with my fears that Russian-backed separatist forces ed moving toward the city, the statement grandchildren because we have lost our houses,” would try to establish a land link between added. The UN human rights agency on she said. “The insurgents also killed our village Russia and Crimea. Friday raised its estimate of the conflict’s head. In fact, I counted 15 dead bodies,” she said. Rebel forces have positions within 10 kilo- overall death toll to nearly 5,100 since April. Maiduguri and its environs in the volatile north- meters (six miles) from Mariupol’s eastern On Thursday, mortars rained down on the east have been repeatedly attacked by the extrem- outskirts. The Interior Ministry said rockets center of the separatist stronghold of ists who began their deadly insurgency to impose struck homes, setting them alight, as well as Donetsk, hitting a bus and killing several Sharia in the mainly-Muslim north in 2009. the market and shops. A Ukrainian military bystanders. Rebel officials said 13 were killed The latest attack came as Jonathan was due to checkpoint on a road leading out of the city in that attack. Monitors from the Organization launch his re-election campaign for the February toward rebel-held areas was also hit, police for Security and Cooperation in Europe cited 14 polls at a rally in Maiduguri. Security was beefed said. city morgue officials as saying they have up ahead of the event with hundreds of armed Rocket strikes on Mariupol come as sepa- received eight bodies. police and sniffer dogs deployed at strategic areas. ratists have declared their intention to mount On Jan. 13, a bus parked near an army Jonathan, a southern Christian, faces a tough a multi-pronged offensive aimed at vastly checkpoint north of Mariupol was hit by a challenge from former military ruler Mohammadu increasing the territory under their control. shell, resulting in the death of 13 people. Buhari, a Muslim, who is believed to have a cult fol- That would definitively upend recent Ukraine blamed the rocket attack on sepa- lowing in northern Nigeria. MAIDUGURI: Security officers (blue uniform, red collar) frisk party supporters arriving to European attempts to mediate an end to the ratists.—AP The president visited Maiduguri on January 15, attend a rally of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Maiduguri yesterday. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Charlie Hebdo protests erupt across southern Asia

ISLAMABAD: Tens of thousands across groups. The clashes broke out when French products. Carrying placards and reported from any of the Pakistani rallies. Australia, carrying “Je suis Muslim” signs Afghanistan, Pakistan and Muslim- police fired smoke canisters and shot banners, protesters in Islamabad chant- in what police said was a peaceful rally. majority Indian Kashmir took to the into the air to disperse a group of protes- ed “death to France”, “our prophet, our ‘Intolerable insult’ to Islam “They force their world view onto us: streets on Friday for southern Asia’s tors who began chanting “Down with honour” and “death to the blasphemers”. Meanwhile in Afghanistan, protesters ‘We are the arrogant West and you biggest protests yet against satirical Charlie Hebdo” after emerging from Jamaat-e-Islami chief Siraj-ul-Haq called in the capital of Kabul held posters Muslims have to accept our world view, magazine Charlie Hebdo’s cartoon por- mosques. for a UN ban on blasphemy, while depicting a red heart and the name of you have to accept our freedom... to trayal of the Prophet Mohammed Islamist gunmen stormed the offices Khawaja Saad Rafique, a federal minister the Prophet as they marched on the insult your prophet’,” demonstrator (PBUH). of French weekly Charlie Hebdo-which in the Pakistani cabinet, also condemned streets, while an AFP reporter at the Sufyan Badar told the crowd. “But we Up to 20,000 demonstrators in the has published controversial cartoons of the depiction of the prophet by Charlie scene in Herat and the provincial gover- rejected freedom yesterday, we reject western Afghan city of Herat and 15,000 the prophet on several occasions-in Paris Hebdo as “hate speech, journalistic ter- nor’s spokesman Ehsanullah Hayat said freedom today and we reject your free- in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, burned on January 7, killing 12 people. rorism”. the crowd there was at least 20,000 dom tomorrow.” French flags and chanted slogans calling In response, Charlie Hebdo last week So far public displays of anger against strong. “No Muslim can tolerate insults to In Abidjan, the main city of Ivory for France’s downfall, while a smaller published a “survivors” issue with an the magazine, which is not available in our beloved Prophet Mohammed Coast, west Africa, between 200 and 300 Pakistani protest saw an effigy of image of the Prophet Mohammed Pakistan either in print or online, have (PBUH), we demand the French govern- people protested the cartoons amid a France’s President Francois Hollande set (PBUH) weeping on the cover, which has largely been limited to followers of reli- ment apologise to all Muslims and pun- heavy police presence Friday, a security on fire. led to small, sporadic protests across gious parties. Around 4,000 people ral- ish those who have insulted Islam,” said source said. Muslims have a slender In Srinagar, the largest city on the Pakistan and Afghanistan. lied in Karachi, while protests in Quetta- one protester in Herat. majority over Christians in Ivory Coast Indian-controlled side of the disputed Friday’s rally in Islamabad was led by where the Hollande effigy was burned- A small number of demonstrators and the two communities live mostly in region of Kashmir, police clashed with a the hardline Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party, as well as the northwestern city of threw stones at the French embassy in harmony. Images of the prophet are con- contingent of around 3,000 demonstra- and though peaceful demonstrators Peshawar, the eastern city of Lahore and Kabul, prompting guards to fire one or sidered blasphemous by many Muslims tors after shops and businesses were burned French, British and American Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan- two warning shots. Thousands of miles and the magazine’s publishing of the ordered to close by a leading Muslim flags, while urging Pakistan to cut ties administered Kashmir, each drew away, 800 people also took part in an cartoon has trigged protests in Muslim organisation and several separatist with Paris and calling for a boycott of around 2,000 activists. No violence was anti-Charlie Hebdo protest in Sydney, countries around the world. —AFP 34 dead in Bangladesh vote protest violence

DHAKA: At least 34 people have died in Mohammad Sajjat Khandakar, a doctor at Bangladesh and scores have been injured, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, which has most of them in firebomb attacks, amid ris- been struggling to deal with growing num- ing political unrest fuelled by a stand-off bers of the injured. between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and More than 7,000 opposition activists the main opposition leader. have been detained since the anniversary, The renewed political turmoil could Industry Minister Amir Hossain Amu, the cause a delay in shipments by the country’s head of a government law and order panel, $24-billion garment industry, already under has said. pressure after a string of fatal accidents. The opposition called for another 36- Begum Khaleda Zia, whose opposition hour countrywide strike from Sunday Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boy- morning to protest against the arrests and cotted the election on Jan. 5 last year, has “oppression” of its leaders during an indefi- demanded that Hasina and her govern- nite transport blockade it launched. ment step down for a new vote under a Khaleda called the blockade after she caretaker administration. was prevented from holding a mass rally in Hasina has refused, instead tightening Dhaka on the Jan. 5 anniversary. her grip by arresting key opposition leaders Legal action could be considered and clamping down on critical media as against Khaleda for ordering the killing of anti-government protests spread. The vio- innocent people, said Health Minister lence has worsened sharply since Jan. 5, Mohammed Nasim. the first anniversary of the vote. “They should immediately stop the Police said at least 25 people have died killing of innocent people, children, in arson attacks, including two on Friday. woman, labourers,” he told reporters on Eight more were killed in clashes with Saturday after visiting the burns victims. police, and one died following injuries from BNP leaders were not immediately avail- a crude bomb blast, they added. able to comment on the threat of legal At least 50 people were injured, some action. critically, after opposition activists fire- Hasina and Khaleda have alternated as bombed several vehicles in the capital, prime minister for most of the past two Dhaka, and surrounding districts, police decades in a fierce rivalry marked by peri- and witnesses said. ods of widespread political violence. In Dhaka, at least 29 people suffered The United States, the European Union ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., burns after attackers hurled petrol bombs and Britain have voiced concern and urged yesterday, en route to New Delhi, India, by way of Ramstein Air Base, Germany. — AP at a bus, police said. all Bangladeshi parties to engage in dia- “Nine are in critical condition,” said logue. — Reuters Obama India trip aimed at boosting global partnership ‘Our strength is rooted in power and potential of our citizens’ WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama leader’s half brother, to “offer his condolences my vision for how we could become global departed for India yesterday, where he will on behalf of the American people.” partners meeting global challenges... I’d like focus on boosting cooperation between the Obama and the first lady were scheduled to think that the stars are aligned to finally regional powerhouses before traveling to to visit the Taj Mahal on Tuesday, but cut their realise the vision I outlined.” Saudi Arabia to pay respects to the late King trip short to travel to Riyadh. While observers do not expect any major Abdullah. Ahead of the visit to India, Obama said in policy breakthroughs on the three-day trip, Obama and First Lady Michelle left early an interview “the stars are aligned” to enable both sides say the invitation to Obama for morning for the trip to India, his second visit the United States and India to forge a global today’s Republic Day celebrations emphasises to the country-unprecedented by a serving partnership. a new closeness in sometimes tetchy ties. US president. Obama told India Today magazine that he Modi was effectively blacklisted by the US They are expected to land in New Delhi hoped to make “concrete progress” with Modi until last February when it became clear he today, where the US leader will meet sepa- on a range of issues. had a real prospect of winning elections rately with Indian Prime Minister Narendra But while outlining areas where the world’s against the ruling centre-left Congress party. Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee. two biggest democracies share common The Hindu nationalist was chief minister of Obama is scheduled to attend a wreath- goals, Obama put pressure on Modi to do Gujarat when deadly communal violence laying and tree-planting ceremony at the more to help secure a global climate pact. erupted in 2002, leading him to be be Mahatma Gandhi Raj Ghat memorial before shunned by Washington and Europe. attending a state dinner, according to his trav- Warming relations? But since coming to power, Modi has dis- el itinerary. “I firmly believe that the relationship played no ill feeling towards Washington with He will attend a US-India business summit between the United States and India can be both countries keen to counter-balance the tomorrow, and will be the guest of honor at one of the defining partnerships of the 21st rise of China. the Republic Day parade, the first US presi- century,” Obama said in the interview con- Climate change however has been a source dent to attend the national celebrations as ducted by email. of friction, with India insisting it will not sign the “chief guest.” “We’re natural partners. As two great any deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions that Obama and the first lady will travel to democracies, our strength is rooted in the threatens its growth at UN climate talks in Saudi Arabia Tuesday following the death of power and potential of our citizens. As entre- Paris in December. It has stuck to its guns DHAKA: A relative of Moudud, 30, one of the victims of a last night bomb attack in a King Abdullah, who passed away early Friday preneurial societies, we’re global leaders in even though China and the US have unveiled bus, tries to place him back into a bed as he receives treatment at a medical college after being hospitalised with pneumonia. innovation, science and technology. emissions pledges. India, which suffers regu- hospital during the ongoing nationwide blockade called by the opposition The White House said Obama would meet “That’s why, when I addressed the Indian lar electricity cuts, is heavily dependent on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. — AP with newly anointed King Salman, the late Parliament on my last visit (in 2010), I outlined coal-fired power plants. —AFP Sri Lanka scraps Indian police re-arrest military training for teachers, students hunger strike activist GUWAHATI: Indian police have re-arrested a through lawful means”. Rights group Amnesty COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new government Tamil rebels in May 2009 and declared an human rights campaigner staging a 14-year said the fresh arrest was an “absurd ritual” that said yesterday it is scrapping compulsory end to decades of ethnic conflict that had hunger strike just hours after she was released made “a mockery of the Indian criminal justice military training for school teachers and claimed 100,000 lives between 1972 and on court orders, drawing condemnation from process”. “A hunger strike is not attempted sui- undergraduates. 2009. fellow activists. Irom Sharmila, known as the cide, and it is baffling why authorities repeat- The three-week army training, mandato- After the war ended, the military was Iron Lady of Manipur for her unwavering and edly bring the same charge against Sharmila ry under ousted leader Mahinda deployed to run even the country’s main non-violent protest against human rights that courts have thrown out,” said India pro- Rajapakse’s administration, had resulted in performing arts centre, while army officers abuses in India’s northeast, has spent years in grammes director Shemeer Babu in a state- at least three deaths in recent years and replaced civil servants at key institutions. was deeply unpopular among student and The previous government also used the judicial custody over her fast. ment yesterday. teacher unions. military in retail trade, including the sale of The 42-year-old was released on Thursday Sharmila began her hunger strike in The new government that came to pow- vegetables and fish and in the operation of after a court in Imphal, capital of Manipur November 2000 after allegedly witnessing the er following the January 8 presidential hotels, travel companies and even barber state, struck down charges of attempted sui- army kill 10 people at a bus stop near her election, won by Maithripala Sirisena, has saloons. cide by fasting. But on Friday, authorities took home in Manipur, which is subjected to the vowed to reduce the role of the military in Former president Rajapakse and his her into custody again, using the same charge. draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Sri Lankan society. Education Minister Akila immediate family members, including his “Sharmila has been arrested (for) the same The act, which covers large parts of the north- Viraj Kariyawasam said the government retired colonel brother Gotabhaya crime of attempted suicide. She has been put eastern India and the restive region of had “concluded that military training is not Rajapakse who was the then defence secre- on a nasal drip at a hospital on medical Kashmir, gives Indian forces sweeping powers necessary for school teachers”. tary, face allegations of abuse of power and grounds,” local police chief Jhaljit, who uses to search, enter property and shoot on sight, The government has decided to remove huge corruption. just one name, told AFP by telephone. In the and is seen by critics as a cover for human NEW DELHI: In this photograph taken on May the military ranks given to school princi- Gotabhaya Rajapakse has been accused last five months, Sharmila has been released rights abuses. 28, 2014 Irom Chanu Sharmila, also known as pals, the minister told reporters. of killing dissidents, including a prominent and re-arrested twice. Last August, another In December the Indian government said it the ‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ leaves after an Sri Lanka’s security forces wielded huge editor of a publication that was highly criti- Manipur court ordered her release, stating would decriminalise attempted suicide, but appearance at the Patiala House Court in New influence in civil society after they crushed cal of the then ruling family. — AFP that her hunger strike was a “political demand the law is yet to be amended. — AFP Delhi. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Families plead for lives of Australians on death row in Indonesia

SYDNEY: The families of two Australian Broadcasting Corporation. a diplomatic storm as Brazil and the end of the road is heartbreaking”. rather than execution.” McMahon said drug convicts facing execution in “He’s done something stupid, he Netherlands condemned the execution “We need to save the boys. They the men were holding up well, despite Indonesia pleaded for their lives in an made a mistake, he’s apologised for that of their citizens. Both Raji Sukumaran deserve a second chance,” he said. their appeals for presidential clemency emotional interview yesterday, and said and he’s rehabilitated. Now I’ve been and Chan’s brother Michael Chan said Earlier yesterday a lawyer for the two being rejected. they would not give up on them. told he could just be given 72 hours and they had confidence that the Australian Australians said a legal team was prepar- “I’ve had quite a number of long talks Andrew Chan and Myuran he’ll be taken out and shot.” government would do everything it ing a bid for a judicial review for the pair with them in the last few days and Sukumaran, members of an Australian Australian Prime Minister Tony could to prevent the executions. involving “very serious, meritorious legal they’re coping pretty well but, you group dubbed the “Bali Nine” who were Abbott on Friday urged Indonesia to “I’m not giving up, and I know the options”. “This is not some kind of know, like anybody who has been told arrested on the Indonesia island of the show mercy to the pair who were sen- Australian government will do every- scramble to gain a few weeks of life, or that they can expect to be taken out and same name in 2005, have lost their final tenced to death in 2006 for attempting thing it can to bring the boys home, or something like that,” Julian McMahon shot pretty soon, they’re obviously, you appeals for clemency. to smuggle eight kilograms (18 pounds) even to stop the execution,” Sukumaran told the ABC. know, challenged by the whole thing. “I’ve been told that my son will be of heroin out of Bali. said. Michael Chan, who will soon travel “These are serious applications But they’re doing very well.” Both men taken out and shot at any time. I don’t Last weekend, Indonesia put to death to Bali to visit his brother, said he too which, if they’re able to be argued in the sought presidential clemency after los- know what to do,” mother Raji five foreigners and one local woman was hopeful, even though he conceded courts, would have a real chance of ing appeals to Indonesia’s Supreme Sukumaran told the Australian convicted of drugs offences, unleashing “to know that we’re sort of nearing the obtaining a result of a jail sentence Court in 2011. —AFP HK Occupy protest leaders arrested

HONG KONG: The original founders of motives behind their investigation,” he said. Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Occupy Dozens of supporters outside the station, movement were arrested and released yes- including lawmakers, held up banners and terday as the city’s police chief defended yellow umbrellas-the symbol of the democ- the investigation into mass protests, saying racy movement. it was not “a show”. “I absolutely believe that Hong Kongers A number of protest leaders have been will not give up,” Tai said in a speech to the arrested and released without charge, with crowd before he went in to the station. some calling the investigation harassment. Tension remains high in the semi- Occupy founder Benny Tai said that he, autonomous southern Chinese city since Chan Kin-man and Chu Yiu-ming had been the street blockades which brought parts formally arrested on accusations of organis- of the city to a standstill. ing and participating in an illegal assembly, They were sparked after Beijing said that but were not charged. They were released candidates for the 2017 vote would be vet- after three hours. ted by a loyalist committee. “Three of us were showed some videos Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai and articles... we were released uncondi- and prominent student leaders including tionally,” he said. Joshua Wong and Alex Chow have also More than two months of street rallies been arrested and released as part of the calling for fully free leadership elections widespread investigation. ended in December when protest camps Both Chow and Wong questioned the were cleared, but police have vowed to process, saying police should charge them investigate the “principal instigators”. if they had the evidence. Police chief Andy Tsang defended the The Occupy founders first turned them- investigation earlier yesterday. “The police selves in at the beginning of December in a made the arrangements (for the arrests) in move to get the protests off the streets private and it was never made public. How after violent clashes, but were not arrested. This file image taken from an online video released by the Islamic State group’s al-Furqan media arm on Jan 20, 2015, purports ot show the can you say it’s a PR show? Who told you The Occupy movement was the first to group threatening to kill two Japanese hostages that the militants identify as Kenji Goto Jogo, left, and Haruna Yukawa, right, unless a $200 they would go to a police station? We galvanise support for civil disobedience million ransom is paid within 72 hours. — AP should be clear whose show it is,” he told over political reforms, but as the protests reporters, confirming that those released went on the group faded into the back- may be asked back as the investigation was ground as students took over. ongoing. Tai has said it would now take a different Japan vows not to give up on While other protest leaders have ques- approach to promoting democracy, includ- tioned police motives, Tai said he “trusted” ing through education. the rule of law. He confirmed Saturday that he would hostages till ‘the very end’ “I still trust the police and the prosecu- join a pro-democracy rally through the city tion... will strictly follow the requirements on February 1 — the first major march of Hong Kong laws in any investigation. since the protest camps were cleared- “The public can make their own judg- which organisers expect to draw 50,000 Tokyo analyzing second message ment on whether there are any political people. — AFP TOKYO: Japan promised yesterday not to give ensure we will definitely get them back home, militants holding the hostages. up “until the very end” on efforts to free two and I will do my utmost to do so.” Yet, the fate Worshippers at Tokyo’s largest mosque on Japanese hostages threatened with beheading of the two men remained unclear yesterday. Friday offered prayers for the two hostages. “All by Islamic militants demanding a $200 million Top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga Muslims in Japan, we want the Japanese ransom, after a deadline passed with no word said Japan was analyzing the second message. hostages to be saved as soon as possible,” said from the captors. “The situation remains severe, but we are doing Sandar Basara, a worker from Turkey. Militants affiliated with the Islamic State everything we can to win the release of the two Goto’s mother made an appeal for his res- group posted an online warning Friday after- Japanese hostages,” Suga said. He said Japan is cue. “Time is running out. Please, Japanese gov- noon that the “countdown has begun” for the using every channel it can find, including local ernment, save my son’s life,” said Junko Ishido. extremists to kill 47-year-old Kenji Goto and 42- tribal chiefs, to try to reach the captors. “My son is not an enemy of the Islamic State.” year-old Haruna Yukawa. The extremists had set Ishido said she was astonished and angered a 72-hour deadline for Prime Minister Shinzo Rescue mission to learn from her daughter-in-law that Goto Abe to pay the ransom, or the hostages would He said there has been no direct contact had left for Syria less than two weeks after his be killed, in an online video posted Tuesday. with the captors. Abe met Friday with his child was born in October to try to rescue Friday’s posting, which appeared on a forum National Security Council on the crisis. Yukawa. popular among Islamic State militants and sym- Government spokesman Kenko Sone said Suga said earlier the government had con- pathizers, did not show any images of the Japan had no plans to dispatch troops on a res- firmed the identities of the two hostages hostages, who are believed to be held some- cue mission, saying its pacifist constitution despite discrepancies in shadows and other where in Syria. bans any pre-emptive strike, even under a new details in the ransom video that suggested it Yasuhide Nakayama, a deputy foreign minis- interpretation adopted last year that’s intended might have been altered. ter sent to Amman, Jordan, said he was work- to expand the country’s military role. Japanese officials have not directly said ing around the clock to coordinate efforts to Japan has scrambled for a way to secure the whether they are considering paying any ran- save the hostages. “We will not rule out any release of Goto, a journalist, and Yukawa, an som. Japan has joined other major industrial possibility, and we are verifying all information adventurer fascinated by war. Japanese diplo- nations in the Group of Seven in opposing ran- thoroughly,” he said. mats had left Syria as the civil war there escalat- som payments. US and British officials said they “We will not give up. I believe it is my duty to ed, adding to the difficulty of contacting the advised against paying. — AP Indonesia search team fails to float AirAsia fuselage HONG KONG: Leading pro-democracy activists, Chan Kin-man (2nd L), Benny Tai Yiu- ting (2nd R) and Chu Yiu-ming (R) hold a banner in front of the Wanchai police sta- JAKARTA: Indonesian salvage teams failed to inspect the inside of the main section, he added. on board. Indonesian Transport Minister tion in Hong Kong yesterday. The founders of the Occupy Central movement handed raise the fuselage of AirAsia Flight 8501 from the The jet’s black boxes-the cockpit voice Ignasius Jonan said this week that the plane themselves in to police as part of authorities’ investigation into the 2014 mass ral- sea bed yesterday, but recovered four more bod- recorder and flight data recorder-were recovered climbed abnormally fast before stalling and lies. — AFP ies from the wreckage of the crashed jet. last week, and investigators are analysing them. plunging into the sea. Just moments before The bid to raise the fuselage came a day after Flight QZ8501 went down on December 28 the plane disappeared off the radar, the pilot divers were able to enter the main section of the in stormy weather, during what was supposed had asked to climb to avoid a major storm but More than 400 child soldiers plane, which crashed in the Java Sea last month, to be a short trip from the Indonesian city of was not immediately granted permission due for the first time. Surabaya to Singapore. There were 162 people to heavy air traffic. — AFP freed from Myanmar army Difficult weather conditions for the past week had stopped rescuers reaching the main part of the Airbus A320-200 since it was spotted on the BANGKOK: Myanmar’s military freed more military has yet to completely halt their seabed by a military vessel earlier this month. than 400 child soldiers last year, the United use. “We were not successful today. The sling Nations has confirmed, a record number In October, US President Barack Obama snapped off so the main body fell back to the since the “tatmadaw” army signed a 2012 decided to keep Myanmar on a list of sea floor,” S.B. Supriyadi, a rescue agency official, pact with the UN on the issue. nations subject to US sanctions over its use told AFP, adding several bodies fell from the There are no verifiable figures on how of child soldiers. fuselage when the piece of wreckage sunk once many children are currently serving in The law prevents US military assistance again. Myanmar’s huge military, which has faced a to or the sale of licences for commercial The operation to lift the main body will slew of accusations over rights abuses, military sales to cited nations. The UN says resume today. The rescue agency official also including the forced recruitment of chil- at least seven rebel groups in Myanmar are said a sonar scan had detected an object “sus- dren to work as porters or even human also known to recruit child soldiers. pected to be the cockpit” of the plane about 500 mine detectors. The country’s quasi-civilian government metres away from the fuselage. But the search Since the pact was signed, a total of 595 is struggling to ink a nationwide ceasefire teams will prioritise floating the main body children have been been freed, with 70 per- deal as part of its reform drive since replac- before verifying the object suspected to be the cent of the releases — 418 — taking place ing outright military rule in 2011. cockpit, Supriyadi added. in the last twelve months, including 42 on But decades under the iron-fisted junta Just after dawn Saturday, divers began Friday, the UN said. and years of bloody conflict in the coun- descending to the sea floor to tie floatation bags “Within a one year period of time, this is try’s borderlands have left a legacy of deep to the fuselage, said Rasyid Kacong, the navy a record number of children coming out of distrust of the military, which was long official overseeing the lifting operation from the Armed Forces, reflecting the accelerat- accused of committing abuses with onboard the Banda Aceh warship. ed efforts of the Government of Myanmar impunity. Four bodies believed to have come from and the Tatmadaw to put an end to the Most recently violence has raged in inside the fuselage were retrieved as the team harmful practice of recruiting and using Kachin state, after a 17-year ceasefire tried to lift the main section, bringing the total children,” Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN resi- between rebels and the government splin- number of bodies recovered to 69, officials said. dent coordinator in Myanmar, said in a tered in 2011, driving almost 100,000 civil- The previous day, a jumble of wires and seats statement. ians from their homes and into displace- floating inside the fuselage prevented the divers All those released by the military so far ment camps. from entering further to find more bodies. were under the age of 18 when the pact On Friday thousands of mourners gath- “The divers said it was dark inside, the seats with the UN was signed in June 2012. ered for the funerals of two young teachers were floating about and the wires were like a While human rights groups have wel- in Kachin who activists allege were mur- tangled yarn,” Supriyadi said. The rescuers hope PANGKALAN BUN: Indonesian rescue personnel unload bags containing bodies, recovered comed the gradual release of child soldiers, dered by tatmadaw soldiers during a recent that once the fuselage is lifted, it will be easier to from the underwater wreckage of ill-fated AirAsia flight QZ8501, from a search and rescue hel- many have decried the fact that Myanmar’s uptick in fighting there. —AFP icopter in Pangkalan Bun, in Central Kalimantan, yesterday. — AFP NEWS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Two killed, 6 hurt in Omaha attack

OMAHA, Nebraska: Two women were shot to death was waiting outside of the home hours later while inves- and six people were wounded early yesterday at a house tigators continued to gather evidence. She said she was- party in Omaha, authorities said. The police department n’t going to leave until the body of her daughter, 19- issued a news release about the shootings at the small year-old Ja’Kela Foster, was taken away. Young said her tan house in the city’s northeast, but it didn’t say boyfriend got a call from an aunt shortly before 2 a.m. whether it had any suspects and didn’t identify any of telling him there was a shooting that may have involved those who were shot. The department said the officers Foster, who leaves behind a 1-year-old son. She said a responded to a report of gunfire at the home shortly friend later called to say her daughter had been shot. before 2 am and found several people who were wound- Young said her daughter knew the person throwing ed and two women in their 20s who were dead at the the party and that she asked her not to go, knowing scene. there would be drinking and worried there could be vio- Three of the wounded were taken by ambulance to lence. She said her daughter agreed and told her she the Nebraska Medical Center. One was in critical condi- was going elsewhere Friday night, but that she appar- tion and the other two were in serious condition, police ently went to the party anyway. said. Three others were driven to the hospital in some- “To the person who pulled the trigger, I want to say one’s vehicle. All of the victims were still at the hospital it’s just senseless. It just needs to stop. I now have a 1- as of midday yesterday, said Nebraska Medicine year-old grandson that has no mother,” Young said while spokesman Taylor Wilson. He declined to give an update fighting back tears. Police were expected to release fur- RIYADH: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrives at the Riaydh on the patients’ conditions. ther details about the attack during a news conference International Airport yesterday. HH Sheikh Nawaf was received at the airport by Prince Majed bin Abdullah Kristina Young, the mother of one of the slain women, later. — AP bin Abdulaziz and Kuwait Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. — KUNA Crown Prince extends condolences World leaders arrive in Saudi after king’s... RIYADH: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Continued from Page 1 royal family handled the succession without even a hint Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and an official delegation HH Sheikh Nawaf was received at the airport by of crisis, and laid the ground work for the future,” wrote accompanying him yesterday extended condolences to Prince Majed bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Kuwait Prince Charles were expected too. Away from the air- Anthony Cordesman, of the Washington-based Center Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Muqrin Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al- port, shops were open and life continued with almost for Strategic and International Studies. bin Abdulaziz and princes on passing away of King Ahmad Al-Sabah. — KUNA no indication that a new era had began, except for bill- Since the death in 1953 of the kingdom’s founder, boards expressing condolences for Abdullah’s death. King Abdul Aziz bin Saud, the throne has passed sys- Abdullah died on Friday at the age of about 90 after tematically from one of his sons to another. As the top Japan scrambles to verify video on hostage... being hospitalized with pneumonia. He was a cautious producer in the Organization of the Petroleum reformer who led the Gulf state through a turbulent Exporting Countries, Saudi Arabia has been the driving Continued from Page 1 relationship with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip decade in a region shaken by the Arab Spring uprisings force behind the cartel’s refusal to slash output to sup- Erdogan to rescue the hostages. and Islamic extremism. port oil prices, which have fallen by more than 50 per- been on edge since the Islamic State group released Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported World leaders have praised the king as a key media- cent since June. a video on Tuesday demanding a $200 million ransom Saturday that Jordan has also tried to contact the tor between Muslims and the West, but campaigners Ali Al-Naimi remains the kingdom’s oil minister, and within 72 hours. There had been no news of the fate of Islamic State through influential religious leaders in criticized his rights record and urged Salman to do the International Energy Agency’s chief economist said freelance journalist Goto or self-employed contractor Amman. Yukawa since the deadline expired at 0550 GMT on The Islamists linked their $200 million ransom more to protect freedom of speech and women’s rights. he did not foresee major policy shifts. “I expect and Friday. demand to the amount Abe said he would earmark to Gulf rulers, and leaders including Turkish President hope that they will continue to be a stabilization factor The jihadist group, which rules large swathes of Iraq help countries dealing with the influx of refugees flee- Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister in the oil markets,” Fatih Birol told AFP. and Syria under a strict form of Islamic law, has mur- ing fighting between IS militants and regular forces. Nawaz Sharif, attended Abdullah’s traditionally simple dered five Western hostages since August last year but Tokyo is under pressure from Britain and the United funeral at Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque on Royal family stalwart this is the first time it has threatened Japanese captives. States to stand firm on the group’s cash demands, as Friday. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s holiest sites, and its both countries have a policy of never paying ransoms. The body was quickly moved to nearby Al-Od public role as a spiritual leader for Muslims has seen it vying Emotional appeal Broadcaster NHK on Friday quoted a “public rela- cemetery and buried in a grave marked only by a book- for influence with Shiite-dominated Iran. Junko Ishido, Goto’s mother, on Friday launched an tions” official from the Islamic State group describing sized plain grey stone. Palestinian President Mahmud Tehran nonetheless offered its condolences and dis- emotional appeal begging for mercy for her son. “I say the Japanese as “infidels” for supporting efforts to stop Abbas and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived patched Zarif. Behind his thick, jet-black moustache and to you people of the Islamic State, Kenji is not your ene- them. The Japanese media has rallied around Goto, a later to deliver condolences, as did Iraqi President Fuad goatee, Abdullah had a shrewd grasp of regional poli- my. Please release him,” she said. Japanese officials have respected and experienced war reporter whose work Masum. Masum had met with Abdullah last November, tics. Wary of the rising influence of Islamist movements, repeatedly said they are trying to make contact through has appeared on domestic television channels. In video helping to repair long-strained relations between the Saudi Arabia has been a generous supporter of various channels. footage he filmed around the time he entered Syria, he neighbors. On Friday evening hundreds of Saudis Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi since the army Yosuke Isozaki, an advisor to Prime Minister Shinzo holds identification papers and his Japanese passport queued to enter a royal palace where they rubbed ousted Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. Abe, on Friday reportedly said there had been some and explains that he is aware of the risks. “Whatever “indirect” communication with the militants, but “noth- happens, I am the one who is responsible,” he says. “I am cheeks and kissed the hands of their new leaders, in a Egypt declared seven days of official mourning for ing direct”. asking you, Japanese people, do not place responsibili- symbolic pledge of allegiance.Mourning ceremonies Abdullah, and sent its prime minister to the funeral. Tokyo has little diplomatic leverage in the Middle ty on the people of Syria. Please. I am sure I will come were planned for yesterday and today evenings at Riyadh has also played a key role in supporting opposi- East, but local media say Abe may try to use his close back alive though.” — AFP another palace, official media said. tion to Iranian-backed President Bashar Al-Assad of Syria, and will allow US troops to use its territory to train Valued ally rebel fighters. Obama paid tribute to Abdullah as a “valued” ally The kingdom has led regional concern over instabili- Mammoth anti-Houthi protests across... while the State Department indicated cooperation ty in its southern neighbor Yemen, where witnesses said Continued from Page 1 in some parts of the country announced they would no between Washington and Riyadh would continue. Houthi militiamen who control the capital had encircled longer take orders from the capital, raising fears the Salman, 79, pledged to keep the conservative, oil-rich the parliament building overnight Thursday following “We came out today to reject the coup and against country could start to splinter. Such declarations came Muslim kingdom on a steady course and moved to the resignation of the president. Yemen’s parliamentary the Houthi militia’s control of the capital,” said one stu- from provinces that comprised the former South Yemen - cement his hold on power. speaker was still able to fly into Riyadh yesterday. dent who identified herself as Maimouna, holding a plac- where a secessionist movement has been demanding He vowed to “remain, with God’s strength, attached Salman is widely expected to follow closely in ard opposing plans to incorporate the Houthi fighters independence - and the oil-rich Marib province east of to the straight path that this state has walked since its Abdullah’s footsteps, in foreign and energy policy as into the army. Demonstrators stopped traffic in front of Sanaa. establishment”. well as in making moderate reforms. Abdullah pushed Hadi’s home, booed Houthi fighters in the area and The Yemeni parliament is scheduled to meet today to He called for “unity and solidarity” among Muslims. through cautious changes, challenging conservatives chanted “Leave, Houthis, leave”. discuss Hadi’s resignation. Under the constitution, parlia- Moving to clear uncertainty over the transition to the with such moves as including women in the advisory Houthi fighters prevented protesters from getting too mentary speaker Yahya Al-Rai, who comes from Saleh’s next generation, he named his nephew, Interior Shura Council. close to Hadi’s house but they and the police largely kept General People’s Congress party, takes office for an inter- Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, as second in He promoted economic development and oversaw their distance and the protest ended peacefully, witness- im period while new elections are organized. line to the throne behind Crown Prince Moqren, 69. accession to the World Trade Organization, tapping es said. Sources at a meeting between Ansarullah, the Smooth succession into massive oil wealth to build new cities, universities Similar protests erupted in other provinces, including Houthis’ political wing, and a group of political parties Taiz, al-Bayda, Ibb and Hodeida, residents said. On Friday, from the Sunni Islamist Al-Islah and leftist parties said That helps to solidify control by his Sudayri branch of and railways. But the kingdom is still strongly criticized thousands of Houthi supporters gathered in Sanaa with they had agreed to “restart the political process ... and the royal family. Salman also appointed one of his own for a dismal human rights record, including the impris- placards calling for “Death to America, Death to Israel”, a pressure Hadi to rescind his resignation”. Representatives sons, Prince Mohammed, as defense minister of the onment and flogging of dissidents. It is also the only slogan that has become the group’s trademark. of both parties were due to inform UN Special Envoy world’s leading oil exporter. “In spite of all the earlier country in the world that does not allow women to With no central government in Sanaa, local authorities Jamal Benomar of their position. — Reuters articles and fears surrounding the succession, the Saudi drive. — Agencies SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Why crisis in Yemen matters to Americans

