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www.kuwaittimes.net NO: 15867- Friday, JuLy 12, 2013 Glimpses of Ramadan
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MAKKAH: Worshippers eat during Iftar, or breaking of the fast, at the Grand Mosque in the holy Muslim city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday.—AP Local FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Kuwait’s my business Your new business will help Kuwait create 1.7 million jobs
By John P Hayes
n the news this week we learned from Mohammad Al-Roumi, creation will follow. said Al-Othman, but to date, only about 10 percent of IBK’s loans an undersecretary in the Civil Service Commission, that Since my column appeared last week, numerous Kuwaitis have been awarded to franchise owners. There’s a huge oppor- IKuwait must create 1.7 million jobs to meet the demands of have contacted me to say that getting a government-sponsored tunity waiting to be tapped. citizens who will expect the government to hire them by 2030. loan is too bureaucratic, but I’m not buying that story. According The undersecretary also said that Kuwait’s labor market is out of to Saad Al-Othman, assistant manager of the IBK fund, if a quali- Comfort for lenders balance “when most Kuwaitis opt to work in the public sector fied applicant provides the necessary documentation, a loan can Once you find a franchise to acquire, the franchisor not only and shun away from the private sector.” be approved in about 45 days, an extremely reasonable time- share its operating systems with you, saving you the time and No doubt the government wants to see more citizens moving frame. Granted, not every loan application succeeds, but 593 expense of inventing your own systems, but the franchisor also into the private sector, but for that to occur, the private sector loans have been approved in the last dozen years. Entrepreneurs trains you, and your colleagues, to operate the business. Then, must create more jobs. There is also the problem, as many would be wise to focus on why those loans succeeded and the franchisor provides ongoing support. And all of that adds up Kuwait business owners have explained to me, that the govern- ignore the naysayers. In every society people want to make sure to a feeling of comfort for lenders. They’re afraid of funding an ment makes it more attractive to choose the public sector over the other guy doesn’t get ahead, and they’ll do everything they untested entrepreneur in a new business, but they like the idea the private sector, but that’s a story for another day. The focus can to pull you down to their level! of funding an untested entrepreneur in a franchise. Because in a now should be on creating desirable jobs in the private sector, franchise, as the saying goes, you’re in business for yourself, but and Kuwait surely is doing its part to help that happen. The prob- Secret to getting your loan not by yourself. The franchisor is there to guide you. lem is that not enough entrepreneurs are showing up to do their If you’re cut out to be an entrepreneur, you want to get into Not all franchises are created equal, some are better than oth- part. business for yourself, and you like the idea of helping Kuwait cre- ers, and so you must search for the good opportunities. Not all ate valued jobs in the private sector, but you’re not sure if you franchises will succeed in Kuwait, but success is a matter of doing your homework and verifying the potential marketplace. There KD 2 billion for entrepreneurs have what it takes to start a business from scratch, here’s the are thousands of new franchises to bring into Kuwait and while Last week I told you about the loans that are available secret to moving forward. Find a franchise brand that you’d like they alone will not create 1.7 million jobs, they can create a siz- through the Industrial Bank of Kuwait’s (IBK) Handicraft and to own and operate in Kuwait. As soon as you say “franchise” to able percentage of needed jobs, and create some of the most Small Enterprises Financing Portfolio, which has already provid- IBK, or to any other government-sponsored fund, you’re going to exciting jobs available in the local labor market. Take it from a 30- ed KD 65 million to local entrepreneurs. Now there’s an even big- snag the lender’s attention and enthusiasm. year veteran of franchised businesses - few jobs or careers are ger fund coming online, the new Kuwait Small Business Fund, “We like franchises,” Al-Othman said with excitement, more exciting than what you’ll find with the right franchise. which will provide up to KD 2 billion for the development of “because they come with systems, recipes, marketing plans, and small enterprises. Money is available to help grow existing busi- they know how to succeed.” Lenders are always worried about NOTE: Dr John P Hayes heads the Business Administration depart- nesses as well as to fund startups. If that doesn’t get the entre- the new entrepreneur who has an idea, but no track record in ment at GUST. He has worked with more than 100 franchised brands preneurial glands pumping in Kuwait, then I hope Kuwait will business. Put that same entrepreneur into a proven franchise and written several books about franchising. Contact Dr. Hayes at invite expat entrepreneurs to apply for those loans and the job and the lenders get serious. “We’d like to fund more franchises,” [email protected], or via Twitter @drjohnhayes.
In my view Fair compensation
By Labeed Abdal
court order to compensate an accident victim with a lifetime salary for him and his wife and children was Aone of the most satisfying damages for accidents resulting from reckless driving. Having a monthly salary and a compensation lump sum is just the minimum for an air force captain whose life changed dramatically after the accident. Entering the road from a side exit directly into the middle lane without checking for incoming vehicles caused a collision leading to severe injuries to the victim. Tens of similar cases involve expats who are new in Kuwait and who need help from the authorities, especially to overcome language barriers. There must be English- speaking officers in every police station so that evidence collection does not get negatively affected. Good compen- sations from courts will always need a good structure of medical reports and well conducted investigations. Being in Kuwait City or the far north or south roads of Kuwait should not be a reason for lack of evidence. Nothing can compensate for the loss of a dear friend or family member - we ask for mercy for them - but a good, tangible and fair remedy is the least one can get. KUWAIT: Vendors in the Mubarakiya market are getting ready for the holy month of Ramadan. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Local FRIDAY, JULAY 12, 2013
Local Spotlight Ramadan and fasting workers
amadan Mubarak everyone! Ramadan has just started in the middle of summer, and for those who fast, the day is By Muna Al-Fuzai Rlong and they will surely feel thirsty. But this article is not about those who fast while sitting in their offices with 24-hour air-conditioning. I’m more concerned about workers who work under the sun. They are the ones who suffer the most. I wanted [email protected] to write something today informing them on a few Ramadan legal issues. As you all know, summer is here are relentlessly long, with dust storms in June and July and humidity in August with tem- peratures not less than 50 C. The heat is searing and exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunstroke and sunburn. Without enough liquids to hydrate the body, it can be damaging. I am sure you have all noticed that working hours decrease in Ramadan. This was not a decision by the bosses who sit in their cold offices from their good hearts. The working hours have to decrease during Ramadan accord- ing to Kuwait’s labor law (for the private sector). “Working hours during the month of Ramadan shall be equal to 36 hours per week,” it says. The law also stresses that it is forbidden to make workers work more than 48 hours per week or 8 hours a day, except in jobs that are specified in this law including emergency services. This means workers get a discount of two hours. I personally think that no worker should be forced to work under the sun and in this heat during the whole month of Ramadan and should be given the option to work after iftar. He can work 6 hours from say 9 pm to 2 am when the heat is less and he doesn’t have to suffer from the sun or thirst. We need to focus on the fact that the law is rigid and not easy when it comes to the duty of the workers, but there has to be some supervision over companies who disregard regulations and laws. It is about the safety and life of poor workers who barely make their living here and is not about power. Those bosses who run the show need higher powers to make them understand that the decrees of working hours and working at night is not their choice but a law made to control the misuse of power against workers. I wish everyone happy Ramadan with an advice for fasting workers - try to avoid exposure to the sun.
3) Which Surah begins with “Say O disbelievers?”
A) Al-Nasr
B) Al-Asr C) Al-Kafirun
KUWAIT: Worshippers in Kuwait are praying during the holy month of Ramadan. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Local FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
@mathewios007 @sharaislam
@mathewios007
@mathewios007 @mathewios007
@mathewios007 @mathewios007 @mathewios007 Local FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Ramadan Kareem Why do Muslims fast?
By Tony Braun
any Westerners who are not familiar with Islam question why Muslims fast during Ramadan. MSome Westerners even question whether or not it is possible to fast for an entire month. Keep in mind that Muslims do eat and drink between sunset and dawn. It isn’t as difficult as it first seems. It is not impossible to fast for an entire month. If you don’t believe me then just ask the 2 billion people on earth who do it every year. Also, keep in mind that those with medical issues don’t have to fast. So why do Muslims fast? Allah says in chapter 2 verse183 “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.” In other words, it is to develop disci- pline. It is very important in the Islamic faith that a person is able to control their desires, rather than having the desires control the person. Unfortunately, there are many people who chase after their desires instead of using rea- son and logic to guide their life. Allah says in chapter 25 verse 43 “Have you ever seen the one who makes his own desires into his god?...” In short, Muslims are supposed to be in control of themselves and fasting helps us to attain this goal. Allah has given Muslims a higher calling than to simple live after our own desires. Ramadan is also a time when Muslims focus more on their faith. It is a chance to reflect and meditate on our reli- gious path without the distraction of food and drink. Hopefully this inward focus will help us to become better people and remind us about the importance of our reli- gion. Muslims are especially motivated and inspired to fast during Ramadan because it gives us the opportunity to identify with the suffering of the poor. Many people around the world have great difficulties providing for their basic needs. Many people go to bed hungry and don’t know where their next meal will come from. As Muslims, we should always be grateful for the life that we have been given. Ramadan allows us to understand, to a small extend, the pain and discomfort of those who are living in poverty. This understanding, which we develop in Ramadan, teaches us gratefulness. Allah says in chapter 2 verse 185 that fasting is also per- formed to develop a sense of gratefulness. There is no bet- ter way to be grateful than to fast. Every day at sunset, when Muslims break their fast, there is a small feast to thank Allah for all the food that we have been blessed with. This Ramadan don’t take food and drink for granted.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? A) Muslims want to lose weight B) Muslims should develop discipline, and gratefulness C) Muslims are trying to save money D) Muslims have developed this tradition as a way to help them survive a desert life
Courtesy TIES Center, a leading non-political NGO pro- moting relations between Westerners and Muslims through dialogue, friendship and cultural exchange. For more information. www.tiescenter.net Please fill in the answers of today’s question and that of the previous two days on the three coupons printed below.
JULY 10, 2013 JULY 11, 2013 JULY 12, 2013
Local FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 Bringing the gym home By Nawara Fattahova
any women are very busy with kids Mand work so they don’t find time to join a gym and exercise. For them there’s a service now that provides a personal trainer at home. “Women don’t have to go out in the heat and traffic to reach the gym - they can now exercise at home with a personal professional trainer. Moms especially have responsibilities and jobs, so we bring the gym to their house with qualified and internation- ally certified trainers. The trainer will design a special training program according to the client’s needs,” Huda Al-Shatti, CEO of HomeFit, told Kuwait Times. This service became available since June 16 and is currently fully booked till the end of the holy month of Ramadan. “We haven’t faced any problems with our clients till now. I have received positive feedback from my cus- tomers and was happy to know that their health condition and lifestyle has improved. For instance one of my clients is a grandmoth- er who booked this service along with her grandchildren. I was pleased to hear that she is now able to climb stairs and feels much bet- ter after the exercises,” beamed Shatti. “The main idea of this service is to deliver qualified and certified trainers to the client’s house to give her training as if she goes to the gym. The trainers use light equipments such HomeFit founder Huda Al-Shatti is seen with her trainers. as kettlebells, skipping ropes, stretching ropes, boxing pads and others. Every trainer is certified from British company Creating measurements and arrange the settings. Then Chaos, which is an international training com- starts the full one hour training, as each ses- pany,” she added. “The CEO of Creating Chaos sion is an hour long,” she pointed out. himself came to Kuwait and gave a full inten- Huda faced problems from the ministry sive training program to my trainers, so every when applying for a license for her business. trainer has certificate a from Creating Chaos. “It was hard to get IDs for my trainers, which The trainers receive training in kettlebells, was a major problem. Also getting the right boxing pads and in personal training. The stuff was not easy. I couldn’t get qualified trainers can now set an exercise map for the trainers who had to be willing and committed client that suits her and can also add the people. Currently my trainers are Filipinas and client’s favorite sport to the training mix,” maybe in the future we can go for other Shatti explained. nationalities. They speak English and some This service is currently available for Arabic,” she noted. women only and boys under the age of 12. HomeFit provides three programs: Weight “We have about 27 clients- some have com- loss; fitness, for those who need to be fit or pleted their courses already while others are build muscles; and the third program is for still training. The majority of our clients are women after delivery to give them a proper Kuwaitis and we cover about 80 percent of regimen to lose weight and get in shape. areas. There are some faraway areas that are “Each program is divided into two programs: hard for us to reach, but we are working on for the upper part of the body and the lower this,” she stressed. part. So basically we have six programs. The The courses are based on membership, trainer takes the measurements and asks all which can be weekly, monthly, or yearly. “The questions so she will be able to prepare the client first arranges an appointment and the program for the trainee. The client can also going to the gym with other people and they said. “HomeFit was an idea I worked hard to trainer goes to the residence of the client. By practice after surgery or injury, and definitely usually don’t get the right training. I’m glad to bring to reality. I got great help from my fami- telephone we register the address, telephone she should not hide any health condition,” hear that some of the trainees are now going ly, especially my husband and parents as well number, time and date, and the client said Shatti. to parties and dance or practice other sports friends and Kuwaiti bloggers. A great part of receives a confirmation message. The first vis- “I think for older clients, it’s better to reach after taking the course. We try to give the best my success is because of their good help,” it includes an additional 15 minutes to take them at home, as most of them are shy of fitness service to everyone who needs it,” she Shatti concluded. Local FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 A world of Becarre: Kuwaiti splendor
By Hussain Al-Qatari techniques to make pieces functional, but I preserve the cute pieces of furniture and accessories, he also has a beauty of our culture by adding elements of it to every reputation among Kuwait’s chic and posh as an event uwaiti artist Hussam Al-Reshaid has an eye for piece,” he said. styling specialist. From big lavish weddings to small Kbeauty, and he sees beauty in everything. From His latest collection, called Bint Al-Nokhetha (the cozy receptions and dinners, with his team at Becarre everyday encounters with traditional pots and daughter of the sea ship captain) is a re-interpretation he takes care of the A-to-Z of these events. “I try to pans in Kuwaiti kitchens to the intricate details of how of Kuwait’s oldest traditions: pearl diving and fishing. focus more on how to make the event as much as possi- the fins of a faskar fish (a variation of the sea bream) are Elements of beautiful sea creatures are present in all ble their own; I try to execute the vision that they have, angled at a certain way and are a certain degree of sun- designs - from cake stands decorated with silvered fish- and if I can make it better, I don’t hesitate to do so,” he set yellow, Reshaid manages to magnify the beauty he ing nets on their glass covers to candles gracefully orna- said. finds into beautiful accessories and furniture, adding a mented with prints of fish. The collection adds a flair of Throughout his journey in this field, he managed to gleam of beauty to any domain they occupy. chic to the old tradition of Kuwaiti people’s connection meet a large number of art enthusiasts, from collectors He shares the story of his business Becarre, an estab- with the sea. One impressive work of art is a wall with to collaborators. At Becarre, a regular event takes place lishment he co-founded with his partner Jaber Al-Sabah silvered fixtures of fish swimming in a blue ocean. called Tawsheeha. An Arabic word that means a song of in 1996. Its main aim, he says, is to make beauty an Vibrant colors and luxurious materials are used to paint praise, Tawsheeha is a gathering at the private rooftop everyday event. Too ambitious and general as that may the wall to bring it to life, with hidden light fixtures to garden of Becarre, where Kuwaiti artists, lyricists, collec- sound, he believes in creating beautiful objects for add an element of awe. tors and writers meet in an intimate setting to discuss everyday use. “I always aspire to use elements from our Reshaid’s journey with the world of furniture and their passions and aspirations. The rooftop garden can own culture and tradition. In my designs I use modern design is expansive - not only does he design and exe- also be used by people for private events when the weather permits. “I try to contribute to the art commu- nity in Kuwait, so whenever possible, I invite artists to Reshaid’s journey with the world of furniture and design is meet with us and with whomever likes to join. It’s a public event, but is usually only attended by people expansive - not only does he design and execute pieces of who appreciate art with a passion.” The network of guests includes artists from the region, some of whom regularly display their work at furniture and accessories, he also has a reputation among Becarre for sale. “What I look for when I display these artists’ works is creativity and originality. I’m always Kuwait’s chic and posh as an event styling specialist. scouting for beautiful works to be displayed in Becarre. Whenever possible, I don’t hesitate to invite people here,” he said. Local FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 Amir receives Ramadan well-wishers
KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Al-Sabah family receive well-wishers on the holy month of Ramadan at the Al-Sabah Diwan at Bayan Palace on Wednesday. — KUNA Candidates face adverse conditions Heat and stress add to polling pressures KUWAIT: The upcoming parliamen- as local and regional issues and ning the elections, likening the can- she must refrain from eating food drinking of tea or coffee due to their tary elections in Kuwait will be held developments. Candidates who are didate’s psyche to that of a student that include white flour and sweets effects on memory, and encour- amid extraordinary conditions and serious and eager to win seats and taking exams. because they cause lethargy. She aged those active in the polling to circumstances and in the peak of honor promises are likely to suffer The forthcoming elections will also advised against excessive eat fruits and raw nuts. — KUNA scorching summer temperatures from high jitters, Mousawi said, also coincide with the climax of the which will aggravate the heated noting that candidates nowadays summer heat and Ramadan fasting, atmosphere of the polling and put are compelled to exert enormous so some candidates may have to the candidates in particular under efforts to win the hearts and minds struggle to cope with the extraordi- tremendous pressure and stress. of voters, and that deepens their nary stress and meet requirements Many candidates, especially those psychological trauma and hard- of campaigning that warrant who are contesting for a seat in the ships. extreme focus and rational sharp- National Assembly for the first time, Consultant neurosurgeon Dr ness. Citing some of the other diffi- are suffering from a deep sense of Yousef Al-Awadhi, analyzing candi- culties, Awadhi said the nominees frustration, particularly when they dates’ jitters, said human beings may not have sufficient time to visit feel circumstances are not in their tend to interact with events and the all diwaniyas, and that many voters favor. This is seen among little- human body, namely the brain, are expected to be preoccupied known nominees as well. secretes certain hormones and with performing religious rituals of Psychologist Dr Hassan Al- enzymes that affect the physical the month of fasting. Mousawi told KUNA most candi- status of the person exposed to Nutritionist Bahja Abdul- dates suffer from migraine, insom- stress. A person under stress experi- Hameed Al-Awadhi recommended nia and disorientation throughout ences vein contractions, high blood eating food that nourishes the brain the polling process until the decla- pressure and rapid heartbeats in and protein-rich ingredients, such ration of the results. Anxiety grows reaction to occurrences. In such as the popular Kuwaiti meals jireesh as the balloting day approaches, he case, he or she undergoes chemical and tashreeb with meat, fish or said. In addition to the high sum- reactions and loses control on chicken. Other foods are also neces- mer temperature and heated movements. These worries, Awadhi sary for physical and mental well- KUWAIT: Fire broke out at dawn yesterday in two cars in Hawally. preparations for the polls, nomi- said, result in losing focus and frus- being, such as dates and milk. A Firemen rushed to the scene and put out the fire before it spread nees are compelled to cope with tration, even in cases where the nominee is in need to move a lot to other cars. Investigations are on to find the reason behind the other factors that cause stress, such nominee has high chances of win- and visit potential voters, so he or fire. — By Hanan Al Saadoun FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 Saudi princess The CIA and a Dead Russian charged with secret vacuum lawyer Magnitsky human11 trafficking cleaner16 convicted17
INDORE: Indian heart patient Niranjan Lal Pathak (right) poses with his wife Bhankali Pathak at his residence in Indore. — AFP India’s poor ‘duped’ into drug trials Side-effects of drug trials take toll on victims
NEW DELHI: Niranjan Lal Pathak couldn’t believe the drug left Pathak suffering from dementia. “He 12.1 percent in 2010-11 with revenues of $485 mil- ceutical companies to look to India and other his luck initially. When a doctor at a hospital in cen- barely recognizes us. His life is finished and so are lion, according to report by Frost and Sullivan, a developing countries for the tests. “In Europe and tral India offered the factory watchman free treat- our hopes to see him healthy and happy again,” global business research and consulting firm. The the United States the laws are pretty strict. India, on ment for a heart complaint, he jumped at the Alok said his voice choked with emotion. Many study, released in July last year, projected the the other hand, makes for a less restrictive destina- chance. It was five years ago and the family of the desperate and poor people in India are unwittingly industry to reach the one-billion dollar mark by the tion for drug trials because the regulator lacks 72-year-old says he didn’t realize that the Maharaja taking part in clinical trials for drugs by Indian and end of 2016. But the legal case in the Supreme teeth,” said Nidhi, who works for the Swasthya Yashwantrao Hospital in the city of Indore was multinational pharmaceutical companies that out- Court, which began in February last year, has Adhikaar Manch group. Swasthya Adhikaar Manch, about to enroll him in a trial of an untested drug. source the work to unregulated research organiza- helped to bring to light many of the alleged mis- which is fighting on behalf of some of the trial vic- “We were told that our uncle will be treated tions. The record of Pathak’s treatment was main- deeds by doctors in connivance with pharmaceuti- tims, says most of them visited hospitals for routine under a special project,” his nephew Alok Pathak tained on a medical card and his family is now cal companies. treatment but were subjected to trials without said over the phone from Indore, the largest city of fighting a legal battle, one of scores of cases “There has to be some sense of responsibility. their “informed consent”. “In almost all the cases Madhya Pradesh state. “The doctor said we would- brought by people who say they are victims of ille- Human beings are treated like guinea pigs,” there is no genuine informed consent,” said cam- n’t have to spend a penny. There was only one con- gal trials. Supreme Court judges RM Lodha and AS Dave said paigner Nidhi. “The label on the medicines often dition placed before us-that we should not last year in a written statement. In Pathak’s case, does not specify that it is meant for trial, and vul- approach local chemists if we ever ran out of his A BOOMING BUSINESS the hospital says the doctor who treated him nerable people end up being used as lab rats,” he medicines but go straight to the doctor,” he said. A Testing pharmaceuticals on humans is a administered the drug without authorization and said, showing one such drug sample to AFP in New petition filed by the family in India’s Supreme Court mandatory and expensive step for drug companies had since left the institution, while Eisai declined to Delhi. Faced with widespread criticism, the govern- alleges that the drug tested on him was Atopaxar, who must prove to regulatory authorities that comment, saying it was unable to respond to ment is amending the old Drugs and Cosmetics Act developed by Japan-based pharmaceutical compa- treatments have no dangerous side-effects in order enquiries on individuals. “Eisai is committed to in order to fix greater responsibility on companies ny Eisai and supposed to treat anxiety disorders. to bring them to market. The Confederation of making a meaningful contribution under any and ethics committees which are supposed to His family and health rights group Swasthya Indian Industry estimates that companies save up healthcare system and undertaking all of its activi- oversee the trials, although no timeframe for com- Adhikaar Manch (Health Rights Platform) say that to 60 percent by undertaking the different phases ties adhering to the highest legal and ethical stan- pletion has been given. As per the law, the subject he would never have enrolled for the trial had he of testing a new drug in India as compared to dards,” it said in an email to AFP. of a trial or his family must be given copies of the known that an untested drug would be adminis- developed countries. Health campaigner Amulya Nidhi says the lack patient information sheet, consent form and a clini- tered. The family also claims that the side-effects of The clinical research market in India grew by of strict regulations has prompted many pharma- cal trial liability insurance policy. —AFP International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
