SHAABAN 13, 1439 AH SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018

Max 34º 32 Pages Min 24º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17518 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

KOC: Foreign companies Brains, eyes, testes, ovaries: Saudi Princess Noura: Made to Nadal into Barcelona final 3 tackling Maqwa oil leak 23 Off-limits for transplants? 32 measure ambassador 13 with 400th clay court win

Duterte urges all Filipinos in to return home President to announce ‘personally crafted’ decision • Kuwait alarmed by leaked reports

SINGAPORE/KUWAIT: Philippine ernment, saying the act violated the country’s “As the president of the nation, it behooves President Rodrigo Duterte called on the sovereignty and ordered Philippine upon me to do something.” 260,000 Filipinos working in Kuwait - most Ambassador Renato Villa to leave the coun- of them employed as domestic helpers - to try. Duterte said ties between the two nations Important announcement return home, saying the state apparently did were now “being put to the test”. “I plead that On Friday, presidential spokesperson Harry not want their services anymore, according to since there is a total ban on deployment, I Roque said Duterte would announce an reports in the media. “To you don’t want them anymore to [go to Kuwait] important “course of action” in connection there in Kuwait, [to] those who are not really because apparently [the Kuwaitis] do not like with the diplomatic crisis. Roque said the household helpers, I now appeal to your them,” he said. “Do not hurt” the Filipino president’s move would be “Solomonic” and sense of patriotism: Come home, anyway workers and “treat them deserving of a “dramatic”. “I confirm that he will announce there are now many jobs in the Philippines,” human being”, he appealed to Kuwaitis. the Philippines position personally during his the president said, addressing overseas Duterte said he could use funds given arrival statement in Davao on Sunday (today). Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait. by China to “get all those who want to He wants to announce it on Philippine soil,” “I will look for money and I will get all, all go home” and joked about robbing a Roque said in a press briefing in Singapore. the Filipino workers (in Kuwait),” he told bank to get more money. He did not say He said Duterte arrived at the decision on about 6,000 members of the Filipino commu- how many or what kind of jobs awaited the Kuwait problem on his own, “something nity in Singapore, where he attended the 32nd those willing to heed his call to return. he personally crafted” and that it was “not Association of Southeast Asian Nations Despite what he described as a “diplomat- specially recommended by anyone”. “It shows Summit. Duterte told his audience at the Big ic ruckus” between the two countries, the his experience on governance and there’s Box center that he had “bad news” about the president said there was no anger or hatred wisdom I guess even in the number of years diplomatic row between Kuwait and the in his heart towards Kuwait, adding he was of leadership and as well as in his age,” Philippines over the recent rescues of thankful to Kuwait for helping OFWs, whom Roque said. allegedly abused Filipino maids by Philippine he said owed a debt of gratitude to the state. Manila demanded an explanation Thursday SINGAPORE: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to members of the Embassy staff in Kuwait. “If the presence of Filipinos is a burden to after its ambassador was expelled, shocking Philippine community during a gathering yesterday. — AFP The rescue had angered the Kuwaiti gov- you, allow us to get them out,” Duterte said. Continued on Page 11

gents were among more than 50 Houthis killed in a new Strike kills dozens strike overnight in the capital Sanaa. In a speech eulo- gizing Sammad yesterday night, rebel chief Abdul Malik Al-Houthi claimed and its allies had tar- of Houthis; missile geted the outskirts of Sabaeen Square as Houthi sup- porters gathered for Sammad’s funeral. The rebels’ Al- salvo kills Saudi Masirah television aired footage of black columns of smoke billowing outside the square, where Yemenis chanted slogans calling for the demise of Saudi Arabia as Pompeo visits and the . The date of the footage could not be immediately verified. SANAA: A Saudi-led coalition air strike has killed The rebels have been locked in a war since 2015 dozens of Yemeni rebels including two commanders, with a Saudi-led military alliance fighting to restore the state media said yesterday, in another blow to the internationally recognized Yemeni government to pow- insurgents following the assassination of their political er. Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television said the chief. The Houthi rebels staged a public funeral yester- overnight strike had targeted the interior ministry in day for Saleh Al-Sammad, head of their Supreme Sanaa, which is controlled by the rebels. The Houthis, Political Council and effectively the insurgents’ second- backed by Saudi Arabia’s regional archrival , con- in-command, who was killed last week in an air raid firmed the air strike on Sanaa but gave no details. SANAA: Honour guards stand on a truck carrying the coffin of slain Houthi leader Saleh Al-Sammad during a funeral claimed by Saudi Arabia and its allies. The rebels, who hail from northern , control procession held for him and his six bodyguards in the Yemeni capital yesterday. —AFP His funeral came hours after Saudi Arabia’s state-run Sanaa and much of the country’s north - which borders Al-Ekhbariya television said two high-ranking insur- Continued on Page 11

nurture trust. Billed as an informal get- Xi, Modi seek together rather than a summit, the two N Korea says summit men held talks on Friday that lasted far new relations longer than expected, and yesterday opens new peace era chatted over tea on a boat trip round a scenic lake. after summit “President Xi stressed that the issues between China and India are of a limited, WUHAN, China: The leaders of China temporary nature but the relationship and India agreed to open a new chapter between the two countries is extensive in their relationship yesterday after an and ongoing,” Chinese Vice Foreign informal summit, just months after a dis- Minister Kong Xuanyou told reporters in pute over a stretch of their high-altitude Wuhan. Their differences are significant: Himalayan border rekindled fears of war. as well as disputes over stretches of a Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 3,500 km border - the two fought a brief spent around 24 hours in the central border war in 1962 - the Asian giants Chinese city of Wuhan for meetings with have squabbled over Xi’s signature Belt WUHAN: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) President Xi Jinping, an ice-breaking and Road infrastructure initiative. and Chinese President Xi Jinping look on along the East trip both hoped would allow candor and Continued on Page 11 Lake yesterday. — AFP

PANMUNJOM: North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (left) and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in raise their joined hands during a signing ceremony near Israeli gunfire in the end of their historic summit in this truce village on Friday. — AFP focus after scores SEOUL: North Korea yesterday wanted to see an end to the US mili- hailed its summit with the South as a tary presence and nuclear umbrella “historic meeting” that paved the way over the South, but it invaded its wounded, killed for the start of a new era, after the two neighbor in 1950 and is the only one leaders pledged to pursue denu- of the two Koreas to possess nuclear GAZA CITY: When Palestinian Mohammed clearization and a permanent peace. weapons. Analysts warn that previ- Al-Mughari was shot by an Israeli sniper on the The official KCNA news agency car- ous displays of inter-Korean affec- Gaza border, it left a hole in his leg so big he ried the text of the leaders’ Panmunjom tion and pledges by the North ulti- says he could fit a finger into it. Over a month Declaration in full and said the mately came to naught. into mass protests, more than 40 Palestinians encounter opened the way “for nation- For years, Pyongyang insisted it have been killed and at least 1,500 wounded by GAZA: Palestinians take final pictures of 15-year-old Palestinian teenager Azzam Oweida dur- al reconciliation and unity, peace and would never give up the “treasured Israeli fire during the “Great March of Return”, ing his funeral in Khan Younis yesterday after he was shot by Israeli forces in clashes along prosperity”. In the document, North sword” of its nuclear arsenal, which it a major protest movement along the border the Gaza border. — AFP Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the says it needs to defend itself against a between Gaza and . Doctors are troubled South’s President Moon Jae-in “con- possible US invasion. But it has by the high number of disabling wounds, espe- there is still a possibility it might need to be their homes seized by Israel in 1948. firmed the common goal of realizing, offered to put it up for negotiation in cially to the legs and knees, with Israel facing amputated. The bullet destroyed “30 centime- While most of the crowd stands a few hun- through complete denuclearization, a exchange for security guarantees, questions over both its disproportionate use of ters of bone in the leg”, he told AFP from his dred meters from the border fence, smaller nuclear-free Korean Peninsula”. according to Seoul - although Kim force and the types of ammunition it is using hospital bed in Gaza City. Since March 30, numbers have pushed closer to burn tyres and But the phrase is a diplomatic made no public reference to doing so against demonstrators. thousands of Palestinians have gathered every throw stones. In response Israeli snipers have euphemism open to interpretation on at Friday’s spectacular summit. Three weeks after being shot, 28-year-old Friday at points along the border separating fired live ammunition. Mughari declined to say both sides. Pyongyang has long Continued on Page 11 Mughari’s leg is propped up and wrapped in the besieged and Israel. The whether he threw stones, but he thinks it may plaster, but he’s not in the clear yet. He knows marchers are demanding the right to return to Continued on Page 11 2 Established 1961 Local Sunday, April 29, 2018 Zain Strategic Partner of ‘Kuwait Beautiful and Green’ competition

Company encourages young artistic talents in art competition organized by Kuwait Times

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications special needs schools. The competition aimed at company in Kuwait, participated in awarding the encouraging students to showcase their artistic skills first place winners of the ‘Kuwait Beautiful and by drawing paintings that portray a beautiful and Green’ drawing competition organized by Kuwait green Kuwait. Times for school students. The event took place at Zain believes the development of the communities Symphony Style Hotel in Salmiya with the atten- in which it operates is a very important part of the dance of Kuwait Times company’s overall suc- Editor-in-Chief Abd cess. The company con- Al-Rahman Al-Alyan. siders education as a Zain’s Strategic In line with its core element in the com- Partnership of this ini- munity development tiative for the fifth year Corporate process, and it will con- running came in line tinue to support it to with its Corporate Sustainability contribute to the further Sustainability and progress of the educa- Social Responsibility strategy tion sector. strategy towards the Zain’s partnership of education sector, the competition for five through which the com- years springs from the pany encourages and company’s core belief supports efforts that that social responsibility contribute to offering the proper environment for the is a significant corporate element. The company youth to unleash their creativity. believes that supporting initiatives such as this one KUWAIT: Zain’s representative awards the winners in the presence of Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd The competition witnessed immense participation provides young people with skills and tools necessary Al-Rahman Al-Alyan. of students from public and private schools, including to help them and develop their skills. Zain concludes Strategic firms in the financial services sector, Asset including asset management. Also Partnership invited to attend the workshop, are management representatives of Kuwait and Arab of Media Forum institutions, organizations and entities. He added that this workshop, is the workshop second of its kind with JP Morgan KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- Asset Management, and falls within a tions company in Kuwait, concluded its starts today chain of specialized workshops that Strategic Partnership of the 15th edition of the PIFSS plans to organize, and will be Arab Media Forum under the patronage of conducted by experts from leading His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber KUWAIT: A two-day workshop on global financial services firms. He also Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the atten- investment and asset management noted that PIFSS had organized a dance of Zain Kuwait Chief Executive Officer starts today, organized jointly by the conference on investment with the Eaman Al-Roudhan and Forum Director public institution for social security renowned financial services company, Madhi Al-Khamees. (PIFSS) and the international financial Goldman Sachs Asset Management, in KUWAIT: Eaman Al-Roudhan with Madhi Al-Khamees and Waleed Al-Khashti at Zain’s services firm, JP Morgan Asset The 15th edition of the forum witnessed a booth. November 2017. number of seminars, workshops, and discus- Management, headquartered in Humaidhi stressed the fact that staff sion panels related to media, featuring many London, UK. Six top financial and education and training are continuous of the event’s most prominent attendees with that attend to Arab media. Since 2003, the highlights its social commitment, as the com- investments experts of the company processes that should not stop in the presence of distinguished media person- event brought together many ministers, edi- pany believes in the importance of the role who will cover various aspects of order for national human resources in alities who were specially invited from all tors-in-chief of local and regional newspa- press and media plays in the development of investment and asset management will our organizations to operate profes- around the . pers, media executives, journalists, academics, communities. Zain will continue supporting run the workshop. sionally, and within the same high lev- Zain has been the strategic partner of the authors, actors, businessmen, and social fig- this very important sector which carries sig- In a statement to the press, the els and standards of leading interna- Arab Media Forum during the past seven ures from all around the Arab world. nificant and informative messaging to the Director General of PIFSS Hamad tional firms. consecutive years, as the company is keen on Zain also participated in the forum through public at large and the communications world Mashari Al-Humaidhi said that the JP Morgan Asset Management is a enriching its media involvement, being a lead- its dedicated booth, where the company wel- as a whole. workshop falls within the framework renowned financial services firm, with ing private sector company in the country. comed visitors to discuss the various ways in The Arab Media Forum was founded in of PIFSS strategy aiming at enhancing assets under management totaling $1.8 Zain believes in the strong impact media has which different communication mediums can Kuwait in 2003 with the aim of developing and developing efficiency and capa- trillion. The firm is the asset manage- on individuals and communities, and it strives enhance the development of current media Arab media. The forum holds a number of bilities of staff members through ment arm of the leading firm, JP to reach out to all of the different segments of tools in the Arab region. The company also events and activities throughout the Arab introducing them to experiences, work Morgan Chase and Company in New the society through this very vital tool. highlighted the big role plays world, and features the participation of techniques and strategies of leading York, with total assets of $2.5 trillion. The Arab Media Forum has proven itself to nowadays in communities all around the world. Information Ministers, media personalities, be one of the region’s most prominent events Zain’s strategic partnership of this forum public and private media bodies, and more. Kuwait committed to combatting KRCS opens project for Syrian terror financing: Minister orphans in Turkey : Kuwait’s Finance Minister Dr ed in the conference’s second session on Nayef Al-Hajraf has reiterated Kuwait’s Thursday. The session, chaired by French firm commitment towards the global Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and efforts to dry up financial resources of attended by the Director General of the terrorist groups. Kuwait commitment International Monetary Fund Christine towards the fight against terror financing Lagarde, tackled the use of technology in is strong and principled, Minister Al- financing terrorism. Hajraf said Thursday on the sidelines of This had been one of the major and his participation in the Paris Conference disturbing challenges to agencies work- to Combat Terrorism Financing. ing on monitoring and combating terror He stressed that Kuwait cooperated financing, Hajraf said, stressing the need with the international community to stop to control it by all means. He stated that the flow of money to terrorist groups in the two-day conference concluded with any part of the world. Kuwait is keen on Paris Declaration on fighting terror contributing to the global action to eradi- financing. heT declaration focused on cate the scourge of terrorism, Hajraf the importance of collective action by asserted, noting that his country had world countries to deny terrorists any been a victim of terrorist activities. The access to financial resources, he said. minister called for increasing internation- Hajraf led the national delegation to al cooperation to keep abreast of the lat- the Paris Conference to Combat ANKARA: KRCS Chairman of the Board Dr Hilal Al-Sayer (center) is seen during the est tools and methods in terror financing Terrorism Financing, which is being project’s opening ceremony. — KUNA A KRCS worker is seen with Syrian children in Turkey. and money laundering as well as for tak- attended by 80 relevant ministers from ing all necessary measures to stop them. 72 countries alongside 500 experts on He pointed that Kuwait had participat- the subject. — KUNA ANKARA: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) opened yesterday a multipurpose project for Syrian orphan refugees in Gaziantep city, south of Turkey. During the project’s opening ceremony, KRCS Chairman of the Board Dr Hilal Al-Sayer said that the total cost of the project was around KD 42,000 ($142,000), indicat- ing that 140 orphans will benefit from the various serv- ices provided by the 15 staff and administrators. He said that the current project was part of various endeavors sponsored by KRCS and executed by Al- Sham orphan society and the Qatari Red Crescent Society. Dr Sayer affirmed that the KRCS’s efforts were an extension of Kuwait’s unwavering supportive stance for Syrian refugees in Turkey and elsewhere in the region. Dr Sayer and the KRCS delegation is scheduled to hold a meeting with members of the society later on to follow up on the situation of refugees fleeing from Eastern Ghouta. The KRCS Chairman opened yesterday PARIS: Kuwait’s Finance Minister Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf (center) poses with Kuwaiti diplo- an orphanage for Syrian refugees in Hatay region in Officials pose for a group picture with Syrian children in Turkey. mats in Paris, . — KUNA southern Turkey. — KUNA Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, April 29, 2018 Kuwait gives top priority to promoting health services Premier heads key meeting for Health Ministry leaderships

received at the airport by Kuwaiti Crown Prince Ambassador to France Sami Al- Suleiman and members of the diplo- matic mission in France. leaves US, His Highness the Crown had left the US late Thursday after a private arrives in Paris visit, which included regular medical checkups. Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al- KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Mubarak Al-Sabah and members of Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- the Kuwaiti Permanent Delegation at Jaber Al-Sabah arrived in Paris the UN headquarters in New York Friday on a private visit. His saw off His Highness the Crown Highness Sheikh Nawaf was Prince at the airport. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chairs a high profile meeting for the Health Ministry. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Government Performance Follow-Up Then, His Highness the Premier offered Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Agency Sheikh Ahmad Meshaal Al-Ahmad directives related to certain notes on Sabah has emphasized the state’s great Al-Sabah. health and medical care services in a num- interest in promoting health services as a Minister Bassel Al-Sabah provided a ber of hospitals, and stressed that they top priority. His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al- detailed account of the ministry’s plans for have to be remedied. His Highness Sheikh Mubarak yesterday presided over a high promoting services and completing projects Jaber Al-Mubarak urged the officials to profile meeting for the Health Ministry lead- to realize the optimal health level for the further care about people’s complaints and erships as part of follow-up efforts of good of both citizens and expatriates. He not to relent any inaction or carelessness. implementation of projects and programs addressed means of enhancing the health His Highness the Prime Minister thanked and development plans of the various gov- infrastructure, including expansion works in the Health Ministry officials for their sin- ernment bodies. Deputy Prime Minister and a host of hospitals nationwide, doubling bed cere efforts to improve services wishing Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah capacity to about 16,000. The minister them more success. Meanwhile, the PARIS: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Al-Sabah and Minister of Health Dr Bassel reviewed doctors’ training programs and Minister of Health thanked His Highness Sabah is welcomed upon his arrival to Paris, France. — KUNA Humoud Hamad Al-Sabah attended the overseas missions in cooperation with some the Premier for the government’s support meeting, together with head of the of the world’s leading medical institutions. to health services. — KUNA

meet Kuwait’s needs in case of catastro- Private phes and emergencies. Meanwhile, Sheikh Dr Bassel Al- Sabah said the ministry pays proper hospitals can’t attention to financial and administrative discrepancies reported by the Audit receive blood Bureau. He said in an answer to MP Mohammad Hayef’s inquiries about measures taken towards certain viola- donations tions that a committee was formed to investigate them. By A Saleh Jobseekers KUWAIT: Private hospitals in Kuwait are The number of citizens looking for not allowed to receive blood donations, jobs and registered at the Manpower and instead the Ministry of Health sup- Public Authority, Manpower and plies them with their needs of blood, Government Restructuring Program Health Minister Sheikh Dr Bassel Al- (MGRP) and the state’s executive appa- Sabah said. ratus has risen to 13,070 citizens, 6,023 In an answer to a question by MP of whom are university graduates. Salah Khorsheed regarding the blood Recent statistics show that MGRP man- bank and its branches, he said the min- aged to find jobs for all PhD holders istry is aware that private hospitals registered, while 95 Master’s degree charge KD 23 to KD 40 for units of holders and 2,114 diploma holders blood. Sheikh Bassel said the ministry remain unemployed. provides private hospitals with blood at About the rest of education qualifica- their request for fixed prices as follows: tions that are awaiting appointment, the Blood bag for KD 20; plasma bag for KD number of secondary certificate holders 10; one unit of platelets for KD 10; and a is 1,127 of those who have attended platelet bag with 6 units for KD 60. courses of two years or more, 143 with a Such prices are considered as nomi- two-year course and 778 without cours- nal, because blood is used for emergency es, besides 1,815 intermediate certificate treatment, while the private medical sec- holders with various experiences. The tor bears the expenses of matching and number appointed in the government transferring blood from and to the blood from the start of this year is 499 citizens, bank. He said the strategic reserve makes while last year ended at 6,257, with 1,547 up one third of the general stock of all appointed in the private sector from blood groups so it does not drop below January until April 26, 2018. 350 units, and this reserve is prepared to

in a statement, adding a cleanup and Foreign repair of the well and nearby cathodic wells were underway. The operation is carried out in coop- companies eration with consultants from interna- tional companies that possess special help in tackling equipment, the KOC said, noting that the company has contracts with these companies, stipulating cooperation in oil leak: KOC such accidents. The situation is being handled “with utmost professionalism and the leakage has been contained to KUWAIT: Specialized foreign compa- stop it from expansion,” the KOC state- nies possessing state-of-art equipment ment said, stressing that the company are involved in the operation to contain has been dealing with the accident oil leakage at Maqwa, located in the according to standard procedures. On Great Burgan region south of Kuwait Monday, the KOC declared the leakage, City, Kuwait Oil Company said yester- followed with fire that was put out, day. The oil leakage at Al-Maqwa Well- affirming that there was no hazard to 149 “has been controlled,” said the KOC human beings. — KUNA

KUWAIT: This picture provided by Kuwait Oil Company shows works from the opera- tion to contain oil leakage at Maqwa.—- KUNA 4 Established 1961 Sunday, April 29, 2018 Local Rohingya ordeal priority for Kuwait at UN: FM Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Kuwait part of UNSC delegation inspecting Rohingya in Myanmar, Bangladesh KUWAIT: Kuwait Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- The banquet was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said Friday ordeal of Rohingya Khaled Al-Jarallah, Assistant Foreign Minister for the min- Muslim minority was a priority for Kuwait, especially dur- ister’s office Ambassador Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser ing its UN Security Council membership. Mohammad Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for pro- Kuwait’s humanitarian policy is one of the country’s for- tocols Dhari Al-Ajran, Assistant Foreign Minister for eign policy pillars, said Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, also Deputy Foreign Minister’s office Ayham Al-Omar, perma- Deputy Prime Minister, thus the great attention to the nent representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi and plight of the Rohingya community in Myanmar. Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled made the remarks during a Nasser Al-Hayyen. banquet he held for 15 permanent representatives at the UNSC, who were en route to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Integral part The mission to the two Asian countries is co-chaired by Kuwait will be an integral part of the UNSC delegation Kuwait, Britain and Peru, and aimed at getting acquainted tasked with inspecting and evaluating the status of some with conditions of around 700,000 Rohingyas. Sheikh 700,000 Rohingya refugees and displaced in Myanmar Sabah Al-Khaled said the timing of visits to Bangladesh and Bangladesh, said a senior Kuwaiti diplomat Saturday. and Myanmar was crucial because it meant UNSC was Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN head- following with “great concern” the daily influx of Rohingya quarters in New York Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi said refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh. that the delegation-led by Kuwait, the UK, and Peru- The visits, he added, were sending a “strong signal that would look into means to ensure the safety of the refugees the Security Council is determined to follow up this and enable them to return to their homes and dwellings. humanitarian issue until it is resolved.” The top diplomat Ambassador Otaibi said that Kuwait, since joining the wished success for the mission and hoped the ambassa- UNSC as a non-permanent, tried to initiate such visit to dors would have a comprehensive assessment of condi- the Rohingya while presiding over the Presidency of the tions of Rohingya . Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled council back in February; however, the authorities in meanwhile expressed condolences for the passing away of Myanmar said that such visit was not suitable at that time. Cote d’Ivoire UN Ambassador Tanoh-Boutchoue. He affirmed that through its time in the UNSC, the State The permanent representatives thanked Sheikh Sabah of Kuwait would use all resources to defend just issues Al-Khaled for the host, and commended the State of pertaining to the Arab and Islamic worlds, noting that the Kuwait’s efforts for the preparation for their mission. The situation of the Rohingya was one of the most urgent two sides also discussed issues listed in the agenda of the humanitarian topics of this age. —KUNA KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (center left) attends a banquet for 15 per- UNSC meetings. manent representatives at the UNSC who were en route to Bangladesh and Myanmar. —KUNA

Israel unqualified Symposium recommends for UNSC more care for historic membership: writings in GCC states

Kuwait’s envoy KUWAIT: The 19th Scientific tourism, he added. “There is an Symposium of the GCC History and increased interest in museums, antiqui- NEW YORK: As occupying power that violates Antiquities Society recommended giving ties and refurbishing historic sites in the multiple UN resolutions, Israel is totally unquali- more attention and care for documents GCC countries,” he said, expressing fied for the Security Council membership, and local historic writings in Gulf appreciation to the role that the Dar Al- Kuwait representative to the UN said Thursday. Cooperation Council countries. Athar Al-Islamiyya in Kuwait plays in Addressing a Security Council open debate on Chairman of the Organizing this regard. the situation in the , Mansour Al- Committee, History Professor at Kuwait Ajmi, who also represents Kuwait in Otaibi said the Council faces the specter of the University Dr Abdelhadi Al-Ajmi said the GCC History and Antiquities potential candidacy of Israel to its membership. that the symposium recommended giv- Society, said that the 19th symposiums “We cannot imagine how an occupying ing support to young researchers in the is considered one of the most important power that persists in violating the UNSC res- field of confirming the historic identity of scientific gatherings in GCC countries olutions can take part in the Council’s efforts to GCC states, and deliver this image to the as per the researches presented. defend the principles of the international legiti- entire world. Meanwhile, modern history professor in macy entailed in such resolutions,” he won- The future development plans for Saudi Arabia Dr Fayez Al-Badrani laud- NEW YORK: Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi speaks during a dered, referring to the UNSC resolutions GCC countries has history in its folds, ed the success of the 19th symposium Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East.— KUNA 2334,476 and 478. Undoubtedly, Israel has not and making it a source for strengthening and for being distinguished by a large the qualifications for UNSC membership set the economic power through historical number of attendees. —Al-Anbaa forth in the UN Charter,” Ambassador Al- including children, must be respected. the longest military occupation and the most Otaibi stressed. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in protracted refugee crisis in modern history. “Israel was violating Council resolutions,” he Gaza was also worsening, he continued. Salary Against such a backdrop, “restraint should be said, citing the recent Israeli attacks against freezes and cuts for civil servants persisted and seen as extraordinary” and protests must be peaceful demonstrators in Gaza Strip. The faltering public services would soon move fur- viewed as a natural response to the illegal, cruel unarmed Palestinians in Gaza started on March ther towards a total collapse. He called on the Israeli occupation, he noted. Israeli officials 30 exercising their legitimate right to return to Palestinian Government to resume public sector should not have been surprised to see civilians their homes in the West Bank and staged the payments and on Israel to relax movement and stand up for their dignity and freedom, he said, Great March of Return along the eastern bor- access restrictions to enable economic recovery. noting that the protesters - including children - ders of Gaza. The United Nations was working with partners had been targeted with live ammunition in a bla- However, the Israeli occupation forces used to prioritize energy and water initiatives, he tant “shoot to kill and maim” pattern. At least 41 brutal force to quell these protests, killing at said, urging all stakeholders to support the $540 Palestinians had been killed since the protests least 37 peaceful protesters and injuring more million humanitarian appeal for 2018 to meet began and more than 5,000 injured. Dr Al-Duwaish from Kuwait’s than 5,000 others, he said, reiterating the call pressing needs. “The international community must demand National Council for Culture, Arts and Modern history professor in Saudi for the Council to provide international protec- He also urged all Palestinian factors to answers from Israel,” the Palestinian represen- Letters. Arabia Dr Fayez Al-Badrani tion for the Palestinians. “The Council had, to engage with and redouble efforts to tative said, adding that the Council’s failure to date, failed to respond to those attacks by call- enable the legitimate Palestinian Authority to address the situation was itself unjustifiable. ing for a full investigation and had been impo- be fully empowered in Gaza. Gaza was a Urging its members to condemn Israel’s crimes in getting Israel to abide by provisions of “powder keg”, Mladenov said, adding, “We with one voice, demand their cessation, protect Council resolutions,” Otaibi pointed out. must do everything possible to prevent another civilians and demand an investigation into “As the occupying Power was routinely flout- war in Gaza.” recent incidents, he welcomed calls by the ing international legitimacy, it clearly lacked all To address those concerns, he called on the Secretary General to launch in independent, credibility in running for Security Council mem- international community and the Council to sup- transparent investigation through an interna- bership,” he argued. Noting that the relocation port United Nations efforts and key stakehold- tional mechanism. of certain diplomatic missions to Jerusalem also ers. Raising concerns about the situation of the “The truth, however, is that Israel does not violated the relevant international agreements, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for want peace,” he said. Israel must not continue Otaibi said that East Jerusalem was the capital Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to receive support from - and even be rewarded of Palestine and called on all Member States to he said pledges of $100 million would only by - the Council, a body it had never respected recognize it as such. ensure the continuation of operations until the and even mocked and undermined. Recounting Officials pose for a group picture during the symposium. summer months. In Gaza alone, UNRWA served the tragic deaths of several Palestinian protest- Escalating tensions as a lifeline for more than 1 million people. ers - including a 15 year old boy - he said thou- Briefing the Council on recent developments sands of other Palestinians before them had also in the region, the Special Coordinator for the Constant harassment been murdered in Israel’s ongoing campaign of Middle East Peace Process and Personal H. Mansour, the Permanent Observer against non-Jews. All those Representative of the Secretary General warned of the , said Mladenov’s state- crimes were being committed in a deliberate of escalating tensions, outside interference and ment must be viewed in the context of the con- breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the growing risks of miscalculations, from Gaza to stant harassment and intimidation to which the United Nations Charter. to Yemen. “What happens in the Middle United Nations and its representatives were East today has immediate implications for the exposed each time they risked taking a public, New peace plan rest of the world. Everyone in the Middle East principled stand on the question of Palestine. Recalling that Palestinian President needs to step back from the brink,” Nickolay “Israel, the occupying Power, continued to Mahmoud Abbas had come before the Council Mladenov said. bully States into artificial, “balanced” positions, on February 20th to present a new peace plan, Amid rapidly shifting dynamics, he said, the despite the absolute lack of symmetry in the centered on established international terms of United Nations was tirelessly working to prevent Occupied Palestinian Territory, he stressed. reference and parameters for a peaceful resolu- KUWAIT: A picture taken from the 19th Scientific Symposium of the GCC History further deterioration while supporting national Noting that the situation was exemplified by the tion, he said that proposal was a serious attempt and Antiquities Society. processes region wide. Underlining the need for dire situation in the Gaza Strip - where 2 million to bring the situation back from the brink. consistent support for multilateralism in promot- Palestinians, mostly refugees, had long been However, no compromise efforts would be suc- ing security, stability and development, he said subjected to an illegal Israeli blockade that only cessful if, at every juncture, Israel continued to prevention must be at the center of efforts, a compounded their misery - he said Gaza’s resi- respond with aggression and contempt. much needed approach when dealing with the dents and Palestinians elsewhere had been Indeed, no plan that disregarded the funda- The State of Kuwait has always been a Palestinian Israeli conflict, which remained a cen- “beyond patient.” mental principles of respect for international law Kuwait offers pioneer supporting reconstruction efforts tral part of the regional quagmire. They had long endured upheavals, crises, and the right to self-determination would ever in the Strip, Palestinian Minister of Public “Until occupation ended and a two State assaults and deep deprivation. Contrary to succeed, Mansour stated. That was why the Works and Housing Mufid Al-Hasayneh solution was achieved, the conflict would Israeli propaganda, their recent protests on the United States decision to move its embassy to $15 million said. It is also one of the countries most remain among the key drivers of the extremism occasion of Land Day, on 30 March, had been Jerusalem and recognize the city as Israel’s cap- committed to pledges made during the threatening regional stability,” he stressed. carried out peacefully and by unarmed civilians. ital, in violation of Council resolutions, had so for Gaza Gaza Donor Conference held in Cairo fol- Raising grave concerns, Mladenov said Gaza Emphasizing that the protesters had been negatively impacted the chances for resuming lowing Israel’s 2014 aggression on the was “coming apart as we speak.” “Another demanding their rights - including return to peace talks. reconstruction Strip, the minister added. conflict between Hamas and Israel would have their land and to self-determination - he said Voicing regret that several States had further On behalf of the Palestinian President devastating consequences for Palestinians in they were also calling for an end to the Israeli emboldened Israel - including Guatemala, Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Gaza,” he went on. blockade that had long served as a collective through its recent decision mirroring that of the GAZA: Kuwait is to provide $15 million for Al-Hamdallah, Al-Hasayneh thanked “Israel must calibrate its response and Hamas punishment. “Exercising their right to peaceful United States - the Palestinian diplomat called the infrastructure projects in the Gaza and Kuwait’s leadership and people for their must keep protesters away from the border assembly, these men, women and youth are on the international community to remain res- Deir Al-Balah Governorates of the Gaza continuous support to the Palestinian fence and prevent violence and provocations, protesting an oppression that cannot be olute in rejecting Israel’s illegal policies and Strip, the Palestinian Government said yes- Cause, and the reconstruction process. Mladenov said, echoing the Secretary General’s endured any longer, pleading for their voices to practices, support UNRWA during its unprece- terday. This is part of a grant channeled Kuwait pledged $200 million as part of repeated calls for restraint and a full investiga- be heard,” Ambassador Mansour said, empha- dented funding crisis and work to deescalate the through the Kuwait Fund for Arab $5.4 billion donation made during the tion of all incidents. The rights of all civilians, sizing that the Palestinians were living through dangerous situation on the ground. —KUNA Economic Development (KFAED). Cairo’s conference. —KUNA Established 1961 5 Local Sunday, April 29, 2018 Nearly 4,000 liquor bottles busted in two containers at Shuwaikh Port No injuries in Shaab Cooperative Society blaze

By Hanan Al-Saadoun and Agencies (306) with King Fahd Road (40) will be closed in both directions at dawn tomorrow for bridge maintenance. KUWAIT: Shuwaikh customs officers recently discov- Traffic will be diverted to Shuaiba and Arifjan intersec- ered two containers loaded with 3,948 liquor bottles tions. hidden in a fertilizer shipment that arrived at Shuwaikh Port. Customs officers had doubts about the two con- Reckless drivers arrested tainers, so they were passed through scanners, which Traffic department arrested 65 reckless drivers who showed a large cavity behind the fertilizer. They found took the opportunity of the rain and dust storm to show 1,968 bottles in the first container and 1,980 in the sec- off with their cars, endangering theirs and other people’s ond. lives, Al-Rai reproted. The Relations and Security Information Department said patrols were sent to main Shaab blaze roads and intersections to direct traffic and provide assis- Firemen battled a blaze in the administration building tance when needed. of Shaab Cooperative Society. The fire department received a call early morning yesterday, and Hawally and Policemen assaulted Salmiya stations responded. The fire covered an area of A reckless driver and his friends faced police with 40 sq m in a place containing files and furniture. The fire sticks following a chase that included a collision with a was put out and no injuries were reported. patrol vehicle and riots that made police fire their guns in the air. A car was impounded, while the driver and his Intersection closed friends disappeared. Detectives are working on the case The traffic department said the Wafra intersection as the car is registered in the name of a female citizen.

Drug overdose A vehicle impounded during a recent crack- KUWAIT: Cardboard boxes containing liquor Two men, Syrian and Egyptian, were rushed to hospi- down on reckless drivers. bottles busted at Shuwaikh Airport. tal after they were found motionless near a Farwaniya building. It was discovered later that they overdosed on drug and passed out. Police received a call about the two, as proven by a lease contract. Mugging suspects caught so they rushed with paramedics to the scene, and found Hawally detectives arrested a Syrian in his 50s and remnants of chemical joints. The two will face legal action Friends’ row another in his 20s for mugging expatriates and threaten- after they recover. Two bedoons stabbed their friend as punishment for ing to harm them if they complained to police. Both con- refusing to push drugs for them. A security source said fessed to stealing motorcycles, bicycles and phones. Incorrect call the victim told police at Jahra Hospital his two bedoon Detectives were told by a Sri Lankan man that two men The interior ministry said a video clip on social media friends wanted him to join them in selling drugs, but he stole his bicycle and he saw them escape in a pick-up An office burned down by a fire reported at showing theft from a house in Surra is not correct. The admonished them and refused. They later went to his truck. Detectives found the two are involved in several Shaab Cooperative Society yesterday. Relations and Security Information Department said house and stabbed him when he answered the door. They cases around the country, and that they target Asians for investigations revealed the house is rented by an embassy are being sought by police. their valuables.