By Deb Riechmann

Yemen’s US-backed president stepped down this week after Houthi rebels seized the capital of Sanaa, Yfurther destabilizing the region and hampering America’s ability to fight Al-Qaeda and other extremists targeting the West. The country’s parliament will meet today, but the government’s future is unclear. Five rea- sons why Americans should care about what is happen- ing in Yemen, a country slightly smaller than Texas situat- ed on the southern border of Saudi Arabia:

AQAP Yemen is home to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which claimed responsibility for the attack on a Paris satir- ical magazine this month. Washington has long viewed AQAP as the global terrorist network’s most dangerous branch. The group has been linked to a number of failed US and Saudi uneasy allies attacks on the US, including a 2009 attempt to down a US-bound jetliner using explosives hidden in a militant’s underwear and a plot the following year to ship bombs By Jo Biddle concealed in printer cartridges to the U.S. on cargo planes from the Gulf. ong-standing ties between the United States, the AQAP has thrived in the wake of the rebel offensive to world’s oldest democracy, and Saudi Arabia, a conser- oust President Abed Rabbo Hadi and his cabinet. US offi- Lvative Islamic absolute monarchy, have strained at cials say the unrest already is undermining military and times, but the unlikely allies remain bound by mutual inter- intelligence operations against AQAP. The Pentagon’s ests in regional stability and oil. press secretary, Rear Adm. John Kirby, said Friday, “We need to get a much better understanding of where things The depth of the complex relationship was highlighted are going politically in Yemen before we can make any late Thursday as President Barack Obama mourned the loss new decisions or ... move forward in any significant way of king Abdullah, saying he had “appreciated our genuine on counterterrorism in Yemen.” and warm friendship” praising the late monarch as both “candid” and “bold.” US drone campaign Full diplomatic relations between the United States and Hadi’s resignation leaves the US without a faithful the Gulf kingdom were established in 1940 during the partner amid its drone-strike and counter-terrorism cam- throes of World War II. The partnership was sealed five years paign. For several years, the CIA and the military’s Joint later in a historic meeting between then king Abdul Aziz Special Operations Command have run parallel targeted killing programs in Yemen. There were 23 US drone strikes Ibn Saud and US president Franklin D Roosevelt on board in Yemen last year and 23 the year before, according to the USS Quincy as it cruised the Suez Canal. Long War Journal, which tracks the strikes based on local It was the discovery of vast oil reserves beneath Saudi media reports. The US military also has trained elite coun- sands in the late 1930s which secured the kingdom’s place terterrorism units of Yemen’s military that have battled Al- as a vital partner for the energy-hungry United States, Qaeda. Hadi’s demise comes four months after President despite early disagreement on the establishment of Israel Barack Obama cited Yemen as a terrorism success story in on the lands of British-mandated Palestine. a September speech outlining his strategy against the Indeed, at times Saudi Arabia has worked with Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, which involves tar- Washington to advance US interests in terms of oil flows geted US strikes on militants with the cooperation of a and prices. But there has been increasing unease in Riyadh friendly ground force. Obama called it an approach “that we have successfully pursued in Yemen and Somalia for about Obama’s pursuit of a nuclear deal with arch-foe Iran, years.” as well as his commitment to energy independence. “The most important part about the relationship is that Iran the two sides need each other,” Marina Ottaway, senior The Houthis are seen as a proxy of Shiite Iran and are Middle East scholar with the Woodrow Wilson Center, told allied with former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who ruled AFP. “Saudi Arabia continues to remain important to the the country for more than three decades before he was United States in terms of energy security ... and the Saudis In this March 28, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama meets with Saudi King Abdullah at Rawdat Khuraim. —AP ousted in 2012 after Arab Spring protests. While the mili- have always felt in need of protection.” Riyadh’s strategic ers were from Saudi Arabia. “The Saudis... could simply not amid a failure to make good on an early pledge to restore tants deny any Iran link, their slogan, “Death to Israel, location and unique spiritual authority as custodian of Death to America!” is a variation of a popular Iranian slo- believe that 15 of their sons had hijacked these airplanes ties with the Muslim world. gan. In recent years, Yemeni authorities have seized ships Islam’s two holiest sites has meant it has been key in help- and done what they had done,” Robert Jordan, a former US carrying Iranian weapons allegedly destined for the ing to shore up stability in a turbulent Middle East . ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told National Public Radio. Awaiting change Houthis. The Saudis, who oppose Iran, view the Houthis Ties were better under Bush and his son, president as both an Iranian proxy and a terrorist organization. ‘Unparalleled cooperation’ “They literally were in denial.” George W Bush, as it was “a relationship that was very much Riyadh fears the group will create a mini-state on its When neighboring Kuwait was invaded in 1990 by Iraqi A series of bloody 2003 attacks in the kingdom proved built on personal foundations,” Shaikh contended. “In many southern border. dictator Saddam Hussein, then US president George HW the turning point, turning Riyadh into a loyal and robust ways a lot of Gulf leaderships are counting down the clock Bush sent in more than 500,000 troops and launched partner in the fight against Al-Qaeda. Saudi warplanes were to when this administration leaves and the next one Guantanamo detainees Operation Desert Storm using US airbases in Saudi Arabia also among the first to fly alongside the US when it began a comes,” he told AFP. Obama authorized the transfer of detainees from the as vital staging posts. series of airstrikes last September against Sunni militants “There’s nothing... that I would see that would make the Guantanamo Bay prison nearly two years ago amid high It was “a moment of unparalleled cooperation between hopes that Hadi would help the US fight terrorists in his from the Islamic State group in Syria. relationship improve, because the US president is not going country. The transfer authority, however, was never used two great nations,” Bush said in a statement Thursday, pay- Underlying tensions flared last year however, when top to do the things they want done,” agreed Saudi expert and because AQAP has thrived amid government instability ing tribute to his “dear friend” Abdullah. But expert Ottaway Saudi officials were openly critical of America’s reluctance author Karen Elliot House. The Sunni-Muslim majority king- and ongoing threat from Al-Qaeda militants. said the Saudi royals never truly forgave Washington for the to intervene more forcefully in Syria to oust long-time Saudi dom remains wary of close US ties to Israel, as well as The Obama administration said recently that the US is subsequent overthrow of Saddam in the second Gulf War in foe, President Bashar Al-Assad. Washington’s nuclear diplomacy with Shiite Iran, seen as not considering sending any of the Yemeni detainees 2003, which they “feel was a major blunder... because it “The relationship is not what it was ... in a dynamic and Riyadh’s “greatest external danger,” House told AFP. Political back to their homeland for the foreseeable future opened the door to Iranian influence.” changing environment in the Middle East,” said Salman upheavals in Saudi’s unruly neighbor Yemen, where Shiite because of volatile conditions in the country. That could Ties had strained too after the September 2001 attacks Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha Center. He pointed Huthi rebels believed to be backed by Iran have spread make it even harder for Obama to make good on his 2008 on New York, when it was revealed that 15 of the 19 attack- to both Obama’s policies and the style of his administration, chaos, have upped the ante. —AFP campaign promise to close the US military prison for ter- rorism suspects. Nearly two-thirds of the remaining 122 detainees are from Yemen.

Threat to the US Obama seeks to leverage ties with Modi Although the Houthis hold an anti-American senti- ment similar to that of Iranian hardliners and there have By Julie Pace and Muneeza Naqvi Symbolism religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the Indian been sporadic incidents of violence involving US interests in Yemen, they have in several public statements denied The president’s visit is expected to be heavy on symbol- state where he was the top elected official. any intent to target the United States, its embassy or its resident Barack Obama will seek to leverage his bur- ism and lighter on substantive advances, though climate The visit ties in neatly with Modi’s election promise that personnel in Sanaa. geoning bond with Indian Prime Minister Narendra change, economics and defense ties are all on the agenda. he would turn around Asia’s third-largest economy. And it “Obviously, we expect and call on them to abide by” PModi into progress on climate change, defense and Indian political commentator Ashok Malik said expecta- could send a message to Pakistan and China - India’s clos- those statements, State Department spokeswoman Jen economic ties as he opens a three-day visit to New Delhi. tions for concrete deliverables during the visit are “below est neighbors and rivals - that Modi has a powerful ally in Psaki said Friday. The department has reduced American Relations between the US and India have been strained in the standards usually set by US presidents when they trav- the United States. staffing at the embassy to a bare minimum, but the mis- recent years, but Obama and Modi developed a good rap- el across the world for a three-day visit.” “Modi has used the invitation as a way of signaling that sion remains open and there are no plans to close it. US port during a visit in Washington last fall. Modi sought to Still, US and Indian officials appear to agree that even a the United States really looms large in his calculations for officials do not believe rebel group poses a direct threat return the favor by inviting Obama to travel to India as his symbolic show of solidarity between the leaders would be where he want to take India,” said Ashley Tellis, a senior to American interests. — AP guest for the annual Republic Day festivities, which mark a sign of progress after recent difficulties. While military associate at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment the day in 1950 that the country’s constitution came into cooperation and US defense sales have grown, Washington for International Peace. force. has been frustrated by India’s failure to open up to more US officials say they hope the improving relationship All articles appearing on these “It took us by some surprise,” said Ben Rhodes, Obama’s foreign investment and to address complaints alleging between Obama and Modi will have payoffs in the policy deputy national security adviser. “There’s a great affinity intellectual property violations. India’s liability legislation arena. The White House plans to push India on climate pages are the personal opinion of between the United States and India and our people, but has also prevented US companies from capitalizing on a change, particularly after reaching a sweeping agreement the writers. Kuwait Times takes no there’s also a history that is complicated and that would landmark civil nuclear agreement between the two coun- with China on limiting carbon emissions. The president will responsibility for views expressed have made it seem highly unlikely that a US president tries in 2008. also be accompanied on his trip by several US business therein. Kuwait Times invites read- would be sitting with India’s leaders at their Republic Day Relations hit a new low in 2013 when India’s deputy leaders in hopes of forging new partnerships with India. ceremony.” consul general, Devyani Khobragade, was arrested and The centerpiece of Obama’s visit will be tomorrow’s cel- ers to voice their opinions. Please After some internal deliberations, the White House strip-searched in New York over allegations that she lied on ebrations, which are partly a Soviet-style display of India’s send submissions via email to: opin- accepted Modi’s offer. The visit also includes a fresh round visa forms to bring her maid to the US while paying the military hardware and partly a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day- [email protected] or via snail of bilateral meetings with Modi, an economic summit with woman a pittance. The official’s treatment caused outrage type parade with floats from across the country highlight- US and Indian business leaders. in New Delhi, and India retaliated against US diplomats. ing India’s cultural diversity. mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Obama will be the first US president to visit India twice For Modi, hosting Obama at the Republic Day parade The parade, once a huge attraction, has lost much of its The editor reserves the right to edit while in office; he also traveled there in 2010 for an eco- caps off a year of high-profile diplomatic maneuvers by a sheen for India’s elite over the past decade. But it continues any submission as necessary. nomic summit. First lady Michelle Obama will be with the leader who was once shunned by the international com- to draw tens of thousands of visitors eager to view the president when he arrives in New Delhi today. munity. He was denied a US visa in 2005, three years after spectacle at least once in their lifetimes. — AP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS

Eto’o to join Sampdoria Former coach backs Silva Cubs Ernie Banks dies MILAN: Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic said yesterday that Samuel Eto’o is set BARCELONA: Joining Real Madrid is a dream that has come true for CHICAGO: Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, the pioneering and famously to join the club and told his players not to be distracted by the former Cameroon Brazilian Lucas Silva, his former coach Marcelo Oliveira has said, while affable slugger hailed by the team for which he played 19 seasons as “the greatest forward’s arrival. describing the midfielder as a “diamond”. Cub in franchise history,” has died at age 83, the club said in a statement on Friday. Television pictures showed Eto’o, currently at Everton, arriving at a clinic in The talented Silva, who played for Cruzeiro, has agreed a contract until A shortstop and first baseman renowned as “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine,” Banks Rome for a medical. He was due to be presented to the crowd before Sunday’s June 2020 for a reported fee of 14 million euros ($15.7 million) and will be joined the team as its first black player in 1953, six years after Jackie Robinson Serie A match at home to Palermo. presented at the Bernabeu on Monday. Real won the chase to bring in the broke major league baseball’s color barrier on the Brooklyn Dodgers, and remained But Mihajlovic said he did not want his players to be carried away by the creative 21-year-old, who is able to dictate play from the middle of the with the Cubs until his retirement in 1971, hitting 512 career home runs and 1,636 expected festive atmosphere. “Party, what party?” he told a news conference. pitch and will be a useful under-study to Toni Kroos this season as he gains runs batted in (RBI). “Eto’o is joining this team but he must not be a distraction. “He’s a great first team experience. “I have been talking with Lucas and he is very happy Banks later became the first African American to manage a major league team when, while serving as a Cubs coach in May 1973, he player, who has won everything and that attracts a lot of attention as one of his dreams has come true. (Real Madrid coach Carlo) Ancelotti filled in for the ejected manager Whitey Lockman dur- from the media, but this should not distract us. “The reason we are has got a real diamond,” Oliveira, who manages Cruzeiro, told Spanish ing a game. He died Friday evening in Chicago, (joint) third is thanks to these guys, their commitment and their newspaper As. “He is a technical player with good vision, he can make pre- daily work.” according to an attorney for the family, Mark Bogen, cise 30-40 metre passes and has a strong shot. “I have been behind him who said Banks’ wife, Liz, would be holding a news Eto’o, 33, who is a free agent, joined Everton from Chelsea in when he has shot from outside the area and believe me he has a lot of August after one year at Stamford Bridge. In the same month, conference today. Bogen said he was not at liberty potential that can be further exploited. He will push those who are already to disclose details about the circumstances of Banks’ he announced his international retirement after winning in his position. “He will need to adapt now to a new formation but I am 118 caps and scoring a record 56 goals for Cameroon. death. Besides his athletic gifts on the baseball dia- sure he will develop a lot alongside the quality at Real Madrid.” Eto’o has won four league titles, seven domestic mond, Banks was famed for an irrepressibly upbeat Real were weakened in midfield with the departure of Xabi Alonso to cups, a FIFA Club World Cup medal and three Champions demeanor that never seemed to fade during his League, two with Barcelona and one with Inter Bayern Munich ahead of this season and there has been a lot of pressure tenure with the perennially hapless Cubs. His Milan.Sampdoria are joint third in Serie A alongside on Kroos as Ancelotti has used alternatives Sami Khedira and Asier signature catch phrase, “Let’s play two,” adorns Napoli with 33 points from 19 games. — Reuters Illarramendi sparingly. —Reuters his statue at Wrigley Field. —Reuters Hawks eclipse Thunder

ATLANTA: Paul Millsap scored 22 points, Jeff Teague added 17 and the Atlanta Hawks eclipsed the franchise record with their 15th straight victory, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-93 on Friday night. Before a rau- cous sellout crowd, the Hawks won for the 29th time in 31 games to extend their Eastern-best record to 36-8. As usual, pretty much everyone chipped in. Four starters were in double figures and backup point guard Dennis Schroder led a spurt at the start of the fourth quarter that helped the Hawks pull away. He finished with 13 points and five assists, igniting the arena with a towering finger roll that dropped gently through the net. Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 22 points. Kyle Korver was the only starter who didn’t reach double figures, but even he chipped in with a play that had everyone talking: another dunk in the waning seconds of the first half that sent the Hawks to the locker room with a 48-47 lead. They never trailed again.

WARRIORS 126, KINGS 101 Klay Thompson scored the most points in a quarter in NBA history, a 37-point third period that powered the Golden State Warriors to victo- ry. Thompson, who finished with a career-high 52 points, pleased the announced sellout crowd of 19,596 at rowdy Oracle Arena with a perform- ance that will long be remembered in the bas- ketball-loving Bay Area. The All-Star hopeful made all 13 shots, including a league-record nine from 3-point range, and hit both of his free throws during a 12-minute span. His streaky shooting touch helped the Warriors (35-6) erase a sloppy showing for its franchise-best 18th consecutive home victory. Golden State became the 10th NBA team to win at least 35 games halfway through a season. The last player to score at least that many points in a quarter was Carmelo Anthony with 33 in 2008 while with Denver.

CAVALIERS 129, HORNETS 90 LeBron James scored 25 points and the QATAR: Branden Grace of South Africa poses with the winner’s trophy after the final Cleveland Cavaliers put on a dominant perform- round of the Qatar Masters golf competition at the Doha Golf Club. — AFP ance by routing the Charlotte Hornets for their fifth straight win. The Cavaliers, with an artful display of shoot- Grace bags Qatar Masters ing and passing, had the home crowd on its feet throughout the game. Cleveland’s 75-40 lead at DOHA: South African Branden Grace through the final seven holes. halftime was its biggest in franchise history and became the first player to win multiple Having shot birdies on the 12th and the margin reached 49 points in the fourth quar- events in the 2015 Race to Dubai after he 14th, the 26-year-old carded a superb ter. J.R. Smith scored 21 points on seven 3-point- held his nerve to win the Qatar Masters eagle on the 16th after a crushing tee- ers, and Kyrie Irving added 18 in Cleveland’s in Doha yesterday. shot. A second eagle nearly followed on biggest win of the season. Charlotte had won Grace fired a bogey-free, six-under-par the 18th but his sublime pitch shot eight of nine, but was no match for the Cavaliers, 66 to finish the tournament on 19-under, tricked agonisingly wide.Grace holed the who have again looked like title contenders one shot clear of Scotland’s Marc Warren three-foot putt for birdie while Warren since James returned from an eight-game ATLANTA: Hawks’ Al Horford (right) reaches for a rebound against Oklahoma City Thunder’s (67) and two ahead of Austrian Bernd failed with his 20-foot effort to force a absence with knee and back injuries. Al Jefferson Serge Ibaka during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game. — AP Wiesberger (68). playoff. led Charlotte with 22 points. Tied at 18-under-par as they Warren’s superb five-under-par back and the Miami Heat survived another second- RAPTORS 91, 76ERS 86 SPURS 99, LAKERS 85 half struggle at home, hanging on to top the Kyle Lowry scored 17 of his 21 points in the approached the 18th tee, Grace held his nine had helped him back into con- Tony Parker scored 17 points and the San Indiana Pacers. fourth quarter to lead the Toronto Raptors to a tention after an inconsistent front nine nerve with a birdie while Warren could Antonio Spurs never trailed in rolling to a 99-85 Dwyane Wade scored 13 for Miami, which led comeback victory. Patrick Patterson added 14 only salvage par after his wayward tee- which yielded a bogey and double- victory over a depleted Los Angeles Lakers team by 20 late in the third quarter before Indiana points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors, who over- shot failed to find the fairway. bogey alongside three birdies. that potentially has lost Kobe Bryant for the sea- ripped off an 11-0 run and got right back into came a nine-point deficit with 5 1/2 minutes left. “It was a great day, a great week, and World number two Henrik Stenson son. Kawhi Leonard had 15 points and 14 the game. Indiana’s hope at overtime went awry Robert Covington scored 18 points to lead six it’s another trophy to put in the cup- finished on 10-under-par while defend- rebounds, Manu Ginobili scored 15 points and when C.J. Watson’s open 20-footer from the right 76ers in double-figures. It was the fourth straight board,” Grace told the europeantour.com. ing champion Sergio Garcia was well off Tim Duncan added 14 points for San Antonio. corner rimmed out at the buzzer. Luis Scola loss and sixth in seven games for Philadelphia. “The form has been there, I played great the pace a further six shots adrift on Nick Young scored 17 points to lead the Lakers, scored 14 points for the Pacers, who dropped and I managed to get in on top.” four-under. The Race to Dubai is the who lost their seventh straight. Rookie point their seventh straight. CELTICS 100, NUGGETS 99 Grace, who claimed his sixth career European Tour’s season-long competi- guard Jordan Clarkson, a San Antonio native, Avery Bradley scored 18 points, including a title and second in four starts this season, tion spanning 47 tournaments and was had 11 points and four assists in his first career KNICKS 113, MAGIC 106 go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:24 left, and the followed up a first-hole birdie with 10 won by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy start. Bryant tore his right rotator cuff Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and the Boston Celtics hung on to send Denver to its successive pars before going five-under in 2014. —Reuters Wednesday in New Orleans. New York Knicks extended their season-high fifth loss in a row. The Nuggets played without winning streak to three games. Jason Smith star guard Ty Lawson, who was away from the BULLS 102, MAVERICKS 98 added a season-best 19 points for the Knicks, team for what the club said were personal rea- Derrick Rose scored 20 points, Jimmy Butler who improved to 8-36. Lance Thomas had 16 sons following his arrest earlier Friday on suspi- Kuchar goes had 14 of his 20 in the second half and the points, and Langston Galloway 15; both are in cion of driving under the influence. Jameer Chicago Bulls beat the Dallas Mavericks. Pau the midst of their second 10-day contract. Nikola Nelson had 23 points in his first start for the Gasol had 13 points and 16 rebounds, and Vucevic led the way for the Magic (15-31) with Nuggets in place of Lawson. Brandon Bass had clear at La Quinta Joakim Noah added six points and seven boards 34 points and 18 rebounds. 17 points for the Celtics. — AP in his return after missing four games with a LA QUINTA: Fresh from a tie for third at three courses, just how tight and narrow sprained right ankle. Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 last week’s Sony Open in Hawaii, it is. Here you’ve got a little more space points to lead the Mavericks. NBA results/standings American Matt Kuchar maintained his and reachable par-fives. red-hot form to grab a one-shot lead “I am continuing the good golf from ROCKETS 113, SUNS 111 Toronto 91, Philadelphia 86; Atlanta 103, Oklahoma City 93; Cleveland 129, Charlotte 90; Miami after Friday’s second round of the $5.7 last week. It was nice to get in the mix James Harden scored 33 points, including a 89, Indiana 87; NY Knicks 113, Orlando 106; Chicago 102, Dallas 98; New Orleans 92, Minnesota million Humana Challenge at La Quinta. last week ... I’m just trying to keep the 20-foot jumper as time ran out, to lift the 84; San Antonio 99, La Lakers 85; Boston 100, Denver 99; Houston 113, Phoenix 111; Golden State The world number 11 took advantage form going and have some fun out here.” Houston Rockets to a victory over the Phoenix 126, Sacramento 101. of another gorgeous day in the California Fellow American Ryan Palmer raised Suns. Harden’s 33 points came in the absence of desert as he fired a sparkling eight- hopes of shooting a rare 59 before tying injured star center Dwight Howard for three Eastern Conference Western Conference under-par 64 on the Nicklaus Private the course record with a 61 on the Nicklaus quarters. Harden, the NBA’s leading scorer enter- Atlantic Division Northwest Division course at PGA West, one of three venues layout to finish three strokes off the pace. ing the night at 27.2 points per game, added 10 W L PCT GB Portland 31 13 .705 - hosting the pro-am event. Kuchar, a sev- Palmer’s electrifying tilt at a sub-60 score assists and six rebounds and made 14 of 17 free Toronto 28 15 .651 - Oklahoma City 22 21 .512 8.5 en-times winner on the PGA Tour known came up short after he narrowly missed an throw attempts for the Rockets. Eric Bledsoe had Brooklyn 18 25 .419 10 Denver 18 25 .419 12.5 for his remarkably consistent play, mixed eagle putt from 15 feet on his penultimate 25 points, eight rebounds and nine assists to Boston 15 26 .366 12 Utah 15 28 .349 15.5 seven birdies with an eagle and a lone hole, the par-five eighth, and a birdie lead the Suns, Philadelphia 8 35 .186 20 Minnesota 7 35 .167 23 bogey to post a 15-under total of 129. attempt from nine feet at the ninth. “It was NY Knicks 8 36 .182 20.5 Pacific Division Central Division Overnight leader Michael Putnam was almost surreal,” said Palmer, who rocketed PELICANS 92, TIMBERWOLVES 84 Golden State 35 6 .854 - Newly minted All-Star starter Anthony Davis Chicago 29 16 .644 - a further stroke back after carding a 67 up the leaderboard with a stunning eight- LA Clippers 29 14 .674 7 had 21 points and 12 rebounds to help the New Cleveland 24 20 .545 4.5 on the Palmer Private layout, ending a hole stretch of 10 under from the par-four Phoenix 26 19 .578 11 day of near-perfect scoring conditions 12th to the first. “I holed out from 97 yards Orleans Pelicans avoid what would have been Milwaukee 21 21 .500 6.5 Sacramento 16 27 .372 20 level with fellow American Bill Haas, who on 12 ... and then just kept hitting it close, another ugly road loss. Eric Gordon scored 20 Detroit 17 26 .395 11 LA Lakers 12 32 .273 24.5 shot a 63 at La Quinta Country Club. made a few putts. It was one of those points and the Pelicans (22-21) shot 50 percent Indiana 15 30 .333 14 “Today was better even than yester- stretches you get in and you almost don’t from the field to move over .500 for the first time Southeast Division Southwest Division day,” Kuchar, the highest-ranked player in realise what’s happening. You cherish those since Jan. 2. Gorgui Dieng had 14 points and 15 Atlanta 36 8 .818 - Memphis 30 12 .714 - the field who had opened with a 65 at La moments.” Phil Mickelson, playing his first rebounds for the Timberwolves (7-35), who have Washington 29 14 .674 6.5 Houston 30 14 .682 1 Quinta, told Golf Channel. event on the 2014-15 PGA Tour, birdied his the fewest wins in the league. Miami 19 24 .442 16.5 Dallas 30 14 .682 1 “I had a nice round over in La Quinta, last five holes for a 66 to finish at seven Charlotte 18 26 .409 18 San Antonio 28 17 .622 3.5 and that may be the toughest of the under. — Reuters HEAT 89, PACERS 87 Orlando 15 31 .326 22 New Orleans 22 21 .512 8.5 Deng scored 23 points, Chris Bosh added 19 SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS

FRANCE : Harlequins team players end a scrum during the European Champions Cup rugby union match, Castres vs Harlequins, at the Pierre Antoine Stadium. — AFP Wasps find sting in tail to hold Leinster

PARIS: Three-time champions Leinster made Ireland avoid suffering the ignominy of being difference. It was, however, enough to see converted by centre Ian Madigan, to give the again, to make it 13-20 before Hughes popped hard work of qualifying for the last eight of the without a team in the knockout stages for the Racing Metro qualify from Pool 5 even before visitors a 7-0 cushion. up, leaping over the maul to touch down and European Champions Cup yesterday, allowing a first time in 17 years, after Ulster and two-time their match with Northampton, as they already Goode kicked the first of his 10 points with a make it 18-20. 14-point half-time lead to slip from their grasp champions Munster had fallen by the wayside. have 19 points, one more than Wasps, and even sixth-minute penalty, only to see Madigan reply Goode’s conversion attempt hit the post but as they held Wasps to a 20-20 draw. But it was not enough to see Wasps through defeat would see them through as one of the and fly-half Jimmy Gopperth kick another on 29 he was given a second bite of the cherry after An opportunistic try by Wasps’ number eight and they will now have to sweat it out and best runners-up. A vocal 24,000 inside minutes to open up a 10-point lead. an early charge out by Leinster and made no Nathan Hughes 10 minutes from the end and a hope they make it to the knock-out stages as Coventry’s Ricoh Arena cheered the in-form Leinster substitute Isaac Boss stretched the mistake second time round, planting the ball second conversion of the afternoon from Andy one of the best three runners-up. English side on, even when they appeared to lead with a 37th minute try, again converted by firmly between the posts. And Goode should Goode drew Wasps level and set up a nail-bit- Harlequins’ 47-19 away win over Castres was be chasing a lost cause, going in 6-20 at half- Madigan. But Wasps took the game by the have grabbed a deserved victory for Wasps ing final period. not enough to see them overhaul Wasps, finish- time. Leinster wing Fergus McFadden opened scruff of the neck in the second half, with Matt with the final kick of the game, but his drop kick Leinster qualify as Pool 2 winners, meaning ing level on points but with an inferior points the scoring with a try after just two minutes, Mullan crossing on the hour, Goode converting attempt flew well wide of the posts. — AFP Jansrud grabs downhill race