First New Delhi gang-rape verdict deferred to July 25
NEW DELHI: A New Delhi court trying a teenager over a separate court but is expected to wrap up in the next few changes to sex crime laws rejected calls to lower the age fatal gang-rape last December that shocked India deferred months. The parents of the victim, whom AFP is also not at which people can be tried as adults from 18 to 16. yesterday announcing the first verdict in the case, lawyers naming in accordance with Indian law, were present The panel’s report in January said India’s justice system said. A juveniles’ court has finished hearing the case of the inside the small juveniles’ court yesterday. “We hope we continued to “breed more criminals including juveniles in youngest suspect, aged 17 at the time of the assault on a get justice on July 25th,” said the mother, who has previ- our prison and reformatory system by ghettoing them in moving bus, and had been widely expected to announce ously called for all suspects to be hanged, before entering juvenile homes”. The report, overseen by a retired a verdict. “The court has completed the hearing. The order the court. Reporters were not allowed inside the court- Supreme Court judge, added that it was “completely dis- has been deferred to 25th of July,” public prosecutor room. The juvenile suspect, a runaway who reportedly left satisfied with the operation of children’s institutions.” Madhav Khurana told reporters who had massed outside home aged 11, can be sent to a correctional facility for a Shahbaz Khan, from the “Haq: Centre for Child Rights”, the court. maximum three-year term, which will take into account told AFP that there were “no proper care plans” for institu- The crime, which saw the 23-year-old student victim the time he has already spent in custody. The teenager, tionalized children which undermined the intention of die of internal injuries inflicted during the attack, generat- the youngest of six children according to his mother, was rehabilitating wrong-doers. ed widespread anger about endemic sex crime in India to employed to clean the bus allegedly used for the attack Ranjana Kumari, a women’s rights activist from the the boil. Several weeks of sometimes violent protests and often slept rough or inside the vehicle, reports say. He Centre for Social Research, said police and the courts were pushed parliament to pass a new law toughening sen- has denied any involvement in the crime. still too slow to respond to the victims of sex crime. “What tences for rapists, while a round of public soul-searching The maximum sentence of three years’ detention is we got was a good piece of legislation and an increase in sought answers to the rising tide of violence against likely to cause further anger in India where the suspects, the number of women with the confidence to report women. The victim’s family had called for him to be tried some of whom have been beaten up in jail, are public hate crimes against them. But so what? That’s not good as an adult, alongside five men initially arrested over the figures. Amid pressure to put the juvenile on trial in an enough,” she said. Kumari said the teenager’s likely pun- assault on December 16 who face the death penalty. adult court, officials conducted an investigation to deter- ishment was too lenient, and he should have been tried as The trial of the adult suspects-one of whom died while mine his age and concluded he was 17. A government an adult. “This is a very gruesome crime and he was almost in jail from a suspected suicide in March-continues in a panel set up after the Delhi gang-rape to recommend an adult at the time it was committed,” she said. — AFP
Saudi princess charged Australia at crossroads with human trafficking as China boom ends SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd yester- day said the China resources boom was over, leaving Princess accused of holding Kenyan captive in US the economy at a crossroads, as he called for a new productivity pact to boost competitiveness. In his first major policy speech since ousting Julia Gillard as SANTA ANA: Suitcase in hand, the 30-year-old domestic worker from leader, Rudd also urged a sharper engagement with Kenya managed to flag down a Southern California bus and tell a pas- Asia, particularly Indonesia, to help smooth the nation’s senger she had been held against her will and believed she was a vic- tim of human trafficking. It wasn’t long before a Saudi princess was economic transition from its reliance on commodities. under arrest. Meshael Alayban, who prosecutors said is one of the “If we make the wrong decisions now, we will be living wives of Saudi Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz al Saud, with those decisions for the decade ahead,” he said. was expected to appear in an Orange County court for arraignment “The truth is in 2013, the China resources boom is yesterday. Alayban, 42, was charged Wednesday with human traffick- over. While the export of resource and commodity vol- ing. She was arrested at an Irvine condominium that policed searched umes are up, the prices we receive for them have now after talking to the Kenyan woman. fallen almost 25 percent since their peak and may well The woman told authorities she had been hired in Kenya in 2012 fall further. “Right now, we find ourselves at a crossover and taken to Saudi Arabia, where her passport was immediately tak- point for our national economy.” Rudd’s comments en. She said she was forced to work excessive hours, was paid less came as Australia’s jobless rate jumped to 5.7 percent than promised and was not allowed to leave. “This is not a contract dispute,” District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in court during a bail in June, its highest level in almost four years, as the hearing Wednesday. “This is holding someone captive against their mining-driven economy begins a tough diversification will.” A judge set Alayban’s bail at $5 million, ordered GPS monitoring drive to other sources of growth. and banned her from leaving the county without authorization. The economy grow at a slower-than-expected rate Alayban did not appear in court Wednesday. Her attorney, Paul in the first three months of the year, expanding 0.6 per- Meyer, said the case was a contractual dispute and argued his client cent on quarter and 2.5 percent on year suggesting the shouldn’t be assigned a ransom-like bail solely because she was rich. decade-long mining investment boom was unwinding He said she had been traveling to the US since she was a child, owned CALIFORNIA: This file photo shows Meshael Alayban, who was arrested in Irvine, Calif, for allegedly holding a “Managing this economic transition is now a core task properties here and had given her word she would address the alle- of Australian economic policy,” said Rudd. “Critical for gations. “This is a domestic work hours dispute,” he said. Rackauckas domestic servant against her will. — AP had asked the judge to deny bail for Alayban or set it at $20 million, jobs. Critical for infrastructure.” He said lifting national and was paid only $220, prosecutors said. productivity was a key priority, calling for better coop- saying it was unlikely any amount would guarantee a Saudi princess She was allowed to have a passport only long enough to enter the would show up in court. He said the Saudi consulate had already US, prosecutors said. Once here, she was forced to tend to at least eration between business, unions and government so offered to cover $1 million in bail initially set after her arrest. eight people in four apartments in the same Irvine complex, washing everyone was “pushing in the same strategic policy Police said Alayban’s family traveled to the US in May with the vic- dishes, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and ironing, the office said. direction”. tim and four other women from the Philippines. The victim had The other four women left the condominium voluntarily with police “The core of this new national competitiveness signed a two-year contract with an employment agency guarantee- once authorities arrived. They told police they were interested in agenda must be a common agreement to lift the rate ing she would be paid $1,600 a month to work eight hours a day, five being free, said Irvine police chief David Maggard Jr. No charges have of annual productivity growth from its existing level of days a week. But starting in March 2012, she was forced to cook, clean been filed related to those women, and police said there were no 1.6 percent to two percent or better,” he said. Since and do other household chores for 16 hours a day, seven days a week, signs any of the workers had been physically abused. — AP becoming prime minister a fortnight ago, Rudd has met four times with the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Business Council of Australia to enlist Troubled Lahore begins their support for closer cooperation. Agenda items included rising energy prices, rigidities in the labor Ramadan; Police on alert market, business productivity, red tape, education, skills and training, infrastructure and small business. LAHORE: Pakistanis began celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, when families shop for special food and dine out in the Rudd said greater business engagement with Asia Ramadan yesterday with police on alert in Lahore and shopkeep- evenings. Instead people are scared. “We’re definitely afraid. outside of the resources and energy sector was also ers braced for a slump in trade after the worst bombing in the city These blasts are intended to disrupt the peace of the city,” said necessary to help the economy cope. “The truth is for two years. Five people were killed and nearly 50 wounded on Wajid Hussain, who is around 50 and runs a hotel and restaurant Australia is much under-done in Asia beyond the Saturday in the Anarkali market in Pakistan’s second largest city, in the same street where the bomb went off. Traders in Anarkali resource and energy sector,” he said. “Indonesia is a which prides itself on its fine cuisine, much loved during say business has fallen nearly 50 percent since the bombing in classic example - an economy which by 2050 is on track Ramadan meals at sundown. Lahore, the home city of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who took to become the fourth largest economy in the world It was the worst bombing in Lahore since a teenage suicide office last month. after China, India and the United States. But at present, attacker targeted a Shiite Muslim religious procession on January “Many people died, dozens injured, they lost their eyes, their Indonesia does not fall within our top 10 trading part- 25, 2011, killing at least nine people. The market is back at work, limbs, this is the biggest act of cruelty in my mind,” said Abdul ners or our top 20 investment destinations.” — AFP but has little of the normal hustle and bustle associated with Ghafoor, 50, who sells clothes in the area. —AFP INTERNATIONAL FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Skepticism over corrupt China minister’s punishment
BEIJING: China’s Communist authori- medical parole. Seriously tackling cor- with Xi warning it could “destroy the sands of people a year-the exact num- ties are touting a suspended death sen- ruption would require fundamental party” and threatening “no leniency” ber is a state secret-many ordinary tence for an ex-minister as proof new reform, say analysts-a daunting task for those mired in graft. Chinese saw the opposite: different leaders are serious about their avowed given the powerful vested interests Several other senior figures have standards for the powerful. “For offi- corruption crackdown, but analysts that would be disturbed, and leaders’ come under investigation, including cials as high-ranking as Liu Zhijun, remain skeptical in the absence of sys- overriding fear that destabilizing the major economic policy maker Liu everybody knows how luxurious their tematic reforms. Former rail minister party could weaken its grip on power. Tienan, former deputy director of the prisons are... and these kinds of special Liu Zhijun on Monday became the “People are looking for genuine sys- National Development and Reform privileges show once again how unfair highest-ranking official punished for temic changes, genuine checks and Commission, and top provincial offi- the system is,” wrote one user of the corruption since the new leadership balances, mechanisms being built, cials. Numerous low-level cadres have Twitter-like microblog Sina Weibo, under President Xi Jinping vowed to instead of just another campaign been sacked after Internet users under the handle Shiyang Pinglun. clean up the ruling party. He was con- (where) everybody will lie low for a exposed alleged-sometimes salacious- Reports have described a prison victed of bribery involving at least 64.6 while,” said Joseph Cheng, a Chinese scandals, some involving luxury watch- outside Beijing, Qincheng, as reserved million yuan ($10.5 million) - but the politics expert at City University of es or multiple mistresses. Liu’s sen- for elite inmates, offering more com- scandal reportedly involved more than Hong Kong. Official corruption is often tence on Monday was trumpeted as fortable cells and relaxed treatment. 10 times that amount. a factor behind the disputes that trig- further proof of intent, with the Xinhua Another Weibo user, Laolao V, said: In China suspended death sen- ger public protests in China, where the state news agency saying it under- “This is like striking a tiger with a fly tences are routinely commuted to life leadership prioritizes social stability scored “top leaders’ resolve to target swatter.” Under Chinese law, capital in prison. Senior figures like Liu-once and has sought to portray itself as com- both high-ranking ‘tigers’ and low- punishment can be imposed for taking hailed as the “father” of the country’s mitted to fighting graft. The anti-cor- ranking ‘flies’ in its anticorruption bribes exceeding 100,000 yuan, and high-speed rail network-are often said ruption rhetoric of recent months has efforts”. the Beijing court found that Liu’s to enjoy cushy prison conditions or been unrelenting and full-throated, But in a country that executes thou- offences deserved execution. —AFP Iran building new nuke site: Exiled dissidents Exile group claims evidence of hidden site
PARIS: An exiled opposition group said agency, have drawn tough Western were in charge of the project. yesterday it had obtained information sanctions and a threat of pre-emptive “The site consists of four tunnels and about a secret underground nuclear site military strikes by Israel. The NCRI said has been constructed by a group of under construction in Iran, without members of its affiliated People’s engineering and construction compa- specifying what kind of atomic activity it Mujahideen Organization of Iran (PMOI) nies associated with the engineering believed would be carried out there. The inside the country had “obtained reli- arms of the Ministry of Defense and the dissident National Council of Resistance able information on a new and com- IRGC (Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE: This aerial photo shows reactor of Iran (NCRI) exposed Iran’s uranium pletely secret site designated for (Iran’s) force),” the NCRI said. “Two of the tun- buildings Unit 2 (left) and Unit 1 at Fukushima Dai-ichi enrichment facility at Natanz and a nuclear project”. The NCRI, which seeks nels are about 550 meters in length, and nuclear power plant in Okuama, Fukushima Prefecture, heavy water facility at Arak in 2002. an end to Islamist theocratic rule in Iran, they have a total of six giant halls.” northern Japan. Japan’s nuclear regulator says radioactive But analysts say it has a mixed track is the political wing of the PMOI, which Asked about the report, International water from the crippled Fukushima power plant is proba- record and a clear political agenda. In fought alongside Saddam Hussein’s Atomic Energy Agency spokeswoman bly leaking into the Pacific Ocean, a problem long suspect- 2010, when the group said it had evi- forces in the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Gill Tudor said in Vienna: “The agency ed by experts but denied by the plantís operator. — AP dence of another new nuclear facility, will assess the information that has been west of the capital Tehran, US officials TUNNEL NETWORK provided, as we do with any new infor- Radioactive water said they had known about the site for The NCRI said the site was inside a mation we receive.” years and had no reason to believe it complex of tunnels beneath mountains A Western diplomat accredited to the ‘leaking’ to Pacific was nuclear. The latest allegation comes 10 km (6 miles) east of the town of IAEA told Reuters: “I have heard nothing. less than a month after the election of a Damavand, itself about 50 km northeast My first suspicion is that it is like the TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear regulator says radioactive water from the relative moderate, Hassan Rouhani, as of Tehran. Construction of the first 2010 revelation - a tunnel facility the crippled Fukushima power plant is probably leaking into the Iran’s new president raised hopes for a phase began in 2006 and was recently Iranians are keeping quiet, but no Pacific Ocean, a problem long suspected by experts but denied resolution of the nuclear dispute with completed, it said. The group released known link to the nuclear program.” Iran by the plant’s operator. Officials from the Nuclear Regulation the West, and might be timed to dis- satellite photographs of what it said was said in late 2009 that it planned to build Authority said a leak is “strongly suspected” and urged plant credit such optimism. The Islamic the site. But the images did not appear 10 more uranium enrichment sites on operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. to determine where the water Republic says its nuclear energy pro- to constitute hard evidence to support top of its underground Natanz and may be leaking from and assess the environmental and other gram is entirely peaceful and rejects US the assertion that it was a planned Fordow plants, but has provided little risks, including the impact on the food chain. and Israeli accusations that it is really nuclear facility. A spokesman for the dis- additional information. Refined uranium The watchdog said Wednesday it would form a panel of seeking the capability to make nuclear sidents said he could not say what sort can provide fuel for nuclear power experts to look into ways to contain the problem. The watchdog’s weapons. of nuclear work would be conducted plants, which is Iran’s stated aim, but findings underscore TEPCO’s delayed response in dealing with a But its refusal to curb sensitive there, but that the companies and peo- can also be used to make atomic bombs, problem that experts have long said existed. On Wednesday, the nuclear activity, and its lack of full open- ple involved showed it was a nuclear which the West fears may be Tehran’s ness with the UN nuclear watchdog site. The group named officials it said ultimate goal. — Reuters company continued to raise doubts about whether a leak exists. TEPCO spokesman Noriyuki Imaizumi said the increase in cesium levels in monitoring well water samples does not necessarily mean contaminated water from the plant is leaking to the ocean. China rain and landslides leave 28 dead, 66 missing TEPCO was running another test on water samples and sus- pects earlier spikes might have been caused by cesium-laced dust BEIJING: Heavy rain across China has left at least 28 people Another 12 people were unaccounted for Wednesday after slipping into the samples, he said. But he said TEPCO is open to dead and 66 missing, officials reported yesterday, after land- landslides at a village in Mianyang in the province, the the watchdog’s suggestions to take safety steps. The Fukushima slides crushed homes, bridges collapsed, and dozens of vil- Sichuan government said. Dai-ichi plant was ravaged by the March 2011 earthquake and lages were cut off. The storms, which began Sunday, have Twelve others and six vehicles were still missing after a tsunami, and TEPCO has used massive amounts of water to cool affected more than three million people, the Ministry of Civil bridge in Jiangyou city collapsed into the rushing waters on the damaged reactors since then. Repeated leaks of the con- Affairs said on its website. Nearly half of those - 1.45 million Tuesday-one of three such incidents in Sichuan. Other taminated water stored on site have hampered decommis- people-were in Sichuan, where 62 were missing, the govern- deaths spanned the country, from Beijing to the central sioning efforts. Marine biologists have warned that the ment of the southwestern province said on its Sina Weibo province of Henan and Xinjiang in the far west, ministry fig- radioactive water may be leaking continuously into the sea microblog account. At least 18 people died after a landslide ures showed. Some 2,000 people trapped in a tunnel by from underground, citing high radioactivity in fish samples on Wednesday engulfed homes in Zhongxing in the another landslide in Sichuan were rescued on Wednesday, taken near the plant. Since May, TEPCO has reported spikes in province, the state news agency Xinhua reported Thursday, with television footage showing crowds walking down the cesium levels in underground water collected from a coastal citing local authorities. middle of a road. Emergency teams were working to clear a Footage on state broadcaster CCTV showed a wide rush landslide on a road to Beichuan county that had left 40 vil- observation pit, while the water-soluble element strontium of muddy water, though a reporter said levels had fallen. lages cut off. —AFP showed high levels in seawater samples taken in areas just off the coast of the plant. —AP International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Ireland MPs delay abortion Dramatic escapes as blaze rips vote after all-night debate through Manila slum Bill allows abortion when woman’s life in danger MANILA: Three hundred homes were destroyed in a fire DUBLIN: that tore through a slum in the Philippine capital yester- Ireland’s parliament adjourned government to protect itself,” said inde- seen its public influence wane since the day, forcing residents to make dramatic escapes, authori- debate yesterday on a bill that would pendent deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, 1980s and a younger, secular generation ties said. A bare-chested man with a cigarette in his legalize abortion for the first time, fol- who supports the bill but wants it to go wants to end the practice of Irish mouth, a Jesus statue in one hand and toiletries in the lowing an overnight session of emotion- further. The two-decade debate over women travelling to nearby Britain to other ran down a narrow, smoke-filled alley just a few al speeches on an issue that has long how Ireland should deal with a Supreme terminate their pregnancies. Several minutes walk from the glistening sky-rises of Manila’s polarized the staunchly Roman Catholic Court ruling that abortion be permitted lawmakers from Kenny’s Fine Gael are financial district. A neighbor fled by jumping through an country. Premier Enda Kenny has pro- when a woman’s life is in danger was expected to vote against the measure upstairs window and sprinting across rusted tin roofs. voked a strong backlash by pushing for reopened last year after the death of a and face expulsion from the party. Crying children were separated from their parents access to abortion when a woman’s life woman who was denied an abortion of In a sign of how contentious the amid the chaos of adults carrying refrigerators, televi- is in danger. Both sides of the debate her dying foetus. The ruling was the abortion issue is, Kenny - midway sions, pots and pets from their homes. “We were on the have attacked Kenny’s stance and the result of a challenge, by a 14-year-old through a five-year term - lost only one cot lying down, and then people started running. There government has faced down more rape victim in the so-called “X-case” of of the party’s 76 members of parliament was smoke everywhere, the place was up in flames,” said rebels on the issue than it did over its 1992, to a constitutional amendment over economic austerity measures even a tearful Anna Anciller, 27, on a nearby footpath while painful economic austerity plans. nine years earlier that intended to ban as his coalition made deep cuts under the fire was at its peak. “We just ran. I lost everything,” Kenny told parliament he had been abortion in all instances. an 85 billion euro ($109 billion) EU/IMF she said, clutching her six-year-old daughter and breast- sent plastic foetuses and letters written bailout. Protesters camped overnight RESISTANCE feeding her months-old baby boy. in blood and his private house has been outside parliament, mostly anti-abortion Homes made of scrap wood and plastic sheets crum- picketed by protesters wearing skeleton Kenny has met resistance from some and a few in favor. “Abortion is murder,” bled to the ground during the two-hour blaze, as masks. Debate on the bill continued within his conservative Fine Gael party said decorator Joe Duffy, 53, holding a portable cooking gas tanks exploded and the sirens of until 5 am (0400 GMT), when it was and has also faced a concerted cam- poster asking “The death penalty?” over fire fighting trucks wailed. The firemen walked onto the adjourned until later. A vote is possible paign by Ireland’s once powerful a picture of a pregnant woman’s bare roofs of homes not yet ablaze to get their hoses close to late in the evening. “It is a fudge and a Catholic Church, which is putting pres- belly. “And it’s totally against my reli- the flames, risking a deadly fall. No-one died but about sham, where the lives of women have sure on lawmakers. The Church, rocked gion. So many innocent children are one third of the 1,000 homes in the slum were destroyed, become secondary to the need of this by a series of child abuse scandals, has going to die.” — Reuters according to local fire chief Ricardo Perdigon. While heart-breaking, the scenes at the “Botanical Garden” shantytown are common throughout the vast slums that dominate Manila. Homes mostly made of sal- Muslim nations press UN vaged wood and plastic are tinder boxes waiting to be ignited by makeshift electricity networks, cigarettes or gas cooking. An arson investigator said yesterday’s blaze over Myanmar Rohingyas was likely caused by a faulty power outlet. —AFP