GEORGIA: Members of the Kuwaiti military team taking part in Sullivan Cup tank competition. —KUNA Kuwait military team takes part in Sullivan Cup tank competition

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense said that a team from the Tank Regiment of the Infantry Corps is taking part in the 2018 Sullivan Cup Precision Gunnery Competition at Fort Benning US Army Base in Georgia. The annual international tank competition started on Friday and will last until May 5, accord- ing to a statement from the Ministry’s department of moral guidance and pub- lic relations. The Kuwaiti team, crewing the M1A2 - a version of the US-made M1Abrams tanks, is led by Commander of the Tank the daily tests of the competition, the Regiment Col Staff Mubarak Al-Zu’abi. competing teams have to finish, in the The participation of the Kuwaiti Army in shortest possible time, the combat preci- the competition aims to keep abreast of sion gunnery shootings at day and night the latest developments in the combat and in different weather conditions. techniques and share experience with They have also to deal, under physical friendly countries, the statement said, and psychological stress, with challeng- noting that the State of Kuwait is the ing conditions, find solutions to abrupt first Arab country to take part in this emergencies, fix the technical problems, international event. and shoot at multiple hoax targets at the Since the early stages of the competi- same time in order to reach the final tion, the Kuwaiti team have proved their stage. The competition also includes a ability to compete with their peers from theoretical tests to determine the knowl- the armies of the other 17 countries rep- edge and experience of the participants, resented; they are vying for the title of as well as physical fitness tests, the mili- the best tank crew in the world. During tary statement added. — KUNA Established 1961

InternationalSunday, April 29, 2018 SE Asia faces threats from IS, cyberattacks Tunisian women hit campaign trail as equals to men Page 7 Page 9

BEIRUT: Members of ’s electoral commission monitor screens bearing images of embassies around the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in to check the electoral process as Lebanese expats start voting in the Lebanese parliamentary elections on April 27, 2018. —AFP Lebanon expatriates kick off voting 12,611 Lebanese voters register in Middle East

BEIRUT: Expatriates kick off Lebanon’s parliamentary saw the last parliament extend its own mandate three Half of the seats in Lebanon’s parliament are reserved for “Their participation could be important for example in polls by voting abroad on Friday, a first for the small times. “Many are reluctant to participate in what is Christians and the other half for Muslims. Christian districts in northern Lebanon,” he said. “It can country’s huge . The 12,611 Lebanese voters widely regarded as rigged elections which will only influence the result of the vote if competition is tight” registered in the Middle East will be the first to cast bring back the same crop of politicians from the same Diplomatic pouch between lists. And instead of picking traditional candi- ballots for the 128 seats in Lebanon’s parliament. Voters parties,” Khater said. The numbers of voters registered After successive waves of emigration from the 19th dates, some voters outside the country could look for elsewhere in the world will vote today, a week before outside Lebanon is a fraction of the 3.7 million eligible century to the 1975-1990 civil war, some estimates say alternatives in civil society lists. Voters will head to 116 the May 6 polling in Lebanon, which has not renewed voters at home. Lebanon’s extended diaspora has bloated to a whopping polling stations in Lebanese embassies and consulates in its parliament since 2009. But of the estimated one mil- 12 million but most no longer have citizenship. Christians 39 countries, and their votes will be shipped to Beirut in lion-plus Lebanese nationals scattered across the Massive diaspora were well represented in the early diaspora and were the the diplomatic pouch. They will then be stored at the globe, of which around two thirds qualify to vote, a But for a first try, “it’s a satisfactory” number, a diplo- first to press for expatriate polling, according to Akram Central Bank after being sorted into electoral districts, and total of only 82,900 people have registered. Akram mat said. The vote is being held under a new law that Khater. But the ’s diaspora and dispatched to each of these for counting on May 6. The Khater, director of a centre for allows Lebanese living abroad to vote for the first time of the pool of those eligible to vote have evolved, and government has said polling stations abroad will be moni- studies at North Carolina State University, says promo- since independence in 1943 and introduces a proportion- other communities are now on board with expatriate tored by security cameras. With registration relatively low, tion for the new initiative has been limited. al list-based system. Expatriates will cast their vote for polling. Some Christian parties-like the Lebanese Forces the political weight of Lebanon’s diaspora vote this year “This is a new experiment that has been poorly publi- one list of candidates running in their Lebanese district and Marada-have worked hard in their biggest expat will be “symbolic”, elections consultant Said Sanadiki said. cized, and many are not sure of the mechanism, the of origin. On this list of parliamentary hopefuls, repre- hubs like Australia and France to promote voter registra- But in 2022, “in the next elections, six seats will be allo- implications of their vote,” he said. Others may be disil- senting each religious community in that district under a tion, said Ali Mourad, professor of public law at the cated to the diaspora”, he said. And then it will be “a dif- lusioned after a series of political crises that notably strict quota system, they will also choose one candidate. Beirut Arab University. ferent game”. —AFP

Iraq voters fed In February, a knife-wielding man with a person- up with ‘same Knife attacker al grudge killed a woman and injured 12 others in a busy Beijing shopping mall-a rare act of vio- lence in the heavily policed capital. In the south- old faces’ kills 9 children ern city of Shenzhen, a man armed with a kitchen BEIJING: A knife-wielding man with a grudge knife killed two people and wounded nine others BAGHDAD: Only a decade after their country’s first ever multi- in a supermarket last July. party elections, disenchanted Iraqis say “the same old faces” killed nine middle school children and injured at least 10 others as they returned home in northern with their vested interests have been running the show since the History of attacks fall of dictator Saddam Hussein. “How long have Ibrahim Al- China on Friday, authorities said, in one of the deadliest such rampages in the country in recent Attacks have also targeted schoolchildren in Jaafari, Ayad Allawi, Nuri Al-Maliki or Haider al-Abadi been in BAGHDAD: Photo shows an electoral poster of the candidate power? One minute as MPs, the next as ministers,” said Midan years. The 28-year-old suspect was detained and the past, forcing authorities to increase security Magda Al-Tamimi ahead of the parliamentary elections to be around schools. In January 2017, a man armed Al-Hamadani, listing ’s foreign minister, vice president, ex- held on May 12, in Baghdad. —AFP the injured children were receiving hospital prime minister and current premier. “The parties are always the treatment, the Mizhi County public security with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 11 same and the same people come back to power, whether we like bureau in Shaanxi province said on its official children at a kindergarten in China’s southern it or not,” said the 40-year-old Baghdad resident. authority of Iraq’s Shiite majority, has called for incum- social media account. Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The previ- Widespread corruption combined with failings in basic bents not to be re-elected. Contacted by AFP, it gave no Seven girls and two boys were killed, the ous February a knife-wielding assailant wounded services such as water, electricity and transportation have confirmation. According to the electoral commission, 20 10 children in Haikou, in the southern island reinforced the public’s lack of faith in Iraq’s political leaders. percent of the candidates are newcomers. One such new official Xinhua news agency said, citing local police. The ages of the children were not given, province of Hainan, before committing suicide. In a country with a long history of conflict and intercommu- face is Hala Karim, a health ministry employee, for whom The man had entered the school in the afternoon, nal violence, more than 24 million Iraqis are registered to “nothing has changed in 15 years (since Saddam’s fall), if but middle schoolers are usually between 12 elect 320 deputies from a field of around 7,000 candidates anything things have gone from bad to worse”. “In this cra- and 15 years old in China. The incident took claiming that he was there to pick up his son. The on May 12, with 71 seats reserved for the capital. Baghdad dle of civilization, confessionalism is on the rise and the place at around 6:10 pm local time, the depart- attacks have led to calls for more research into has been inundated with election posters plastered on apart- situation is deteriorating. We must change that,” said the ment said. A man surnamed Zhao from the root causes of such acts. ment buildings and even trees. In some places, candidates’ woman in her 30s running on an independent list, Tahalouf Zhaojiashan village in Mizhi County was arrest- Violent crime has been on the rise in China in faces have overshadowed posters of the “martyrs” killed in Baghdad (Baghdad Coalition). The old guard were even ed, the public security bureau said. The suspect recent decades as the nation’s economy has the 2014-2017 defeat of the Islamic State (IS) group in resorting to posting defamatory videos online of newcom- confessed that he had been “bullied” when he boomed and the gap between rich and poor has northern and western Iraq. ers to knock them out of contention. “The big sharks can attended the same Number Three Middle widened rapidly. Studies have also described a only think of defaming us to stay in power,” she said. rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some ‘Behind the 40 thieves?’ Haidar al-Bizani, who is also running, learnt the hard School when he was a child, “hated” his class- mates and decided to use a “dagger” to kill of them linked to stress as the pace of life “It’s the same old faces! All they care about is getting rich, way: he sold a plot of land and quit his job, all to no avail, becomes faster and support systems wither. In not serving the people!” said an angry Haidar Al-Shamri, 35, let- as he failed to win a seat as an independent at Iraq’s last people on Friday, the bureau said. ting rip in a street in central Baghdad. Since the US-led invasion election. “There is no way an independent candidate can A video posted by The Paper, a daily, on June last year, a bomb blast that killed eight of 2003 that toppled Saddam, the same political figures and win. The law is to the disadvantage of small lists. That’s video-sharing website Miaopai.com shows two people and injured dozens outside a kinder- parties have held the levers of power in Iraq. “So what change why I’m running this time on the Hikma list,” led by Shiite or three bodies lying on the ground in a narrow garten in Fengxian, eastern China, was blamed has there been? At least if we had a change of faces. We’re fed politician Ammar Al-Hakim, he said. In central Baghdad lane. A person is heard shouting “hurry, call the on a 22-year-old introvert with health problems up with lies,” was the outspoken opinion of Umm Yussef, a 54- stands a statue of Kahramana, a figure from “1,001 police!” Police are seen running and later frog- who had written the words “death” and year-old woman from the northern city of Mosul. Her northern Nights”, as she pours boiling oil on thieves hiding in 40 marching a man down the street. AFP could not “destroy” on the walls of his apartment. city, Iraq’s second largest, was devastated in a ferocious battle jars. Iraqi poet and activist Aya Mansour posted a photo- immediately verify the authenticity of the video. Material to make a homemade explosive device to oust IS from its bastion and reconstruction has been stalled graph on of the monument obstructed by a wall of was found in the home. —AFP by a lack of state funding. election posters. “Where’s Kahramana? Behind the 40 Knife attacks are not uncommon in the country. Rumour has it that the marjaiya, the highest religious thieves?” she asked. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Sunday, April 29, 2018 Palestinian vies for imaginary seat in Lebanon’s parliament ‘There are people who have been in this country for 70 years’

BEIRUT: She has been criss-crossing her native Lebanon country where demographics have long been a sensitive sub- ahead of May 6 elections but the parliament seat she wants ject. The presence of Palestinians has been controversial, does not exist and she is not even eligible. Manal Kortam is a with many blaming them for the eruption of Lebanon’s 1975- Palestinian refugee. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have 1990 civil war. “We exist,” Kortam has often repeated as a lived in refugee camps on social media across the small Middle and slogan on her tours of Eastern country for decades, Lebanon’s Palestinian facing tough living condi- refugee camps. On tions and barred from cer- Thousands , she poses in a tain jobs. But in a country of series of posters that sub- just four million where each of Palestinians vert the slogans of well- religious community is allo- known political parties to cated seats in the legislative live in refugee draw attention to the chamber, there are none for Palestinian cause. Palestinians. camps “The pulse of the iso- In the run-up to lated people,” goes one, Lebanon’s first parliamentary adding an adjective to a polls in almost a decade, slogan of the Kataeb Kortam saw an opportunity (Phalange) party. to stand up for her Palestinian community by launching a sym- face a raft of restrictions from the bolic campaign. “Somebody needed to say: ‘There are people state. They are banned from practicing a number of profes- who have been in this country for 70 years but who have no sions-including those of doctor, lawyer and engineer-and place at all in public politics’,” she told AFP during a visit this cannot buy a home outside the camps. week to the Mar Elias camp in Beirut. “All candidates have pro- grams that speak of social justice and democracy,” she said, ‘Social, economic rights’ dressed in a slick pair of chequered trousers and black jacket, a Kortam was born in Lebanon to a Palestinian father and BEIRUT: Palestinian parliamentary candidate Manal Kortam (center) explains to a classroom why she has nominat- piercing in her eyebrow. “Implementing social justice is very Lebanese mother. But she does not have citizenship-a result ed herself for a seat that does not exist in next month’s elections at the Mar Elias Palestinian refugee camp in important-but not just for nationals, for all Lebanon residents,” of a century-old law that bars women from passing on Beirut.—AFP the 40-year-old from the northern city of Tripoli said. nationality, meaning that the children of Palestinian men and their Lebanese wives do not have the rights of a citizen. The and crime has festered. “Palestinian camps should not be Just 27 candidates and some parties running in the polls ‘We exist’ law was maintained over fears of upsetting the country’s del- isolated” from their surrounding communities but included in have made public commitments to strengthen human rights Palestinians began taking refuge in Lebanon with the cre- icate sectarian balance. “I’m demanding civil, social, eco- Lebanon’s development as a whole, Kortam said. Only “this protections, the New York-based watchdog said. “It is ation of Israel in 1948, setting up camps that have since nomic rights for ,” Kortam said. way can we build a Palestinian... society able to liberate its deeply disappointing that none of the parties in Lebanon’s transformed into bustling, urban districts. Around 174,000 These include “the right to all jobs, the right to social land and return to it”, Kortam said. Some 597 candidates are current government saw fit to make strong commitments to Palestinian refugees live in 12 camps across the country, a security... and the right to own property”, she said. The running for a seat in Lebanon’s parliament, but only a few human rights,” HRW’s Lama Fakih said. Kortam said she one-off government said last year. That figure was Palestinian camps in Lebanon are built-up and fully integrat- dozen have pledged to uphold human rights including knows her task is not easy, but she had received great feed- much lower than previous estimates of up to 500,000, in a ed in the urban fabric but the army is banned from going in refugee rights, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. back so far. —AFP

Tunisian women News in brief hit campaign trail Pakistan’s Ahmadi community

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disenfranchised Ahmadi com- as equals to men munity released an annual report yesterday that detailed growing hostilities against the minority sect, TEBOURBA: Tunisian women “have the chance to act”, including indiscriminate arrests and impediments says Ines Boussetta, as she hits the campaign trail in blocking them from voting in general elections. northern Tebourba, listening attentively to the problems Ahmadis are forbidden from calling themselves of the rural region’s inhabitants. Boussetta is one of hun- Muslims or using Islamic symbols in their religious dreds of Tunisian women heading party lists in May 6 practices. They face discrimination and violence over municipal polls-and for the first time, women will be on an accusations their faith insults Islam and community equal footing with men, thanks to a new electoral law. “I leaders say that open vitriol and calls for violence have faced many criticisms and commentaries, like ‘you against the community intensified in 2017. “Under are too young,’ ‘you don’t have political experience,’ ‘how pressure from religious extremists, the Ahmadis were can a woman lead a council?’” Boussetta, a candidate for denied registration in joint electoral lists,” community the ruling Nida Tounes party, tells AFP.But “women today leaders said in a news release accompanying the “per- have the chance to act, to have an opinion that counts,” secution report”. —Reuters she added. Around 100 party lists have been rejected for failing to meet a strict requirement for the candidacy of men and Palestinian teen dies women to alternate in the municipal polls, the first since mass protests forced dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from GAZA: A 15-year-old Palestinian youth died yesterday TEBOURBA: Head of Nidaa Tounes Party list for the municipal elections in the Locality of Tebourba Ines Boussetta after being shot the previous day by Israeli troops dur- power in 2011. Boussetta says she was attracted by Nida (center) speaks with Tunisian citizens as she campaigns in Tebourba, some 35 kilometers west of the capital. —AFP Tounes because its founder, ’s 91-year-old ing protests along the Gaza border, the Palestinian President Beji Caid Essebsi, has sought to promote the Health Ministry said. Israeli forces have killed 42 role of women and young people. The head of state’s 2014 Many of the female candidates first dipped their toes Boussetta’s family have a long history in Tebourba, where Palestinians since Gaza residents began staging election triumph was “thanks to women”, says the former into politics with the fall of Ben Ali through their work in fresh street protests erupted in January this year against protests along the border fence on March 30. The health volunteer. civil society, Chebbi tells AFP. But “without the law on the high cost of living, unemployment and corruption. And demonstrators are pressing for a for parity, we would never have achieved such a figure, there is a yearning for change at the local level. refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. ‘New political generation’ because attitudes continue to favor men,” says Chebbi. With the fall of Ben Ali seven years ago, municipali- The teenager killed was identified as Azzam Aweida. The North African country’s 2014 constitution has been The key parties, Nida Tounes and its junior coalition part- ties collapsed. While replaced by temporary councils, Hundreds of people gathered at his home in the south- praised as a key milestone, paving the way for greater ner the Islamist Ennahda party, were found to have fulfilled these are widely perceived as having failed to respond ern town of Khan Younis to attend the funeral. equality. A law on violence against women, passed last the new gender requirement. to communities’ needs. There is hope that the upcoming Mourners carried his body, wrapped in a Palestinian year, came into force in January. “A new political genera- elections could help improve daily life in the country, flag, to a nearby mosque for prayers before burial. “My tion is in the process of appearing,” says Torkia Chebbi, ‘Women don’t have experience’ cleaning up public , attracting new investment, son is a martyr and I am very proud of him,” said his vice-president of the League of Tunisian voters, a group For Boussetta, who moves onto her next campaign stop and helping to develop marginalized regions. “Tunisian father, Helal Aweida. —Reuters set up in 2011 to promote female participation in political in a modest black car, her experience working in the health women don’t have experience,” acknowledges Simone life. Fifty-two percent of Tunisia’s 5.3 million voters are sector makes improving infrastructure a big priority. Many Susskind, a Belgian gender politics specialist who under the age of 35. Women now sit at the top of more have placed their confidence in her “because she is young recently ran a workshop on female leadership. “But they Thousands flee clashes than a quarter of the 2,074 party lists. and sensitive to the needs of the region”, she says. have to start somewhere.”—AFP YANGON: Thousands of people have fled renewed fighting between Myanmar’s army and ethnic insur- gents in the country’s remote north, a United Nations began slowly, with some 568,000 people official said, as a long-simmering conflict intensifies. Afghanistan signed up by Thursday, although they are More than 4,000 people have been displaced in the hopeful it will gather pace. There was a country’s northernmost state of Kachin near the border bloody reminder of the threats facing the with China in the last three weeks, Mark Cutts, head of villages face process when a suicide attack claimed by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian the Islamic State group killed 60 people at Affairs (OCHA), told AFP late Friday. — AFP election threat a voter centre in Kabul this week. However, it is in the provinces that the difficulties may be greatest. According to US esti- Uganda police kill 2 CHARBULAK: Villagers in Afghanistan say mates, the government has firm control the Taleban have been telling them not to over no more than around 56 percent of KAMPALA: Ugandan police stumbled upon a “radical- vote in elections planned later this year, the country and vulnerability will increase ization centre” at a Kampala mosque, shooting dead threatening to burn down the house of as the process continues into district cen- two people, arresting dozens and releasing over 100 anyone who does, in a bid to derail a vote ters and rural areas. women and children, officials said yesterday. A security seen as a major test of government credi- source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said offi- bility. Parliament and district council elec- ‘A small punishment’ cers had found what appeared to be an Islamist radi- tions scheduled for October represent an Balkh, one of Afghanistan’s more stable calization centre inside the mosque. The discovery enormous challenge for a government provinces with valuable trade crossings came Friday as police offices followed a suspect, which is under heavy pressure from its into Central Asia, is a long way from the believed to have been involved in a high-profile kid- international backers to ensure a fair and Taleban heartlands in the south and is con- napping and murder earlier this year, into the city’s credible vote. sidered far more secure than neighboring Usafi Mosque. During an ensuing shoot-out, police said But the Taleban, who launched their Kunduz province, where the Taleban domi- one officer was wounded, two men were shot dead and annual spring offensive this week, have nate many areas. But even here, the mili- 36 arrested and accused of hoarding weapons. —AFP already made it clear that they will not tants appear determined to lay down a allow the process, seen as a dry run for marker. Shams, a resident of Dowlat Abad next year’s presidential election, to go district in the north of the province, said KABUL: Afghan residents walk past a banner with the image of Wakil Hussain Malawi’s Banda returns ahead unhindered. “They gathered us in the most recent visit by Taleban tax col- Allahdad (center), 32, one of the 57 victims of a bomb blast, after the attack on a the mosque and warned us that if we went lectors levying ushr (land tax) and zakat voter registration center in Kabul. —AFP BLANTYRE: Malawi’s former president, Joyce Banda, to the registration centers and voted, they (an Islamic tax) included an explicit warn- returned home yesterday after four years of self- would burn down the village,” said Kamal ing to stay away from the elections. their stay in Afghanistan,” said one we are trying to make sure that nobody imposed exile, despite facing the threat of arrest over Uddin, a resident of Rahmat Abad village in “They came with a great show of force Taleban commander, who asked not to be suffers any harm through this.” However, corruption allegations. Banda, 68, fled the country in the northern province of Balkh, after a visit because the elections are coming up and identified. Afghan security forces have many Afghans in the area, who over the 2014 when she lost power after being embroiled in the to his area by Taleban fighters last week. they wanted the people to see,” he said. launched operations to drive the Taleban years have seen repeated military clear- so-called Cashgate scandal, in which government offi- The complex process of registering voters Taleban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid back and promise people will be able to ance operations followed by the return of cials siphoned off millions of dollars of public money. at more than 7,000 centers around denied the movement was issuing warn- vote in safety. the Taleban, are sceptical. “The Taleban Banda-only the second woman to lead a country in Afghanistan began this month in 34 provin- ings about burning houses but said they “We will not allow anyone to stop have had a presence in this area for a very -arrived at Blantyre’s airport on a flight from cial capitals, with district centers and vil- were telling people to stay away from the elections taking place in this province,” long time,” said Fazel Ahmad, a resident of Johannesburg around midday yesterday, where she was lages due to begin next month. election. However, other Taleban officials said Balkh’s provincial governor, Chemtal district in Balkh. “The govern- greeted by hundreds of supporters of her People’s Party, With no room for hitches if some 14 mil- were more open. “Burning a house is a Mohammad Isaaq Rahgozar. “If the ment and the security forces don’t have said an AFP journalist at the scene. “Mother is here, the lion voters are to be registered by October, small punishment if they are caught in Taleban has issued warnings, that’s one of the capacity to provide security. If we lights should come back”, the crowd chanted. —AFP officials acknowledge that the process supporting this US operation to prolong their techniques to intimidate people, but vote, we’ll be killed.”— Reuters 8 Established 1961 International Sunday, April 29, 2018 One word, many meanings: Korean ‘denuclearization’ in the headlines Koreans seek a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula

SEOUL: The leaders of North and South Korea declared awaiting dismantlement, campaign groups say, with at a summit Friday they had a “common goal of realizing, the Arms Control Association putting the total at through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free 6,550 last year. The US withdrew tactical nuclear Korean Peninsula”. Exactly what that means remains weapons from the South in the 1990s and Seoul does unclear ahead of a much-anticipated summit between not have any itself. But the US has an unparalleled North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President ability to project power around the world and can Donald Trump. The White House has urged “the denu- reach targets anywhere with conventional or nuclear clearization of North Korea”, but the distinction is cru- munitions. It has long-range bombers, mid-air refu- cial-that is an explicit reference to only one country, elling capabilities, and a fleet of nuclear submarines while the broader term is open to interpretation on both constantly at sea, each armed with phenomenal sides. The North-which invaded its neighbor in 1950 — destructive power. is the only one of the two Koreas to possess nuclear weapons, but the South has a security alliance with the What Pyongyang promised most powerful nation on the planet. According to Trump “they have agreed to denu- clearization”. Asked what he meant by the term, he told North Korea’s weapons reporters earlier this month: “It means they get rid of Estimates of Pyongyang’s arsenal vary. Monitoring their nukes-very simple.” But North Korea itself has groups put the size of Pyongyang’s sixth and last atomic made no explicit pledge to do so during the current blast in September at 250 kilotons - 16 times the size of rapprochement. According to Seoul, it has offered to the US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945 and the consider giving them up in exchange for unspecified kind of yield generated by a hydrogen bomb. Seoul’s security guarantees. When Kim visited key backer 2016 defense white paper-the most recent available- China last month in only his first foreign trip as leader, estimated the North had 50 kilograms of plutonium- China’s state media cited him saying that the issue reportedly enough for about 10 bombs and a “consider- could be resolved if Seoul and Washington take “pro- able” but unquantified ability to produce uranium gressive and synchronous measures for the realization weapons. Last year, the Washington Post reported a US of peace”-implying some form of quid pro quo. intelligence assessment that the North had up to 60 PANMUNJOM: Photo shows North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (2nd left) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (left) attend- nuclear devices. Where the North keeps its missiles is What does that imply? ing the official dinner with South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook at the end of not publicly known, but it has extensive experience in Pyongyang says it needs nuclear weapons to defend their historic summit at the truce village of Panmunjom. —AFP tunneling and it is believed they are stored at under- itself against the United States, and interprets threats ground facilities scattered around the country. They are against it widely-it has regularly condemned US-South North’s promises before the Fourth Round of the Six-Party Talks issued in also mobile-it has put transporters on show at military Korean joint military exercises as preparations for Friday’s declaration was the first time the word Beijing in September 2005, is unequivocal. “The parades. invasion. Under the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty “denuclearization” has appeared in an inter-Korean DPRK committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons between South Korea and the US, Washington is duty- summit communique. There was no reference to the and existing nuclear programs,” it said, using the What does the US have? bound to come to its ally’s aid if attacked. In the past subject in the declaration after their first summit in North’s official name. But it carried out its first nuclear US President Donald Trump says his nuclear button Pyongyang has demanded the end of the alliance and Pyongyang in 2000, and seven years later they said test the very next year. Another agreement followed is bigger than Kim’s-and it works. According to the the withdrawal of US troops from the South. The US they would work together to implement two existing before Pyongyang walked out of the six-party State Department, as of September 1, the US has a has 28,500 troops stationed in the country to defend it agreements on “the nuclear issue on the Korean process-which brought together the two Koreas, total of 1,393 deployed nuclear warheads, deliverable from its neighbor, and Washington’s nuclear arsenal is Peninsula”. China, the US, and -in 2009, detonating by land- and submarine-based missiles and heavy a key part of its defense capabilities-it does not have a But one of those documents, the Joint Statement of its second atomic blast months later. —AFP bombers. It has thousands more in stockpiles and “no first use” policy.

his secretive nation but shrouded in South Koreans tune ‘No longer a mystery. South Koreans and the world into summit... even hermit’: S Koreans have long viewed him with a mixture of ridicule and fear, becoming used from behind bars fascinated by to the sight of him presiding over North Korea’s Kim missile launches and military SEOUL: As the leaders of North and South Korea parades, but it was a very different clasped hands over the Military Demarcation Line, Kim that took to the world stage on South Koreans were glued to the screen to watch SEOUL: South Koreans yesterday Friday. The 30-something leader was history being made-even from prison. The summit, pored over every detail of a historic on his best behaviour, frequently the first in more than a decade between two coun- summit in the Demilitarized Zone, flashing a smile, making humorous tries technically still at war, received wall-to-wall transfixed by an extraordinary remarks and patting children as ten- coverage on nearly every television channel and charm offensive by the North’s derly as any election-seeking politi- many South Koreans tuned in. Even convicts leader Kim Jong Un. Kim’s public cian in the West.”I heard Kim Jong across the nation saw their usual diet of pre-edited appearance at the summit, beamed Un making a joke and hearing that TV interrupted for “emergency live programming” live to millions in the south, was for made me realize that he is also just a of the landmark handshake between Kim Jong Un many the first prolonged exposure human being,” Choi Hyun-ah, a 24- and Moon Jae-in, the South Korean justice min- istry said in a statement. to an authoritarian figure revered in year-old events planner said. —AFP “We allowed all inmates detained in detention centers across the country to join the nation for the historic moment of the South-North summit,” added the ministry. Lee Song-eun, an elementary school teacher in Seoul, usually ensures the tele- SEOUL: A man walks past a newspaper featuring a front page story about the summit between South Korean vision in her classroom is turned off, but made a President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on a sidewalk in Seoul yesterday. —AFP rare exception. “Even if I get complaints that I’m not teaching to watch this, I am so curious,” she said. “The kids were working on their assign- ‘Murderous tyrants’ #summit and #peacenaengmyeon. “Eating a ments and suddenly broke out into ‘Ah!’ and ‘Oh!’ At the main press centre, where around bowl of naengmyeon hoping for peace,” said one when Kim Jong Un appeared,” she said. Worker 3,000 journalists have gathered, a wave of user. The sudden high demand meant that some Kim Eun-jin, 31, said her whole office gathered applause rang throughout the cavernous room were turned away disappointed. around the TV to watch the summit pageantry when Kim approached Moon for a handshake. Office worker Lee Su-hyeon told AFP that play out on television. Like Moon in the summit room, journalists 100 people were ahead of her in the line. “I really “My colleague was so touched, he cried,” she from the South roared with laughter when the wanted to eat naengmyeon today. I’m so sad,” said. The summit dominated online as well, with North’s leader joked about how he had Lee said. But not all was euphoria and optimism, “Kim Jong Un” the most searched term on Naver, brought Pyongyang naengmyeon for the din- with some protesters burning a North Korean South Korea’s largest portal. Phrases like ner banquet. flag near a checkpoint leading to the “Pyongyang naengmyeon”-a North Korean cold “I hope that the president will be able to enjoy Demilitarized Zone where the summit was taking noodle dish-and “Military Demarcation Line” the Pyongyang naengmyeon that has travelled place. One commenter on Naver said the summit were trending on South Korean Twitter. In con- far,” Kim said, before laughing and adding, “I was positive, “but we can’t have blind faith”, trast, on the other side of the border, North shouldn’t say far.” Pyongyang naengmyeon- blaming Kim for the assassination of his half- Korean state television there is no other kind- already a popular summer delicacy in the South- brother Kim Jong Nam in last year. “We showed a test card all morning, with the first news appeared to be selling like hotcakes at lunch time. believed them during the 2000 summit and were bulletin in the afternoon merely reading out a dis- Thousands of South Koreans posted photos of hit in the head. We have to be open all possibili- patch from the official KCNA news agency saying the cold buckwheat noodle they slurped down ties. We have to be wary because he is the guy Kim had set off for Panmunjom to meet Moon. for lunch on with including who killed his brother.” —AFP

dures beforehand, and surrender all electronics, ‘Scariest place on Earth’ Kim’s security: ‘Not including phones. Former US president Bill Clinton once The Guard Command, the military unit tasked described the Demilitarized Zone that divides with ensuring the safety of the leadership, is an the peninsula and where Friday’s summit was even an ant can elite institution close to the centre of North being held as “the scariest place on Earth”. Korean power it provides the centerpiece dis- Despite its name, the DMZ is among the most pass through’ play of the annual kimjongilia and kimilsungia heavily fortified areas on the planet. Around flower festivals in Pyongyang to honor Kim’s 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of the South SEOUL: When Pyongyang’s leader Kim Jong Un father and grandfather. Ri Yong Guk, a defector Korean capital Seoul, the four-kilometer-wide came down the steps towards the inter-Korean from the North who served on a security detail space stretches for 250 kilometers across border Friday he was escorted by a phalanx of for Kim Jong Il, wrote in a 2013 memoir that as Korea and bristles with electric fences, mine- bodyguards carefully chosen for their fitness, many as six different layers of security guards fields and anti-tank barriers. marksmanship, martial arts skills and even looks. protected the leader on trips to the countryside At the joint security area at Panmunjom Men in sharp suits and matching blue and white to inspect military units, plants or farms. “It is the two sides, technically still at war, come striped ties fanned out ahead of and around Kim one of the world’s tightest security blankets face-to-face, with stern South Korean as he approached the Military Demarcation Line through which even a single ant would find it guards-also chosen for their height and for a historic handshake with his Southern coun- hard to go,” he wrote. looks-standing stock still only meters from terpart Moon Jae-in. Some of the men had The arrangements for the current leader are the North Korean positions. Soldiers are per- bulging pockets. reportedly even tighter, and during a military mitted to carry only sidearms in the area, but All sported red North Korean lapel badges parade marking the 70th anniversary of the foun- it is an open secret that both sides have larg- and the curly-wired earpieces beloved of the US dation of its regular armed forces in February, er weapons stashed nearby for use in case of Secret Service. As the leader left after the morn- Pyongyang paraded three kinds of security units emergencies. In November a North Korean ing session of talks, a dozen of them were given a dedicated to protecting Kim’s life. Kim was soldier defected under a hail of automatic pre-lunch work-out, jogging alongside and repeatedly seen accompanied by a stout military rifle fire from his comrades. Back in 1984, a behind Kim’s official car to form a human shield, general in uniform with a holstered gun. The pro- 22-year-old Soviet tourist bolted from North ties flapping as they ran. North Korea is one of tection afforded to the Kim family was also on to South at Panmunjom, triggering a gun bat- the world’s most tightly-controlled societies, but display when the leader’s sister Kim Jong vis- tle in which three pursuing North Korean sol- even so security for its leader is iron-clad. ited the South for the Pyeongchang Winter diers were killed, along with a Southern Foreigners attending any event where Kim will be Olympics, accompanied by tall bodyguards with trooper, although defector Vasily Matuzok present must go through hours of security proce- crew cuts, sunglasses and earpieces. was unharmed. —AFP Established 1961 9 International Sunday, April 29, 2018 SE Asia faces threats from Islamic State, cyberattacks

10-country region struggling with Islamic militancy

SINGAPORE: faces “very real” threats ventional threats such as terrorism and cyberattacks.” from the Islamic State (IS) group despite their defeat in The leaders at a working dinner Friday ahead of their for- the Middle East, as well as cyberattacks, Singapore’s mal summit agreed to increase coordination to shield prime minister warned yesterday at a regional summit. countries from cyberattacks. Parts of the 10-country region have long struggled with Islamic militancy and the emergence of IS has served as a Trade war fears new rallying point for radicals and re-energized extremist In a bid to give teeth to the fight against terrorism and groups. other transnational crimes, the leaders agreed for their A deadly gun and suicide-bombing attack in the officials to start talks on an ASEAN-wide extradition Indonesian capital treaty. Officials have Jakarta in 2016 was the already completed a first IS-claimed assault in of a treaty on the region, while the which a regional agree- Philippine city of Marawi Digitalization ment could be based. “We was overrun last year by now need just to formalize fighters loyal to the makes that (the model treaty) jihadists, triggering a and to start negotiating months-long battle that countries more an actual ASEAN extradi- killed hundreds. Fears are tion treaty,” Lee said at a also growing that vulnerable to post-summit news con- Southeast Asia, which is ference. “It should not home to booming cyberattacks take very long because economies where a the model is already growing number of peo- there, it’s just a matter of ple are adopting digital technology in their everyday tweaking and making sure it’s in a complete document.” lives, could be increasingly targeted by cyberattackers. In an final statement, the leaders vowed to fight a “ris- Opening the summit of the Association of Southeast ing tide of protectionism” and intensify efforts to con- Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Singapore, Prime Minister clude talks for a massive 16-nation free trade zone that Lee Hsien Loong warned that IS continues to threaten would include China and India, called the Regional SINGAPORE: ASEAN leaders pose for a group photograph during the opening of the 32nd ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit in Singapore yesterday. —AFP the region, home to about 650 million people, despite Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Lee warned that their military defeat in Iraq and Syria. He also warned the the open global trading system, which has allowed many move towards digitalization has made countries more of the region’s export-driven economies to flourish, has against free trade,” he said. “In particular, the trade ten- could escalate into a global trade war and scupper global vulnerable to cyberattacks. “Southeast Asia is at peace, come under increasing threat due to protectionist poli- sions between the US and China are worrying concerns.” growth. ASEAN groups together Brunei, Cambodia, but these threats are very real,” he said. “We need to be cies in major economies. Washington and Beijing have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs , Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, resilient to both conventional threats, and also non-con- “The political mood in many countries has shifted on billions of dollars worth of goods which analysts said Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. —AFP

Party-which has a majority of seats in Armenian parliament-of clinging to power. Ultimatum protest leader Pashinyan, 42, has issued an ultimatum to the authorities, saying he should be Turkish opposition Pashinyan elected a new prime minister in a vote on May 1. He however does not have scrambles to unite enough votes to get elected. Moscow rallies support has urged compromise and Russian President Vladimir Putin this week spoke against Erdogan YEREVAN: Armenian protest leader Nikol Pashinyan yesterday scrambled for by phone with the interim head of gov- ANKARA: Turkey’s usually divided opposition parties support in his bid to become prime min- ernment, stressing the importance of the are trying to unite to maximize their chances of ister amid key talks to break a deadlock upcoming election. Yesterday, the defeating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his over the country’s next leader. Pashinyan Prosperous Party, which holds surprise decision to hold early elections. Erdogan last was to hold anti-government rallies in his 31 seats in the 105-member chamber, week rocked the world of Turkish politics when he said there would be parliamentary and presidential birthplace Ijevan and Armenia’s third was expected to issue a statement on whether it would back Pashinyan. polls on June 24, 2018, more than a year before the largest city of Vanadzor, driving around expected date of November 3, 2019. the landlocked South Caucasus country Pashinyan has said he hoped Prosperous Armenia and a smaller For the opposition, which was initially stumped by with his supporters in a convoy. In the the announcement, these elections are a last chance to opposition party, the Armenian small northern town of Dilijan, several stop what they describe as Erdogan’s authoritarianism. hundred locals greeted Pashinyan, hold- Revolutionary Federation, “will make up Following an intense referendum campaign in April ing flags and beating drums. “We want their and clarify their position.” 2017, Turks approved by a narrow margin changing change in Armenia and Pashinyan to be Armenia’s figurehead president, Armen Turkey’s parliamentary system into an executive pres- elected prime minister right away,” said Sarkisian, met with acting head of gov- idency giving the head of state expanded powers. The Arman Ovsepyan, a 43-year-old musi- ernment Karapetyan and Serzh government insists the changes will ensure political cian. “If the Republicans refuse to leave Sarkisian. The two Sarkasians are not stability, but opponents say it will lead to one-man power, we will force them to do so related. “The head of state is hoping that rule. Less than a week after the early polls announce- peacefully.” it will be possible to find a mutually ment, opposition parties began intense talks to figure Tatevik Karapetyan, a 32-year-old acceptable solution through joint effort,” out a strategy to stop Erdogan. computer designer, added: “The people his office said, calling the meetings “con- DILIJAN, Armenia: Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan meets with supporters in In a surprise move of solidarity, the main opposi- have started a peaceful revolution structive.” the small town of Dilijan yesterday. —AFP tion Republican People’s Party (CHP) helped the because Armenia desperately needed newest right-wing Iyi (“Good”) Party at the weekend, boosting its numbers to form a parliamentary group change.” Armenia has been in the grips Crunch talks and thereby allowed to run in the polls. “What we have of a severe political crisis for the past On Friday, Karapetyan refused to hold expressed support for Pashinyan but halt to protests in the capital Yerevan to two weeks. Observers fear the turmoil some of its members say they will only give demonstrators some rest after two done is a contribution to democracy, not just the Good talks with the protest leader, accusing Party,” CHP chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu said after the can destabilize the Moscow-allied back the party’s leader as a candidate. weeks of nearly non-stop rallies, saying him of promoting his own agenda and two parties’ met again on Wednesday. With the oppo- Pashinyan, who heads the Civil people should return to the streets on nation. Accused of a power grab by the worsening the crisis in the poor country sition targeting Erdogan, rumors are rife over who opposition, the country’s leader Serzh of 2.9 million people. Observers said Contract party, pressed ahead with his Sunday. The opposition says only its could run against him. There has been fevered specu- Sarkisian resigned this week as the intensive talks were going on behind the campaign to rally support across the candidate should become the country’s lation that former president and co-founder of the rul- country’s new prime minister after serv- scenes and the situation was highly country after thousands attended a rally leader to oversee free and fair parlia- ing Justice and Development Party (AKP) Abdullah ing as president for a decade. The unpredictable. Political analysts say he led on Friday in Armenia’s second mentary elections and clean up the polit- Gul might become a unity candidate-though he has protest movement led by Pashinyan has Prosperous Armenia, led by wealthy largest city of Gyumri which hosts a ical system of corruption and the influ- made no public comment on the rumors. —AFP accused Sarkisian’s ruling Republican businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has Russian military base. He has called a ence of oligarchs.—AFP

jailed for nine years. The men, aged 27 to 29, Gang rape acquittal had been accused of raping the woman at the entrance to an apartment building in Pamplona Russia, Turkey, Iran fires up the feminist on July 7, 2016, at the start of the week-long San Fermin festival, which draws tens of thou- hold talks on Syria movement in Spain sands of visitors. The five, all from the southern city of MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov MADRID: Spain’s feminist movement is Seville, filmed the incident with their smart- yesterday hosted his Iranian and Turkey counterparts pushing for changes to the law after a court phones and then bragged about it on a for talks on Syria in the wake of an alleged chemical acquitted five men of gang raping an 18- WhatsApp messaging group where they attack that has exposed differences between the year-old woman at Pamplona’s bull-running referred to themselves as “La Manada”, or three powers. The three nations have been attempting festival. Protesters have filled streets across “The Pack” in English. “It is indisputable that to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict at the country in response to appeals from the plaintiff suddenly found herself in a narrow talks that started last year in Astana, Kazakhstan, in women’s groups, leading Spain’s conservative and hidden place, surrounded by five older, competition with the US and UN-backed Geneva ini- thick-bodied males who left her overwhelmed government to announce it will consider tiative. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held separate and unresponsive,” the judges said in their rul- changing rape laws. bilateral talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut The current law is founded “on a concept of ing. “The videos show the plaintiff surrounded and stuck against the wall by two of the Cavusoglu and then Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif, violence based on a male experience”, said accused... she has an absent grimace, and who stressed the warmth of their relationship in Mariam Martinez Bascunan, a political science keeps her eyes closed,” they added. MADRID: A woman shouts slogans during a demonstration in Madrid to protest after five opening comments. These were to be followed by professor at Madrid’s Autonomous University. men accused of gang raping a woman at Pamplona’s bull-running festival, were sentenced three-sided talks. Under Spain’s criminal code, evidence of vio- ‘Macho culture’ to nine years in jail for ‘sexual abuse,’ avoiding the more serious charge of rape. —AFP Meeting his Turkish counterpart, the Russian diplo- lence or intimidation must exist for the offence Large crowds of mainly women marched in mat stressed the “great importance” both Russian of rape to be proved. “This legal nuance, which cities across Spain, including Madrid and President Vladimir Putin and President Recep Tayyip is not always easy to establish, leads to the Barcelona, on Thursday night after the court patriarchal and macho culture,” she added. against gender violence and women’s groups Erdogan attach to improving relations. Cavusoglu, in painful question of just how much a person sentenced the men. In the northern city of The case was cited in signs carried by many mobilized strongly against a proposed law translated comments, praised the “atmosphere of trust needs to fight to avoid being raped without Santander protesters blocked roads, public tel- women during massive demonstrations held in which would have restricted access to abor- that has grown up between us” and said the countries risking getting killed, and still get recognized evision TVE reported. On Friday thousands of cities across Spain to mark International tion, prompting the resignation in 2014 of the had “seriously moved forward on questions of Syria as a victim of a serious attack against sexual people demonstrated outside the Pamplona Women’s Day in March, which were among the justice minister at the time, Alberto Ruiz settlement.” He said yesterday’s meeting would dis- freedom while ensuring that the perpetrators court where the judgment was made for the largest in . “Spain was a pioneer in Gallardon, who had tabled the reform. cuss “what further steps can be taken.” Lavrov also do not enjoy impunity,” top-selling daily El Pais second day in a row, shouting “it’s not sexual terms of equality,” Soledad Murillo, Spain’s for- “Younger women became aware of what their held a bilateral meeting with Iran’s Zarif, who hailed wrote in an editorial. abuse, it’s rape”. Some held banners reading mer Socialist secretary of state for equality grandmothers lost,” said Murillo. She cited as the three countries’ work together in the Astana Spain’s rape laws were thrust into the spot- “sister, I believe you”. State prosecutors said between 2004 and 2008, told AFP when asked an example the fact that during General process as a success, saying it led to “the defeat of the light after a Pamplona court on Thursday they would appeal the ruling. about the huge turnout at the demonstrations. Francisco Franco’s 1939-75 dictatorship, Islamic State group.” Zarif said this was the only women needed the authorization of their hus- acquitted the five men of sexual assault, which Adriana Lastra, a top official with Spain’s aspect of joint cooperation with “our Turkish friends” includes rape, but found them guilty of the main opposition Socialist party, said the court Authorization to work bands to work, as well as special authorizations and it was “bearing fruit.” —AFP lesser offence of “sexual abuse”. They were ruling was “disgraceful”. “It’s the product of a Spain in 2004 passed a landmark law “to leave the country or drive”. —AFP 10 Established 1961