KITZBUEHEL: Kjetil Jansrud geared up for the with Jansrud, at 58.16 seconds, narrowly beating Louise and on the world championship course of world championships in Beaver Creek next Friday’s Super-G winner Dominik Paris of Italy by Beaver Creek, Jansrud is a solid leader in the dis- month by winning his third downhill of the sea- 0.02 seconds. Consistent Frenchman Guillermo cipline’s World Cup and the clear favorite for the son yesterday. Fayed was third. worlds. The Hahnenkamm downhill is the most presti- “I think you can call it my highlight of the sea- The Norwegian is also still in contention for gious speed event of the men’s alpine skiing cal- son. To win in Kitzbuehel is an objective I had in the big globe, trailing Austria’s Marcel Hirscher by endar yet the Norwegian had to be content with mind for several years,” said Jansrud, who suc- 82 points in the overall World Cup standings. winning on only half of the Streif course after ceeded where compatriot Aksel Lund Svindal has “I scored vital points today as I was sure in snow and fog forced organisers to lower the always failed so far. “If you look at my reaction on Wengen the fight was over and then Marcel start. Fastest in practice, Jansrud was still a very the video after Paris’s run, it tells more than zeroed,” he said. “I was mad at myself yesterday for legitimate winner and only the second 10,000 words. “I was not too happy for the start not making the podium in the Super-G, thinking Norwegian after Lasse Kjus in 1991 and 2004 to to be lowered as the top section is where I could I’d made a great gift to Marcel.” However, Hirscher win in Kitzbuehel. make a difference but safety was the priority as has two slaloms on home snow before the While the race was truncated, the podium still well as making sure the race could go ahead,” he worlds, in Kitzbuehel today and in Schladming on reflected the current strengths in the discipline added. Already a winner this season in Lake Tuesday, to stretch the gap. — Reuters

SWITZERLAND: Lara Gut speeds down the course on her way to win an alpine ski, women’s World Cup downhill. — AP Home win for Gut, Vonn falters

ST MORITZ: Lindsey Vonn had ‘I’m the best’ writ- “Everybody was talking about me but I ten on her bib but a big mistake wrecked her hadn’t been on the podium here for five years. hopes of adding a 64th World Cup victory to her Now it’s a great boost to go to the world cham- record tally in a downhill won by Switzerland’s pionships in such shape,” she said. Lara Gut yesterday. The American, who became The world championships start in Beaver the most successful woman skier of all time last Creek, Colorado, next month. Winner of a Super- weekend, lost her line at the start of the lower G in Lake Louise earlier this season, Gut collect- section and narrowly avoided crashing to finish ed her 12th World Cup success ahead of overall 2.08 seconds off the pace. “It’s unusual for me to World Cup defending champion Anna finish 23rd but things like this happen from time Fenninger of Austria, who missed her second to time and I knew it would be hard for me to victory of the winter by 0.32 seconds. In third stay in contention after such a mistake,” she said. place, Edit Miklos became the first Hungarian Gut continued her love affair with St Moritz skier on a World Cup podium, 0.58 behind Gut. by winning her first downhill of the season on Born in Romania 26 years ago, Miklos already home snow in a time of one minute and 43.82 made an impression at the 2014 Sochi Olympics seconds. when she finished seventh in the downhill The 23-year-old made her Swiss team debut ahead of the Austrian skiers with whom she in a European Cup race in St Moritz at the age of trains. “It might be a surprise but I’ve been close 15, earned her first World Cup podium in the in the past, finishing fifth in Crans-Montana and smart Swiss resort two years later and clinched also in Sochi. I skied well and I’m not sure my bib her first World Cup win, a Super-G, on the same number made a difference,” said Miklos, who course in 2008. started early in better wind conditions. Overall “It’s always special in St Moritz. I came here World Cup leader Tina Maze of Slovenia made since I was a kid and it’s always very emotional too many mistakes to be in contention and fin- to win here,” she said. ished 18th, 1.74 adrift. — Reuters AUSTRIA: (From left) second placed Dominik Paris, of Italy, first placed Kjetil Jansrud, of Norway, and third placed Guillermo ayed,F of France, celebrate on podium at the end of an alpine ski, men’s World Cup downhill race. — AP Chinese skipper fears Vietnamese hazards Sale to ink new Cipriani deal LONDON: Danny Cipriani is in line to sign a new Diamond told Saturday’s edition of Britain’s Daily be ambitious as the rest and that’s what Danny ALICANTE: Chinese boat Dongfeng Race granted with the team heading towards the deal with Sale, the English Premiership side said Telegraph. “We are very close to agreeing terms wanted to hear.” Team closed to within 500 miles of third leg Vietnam coast before sailing into Chinese yesterday. England fly-half Cipriani has been as we speak. We are just crossing the T’s and Cipriani joined Sale from the Melbourne victory in the Volvo Ocean Race yesterday and waters. “Above all, the big risk along the coast an important first for their country in the will be a collision with debris in the water - lots linked with a potentially lucrative move to dotting the I’s over Danny’s career at Sale,” he Rebels and earned an England recall last for last round-the-world challenge. of dead trees and debris coming from the French and European champions Toulon. added. Sale, presently eighth in the 12-strong year’s tour of New Zealand, in which he made No Chinese team has won a stage in the forests covering this area and rivers that flow But the decision of England coach Stuart Premiership table, have been seen as an ‘unfash- two appearances to take his caps haul to nine-a 41-year history of the race but Dongfeng were in to the sea,” the 40-year-old wrote in a blog Lancaster to revive the 27-year-old’s stop-start ionable’ club but Diamond was optimistic meagre return given he made his Test debut in on course to do so with 477 nautical miles from his boat. Test career by including him in his initial Six Cipriani would not leave for one of their domes- 2008. Speculation about a move to France inten- (nm) remaining (0640 GMT). “And then there are fishermen, many of Nations training squad earlier this week, and so tic rivals. sified after he didn’t play in any of England’s The team, skippered by Frenchman Charles them in their badly lit boats. Sometimes it can boost Cipriani’s chances of featuring at the “I have confirmed to him that we are ambi- November internationals. Caudrelier, have led the 4,670 mile stage be a real slalom between the boats and their World Cup later this year, has made a move to tious and want to be more than a top-six side Diamond said now was not the time for almost from the start in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 3. nets. “So onboard Dongfeng, we must stay France’s Top 14 less attractive. over the next few years and he believes in that, Cipriani to join Toulon, explaining he was better Barring a major problem sailing through the concentrated  the finish line is still a long way Cipriani is currently in the third and final sea- believes in what we are doing and the crowds off being the fulcrum of Sale’s attack rather than South China Sea to the final destination in the away.” Victory would give them the overall race son of his Sale contract but Steve Diamond, the are building as we want them to,” he said. just another cog in the French side’s star-stud- leg, Sanya on the southernmost tip of China, lead on five points although there is still a long north-west side’s director of rugby, is confident “There’s a lot of conjecture about what other ded wheel. “To a certain extent it is good to be a they should arrive late on Monday or early on way to go to become the 12th winner of an he will stay put. clubs spend, but what we spend is linked to big fish in a small pond rather than joining Tuesday next week (Jan 26-27). event that began life as the Whitbread Round “It is not signed on the dotted line yet, but it what comes through the gate. If we can contin- Toulon where you are a Harlem Globetrotter,” However, Caudrelier was taking nothing for the World Race in 1973. —Reuters will be over the next three to four days,” ue to get 8,500 and 10,000 crowds then we can Diamond explained. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS

MELBOURNE: Madison Keys of the US stretches for a return to Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship. — AP Four American women into final 16

MELBOURNE: Top seed Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport. “I’m excited to play tion, though North America will be represent- OMINOUS PORTENT syndrome, an auto-immune disease that can her older sister Venus led a foursome of Maddie in the next round.” Twice champion ed in the fourth round by Canada’s Milos While Azarenka continues to lurk as a dan- cause joint pain and fatigue. “But I don’t want American women into the Australian Open Victoria Azarenka also advanced after a 6-4 6-4 Raonic. Djokovic’s match, which was tem- ger to anyone in the top half of the draw, an to stop now, I want to keep it going. fourth round yesterday, while men’s top seed victory over 25th seed Barbora Zahlavova porarily halted before the third set as Verdasco ominous portent developed over the rest of “This little cat has a few tricks up her Novak Djokovic survived a nervous start to Strycova and will now meet last year’s beaten took a timeout, did have another distraction the women’s field with the Williams’ sisters sleeve.” The 34-year old will now meet overcome a feisty Fernando Verdasco. finallist Dominika Cibulkova. with a marriage proposal in the stands that success. women’s sixth seed Agnieszka Radwanska It is the first time four women from the tra- the world number one applauded when the The last time the siblings reached the last who also continued her largely untroubled ditional tennis powerhouse, which has relied FEDERER SHADOW woman accepted. “I’m sure he was very happy 16 at Melbourne Park, Serena went on to win progress with a 6-0 7-5 win over another on the Williams sisters for much of their grand With Roger Federer’s surprise exit on Friday when she said yes,” a smiling Djokovic said. “It’s her fifth Australian Open title. It was also the American Varvara Lepchenko, while Serena slam success in the past decade, have made still hanging over the tournament, the men’s nice to see this moment.” last time the 18-times grand slam winner lifted will play the enigmatic Garbine Muguruza. The the last 16 at a major since Roland Garros in favourites had some nervous moments in their Men’s champion Stan Wawrinka, pleased to the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. The world hard-hitting Spaniard beat Serena last year in 2013. third round clashes on Saturday. be out of the glare of many people, also con- number one beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 4-6 the second round at Roland Garros and the tall The sisters were joined in the last 16 by the Djokovic was forced into a first set tiebreak tinued his quiet progression with a clinical 6-2 6-0, while 18th seed Venus also needed a right hander said that victory, while a ‘perfect two Madisons - Brengle and Keys - who will by former top-10 player Verdasco, while fifth victory over tricky lefthander Jarkko set to get going before she beat Italy’s Camila game’, was not a factor on the Melbourne hard play each other - with the 19-year-old Keys seed Kei Nishikori also dropped the first set Nieminen. “I’m not the focus on the tourna- Giorgi 4-6 7-6(3) 6-1 to make her first grand courts. upsetting twice Wimbledon champion Petra tiebreak before he beat Steve Johnson. ment because there’s Novak, Rafa coming slam fourth round since Wimbledon in 2011. “I think I don’t have nothing to lose,” the 21- Kvitova 6-4 7-5 in the last match of the day. “I Johnson and 19th-seed John Isner, who was back from injury, Roger also just lost, there’s “That feels fantastic especially when things year-old said. “Just another match, same game, think my hands are still shaking,” said Keys, beaten by Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, were Kyrgios, Tomic still playing,” Wawrinka said. happen in your life that are not in your con- same concentration. “Nothing new. ... I don’t who is coached by former number one the last American men in the singles competi- “For me, doesn’t matter.” trol,” said Venus, who struggles with Sjogren’s think I have pressure.”— Reuters ‘Amazing ants’ eye Cup of Nations

BATA: Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker hopes his ‘amazing ants’ can defeat Gabon today and make a fairy-tale entry to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Maximum points at Estadio de Bata for the team ranked only 36 in Africa will take them through from Group A whatever the result between Congo Brazzaville and Burkina Faso. The Congolese ‘Red Devils’ and the Burkinabe ‘Stallions’ kick off at the same time in the remote eastern town of Ebebiyin. While draws will suffice for leaders Congo and the second-place Gabonese ‘Panthers’, it is win or bust for third-place Equatorial Guinea. Victory for bottom team Burkina Faso, runners-up to Nigeria in the previous tournament, would ensure survival if Gabon or Equatorial Guinea collect maxi- mum points. But if the Bata game is drawn, the ‘Stallions’ must triumph by at least two goals to stay in contention Engineer Duaij Al-Otaibi with masoud Hayat Tunisian Shooter Marwan Qarqoosh for the biggest African Football Confederation (CAF) prize. Argentine Becker, who succeeded sacked Amir shooting tourney begins today Spaniard Andoni Goikoetxea just 11 days before the Cup of Nations began last weekend, hailed his squad for forcing a goalless midweek draw with Burkina By Abdellatif Sharaa the sidelines of this international even on Faso. Jan 31st. Algeria’s coach Farat Majeed said “The Burkinabe had so many players from top- KUWAIT: Official training for HH the Amir the competition is strong, and Algeria is flight European leagues. We were like ants compared 4th International Grand Prix begins today keen on attending since the start of the to them-amazing ants,” he said. at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Grand Prix. He said Algeria is participating “I am so proud of this squad, who want to defend Shooting Complex, while delegations con- with three shooters in the trap event. the honor of the nation. “They are mainly young and tinue their arrivals to participate in the He said the Algerian team is preparing all are hungry for success. Many were born in Spain, Grand Prix, which concludes on Jan 31st. for the African championship which will but have Equatoguinean parents or grandparents.” Regular training has been taking place qualify winning shooters for Rio de Janeiro Equatorial Guinea have previously been accused of within camps by teams who arrived in 2016 in Brazil. importing players from Brazil, Colombia and African Kuwait much earlier. Meanwhile, Algerian shooter Shaaban countries, giving them passports and paying them to The actual competition starts tomor- Bilal said his participation this year is the play. Using ineligible Cameroon-born Thierry Fidjeu row, as three medals will be distributed in second, as his first was in 2012. He said led to the disqualification of the ‘National Thunder’ the 10m rifle, and 50m pistol for men and Sheikh Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting from the 2015 qualifiers. juniors, and 75 clay targets for women and Complex is highly distinguished and push- But they got a second chance after becoming last- juniors also. es shooters to reach great results and cre- minute hosts when Morocco were kicked out Meanwhile, Masoud Hayat, who is one ates more competition. because they wanted the tournament postponed of the founders of the shooting club, and He said he will participate in the trap over Ebola virus fears. The epidemic has ravaged supporter of the game, said HH the Amir event, and hopes to reach better results in three west African countries, with most of the 8,626 Grand Prix is considered one of the shoot- preparation for the African championship deaths by last Sunday coming in Guinea, who are ing community’s festivals, adding that the which qualifies for the Olympics. Bilal competing at the Cup of Nations, Liberia and Sierra participation of 59 countries in the fourth lauded the level of competition and this Leone. Poor finishing has troubled all four Group A Grand Prix reflects its importance at the improvement one year after the other. sides with just five goals from four games-a meagre international level, and that the Italian del- Tunisian shooter Marwan Qorqoush average of 1.25 per game. Burkina Faso have been egation that has a vast experience has 20 said the Tunis team is keen on participat- particularly wasteful with Belgian coach Paul Put shooters at least. ing in HH the Amir Grand Prix, adding that blaming a lack of confidence. Hayat lauded the organization of the the Tunisian team has 12 shooters in the “We play very well, create many chance, but can- GP which is getting better each year, and trap, double trap, and skeet. He said this not find the net. It is painful watching so many it is witnessing the registration of new Grand Prix is the first for him. He said HH opportunities wasted,” he admitted. world records with the participation of the Amir Grand Prix is known for being Congo coach Claude le Roy is thrilled at the major champions, and shooters are wait- highly organized, and its distinguished prospect of a seventh knockout-stage appearance ing for it from year to year. levels, but earlier engagements kept him from eight attempts with five countries.“I love work- Hayat wished Kuwaiti shooters all suc- from participating in the previous compe- ing with this young squad. You can see there is a cess and asked fans to come and attend tition. He said shooting is considered one bright future for them. Our dream is to reach the the competition and support the game. of the recent sports in Tunis, but generally quarter-finals at least.” — AFP Masoud Hayat will participate in the sport- the same is developing at the internation- ing championship which will be held on Algerian Coach Farat Majeed and Shooter Shaaban Bilal. al level. SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS Full houses cover over Cup of Nations cracks

MALABO: A week after the start of the 2015 these supporters walking to the stadium, mixing Africa Cup of Nations, fears the tournament in without trouble, without insulting each other. It Equatorial Guinea would be a disaster are prov- is the charm of Africa and it is magnificent,” con- ing to be a little wide of the mark. tinued Renard. After the last-minute decision to move the “For the moment I think it’s a great success, competition from Morocco to the tiny central especially if you look back and see how things African state, there were concerns over how the happened to reorganise the competition.” threat of Ebola would be handled and how the For the Ivory Coast and the other teams hosts would ensure full stadiums when venues based in Malabo, on the island of Bioko, there were often empty the last time the Cup of has been little to complain about. The accom- Nations came to town in 2012. modation provided in the capital is excellent, And not everything has gone smoothly, with with teams sharing one luxury hotel in the cen- stories of the Tunisia team having to eat dinner tre opposite the town’s delightful cathedral and by candlelight and sleep four to a room after another along the coast in Sipopo, complete their hotel in Ebebiyin was flooded. with its own private beach. Others, including Congo Brazzaville coach Renard admits that his team are “in magnifi- Claude Le Roy, have complained of logistical cent surroundings”, and they are certainly a mil- problems, while fans clashed with police before lion miles away from those in which most peo- the meeting between the hosts and Burkina ple live in Equatorial Guinea. Faso in Bata. However, the teams get a taste of reality There have been reports of tensions flaring when they arrive to train at the Estadio La Paz by at entrances to venues, although that has been Malabo’s bustling central market or take the because of the streams of supporters turning up long drive south through the jungle to Bioko’s for games and having to wait to pass through only other adequate training ground by the rigorous health checks as part of the fight Atlantic Ocean at Luba. against Ebola. But once inside, fans have created And there is a dark side to the images of full colourful atmospheres and most matches have stadiums, with claims that members of the pub- been sell-outs. lic have effectively been forced into attending Indeed, so full was the Estadio de Malabo for matches in a nation ruled with an iron fist by the Group D game between Cameroon and Mali President Teodoro Obiang. “Public servants are that many fans were unable to find seats, obliged to go because those who don’t will lose instead being forced to crowd in stairways to their jobs,” claimed Ponciano Mbomio Nvo, a watch the action. “Like everyone who is passion- prominent Malabo-based lawyer known for his ate about football, I watch all the games and I’ve fight against the human rights situation in the quite liked what I’ve seen in terms of the atmos- country. “Companies who don’t buy tickets for phere,” said Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard, their employees will lose work contracts with whose team are based in Malabo. There, the sta- the state. What justifies it? In 2012 there was dium sits on the edge of town, on a hillside ris- none of this.” But there has been little sign of MANCHESTER: Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla (second left) iscongratulated by team-mates in this file photo. — AFP ing gradually towards the summit of Pico Basile, spectators not enjoying themselves at matches, shrouded in mist 3,000 metres above sea level. even when the football has not matched expec- It has come alive on game day, with fans in tations. The first 14 games delivered only 26 the different colours of the competing countries goals, but dramatic late wins for Tunisia, Senegal Wenger seeks focus creating a carnival atmosphere. and Ghana, and matchwinning performances “The stadium here is lovely and the atmos- from superstars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang phere was very, very good in the first match. and Asamoah Gyan, have helped light up the That is the charm of the African Cup, seeing all competition on the field. —AFP on qualities in FA Cup

BRIGHTON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have more belief and more strength in our belief.” “When you are up against the quality of what says his side have been strengthened by their Arsenal travelled to the Amex Stadium at the Arsenal will bring, irrespective of whatever victory over Manchester City last weekend, as same stage of the competition two years ago changes they make, you know it is going to be a they continue their FA Cup defence at Brighton and required a late Theo Walcott goal to secure a top-class team,” he said. and Hove Albion. The north London club travel 3-2 victory. And Wenger is well aware of the chal- “So you have got to make sure you contain to Championship outfit Brighton today, seven lenge that Chris Hughton’s men will pose on the the game, but you have to be a threat because days on from their superb 2-0 win over Premier English south coast. “It’s always difficult in the for the longer periods you defend, you are going League champions City at the Etihad Stadium. Championship away from home and we remem- to be at the risk of conceding. Wenger believes that landmark success- ber Brighton from two years ago,” Wenger said. “In the moments when we can be expansive Arsenal’s first away win against either City, “I remember that it was a very difficult game and play the way that we want to, then we will Manchester United or Chelsea since October against a team who were on the way up. They certainly look to do that, but of course we know 2011 — will allow his side to become better as were fighting at the top level with Gus Poyet. to get a result we are going to have to defend, the season progresses. “It was a very difficult game. We needed to dig and defend very well.” Brighton have received a “We had a very controlled performance with a deep to get out with a positive result. We know double fitness boost with Craig Mackail-Smith great solidarity and a great togetherness-that’s that it will be another big challenge for us to go and Jake Forster-Caskey back in contention after always a very good basis,” said the Frenchman. there and come home with a good result. ankle and hip injuries respectively. “Everybody contributed with hard work, great “Chris Hughton will give them his experience The pair missed Brighton’s 3-2 home win over work-rate. Can we keep that focus on our quali- and his competence, of course. He knows how to Ipswich Town on Wednesday, which left the 1983 ties and improve our technical level? We can only prepare a team for a challenge like that.” FA Cup finalists in 19th place in the second flight. get stronger. Today ‘s tie is Hughton’s fifth game in charge Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain “What happened over the weekend helps the of Brighton since he replaced Sami Hyypia as (groin) and full-back Hector Bellerin (ankle) face team to strengthen our confidence, of course. I manager. The former Newcastle United and late fitness tests ahead of the game. Fit-again think the attitude of the players since the start of Norwich City manager wants his side to be duo Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil are both in con- the season, on their desire to do well and their defensively sound against the Premier League tention to start, along with goalkeeper Wojciech solidarity, has been extremely good. big boys, but believes they can cause Arsenal Szczesny, who has not played since Arsenal’s 2-0 “The basics have not changed. We certainly problems at the other end of the pitch. loss at Southampton on New Year’s Day. — AFP Celtic extend lead with County victory SPAIN: Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira (eft) and Cordoba’s Fausto Rossi (right) vie for the ball during their La Liga soccer match. — AP DINGWALL: Celtic needed a huge slice of luck to secure a narrow 1-0 away victory over Ross Bale nets late winner County which extends their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to three points. In an unconvincing performance the as Ronaldo sees red Hoops, who were held to a goalless draw by their hosts last month, struggled to break MADRID: Gareth Bale scored a late winner Benzema slammed home his 15th goal of the down a stubborn County defence which is from the penalty spot after Cristiano Ronaldo season from close range. statistically the worst in the league. It was had been sent off for the ninth time in his However, Cordoba will rue not making the County, desperately fighting for their career as Real Madrid came from behind to most of a host of opportunities to seal a Premiership survival, who went close first with beat Cordoba 2-1 yesterday. Madrid got off to famous win after the break. Cartabia was des- a shot from Craig Curran before the forward the worst possible start when Sergio Ramos perately unlucky to see his shot from the had a penalty appeal dismissed after he edge of the area fly just wide before a scintil- handled inside his own area and Nabil Ghilas appeared to be pushed off the ball by Emilio slotted home the resultant penalty. lating run by Bebe took him past a host of Izaguirre. Karim Benzema levelled from James Madrid defenders but his weak shot was easi- Rodriguez’s corner midway through the first- ly held by Casillas. Leigh Griffiths and John Guidetti both con- half, but Ronaldo’s frustration at a poor per- The best chance of all fell to Florin Andone spired to miss great opportunities to fire formance by the European champions Celtic in front before they eventually made seemed to have cost his side the chance of the breakthrough in the 52nd minute when a victory when he lashed out at Edimar seven wicked deflection from Paul Quinn took a Kris minutes from time. Commons long distance shot beyond County However, the numbers were levelled up ‘keeper Antonio Reguero. when Fede Cartabia was shown a second yel- The win moves Celtic further ahead of low card for handling Bale’s free-kick inside Aberdeen, who dropped points in Friday’s 1-1 the area, and in Ronaldo’s absence, the draw with St Johnstone, with the Hoops also Welshman took responsibility from the spot having a game in hand over their rivals. to send Madrid four points clear at the top of It was a fifth consecutive clean sheet for La Liga. Celtic, who will resume their Old Firm rivalry “I haven’t seen it yet and I still haven’t spo- with Rangers for the first time since 2012 ken with him so I can’t judge,” Madrid boss when they clash in the League Cup semi-final Carlo Ancelotti said of Ronaldo’s dismissal. at Hampden next Sunday. “We suffered in this game, but it is was impor- “Ross County defended well like they did at tant to get the three points and we managed Celtic Park. It’s a small pitch so it wasn’t easy to do it.” to get the tempo up but the attitude of the Cordoba had given their survival hopes a boys was very good,” Celtic manager Ronny huge boost with seven points from their pre- vious three games and the enthusiasm gener- Deila said. “We should have scored more today so it’s not right to say that getting the ated by Madrid’s first visit in 44 years ensured Craig Curran there was a full house at the Nuevo Arcangel. SPAIN: Real Madrid’s Portuguese for- goal was luck.” The home fans had plenty to cheer within ward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during County manager Jim McIntyre was proud the first two minutes as Manchester United the Spanish League football match of his players. “I thought the boys were excel- making its way to Curran at the back post The Hoops eventually made the break- reject Bebe saw his shot cannon off Ramos’s against Cordoba. — AFP lent and showed a real desire to fight for each when Izaguirre appeared to push him off the through in the 52nd minute with a huge slice arm and referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez when he pounced on a poor header by other,” McIntyre said. “I thought our shape was ball but referee Kevin Clancy ignored the of luck. Commons took aim from 30 yards out pointed to the spot. Ghilas had been left out Raphael Varane, but Casillas did just enough good and denied Celtic space. It was a cruel appeals of the County players. and his low strike took a wicked deflection off of the Algerian squad for the African Cup of to turn his attempted lob on to the bar. way to lose it.” Graham Carey’s dipping effort from 25 the out-stretched leg of Quinn and it spun Nations, but his country’s loss has been Madrid rallied in the final 15 minutes, but It was the hosts who had the first chance of yards out resulted in an awkward save from over the head of the helpless Reguero. Corboba’s gain as he fired home his second were still restricted to efforts from outside the the match when Curran let fly from 30 yards Craig Gordon before Commons took a free- Liam Henderson’s bouncing shot from the goal in three games from the spot. Bebe was area as Juan Carlos got down well to stop but his shot whistled just wide. Adam kick which produced a superb save from edge of the area was then turned round the making just his third appearance for Cordoba fierce efforts from Toni Kroos and Benzema. Matthews then fed Commons whose curling Reguero. post by Guidetti as Celtic looked for a second on loan from Benfica, but he was a constant Ronaldo’s frustrations then boiled over when shot failed to trouble County ‘keeper Antonio Celtic should have taken the lead moments their dominance deserved. Celtic stopper threat in the first 45 minutes and was inches he was rightly dismissed for kicking out at Reguero before the former Scotland interna- after the restart when Guidetti slipped a pass Gordon hadn’t had much to do in the second away from doubling the hosts’ lead with a Edimar. tional headed Izaguirre’s cross high over the to Griffiths but his weak shot was blocked by half but he was called into action in the 83rd shot across goal that sneaked just wide. Yet, Ancelotti’s men still managed to grind bar. Izaguirre then fired a shot over before Reguero with Guidetti’s follow-up being minute to stop a decent half-volley from Boyd Slowly, though, Madrid began to find their out a vital victory when Bale made no mis- being involved in a penalty claim for County turned out for a corner after it cannoned off which looked to be heading into the bottom feet and drew level on 27 minutes when take from the spot after Cartabia clearly han- at the other end. Scott Boyd’s header was the back of defender Jamie Reckord. corner. — AFP Rodriguez’s corner was flicked on by Bale and dled his initial free-kick. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 SPORTS Palace dump Saints out of FA Cup

SOUTHAMPTON: Marouane Chamakh former Saints boss Pardew. scored two goals on his return to action as Southampton who beat Palace 3-1 at Crystal Palace twice came from behind to Selhurst Park when the teams last met on knock Premier League rivals Southampton December 26, took the lead with their first out of the FA Cup with a 3-2 fourth-round attack. Palace failed to clear a corner and win at St Mary’s Stadium yesterday. Italy striker Pelle seized on the loose ball to Victory saw Palace make it four wins in a make it 1-0. row in all competitions since manager Alan However, the Eagles were quickly back Pardew, who played in the Eagles side that on level terms when, after a swift counter- lost the 1990 FA Cup final, arrived from attack, Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster Newcastle to take charge of the south failed to hold Sanogo’s shot and former London club. Arsenal striker Chamakh followed up to All five goals came in a see-saw first half, score. But Ronald Koeman’s Southampton with four in 21 minutes leaving the match restored their lead in the 16th minute with all square at 2-2 before Morocco striker Palace central defender Dann, who scored Chamakh, back from six weeks out with a twice in the third-round win over non- hamstring injury, grabbed his second of the league Dover, turning Ryan Bertrand’s cross game to make it 3-2 to visitors Palace. into his own net. Graziano Pelle put the Saints, FA Cup The game’s fourth goal arrived in the winners in 1976 and losing finalists in 2003, 21st minute when Wilfried Zaha played in ahead in the ninth minute only for French striker Sanogo, on loan from Chamakh to equalise two minutes later. Arsenal, who scored his first Palace goal Scott Dann’s 16th-minute own-goal courtesy of a deflected shot. restored Southampton’s lead but Palace Relative calm ensued before, in the 39th were soon level again courtesy of recent minute, Chamakh gave Palace the lead for loan signing Yaya Sanogo’s first goal for the the first time in the match when he chested club and before the break Chamakh put down a diagonal ball, rounded Forster and the Eagles in front. eased the ball into the net. Following such South coast side Southampton, third in a breathless first half, the second period the English top flight, kicked off 19 points failed to produce a goal and Palace in front of a Palace side rejuvenated under advanced into the last 16. — AFP

LONDON: Manchester City’s Fernando (right) fights for the ball against Middlesbrough’s Albert Adomah during the English FA Cup ourthf round soccer match. — AP M’brough shock City

MANCHESTER: Patrick Bamford and Kike were numbered defenders ended with Bamford being minutes when the lively Jovetic was denied by a Middlesbrough’s goal-scoring heroes as they brought down on the edge of the area and, with spectacular dive. In the second half, Boro almost knocked Manchester City out of the FA Cup with the visitors granted the advantage, Kike swept had a second goal four minutes after taking the a stunning 2-0 win at the Premier League cham- the ball home. But for all their attacking lead when Caballero’s awful clearance fell pions’ Etihad Stadium yesterday. prowess, Middlesbrough had Spanish stand-in straight to Lee Tomlin. The defeat will inevitably raise questions goalkeeper Tomas Mejias to thank for keeping Caballerio atoned for that error with an about City’s decision to spend the week at a them in contention during the first half. impressive save while Grant Leadbitter’s follow- warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi and, After a cagey start, Sergio Aguero made room up shot was blocked. As City pushed for an more importantly, the fact that Manuel for himself after 24 minutes and unleashed a equaliser, Boro had a number of opportunities to Pellegrini’s side only returned to England late on near-post shot which Mejias turned into the side counter-attack, a tactic which Pellegrini’s men Friday. Middlesbrough broke the deadlock after netting despite referee Phil Dowd awarding a normally employ to good effect. 52 minutes with a goal that owed everything to goal kick. Indeed, in one remarkable two-minute peri- City’s growing nerves in defence as Fernando Moments later, City put together a flowing od, Middlesbrough might have put the tie underhit a back pass towards Willy Caballero, in move which switched the ball from right to left beyond all reasonable doubt. In the 62nd for the rested Joe Hart, and the goalkeeper and ended with Aleksandar Kolarov sprinting in minute, Adomah found himself clean through immediately came under pressure from Albert and Mejias saving his powerful shot impressive- with only Caballero to beat but his attempted Adomah. Caballero’s unconvincing clearance ric- ly. Seconds after that, Mejias was once more in chip lacked elevation. Tomlin was stunningly ocheted against the Middlesbrough man and City’s sights, this time keeping out Stevan unlucky seconds later when he received the ball the ball rolled towards the goal-line where Jovetic’s 20-yard shot. Fortune also smiled on on the edge of the box, spun past Kompany Fernando, in an attempt to clear, succeeded only Middlesbrough when City carved out their best acrobatically and eased in front of the defence in striking the ball against Bamford and into his chance of the half only for it to fall to defender before thundering his shot against the post. own net. Dedryck Boyata who first miskicked a James After 74 minutes, another Middlesbrough count- It was the start of a riveting second half and Milner cross and then placed the rebound yards er-attack almost ended in spectacular fashion as one which saw City substitute Frank Lampard over the goal. City kept building the pressure Adomah sped down the left, with the visitors strike the post in the 89th minute before and, in quick succession, Milner and David Silva enjoying a three-on-two advantage, and crossed Middlesbrough completed their shock victory in had shots from the edge of the area which to the far post where Jelle Vossen connected the third minute of injury time. Mejias again did well to keep out. with a superb volley which drew a reflex stop Yet another Boro counter-attack against out- But Mejias’s best save of the half came on 39 out of Caballero. — AFP