UNITED NATIONS: Islamic nations on Wednesday called on UN leader Ban Ki-moon to do more to halt the “tyranny” they Bosnia to bury hundreds say Muslims are enduring in Myanmar. Religious riots in Buddhist-majority Myanmar have cast a shadow over heralded at Srebrenica massacre site political reforms since military rule ended two years ago. SREBRENICA: Envoys to the UN from Organization of Islamic Cooperation Bosnia will bury 409 victims of the Srebrenica (OIC) countries say the global body should pressure the massacre, including a newborn baby yesterday, the 18th Myanmar government over the troubles. anniversary of Europe’s worst post-war atrocity in which “Myanmar is having a honeymoon with the world. The only Bosnian Serb forces slaughtered some 8,000 Muslims. problem is that that honeymoon is being built on the bodies Thousands of people flocked to this ill-fated town to attend of the Muslim victims in that country,” said Saudi Arabia’s UN the funeral of the victims whose remains were found in mass graves in the eastern Bosnian Srebrenica region and only ambassador Abdullah Al-Mouallemi. Mouallemi and other identified almost two decades after the 1995 killing. ambassadors from OIC members met Ban on Wednesday to On the same day, the UN Yugoslav war crimes court was to demand more action by the United Nations, particularly over rule on an appeal of the decision to drop a charge of genocide Rohingya Muslims. In March at least 44 people, mainly against Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic, who Muslims, were killed in sectarian strife in central Myanmar. faces other counts including masterminding the Srebrenica Communal unrest last year in the western state of Rakhine massacre. “This year we are going to bury the youngest victim left about 200 people dead and up to 140,000 displaced, of the genocide, the Muhic family’s baby” whose remains mainly Rohingyas, minority Muslims who are rejected by many were exhumed from a mass grave in 2012, said Kenan in Myanmar. Roble Olhaye, Djibouti’s UN ambassador and Karavdic, a government official in charge of the burial ceremo- head of the OIC group at UN, called the action against ny. The baby, who died shortly after her birth in July 1995 at Rohingyas “ethnic cleansing”. “The Myanmar authorities are the UN base in Potocari, near Srebrenica, “will be buried next failing in taking the necessary measures to stem the violence,” to the grave of her father Hajrudin, killed in a massacre,” he added at a press conference with Mouallemi. “What we Karavdic said. Among 409 victims to be laid to rest, 44 were need from the UN is to have its voice heard loud and clear, aged between 14 and 18, officials said. Some 6,000 people being the conscience of the world,” Olhaye said. have already arrived at the memorial centre in Potocari, near Olhaye and Mouallemi said the UN leader had promised to Srebrenica, after marching for 80 kilometers along the path be more vocal about defending Muslims in Myanmar. “We the Muslim men and boys had taken in 1995 to escape the called on the secretary general to interfere to make his voice slaughter. heard more loudly,” said the Saudi envoy. “The most basic Ahead of the funeral services, columns of simple wooden human rights and human values are being stepped upon by coffins, covered with green cloth, were aligned in a vast hall as the current government and by the radical elements within relatives searched for their loved ones. At the cemetery were Myanmar.” Mouallemi said Islamic nations wanted the United LHOKSEUMAWE: A Rohingya asylum-seeker from freshly dug graves with green wooden signs where the coffins Nations and the major powers-particularly the United States, Myanmar looks through a window of the immigration were to be laid, lined with rows of white marble columns. Russia, China, European Union and Myanmar’s neighbors-to detention center in Lhokseumawe town of Aceh Srebrenica was UN-protected Muslim enclave until July 11, speak out against what he called the “ethnic cleansing” of province. — AFP 1995, when it was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces. The troops Rohingyas. brushed aside lightly armed Dutch UN peacekeepers in the “I think there is a lot more that the UN can and should do,” bers of the Group of Friends on Myanmar, which includes the “safe area” where thousands of Muslims from surrounding vil- he said, adding that Muslim nations would also be speaking United States, China, European and Asian nations to discuss lages had gathered for protection. with UN Security Council members about Myanmar. changes in Myanmar and recent unrest, said a UN spokesman. They loaded thousands of men and boys on to trucks, exe- “Myanmar is trying to open itself to the world, trying to attract The group welcomed peace talks with Kachin rebels, but also cuted them and then threw their bodies into mass graves. The attention, investment, engagement by the entire world. It is “stressed the urgent need for effective action to punish the remains of 5,657 victims, identified through DNA tests, have not enough to simply say that you must have elections and perpetrators of the violence” in Rakhine and “urgent atten- already been buried in the memorial centre in Potocari since feed the basic structures of democracy. “There has to be an tion” to issues including Rohingyas citizenship. Ban “expressed the process started a decade ago. Their remains-often only a end to the killing, that is much more basic, there has to be an his confidence that Myanmar would continue to make all handful of bones-were found in dozens of mass graves scat- end to the persecution, to the tyranny that this population is round progress in strengthening its democratic institutions,” tered in the area, said Amor Masovic, head of the Bosnia’s facing,” said Mouallemi. Ban met on Wednesday with mem- said the spokesman. — AFP Institute for Missing Persons. —AFP International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Syrian rebels deny Russia’s chemical attack allegation UNITED NATIONS: The opposition Assad. “The coalition and supreme mili- The government and rebels have of the Khan Al-Assal incident and, Syrian National Coalition on tary council have asked for the UN blamed each other for that incident, as along with France, called for full UN Wednesday denied a Russian charge monitors to come to Syria to investi- well numerous other alleged chemical access to Syrian sites where chemical that rebel fighters fired a projectile gate the use of these weapons and the attacks. Both sides deny using chemical weapons use was suspected. The laden with the nerve agent sarin at a Assad regime refuses to allow them to weapons. “The usage of chemical United Nations says as many as suburb of Aleppo in March, saying UN do so,” he said. Russia’s UN envoy, weapons is inconsistent with the guid- 100,000 have died in the two-year civil inspectors should be allowed to inves- Vitaly Churkin, on Tuesday said Russian ing principles and goals of the Syrian war. tigate the attack. Separately, Western scientific analysis strongly indicated a revolution,” Saleh said. “Targeting civil- diplomats said Russia blocked a draft projectile containing sarin that hit ians indiscriminately to achieve politi- CHEMICAL PROJECTILE FELL SHORT? UN Security Council resolution this Khan al-Assal on March 19, killing 26 cal gains is a common characteristic of Speaking on condition of anonymi- week calling for a stalled UN chemical civilians and military personnel, was the Assad regime.” The United States ty, a senior Western diplomat also weapons investigation team to be fired by rebels. has cast doubt on the Russian analysis expressed skepticism about the allowed to visit Syria and to be permit- Russian claim that the rebels were ted to conduct an “objective” inquiry. behind the Khan Al-Assal attack. He The United Nations said in a state- dismissed the idea that Assad’s govern- ment that the head of the UN chemical ment was willing to let the UN team arms team, Ake Sellstrom of Sweden, investigate Aleppo because it was cer- and UN disarmament chief Angela tain the rebels were responsible for the Kane have accepted an invitation from March 19 chemical attack. He said the Syrian government to discuss their available evidence suggested the investigation of alleged chemical Syrian army carried out the attack. attacks in Syria. Russia, along with Iran, “What they hope will be discovered is Syria’s closest ally and chief arms there is lots of soldiers who were poi- supplier. The draft resolution echoed a soned by chemical weapons, which is recent statement by the Group of Eight true,” the envoy said. “But our informa- (G8) developed nations including tion suggests that that was because Russia. “The Free Syrian Army strongly the projectile ... fell short and landed in condemns all usage of chemical an area where there were Syrian weapons against a civilian population troops, not that the opposition had and denies Russia’s allegations about done it.” the FSA using chemical weapons in Churkin said Russian experts visited Khan al-Assal, Aleppo,” Khalid Saleh, a the location where the projectile spokesman for the coalition, said in a struck and took their own samples of statement. material from the site. Those samples, “Only the Assad regime has the IDLIB: An opposition fighter stands over seven year old Ahmad Jabir, who he said, were then analyzed at a know-how, capability and willingness was injured alongside some his family members by a shell, as he lies on an Russian laboratory certified by the to use these weapons,” Saleh said, X-Ray machine after he brought the boy to a hospital in Syria’s northwest- Organization for the Prohibition of referring to Syrian President Bashar Al- ern province Idlib. — AFP Chemical Weapons. —Reuters
Syria abuses mount Gunmen in western Iraq kill 14 at Jihadists losing support Ramadan meal
BEIRUT: In the early days of the Syrian vate donations. But there are enough of anonymity for fear of retaliation. BAGHDAD: Gunmen overran an Iraqi army checkpoint and uprising, when opponents of the wealthy benefactors attracted to their “Although their methods differ from opened fire on a trailer packed with policemen breaking regime were desperate for assistance fundamentalist vision to ensure a the regime’s, they are just as brutal. their Ramadan fast, killing 14 in the country’s restive west- from any quarter, jihadist fighters were steady stream of weapons, as well as “As they get more powerful militarily, ern Anbar province, authorities said yesterday. The attack welcomed but a spate of abuses is volunteer fighters from around the they do whatever it takes to stem the happened at sundown Wednesday as the troops were fuelling a backlash. Things have world, many of them seasoned in oth- growth of freedom in liberated (rebel- marking the end of the first day of fasting during the changed. “Out, out, out, the (Islamic) er conflicts. held) areas. They want power, not Muslim holy month of Ramadan. State (of Iraq and Syria) must get out,” That has helped them become a democracy.” It was the latest in a string of brazen strikes by militants protesters shouted at a rally in the fighting force out of proportion to Reports emerged on Wednesday that has killed more than 2,600 people since the start of northern town of Manbij this week, their numbers, and they have cap- that a Raqa-based activist who has April. Gunmen launched their assault on the army check- referring to an Al-Qaeda front group. tured several population centers. But documented the uprising against point near the town of Barwana, which lies across the The video of the demonstration is one their imposition of their extreme form Assad since its early days has been Euphrates River from the town of Haditha, about 220 kilo- of many showing how civilians and of Islam has increasingly alienated detained by ISIS. “The Islamic State of meters northwest of Baghdad. Barwana’s mayor, Meyasser mainstream rebel fighters alike are civilians. In Raqa, the only provincial Iraq and Syria detained the media Abdul-Mohsin, said three soldiers were killed and four were turning against the more hardline capital in rebel hands, the Al-Nusra activist Mohammad Nour Matar on wounded in that attack. Islamist factions. Front is accused of detaining dozens Tuesday evening outside its base... The attackers then made their way to a trailer not far The rebel forces seeking to over- of men. “My father has been held for a after he stood alongide a woman who away that is used by special oil industry police assigned to throw President Bashar Al-Assad are month by the Front. They think they’re tried to stage a sit-in,” Matar’s brother protect a nearby pipeline. The men inside were sitting disparate but many espouse political Islamic... I want my father to be free,” Amer said. In Idlib province in the down to have the iftar meal that breaks the daytime Islam of one form or another. There are weeps a little girl in one Raqa protest, northwest, whose borders with Turkey Ramadan fast at sunset, Abdul-Mohsin said. The gunmen two main Al-Qaeda linked factions, footage of which was posted online. have allowed foreign jihadists to join shot up the trailer and then set it on fire before making their both with Iraqi origins, according to “We reject this oppressive brand of the fighting in numbers, dozens of getaway, the mayor said. Eleven police were left dead, with Washington-the Al-Nusra Front, which Islam... We are Muslims. You’re just mainstream rebels were killed in a bat- some of their bodies badly burned and making them diffi- has operational independence, and fakes,” a woman protester cried in tle with ISIS last week, the Syrian cult to identify, he said. “This is a crime carried out by terror- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), another video from Raqa, demanding Observatory for Human Rights said. ists during iftar on the first day of Ramadan,” Abdul-Mohsin a front for Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Numerous the release of the men held by Nusra. The fighting broke out after rebels said. “It just proves what a cowardly act it is.” A security offi- other smaller groups, many of them Activists in the city also point to the protested against the detention by the cial in nearby Haditha gave a similar account and confirmed composed almost exclusively of for- disappearance of Abdallah Al-Khalil, a jihadists of a 12-year-old boy accused the death toll. He spoke on condition of anonymity because eign fighters, are also operating on the veteran dissident and human rights of uttering a blasphemous phrase. he was not authorized to release the information. There was ground. Unlike the mainstream rebel activist. “Khalil was about to open up “The chief of the (Free Syrian Army- no immediate claim of responsibility. Sunni militants, Free Syrian Army, which has received council elections to the whole of Raqa. affiliated) Hamzah Assadullah Brigade including Al-Qaeda’s Iraq arm, frequently target security weapons from several Gulf Arab gov- Al-Nusra was against the idea. He dis- and his brother were both killed” in forces and the country’s vital oil infrastructure in an effort to ernments as well as promises of US appeared the next day,” an activist the fighting, the Britain-based watch- undermine the Shiite-led government. —AP arms, the jihadist groups rely on pri- from Raqa said, speaking on condition dog said. —AFP International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 US drone lands on carrier deck in historic flight
MARYLAND: A bat-winged drone ly with a GPS navigational system had already successfully taken off touched down smoothly on the installed in the aircraft and on the from a carrier in a catapult launch deck of a US aircraft carrier on carrier below. on May 14, and after its arrested Wednesday, marking a historic mile- In contrast to older model landing on Wednesday, the plane stone for robotic flight. The US drones such as the Predator and took off from the deck, leaving Navy’s X-47B floated down toward Reaper, the X-47B can fly with more behind a cloud of smoke as it shot the carrier USS George HW Bush at autonomy and does not require upward. reduced speed and then caught an flight operators to exert constant The Navy envisages the tailless arresting wire on its tail hook, bring- step-by-step direction using a joy- plane playing a central role in all air ing it to a stop in a textbook land- stick. In Wednesday’s test, the plane wings aboard carriers, which cur- ing, as reporters and top brass calculated on its own when to put rently rely on manned fighter jets watched. “You saw the future its wheels down. As the drone made and helicopters. today,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus its initial approach, there was a final The successful arrested landing told journalists afterward. precaution to test the aircraft. The clears the way for the Navy to press The experimental plane had tak- landing officer on the carrier issued ahead with the program and to en off about an hour earlier from digital instructions to call off the invite bids from industry for produc- the Patuxent River naval air station landing, and the aircraft pulled up tion. The drones, which are not due in Maryland before arriving at the and gained altitude, circling above to be operational until 2019, will carrier about 80 miles off the the ship. carry out surveillance as well as Virginia coast at about 1:40 pm local As planned, the drone then came strike missions. The X-47B, which is time (1740 GMT). Naval pilots in for a second approach, gliding in about 38 feet long with a wingspan require years of training to learn gracefully and catching the arrest- of 62 feet, can reach subsonic how to land a fighter jet on a carrier ing line in a flawless performance. speeds and fly at an altitude of floating at sea, one of the most Rear Admiral Mat Winter, head of more than 40,000 feet. daunting tasks in aviation. But the Navy ‘s unmanned aviation pro- Unlike the Predator, which is Wednesday’s unprecedented land- gram, called it an event for the “his- slower and has a more limited ing by an unmanned plane showed tory books,” but said the successful range of 675 nautical miles, the X- that sophisticated computer soft- outcome came as no surprise after 47B can fly 2,100 nautical miles ware could perform the same task, years of research and testing. before refueling, allowing it to guiding a robotic aircraft safely onto “What you saw today was a potentially carry out long-range the deck of a ship at sea. major visual demonstration, but bombing raids. The experimental The touch down by the we’ve been demonstrating and prototype, which looks like a small- unmanned plane, dubbed “salty achieving technology maturation in er version of the B-2 bomber, was dog” by the Navy, represented a the laboratory, in the models and developed by aerospace giant new era in naval flight, 102 years the simulations,” Winter said. “We Northrop Grumman at a cost of since a bi-plane made the first knew we were going to touch down about $1.4 billion. As the program arrested landing on a ship. Escorted x number of inches past the second moves to a new stage, the two X- by two F-18 fighter jets, the grey X- wire, the hook was going to bounce 47B prototypes will soon be moved 47B was perfectly aligned with the x number of feet and that the hook to museums at the Patuxent River VIRGINIA: An X47-B Navy Drone is launched from the deck of the carrier deck as it made its descent, was going to engage the third air station in Maryland and the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush off the Coast of Virginia. readjusting its position automatical- (wire),” he said. The X-47B drone Pensacola air base in Florida.— AFP It is the first landing by a drone on a Navy carrier. — AP Washington plans to Marathon bombing suspect’s send F-16s to Egypt hearing frustrates survivors WASHINGTON: The United States still plans to go through with the delivery of four F-16 fighter jets to Egypt in the com- ing weeks, US defense officials told Reuters on Wednesday, Blase-looking 19-year-old pleads ‘not guilty’ even after the Egyptian military’s ouster of President BOSTON: Survivors of the Boston 30 federal charges, including using a Tsarnaev, who died following a gunbattle Mohamed Morsi. The disclosure came as Washington treads a Marathon bombings got little satisfaction weapon of mass destruction to kill, in with police several days after the attack. careful line, neither welcoming Morsi’s removal nor denounc- from surviving suspect Dzhokhar connection with the April 15 twin explo- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was arrested on April ing it as a “coup,” saying it needs time to weigh the situation. Tsarnaev’s first public appearance since sions that left three people dead and 19, hiding in a bloodstained boat in a A US decision to brand his overthrow a coup would, by US the deadly attacks. “Not guilty,” was all he more than 260 wounded. Tsarnaev also is suburban backyard after a manhunt that law, require Washington to halt aid to the Egyptian military, said, over and over. The blase-looking 19- charged in the killing of a Massachusetts paralyzed much of the Boston area. which receives the lion’s share of the $1.5 billion in annual US year-old, his arm in a cast and his face Institute of Technology police officer and Tsarnaev’s lawyer, Judy Clarke, an assistance to that country. The jets, which will likely be deliv- swollen, entered his pleas Wednesday the carjacking of a motorist during a get- expert in death penalty cases, asked that ered in August and are built by Lockheed Martin Corp, are during a seven-minute arraignment in away attempt. He could get the death the judge enter not-guilty pleas for him, part of the annual aid package, a US defense official said. federal court. Bombing victims showed penalty if prosecutors choose to pursue but US Magistrate Judge Marianne “There is no current change in the plan to deliver F-16s to the little reaction in the courtroom after a it. Bowler said: “I would ask him to answer.” Egyptian military,” a second US official said on condition of federal marshal warned them against any The proceedings took place in a heavi- On the same day as the arraignment, anonymity. outbursts, but some made their views ly guarded courtroom packed not only Boston’s police commissioner appeared Asked about the F-16s, White House spokesman Jay known afterward - as did a group of with victims and their families but with on Capitol Hill and complained to a Carney said: “It’s our view that we should not ... hastily chanting Tsarnaev supporters. police officers, the public and the media. Senate panel that the Justice Department change our aid programs.” He directed specific questions “I thought that maybe he would come The Russian immigrant and former col- failed to share information on terrorism about the jets to the Defense Department. The Pentagon, with a different attitude or maybe look a lege student looked much as he did in a threats with local officials before the responding to queries by reporters, later issued a statement little different, maybe look like he cared a photo widely circulated after his arrest, bombing. echoing President Barack Obama’s July 3 comments that he little bit. But he didn’t show me that,” his hair curly and unkempt. Wearing an “There is a gap with information shar- had ordered a review of US assistance to Egypt. Asked said Peter Brown, whose two nephews orange prison jumpsuit, he appeared ing at a higher level while there are still whether Obama’s review had put the F-16 delivery on hold, each lost their right legs in the explo- nonchalant, almost bored, during the opportunities to intervene in the plan- one of the US officials said: “The delivery remains scheduled sions. Tsarnaev gave a small, lopsided hearing. The cast covered his left forearm, ning of these terrorist events,” as planned.” smile to his two sisters upon arriving in hand and fingers. MIT Police Chief John Commissioner Edward F Davis III said. Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon’s biggest supplier, the courtroom. He appeared to have a DiFava, who was in the courtroom, said Reporters and spectators began lining up declined comment on the issue. Egypt has been one of the jaw injury and there was swelling around Tsarnaev looked “smug.” “I didn’t see a for seats in the Boston courtroom at 7:30 world’s largest recipients of US aid since it signed a 1979 his left eye and cheek. Leaning into the lot of remorse. I didn’t see a lot of regret,” am. Wednesday as a dozen Federal peace treaty with Israel. It was the first Arab country to buy F- microphone, he told a federal judge, “Not he said. “It just seemed to me that if I was Protective Service officers and bomb- 16s, widely viewed as a symbol of political and security ties guilty,” in his Russian accent. in that position, I would have been a lot sniffing dogs surrounded the courthouse. with Washington. US-Egyptian co-production of the M1A1 Then he was led away in handcuffs, more nervous, certainly scared.” DiFava Four hours before the 3:30 p.m. hearing, Abrams battle tank has also been a key part of US assistance. making a kissing gesture toward his sis- added: “I just wanted to see him. I want- the defendant arrived at the courthouse In a sign of how important US aid is to Washington’s ties with ters with his lips. One sobbed loudly, rest- ed to see the person that so coldly and in a four-vehicle motorcade. About a Egypt, Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood warned last year before ing her head on a woman seated next to callously killed four people, one of whom dozen Tsarnaev supporters cheered as taking power that Egypt might review its peace deal with her. Tsarnaev, who has been hospitalized being an officer of mine.” Authorities say the motorcade arrived. The demonstra- Israel if the United States cut aid.—Reuters since his capture with wounds suffered in Tsarnaev orchestrated the bombing tors yelled, “Justice for Jahar!” as a shootout and getaway attempt, faces along with his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev is known.—AP International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 16 The CIA and a secret vacuum cleaner
WASHINGTON: Confined to the basement of a CIA secret prison in Romania about a decade ago, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the admitted mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, asked his jailers whether he could embark on an unusual project: Would the spy agency allow Mohammed, who had earned his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, to design a vacuum cleaner? The agency officer in charge of the prison called CIA headquarters and a manager approved the request, a former senior CIA official said. Mohammed had endured the most brutal of the CIA’s harsh inter- rogation methods and had con- fessed to a career of atrocities. But the agency had no long-term plan for him. Someday, he might prove useful. Perhaps, he’d even stand tri- al one day. And for that, he’d need to be sane. “We didn’t want them to go nuts,” the former senior CIA offi- cial said, one of several who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about the now-shuttered CIA pris- ons or Mohammed’s interest in vac- uums. So, using schematics from the Internet as his guide, Mohammed BUCHAREST: This undated file photo shows the National Registry Office for Classified Information, also known as ORNISS, in a busy residential began re-engineering one of the neighborhood minutes from the center of Romania’s capital city of Bucharest. — AP most mundane of household appli- ances. That the CIA may be in pos- known to have a severe impact on Along with the other five jailers. and its citizens to exceptionally session of the world’s most highly the mental condition of the detainees at the prison in Bucharest, In Graham Greene’s spy thriller grave danger,” Wright said. classified vacuum cleaner blueprints detainee,” said Thomas Durkin, Mohammed was given assignments “Our Man in Havana,” a vacuum But Wright added that he often is but one peculiar, lasting byprod- Binalshibh’s former civilian lawyer. about his knowledge of Al-Qaeda, salesman in Cuba agrees to work for discussed “modern technological uct of the controversial US deten- Durkin declined to discuss or “homework,” as CIA officers MI6, the British spy service. He innovations” and the “scientific tion and interrogation program. By Binalshibh’s case. Mohammed was called it. He was given Snickers can- dupes the British into believing his wonders” of the Quran with the CIA’s own account, the pro- subjected to harsh interrogations in dy bars as rewards for his studious- vacuum designs are military instal- Mohammed. He called Mohammed gram’s methods were “designed to Poland. Agency officers and con- ness. In Romania, the prison provid- lations. The AP was unable to deter- “exceptionally intelligent.” “If he psychologically ‘dislocate’” people. tractors forced him to stay awake ed books for detainees to read. mine whether Mohammed ever had access to educational programs But once interrogations stopped, for 180 hours, according to a CIA Mohammed, former officials said, read the famous novel. It remains a in Guantanamo Bay, such as dis- the agency had to try to undo the inspector general’s report. He also enjoyed the Harry Potter series. For mystery how far Mohammed got tance learning programs, I am confi- psychological damage inflicted on underwent 183 instances of water- the CIA officers at the prison, not so with his designs or whether the dent that in addition to furthering the detainees. boarding, or simulated drowning. much. For security reasons, after a plans still exist. The secret CIA his Islamic studies, he could obtain The CIA apparently succeeded in After the CIA prison in Poland prisoner finished a book, they prison in Romania was shuttered in a PhD in mechanical engineering, keeping Mohammed sane. He was closed in September 2003, tediously checked every page to early 2006 and Mohammed was and very likely patent inventions,” appears to be in good health, Mohammed was moved to ensure detainees weren’t passing transferred later that year to Wright said. according to military records. Bucharest, to a black site code- messages. Guantanamo Bay Naval Base prison, The CIA won’t discuss Others haven’t fared as well. named “Britelite.” Soon the CIA was They once caught Mohammed where he remains. It’s unlikely he Mohammed’s vacuum plans, either. Accused al-Qaida terrorists Ramzi trying to find ways to entertain trying to hide a message in a book was able to take his appliance plans The AP asked the CIA for copies of Binalshibh and Abd Al-Nashiri, who Mohammed as his intelligence val- warning his prison mates not to talk to Cuba. the vacuum designs or any govern- were also locked up in Poland and ue diminished. The prison had a about Osama bin Laden’s courier. Mohammed’s military lawyer, ment records about them under the Romania with Mohammed, have debriefing room, where Mohammed graduated from North Jason Wright, said he was prohibit- Freedom of Information Act. The had mental issues. Al-Nashiri suffers Mohammed, who saw himself as Carolina AT&T State University with ed from discussing his client’s inter- CIA responded in a letter to the AP from depression and post-traumatic something of a professor, held a degree in mechanical engineering est in vacuums. “It sounds ridicu- that the records, “should they exist,” stress disorder. Binalshibh is being “office hours,” as he told CIA offi- in 1986. It’s not clear whether lous, but answering this question, or would be considered operational treated for schizophrenia with a cers. While chained to the floor, Mohammed was interested in confirming or denying the very exis- files of the CIA - among its most slew of anti-psychotic medications. Mohammed would lecture the CIA designing a better vacuum or had tence of a vacuum cleaner design, a highly classified category of govern- “Any type of prolonged isolation officers on his path to jihad, his ulterior motives. He might have Swiffer design, or even a design for ment files - and therefore exempt in custody - much less the settings childhood and family. Tea and cook- intended to use the plans to con- a better hand towel would appar- from ever being released to the described in the press - have been ies were served. ceal secret information or trick his ently expose the US government public.—AP Tired of helping CIA? Venezuela urges Facebook to quit