Analysis Sunday, April 29, 2018

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WASHINGTON WATCH Celebrating service to others ast week, the Arab American Institute held its 20th Khalil Gibran “Spirit of Humanity” Awards Gala. LThis annual event provides an opportunity for Arab Americans to recognize organizations, leaders and activists from around the world for their service to humanity. During the past two decades, the Institute has honored such illustrious figures as: Mohammad Ali, Lech Walesa, the leader of Solidarity Movement and former Prime Minister of Poland, Queen Noor Al-Hussein, Salma Hayek, and former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson. Also honored in past years were institutions like Amnesty International, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, ANERA, and Save the Children. These individu- als and organizations have been recognized not only for the work they have done, but also because their example has inspired us to emulate their efforts. The light they have shown is like a beacon in a dark night reminding us that there is no higher calling than to serve those who are Macron’s surprise gift to Trump vulnerable and in need. This year’s Gibran award recipients are exemplary. World renowned Chef Jose Andres has led the way by mmanuel Macron, the 40-year-old president of That something better seems to be the possibility of a with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on “denucleariza- organizing massive food relief efforts to respond to vic- France, came to the United States last week to super-deal, in which the existing agreement is one of four tion” have any chance of success if the dictator saw a US tims of natural disasters. Beginning in 2010 following the Ecement his relationship with Donald Trump, the 71- pillars - the others being a long-term deal to come into agreement so lightly discarded? earthquake that devastated Haiti, Andres founded World year-old US president he calls his good friend. He came, being after the present one expires; pressure on Iran to Then there’s Macron. His performance in Washington Central Kitchen (WCK), a network of chefs from around too, to save the Iran nuclear deal. The three-day state vis- suspend its ballistic missile program (a particular concern was impeccable, and inspiring - for liberals. “We can the committed to “creating smart solutions to hunger.” it was a vivid display of Macron’s political showmanship, of Washington) and a full-scale effort, by Europe and the build the 21st century world order,” he told the legislators, WCK has operated in eight countries opening a kind not seen since Britain’s Tony Blair left the political United States, to produce an all-embracing framework “based on a new breed of multilateralism...” But the kitchens to feed those whose communities and homes scene more than a decade ago. During a joint press con- for regional peace. domestic ice on which Macron skates grows thinner. have been destroyed. After hurricane Maria devastated ference, Macron kissed Trump on the cheek, a Gallic ges- Macron got an ambiguous agreement from Trump that Strikes by railway workers, Air France pilots and others Puerto Rico in 2017, Andres personally led the effort to ture which seemed to embarrass the American a little. he and European partners might work something out, a continue; he cannot shake the appellation that he is “the establish 25 kitchens throughout the island that provided Trump’s recovery line: “I like this guy a lot!” president of the rich”. millions of meals to those without power or access to Politics at that level must be a show, in which Trump, His drive to create a more integrated Europe, and all- food. By the time they were fully operational, they were the ex-reality TV show star, should dominate. But he’s European parties, has met with no more than tepid, serving 150,000 meals each day. In the end, the efforts of Andres’ WCK fed more people than the programs set up often clumsy in public, showing ignorance of detail, shifty support - including from Germany, where seem- by the US government or the Red Cross. resorting to lame phrases. Macron, who attended the ingly weary Chancellor Angela Merkel leads an already- Ecole nationale d’administration - since 1945 charged US president fractious coalition. Resistance in France to radical eco- Preeminent champion with creating the country’s governing and business elite - nomic and labor reforms remains strong; European For the last century, the American Civil Liberties shows all that finishing school’s easy mastery, along with looked and states also fear relinquishing national control in the face Union (ACLU) has been the United States’ preeminent his own self-confidence. of rising public anti-Europeanism. Macron needs a suc- champion for civil liberties. They have protected freedom Macron’s speech to the joint meeting of Congress on sounded more cess, and he has had one - on the public stage. Behind it, of speech and fought to protect vulnerable communities Wednesday was a French classic: a first act of throbbing- the aura is fading. whose rights were being threatened by government ly sincere evocation of US and French history as revolu- sensible The third actor is Iran itself. Its influence in Syria and repression. The ACLU was one of the only organizations tionary countries, of their common devotion to freedom on Iraq, its continued sponsorship of militants with the courage to fight the internment of Japanese dur- and democracy, followed by a second act in which he laid in Lebanon and its ambition to lead the anti-Israel strug- ing World War II and in the decades following the war, down his own views on the world order. When these are gle mask a weak economy, the continued exodus of many they provided leadership in opposing segregationist laws explained to Trump, he may regret his affection for demonstration for Trump that making a threat to ditch the of its smartest workers, little foreign investment and a that had denied African Americans the right to vote and Macron, who rammed home fundamental differences with deal gets the Europeans scurrying around to find a way growing series of revolts and demonstrations by the mid- the guarantee of equal treatment under the law. implied criticisms of the US president’s stances on free of accommodating him. Has Trump, the great dealmaker, dle class. Its facade can be formidable, but it’s a regime in More recently, the ACLU has defended the rights of trade, climate change, nationalism and multilateralism. actually set the stage, with help from his friend Macron, decline. Which does not, of course, make it easier to deal Arabs and Muslims facing profiling, unlawful government And on Iran. The multinational Joint Comprehensive for a breakthrough - not just on Iran, but in a region in with. On the contrary, it has already made clear it will surveillance, restrictions on free speech, and efforts to Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement lifts many sanctions which tensions involving Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel brook no changes to the agreement. limit their religious freedoms. It was the ACLU that suc- on Iran in exchange for a closely monitored renunciation and others are escalating dangerously? Yet the Macron visit may have achieved a surprising cessfully overturned some state laws that have attempted by the Islamic Republic of any development of nuclear There are three important actors in play whose actions result. The US president looked and sounded more... sen- to make support for BDS illegal. And today, they are a leading force challenging the Trump Administration’s weapons. Trump has repeatedly described it as the “worst will answer that question sooner or later. Trump may, in sible. If the Frenchman has shown him, even dimly, that refugee and Muslim bans. deal ever” and vowed to scrap it. Macron, in his speech to the end, be reluctant to break with the deal’s European the leader of the free world must embrace the ideals of Ireland’s Senator Frances Black is a trailblazer and role the U.S. legislators, reminded them, and the president, signatories - Russia and China have signed too - espe- liberty, democracy and the rule of law as well as respect model committed to protecting the vulnerable and chal- that the deal was initiated by Trump’s predecessor, cially after the International Atomic Energy Agency as agreements, then he may have started the education of lenging government policies when they fall short. She is a Barack Obama - and that it should not be scrapped well as his own State Department have certified that Iran Donald J Trump into something resembling the president renowned and award-winning Irish singer whose life-tra- unless something better was to be put in its place. is observing its conditions. And would his planned talks his country deserves. —Reuters jectory has led her to public service wherever she has seen people in need. Before running for elective office, Black founded The allegations emerged earlier this month. around 10 percent in France and Poland and RISE Foundation in 2009 to provide support and servic- #MeToo activists In her open letter, Yue said a student adviser European unions about 20 percent in Germany and Spain. es for those she refers to as the “silent victims” of drug came to her dorm at about 1:00 am (1700 GMT But Germany’s labor confederation DGB, and alcohol addiction. As she once noted, there are rehab Saturday) on Sunday, with Yue’s “terrified” France’s public sector heavyweight CGT and programs for the addicts, but until RISE was formed the use blockchain to mother in tow, and demanded she delete all look for new role Italy’s CGIL still have the power to call mass addict’s family members were overlooked and left to suf- information related to the petition from her protests and strikes. With rising inequality a fer in the shadows. skirt China censors phone and laptop. Yue wrote she had also uropean labor movements have been major issue in many developed democracies, As a Senator, she has demonstrated her expansive received veiled threats from university officials losing steam for decades, but can trade economists say that countries where unions are vision, becoming a leading advocate for migrants and ttempts to silence a student who drew over whether she would be allowed to graduate. Eunions forge a new role for themselves weak are those where the gap in income the homeless. Senator Black is also the chair of the Irish attention to sexual abuse allegations at She said the university’s actions had caused her leading the fight against wage inequality or between rich and poor is the greatest. In 2015, Senate’s Palestine Working Group, which is leading the Aa Chinese university have inspired tech- mother to have an “emotional meltdown” and protecting workers in the new “gig econo- researchers from the International Monetary effort to have Ireland recognize Palestinian statehood savvy activists to use blockchain technology to had “broken their relationship”. “When I saw my”? “It’s wrong to think that unions belong Fund - an organization that usually backs the and to be more vigorous in opposing Israel’s occupa- dodge censors and keep the fledgling #MeToo my mother crying, slapping her face, falling on to the old world,” says Thiebault Weber of the kind of reforms resisted by unions - published a tion and settlement policies. In honoring these champi- movement alive. The uproar began when a stu- her knees, and threatening to commit suicide, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), study showing that the decline of unions had ons, the Institute is holding up values and behaviors that dent wrote an open letter this week accusing a my heart was bleeding,” she said in her letter. an umbrella group for European trade unions. aggravated social inequality in wealthy coun- represent the best of our humanity, values espoused by staff member at Peking University of trying to Ahead of the annual Labor Day celebrations tries by reducing the negotiating power of the great Syrian/Lebanese American poet, Gibran intimidate her over a petition she launched ‘Symbolic move’ worldwide on May 1, he acknowledged that workers to the benefit of top management and Khalil Gibran. urging the school to make public an investiga- Chinese social media users often find they face a “big challenge” in continuing to shareholders. Strong unions also help keep the Almost one century ago, Gibran often wrote about the tion into a 1998 sexual abuse case. roundabout ways to avoid censors. In this case, defend the strong social model found in salaries of CEOs in check, economist Patrice importance of service to those in need, calling it the high- The student’s missive was quickly taken some resorted to posting a photo of the letter Europe “without the strong membership base Laroche said. est calling in life. “Service brings joy,” he said. Like much down from Chinese social media after it went upside down to avoid detection technology. of the past”. of what Gibran wrote back then, his words apply to every viral, only to resurface on the blockchain serv- The text has also found an impregnable home The decline began in the 1980s with a wave Local strength place and age. The Khalil Gibran Gala speaks to his ice Ethereum on Monday night, attracting hun- in the hard-to-crack blockchain - a technology of privatizations of state companies, reductions In some sectors of the economy, trade vision, calling on us to embrace a vision of humanity that dreds of comments that are virtually unassail- usually associated with cryptocurrencies. A in heavy industry and the rise of free-market unions are still able to prove their worth using celebrates - not the acquisition of power, position, and able. “This is how we use technology to (fight) blockchain is essentially a shared, encrypted economics made famous by US President traditional collective bargaining tactics. The wealth - but rather a life lived in the service of others. against brutal tyranny,” said one commenter, “ledger” that cannot be manipulated. But find- Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister powerful German IG Metall union, which rep- There are many challenges facing America and our while others hailed it as a “historic moment”. ing the letter is not easy. It is attached to a Margaret Thatcher. In France, Britain, resents 2.3 million metal workers, recently world today as many lives are shattered by war, an ero- The #MeToo movement has been concentrat- transaction viewable on a link. Switzerland and the Netherlands, the level of negotiated a new pay and worktime deal that sion of democracy, widespread violations of human ed in university campuses in China, and the Seeing the letter requires downloading the union membership has fallen by over a third will see salaries go up and the working week rights, growing disparities in income and opportunity, authorities have tolerated some social media entire blockchain and searching for it with spe- since the 1980s, according to the OECD. fall to 28 hours. Its power stems from it being homelessness, and addiction. For some, the accumulated commentary about sexual harassment allega- cial software tools, said Leonhard Weese, Economists have tied this disaffection to rising the only representative of employees which impact of all this suffering and tragedy has resulted in a tions in recent months. president of The Bitcoin Association of Hong individualism, unemployment and growing job means it is able to negotiate agreements that loss of hope and a sense of powerlessness. What is so But the furore over the Peking University Kong. Embedding her message into a insecurity, noting that workers on project- cover all staff. remarkable about the evening in which we celebrate the case appears to have been too much for cen- blockchain is “largely a symbolic move”, based, part-time or casual contracts are less In countries where staff must negotiate “Spirit of Humanity” by awarding those who have risen sors. A search for the student’s name on the Weese said. “It’s true that this message cannot likely to join unions. directly with their bosses on an individual basis, above despair and acted to serve those who are vulnera- popular Weibo microblogging platform yields be deleted (or altered) from a blockchain, They have also linked waning union clout to they can secure better pay only by being ble and in need, is that the event’s attendees leave with no results. Yue Xin, a foreign languages stu- because all participants of the network will be the decline in traditional political parties, par- extremely competent or accepting freelance and their spirits uplifted. Gibran was right: Service is joy. dent, co-authored a petition with around 20 forced to store it forever, but this won’t help in ticularly the big parties of the left including therefore precarious work, experts say. In some Doing for others not only helps those who are served, it others demanding the university release details spreading the message,” he said. But censors Communist movements which were the historic countries, vulnerable workers have also formed can also cure our own despair by restoring our faith in of the probe into allegations a student was would struggle to delete the nearly 300 com- defenders of trade unions. Across Europe, the new unions which help to fight low-pay and each other and in our capacity to make change. driven to suicide after being sexually abused ments that have appeared so far. Everyone picture is highly contrasted, both in terms of pressure on wages. This was the case for “Le NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the Arab by a professor. The professor, who now teach- who is part of the blockchain has to keep a union sway and membership. Nordic countries Collectif” which protects bike-riding delivery American Institute es at Nanjing University in eastern China, was copy of the transaction, creating multiple like Sweden and Finland boasting union mem- service workers since 2017 in Belgium, or a new suspended pending the investigation after the copies in thousands of computers, —AFP bership rates of about 70 percent compared to network of freelance writers in Italy. —AFP Established 1961 11 News Sunday, April 29, 2018

trust,” he said. “The reason that we had this dispute was shared a day of smiles, intimate moments, and a half- Xi, Modi seek because we were both mistrustful of each other.” N Korea says summit hour-long one-on-one conversation. The North has Chinese state media praised the tone of the trip. The over- made rapid progress in its weapons programs under seas edition of the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Kim, detonating its sixth and most powerful nuclear test new relations... Daily said in a front page commentary on Saturday “two opens new peace... last year and launching missiles capable of reaching the great countries ought to have great co-operation”. It pub- US mainland, in moves that triggered increasingly strict Continued from Page 1 lished a large photo of the two leaders shaking hands. The Continued from Page 1 UN Security Council sanctions against the regime. official China Daily said in an editorial there was no denying Kim and US President Donald Trump traded personal mutual suspicion was keeping the two countries from working India signalled as recently as Tuesday its opposition to In a separate report, KCNA said the two leaders had insults and threats of war, sending tensions soaring together. “Yet neither Beijing nor New Delhi calls the other an the grand trade and transport plan because one of its a “candid and open-hearted exchange of views” on before Moon seized on the Winter Olympics to broker branches runs through Pakistani-administered Kashmir, enemy, which means both expect bilateral ties to improve. issues including “ensuring peace on the Korean dialogue, beginning a dizzying whirl of diplomacy that which India claims. Xi and Modi agreed their problems Indeed, China and India are natural partners,” it said. led to Friday’s meeting in the Demilitarized Zone. Despite the upbeat statements, which on Friday included Peninsula and the denuclearization of the peninsula”. The would be resolved with time. China’s Foreign Ministry, in a Analysts and diplomats say that a combination of factors Modi inviting Xi to India for a similar informal summit next Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the mouthpiece of the separate statement, cited Xi as telling Modi their nations were behind Pyongyang’s change of heart, including were major drivers of world economic growth and a good year, there were no concrete agreements reached. Still, Kong North’s ruling Workers’ Party, devoted the first four of feeling that it was in a position to negotiate from relationship would be positive for global stability. said there are a number of projects China and India can its six pages to the event, carrying a total of 60 photos, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said both leaders cooperate on in the spirit of Belt and Road. “We won’t force 15 of them on page one. State television broadcast sev- strength, the looming impact of sanctions, and fear of had agreed they could handle their differences peacefully. them to do something they don’t want to do,” he said. India eral minutes of footage from the meeting, including the potential US military action. “On the issue of the India-China boundary question, the two has long been apprehensive about China’s traditionally close leaders’ embrace, but with a voiceover throughout, and But KCNA gave Kim the credit. “The historic meeting leaders endorsed the work of the special representatives in ties with Pakistan. For its part, China has been concerned deployed veteran newsreader Ri Chun Hee to read out at Panmunjom came to be realized thanks to the supreme their efforts to find a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable about US efforts to draw India into a maritime “quad” of the declaration. leader’s ardent love for the people and will for self- settlement,” he said. “And the two leaders also underscored democracies, including Japan and Australia. Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean determination” independent of outside influence, it said. that in the meantime it is important to maintain peace and China is also suspicious of India’s hosting of the Dalai Studies said the breadth of coverage was a signal the Washington is pressing Pyongyang to give up its tranquility in all areas of the India-China border region,” Lama and other exiled Tibetans. Kong said China did not North was “sincere in its commitment”. “It is also anoth- weapons in a complete, verifiable and irreversible way, Gokhale said. believe India had changed its official position that Tibet is er signal to Washington in the lead up to the US-North and analysts say that meaningful progress will depend Kong said Modi and Xi did not discuss last summer’s bor- part of China. Modi and Xi are set to meet again soon, Korea summit that the ball is in your court now,” he told on the outcome of Kim’s much-anticipated summit with der flare-up, although they agreed to seek a fair, reasonable when Modi visits China in June for a summit of the China AFP. When Kim stepped over the military demarcation Trump in the coming weeks. and mutually acceptable settlement to the boundary problem. and Russia-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization securi- line that divides the peninsula he became the first North Trump said yesterday that “things are going very “The biggest takeaway was that we have to increase mutual ty bloc. — Reuters Korean leader to set foot in the South since the Korean well” after talking with Moon about the upcoming War hostilities ceased in 1953 with an armistice rather eagerly-awaited summit. “Just had a long and very good than a peace treaty. talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are where 3.1 million residents of 195 different nationalities live, He then persuaded Moon to step into the North - a going very well, time and location of meeting with North Duterte urges all ensure their rights and safeguard their security, dignity and fact reported by KCNA yesterday - and the two leaders Korea is being set,” Trump wrote on Twitter. — AFP freedom thanks to the country’s fair and independent judici- ary, he affirmed. The deputy foreign minister pointed to Filipinos in Kuwait... Kuwait’s willingness to sign the labor agreement with the Continued from Page 1 Philippines, which was recently initialed by both sides in flag and accompanied by a marching band. Manila, reflecting Kuwait’s keenness on maintaining friendly Strike kills dozens Meanwhile, Washington’s newly appointed secretary of Philippine authorities and deepening a diplomatic row relations and joint interests. state landed in Riyadh yesterday on a tour of America’s key over the treatment of domestic workers in the state. The two In response to 10 points mentioned in the memo from the Middle East allies, after vowing to bring some “swagger” nations had been working to resolve differences sparked by Philippines Foreign Ministry, Jarallah said Kuwait has put in of Houthis; missile... back to US diplomacy. The Saudi capital is the first stop on a the murder of a Philippine maid, whose body was found place a 24-hour emergency hotline, which responds to dis- three-day trip that will also take Mike Pompeo to Israel and stuffed in her employer’s freezer in Kuwait earlier this year. tress calls “immediately and effectively”. Phone calls made to Continued from Page 1 to update friends on President Donald Trump’s plans But relations plunged after the Philippines released videos the hotline, managed by the interior ministry, and subsequent for the Iran nuclear deal. Pompeo was met on the tarmac in last week of embassy staff helping Filipino workers flee from measures, are regularly monitored in order to ensure its effi- Saudi Arabia - and the key Hodeida port on the Red Sea Riyadh by a sizeable Saudi Arabian delegation, including the allegedly abusive employers, which Kuwait called a violation ciency, he underlined. coast. Shortly after Sammad’s funeral began, the Houthis said kingdom’s Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir and ambassador of its sovereignty. Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Kuwait has also created a state-of-the-art shelter for they had launched eight ballistic missiles into the kingdom. to the US Khalid bin Salman - brother of the powerful Cayetano apologized, but Kuwaiti officials announced domestic helpers, providing services and assistance to The coalition confirmed it had intercepted four missiles Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Wednesday they were expelling Villa and recalling their own those facing problems with their sponsors, such as the headed for the southern Saudi coastal city of Jizan, one day Trump is widely expected to pull the United States out of envoy from Manila. Speaking to reporters in Singapore, right to accommodation, food, security and liberties. In this after the kingdom’s defense forces said they had downed a the Iran accord next month, re-imposing sanctions against Cayetano said he disapproved of the release of the videos but aspect, Kuwait is unique in that it is the only country to missile headed for the same area. While the coalition state- Tehran’s nuclear program. Pompeo insists the president has defended the action of the embassy staff, citing urgency. have formed a center of this nature, said Jarallah, mention- ment said the attack claimed no casualties, Jizan’s civil not yet made the decision. The former CIA chief, who was Tensions rose earlier this year following the murder of ing that the facility has hosted several global human rights defense spokesman Colonel Yahya Abdullah Al-Qahtani told sworn in as Trump’s top diplomat on Thursday and set off maid Joanna Demafelis, prompting Duterte to ban Filipina monitors’ visits. He also said that “relevant Kuwaiti bodies Al-Arabiya that a Saudi citizen had been killed by falling within two hours for Brussels, will consult with leaders of workers from deploying to Kuwait for work. Relations are keen on cooperating with the Philippine Embassy in shrapnel. A picture accompanying the Arabiya TV report Iran’s main regional opponents ahead of the announcement. appeared to recover after a Kuwaiti court sentenced to death providing assistance related to the pending applications of appeared to show the outside of a civilian home pockmarked But he also has a second, more personal mission, to show in absentia a Lebanese man and his Syrian wife for Demafelis’ Filipino workers facing difficulties”. by shrapnel. A coalition spokesman did not immediately foreign capitals and his own colleagues that US diplomacy is killing. Following the verdict, Duterte this month announced With regards to the repatriation of 800 Filipino citizens respond to a request for confirmation. The rebels have back on track after the troubled reign of his sacked prede- plans to visit Kuwait to seal an agreement on workplace safe- currently at this shelter, he said the Kuwaiti government ramped up their missile attacks on Saudi Arabia this year. cessor Rex Tillerson. Trump’s first secretary of state, a for- ty guarantees for the Filipinos working in the nation. has granted them and other expatriates full amnesty for One person was reported killed by falling shrapnel in Riyadh mer oil executive, failed to fill senior positions, embarked on But Cayetano on Thursday expressed doubt about the any financial obligations they may have incurred for over- last month. unpopular bureaucratic reforms and had conspicuously little deal because “the ambassador (of Kuwait)... was suddenly staying or residency law violations. The government also In Sanaa, Houthi supporters lined the streets yesterday chemistry with the president. Pompeo - a former army offi- recalled and is not answering our inquiries at this point in took steps to ease their travel, providing them with the for the funeral of Sammad and six others killed in the April 19 cer, businessman and conservative congressman - wanted to time”. The proposal sets terms for vacation leaves, food and amnesty which was extended for another two months, in strike. Rebels dressed in military fatigues marched ahead of set off on the road immediately on being sworn in, in order to custody of passports. Roque also said he does not know what response to calls from the Filipino government - with the his hearse, which included seven cars draped in the Yemeni reach out to NATO and Middle East allies. — Agencies will happen to the agreement. “I do not know anymore what new deadline of April 22. will happen to the MOU, I could only surmise. I do not know, “This highlights, without a doubt, the extent of coopera- tion and appreciation Kuwait extends with regards to its rela- everything is up in the air now with the Kuwaiti ambassador Doctors have reported unusually severe injuries. “What is tionship with Republic of the Philippines, and its keenness on being recalled and [the] Philippine ambassador being unusual is the lesions and the fact that the wounds are very cooperating with the Philippine Embassy on agreeing to Israeli gunfire in declared persona non grata,” he said. wide, and the bones can be in many fragments,” Marie- arrangements that enable their (Filipino citizens) repatria- Elisabeth Ingres, head of the Doctors Without Borders mis- tion,” he added. On ensuring justice is served in lawsuits from Kuwait surprised by memo leak focus after scores... sion (MSF) in the Palestinian territories, told AFP. The charity Filipino citizens, he said Kuwait has a fair and independent On Friday, Kuwait expressed surprise after a memo of a has given nearly 600 people post-operative care since justice system that is renowned for its transparency and recent meeting between the Kuwaiti ambassador in Manila Continued from Page 1 March 30. ensuring the rights and legal protection of all nationals and and the Philippine foreign minister was circulated by the Abdel Latif El-Hajj, director general of hospitals in Gaza, expatriates living in the country. Philippine media, Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah be years before he can return to his restaurant job. “I was accused Israel of using types of ammunition aimed at per- Furthermore, on the matter of ensuring the peaceful and said. The Kuwaiti foreign ministry took note of its Philippine planning to get married soon. I’m not thinking about it any- manently disfiguring their targets. He told AFP the army was humane treatment of Filipinos who have been held in deten- counterpart’s memo - published by the Philippine media - on more,” he said. using “expanding bullets” that separate inside the body, tion post-deadline, he said Kuwait has an unblemished record the meeting, Jarallah said in a press statement. Kuwait, repre- The Israeli army says it fires live rounds only as a “last “breaking the bones and blood vessels, causing severe rup- of human rights hailed by relevant international agencies. As sented by its foreign ministry, has tackled recently strained resort” to protect soldiers and the fence. It has accused turing of the tissue”. Amnesty International on Friday said for freeing Filipinos hired by the Philippine embassy and who relations between both sides with patience and wisdom Gaza’s Islamist rulers Hamas of exploiting the demonstrations some of the wounds appear consistent with bullets that did some acts that breached Kuwait’s sovereignty and laws, through diplomatic channels, he said. and using the protesters as human shields. Since the protests expand inside the body. Such ammunition is considered ille- and whose practices reflected interference in Kuwait’s inter- Kuwaiti measures, the latest of which was declaring the began, Israeli troops have shot more than 1,500 people. The gal in international warfare. AFP could not independently nal affairs, he said they are now being investigated and Philippine ambassador persona non grata, came after the vast majority are young men, and most of the wounded were confirm the claim. Kuwaiti authorities allowed their embassy’s staff to visit them. diplomat had received two memos of protest, which included hit in the legs, according to the health ministry in Gaza. “The nature of these injuries shows that Israeli soldiers Regarding allowing the Philippine foreign ministry’s diplo- a request for handing over those involved in acts that under- Twenty-one people have had limbs amputated. Among those are using high-velocity military weapons designed to cause mats, who are in Kuwait now but not accredited as part of the mine Kuwait’s sovereignty and are deemed as interference in killed there have been two journalists and several teenagers. maximum harm to Palestinian protesters that do not pose embassy’s staff in the country, to return to Manila, he said its internal affairs and even violate relevant international The asymmetry of force has brought criticism of Israel’s imminent threat to them,” an Amnesty statement said. It Kuwait requests the Philippines to hand them over for investi- agreements and treaties, especially Article 41 of the Vienna policies. No Israelis have been injured since the protests accused Israel of “deliberate attempts to kill and maim” pro- gations. Jarallah concluded by reaffirming the accuracy, com- Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Jarallah added. began. The European Union and others have called for an testers. In a statement the Israeli army said it was only using mitment and efficiency of the Kuwaiti ambassador in Manila, Jarallah reiterated Kuwait’s rejection to any bid to under- investigation into Israel’s response, but the Jewish state has “standard weapons and ammunition that are lawful under noting that he honored his commitments made during the mine its sovereignty or to interfere in its internal affairs, vow- rejected the idea. The United States, Israel’s strongest backer, international law”, and accused Gaza’s health ministry of meeting with the Philippine foreign minister. — Agencies ing decisive response in this regard. Laws applied in Kuwait, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations. regularly spreading false information. — AFP 12 Established 1961 Sports Sunday, April 29, 2018 Three in a row for Vettel, Hamilton shares front row

Hamilton was 0.179 seconds adrift

BAKU: Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian Vettel In cool and overcast conditions, with a strong breeze, smiled with relief yesterday after he had claimed pole for the opening Q1 session began briskly, but was soon inter- today’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of a revived Lewis rupted when Romain Grosjean’s Haas car came to a halt Hamilton for Mercedes in a crash-strewn qualifying ses- in an escape road at Turn Three, his gearbox jammed. sion. The German, who leads the defending four-time He was unable to rejoin while the action was con- champion by nine points after three races this season, trolled by yellow flags. As a result, Ocon was briefly clocked a best lap in one minute and 41.498 seconds to fastest ahead of Hulkenberg and Sergey Sirotkin, back in sweep to the prime starting spot. action after his crash in morning practice. It was an emphatic demonstration of his and Ferrari’s pace after he had struggled in practice on Friday. It was ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ his third consecutive pole position and the 53rd of his For Hulkenberg, it was encouraging despite knowing career. “In the end, I knew I had the car I wanted and it he faced a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change. did what I wanted... The first lap was good and it was More drama followed in the final minutes of Q1 when good enough in the end so I Pierre Gasly almost clipped am happy,” said Vettel. his Red Bull team-mate Hamilton was 0.179 seconds Brendon Hartley. Taking adrift after an improved avoiding action, Gasly showing that left him ahead of We can bounced over the kerbs at Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Turn 15 and into an escape Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and fight them road. The Frenchman was his Red Bull team-mate furious, screaming at the New Verstappen. Zealander over the team “That was close,” said here radio. Told Hartley had a Hamilton. “We did the best puncture he said: job we could and I think I lost “Unacceptable”. “Sorry a little bit in the final sector, guys,” said Hartley. “I was but Sebastian did a great job. We are in the mix and I am trying to get out of the way, but it was too late. I went the hoping to give him a hard time in the race.” wrong way. I feel pretty stupid.” Bottas said: “We can fight them here and we are start- This incident resulted in them both being eliminated in ing very close. This race can be crazy, but we have a 17th and 19th positions along with the luckless Grosjean. BAKU: Pole position winner Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (C) celebrates with second placed Mercedes’ good starting point.” Kimi Raikkonen wound up sixth in Also out went Stoffel Vandoorne of McLaren and Marcus British driver Lewis Hamilton (L) and third placed Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas after the qualifying the second Ferrari after an eventful session and a huge Ericsson of Sauber. In Q2 more drama saw Raikkonen session for the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit in Baku yesterday. — AFP slide on his final flying lap. going straight on, at Turn 15, and Lance Stroll also left the Esteban Ocon was seventh ahead of his Force India track. Bottas led the way ahead of Verstappen and Vettel softs, roared to the head of the lap-times in the final sec- first flying runs, Vettel outpaced Hamilton by three-tenths team-mate Sergio Perez, Hulkenberg who faces a before Raikkonen went off again and a persistent Hamilton onds. All this left Stroll in 11th place ahead of Williams ahead of Bottas and the Red Bulls with Raikkonen sixth, five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change, and his topped the charts ahead of his team-mate by 0.003 sec- team-mate Sirotkin, Fernando Alonso of McLaren, Charles following a scary off-road excursion at Turn 16. “I was on Renault team-mate Carlos Sainz. onds until Raikkonen, racing with fury on a set of ultra- Leclerc of Sauber and Kevin Magnussen of Haas. On their the kerb and couldn’t steer,” said the Finn. — AFP

mate and that’s great, that’s only positive. “For the rest, we Renault to start will see. We have a bit of time to specifically think about Trailblazer Carlos. Having said that, we will not delay the thinking process about the alternative in case it cannot work out planning for Sainz with him. “It’s my responsibility to make sure that we have Walsh wins and a competitive lineup next year and to present the options replacement to the board of Renault in the coming weeks and months hangs up boots and we will do that.” BAKU: Renault will not wait for Daniel Ricciardo to decide DUBLIN: Trailblazing Irish jockey Katie Walsh, who his Formula One future before starting the search for a RICCIARDO DECISION came closest to becoming the first woman to ride a potential replacement for Spanish driver Carlos Sainz. The Red Bull have yet to decide whether to continue with Grand National winner, has retired. The 33-year-old- French manufacturer team currently have Sainz on loan Renault engines next season or switch to Honda. Abiteboul third on Seabass in the world’s most famous steeple- from Red Bull, who can take back the 23-year-old at the said that was unlikely to be the key factor in making up chase in 2012 — bowed out in the best possible way end of the season should their race-winning Australian Ricciardo’s mind, however, because power unit perform- with a fine win at Irish national hunt racing’s premier Ricciardo decide to go elsewhere. ance was converging. “The four engine manufacturers festival Punchestown. “We need to make plans, we need to be prepared for (Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda) are very close Despite still being at the top of her game-which the worst as always,” Renault Sport F1 managing director from one another, particularly in race conditions,” he down the years has seen her win an Irish National on Cyril Abiteboul told Reuters at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. added. “There is still a gap in qualifying, we know that, we Thunder and Roses and three winners at the “So the worst for us would be that we would want to stay are working around that on a number of areas. There will with Carlos and that’s not possible. And it can happen, let’s Cheltenham Festival-Walsh felt she had achieved all she be some stuff coming hopefully later this season, I’m pret- could. “I’ve had a marvellous career and I’ve unbeliev- be honest. So we need to plan accordingly.” Abiteboul said ty sure that Honda are working on the same plan. able memories. The next chapter in life begins now,” the team were treating Sainz as if he were staying, howev- “In my opinion, the gap (next year) will not be bigger Katie Walsh er. “We already actually started to work on next year’s car, from the gap we used to have from the previous set of she said. “I said to myself that I’d retire whenever I rode we had a meeting this week with him to talk about the plan regulations.” Red Bull must tell Renault what they are my next winner, whether it be here at Punchestown or Australia, England and Ireland and was very lucky for next year, the objectives and also... the early concept of doing by the end of May, meaning Ricciardo will know the wherever. throughout my career,” she said. “I’ve had the backing the 2019 car,” he said. situation before he has to commit. The Australian, winner “I’d be the first one sitting at home saying: ‘When is of dad and Ross, and wouldn’t have ridden half these “It’s a clear sign we are not thinking that, in the back of for Red Bull in China two weeks ago and in Azerbaijan last she going to be hanging up her boots?’” Walsh hails winners without the backing of Willie (Mullins). our mind, he may not be with us. It may happen, but we year, has spoken of his interest in joining Mercedes as from a legendary Irish racing family with father Ted and “Everyone is here, my husband Ross and my family. I don’t want to compromise short-term or middle-term per- team mate to four times world champion Lewis Hamilton. brother Ruby combining as trainer and jockey respec- couldn’t have picked a better place.” Mullins too had a formance by starting to mitigate the way we are working He has also been linked in the media to Ferrari but says he tively to win the 2000 Grand National on Papillon. festival to remember as having begun the week trailing with him.” Sainz, who joined Renault late last season to has so far talked only to his current team. She was heavily backed to win this year’s National Gordon Elliott by almost 500,000 euros ($607,000) in replace Britain’s under-performing Jolyon Palmer, has been Red Bull won four titles in a row with Renault V8 on Baie Des Iles trained by her husband Ross the trainer’s championship he overhauled him to secure out-qualified by team mate Nico Hulkenberg 3-0 this sea- engines between 2010-13 but have been at loggerheads O’Sullivan. However, the grey never really fired and the title. However, a six-timer on the Wednesday and son and has only three points to the German’s 22. with the French manufacturer in the V6 turbo hybrid era came in last of the 12 finishers. Walsh, who was given a big wins for Footpad and Faugheen allied to Elliott’s Abiteboul recognised the youngster was “a bit behind” but and there is no ‘wiggle room’. guard of honour by her fellow jockeys as she made hurdling star Samcro falling in Friday’s Champion said Renault remained fully supportive. “Our engine will not be available for very long,” said her way back to the weighing room after her final vic- Hurdle saw Mullins turn the tables completely and with “It would be completely inappropriate to start making Abiteboul. “We need to start making orders these days for tory on Friday, said she had been blessed with the a lead of over half a million euros himself he will be judgements only after three races, way too early,” he said. next year. We have a number of long lead-time items in the career she had had. “I wanted to ride in a National for handed the trophy for the 12th time later at “But it does say something about the quality of his team engine... and we need to start now. — Reuters Ross and did that, and have ridden winners in France, Punchestown. — AFP Zain holds employees volleyball tournament KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications com- pany in Kuwait, successfully held its Employees Volleyball Tournament at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) fields. The tournament con- tinued for two days and witnessed the participation of ten teams. The organization of various sports tournaments is a main pillar of Zain’s internal strategy towards the health of its employees. The company remains committed to the wellbeing of its employees by organizing similar events to increase the spirit of teamwork and out-of- office bonding amongst them. The tournament witnessed positive participation from Zain employees, continuing for two consecutive days between ten teams at Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) fields. “Game Over” team won the first place title, while “Al Khibrah” team won the second place title. During the award ceremony, Zain awarded the win- players as well as recognized the Head of Sporting Activities at GUST Salem Al Qabandi for hosting the event at the university’s fields. Zain will spare no efforts to organize activities and programs that enrich the recreational aspect of its employees’ lives and cater to their different talents and interests. The company is keen on encouraging employ- ees to pursue healthier lifestyles and take part in differ- ent sports and health programs all year round. Zain is keen on ensuring employees take part in all of the company’s social activities and programs, whether they be cultural, sporting, or recreational events. The organization of this tournament is part of Zain’s belief in supporting the physical wellbeing and health-orientation of its employees, as well as the company’s commitment to the development of the sports sector in Kuwait. KUWAIT: Winners of the first and second place titles. Established 1961 13 Sports Sunday, April 29, 2018 Crusaders go top after Reds upset Lions, historic win for Jaguares Win push Crusaders to the top of the standings