LONDON: Southampton’s Dusan Tadic (left) is challenged by Crystal Palace’s Martin Kelly during their FA Cup Fourth Round match. — AP Blackburn sink Swansea

LONDON: Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway Taylor. In the day’s two all-Premier League scored the decisive goals as second-tier ties, Southampton entertain Palace and Blackburn Rovers dumped nine-man Leicester City visit Tottenham Hotspur. Swansea City out of the FA Cup with a 3-1 Holders Arsenal continue their defence win yesterday. of the trophy at second-division Brighton Swansea had Kyle Bartley sent off in the and Hove Albion today. Manchester United sixth minute for impeding Josh King, only flirted with ridicule in the first tie of the for them to take the lead in the 21st minute round on Friday when they were taken to a when Gylfi Sigurdsson found the top-left replay by fourth-tier minnows Cambridge corner from 30 yards. United following a 0-0 draw at the Abbey But Chris Taylor hooked in an equaliser Stadium. Cambridge head coach Richard two minutes later before substitute Money has defended the quality of his Gestede and Conway struck in the second club’s playing surface after it was criticised half, the latter finding the net with a shot by United manager Louis van Gaal. that squirmed beneath Swansea goalkeep- “We don’t have the money to spend on er Lukasz Fabianski. the pitch to make it as it is at Old Trafford or Both Gestede and Conway used to play anywhere else,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. for Swansea’s fierce local rivals Cardiff City, “The groundsman did a fantastic job to and Swansea’s misery was compounded in keep it in the condition it was. Yes, it broke stoppage time when Sigurdsson saw red up a little bit, but it’s the same for both for an ugly challenge from behind on teams, I have to say that.” — AFP

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela (center) fights for the ball withLeicester City’s Ritchie De Laet (left) and Jeffrey Schlupp during the English FA Cup fourth round soccer match. — AP Schlupp’s fight stun Spurs

LONDON: Leicester staged a dramatic late fight- Cup semi-final first leg, threatened another early Paulinho went close for Tottenham, shooting back to knock Tottenham out of the FA Cup as goal when Roberto Soldado almost converted wide after some fine build-up play by Erik Jeffrey Schlupp’s last-gasp goal sealed a 2-1 Townsend’s free kick. Lamela. Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has fourth round win yesterday. Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric should have been under fire this week, enduring jeers from Nigel Pearson’s side travelled to White Hart bagged his first goal for the Foxes when he col- the Lane faithful in successive home games fol- Lane rooted to the bottom of the Premier lected Schlupp’s pass and was left unmarked six lowing his claim that Tottenham’s players didn’t League, but they belied their lowly status with a yards from goal, but Michel Vorm produced a like playing in home games due to the unrealis- dynamic recovery after falling behind to Andros superb save to deny the Croatian. tic expectations of the supporters. Townsend’s first-half penalty. Still trailing with Spurs went ahead in the 19th minute after Adebayor received another volley of abuse only seven minutes remaining, the Foxes clawed Soldado was fouled by Liam Moore and England from a significant section of the Spurs support their way into the fifth round as Leonardo Ulloa winger Townsend stepped up to score his sec- when he came on for Soldado in the 70th netted before Schlupp struck two minutes into ond spot-kick in the space of four days following minute. The negative vibes from the Adebayor stoppage time. his midweek winner against United. taunts appeared to spread throughout the sud- The surprise victory should provide a boost There was more frustration for the Foxes just denly tentative Tottenham team and Leicester to Leicester’s bid for top-flight survival, while before the interval when Kramaric was put took advantage to equalise in the 83rd minute also serving as a further indication that through on goal by Danny Drinkwater. when Marc Albrighton’s corner found Schlupp Tottenham remain a work in progress under As he rounded Vorm it seemed Kramaric had and his shot was blocked to Ulloa, who swept Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino’s team had been fouled by the Tottenham goalkeeper, but into the bottom corner. scored in the first minute when they beat instead of a penalty, the Croatian only earned a There was even better to come for the visitors LONDON: Blackburn Rovers’ Lee Williamson (left) challenges Swansea City’s Jonjo Leicester on Boxing Day and the north booking for diving. in the last seconds as Schlupp sidefooted home Shelvey for the ball during the English FA Cup fourth round soccer match at Ewood Londoners, featuring nine changes to the side Vorm denied Schlupp early in the second half from eight yards to seal their win at the Lane Park. — AP which beat Sheffield United 1-0 in the League and then kept out Ulloa’s header, before since 1999. — AFP Wasps find sting in M’brough tail to hold Leinster shock City

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 16 19 Four American women into final 16 Page 17 Chelsea rocked by Bradford Greatest FA Cup upset LONDON: Chelsea were victims of one of the day which also saw Manchester City dumped out finish which struck a post before settling in the greatest-ever FA Cup upsets as third tier Bradford by Middlesbrough. Despite sitting 48 places opposite side of the net. But rather than licking City stormed back from two goals down to earn a below their hosts in the league ladder, Bradford their wounds, Bradford got straight back to work stunning 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge yester- had no shortage of confidence and they played and had reduced the arrears within three minutes. day. Blues manager Jose Mourinho had said with a huge amount of energy. Stead received a pass from Halliday just inside the ahead of the game that it would be a “disgrace” if Morais once turned down a 12-month contract left edge of the area and shifted the ball to his left the Premier League leaders lost the fourth round extension from his compatriot Mourinho while on before unleashing a brilliant strike which Cech saw tie and his worst fears were confirmed as Bradford Chelsea’s books and the Portuguese winger was too late to keep out as he palmed it into the top outplayed their illustrious opponents in an joined by another former Blues trainee in corner of his net. Chelsea still looked dangerous incredible second half. Bradford’s line-up as Billy Knott started in attack. on the counter-attack in the second half, but There was no sign of the drama to come when The visitors gave an early warning of their Bradford refused to be overwhelmed and a series Gary Cahill and Ramires put Chelsea 2-0 up in the potential when Morais delivered a corner and of corners from the visitors had to be repelled as first half. But Phil Parkinson’s side, whose giant- Andrew Davies stooped to win a header, only for Knott and Morais both went close to equalising. killing pedigree saw them reach the League Cup Petr Cech to produce a magnificent left-handed In the 75th minute the former Chelsea pair final in 2013, were handed a lifeline as Jon Stead save to foil him. With 21 minutes gone, Chelsea combined to send their supporters into ecstasy. struck just before the interval. won a corner which Oscar delivered from the left A long throw from the left was flicked into the Felipe Morais, a former Chelsea trainee, and Cahill made a smart run to escape the atten- path of Knott whose prodded effort was saved equalised with 15 minutes remaining and, rather tions of his marker Rory McArdle before guiding a by Cech’s legs before Morais guided a simple fin- than settle for a lucrative replay, Bradford pushed deftly flicked finish inside the near post. ish into the net to draw Bradford level. Fabregas, forward in search of greater glory. Chelsea were beginning to take control and Hazard and Willian were all on the field by this Andy Halliday put them ahead in the 82nd their captain Didier Drogba forced a fine save stage but it got worse for the Blues. Halliday minute before Mark Yeates capped an astonishing from Ben Williams with a curling effort. curled in a superb effort from the edge of the finale that left the hosts shell-shocked. Mourinho Mourinho’s side looked to be cruising into the area with eight minutes remaining before substi- had left Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and John last 16 in the 38th minute when Ramires dispos- tute Yeates exchanged passes with Stead and Terry on the bench, while Diego Costa was not sessed Morais in the centre circle and exchanged calmly finished in the fourth minute of stoppage included at all in the 18-man squad, but even so passes with time to end Chelsea’s hopes of a quadruple tro- this was a truly remarkable result on a memorable Mohamed Salah before stroking in a left-footed phy haul. — AFP Mourinho ‘ashamed’, ‘embarrassed’

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said told them exactly what could happen. Obviously Stead replied for Bradford three minutes later he felt “ashamed” after his side were knocked out I am also responsible for that, but the reality is and former Chelsea youth player Filipe Morais of the FA Cup by third-tier Bradford City yester- that this happens a lot of times in this country.” equalised 15 minutes from time. day. However, the Chelsea boss added: “Never to Bradford, a huge 51 places below Chelsea, Despite fielding a weakened side, hosts me. It is the first time it happens with me in went ahead eight minutes from time through Chelsea were still 2-0 in front at Stamford Bridge English football. I can feel really happy for them Andy Halliday and even more incredibly, despite only for Bradford to storm to a 4-2 victory at the (Bradford). Mourinho sending on substitutes Willian, Cesc Premier League leaders’ home ground. “I was in that dressing room but at the same Fabregas and Eden Hazard from the bench, saw “We must feel ashamed, me and the players time I use the same word I used yesterday Mark Yeates come off the bench to make it 4-2 in must feel ashamed,” admitted the Portuguese (Friday). It is a disgrace we were knocked out.” the fourth of seven added-on minutes. coach. “Frustration is not the right word, embar- Chelsea, who made nine changes to the team “What happened is football and football is rassed would be more appropriate. that drew 1-1 with Liverpool in Tuesday’s League beautiful,” Mourinho, in his second spell as “I don’t feel so upset with myself because I Cup semi-final first leg, took a 21st-minute lead Chelsea manager, said after seeing hopes of a LONDON: Bradford City’s English midfielder Gary Liddle celebrates winning 4-2 did my work properly,” Mourinho told the BBC. “I when Gary Cahill headed in from a corner. ‘quadruple’ this season dashed in spectacular at the final whistle during the FA Cup fourth round football match between thought I prepared my players. “At half-time I Ramires made it 2-0 in the 38th minute but Jon style. — AFP Chelsea and Bradford City at Stamford Bridge. — AFP Venezuela’s currency woes a threat to US corporate profits

Page 22 Business Parity price estimate for oil producers budgets SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Page 24 Wall Street rides higher in week helped by ECB Gulf Bank receives ‘Best Customer Service’ and ‘Best Car Loan’ awards Page 26 Page 23

DAVOS: (L to R) BlackRock Chairman and CEO Laurence Fink, Minister of Finance of Brazil Joaquim Levy, Governor of the Bank of Japan Haruhiko Kuroda, Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank Benoit Coeure, Governor of the Bank of England Mark J. Carney and IMF Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting yesterday in Davos. — AFP Global economy brightens after stimulus BoJ governor Kuroda praises ‘big decision’ by ECB

DAVOS: The global economic outlook just got lion) stimulus has been one of the main talking their part,” he said. Coeure hoped the stimulus sharply since Thursday’s announcement, and is consideration.” Mark Carney, governor of the brighter after this week’s big stimulus from the points at Davos and has helped counter some will give governments the space and encour- trading at 11-year lows around the $1.12 mark. Bank of England, also welcomed the ECB’s European Central Bank, leading policymakers of the pessimism that has enveloped the glob- agement to proceed with those measures. “In That’s potentially good news for eurozone stimulus and said low oil prices may prevail for from around the world said yesterday. al economy in the past few weeks. Stock mar- the case of Europe, being patient is just a risk exporters as it makes their wares cheaper in longer than many people think. In a panel at the World Economic Forum in kets around the world have surged amid hopes that we don’t want to take,” he said. international markets. A lower euro can also “That creates an opportunity that is consid- Davos, they said a perkier Europe, coupled the ECB move could help boost the ailing boost inflation as imports get pricier. The pri- erable and possibly undervalued for the global with a prolonged period of low oil prices, could economy of the 19-country eurozone. ECB’s bond buying mary motivation behind the stimulus is to get economy,” he said. help shore up the global economy following a However, Benoit Coeure, an executive board Some in Europe, particularly in Germany, inflation in the eurozone back toward the tar- Carney did issue one note of caution, warn- period of underperformance that has prompt- member at the ECB, insisted that on its own, it are worried that the ECB’s bond-buying pro- get of just below 2 percent. Currently prices are ing that the current low interest rates around ed many forecasters to reduce their growth won’t be enough. He said governments across gram may ease the pressure on governments falling modestly. the world and the stimulus programs in Europe forecasts. “Lower oil prices and the big decision the region have to enact a raft of structural to do more to reform their economies. Coeure insisted the lower euro wasn’t a pri- and Japan could prompt “excessive risk-taking.” by ECB could further improve world economic reforms to their economies, such as making In Germany, there’s also concern the stimu- mary motivation of the ECB, stressing that the However, he said a better international super- outlook,” said Haruhiko Kuroda, governor of their labor markets more flexible and encour- lus is debasing the euro currency - the ECB doesn’t have an exchange rate target. The visory framework means the world economy is the Bank of Japan. aging businesses to invest. prospect of more euros in circulation can euro’s fall, he said, “was part of the channel” by more able to deal with that than it was before The ECB’s planned 1.1 trillion-euro ($1.2 tril- “We have done our part, others have to do weigh on the currency. The euro has fallen which the stimulus works but “not the main the global financial crisis in 2008. — AP $2 gasoline: Good times keep rolling at the pump

NEW YORK: At some point this will where she works, or out for dinner Thursday that it expects to save $1.7 end, perhaps even soon. The price with her husband. billion on fuel costs this year. Other of gasoline will not fall to zero. But Pump prices have declined for a beneficiaries of low oil prices for the first time since 2009, most record 120 straight days, according include some of the world’s biggest Americans are paying less than $2 a to AAA, though the size of the economies, according to an analysis gallon. Just three months ago declines is shrinking and the streak by Moody’s: China, the eurozone, experts were shocked when it fell may soon end. But even if the price and Japan. Their gains will far out- under $3. rises this spring, as it typically does, strip the losses that are pinching the “It’s crazy,” says Michael Noel, an driving during summer travel sea- budgets of exporting countries such economics professor at Texas Tech son should still cost less than it has as OPEC nations, Russia, and University who studies oil and gaso- in years. Norway. line prices. “But for consumers it’s Conner is hoping she can afford a Oil drillers that fueled a boom in very, very good.” 300-mile roundtrip to Asheville, US production will suffer, along with Consumers and the economies of North Carolina, or even further states such as Texas and North the US and most of the rest of the away, to Tennessee, this summer. Dakota that rely heavily on drilling world are basking in the lowest “Even if it’s not $1.98 that would activity. Oil service companies have prices for crude oil and gasoline in definitely help as far as vacation announced layoffs of thousands of six years. US crude oil traded Friday goes,” she said. workers just in the past week, and just below $46 a barrel and the aver- Diane Swonk, chief economist at the analysis firm Wood Mackenzie age price for a gallon of gas was Mesirow Financial, expects lower expects drilling investment in North $2.04. While there are some losers, gasoline prices to help the U.S. America to fall by $50 billion, or such as oil companies, the oil-pro- economy to grow 3.3 percent this nearly 40 percent, over the next ducing states and the oil-exporting year, the highest since the economy year. But the oil exploration and countries that benefited from $100 grew at that pace in 2005. “This is production business, while sizeable, a barrel for four straight years, most one thing that hits the masses, not is small compared to the rest of the economists agree that the good just a minority of people,” she says. US economy. And the US still needs outweighs the bad. “There’s some benefit for almost to import oil to meet its needs. MIAMI: A cyclist rides past a Westar gas station where gasoline prices are displayed, Friday, in Miami. For the first time since 2009, most Americans are paying less than $2 a gallon. Just three months ago experts were shocked The drop in prices is acting like everyone.” The big drop in oil prices, a result when it fell under $3. — AP an immediate tax cut for drivers, It’s also helping businesses with of rising production in the US and leaving them more money to spend high fuel bills. “We’ve been able to elsewhere at a time when global respectively. maintenance and switch to more price in 2013 was $3.18 a gallon. on other things. The Energy increase our net profits, which has demand growth is weak, means the Missouri drivers are paying just expensive summer blends of gaso- Cheap gas prices are giving some Department predicts lower prices allowed us to reward our employees US is sending fewer dollars over- $1.79 a gallon, the cheapest in the line to meet clean-air standards. consumers the confidence to buy a this year will save a typical house- with bonuses and also purchase seas. nation. Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma Still, even a typical rise of 60 to bigger car or even a home further hold $750 compared with last year. three new vehicles to replace older And drivers are pumping fewer are also paying less than $1.85. In 65 cents over the next few months from work. But some analysts warn Julia Conner paid $1.98 a gallon ones,” says Ricky Wingard, owner of dollars into their gas tanks. The the Lower 48, California drivers are would produce a springtime high of that, eventually, high gas prices will Thursday near her home in Wesley Econ-O-Bug, a pest control compa- national average price is $1.25 less paying the most, $2.47 on average, around $2.70 - far beneath even the return. “The longer these decreases Chapel, N.C. Lower prices have ny in Lexington, S.C. His fleet of 22 than a year ago, according to AAA. followed by New York at $2.46. lowest prices of recent years, last, the longer people think they will made her more willing to go out for vehicles drive an average 1,600 The national average is over $2 only Gasoline prices rise nearly every according to Tom Kloza, chief oil stay around,” says Texas Tech’s Noel. lunch with co-workers at the animal miles a day. due to high pump prices in Alaska year between late winter and early analyst at the Oil Price Information “It’s a dangerous thought to have. It care and control office in Charlotte Southwest Airlines told investors and Hawaii - $2.78 and $3.28, summer as refineries slow down for Service. The lowest national average won’t be like this forever.” — AP BUSINESS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Euro hits $1.11 in post-ECB stimulus slide Bayt.com report

NEW YORK: The euro fell again against the dollar Friday, December for the first time in five years. amid the financial crisis, in mid-2015, “the euro looks Six ways to reduce hitting a new 11-year low a day after the European Central ECB chief Mario Draghi said the program would contin- increasingly likely to reach (dollar) parity by year-end, if not Bank unveiled a vast bond-buying program to revive the ue at least through September 2016. Analysts said the euro sooner,” he said. The Fed’s policy arm, the Federal Open job interview stress eurozone. The currency market also nervously awaited the could slide further toward dollar parity as the ECB Market Committee, meets on Tuesday and Wednesday. outcome of Greece’s general elections Sunday, with polls announcement underscores a growing policy divergence Kathy Lien of BK Asset Management said that part of the KUWAIT: Almost every job seeker has been rendered showing the leftist anti-austerity Syriza party would win, with the US Federal Reserve, which exited its QE program dollar index’s more than five percent gain since the begin- sleepless with the prospects of the job interview at posing a new challenge to the bailout program from the in October and is considering an interest rate hike this year. ning of the year reflected the positive outlook for the US least once in their career. Before a job interview, anxi- European Union and the International Monetary Fund. “The key factor is that the ECB’s extension of QE is open- economy, which is enjoying relatively strong growth com- ety reaches a whole new level and apprehension sets The euro, which fetched $1.1359 late Thursday, tumbled ended,” said RIA Capital Markets analyst Nick Stamenkovic. pared with other major economies. “The main reason why in, and the key to interview success is to keep anxiety to $1.1115, the lowest level since September 2003. “In other words, if euro area inflation fails to rise in coming the dollar is performing so well is because central banks under control so the level of stress is manageable, as The ECB’s announcement Thursday of a 1.14-trillion- months then further purchases are likely as it attempts to around the world are in a race to ease,” Lien said, citing the a nervous interviewee is unlikely to be a successful euro ($1.27-trillion) bond-buying program, or quantitative restore price stability over the medium-term.” Bank of Canada’s quarter-point rate cut, the ECB’s QE and one. easing (QE), aims to stimulate growth and avert deflation But with the Fed looking set to raise interest rates from dovish minutes from the Bank of England monetary policy In this article, the experts at Bayt.com, the Middle after the nearly stagnant eurozone saw prices drop in near zero, where they have been pegged since late 2008 meeting. — AFP East’s leading job site, provide practical advice on how you can eliminate interview stress once-and-for- all:

1. Imagine yourself in the interviewer’s shoes It helps to remember when sitting in the interview spotlight that the interviewer himself is a busy man with deadlines, a job and a boss to report to. Remember, getting this far is already an accomplish- ment and the fact that the employer has given you such a generous block of time means they are inter- ested in your profile, abilities and qualifications. You may want to put yourself in the employer’s shoes - imagine you are in full control of the job interview and the goal is to deliver to the employer all the answers he needs to sell you to the rest of the team clearly and succinctly.

2. Know yourself You should know yourself and your professional achievements, interests, skills and qualifications, par- ticularly as summarized on your CV and as they relate to this particular job. You should know your employ- ment history and CV like the back of your hand and be able to explain or expound any aspect of it imme- diately. You should also appear to be a go-getter from the start. In fact, 28.8% of employers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region look for ‘hunger, drive and ambition’ as the most important factor when making a hiring decision, as per the Bayt.com HEBEI: In this Nov 27, 2014 file photo, worker load coal briquettes into a tricycle cart at a BIG SPRINGS: In this Jan 7, 2015 photo, cattle rancher Randy Cree adds fuel to a fac- ‘Hiring Practices in the MENA’ poll, January 2012. coal process station in Tangxian in China’s Hebei province. China recorded its first drop in tor at his farm near Big Springs, Kan. Cree has not been able to afford to fill the fuel coal production in 2014 since 2000, as the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter pulls tanks at his farm, but with prices below $2.00 he plans completely fill his two 300- 3. Read relevant literature back on its use of the fossil fuel and switches to cleaner energy sources. According to the gallon and one 200-gallon tanks as soon as he can get a fuel truck to deliver it. Reading books or articles related to job interviews country’s national coal association, China produced 3.5 billion tons of coal in the first 11 will give you that extra self-confidence you need to months of 2014, 2.1 percent less than the same period in 2013. — AP photos appear calm during the interview and anticipate some of the most common questions. By eliminating most of the ‘shock’ value of the interview and feeling you are armed with answers to most questions that can come your way you will feel much more relaxed, Venezuela’s currency woes a comfortable and in control of the interview. 4. Prepare 20% of companies in the MENA region find poor threat to US corporate profits preparation to be the most common mistake job- seekers make in an interview, as stated in the Bayt.com ‘Hiring Practices in the MENA’ poll. Nothing NEW YORK: Venezuela’s deepening economic troubles, and would be introduced into the system to offer dollars via pri- said other companies might follow Ford’s lead. “Who wouldn’t beats practice and preparation for confidence build- in particular the weakness of the bolivar and restrictive cur- vate brokers to vie with the black market rate. want to deconsolidate a Venezuelan subsidiary?” he asked. ing. While knowing yourself is the fundamental build- rency controls, have hurt US corporate profits for the fourth The latest moves may catch some companies flat-footed - Cleaning and household products maker Clorox last year ing block in the successful interview formula, know- quarter of 2014 and are set to inflict further pain this year. particularly regarding the size of the hit they may have to take decided to exit Venezuela altogether. CEO Don Knauss told ing the job, the industry and the company come in a In a likely sign of things to come from a number of compa- to their earnings as they revalue assets at a much weaker boli- analysts in October that Venezuela’s government was slow to close second. Research these areas extensively so nies this results reporting season, Ford Motor Co on Friday var exchange rate. “They may be surprised by the magnitude approve price increases and when it did they were not as high that the next time you are seated across from the said it was taking a pre-tax charge of $800 million for its of the move but not by the direction,” said Marc Chandler, as promised. interviewer you have a detailed knowledge of what it Venezuela business. It blamed Venezuelan exchange control global head of market strategy at Brown Brothers Harriman & “We saw no hope that we could create a sustaining busi- is they are looking for. Practice your answers and fine- regulations that have restricted the ability of its operations in Co. “But many shied away from hedging in the past because it ness in that country,” Knauss said during an October confer- tune them till you have perfected both the content the country to pay dividends and obligations in US dollars. is very expensive.” ence call. Overall, foreign companies have an estimated $16 and delivery of these answers. Ford also said that it was unable to maintain normal produc- billion in outstanding dividends listed on their balance sheets tion in Venezuela with the availability of vehicle parts con- Isolating venezuelan business that they have not been able to return to headquarters, 5. Don’t dwell on your mistakes strained. Companies often need approval from Caracas to raise according to Caracas-based research firm Ecoanalitica. The Remind yourself that everyone is fallible and that Also on Friday, diaper and tissue maker Kimberly-Clark prices amid soaring inflation. Sometimes that approval is actual value of those assets could, though, be considerably should you stumble or falter with a particularly diffi- Corp said it took a fourth-quarter charge of $462 million for its delayed or the price hikes don’t keep pace with a 12-month less, depending on the exchange rates. cult question, you can quickly recover. The secret is Venezuelan business. That was after it concluded that the inflation rate currently at nearly 64 percent, threatening losses At the end of the third quarter, for example, American not to make a big issue out of a bad or outright appropriate rate at which it should be measuring its bolivar- because of a mismatch between costs and revenue. Airlines Group Inc, had $721 million held in the Venezuelan wrong answer but to quickly take stock of what went denominated monetary assets should be a Venezuelan gov- Before the move by Maduro, some well known U.S. compa- currency, at a weighted average exchange rate of 6.41 bolivars wrong, regain composure, take remedial action if ernment floating exchange rate - currently at around 50 boli- nies, including Procter & Gamble, General Motors, Baker to the dollar. possible then refocus and move on to the next ques- vars to the dollar - rather than a fixed official rate of 6.3 to the Hughes Inc and Brink’s had already reported financial hits Theoretically, if the airline tried to repatriate all of that tion. Keep a professional front at all times and don’t dollar that it had previously been using. Kimberly-Clark related to the bolivar over the past year. money into dollars at the current black market rate of 184 let yourself get mired in any interview traps or poten- blamed increased uncertainty and lack of liquidity in “A wide swath of multinational companies with large oper- bolivars per US dollar as quoted by the website tially harmful comments you may inadvertently have Venezuela for the move. ations in Venezuela will suffer from having to hold currency dolartoday.com, it would only receive about $25 million. “For a made. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday that is stuck in the country and depreciating in value,” said Erik business like American Airlines, they have a bank account full he was shaking up the complex currency controls in the Gordon, professor of law and business at the University of of worthless monopoly money, and the only way it is worth 6. Smile socialist-run country, where dollars are sold on the black mar- Michigan. something is if they can get an exchange,” said Russ Dallen, Laughter is the closest distance between two peo- ket for about 184 bolivars to the US dollar instead of the coun- For Ford, conditions are so tough in the South American head of Caracas Capital Markets in Miami. “But the govern- ple and a good smile (a close relative to laughter) can try’s three-tiered exchange rate system that has ranged from country that it also announced on Friday that it will make an ment doesn’t have any dollars to exchange, in size. They can’t melt many a concrete professional heart. Aside from the 6.3 official rate to two other rates, currently at about 12 accounting change that will allow it to isolate the rest of the pull out because not only will they not get the dollar at the endearing you to the interviewer, showing you are and the one at around 50. company from its Venezuela operations. “In future periods, our original rate promised but the Venezuelan government said pleasant and breaking the ice, a polite smile will actu- Those latter two tiers of the system would be merged, he financial results will not include the operating results of our they would take the travel routes and never let them back into ally make you feel happier and will lift your spirits. said, though it is not immediately known at what rate that Venezuelan operations,” it said in a corporate filing. the country if they did.” American Airlines did not return mes- would happen. Maduro also announced that another new rate Bob Willens, a veteran accounting expert on Wall Street, sages seeking comment. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.610 Philippine Peso 0.006535 0.006815 Nepalese Rupees 3.985 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 82.145 Singapore Dollar 0.217118 0.223118 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019912 0.028412 Japanese Yen 2.501 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.795 Australian Dollar 232.53 229.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001872 0.002452 Indian Rupees 4.790 Thai Bhat 10.000 Canadian Dollar 249.90 250.90 Taiwan 0.009302 0.009482 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Turkish Lira 125.890 Swiss Franc 293.82 291.82 Thai Baht 0.008702 0.009252 Srilankan Rupees 2.225 Euro 350.75 351.75 Nepali Rupees 2.989 US Dollar 294.90 297.90 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.650 Sterling Pound 449.01 451.01 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.024 Bahraini Dinar 0.775503 0.783503 Japanese Yen 2.53 2.55 Bangladesh Taka 3.782 Egyptian Pound 0.037501 0.040601 Bangladesh Taka 3.778 4.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.598 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Thai Baht 9.029 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.227 2.662 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007680 0.008680 Jordanian Dinar 0.411740 0.419240 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.964 3.499 British Pound 0.437209 0.446209 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.926 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004027 0.016027 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.14 80.60 Danish Krone 0.040948 0.045948 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022600 0.046600 Saudi Riyal 78.331 Bahraini Dinar 782.70 784.77 Euro 0.326304 0.334304 Nigerian Naira 0.001200 0.001835 Qatari Riyal 81.022 Egyptian Pound 41.12 41.72 Norwegian Krone 0.034570 0.039770 Omani Riyal 0.759694 0.765374 Omani Riyal 766.310 Jordanian Dinar 419.01 424.66 Romanian Leu 0.084560 0.084560 Qatar Riyal 0.080263 0.081476 Bahraini Dinar 766.310 Omani Riyal 764.77 772.07 Slovakia 0.008654 0.018654 Saudi Riyal 0.077977 0.078677 UAE Dirham 81.022 Qatari Riyal 81.21 81.76 Swedish Krona 0.031818 0.036818 Syrian Pound 0.001748 0.001968 Saudi Riyal 78.55 78.95 Swiss Franc 0.330884 0.341084 Tunisian Dinar 0.148577 0.156577 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.126775 0.133775 Turkish Lira 0.126775 0.133775 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.874 UAE Dirhams 0.079282 0.080431 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.572 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001331 0.001411 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.376 Australian Dollar 0.225368 0.236868 New Zealand Dollar 0.213516 0.223016 Tunisian Dinar 154.550 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 415.970 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 294.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.979 America Canadian Dollar 246.295 Syrian Lira 2.102 Canadian Dollar 0.232753 0.241253 Sterling Pound 447.225 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 31.733 US Dollars 0.290700 0.295400 Euro 342.455 US Dollar 294.250 US Dollars Mint 0.291200 0.295400 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 257.785 Euro 348.000 Bahrain Dinar 784.025 US Dollar Transfer 294.800 Asia Pound Sterlng 448.650 UAE Dirhams 80.625 Euro 342.850 Bangladesh Taka 0.003485 0.004085 Canadian Dollar 247.700 Qatari Riyals 81.785 Sterling Pound 448.540 Chinese Yuan 0.046166 0.049666 Indian Rupee 4.738 Saudi Riyals 78.795 Canadian dollar 245.260 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035924 0.038674 Egyptian Pound 41.135 Jordanian Dinar 416.035 Turkish lira 125.770 Indian Rupee 0.004435 0.004836 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222 Egyptian Pound 40.296 Swiss Franc 340.420 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Bangladesh Taka 3.770 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.222 Australian Dollar 244.090 Japanese Yen 0.002423 0.002603 Philippines Peso 6.590 Indian Rupees 4.781 US Dollar Buying 293.600 Kenyan Shilling 0.003265 0.003265 Pakistan Rupee 2.928 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278 Bahraini Dinar 783.450 Bangladesh Taka 3.782 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.079079 0.085079 Philippines Pesso 6.613 UAE Dirham 80.150 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003013 0.003183 Cyprus pound 723.485 Saudi Riyal 78.600 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002726 0.003006 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.495 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Market Commentary The surprises of 2015