CARACAS: A Venezuelan government minister Security Agency contractor who is stuck in a informants. Review the Snowden case!” wrote tomer data supplied by major technology com- on Wednesday urged citizens to shut Facebook Moscow airport while seeking to avoid capture Prisons Minister Iris Varela on her Twitter panies. “Countries and people that have fallen accounts to avoid being unwitting informants by the United States, last month leaked details account. Venezuela has offered to provide asy- victim to gringo spying should sue the United for the US Central Intelligence Agency, referring about American intelligence agencies obtaining lum for Snowden, but he has not responded States to ensure fair compensation. We’re going to recent revelations about US surveillance pro- information from popular websites including and appears unable to leave the transit zone of to bankrupt the US economy!” wrote Varela, grams. Facebook. “Comrades: cancel your Facebook Sheremetyevo International Airport. He exposed known for radical rhetoric and ardent support of Edward Snowden, a former US National accounts, you’ve been working for free as CIA a program known as Prism that relied on cus- the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.— Reuters International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Portugal political crisis deepens
LISBON: Portugal’s political crisis deepened yester- response. Stocks declined 1.4 percent and 10-year the continuation of the government as Portas leads day after the president rejected a plan to heal a gov- bond yields climbed six basis points to 6.95 percent. the rightist junior coalition party, the CDS-PP. Prime ernment rift and critics accused him of igniting a “The president of the republic decided to overcome Minister Pedro Passos Coelho held emergency talks “time bomb” by calling for early elections next year. the political stalemate between the parties in the rul- last week with Portas and announced on Saturday President Anibal Cavaco Silva proposed a cross-party ing coalition by adding another problem to the one that he would promote Portas to become deputy agreement between the ruling coalition and opposi- that already existed,” wrote daily Publico in an editori- prime minister and put him in charge of economic tion Socialists to guarantee wide support for the aus- al. “He decided to take power.” Such accusations are policy coordination to fix the rift. terity measures needed for Portugal to exit its bailout not made lightly in the country that had western A senior cabinet minister in the former Socialist next year, followed by elections. The decision was a Europe’s longest dictatorship under Antonio Salazar. government, Pedro Silva Pereira, said the president’s warning shot to all the leading parties and it indicates Under Portugal’s constitution, the president has the intervention had thrown the future into doubt. The that the president does not think any of them is capa- power to dissolve parliament and call elections. plan would have avoided the necessity of elections in ble of ruling effectively until the bailout is due to fin- Cavaco Silva said the coalition government remained the short-term, which could have interrupted reforms ish in June 2014. in office but he rejected a proposed cabinet reshuffle under the bailout and negotiations with creditors. Cavaco Silva’s move prompted sharp criticism in a by the ruling Social Democrats and their junior coali- “After the turmoil of last week when it seemed a solu- country that has descended into its worst economic tion partner, the rightist CDS-PP party. tion had been found, the announcement of the presi- slump since the 1970s under the weight of austerity The crisis was sparked by the resignation of dent comes as a surprise,” said analysts at Espirito imposed by the bailout. Portuguese assets fell in Foreign Minister Paulo Portas last week, threatening Santo Research in a note. — Reuters
UK’s Kate: Middle-class Dead Russian lawyer mum of future monarch LONDON: Kate Middleton was the middle-class girl who made Magnitsky convicted becoming a princess look easy-but bringing up a royal baby will bring fresh challenges for Britain’s glamorous future queen. Since her fairytale marriage to Prince William in 2011, 31-year-old Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as she is now formally known, ‘Posthumous trial’ has hardly put a foot wrong. Reportedly once nicknamed “Little Miss Perfect”, the glossy brunette has breathed new life into the monarchy, drawing MOSCOW: More than three years after he died comparisons with William’s late mother Princess Diana. And as in prison, whistle-blowing Russian lawyer the first “commoner” to marry a future king since 1660, she has Sergei Magnitsky was found guilty of tax eva- helped bring the royals closer to ordinary Britons. Kate’s great- sion by a Moscow court on Wednesday. The great-grandfather was a humble coal miner, although hers is no posthumous trial of Magnitsky was a macabre rags-to-riches story-her parents are self-made millionaires from a chapter in a case that ignited a high-emotion party supplies business. Michael and Carole Middleton met at dispute between Russia and Washington that British Airways, she as an air hostess and he as a flight dispatcher. has included US sanctions against Russians Catherine, their first child, was born in the town of Reading, west deemed to be human rights violators, a ban of London, in 1982. The family lived in Jordan when Kate was a on the adoption of Russian children by US citi- toddler, before returning to Britain and setting up their company zens and calls for the closure of Russian non- Party Pieces in 1987. Kate was sent to the expensive governmental organizations receiving Marlborough College boarding school, where she mingled in the same aristocratic circles as William. American funding. But it was not until 2001, studying history of art at St Andrews Magnitsky was a lawyer for US-born British University in Scotland, that she met her husband-to-be. “She was investor William Browder when he alleged in known as Beautiful Kate almost from day one,” recalled former 2008 that organized criminals colluded with student Helen McArdle in a television documentary. Known at corrupt Interior Ministry officials to claim a school for being hard-working and sporty, Kate kept up her fraudulent $230 million tax rebate after illegal- whiter-than-white image at university-with a couple of excep- ly seizing subsidiaries of Browder’s Hermitage MOSCOW: In this file photo, a portrait of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who died in tions. There was the student fashion show where she wore a Capital investment company. He subsequently jail, is held by his mother Nataliya Magnitskaya, as she speaks during an transparent dress-the moment, legend has it, that she caught was arrested on tax evasion charges and died interview with the AP in Moscow. — AP the prince’s eye. McArdle also remembers seeing the future in prison in November 2009 of untreated pan- duchess “paralytically drunk” on one occasion. creatitis at age 37. His death prompted widespread criticism Prince William carves out ‘WAITY KATIE’ from human rights activists and the presiden- After university, while William began his military training, ‘normal life’ for new baby Kate worked for Party Pieces and took a part-time job as a fash- tial human rights council found in 2011 that ion house buyer. Alone in London, she was hounded by photog- he had been beaten and deliberately denied raphers in a grim reminder of the media’s hunger for Diana, who medical treatment. Browder, who has been LONDON: Prince William’s future has always been mapped out but as fatherhood died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, pursued by paparazzi. banned from Russia since 2005 as a security nears, the 31-year-old shows little sign of giving up the semblance of a normal life Nicknamed “Waity Katie” by British tabloids and reportedly threat, was also found guilty in absentia along he has carved out for himself under the media spotlight. The eldest son of Prince mocked by William’s circle, who would whisper “doors to manu- with Magnitsky of evading some $17 million in Charles and Diana, William knew from an early age the duties that await him as al” when she entered a room because of her mother’s old job as taxes. In Russian courts, the reading of verdicts second-in-line to the British throne, even if he did not expect to inherit the crown for decades. Yet despite the weight of expectation and the trauma of losing his a stewardess, it was a difficult time. can stretch several hours and there was no It was made worse when William dumped her in 2007. Many mother in 1997, the Duke of Cambridge has balanced royal ribbon-cutting, a mili- immediate announcement of a sentence. tary career and a personal life of his own choosing. jilted girlfriends would have got revenge by selling their story, A statement from Hermitage Capital but Kate maintained a dignified silence during the brief split. “At William is a Royal Air Force (RAF) search-and-rescue helicopter pilot in Wales, a released shortly before the verdict said the tri- job that also gives him the privacy to live with his wife, the former Kate Middleton, the time I wasn’t very happy about it,” she later said of the break- al showed that Russian President Vladimir up. “But it made me a stronger person.” Since then she has won away from the world’s media. Their marriage in April 2011 was a global event, but praise for her poise in the intimidating world of the royals. Her Putin “is ready to sacrifice his international William delayed tying the knot for almost a decade to ensure the match was right, Alexander McQueen wedding gown installed her as a fashion credibility to protect corrupt officials who just as the couple then waited for two years before starting a family. Aides say he icon, while her mix of designer labels and high street bargains murdered an innocent lawyer and stole $230 has always fought to do things his way. “You have to be slightly stubborn because has made her a fixture on “best dressed” lists. Echoes of Diana, million from the Russian state.” Russia’s top everybody wants you for one reason or another,” William once said. meanwhile, are never far away. In September the royals sued court ruled in 2011 that posthumous trials are The prince was born on June 21, 1982 into a life of wealth and privilege, over photographs of Kate sunbathing topless in France, raising allowed, with the intention of letting relatives although Diana ensured he and his younger brother Harry did not suffer the fears Kate could face the same intrusion. And as with Diana, clear their loved ones’ names. But the after- rather cold upbringing endured by their father. She showered the boys with affec- tion and, although they were brought up in a palace by nannies, took them on there was constant speculation about when she would produce death trial of Magnitsky also underlines official trips and to charity events to see how ordinary people lived. William has an heir. The announcement came in December when the Russia’s strong resentment of foreign criticism duchess was hospitalized with morning sickness. —AFP Diana’s gift for engaging with people and is also an assured and often amusing of its human rights record.— AP public speaker.—AFP International FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Canada rail disaster Angry Latin America wants ‘probably’ killed 50 answers on alleged spying LAC-MEGANTIC: Residents of the town of Lac-Megantic in Quebec were coming to grips yesterday with the reality that 50 of their own were most likely dead in the aftermath of the Brazilian senators question Rousseff trip to US worst railway disaster in North American in more than two decades. Five days after a train hauling 72 cylinders of crude BRASILIA: Latin American governments urged the United States Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said it would be “total- oil jumped the track and exploded into a wall of fire, provincial on Wednesday to be more forthcoming in answering allegations ly unacceptable” if it were revealed that the United States had police said they had recovered 20 bodies, with another 30 of US spying programs there that have set off a wave of outrage spied on in its neighbor and largest Latin American business people still missing and presumed dead, confirming the worst that could damage its standing in the region. Colombia, partner. A leading Brazilian newspaper reported on Tuesday that fears of a community that had all but given up hope. Washington’s closest military ally in Latin America, joined the the US National Security Agency targeted most Latin American “She’s dead,” said Jean-Guy Lapierre of his niece, holding a chorus of governments seeking answers following reports the countries with the secret spying programs, citing documents copy of a Quebec tabloid that had printed pictures of some of United States used surveillance programs to monitor Internet leaked by Edward Snowden, the fugitive former US intelligence the town’s missing young people on its front page. “She was traffic in most of the region’s countries. contractor. just 28.” The crash and subsequent explosions rocked the In Brazil, the United States’ largest trading partner in South eastern Canadian town of Lac-Megantic shortly after 1 am on America, angry senators questioned a state visit that President Saturday, leveling its historic downtown strip. Numerous Dilma Rousseff plans to make to Washington in October, and the houses and businesses were burned to the ground, including potential billion-dollar purchase of US-made fighter jets that the Musi-Cafe, a popular bar that was packed with people, Brazil has been considering. One senator said Brazil should offer eyewitnesses told Reuters. Snowden asylum for providing information of vital importance to On Wednesday, the head of the railway company said the the country’s national security. Another senator said Snowden engineer probably did not set enough handbrakes when he should get Brazilian citizenship. Facing tough questions in a parked his train some eight miles west of town late on Friday, Senate hearing, Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota said leading to the deadly accident. The official apologized to resi- Rousseff’s visit to Washington was not being reconsidered. dents of the town of about 6,000. The words of remorse came Patriota said US Ambassador Thomas Shannon, who was too late for many locals who remain angry at the company - called to the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, acknowledged the Montreal Maine and Atlantic - and accuse chairman Ed United States collects metadata on email traffic but does not Burkhardt of shirking responsibility for the accident. access the content of email messages or conduct the monitoring “They still aren’t taking the blame,” said Christiane, a on Brazilian territory. Patriota dismissed any changes in the woman who lived near the blast site and declined to give her “broad” relations between Brazil and the United States. But asked last name. “First it’s the firemen, now the engineer, who will whether US explanations had satisfied the Brazilian government, they blame tomorrow?” Burkhardt had previously said that he told reporters, “They haven’t been satisfactory so far.” the air brakes that would have prevented the disaster failed because they were powered by an engine that was shut down APOLOGY DEMANDED by firefighters as they dealt with a fire shortly before the catas- The espionage allegations surfaced one week after South trophe occurred. On Wednesday, his focus was squarely on American nations fumed about the diversion of Bolivian President the engineer. “It’s very questionable whether the hand brakes Evo Morales’ plane in Europe because of the suspicion that were properly applied on this train,” he told a crush of Snowden was on board. As anger mounts in the region, the reporters. “As a matter of fact, I’ll say they weren’t, or we Mercosur bloc of South American plans to issue a tough response wouldn’t have had this incident.” More than 200 investigators at a meeting in Uruguay on Friday. are working day and night to sift through the charred wreck- “We’re going to be very firm ... the United States has to show age in the center of town in what authorities say is a crime some respect to the sovereignty of Latin America and when spy- scene. They have made no arrests. A death toll of 50 would ing is discovered, it should be punished,” Argentine Foreign make the accident Canada’s deadliest since in 1998, when a Minister Hector Timerman said in an interview with Radio del Swissair jet crashed into the Atlantic off the coast of Nova Plata. “What is striking is just how massive the US spying is and Scotia, killing 229 people. It would also be North America’s how unskilled they are at keeping it a secret.” Latin American worst rail crash since 1989, when 112 people died when an nations want the United States to tell them what it was up to in 11-car passenger train plunged off a bridge in Mexico. the region, and to apologize, he said. But there were glimmers of hope too. Nicole Carrier, who Colombia said it was concerned about the reports of an “unau- works at a local hospital, was shocked to open a newspaper thorized data collection program.” Colombia is considered a top Wednesday morning and see her own face under the head- US military and diplomatic ally in the region following a decade of line: ‘Have you seen these people?’ “It’s Facebook’s fault,” said joint operations against Marxist rebels and drug trafficking gangs. Carrier, explaining that a friend’s daughter had posted a fran- tic message on the social media service asking if she and her “In rejecting the acts of espionage that violate people’s rights to partner were still alive. The couple, who were evacuated from BRASILIA: US Ambassador to Brazil, Thomas Shannon, leaves privacy as well as the international conventions on telecommuni- their home and did not have access to the Internet, did not Planalto palace in a car after meeting with the Chief of the cation, Colombia requests the corresponding explanations from respond. —Reuters Institutional Security Cabinet of Brazil, Jose Elito, in Brasilia. the United States government through its ambassador to Shannon and Elito discussed the espionage charges of US in Colombia,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.—Reuters Brazilian territory. — AFP US House Republicans divided on immigration WASHINGTON: Republicans in the US House of Representatives aged right now,” said Senator Jeff Flake, the Arizona Republican who this year or early next year. It is going to take that long; it is going to emerged from an immigration meeting on Wednesday divided over helped write the Senate bill and served 12 years in the House. be that big of a debate,” Cole added, referring to tough bargaining whether to help the 11 million undocumented people living in the The Senate bill removes the threat of deportation for most illegal with the Senate. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is United States, but eager to bolster border security. Several lawmakers residents, but features several hurdles to citizenship, including learn- working on a plan to grant citizenship for children of illegal immi- said there appeared to be no consensus over calls for granting legal ing English, paying back taxes and passing criminal background grants who are in the United States through no fault of their own, status to the 11 million, many of whom have lived in the United States checks. It authorizes $46 billion for border security and to revamp the according to Republican lawmakers. In the past, Republicans have for years, after a 2 1/2-hour closed-door session. “We have a disagree- visa system to help high-tech firms, farmers and other businesses hire blocked such legislation. ment inside here,” said Republican Representative Steve King, who foreign workers. Obama and his fellow Democrats have been calling guessed that his colleagues were split “50/50” on whether any of the for prompt action by the House. Earlier on Wednesday, the president ‘AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’ undocumented residents should get legal status. There will likely have told a group of Hispanic lawmakers that he was willing to do whatever But even that relatively modest step is controversial among some to be an agreement between the Republican-led House and it takes to help enact a bill. of the most conservative House Republicans. “You can’t separate the ... Democratic-led Senate, which last month approved a comprehensive Even former President George W Bush, who rarely wades into kids from those (parents) who came across the border with a pack of immigration bill backed by the White House that includes a pathway policy debates, gave a boost to efforts in Congress. While the two- contraband on their back,” King said. And Representative Mo Brooks to citizenship. Backers of the Senate bill insist some sort of path to citi- term Republican president did not embrace any particular bill, he said he recited a line from “America the Beautiful” to bolster his argu- zenship must be part of any final bill that they help send to President said he hoped there would be a “positive resolution.” Speaking in ment that legislation should not help those in the United States ille- Barack Obama to sign into law. Dallas at a naturalization ceremony, Bush said, “We have a problem. gally: “Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law.” The Republican lawmakers said there was consensus that the US The laws governing the immigration system aren’t working. ... The “Anyone who has come to our country, their first step on border should be secured further against illegal crossings and sug- system is broken.” But House Republicans, who hold a 234-201 American soil is to thumb their nose at American laws ... we should gested that House Speaker John Boehner could seek passage of such majority over Democrats, gave no indication of fast action on a not award them with our highest honor, which is citizenship,” a bill as a first step toward a larger agreement. Republican leaders major bill. “It is going to be a process of months, not days or weeks,” Brooks said. Earlier, the White House signaled that Obama will issued a statement again rejecting a Senate-passed bill that puts the Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma told Reuters in a telephone become more publicly engaged in the intensifying immigration 11 million on a 13-year path to citizenship. “It’s hard not to be discour- interview after Wednesday’s meeting. “I don’t see anything until late debate in Congress.—Reuters Business
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 BoJ stands pat on monetary policy Egypt has less than 2 mts of imported wheat left Page 22 Page 20
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts: Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke responds to a question during a talk at the National Bureau of Economic Research Wednesday. — AP Bernanke: Stimulus still needed Fed chief says jobs market weak, inflation low
WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the Federal Open Market Committee, which suggested the said. On the other goal - price stability - inflation at the current Wednesday that the Fed’s easy-money policy is still necessary, central bank would move more rapidly toward winding up its one percent level is low, he said, and well below the Fed’s two throwing cold water on fresh market expectations that the $85 billion a month stimulus program. The minutes said that percent target rate, and low enough to generate some worry Fed’s stimulus would soon be ended. Bernanke told an audi- about half of the FOMC policy makers wanted to fully end QE, about deflation. “We expect inflation to come back up. But if ence of economists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that the jobs or quantitative easing, by the end of this year, six months earli- that’s not the case, I think we have to say that that would be a market remains too weak and inflation remains too low for er than the mid-2014 timeline that Bernanke laid out to good reason to remain accommodative and try to achieve that comfort. He also warned that the full impact of steep govern- reporters after that meeting. objective.” ment spending cuts initiated in March was yet to be seen. Bond prices sank after the release of the minutes, in antici- Taken together, the minutes and Bernanke’s comments Together, the evidence underscored the need for the Fed to pation of an earlier rise in interest rates from a Fed headed continued to send an unclear message about, at least, the tim- keep in place its highly accommodative monetary policy, he toward tightening monetary conditions. But bonds headed ing of tapering QE. Bernanke, as head of the Fed and the said. back up just as quickly, and the dollar weakened, after FOMC, ultimately sets the tone of policy, and so his words carry “Both the employment side and the inflation side are saying Bernanke sent his more cautious message. Bernanke said that more weight in markets than the notes of the FOMC’s internal that we need to be more accommodating,” he said, answering the 7.6 percent unemployment rate, though far below its crisis discussions. However, Bernanke’s second term as chairman questions after a speech. “Moreover, the other portion of peak, “if anything overstates the health of our labor markets.” expires in January and he is not expected to stay on for a third macroeconomic policy, fiscal policy, is now actually quite He pointed to the low overall participation rate in the job to oversee the reeling in of QE. Any more clarity on policy will restrictive.... Put that all together, I think you can only conclude market, four years after the country emerged from a deep have to come from data on the economy, said currencies spe- that highly accommodative monetary policy for the foresee- recession, and the high rate of long-term unemployment. Both cialist Sebastien Galy of Societe Generale. “Overall the reac- able future is what’s needed in the US economy.” are barriers to the economy pushing toward full employment, tions of the market are fairly intense to small Fed nuances, an His comments came just hours after the release of the min- one of the Fed’s two policy goals. “So we’re not there, obvious- indication of some fundamental instability or great uncertainty utes from the June 18-19 meeting of the Fed’s policy board, ly, on the maximum employment part of the mandate,” he in the market,” he said. — AFP Business FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Buyers nibble at Egypt’s international bonds
DUBAI: Some foreign buyers are returning cautiously to for asset management at investment bank EFG Hermes bonds a few years ago are now reluctant to take on Egypt’s international bonds, betting the country may in Cairo. “Yes, asset managers are willing to increase fresh risk because the euro zone debt crisis has weak- succeed in stabilising its economy and engineering a exposure now.” The yield on Egypt’s $1 billion sover- ened their balance sheets. But a trader in London said tricky transition back to civilian rule in coming months. eign bond maturing in 2020 soared to a peak of 11.07 he had detected some buying by foreign banks, while Yields on the bonds have plunged by more than 2 per- percent on June 27 from 5.84 percent at the end of last hedge funds, scenting an opportunity for quick profits, centage points over the past two weeks. Flows of mon- year, as political tensions worsened and the economy had been bidding up the bonds. The yield on the 2020 ey have not been large; in many cases, prices are being ran deeper into trouble during the last months of presi- bond has now dropped to 8.64 percent. History sug- quoted higher without much actual trading. Huge dent Mohamed Morsi. The bond began recovering well gests that if Egypt’s economy and politics do stabilise, uncertainties remain over Egypt’s ability to form a sta- before Morsi was ousted last week, as it became clear the yield may fall much further; it is still more than 300 ble interim government that would govern until elec- that the army was likely to intervene to remove him - basis points above its levels late last year, before the tions, the risk that street violence could develop into a suggesting the market viewed the performance of his political and economic outlook darkened. campaign of industrial unrest and militant attacks, and government as more of a threat than the tumult created Since last year, yields on emerging market bonds prospects for fiscal reforms to curb the state’s soaring by a military coup. have risen around the world, often by more than 100 budget deficit. “The risks attached to Egyptian currency, fixed bps, because of climbing US Treasury yields. But even But this week’s naming of an interim prime minister income and equities are actually lower than 10 days ago including this factor, Egyptian yields could still have at acceptable to many Islamists, and pledges of $12 billion because, from an investor’s perspective, anything is bet- least 200 bps to fall. Last week, when the Egyptian 2020 in financial aid to Egypt from wealthy Gulf govern- ter than the prior stalemate between the Muslim bond yield was around 10 percent, frontier markets- ments, have at least raised the chances of overcoming Brotherhood and old-regime loyalists,” said Hasnain focused investment bank Exotix switched to a buy rec- these obstacles. And if Egypt does stabilise, the steep Malik, who heads economic research firm Frontier ommendation on Egypt’s 2020 and 2040 international drop in its debt prices during the first half of this year Alpha in Dubai. Trading in Egyptian bonds is being lim- bonds. “If and when an Egyptian government demon- means there is plenty of room for them to snap back ited by several factors. Much of the debt is believed to strates it is capable of delivering economic adjustment further. So for some investors, a high-risk bet makes be owned by Egyptian banks who aim to hold it for the and structural reforms, we see ratings increasing and sense. “Currently we can finally say the market is long term, viewing it as a hedge against depreciation of yields declining rapidly. We think there is 400-500 bps back...Cautious buying, but there is buying interest at the Egyptian pound ; they have been unwilling to sell. upside in such a scenario,” Exotix economist Gabriel the moment,” said Khalil El-Bawab, managing director Also, European banks which might have bought the Sterne wrote in a report.—Reuters