CANBERRA: Defending champions Canterbury Crusaders jumped to third in the Australian conference with four wins went top of as the upset from nine games, while the Lions, with six wins from 10, the Golden Lions and the Jaguares beat the Blues for their remain top in South Africa. first-ever win over a New Zealand side yesterday. “Last week you could tell quite early we weren’t quite The Crusaders were reduced to 13 men during the sec- there, but this afternoon that first try in the first five min- ond half but were too organised and clinical for the ACT utes was indicative of how we wanted to play, be aggres- Brumbies, winning 21-8 in Canberra to stretch Australia’s sive in the contact area,” Reds veteran flanker George losing sequence against New Zealand teams to 36 matches. Smith said. “We came out well for that first 10 minutes of Elsewhere, the Reds, coming off four losses, set up their the second half and we were holding on in the last 30.” shock 27-22 win over South Africa’s leading team with a Jean-Pierre Smith, Caleb Timu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa rousing four-try first half to lead 24-0 at half-time and bat- and Smith all scored for the Reds in the first half. The tled hard to hold on in the second half. The Jaguares, full of spluttering Lions finally scored through their outstanding confidence after beating the Brumbies and Melbourne hooker Malcolm Marx to trail 27-5 after 55 minutes. Rebels in the past two weeks, came from behind in Marx powered over once more and replacement to beat the Blues 20- Marnus Schoeman added two 13. The eight-time Super further tries before the Lions Rugby champions Crusaders revival ran out of time and fell behind to a try by Henry they had to settle for a losing Speight after 90 seconds but bonus point. The Jaguares and powered away to lead the We came out Blues battled away in persist- Brumbies 21-8 at half-time. The ent rain in Auckland which Brumbies had more territory well for that detracted from a spectacle but and possession in a scoreless was not helped by 24 penal- second half but despite the first 10 minutes ties, 15 of them by the Blues. Crusaders losing Scott Barrett The Argentinians stepped and Ryan Crotty to the sin bin, up the pressure as they they could not close the gap. demolished the Blues pack in The win pushed the Crusaders to the top of the stand- the second half and were rewarded with tries to Emiliano ings after the Lions upset and it was their 10th straight win Boffelli and Tomas Lezana with a conversion and penalty outside New Zealand. “There were guys in the sin bin, by Nicolas Sanchez. The win moved the Jaguares into the that’s never nice, and full credit to the boys who stayed out top eight to the delight of captain Joaquin Tuculet. there, they remained pretty calm and we worked through “We are very happy,” he said. “In the second half we those issues of having two guys on the sidelines,” played very well and we won the game. The forwards, their : Reds’ Filipo Daugunu (L) and Lions’ Andries Coetzee (R) compete for the ball during the Super Rugby Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock said. work was amazing and the scrum and lineout, so our win is match between Australia’s Queensland Reds and South Africa’s Golden Lions in Brisbane yesterday. — AFP The Reds, coached by former All Black lock , for them.” —AFP

Nadal thrashes Goffin to set up final with teenager Tsitsipas Vandeweghe stunned by BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal booked a place in the Barcelona Open final by breezing past David Goffin 6-4 6-0 yesterday Halep triumph with his 18th successive claycourt win and 400th overall on the surface. World number one Nadal will meet Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s showpiece when he will target STUTTGART: CoCo Vandeweghe knocked a record-extending 11th title in Barcelona a week after claim- world number one Simona Halep out of the ing the Monte Carlo Masters for the 11th time. Stuttgart Grand Prix on Friday with a com- Nadal has won every final he has played in Barcelona. The manding 6-4, 6-1 win but admitted she wasn’t Mallorcan got off to a slow start in the semi-final on the even aware of the score for large parts of the Rafael Nadal Court as he surrendered his service in the match. opening game and 10th-ranked Goffin held to take a 2-0 lead. The Californian’s 74-minute demolition of Nadal immediately broke back to level and the home the Romanian top seed follows Maria favourite broke again in the 10th to take the first set. The Sharapova’s loss in the first round and the Spaniard came into his own in the second while Goffin, who injury retirements of second seed Garbine had to play three sets against Roberto Bautista Agut in the Muguruza and German crowd favourite last quarter-final on Friday, began to wilt. The Belgian finally BARCELONA: ’s Stefanos Tsitsipas returns the ball to Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta during their Barcelona Angelique Kerber on Thursday in the second came out fighting in the sixth game but eventually succumbed Open ATP tournament semi-final tennis match in Barcelona. — AFP to claycourt specialist Nadal, surrendering serve for the third round. time in the set by firing a shot beyond the baseline, ending a Vandeweghe, ranked number 16, admits that match lasting one hour 22 minutes. Greek 19-year-old match, collapsing to the ground in elation as he won on his Camelia Begu, who battled past Donna Vekic 3-6 7-6(1) 6-1. this is her least-favourite surface, but she has Tsitsipas stormed into his first ATP final by beating Spain’s second match point when Carreno Busta hit beyond the After being broken in the first game of the opening set, still reached the first clay semi-final of her world number 11 Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5 6-3. Tsitsipas had baseline. Tsitsipas becomes the first Greek player to reach an Wozniacki took a 4-1 lead before her opponent drew level. WTA career. She will face French sixth seed pulled off the biggest win of his career on Friday before by ATP final since 1973 when Nicholas Kalogeropoulos made The Dane then switched gears to claim the opening set. Carolina Garcia, who constructed a third stunning last year’s finalist and world number seven Dominic the final of the now defunct Des Moines Open. Seeking her maiden victory over Wozniacki, Parmentier straight fightback over third-seeded Elina Thiem in straight sets and was the underdog against Carreno Meanwhile, top seed Caroline Wozniacki was forced to raced ahead 3-0 in the second set. Wozniacki took a medical Svitolina 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2. Busta, who is ranked 52 places above him. retire from her Cup quarter-final against Pauline timeout to deal with her injury but struggled thereafter and “At one point in the first set, I wasn’t even The youngster got off to a flying start as he broke his Parmentier on Friday with an abdominal injury. Wozniacki called it quits after Parmentier won the second set. sure of the score,” Vandeweghe said. “Maybe opponent in the second game and marched into a 4-1 lead. won the opening set before France’s Parmentier fought back Earlier, twice grand slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova that’s the secret.” The American held her nerve The Spaniard hit back with a break to level at 5-5 but wasted to level the contest at 4-6 6-3. Unable to continue, Australian made 21 unforced errors in her 6-1 1-6 7-5 defeat by to break early in the second set and added an a chance to break again and lost his serve to concede the set. Open champion Wozniacki conceded the match before the Slovenia’s Polona Hercog. Hercog, 27, will take on Maria insurance break for a 5-1 lead and closed out Tsitsipas, ranked 63rd, broke the 27-year-old for a third time start of the decider. Sakkari of Greece who beat Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus 6-3 the upset on her second match point a game to pull 4-2 ahead in the second and eventually served out the Up next for 32-year-old Parmentier is ’s Irina- 7-6(6). — Agencies later when Halep went long with a return. “Clay is still not my favourite surface, it’s certainly not my number one,” added the American. But with a Porsche 718 Boxster Al Sayer honors going to the tournament winner along with prize money, Vandeweghe admits she has Kuwaiti Drift plenty of motivation to win a first title on the alien surface. “I’m one step closer, maybe if I keep it up I Champion powered can win a new toy to take home to California.” Halep lost to an American for the first time by Motul since the 2017 Australian Open when she was stunned by Shelby Rogers in the first round). “It was like a flash and I don’t really know KUWAIT: Al Sayer Engineering, a subsidiary of Al Sayer what happened during the match,” the Holding held a ceremony at Motul Center at Dry Romanian said. Street Shuwaikh to honor 2018 Kuwait King of Drift title win- “She served really well and it was really ner Ali Maksheed. The memento presentation ceremony was tough to break her. I lost the serve in the first attended by Bengt Schultz Chief Operating Officer at Al set and then I went a little bit down. “I couldn’t Sayer Holding, Krishna Kumar General Manager Al Sayer feel the rhythm, I couldn’t feel the game, I Engineering, Ali Maksheed Kuwait Drifting Champion, Vivek missed a little bit too much. She was very Kohli Senior Manager Oil and Paints and Mohamed Nasimi strong today.” Senior Manager After-Sales Marketing. Garcia has made a habit of rallying to beat Speaking during the occasion Bengt Schultz said Svitolina, duplicating comebacks she complet- “Congratulations to Ali for this achievement backed by excel- ed last autumn in Beijing and at the season- lent track performance. We look forward to our continued ending WTA finals in Singapore. partnership for brand Motul and wish him the best for all The two-and-a-quarter-hour struggle fea- drifting competition for this season.”According to Krishna tured nine aces from Svitolina and 10 from Kumar “Al Sayer is pleased to introduce Motul brand’s pres- Garcia, who earned her first win of the season ence to the exciting circuits of drift racing through our spon- sorship contract with Ali Maksheed Kuwait Drift Champion. sponsor featuring Motul logos on Ali Maksheed’s customized , Jordan, Mauritius, and Lebanon. With only one over a top 10 player. Motul is partnering with world’s leading racing teams and we and fine-tuned drift racing car Toyota FT 86 along with sup- drifter from each participating country, Lebanon will wel- Saturday’s second semi-final will be con- aim to reflect the same spirit here”. ply of high performance Motul racing oil for the competitions. come the 2018 Kuwait King of Drift at the Series Final this tested between Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit and Defending champion, Ali Makhseed, secured the title for Earlier this year, Ali Maksheed was one of the top per- September 22 where he will compete to claim the Series Final fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova of the Czech the second year running, at the Red Bull Car Park Drift formers in Red Bull Car Park Drift Series Final which was held thrown. As a specialist in synthetic oils, Motul has become the Republic. Kontaveit needed almost three Kuwait Qualifier clinching the title with a jaw-dropping per- at SIRBB Circuit Kuwait recently. Ali had topped the leader partner of many manufacturers and sports teams for its tech- hours to beat Russia’s Anastasia formance collecting an impressive 386 points. Sharing the board among the three drifters from Kuwait who participated nological developments in mechanical sports, car and motor- Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 while excitement he commented “I am ecstatic to represent Kuwait in the local qualifier. The local Kuwaiti competitor impressed cycle racing. Motul is present in many international competi- Pliskova came from break points down in the at the 2018 Series Final, for the second year running, and aim the judges to win the King of Smoke title. The 2018 series tions as official team supplier: MotoGP, Road racing, Trial, final game to beat Roland Garros champion to keep Kuwait’s head held high. At this point I thank and kicked off in on January 26 and the competition has Enduro, Endurance, Superbike, Supercross, Rallycross, World Jelena Ostapenko, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4. — AFP appreciate the valuable support from Al Sayer and Motul as continued since then with qualifiers in UAE and Egypt. Rally Championship, FIA GT, Le Mans 24 Hours, Spa 24 my racing sponsor.” Al Sayer’s partnership comes as a title Qualifiers will continue in Qatar, Tunisia, Turkey, , Hours, Le Mans Series, rally raid, Paris-Dakar, F3, etc. 14 Established 1961 Sports Sunday, April 29, 2018 Pacers force game seven, Raptors and Jazz advance Raptors next face either Cleveland Cavaliers or Indiana Pacers

LOS ANGELES: The Toronto Raptors punched their tick- Pacers forced game seven in that series on Friday, humbling et to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the third LeBron James and the Cavs 121-87. Elsewhere, rookie straight season on Friday with a 102-92 victory over the Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points and the Jazz eliminated Washington Wizards. With 24 points from Kyle Lowry a star-studded Thunder roster in their Western Conference and a big contribution from their reserves, the Raptors series. Derrick Favors scored 13 points and Rudy Gobert notched the first road win of their Eastern Conference had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz, who lost start- first-round series to eliminate the Wizards four games to ing guard Ricky Rubio with a hamstring injury in the first two. DeMar DeRozan added 16 points and Jonas quarter. Westbrook had 46 points for the Thunder and Valanciunas chipped in 14 for Steven Adams tallied 19 points Toronto, who trailed by five and 16 rebounds. going into the fourth quarter “Our team did a good job of but out-scored the flagging sticking together. We got some Wizards 29-14 in the final shots at the end of the game period. Our bench we just weren’t able to get the The Utah Jazz also booked one we needed,” Westbrook their spot in the next round did a said. The Thunder had tried to with a 96-91 win to eliminate retool their roster this season Russell Westbrook and the great job around Westbrook, Paul Oklahoma City Thunder in six George and Carmelo Anthony, games. The Raptors bench but it was a disappointing end- was crucial to the comeback. ing to the rebuild. George had Toronto’s reserves out-scored just five points and Anthony Washington’s bench 21-6 in the second half while out- seven on Friday. Westbrook got into an brief verbal alterca- rebounding them 15-3. “Our bench did a great job,” Lowry tion with a fan at the end of the game. Westbrook stopped said. “I played 31 minutes. DeMar played 33. In a playoff and tried to slap the fan’s camera away before security CLEVELAND: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Glenn Robinson III #40 of the Indiana game, a closeout game, you would never think your stars stepped in to escort him to the dressing room. Pacers compete for the ball in Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on Friday at Bankers Life could do that. “But that’s how our team is built.” “I don’t confront fans, fans confront me,” Westbrook Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. — AFP Backup Forward Pascal Siakam made his first five shots, told reporters. The Jazz will square off against the racking up 11 points and eight rebounds. Reserve point Houston Rockets in the first game of their series Today. In win or go home. Speaks for itself.” The Pacers, who were after colliding with Myles Turner. James led the three-time guard Fred VanVleet, limited by a shoulder injury earlier in Indianapolis, Victor Oladipo finished with 28 points, 13 on the wrong end of a missed goaltending call in game defending Eastern Conference champs with 22 points and the series, scored just five points. Raptors coach Dwane rebounds and 10 assists for his first playoff triple double five, lowered the boom in this one. seven assists. With the game out of hand, he sat out all of Casey however said his presence was key. as the Pacers levelled the series with the Cavaliers at 3-3. the fourth quarter. “He’s the engine, the toughness, that little birdie on the They will get a chance to advance to the next round JAMES SUFFERS CUT No other Cavs player scored more than 13 points while shoulder,” Casey said. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with with a win in today’s winner-take-all showdown in Thaddeus Young floored LeBron James with an elbow, the Pacers’ balanced attack saw seven players score in 32 points and John Wall added 23. The Raptors next face Cleveland. “It was a big win for us. Now we’ve got to go opening a cut above the future hall of famer’s left eye. double figures. But history is on James’ side as he is 12-0 either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Indiana Pacers. The get today,” Oladipo said. “We got to leave it all out there- Cleveland’s Kevin Love left the contest in the third quarter all-time in first-round series. — AFP AJ Pollock’s Gulf crisis fuels all-around game Qatar national leads the way pride in PSG against Nationals WASHINGTON: Arizona center fielder A.J. Pollock had three DOHA: Turn right at the Venice-style canal inside hits, including a homer, scored three runs and drove in two as Doha’s Villagio mall, complete with electric gondo- the Diamondbacks beat the Nationals in the first game of a las for shoppers, and you will find the Paris Saint- three-game series Friday at Nationals Park. Pollock homered Germain store. A narrow entrance leads to a treas- in the second inning and tripled in a run and scored in a two- ure trove of all things PSG-from kit, key rings and run sixth inning when the Diamondbacks took the lead for t-shirts emblazoned with the fans’ chant ‘Ici, c’est good. At 18-7, they have tied their best start in franchise his- Paris!’ to the club’s very own brand of espadrilles. tory, set in 2008. Daniel Descalso singled, walked, had two The walls are adorned with TV screens showing RBIs and scored a run for Arizona, which has won its first game highlights and pictures of the team’s biggest eight series, the first NL team to do that since the 1977 Los stars: Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. The store is Angeles Dodgers. Seattle won its first nine in 2001. Howie everything you would expect from the French foot- Kendrick had three hits, including a homer, and Trea Turner ball club-turned-global sporting brand under its and Matt Adams had two hits apiece for the Nationals, who WASHINGTON: Andrew Stevenson #45 of the Washington Nationals is unable to catch an RBI triple hit by Qatari owners. But the European club has become have lost five of six. They had 11 hits but left 10 on base. A.J. Pollock #11 of the Arizona Diamondbacks (not pictured) in the sixth inning at Nationals Park on something more for Qatar over the past 10 months Friday in Washington, DC. — AFP of boycott by its Gulf neighbours-a symbol of A’S 8, ASTROS 1 national pride. Inside the shop, the change is palpa- Sean Manaea allowed an unearned run on four hits over ble. ‘It used to be all Saudis and people from the seven innings of work and Matt Chapman, Chad Pinder and baserunner until his fourth-inning walk of Mookie Betts and 1 1/3 innings, leaving the game due to an abnormal heartbeat. UAE in here,’ a shop assistant told AFP. ‘Now it is Mark Canha each hit home runs as Oakland rolled over didn’t give up a hit until Xander Bogaerts’ leadoff single in the He allowed just one hit, no walks and no runs and was replaced Qataris-young Qataris.’ Houston at Minute Maid Park. Manaea (4-2), who no-hit the fifth. Snell (4-1) struck out nine over 7 1/3 innings, allowing by Senzatela (2-1), who pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. Red Sox on April 21 in his most recent start, struck out seven two runs on five hits and a walk. After losing 13 of its first 17 The Rockies also lost second baseman DJ LeMahieu due to a TRADING TEAMS and walked just one, lowering his ERA to 1.03. Dallas Keuchel games, Tampa Bay has outscored its opponents 51-28 during hamstring injury. He was replaced by Pat Valaika. Qataris traditionally support one local and one (1-4) took the loss for the Astros upon allowing six runs on its winning streak. J.D. Martinez (2-for-4) had a pair of RBIs international team, many plumping for Spanish seven hits in seven innings of work. The win was the ninth in and Mookie Betts (2-for-3, walk) also drove in a run for ORIOLES 6, TIGERS 0 giants Barcelona or Real Madrid. Spanish league the past 11 games for the Athletics, who started the season 5- Boston, which lost for the fourth time in six games. Pedro Alvarez hit two home runs, Manny Machado added bosses last year opened ‘ Lounge’ bar in 10 and now are 14-12. The Astros, who have lost three of their another and Chris Tillman allowed just one hit in seven Doha, where fans can watch games while waited on past four games (all to AL West rivals), managed just five hits PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3 shutout innings as Baltimore defeated Detroit, ending a five- by staff wearing club shirts. off three Oakland pitchers. Center fielder Odubel Herrera hit a pair of home runs to sup- game losing streak. Tillman (1-4) struck out five, walked two Many others fly out regularly to see the Spanish port a solid effort from starting pitcher Aaron Nola as and allowed only a Jose Iglesias double in the fifth inning. The clubs in person. But Doha has been on a mission to PIRATES 6, CARDINALS 5 (11 INNINGS) Philadelphia beat Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park. Herrera hit a right-hander had all of his pitches working, especially a court a loyal fan base for its flagship club. Two Starling Marte hit a two-out RBI single in the 11th inning three-run homer and a solo homer, his second and third of the changeup that repeatedly befuddled Detroit and helped the months into the Gulf crisis, PSG spent 400 million as Pittsburgh erased a five-run deficit Friday to beat visiting season, and catcher Jorge Alfaro was 3-for-4 with a home run Orioles (7-19) finally earn a victory. Detroit starter Mike Fiers euros ($490 million) to sign Neymar and Mbappe. St. . Marte’s hit up the middle came against reliever and three RBIs to spark the Philadelphia attack. Nola (3-1) (2-2) allowed three runs on four hits in six innings, but gave The move triggered scrutiny by UEFA in the Jordan Hicks (1-1) and drove in David Freese, who walked, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and up two homers and left with the Tigers trailing 3-0. form of a Financial Fair Play investigation, but also moved to second on a wild pitch and took third on Gregory one walk while striking out four. It was Nola’s first win in three attracted new fans. ‘The transfer of Neymar has Polanco’s groundout. The Pirates, who won their third straight, tries against Atlanta this season. The losing pitcher was Max Fried CUBS 3, BREWERS 2 made a big difference to the popularity of the team trailed 5-0 before mounting the comeback, aided by two (0-2), who allowed one run in three innings with three strikeouts. Addison Russell led off the seventh inning with an infield hit among Qataris,’ local fan Mabkhout al-Marri told ninth-inning errors after they entered the ninth trailing 5-2. and came around to score the eventual game-winning run on a AFP. ‘It has increased its popularity to the point ROCKIES 1, MARLINS 0 two-out error, helping Chicago turn back Brewers in Chicago that for some Qataris, PSG is number one, then RAYS 4, RED SOX 3 Relief pitcher Antonio Senzatela earned the win and in the afternoon at Wrigley Field. Brewers left-hander Brent Barcelona or Real Madrid.’ Wilson Ramos slugged a two-run homer and both Rob smacked an RBI double to lead Colorado to victory over Miami Suter and Cubs righty Yu Darvish both pitched well, but neither Refsnyder and Daniel Robertson clubbed solo shots as visit- at Marlins Park. The Rockies, with 7 2/3 scoreless innings of was around for the seventh inning, during which Milwaukee ral- PARIS PRIDE, QATARI PRIDE ing Tampa Bay beat Boston at Fenway Park for its seventh relief pitching, won their third straight game and are 10-5 on lied into a 2-all tie before Chicago countered with the differ- Last June, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab straight victory. Rays starter Blake Snell did not allow a the road this season. Rockies starter Tyler Anderson lasted just ence-maker in the bottom of the frame. — Reuters Emirates, and Egypt abruptly froze ties with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and fostering ties with regional rival Iran, charges denied by Doha. The crisis has taken many forms, NBK customers from fears of military confrontation to rising nationalism. In Qatar, national identity has mani- fested itself through increased support for PSG. A travel to Moscow European football club-established one year before Qatar became an independent country-has become for FIFA World Cup a symbol of the emirate’s vast energy wealth and newfound presence on the global sporting stage. ‘Paris Saint-Germain is a part of us now and a final match source of pride for our country,’ said fan Marri. Doha bought PSG through the state-funded Qatar Sports KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait announced live on air win- Investment in 2011. Since then, the club’s fortunes ners who will attend the FIFA World Cup final match in have been transformed, winning five Ligue 1 titles and Moscow, Russia on July 15, 2018. The Three winners are: Jaser becoming a permanent fixture in the Champions Mostafa Albohamad, Fatemah Abdulraheem Qasem and League. Beyond trophies, Qatar is gaining more than Mohammed Khaleefa Alazmi. All three won an all-expense paid just prestige for its multi-million acquisition. ‘Qatar’s trip for two - themselves and a friend or a family member. The ownership of Paris Saint-Germain seems to have prize was organized by NBK in collaboration with Visa. “We congratulate all three winners and hope they enjoy the Visa Credit Card or Debit Card was required to qualify for the become something of a rallying point for both its The names of the three winners were announced live on FM most fantastic trip,” said Al Othman. “We promise our Credit draw. The FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most popular football fans and its citizens in general,’ said Simon 88.8 Kuwait Pulse in the presence of representatives from the Card and Debit Card customers the most fabulous and exclu- sporting events, taking place once every four years. Football, Chadwick, a professor who writes about sport and Ministry of Commerce & Industry and officials from NBK. sive offers and this campaign shows NBK continues efforts to and especially the World Cup matches are widely popular in geopolitics at Britain’s Salford University. “Again NBK has rewarded its loyal customers with this offer unique and extraordinary services and rewards.” Kuwait. NBK’s FIFA World Cup prize campaign is part of the ‘Perhaps the most significant engagement unique prize package,” said Mohammed Al Othman, General NBK customers were invited to utilize their NBK Visa Credit bank’s ongoing customer-centric approach. between Qataris and PSG is motivated as much by Manager of Consumer Banking Group, National Bank of Cards to pay for purchases in Kuwait, internationally or online. NBK strives to bring customers world-class services, with the country’s blockade by its near neighbours as Kuwait. “We’ve teamed up with Visa to offer 3 all-expense paid Each time they spent KD 1 locally, they earned 1 entry into the customized products and offers. The bank creates the best anything else. ‘It seems ironic that ownership of a packages to give our football-loving fans the trip of a lifetime.” draw. Every KD 1 spent internationally earned 3 entries into the rewards and promotions as a way to thank their customers for French football club can become a conduit for an NBK awarded three full packages - each package for two draw. Spending on transactions abroad entitled Debit Card their continued business and loyalty. increase in nationalist sentiment in Qatar, however people - which include Business class flights, tickets to the FIFA holders as well to enter the draw. To learn more about NBK offers and campaigns, visit this is exactly what has happened,’ he added. — AFP World Cup Russia Final match, 5-star hotel accommodation, and KD 1,000 for expenses. A minimum spend of KD 100 using any of the eligible NBK NBK.com. Established 1961 15 Sports Sunday, April 29, 2018 Bayern see off Kovac’s Eintracht, Cologne relegated All eyes on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid

BERLIN: Youngster Niklas Dorsch scored on debut as a escape with a 3-1 win in Wolfsburg. Bobby Wood fired second-string Bayern Munich side cruised to a 4-1 victory Hamburg ahead from the penalty spot on 43 minutes, end- over future coach Niko Kovac and in ing his 247-day goal drought. Lewis Holtby doubled the the yesterday, while Cologne were relegated in lead moments later, nodding Tatsuya Ito’s cross into the dramatic fashion after a 3-2 defeat by Freiburg. With all far corner. Josip Brekalo pulled a goal back for Wolfsburg eyes on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Real 12 minutes from time, but Luca Waldschmidt secured vic- Madrid and with the Bundesliga title wrapped up, Bayern tory in stoppage time for Hamburg. rested several key players, giving first-team debuts to the Hamburg’s third win in four games puts them just two 20-year-old Dorsch, as well as teenagers Meritan Shabani points adrift of safety as they bid to avoid a first relega- and Franck Evina. tion in their history. “It’s great that the boys are playing Dorsch gave Bayern the lead from close range just so bravely,” said Hamburg coach Christian Titz. “We still before half-time, and need another win in doubled Frankfurt next week, the advantage in the sec- which won’t be easy.” ond half. Sebastien Haller Elsewhere, Schalke grabbed a goal back for drew 1-1 with Borussia Frankfurt, before Rafinha Hertha Berlin Moenchengladbach, while and Niklas Suele wrapped Hertha Berlin rescued a up victory for the hosts. rescued a point point against Augsburg. Bayern will face against Augsburg Schalke’s Nabil Bentaleb Frankfurt and Kovac again was sent off early in the in next month’s German game, after appearing to Cup final in Berlin. “We slap Gladbach captain played very efficiently, Lars Stindl. Stindl then set which is something we up Raffael as Gladbach didn’t manage to do against Real Madrid last Wednesday,” took the lead on 32 minutes but, in a cruel blow to his said Bayern coach . scored a World Cup hopes, was carried off the field with an ankle goal in each half to give Freiburg a comfortable lead, injury before half-time. before a dramatic late comeback from Cologne. Leonardo Daniel Caligiuri levelled the scores with a penalty late Bittencourt netted two goals in five minutes to give the in the first half. In Berlin, Gregoritsch’s deflected MUNICH: Bayern Munich’s German defender Mats Hummels (L) and Bayern Munich’s visitors hope, but a late strike from Lucas Hoeler sealed shot looped into the top corner to put Augsburg ahead on German Sebastian Rudy (R) vie for the ball with Frankfurt’s Serbian forward Cologne’s relegation. “Hoeler’s goal was the cherry on the 32 minutes, and Sergio Cordova doubled the lead with a Luka Jovic (2nd L) and Frankfurt’s Mexican midfielder Marco Fabian (2nd R) during the cake of a completely awful season,” said Cologne goal- well-placed shot on the hour mark. A Vedad Ibisevic German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt keeper . “We feel totally empty.” Fellow strug- penalty and a late strike from , however, res- in Munich, southern Germany yesterday. — AFP glers Hamburg, meanwhile, fuelled hopes of a miraculous cued a point for Hertha. — AFP

on the top four for the second year in a row. But Wenger Wagner told BBC. “We missed opportunities and they Wenger set for Old will still believe he can leave the club with a trophy and a Everton celebrates scored with their first effort on goal and then in the sec- Champions League spot despite conceding a late goal in a ond half we were not at the same level. “We have to deal 1-1 home draw with Atletico Madrid in the Europa League with it and we will deal with it. The players need a lift and Trafford farewell on Thursday. 2-0 victory at we will give them that. We had good momentum. We will The Frenchman is unsure how he will be greeted at Old fight until the final end.” Huddersfield dictated the pace MANCHESTER: Arsene Wenger is unsure of the welcome Trafford, where he is unlikely to play a first-choice side Huddersfield Town in the opening half of a scrappy affair but Everton always he will receive on his final visit to Old Trafford as Arsenal with the second leg of the Europa League tie looming next looked more likely to break the deadlock. Tosun fired boss today after many “great battles” against Manchester week. “I don’t know what reaction I will get but look we HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Huddersfield Town were left them ahead in the 39th minute with a fine finish from 18 United during his two decades in charge. had some great battles in 22 years and for me what will be sweating over avoiding relegation after goals from metres after good work by . The 68-year-old Frenchman, leaving the club at the end at stake is to recover from that result (against Atletico) and Cenk Tosun and Idrissa Gueye condemned them to a 2- of the season, will bring a side that is a pale shadow of the before we go to Atletico have a good game,” Wenger said. The visitors missed two good chances to double team that challenged United’s dominance The Frenchman, who says he is not ready to retire from 0 home defeat by mid-table Everton in a scrappy their advantage in the second half before Gueye during his first decade in charge. Wenger’s clashes with football, is likely to face a side including former Gunners Premier League clash yesterday. silenced the noisy home crowd with a superb shot from former United boss Alex Ferguson are the stuff of legend star Alexis Sanchez, who left to join United in the January The result left Huddersfield 16th on 35 points from 20 metres which gave the home keeper Jonas Loessl no and his relationship with current Manchester United man- transfer window. The Chilean’s presence in the opposing as many games, two more than Swansea City - who are chance. Everton manager , who came ager Jose Mourinho has been laced with bitterness. But team will be a painful reminder to Arsenal fans of Wenger’s hosting Chelsea later on Saturday - and three ahead of under fire from the visiting fans, praised his team. both men have reached out to him with warm words since inability in recent years to convince many of his best play- 18th-placed Southampton who rekindled their survival “It was an excellent performance,” he said. he announced he was stepping down. ers to buy into his project and stay. Wenger said he was so hopes with a 2-1 home win over Bournemouth. “Huddersfield at home have been strong and they were Mourinho said he regrets some of the “little negative committed to Arsenal that he even declined an approach The home team’s boss David Wagner conceded his looking to make themselves safe by beating us but we episodes” between himself and Wenger over the years, by then United chairman Martin Edwards when Ferguson outfit were beaten by a better team and was optimistic were too good for them. “It’s a good win and that’s 11 calling on United fans to give him a fitting send-off. When was mulling retiring in 2001. “Arsenal is the love of my life. about securing top flight football next season. points in six games. We are riding high and are finishing asked whether he could be friends with Mourinho, Wenger I turned many, many, many clubs down to face the chal- “The support from the stands was great, we gave the season strongly... we shouldn’t keep talking about spoke instead of “respect” for the current United boss. lenge when we built the stadium,” said Wenger, referring everything but we were beaten by quality in the end,” critics.” — Reuters Arsenal, in sixth spot in the league, look certain to miss out to the Emirates. — AFP

Matches on TV Mitrovic stars as (Local Timings) Fulham maintain ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE bid for Premier West United v Manchester City 16:15 beIN SPORTS HD 2 Manchester United v Arsenal 18:30 League promotion beIN SPORTS HD 2 LONDON: Aleksandar Mitrovic crowned Fulham’s come-from behind win with the decisive goal in a 2-1 SPANISH LEAGUE victory at home to Sunderland on Friday that saw the Getafe v Girona 13:00 Cottagers stay in the hunt for automatic promotion to beIN SPORTS HD 3 the Premier League. Deportivo Alaves v Atletico de Madrid 17:15 Victory meant London side Fulham leapfrogged beIN SPORTS HD 3 Cardiff into second place, although the Welsh club will Valencia v SD Eibar 19:30 regain that position if they win away to Hull then the beIN SPORTS HD 3 top two teams at the end of the regular season in the Deportivo La Coruna v Barcelona 21:45 Championship are guaranteed promotion to English beIN SPORTS HD 3 football’s lucrative top flight, with champions Wolves having already secured one of those coveted spots. ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE The four teams finishing in third to sixth places will bat- Crotone v US Sassuolo Calcio 13:30 tle it out for the one remaining promotion place via a beIN SPORTS HD 4 series of play-off games. Sunderland, already relegat- Atalanta v Genoa CFC 16:00 ed, upset the form book by going ahead in the 28th minute through Joel Asoro. But Fulham-whose US- beIN SPORTS based owner Shahid Khan’s bid to buy Wembley was LONDON: Everton’s Irish defender Seamus Coleman (R) clears the ball during the English Bologna v AC Milan 16:00 revealed this week-were level when Lucas Piazon Premier League football match between Huddersfield Town and Everton at the John beIN SPORTS HD 4 equalised just before the break. Mitrovic secured victo- Smith’s stadium in Huddersfield, northern England yesterday. — AFP Hellas Verona v spal 16:00 ry with a 76th-minute header, his 12th goal since arriv- beIN SPORTS ing on loan from Newcastle in January. UC Sampdoria v Cagliari Calcio 16:00 “Of course I was confident, but if the team play gation playoff spot and 16th-placed Mainz 05 who beIN SPORTS HD 12 EN good, I play good as well,” Mitrovic told Sky Sports. Struggling Hamburg have 30 points and are in action against RB Leipzig Benevento v Udinese Calcio 16:00 “We didn’t play the best as we have for most of the today. Wolfsburg are also on 30 points, in 15th on goal beIN SPORTS season, but in the end we got three points. difference. Schalke 04 failed to seal their Champions Fiorentina v SSC Napoli 19:00 “It was a really hard and tough game but we have to beat Wolfsburg in League spot for next season after drawing 1-1 against beIN SPORTS HD 4 be happy with this win tonight. “We have one game left Borussia Moenchengladbach. They also had Nabil Torino v Lazio 21:45 and we have to make that final push and see what is relegation derby Bentaleb sent off for striking Gladbach’s Lars Stindl, beIN SPORTS HD 4 going to happen. We came a really long way. If some- who had to be taken off injured after twisting his foot a one asked us before Christmas to take second place in BERLIN: Former European champions Hamburg SV little later. Schalke are second on 57 points, with GERMAN BUNDESLIGA the last game, and be in this position, the gaffer (man- edged past hosts VfL Wolfsburg 3-1 in their relegation , who travel to Werder Bremen on FSV Mainz 05 v RB Leipzig 16:30 ager) would 100 percent have taken it.” Slavisa derby yesterday to continue their desperate comeback Sunday, in third on 54. beIN SPORTS HD 5 Jokanovic, the Fulham manager, added: “Today it was to stay in the Bundesliga with two matches remaining. Bayer Leverkusen, who host VfB Stuttgart later, are A 43rd minute penalty by Bobby Wood put the visi- Werder Bremen v Borussia Dortmund 19:00 complicated for us and I am happy to take the pressure fifth on 51, with the top four teams qualifying for the off our back. It’s part of the competition. tors in front and Lewis Holtby doubled their lead with a beIN SPORTS HD 5 Champions League. A second-string Bayern Munich “Aleksandar’s contribution is crucial. He’s scored glancing header on the stroke of halftime. that included four reserve players in the starting lineup, many winning goals and today it was an important goal Josip Brekalo slipped his 78th minute free kick past eased past Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 as coach Jupp FRENCH LEAGUE for us. “(Cardiff playing Hull) is not under my control, I Hamburg keeper Julian Pollersbeck to give Wolfsburg Heynckes rested his players ahead of Tuesday’s Stade Rennais v Toulouse 16:00 expect taking this pressure off our back will make us some hope. Champions League semi-final second leg at Real beIN SPORTS HD 6 better in the next game.” But Hamburg, the only team to have played in the Madrid. Bundesliga debutant Niklas Dorsch scored the SCO Angers v Olympique Marseille 18:00 Defeat meant northeast club Sunderland become the Bundesliga every season since the top division’s cre- opener and Sandro Wagner, Rahinha and Niklas Suele beIN SPORTS HD 6 first side since Wolves in 1983/84 and 1984/85 to finish ation in 1963, scored in stoppage time with Luca were also on target as next season’s Bayern coach Niko Paris Saint-Germain v EA Guingamp 22:00 bottom of the top two tiers of English football in suc- Waldschmidt to seal their third win in the last four Kovac watched quietly from the Eintracht bench. Bottom beIN SPORTS HD 6 cessive seasons, and just the third club to have done so, matches. The northern club are still 17th but have club Cologne were relegated despite coming back from after Fulham in 1967/68 and 1968/69. — AFP clawed their way back to within two points of the rele- two goals down to lose 3-2 at Freiburg. — Reuters Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018

Three in a row for Vettel, Nadal thrashes Goffin to set up Pacers force game seven, 12Hamilton shares front row 13 final with teenager Tsitsipas 14 Raptors and Jazz advance

LONDON: Leicester City’s English striker Jamie Vardy (C) in action during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park in south London yesterday. — AFP Fabregas boosts Chelsea’s top-four bid West Brom earn stay of execution, Liverpool held in Stoke stalemate