By Byron Wien November elections, but clearly it did not, and the Republicans took the his is the thirtieth edition of my Senate and gained seats in the House of Ten Surprises of the New Year. I Representatives. Tdefine a surprise as an event that But enough of last year, here are my the average investor would give only a surprises for the 2015 calendar year. one out of three chance of taking place, 1. The Federal Reserve finally raises but that I believe is probable (i.e., the short-term interest rates, well before event has better than a 50% chance of the middle of the year, encouraged happening). My goal is to push by the improving employment data investors to think about the unexpected and strong Gross Domestic Product events which so often have an impact growth. The timing proves faulty, on the financial markets. Usually, I get however, as the momentum of the five or six of the Surprises more or less economy has begun to flag and a “right,” but I am not trying for a high short-term slowdown has started. score. I do The Surprises to get myself The end of monetary accommoda- KSE ended last week in green (and hopefully our clients) beyond lin- tion and rising rates precipitate a ear thinking. correction in equities. Long-term Last year, my results were on the Treasury rates stay where they start- favorable side of average for The Ten ed and the yield curve flattens. BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT Surprises. I got six of the Surprises 2. Our luck runs out on cyber terrorism. mostly right, but there were a few that I Hackers invade the personal and KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended session, to drop its three indices as a result to its index closed at 1,208.21 points. Whereas, in last week in the green zone. The Price Index the profit collection operations that included the second place, the Consumer Goods sector’s missed, including the year-end drop in corporate accounts of a major mon- closed at 6,662.81 points, up by 0.97% from the most of the traded stocks, especially the large- index closed at 1,223.84 points recording 1.58% oil. At the beginning of the year, almost ey center bank and the Federal week before closing, the Weighted Index cap and operational stocks in the Banks sector, increase. The Financial Services sector came in every observer (including myself) Reserve orders the institution to increased by 0.29% after closing at 445.60 among a limited decline in the trading activity third as its index achieved 1.58% growth, ending expected the price of oil to rise as a suspend transactions for five busi- points, whereas the KSX-15 Index closed when compared to the previous session. the week at 848.83 points. result of increasing demand from the ness days while the accuracy of its 1,082.28 points up by 0.44%. Furthermore, last Also, the stock market ended Tuesday’s ses- On the other hand, the Telecommunications emerging markets. The United States balances is verified. 3. The year- week’s average daily turnover increased by sion with mixed performance to its three indices, sector headed the losers list as its index declined was consuming 21 barrels per person end 2014 rally in United States equi- 36.32%, compared to the preceding week, whereas the Price Index was able to return to the by 2.07% to end the week’s activity at 589.63 per year while India was using less than ties continues as the market rises for reaching K.D 34.76 million, whereas trading vol- green zone once again due to the purchasing points. The Health Care sector was second on two and China less than three. The a strong performance in 2015. A ume average was 392.74 million shares, record- activity on the small-cap stocks, whilst the the losers’ list, which index declined by 1.73%, expanding middle class in these coun- growing economy, fueled by hous- ing an increase of 46.40%. Weighted and KSX-15 indices continued its loss- closing at 916.46 points, followed by the tries would be acquiring motorized ing and capital spending and favor- es, affected by the profit collection operations Technology sector, as its index closed at 907.81 vehicles and using more gasoline. Even able earnings, enables the Standard The stock market indicators closed in the executed on some large-cap stocks. On points at a loss of 1.31%. with hydraulic fracking, few expected & Poor’s 500 to increase 15% during green zone for the second consecutive week, to Wednesday session, the three stock indicators production to increase enough to meet the year, outperforming equities in enhance its annual gains, whereas the market were able to realize gains once again, due to the Sectors’ Activity the demand, and so the price of oil was most major industrialized countries received support from the purchasing power strong purchasing operations that came in line The Financial Services sector dominated a expected to rise. throughout the world. that was present during the week due to the with some listed banks and companies positive total trade volume of 809.73 million shares 4. Mario Draghi finally begins to investors’ optimism of the listed companies disclosure to its 2014 financial results. However, changing hands during last week, representing expand the balance sheet of the financial results for year 2014, especially after on Wednesday session, the stock market indica- 41.24% of the total market trading volume. The European Central Bank aggressively the positive results that were disclosed by some tors recorded slight growth by the end of the Real Estate sector was second in terms of trading by buying sovereign debt, mort- companies, which contributed in increasing the session, after a fluctuated performance with a volume as the sector’s traded shares were decline tend during all the session, as such con- 25.55% of last week’s total trading volume, with gages and corporate bonds. In spite trading activity and the liquidity levels. In addition, the stock market initiated the tributed by the last minute trading that wit- a total of 501.75 million shares. of this expansion, Europe falls back beginning of week session with a grouped gain nessed a purchasing activity and caused the On the other hand, the Telecommunications into a serious recession. Germany is for its three indicators, supported by the active market to change direction into the green zone. sector’s stocks were the highest traded in terms particularly weak as reduced purchasing trend that concentrated on the of value; with a turnover of K.D 46.67 million or demand from various trading part- small-cap stocks, especially that of excessive Sectors’ Indices 26.85% of last week’s total market trading value. ners has a major impact on its declined prices last week, among a noticeable Seven of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the The Financial Services sector took the second exports. 5. Shock and awe no increase in traded liquidity, to reach its highest green zone, while the other Five recorded place as the sector’s last week turnover was K.D longer works in Japan. The reces- level since the beginning of the current year. declines. Last week’s highest gainer was the 36.07 million represented 20.76% of the total sion which began in the third quar- Whilst the market could not hold it for the next Insurance sector, achieving 1.73% growth rate as market trading value. ter of 2014 continues throughout 2015 in spite of further fiscal and monetary stimulus and the suspen- sion of the second planned sales tax increase. 6. China reports that it is no longer growing at 7% and that more fiscal and monetary stimulus is needed to grow at even 5% and to prevent a In my second Surprise, I thought the hard landing. It also acknowledges excessive optimism of investors in a that it must rebalance the economy slow economy would be a problem, but toward the consumer and away the market in the U.S. didn’t really expe- from credit-based investing in state- rience an important setback until owned enterprises and infrastruc- September when the “correction” was ture. What money is spent on infra- about 8%. I also projected the Standard structure is focused on air, water & Poor’s 500 would reach a level of and ground pollution, not roads and Moody’s drops 2,300 by year end, and the actual high housing. 7. The drop in the price of Wall Street rides higher was 2,094; I got the trend right. oil finally has an impact on Iran. The Atlantic In the third Surprise, I thought that country was dependent on its sale in week helped by ECB growth in the US economy would move of crude to offset the impact of City credit toward 3%, and by the third quarter sanctions. The economic weakness growth was coming in at almost 4%. I resulting from the unexpected NEW YORK: A tumble of blue-chip stock shares late 8 percent during the week. Friday failed to erase another week of gains for Wall The prospect of continued low interest rates but a rating also said that the unemployment rate decline in oil finally forces a concilia- Street. US stocks managed to claw back most of the stronger dollar boosted the financial sector, which would move toward 6% and the last tory attitude on the part of its losses from the beginning of 2015 buoyed by a larger- gained about 2.5 percent. But even as the outlook for ATLANTIC CITY: Wall Street is looking at nuclear negotiators. reading was 5.8%. As I expected, Fed than-expected stimulus from the European Central oil remained bleak, with the crude price stuck below Atlantic City’s financial future and doesn’t tapering did not prove to be a big prob- 8. Brent slips into the $40s. The low Bank, generally higher corporate earnings and a burst $50, oil exploration and production companies and like what it sees. Moody’s Investors lem for either the economy or the stock price of crude oil, which continues of buying in big tech firms. oilfield services companies were also generally higher. Service on Friday lowered Atlantic City’s and the bond markets. throughout the first part of the year, The Dow Jones Industrial Average put on 0.9 per- The industry has already begun top sharply cut bond rating by six steps, from Ba1 to For the fourth Surprise, I thought has a major impact on Russia. But cent to end the week at 17,672.60, and the broader back, with exploration budgets being slashed and Caa1, which is deep into junk territory. that the strong US economy and weak During the second half of the year, S&P 500 rose 1.6 percent to 2,051.82. The Nasdaq services industry leaders Baker Hughes, Halliburton The move came a day after Gov. Chris conditions in other developed countries West Texas Intermediate and Brent Composite outdid both with a 2.7 percent surge to and Schlumberger announcing a collective 17,000 job Christie appointed corporate turnaround would enable the dollar to strengthen. crude are both above $70, as 4,757.88. The ECB’s announcement of a 60 billion cuts. More are expected. specialist Kevin Lavin as the city’s emer- This one concerned me, but it turned emerging market demand contin- euro-per-month ($67 billion) quantitative easing stim- gency manager, and Kevyn Orr, who out to be my best call of the year. ues to increase. ulus program was the strongest incentive for buying, Week ahead helped Detroit through its bankruptcy fil- For the fifth Surprise, I saw Japan 9. The year-end 2014 meltdown in the giving the Dow a 1.5 percent boost on Thursday and Various quarterly reports in the tech companies ing, as his assistant. Christie’s executive doing well early in the year and poorly high yield market, as a result of the the Nasdaq 1.8 percent. helped fire the sector at large. Weekly gains in e-com- order appointing the pair indicates a later on because of the sales tax collapse in the price of oil, creates a It was seen as a strong commitment to fight defla- merce firms topped 6 percent; social media compa- bankruptcy filing is possible to help increase and other factors. My view was huge buying opportunity. The tion in the eurozone and restore growth, and it sent nies gained 4 percent; and search engines were also reduce the city’s debt, which Moody’s cal- that at some point the huge fiscal and spread between high yield and the dollar sharply higher on the euro. about 4 percent higher. culated at $397 million. monetary stimulus would prove ineffec- Treasury’s is cut in half, and high From $1.156 per one euro at the beginning of the Google gained 6.3 percent and Twitter 5.7 percent The agency cited an increased risk of default and a new mindset among state tive in sustaining modest growth for the yield becomes the best performer of week, the dollar climbed to $1.112 Friday before amid rumors Google wants to buy Twitter. The com- officials. “The downgrade to Caa1 reflects economy. In fact, Japan did slip back the various asset classes as the U.S. pulling back slightly. Patrick O’Hare of Briefing.com ing week will be swamped with quarterly earnings called the buying surge Thursday a knee-jerk reaction. reports — 142 companies to be exact. “It’s important the appointment of an emergency man- into a recession in the third quarter. The economy continues to grow. “There was a lot of back-slapping of ECB President to get the health of corporate America. Next week we agement team of two bankruptcy spe- Nikkei 225 reached 17,971 in December, 10. The Republicans decide to position Mario Draghi after he announced a larger than will get a bigger picture,” said Art Hogan of cialists mandated to consider debt pretty close to my 18,000 target. the party as the one that can get expected, and open-ended, QE program. The jury is Wunderlich Securities. Lee Munson of Portfolio LLC restructuring, which could involve a loss In the sixth Surprise, I saw China something done in Washington. out on whether it will achieve the economic ends it is said the broader range of earnings reports could to bondholders,” analyst Josellyn slowing seriously. The reported growth They argue that President Obama designed to achieve,” said Patrick O’Hare of show how cheap oil is affecting companies, including Gonzalez Yousef wrote in a report to rate is in excess of 7%, but data on was ineffective in his first six years, Briefing.com. which ones are able to mask other problems with the clients Friday. “The increased risk of exports and industrial production seem but when they got control of both “We understand the ECB is trying to get things lower fuel costs. “Bad earnings might be hidden by default further arises from the city’s inconsistent with such a robust view of the Senate and the House, legisla- untrenched, but with a lack of pro-growth fiscal and the lower cost of energy,” he said. The week ahead looming $12.8 million note maturity on economic activity. Ultimately, I thought tion was passed. Every year there structural reforms in the euro area, the QE program also brings a new policy meeting of the Federal February 3. This is a rapid, dramatic the growth rate would be closer to 6%. are always a few Surprises that do could be LOA-limp on arrival.” Earnings were generally Reserve. The meeting will likely spur more speculation change from the State of New Jersey’s For the seventh Surprise, I thought the not make the Ten either because I on the upside of expectations and outlooks given by on when it will hike interest rates. But Fed watchers prior policy of preventing default or emerging markets would have another do not think they are as relevant as companies mostly positive-especially in the fuel-price do not expect any more precision to repeated signals bankruptcy of Atlantic City or any New tough year and they did. I believed, those on the basic list or I am not sensitive industries like the airlines, where shares rose of a possible rate increase around mid-year. — AFP Jersey local government.” however that Mexico and South Korea comfortable with the idea that they The Caa1 rating indicates a high risk would do better than most, but they are “probable.” of default over the next five years. Mayor Don Guardian said he has been working were also disappointing. Also rans: to tame the city’s finances in his first year For the eighth Surprise, I expected 11. Water becomes the central environ- in office. “I’ve only been in office a short agricultural commodities to go up mental issue of 2015, eclipsing car- time,” he said. “I continue to do what is because of demand from the develop- bon-caused air pollution. It necessary to make Atlantic City economi- ing world as a result of rising living stan- becomes a source of considerable cally vibrant, and that goal hasn’t dards there. I got this one wrong, as tension in India and China, where changed. Our better days are still to reduced demand in these slowing large parts of the population do not come.” The city is cutting $40 million from economies caused commodity prices to have safe drinking water on a con- its $260 million budget over the next fall. sistent basis. three years and eliminating 250 to 300 In the ninth Surprise, I thought inter- 12. Internet commerce runs into trou- jobs this year. Four of Atlantic City’s 12 est rates would rise more than the con- ble, and stocks for the likes of casinos closed last year, and three others sensus and had the 10-year U.S. Airbnb and Uber decline sharply. are currently in bankruptcy. Treasury yield at 4%. At the current 13. Brazil provides an emerging market Proposals pending in the state yield of 2.3%, this was also an erroneous favorable surprise. President Dilma Legislature would redirect $30 million in view. Rousseff introduces a number of an alternative investment tax that casinos Finally, in the tenth Surprise, I business-friendly policies and the currently pay toward redevelopment thought the Affordable Care Act, which economy improves. It is helped projects to help pay down Atlantic City’s municipal debt. But those bills have more than it is hurt by the drop in was getting very bad press at year-end stalled amid partisan bickering over the 2013, would have a significant turn- the oil price. Brazil becomes a best way to aid the city and its eight sur- around. I thought its controversial suc- favorite of emerging market viving casinos, and no firm date is set for cess would help the Democrats in the investors once again. NEW YORK: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during the afternoon in New York a final vote. — AP City. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at approximately 140 points down. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2014 BUSINESS Parity price estimate for oil producers budgets Al-Shall Weekly Economic Report

KUWAIT: Oil prices began their big Therefore, production meets the prices during November. This per- these levels, but it is a phenomenon hikes between 2004 and 2014 and global demand at about 92 million centage is expected to reach about which is worth studying to find out although they crumbled with the barrels a day only if the production 3% in 2014, compared to 2.7% for the reasons: whether it is due to the outbreak of the global financial cri- cost until the last barrel is equiva- the year 2013, with a higher rise to high risks or shortcomings in the sis in September 2008, they recov- lent to its price. Therefore, we 3.5% for 2015. trading systems, or a problem in the ered their rise in 2009 and beyond believe that meeting the world The prominent commodity market’s components or its listed until their levels exceeded the pre- needs of oil requires a price of US$ groups that contributed to the rise companies, or problems of the gen- financial crisis levels from 2011 to 70 per barrel or more because it were the “Tobacco and Cigarettes” eral environment, all of which are the beginning of 2014 autumn. The covers the production cost of differ- that ranked first place with about curable. justifications for the rise until the ent types of oil. 12.2% which form about 0.3% of the This liquidity weakness comes at beginning of 2010 included the According to IMF blog last consumer price index, followed by a critical stage which transform the strong performance of the global December, production cost of about the “Education” group by 6.5%, and market to a private company is in economy and its rapid recovery 20 million barrels of oil per day on constitutes about 3% of the con- the implementation stage. A private from the 2008 crisis, though with land from the Middle East is the sumer price index, and then the company to continue and develop substantial support from the lowest at approximately US$ 15-40 a ‘Furnishing Equipment House Hold needs turnover, or at least not to growth of both China and India barrel, an average cost of around Maintenance’ and ‘Housing Services’ sustain losses. Poor liquidity proba- which added about 12 million bar- US$ 29 per barrel. Therefore, it is groups by about 4.4%. The percent- bly will not allow that for some time rels a day to the world demand on quite difficult for prices to drop age has not changed since which may be long. Some major oil in the period of 1980-2013. below US$ 30 per barrel and remain September and October 2014 for weakness factors include less confi- Justifications for the additional rise for a long period. The second lowest the housing services group, which dence in the market components in prices and in the production of cost is for production from offshore constitutes approximately 28.9% of over 6 years, the market is full of list- the energy surplus countries like shelf areas, which produce addition- the consumer price index. It is ed companies half of which have no Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were due al 20 million barrels a day. Together expected that this group would liquidity and have no justification to to geopolitical reasons in the begin- with the first, they are more impor- remain without change. The group be listed, the heated general envi- ning of 2011 as a result of sanctions tant because most of it is available of ‘Restaurant and Hotels’ which ronment on amending CMA’s law on Iran and the Arab spring events, for export. Average production cost constitutes 3.3% of the consumer due to the political struggle for i.e. risk premium on prices and pro- from it is about US$ 18-65 per bar- price index comes next with about influence within it, and the recent duction, but it is unsustainable. rel, an average cost of up to US$ 43 3.5%. The group of “Foods and developments in the oil market. So, In a study published on the a barrel. Then comes the extra Beverages” also rose by about 3.3% perhaps it is of interest that the new International Monetary Fund (IMF) heavy oil and oil from deep water and represents approximately company adopts a defensive strate- blog on December 22, 2014, the areas which produce about 10 mil- 18.4% of this basket. gy, by delaying, for instance, its authors ‘Rabah Arezk’ and ‘Olivier lion barrels a day, with an average The inflation rate in Kuwait transformation procedures as much Blanchard’ presented estimates of cost of about US$ 49 per barrel for remains stable at 2.9% (on annual as it is permitted by law, starts with parity prices in the budgets of the the extra heavy oil and US$ 53 per basis), with a high rate of inflation the smallest possible functional sys- oil producing states which didn’t barrel for the deep water areas. for food items prices during the tem and the lowest financial cost learn the lessons of the 1980s and There are 11 million barrels per day month by 3.3%, an increase by 0.4% possible. Let the start be a watch 1990s but on the of oil onshore produced from Russia compared with the preceding and see phase. contrary increased their public with an average cost of about US$ month due to the continued high expenditures in the last decade 54 per barrel. prices of vegetables and fruits. Weekly performance of without any reserved consideration. There are also about 12 million Food prices are expected to set- Kuwait Stock Exchange The study indicated that parity barrels per day inland production tle in the near term as a result of The performance of Kuwait Stock the transactions index, and the gen- 2.9 points or about 0.7% compared prices for 14 oil producers ranged for the rest of the world, with an drop in world prices in addition to Exchange (KSE) for the last week eral index showed an increase, to the end of the previous week, between the lowest in Kuwait and average production cost per barrel the expanded subsidies system and was more active, where all indexes AlShall Index (value index) closed at and increased by 5 points or about Turkmenistan at slightly below US$ at about US$ 55. At ultra deep water perhaps monitoring prices will help showed an increase, the traded val- 449 points at the closing of last 1.1% compared with the end of 60 a barrel and the highest for Libya areas at an average production cost keep prices under control to ensure ue index, the traded volume index, Thursday, showing an increase of 2014. at around US$ 180 per barrel. For of US$ 57 a barrel, 5 million barrels a that inflation rate remains between about 10 of the 14 States it is at day are produced, and about 8 mil- 3-4% during the next two years. around US$ 70 plus, for Qatar and lion barrels of shale oil from North What is currently unknown is the Kazakhstan it was between US$ 60 America - United States and extent of the weakness which may and US$ 70 per barrel. The parity Canada- at an average cost of affect the exchange rate of the price for UAE was slightly less than around US$ 62 a barrel, and finally Kuwaiti dinar against the US dollar, US$ 80 per barrel, to Saudi Arabia there are 3 million barrels a day of which remains based on develop- and Oman it was about US$ 100 per oil sands at a production average ments in the oil market and the barrel, and for Bahrain it was at US$ cost of around US$ 74 a barrel. growth of world economy. 120 per barrel. And so was it for Except the last category, meeting Algeria and Iran, and about US$ 140 the global oil demand, oil price Kuwait Stock Market per barrel for Yemen. should be close to US$ 70 per barrel liquidity - Unhealthy situation This means that the current level to continue producing 92 million Kuwait Stock Exchange market’s of prices at around US$ 50 per bar- barrels a day, with return on invest- liquidity dropped in 2014 by about - rel for Brent mix and lower for all ment adequate enough to continue 45.3%. This has been low since after crudes of the region will make all production and invest in to increase the global financial crisis in 2008. producers face deficits in their it to meet the requirements of the Even in cases with high liquidity, the budgets, some of which are global economic growth in the justification is the excessive specu- endurable but others are not. The future. Weak global economic lation which leads to liquidity devi- states that benefited from the oil growth and China’s acceptance of ating towards small and dangerous boom era, which have cheap pro- growth rates at around 7% in the companies as in the first half of duction cost with reasonable size of future (7.4% for 2014 which is the 2013. Kuwaiti market liquidity weak- populations, including four of the lowest over the last 20 years), ness is true in the absolute. GCC States, can compensate the instead of more than 10% for the Deviation is still high towards com- deficit from their savings for a few previous quarter of a century, will panies though it declined in 2014. years to come. But the ones with not restore the surge in extraordi- Comparative weak liquidity places population density will not nary demand on oil at the begin- the Kuwaiti market in the fifth posi- endure beyond the short term ning of the third millennium. In oth- tion with big difference from four without real threat to their stability. er words, a scenario of oil prices GCC markets, and it is higher than Generally, no one will be secure, above US$ 90 a barrel has become only two small markets, namely, the either due to the erosion of prices or history, at least for the next three to Omani and Bahraini markets. due to the spread of the infection of five years. If we take 2014 as a reference, we instability cases in densely populat- A recent report released by the note that the average daily trading ed countries. International Monetary Fund indi- value scored approximately KD 25.1 Control over loose financial poli- cates that falling oil prices will lead million in 2014, which is lower by - cies to lower the budget parity to the global economy gaining 44.8% than the average daily trad- price, although it is politically costly additional growth by 0.3%-0.7% in ing value for 2013 which stood at in the short term, yet it is an option 2015, but these remain preliminary KD 45.5 million. Its absolute decline with less risks than waiting for a estimates due to instability of oil is not the only negative index. new boom which will not come to prices. The oil producers should Figures show that the average daily oil prices. In fact, failure of economic coexist with a receding era, or an trading value for the first quarter of policies to diversify income sources era during which consumers gain at 2014 amounted to KD 32.3 million, resulted from the deterioration of their own account. The era might be declined to KD 23.5 million for the the competitiveness of the long. Therefore, oil producers second quarter, then to KD 21.1 mil- economies of producing countries should make fundamental change lion in the third quarter, but it rose because of the expenditure of the to their financial and economic poli- slightly in the fourth quarter to easy oil money in times of boom cies even with a US$ 70 a barrel sce- about KD 23.8 million, which is close and the lax financial policies, a mat- nario. to its level in the second quarter. In ter which warrants surgery. Almost general, 2014 started low and is all of them were afflicted by the Consumer Price keeping the trend over time. In Dutch disease with varying degrees. Index — November 2014 2014, although market liquidity dis- The prudent is the one who adopts The Central Statistical Bureau in tribution was improved, it was not the principle of sustainability in for- Kuwait issued a report on distributed fairly yet. 23.1% of its mulating his policies in the future at “Consumer price indices” that covers contribution went to 17 small an early stage because the justifica- up to the end of 30/11/2014. Results speculative companies or 8.8% of tions for the oil market prosperity show that the overall inflation rate listed companies, which market cap and its return to 2013 price level in the consumer price index does not exceeds 3.4% of total mar- seem pretty weak at least over the increased by approximately 3.1% ket cap. While the 96 companies, medium term. compared with November 2013, to satisfied with 3.8% only of market around 134.1. But it decreased by liquidity. Production cost: 12.8% compared with the same The lag in the performance of Probable price scenario period in 2012. We also note that Kuwait market price index behind Oil production levels depend on the average consumer price index the performance of four out of six its production cost. Excluding the for the first eleven months of 2014 regional stock markets may be short time -6 months to a year- it rose by 2.9% compared with the explained by refraining from trading makes no sense to produce oil if its same period in 2013, due to the or comparative weak liquidity if the price falls below its production cost. direct effect of increasing food liquidity of those markets is com- pared with that of the Kuwaiti mar- ket. The appended table displays liquidity levels of the 7 regional markets in 2014. Excluding the Omani and Bahraini markets, two small markets, the Kuwaiti market’s liquidity is quite far behind the oth- er four markets. Abu Dhabi liquidity equaled about 1.83 times that of the Kuwaiti market liquidity; that of the Qatari market was about 2.52 times of Kuwait; Dubai market liq- uidity amounted to about 4.80 times of Kuwait; this will go up to about 7 times if we add Abu Dhabi market in the same state. The Saudi market liquidity scored 26.45 times of the Kuwaiti market liquidity. It is not necessarily for the Kuwait mar- ket liquidity to be equal to any of

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 BUSINESS

(Left to Right) Fred Dubery, Sales Director, Banker Middle East, Thiruvilasen Pillay, Executive (Left to Right) Fred Dubery, Sales Director, Banker Middle East, Gul Khan, Deputy General Manager, Manager, at Gulf Bank, Tareq Ragab, Assistant General Manager at Gulf Bank, Vikram Issar, General at Gulf Bank, Vikram Issar, General Manager, Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank, Robin Amlot, Manager, Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank and Robin Amlot, Managing Editor, Banker Middle East. Managing Editor, Banker Middle East and Subhi Faraj, Deputy General Manager, at Gulf Bank. Gulf Bank receives ‘Best Customer Service’ and ‘Best Car Loan’ awards KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced Middle East and Fred Dubery, Sales important awards. These accomplish- ket. We know that we must always The Banker Middle East Awards are that it has been honored with the ‘Best Director, Banker Middle East, at Gulf ments are testaments to the commit- seek to exceed our customers’ expec- held each year to recognize businesses Customer Service’ and ‘Best Car Loan’ Bank’s Head Office on Tuesday 13 ment and dedication of the whole Gulf tations, as well as providing innovative in the region that have excelled in pro- awards from Banker Middle East January 2015. Bank team to excellent customer serv- and uniquely designed financial prod- viding exceptional levels of customer Kuwait Product Awards 2014. The Vikram Issar, General Manager, ice, as well as the Bank’s ability to offer ucts and services, and we will continue service and innovation across a range Bank received the awards from Robin Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank said: exceptional products which are tai- to focus on these aspects as we devel- of sectors, from basic banking prod- Amlot, Managing Editor, Banker “We are honored to receive these two lored to the specific needs of the mar- op our business.” ucts to high-end investment services.

Alghanim Motors reveals the new 2015 CR-V

KUWAIT: Alghanim Motors, the sole distrib- Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance conveying a more luxurious appearance. utor of Honda in Kuwait, unveiled the new Institute for Highway Safety, and 2015 In addition, 2015 CR-V offers an interior 2015 CR-V in a big ceremony at the new Motor Trend SUV of the Year. The 2015 CR-V that has a spacious feel, lots of storage Alghanim Honda showroom in Shuwaikh. was also awarded the “Best Buy” award by space and one-pull fold-down 60:40 split Attendees included a mix of Honda cus- Kelly Blue Book. rear seat for added cargo loading conven- tomers and enthusiasts, and a number of The CR-V styling has been thoughtfully ience. media representatives as well as Alghanim enhanced with customer preferences in On EX and EX-L grades, the intuitive 7” Industries employees. mind. The new 2015 CR-V boasts of new Display Audio ups ante for media function- The ceremony took off with a musical exterior design presenting it as a smart yet ality and user convenience. EX grades are performance led by the famous saxophonist tough SUV. The new front fascia blends with also equipped with Smart Entry and Smart Rommeo to help set the mood for the night. the new solid chrome grille lamp and the Start which enables you to unlock the door, Then the official launch video played on the redesigned headlamps to give it a rugged start the car, shut the car and walk away large screen followed by brief presentation and tough look. without ever having to touch the key. highlighting the changes for the new 2015 The sleek new front headlamps incorpo- The 2015 CR-V utilizes Honda’s Advanced model. After the video, the attendees were rate powerful halogen bulbs. LED daytime Compatibility Engineering(tm) (ACE(tm)) invited to check out the car up close and running lights as standard and HID projec- body structure technology to enhance personal and take photos with it. Guided tor headlamps in EX and EX-L grades gives occupant protection and crash compatibili- test-drives were offered to those interested the car a bold face optimizing visibility in ty. The CR-V boasts of Honda active-safety along with Honda qualified sales consult- low light or foggy conditions. At the rear, features such as the Vehicle Stability Assist ants. the tail lamps received a restyled combina- (VSA) and Traction Control System (TCS) One of the impressive elements about tion to give the CR-V a more fluid three which enhances handling stability and pre- the car was the 4th generation 2015 CR-V dimensional appearance. dictability especially in poor traction con- boasts of a wider stance with enhanced Evident in all Honda vehicles, style and ditions in addition to Anti-Lock Brake exterior styling, offers a 3 grade line up functionality also gets a fair share in the Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Distributor including a 2WD option powered with a new 2015 CR-V with the reshaped chrome- (EBD) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). during showroom working hours. until 7:30 PM. new direct-injection DOHC 4 cylinder i- effect inlay running the width of the dash- A returning feature is the Motion- Customers are welcome to visit Honda Alghanim Motors, the sole distributor of VTEC engine with CVT transmission, plush board and through the use of high quality Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) showroom in Safat Alghanim from 8:30 AM Honda automobiles, motorcycles, power interiors and a whole host of new and stan- materials on the key surfaces. To further which is standard on all 2015 CR-V models. until 10:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday, and products, and marine products in Kuwait, dard features depicting it as more Efficient, improve the interior, a number of changes The system incorporates driving stability from 9:30 AM until 10:00 PM on Fridays, is committed to providing customers with were made for the 2015 CR-V to increase technology that initiates steering inputs and the Honda showroom in Shuwaikh, flexible payment solutions and efficient Functional and confident SUV visual appeal, convenience and control. that prompt driver to steer in correct direc- from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM and cost-effective services. The cars service The major mid-cycle refresh garnered the Standard on all trims is the newly designed tion during cornering and in slippery road until 8:30PM, from Saturday to Thursday, center waiting lounge offers entertainment new Honda CR-V 2015 a few awards, start- configurable center console that not only conditions. and the Honda section in Baitak (KFH) and comfort for customers with gaming ing with a 5-star safety rating from the US adds storage versatility but more comfort All customers and Honda fans are invit- showroom, from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM, consoles, digital satellite TV, free wireless National Highway Traffic Safety Institute, a with its broad, sliding armrest, while also ed to test-drive the new Honda CR-V 2015 Saturday to Thursday, and from 4:30 PM internet and relaxing massage chairs. technology SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Ji basks in Xiaomi glow

HONG KONG: Richard Ji, whose little-known fund was the biggest investor in leading Chinese smart- phone maker Xiaomi Inc’s $1.1 billion fundraising last month, is a numbers man looking to spot ‘cate- gory killers’ - start-ups with the power to disrupt. Ji, a former Morgan Stanley technology industry analyst, co-founded All-Stars Investment Ltd in Hong Kong last April with half a dozen colleagues from the Wall Street bank. The fund swiftly raised about $750 million to target China’s vast internet sector, Ji told Reuters in an interview at his small office in Hong Kong’s central business district. A Xiaomi branded television hangs on the wall. Ji declined to name investors in his fund, but said half the money came from leading Asian cor- porations and the rest from business leaders in the IT, consumer and financial industries. “As a fund, we focus on late-stage opportunities, or companies that are 2-3 years away from poten- tial IPO,” he said. “If you focus on growth-stage companies, chances are you’ll pick the wrong horse.” Last year’s record $25 billion IPO from Alibaba Group Holding Ltd injected new life into Chinese tech hopefuls. Alibaba and other Chinese companies raised a combined $29.3 billion through MIAMI BEACH: Randi Zuckerberg stands under a photograph of her brother, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, as she speaks during the Business Innovation and Growth (BIG) US listings last year alone, minting millionaires and Summit at the New World Center. — AFP fuelling a rush to fund tech start-ups. Ji reckons only one in every 60,000 internet start-ups in China makes it to a public listing.