GFH hopes active investment stance to secure recovery
MANAMA: Bahrain-based investment firm Gulf Finance House (GFH) hopes a leaner balance sheet and a revamped business model can revive the fortunes of a firm which once symbolised growth of the kingdom’s Islamic finance sector. GFH’s new strategy calls for it to become more involved in its investments, and to hold projects until completion rather than passing them to third parties to develop as was done in the past, its acting chief executive said in a telephone interview. For several years a hands-off approach worked well for the sharia-compliant investment house, which was founded in 1999. Strong global markets allowed it to book healthy premiums in the stakes it sold in real estate projects. Profits poured in, totalling CAIRO: A niqab-clad woman walks outside the Al-Ahzar mosque on Wednesday at the end of the first fasting day of the holy $343.3 million in 2007 and $291.9 million in 2008. But the global month of Ramadan. — AFP financial crisis then made it hard for GFH to sell assets and in 2009 it posted a net loss of $728.4 million. Last year, it booked a profit of $10.05 million and in the first quarter of this year, $1.5 million. Egypt has less than 2 mts “Because the market was hot everything was sellable, but now we are looking at fundamentals and more calculated risks,” said Hisham Al Rayes, who took the helm at GFH in April last year. Formerly chief of imported wheat left investment officer, Al Rayes has been with GFH since May 2007. “We have changed the model - instead of using sub-developers we are now going vertical in the development of our projects.” UN says turmoil causes food security concerns The credit crunch piled up liabilities of over $2 billion, and GFH was forced to restructure some of them more than once to avoid CAIRO: Egypt has less than two months’ supply of imported which economists say buys Cairo several months of breathing room defaulting in the years after 2008. But Al Rayes said the company had wheat left in its stocks, ousted President Mohamed Morsi’s minis- to fix its finances. now slimmed down its debt to $223 million, with maturities extend- ter of supplies said, revealing a shortage more acute than previ- Egypt had halted its purchases of international wheat since ed until 2018 via two-year grace periods. GFH completed the ously disclosed. Speaking to Reuters near midnight in a tent at a February - its longest absence from the market in years - until the takeover of English soccer club Leeds United in December through vigil where thousands of Mursi supporters are protesting against eve of Morsi’s overthrow, when the state grain buying agency, the its Dubai-based subsidiary, GFH Capital; it hopes the deal will vindi- the Islamist president’s removal, former Minister of Supplies General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC), bought wheat cate its new way of doing business. It did not give a value for the Bassem Ouda said the state had just 500,000 tonnes of imported under Ouda’s instruction. “In spite of all the political differences deal, but its cashflow statement indicates GFH has so far paid over wheat left. Egypt usually imports about 10 million tonnes a year. between the parties, the international price of wheat was very nice, $33 million for Leeds, with a further $42.7 million in liabilities. The Two and a half years of political turmoil have caused a deep eco- we bought about 180,000 tonnes of wheat,” Ouda said. Mamdouh statement values the club at $88 million. “I think it was a transaction nomic crisis in Egypt, scaring away investors and tourists, draining Abdel Fattah, vice chairman of GASC, was not immediately available that to a certain extent confirmed the recovery of GFH,” said Al foreign currency reserves and making it difficult to maintain to comment. Rayes. Because of its debt burden, GFH may not be able to put as imports of food and fuel. Apart from imports, Ouda said the government had bought 3.7 much money into Leeds as other Gulf investors have showered on Egypt is the world’s largest importer of wheat, half of which it million tonnes of home-grown wheat from a harvest that is now fin- European soccer clubs such as Manchester City. But with new play- distributes to its 84 million people in the form of heavily subsidised ishing. It still has 3 million tonnes of domestic wheat left in its stores, ers and staff, including former Reading coach Brian McDermott, GFH saucer-sized flat loaves of bread, which sell for less than 1 US cent. having begun milling the domestic crop in May. Egypt normally says it plans to turn Leeds into a sustainable franchise by emulating Bread has long been a sensitive issue in Egypt. Former President mixes its domestic wheat with equal parts foreign wheat to produce the success of clubs such as Reading. “I would like Leeds to reach Hosni Mubarak faced unrest in 2008 when the rising price of wheat flour. Ouda said Mursi’s government had tried to increase the ratio that stage as well...but you can’t just do changes overnight, you have caused shortages. Although it also grows its own wheat, Egypt of domestic wheat, which would make the country less dependent to do it smoothly. Overall we are looking at the enhancement of needs huge quantities of foreign wheat with higher gluten content on imports. “Our plan was to increase the contribution of the local operations and enhancement of results.” to make flour suitable for bread. The ousted government closely wheat. We hoped to reach 60 percent,” Ouda said. GFH has had to outline its strategy not only to its shareholders guarded figures about its foreign grain stores even as a shortage of Morsi’s government said on June 26 it had 3.613 million tonnes but also to the soccer club’s vocal fan base, an unusual demand cash halted its imports. of total wheat but did not reveal how much of that was imported. on a firm that has kept a low profile since 2009. GFH classified its The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Earlier this week a report issued by a US Department of Agriculture stake in Leeds as being “held-for-sale” on its year-end financial said yesterday that civil unrest and dwindling foreign exchange (USDA) attache in Egypt said domestic wheat stocks would last statements, but Al Rayes said this did not mean it intended to exit reserves meant Egypt could have serious food security concerns. Its through October at current consumption levels. It gave no estimate the club any time soon. He said GFH planned to bring new import requirements next year would be equal to this year, it said. for when foreign wheat would run out. In the past, Egypt main- investors into Leeds while retaining an “influential minority” stake, Since Morsi was toppled last week, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi tained stocks of both imported and local wheat that would cover at declining to give a figure. —Reuters Arabia and Kuwait have promised $12 billion in cash, loans and fuel, least six months’ needs.—Reuters Business FRIDAY, JULY 12 , 2013 US oil boom Tablet wars heating to erode OPEC up as prices tumble market share
LONDON: The North American shale oil boom could spur the New devices flood market biggest rise in non-OPEC supply growth in decades next year, helping meet strong global demand and eroding the market WASHINGTON: Tablet prices are plunging cooling after a couple of years of sizzling dors to compete in the tablet space,” Ubrani share of OPEC countries, the International Energy Agency (IEA) amid a flood of new devices and cutthroat growth. Gartner said the red-hot growth in said. “As more top-tier brands introduce said yesterday. Shale oil and gas is already transforming the competition for market share. Amazon has tablets and smartphones will taper off as low-cost products, we expect to see a global energy market, notably by providing cheap supplies to slashed prices of its Kindle HD tablets to as these devices gain longer life cycles. The reduction in the number of whitebox ven- the US economy and lessening its dependence on imports. Even low as $169 in the US and 139 pounds in report said many consumers are opting for dors.” Even so, the analyst said, average though global oil demand growth in 2014 will rise to its Britain, while Barnes & Noble has cut the “basic” tablets to cut costs. “It looks like the prices for tablets is likely to drop further, strongest level since 2010, supply will remain quite comfortable, price of its Nook to as low as $129, and has market may be tiring of tablets and as mak- and that tablet shipments are expected to meaning oil prices should avoid steep spikes, the IEA, the energy announced plans to outsource production ers get desperate, you may see more pres- overtake all PC shipments in 2015. adviser to industrialised countries said in its monthly report. of its tablets. “Since Hewlett-Packard sure on prices,” Enderle said. Some retailers The market leader, Apple, has so far kept “The 2014 outlook... should give oil bulls some cause for launched its tablet, there has been a lot of are selling tablets for less than $100, but above the fray, keeping prices steady on its alarm. Non-OPEC supply growth looks on track to hit a 20-year pressure on prices,” said Rob Enderle, ana- Enderle said the flood of poor-quality iPad line of tablets, although it introduced record next year, surpassing the 1.3 million bpd high reached in lyst with Enderle Group. HP sells its Android- devices may eventually backfire and turn off the lower-cost iPad mini last year at $329, 2002,” the IEA said. While demand growth is also forecast to gain powered seven-inch Slate for as low as consumers. less than the $500 for its full-size iPad. momentum, rising to 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2014 $139, helping make the paperback-size Jitesh Ubrani, analyst at the research firm “Apple does not look at the competitive from 0.930 million bpd in 2013, it will still fall short of forecast tablet computer an affordable commodity. IDC, said many of the low-cost tablets come marketplace to determine its strategy,” said non-OPEC supply growth. As a result, the need for OPEC oil will A Gartner survey suggests tablet sales from small, sometimes unbranded “white- Jeff Orr, analyst with ABI Research. “They decline. The IEA said the “call” on OPEC crude is set to ease in globally will rise 67.9 percent to 202 million box” vendors. “The decline of the PC market look at their buyers. Because of that I would 2014 to 29.4 million bpd from 29.6 million bpd this year and ver- units this year, but analysts say the market is makes it increasingly important for PC ven- expect their price points to remain consis- sus current OPEC production of 30.61 million bpd. tent for the foreseeable future.” The picture painted by the IEA represents a dramatic Enderle said Apple is seeking to remain a change in patterns seen in recent decades when the world was “premium vendor” but faces a difficult expected to be increasingly reliant on OPEC’s oil with supplies choice - lowering prices, which can hurt its from other producers declining or remaining stagnant. OPEC profits and worsen its share price declines, itself said on Wednesday that 2014 incremental demand will or giving up market share. “Under Steve be covered by non-OPEC supplies. Rising shale output will Jobs, when a product started to commodi- make it harder for the 12-member group to keep its own out- tize, they would come out with something put at high rates without risking a drop in prices below $100 a new,” Enderle said. “Apple needs another barrel, its preferred level. premium product. It is overdue for whatever In 2014, the IEA expects North American supply to grow by the next big thing is.” Microsoft has also close to 1 million bpd and other countries including Brazil and aimed at the high end of the market with its Kazakhstan to also produce more. Major pre-salt projects in Surface, which debuted with a starting $500 Brazil, the Kashagan field in Kazakhstan, West Chirag in price tag, but it has cut the price as low as Azerbaijan, and new fields in the North Sea are expected to $199 for education buyers. offset declining production elsewhere. “Production could Orr said some of the manufacturers may prove even higher than forecast in Russia, the United States, be forced out of the market if tablets are not Canada, and Brazil, especially if prices remain at or above cur- part of their “core” business. “Every brand rent levels,” the IEA said. On the demand side, China is forecast believes it has an audience which will be to remain the main engine of demand growth in 2014 adding interested in their device to connect to their 385,000 bpd, followed by the rest of non-OECD Asia adding ecosystem,” he said. “The reality is not every 325,000 bpd and the Middle East, where demand should rise player can survive.” Amazon sells its Kindles by 225,000 bpd. “While demand in the OECD region is expect- near the cost of production, in an effort to ed to contract, it will do so at a much slower pace than has direct the buyers to Amazon content and been the case in the last few years since the 2008 financial cri- apps. The others, including Apple. Google sis, edging down by 0.4 percent in 2014 compared to the 0.8 JAKARTA: An Indonesian woman plays a game on her tablet during a sermon on and Microsoft, also want to keep their cus- percent drop of 2013.” —Reuters the first night of the holy month of Ramadan at the Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta on tomers tethered to an ecosystem for adver- July 9, 2013. — AFP tising and sales. —AFP Palestinian economic plan taking shape
WASHINGTON: Behind the scenes, a team of international seal a two-state peace deal with Israel. turing, agriculture, energy, water and information technology. experts have for months been working on a plan to boost the “The Palestinian leadership will not offer political concessions The aim is not to present an investment plan dividing money stagnant Palestinian economy, set to be launched if peace talks in exchange for economic benefits,” insisted Mohammad between each sector, but rather to map out a potential path for- with the Israelis resume. US Secretary of State John Kerry Mustafa, president of the Palestine Investment Fund, a day after ward. Much needs to be done on both sides to foster a better unveiled the broad contours of the scheme to attract some $4 Kerry’s announcement. Part of the aim, though, is to wean the environment to lure private investors. “If that $4 billion flows in billion in private-sector investment over the next three years at a Palestinian economy off its dependence on donor handouts, and meets all the security-driven restrictions, you will not get the World Economic Forum in Jordan in late May. But decades of sources told AFP. After several years of what the World Bank proper result,” Kari Tapiola, a special advisor to the International frustrations and disappointments mean the concrete details are called “robust growth,” the Palestinian economy has slowed Labor Organization, cautioned about the Quartet-Kerry plan. “You being kept under wraps until there is an agreement to resume since 2012, hit by a fall in aid amid international fatigue at the have different areas of potential productive investment, but the talks, stalled since September 2010. moribund peace process. under the current conditions they are very limited,” agreed The hope is that, hand in hand with movement on the politi- The basis for Palestinian economic growth “is largely donor Sherman. cal front, the scheme could sew tangible economic benefits on support, which in the long term is not sustainable. And it is really Last week’s IMF report sharply criticized “persistent Israeli the ground to alleviate dire unemployment and poverty for the job creation that is needed,” said Mariam Sherman, World Bank controls and obstacles on internal movement, exports, and Palestinians. Kerry said business experts had been working to country director for the West Bank and Gaza. “We would like to imports in the West Bank, as well as the virtual closure of Gaza”. make the project “real, tangible and shovel-ready,” adding an ini- see greater private sector investment,” she told AFP. The Such restrictions “thwart the private sector,” the report warned. tial analysis had predicted “stunning” results. These included International Monetary Fund said last week that Palestinian Prohibitions and bureaucratic red-tape have contributed to a boosting the Palestinian GDP by as much as 50 percent over growth was expected to slow to about 4.25 percent this year fall in Palestinian exports, while the industrial and agricultural three years and cutting unemployment from 21 percent to eight down from about 11 percent in 2010 and 2011. Unemployment in sectors have also weakened. With no functioning airport, much percent. the West Bank is set to reach 24 percent this year, while in Gaza of what the Palestinians produce has to be trucked out through But similarly ambitious US-led plans by past administrations joblessness stands at 31 percent - with half of all women in the the West Bank and sent to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge. Marble have faltered, and a blanket of secrecy has been thrown up as Gaza Strip out of work. Cuts in donor aid had in the past two years from quarries, dates and herbs from farms, as well as some Quartet special envoy Tony Blair and his team hammer out the “brought the PA close to insolvency”, wrote the Moshe Dayan processed foods are among the most successful exports from details with the aid of international experts. Critics say the vague Center at Tel Aviv University last month. “The PA was unable to small Palestinian businesses. But such built-in inefficiencies add details may signal a lack of substance. But others believe the pay the salaries of public sector employees fully and on time.” The to the overall cost, while a strict Israeli ban on importing dual-use need for secrecy is in part due to concerns on the Palestinian side Quartet is understood to have targeted eight sectors for growth - items such as fertilizer mean West Bank manufacturers can strug- that any so-called “economic peace” would sideline efforts to construction/housing, building materials, tourism, light manufac- gle to get materials.—AFP Business FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
‘No work’ jobs roil UK labour market
LONDON: No work, no pay, but still employed? many as key to employment growth, and Britain has under zero-hours contracts, up from 116,000 in late Welcome to Britain’s ‘zero-hours contracts’, which long had easier rules on hiring and firing workers than 2008. This is 0.7 percent of the workforce, but the 70 offer no guaranteed amount of work and pay, and other European countries. Even so, some change may percent increase is a fifth of the net jobs increase over some weeks provide nothing. Almost unheard of in still be on the way. Britain’s business ministry is holding the period. But the numbers may significantly under- the rest of Europe and the United States, the rapid informal talks with employers and unions, which Lib count the number of people on zero-hours contracts, growth of this type of work helps explain how Britain’s Dem employment minister Jo Swinson said this week as its survey relies on workers knowing the precise barely growing economy has nonetheless been able to may presage a more in-depth inquiry. legal status of their jobs. provide jobs for a record number of people. One in Lawmakers also say plenty of their constituents face Earlier this week the government said that it was five jobs created in Britain since late 2008 has come difficulties with the contracts. The experience of one possible that 300,000 people were employed on zero- with a zero-hours contract, many of them in low-paid 26-year-old man who spoke to Reuters earlier this year hours contracts last year in the social care sector alone. roles such as caring for the elderly or stacking shelves, is typical. He worked in warehouse jobs in central “The numbers are dodgy, really dodgy,” said Ian but increasingly in work that requires more qualifica- England for several months under a zero-hours con- Brinkley, a former chief economist for Britain’s Trades tions. tract from an employment agency. He did not wish his Union Congress who now heads the Work Foundation, Under a zero-hours contract, an employer has no name to be published in case he got sacked. Usually he a labour market think. Brinkley said he expected such obligation to provide a minimum number of shifts, gets a text message to tell him if there is work the fol- contracts to grow further in the future - and did not unlike other jobs. Workers are not obliged to accept lowing day. But often the number of hours is unclear, advocate a ban - but he predicted a damaging effect hours either. But critics argue that the flexibility mostly and sometimes he is required at even shorter notice. on worker morale would limit their use. Data on benefits employers because workers who reject being “It is very sporadic and unpredictable, making it vir- whether the contracts acted as a stepping stone into called up on one occasion risk being frozen out of all tually impossible to budget or plan for my other com- more permanent employment, or left workers stuck in future work. This has engendered criticism. Opposition mitments,” he said. “I don’t earn enough, and since I’ve a rut, was largely absent, he added. Labour party leader Ed Miliband says the contracts been doing zero-hours contracts I’ve been getting Kevin Green, director of the Recruitment and make some British workplaces “nasty, brutish and more and more in debt.” Some weeks he works eight Employment Confederation, whose members place a unfair”. His colleague, Julie Elliott, who led a parliamen- hours, others more than 40, generally at a minimum lot of people into temporary work, does not dispute tary debate criticising the contracts said it put too wage of £6.19 ($9.18) an hour. The unpredictable that some bad practice exists. But he questions many people’s life “on call”. income plays havoc with his state benefit entitlements, whether it is more prevalent in zero-hours work than in Some Labour politicians are trying to push through which assume a steady amount of work each week. other types of contract, and added that it benefited legislation to ban the contracts. But they stand little How many people are in a similar situation is people who might not be able to work otherwise. “It’s chance of success, with the governing coalition of unclear. The latest official data from the Office for hugely important for businesses that they can flex and Conservatives and Liberal Democrats convinced there National Statistics - which covers the last three months provide the right resource and the right capability to is a place for them. Flexibility in hiring is viewed by of 2012 - suggests just 200,000 people are employed meet their customers’ needs.” — Reuters
BoJ stands pat on China accuses GSK staff of monetary policy graft, tax crimes
Central bank upgrades assessment BEIJING: Senior managers of British drug firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in China have confessed to TOKYO: Japan’s central bank yesterday scheme - similar to the US Federal Reserve’s - But news that the bank would hold off bribery, “serious” business offences and tax crimes, the struck an optimistic note about the econo- aimed at kickstarting growth in the limp any more policy moves sent the yen higher ministry of public security said yesterday. “As a big my, using the word “recover” for the first economy and bringing an end to deflation. against the dollar, adding to gains made in multinational pharmaceutical company, GSK China in time in more than two years and pointing to Business confidence among Japan’s New York after the US central bank indicated recent years rampantly bribed some government offi- a pick-up in investment as well as consumer biggest manufacturers surged in the past its own easy-money policy would be kept in cials, a number of pharmaceutical industry groups and and business confidence. The Bank of Japan three months, a closely-watched central place for some time. Abe appointed Kuroda, funds, hospitals and doctors,” said the ministry, which is left its vast monetary easing program - a bank survey showed earlier in July, in the lat- a veteran of international finance, as the cen- in charge of China’s police, in a statement. huge bond-buying scheme unveiled in April est sign of an uptick in the economy. The tral banker in March with a promise to gener- The firm did so in order to sell products or raise - unchanged, saying the situation for the public has largely cheered the economic ini- ate two percent inflation in two years in a prices, it said, adding that benefits were provided “via world’s number three economy was looking tiatives of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who country long beset by growth-sapping defla- travel agencies and other channels in the form of direct up. “Japan’s economy is starting to recover came to power in December and has offered tion. Economists are divided over the merits bribery or sponsorship”. It also committed tax-related modestly,” BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda a series of huge government spending of Abe’s controversial initiatives, dubbed told a press conference after a two-day poli- pledges that run in tandem with monetary “Abenomics”, which are so far a little short on crimes, the statement said, following police investiga- cy meeting. The comment was seen as a easing. The two policies have driven down details of how Japan’s massive public debts tions in the financial hub Shanghai and the central cities notch stronger than its previous assessment the value of the yen and given a fillip to will be tackled or how cossetted industries of Changsha and Zhengzhou. “The case involves a large that the “economy has been picking up”. exports. will be made more competitive. — AFP number of people, a long period of time, a huge value “With regard to the outlook, Japan’s and its circumstances are vile,” it added. economy is expected to recover moderately Some senior managers have confessed their wrong- on the back of the resilience in domestic doings in preliminary interrogation, the statement said, demand and the pick-up in overseas and the inquiry was continuing. It did not specify the economies,” the bank said in a statement. suspects’ citizenships, but in London the Foreign Office Kuroda pointed to a rise in business and said it was providing consular assistance to a British public investment, private consumption and national. It is common practice in China for pharmaceu- industrial production, while noting that tical firms to offer doctors and hospitals bribes to have exports also picked up. BoJ board members their products used, industry insiders say. GSK is one of slightly adjusted their growth forecasts, with the largest multinational pharmaceutical companies in their fresh median forecast registering at 2.8 China with total investment of more than $500 million, percent in a range of 2.5 to 3.0 percent according to its website. A spokeswoman for the firm growth. In April, their median forecast was said it was willing to co-operate with the inquiry, adding: 2.9 percent growth, in a range of 2.4 to 3.0 “This is the first official communication GSK has received percent growth. The moderate change came from the police in relation to the specific nature of its as the rest of the world was performing investigation. “We take any allegations of bribery and weaker than expected, while the Japanese domestic economy did better than anticipat- corruption very seriously,” the spokeswoman said in an ed, Kuroda said, adding that the growth rate email to AFP, adding that it had found “no evidence of and inflation were moving “broadly in line bribery or corruption of doctors or government officials” with the April forecasts”. The bank in April TOKYO: Bank of Japan Gov Haruhiko Kuroda reacts at a news conference after in China. — AFP unveiled a multi-billion-dollar bond-buying attending a policy meeting at the BoJ’s head office yesterday. — AP FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 THEY ARE THE 99!