LONDON: Cesc Fabregas boosted Chelsea’s bid to qualify Jake Livermore’s pin-point pass sent Phillips racing But Southampton restored their advantage in the 54th tame encounter they controlled for long periods without for the Champions League as his superb strike clinched a clear of the Newcastle defence and the winger lashed past minute thanks to a gem from Tadic, who embarked on a over-exerting themselves in search of a winner. 1-0 win at Swansea, while West Brom kept alive their slen- Martin Dubravka in the 29th minute. Bottom club Albion fine solo run before finishing in clinical fashion. It was The draw left Liverpool needing a maximum of four der hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation with a 1- are five points from safety and an eight-season stay in the Southampton’s first league win in five matches since points from their remaining two matches to guarantee 0 victory against Newcastle yesterday. top flight would still be over if they fail to take maximum Hughes replaced the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino last qualification for the Champions League via a top-four fin- Spain midfielder Fabregas gave Chelsea the perfect points from their last two games against Tottenham and month. Southampton, hoping to extend their six-season ish. “I saw everything I wanted to see except fluency and start at the Liberty Stadium when he took an Eden Hazard Crystal Palace. stint in the top flight, are one point adrift of safety with fun and joy,” Klopp said. “It is hard on a day like this. But pass and fired home for his 50th Premier League goal in Interim boss Darren Moore said: “We can’t control oth- three games left. no-one was seriously injured so we carry on.” the fourth minute. That was enough to secure a third suc- er results. There’s nothing we can do. “We’re just doing “This is one of the most important wins in our history,” Second-bottom Stoke are three points from safety, but cessive league win for Antonio Conte’s fifth-place side, everything we can at our end. The boys have done really Tadic said. “We are fighting for our lives and we showed boss Paul Lambert said: “I could not have asked for any who move within two points of Tottenham ahead of their well since I came in.” Dusan Tadic breathed new life into that. We knew we had to win, no matter how we played.” more. If the lads had played like that from the start of the fourth-placed London rivals’ clash with Watford on Southampton’s bid to beat the drop as his double sealed a season, I would not be here and they would be cruising in Monday. It was a damaging defeat for Swansea and Carlos crucial 2-1 success in the south-coast derby against BATTLING STOKE the league.”Crystal Palace are on course to avoid relega- Carvalhal’s team are now only one point above the relega- Bournemouth at St Mary’s. Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool were below their best tion after thrashing Leicester 5-0 at Selhurst Park. Everton tion zone with three games left. West Brom would have Mark Hughes’ third-bottom side took the lead when as they prepared for the Champions League semi-final, pushed Huddersfield deeper into the relegation mire as been relegated to the Championship if they had failed to winger Tadic finished off a rapid counter-attack second-leg clash with Roma by settling for a goalless goals from Cenk Tosun and Idrissa Gueye earned a 2-0 take maximum points at St James’ Park, but Matt Phillips from Mario Lemina in the 25th minute. stalemate against Stoke at Anfield. win at the John Smith’s Stadium. bagged the first-half winner to keep them in with a shout equalised for Bournemouth with a close-range finish after The Reds head to Rome on Wednesday with a 5-2 Burnley, in seventh and chasing a Europa League place, for a few more hours at least. Saints failed to clear a corner in first-half stoppage-time. advantage from the first leg and do so on the back of a were held to a 0-0 draw by Brighton at Turf Moor. — AFP

Palmas on March 31. Leganes had stunned Real with a 2-1 Bale leads Real victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in January to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals, but struggled to make any inroads against their dominant hosts. to low-key win Daniel Ceballos fired narrowly over, but the soon-to-be deposed league champions doubled their advantage on over Leganes the stroke of half-time. Mayoral tapped in from close range after Leganes goalkeeper Pichu Cuellar totally MADRID: Gareth Bale scored as a much-changed Real missed a left-wing cross, with offside appeals waved away Madrid warmed up for Tuesday’s Champions League as defender Unai Bustinza had got a touch to the ball on its semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich with a 2-1 way through. It was the 21-year-old Mayoral’s second La win over Leganes yesterday. Bale bundled Real into an Liga goal, having also netted against back early lead, before took advantage of more in September. sloppy defending to make it two before half-time. Leganes grew into the game after the break as Real’s Serbian Darko Brasanac gave Leganes hope of a come- thoughts perhaps turned towards Bayern, and Miguel back, but Real closed out victory despite struggling in Guerrero wasted an excellent chance to halve the deficit MADRID: Real Madrid’s Welsh the second half. as he headed wide from a Nabil El Zhar cross. But the forward Gareth Bale (L) chal- ’s men stay third in the table, one point away team did pull one back in the 66th minute, as Nordin lenges Leganes’ Spanish behind city rivals Atletico who play Alaves on Sunday, Amrabat forced his way to the byline and squared for midfielder Diego Rico (C) and when Barcelona can secure the La Liga title if they avoid Brasanac to tap in from close range. Leganes’ Greek defender defeat at Deportivo La Coruna. On-loan Watford winger Amrabat was proving danger- Dimitrios Siovas during the Coach Zidane made 10 changes to the starting XI which ous, and the Moroccan saw a low shot saved by stand-in Spanish League football beat Bayern 2-1 in Wednesday’s first leg at the Allianz Real goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. Leganes continued to pile match between Real Madrid Arena, with Bale and returning. Bale on the pressure, with Casilla making a brilliant stop to and Leganes at the Santiago boosted his hopes of a start in the second leg by hooking deny Bustinza. Leganes defender Gabriel sent off in injury- in a deflected Benzema effort to give Real an eighth- time, as Real clung on for the three points after a below- Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid minute lead with his first goal since a double against Las par performance. — AFP yesterday. — AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018 Business Costa Coffee celebrates its 50th store Boursa Kuwait ends mixed amid 50% discount on purchases 18opening at Kuwait International Airport 20 selling pressures on small caps 21 from Trolley, using KFH wallet

SINGAPORE: ASEAN leaders pose for a group photograph during the opening of the 32nd ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit in Singapore yesterday. — AFP ASEAN worried over US-China trade row US keeps China, puts Canada on IP priority watch list SINGAPORE/WASHINGTON: Singapore Prime which has allowed many of the region’s export-driven facts, and objectively, impartially, evaluate with positive NAFTA talks Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday a mounting economies to flourish, has come under increasing threat intentions the efforts made by foreign governments The increased criticism of Canada was revealed as trade spat between the United States and China was due to protectionist policies in major economies. including China in the area of intellectual property Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland was one of the most pressing worries for Southeast Asian rights and the results achieved,” the ministry said in a locked in intense negotiations with Lighthizer over nations as their leaders echoed the concern over rising IP concerns statement on its website yesterday. updating the North American Free Trade Agreement. protectionism. Meanwhile, the Trump administration on Friday US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is due to Washington has demanded that a modernization of Lee flagged his concerns in remarks made as he labeled 36 countries as inadequately protecting US travel to China next week along with other senior the 1994 pact include stronger IP protections. opened a summit of the 10-member Association of intellectual property rights, keeping China on a priority Trump administration officials for talks on US demands Lighthizer, Freeland and Mexican Economy Minister Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for many of which watch list and adding Canada over concerns about its for changes in Beijing’s trade and intellectual property Ildefonso Guajardo are trying to work out a number the United States and China are the top two trading border controls and pharmaceutical practices. policies. President Donald Trump has threatened up to of stumbling blocks in the NAFTA talks, including partners. “In particular, the recent trade tensions The US Trade Representative’s annual report on $150 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, and China’s auto content rules. The office of Canadian Innovation between the US and China are worrying concerns,” he global IP concerns is separate from the “Section 301” Ministry of Commerce has threatened to retaliate in Minister Navdeep Bains, who launched an intellectual said. Singapore occupies the group’s rotating chair for report on Chinese technology transfer practices that equal measure. A USTR official declined to comment on property strategy on Thursday, did not immediately this year. “We are deeply concerned over the rising has led the world’s two largest economies to threaten Lighthizer’s specific message to his Chinese counter- respond to a request for comment. tide of protectionism and anti-globalization senti- each other with tariffs. The so-called “Special 301 parts next week, but said US officials “anticipate Ottawa is pledging to create an independent body ments,” said a statement issued on behalf of the Report on Intellectual Property Rights” calls out China engaging with them meaningfully on all these issues.” to oversee patent and trademark issues, “which will ASEAN chair at the end of summit talks. The US Trump for its “coercive technology transfer practices” and The biggest surprise in Friday’s report was the deci- ensure that professional and ethical standards are administration has threatened to impose tariffs on up to “trade secret theft, rampant online piracy, and counter- sion to move Canada from the lower-level “Watch List” maintained.” Colombia also was added to the Priority $150 billion of Chinese imports, and Beijing has vowed feit manufacturing”. to the same priority list as China. USTR cited Canada’s Watch List for failing to revise its copyright laws as retaliation against American exports. In an final state- It was the 14th straight year that China was placed “poor border enforcement,” especially for counterfeit required under a free trade agreement with the ment, the leaders vowed to fight a “rising tide of pro- on the “Priority Watch List”. goods shipped through America’s northern neighbor, tectionism” and intensify efforts to conclude talks for a The report was met with objections from the and concerns about intellectual property protections United States. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab massive 16-nation free trade zone that would include Chinese commerce ministry, which said the United for pharmaceuticals. US pharmaceutical companies Emirates were added to the Watch List. Concerns China and India, called the Regional Comprehensive States lacks objective standards and fairness. “The have long complained that generic versions of drugs about pharmaceutical intellectual property protec- Economic Partnership. Chinese side opposes this, and urges the US to still under US patent protection flood in from Canada at tions, pirated software and counterfeit goods were Lee warned that the open global trading system, earnestly fulfill its bilateral commitments, respect the much cheaper prices. factors in those decisions, USTR said. —Agencies

Gramegna as he arrived for talks in Sofia, Taxing the likes of Facebook was “a big Macron digital . moral question”, Scholz told a joint news confer- “I will insist that we talk to the Americans ence with Le Maire after the talks. “There is no Al-Ahli Kuwaiti Fund quickly and constructively otherwise it could country that could accept what we see today tax plan faces lead to an escalation with America, knowing that that big companies are not (taxed),” Scholz said. we already have trade war rhetoric,” he added. The special tax is the latest measure by the distributes dividends for FY17 EU rebuff Luxembourg hosts the EU headquarters for European Union to rein in Silicon Valley giants KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Kuwaiti Fund, man- percent compared to 5.61 percent for the Amazon and along with Facebook and Apple and France would like a deal by the end of the aged by Ahli Capital Investment Company Kuwaiti Weighted Index. SOFIA: French President Emmanuel Macron’s hub Ireland, is loathed to see US tech giants year. (ACIC), the investment arm “The Fund is an open- ambitious plans for an EU digital tax targeting head for the exit. A European source said the “It is not an anti (US tech giant) tax, it is not of Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait ended Kuwait dinar denomi- US tech giants such as Google or Facebook lukewarm response, which also included a muted an anti US tax, it is not a protectionist approach, (ABK), yesterday announced nated investment fund with a faced strong headwinds yesterday, provoking Germany, drew the “cold fury” of French it is something which it is in interest of all the distribution of dividends variable capital which is anger from Paris. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire who asked Europeans wherever they live,” said EU for the financial year ended increased by issuance of new Finance ministers from the EU’s 28 member ministers if Europe would “be strong or not”. Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre December 31, 2017 (FY17) investment units or states discussed a controversial proposal aimed “One thing I learnt from my week in the USA Moscovici, who is driving the plan. by 6.5 percent of NAV at 54 decreased by redemption of at claiming a bigger share of billions of euros with President Macron: the Americans will only The transatlantic shot across the bow has fils per investment unit. some of its units within the from mainly US multinationals that shift earnings respect a show of strength,” Le Maire said in been championed by Macron who believes the Commenting on these period set in its Articles of around Europe so as to pay lower tax rates. the closed-door session, according to the measure would be a popular accomplishment excellent results, Muhsen M Association. It aims to Many of the countries expressed caution out of source. Getting all countries on board is crucial for the EU ahead of European elections next Alharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Ahli achieve long-term capital growth by fear of scaring off high tech investment, but also as tax reforms in the EU require unanimity and year, in which anti-Brussels populists could do Capital Investment Company said: “Al- investing in securities to realize returns of provoking US President Donald Trump while the backing of Berlin is especially key. But well. The most controversial part of the plan is Ahli Kuwaiti Fund outperformed the and profits from market proceeds, while the threat of a EU-US trade war still looms. “We Finance Minister Olaf Scholz was reported to to slap an emergency tax on digital companies Kuwaiti Weighted Index for the year end- taking an acceptable risk level. It also are not putting on the brakes, but we do not have stayed mum during the heated debate, with worldwide annual turnover above 750 mil- ed December 31, 2017 by 3.2 percent, as allows investors to enter and exit invest- want a standalone solution that will not work,” although he said Germany was behind the prin- lion euros ($924 million), such as Facebook, the Fund’s performance recorded 8.81 ment on monthly basis,” Al-Harbi added. said Luxembourg Finance Minister Pierre ciple of the digital tax. Google, Twitter, Airbnb and Uber. —AFP 18 Established 1961 Business Sunday, April 29, 2018 Costa Coffee celebrates its 50th store opening at Kuwait International Airport Alghanim Industries extending unique Costa Coffee experience in Kuwait

KUWAIT: (From left to right) Tom Edgar, Head of Franchise, MENA & India at Costa Coffee, Phil Broad, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Alghanim Industries, Omar K Alghanim, CEO of Alghanim Industries and Clair Preston-Beer, Managing Director of Costa Coffee Middle East & Asia. (Right) The Costa Coffee team at the new branch at Kuwait International Airport.

KUWAIT: Costa Coffee, London’s favorite coffee shop Preston-Beer, said: “It has been a pleasure to watch countries, and it continues to grow at a rapid rate. The That’s why we’ve established The Costa Foundation, a reg- chain and part of Alghanim Industries Food and Beverage Alghanim Industries grow Costa Coffee’s presence in the brand currently operates in 50 locations across Kuwait istered charity. The Costa Foundation’s aims are to relieve portfolio, celebrated the opening of its 50th store at the Kuwaiti market, and to celebrate this milestone opening at and has a number of outlets slated to open across the poverty, advance education and the health and environment Kuwait International Airport on 23 April 2018. Following Kuwait International Airport. This is just the beginning of a country over the next year. Alghanim Industries acquired of coffee-growing communities around the world. So far, the opening of a store at Al-Kout Mall earlier this month, long-term expansion plan Costa Kuwait in July 2013. The Costa Foundation has funded the building of 53 the company continues its expansion in Kuwait to extend for our brand both in this Since then, Costa Coffee schools and improved the social and economic welfare of the Costa Coffee experience to more customers. market and worldwide.” has been focusing on cus- coffee-growing communities. Costa is also committed to The opening ceremony was attended by CEO of Strategically located by Company offers tomer service, refurbish- tackling the UK’s literacy challenge and is proud to have Alghanim Industries, Omar K Alghanim, and the Managing the departure gates, the ing existing stores and signed the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge 2016. Director of Costa Coffee Middle East & Asia, Clair Preston store is accessible to opening new ones around Alghanim Industries is one of the oldest and largest, pri- Beer, as well as Alghanim Industries executives. everyone and will be open convenient Kuwait, and refreshing vately-owned companies in the MENA region. Founded at Commenting on the new opening, CEO of Alghanim 24 hours a day, 7 days a and broadening its prod- the turn of the century, in Kuwait, the company today Industries, Omar K Alghanim said: “We are excited to open week. Spread across 62 locations to uct range. employs more than 15,000 people in 30 businesses across our 50th Costa Coffee store, bringing Costa’s great prod- square meters, the store Costa is the UK’s 40 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern ucts and first-class customer experience to Kuwait features new urban decor customers favorite coffee shop, hav- Europe and Asia. International Airport. This is an important milestone for with natural lighting. ing been awarded “Best Alghanim Industries is a market leader in almost every Costa Kuwait, and we’re really proud of our team for mak- In addition to its geo- Branded Coffee Shop major sector of its operations, which include: engineering, ing it happen. We’re happy that we serve the highest quali- graphical expansion, Costa Chain in the UK and retail, automotive sales and service, insulation and pre- ty coffee in Kuwait, but what makes all the difference is the Coffee has expanded its Ireland” by Allegra engineered steel building structures, logistics and ware- customer experience at all of our stores which has been delivery services to Carriage, the online ordering platform. Strategies for seven years running (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, housing, fast moving consumer goods, food & beverage, oil internationally recognized by our partners in the United Furthermore, Costa Coffee has also launched an exclusive 2014, 2015 and 2016).With 2,000 coffee shops in the UK & gas, office automation, advertising, insurance, consumer Kingdom.” healthy menu with new recipes and specialty items devel- and more than 1,180 in 30 overseas markets, Costa is the credit and travel. The company is actively growing its brand He went on to say, “I’d like to thank our customers for oped in collaboration with international chefs such as Chef fastest growing coffee shop business in the UK. Founded portfolio, with a focus on top-tier global partners. Among continuously showing us their love for Costa Coffee and for Dean Brettschneider, global-based professional baker and in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in them: Avis, British Airways, British Petroleum, Cathay making it the success it is today. We promise many future patissier and Annabel Karmel, the UK’s No 1 children’s 1971, Costa has become the UK’s favorite coffee shop chain Pacific, Daewoo, Honda, Saint-Gobain and Toshiba. store openings in the days to come, and to always keep our cookery author and best-selling international author. and diversified into both the at-home and gourmet self- Additionally, Alghanim Industries has created a number of customers at the heart of everything we do.” Managing Costa is the UK’s No 1 coffee shop, with over 2,000 serve markets. successful regional businesses, including X-cite (consumer Director of Costa Coffee Middle East & Asia, Clair stores in the UK and over 1,000 across more than 30 Costa is committed to looking after coffee-growers. electronics), and Safat Home (lifestyle and home furniture).

moderation in business spending on equipment and target. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast output said wages and salaries shot up 0.9 percent in the first US economy slows investment in homebuilding. These factors were partially rising at a 2.0 percent rate in the January-March period. quarter. That was the largest increase since the first offset by a rise in inventories and a narrowing of the “Tax cuts and government spending increases should quarter of 2007 and followed a 0.5 percent rise in the trade deficit. The economy grew at a 2.9 percent rate in lead to better overall economic activity,” said Joel Naroff, fourth quarter. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent in in Q1, but wage the fourth quarter. Domestic demand increased at a 1.7 chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors in Holland, the 12 months through March compared to 2.5 percent in percent rate, the slowest in two years, after rising at a Pennsylvania. Federal Reserve officials are likely to shrug the year to December. brisk 4.8 percent pace in the final three months of 2017. off the first-quarter performance. The US central bank The GDP report showed the Fed’s preferred inflation growth accelerates The moderate first-quarter growth is, however, proba- raised interest rates last month in a nod to the strong gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) bly not a true reflection of the economy’s health as GDP labor market and economy, and forecast at least two price index excluding food and energy, increased at a 2.5 tends to be sluggish at the start of the year because of a more rate hikes this year. Minutes of the March 20-21 percent rate - the fastest pace since the fourth quarter of WASHINGTON: The US economy slowed in the first seasonal quirk. meeting published earlier this month showed policymak- 2007. The core PCE price index rose at a 1.9 percent quarter as consumer spending grew at its weakest pace Economists expect growth will accelerate in the sec- ers “expected that the first-quarter softness would be pace in the fourth quarter. The US central bank has a 2 in nearly five years, but a surge in wages amid tightening ond quarter as more households feel the impact of the transitory,” citing “residual seasonality in the data, and percent inflation target. “It is increasingly difficult to labor market conditions and lower tax rates suggested Trump administration’s $1.5 trillion income tax package more generally to strong economic fundamentals.” argue that the 2 percent inflation target hasn’t already the setback is likely temporary. on their paychecks. The tax cuts came into effect in But a jump in wage growth and an acceleration in been breached,” said Steven Blitz, chief US economist at Gross domestic product increased at a 2.3 percent January. Lower corporate and individual tax rates as well inflation in the first quarter will attract attention when TS Lombard in New York. “Could the Fed go next week? annual rate, the Commerce Department said in its snap- as increased government spending will likely lift annual Fed officials meet next Tuesday and Wednesday. Not likely, but there are no rules preventing it. A more shot of first-quarter GDP on Friday, also restrained by a economic growth close to the administration’s 3 percent In a separate report in Friday, the Labor Department hawkish statement is coming.”—Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swedish Krona 0.030824 0.035824 Swiss Franc 0.299378 0.310378 ASIAN COUNTRIES Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Japanese Yen 2.806 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Australian Dollar 0.221023 0.233023 Indian Rupees 4.630 US Dollar 301.000 New Zealand Dollar 0.207975 0.217475 Pakistani Rupees 2.602 Canadian Dollar 235.025 America Srilankan Rupees 1.933 Sterling Pound 421.915 Canadian Dollar 0.230117 0.239117 Nepali Rupees 2.902 Euro 369.235 US Dollars 0.297550 0.301950 Singapore Dollar 230.250 Swiss Frank 297.965 US Dollars Mint 0.298050 0.301950 Hongkong Dollar 38.311 Bahrain Dinar 800.470 Asia Bangladesh Taka 3.593 UAE Dirhams 82.355 Bangladesh Taka 0.002981 0.003763 Philippine Peso 5.793 Qatari Riyals 83.585 Chinese Yuan 0.046119 0.049619 Saudi Riyals 81.160 Thai Baht 9.679 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036683 0.039433 Jordanian Dinar 425.820 GCC COUNTRIES Indian Rupee 0.003982 0.004709 Egyptian Pound 17.013 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 Saudi Riyal 80.210 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.916 Qatari Riyal 82.644 Japanese Yen 0.002682 0.002862 Indian Rupees 4.538 Korean Won 0.000273 0.000288 Omani Riyal 781.445 Pakistani Rupees 2.604 Burgan Bank Bahraini Dinar 798.990 Malaysian Ringgit 0.073167 0.079167 Bangladesh Taka 3.611 Nepalese Rupee 0.002780 0.003120 UAE Dirham 81.946 Philippines Pesso 5.770 Pakistan Rupee 0.001984 0.002754 ARAB COUNTRIES customers granted pound 17.915 Philippine Peso 0.005676 0.005976 Egyptian Pound - Cash 0.000 Japanese Yen 3.760 Singapore Dollar 0.222510 0.232510 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 17.039 Syrian Pound 1.585 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001612 0.002192 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.208 Nepalese Rupees 2.830 Taiwan 0.010350 0.010530 20% discount from Tunisian Dinar 126.080 Malaysian Ringgit 77.880 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.140 Thai Baht 0.009223 0.009773 Jordanian Dinar 423.910 Arab Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.005 Thai Bhat 10.550 ‘Dope Details’ Turkish Lira 74.000 Bahraini Dinar 0.793501 0.802001 Syrian Lira 0.000 Egyptian Pound 0.013914 0.019632 Morocco Dirham 33.227 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000085 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Iraqi Dinar 0.000203 0.000263 US Dollar Transfer 300.700 Jordanian Dinar 0.420844 0.429844 KUWAIT: Burgan Bank is pleased to announce the launch CURRENCYBUYSELL Euro 371.670 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 of a new value adding offer to its customers, who will now Europe Sterling Pound 426.390 Lebanese Pound 0.000155 0.000255 be entitled to a 20 percent discount from Dope Details, the British Pound 0.411214 0.418714 Canadian dollar 238.080 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022592 0.046592 Czech Korune 0.006346 0.015646 professional car detailing and protection center that pro- Turkish lira 74.520 Omani Riyal 0.777188 0.782868 Danish Krone 0.045015 0.050015 vides the best of paint protection film and window tinting. Swiss Franc 315.860 Qatar Riyal 0.078566 0.083506 Customers can find the center located in Shuwaikh Australian Dollar 234.090 Euro 0. 360865 0.368365 Georgian Lari 0.138050 0.138050 Saudi Riyal 0.079353 0.080653 US Dollar Buying 299.500 Industrial 3, Block B, Street 49. To avail the benefit of this Hungarian 0.001136 0.001326 Syrian Pound 0.001278 0.001498 GOLD new offer just use any of Burgan Bank debit or credit cards. Norwegian Krone 0.033844 0.039044 Tunisian Dinar 0.119617 0.127617 To know more about Burgan Bank’s latest offers, or any of 20 Gram 260.520 Romanian Leu 0.064488 0.081338 Turkish Lira 0.069438 0.079738 its products and services, customers can visit any of the 10 Gram 133.180 Russian ruble 0.004835 0.004835 UAE Dirhams 0.080703 0.082403 5 Gram 67.430 Yemeni Riyal 0.000980 0.001060 bank’s branches, or contact the call center on 1804080. Slovakia 0.008972 0.018972 19 Established 1961

Business Sunday, April 29, 2018 Nissan Al-Babtain inaugurates the first Nissan Patrol quick service center

Al-Babtain’s pioneership continues to raise brand excellence

Advanced convenience to satisfy growing customer base in Kuwait

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Co., the Kuwait over the past years. Proving its leadership in the est diagnostic tools and up-to-the-minute repair tech- sole authorized agent of Nissan in the State of Kuwait, automotive world, Al-Babtain’s journey as a global pio- niques to fix any complications. Apart from state-of-the recently launched the Quick Service center at the Nissan neer commenced with the first dedicated Patrol Service art processes, it is important to note that Nissan Patrol Patrol Workshop to support the needs of its expanding Center in 2015. Backed by more than 2 decades of deliv- will be subjected to detailed inspection checklist to clientele in Kuwait. Designed to solely serve Nissan ering top quality, up to date advantages over its competi- ensure safety and functionality of all major components Patrol owners, the service center equipped with full- tors through passion and innovation, Al-Babtain pro- while using only Nissan Genuine Parts and accessories, fledged utilities accommodating mechanical repairs, high gresses the brands proud history into the modern era”, oils and lubricants to never compromise on safety, func- quality spare parts, and superior cleaning facilities, all said Mr. Laurent Pernet tionality, accuracy of fit and value retention. within the care of personalized trained technicians. “Owing to the success of its first launch, Al-Babtain Following best practices for success across the board, The opening ceremony was attended by Al-Babtain continues to manage expectations with enhanced cus- Nissan Al-Babtain in an effort to enrich the lives of its Group Chairman Mr. Khalid Al-Babtain, Board Member tomized experiences with the first facility of its kind now patrons through the provision of efficient solutions, Mr. Nasser Al-Babtain and General Manager Automotive available at the same service center, which will guarantee presently owns 9 Nissan service centers located in Mr. Laurent Pernet as well as Group Managers and rep- improved accessibility, technology and swift interaction strategic locations around Kuwait. resentatives from Nissan Gulf, Nissan Middle East and with walk in customers to avoid prolonged waiting. Customers are urged to explore the luxuries of owning Nissan Patrol customers. “Nissan Patrol legacy began in Customers are able to schedule appointments through a Nissan Patrol and acquaint themselves with the new 1951 when it ruled the roads as one of the most reliable, the call center and are additionally entitled to the premi- level of customer service excellence at the quick service rugged and versatile 4X4s available. Nissan Patrol has um Nissan Patrol Lounge amenities“, he added. center located in Al Rai, Block 4, Street 12 or call on evolved into one of the world’s toughest off-road vehicles Committed to ensure complete satisfaction, customers 1804888 to book an appointment. Business Hours are and gradually to its sixth generation. Recognized as the can avail of trained service advisors who will attend to from Saturday to Thursday between 7 am to 10 pm and Hero Of All Terrain, Nissan Patrol has grown in strength in possible issues, as well as skilled technicians with the lat- on Friday from 2 pm to 8 pm. 20 Established 1961 Business Sunday, April 29, 2018

Bayan Weekly Market Report

Boursa Kuwait ends mixed amid selling pressures on small caps Loss since new market segmentation move reaches KD 1.87 billion

KUWAIT: Boursa Kuwait ended chasing operations witnessed by last week with mixed perform- some small-cap stocks especial- ance. The Premier Market Index ly after the drop in its prices closed at 4,810.39 points, up by reaching low levels. Moreover, 0.78 percent, the Main Market the Market witnessed during the Index decreased by 1.05 per- last week a trading activity over cent after closing at 4,788.55 144 stock out of 175 listed stock points, whereas the All-Share in the Market, where 74 stock Index closed at 4,803.0 points prices declined, against 62 stock up by 0.12 percent. prices increased, and 39 stock Furthermore, last week’s aver- prices remained with no change. age daily turnover decreased by 3.87 percent, compared to the Sectors’ Indices preceding week, reaching KD Six of Boursa Kuwait’s sec- 10.51 million, whereas trading tors ended last week in the volume average was 68 million green zone, and six recorded shares, recording a decrease of declines. Last week’s highest 7.32 percent. gainer was the Insurance sector, The Boursa ended last week’s achieving 1.31 percent growth trading with mixed closings of rate as its index closed at its three indices, as the Premiere 938.30 points. Whereas, in the and All-Share indices were able second place, the Consumer to realize some weekly gains Services sector’s index closed at supported by the continued 1,016.61 points recording 1.20 concentration of most traders percent increase. The Banks NEW YORK: Traders work on the floor at the closing bell of the Dow on the leading and heavy stocks, sector came in third, as its index Industrial Average at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. — AFP while the Main Market Index achieved 0.85 percent growth, went against the current and ending the week at 974.98 ended the week’s trading in the points. red zone, affected by the con- On the other hand, the Wall St flat as earnings tinued selling pressures on the Technology sector headed the small-cap stocks. losers list as its index declined The Boursa lost around KD by 5.51 percent to end the offset inflation jitters half billion during the last five All-Share and Main Market Premier Market Index that con- week’s activity at 1,012.66 sessions only, as its market capi- indices could not record gains tinued to increase supported by points. The Telecommunications NEW YORK: Wall Street closed 24,311.19, the S&P 500 gained 2.97 talization reached by the end of and ended the session in the red the continued random purchas- sector was second on the losers’ nearly flat on Friday as inflation wor- points, or 0.11 percent, to 2,669.91 the week KD 25.98 billion, down zone affected by the selling ing operations on the leading list, which index declined by ries and struggling technology and and the Nasdaq Composite added by 1.89 percent compared to operations that included some stocks, which was opposite to 2.90 percent, closing at 843.39 energy stocks were offset by an 1.12 points, or 0.02 percent, to KD 26.48 billion in a week earli- small-cap stocks. The Boursa the Main Market Index that points, followed by the advance in the consumer discre- 7,119.80. More than half of the S&P er, where delisting of (Kuwait witnessed such fluctuation in added to its losses after record- Consumer Goods sector, as its tionary sector led by Amazon. 500 companies have reported first- Food Company-Americana) parallel with the noticeable ing a decrease of 0.30 percent, index closed at 897.58 points at The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq quarter earnings already, 79.4 per- from the Market during the last decrease of the trading indica- as a result to the continued sell- a loss of 1.63 percent. eked out small gains while the Dow cent of which have beat consensus week contributed in such drop, tors, whereas the volume ing operations on some small- Jones Industrial Average edged into estimates. Analysts now expect first- as KD 490 million representing dropped by 44.77 percent, and cap and mid-cap stocks too. Sectors’ Activity negative territory by the end of the quarter earnings growth of 24.6 per- the market cap of the delisted the cash liquidity declined by On Wednesday’s session, the The Financial Services sector session. All three major US indexes cent, more than double expectations company was removed from the the end of the session by 35.99 three Market indices met in the dominated a total trade volume were down for the week at the end of at the beginning of the year, accord- total market cap value. percent. green closing zone for the first of around 112.81 million shares a choppy session, ending two-week ing to Thomson Reuters data. Also, the Boursa loss since The Boursa performance did time in the week, as a result to changing hands during last winning streaks. Amazon.com led the S&P 500 the application of the new mar- not differ from the previous ses- the success of the purchasing week, representing 33.19 per- “There’s a ton of cross-currents and the Nasdaq, helping them close ket segmentation that took sion, as the Premier Market powers that were present in the cent of the total market trading going on in the market right now and in positive territory as the online place on the beginning of the Index continued its upward Market during the session, which volume. The Real Estate sector consequently you get trading days retailer’s shares rose 3.6 percent on current month reached around direction in light of the contin- included many stocks of different was second in terms of trading like this where the market can’t seem the heels of a blockbuster earnings KD 1.87 billion, down by 6.72 ued concentration of the pur- weights, on the selling pressures volume as the sector’s traded to make up its mind what it wants to report . Brokerage firms have begun percent. (Note: The market chasing operations on the heavy that were not absent from affect- shares were 26.84 percent of do,” said Chuck Carlson, chief execu- to value the company in excess of $1 capitalization of the listed com- stocks, while the red color con- ing the trading activity. The last week’s total trading volume, tive officer at Horizon Investment trillion. panies in the Market is calculat- tinued to control the Main Market witnessed such perform- with a total of around 91.24 mil- Services in Hammond, Indiana. Microsoft was up 1.7 percent as ed based on the weighted aver- Market and All-Share indices ance despite the decreased trad- lion shares. Growth in the US economy the technology bellwether beat first- age number of the outstanding due to the continued selling ing levels of both the value or the On the other hand, the Banks slowed in the first quarter as con- quarter expectations and grew its shares as per the latest available trend on the small-cap and mid- volume, where the first decreased sector’s stocks were the highest sumer spending grew at its weakest cloud computing services. Following official financial statements). cap stocks, however, the trading by 12.18 percent, and the second traded in terms of value; with a pace in nearly five years, according a profit miss, Exxon Mobil weighed As far as the daily trading indicators recorded a noticeable dropped by 16.46 percent. turnover of around KD 24.53 to the Commerce Department. But a on the S&P 500 and Dow Jones activity during the last week; the growth by the end of the ses- The last session of the week million or 46.68 percent of last jump in wages and lower tax rates Industrial Average, falling 3.8 per- first session of the week wit- sion, whereas the cash liquidity witnessed a return to the fluctu- week’s total market trading val- suggested the setback could be tem- cent. nessed a fluctuated closing of increased by 37.99 percent, and ation of the three Market ue. The Industrial sector took porary. Sprint jumped 8.3 percent follow- the three indices, whereas the the volume increased by 55.25 indices, where the Premier the second place as the sector’s The US Treasuries yield curve ing a Reuters report that the wireless Premier Market Index only ben- percent. Market and All-Share indices last week turnover was approx. flattened as the growth data renewed carrier and rival T-Mobile were final- efited from the random purchas- The mid-week session wit- declined affected by the profit KD 9.59 million representing bets that the Federal Reserve would izing terms of a merger. Seven of the ing operations executed on nessed a return of the All-Share collection operations executed 18.25 percent of the total market continue hiking benchmark US inter- 11 major S&P sectors were higher, some leading stocks, especially Index to the green zone after it on the heavy and operational trading value. est rates to keep inflation in check. with the defensive telecom and real in the Banks sector after the was able to realize limited stocks, while the Main Market — Prepared by: Studies & Wages and salaries increased at their estate sectors posting the biggest good new periodic results dis- increase that did not exceed Index continued its increase Research Department - Bayan fastest pace in 11 years, according to percentage gains, at 1.75 percent and closed by some banks, while the 0.09 percent, accompanying the supported by the random pur- Investment Co a report from the Labor Department, 1.32 percent respectively. The Exxon adding to inflation jitters. drop pulled the energy index down As companies warn of higher 1.2 percent, the biggest percentage costs eroding margins, markets loser. have fluctuated as investors focus Advancing issues outnumbered on guidance in the face of the declining ones on the NYSE by a strongest quarterly profit growth 1.42-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.07- in seven years. “You’ve got to-1 ratio favored advancers. The investors grappling with a new S&P 500 posted 17 new 52-week environment of volatility and how highs and seven new lows; the to handle that,” said Carlson. “That Nasdaq Composite recorded 60 means a market like we have now, new highs and 57 new lows. Volume kind of manic-depressive, passive- on US exchanges was 6.13 billion aggressive.” shares, compared to the 6.62 billion The Dow Jones Industrial Average average over the last 20 trading fell 11.15 points, or 0.05 percent, to days. — Reuters Established 1961 21 Business Sunday, April 29, 2018 50% discount on purchases from Trolley, using KFH wallet Mandani: KFH working on enhancing its efforts in supporting companies

Group photo of KFH and Trolley officials following launch of exclusive offer.