WHO YOU KNOW Samsung offers to buy Ji, whose 11 years as an industry analyst helped him build close ties with Chinese tech entrepre- neurs including Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun, says he targets what he calls ‘category leaders’ and ‘category killers’. BlackBerry for $7.5 bn “These companies have a disruptive product or business model, and they are the winners of tomor- row,” he said. Xiaomi fits that bill. Just three years NEW YORK: Samsung Electronics recently offered to buy PATENT PORTFOLIO BlackBerry’s patents in its outgoing battle with Apple and BlackBerry Ltd for as much as $7.5 billion, seeking its valuable Samsung thinks that acquiring less than 100 percent of others, and that it likely would need to bid for the whole after selling its first mobile phone, Beijing-based patents as it battles Apple in the corporate market, according to a BlackBerry, perhaps keeping part of it as a publicly traded company because BlackBerry management did not want to Xiaomi, dubbed ‘China’s Apple’, is worth $45 billion, person familiar with the matter and documents seen by Reuters. entity with an independent board, could help secure easier only sell specific assets. making it the most valuable start-up in the technol- South Korea’s Samsung proposed an initial price range of $13.35 CFIUS approval. But it doubts whether it can accomplish its “Samsung will have to buy the whole thing and then and ogy sector. Already, the world’s No.3 smartphone to $15.49 per share, representing a premium of 38 percent to 60 strategic objectives with less than 100 percent ownership, shutter what they don’t need,” he said. BlackBerry launched maker, Xiaomi has ambitious plans to take on percent over BlackBerry’s current trading price, the source said. the documents show. In 2013, the Canadian government its long-awaited Classic model on Wednesday, hoping to help Samsung Electronics as it expands into home appli- Representatives from the two companies, which are working had strongly hinted to BlackBerry that any sale to China’s win back market share and woo customers still using older ances, televisions and TV content. with advisers, met last week to discuss a potential transaction, Lenovo Group would be rejected due to security concerns, devices with a keyboard. The phone resembles its once popu- “Lei Jun placed extraordinary faith in Richard by the source said, asking not to be identified because the conversa- sources told Reuters at the time. Harper’s office wouldn’t lar Bold and Curve handsets. handing him the mandate,” said one individual who tions are private. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company said in a comment on the report on Wednesday but sources familiar In the third quarter, revenue at Blackberry, which is knows both men and is familiar with the fundrais- statement that it “has not engaged in discussions with Samsung with the Canadian government’s thinking said a Samsung increasingly focusing on providing services like secure corpo- ing. “That trust was built over a period of time, and with respect to any possible offer to purchase BlackBerry. Shares buyout was unlikely to raise such concerns. rate networks, fell to $793 million from $1.19 billion a year Richard did not disappoint him.” of BlackBerry, which soared nearly 30 percent following the Ross Healy, a portfolio manager at MacNicol & Associates, earlier, falling short of analysts’ expectations of $931.5 mil- Xiaomi’s reliance on Ji, 46, to drive the Reuters report, fell back about 15 percent in after-hours electron- which owns a small stake in Blackberry, said Samsung’s report- lion. December fundraising underscores the importance ic trading following the statement. ed offer undervalues the company. “To get a hold of the Shares of Blackberry jumped as much as 30 percent on of strong personal ties. “He’s connected, well Separately, Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail reported BlackBerry network and all its secure features, that would be a heavy volume in afternoon trading at $29.71 per share in regarded, understands patterns and has learned BlackBerry has shunned a handful of takeover overtures in recent real coup for Samsung, looking to differentiate themselves New York. The offer price would imply an enterprise value of that the odds are in his favour when he has the months as its board and largest investor think its restructuring from Apple and from others,” he said. Blackberry’s patent port- $6 billion to $7.5 billion for BlackBerry, assuming conversion courage of his convictions - all in all, a powerful strategy will deliver greater shareholder value than current acqui- folio is composed of roughly 44,000 patents, worth more than of $1.25 billion of convertible debt, according to the docu- combination,” said Mary Meeker, general partner at sition offers. $1.43 billion in net book value as of August last year, although ments. BlackBerry announced a high-profile security partner- U.S.-based venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, and The board believes offering prices, some in excess of $7 bil- many analysts think they could be worth much more. ship with Samsung in November. The partnership will wed lion, fall well below BlackBerry’s potential asset value in the next Edward Snyder, managing director of Charter Equity BlackBerry’s security platform with the South Korean compa- Ji’s mentor at Morgan Stanley. “He comes from an few years, according to the Globe and Mail report. Research, said it made sense for Samsung to target ny’s own security software for its Galaxy devices. — Reuters ordinary background. The remarkable thing about Blackberry, a one-time investor darling that pioneered smart- Richard is that he’s obsessed with analysis, even phones, has regained some of its lost swagger under Chief with simple things in life,” said a former classmate Executive John Chen, who is leading a bid to regain market share of Ji’s from Fudan University. it has lost to Apple Inc, Google Inc and Samsung. Filmmakers blur lines BUBBLE TROUBLE CORPORATE MARKET After a first degree from Fudan, Ji went on to “BlackBerry is in such transition today, so any investment has Harvard, where he specialised in novel cancer ther- been a bet on the future, so at this point Samsung is cutting in with virtual reality apy. During a brief stint in the pharmaceuticals before that full future becomes a reality,” said Morningstar analyst industry, he dabbled in tech stocks and trebled his Brian Colello. Samsung’s strength as the No. 1 global smart PARK CITY: Whether putting moviegoers inside the yurt of engage and support,” said Brendan Iribe, chief executive of money in 1999, only to lose it all the following year phone marker has been built on making devices for the con- a Mongolian tribe, in the studio with a musician or in the Oculus. The attraction of virtual reality for filmmakers lies in as the dot.com bubble burst. sumer market, which has become crowded in recent years. With a path of an oncoming train, filmmakers are blurring the lines simulating a personal presence for viewers, who until now “I was a victim of the previous technology crash, takeover of Blackberry, Samsung could make greater inroads into of reality for viewers at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. have interacted with content merely as voyeurs watching a and so we’re extremely cautious about the (current) the corporate market, where it has trailed rivals. This year’s conclave of independent films in Park City, story unfold on a screen. bubble. But there are key differences between the “How many Samsung phones do you see in offices? This Utah, is devoting its New Frontier showcase to virtual reality In “Herders,” a short movie from filmmaking duo Felix & 2000 boom and now,” Ji said. would be Samsung’s chance to get into the enterprise,” said BGC film with 11 works, the largest such lineup in the festival’s Paul, the viewer is placed inside a yurt with a rural Ji notes that in early 2000 fewer than 5 percent Partners analyst Colin Gillis. Any tie-up with Samsung would three-decade history. The content is viewed on a wrap- Mongolian family, while in “Strangers: A Moment with of Chinese used the internet. Today, some 630 mil- require the blessing of Prem Watsa, whose Fairfax Financial around-style headset that projects a 360-degree panorama, Patrick Wilson,” the viewer sits beside a musician working in lion people - around half the population - log on in Holdings Ltd is a major Blackberry shareholder. Fairfax helped giving viewers the feel of being in the action. his studio. some form, making China the world’s biggest inter- bankroll a debt recapitalization that led to Chen’s arrival in But virtual reality films are still a long way from becom- Non-fiction films are proving to be a strong fit for virtual November 2013 as CEO. Paul Rivett, president of Watsa’s Fairfax net market, and internet companies don’t just rely ing mainstream as the headsets to display them have yet to reality, said Felix Lajeunesse, as filmmakers can immerse on advertising revenues. Apart from Xiaomi, Ji’s Financial Holdings, declined to comment. reach the mass market. Samsung started offering its Galaxy audiences in the action and make them connect to the sto- The bid would also face regulatory scrutiny in both Ottawa fund has also invested in Tencent Holdings-backed Gear VR headset last month, which uses its Galaxy Note 4 ry. “Reality becomes utterly interesting in virtual reality. You taxi-hailing app Didi Dache, online fashion retailer and Washington. Under Canadian law, any foreign takeover of smartphone to present virtual reality experiences. Google don’t need to necessarily change it or restage it or trans- BlackBerry would require government approval under the Meilishuo, and Alibaba. Inc offers the Cardboard VR device to use with smart- form it that much,” said Lajeunesse. Ji declined to say how much more money he Industry Canada Act. BlackBerry’s secure networks manage the phones. The consumer version of pioneering Rift headsets Filmmaker Chris Milk teamed up with Vice News to docu- plans to raise, but said there’s no shortage of peo- email traffic of thousands of large corporate customers, along from Facebook Inc-owned Oculus VR, is still in develop- ment the New York Millions March in December in virtual with government and military agencies across the globe. ment. The New Frontier exhibit comes amid a growing inter- reality, where he used a 360-degree camera to film in the ple looking to invest. His real test will be to secure Samsung and its advisers also anticipate a complex approval est in the technology in Hollywood as filmmakers and stu- midst of crowds parading through Manhattan to protest commitments from international funds, giving him process at the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United dios experiment with virtual reality. police brutality. “As the audience, you understand immedi- the profile and clout to take on global technology States (CFIUS), which reviews deals for national security implica- “Cinema wasn’t our focus in the beginning, but now it’s ately what’s going on you are the perspective of the cam- investors. That will likely depend on the returns his tion, the documents reviewed by Reuters show. becoming a bigger focus, so we need to immediately era,” Milk said.—Reuters current fund can generate. — Reuters LG to launch curved G Flex 2 smartphone

SEOUL: LG Electronics Inc. said it will start selling a new curved smartphone next week in its latest effort to bring the curve to a mass market. The South Korean company said that the G Flex 2 will be launched locally on Jan. 30 and overseas in coming months. Curved screens are a way of differentiating high smartphones that have come to share many similar fea- tures such as high resolution displays and powerful cam- eras. When LG released its first version of a curved smart- phone in 2013, it was a niche product. The latest iteration shows LG is targeting a bigger market. The phone features a 5.5-inch screen curved from top to bottom. In an improvement from its predecessor, the phone’s self-healing back can repair scratches in seconds rather than minutes. LG said both the screen and the body are more resilient to shocks than other phones. LG’s hometown rival Samsung Electronics Co. is also experimenting with curved screens. Last year, Samsung released the Galaxy Note 4 Edge, which has a screen on its curved edge that displays information. LG did not give a sales target but executive vice president Cho Sung-ha said the company expects sales of the G Flex 2 to be high- SALT LAKE CITY: Brint Markle (right) and Thomas Laakso (center) er than its predecessor. LG did not adopt some of the lat- of Avatech, give a demonstration using their snow probe at the est technologies for the G Flex 2, such as quantum dot Outdoor Retailer Show. Avatech have developed a high-tech displays. Instead it has a full high-definition screen. The G WASHNINGTON: Alex Kipman speaks at the firm’s Redmond, Washington campus as he intro- probe that is being sold for the first time this year to ski resorts, Flex 2 will sell for nearly 900,000 won ($830) in South duces HoloLens headgear that overlays 3D objects on the real world on January 21, 2015 in Korea. — AP avalanche centers and other professionals. — AP Redmond. — AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 The smoke around e-cig science Wide variety of e-cigs a problem for researchers

LONDON: From Apple Pie to Bubbly Bubble Gum, Irish Car past battles with the tobacco industry. Robert West, a pro- Bomb or Martian bar - from Mars!, the flavors of electronic fessor at University College London, is an e-cigarette enthu- cigarette offer something for every taste. siast who has been funded by pharma, but not by e-cig Researchers have counted 7,764 varieties of ‘vape.’ That makers. He says some opponents present themselves as adds up to one of many challenges - from practical con- unbiased, but “their professional and moral stance repre- straints to conflicts of interest - in working out how safe e- sents a substantial vested interest.” Glantz says he started cigs are, and whether they help smokers quit. Most scien- his review “completely agnostic.” tists agree e-cigs have potential as a stop-smoking aid. They can be used with or without nicotine and are free of the Image makeover thousands of toxins in conventional cigarettes. But e-cigs To add to the controversy, Big Tobacco is getting more also throw up some unusual obstacles. deeply involved. E-cigarettes are a threat to the $722 billion Drug firms usually test one treatment against another. retail sales of conventional cigarettes globally in 2013, but With e-cigarettes, the huge variety of constantly evolving they are also an opportunity. Fewer people are smoking in products means it would be prohibitively expensive to test the rich world. Shane MacGuill, senior tobacco analyst at every flavor and vaporizer. “E-cigs are really the first product Euromonitor, calls tobacco a “terminally sick” industry. E- I’m aware of that have challenged pharma in this way,” said cigarettes may offset the decline. Firms including Reynolds Chris Bullen, an associate professor at the University of American Inc. and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC have spon- Auckland and author of one of two randomized trials of e- sored seven of the e-cig trials in the NIH trials database. cigs in a recent major review of the science. “I guess many But it found the evidence thin and data poor. Of almost the utmost caution in trusting their conclusions,” she wrote. Tobacco executives mingled with researchers and anti- alternative ‘natural’ products raise similar issues when they 600 studies analyzed, only 13 published papers were up to Experienced medical researchers say industry funding to smoking activists at the London symposium last November. start to make health claims.” the Cochrane standard. Just two were randomized con- test new products is the norm. “The majority of clinical The conference was held at the Royal Society, an associa- E-cigarettes can look like ordinary smokes but are metal trolled trials, the most rigorous test. Big Pharma is not help- research is sponsored by the manufacturers,” said David tion of scientists whose fellows include around 80 Nobel and plastic battery-powered gadgets that heat flavoured ing. The pharmaceutical industry has backed efforts to Tovey, editor in chief of the Cochrane Library, which vets Laureates. Beneath portraits of such illustrious figures as liquids into a cloud which users suck in, then exhale as restrict e-cigarettes and is not sponsoring a single current Cochrane Reviews. Another Cochrane study has found that Stephen Hawking, delegates puffed on vaporizers. Some dense white plumes. Invented in their present form in e-cigarette trial in the US National Institutes of Health data- scientific studies sponsored by private industry generally delegates said they found being in the same room as China about a decade ago, e-cigarettes generated $4 billion base. For drugs firms, smoking cessation is a small business, reported greater benefits and fewer harmful side effects tobacco firms discomfiting. The industry’s history of sup- to $5 billion in sales in 2014, according to Euromonitor, a generating $2.4 billion in sales in 2013, according to than studies industry did not sponsor. pressing the truth about tobacco’s risks still prompts some market research firm. The gadgets themselves come in hun- Euromonitor. That’s just a fraction of the $206 billion the universities and academic journals to shun tobacco, and dreds of brands and are constantly morphing, at the hands industry generated in global consumer health products. ‘Moral stance’ the World Health Organization is forbidden from collaborat- of both users and the small-scale distributors who sell them “We’ve decided we’re not going to play (in e-cigs),” E-cigarette opponents are also being scrutinized for bias. ing with it. online. GlaxoSmithKline Chief Executive Andrew Witty told Reuters. A 2014 US review of the literature, carried out for the World E-cigs are helping tobacco companies transform their Because they are a strange hybrid between smoking - “We’ve consciously had a think about it but we’re not going Health Organization at the University of California, San image. Firms that for years denied tobacco’s harms now which kills nearly 6 million people a year - and stop-smok- to play.” Francisco (UCSF), said that the two randomized trials had emphasise that nicotine itself is not harmful, we just need ing medications, e-cigs rival both tobacco and pharma. shown e-cigarettes were no better than other nicotine safer ways to administer it. Some are stepping into smoking Tobacco companies have responded to that threat by buy- Vested interest replacement therapies at helping people quit. In August, cessation: British American Tobacco already has a medical ing up e-cig businesses, and are now funding research. This leaves e-cigarette companies to fund their own the World Health Organization recommended that smokers licence for a medicinal nicotine inhaler. A Reynolds sub- Pharma firms have kept their distance. The products have research, giving rise to concerns over conflicts of interest. In should be encouraged to try already approved treatments, sidiary sells nicotine gum. Big Tobacco has some support also opened a rift between researchers who see their goal 2010 one European e-cig distributor, Italian firm Arbi Group rather than e-cigs. among those in public health who think it won’t be neces- as eliminating nicotine in all its forms, and others who Srl, sponsored a significant body of work by a team at Stanton Glantz, a veteran campaigner in the war against sary to eliminate nicotine, so we should reduce the harm of believe it makes more sense to reduce the harm of smok- Catania University in Sicily. Catania researchers are among Big Tobacco and professor at UCSF, was one author of the smoking. But as universities ban association with tobacco ing. “You’ve got people who’ve taken a position and they’re the most prolific, records in the Web of Science show; they US review. But some researchers say activists like Glantz firms, it will become even harder for independent looking at the evidence only in relation to the position conducted the second of the two randomized trials includ- may have been prejudiced against e-cigarettes by their researchers to study vaping.— Reuters they’ve got,” David Sweanor, an e-cig enthusiast and law ed in the Cochrane Review and are working on nine of the professor at the University of Ottawa, told an e-cigarette 48 trials on e-cigarettes logged with the US National symposium in London in November. Institutes of Health (NIH). The Catania randomized trial took 300 smokers who did not intend to quit and found that, E-cigarettes in checked Pharma bows out with or without nicotine, e-cigarettes cut cigarette con- There are more than 2,000 papers on e-cigarettes in the sumption and helped some people stop completely, with- luggage pose fire risk scholarly journals covered by the Web of Science, a data- out significant adverse effects. That supported claims e-cig- base. Of those in the highest impact journals, most have arettes had a role reducing the harm of smoking. been funded by public bodies. Only a few contain original “At the end of the day we were stuck accepting money WASHINGTON: E-cigarettes in checked luggage could gage that goes into the cargo hold where they could research; methodological problems or potential bias are from e-cigarette owners because there was no other way to cause a fire in airliners, the US Federal Aviation cause a serious fire in mid-flight. E-cigarettes use bat- common, scientists have found. Last month, in an attempt carry out research,” said Catania professor Riccardo Polosa, Administration (FAA) warned on Friday. “In several inci- tery-powered cartridges to produce a nicotine-laced to clear matters up, Bullen and other scientists in Britain who designed the trial. He said he had also received fund- dents both inside and outside the transportation indus- vapor. “The agency encourages airlines to communicate and New Zealand published their assessment of the most ing from pharma. That, says Charlotta Pisinger, a Danish try, e-cigarettes have overheated or caught fire when this new policy to passengers as widely as possible impartial studies. Known as a Cochrane Review - a study of doctor who runs stop-smoking clinics, is a problem. Last the heating element was accidentally activated,” the through their websites, press releases, at ticket pur- the best science on a subject - it aimed to see if e-cigs can October she published a review which found one in three FAA said in a safety alert issued to airlines. The FAA said chase, during the check-in process and by other estab- help people stop smoking. The review concluded that e- e-cigarette studies had a conflict of interest because they it was recommending to airlines that e-cigarettes be lished means to inform passengers about hazardous cigs may help smokers quit, and that there is little sign that were funded by e-cig manufacturers, pharma or tobacco, or carried in the aircraft cabin instead of in checked lug- materials regulations and policies,” it added.- Reuters they hurt users. a combination. She saw evidence of bias: “We must exercise More privacy protection sought for the Fed health care website Advocates raise alarm over privacy WASHINGTON: Privacy advocates say the be assigned an individual signature, profiles of first defended their information-sharing prac- Obama administration needs to make more Internet users can be pieced together, generat- tices. There is no evidence that consumers’ per- changes to protect consumer privacy on the ing lists that have commercial value. The third- sonal information was misused, they said. The government’s health insurance website. The parties embedded on HealthCare.gov can’t see website’s privacy policy says in boldface type administration reversed course Friday and your name, birth date or Social Security number. that no “personally identifiable information” is scaled back the release of personal information But they may be able to correlate the fact that collected by outside Web measurement tools. from HealthCare.gov, after The Associated Press your computer accessed the government web- That is a term defined in government regula- reported that such details as consumers’ income site with your other Internet activities. tions, but other personal details were being and tobacco use were going to private compa- Have you been researching a chronic illness allowed through. nies with a commercial interest in the data. The like coronary artery blockage? Do you shop HealthCare.gov is the online gateway to episode could become a blemish on what’s oth- online for smoking-cessation aids? Are you government-subsidized private insurance for erwise shaping up as a successful open enroll- investigating genetic markers for a certain type people who lack coverage on the job. It serves AHMEDABAD: An Indian medical staff member treats a swine flu patient at an isola- ment season for the second year of expanded of breast cancer? Are you seeking help for finan- 37 states, while the remaining states operate tion ward of the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on January 23, 2015. coverage under President Barack Obama’s cial problems, or for an addiction? Google told their own insurance markets. The privacy con- Twelve people are reported to have died in the Indian state of Gujarat after contract- health care law. the AP it doesn’t allow its systems to target ads cerns surfaced just as the president was calling ing swine flu, with some 90 others testing positive for the illness.— AFP Lawmakers continue to insist on a full expla- based on medical information. Sens Orrin Hatch, for stronger Internet safeguards for consumers, nation. HealthCare.gov is used by millions to R-Utah, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, called the in his State of the Union speech. The website sign up for subsidized private coverage under situation “extremely concerning” for consumers. was crippled by serious technical problems Just 5 Ebola cases the law, or to merely browse for insurance plans Grassley said Friday it’s still unclear how con- when it made its debut in the fall of 2013. This in their communities. The latest changes by the sumers’ information is being used and he wants year it has worked much better, a marked con- administration mean that the website is no a full explanation. trast. The administration is aiming to have left in Liberia: UN longer explicitly sending out such details as age, “People using HealthCare.gov should have more than 9 million people signed up by Feb income, ZIP code, tobacco use and whether a the confidence that their information is secure 15, the last day of open enrollment. But the pri- MONROVIA: The United Nations said yesterday epidemic that 8,688 people had died, among a woman is pregnant. But HealthCare.gov still has and not being used for sales pitches by outside vacy issues were a reminder that the website Liberia was dealing with just five remaining cas- cumulative total of 21,759 cases, since the dis- embedded connections to a number of outside firms,” he said in a statement. Officials of the remains a work in progress, like the underlying es of Ebola, in the clearest sign yet that the coun- ease emerged in Guinea a year ago. The agency commercial websites, and it’s not clear how or if Health and Human Services Department had at law that created it. —AP try is nearing the end of the outbreak. The worst has recognized significant progress in beating the administration intends to address that. outbreak of the virus in history has seen the back Ebola but warned on Friday that the crisis An administration spokesman had no com- west African nation and its neighbors Guinea was still “extremely alarming”. In a further sign of ment Friday on the changes, which were verified and Sierra Leone register almost 9,000 deaths in progress, Sierra Leone lifted quarantine meas- by the AP’s analysis. Earlier, officials had said the a year, although experts believe the real toll ures on Friday which had been imposed as Ocean science needs could be far higher. The UN, whose health wing reports of new cases began to spiral in the sum- sole purpose of the embedded connections to the World Health Organization (WHO) collates mer. The nation of six million had restricted trav- private firms was to monitor the health insur- Ebola figures, said in a statement that the num- el for around half its population, sealing off six of ance website and improve performance for con- more funding ber of confirmed cases now stood at five and its 14 districts and numerous tribal chiefdoms. sumers. The AP previously reported that had even dropped as low as one earlier this President Ernest Bai Koroma pointed to a “steady HealthCare.gov was quietly sending consumers’ MIAMI: Facing critical dangers like rising “As a consequence, the increase in infra- week. “According to the WHO, the five cases are downward trend” in new cases in recent weeks, personal data to companies that specialize in seas and the impact of climate change on structure costs has led to a substantial laboratory confirmed cases,” Lisa White, a adding that “victory is in sight”. But the move advertising and analyzing Internet data for per- marine life, US scientists need more fund- decline in funding for core research pro- spokeswoman for the UN Mission for Ebola came as the WHO warned that progress made formance and marketing. Cooper Quintin, a staff ing in the next decade, officials said Friday. grams and therefore less support for Emergency Response, said. She added that gov- so far could rapidly be undone unless $250 mil- technologist with the Electronic Frontier A new report from the National Research investigators.” The report’s eight research ernment figures for Tuesday had shown 21 sus- lion was made available to continue the fight Foundation, said the government’s changes are Council is calling for cuts in money spent priorities were narrowed down by how pected and probable cases-but only one lab- over the coming months. “a great first step,” but more needs to be done. on infrastructure and more cash devoted much impact they would have on society, confirmed case.“WHO is supporting the govern- For example, the health site should disable ment of Liberia in getting down to zero cases,” ‘Steady downward trend’ to basic scientific research from 2015- their transformative potential, readiness third-party tracking for people who enable the 2025. Undertaken at the request of the and partnership potential with other she said. “Now is the time to stay vigilant and “We are still in a very, very dangerous situa- “do not track” feature on their web browsers. make sure the good trend continues.” Assistant tion with this virus,” WHO number two Bruce National Science Foundation’s Division of agencies. “HealthCare.gov should meet good privacy stan- Ocean Sciences (OCE), the report also Other priorities included an examina- health minister Tolbert Nyensuwah confirmed Aylward told reporters in Geneva. “Especially dards for all its users,” he said. The foundation is the figure, adding that three of the cases were in now... that we are heading into the rainy season identifies eight priority research areas. tion of the role of biodiversity in marine a civil liberties group. Quintin had verified the These include more research on how cli- ecosystem resilience, and how the charac- the capital Monrovia, while the others were in very, very soon. That’s going to hit us in April, AP’s initial findings and added more detail, the northwestern counties of Bomi and Grand May, and that will make the response that much mate change will impact the marine food teristics of the sub seafloor environment showing that HealthCare.gov was sending per- Cape Mount. “It means that we are going down more complicated.” The relaxation-and the web, and improved forecasting of affects our understanding of the origin to zero if everything goes well, if other people progress seen in Liberia-nevertheless marks sonal health information to at least 14 third-part tsunamis and earthquakes-which along and evolution of life. “The next decade and don’t get sick in other places.” huge progress against an epidemic which has Internet domains. Privacy advocates say the with other extreme weather events will beyond should be a time of opportunity seen commerce all but grind to a halt, with mere presence of connections to private compa- become more frequent as the planet and progress in ocean science, with Need to stay vigilant restrictions on movement halting crop harvests nies on the government’s website -even if they warms. advances that benefit the societal and At the height of the epidemic in August and and sparking warnings of a looming food crisis. don’t explicitly receive personal data- should be “From 2000 to 2014, OCE’s annual economic goals not only of our nation but September, Liberia was reporting more than 300 British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline examined because of their ability to reveal sensi- budgets have not kept pace with the ris- also the world,” said committee co-chair new cases a week and overwhelmed aid work- (GSK) said on Friday its candidate Ebola vaccine tive information about a user. ing costs of operating and maintaining Shirley Pomponi, executive director of the ers were having to turn people away from was expected to arrive in Liberia later in the day. Third-party outfits that track website per- research infrastructure, including the fleet National Oceanic and Atmospheric swamped clinics, often to die in the streets. But a The batch of 300 vials will be the first to arrive in formance are a standard part of e-commerce. It’s of academic research vessels, scientific Administration’s Cooperative Institute for huge international response has seen hundreds one of the main Ebola-hit countries and will be a lucrative business, helping Google, Facebook ocean drilling facilities, and the Ocean Ocean Exploration, Research, and of US healthcare workers and troops flood into used in trials led by the US National Institutes of and others tailor ads to customers’ interests. Observatories Initiative,” the report stated. Technology. — AFP the country to train nurses and set up Ebola Health in the coming weeks involving up to Because your computer and mobile devices can units. The WHO said in its latest update on the 30,000 people. —AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

The upper hand: study points to early tool use by ancestors

WASHINGTON: Human ancestors may have been specifically to stone tool use and tool making, panzees and other apes, modern people, and only in Neanderthals, known as proficient tool capable of using tools much earlier than previ- and so it is possible that Australopithecus extinct species in the human lineage including users, and early members of our own species, ously thought. Scientists said an analysis of fossil africanus was using stone tools as well,” said Tracy Neanderthals as well as Australopithecus. which first appeared some 200,000 years ago, but hand bones of the species Australopithecus Kivell of Britain’s University of Kent, who helped Trabecular bone changes throughout an individ- also in the much older Australopithecus africanus. africanus that lived in southern Africa about 3 mil- lead the study published in the journal Science ual’s lifetime in response to how the bone is This pattern was absent in chimpanzees, our clos- lion to 2 million years ago indicated this human with fellow University of Kent paleoanthropolo- being used. Because of this, trabecular bone est genetic cousin whose last common ancestor forerunner could use its hands in ways very much gist Matthew Skinner. This species appeared reflects how an individual actually employed their with humans lived roughly 7 million years ago, like modern people. This species, known for its roughly a half million years before the first evi- joints and hands. The scientists found a distinc- and other apes. “This evidence suggests that mix of ape-like and human-like characteristics, dence of stone tools. The traditional view of scien- tive asymmetric pattern in the distribution of tra- species of Australopithecus were more human- possessed the uniquely human ability to have a tists is that a species called Homo habilis that becular bone in the modern human hand that like in their behavior than we previously thought power-squeeze grip as needed to wield a hammer appeared about 2.4 million years ago was the pio- reflects people’s ability to forcefully oppose the and that we should concentrate our efforts on and a forceful precision grip as used to turn a key, neer in stone tool use in the human lineage. thumb to the pads of the fingers for forceful pre- finding evidence for tools that they might have the study showed. The scientists examined trabecular bone - the cision grip. been using, whether made out of stone, wood or “Forceful precision grips have been linked internal spongy structure of bones - in chim- The same human-like pattern appeared not bone,” Skinner said. — Reuters

CALIFORNIA: Visitors ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Over seventy people have CALIFORNIA: People visit Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The theme park known as “The Happiest Place been infected in a measles outbreak that led California public health officials to urge those who haven’t been vac- on Earth” for spreading happiness has a new contagion, measles, with an outbreak of 78 cases linked to cinated against the disease, including children too young to be immunized, should avoid Disney parks where the Disneyland. — AFP spread originated. — AP Australia orders dumping California measles ban on Great Barrier Reef SYDNEY: Australia has ordered a ban on cluding that it should not be listed as in outbreak spreads dumping dredge waste on most of the danger”. The reef also faces threats from Great Barrier Reef, the environment min- climate change, nutrients washing into ister said Saturday, as part of a push to the sea and the destructive crown-of- Pediatrician group urges measles vaccinations stop the UN declaring the site in danger. thorns starfish, and the government was Environment Minister Greg Hunt said he working on each of them, he added in a LOS ANGELES: A measles outbreak that originat- between 4 and 6 years old. had ordered the Great Barrier Reef statement. ed in Disneyland has climbed to 78 cases as the “A family vacation to an amusement park - or a Marine Park Authority to develop regula- But he said water quality was improv- virus continues to spread. California health officials trip to the grocery store, a football game or school tions to stop waste from capital dredg- ing, coral-eating starfish were being reported Friday that nearly 90 percent of the infec- - should not result in children becoming sickened ing being dumped in the park “once and culled and stricter management regimes tions are in California. Forty-eight cases in the by an almost 100 percent preventable disease,” for all”. “We are ending a century-old have been put in place for shipping and state are directly linked to visits to Disney parks or Errol Alden, the group’s executive director, said in practice of dumping in the marine park,” developments, including ports. contact with someone who went there. Measles a statement. “We are fortunate to have an incredi- he said, referring to waste created by “Australians are proud of the reef and it has also been confirmed in six other states - Utah, bly effective tool that can prevent our children enlarging shipping channels, berths and remains one of the great natural wonders Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Nebraska and from suffering. That is so rare in medicine,” Alden marinas. Conservationists say dumping of the world,” he said. “We are determined Arizona - and Mexico. The highly contagious ill- said. The California Department of Public Health waste in reef waters damages it by to protect and manage the Great Barrier ness, which has been eliminated in the US, can has reported 68 confirmed measles cases among smothering corals and seagrasses and Reef not just for the coming decades, but enter the country from abroad where measles is state residents since December, most linked to an exposing them to poisons and high lev- for coming centuries.” The park where the still a problem. Symptoms include fever, cough, initial exposure at Disneyland or its adjacent els of nutrients. ban will apply almost totally overlaps runny nose and a telltale rash. Health officials have Disney California Adventure Park. The United Nations Educational, with an expanse designated as a World urged people to get vaccinated against measles. Fourteen more cases linked to Disney parks Scientific and Cultural Organization Heritage Area, but it does not include were reported on Friday out of state - five in (UNESCO) has threatened to put the reef, most islands and ports, as well as lakes Measles vaccinations Arizona, three in Utah, two in Washington state which is a World Heritage area, on its dan- and other waterways in the heritage area. Meanwhile, the leading US pediatrician group and one each in Oregon, Colorado, Nevada and ger list. The body has given Australia until Environmental groups have urged the on Friday urged parents, schools and communities Mexico. Officials say the outbreak began when an WICHITA: Darrie Hutchison, a registered February 1 to act and Hunt said he would minister to go a step further and prohibit to vaccinate children against measles in the face of infected person, likely from out of the country, vis- nurse at the Wichita Clinic in Wichita, Kan, travel to Europe next week to consult on the dumping of dredge soil throughout an outbreak that began at Disneyland in California ited the resort in Anaheim between Dec 15 and draws a dose of mumps- measles-rubella, or long-term plans for the natural wonder. the World Heritage Area, not just within in December and has spread to more than 80 peo- Dec 20. Among those infected are at least five MMR vaccine. A major measles outbreak Hunt said the government had put the marine park. The ban will now be sub- ple in seven states and Mexico. The American Disney employees and a student at Huntington traced to Disneyland has brought criticism together “a strong defense of the man- ject to public consultation, with final Academy of Pediatrics said all children should get Beach High School, some 15 miles (24 km) from down on the small but vocal movement agement of the Great Barrier Reef... con- approval expected by mid-March. —AFP the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella the park. The school has ordered its unvaccinated among parents to opt out of vaccinations for between 12 and 15 months of age and again students to stay home until Jan 29.— Agencies their children. — AP WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Prof Al-Humoud: King Abdullah’s demise loss to Arab, Islamic worlds

rof Moudhi Al-Humoud, Rector of the Arab Open In a press statement, Prof Moudhi said that the Arab developing the Islamic and Arab Worlds in the fields of University (AOU), on behalf of the AOU Board of and Islamic Worlds have lost a wise leader, who was one of education. PTrustees and all AOU family expressed her heartfelt the greatest sponsors of education and learning in the All Kuwaiti People feel sadness over the demise of the late condolences to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Arab world as King Abdullah generously donated to the King Abdullah and remember his standing with the Kuwaiti Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Crown Prince Muqrin bin project of the AOU campuses operating in several Arab nation and other Arab nations in their causes, said Prof Abdulaziz, HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Countries. His generous donations came within the frame- Moudhi, hailing his efforts in serving his people, nation and AOU Trustees Board, and the Saudi People on the demise of work of his support and sponsorship to universities, col- religion, adding that the notable achievements in his reign Prof Moudhi Al-Humoud King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. leges, and research centers in order to contribute to reflects his wise policies and leadership.