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www.the99.org The 99 ® and all related characters ® and © 2013, Teshkeel Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Media Group, Inc. Teshkeel The 99 ® and all related characters ® and © 2013, Opinion FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 Morsi’s ouster comforts Saudis, disconcerts Qatar By Angus McDowall and Regan Doherty ideology has no borders,” said Abdullah Al- rolled in Cairo last week. While Kuwait’s ruling Islamist movement preaches political activism, Askar, chairman of the foreign affairs commit- family shares Saudi and UAE concerns about Gulf clerics mostly espouse a doctrine of sup- he $12 billion in aid Saudi Arabia, the tee of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, a body the Brotherhood, its stance is complicated by port for traditional rulers and oppose radical TUnited Arab Emirates and Kuwait offered King Abdullah appointed to debate policy and the presence of Islamists linked to the move- change. In Doha, the question now is how far Egypt this week showed their delight at advise the government. “They don’t believe in ment in its parliament. As a result it has been the new emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al- the army’s ousting of President Mohamed national identity, but they believe in the iden- less vocal than other Gulf states in criticising Thani, might retreat from Qatar’s alliance of Morsi in a reversal for Islamists empowered by convenience with the Middle East’s sturdiest the Arab ferment of 2011. It also marked a Islamist movement. Qatar’s support for the recalibration of power among Gulf Arab states Brotherhood, including sheltering its sympa- which, with the notable exception of Qatar, thisers, arming its brigades in Syria and, some had viewed the Arab uprisings as catastrophic say, guiding the editorial policy of its Arabic- for regional stability and feared the Muslim language Al Jazeera television station, has irri- Brotherhood would use its domination of tated Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Egypt to push a radical, Islamist agenda in “They (the Qataris) think soft power comes their own backyard. Qatar, however, saw sup- via the Brotherhood, via Al Jazeera television port for the Muslim Brotherhood as a means but this is dangerous,” said the Saudi Shoura to project its influence in the Middle East, and Council’s Askar, saying he was speaking for gave Egypt $7 billion in aid during the move- himself and not for the kingdom. He said the ment’s year in power. Qataris “use the Brotherhood for political rea- “I suspect the Qataris will draw back some- sons”, without belonging to the movement what,” said Robert Jordan, a former US ambas- themselves. There is no outward sign yet of sador to Riyadh. “Their infatuation with the Qatar changing its policy. Sheikh Youssef Al- Muslim Brotherhood has probably been Qaradawi, a prominent Doha-based Egyptian dampened. They’re likely to come around to a cleric and Brotherhood champion, has contin- position closer to the Saudis.” Saudi Arabia in ued to lament last week’s army intervention in particular was alarmed by the popular unrest Cairo that was backed by popular protests. that toppled Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak and Tunisia’s Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali, and rippled ‘Hedging Their Bets’ through Bahrain, Yemen and other countries. And Al Jazeera’s coverage is still interpret- But most Gulf rulers had fewer qualms about ed as pro-Morsi, prompting Egypt’s military to rebellions against Libya’s leader Muammar close its Cairo bureau, where some staff quit in Gaddafi and Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad, whose protest at its perceived pro-Brotherhood line. links with Shiite Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah “The Qataris are hedging their bets right now. movement had long antagonised US-backed They’re willing to engage with anyone who Sunni Arab states. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will come to the table. No one knows how this which has challenged Riyadh’s traditional is going to play out. Right now, the best leadership in recent years, were broadly option for Qatar is to remain quiet,” said the aligned on support for rebels in Syria and Doha source. It amounts to a weighty foreign Libya, but they bitterly disagreed over their policy challenge for the new emir, whose attitude to Islamist groups. Now that argu- father stepped down unexpectedly this ment appears to be over - at least for now. month. “The abdication was miraculously well- timed. They changed the regime one week Flawed Strategy before Egypt hit the wall,” the Doha source Doha insiders say it is too early to judge said. “Now they have the opportunity to Qatar’s reaction to the crisis unfolding in refashion the policy, and present the new emir Egypt, but they say the new emir may consider as someone whose policies will be more reducing his wealthy country’s support for the aligned with the will of the Egyptian people.” Muslim Brotherhood and playing a less promi- It is not clear how far the Brotherhood’s nent regional role. “They have admitted that defeat in Egypt will energise Saudi Arabia and there were some flaws in their Egypt strategy,” its Gulf allies in the region, although the elec- said a Doha-based source who has advised the tion of a Saudi ally to head Syria’s opposition Qatari government and who asked not to be last week was seen as evidence of the shifting named. “Their intervention was seen as overly power balance. On Wednesday, UAE Minister reflexive support of the (Morsi) government of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash without adequately taking into account the wrote an opinion piece in Washington-based will of the people. The way it was handled has Foreign Policy magazine condemning political caused them some problems, and they have Islam and pledging support for Middle Eastern acknowledged that,” he said. countries he described as moderate. Saudi For Saudi Arabia, the Brotherhood’s fall was King Abdullah’s Ramadan message inveighed sweetened by the decisive intervention of an against joining political parties, an apparent Egyptian military with ties to Gulf states that warning to Saudi members of the flourished under Mubarak. Army chief General Brotherhood angry at Riyadh’s approval of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi was once a military Morsi’s fall. attache in Riyadh. “He has long experience Saudi rulers may worry about radicalisation there and long ties to not only the Saudi mili- of Islamists in Egypt, but homegrown ones in tary, but also the political leadership,” said the Gulf pose little domestic threat, analysts Jordan. Saudi Arabia and the UAE publicly tity of the Islamic nation. They have their fin- the Brotherhood after the Arab uprisings and and former diplomats in the region said. insist they do not comment on other states’ gers in different states in the Gulf,” he said. has left fundraising for Syrian rebels largely to Mustafa Alani of the Geneva-based Gulf internal affairs, but both rapidly broadcast That concern was manifest in the trial in private citizens. Research Centre said: “Their bigger concerns congratulatory messages to Egypt’s new inter- Abu Dhabi of 94 Emiratis accused of plotting are about the interference of a strong Muslim im leader, tacitly signalling their hostility to to overthrow the government on behalf of the Soft Power Brotherhood in the internal affairs of their own the Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. Their sen- Like the Brotherhood, most Gulf states fol- states.” —Reuters “The problem with the Brotherhood is their tences were announced a day before the tanks low strict versions of Islam, but while the FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 www.kuwaittimes.net Syria. —AP relentless civilwarin Egypt's turmoilandthe as theregionisrockedby month ofRamadaneven dawn-to-dusk fastforthe started observingthe the MiddleEasthave Many devoutMuslimsin Mecca, SaudiArabia. holy Muslimcityof the GrandMosquein pers circletheKaabaat 10, 2013photo,worship- In thisWednesday,July Food FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
e spoon up so much yogurt at breakfast, lunch yogurts. And people like the thick texture of the Greek vari- cooking with it are infinite,” wrote Arto Der Haroutunian in Wand dinner that we spent $7.3 billion on the tart ety,” says registered dietitian Sarah Krieger, an Academy of “The Yogurt Cookbook: Recipes From Around the World” stuff last year. Its creamy texture and good-for- Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. “If you’re using (Interlink Books, $35). The late author, restaurateur and your-gut benefits are draws. So are the varieties: full fat, Greek yogurt in cooking, basically you can use it anywhere artist suggested using it in place of cream, milk, buttermilk nonfat and low fat; organic and conventional; honey that sour cream is used.” and sour cream. sweetened or plain, fruit on the bottom or swirled through- Subbing Greek yogurt for sour cream in many recipes “It makes an excellent marinade and goes well with veg- out. Among these cultured denizens of the dairy case, it’s cuts calories and sodium, while delivering more protein. “If etables, eggs, meat, poultry, cheese and grains,” writes Der Greek yogurt that’s getting lots of attention. Retail sales in you’re making a cold soup that uses sour cream, I would Haroutunian, whose book boasts 200-plus recipes, includ- the US of this thicker-than-regular yogurt increased more swap it out for nonfat Greek yogurt,” she says. “You’re get- ing a garlic sauce (yogurt mixed with a crushed garlic clove, than 50 percent in 2012 to reach $1.6 billion, according to ting more nutrition with the Greek yogurt.” Its acidity also finely chopped green onion, a bit of salt and dried mint) for Packaged Facts, a Rockville, Md., market researcher. Such works well as a marinade for meats and poultry. “It’s great serving atop fried - we like grilled - slices of zucchini or numbers, they say, have pretzel, salad dressing and cereal- for baked fish or chicken. If you’re using it instead of may- eggplant. makers jumping on the Greek yogurt bandwagon. onnaise, you’re actually using less fat and you’re adding a Greek yogurt, like regular yogurt, can be temperamental Greek yogurt’s appeal is easy to understand. It’s deli- little bit of protein and a little bit of calcium,” says Krieger, a in the presence of heat. If you’re using it in cooking, it will ciously thick and creamy, it plays well in recipes, its ingredi- St Petersburg, Fla, mom. She spreads yogurt on whitefish, curdle if you cook it over high heat, says Krieger, who sug- ent list is simple (milk plus live cultures) and its tartness then mixes dried herbs with breadcrumbs or panko to gests using low heat or stirring Greek yogurt into sauces at dovetails with our fondness for fermented foods (pickles sprinkle atop before baking. the end of cooking for texture and creaminess. etc.). “There’s been a lot of marketing with the Greek “With yogurt, almost anything goes, the possibilities of Nutritional differences between Greek and regular Food FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Look for the National Yogurt Association’s “Live & Active Cultures” seal identifying “yogurt products that contain significant amounts of live and active cultures.”
SKEWERED CHICKEN (MURGH TIKKA) Prep: 20 minutes Marinate: Overnight Cook: 10-15 minutes Servings: 4 Note: Adapted from “The Yogurt Cookbook” by Arto Der Haroutunian (Interlink Books, $35). The author suggests serving it with a tomato and onion salad, plus rice pilaf or the Indian bread, chapati. Two-percent Greek yogurt was used in our testing.
Ingredients 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh gin- ger Juice of 1 large lemon 1\2 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons each: ground coriander, salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or mint Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Put the onion, garlic, gin- ger and lemon juice in a blender; puree until smooth. Empty paste into a large non-reactive bowl. Add yogurt, coriander, salt and cumin; mix well. Add chicken pieces; turn until well coated. Cover; refrigerate overnight. yogurts are due in part to the number of times each is Servings: 4 strained. Regular yogurt is strained twice to remove liquid Note: Adapted from “The Yogurt Cookbook” by Arto Der (called whey); Greek yogurt is strained three times, which Haroutunian (Interlink Books, $35), this dish has a firm tex- makes it thicker and sometimes tarter. ture, not unlike cheesecake. The egg yolks help stabilize “Regular yogurt has more whey, that is more of the liq- the yogurt. We used 2 percent Greek yogurt in testing. uid where most of the lactose - also known as the carbohy- drate - is found,” says Krieger. “So when the whey is Ingredients removed, you’re left with a higher concentration of protein. 4 ounces dried apricots, soaked overnight in cold water That’s why you’ll see more protein in nonfat Greek yogurt 2 cups plain Greek yogurt than of the same amount of regular nonfat.” Yet another 2 egg yolks reason to give tart, thick, creamy Greek yogurt a role to 1 tablespoon brown sugar play in your culinary creations. 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios Heat oven to 325 degrees. Drain softened apricots; cut GREEK YOGURT IN THE KITCHEN them into small pieces. Place in a 4-cup baking dish. Beat Plain Greek yogurt’s thickness works for dips, on spicy yogurt and yolks together in a bowl; pour over apricots. foods (chili anyone?), baked potatoes and adds another fla- Place baking dish in a baking pan. Pour enough cold water vor dimension to some condiments (say, Dijon mustard or into the pan to come halfway up the outside of the baking sriracha sauce). Remember: dish. Bake until set, 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool. To serve, Liquid (whey) may pool at the top of yogurt. Dietitian mix brown sugar with pistachios. Sprinkle over top. Sarah Krieger says: It’s a good source of calcium so stir it back into the yogurt. Nutrition information Because yogurt is acidic, use a nonreactive dish when Per serving: 297 calories, 16 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, 112 marinating foods or storing yogurt. mg cholesterol, 29 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein, 45 mg Overstirring yogurt may thin its consistency. sodium, 3 g fiber. — MCT It may be warmed gently, but do not boil. To stabilize yogurt for a dish that may be cooked at a higher heat, cookbook author Arto Der Haroutunian sug- gests: Stir 1 to 2 teaspoons flour into a little water then add to yogurt before cooking. Or beat an egg into the yogurt before cooking.
SHOPPING TIPS Dietitian Sarah Krieger offers these tips: “Always look at the ingredients first. Know what you’re Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade; eating.” thread pieces on skewers. Cook on a grill or under a broiler, Not all Greek yogurts are created equal. Check ingredi- turning frequently, 10-12 minutes. Serve sprinkled with ents beyond milk and live cultures. Some yogurt makers chopped mint or cilantro. may be “adjusting their recipes to accommodate what peo- Nutrition information ple are looking for,” she says. Sometimes that means adding thickeners (i.e. gelatin or cornstarch) to yogurts Per serving: 255 calories, 6 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 127 strained only twice rather that the usual three times. mg cholesterol, 1 g carbohydrates, 46 g protein, 228 mg “People with lactose intolerance may find Greek yogurt sodium, 0 g fiber. easier to digest,” she says since Greek yogurt has less lac- APRICOT AND YOGURT CUSTARD tose (found in the whey). Yogurts are made using live cultures (good bacteria Prep: 1 hour, 15 minutes such as S thermophilus, and L bulgaricus, as well as others). Cook: 30-40 minutes Travel FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 ExploringExploring GrandGrand BahamaBahama IslandIsland Seeking adventure on a faded hot spot
ing a few nights on the island before returning on the ship to the Port of Palm Beach. The ferry, in operation for about 18 months, and the Bahamas Celebration, which began sailing from Palm Beach to Freeport three years ago, are part of that rebuilding. Carnival and Norwegian have added port calls as well, push- Waterfalls at Garden of ing total cruise ship arrivals from about 336,000 10 years ago the Groves on Grand to nearly 733,000 in 2012. However, cruise passengers who Bahama. — MCT photos spend only part of a day on Grand Bahama account for the vast majority of those arrivals, while the number of far-more- lucrative overnight visitors has plummeted. The Grand Bahama Port Authority has spiffed up the port in the last year, adding a straw market, Senor Frogs and other By Marjie Lambert swamp. When we emerged from the trees, half-tame rac- businesses, so some cruise passengers never even leave the coons met us, begging for food. port. Other upgrades: More flights from the United States and rom the deck of Banana Bay restaurant on the south The beach was narrow, but a large sandbar was just a Canada are being added, and the closed Reef village is being Fshore of Grand Bahama Island, where I waited for a short walk away through shallow water clear enough that I renovated and rebranded by Sunwing, which will add 500 plate of conch fritters, I admired the pretty but empty could see the ripples in the sandy bottom. The tour guide hotel rooms. Grand Bahama had almost 3,000 rooms in 1995; beach that stretched to the east: a narrow, curving strip of said that scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean had been today it has about 2,100. white sand; a shallow lagoon of clear blue water; a hammock filmed here, and I wondered if cast, crew and equipment A small eco-tourism element has been added, but green strung between two wind-bent palms. I turned to the west, arrived by canoes or came through the mangroves each day. tourism can absorb only so many tourists and still remain sighting more sand, more palm trees, until a sign appeared in There are beaches here for snorkeling and for fishing, green, said David Johnson, director-general at Bahamas my camera’s viewfinder: ‘Nude beach. Swimsuits optional. undeveloped beaches with few if any amenities, beaches Ministry of Tourism. ‘It’s a feature that helps to brand the Voyeurism prohibited. Absolutely no peering, staring, leering with bars, music and watercraft rentals, beaches for shelling, island and we hope to see more of that but ecotourism by its or outright gawking.’ beaches with kayaking trails, and, as I’d just learned, at least very nature is not a volume-driven experience.’ It would be I lowered my camera in a flash. What category would pho- one nude beach. Despite Grand Bahama’s wealth of beaches, my first Grand Bahamian adventure. But first, I had to get tography fall into - voyeurism or gawking? Had anyone seen though, tourism - which in the late 1980s and early ë90s drew there. me? I flicked my eyes up and down the beach, my gaze never more than 1 million visitors a year took a dive here years ago stopping so I couldn’t be accused of staring, until I was sure and is recovering very slowly. Last year, tourism drew only THE FERRY that the few people walking along the sand were fully about 840,000 people, their numbers diminished by the ups The Pinar del Tio is rolling side to side. The few people clothed. Then I raised my camera again and snapped a pic- and downs of the US economy, competition from other who are walking around grab a post or seat back, then lurch ture. budget beach destinations like Cancun, hurricane damage to the next pillar or seat. On my way to the snack bar, I miscal- Beaches are the No. 1 reason tourists come to Grand and aged hotels. culate and let go of a seat back just as the ship rolls to one Bahama, its tourism officials say, and I was on one of its pretti- I had come to explore the island at the northwest edge of side, so I throw my arm around a pillar. Never mind, I don’t est, Fortune Bay, less than 10 miles from Freeport and just the Bahamas by way of a fast ferry from Port Everglades, a need coffee that badly. It’s a windy, overcast Friday morning steps from Grand Bahama Highway. Earlier, a nature tour had ride of 2 to 3 hours. Three months later I would return on the in January and the ferry is encountering rough seas. I bought taken me to a more secluded spot, Gold Rock Beach, part of Bahamas Celebration, a low-budget ‘ferry’ cruise that gives a round-trip coach-class ticket to Grand Bahama Island, Lucayan National Park. The beach was accessible by a quar- passengers the option of remaining on the ship for a tradi- where I’ve reserved two nights in a hotel. Sunday night I’ll ter-mile walk, mostly via boardwalk, through a mangrove tional two-night cruise with a day visit to Freeport, or spend- return on the ferry to Port Everglades; the ride will be smooth. The Pinar del Rio has a small first-class seating area, a snack bar, a bar that’s not open this morning, slot machines, a duty-free shop, and a movie showing at the back of the ship. I’ve stowed my roll-aboard suitcase in a luggage area (it was free, but there’s a charge to check larger bags). The ferry holds 463 passengers; on this trip it looks like a third to half of the seats are empty. Outside the ferry terminal, a fleet of taxi vans awaits. We’re divided into groups based on what hotel we’re going to. If the group is eight or more, the ride is only $5. Several vans quickly fill with people going to the Grand Lucayan or the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach. But I’ve chosen the Bell Channel Inn, a small, out-of-the-way hotel, and I split the $27 fare with the only other passenger going there. I have a late lunch of crab salad by a window in the inn’s restaurant, which overlooks Bell Channel Bay. Then I spend some time with Jeanne, the hotel’s tour concierge. Jeanne arranges for me to join a group tour of Lucayan National A visitor pauses to Forest the next day and promises to look into what’s avail- take a photo in a cave, able on Sunday. Because of the timing of the tours and the partially lit by fact that many shops are closed on Sunday, I won’t be able to sunlight, in Lucayan fit in kayaking or a visit to a shop that hosts rum-tastings. National Forest on Next trip, I promise myself. Grand Bahama. I set off on foot for Port Lucaya Marketplace, about a mile’s walk (and which, despite its name, is not located at the Travel FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
port). The marketplace is a 12-acre complex on the waterfront, painted Bahamian-style in bright colors and built around Tourists walk on the Count Basie Square, which has a bandstand with dancing to boardwalk through a live music that I can hear faintly from my hotel balcony at mangrove swamp to Gold night. It has a marina, straw market, boutiques, hair-braiding Rock Beach on Grand stations, restaurants and bars specializing in rum drinks. Bahama Island. Once, the International Bazaar in the center of Freeport was the hub of tourism activities. But since 2004, when the nearby Royal Oasis resort closed and hurricanes damaged the market, most of its shops and restaurants have closed or moved to Port Lucaya Marketplace, the new Tourism Central. Most tours include a stop at the marketplace, so over the course of my two trips to Grand Bahama, I’ll end up here sev- eral times, where I eat lunch, drink rum runners, buy mango- flavored rum in a liquor shop, get a haircut, go across the street to gamble at the island’s only casino, take a boat tour and evade the entreaties of shop owners to come in and look.
the next table want to talk. They are college students from South Florida on spring break, 19 and 20, taking their first vacation without their families and feeling very grown-up. They will be spending two nights at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach, an all-inclusive, and are looking forward to an endless supply of cocktails on an island. But eventually they leave, and I enjoy a dinner of sauteed escargot, seafood Scenes from “Pirates of the Caribbean” were shot at Gold Rock bisque, grilled shrimp with lobster risotto and Grand Marnier Beach on Grand Bahama Island. creme brulee. The food is significantly better than in the ship’s other restaurants and worth the extra $25. Saturday morning, a bus picks me up at my hotel for the After-dinner entertainment includes a comedian in the trip to Lucayan National Forest and Gold Rock Beach, about 25 showroom, a singer in the piano bar, karaoke and the usual miles east of Freeport on the island’s south shore. It’s a small games in the casino. Later, there’s an all-night dance party in forest, just over 40 acres, but it has six miles of underwater the showroom. When I return to my stateroom, I find a notice caves and tunnels, formed when acidic water ate through the that my kayaking excursion has been canceled because not limestone. The Arawak Indians, also called the Lucayans, enough people signed up. inhabited the island before Christopher Columbus arrived on The next morning at the shore excursion desk, I find out nearby San Salvador, and were subsequently wiped out by that all water excursions - kayaking, snorkeling, the glass-bot- the Spanish. But before that, they used the cave system as tom boat - are canceled because of the wind and rain, so I burial grounds. switch to a tour of Garden of the Groves. The Garden of the As our guide tells us about the Arawaks, he leads us along Groves is not named for its groves of trees, but for Wallace boardwalks, past palms, stands of pine trees, orchids, bromeli- Groves, a disgraced American financier whose story is also the ads and other tropical plants. We follow him down stairs into story of how Grand Bahama became a tourist destination. two caves that opened up when the ground above them par- Groves’ career as a US businessman ended in 1938 when tially collapsed. The light is dim in the first cave; only portions A raccoon begs for food from a beachgoer on Gold of these caves are open to the sky. Bromeliads hang from bro- Rock Beach, Grand Bahama Island. he was indicted for mail fraud. In the late 1940s, after serving ken rock ledges. Our guide points out bats clustered in cor- time in federal prison, he moved to the island, purchased a ners, fish in the greenish water illuminated by angled rays of CRUISE SHIP lumber company and bought 115,000 acres of pine forest for light and entrances to underwater tunnels that only certified The hard sell starts even before I board the Bahamas his lumber mill. Soon, he began to envision Grand Bahama as cave divers are permitted to explore. Celebration, but I’ve done my homework. Yes, I want to sign a resort, one that would compete with Cuba for US tourists. In the second cave, the remains of several Lucayan Indians up for the kayaking excursion but not for snorkeling. No, I In 1955, he formed the Grand Bahama Port Authority and were found in a burial mound. On the opposite side of Grand don’t want to pay extra to eat in the hamburger place - pay negotiated an agreement with the Bahamian government to Bahama Highway is a mangrove swamp, crossed by board- extra for a hamburger? Really? But yes, I will pay $25 to eat in establish the city of Freeport as a free trade zone on what was walks and signs detailing the fish, birds and other wildlife that The Cove, the fanciest of the ship’s restaurants. then swampland and to build a port, schools, roads and devel- live here. Beyond the swamp is Gold Rock Beach, where parts It continues in my tiny stateroom, pitches on the P.A. sys- op utilities in return for significant tax concessions. He was of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed. We take off our shoes tem for bingo, shore excursions, the spa, discounted drinks at given control of 50,000 acres and the authority to issue busi- and go wading in the warm shallows. Then our tour bus takes the sail-away party. My stateroom is 86 square feet and has a ness licenses and work permits, run immigrations and cus- us to Banana Bay for a late lunch. small, cot-like lower bed plus a fold-down top bunk like on a toms operations at the port, operate casinos and set utility My options on Sunday are few, and I settle on a glass-bot- train. The ship is a converted Norwegian ferry built in 1981 rates. Groves died in 1988 in Miami at 86. tom boat tour. While I’m walking to the marina at Port Lucaya and has no balcony cabins. The electrical wiring is for Our tour guide recounts Groves’ story as he drives us to Marketplace, a woman on her way to church falls in with me. European appliances - 220 volt - and US hairdryers won’t the botanical garden, where a sign commemorates Groves We chat about cruises, walking, living on the island before work. I borrow a hairdryer and a converter so I can recharge and his wife Georgette. We learn about the lignum vitae, or our paths split. A short time later, a clown horn sounds my cellphone. Since the ship sails only two-night cruises, pas- tree of life, the national tree of the Bahamas; about the plants behind me, and I stand aside to let a 70-ish man on a bicycle sengers don’t require a lot of closet and drawer space. that grow in the ‘healing garden,’ the fern gully, and some of pedal past me. ‘Good afternoon,’ he calls in a British accent as Bahamas Celebration offers the option of a ‘ferry cruise’ - the other 10,000 species of plants that grow there. We sit in a he passes. sail to Freeport, spend two or more nights in a hotel, then chapel that is a replica of one from the early days of the log- The boat motors down a canal and into the ocean, then return. I’ve booked a traditional cruise and will be stopping in ging industry, admire the pieces in the sculpture garden, cruises along the coast to a coral reef. We crowd together, Grand Bahama only for a day, time for one shore excursion, pause to take pictures of manmade waterfalls, study the birds kneeling on benches, looking down through the thick glass then reboarding the ship in the evening and returning to the in the aviary, learn about the meditation labryinth and browse bottom of the boat. Port of Palm Beach the following morning. in the little shops at the end of the tour. At first we see just a few creatures - sergeant-major fish I have the late dinner seating but am hungry now, so I stop Back on the ship, I’m seated for dinner in one of the main with their black stripes, Elkhorn coral - but before long we’re at the trattoria for bread and a small salad of tomatoes and dining rooms with a mother and her young son who are visit- learning about several other kinds of coral and many fish. tiny balls of mozzarella. Then I head for the salon, where, yes ing from New York. I say something about how they probably When a Caribbean reef shark swims into view, we’re indeed, someone is available to give me a manicure. Then I appreciated the beaches more than I did, even on a rainy day, entranced. Later, a crew member tosses handfuls of food into head to the piano bar with its line of tables and chairs against but the mother says the boy doesn’t like buses, so they stayed the water and the surface roils as the fish rise and snap at the the big windows and order a glass. A woman is singing rock at the port. It’s a reminder that each person I’ve met on this floating bits. ën’ roll and loudly entreating her audience to join in, but few boat had a different reason for coming on the cruise, and a Back at the hotel, I catch a cab to the port for the 6 p.m. people do. Finally, it’s almost time for dinner, and I go to my different reaction to the experience. I say goodnight and turn departure of the ferry. With no one to share my ride, I pay the stateroom to dress up - the only occasion on either trip when toward the piano bar, and as I do, I realize that I have my own full $27 fare. The evening is pleasant, and though I’m now I’ll wear a dress and high heels. reason for making a return trip: I still want to go kayaking on armed with Dramamine, the seas are smooth. I’ve brought a magazine to read, but two young women at Grand Bahama. — MCT 32 Health FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013
t’s leg day. You’re tired. You’re tempted Bad hips, weak hamstrings, and a bad and injuries are unlikely. That makes a rear- knee. This iconic movement brings back Ito take it easy and wander through a few back can all contribute to complications foot-elevated split squat a great addition to images of Arnold with several women on sets of leg press, extensions, and curls. with back squats. The Zercher is a great any program. his back. If you can pull it off, that is defi- Sure, you could attack those exercises with alternative while you fix your jacked-up The most common issue with the split nitely the way to go! But you can use train- sufficient intensity and make short-term crap. It heavily recruits the upper back and squat is incorrect placement of the front ing partners as an external load, use a progress. Eventually, though, your develop- posterior chain, is relatively easy on the foot. Most will place the front foot too close machine, or set it up with a weight belt. ment will get top-heavy and you’ll be the spine, and the bar position makes it simple to the rear, causing excessive knee displace- However you “ride the donkey,” there is guy stuck in sweat pants, hiding your peg to squat correctly. ment and potential discomfort. Get more one issue you will run into with this move- legs. Real men and women-the kind with As you start, you may find cradling the glutes and hamstrings involvement, with ment: the load. Your calves can handle con- bulging quads and hanging hamstrings-can bar to be uncomfortable. There are a couple less knee pain, by moving the front foot to a siderable weight. Whatever load you use, pull off short shorts. of solutions to this-along with sucking it up, position that keeps the knee directly above you may not encounter much of a chal- This one’s for you, brothers and sisters in of course. You could use a thick bar, such as the ankle. If the movement causes too lenge. Don’t write yourself off as an uber- the sweats. Over time, we tend to get into a a strongman axle. The increased surface much of a stretch in the hip flexor as you strong badass. Instead, do your calf raises training groove. We hit the same exercises area will radically reduce the discomfort. descend, use a shorter bench or box. one leg at a time. with the same intensity, so our progress You could also use a barbell pad, such as I recommend beginning with dumbbells slows, crawls, and eventually stops. Don’t those the weak might use during a back until you have mastered the set-up. It won’t 4 Glute-Ham Raise get comfortable; get uncomfortable! Try squat. Regardless, rotate the Zercher squat be too long before your weights move up This might be the most underrated some new exercises-like the five leg legends into your program. It’s fantastic. drastically. Once you have graduated to a movement on this list. As good as it is, few below-to challenge your patterns and kick- barbell, I would recommend doing this gyms carry the proper equipment needed start new gains. 2 Bulgarian Split Squat movement in the comparative safety of the to perform this movement. It’s difficult and A single-leg squat not only adds a limited squat rack, on the off chance you lose your requires good technique, which often 1 Zercher Squat amount of instability to your squat (more balance. You also might consider using the makes it the odd machine out in commer- This is one of my favorite all-time move- similar to what you would see on an athletic safety-squat bar for this move. cial gyms. The glute-ham raise hits your ments, especially for strength athletes. field than a two-legged squat), but also entire posterior chain-your calves, ham- Zercher squats eliminate many of the prob- allows you to train with a lighter load. This 3 Donkey Calf Raise strings, and back all contract strongly dur- lems that immobile people have with back has its place, like when you want to give This is a great movement because, ing this movement. Progressing this heavy- squats. I’ve seen shoulders so jacked-up your spine a break from those disc-crushing unlike some of the more popular calf hitting movement will radically improve that people can’t get their hands on the bar poundages. It’s easy to get someone doing moves, it keeps the gastrocnemius into a your squats, deadlifts, and even your verti- when squatting. this movement correctly with intense loads, heavily stretched position as it crosses the cal jump! Just pay attention to good tech- nique. On a strictly performed glute-ham raise, most people will struggle with only a few bodyweight reps. It is tough.