KUWAIT: Group Chief Retail and Private Banking stations and obtain a 50 percent discount on every to customers. This is not strange for KFH who are tions which involves the usage of ‘Mobile Wallet Officer at KFH, Waleed Khaled Mandani said that KD 10 purchase transaction. This offer aims to fur- always available to support and enhance Kuwaiti Payment Service’ for the bank’s MasterCard credit “KFH is working on enhancing its leading efforts in ther strengthen our relation with premier customers, companies, develop and expand their activities and prepaid cardholders. supporting companies, operations and service proj- alleviate service at the market level and drive econo- through its expertise as the leading and highly rep- KFH Wallet service is an innovated payment ects by providing all banking requirements and my which depends partially on services. utable Islamic bank worldwide. He indicated that the service using MasterCard through Android systems needs based on the principal of partnership and Mandani indicated that this offer comes as part of company intends to provide high level global services for payment of purchases at any store. KFH cus- cooperation between the two parties. The coopera- KFH efforts and keenness to provide and present the applied in similar points of sale worldwide. Our aim is tomers holding MasterCards and Prepaid cards may tion aims to provide integrated and comprehensive best exclusive offers to customers, add more value to to enhance the concept of “Super Market” in form use KFH Wallet through NFC technique. To acti- set of services that would achieve a strong kick-off their banking transactions, enhance their confidence and content. We also aim to achieve an added value vate KFH Wallet facility please follow the following for the company at the market level. and trust and improve their satisfaction. to the concept of marketing and customer comfort steps: Open KFH Wallet application on Android He emphasized, while launching an exclusive offer Araba company CEO “Trolley” Mohammed through the smallest super market worldwide where smartphones - select the icon KFH Wallet on the to KFH customers, that KFH customers holding Yacoub Boodai has praised this partnership with KFH all customers’ needs are available under one roof. list - register KFH Wallet and add KFH MasterCard MasterCards may use KFH Wallet for payment of and its initiative to enhance the company’s market The customer receives a 50 percent discount on or prepaid card and KFH Wallet will be ready for their purchases from all Trolley branches in 29 fuel sales and provide this unprecedented exclusive offer every KD 10 purchase as per the rules and regula- payment.

icing equipment. The 7-point checkup covers Ford Alghanim the most important mechanical components related to a car’s operation and safety, includ- ing coolant levels, drive belts, water pump, launches its radiator hoses and leak checks, as well as a thorough examination of the radiator, and service summer cooling system. The service promotion doesn’t end there, however, as Ford Alghanim is also offering 30 offer on engine percent discounts on the engine cooling sys- tem parts and 10 percent on labor for the cooling system services offered on those parts as part of its dedication to service excellence, making this offer irresistible for all Ford owners who have KUWAIT: In line with its mission to provide been waiting to have their car to be prepared excellent service for all Ford owners in for the summer. In addition to these great Kuwait, Ford Alghanim, the authorized dealer savings, customers can also expect to have all of Ford in Kuwait, encourages Ford owners to their maintenance needs fulfilled in a timely take advantage of the current summer offer and professional by a team of quali- before May 15, an exceptional opportunity to fied Ford-trained technicians and specialists. perform a free 7-point check up on the The Ford Alghanim Service and Spare engine cooling system, in addition to a 30 Parts Center is fitted with advanced equip- percent discount on engine cooling system ment to ensure the completion of all mainte- parts and 10 percent discount on labor. nance services in an efficient manner from the Ford owners are invited to bring their first time, expertly performed by Ford-trained new functionality and simplified services cars to the Service and Spare Parts Center technicians using Ford and Motorcraft gen- repairs. Ford and Lincoln customers can get NBK launches with this in mind,” said Hala Al-Shoaibi, for an early checkup to make sure that their uine spare parts, for guaranteed quality and immediate access to all the above mentioned, Senior Alternative Channels Manager, Ford vehicle is in tip-top mechanical condi- peace of mind. For added convenience, cus- in addition to maintenance and body shop Consumer Banking Group, National Bank tion, particularly when it comes to critical tomers looking to perform routine mainte- repair services by Ford-trained and certified ‘Quick Pay’ to of Kuwait. “We provide up-to-date servic- components like the radiator, drive belts, and nance are encouraged to do so. technicians at the dedicated Ford Alghanim es based on our customers’ lifestyle water pump. Ford Alghanim is also the only authorized Ford service center. make simple, needs.” To access the Quick Pay function, To ensure the optimum performance of dealer by Ford Motor Company to perform All Ford owners in Kuwait are encouraged customers should download the updated their Ford vehicle and guarantee their peace several aftersales services such as Honoring to take advantage of this fantastic saving version of the NBK Mobile Banking app. of mind, customers are encouraged to visit Ford Extended Service Plan(tm) (ESP) con- opportunity by visiting the Ford Alghanim Once updated, NBK Quick Pay service will fast and secure Ford Alghanim Service and Spare Parts tract for maintenance and repair, performing Service and Spare Parts Center at their earli- let customers receive money into their per- Center to take advantage of this exclusive warranty repairs, importing and selling gen- sonal account from other NBK customers est convenience. The Service and Spare Parts summer offer that entails a free, comprehen- uine Ford and Motorcraft parts In Kuwait, as or non-NBK customers holding a debit Center, located in the Shuwaikh Industrial payments sive7-point checkup performed by a highly well as accessing Ford technical resources Area, opposite from the Classical Car card from a local bank. They will receive qualified team of Ford-trained technicians the transfer request as a link via SMS or such as the Ford Technical Hotline and up-to- Museum and Sirbb Circuit, is open from 7am who use the latest diagnostics tools and serv- email. “NBK’s Mobile Banking app is date workshop manuals to ensure the best to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday. KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait makes meant to make banking via your smart banking convenient, simple and easy, with phone secure and simple,” added Al- the latest innovations in technology. Shoaibi. “We are continuously adding new Customers can utilize a newly launched services and functions to the app, improv- service, ‘Quick Pay’ on the NBK Mobile ing its functionality to help customers 26 new winners in Banking app to receive funds in just a few complete their required banking transac- QNB Group holds clicks. The Quick Pay option allows NBK tions in the most convenient way possible. Al-Hassad Islamic customers who use NBK Mobile Banking With NBK Quick Pay, you can receive app to receive money into their personal money from any NBK account or local its strategy accounts during the week and even during accounts with just a few taps on your account draw holidays from any local bank in Kuwaiti mobile. All you have to do is enter the pay- conference in Kuwait Dinars, without having to go through the er’s email or mobile number.” process of adding beneficiary details. The NBK Mobile Banking app provides KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank recently conducted its Al-Hassad Islamic Simply type in the payer or receiver’s email a wide array of banking services and account weekly draw, Kuwait’s leading sharia-compliant rewards pro- DOHA: QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the or mobile number to securely receive mon- options. Customers can transfer funds gram that offers a broad range of prizes to the largest number of win- Middle East and Africa, has recently held its Strategy ey transfers any time day or night. locally or abroad, pay bills including local ners, on the 25th of April 2018. The account provides 26 weekly prizes Conference in Kuwait with the attendance of the Group’s “NBK banks on customer satisfaction mobile phone bills, transfer money between that are comprised of KD 25,000 as a grand prize and 25 other prizes executive management, general managers, and CEOs from as our number one priority and we develop accounts, and much more. valued at KD 1,000 each. AUB also offers four quarterly prizes that across the Group’s international network. are valued at KD 250,000 to each winner allowing them to achieve During the two-day event, the attendees discussed a num- their dreams of travelling, studying abroad, or owning their dream ber of major topics including the Group’s business plans, the Malabar Gold & Diamonds draw home or car. On this occasion Ahli United Bank announced, “With progress achieved throughout the year, the strategies to be this draw, we are adding 26 new winners and prizes to the Al Hassad followed across the group’s international network to increase Islamic account whereby, the total number of winners annually will and sustain growth, in addition to the up to date progress include more than 1300. made to achieve the group’s vision of becoming a leading bank The weekly grand prize winner of KD 25,000 Hebatallah Abdulaziz in the Middle East, Africa, and South East Asia by 2020. Mohammad Younes. 25 other winners won prizes of KD 1,000 and are It is worth mentioning that Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, QNB as follows: Athal Majed Edhaib, Ahmad Ali Alabras, Ali Yousef Ali Group CEO, along with top management representatives, has Al-Tammar, Soubhi Ahmed Alqadi, Yousef Sayyah Mohammad Al- visited the Banks’ second branch, recently opened at the Rasheedi, Soud Abdulaziz A Alaboud, Ismaeil Abdlrazzaq Alobaid, Avenues shopping mall of Kuwait, making QNB the first non- Sulaiman Fahad Sulaiman Alfahad, Majeed Sulaiman Qarin Aldhafeeri, Kuwaiti bank to get the approval of the regulatory authorities Badreyah Rashed Al-Shebeeb, Zaid F A Alzaid, Musaed Faraj Khamees in Kuwait to open a second branch. Alsaeed, Dheyaa Salem AlMahmoud, Shareefah Salem Hussain Ibrahim, QNB’s first branch was opened in 2007, where it offers all Isa Abdulla Abdulrahman Buali, Mustafa Ebrahim Ali Akbar Lari, Amal retail and business banking products, as well as the distin- Abdulrasool Mohammed Turki, Abdulshaheed Habib Abdulaal Habib, guished QNB First services and other innovative products and Khalil Mohammed Yousif Alshaban, Sarah Alrowaie, Khalid Sulaiman services designed to suit the needs of the Kuwaiti market. Salman Khattab, Ghazi Ahmed Yousif, Robert James Kirby, Mansoor QNB Group is present, through its subsidiaries and associate Ali Abdulla Al-Qattan and Radhi Abdulla Jassim A.Ridha. companies, in more than 31 countries across three continents KUWAIT: The raffle draw winner of ‘10Kg Gold for 100 Winners’ campaign by Malabar Al-Hassad Islamic account’s customers in Kuwait and Bahrain are providing a comprehensive range of products and services. Gold & Diamonds, Badar Nisar receiving the prize 100gm gold from Shahil - Branch eligible to participate in the draw in line with the program’s terms QNB Group staff exceeds 28,000 operating through 1,200 Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds in the presence of management team members of and conditions. locations, with a network of more than 4,300 ATMs. Malabar Gold & Diamonds. 22 Established 1961 Sunday, April 29, 2018 Technology for Good: Empowering China’s nonprofits with world-leading tech ‘Coming together to find solutions that will help people’ BEIJING: “In front of you is Barack Obama, glasses to give the visually impaired the expe- their public transportation journey easier. looking straight towards you.” At the prompt, rience of knowing what lies in front of them. Huatu uses Microsoft Azure to build a city- the volunteer takes off the Seeing AI glasses With an inbuilt camera and WiFi connectivity, sized Internet of Things (IoT) solution that she was trying on. In front of her was simply a users will be able to take a photo of what’s in informs users of bus arrival timings. “Only 9 large photograph of Barack Obama that the front of them with a press of a button on the percent of China’s 17 million visually impaired glasses had decoded with facial recognition. leg of the Pivothead glasses. The photo is then people go out on their own and 40 percent of The Chinese version of Seeing AI was one sent to servers that use Microsoft’s Cognitive them barely go out at all,” explained Zeng of the solutions presented at the “Artificial Services - an AI tool set that developers can Zhemin, product manager at Huatu. Intelligence (AI) for Good” event held at use in their app or website - where it is con- Zeng’s team has installed 20,000 Bluetooth Microsoft offices in Beijing to empower non- verted into text and audio description sent to beacons in buses across Guangzhou, connect- profit organizations with technology. Over 130 the user’s mobile phone. ed to 3,000 guild terminals. After letting the representatives from 78 nonprofits shared “We have to provide as much details as app know their selected bus route and desti- their experiences and learnt how others are possible since the wearers are in darkness,” nation, users at enabled bus stops will receive utilizing Microsoft technologies in their work. said Chen Jie, Co-Founder of Beijing a notification when their bus is 80 meters “Since Microsoft entered China, we’ve Adjacent Technologies. The system applies away and when the bus arrives, a voice helped over 100 nonprofits by providing mon- facial recognition and environmental recog- prompter will guide them to the bus door. etary and technology support worth around nition to create a succinct description. It cur- Once on board, the IoT solution generates a RMB200 million (USD32 million). This is rently works in English, but Microsoft’s notification when the user is one stop away important, but donations are not going to translation AI now provides real time from the destination and once again just as make a difference in lives,” said Alain Crozier, descriptions in Chinese. Users can personal- the bus arrives at the stop. At present, the Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Greater ize the system by training it with photos of system is operating in Guangzhou and Macao. China Region, in his opening remarks. “What friends, family and colleagues so that the Visually impaired participants at the event will make a difference is the ecosystem of glasses can identify them by name. were particularly keen for the service to be nonprofits, Microsoft technologies, partners Demonstrations at the event showcased the made available in Beijing. The team is also and employees coming together to find solu- level of details the solution can deliver, for developing virtual paths, using beacons, in tions that will help people.” example, “I think it’s a young girl playing indoor settings such as subway stations. with an orange frisbee in the park”. said Wei Qing, Chief Technology Officer of help improve welfare.” Wei believes we are in The wearers are in darkness The Bus Listening app developed by Preparing for the future Microsoft China, during a panel discussion. an AI age, whether we realize it or not. He Leveraging on Microsoft’s Seeing AI solu- Guangzhou Huatu Information Technology The day was also an opportunity for the “It’s not just about food, water and clothes, sees AI as a way of democratizing the current tion, one such partner, Adjacent Technologies, was another solution presented at the event to nonprofit community to discuss the bigger but also about preparing for the future... And digital divide and that Microsoft can play a has developed a pair of China-specific smart empower the visually impaired by making picture. “Welfare isn’t the same as before,” we have to make use of the tools at hand to role in enabling this shift.—AFP

Alphabet’s Brin Robot interview: says company AI revolution hits must assume human resources more responsibility

SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet Inc President Sergey Brin PARIS: You have a telephone interview for your said on Friday that technology companies must take dream job, and you’re feeling nervous. You make greater responsibility for the social impact of their work, yourself a cup of tea as you wait for the phone to his first comments following a year of heightened global ring, and you count to three before picking up. awareness about misuse of digital services. Brin delivered Now imagine that your interviewer is a robot the message through Alphabet’s annual shareholder letter, named Vera. Russian startup Stafory co-founder which he signed for the first time since 2014 instead of Alexei Kostarev says Robot Vera, which his com- Chief Executive Larry Page. pany developed, is driven by artificial intelligence “We’re in an era of great inspiration and possibility, (AI) algorithms. “It’s machine learning,” Kostarev but with this opportunity comes the need for tremendous said, as he explained that his firm programmed thoughtfulness and responsibility as technology is deeply Vera using 1.4 million interviews, as well as and irrevocably interwoven into our societies,” Brin Wikipedia and 160,000 books. wrote after quoting from Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale When Vera first started conducting phone of Two Cities” about the “the best of times” and “the interviews, she followed a script, but that has worst of times.” since changed. “Vera understands the kind of Alphabet’s primary unit, Google, has become a top tar- answers candidates give,” Moscow-based get in Silicon Valley for regulators, authorities and critics Kostarev told AFP by phone. And while robot in advertising and media. It has drawn global scrutiny for recruiters will appeal to companies trying to keep its dominance in online search advertising, its policies costs down, there may also be another, more sub- around user privacy and its role in helping politically con- This illustration picture taken on April 19, 2018 in Paris shows the tablet and smartphone app for Google. —AFP tle advantage. “When (candidates) give feedback sequential misinformation spread online. on a job offer for example, they (say) more honest Brin did not touch on those issues, nor did he specify research” about societal consequences such as eliminating arately announced Friday details regarding its annual things they would not tell ... a human,” Kostarev any actions the company would take to recognize new jobs and advancing biases as the company expands use of shareholder meeting, which it scheduled for June 6. The said. Stafory says Robot Vera currently has 200 responsibilities. But Brin focused on artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence. company recommended shareholders reject each of the clients, major companies which then take the computer systems that are able to learn without humans “While I am optimistic about the potential to bring seven proposals brought by investors that call for it to selected job candidates through conventional hard-coding them. Artificial intelligence enables self-dri- technology to bear on the greatest problems in the provide more information around gender pay disparity, interviews and final selection. ving cars and software that can identify diseases. Brin said world, we are on a that we must tread with deep environmental impact policies, content moderation and that Alphabet would tread with “serious thought and responsibility, care and humility,” he said. Alphabet sep- other issues. — Reuters Danger of bias More broadly, human resources specialists are looking to AI solutions to speed up recruitment processes as a whole. US company ZipRecruiter is then two, we do a deeper more rigorous forward looking... touting a real-time selection service, with each job Facebook says to proactive defense.” offer posted immediately on as many as 100 web- Under new plans to be implemented in Britain next year, Amazon delivers sites. In the blink of an eye, its algorithm then trawls those seeking to run political adverts will need to be author- through the 10 million jobseekers who have regis- extend political ized and ads that are political will be required to be labeled tered with ZipRecruiter to see which best suit the as such, along with details of who funded them. Any ad hefty profits, led job description. ad changes to UK labeled political will be available for seven years in The prospective employer then gets a shortlist of Facebook’s archive, which will allow users to search the by web services the top candidates, making recruitment a far less amount spent on the ad and the number of views it received. time-consuming exercise. Ian Siegel, head of LONDON: Facebook said that it would be extending a raft The changes were introduced in the US earlier this month. ZipRecruiter, told AFP the system works well of measures to allow its users to identify the source of Schroepfer admitted that Facebook had not read the SAN FRANCISCO: Internet colossus Amazon reported because “employers aren’t great at describing what political adverts that appear in their feed to Britain next terms and conditions of the app, developed by academic that its quarterly profit more than doubled on soaring they want but they know what they want when they year. The US social media giant’s Chief Technology Officer Aleksandr Kogan’s research firm Global Science Research revenue from online commerce and cloud services. see it”. Algorithms get better and better over time at Mike Schroepfer appeared before a British parliamentary (GSR), used to harvest its data. Conservative MP Julian Amazon said it earned $1.6 billion in the first three detecting what kind of profile companies are look- committee probing the role of fake news in recent votes, Knight slammed the social media giant, accusing it of months of this year on revenue that soared to $51 billion ing for, as human resources staff give a virtual and how data gathered from the network was used to tar- being “a morality-free zone.” Schroepfer replied that he from $36 billion in the same period last year. Amazon thumbs up to their preferred candidates. get potential voters. would “respectfully disagree with that assessment.” shares that finished the formal trading day up climbed So far so good, but of course there are concerns. Schroepfer admitted that Facebook had been “slow” in Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg previously blamed more than six percent to $1,617 in after-hours trades that For one, the algorithms are learning so fast it is hard realizing how its data was being used following revelations Kogan for the data breach, telling US lawmakers that he followed release of the earnings figures. to work out how they make such crucial choices. that British communications firm Cambridge Analytica had broken the rules by selling the data to CA. Kogan, The Seattle-based firm spotlighted the juggernaut There is also a fear that the robots cannot remain mined information on around 90 million users. “We didn’t who teaches at Cambridge University, told the committee growth of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) division, immune to weaknesses such as bias or prejudice- understand the threat,” he said. “I can’t fix that back then, on Tuesday that he did not sell data, and said the US which hosts services and content that companies in the when all their learning comes from humans. but I can devote my time and energy to two things: one is, social media giant was scapegoating him as it was in “PR internet cloud. AWS leads big-name rivals Microsoft and ZipRecruiter is trying its best to take the risk of bias with the specific acts, we build every defense we can, and crisis mode”. —AFP Google in the market that has boom with the lifestyle into account in its algorithms. But “the thing is, the shift to accessing movies, music, games and more from algorithm is so sophisticated, there’s so many differ- the array of online devices. ent pieces of information, we can’t reverse engineer “AWS had the unusual advantage of a seven-year exactly how it’s coming up with the matches,” Siegel head start before facing like-minded competition, and said by phone. the team has never slowed down,” Amazon founder and chief Jeff Bezos said in the first-quarter earnings release. ‘It takes two’ “That’s why you’re seeing this remarkable acceleration Jeremy Lamri of the Paris-based association of in AWS growth, now for two quarters in a row.” human resources start-ups called LabHR said one Amazon also reported sales from its online stores way to counter this risk is to dial down the AI in the rose 18 percent from the same period a year ago to system. “It is enough to tell the machine what to $26.94 billion. Amazon has also found success with its look out for; there is no need for machine learning in own streaming music and movie services, one of the this,” he said. Technology is developing all the time perks of its Amazon Prime, which the company says now as employers look for candidates with soft skills has 100 million members. Streaming television is included such as learning capacity, adaptability, and the abili- in an Amazon Prime subscription service that also offers free, fast delivery of products purchased at the online ty to work well in a team. retail powerhouse. Amazon has been broadening its busi- “If tomorrow someone invents a scanner which ness by moving into new sectors, notably with the acqui- can tell simply by looking into your eye whether you sition of the Whole Foods grocery chain. The research can perform well in a job, then I would think most firm eMarketer said online commerce represents about (companies) would adopt it,” said Lamri. But if 60 percent of Amazon’s business but that it also will gen- machines can make the initial selection, it should erate $3.37 billion in global advertising this year. always be up to human beings to make the final Amazon’s success has made Bezos the world’s choice, said Laurent da Silva, head of Adecco richest individual, and the company has been a fre- recruitment units Badenoch & Clark and Spring. quent target of President Donald Trump, who has “It’s like in our private lives,” he said. “AI can help argued that the tech giant gets a sweetheart deal facilitate meetings, but at the end of the day, it takes from the US Postal service, a claim which is disputed two real people to tango.” —AFP LONDON: Facebook’s Chief Technology Officer, Mike Schroepfer leaves after answering questions before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee at Parliament. —AFP by many analysts. —AFP Established 1961 23 Health Sunday, April 29, 2018 Brains, eyes and testes: Off-limits for transplants? Nowadays, people can get a new hand... or even a uterus

PARIS: Since the world’s first successful organ trans- Fancy a pig heart? plant in 1954 — a kidney-the discipline has advanced Given the dire shortage of donor organs, the use of ani- to the point where a wounded soldier could have his mal hearts, lungs or livers to save human lives has long penis and scrotum replaced in a groundbreaking oper- been a holy grail of medical science. But organ rejection ation last month. has stood stubbornly in the way of inter-species “xeno- A Frenchman recently became the first person to transplants”. “It was tried in the 50s and 60s, with kidneys receive a second face transplant after the first failed, and from , for example. But organ failure set in another made history by regrowing skin lost over 95 per- immediately, within days. They could not break through cent of his body, thanks to a graft from his twin brother. the species barrier,” said Olivier Bastien, of France’s bio- Transplants are no longer limited to the vital organs: heart, medicine agency. liver, or lungs. Nowadays, people can get a new hand... or This is changing as scientists learn to modify the genes even a uterus. But some organs remain off-limits. For now. that prompt the immune system to attack intruder germs, but also foreign tissue perceived as a threat. Researchers’ Brain swap focus is to modify the genes of donor animals so their Topping the list, brain transplants are a long way off, for organs will resist the human immune response, while also both technical and ethical reasons, experts say. “The most preventing the transfer of animal diseases. Animal welfare challenging organ to transplant is anything related to the is an added concern. “Up to what point should we under- nervous system, as we do not have effective techniques for mine the animal’s immune system”, asks Bastien-poten- nerve growth/regeneration,” explained transplant surgeon tially exposing it to disease and suffering so we can har- David Nasralla, of the University of Oxford. vest its organs? “For this reason, eye and brain transplants are currently beyond the scope of modern medicine,” he told AFP. Are there limits? PARIS: A handout photo released by the Hopital Europeen Georges-Pompidou AP-HP on April 16, 2018 shows the face Nerves carry messages through the body in the form of Few organs remain technically non-transplantable. electrochemical pulses flitting between the brain and transplant on Jerome Hamon, a patient suffering from neurofibromatosis type 1. —AFP But two are excluded, for now, due to their raising of spinal cord, muscles and other organs. An Italian-Chinese ethical eyebrows-the testes and ovaries. “A testicle surgical duo recently set the science world aflutter by transplant would amount to assisted reproduction in dis- announcing they planned to remove a person’s head and guise,” said Bastien. attach it to a decapitated donor body in what would be the One question is this: If the recipient fathers children first such procedure. There is a high likelihood, observers with his new sperm-producing testicles, whose offspring The findings, published in Nature Genetics, provide say, that the patient will die. targets for new drugs and other forms of treatment. “We Many doubt it is possible to connect the nerve fibers of are they-his, or the donor’s? The same issue arises in the Study triples all carry genetic variants for depression, but those with a two spinal cords. Above all else, the undertaking raises case of a head transplant onto a male body. A paper last year in the Journal of Medical Ethics urged a rethink of higher burden (of genes) are more susceptible,” said co- troubling moral questions, including a very basic one: number of known author Naomi Wray, a researcher at the University of What constitutes a person? A brain alone? The patient, risk-benefit ratio of non life-saving organ transplants. “The greatest risk transplant recipients face comes Queensland in Australia. “Many life experiences can con- suggested a recent article in the journal Surgical depression genes tribute to the risk of depression, but identifying the Neurology International, will likely struggle with the con- from the powerful but noxious agents, immunosuppres- sives, which must be used to keep transplanted organs genetic factors opens new doors for research into the cept of “human identity”. PARIS: A study of nearly half-a-million people has biological drivers.” “Even memories of the role the former body played in from being rejected,” wrote Arthur Caplan and Duncan uncovered 30 new genes linked to depression, tripling Purves. A long list of possible side effects-including can- Being overweight or obese was also shown to be a the creation of the subject’s identity would encounter pos- the number known to play a role in the debilitating dis- risk factor for depression, the data showed. The relative cer-can be justified for a heart or lung transplant, they sible conflict with a new donor-given body,” wrote bio- ease. The same enlarged basket of depression genes also importance of genetic or environmental factors underly- argued, but possibly less so for a new face, hand or penis. underpins other psychiatric disorders, such as schizo- ethicists Anto Cartolovni and Antonio Spagnolo. “Similar ing depression varies from individual to individual, but is issues were also seen in cases of face and hand trans- “The shift away from saving lives to seeking to make phrenia, a consortium of nearly 250 scientists discovered. “This is a game changer,” said Patrick Sullivan, director almost always a combination of the two. “Figuring out the plants. This confusion to the person’s psychological state them better requires a shift in the ethical thinking that genetic basis of major depression has been really hard,” has long formed the foundation of organ transplantation,” of the Center for Psychiatric Genomics at the University could possibly lead to serious psychological problems, of North Carolina and co-leader of the research. said Sullivan. —AFP namely insanity and finally death.” the duo argued. —AFP 24 Established 1961 What’s On Sunday, April 29, 2018

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat The 50th showroom of Grand Hyper opens at Souk Al Kabir, Kuwait City

s part of its continuous expansion and accessories from leading European drive, Grand Hypermarket opened designers among others. Perishable goods, Aits 50th showroom at Souq Al Kabir farm produces and meat are shipped by air on a single floor in an area spanning on a daily basis to ensure they are avail- 25,000 sq ft on Friday, 27th of April. able fresh to the end users. These are pro- Located in one of the busiest business cured from internationally-recognized areas of Kuwait, the new showroom is farms to ensure world-class standards. eagerly looked forward to by consumers. Making high quality products affordable This was announced at a press conference for the everyday consumer is what sets held Tuesday. Grand Hypermarket apart from the rest. Grand Hypermarket has been steadily The success of Grand Hypermarket is growing over the years with the unquali- testified by the continuous expansion of fied support and trust of its growing cus- the retail chain in various parts of the GCC tomer base. The retail chain has been countries on a daily basis. The benefit of catering to both citizens and expatriates price efficiency that the retailer gains with a wide range of products that are through large-scale procurement of prod- much sought-after for their high quality ucts is transferred onto the end-consumer. and competitive pricing. Grand In addition to that Grand Hyper is also Hypermarket achieves this by sourcing the providing a host of prizes to the consumers items directly from the source without the as an inaugural offer. middlemen. The participants at the press confer- Grand Hypermarket gives consumers ence included: Chief Patron Grand Hyper- the exclusive experience of celebrating all Kuwait Sheikh Dawood Salman Al Sabah, occasions under one roof, providing the Mohammed NV(Director Regency Group), customers with a wide range of products Ayuob Kaccheri (Regional Director), Dr including food stuffs, world-class electron- Abdul Fatah (Director Grand Hyper ic appliances, home appliances, footwear, Kuwait), Mohammed Suneer PC (CEO) and health and beauty items and fashion wears Tahsir Ali (General Manager). LuLu Hypermarket launches ‘Best of South Africa 2018’ Marmore Mena Intelligence uLu Hypermarket, the regional retail heavy- and Kuwait Business weight, launched its ‘Best of South Africa 2018’ Lpromotion with an inauguration ceremony held at its Egaila outlet on 25 April. The event was inaugurated Council sign MoU by South African Ambassador to Kuwait, HE MP Bona, in the presence of top LuLu Management in Kuwait n an effort to expand mutual col- the challenges of today’s business and a large gathering of customers, well-wishers and laborations and to fulfill strategic industry which is characterized by media personnel. Iobjectives as a provider of infor- relentless transformation to stay The 11-day promotion which runs at all LuLu mation and tools that helps the competitive. Therefore, strategic Hypermarket outlets in the country and is slated to end Kuwaiti business community in the alliances with the right partners such on 5 May, showcases a range of enticing products from UAE grow their businesses, Marmore as Marmore MENA Intelligence, will South Africa, especially popular food brands including Mena Intelligence, a majority-owned help produce current pieces of intel- Heartland, Nandos, Bakers, Yum Yum and Simply subsidiary of Kuwait Financial ligence that will make organizations Cereal. A highlight of the promotion is the special offers Center ‘Markaz’ signed an MoU with aware of the present market condi- the UAE based Kuwait Business tions, to help them identify and reset on all South African branded products, which will hope- — Photos by Joseph Shagra fully entice shoppers to savor the distinct flavors of Council. their goals towards profitability and South African foods. Marmore provides research operational efficiency and ultimately A captivating feature of the ‘Best of South Africa’ reports and consulting services support them in evolving and grow- promotion are the prominently displayed large cutouts aimed at providing solutions to busi- ing in this very competitive business of iconic South African attractions that will probably nesses for market assessment, feasi- environment”. lure shoppers to visit the Rainbow nation. Close inter- bility studies, and valuation studies. She added; “Our agreement with action with customers through promotions and active Among its publications include Marmore Mena Intelligence is in line participation in local festivities has always been a prior- reports focused on big picture with our objective to facilitate the ity for LuLu Hypermarket. The ‘Best of South Africa including the broader economy, infra- exchange of business intelligence 2018’ promotion once again reinforces this customer- structure, industries and policy areas. reports and market assessments with centric approach, and the Hypermarket’s continued The publications of Marmore can be the council’s members about diverse commitment to creating an engaging and fun experi- found at emarmore.com business sectors in the region.” ence for shoppers, while simultaneously providing them About the partnership, Raghu The agreement provides Kuwaiti with the widest range of high quality products at the Mandagolathur, Managing Director business owners, professionals and most competitive prices. of Marmore Mena Intelligence com- entrepreneurs custom made mented: “We are proud to partner research-based consulting solutions with the Kuwait Business Council in to help understand current market to provide fact-based research conditions, identify growth opportu- to help entrepreneurs and businesses nities, assess supply and demand Kuwait’s first stay up-to-date with latest regional dynamics, in addition to hosting con- and global trends as it unfolds.” ferences, seminars and papers Luma Bourisly, Chairperson - arranged and organized by both par- anti-bullying Kuwait Business Council in Dubai ties via digital marketing mediums and the Northern Emirates said; “The and mutually established link on the program industry is controlled by rapid shifts Council’s website and social media where change has always been the channels to provide facts and statis- nder the patronage of HE Sheikha only constant. As a business commu- tics and ensure the availability of data Intisar Salem Al Ali Al Sabah, Alnowair nity, we understand the dynamics and needed on a broad spectrum. U- the first non-profit organization in Kuwait and the GCC committed to driving positive social behavior change - announced a new educational program called “Boomerang” through two interactive plays performed by students at the New English through role-playing and practicing acts of ship opportunities for students with success- School, attended by over 650 students from kindness. ful role models from program sponsors. elementary and middle school. Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah, the Founder & Over the next academic year, Boomerang Boomerang is Kuwait’s first anti-bullying CEO of Alnowair said on the occasion, will continue to visit private schools to con- school outreach program that uses creative “Bullying is prevalent in many schools in duct drama therapy workshops, perform drama therapy and kindness habits to help Kuwait and it can severely affect the academ- plays and roll out kindness activities. 7000+ students across 14 private schools to ic grades, school attendance, personality Alnowair Head Ms Gaya Kruchlik says, “We rise above bullying. Proudly sponsored by development and health of students. Our pro- want to create sustainable impact in Kuwait’s Zain Kuwait - the main partner, and EQUATE gram is the first of its kind to give bullies, vic- schools through activities that will promote Petrochemical Company - the co partner, tims and by-standers an opportunity to work kindness. In each school that Boomerang vis- Boomerang was officially launched by together through the creative medium of per- its, we follow up the drama therapy plays with Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah at her alma mater, forming arts to find effective solutions to bul- educational tools, projects and Kindness the New English School (NES). The plays lying. Alnowair is always responding to com- songs for students and also measure the were directed by Alnowair and performed by munity needs to create positive social behav- impact through surveys with teachers, stu- year 6 students of New English School, who ior change, and I am very proud to see over dents and parents. A big thank you to our participated in four rehearsal workshops to seven schools joining the program to shape a sponsors Zain Kuwait and EQUATE understand the problem of bullying and how future generation of confident, compassionate Petrochemical Company for enabling us to to use kindness as an effective strategy students.” The program also features mentor- create kinder school cultures in Kuwait.” Established 1961 25 TV Sunday, April 29, 2018