Joyalukkas hands over prizes to ‘Festival of A Million’ winners

he mega winning opportunity at Joyalukkas showrooms. In addition to this some attractive offers are at Lu&Lu Alrai by Abdul Khader Sheikh (General Manager and MD, Joyalukkas Group. Festival of A Million has received an overwhelming being offered to customers at Joyalukkas like, exchange of Lu&Lu Hyper Market) on 15th Jan 2015. John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, Tresponse from customers across GCC, Singapore old gold Jewellery for new and 10% cash back on every “It’s a pleasure to see such an overwhelming response Joyalukkas Group congratulating the winners on this and Malaysia. The third set of winners of the 60 day cam- purchase of diamond and polki Jewellery. for Joyalukkas Festival of A Million. It’s the season of giv- occasion said, “During the 60 day duration of the paign were announced yesterday, who will receive Gold The lucky winners were picked by Ahmed Al ing and in addition to our special designs for the festive Joyalukkas Festival of A Million in addition to getting Coins & Gift Vouchers. The Joyalukkas Festival of A Mohammed from the Ministry of commerce, Kuwait in spirit we are also offering a bouquet of winnings and the big win opportunity shoppers can also avail an Million is offering shoppers the chance to win AED One the presence of Joyalukkas officials and various cus- exciting offers to reward our customers. We have attractive exchange of old gold Jewellery for new and Million in gift vouchers and 100,000 gold coins against tomers at Panasonic Tower, Kuwait Main branch on planned a big mix of offers so that there is something for 10 percent cash back on every purchase of diamond every purchase worth KD 50 at any Joyalukkas Jewellery 11thJan 2015 and the prizes were distributed to winners all types of Jewellery buyers,” said Joy Alukkas, Chairman and polki Jewellery”.

Flag-hoisting Kuwait National English School hosts Year 5 Speech Contest ceremony at Indian embassy

n the occasion of the 66th Republic Day of India, a Flag Hoisting ceremony will Obe held at the Embassy of India premis- es at 09:00 am tomorrow, Monday, 26 January 2015. This will include reading of the message of President of India and the singing of patriotic songs. An Open House Reception will follow during which light snacks, tea, soft drinks etc. shall be served. All Indian nationals in Kuwait are cordially invited to join in the Republic Day celebrations and arrive to the venue latest by ne of our main areas of focus in the Primary 08:45 am. Department at Kuwait National English School is Oto improve speaking and listening skills amongst pupils so that they become confident public speakers. Pupils are given many opportunities both in and out of the classroom to achieve this. The Primary Department held a successful Speech Contest amongst TEC Announcement Year 5 pupils recently to reinforce this goal. The excited winners received gold, silver and bronze medals for he Entertainment City announced that it will be their efforts. closed today, Sunday, January 25, 2015, and Twill resume operating normally tomorrow. The Entertainment City, a Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) facility, welcomes visitors from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am on weekdays, and from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends. Mondays are allocated for female visitors only.

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 require- ments will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Landmark management with the winners Most colorful award

Participating students Most creative award Some of the participating students Landmark Group announces ‘Art Olympiad VIII’ winners Event concluded with every school victorious

andmark Group awarded the artistic talents of eight seascape, landscape or cityscape; If you had to design also like to thank our sponsors Fun City for the gifts and students at the eighth Art Olympiad held this year. Kuwait’s new currency what would it look like, for the 9-11 German Printing Press for the stationary. Last but not the LThe event saw the participation of 140 students from years category. For the 12-14 years category it was aviation least I thank the teachers for their efforts and for encourag- 14 schools of repute across Kuwait. The atmosphere was disasters, world comparison between 1915 and 2015, I ing such talents. With such an overwhelming response we abuzz with excitement as the names of winners were want to become .... There were also two special prizes for are definitely looking forward to preparing for the ninth announced. The Art Olympiad which recognizes the out- the most colorful painting and the most creative painting. Art Olympiad next year.” standing creative talents of students got an overwhelming All themes brought out the unique talents and skills of the The participating schools for this year’s Olympiad are: response. participants. Kuwait American School, Salmiya, The English School, The paintings were judged by famous Kuwaiti artist Saibal Basu, Chief Operating Officer of Landmark Group Salmiya, Fahaheel Al Watanieh Indian Private School Asad Bunashi. A total of eight winners were selected at the Kuwait said, “My heartiest congratulations to the winners, I Ahmadi, Indian Educational School Jleeb, Indian Learners end of the Olympiad on the basis of creativity, workman- would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the rest of Own Academy, Al Ghanim Bilinguil School, Canadian ship, overall impression and relevance to the Theme. The the talented students who participated in this competi- Bilingual School, Indian English Academy School- Don paintings of the young talented artists offered the judges tion. Their talent is a reflection of their hard work and artist Bosco, Indian Central School, Kuwait National English to choose the best of the best. vision which impress us with their outlook towards things School, British School of Kuwait, Kuwait English School, around them. Once again we are proud and excited to Salwa, Ajail Bilingual School and The English School Social responsibility hold the competition year after year and are continually Fahaheel. Landmark Group is always keen on maintaining Landmark Group organized the event for the eighth amazed by the ability our young students have. Every year an excellent rapport and creating awareness about rele- consecutive year, as it falls in line with the company’s cor- the Olympiad proves to be a great accomplishment; it only vant issues among the youth with constant activities and porate social responsibility strategy to uplift the capabili- gets bigger and better.” events. Children were provided with a craft pack that ties and skills of youth in Kuwait. The event is seen as a included a drawing sheet and a variety of art materials grooming platform for these students by helping them ‘Absolutely brilliant’ such as paints, pencils and crayons. improvise their flair and encourage their innovative ability “We are really pleased with the winning artworks and The winners received a prize, certificates and trophies. through art. we think that they look absolutely brilliant. I would like to The schools were given a plaque of appreciation. All stu- This year’s competition themes which the students thank our esteemed judge Asad Bunashi who has helped dents who participated in the Olympiad were provided Saibal Basu, Chief Operating Officer of Landmark could select from were; traditions, celebrations and events; make this event bigger and better year after year. I would with gifts and participating certificates. Group Kuwait ICSK Junior holds ceremony for Art Fest 2014 winners

he Indian Community School Kuwait, Junior Chief Guest Hon. Secretary to the School Board of Salmiya held an awards ceremony for the win- Trustees Vijay Karayil, in his address, congratulated all Tners of Arts Fest-2014 on Monday, 12th January, the participants, truly appreciated the relentless effort 2015. Hon. Secretary to the school board of trustees of the staff in innovative and unique activities of the Vijay Karayil was the chief guest for the ceremony, school thus making ICSK an institution with an excep- Member to Board and President of the Arts Fest tion. Sherin Mani was the Guest of honor. Joint Secretary Guest of Honor Sherin Mani, Member to the Board George Mathew, PAC members Manoj Mathew, Garish of Trustees President of the Art Fest, in his address, Murali and Reji K Jacob were present for the award made the students understand the importance of ceremony to honor and bless the winners. Parents of participation and excelling in all school related activi- the winners were invited to be an integral part of the ties and said that it was an integral part of CBSE ceremony. course study. Principal in charge Sherly Dennis, in her opening Adding color to the ceremony was presentation of address, welcomed the guests with praise and one solo dance, recitation in Hindi and a cinematic warmth. She further acknowledged the credentials of dance each from the three categories who won in the all the winners; rising to height of glory with their competitions. The Prize distribution was demarcated inherent talents and acknowledged the fine exposure to perfection, giving an opportunity to all winners to given to students by the management to showcase come up on stage individually to collect their certifi- their expertise in the field of art and aesthetic culture. cates with immense pride and glory. Anita Handa, coordinator of the Arts Fest, in her ShafikaYunus, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. address, gave a crisp description of the maiden ven- The function was anchored by Shanti Krishna under ture adding that ICSK JUNIOR leaves no stone the guidance of Vice Principal Gomathy Murthy. The unturned to launch versatile geniuses in molding stu- ceremony came to a close with the singing of the dents of integrity and confidence. Indian National Anthem. SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

13:30 How It’s Made 13:05 E!ES 15:55 The Chase: Celebrity Murder 13:55 How It’s Made 14:05 Kourtney And Khloe Take Specials 22:00 The Americans 14:20 How It’s Made The Hamptons 16:50 Keep It In The Family 23:00 Mistresses 14:45 The Liquidator 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 17:45 Who’s Doing The Dishes 15:10 The Liquidator The Hamptons 18:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 00:35 Doctor Who: The Day Of The 15:35 The Liquidator 16:00 Giuliana & Bill Of Dogs Doctor 16:00 The Liquidator 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 19:00 Big Star’s Little Star 01:55 Live At The Apollo 16:25 The Liquidator 18:00 E! News 19:55 The Chase: Celebrity 02:40 Moone Boy 16:50 Dallas Car Sharks 19:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On Specials 03:05 The Omid Djalili Show 17:15 Dallas Car Sharks 19:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On 20:50 Keep It In The Family 03:35 Sinbad 17:40 Dallas Car Sharks 20:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 21:45 Who’s Doing The Dishes 00:00 Crisis 04:15 The Weakest Link 18:05 Dallas Car Sharks The Hamptons 22:40 The Great Fire 02:00 Good Morning America 05:00 Cbeebies Stories 18:30 What’s In The Barn? 21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 23:35 Celebrity Exposed: Richard 06:00 Good Morning America 05:05 The Green Balloon Club 18:55 The Carbonaro Effect The Hamptons Young Photography 07:00 Emmerdale 05:30 Gigglebiz 19:20 The Carbonaro Effect 22:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 07:30 Coronation Street 05:45 Charlie And Lola 19:45 The Big Brain Theory 22:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 10:00 Emmerdale 06:00 Nina And The Neurons: In 20:35 You Have Been Warned 23:00 Fashion Bloggers 10:30 Coronation Street The Lab 21:25 Gold Rush 23:30 Fashion Bloggers 13:00 Crisis 06:15 Cbeebies Stories 22:15 Gold Rush 16:00 Live Good Morning America 18:00 Crisis 06:20 The Green Balloon Club 23:05 Alaska: The Last Frontier 00:00 Diggers 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 06:45 Gigglebiz 23:55 Fantomworks 00:30 Diggers 21:00 Crisis 07:00 Charlie And Lola 01:00 Hard Time 22:00 Devious Maids 07:15 The Weakest Link 02:00 Chasing UFOs 23:00 Justified 08:00 Sinbad 03:00 Street Monkeys 08:45 Doctor Who: The Day Of The 00:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 04:00 How Hard Can It Be? Doctor Basics 05:00 Going Deep With David 10:05 As Time Goes By 00:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Rees 10:40 The Weakest Link Basics 05:30 Going Deep With David 11:25 Sinbad 00:00 Violetta 00:55 Siba’s Table Rees 12:10 My Family 00:45 The Hive 01:20 Siba’s Table 06:00 Car SOS 00:00 Stolen 12:40 Doctor Who: The Day Of The 00:50 Art Attack 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 Street Genius 02:00 Broken City Doctor 01:15 Art Attack 02:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:30 Street Genius 04:00 Escape From L.A. 14:00 Doctors 01:40 Jungle Junction 02:35 Fast Food Gone Global 08:00 Diggers 06:00 Police Story 14:30 Doctors 01:50 Jungle Junction 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 08:30 Diggers 08:00 The Expatriate 15:00 Doctors 02:05 Jungle Junction 03:50 Siba’s Table 09:00 Hard Time 09:45 Waterworld 15:30 Doctors 02:15 Jungle Junction 04:15 Siba’s Table 10:00 Chasing UFOs 12:00 Escape From L.A. 16:00 Doctors 02:30 Violetta 04:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 11:00 Crime Lab 14:00 Stolen 16:30 As Time Goes By 03:10 The Hive Basics 12:00 Sea Patrol 16:00 The Expatriate 17:00 Being Eileen 03:20 Art Attack 05:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 13:00 Dangerous Encounters 18:00 The Call 17:30 The Omid Djalili Show 03:45 Art Attack Basics 14:00 Live Free Or Die 20:00 Maximum Conviction 18:05 Rev. 04:10 Jungle Junction 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of 15:00 Air Crash Investigation 22:00 The Expendables 2 18:35 The Vicar Of Dibley 04:20 Jungle Junction Vietnam 16:00 Nordic Wild 19:05 Call The Midwife 04:35 Jungle Junction 05:50 Siba’s Table 17:00 Wild Australia 19:50 Frankie 04:45 Jungle Junction 06:10 Have Cake, Will Travel 18:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 20:40 Whitechapel 05:00 Art Attack 06:35 Have Cake, Will Travel 19:00 Air Crash Investigation 21:25 Scott & Bailey 05:25 Art Attack 07:00 Tastiest Places To 20:00 Nordic Wild 22:10 Sherlock 05:50 Mouk Chowdown 21:00 Wild Australia 00:00 Broken City-18 23:40 Moone Boy 06:00 Dog With A Blog 07:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 02:00 Escape From L.A.-PG15 06:25 Liv And Maddie 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 Crime Lab 04:00 Police Story-PG15 06:50 So Random 08:15 Chopped 06:00 The Expatriate-PG15 07:15 Gravity Falls 09:05 Siba’s Table 07:45 Waterworld-PG15 07:40 Jessie 09:30 Have Cake, Will Travel 10:00 Escape From L.A.-PG15 08:05 The Aristocats 09:55 Have Cake, Will Travel 12:00 Stolen-PG15 09:20 Dog With A Blog 10:20 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 14:00 The Expatriate-PG15 09:45 Girl Meets World 00:25 Celebrity MasterChef Basics 00:30 The Daily Show Global 16:00 The Call-PG15 10:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place 10:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 18:00 Maximum Conviction-PG15 01:20 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 10:35 Jessie Edition 02:05 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill Basics 01:00 Two And A Half Men 20:00 The Expendables 2-PG15 11:00 Austin & Ally 11:10 Siba’s Table 22:00 The General’s Daughter-18 02:30 Rick Stein’s India 11:25 Gravity Falls 01:30 Saturday Night Live 03:20 Antiques Roadshow 11:35 Siba’s Table 02:30 Sean Saves The World 11:50 Liv And Maddie 12:00 Guy’s Big Bite 04:15 Antiques Roadshow 12:15 Dog With A Blog 03:00 Men At Work 05:10 Bargain Hunt 12:25 Unique Eats 03:30 How I Met Your Mother 12:40 Mako Mermaids 12:50 Unique Eats 05:55 Bargain Hunt 13:05 Binny And The Ghost 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 06:40 Bargain Hunt 13:15 Hungry Girl Jimmy Fallon 13:30 Girl Meets World 00:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 07:25 The Roux Legacy 13:40 Hungry Girl 05:30 My Boys 13:55 I Didn’t Do It Fred-PG 08:00 Come Dine With Me 14:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:00 Last Man Standing ESCAPE FROM L.A ON OSN ACTION HD 14:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 02:00 Life Happens-PG15 08:25 Come Dine With Me 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:30 The Simpsons Teenage Witch 04:00 In A World...-PG15 09:45 Peeples-PG15 08:50 Come Dine With Me 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:45 Disney Mickey Mouse Shorts 06:00 Run For Your Wife-PG15 11:45 Chinese Zodiac-PG15 09:15 Come Dine With Me 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:30 My Boys 14:55 Gravity Falls 15:45 Barefoot Contessa - 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Back To PG15 00:00 MSNBC Caught On Camera 16:40 Come Dine With Me 19:05 I Didn’t Do It 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Champions Tour 17:05 Come Dine With Me Basics 14:30 2 Broke Girls 14:30 Red Tails-PG15 01:00 MSNBC Caught On Camera 19:30 Binny And The Ghost 19:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 16:45 The Mortal Instruments: City 17:30 Come Dine With Me 19:55 Gravity Falls 15:00 The Goldbergs 02:00 Live ABC World News 17:55 Come Dine With Me Basics Of Bones-PG15 20:20 Mako Mermaids 15:30 The Daily Show Global 01:45 Safe Haven-PG15 02:30 Live NBC Nightly News (Sat- 18:20 Antiques Roadshow 19:30 Siba’s Table 19:00 Hummingbird-PG15 20:45 Spooksville Edition 03:45 Celeste And Jesse Forever- Sun) 19:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:55 Siba’s Table 21:00 500 Mph Storm-PG15 21:10 Wolfblood 16:00 Two And A Half Men PG15 03:00 ABC World News 01:00 Super Rugby Final Highlights 20:05 Come Dine With Me 20:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:35 Gravity Falls 16:30 Last Man Standing 05:30 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 03:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 01:30 Currie Cup Final Highlights 20:55 Food Glorious Food 20:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:15 Trespass-PG15 04:00 NBC Saturday Today Show 02:00 ITM Cup Final Highlights 21:45 The Roux Legacy 21:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 18:00 Men At Work 09:00 Love And Honor-PG15 03:00 Live NHL 22:20 Homes Under The Hammer Basics 06:00 ABC 20/20 22:50 Shake It Up 18:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 11:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 06:00 NFL Road To The Super 23:10 Homes Under The Hammer 21:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 07:00 ABC World News 23:10 Wolfblood 19:00 Dads 13:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 Bowl XLIX Basics 19:30 The Goldbergs 07:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 07:00 Trans World Sport 23:35 Wolfblood 22:00 Chopped 15:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 01:00 Wallace & Gromit: The Curse 20:00 Friends With Better Lives Of The Were-Rabbit 08:00 ABC World News 09:00 PGA European Tour 22:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives A Marriage Counselor-PG15 08:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 20:30 Mystery Girls 17:00 Love And Honor-PG15 02:45 Oggy & The Cockroaches: 15:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 23:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 09:00 MSNBC Investigates 15:30 Futbol Mundial 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:45 The Butler-PG15 The Movie Stewart 21:00 The Bag Man-PG15 04:30 Dragon Hunters 10:00 ABC World News 16:00 NFL Road To The Super 21:30 Two And A Half Men Bowl XLIX 00:45 The Fighters 23:00 Arthur Newman-18 06:00 Planet 51 10:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 22:00 Saturday Night Live 17:00 Snooker The Masters 01:35 How It’s Made 00:30 Fashion Bloggers 08:00 Barbie In The 12 Dancing 11:00 MSNBC All In With Chris 23:00 Sean Saves The World 22:00 PDC World Darts 02:00 How It’s Made 00:55 Fashion Bloggers Princesses Hayes 23:30 Friends With Better Lives Championship 02:25 How It’s Made 01:25 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 10:00 Renart The Fox 12:00 MSNBC The Rachel 02:50 How It’s Made 01:50 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:05 Coronation Street 11:30 Barbie And The Diamond Maddow Show 02:20 E! News 03:15 How It’s Made 00:30 Coronation Street Castle 13:00 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 03:15 Eric And Jessie: Game On 00:50 Coronation Street 13:00 Oggy & The Cockroaches: 03:40 How It’s Made 01:30 Sleepers-18 Matthews 03:40 Eric And Jessie: Game On 01:15 The Chase: Celebrity The Movie 04:05 How It’s Made 04:00 Darling Companion-PG15 04:10 E!ES Specials 01:00 The Strain 14:30 Wheelers 14:00 ABC 20/20 04:30 How It’s Made 05:45 Emperor-PG15 05:05 E!ES 02:05 The Chase 02:00 Salem 16:00 The Happets 15:00 MSNBC Caught On Camera 01:00 Live New Zealand v Sri 05:00 How It’s Made 07:30 The Last Harbor-PG15 06:00 Keeping Up With The 02:55 Emmerdale 03:00 Mistresses 18:00 Renart The Fox 16:00 Live NBC Sunday Today Lanka ODI 05:30 How It’s Made 09:15 Cheerful Weather For The Kardashians 05:00 The Great Fire 04:00 The Blacklist 20:00 Luke And Lucy: The Texas Show 10:00 Big Bash League T20 06:00 Overhaulin’ Wedding-PG15 06:55 Keeping Up With The 05:55 Big Star’s Little Star 05:00 Graceland Rangers 17:00 Live NBC Meet The Press Highlights 06:50 Kindig Customs 11:00 My Last Day Without You- Kardashians 06:45 Who’s Doing The Dishes 09:00 Graceland 18:00 ABC This Week With G 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 07:40 Highway To Sell PG15 07:50 Style Star 07:45 Keep It In The Family 10:00 The Blacklist Stephanopoulos 14:30 New Zealand v Sri Lanka 08:30 Gold Rush 12:45 Too Big To Fail-PG15 ODI Highlights 09:20 Gold Rush 08:20 E! News 08:25 Murdoch Mysteries 12:00 Emmerdale 19:00 Live MSNBC Melissa Harris- 09:15 House Of DVF 09:15 Murdoch Mysteries 12:30 Coronation Street 14:45 The Armstrong Lie-PG15 17:00 Australia v England ODI 10:10 Alaska: The Last Frontier 17:00 Cheerful Weather For The Perry Highlights 11:00 Airplane Repo 10:15 House Of DVF 10:00 Murdoch Mysteries 16:00 Emmerdale 20:00 NBC Meet The Press 11:10 Fashion Bloggers 12:30 Midsomer Murders 16:30 Coronation Street Wedding-PG15 00:00 Chinese Zodiac-PG15 18:00 Big Bash League T20 11:50 Street Outlaws 19:00 I, Anna-PG15 02:15 Transformers-PG15 21:00 ABC This Week With G 21:30 ICC Cricket 360 12:40 How It’s Made 11:35 Fashion Bloggers 14:05 The Great Fire 19:00 Castle 12:05 E! News 15:00 Big Star’s Little Star 20:00 How To Get Away With 21:00 The Happening-PG15 05:00 Lincoln-PG15 Stephanopoulos 23:00 Big Bash League T20 13:05 How It’s Made 23:00 American Gangster-18 07:45 Closed Circuit-PG15 23:00 Live MSNBC News

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 26/1/2015 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 26/1/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 503 Beirut 00:05 IRC 6507 Shiraz 14:50 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 JZR 562 Sohag 00:05 IRC 529 Ahwaz 14:15 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 AGY 681 Alexandria 00:15 KAC 741 Dammam 14:45 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:15 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 SVA 503 Jeddah/Madinah 15:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 RJA 642 Amman 02:15 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 IRC 6508 Shiraz 15:50 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 16:20 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 KAC 742 Dammam 17:45 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 GFA 944 LCA 17:50 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:25 KAC 542 Cairo 18:25 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 1542 Cairo 18:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 GFA 944 Bahrain 18:35 QTR 8632 Doha 06:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 RJA 643 Amman 06:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 544 Cairo 06:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JZR 560 Sohag 07:10 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 JZR 563 Sohag 06:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 8632 Lahore/Doha 07:55 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 JZR 483 Istanbul 19:35 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 BAW 156 London 08:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 513 Tehran 08:55 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 20:00 KAC 171 Frankfurt 09:05 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 344D Chennai 08:45 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 117 New York 10:05 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 GFA 943 Bahrain 10:15 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:35 SYR 341 Latakia 11:10 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 GFA 943 LCA 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 KAC 541 Cairo 11:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:50 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KAC 172 Frankfurt 22:20 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 SYR 342 Latakia 12:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 IRC 528 Ahwaz 13:15 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 JZR 561 Sohag 13:45 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 CROSSWORD 795 STAR TRACK

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

This is a great day for achievement. Your personal goals are clearly visible Your mind may be best focused on working with numbers or matters of and you should make great strides in reaching them. Be careful not to alienate friends finance. Engaging in social activity, while fun, is best put off until a better time. Caution in who may be following a different path. You show a tendency to engage in hard work so as moneymaking matters is a wise action and you are a good mentor. Psychological values to gain financial security. You may spend an excessive amount of worry about your mone- and material possessions become very important for you at this time and they are in a tary position, frequently being thrifty in expenditures. Make sure you have complete infor- state of change: what is old and familiar is left behind or changed so thoroughly as to be mation before gambling with an investment. Your mental faculties are stimulated-making unrecognizable. This can be a very productive time in your life. Whatever plans you make you readily receptive to any thoughts that create worry. It’s best to rely on facts rather now will likely be successful. Spending time this afternoon with a close friend or relative than feelings during this time, especially when an expensive mistake might be the out- and sharing confidences could prove beneficial. Others will find you full of optimism and emotional stability. This is a time to evaluate and modify. come. This evening you will relax better if you exercise.