5 Good Morning There are few movements as effective for your posterior chain as the good morn- ing. There are a lot of ways to perform it, but the key here is the hip hinge. People tend to use a lot of back and quads in pos- terior chain movements, which leads them to perform the exercises incorrectly. When teaching this movement, I usually start by having “Assistant Coach Wall” instruct the athlete. Stand six inches in front of a wall with your feet in your squat stance, and push your hips back until your butt touches the wall. Maintain a neutral to slightly arched spine, and ensure that you aren’t facilitating the movement with knee displacement. Your knees should stay directly above ankles, or even behind if you can manage it. After you’ve achieved the form, move forward an inch or two and repeat the drill. Continue doing so until you reach the limit of your flexibility, with your hips fully dis- placed and your hamstrings feeling like they’re going to rip off. Add a barbell to your back, perform the above movement, and you’ve hit a perfect good morning.
— www.bodybuilding.com Lifestyle FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
An Iraqi Kurd visitor takes pictures of statues showing a scene of torture in a cell. Iraqi Kurds look at tanks as they visit a former torture centre. —AFP photos Memories vivid at Iraq torture centre turned museum
‘A dungeon for a dictator’ group that is now the political party of Iraq’s President Jalal In the 1980s and early 1990s, each room in the facility Talabani-in the 1970s, he was arrested and thrown in the was dedicated to a specific form of torture, according to Red House. The words of his tormentors are still fresh in his Gharib. In one soundproofed office, museum visitors are mind. “They told me, ‘if you confess we will not torture you, shown a likeness of a detainee whose hands are tied to a and if you will not confess, we will put a power cable on metal pipe on the ceiling, his feet about 50 centimeters (20 your penis and pass an electric current through it.’” inches) off the ground. In a second room, guards would tie “I still have terrible back pain,” he continues. “It dates inmates’ feet to a metal bar held at waist height, while back to my arrest. I have pain in my spine. I cannot sit down another guard would beat the detainee’s feet with an elec- for a long time, otherwise I suffer horrible pain.” “When I lie tric cable or metal pipe. The beatings would last between down to sleep, I remember this place where, for two six to 12 hours at a time. Ali, now a civil servant in Iraqi months, my bed was a piece of cardboard.” And the practice Kurdistan’s education ministry, suffered a different form of of extracting confessions continues to plague Iraq. US-led torture. forces that overthrew Saddam’s regime spent years, right Having joined the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan-the rebel from the 2003 invasion until the final American military withdrawal in December 2011, trying to reform Iraq’s justice system to consider a wider array of evidence. But police and judges still rely heavily on confessions. In its 2013 annual report, London-based rights group Amnesty International said that still in Iraq, “torture and oth- A dummy is displayed in a cell. er ill-treatment were common and widespread in prisons amiran Aziz Ali grimaces and leans forward, his hands and detention centers ... and were committed with impuni- behind his back, re-enacting the moment in January ty”. “Torture was used to extract information from detainees K and ‘confessions’ that could be used as evidence against 1990 when Saddam Hussein’s henchmen flung him into a jail cell in the “Red House”. “I am still in pain,” Ali says. “I can- them at trial.” Ali spent nearly a year in the Red House, mov- not sit down for a long time anymore.” But mercifully for Ali, ing from one cell to another, often spending months in his return to the cell where he was jailed was not for real. For each, and was due to be transferred to Abu Ghraib prison. years an infamous torture centre earmarked for Kurdish rebels But he was freed when a March 1991 uprising in fighting the ex-dictator’s regime-Kurdish fathers would threat- Sulaimaniyah against Saddam’s forces put an end to the Red en their sons with being sent to the Red House for not doing House’s activities. Memories from the Red House, however, their homework or other misdeeds-the Red House is now a are still vivid. “This building was a dungeon for a dictator,” museum. Once used to extract so-called confessions from Iraqi Kurds visit a former torture centre. he says. “We can never forget.” — AFP fighters opposed to Saddam, since 1996 the Red House has exhibited the torture used by regime loyalists before the three- province Kurdish region of northern Iraq gained some autono- my and respite-from the dictator’s rule. Officially called the “National Museum In Order Not To Forget”, locals still refer to it by its Saddam-era nickname. The concrete building lies in a wealthy neighborhood of Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan’s sec- ond city, 270 kilometers (170 miles) north of Baghdad. While the red paint that covered its walls has faded over time, the bars and barbed wire that stopped inmates from escaping are still in place. When Iraqi Kurdistan was under the yoke of Saddam’s regime up to 1991, several hundred Kurdish rebel fighters were imprisoned in the Red House, accused of “subversion”. Among the prisoners was the current governor of Sulaimaniyah province. It took six years to build the facility, which was designed by engineers of the former East Germany, according to Ako Gharib, director of the museum. “This was not a prison in the conventional sense,” he says. “It was an ‘interrogation centre’. Detainees stayed here for six to eight months and would then be transferred to Abu Ghraib or Baghdad,” he adds, referring to a town just west of the capi- tal that houses one of Iraq’s infamous prisons. “Interrogation” at the Red House was a euphemism in Saddam’s era for the barbaric means that the General Security Directorate used to extract “confessions” from inmates. An Iraqi Kurd visitor stands in a cell at a former torture centre that was turned into a museum. Lifestyle FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 Del Toro eyes monster hit with ‘Pacific Rim’
US singer Lana Del Rey performs on stage during a concert as part of the Byblos music festival on July 10, 2013 Screenplay Writer/Director Guillermo del Toro, left, and in the coastal Tom Cruise seen at the Los Angeles Premiere of Warner city of Byblos, Bros Pictures and Legendary Pictures ‘PACIFIC RIM’. — AP north of lifelong fascination with Japanese mega-monsters Beirut. The is behind Mexican director Guillermo del Toro’s festival runs A until eagerly anticipated summer blockbuster “Pacific Rim,” due to be released worldwide this week. Ever since July 27. —AFP childhood, del Toro has been captivated by Japanese “kai- ju,” the name given to huge creatures such as Godzilla who emerged in popular culture in the 1950s. Monsters and the supernatural have been a recurring theme of del Toro’s movies which include “Cronos” (1993), “Mimic” (1997), both “Hellboy” films and his Oscar-nomi- nated 2006 masterpiece “Pan’s Labyrinth.” “Monsters are A playlist of 5 of Randy my obsession,” del Toro told AFP. “You see some people whose faces light up when they’re talking about their pup- pies or kittens. Me, I’m happy when I’m talking about monsters.” Del Toro’s new film-with an estimated budget of around $180 million-has allowed him to indulge his passion on a vast scale. The film stars British actors Charlie Travis’ greatest songs Hunnam and Idris Elba as humans who control giant robots constructed to battle a crop of enormous sea mon- sters who emerge from a chasm at the bottom of the illions of fans are thinking Pacific Ocean. Mof Randy Travis and The film is by far the largest and most complicated of repeating calls for prayers del Toro’s career, but he said he was unfazed by the scale following the country music star’s of the movie. “I’ve always been a filmmaker with a strong stroke and surgery Wednesday technical bent, whether in terms of makeup, animation night in a Texas hospital. Here’s a and special effects,” he said. “So I wasn’t lost in the techni- playlist of five of Travis’ most inspi- cal aspect of the film. Making a film of this magnitude is rational and heartbreaking songs. above all a matter of discipline, work and energy,” del Toro “Three Wooden Crosses” - Released added. The challenge, del Toro said, was trying to ensure in 2002 during his gospel period, the overall feel of the film was not overwhelmed by the this song returned Travis to the top myriad visual effects. of the charts after a nine-year “The most daunting aspect was to coordinate the artis- absence. The song’s narrator refers tic aspect of the film to be visually beautiful, in terms of to three crosses seen alongside the colors, textures and shapes,” he said. As usual, del Toro’s road and tells the story of a crash film creates some stunning images, from a colossal robot survivor. Travis opens the song by emerging from the ocean and collapsing on a beach, to singing, “A farmer and a teacher, a the heart-stopping scene where a huge creature chases a hooker and a preacher, riding on a girl through the streets of a devastated megalopolis. Del midnight bus bound for Mexico ... Toro also emphasized his desire to create strong human “and it unfolds like a heartbreaking characters from a cast which, in addition to Hunnam and mystery. The song won the Country File photo shows Randy Travis performs on day 2 of the 2013 CMA Elba, features Ron Perlman and Rinko Kikuchi, who, in Music Association’s song of the Music festival at the LP Field in Nashville. — AP 2006, became the first Japanese actress to be nominated year award and a Dove Award as religion love and life” in the wake decided to re-release it in 1986. The for an Oscar in 50 years for her performance in “Babel.” well. of the 2001 terrorist attacks when rest is country music history. “I wanted to do an ensemble film, where there is not a “Forever and Ever, Amen” - one says he doesn’t believe in “I Told You So” - This Travis- single hero but where all the characters have the same Driven by a subtle but bouncy bass angels. Travis preaches, “Are you penned breakup song was released weight,” says del Toro. “Because the film is about humani- line, this love song is told from the telling me you’ve never seen an four times over the years twice by ty saving humanity. The human element was very impor- perspective of a free spirit trying to angel?/Never felt the presence of Travis, once by Carrie Underwood tant for me.” Ultimately, though, “Pacific Rim” is a monster convince the woman he loves that one standing by?/No robe of white, and with Underwood as a duet. movie, and del Toro hopes it will inspire a whole new gen- he’s ready to settle down. “I’m no halo in sight?/Well, you missed That duet helped return Travis to eration of movie-goers in the way characters such as gonna love you forever and the most obvious thing/Man, are the spotlight in the latter years of Godzilla inspired him as a child. ever/forever and ever, amen,” you blind?/Just look in your moth- the last decade. “I hope that young audiences and family will go see the Travis sings in his mellow baritone er’s eyes.” “On the Other Hand” - He performed the song with movie,” he said. “It would be very nice to create a new on the chorus, and by the end of This was Travis’ first No. 1 song in Underwood on “American Idol” generation of fans of this genre.” Del Toro has paid a the song he’s got you convinced. the US, but it required a little extra and at The Academy of Country respectful homage to”kaiju” monster mythology in “Pacific Released in 1987, the song was work to reach the top of the charts. Music Awards. Rim.” “The typology of kaiju is very strict: there’s the bug, Travis’ third No. 1 and won the Released in 1985, the song was It also returned him to the stage the crustacean, the reptile,” he says. “I chose to use some. Grammy Award for best country & Travis’ first single as a Warner Bros at the Grammy Awards in 2010 There’s one that looks like an elaborate crab, and others western song and the Academy of recording artist, and appeared on when it won best country collabo- that are clearly reptiles.” But the scale of “Pacific Rim” has Country Music’s song of the year. his game-changing album “Storms ration with vocals. The lyric “Now I left del Toro looking for a smaller project. “What I want to “Angels” - This post-9/11 song is of Life.” It initially drew little notice, found somebody new and you will do now is something quick, short, and does not cost much Travis as evangelist. The song but after Travis neared the top of never break my heart in two again money,” he said. — AFP begins with a bunch of friends sit- ting around talking about “politics, the charts with his next single, he ... “sums up the mood. — AP Lifestyle FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 ‘Machete Kills’ world premiere set for fantastic fest
obert Rodriguez’s “Machete Kills” will make its Hudgens, Cuba Gooding, Jr and Mel Gibson. world premiere on Sept 19 as the opening night “Fantastic Fest has quickly become the best place for Rfilm for the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. “Every fans to first experience the newest and coolest genre year we compile our dream targets for opening night movies and blockbusters,” said director Robert film; ‘Machete Kills’ was at the top of that list,” said Rodriguez. “I am honored and extremely excited for Fantastic Fest co-founder and creative director Tim ‘Machete Kills’ to have its world premiere right here in League. “We are going to pull out all the stops to ensure Austin and kick off Fantastic Fest.” In “Machete Kills,” Robert’s world premiere red carpet experience is literal- Trejo plays ex-Federale agent Machete, who is recruited ly blood red.” by the President of the United States for a mission that The premiere will be held at the new Alamo would be impossible for any mortal man-he must take Drafthouse location. The festival will run through Sept down a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billion- 26. Open Road Films’ “Machete Kills” is scheduled to hit aire arms dealer who has hatched a plan to spread war theaters nationwide on Oct 4, 2013. The cast includes and anarchy across the planet. “Machete Kills” is based on Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Sofia Vergara, Amber a screenplay by Kyle Ward. Rodriguez produces, along Heard, Carlos Estevez (aka Charlie Sheen), Lady Gaga, with Aaron Kaufman, Iliana Nikolic, Sergei Bespalov, Antonio Banderas, Jessica Alba, Demian Bichir, Vanessa Alexander Rodnyansky and Rick Schwartz. — Reuters Wonder, Mayer, Keys and Kings headline Global Fest tevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, John Mayer and Kings of Leon Shave volunteered their time to attend the second Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park, and organiz- ers hope you will, too. Tickets are again free for the Sept. 28 event, but must be earned through acts meant to help end extreme poverty around the world. The festival is designed to coincide with the UN General Assembly meeting and put pres- sure on world leaders to address the needs of the world’s poor. Fans can earn points toward tickets through simple tasks like sending letters to political leaders or reposting informa- tion through social media. Hugh Evans, the 30-year-old chief executive officer of the Global Poverty Project, says the festival’s nonprofit partners pledged $1.3 billion in new fundraising commitments last year and nearly 70,000 people took more than 700,000 actions through the project’s website. Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters and The Black Keys headlined the first year. Evans (From left) Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, John Mayer and said he and the organizers who help him pick a lineup Kings of Leon. In this image released on Wednesday Beyonce performs approach the task with goals in mind. on her “Mrs Carter Show World Tour 2013” at the BB&T “We write a big list and we think, ‘Who will effectively rep- inspire a generation of people to take action?’” Evans said. Center in Ft Lauderdale, Fla. — AP resent the cause of ending extreme poverty in the way they “We’re fortunate that this year some extraordinary people put perform and the way they’re involved, and who would also up their hands to perform for free.” — AP Beyonce responds to non-controversy over Pepsi
eyonce finds herself at a product endorsement Bcrossroads that perhaps crosses no actual roads. The singer was a big supporter of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” fitness campaign, which preach- es an active lifestyle and a healthy diet. But Mrs Carter is also the spokesperson for sugary soft drink Pepsi, to the tune of $50 million. Conflict much? Not much. But the question came up again in a new interview with Flaunt. Here’s the exchange: Flaunt: “Some were critical at your participating in a Pepsi campaign after you moved your body for childhood obesity. Where is the balance between your career objectives and your philanthropy?” Beyonce: “Pepsi is a brand I’ve grown up seeing my heroes collaborate with. The company respects musi- cians and artistry. I wouldn’t encourage any person, especially a child, to live life without balance.” She continued, “When you work out, take care of your body, rehearse as hard as I rehearsed in the commer- cial, I think it’s great to have a Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when Barbadian you want one. It’s all about choices.” Pepsi produced singer Rihanna Beyonce’s Super Bowl halftime show and debuted her performs on new song “Grown Woman” in its “Mirrors” commercial. stage, on July Beyonce similarly premiered “Standing in the Sun” in 10, 2013 in an ad for clothing chain H&M. —Reuters Monaco. —AFP Lifestyle FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
US tenor Gregory Kunde and Italian soprano Carmela Remigio perform ‘Othello, the Moor of Venice’ by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi outside Palazzo Ducale in Venice. St Mark’s Square in Venice on Wednesday was the spectacular backdrop to a tragic opera in the first open-air performance in 43 years by the famous La Fenice theatre - a new must on the global culture calendar. — AFP Restaurant adds menu of mechanical music
ou’d be hard-pressed to find a San Francisco restaurant ignite interest in these machines and the classic melodies, these days that doesn’t keep its diners entertained with operettas, jazz, rags and novelty tunes they play. “I want to rein- Yflat-screen TVs mounted in every corner. Silicon Valley troduce people to this great old music,” he said. “I think there is a engineer-turned-entrepreneur Mark Williams has the amuse- whole generation that doesn’t know about this at all and will be ment factor covered at his new restaurant too. But his business excited.” concept is firmly rooted in the years from 1900 to 1925, so he’s Step into the vintage brick building and you’ll find yourself filled his Orchestria Palm Court in San Jose with a dozen of the transported into another time by several player pianos and what mechanical music machines of that era-from player pianos to are known as orchestrions machines with two instruments or nickelodeon-style jukeboxes. more that are designed to sound like a band or orchestra includ- Just as the 1973 movie “The Sting” attracted a new genera- ing a rare model nearly 10 feet tall with a full percussion section. tion to composer Scott Joplin’s ragtime music, Williams hopes to Williams’ favorite piece because it’s the most technically intricate is the Violano-Virtuoso, a violin-playing machine that was adver- tised as the 8th Wonder of the World when it was invented a century ago. (Let’s face it, the Great Pyramid of Giza just sits there. It doesn’t play “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”) The restaurant’s first days have drawn preservationists and A record plays on the Electramuse at Orchestria Palm downtown residents curious about what had been going on Court restaurant in San Jose, California. —MCT photos behind the doors of 27 E. William St, near the San Jose Stage Company theater in the artsy South First Area district. machine and a soda fountain that serves vintage beverages like “It’s great to have a place that is a tribute to old technology in the Poppy Dew and the Arctic Phosphate. a place where we worship new technology,” said customer Oh, and if you can’t hear your cellphone call because one of Barbara Goldstein, an arts consultant who formerly headed the the machines is playing, just step into the old wooden phone city’s public art program. booth for some quiet and privacy as San Jose Stage chief Sandy Swirsky, herself a collector of music machines, booked Kathleen King had to do during her post-theater snack Friday the Orchestria for a San Jose Woman’s Club luncheon. “I think it night. At a nearby table, Goldstein and her husband, John has wonderful potential,” she said. “There have been pizza par- Pastier, an architecture critic, were dishing on dessert and nostal- lors with pipe organs, but most of those are gone now.” Indeed, gia while a rendition of “Swanee” played on the piano near the A detail view of the Electramuse shows its coin slot. Williams believes his restaurant will win over anyone whose only front door. contact with player piano music has been at an amusement park “It’s a nice curiosity” and a good addition to the neighbor- or pizza parlor where one tinkly tune played ad nauseam. hood, Pastier said. “I wonder if this is a sign that downtown San He has more than 500 paper rolls of music and countless 78 Jose is finally going to jell.” Then they hopped up to examine the RPM records for these beauties and beauties they are, antiques Violano-Virtuoso and try to figure out what substituted for a vio- crafted of mahogany or quarter-sawn “tiger oak,” a wood-grain lin bow. “It’s like three little rotating elements are pulling the pattern that was “all the rage in the teens and twenties, then just strings,” Goldstein guessed. fell out of fashion,” he said. Many have their original stained- Williams later explained that the manufacturer, the Mills glass embellishments. These machines were the technological Novelty Co of Chicago, invented a circular stack of celluloid marvels of the time, and in the days before radio and amplified pieces revolutionary for its time to emulate a bow. With the sound became common any restaurant, bar or movie theater company still in business, he can purchase replacements when- that couldn’t afford to hire a house band had one, Williams said. ever the faux bow wears out. He’s been amassing these behemoths it takes four people to There’s no problem getting new paper rolls of music either; move each one since the mid-1990s and meeting with other afi- any time old rolls are found, someone recuts them, he said. And cionados in the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ a Turlock company turns modern songs into player-piano ver- Association, an international society founded in San Francisco. sions. But don’t expect to hear Rihanna or Carly Rae issuing forth A decade ago he came up with the restaurant plan and pur- from the bellows of the machines at Orchestria Palm Court. chased this 1910 building that was originally an auto showroom. Williams first has to introduce a whole new generation to Earthquake retrofitting came next, then fleshing out his vision. Margie, Minnie, Lulu and a few other gals. “You can bring Pearl, The result is a music palace with an organic, locally sourced she’s a darn nice girl, but don’t bring Lulu. You can bring Rose, Band instruments are revealed below the piano keyboard on the menu, a wine/beer/coffee bar, an antique peanut “toasting” with the turned-up nose, but don’t bring Lulu.” — MCT Coinola X at Orchestria Palm Court restaurant. Lifestyle FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
ust before little Baasanjav Lkhagvadorj was lifted onto a horse for a race across Mongolia’s open steppe last week, Jhe asked his father to bless him with a kiss. Minutes later the seven-year-old was killed in a fall, the latest in a rising toll among the country’s child jockeys. As Mongolia’s biggest national festival, Naadam, begins on Thursday, controversy is mounting over the way unprotected young riders are risking injury and even death. Horses are at the core of Mongolian culture-there are dozens of words for the colors of an equine coat, and children learn to ride almost as soon as they can walk. Horseracing is one of the “three manly sports”-along with wrestling and archery-that make up the Naadam celebrations, where the races are among the longest in the world, up to 28 kilometers (17 miles) depending on the age of the horse, four times the length of Britain’s Grand National. The contests are a legacy of the nation’s warrior past, when Genghis Khan’s forces would cover vast distances to wreak havoc on their enemies. Mongolian horses are sturdy creatures bred for endurance, but the demands are so tough that child jockeys are preferred for their light weight, and around 30,000 ride in competitive races every year. A health ministry study showed that 326 chil- dren were treated for racing injuries at the National Traumatology and Orthopaedics Research Centre in Ulan Bator alone last year, up from 222 in 2010. But accidents in the countryside, where most of the population live, often go This picture shows a Mongolia youngster taking part in a horse race at the annual Naadam festival in UlanBator. — AFP photos unrecorded. Lkhagvadorj’s death was the third recorded child fatality so three national human rights commissioners, wants parlia- horse become one harmonious entity.” Lkhagvadorj’s father, a far this year, according to Baljinnyam Javzankhuu of the ment, the Great Khural, to class horseracing as child labor, or seasonal agricultural worker from Jargalant, 135 kilometers National Agency for Children, adding there had been more at the very least improve standards and raise the minimum northwest of the capital Ulan Bator, is himself an ardent horse than 20 in the past decade. “Competitions have become very age for Naadam riders from seven to nine.”The rich should lover and had ambitions for his son to take part in bigger cruel,” she said. As well as the official Naadam races, newly stop making children victims of entertainment,” she said of events. It was an official contest, but the boy was on someone wealthy owners-reportedly including MPs and state officials- the private races. “When children die (the families) don’t even else’s animal, uninsured and not wearing a helmet or protec- have taken to organizing barely regulated competitions of get any compensation.” Mongolia’s culture, sports and tive gear when he fell and suffered a fatal head injury. their own in ever increasing numbers, particularly since tourism ministry is preparing a new law that will ban children He had just finished his first year of primary school, filling Mongolia liberalized its economy after the advent of democra- under 16 taking part in private events. But no decision has yet his notebook with the phrase: “I love you, daddy”. Fighting cy in 1990. been made on changing the minimum age for official races. back tears, his great-aunt Norjin told AFP: “All the right things Private races have looser rules, can be held in winter when “Mongolian traditional horse racing is the most democratic, are only being discussed on TV, but never implemented in real conditions are more risky, and now that the country is enjoy- liberal event,” minister Tsedevdamba Oyungerel told AFP. “But life. If he only wore a helmet...” — AFP ing a resources boom betting on them is said to sometimes when money gets involved the races become fiercely compet- reach as much as $60,000. But according to child rights itive and thus dangerous for children.” Traditionalists, howev- defenders children can be hired informally to take part for as er, defend the practice. Adya Bayarmagnai, advisor to the little as a bicycle, a set of schoolbooks, or up to 150,000 tugriks Mongolian Equestrian and Horse Trainers’ Union, and an own- ($100). Horses can be insured for millions of tugriks but their er and trainer himself, said that only “a tiny percentage” of riders are either not covered-contrary to legal requirement-or children have accidents. “Children fall from horses-it’s the only for a token amount less than $30, said Javzankhuu. only way to learn horse-riding,” he said. Helmets and protective gear are also mandatory, but the “A Mongol child is put on horseback at the same time as he rules are often ignored. Purev Oyunchimeg, one of Mongolia’s or she learns coordination and walking. Thus a child and a
A Mongolia youngster falling off his horse dur- ing a race. A group of Mongolia children taking part in a horse race. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (11/07/2013 TO 17/07/2013)
SHARQIA-2 AVENUES-1 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 9:15 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 9:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 11:45 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:00 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:30 PM SHARQIA-3 AVENUES-2 TATTAH (DIG) 9:30 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 9:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 THE PURGE (DIG) 11:45 PM NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) 11:45 PM BEKAS (DIG) 9:15 PM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 11:45 PM MUHALAB-1 AVENUES-3 BEKAS (DIG) 9:45 PM TATTAH (DIG) 9:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 THE PURGE (DIG) 12:05 AM TATTAH (DIG) 11:30 PM TATTAH (DIG) 9:45 PM SIBERIAN EDUCATION (DIG) 12:05 AM MUHALAB-2 AVENUES-4 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 9:15 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 10:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 TATTAH (DIG) 11:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:15 PM AVENUES-5 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:45 PM MUHALAB-3 THE PURGE (DIG) 9:00 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 9:00 PM TATTAH (DIG) 11:00 PM BAIRAQ-2 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:15 PM BEKAS (DIG) 9:00 PM TATTAH (DIG) 11:00 PM FANAR-1 360º- 1 BEKAS (DIG) 9:30 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 10:30 PM BAIRAQ-3 WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 11:30 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 12:30 AM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 9:45 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 12:05 AM FANAR-2 360º- 2 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 10:00 PM OFFICER DOWN (DIG) 10:00 PM PLAZA THE PURGE (DIG) 12:15 AM NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) 12:05 AM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG) 9:00 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:15 PM FANAR-3 360º- 3 SIBERIAN EDUCATION (DIG) 9:00 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 9:15 PM LAILA MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 11:15 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 11:30 PM WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:15 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 11:45 PM FANAR-4 360º- 4 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 9:15 PM BEKAS (DIG) 9:45 PM AJIAL.1 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:45 PM BEKAS (DIG) 12:05 AM SINGAM 2 (DIG) (TAMIL) 9:15 PM
FANAR-5 360º- 5 AJIAL.2 TATTAH 9:15 PM WAHED SAHIH (Re -Release) 10:15 PM SINGAM 2 (DIG) (TAMIL) 10:00 PM TATTAH 11:30 PM WAHED SAHIH (Re -Release) 12:15 AM AJIAL.3 BEKAS (DIG) 9:00 PM MARINA-1 360º- 6 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:00 PM BEKAS (DIG) 10:00 PM NOW YOU SEE ME (DIG) 9:15 PM THE PURGE (DIG) 12:15 AM MAN OF STEEL (DIG) 11:30 PM AJIAL.4 BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG (DIG) (HINDI) MARINA-2 360º- 7 9:30 PM TATTAH (DIG) 9:30 PM SIBERIAN EDUCATION (DIG) 9:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG) 12:05 AM SIBERIAN EDUCATION (DIG) 11:45 PM METRO-1 SINGAM 2 (DIG) (TAMIL) 9:00 PM MARINA-3 AL-KOUT.1 MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 9:15 PM MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM METRO-2 WHITE HOUSE DOWN (DIG) 11:30 PM WORLD WAR Z (DIG-3D) 11:45 PM SINGAM 2 (DIG) (TAMIL) 10:00 PM
CHANGE OF NAME
Thottakathu Abu, holder of TUITION SITUATION WANTED Indian Passport No G9943123, issued at Kuwait Accountant, 8 yrs experience 27/10/2008, hereby change Position available in Kuwait in GCC in MNC B.Com MBA my name to Aboo Backer for a teacher/ psychologist. Finance, proficient in SAP GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Thattakathu. (C 4458) Qualifications: male, degree 11-7-2013 in education, experience in FICO/MM, Microsoft Navision Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 behavior modification and or Oracle, Peach Tree, Tally. Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 I, Ramdas V.M., S/o social skills training, excellent Looking for job. Contact: Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Kunhiraman M.V., Trikarpur, command in English. 66128352, ansar.aziz@hot- Kasaragod, holder of Indian Contact: 99114449/ mail.com Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Passport No. J 1329697 here- 99602744. (C 4456) (C 4459) Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 by change my name as 8-7-2013 11-7-2013 RAMADAS. V.M. and this will be effected in all records con- Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 nected with me. Objection, if any, may be intimated to the FOR CIVIL INFORMATION authorities within 15 days Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Automated enquiry from the date of this notice. Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 (C 4457) about the Civil ID card is Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 10-7-2013 1889988 112 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 I have changed my name Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 from Husain, s/o Kosar Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Godichand, Indian Passport Prayer timings Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 No. H1819475 in future I am Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 known from this name Fajr: 03:23 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Husain Godichand, s/o Kosar Shorook 04:57 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Godichand, Res. Obrimohalla, Duhr: 11:53 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Sagwara. Asr: 15:28 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 (C 4455) Maghrib: 18:50 8-7-2013 Isha: 20:21 Pets FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Meet the dog whisperer Dog-training expert has been to Japan, prison, as part of job
Animal trainer Ken McCort (right) and Lodge staffer Bekkah Dee work with dogs in the day care center in the All Creatures Animal Clinic.