14:25 Workaholics 19:55 Stuck In The Middle 22:35 Phineas & Ferb 19:05 Pond Stars 09:38 Rusty Rivets 04:05 My Sister 14:50 Disaster Date 20:20 Stuck In The Middle 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am 20:00 Confucius Was A Foodie 10:01 Wallykazam! 06:05 The Man Who Knew Infinity 15:15 Friends 20:45 K.C. Undercover 21:00 John Torode’s Korean Food 10:24 The Day Henry Met 08:05 Wuthering Heights 15:40 Lip Sync Battle 21:10 K.C. Undercover Tour 10:30 Bubble Guppies 10:00 My Sister 16:05 Key And Peele 21:35 Liv And Maddie 22:00 Restoration Man 10:53 Team Umizoomi 12:00 The Man Who Knew Infinity 00:40 Railroad Tigers 16:30 Friendszone 22:00 Miraculous Tales Of 22:55 Access 360 World Heritage 11:15 Kid-E-Cats 14:00 African Safari 02:45 The Veil 16:55 Friends Ladybug... 23:50 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 11:21 Shimmer And Shine 15:40 Chronically Metropolitan 04:15 Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV 17:20 Friends 22:25 Miraculous Tales Of 00:00 Botched Australia 11:44 Sunny Day 17:25 Waiting For Superman 06:15 A Good Day To Die Hard 17:45 Disaster Date Ladybug... 00:55 Botched 12:07 Max & Ruby 19:25 An Inconvenient Truth 08:00 X-Men: Apocalypse 18:10 Lip Sync Battle 22:50 Lolirock 01:50 E! News 12:29 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 21:10 Meadowland 10:30 Nick Of Time 18:35 Lip Sync Battle 23:10 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 02:50 Botched 12:40 Kiva Can Do! 22:55 Dream Lover 12:00 Live Free Or Die Hard 19:00 Friends Witch 03:40 Botched 12:51 The Day Henry Met 14:15 A Good Day To Die Hard 19:25 Friendszone 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 04:35 Botched 12:56 The Day Henry Met 16:00 Inception 19:50 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 00:10 Mystery Files 13:02 Blaze And The Monster 18:30 Mission: Impossible - Rogue 20:12 Friends 06:00 Revenge Body With Khloe 00:35 Mystery Files Machines Nation 20:35 Friends Kardashian 01:00 Car SOS 13:24 Blaze And The Monster 20:50 Tiger House 21:00 The Daily Show - Global 18:05 Hollywood Medium With 02:00 Showdown Of The Machines 00:15 Last Wizard 22:20 Sudden Death Edition Tyler Henry Unbeatables 13:47 Team Umizoomi 01:40 The Apple & The Worm 21:30 Takeshis Castle Thailand 00:00 Trulli Tales 19:00 E! News 03:00 Wicked Tuna 14:10 Team Umizoomi 03:05 Dinofroz Return To The Past 22:00 Takeshis Castle Thailand 00:30 PJ Masks 20:00 Hollywood Medium With 04:00 Taiwan’s Toughest 14:33 Paw Patrol World 22:25 Russell Simmons Presents: 00:55 Trulli Tales Tyler Henry 05:00 Somewhere In China 14:56 Paw Patrol 04:40 Free Birds The Ruckus 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 21:00 Hollywood Medium With 06:00 One Strange Rock 15:19 Shimmer And Shine 06:05 Zodiac: The Race Begins 22:50 Martha And Snoop Potluck 01:35 Calimero Tyler Henry 07:00 Nazi Death Camp: The Great 15:42 Shimmer And Shine 07:45 Dwegons And Leprechauns Dinner Party 01:50 Henry Hugglemonster 22:00 Botched Escape 16:06 Nella The Princess Knight 09:30 Pacific Pirates 00:45 Swamp Brothers 23:15 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 02:05 Art Attack 23:00 Hollywood Medium With 08:00 My Fighting Season 16:29 Nella The Princess Knight 11:00 Monkey King: The Hero 01:13 Swamp Brothers 23:40 The Daily Show - Global 02:30 The Hive Tyler Henry 09:00 Breakout 16:52 Rusty Rivets 12:35 The Wish Fish 01:40 Swamp Brothers Edition 02:40 Loopdidoo 10:00 Before The Flood 17:15 Rusty Rivets 14:00 Dinofroz Return To The Past 02:08 Swamp Brothers 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 12:00 Miracle Hospital 17:38 Blaze And The Monster World 02:35 Swamp Brothers 03:10 Art Attack 13:00 Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation Machines 15:35 Free Birds 03:00 Swamp Brothers 03:35 Loopdidoo 14:00 Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation 18:00 Blaze And The Monster 17:00 Elias And The Royal Yacht 03:25 Swamp Brothers 03:50 Calimero 15:00 Yukon Gold Machines 18:25 Monkey King: The Hero 03:50 Shamwari: A Wild Life 04:05 Art Attack 00:05 Coronation Street 16:00 Wicked Tuna 18:24 Paw Patrol 20:00 Quest For A Heart 04:15 Shamwari: A Wild Life 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster 00:30 Coronation Street 17:00 Genius 18:37 Dora The Explorer 21:30 Azur & Asmar: The Prince’s 04:39 Shamwari: A Wild Life 00:30 Ultimate Survival 04:45 Henry Hugglemonster 01:00 Britain’s Brightest Family 18:00 Taiwan’s Toughest 19:00 Nella The Princess Knight Quest 05:02 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 01:20 How It’s Made 05:00 Art Attack 01:30 Britain’s Brightest Family 19:00 Yukon Gold 19:22 Kiva Can Do! 23:15 Elias And The Royal Yacht 05:49 Cats 101 01:45 How It’s Made 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 02:00 Coronation Street 20:00 Wicked Tuna 19:33 Kiva Can Do! 06:36 Swamp Brothers 02:10 How It’s Made 05:45 Loopdidoo 02:30 Coronation Street 20:50 Genius 19:44 Blaze And The Monster 07:00 Swamp Brothers 02:35 How It’s Made 06:00 Henry Hugglemonster 03:00 Coronation Street 21:40 Taiwan’s Toughest Machines 07:25 North Woods Law 03:00 How It’s Made 06:15 Calimero 03:25 Coronation Street 22:30 Yukon Gold 20:06 Paw Patrol 08:15 Weird Creatures With Nick 03:25 How It’s Made 06:30 PJ Masks 03:55 Coronation Street 23:20 Ultimate Survival Alaska 20:17 Paw Patrol Baker 03:50 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:00 Trulli Tales 04:20 Cannonball 20:29 Shimmer And Shine 00:05 Goodfellas 09:10 Weird Creatures With Nick 04:15 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:30 Puppy Dog Pals 05:15 Change Your Tune 20:51 Nella The Princess Knight 02:35 Avatar Baker 04:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 08:00 Mickey And The Roadster 06:15 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 21:15 Paw Patrol 05:20 The Little Rascals 10:05 Weird Creatures With Nick 05:05 Destroyed In Seconds Racers Takeaway 21:39 Rusty Rivets 06:45 Joe Somebody Baker 05:30 Kids Do The Craziest Things 08:30 Goldie & Bear 07:40 Prince Harry And Meghan: 22:02 Wallykazam! 08:30 The American President 12:50 Cat vs Dog 05:55 Kids Do The Craziest Things 09:00 PJ Masks Truly, Madly, Deeply 22:24 The Day Henry Met 10:30 My All American 13:45 The Vet Life 06:20 How It’s Made 09:30 Sofia The First 08:30 Murdoch Mysteries 00:20 The Last Eden 22:30 Bubble Guppies 12:35 Avatar 14:40 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 06:40 How It’s Made 10:00 Vampirina 09:20 Murdoch Mysteries 01:10 Paradise Islands 22:54 Team Umizoomi 15:20 Sleepless In Seattle 15:35 Swamp Brothers 07:00 Keeping Up With The Kruger 10:30 Mickey And The Roadster 10:15 Victoria 02:00 Bandits Of Selous 23:17 Kid-E-Cats 17:10 Babylon A.D 16:03 Shamwari: A Wild Life 07:50 Deadliest Snakes Of South Racers 11:10 Britain’s Brightest Family 02:50 Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER 23:22 Shimmer And Shine 18:45 The Forgotten 16:30 Shamwari: A Wild Life Africa 11:00 The Lion Guard 11:40 Britain’s Brightest Family 03:45 Photo Ark 23:45 Sunny Day 20:20 The Fountain 16:58 Shamwari: A Wild Life 08:40 How It’s Made 11:30 PJ Masks 12:10 Cannonball 04:40 Symphony For Our World 22:00 AVP: Alien vs Predator 17:25 Swamp Brothers 09:05 How It’s Made 12:00 PJ Masks 13:05 Prince Harry And Meghan: 05:35 Jaguars vs. Crocs 23:40 Natural Born Killers 17:53 Swamp Brothers 09:30 How It’s Made 12:30 PJ Masks Truly, Madly, Deeply 06:30 Monster Fish 18:20 Expedition Mungo 09:55 How It’s Made 13:00 Trulli Tales 14:00 Change Your Tune 07:25 Monster Fish 19:15 Man-Eating Super Croc 10:20 How It’s Made 13:30 Trulli Tales 14:55 Shetland 08:20 Wild Amazon 20:10 Wild Australia 10:45 How It’s Made 14:00 Trulli Tales 15:55 Murdoch Mysteries 09:15 Snakes In The City 00:15 How I Met Your Mother 21:05 Man-Eating Super Snake 11:10 How It’s Made 14:30 Mickey And The Roadster 16:45 Murdoch Mysteries 10:10 Animals Gone Wild 01:05 Seinfeld 22:00 Sharks Of The Shadowland 11:35 How It’s Made Racers 17:35 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 11:05 Savage Kingdom 01:30 Seinfeld 00:30 What Could Possibly Go 22:55 Untamed & Uncut 12:00 How It’s Made 15:00 Goldie & Bear Takeaway 12:00 World’s Weirdest Pets 01:55 Til Death Wrong? 23:50 Untamed & Uncut 12:25 How It’s Made 15:30 Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital 19:00 Change Your Tune 12:55 Make You Laugh Out Loud 02:20 Men At Work 03:48 How Do They Do It? 12:50 Tanked 16:00 Vampirina 19:55 Victoria 13:50 Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER 03:10 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:24 Food Factory USA 13:40 Tanked 16:30 Puppy Dog Pals 20:45 Prince Harry And Meghan: 14:45 Brilliant Beasts 04:00 The Tonight Show Starring 07:00 How Do They Do It? 14:30 Tanked 17:00 The Lion Guard Truly, Madly, Deeply 15:40 World’s Deadliest Jimmy Fallon 07:26 What Could Possibly Go 15:20 Tanked 17:30 Sofia The First 21:35 Prince Harry In Africa 16:35 Animal Fight Club 04:50 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wrong? 16:10 Tanked 18:00 Sofia The First 22:25 The Chase 17:30 Monster Fish 05:40 The Michael J. Fox Show 08:14 What Could Possibly Go 00:30 Mum 17:00 Now That’s Funny 18:30 Vampirina 23:15 Coronation Street 18:25 World’s Deadliest 06:05 Til Death Wrong? 00:55 Trauma 17:50 How It’s Made 19:00 PJ Masks 23:40 Coronation Street 19:20 Brilliant Beasts 06:30 The Good Place 11:26 Mythbusters 01:45 Death In Paradise 18:15 How It’s Made 19:30 P-King Duckling 20:10 World’s Deadliest 06:55 Mom 12:14 Mythbusters 02:40 Doctors 18:40 Troy 20:00 The Lion Guard 21:00 Animal Fight Club 07:20 Late Night With Seth Meyers 13:02 Mythbusters 03:10 Doctors 19:30 Keeping Up With The Kruger 20:30 Mickey And The Roadster 21:50 Monster Fish 08:10 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:50 Mythbusters 03:40 Mum 20:20 Mega Hunt: Killer Whales Of Racers 22:40 World’s Deadliest 09:00 The Tonight Show Starring 14:38 Mythbusters 04:10 EastEnders The Cape 21:00 Trulli Tales 23:30 World’s Weirdest Pets Jimmy Fallon 15:26 Food Factory USA 04:40 EastEnders 21:10 Kings Of The Wild 21:30 Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital 00:00 Ancient Aliens 09:50 Kevin Can Wait 15:50 Food Factory USA 05:10 The Coroner 22:00 Hurricane Sandy: The Storm 22:00 Miles From Tomorrow 01:00 Ancient Aliens 10:15 Black-ish 16:14 Food Factory USA 06:00 Doctors That Shook America 22:30 Vampirina 02:00 WWII: Lost Films 10:40 The Michael J. Fox Show 16:38 Food Factory USA 06:30 EastEnders 22:50 Ultimate Survival 23:00 PJ Masks 02:50 WWII: Lost Films 11:05 Til Death 17:02 Food Factory USA 07:00 Call The Midwife 23:40 Ultimate Survival 23:30 PJ Masks 03:40 Ancient Impossible 11:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:26 How Do They Do It? 08:00 Doctors 04:30 Ancient Impossible 00:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 12:20 The Good Place 17:50 How Do They Do It? 08:30 Doctors 05:20 Hangar 1: The UFO Files 00:36 Rabbids Invasion 12:45 Mom 18:15 How Do They Do It? 09:00 The Coroner 06:10 Hangar 1: The UFO Files 01:00 Rabbids Invasion 13:10 How I Met Your Mother 18:40 How Do They Do It? 09:50 The Coroner 07:00 Ancient Aliens 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 14:00 Seinfeld 19:05 How Do They Do It? 10:40 The Coroner 08:00 Ancient Aliens 01:48 Sanjay And Craig 14:25 Seinfeld 19:30 NASA’s Unexplained Files 11:30 Father Brown 00:15 Goblin Works Garage 09:00 WWII: Lost Films 02:12 Winx Club 14:50 The Michael J. Fox Show 20:20 NASA’s Unexplained Files 12:20 Call The Midwife Discovery ID 01:05 Shifting Gears With Aaron 10:00 WWII: Lost Films 02:36 Winx Club 15:15 Kevin Can Wait 21:10 NASA’s Unexplained Files 13:20 Doctors 00:45 Ghost Stalkers Kaufman 11:00 Ancient Impossible 03:00 Harvey Beaks 15:40 Black-ish 22:00 Da Vinci’s Machines 13:50 Doctors 01:40 The 1980s: The Deadliest 01:50 Manhunt With Joel Lambert 12:00 Ancient Impossible 03:24 Harvey Beaks 16:05 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:50 Da Vinci’s Machines 14:20 Doctors Decade 02:40 Kidnap And Rescue 13:00 Ancient Aliens 03:48 Rabbids Invasion 17:00 The Good Place 23:40 Da Vinci’s Machines 14:50 EastEnders 02:35 True Crime With Aphrodite 03:20 Diesel Brothers 14:00 Ancient Aliens 04:12 Rabbids Invasion 17:30 Mom 15:20 Death In Paradise Jones 04:05 Buying Alaska 15:00 WWII: Lost Films 04:36 Breadwinners 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 16:15 Father Brown 03:30 Bride Killa 04:27 Buying Alaska 16:00 WWII: Lost Films 05:00 Breadwinners 19:00 Seinfeld 17:05 Call The Midwife 04:25 Betrayed 04:50 Kindig Customs 17:00 Ancient Impossible 05:24 The Loud House 19:30 Seinfeld 18:00 Doctors 05:20 Murder Chose Me 05:35 Storage Hunters 18:00 Ancient Aliens: The Ultimate 05:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 20:00 Marlon 18:30 EastEnders 06:10 Your Worst Nightmare 06:00 The Liquidator Evidence 06:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 20:30 Roseanne 01:30 Bajrangi Bhaijaan 19:00 Death In Paradise 07:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:23 Property Wars 19:00 Ancient Aliens: The Ultimate 06:36 Harvey Beaks 21:00 American Housewife 03:00 Bajrangi Bhaijaan 20:00 Trauma 07:25 Shadow Of Doubt 06:45 Storage Hunters Evidence 07:00 Breadwinners 21:30 Making History 04:25 The Front ROW 20:55 Line Of Duty 08:15 Shadow Of Doubt 07:10 Storage Wars Canada 20:00 UFO Files 07:24 Get Blake 22:00 Saturday Night Live 05:00 Khallas 22:00 Death In Paradise 09:10 I’d Kill For You 07:35 Buying Alaska 21:00 UFO Files 07:48 Sanjay And Craig 23:25 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:45 Hero Hindustani 22:55 Doctors 10:05 I’d Kill For You 07:57 Buying Alaska 22:00 Clash Of The Gods 08:12 Rabbids Invasion 10:40 Dil Tera Deewana 23:25 EastEnders 11:00 I’d Kill For You 08:20 The Liquidator 23:00 Clash Of The Gods 08:36 The Loud House 13:10 Hero No.1 11:55 I Almost Got Away With It 08:45 Property Wars 09:00 Regal Academy 15:40 Jolly LLB 12:50 I Almost Got Away With It 09:10 Kindig Customs 09:24 Winx Club 17:55 A Gentleman: Sundar, Susheel, 13:45 I Almost Got Away With It 09:55 Blue Collar Backers 09:48 100 Things To Do Before High 00:45 Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Risky 14:40 I Almost Got Away With It 10:45 Manhunt With Joel Lambert School Stranger Tides 20:00 Bajrangi Bhaijaan 15:35 I Almost Got Away With It 11:30 Dirty Jobs 10:12 Game Shakers 03:15 The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s 23:05 Highway 16:30 Murder Comes To Town 12:20 The Liquidator 10:36 School Of Rock Beginning Star Movies HD 00:00 American Ripper In London 17:25 Murder Comes To Town 12:43 Property Wars 00:20 American Pickers 11:00 Henry Danger 04:45 High School Musical 3: Senior 01:45 Code 46 01:00 Cursed 18:20 Murder Comes To Town 13:05 Storage Hunters 01:10 American Pickers 11:24 The Thundermans Year 03:15 Head In The Clouds 01:55 My Haunted Vacation 19:15 Reasonable Doubt 13:30 Storage Wars Canada 02:00 President Obama: In His Own 11:48 I Am Frankie 06:45 101 Dalmatians 2 05:15 The Hundred-Foot Journey 02:50 When Life Means Life 20:10 Reasonable Doubt 13:55 Kindig Customs Words 12:12 Rank The Prank 08:15 Toy Story 3 07:15 Hesher 03:45 American Ripper In London 21:05 Shadow Of Doubt 14:40 Ice Cold Gold 03:40 Alone 12:36 Massive Monster Mayhem 10:00 Up 09:00 The Imitation Game 04:30 Cursed 22:00 Bride Killa 15:30 Kindig Customs 04:30 Alone 13:00 Hunter Street 11:45 High School Musical 3: Senior 11:00 Valkyrie 05:15 The First 48 22:55 Betrayed 16:15 Kindig Customs 05:20 Alone 13:24 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn Year 13:00 White Oleander 06:00 Cold Case Files 23:50 Jodi Arias: From Lust To 17:05 The Liquidator 06:00 Swamp People 13:48 Toon Marty 13:45 Moana 14:45 Code 46 07:00 It Takes A Killer Murder 17:28 Property Wars 06:50 Milwaukee Blacksmith 14:00 Toon Marty 15:45 Brave 16:15 The Singing Detective 07:20 The First 48 17:50 Buying Alaska 07:15 Pawn Stars 14:12 Harvey Beaks 17:30 Tangled 18:00 The King’s Speech 08:05 Cold Case Files 18:15 Buying Alaska 07:40 The Curse Of Oak Island 14:36 Breadwinners 19:30 Confessions Of A Teenage 20:00 Breakfast Of Champions 08:50 It Takes A Killer 18:40 Kindig Customs 08:30 Buried: Knights Templar 15:00 Sanjay And Craig Drama Queen 21:45 Without A Paddle 09:15 It Takes A Killer 19:25 Ice Cold Gold Revealed 15:24 Rabbids Invasion 21:15 Moana 23:30 The Jane Austen Book Club 09:35 It Takes A Killer 20:15 Diesel Brothers 09:20 Swamp People 15:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 23:15 Brave 10:05 It Takes A Killer 21:00 Fast N’ Loud 10:10 Alone 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30 It Takes A Killer 00:00 Hank Zipzer 21:50 Gear Dogs 11:00 Milwaukee Blacksmith 16:36 The Loud House 11:00 It Takes A Killer 00:25 Alex & Co. 22:40 Shifting Gears With Aaron 11:25 Pawn Stars 17:00 Toon Marty 11:25 Diabolical Women 00:45 Disney Mickey Mouse Kaufman 11:50 The Curse Of Oak Island 17:12 Toon Marty 00:00 Supernatural 12:20 Deadly Wives 00:50 Evermoor Chronicles 23:30 Street Outlaws vs Fast N’ 12:40 Buried: Knights Templar 17:24 Massive Monster Mayhem 01:00 Time After Time 00:00 The Fashion Fund 13:15 Diabolical Women 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Loud Revealed 17:48 Hunter Street 01:50 The Fosters 01:00 The Fashion Fund 14:10 Deadly Wives Witch 13:30 Swamp People 18:12 Henry Danger 02:40 The Blacklist 02:00 Grey’s Anatomy 15:05 Deadly Wives 01:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 14:20 Alone 18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 03:30 Blindspot 03:00 Project Runway All Stars 16:00 The Eleven Witch 15:10 Alone 19:00 School Of Rock 04:20 Supernatural 04:00 Black Box 17:00 The Eleven 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 16:00 American Pickers 19:24 Game Shakers 05:20 The Good Doctor 05:00 Devious Maids 18:00 It Takes A Killer 02:30 Binny And The Ghost 16:50 The Curse Of Oak Island 19:48 The Thundermans 06:10 Switched At Birth 06:00 Who Lives Here? 18:30 It Takes A Killer 02:55 Hank Zipzer 06:00 Milo Murphy’s Law 17:40 Buried: Knights Templar 20:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 07:00 Boy Band 06:30 Who Lives Here? 19:00 It Takes A Killer 03:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:10 Phineas & Ferb Revealed 20:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 08:00 Good Morning America - The 07:00 Devious Maids 19:30 It Takes A Killer 03:20 Hank Zipzer 06:25 Milo Murphy’s Law 18:30 Swamp People 21:00 Harvey Beaks Weekend 08:00 Devious Maids 20:00 It Takes A Killer 03:45 Alex & Co. 06:35 Phineas & Ferb 19:20 Milwaukee Blacksmith 21:24 Breadwinners 09:00 The View 09:00 Project Runway All Stars 20:30 It Takes A Killer 04:10 Alex & Co. 06:50 Right Now Kapow 19:45 Pawn Stars 21:48 Get Blake 10:00 Blindspot 10:00 Who Lives Here? 21:00 Britain’s Forgotten Serial 04:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 07:15 The Thanos Threat 20:10 American Pickers 22:12 Sanjay And Craig 11:00 The Good Doctor 10:30 Who Lives Here? Killer: Trevor Hardy Witch 07:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:00 Storage Wars 22:36 Rabbids Invasion 12:00 Switched At Birth 11:00 Devious Maids 22:00 Robbie Coltrane’s Critical 05:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 07:45 Marvel’s Spider-Man 21:25 Storage Wars 23:00 The Loud House 13:00 Chicago P.D. 12:00 Cedar Cove Evidence Witch 08:10 Marvel’s Spider-Man 21:50 Barbarians Rising 23:24 Regal Academy 14:00 The Blacklist 13:00 Cedar Cove 23:00 The Zodiac Killer: Case 05:25 Binny And The Ghost 08:35 DuckTales 22:40 Milwaukee Blacksmith 23:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 15:00 The View 14:00 Grey’s Anatomy Closed? 05:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 09:00 DuckTales 23:05 Pawn Stars 16:00 Boy Band 15:00 Project Runway All Stars 05:50 Rolling With The Ronks S1 09:25 Mech-X4 23:30 Swamp People 17:00 Good Morning America - The 16:00 Who Lives Here? Splits 09:50 Mech-X4 Weekend 16:30 Who Lives Here? 06:00 Jessie 10:20 Marvel’s Spider-Man 18:00 Switched At Birth 17:00 Devious Maids 06:25 Elena Of Avalor 10:45 Marvel’s Spider-Man 00:08 Max & Ruby 19:00 The Good Doctor 18:00 Wedding Band 00:05 Eugene Mirman: An Evening 06:50 Descendants Wicked World 11:10 Lab Rats 00:31 Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom 20:00 Chicago P.D. 19:00 Wedding Band Of Comedy 06:55 Kitty Is Not A Cat S1 Splits 11:35 Lab Rats 00:42 Kiva Can Do! 21:00 Criminal Minds 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy 01:10 Nathan For You 07:05 Kitty Is Not A Cat S1 Splits 12:00 Right Now Kapow 00:15 Lucky Chow 00:52 The Day Henry Met 22:00 Grey’s Anatomy 21:00 Married At First Sight 02:35 Inside Amy Schumer 07:20 Miraculous Tales Of 12:30 Right Now Kapow 00:45 Places We Go 00:57 The Day Henry Met 23:00 Still Star-Crossed 22:00 Who Lives Here? 03:00 The Daily Show - Global Ladybug... 12:55 Kirby Buckets Warped 01:10 Miguel’s Feasts 01:04 Blaze And The Monster 22:30 Who Lives Here? Edition 07:45 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 13:20 Kirby Buckets Warped 01:40 Mega Food Machines 23:00 Devious Maids 03:25 Tosh.0 08:10 Tangled: The Series 13:45 Gravity Falls 02:35 Pond Stars 01:26 Blaze And The Monster 03:50 South Park 08:35 K.C. Undercover 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 03:30 Fusion Forager Machines 04:15 South Park 09:00 Raven’s Home 14:15 Gravity Falls 04:25John Torode’s Korean Food Tour 01:49 Team Umizoomi 00:10 Band Aid 04:40 Key And Peele 09:25 Bizaardvark 14:40 Pair Of Kings 05:20 Restoration Man 02:12 Team Umizoomi 01:50 Wiener Dog 05:00 Catch A Contractor 09:50 Bunk’d 15:05 Pair Of Kings 06:15 Access 360 World Heritage 02:35 Paw Patrol 03:20 Aquamarine 05:25 Disaster Date 10:15 Stuck In The Middle 15:30 Milo Murphy’s Law 07:10 Korean Soul Food 02:57 Paw Patrol 05:05 Life Or Something Like It 00:20 My 600lb Life 05:50 Ridiculousness Arabia 10:40 Adventures In Babysitting 16:00 Milo Murphy’s Law 08:05 Restoration Man 03:20 Shimmer And Shine 06:50 We Bought A Zoo 01:50 Fat Chance 06:20 Comedy Central Presents 12:15 Descendants Wicked World 16:25 Lab Rats 09:00 Miguel’s Feasts 03:43 Shimmer And Shine 08:55 Shelby: The Dog Who Saved 02:35 7 Little Johnstons Comedy 3alwagef 12:20 Liv And Maddie 16:50 Lab Rats 09:25 David Rocco’s Dolce India 04:06 Nella The Princess Knight Christmas 03:20 Little People, Big World 06:50 Lip Sync Battle 12:45 Liv And Maddie 17:15 Mech-X4 09:55 The Food Files 04:29 Nella The Princess Knight 10:30 Aquamarine 04:05 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 07:15 Lip Sync Battle 13:10 Miraculous Tales Of 17:40 Mech-X4 10:20 The Food Files 04:52 Rusty Rivets 12:15 Life Or Something Like It 04:50 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 07:40 Lip Sync Battle Ladybug... 18:05 Marvel’s Spider-Man 10:50 Eat Street 05:15 Rusty Rivets 14:00 We Bought A Zoo 05:35 Say Yes To The Dress 08:05 Key And Peele 13:35 Miraculous Tales Of 18:35 Marvel’s Spider-Man 11:15 United Plates Of America 05:38 Blaze And The Monster 16:05 Shelby: The Dog Who Saved 06:00 Say Yes To The Dress: 08:25 Disaster Date Ladybug... 19:00 Gravity Falls 11:45 John Torode’s Korean Food Machines Christmas Bridesmaids 08:50 Workaholics 14:00 Big Hero 6 19:25 Gravity Falls Tour 06:00 Blaze And The Monster 17:40 Boris And Natasha: The 06:22 Say Yes To The Dress: 09:15 Ridiculousness Arabia 15:40 Star Wars Forces Of Destiny 19:50 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 12:40 Isa Rodeo Outback Adventure Machines Movie Bridesmaids 09:45 Lip Sync Battle 15:45 K.C. Undercover 19:55 Kickin’ It 13:35 Pond Stars 06:24 Paw Patrol 19:10 Don Verdean 06:45 Sister Wives 10:10 Catch A Contractor 16:10 K.C. Undercover 20:20 Kickin’ It 14:30 Confucius Was A Foodie 06:37 Dora The Explorer 20:50 Cooties 07:30 Little People, Big World 10:35 Friends 16:35 Tangled: The Series 20:45 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 15:25 John Torode’s Korean Food 07:00 Nella The Princess Knight 22:20 Uncle Kent 2 08:15 Our Little Family 11:00 Key And Peele 17:00 Tangled: The Series Much Everything Tour 07:22 Kiva Can Do! 23:40 Bananas 08:38 Our Little Family 11:25 Disaster Date 17:25 Bizaardvark 21:10 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 16:20 Restoration Man 07:33 Kiva Can Do! 09:00 Cake Boss 11:50 Ridiculousness Arabia 17:50 Bizaardvark Much Everything 17:15 Access 360 World Heritage 07:44 Blaze And The Monster 09:25 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 12:20 Friendszone 18:15 Elena Of Avalor 21:35 Marvel’s Rocket And Groot 18:10 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of Machines 10:10 Say Yes To The Dress: 12:45 Key And Peele 18:40 Elena Of Avalor 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse Australia 08:06 Dora The Explorer Bridesmaids 13:05 Friends 19:05 Bunk’d 21:45 Lab Rats 18:35 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 08:52 Nella The Princess Knight 10:32 Say Yes To The Dress: 13:30 Friends 19:30 Bunk’d 22:10 Lab Rats Australia 09:14 Paw Patrol 00:20 Once Upon A Time In America Bridesmaids 13:55 Ridiculousness Arabia 26 Established 1961 Stars Sunday, April 29, 2018

CROSSWORD 1895 STAR TRACK

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

Your focus is on getting what you want and figuring out who you have to Your ideas are well communicated and inspiring to others. Stringent require- deal with to get it; be careful that you don t appear to be overbearing. ments are frustrating but you’re definitely able to meet them. Being irritated on an emo- Being in pursuit of something very hard to attain is an empowering experience. When you tional level could prove too much to deal with today; perhaps excusing yourself until this attempt to prove yourself, you run into several different challenges or blockages; this and blows over is called for. An old memory crops us and causes you to rethink something in other instances lead to growth and evolution. You may feel disconnected from the group the present. You’d like for someone to step up to the plate and be fair; this could be way and this could be due to your own requirements. Quality time spent with a close friend too much to expect from this particular person. Wanting more doesn’t guarantee getting it recharges your drained body, mind and spirit. You’re able to influence those your work but with right thinking and sincere effort you can make this happen; you have definitely got with; strong support for your leadership skills is present. A positive word goes a long way this! Being in the right place at the right time’s more than a coincidence; karma’s what we when you take time to encourage a nice, new friend who’s down. make it. Good, good times tonight.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Your comebacks and responses are lightening fast today. You may find it As you begin something new you become aware of the negative aspects easy to find answers others can’t seem to find; positive outcomes are likely when you take that come with it; you figure out how to diminish the negative and replace with the posi- care of things on your own. You could be challenged by someone regarding a domestic tive. A nice day at home recharges your spirit and you feel you can tackle just about any- project; even with your accelerated mental ability you might want to listen in the instance. thing. Someone insists that you do something their way and toss what you wanted to do People enjoy spending time with you as the positive aspects of your personality shine. You to the side; perhaps separating yourself from this petty, dominating person would be best. could want to do something that’s not good for you; think about this one carefully. You Stay focused on your direction and don’t be distracted by busybodies. Time gets away desire control over everything going on right now; perhaps taking some time to sincerely from you as you immerse yourself in a project you enjoy. An ambitious energy takes over look at this could help. You discover the secret of a friend they have been hiding. A sense of as you come near to reaching a big goal. Anything that doesn’t create positive energy is accomplishment is very noticeable tonight. irrelevant to you. You know what you re doing now.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) Trying something new at home could cause problems. You find an item long You could feel thwarted in your attempt to make something better the best lost. Pay attention to what intuition is saying; there’s important truth linked to way you know how; you could have problems with issues of self-worth. this. A gathering of friends at your house creates fun and laughter for your close circle. A ACROSS 6. A British imperial capacity measure (liq- There’s a lot going on that you re not comfortable with; keep looking forward, never back- small change in d’cor is more than likely; you find ways to make this happen in an afford- 1. The elementary stages of any subject uid or dry) equal to 1/60th fluid dram ward. Temptations abound as your work toward self-discipline; never give up, you can able way. Love and security are what you find most important; your sweetheart of mate is definitely do this. You see something naturally beautiful that makes you remember some- (usually plural). or 0.059194 cubic centimeters. key to this as are you. Being able to overlook faults in others is a hallmark of your psyche. thing you d forgotten; search for and enjoy everything that brings joy. You could find that A nice person grants a favor you didn’t request. A new outlook on life is refreshing! A big 4. Qualities that are comparable. 7. A game played on a sloping board. someone thoughtlessly piles more on you than you can handle but you somehow manage step forward sets you on the right path. You don’t look back when you make a definite 11. An enclosure made or wire or metal 8. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit to rise to the occasion. You feel nostalgic and blessed by having the family you have; your decision. You’re open to change and new attitudes. bars in which birds or animals are juice. heart s grateful. Your intimate relationships provide contentment. kept. 9. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation 15. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiat- Capricorn (December 22-January 19) equal to 10 liters. ed material. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 16. Only the bowfins. 10. The branch of engineering science that Something serious demands your attention which, you gladly give. Taking Your focus is on understanding yourself and your motives; this could care of details is important and a big part of finishing a certain thing; knowing 17. Being the only one. studies the uses of electricity and the involve someone who s important to you. Knowing where you stand with 18. A loose sleeveless outer garment made equipment for power generation and exactly what’s needed helps. You care nothing for anything that doesn’t contribute to your someone clears the way for taking action. Some gossip you hear from a reputable person security and abundance. Be aware that when you’re focused on work or attainment you from aba cloth. distribution and the control of explains something you have been wondering about. You actually want to deal with your tend to be far too harsh on yourself. You instinctively know how to conduct business and 19. Forbidden by law. machines and communication. secretive side so that your can make improvements; you may realize that something cover all the specifics of a project. You love what you do! You could find that someone in 21. A woman sahib. 11. The hard cylindrical core that bears the you’re hiding from others is nothing to be ashamed of. You know more than you let on authority has their eye on your for something special! Smooth sailing with work is strongly regarding a sensitive matter. Staying in a positive spiritual place is a priority; you may 24. Tropical American tree grown in south- kernels of an ear of corn. indicated for some time to come; may be a new offer for your soon. There s nothing more have to step away from someone who’s against your beliefs. Being with someone you love attractive than a captivating book tonight. ern United States having a whitish 12. Squash bugs. brings your week to a nice, gently close. Enjoy tonight. pink-tinged fruit. 13. Sustentacular tissue that surrounds and 26. In or of the present month. supports neurons in the central nerv- Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 29. Lacking excess flesh. ous system. Leo (July 23-August 22) 33. Vietnamese New Year. 14. An unfledged or nestling hawk. An easy does it day for you to spend at your leisure a rare occasion, so take You have a natural ability to get your thoughts across to those you’re 35. An inflammatory swelling or sore. 20. Committee formed by a special-inter- full advantage! You make big progress working on something you love; nothing compares working with on a domestic project. You come to a realization regarding 36. Divulge information or secrets. est group to raise money for their to enjoying a beloved hobby or other interest that stimulates the soul. Those around you something from the past; this is an issue that’s bothered you for some time. You get the go support and encourage you to take life by the horns and make it all that you want. Spiritual 38. United States industrialist who manu- favorite political candidates. ahead from someone who s asked you to tend to an important investment matter. Focus phenomenon have your full attention and your may find a certain book or video you seek. factured vacuum cleaners (1849-1932). 22. Be seated. and confidence join to bring you to the end of an assignment. You discover something at Someone who feels negative shows up for a very quick visit. Your tastes are sharpened, as home that needs to be repaired; someone who can fix this just happens to stop by. 41. Any of a number of fishes of the family 23. A Dravidian language spoken in south- though the taste buds of your life have been cleansed! You could adopt a pet or take on Something you thought of long ago shows up on television for sale; you hate the thought Carangidae. ern India. another similar situation caring for someone who can’t care for themselves. Important of missing out on this! Your clever mind is active in trying to figure out how to better 43. South American wood sorrel cultivated 25. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken goals become clear tonight. someone’s life you care about. Self-appreciation, rare for you, is strong tonight. for its edible tubers. in the Dali region of Yunnan. 44. The capital of Eritrea. 27. A river that rises in eastern Kansas and 45. A ductile gray metallic element of the flows eastward into Oklahoma to Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) lanthanide series. become a tributary of the Arkansas 46. Smeared thickly. River. Dealing with your tendency to sabotage yourself is called for today. Teamwork saves the day as something goes awry at home; someone shows Realizing the only thing you can truly control is yourself provides strong motivation to pur- up unexpectedly to help with this. You week out times and attitudes that 48. A city in northeastern . 28. A minute epidermal pore in a leaf or don’t seem to further your ambitions or reaching your goals; be watchful that you don’t 51. (Greek mythology) A maiden seduced stem. sue this. A kindness you did a while back is repaid! Looking at things from all the different angles sheds a lot of light on a certain situation. You strongly suspect someone of false flat- discard something you may need later. You examine decisions made earlier that no longer by Zeus. 30. Freedom from difficulty or hardship or tery as they give compliments you don’t believe; perhaps they’re trying to win you over for fit your lifestyle; hard work pays off in this effort. You discover that you are far more seri- 52. A long narrow excavation in the earth. effort. a specific reason. Being strongly connected to intuition brings positive results; staying ous about something than your partner or associate. Time to reconsider your position on 54. A city in northeastern Ohio. 31. Australasian kingfishers. realistic helps with this. Dealing with a difficult person is something you refuse today. several things is at hand. Sticking to a budget could prove more difficult that you thought. 57. The habitation of wild animals. 32. A port city in southwestern Iran. When someone has the nerve to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do you don’t hesi- People enjoy your humor and funny take on a certain situation that’s not as bad as it seems; it’s better to laugh than cry if at all possible. 59. An advanced student or graduate in 34. An incidental benefit awarded for cer- tate to put them in their place. Take a deep breath. medicine gaining supervised practical tain types of employment (especially if experience (`houseman' is a British it is regarded as a right). term). 37. Of or relating to or affecting a lobe. Wordsearch Puzzle Friday’s Solution 62. A vast Asian region of Russia. 39. Dutch painter renowned for his use of 67. A railcar where passengers ride. light (1632-1675). 69. A metrical unit with unstressed- 40. A sudden short attack. unstressed-stressed syllables. 42. Fallow deer. 70. A federal agency established to coor- 47. Activity involved in maintaining some- dinate programs aimed at reducing thing in good working order. pollution and protecting the environ- 49. Sour-tasting liquid produced usually ment. by oxidation of the alcohol in wine or 71. A cut of pork ribs with much of the cider and used as a condiment or food meat trimmed off. preservative. 73. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 50. European annual grown for forage. part of an organism. 53. Being one hundred more than three 74. A doctor's degree in education. hundred. 75. A river in northeastern that flows 55. A violin made by Antonio Stradivari or generally northward to the Atlantic a member of his family. Ocean. 56. (of something seen or heard) Clearly 76. (Irish) The sea personified. defined. 58. (Sumerian and Babylonian) A solar DOWN deity. 1. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 60. The back side of the neck. mythology. 61. Plant with an elongated head of broad 2. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who stalked leaves resembling celery. has not yet begun to walk or talk. 63. A small cake leavened with yeast. 3. Burrowing marine mollusk living on sand 64. Being or occurring in fact or actuality. or mud. 65. A small island. 4. A clique that seeks power usually 66. Essential oil or perfume obtained from through intrigue. flowers. 5. A member of the Siouan people former- 68. Bulky grayish-brown eagle with a ly living in the Missouri river valley in short wedge-shaped white tail. NE Nebraska. 72. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

Friday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Friday’s Solution ClassifiedsSunday, April 29, 2018

CHANGE OF NAME

I Natha Singh S/O Buta Singh R/O Kotli Ablu (Sri Muktsar Sahib) have changed my name to Natha DAAYY: 6DWXXUUGD\  99DDOLG )URP  30 77RR  $0 Singh Brar. (C 5396) 24-4-2018 Expected WeWeather for the Next 24 Hours

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:($7$7+(5:$:$51,1* 7KXQXQGHU5DLQ

STTAAATTION 0$;5(& 0,1(;3 6)& &+$57   87& .8::$$,7 &,7<  ƒ&  ƒ& Airlines .8::$$,7 $,5325577  ƒ&  ƒ& $%'$//<<  ƒ&  ƒ& American Airlines 22087425 22087426 %8%<<$$$11  ƒ&  ƒ& Kuwait Airways 171 -$+55$$  ƒ&  ƒ& Jazeera Airways 177 ))$$,/$.$ ,6/$$11'  ƒ&  ƒ& Jet Airways 22924455 6$/0,<<$$+  ƒ&  ƒ& FlyDubai 22414400 Qatar Airways 22423888 $+0$',  ƒ&  ƒ& KLM 22425747 18::$$,6,%  ƒ&  ƒ& Royal Jordanian ::$$)5$  ƒ&  ƒ& 22418064/5/6 6$/0<  ƒ&  ƒ& British Airways 22425635 Air France 22430224 4 DAAYYS FORECAST Emirates 22921555 Temperatures Air India 22438184 DAAYY DAATTE WEAATTHER Wind Speed MAX. MIN. Wind Direction Airlines 22424444 &ORXGVZLOO LQFUHDVH JUDGXDOO\ ZLWK DFKDQFH IIRRU Egypt Air a22421578 6XQGD\  UDLQWWKKDW PLJKW EHWKXXQQGHUU\\ ODWHU  RQ  ƒ&  ƒ&95%6(      NPK Swiss Air 22421516 0RQGD\  0RVWO\ 6XXQQQ\ ƒ&  ƒ& 1:1(      NPK Saudia 22426306 7XHVGD\  &ORXGVZLOO LQFUHDVH JUDGXDOO\ ZLWK DFKDQFH IIRRU  ƒ&  ƒ& 95%6(      NPK VFDWWHUHGUDLQ ODWHU  RQ Middle East Airlines 22423073 ::HHGQHVGD\  3DUUWWO\FORXGG\\ WR FORXG\ ZLWK DFKDQFH IIRRU  ƒ&  ƒ& 95%6(      NPK VFDWWHUHGUDLQ Lufthansa 22422493 112 7202552:35$<$<(5 7,0(6 RECORDED YESTERDAAYY AATT KUWWAAIT AIRPORT PIA 22421044 Fajr  MAX. Temp.  °C Bangladesh Airlines 22452977/8 Automated enquiry Sunrise  MIN. Temp.  °C Indian Airlines 22456700 about the Civil ID card is Zuhr  MAX. RH  % Oman Air 22958787 Asr  MIN. RH  % Turkish Airlines 22453820/1 Sunset  MAX. Wind 6km/h Aeroflot 22404838/9 1889988 Isha TOTTAALL RAINFFAALLL IN 24 HR.  mm