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

High drama, big romance, a creative bonanza-this is the stuff dreams are Your energy and optimism go hand in hand to help you grasp the big pic- made of now. The world is your stage, the spotlight is your goal, and the love and appreci- ture of a new project today. Do not forget, however, that the whole is made up of many ation of others is the air you breathe. If you hear of a movie being filmed near you or a play parts. Each part must be considered and none can be missing or out of place. You make taking auditions . . . Go . . . Try out for a part. You might be surprised and totally pleased practical decisions and you have a natural sense of what the public wants. Clear decisions with the end result! Children, lovers, admirers-these are the people who figure large in affecting others could be made now. While working in groups you will use your powers of your life as this cycle progresses. A new animal plays a part in your life and whether it creativity and the teammates around you learn from you as this makes solving problems belongs to you or is a neighbor’s animal, you will become quite fond of the fun and the easy to handle. There is room in your day for a little long-range planning. There is also an interaction that comes your way. A willingness to gamble on the future will open doors of air of seriousness to all dealings with partners. Movies, books and all forms of escape could prove very enjoyable this evening-relax. new experience and satisfaction of accomplishments.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This is a partnership day and not much is going to happen if you try to work You are most realistic about your abilities and expectations for success. You alone. If your co-workers are compatible, today should produce great take a sober attitude on life at times but you can also be the life of a party! results. If your relationships are less than idyllic, this is probably as good a time as any to ACROSS DOWN This time is best used to accomplish the projects on your list. Deep-seated problems that resolve those difficulties. This period usually brings about good conditions and communi- 1. Small beads made from polished shells 1. Meat from a domestic hog or pig. have been put off too long can be dealt with today. Take the car in for those overdue cation among family and friends-particularly with the opposite sex. It is an excellent time to and formerly used as money by native 2. At any time. repairs. You have the energy to tackle most problems involving any personal actions today. offer your help. If you can find a little time, take the opportunity after lunch to enjoy the There may be instances when you will have to give a full accounting of your labors, particu- Americans. 3. Yellow-fever mosquitos. out-of-doors. A walk is worth your time and your afternoon will seem calmer. You should larly to those interested in buying your product. Put those creative energies to work-now is feel more relaxed once you engage in some sort of health-related activity. Hug a friend lat- 5. Alternatively, a member of the family 4. The hulled and crushed grain of various the time to use your energy constructively. Make new efforts to understand or become er today. Consider growing an herb garden in a sunny window. Nymphaeaceae. cereals. closer to a loved one. There are good endings to this evening. 12. The sign language used in the United 5. A compartment in front of a motor vehi- States. cle where driver sits. 15. Having come or been brought to a con- 6. An honorary arts degree. ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) clusion. 7. A soft silvery metallic element of the alka- Cancer (June 21-July 22 16. Of or relating to Aram or to its inhabi- li earth group. This is one of those days when everything seems to be going your way. You This is a favorable day to accomplish much and if you are in a work environ- tants or their culture or their language. 8. Fast-growing herbaceous evergreen tree are also beginning to see the benefit of long-term thinking. Short-term deci- ment you will find the difficult scenarios developing into positive outcomes 17. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which of South America having a broad trunk with sions have not been very useful in the past. Weighing the repercussions of your actions is quickly. If you are in a sales environment, people are just less demanding today. Your duties something you have been working on lately. If you are looking for a job, there is one avail- may have expanded lately, leaving little free time to think. You may look forward to a little the pilot is talked down by ground control high water content and dark green oval boredom. With the days busier than usual you may come to realize how important it is to using precision approach radar. leaves. able soon. If you are looking for job improvement, now is the time to write out your request. It is important to effectively communicate your ideas. This afternoon you may become stay in good health. Parking your car some distance from your work may cause you to get 18. A forbidding stronghold. 9. A tan discoloration of a woman's face more aware of petty problems between you and a friend. Do not try to force an issue at this more exercise but you may find other ways to work in some exercise that would not take 20. A blemish made by dirt. that is associated with pregnancy or with time. Tonight, you show a great deal of interest and willingness to help in family matters, you too far away from work. Any opportunity to make yourself take more steps will help 21. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked). the use of oral contraceptives. particularly concerning the general living environment. create a better physical you-perhaps a group project. 22. A squeaking sound. 10. African tree having an exceedingly thick 23. Short and fat. trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and 25. (literary) Spirited horse for state or war. has an edible pulp called monkey bread. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 26. A island in the Netherlands Antilles that 11. (prefix) Opposite or opposing or neu- is the top of an extinct volcano. tralizing. You are able to express your feelings to others in positive ways. Now is a What joy it is to have opportunities available to you this year for new and good day to step back and contemplate your next step. Your power to effect a positive wonderful things to happen. During this year your creative mind will save the day in many 27. A New England state. 12. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- change in many avenues of your life is greater than you can imagine at this time. This is a different scenarios and you might consider writing or reporting or journaling so that you 31. A social club for male undergraduates. cially in Turkey). real time to read and study on new avenues of communication and leadership in order to will be able to share the antics and events that are destined to occur. Lighter moments and 35. Of or relating to a member of the 13. Any of a number of fishes of the family improve your career. Your organizational abilities and sense of responsibility will be what spiritual insights are your focus now; activities of recent years have been focused. You will Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong Carangidae. guides you and proves successful. Your career will soon show your hard work to learn and still have goals and successful times, as well as challenges; however, this year a very differ- ent attitude will take over and present some wonderful opportunities to grow in wise and river in Laos and Thailand. 14. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of grow. Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings-marriage and other partnerships could be a key arena for this. If you should meet a new love interest deeply spiritual ways. Consider a psychology class or a creative writing class. For now, con- 37. A port city and resort in Andalusia in Lamaism. today, it will probably be because opposites attract. sider your friends. southern Spain on the Mediterranean. 19. (Hawaiian) A small guitar having four 41. Long green edible beaked pods of the strings. okra plant. 24. Little known Kamarupan languages. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 43. Trace the shape of. 28. Flightless New Zealand birds similar to Pisces (February 19-March 20) 44. The 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. gallinules. You may have new and promising ideas in work or business. This is a good You may find your moods fluctuate like the weather. This may not be the 45. South African plant widely cultivated for 29. (prosody) Of or consisting of iambs. day to start new ventures. If you are in the restaurant business, perhaps a new menu would best time to make any concrete decisions about a relationship or business deal. It is the best its showy pure white spathe and yellow 30. God of fire. be beneficial. If you have any unfinished business or perhaps some presentation that you time to make an appointment for a massage and take care of your body. Your concentration spadix. 32. Small shrubby tree of eastern North have put aside . . . Now is the time to pull your points together. Positive results can happen is on your work and you may decide to go a bit further with some self-competition. You 47. A promontory in northern Morocco America similar to the Judas tree having from phone calls, performances, test results, etc. Your creative thinking is enhanced. When want to improve and you outperform yourself in many areas. The satisfaction of a job well you exercise both sides of your brain, problems are easier to solve. You may have strong done is one of your greatest incentives now . . . Just don’t be too hard on yourself. opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. usually pink flowers. desires for a particular item today. Mark a piggybank with whatever you want to save for, Investments can start small and grow beyond your wildest dreams-be on the lookout for 49. A room or establishment where alco- 33. A member of the Semitic speaking peo- such as the down payment on a trip or some great item for your home, etc. You will see the opportunities of this sort. If you are romantically involved, it is a time to experience growth holic drinks are served over a counter. ple of northern Ethiopia. results in no time-the secret here is patience. as a couple. You feel the power of love. 50. Any of the Khoisan languages spoken 34. Having or arranged in tiers. by the pastoral people of Namibia and 36. (trademark) An acrylic fiber or the light- South Africa. weight crease-resistant fabric made with WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 52. Put up with something or somebody Orlon yarns. unpleasant. 38. A silvery ductile metallic element found 54. The intended recipient of a message. primarily in bauxite. 55. Open-heart surgery in which the rib 39. The dynasty that ruled much of cage is opened and a section of a blood Manchuria and northeastern China from vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coro- 947 to 1125. nary artery to bypass the blocked section of 40. A radioactive transuranic element pro- the coronary artery and improve the blood duced by bombarding plutonium with neu- supply to the heart. trons. 58. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 42. Surveying instrument consisting of the 59. A river in central Italy rising in the upper movable part of a theodolite includ- Apennines and flowing through Florence ing the telescope and its attachments. and Pisa to the Ligurian Sea. 46. Bubble shells. 60. The sound made by a horse. 48. A high wave (often dangerous) caused 61. A cushion on a throne for a prince in by tidal flow (as by colliding tidal currents India. or in a narrow estuary). 65. God of love and erotic desire. 51. Adult female chicken. 69. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 53. The capital and largest city of from aba cloth. Bangladesh. 70. Large tropical butterfly with degenerate 56. An artificial language related to Ido. forelegs and an unpleasant taste. 57. Covered with beads of liquid. 74. The month following January and pre- 62. In bed. ceding March. 63. A Chadic language spoken south of 75. A town in western Washington. Lake Chad. 77. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- 64. A dress worn primarily by Hindu ed with the World Bank. women. 78. A federal agency established to regulate 66. Lacking sufficient water or rainfall. the release of new foods and health-related 67. A manner of performance. products. 68. Type genus of the Anatidae. 79. Web spinners. 71. A defensive missile designed to shoot 80. A potent estrogen used in medicine and down incoming intercontinental ballistic in feed for livestock and poultry. missiles. 72. A long projecting or anterior elongation Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 GOSSIP Mandy Moore files for divorce

he ‘Because I Said So’ actress and her hus- she was going to collaborate with her husband on band have announced their split after nearly new music. She said previously: “Life, life is inspir- Tsix years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable ing what I’m writing about and I don’t know exact- differences”. A statement read: “Mandy Moore and ly what it’s going to sound like quiet yet. “But... I’m Ryan Adams have mutually decided to end their going to work with my husband on it and make it marriage of almost 6 years. “It is a respectful, ami- at his studio so his influence will be all over it.” The cable parting of ways and both Mandy and Ryan 30-year-old actress and the 40-year-old musician are asking for media to respect their privacy at this tied the knot in March 2009 and have always been time.” Meanwhile, Mandy previously revealed that private about their relationship. Jennifer Lopez has ‘no regrets’ about Affleck

Kim Kardashian West planning to pose nude again Kelly Brook he ‘Keeping Up with the naked pregnant photo-shoot. Kardashians’ star, who Convinced she is a muse for pho- ‘knows nothing’ Trecently admitted she and tographers and fashion editors, husband Kanye West are having a Kim is planning on doing the about “challenging” time trying to give shoot for a major magazine, and their 19-month-old daughter, isn’t opposed to doing full frontal North, a sibling, wants to strip nudity.” Kanye, 37, fully supports relationships down for a risky photo-shoot to the reality TV star’s plans, but show off her next baby bump. A doesn’t want her to do it for mon- source close to the 34-year-old ey in case people consider it less beauty - who appeared complete- artistic. The insider told gossip ly naked in Paper magazine in website RadarOnline.com: “Kanye November, said: “Kim is deter- is absolutely supportive of Kim, mined to not gain as much weight and loves the idea of doing a very as she did with North because she artistic nude photo shoot while wants to look super hot in the pregnant.”

he 45-year-old actress admits her split Emme with third ex-husband Marc Anthony, from the actor in 2004 was the “lowest says she would date the ‘Argo’ star, who now has Tpoint” in her life because their film ‘Gigli’ three children with wife Jennifer Garner, “all also received poor reviews at the time, but over again.” Asked if she had any regrets about claims the experience helped her to grow. The the time period, she told the HuffPostLive: “No. ‘Boy Next Door’ star said: “I think the worst, No regrets. I would do it all over again I think. I probably lowest point was the whole ‘Gigli’ era. really would. Even the relationship part. “I just It was pretty tough. It was a very badly reviewed feel like everything is part of your story and film. I was in a high-profile relationship at the your journey and is meant to be and helps you time that fell apart in a really bad way. I was in grow if you’re willing to look at it, and I’m willing the tabloids every other week about how my to look.” The ‘Booty’ hitmaker previously admit- life was falling apart. It was a tough time.” But ted her split from Ben, 42, was her “first big Jennifer, who has six-year-old twins Max and heartbreak.” Mel B ‘held hostage’ in her own home

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini could he 35-year-old actress - who has dated Jason have ‘easily gone off the rails’ Statham and Billy Zane - has admitted that her Trelationships were more “successful” when she he ‘Crazy Stupid Love’ hitmaker has admitted that she has was younger. She said: “The older you get the more you been “very lucky” not to fall in the traps of drink and drugs like realize you know nothing about relationships. I have no Tsome of her fellow music artists. She said: “I’ve been very lucky idea. I don’t know anything. I had much more success- in my life but it could have been very different. I could easily been ful relationships when I was in my 20s and I knew noth- one of those people who go off the rails. “Even in my showbiz career. ing. “But now I feel like I can work people out so quickly I mean, look at the amount of artists who have been affected by he former Spice Girl’s husband, Stephen Belafonte, is set to be questioned, when he returns and it’s not good. Being judgmental is not good.” The drink and drugs. My life could have gone that way too. “But thankful- to the UK, over claims that the singer was held prisoner in their house, The Sun newspaper brunette beauty also confirmed she had split from ly it hasn’t and I’m able to show people that if I can do it, any of you Treports. The 39-year-old star was allegedly “falsely imprisoned” in their home in Kensington, David McIntosh, after the pair had been rumored to can. I came from a worse area than so many people who need help.” west London on December 10, just a day before she was admitted to hospital after suffering stom- have rekindled their romance following cheating accu- The 31-year-old star - who hails from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in north ach pains. The Metropolitan Police said: “We can confirm police in Kensington and Chelsea bor- sations made against him. She added: “I’m completely east England - believes her “dream and ambition” to develop a music ough are investigating an allegation of false imprisonment. “The allegation was reported on single at the moment.” The model also revealed that career has protected her. She shared: “I was lucky because I always Monday 15 December. We are not prepared to discuss further.” It is not known who made the com- the apartment, which she shares with fellow had a dream and ambition. Ever since I was little all I ever wanted to plaint. Meanwhile, Stephen, 39, has previously been forced to deny that he had harmed his wife, actress, Natalie Loren, has been branded a “no- do was sing and dance and entertain. “My mother has a famous after Mel was discharged from hospital and appeared on the ‘X Factor’ final with apparent bruis- boy zone”. She shared: “I’m just living with my quote: ‘Che came into the world knowing what she wanted to do.’ ing. Her wedding ring was also obviously missing. Mel also reportedly made a number of urgent girlfriend. I’ve got a beautiful apartment in And I kind of did.” Meanwhile, Cheryl - who has opened a centre in calls to Simon Cowell in the week before the ITV talent show final, but the 55-year-old media an old Hollywood building and we her hometown to help the city’s struggling youngsters - has admit- mogul was too busy in meetings and did not return her phone calls. The couple live at the £4mil- have a great time. ted that she and her husband, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, are lion Kensington house along with their daughter, Madison, three, as well as Mel’s children, keen to visit more often. Phoenix Chi, 15, and Angel, seven, from previous relationships. lifestyle SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 GOSSIP Miley Cyrus says she is a good role model he 22-year-old star - who has been criticized in the past for posing naked, risky performances and admitting to using drugs - still Tbelieves she is a good role model for her young fans. Asked what might surprise a stranger about her, the singer, who is the new face of MAC cosmetic’s Viva Glam campaign, said: “I’m not the way that people try to make me seem ... I don’t go around just trashing hotel rooms and partying, that I’m actually working on, you know, music that I love and being involved in things that I love. “I can actually say I am [a good role model] for what I know of what is important to teach people-and what is important to teach people is that ... you can’t judge other people.” The ‘We Can’t Stop’ hitmaker is currently dating Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s eldest son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, but admits she can’t spell his last name. She said: “Literally, I just had this conversation, I can’t tell you. Apparently there’s not a T in it.” Meanwhile, the ‘Wrecking Ball’ hitmaker thinks Justin Bieber, who recently dyed his hair, is copying her short blonde style. Sam Taylor-Johnson blasts critics he 47-year-old filmmaker - who has daughters you love someone, you love someone. It doesn’t matter; Wylda, four, and Romy, two, with the 24-year-old age, color, c’mon!” The couple got married in June 2012 Tactor - tells people who judge their relationship to after meeting on the set of the John Lennon biopic “f**k off” and insists the 23-year age-gap between them ‘Nowhere Boy’ when Aaron was 19. The ‘Kick-Ass’ actor isn’t an issue. Asked how she responds to negative com- previously claimed he often forgets his wife is older ments about their relationship, the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ than him because she has a “young, beautiful soul.” director, who also has daughters Angelica, 17, and During an interview last year, he said: “It doesn’t seem Jessie, nine, with ex-husband Jay Jopling, told the like it. She’s such a young, beautiful soul that you March issue of Red magazine: “Tell them to f**k off! “If wouldn’t even know.”

Patrick Dempsey’s wife has reportedly filed for divorce illian Fink, who married the ‘Grey’s insider added: “It remains to be seen Anatomy’ star in July 1999, has cited whether it will be amicable.” Patrick, who Jirreconcilable differences as the reason was married to Rocky Parker from 1987 to for their split and is seeking joint custody of 1994, previously credited Jillian for helping their 12-year-old daughter, Tallulah Fyfe, him to stay grounded. He said: “The best and seven-year-old twin sons, Sullivan part about being married is feeling cen- Patrick and Darby Galen. The make-up tered. Nothing else matters so much as artist, 48, is also requesting spousal and long as you can come home and be with child support, and a source told gossip your family.” But he also admitted they website TMZ.com: “She’s all about the kids.” were both very independent people. He The 49-year-old actor has an estimated $40 said: “She’ll do things on her own so she million fortune and the former couple do can come back and be much more patient not have a prenuptial agreement. The with the kids. I go car racing.” Sean Penn is adopting Charlize Theron’s son

he 54-year-old actor, who already has two Tchildren, Dylan, 23, and Hopper, 21, with ex-wife Robin Wright, has filed court documents in Los Angeles requesting to be legally rec- ognized as the father of his fiancÈe’s three-year-old child, Jackson. A source told PEOPLE.com: “Charlize and Sean are very serious. Charlize says this is it. Jackson already calls Sean daddy. This is the first step toward them getting mar- ried.” The 39-year-old Kardashian family love hiking actress adopted Jackson alone when he was four- he reality TV stars all live close to one another and when they are guards down and enjoy that time together as a family.” Living so close to months-old in March 2012. away from the cameras, they love nothing more than enjoying long one another is a particular bonus for Kourtney and Scott Disick’s elder chil- Another insider told Us Twalks with whichever of their loved ones are free to join them. Khloe dren, Mason, five, and Penelope, two, because they can visit their aunt Weekly magazine: “Sean Kardashian said:” Kim and Kanye just moved into the same gated area Khloe whenever they want a sweet treat. Khloe laughed to Closer maga- always knew that to truly where our mom Kris lives and our sister Kourtney lives in the same gated zine: “My niece and nephew walk to my house every day just to get Oreo earn a place in Charlize’s areas as me, which is five minutes away. “So every morning, if we can, we’ll cookies. “Kourtney doesn’t keep those sort of treats in her house so they heart, connecting with go on hikes together. Just recently, it was me, Kaye, Kim and our brother think I’m the only one who buys them. I love being with them and my Jackson was one of the most Rob. We just hiked around and no one was there. It felt great to let our whole family every day.” important parts.” While he is now in the process of adopt- ing Jackson, the ‘Milk’ star’s daughter, Dylan, recently Pete Wentz is worried his kids admitted has also formed a close bond with Charlize. Speaking in October, the will inherit bipolar disorder young model said: “She’s awesome. She’s great and he Fall Out Boy bassist, who has six- helped him to manage his depression after they’re amazing together. As year-old son Bronx with ex-wife Ashlee years of self-medicating. He told Howard long as my dad’s happy, I’m TSimpson and five-month-old son Saint Stern on his SiriusXM radio show: “My highs, happy for both of them.” with girlfriend Meagan Camper, was diag- my happiness are really high and my lows are Asked what she liked about nosed with the manic-depressive disorder very low and I’m not able to regulate the blonde beauty, she when he was a teenager and credits his chil- between the two. Through actual therapy added: “Well, she’s brilliant dren for helping him to get his life under con- and having kids it’s way more under control for one thing, and she’s the trol. Asked if he fears his boys might experi- and something I can see when I’m on the only woman since my mom ence the same “highs and lows” in the future roller coaster and control it more.” The who can shut my dad up. as he has, he said: “Yeah, that’s one of the ‘Centuries’ hitmaker decided to prioritize his The only woman! That is a things I’ve worried about.” Pete says his chil- own health after realizing people in the f**king challenge so... She’s a dren are “the ultimate happy pill” and have music industry “don’t care.” powerhouse.” lifestyle SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015

Fashion

Models present creations by Kenzo, during the men’s Fall/Winter 2015 ready-to-wear collection fashion show yesterday in Paris.

A model holds a bag Peruvian-Chinese fashion designer Humberto Leon (let) and Carol Lim of South Korea greets the audi- for Kenzo’s men’s ence at the end of Kenzo show, during the menís Fall/Winter 2015 ready-to-wear collection fashion show fall-winter 2015/2016 yesterday in Paris. — AFP photos fashion collection presented in Paris yesterday.

Models present creations by Kenzo, during the men’s Fall/Winter 2015 ready-to-wear collection fashion show on January 24, 2015 in Paris.

Kenzo

FashionA model wears a Show creation for Kenzo’s A model wears a creation for men’s fall-winter Kenzo’s men’s fall-winter 2015/2016 fashion 2015/2016 fashion collection. collection. lifestyle SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 Features

Danuta Roman recre- ates a Vincent van Joanna Maleszyk hangs Gogh painting at a up recreations of Vincent film studio in the van Gogh paintings at a northern Polish city film studio in the north- of Gdansk. ern Polish city of Gdansk. — AFP Photos

Animated film brings van Gogh’s art to life

anuta Roman is channeling her inner the year. “For every second of film, you need 12 key traced and painted over in the style of the Post- Vincent van Gogh. She applies short brush- frames, so 12 paintings,” said BreakThru head Sean Impressionist. “The PAWS animation technique we Dstrokes of azure, turquoise and Payne’s grey Bobbitt. “One artist can create six paintings a day use involves projecting scenes shot with actors so to mimic water reflections on an oil painting by the on average, the equivalent of half a second of film.” they can be painted by brush on a canvas,” said Dutch master. “I’m trying to figure out how he cre- In all, the 80-minute film will require around graphic designer Dluzewski. “So the film becomes a ated this landscape,” says the 42-year-old painter as 56,000 key frames. The studio even created its own canvas. The digital image is translated into a paint- she studies an 1887 canvas with the Seine river and technique called PAWS, for Painted Animation ing. “More than 100 van Gogh paintings were used a scene outside Paris. She and some 70 other artists Work Stations, to make the film. “We’re basically in the film, said Marlena Jopyk-Misiak, who super- are working on what is billed as the world’s first playing at van Gogh and we become van Gogh by vises the painstaking artwork. “We’re making exact feature-length animated film made entirely using these high-tech digital methods,” said graph- copies. But often for the purposes of film, you need through hand-painted canvasses. Entitled “Loving ic designer Bartosz Dluzewski. Their studio in to adapt them, to modify or enlarge, while adding Vincent”, the 4.5 million-euro ($5.3 million) produc- Gdansk, where it gets dark at 3 pm in winter, is far in elements that don’t figure in the originals,” she tion aims to bring to life both van Gogh’s works from the sunlight of southern France that so said. and his tortured soul, to mark this year’s 125th inspired van Gogh but “our painters are flexible,” “We also came up with tableaus that van Gogh anniversary of his death-often held as a suicide- said artist Roman with a big smile. “Even surround- never painted himself,” including the closing from a gunshot wound. ed by halogen light, we’re able to recreate the sequence, which is “in the style of his famous self- Its creators are the Oscar-winning BreakThru Provencal glow.” portrait”. The film, which also draws from 800 of Productions, which won an Academy Award in When a scene like the one she was working on the artist’s letters, examines the mystery sur- 2008 for the animated short “Peter and the Wolf” is done, it is photographed then sent to animation. rounding his July 1890 death in Auvers-sur-Oise based on the story and music by Sergei Prokoviev. On the same canvas, she then paints the next outside Paris. “I don’t think anyone actually knows Van Gogh, known for his bold colors and rough, frame-this time shifting the boats a few millimeters what the truth behind van Gogh’s death is,” said vibrant painting style, is considered one of the to convey the sense that they’re floating. The van Bobbitt, “whether it actually was a suicide or was most revolutionary painters of the 19th century. He Gogh original features a train crossing a bridge-but he accidentally shot... “What we try to do is look died young at 37, after suffering frequent bouts of there is no sign of it yet on Roman’s canvas. It will into the various theories and give credibility to mental illness including the infamous episode be added into the following frames. “Loving this one or to that one-and let the viewer decide,” where he sliced off part of his ear. And though he Vincent” is told through the eyes of van Gogh’s ‘s he said.— AFP sold only one painting during his lifetime, his entourage, including Armand Roulin, a passenger works today carry multi-million dollar price tags. on the train whose family in the southern French city of Arles inspired many a van Gogh portrait. ‘Playing at van Gogh” A painter recreates a Vincent van Gogh self-portrait at a film studio in the northern Polish The BreakThru artists have already toiled for six ‘The film becomes a canvas’ city of Gdansk. She is one of dozens of Polish artists working on ‘Loving Vincent’, the months at a studio in the northern port city of The scenes are first shot with actors in a studio world’s first painting-based animated feature film. Gdansk and are scrambling to finish by the end of in Wroclaw, in western Poland, then the footage is Digital Tracking: ‘The Boy Next Door’ flirts with the Box Office oes digital data offer indicators that can be used to moni- cheeky affair turns into a dangerous liaison. “American Sniper” will tor marketing effectiveness and predict box office success take the top spot again, but “The Boy Next Door” has the social Deven before awareness turns into intent? Moviepilot- stats to take second place with over $20 million. The combination which studies social data and box office trends-analyzes this of J-Lo and Ryan Guzman (of the “Step Up” franchise) along with a weekend’s new movies across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and strong hook suggests that “The Boy Next Door” should play well Google (the methodology behind the numbers is laid out in the with the influential Hispanic demographic, particularly to females appendix below) over the seven days leading up to their release, over 25. Lopez has wide appeal, as shown by her enormous 30 when marketing campaigns should be at their peak. million Twitter following, plus another 10 million on Instagram. The movie itself has gathered 20,000 Instagram followers, an impressive showing for an original title. “The Boy Next Door” also has enjoyed endorsements from other celebs with a large follow- Edgar Froese ing behind them: sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian. “The Boy Next Door” is shaping up strongly on Twitter with 105,000 tweets, which will be a key indicator for its weekend performance. It’s just ahead of “No Good Deed,” at 100,000 tweets, which opened to Electronica pioneer Froese $24.3 million, and around 2.5X ahead of “Addicted,” which bowed with $7.4 million. The J-Lo thriller is in line to clock $22 million. of Tangerine Dream dies at 70 ‘Mortdecai’ What to do with Johnny Depp? Having scaled the “Pirates of dgar Froese, whose band Tangerine band name was unclear-and initially pursued a the Caribbean” heights and plumbed the “Lone Ranger” depths, Dream crafted an ambient and futuristic musical direction in line with some of the more it’s hard to say exactly how his movies will fare these days. Depp Esound that set the stage for generations of philosophical rock artists of the day including stars here as the eccentric Charlie Mortdecai, whose choice of electronic artists, has died, his son said Friday. Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix. facial foliage has permeated the entire campaign, including via a He was 70. Trained as a sculptor, the German partnership with the Art of Shaving. The titular character has his multi-instrumentalist shocked the musical Godfather of trance own playful Twitter account with more than 21,000 followers, as world in the early 1970s by using synthesizers Tangerine Dream enjoyed a break when it well as a rumor-mill game (apparently I’m a “morally corrupt to generate a trance-like but minimalist atmos- caught the attention of John Peel, the British Lothario”-well, there’s no smoke without fire). When stacked up phere that had only passing connections to the radio presenter who for years was one of pop against Depp’s previous effort, “Transcendence,” “Mortdecai” is rock sound that then dominated the airwaves. music’s premier tastemakers, and the band was tracking at around 30% behind the cyber-thriller, suggesting an His son Jerome Froese, who later joined him in soon signed by the then-upstart Virgin label of opening around $7 million. the band, said that his father died unexpectedly Richard Branson. Virgin Records gave Tangerine from a pulmonary embolism while in Vienna on Dream free rein in the studio and the result was ‘Strange Magic’ Tuesday. “Edgar once said, ‘There is no death, 1974’s “Phaedra,” which became one of elec- “Strange Magic” is from the mind of George Lucas, which alone there is just a change of our cosmic address.’ tronica’s seminal works. The album pushed the should make it worth a look for some moviegoers. Influencers Edgar, this is a little comfort to us,” a statement limits of the era’s sequencer technology to cre- Miranda Sings and Zach King both created posts inspired by the from the band said. ate a psychedelic atmosphere that some critics movie, encouraging their millions of followers to catch it this Froese was born in what is now the Russian likened to space travel. city of Sovetsk on June 6, 1944 the same day as The album-with an aptly abstract painting weekend. Socially, “Strange Magic” is shaping up closely to the D-Day invasion-and has described growing by Froese on the cover-entered the Top 20 in “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return,” which opened to about $4 mil- up in a cosmopolitan post-World War II German Britain. “Phaedra” initially gained little traction in lion last year. “Strange Magic” has 12,100 tweets and 26,200 cultural sphere in which he felt little attachment Germany, although eventually Tangerine Dream searches compared with 15,000 tweets and 24,000 searches for to national identity. Froese studied art in West became a face of Berlin as a global electronica “Legends of Oz,” hinting at a $4 million opening as well for Lucas’ Berlin but his formative experience came in capital. While Tangerine Dream’s airy, free-flow- animated fantasy. Tobias Bauckhage (@tbauckhage) is co-founder 1967 when he was invited to perform with an ing sound gave birth to the trance scene, and CEO of moviepilot.com, a social-media-driven movie commu- earlier band in Spain at the villa of the painter Germany in the same era produced a separate nity reaching over 28 million Facebook fans and 20 million month- Salvador Dali, one of his heroes, and became school of electronica in Dusseldorf where ly unique users. Based on community data, Moviepilot helps stu- convinced to take his music in a similarly surreal Kraftwerk took a starkly different approach-a dios to optimize their social-media campaigns, identifying, analyz- direction. tight, robotic sound that experimented with ing and activating the right audiences. The company works with In an interview years later, Froese said that how far the human dimension could be studios including Sony, 20th Century Fox and A24.—Reuters Dali taught him that “nearly everything is possi- removed from music.—AFP ble in art as long as you have a strong belief in what you’re doing.” “His philosophy of being as original and authentic as possible had touched Universal Moviepilot Prediction me very intensively at that time,” Froese told the Last summer Jennifer Lopez made a splash on her return to British online magazine The Quietus. He linked music with “Booty” alongside Iggy Azalea, and now she’s back on up with fellow Berlin musicians to form the big screen in “The Boy Next Door,” a sexy thriller where a Tangerine Dream-the exact inspiration for the Electronica pioneer Froese of Tangerine Dream dies at 70

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015 37

People ride in an Ural Soviet motorcycle in Havana, Cuba. Everyone warns you Old Havana is a facade, but it’s impossible not to be taken by its charms. For a foreigner who isn’t coming with predetermined notions of Cuba as global boogeyman or socialist paradise, each alley and avenue, each conversation with a Cuban, complicates the picture. — AP Photos For first-time visitor, Havana is charming - and complicated veryone warns you Old Havana is a facade, but it’s impossible not to be taken by its charms. In my hotel Eroom, the soft sound of guitars enters from the balcony. In the cobblestone street below, I enjoy a cigar and watch a teenage girl introduce her boyfriend to her parents as they sit on a bench and pass a cigarette back and forth.

Everyone moves in slow motion. The area is greener than I imagined, with trees sprouting sideways from oblong squares. Women stand guard in impos- sibly narrow doorways. Men play handball in the hollowed- out courtyard of one of the city’s countless crumbled edifices. Tapas bars fill in the cracks. For a foreigner who isn’t coming Miniature flags representing Cuba and the US are displayed on the dash of an with predetermined notions of Cuba as global boogeyman or American classic car in Havana. socialist paradise, each alley and avenue, each conversation with a Cuban, complicates the picture. I’m nowhere near the first Westerner, American or journalist to visit Havana - and I know it. But I want to make sense of the place. Many more like me could embark on this voyage soon. Although hundreds of thousands of Cuban-Americans make the trip each year and the intrepid traveler always finds a way in, the US embargo has blocked countless more from visiting a country just 90 miles south of Florida. President Barack Obama’s decision last month to improve relations with Cuba In the 16th century Plaza de Armas, an elderly man offers People drive and ease trade and travel rules to the island has changed all of me Associated Press Wirephoto prints from the 1950s along classic American that. The US government insists only certain groups of with other relics of Fulgencio Batista’s period in power, along car in Old Havana. Americans may visit Cuba, but the elimination of a pre-autho- with the usual knick-knacks of the revolution. A minute later, a rization process means just about anyone can come. young man approaches and tells me has “nice girls” for sale. Some of Cuba’s contradictions are immediately apparent. Uneven signs of modernization are everywhere. The main In the Plaza Vieja, a Paul & Shark boutique sells sweaters for as thoroughfares are well paved. State-of-the-art pedestrian sig- much as a doctor here makes in months. The city offers new nals are installed, providing second-by-second countdowns. bars and restaurants. Some of the best, I’m told, belong to They cut through neighborhoods ranging from ramshackle people with connections to the communist government or glory to the plain shabby, where buildings strain to stand. At access to expatriate cash, or both. Propaganda is pervasive, Havana’s old port, the halls lie bare and ghostly, a heaping though tame. The murals are worn and sometimes entirely mass of decrepit iron. rubbed out, leaving tones of delicate ochre across building Iconic yesteryear Fords, Dodges and Chevys parade the Yurien Rojas, who sells custard filled pastries known as Senoritas, waits for cus- walls where more of Fidel Castro’s citations and Che Guevara’s boulevards, along with humbler Russian-made cars of the tomers on a street in Havana. portraits once stood. post-revolution era. There are plenty of new cars, too, though you have to wonder where they all come from. The official price of a Peugeot can reach $250,000. Driving around, you see the magical and the mundane of Cuba’s capital. Along with the grand hotels once frequented by Frank Sinatra and Ernest Hemingway, there are schools, athletic centers and countless public places where people gather. If my French sounds like a Spanish cow, I speak Spanish like a French donkey - that is to say, enough to get by but hardly enough to impress. My driver only speaks Spanish. He guides me to the right word when I dip into French or Italian. Many younger folks speak English. Everyone speaks of family in Florida and New York, or even Oregon. There is no sense of “us” and “them.” My driver’s daughter and granddaughter live in Miami. At Santy’s, a swanky fish joint, an ascot-wearing gui- tarist talks of his son who reached the United States by raft. He says his son is Ojani Noa, the first husband of American singer Jennifer Lopez. The US government often hails the entrepreneurial spirit of Cubans. It doesn’t come nat- urally to all of them. A taxi driver takes me to the upscale Vedado neighborhood one evening and can’t break the equiv- alent of a $20 bill. In fact, he has no money on him whatsoev- er. The customer, he says, should have exact change. If you ask about politics, the response often starts with a deep breath or shrug. Cubans are mostly interested in economic improve- ment, one invariably hears, and an intangible “normal” in their lives. Along the seaside promenade, the Malecon, groups of teenagers enjoy the evening air. Lovers embrace. The police are everywhere. — AP

Photo shows Havana from the capitol dome in Havana, Cuba.