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Sunday 29/4/2018 KAC 774 Riyadh 13:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 29/4/2018 QTR 1075 Doha 12:10 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 792 Madinah 13:40 Airlines Flt Route Time VIZ 201 TQD 12:30 JZR 513 Sharm el-Sheikh 00:10 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:45 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 THY 772 Istanbul 00:15 FEG 341 Sohag 13:50 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 KAC 102 London 00:50 IAW 157A Al Najaf 13:55 KAC 417 Manila 00:25 THY 767 Istanbul 13:40 DLH 625 Dammam 00:50 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 JZR 144 Doha 13:55 KAC 504 Beirut 00:50 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 MSR 2615 Sohag 00:30 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 539 Cairo 01:00 KAC 618 Doha 14:10 MSC 406 Sohag 00:30 JZR 552 Alexandria 14:05 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:15 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 FDB 073 Dubai 00:30 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 KAC 677 Dubai 01:30 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KLM 446 Bahrain 01:45 KAC 364 Colombo 14:20 THY 773 Istanbul 01:45 FEG 442 Asyut 14:50 JZR 267 Beirut 02:10 KAC 516 Tehran 14:20 KAC 363 Colombo 01:50 IAW 158A Al Najaf 14:55 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 DLH 625 Frankfurt 01:50 WAN 415 Beirut 15:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 JZR 789 Riyadh 14:45 JZR 502 Luxor 01:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 QTR 1086 Doha 02:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:45 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 KAC 414 Bangkok 02:40 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 THY 765 Istanbul 02:50 FDB 060 Dubai 15:05 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 KAC 304 Mumbai 15:05 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:05 KNE 529 Jeddah 15:10 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:10 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:20 JZR 142 Doha 03:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 15:50 KAC 418 Manila 03:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:20 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:55 KAC 382 Delhi 03:10 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 16:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 KAC 502 Beirut 15:35 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 KNE 530 Jeddah 16:00 PGT 860 Istanbul 03:25 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 QTR 1087 Doha 04:15 JZR 606 Kochi 16:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 JZR 534 Cairo 16:10 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 563 Amman 16:10 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:25 KAC 619 Doha 16:15 JAI 572 Mumbai 04:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:20 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 JZR 551 Alexandria 04:05 KAC 118 New York 16:20 JAI 571 Mumbai 05:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 1544 Cairo 04:25 KAC 542 Cairo 17:00 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 OMA 646 Muscat 16:20 JZR 609 Hyderabad 04:30 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:35 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 KAC 784 Jeddah 04:30 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 103 London 05:45 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 DHX 170 Bahrain 04:45 JZR 145 Doha 17:35 FDB 070 Dubai 06:00 FDB 052 Dubai 17:20 KAC 284 Dhaka 04:50 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 JZR 786 Riyadh 06:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 FDB 069 Dubai 05:05 WAN 976 Baku 17:40 THY 771 Istanbul 06:30 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 05:15 JZR 177 Dubai 17:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 KAC 381 Delhi 17:45 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 QTR 1080 Doha 18:10 RJA 649 Amman 07:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 17:55 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:40 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:20 JZR 902 Baku 07:15 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 JZR 561 Sohag 05:55 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 BAW 157 London 06:10 RJA 640 Amman 19:00 KAC 171 Frankfurt 07:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 WAN 338 Alexandria 06:25 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 QTR 8512 Doha 07:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 QTR 8511 Doha 06:25 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 204 Lahore 06:30 KAC 501 Beirut 08:00 JZR 608 Hyderabad 18:25 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:00 JZR 266 Beirut 18:30 KAC 678 Dubai 06:45 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:00 BAW 156 London 08:20 JZR 240 Amman 18:30 WAN 874 Istanbul 19:30 JZR 143 Doha 07:00 KAC 165 Rome 08:25 JZR 538 Cairo 18:35 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:35 KAC 358 Kochi 07:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 WAN 135 Doha 18:40 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:35 KAC 354 Bengaluru 07:45 KAC 791 Madinah 09:00 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 19:20 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 613 Bahrain 09:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:20 JZR 503 Luxor 07:50 RBG 555 Alexandria 19:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:05 WAN 117 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 384 Delhi 08:05 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 117 New York 09:05 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 104 London 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 WAN 352 Luxor 08:30 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:05 WAN 133 Doha 09:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 RJA 641 Amman 20:00 IRC 528 Ahwaz 09:00 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 561 Amman 09:40 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 620 Doha 20:15 KAC 741 Dammam 09:45 RBG 556 Alexandria 20:20 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 KAC 166 Rome 20:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 09:45 KAC 357 Kochi 20:30 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 QTR 1088 Doha 20:40 JZR 535 Cairo 09:45 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 172 Frankfurt 20:45 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 IAW 157 Al Najaf 10:00 JZR 553 Alexandria 20:50 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:55 DLH 624 Dammam 20:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 515 Tehran 10:00 KAC 357 Kochi 21:00 WAN 312 Asyut 10:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 KAC 353 Bengaluru 21:00 JZR 787 Riyadh 10:30 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 676 Dubai 21:35 IRC 529 Ahwaz 10:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 101 London 10:00 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:20 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 KAC 564 Amman 21:50 JZR 124 Bahrain 10:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:35 QTR 1074 Doha 11:00 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 KAC 617 Doha 10:10 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 WAN 114 Bahrain 11:10 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:25 QTR 1089 Doha 21:50 JZR 165 Dubai 11:45 WAN 416 Beirut 22:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 KAC 203 Lahore 22:00 KAC 614 Bahrain 12:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:15 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:05 SAW 701 Damascus 12:30 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 WAN 136 Doha 22:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:25 THY 766 Istanbul 12:45 WAN 118 Bahrain 22:40 IAW 158 Al Najaf 11:00 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:25 WAN 542 KTM 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 22:50 SGL 4101 IQA 11:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 KAC 742 Dammam 12:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 JZR 788 Riyadh 11:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 903 Baku 12:55 THY 764 Istanbul 23:15 WAN 873 Istanbul 11:20 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 125 Bahrain 12:55 MSR 2614 Cairo 23:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:15 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 072 Dubai 23:35 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 JZR 241 Amman 23:40 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 WAN 337 Alexandria 23:40 WAN 134 Doha 13:20 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 JZR 560 Sohag 23:45 28 Established 1961 Lifestyle Music & Movies Sunday, April 29, 2018 French domestic abuse thriller terrifying US audiences

t is an unsatisfactory but all-too-familiar denoue- Stranger danger “Custody” simmers until it boils over into a full-blown, ment of divorce battles involving children: the judge The frightening reality of domestic violence runs stomach-churning thriller, its pared-back screenplay aid- Iwho must allow a violent man back into his family’s counter to an idea perpetuated by Hollywood that the ed by a conspicuous lack of music, a la Claude Chabrol lives because there is no proof of abuse claims. Oscar- threat to women from men comes in the form of lunatic or Alfred Hitchcock. Lea Drucker and Denis Menochet nominated Xavier Legrand’s French-language thriller serial killers lurking in dark alleys. With a few creditable reprise the roles they played in the short, while newcom- “Custody,” an unsparing account of abuse focusing as exceptions-among them “Tyrannosaur” (2011), “Once er Thomas Gioria embodies the conflicting feelings and much on the damage to the children, has earned acclaim Were Warriors” (1995) or “Sleeping with the Enemy” terrors of the couple’s traumatized 12-year-old son. at home and on the festivals circuit ahead its summer US (1991) — spousal abuse Menochet, in particular, has release. hasn’t been as captivating a been singled out by critics for “I would like people to realize that domestic violence subject for filmmakers as the his terrifying but nuanced is a real scourge in our society and that children are also much less common “stranger portrayal of a man humiliated victims who are too often forgotten,” Legrand, 40, said danger.” Domestic by allegations of abuse and during the COLCOA festival of French film in Los “Custody,” which was driven by possessive rage. Angeles, which wraps on Monday. “And especially that written by Legrand, pre- violence is a they understand that these kinds of situations can turn miered at the Venice Film Fragility into horror. These are murders. Under no circumstances Festival last year, where it real scourge Perhaps more impressive are these crimes of passion.” was awarded the Silver Lion still was debut of Gioria, who Actor/director Xavier Legrand speaks onstage during the Over half of the killings of women in the United for best direction and the convinced Legrand as soon Colcoa French Film Festival Day 3 at the Directors Gild of States are related to domestic violence, government fig- Lion of the Future for best as they met that he had the America, West Hollywood, California. — AFP ures show, with victims often dying at the hands of an ex first feature film. Lauded by sensitivity, maturity and who was granted shared custody of the children. Last the Los Angeles Times as a fragility-not to mention The filmmaker met abuse victims, a judge, psycholo- year the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “masterclass in tension modulation and psychological courage-that the role required. “I started at the same gists and police, and attended violent men’s groups to analyzed around 10,000 murders of women in the entrapment,” it is released on July 13 in New York before age as Thomas. So I know that at that age, the mind is prepare for the movie. He always intended “Custody” to decade from 2003, finding that more than half were per- getting a nationwide rollout. Legrand’s debut feature- very clear about reality and fiction,” said Legrand, an play out as a thriller, he says, rather than the type of petrated by a romantic partner or ex. Data from length movie recounts the custody battle of the abused accomplished theater actor who studied at the National social drama mastered by directors like Federico Fellini, Legrand’s native France — 123 women killed by domes- wife and a menacing husband first portrayed in his pow- Academy of Dramatic Arts in Paris. He was clear from the Ken Loach or Mike Leigh. “The that some women tic violence in 2016 — demonstrate that the problem is erful Oscar-nominated 2013 short “Just Before Losing beginning that while the menace is ever-present, he told me were really like thrillers,” he said. “That is the not confined to the US. Everything.” wanted the violence itself to take place off screen, hid- essence of this kind of situation. Fear is at the heart of Starting out as a nerve-jangling social drama, den from view as it is in real life. domestic and family violence.” —AFP 1980s classic ‘Karate Kid’ reborn as Internet sensation ‘yodeling kid’ YouTube joins content wars wins US music contract

or Generation X, “The Karate Kid” is a CHICAGO: In a whirlwind month, 11- The legendary American singer- pop culture touchstone. Now, more than year-old Mason Ramsey has gone songwriter, who was among the first F30 years on, YouTube wants to bring a from singing at a Walmart near his country music superstars, is Ramsey’s new generation into the dojo. Thirteen years rural Midwestern US town, to becom- favorite musician. Ramsey’s sudden after its creation, the wildly popular video- ing an internet sensation, and now, internet fame caused Williams’ 1949 sharing platform is rolling out its first major scoring a major music contract rendition of the song to spike 1,800 original content series, “Cobra Kai”-a revival announced Friday. The American percent on various music services such of the 1980s saga with a twist. With the first country music-loving boy has signed a as Spotify-getting one million streams, 10-episode series going live online on May 2, deal with two record labels-Atlantic according to Billboard magazine. Google-owned YouTube is also hoping to Records and the Nashville-based Big Global searches for the lyrics to the draw new customers to its $10-a-month Loud-and released his first single song also spiked. Like his idol, Ramsey streaming service, YouTube Red, which was Friday, aptly titled “Famous.” has been thrust into the spotlight and launched in 2015. “I’d been to Nashville a few times become the subject of internet memes YouTube Red is now available in five coun- before, but never thought something and video remixes. tries-the US, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico like this would happen,” the young Walmart sponsored a concert star- and South Korea.”-but YouTube says it will singer was quoted as saying, in a joint ring Ramsey at the same store where reach dozens more by year’s end. The portal- statement released by the music labels. he initially performed. He has sung at which now has 1.5 billion users-is hoping its Smartphone video posted in late the prestigious Coachella music festival forays into original content will help change March showed Ramsey singing at a and on country music’s biggest stage, the company’s economic model, which until Actors Ralph Macchio, left, and Billy Zabka participate in a panel discussion during the NYC Tribeca Walmart store near his home in the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. “He is now has been largely based on ads and home- Red Carpet + screening of the YouTube Red series ‘Cobra Kai’ at SVA Theater in New York City. — AFP Harrisburg, Illinois-something he said a down to earth kid who loves country grown viral video stars. To do that, and also he did often. His yodeling performance music,” Big Loud’s Seth England said in counter the rise of Netflix and Amazon, the completely well versed into the narrative of more general look at martial arts training and went viral, garnering 31 million views- a statement. Next, the young singer is company have looked to a known quantity. where they wanted to go, respectful of the teenage relationships-all hallmarks of the and counting. It featured Ramsey working on a new video to accompany “The Karate Kid,” released in 1984, led to nostalgia, the legacy of what the film is,” original films. But the show has an off-kilter singing “Lovesick Blues” by the late his just-released single. —AFP three sequels, and even a reboot in 2010 star- Macchio said at a roundtable organized dur- humor that stems from Heald, Hurwitz and Hank Williams. ring Will Smith’s son Jaden. Overall, the films ing the recent Tribeca Film Festival. “It’s their Schlossberg. With a cast of mainly young have taken in more than $500 million at the ‘Star Wars’,” he added, referring to the series actors, YouTube hopes “Cobra Kai” can earn box office worldwide. The star of the first film, creators’ passion for the source material. a following with a generation whose parents Ralph Macchio, and the creative team behind “They know much more about the movie than remember the first films, but often don’t such unhinged, raunchy comedies as the I do, which is kind of freaky.” understand what makes their own kids tick. “Harold and Kumar” films and “Blockers,” are “There was something especially about on board for “Cobra Kai.” Nostalgia card bullying that looked very 2018 to us,” said “Cobra Kai” subverts the usual hero-villain Heald. “We had to show restraint. We had to The twist? set-up of many martial arts film by exploring pull ourselves back and resist the will to just The series-still set in the Los Angeles sub- the complexity of Johnny, who was somewhat swim in a ‘Karate Kid’ fan bath.” YouTube has urbs-is a comedy, and it’s told not from the misunderstood, and thus demonized. Johnny, already produced some series for YouTube perspective of Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), the now in his 50s, has led a life full of ups and Red, including a fresh take on the popular bullied teen hero who learns karate from a downs-mostly downs. Viewers can imagine “Step Up” street dance films. The first episode martial arts master, but that of his nemesis that Daniel’s triumphant kick in the original of “Step Up: High Water,” put online in late Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). “Cobra film’s ultimate bout was the beginning of his January, has so far been seen 12 million times. Kai” creators Josh Heald, Jonathan Hurwitz woes. Johnny is offered a chance to rebuild But those shows were squarely aimed at the Viral internet sensation Mason Ramsey aka The Walmart Yodeling Boy performs and Hayden Schlossberg helped convince a his life-and upset that of his old rival, now a under-25 crowd. With “Cobra Kai,” YouTube onstage with Florida Georgia Line during 2018 Stagecoach California’s Country hesitant Macchio, now 56, to get on board. successful car dealer. is hoping to also play the nostalgia card, and Music Festival at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California. — AFP “They were so convincing, passionate, Karate still takes center stage, along with a win over a much bigger audience. —AFP

Singer Mapfumo returns Mamma Mia! ABBA make new music after 35 years amma Mia! Here we go again: Sweden’s leg- Bergling. He was found dead a week ago in Oman where endary disco group ABBA announced on he had been on holiday with friends. to post-Mugabe Zimbabwe MFriday that they have reunited to record two new songs, 35 years after their last single, sparking joy Come of age fter 16 years in self-imposed exile, Thomas and surprise among fans. “We all four felt that, after Computerized avatars are to perform “I Still Have Mapfumo, one of Zimbabwe’s most popular and some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and Faith In You” in a TV special produced by NBC and the outspoken musicians, has returned home dis- go into the recording studio. So we did,” the group BBC to be broadcast in December, the group said. “We A said in a statement after repeatedly vowing they would have come of age, but the song is new. And it feels playing the same defiance that forced him to flee. “I was speaking out against the government and what never reunite. good.” Bjorn, 73, was married to Agnetha, 68, and Benny, was happening,” he told AFP as he recalled his vocal The new songs “I Still Have Faith In You” and “Don’t 71, was married to Anni-Frid, 72. The group dominated and much-celebrated opposition to Robert Mugabe, Shut Me Down” were recorded last summer, the band’s the 1970s disco scene with their glitzy costumes, kitsch who was ousted from power in November. manager Gorel Hanser told TT news agency. The quar- dance routines and catchy melodies. —AFP “There was no rule of law. Everything was just out tet split up in 1982 after dominating the disco scene for of order. There was a lot of dictatorship going on. I more than a decade with hits like “Waterloo”, “Dancing don’t tolerate dictatorship.” Mapfumo, 72, has Queen”, “Mamma Mia” and “Super Trouper”. “It was remained a beloved national hero despite moving to like time had stood still and that we only had been away the United States, and he has been mobbed by fans on a short holiday. An extremely joyful experience!” since flying back into Harare to perform at an all-night members Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid concert on Saturday. “We were happy to hear that United States-based Zimbabwean musician Thomas Lyngstad and Benny Andersson added. Mugabe was gone... (but) it seems we are not devel- Mapfumo speaks during an interview in Harare. — AFP The group, which sold more than 400 million albums, oping,” he said. “Most of our people are still living in have not sung together publicly since 1986. “I think it’s squalor. Our health system is going down. Our educa- anthem, spurring many to join the independence war. going to sound pretty much like their last songs from tion system is going down. “The economy is in sham- Mapfumo played at the country’s independence cele- 1982, with quite a mild tempo, not like ‘Voulez-Vous’ or bles. We don’t have our own currency. The poor are brations in 1980, after Bob Marley’s famous set. ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’,” Carl Magnus Palm, who has getting poorer, the rich are getting richer.” But he soon became a critic of Mugabe, who held written several books about the group, said. “Frida’s onto power for 37 years during which music became a and Agnetha’s voices are the same, so it won’t be a huge Popular hero key expression of resistance. In 1989, Mapfumo difference,” he said. Mapfumo’s popularity dates back to before released a protest album titled “Corruption” which was Palm said he was stunned by Friday’s announcement. (L-R) Picture taken in Stockholm shows Benny Andersson, Zimbabwe’s independence when his songs called on banned on state radio and television but was still a “I’m as surprised as everyone else.... They’ve always Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus, youths to take up arms and fight against white-minori- huge underground hit. As Mugabe cracked down on been so adamant that they weren’t going to make new members of the Swedish pop group ‘Abba’ posing after ty rule. One tune-”Mothers send our offspring off to any sign of dissent, opposition gatherings were banned music.” The news came as Sweden mourned the death winning the Swedish branch of the Eurovision Song fight in the war”-became a rallying call and unofficial and security forces brutally targeted any critics. —AFP of another of its music sensations, Avicii, one of the world’s most successful DJs whose real name was Tim Contest with their song ‘Waterloo.’ — AFP Established 1961 29 Lifestyle Art Sunday, April 29, 2018 Picasso painting with 25,000 owners on show in Geneva t won’t hang on the wall in their living rooms, but they own it nonetheless: 25,000 Internet users Ibanded together to buy a Picasso painting, which went on display in Geneva on Friday. Visitors to Swiss bargain site Qoqa usually end up buying a new drill, a set of luggage or a cheap trip to Marrakesh. But last December, the website that was created in 2005 with the motto: “We do anything, but it’s all for you”, proposed a painting by none other than artist superstar Pablo Picasso. The 1968 painting titled “Buste de mousquetaire” (Musketeer Bust) was offered up at the bargain price of two million Swiss francs. Over the course of three days, 25,000 people purchased 40,000 shares, at a price of 50 Swiss francs each, to become the proud owners of the artwork. Qoqa’s main objective with selling a work by arguably the most famous artist of the 20th century was obviously “to go viral” and get people talking about the website, company chief and founder Pascal Meyer said. But standing in the middle of the site’s open workspace, with its young, hip staff bent over laptops, the 37-year- old stressed the move had also been inspired by a A contributor swipes the card associated with her share of the 1968 work by late Spanish artist Pablo Picasso entitled desire to democratize the art world, which he said was ‘Buste de mousquetaire’ at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAMCO) in Geneva. — AFP photos often viewed as “closed and obscure”.

Doubly impossible did not wish to be identified. ble from this group of 25,000 people,” he said, adding “When we launched this idea, people told us to for- In the “musketeer” spirit of the painting, the owners that most of the buyers were from the French-speaking get it, that it was just impossible,” said Meyer, who like have basically made a vow of “all for one, one for all” by part of Switzerland. Each owner has been issued his or the rest of Qoqa’s workforce adheres to a no-tie policy. pool decisions on where it will go on display. Geneva’s her own card, bearing individual numbers and a picture “And then when we started talking about Picasso, peo- modern art museum MAMCO was on Friday the first to of the painting, allowing them to come and admire it at ple said, ‘now that is doubly impossible’. So the chal- receive that honor. Director Lionel Bovier said he had will, for free. Bovier said he had drawn on Qoqa’s tech- lenge was irresistible,” he enthused. “We said: Let’s do been smitten by the project. nological know-how to display the painting in an origi- this thing. Let’s try ... to democratize this area, which nal manner, using among other things a webcam and an seems so inaccessible to regular people.” More sexy, less boring interactive platform, “PiQasso”, which will be available For the reputedly high-brow museum, associating through the Qoqa site. A 3D scan of the piece has also The company gathered a team of specialists to certi- A 1968 work by late Spanish artist Pablo Picasso entitled with the crowd sourcing scheme could serve to help been made, allowing visitors to stroll through it. fy the authenticity of the painting, but also to ensure ‘Buste de mousquetaire’ is displayed. that the price was fair. Meyer refused to divulge how broaden its appeal beyond the elitist crowd it usually “There are lots of little things that will make this a bit much Qoqa paid for the 58 x 28.5-centimetre painting, attracts. “The main interest for us is to foster a broader more sexy and bit less boring,” Meyer said with a laugh. do behind the scenes, Bovier said. The “Buste de mousque- which portrays what looks like a man with a pointy group of visitors..., to reach out and address this group The museum meanwhile will offer a range of meetings, taire” is set to remain in Geneva until October. It will be up beard and moustache, and a lacy collar. He said only of people who have become owners of the painting,” conferences and other activities around the painting, to its owners to determine where it will go next. — AFP that the company bought it from a European seller who Bovier said. “We hope to draw the biggest crowd possi- Picasso and also the conservation work museums usually Landmark Palestinian art museum opens doors in US

People visit the Palestinian Museum on the day of its inauguration in Woodbridge, Connecticut. — AFP photos

bucolic Connecticut town may have outwardly little in common with the Middle East, but it’s Ahome to a new art museum hoping to change Wall Street lawyer US attitudes toward the Palestinians. Tucked away in Woodbridge, an affluent community near Yale University 80 miles north of Manhattan, it is well off builds art career the museum circuit and the bright lights of a big city, at least for now. out of Lego The achievement is that it exists at all, funded on a shoe-string budget of half-a-million dollars, and nine ired of Wall Street, American lawyer Nathan months in the making by its Palestinian-American Sawaya turned to Lego and a second life creat- businessman founder, determined to create the first ing sculptures out of hundreds of thousands of museum dedicated to Palestinian art in the United T tiny bricks. The latest version of his “Art of the Brick” States. Israel’s imminent 70th anniversary, the exhibition opens in Paris’s Parc de la Villette today, next prospective US embassy move to Jerusalem, Palestinian artist Samia Halaby speaks during the Faisal Saleh, founder of Palestinian Museum, speaks stop on a global tour that began in 2007, this time with Washington’s close relationship with the Jewish state, inauguration. during the inauguration. a theme of superheroes from DC Comics, creators of past suicide bombings and headlines about stabbing Batman and Superman. attacks overshadow much of the US discourse about of Israel’s creation in 1948 as the “nakba” or “catastro- “We are hoping that very soon other Palestinian “I have millions of bricks, and I’ll design something the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. phe” that forcibly displaced or sent into exile the first entrepreneurs will join and fund the ultimate objective, by sketching it out, getting that idea, and then brick by “The media and the forces that are not friendly to of successive waves of Palestinian refugees. which is creating a much larger museum in a major brick I put it together,” Sawaya said, beside a suspend- Palestine have painted the Palestinians in a very nega- city, such as in New York or Washington DC,” he said. ed, life-size Superman, his gloved fist thrust out for- tive light and in some ways they were dehumanized,” ‘Creative rather than backward’ This is a tall order, but the Ramallah-born Saleh says ward and cape billowing. Sawaya swapped Manhattan museum founder Faisal Saleh, 66, said. His hope is for “Art always expands your thinking,” says Samia initial reactions have been “phenomenal,” already gen- for a studio in Los Angeles, where he has designed everyday Americans to visit and discover that the Halaby, 81, a prominent Palestinian artist who lives and erating press coverage focused on Palestinian art sculptures of Wonder Woman, Flash, the Joker and oth- Palestinians have a rich artistic heritage. “We have our works in New York. Three of her pictures hang in the rather than conflict. “It’s a very peaceful activity,” he er fictional legends. own artists, just like everyone else has their own artists, gallery space. “I hope they will learn more about our said. “We want to share our art with the people and I His 5.5 meter-long Batmobile, parked inside an intri- and we have a disproportionate number,” he said. “A existence as a people, see us as being creative rather don’t see why anybody would have a problem with it.” cately designed Batcave, was shaped with half a million lot of them are working under very austere conditions.” than backward victims, as the press is prone to pres- Timothy Niedermann, an editor and author of a Lego bricks - the largest sculpture in the show. “I was- Called Palestine Museum US, it will open to the ent us,” she said. “It is something that is accomplished novel about a Palestinian schoolteacher, was one of n’t happy as a lawyer. Creating art made me happy. public this Sunday and for now will open only a great deal by museums all around the world for oth- those who attended an invitation-only opening cere- And using Lego bricks made the art very accessible,” Sundays, free of charge and staffed by volunteers. It er cultures and other ideas.” The airy 4,000 square mony last weekend. “Our negative image is perhaps he said.—Reuters houses more than 70 works of art, 100 photographs, feet of gallery space, with sunlight flooding through more than partially justified in terms of the terrorist collections of embroidery, costumes and several mod- the windows, starts with old photographs of Jerusalem experience but we don’t know anything else. So this is ern installations. While it’s about art, not war, and the under the British Mandate, and leads through to con- going to give us a picture of ‘yes normal people live museum offers little education on the Israeli- temporary and abstract paintings. Featuring the work there’. “And that’s what really needs to be said. Normal Palestinian conflict itself, the longing for land, for of 29 artists, many living in Israel, the West Bank and people with whom one can have a normal conversation peace and for self-determination permeates much of the Gaza Strip, Saleh says it is proof of a concept that and perhaps arrive at normal solutions.” — AFP the work. Palestinians commemorate the anniversary can be transported on a bigger scale.

US artist Nathan Sawaya poses during a photo ses- sion in Paris prior the exhibition ‘The Art of the Brick’ displaying his sculptures of super heroes made with Lego bricks. — AFP 30 Established 1961 Sunday, April 29, 2018 Lifestyle Features

Diners eat at the Nampo Myeonok noodle bar in Seoul. — AFP photos A chef prepares ‘Pyongyang naengmyeon’, a cold noodle dish. Complete de-noodlisation: Kim’s dish sells out in Seoul

t Seoul’s Nampo Myeonok noodle bar, the owner mous-at least on the food. “I came to this restaurant was rushed off her feet, shouting at a long queue especially to eat Pyongyang naengmyeon. This place has Aof hungry punters that she was clean out of been around for a long time and it’s good,” said diner “Pyongyang naengmyeon”. “You’ll have to wait around Especially to eat Park Jae-chun. 40 minutes” for the broth to boil, she told the line snaking Bass guitar player Kim Tae-hun said the dish made out of her door Saturday. Demand for North Korea’s sig- Pyongyang naengmyeon him feel “closer” to those on the other side of the border nature dish peaked all over the South’s capital after it was “because we also eat a lot of it”. But while the leaders featured on the menu at Friday’s historic inter-Korean made several references to unification of the two Koreas summit and became a surprise talking point. indulge. Thousands posted photos of the noodles they to enjoy the Pyongyang naengmyeon that has travelled in their statement Friday, the culinary connections only A cold noodle dish served in a cool mild broth, slurped down for lunch on Instagram with hashtags far”. He laughed before adding: “I shouldn’t say far.” went so far for some. Park said: “Personally I think it’s “Pyongyang naengmyeon” is usually garnished with including #summit and #peacenaengmyeon. The noodles-a special request by Moon-had been okay for both South and North Korea to co-exist rather pieces of meat and vegetables. The long buckwheat noo- North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un provoked laughter crafted by a leading chef from Okryu-gwan, a famed than unify as long as it’s peaceful and we acknowledge dle strands are usually cut with a pair of scissors to sim- at the summit and among South Korean journalists at a restaurant in Pyongyang. According to the North’s state each other.”—AFP plify the eating process. The dish is already popular in press centre when he cracked jokes about the dish, hop- news agency KCNA, the dish “deeply impressed the par- the South but many saw the summit as a good excuse to ing that the South’s President Moon Jae-in “will be able ticipants”. At Nampo Myeonok, the verdict was unani- Symbolism on menu at Korea’s summit dinner

ymbolism will be the main course Kim attended boarding school in the of a banquet at Friday’s inter- European country. Other dishes feature SKorean summit, Seoul revealed seafood, meat and rice from the home Tuesday, with a menu featuring towns of Moon and the Southern presi- Pyongyang’s signature dish and food dents who went to Pyongyang for the from the home towns of the South’s two previous summits, Kim Dae-jung in leaders at previous meetings. No 2000 and Roh Moo-hyun in 2007. Mango mousse cake detailed schedule has been released yet, “We prepared the welcoming din- but the dinner will be held after the ner to honor the people who worked summit in the same Peace House venue so hard for peace and unification of on the southern side of the border our people,” Moon’s office said. Demilitarized Zone. Friday’s summit is a result of a months- Some of the food will come from the long diplomatic campaign orchestrated North. Moon suggested the North’s sig- by Moon, a dovish leader who advo- nature dish of cold noodles and cates dialogue to bring the isolated Pyongyang agreed to send a leading and nuclear-armed North to nuclear chef from Okryu-gwan, a famed restau- negotiations. rant in the capital city, to the venue, his The Blue House has a tendency to office said Tuesday. Cold noodles come make political points with its food served in a cool mild broth and gar- choices. When US President Donald French actor Gerard Depardieu, center, gestures as he takes part in a cooking workshop nished with pieces of meat and vegeta- Trump visited last year, his meal includ- in Auchan supermarket for the promotion of food products that he recommends, in bles. The long buckwheat strands are ed a prawn fished from the waters Moscow. — AFP photos usually cut with a pair of scissors to around Dokdo, disputed islands con- simplify the eating process. trolled by Seoul but claimed by fellow The South has its own varieties but US ally . — AFP even its diners tend to favor the Pyongyang version. Friday’s menu also France’s Depardieu brings includes rosti-a traditional Swiss potato fritter-with a Korean twist to remind Kim of his childhood in Switzerland, it said. French fare to Russia An appetizer made of octopus and other sea food

rench film star Gerard Depardieu’s The line was created by “Gouts de taking of Russian citizenship in 2013 France” (Tastes of France), a Russian com- Fwas not to everyone’s taste in his pany promoting the qualities of French native France-but Friday saw him launch a cuisine using “the best producers of food- line of food products “inspired by French stuffs and beverages in Russia and the traditions” in Moscow. Items including foie countries of the Commonwealth of gras mousse and an assortment of jams Independent States,” comprising former and desserts-as well as vodka, in a nod to Soviet republics minus the Baltic States his dual citizenship-will all come with the and Georgia. Products earning the “as recommended by Gerard Depardieu” Depardieu seal of approval are distin- label, and featured on the shelves of French guished by “a refined taste inspired by supermarket chain Auchan in the Russian French traditions,” according to Gouts de Dumplings made of sea food. — AFP photos Roasted Korean beef A snapper steak and a catfish steak capital and vicinity. France. “Food for the body is just as important as food for the soul. That’s why what we eat is of fundamental importance,” Depardieu had told a Moscow press con- ference Thursday. “My idea was to have the Russian market discover the products of local producers who are as passionate as I am about product quality and their beneficial effects,” added the star of such films as “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Green Card”. Peter’s fish steak He moved to Belgium in 2012 to avoid French taxes before taking a Russian passport, something which earned him a warm hug from President Vladimir Putin. Muscovites will be able to enjoy such The larger than life actor, who also French favorites as fillet of duck and mille- starred in the Asterix & Obelix franchise, feuilles puff pastries. The 69-year-old is registered as a self-employed entrepre- gourmand, who told an Italian newspaper neur in Saransk, a city of around 300,000 two years ago that “France is likely to people some 650 kilometers east of become a Disneyland for foreigners, popu- Moscow.—AFP lated by imbeciles making wine and stinky cheese for tourists,” was on hand alongside a Michelin-starred chef for a tasting and Rosti, a traditional Swiss potato fritter Bibimbap, a traditional dish featuring various vegetables mixed with rice cooking workshop. Established 1961 31 Lifestyle Fashion Sunday, April 29, 2018 Balenciaga, Paris store apologize over incident with Chinese customers

uxury fashion brand Balenciaga and a French jumpers when she was standing in line to enter the say goodbye to the Chinese market.” In its statement late nienced in any way,” it said. department store have apologized after allegations Balenciaga shop in Printemps. One of the jumpers pushed Thursday, Balenciaga said it regretted the incident and Paris is a favorite European destination of Chinese Lthat Chinese customers were mistreated in Paris the woman and threatened to punch her, prompting her noted that security guards had acted immediately to travelers, and they are crucial clients for French luxury sparked an uproar and calls for a boycott on Chinese son to come to her defense, according to the tabloid, restore calm. brands. Long lines of customers from China and other social media. Balenciaga and the Printemps store issued which cited a video that was posted on another Chinese “Balenciaga sincerely apologizes to the customers countries are common at Parisian stores. But big-spend- their apologies in Mandarin on China’s Twitter-like social media platform, WeChat. who were present and reaffirms its strong commitment to ing Chinese tourists have become targets for thieves in Weibo platform, where the incident had become a top Her son was beaten to the ground by group, the daily respect equally all its customers,” it said on Weibo. France, with the embassy issuing a statement last year trending topic. said, adding that a sales clerk then allegedly insulted Printemps wrote that staff would receive additional train- urging them to exercise caution following “several large- The hashtag #BoycottBalenciagaDiscriminates Chinese customers and told them to leave. “Balenciaga ing to ensure they manage such situations in the best scale violent robberies”.—AFP Chinese had been viewed 23 million times on Weibo on shoes are beautiful, but such an episode is an eye-open- possible way. “We would like to extend our sincerest Friday. China’s state-run Global Times, citing a video er. #Boycott Balenciaga, which discriminates against the apologies to the Chinese customers involved in this alter- posted online, said a Chinese customer scolded queue Chinese,” said one Weibo user. Another wrote: “You can cation as well as to all those who were upset or inconve-

Brazilian designer and craftsman Gustavo Silvestre, center, is pictured as he teaches a crochet lesson to inmates, as part of “Ponto Firme” project in the Adriano Marrey maximum security penitentiary in Guarulhos metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Brazilian prisoners get fashionable in couture project

ever mind running away-these Brazilian “For ex-convicts it’s very hard to get opportunities prisoners prefer the fashion runway. The once you get out, so that’s my motivation. I’m going to inmates of the Adriano Marrey penitentiary perfect my technique and when I’m out it will be my new near Sao Paulo are part of a project using profession,” he said, without pausing with the crocheting. couture to help rehabilitate convicts and Bras is a specialist at weaving animals and characters from giveN them a chance to stitch together a new life. “Yarn and cartoons. “We’d like to have classes every single day,” he the crochet hook are my new weapons,” said Honorato said. Bezerra, who has been an inmate for four years. Here it’s not mail sacks that the prisoners sew, but trendy dresses, beachwear, jackets and other apparel that all saw their debut this week on the catwalk at Sao Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW). Their main technique is crocheting, which Bezerra first learned from a cellmate and now perfects in weekly class- es with Brazilian designer Gustavo Silvestre. The work results in more than the daringly revealing dresses or bag- gy pants sent out onto the runway at SPFW. “Crocheting helps us reduce our anxiety and to make time go by,” Bezerra said. About 120 inmates have worked under Silvestre in the Ponto Firme (Strong Stitch) project over the last two and a half years, with 19 contributing to the prisoners’ first SPFW collection, featuring 45 creations. Nearly all of them are convicted of drug trafficking. For all its cool and sexy elements, the collection made sure to remind the crowd where the couturiers came from, alternating the soundtrack with the sounds of slamming cell doors and other sounds that can be heard in prisons.

Inmates wait for Yarn, crochet Gentler side their crochet class. Adriano Marrey is a tough place. Like many Brazilian hook are my prisons it is hugely overcrowded, holding 2,100 prisoners despite having capacity for just 1,200. In most cells designed for six inmates, there are in fact 12. However, the new weapons prison is clean and is proud of its gentler side that includes the fashion project and a visit in 2016 by the Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli. That makes a change from the usual Well-behaved students Brazilian prison news of riots and attempted escapes. Silvestre, a fashion veteran who has been crocheting “We believe that art can change lives,” said security since 2008, comes to the maximum security Adriano and education officer Igor Rocha, who’s been overseeing Marrey prison with magazines and donated couture sup- the facility’s cultural programs since 2010. “Before, I used plies. In the facility’s small cultural center, he sits with his to think that crocheting was something for grandmas. That laptop to give the students a tutorial. They start crocheting was my opinion, but when I became tired of the criminal and clearly they’ve learned their lesson. “No one does life, I joined the church group here and got interested. anything wrong here,” Silvestre said in the well-lit, bright Then I came to this class,” said Bruno Ribeiro, also work- white room. “They make the most of everything.” ing on a carpet. Hooks and hands move quickly as the prisoners dive “I changed my life thanks to this and I’m glad to be part into their tasks, some crocheting, some cutting, others of something that will be followed by the people who working with instructions. Two men, Thiago Araujo and come after us,” he added. For Bezerra, crochet work means Fabiano Bras, sit in a corner at the back working on carpet everything while in prison. “Here I don’t have to think crocheting. They’re the oldest in the class. Araujo is quiet about my freedom. Here I am free.”—AFP and doesn’t smile much. He’s also busy, weaving a hat the previous day, finishing the carpet today and planning a Inmates crochet clothing as part of “Ponto Firme” project. — AFP photos dress for the next day.

LA PAZ: Child and teenage beauty queens are set to become a thing of The legislation, which will only come into force in La Paz, is intend- the past in the Bolivian capital La Paz, where youth beauty pageants ed to prevent children from “being used... as copies of adults” and have been banned over concerns about sexualizing children. forced into activities “that don’t correspond with their age,” Susz Bolivia capital bans Supporters say the law, that also bans advertisements featuring chil- added. Susz suggested penalties for breaching the regulations could dren making sexualized poses or gestures, is intended to tackle vio- include mandatory training workshops on issues surrounding prema- lence against children resulting from hypersexualization. “We don’t ture hypersexualization and violence against women. According to want young girls to continue being sexualized or used as objects to sell official figures, on average of 16 children and teenagers are victims of child beauty pageants certain fashion products,” municipal councilor Pedro Susz said some type of sexual violence every day in Bolivia, while in 2017 there Wednesday. were 87 child killings recorded.—AFP Established 1961 Lifestyle SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2018

Children stand in a field of Tulips in Mainau, southern Germany.—AFP Saudi Princess Noura: Made to measure fashion ambassador

young Saudi Arabian princess inspired “Wearing the abaya or being if you would like Fashion for everyone “Couture is no longer affordable to a lot of by her time living in Tokyo is the new to call it conservative in the way we dress is The princess graduated from Tokyo’s Rikkyo people,” said Princess Noura. “It was something face of fashion in an ultraconservative something that is part of who we are. Its part of University with a Masters degree in International that was part of fashion and still is ... but these kingdom, where dramatic reforms have our culture ... this is how our life is, even while Business with a Japanese Perspective. She cites days people are focusing even more on ready-to- sparked equal parts optimism and travelling,” she said. Saudi Arabia has witnessed her time in Japan as a major influence on her wear which is something that everyone can indulge skepticism.A Princess Noura bint Faisal Al-Saud, the rapid policy change since the June appointment approach to fashion, business and people at home. in, everyone can wear, everyone can be part of.” great-granddaughter of Saudi Arabia’s founder, of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, son of was named honorary president of the Arab Fashion the king and heir to his throne. From this summer, Council in December. The royal, who turns 30 on women will be allowed to drive in the kingdom. Sunday, this month oversaw her country’s first The crown prince has also hinted that the abaya, Arab Fashion Week, headlined by Jean Paul the neck-to-toe robe worn by women, may no Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli. longer be compulsory.

Safe couture The first Saudi Arabian edition of Arab Fashion Week opened on April 11, two weeks behind schedule, under the eye of Princess Noura. Couture is Organized by the Arab Fashion Council, the event drew international attention both as a watershed in no longer Saudi Arabia and for its controversial configura- tion, which saw the shows restricted to women- and banned to cameras. The lineup included Saudi affordable Arabia’s own Arwa Banawi, whose The Suitable Woman range is adored by fashionistas across the region, and Mashael Alrajhi, the eponymous gen- “That’s where the whole love of fashion started,” The princess also has her eye on introducing tex- President of the Arab der-inclusive label of a rarely seen Saudi sheikha. she said. “So I think I bring back a lot of Japan to tile manufacturing to Saudi Arabia, which is seek- Fashion Council in Saudi With a shayla headscarf draped over her hair, Princess Noura said the limited access was Saudi ... The respect of others, the respect of other ing to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil. Arabia Princess Noura bint the princess is warm, welcoming and eloquent, the “part of the restrictions that we have to follow as people’s culture, of other people’s .” “Even if it’s just 10 percent of the production line, Faisal Al-Saud works at her exact image that fans have hailed as the future of part of the culture. It was a women-only event and The cultural influence of Asia is visible in Riyadh, or the manufacturing line, we can have the finish- office in the Saudi capital Saudi Arabia and critics have dismissed as little some women are coming to the event-most of where the crossover between the kimono and abaya ing ... the last stages of assembly in Saudi Arabia,” Riyadh. — AFP photos more than window dressing in one of the most them, I would say-feeling safe. “I’m coming to see is growing in popularity among fashion-loving she said. “I believe that we can do something restrictive countries in the world. “Absolutely I fashion without having to worry about anyone tak- youth. Ready-couture, the halfway point between great.”—AFP understand people’s perspective,” Princess Noura ing my picture. I want to enjoy it.” Pictures of the haute-couture and ready-to-wear, has also sky- said in an interview in Riyadh. “Saudi Arabia has event were taken by the fashion council’s photog- rocketed in the region with the rise of social media strong ties with its culture. As a Saudi woman, I raphers and released after the approval of Saudi and influencers, and Saudi Arabia has an eye on that respect my culture, I respect my religion. Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. market-as a future manufacturing hub.