or more than 30 years, Ken McCort sell well-trained dogs,” he said. Owner of they can’t feed them. It’s because they has been considered an elite animal Four Paws animal behavior services, don’t like their behaviors,” he said. In Ftrainer - the trainer of last resort. McCort recently started offering individu- many cases, “I’m the third or fourth trainer He’s the man people turn to when other alized training classes at All Creatures they’ve seen,” he said. trainers have thrown in the towel and giv- Veterinary Clinic and Lodge in Rittman, More than 50 veterinarians in en up on an animal with problem behav- Ohio. Northeast Ohio refer misbehaving iors. Not only do local veterinarians refer The move from his center to the clinic’s patients to him. Later this spring, he is their incorrigible clients to him, McCort lodge, where boarding and day-care facili- due to help keepers train resident wolves has traveled the world dispensing his ties are offered, was an easy transition, he and coyotes at the Akron Zoo’s Mike & knowledge and training techniques. His said. He offers puppy training, classes for Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit that will work has taken him to Japan, one of his shy dogs, arousal (impulse control) classes open in July. Recently, McCort gave a favorite countries, 14 times. and therapy dog classes. “I still go to demonstration of his training methods, Recently, he spent several weeks at homes for cat and bird trainings,” he said. using Diego, an adolescent male German Wolf Park research center in Battle “Cats do very poorly outside their homes.” shepherd, into a training room at the Ground, Ind., lecturing humans and train- McCort has taught classes at Columbus lodge. With more than a dozen dogs in ing wolves. Why? Because training is an State University, Ohio State University the large “day care” room across the hall, essential part of the animal husbandry, College of Veterinary Medicine and at the Diego, a high-energy dog, had many rea- keeping the wolves, coyotes, foxes and University of Akron’s Orrville branch sons to lose focus. bison at the park healthy and necessary where he instructs veterinary technicians “He’s more obnoxious than anything “for minor exams, inoculations - simple and assistants. He was a guest lecturer at else,” McCort said. “In human terms, he is procedures,” McCort said. He excels at the the Midwest Veterinary Conference and is a 21-year-old male that is full of himself.” process. a national committee member with Pet McCort took Diego through a few exercis- McCort and his wife, veterinarian Dr. Partners. es, using treats and a whistle to show the Marilyn McCort, live in Doylestown, Ohio, It is the last position that he gained dog when he accomplished a desired along with five dogs, seven cats, seven after helping establish the therapy and behavior. Making Diego use his brain to large birds, some finches, a lizard, “too visiting Doggie Brigade at Akron think about what McCort expected of him many” horses and a donkey. His reputa- Children’s Hospital in 1990. His black burns more energy than a brisk walk in tion is built on his ability to read an ani- Labrador retriever, Bumper, was the first the park, McCort said. “The brain uses five mal’s body language, translate it into dog to earn a spot on the elite team. He times the energy than exercising them,” words and interpret it for the animal’s designed and implemented an inmate he continued. “When a behavior becomes caretakers. And it’s the humans that he is training program for stray dogs at the habituated enough that they aren’t even training, he said. Mansfield Correctional Facility. McCort thinking about it,” you will know you’ve Animal trainer Ken McCort demonstrates “It’s always training the people. If it was said some of the worst cases he’s seen succeeded. — MCT using his hand as a target to get the atten- tion of a clients dog named Diego in the All just a training problem with dogs, I’d go during his career are rescued dogs. Creatures Animal Clinic and Lodge in to the pound, get a bunch of dogs and “People don’t get rid of dogs because Rittman Ohio. — MCT photos Stars FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Aries (March 21-April 19) COUNTRY CODES Libra (September 23-October 22) There may be several times today where you could be in a Afghanistan 0093 Kuwait 00965 position to guide young people. Perhaps several new young people are The best way to gain respect for yourself is to act as Albania 00355 Kyrgyzstan 00996 helping in the workplace for a few weeks. This could mean taking inven- though you have respect, not haughty or proud but a person with confi- Algeria 00213 Laos 00856 tory or rearranging inventory. You have a natural sense for communicat- dence. This is a good day to try out these ideas. Feedback will be in the Andorra 00376 Latvia 00371 ing with others, especially those younger than yourself. They just tend to form of questions regarding your attire. You are a great doer and now Angola 00244 Lebanon 00961 follow you around like the kids that followed the pied piper. Gathering may be the better time to listen to the input of others, show others the Anguilla 001264 Liberia 00231 and exchanging information becomes a more important part of your life respect you would like others to show you. Make sure that everybody Antiga 001268 Libya 00218 shares when it comes time to making a contribution to the pool of infor- Argentina 0054 Lithuania 00370 these days. There is much interest in new techniques and equipment, Armenia 00374 Luxembourg 00352 which is a very educational experience. This evening, neighbors or sib- mation. Positive changes happen where there is respect and confidence. A neighborhood planning committee is plugging along successfully Australia 0061 Macau 00853 lings have a big impact on your goals and make a big impression. This is Austria 0043 Macedonia 00389 a mentally and socially active period. with its plans. You may want to think about volunteering for some enter- tainment aspect. Perhaps you enjoy singing or playing an instrument. Bahamas 001242 Madagascar 00261 Bahrain 00973 Majorca 0034 Bangladesh 00880 Malawi 00265 Barbados 001246 Malaysia 0060 Belarus 00375 Maldives 00960 Taurus (April 20-May 20) Belgium 0032 Mali 00223 Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Belize 00501 Malta 00356 Outer circumstances are favorable and it should be easy Benin 00229 Marshall Islands 00692 for you to push forward in projects. Things may seem almost magical in A new life style and ways in which to earn a living interest Bermuda 001441 Martinique 00596 the way they work in your favor. This is a great time to organize and get you. You are economy personified, always able to salvage and redeem Bhutan 00975 Mauritania 00222 Bolivia 00591 Mauritius 00230 things accomplished. Quick answers, great wit and a surplus of insights anything. You like to tend and care for people and things. You relax by working. Emotional security, a sense of belonging and nurturing are Bosnia 00387 Mayotte 00269 are ready for you to use. Continual discovery, persistent search and con- Botswana 00267 Mexico 0052 tinual change and transformation keep you on the move and growing. issues that are instinctively felt now. You want roots; you crave a sense of intimate connection that will last. You have suitable force, practical com- Brazil 0055 Micronesia 00691 You are able to penetrate and get to the very heart of things; thus Brunei 00673 Moldova 00373 research and the like would be worth considering. This evening you may petence, tremendous discipline and a love of routine work. You are able to simplify code and reduce a subject to its essential elements. This after- Bulgaria 00359 Monaco 00377 find yourself involved in some intense soul-searching during which you Burkina 00226 Mongolia 00976 noon it is time to turn off your working abilities and enjoy the company examine your ideals and goals. You could take an interest in some sort of Burundi 00257 Montserrat 001664 research—perhaps filtering water. of the young people around you, which might mean you are babysitting Cambodia 00855 Morocco 00212 children, but could also mean you have a new puppy. Cameroon 00237 Mozambique 00258 Canada 001 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Cape Verde 00238 Namibia 00264 Cayman Islands 001345 Nepal 00977 Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Central African Republic 00236 Netherlands (Holland)0031 Chad 00235 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Chile 0056 New Caledonia 00687 As a hard worker, you pour yourself into the task before You can sense the drift of a situation without a lot of analy- China 0086 New Zealand 0064 you with positive determination. You are very responsible and take on sis. This immediate hands-on approach might be contrasted with one Colombia 0057 Nicaragua 00505 obligations as though you just cannot get enough. You may question that is more deliberate and cerebral. You radiate energy and information Comoros 00269 Nigar 00227 authority figures today but after a little thought and patience, you will today and have to just accept the fact that people like to feel your Congo 00242 Nigeria 00234 find an understanding. You are wise to take a step back and look for the warmth. Let them take care of you. You are quite regal. You have a sense Cook Islands 00682 Niue 00683 amusing parts of a situation, then focus on the main subject matter. This of justice and an innate ability to understand the law, whether natural or Costa Rica 00506 Norfolk Island 00672 will help to bring about better insight. A major project may come to an artificial. Showing others the way through or beyond the problems in Croatia 00385 Northern Ireland (UK)0044 end; however, a new door opens to better projects. A child gives you their lives comes easily, for you sense how to manipulate the opportuni- Cuba 0053 North Korea 00850 new insight on your surroundings this afternoon. You may enjoy helping ties of life. You are a nurturer of nature and humanity, able to cultivate Cyprus 00357 Norway 0047 this child express a new talent. A little exercise helps you relax this and nurture almost any subject. This is a good time for using your intelli- Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Oman 00968 evening, perhaps a walk after dinner. gent mind to decipher a friend’s trivia questions this evening. Czech Republic 00420 Pakistan 0092 Denmark 0045 Palau 00680 Diego Garcia 00246 Panama 00507 Djibouti 00253 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dominica 001767 Paraguay 00595 Cancer (June 21-July 22 Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Dominican Republic 001809 Peru 0051 ) Ecuador 00593 Philippines 0063 Egypt 0020 Poland 0048 Even the most hard-nosed of us have moments of real Legal work, not necessarily problems, may come into play El Salvador 00503 Portugal 00351 understanding. We stop getting the idea in little flashes and just get the today. Perhaps there is someone near you who needs your guidance. England (UK) 0044 Puerto Rico 001787 whole thing. It dawns on us. We each have our own way of understand- Your very fine verbal skills and a natural sense of justice make legal work Equatorial Guinea 00240 Qatar 00974 ing. This flash of understanding is what you are finding today. This may a distinct possibility. You may have a working knowledge or some expe- Eritrea 00291 Romania 0040 mean you are a student or you are learning the methods of some techni- rience with the law. Working with laws, natural or fabricated, amounts to Estonia 00372 Russian Federation 007 cal process but, whatever the case, you are one happy camper by the a real talent. You also have a great interest in ideas, the truer and more Ethiopia 00251 Rwanda 00250 end of the process. There are also many ways of seeing through the sep- lasting the better. You may be able to give a co-worker some thoughts Falkland Islands 00500 Saint Helena 00290 arateness in the world to the unity behind it. Obviously, your creative that will help them avoid legal problems today. Your love of job and Faroe Islands 00298 Saint Kitts 001869 side is on fire. Whether you are an artist or in advertising, the preparation practical skills makes you a fine manager and businessperson. You may Fiji 00679 Saint Lucia 001758 work is over . . . Now is the time for presenting your ideas to others. A cel- find yourself entertaining others this evening. You are always center- Finland 00358 Saint Pierre 00508 ebration is in order this evening. stage and entertaining others is just another one of your talents. France 0033 Saint Vincent 001784 French Guiana 00594 Samoa US 00684 French Polynesia 00689 Samoa West 00685 Gabon 00241 San Marino 00378 Gambia 00220 Sao Tone 00239 Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Georgia 00995 Saudi Arabia 00966 Germany 0049 Scotland (UK) 0044 Ghana 00233 Senegal 00221 Work, as usual, has a good pace to it all day long. You have Your timing should be perfect today; the right words, good choices and spontaneity are easy. There are lots of communica- Gibraltar 00350 Seychelles 00284 good practical job-related ideas when group meetings are called. The Greece 0030 Sierra Leone 00232 ability to communicate with superiors or describe what you see makes tion, investigation and research—perhaps through probing questions. You are not afraid of constructive confrontations and you seldom pull Greenland 00299 Singapore 0065 you a key player in your place of business. Creative abilities and hunches Grenada 001473 Slovakia 00421 any punches. You may find yourself involved in some sort of research or play a big part in your success, whether you are at work or at home. This Guadeloupe 00590 Slovenia 00386 afternoon others could learn from your easy manner. A child or friend work that requires digging, searching, investigating and getting beneath Guam 001671 Solomon Islands 00677 makes a request and you comply as best you can. There is an opportuni- the surface of a situation. You are fascinated by social interchange where Guatemala 00502 Somalia 00252 ty to build on this relationship in a most positive way. There is fun in the you tend not to be too emotional. When those in command or cus- Guinea 00224 South Africa 0027 adventure of sharing and helping this person. You seem to be an expert tomers ask for changes in your work or business, you seem ready, willing Guyana 00592 South Korea 0082 at the many forms of love. Romance and other things that tug at the and able. You enjoy variety and change. Thinking, writing, researching Haiti 00509 Spain 0034 heartstrings come your way this evening. and sciences are good. Holland (Netherlands)0031 Sri Lanka 0094 Honduras 00504 Sudan 00249 Hong Kong 00852 Suriname 00597 Hungary 0036 Swaziland 00268 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sweden 0046 Iceland 00354 Switzerland 0041 Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) India 0091 Syria 00963 Indian Ocean 00873 Taiwan 00886 You may find yourself very appreciative of your career and If you are not on vacation this week, you should be. This is Indonesia 0062 Tanzania 00255 practical skills. You might enjoy solving puzzles and problems, finding a great time to travel. In the working world, you proceed with your work Iran 0098 Thailand 0066 solutions, etc. A renewed appreciation for your work may be apparent to as usual—happily, no big interruptions. You enjoy working hard and Iraq 00964 Toga 00228 your superiors—in fact, to everybody. Rewards are possible. It is certainly being organized and you exercise skill and discipline in anything that Ireland 00353 Tonga 00676 a time when you might consider requesting a promotion or job change. affects your career. This afternoon you may find the need to entertain Italy 0039 Tokelau 00690 This could be a period of great material gain; it is certainly a time when one or two people. Basically, this means that you will be stopping an Ivory Coast 00225 Trinidad 001868 material things have a great deal of importance. After waiting for what argument with some short story or fable. Whatever you do, it works, Jamaica 001876 Tunisia 00216 seems a very long time, you may be ready for your first car or your first mostly because it is evident that you care and want to help. At home this Japan 0081 Turkey 0090 home or some other investment. You may be involved with an upcom- evening, you and your sweetheart may be planning the next social. You Jordan 00962 Tuvalu 00688 ing event that needs your creative talents. This could mean finding the have plenty of new ideas and guarantee the usual fun filled time. Rest Kazakhstan 007 Uganda 00256 Kenya 00254 Ukraine 00380 right prop for a play, etc. early tonight. Horoscopes July 2013 Kiribati 00686 United Arab Emirates00976 Stars FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Word Search 2. A steep rugged rock or cliff. 3. A challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy. CROSSWORD248 4. Any organic compound formed by adding alcohol molecules to aldehyde molecules. 5. A coenzyme derived from the B vitamin nicotinic acid. 6. A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series). 7. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells. 8. A mark left by the healing of injured tissue. 9. Region of western Asia Minor colonized by Ancient Greeks. 10. Diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and charac- terized by polyuria. 11. Lower in esteem. 12. The biblical name for ancient Syria. 13. An ancient Egyptian city on the west bank of the Nile opposite Cairo. 14. Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829). 19. Solid and liquid nourishment taken into the body through the mouth. 22. (Greek legend) The greedy king of Phrygia who Dionysus gave the power to turn everything he touched into gold. 24. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single ovary having one or many seeds within a fleshy wall or pericarp. 27. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 29. Any skeletal muscle having two origins (but especially the muscle that flexes the forearm). 31. Cause to lose one's nerve. 32. The state of having committed an offense. 33. Someone who practices homosexuality. 35. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice. 36. A hostel for pilgrims in Turkey. 37. A chad that has been punched or dimpled but all four corners are still attached. 40. A metallic element having four allotropic forms. ACROSS 43. To fix or set securely or deeply. 1. A digital display that uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an 45. A rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode. applied electric field. 48. Wild sheep of northern Africa. 4. Oldest known reptiles. 49. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 12. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 50. A heavy wooden pole (such as the trunk of a young fir) tossed as a test of 15. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma. strength (in the Highlands of Scotland). 16. An underground tunnel with recesses where bodies were buried (as in 53. A passage for water (or other fluids). ancient Rome). 54. Type genus of the Parulidae. 17. Support resembling the rib of an animal. 55. Port city on Atlantic coast. 18. Characterized by variety. 58. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River. 20. A decree that prohibits something. 59. Any of the openings to the nasal cavities that allow air to flow through the 21. Affect with wonder. cavities to the pharynx. 23. An active and efficient cause. 61. Joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia. 25. East Indian silk cotton tree yielding fibers inferior to kapok. 62. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers. 26. An amino acid that is found in the central nervous system. 66. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill. 28. In bed. 67. An island in Indonesia south of Borneo. 30. Pastry made with a cream cheese dough and different fillings (as raisins and 68. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent. walnuts and cinnamon or chocolate and walnut and apricot preserves). 70. (usually followed by `to') Naturally disposed toward. 34. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 38. An onerous or difficult concern. 76. A bivalent and trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group. 39. Ratio of the hypotenuse to the opposite side. 41. The language of the nomadic Lapp people in northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula. Yesterdayʼs Solution 42. Prevent from being included or considered or accepted. 44. Half the width of an em. 46. A rapid escape (as by criminals). 47. A deep bow. Yesterdayʼs Solution 51. Explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene. 52. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group. 56. Make less active or intense. 57. Large tropical butterfly with degenerate forelegs and an unpleasant taste. 60. (of a bed) Not having the sheets and blankets set in order. 63. The sixth month of the civil year. 64. A military trainee (as at a military academy). 65. A Hindu prince or king in India. 69. Supernatural half-man and half-bird vehicle or bearer of Vishnu. 71. The back side of the neck. 73. The act of slowing down or falling behind. 74. A blue dye obtained from plants or made synthetically. 75. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 77. A sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain. 78. An independent agency of the United States government responsible for aviation and spaceflight. 79. Only extant member of the order Rhynchocephalia of large spiny lizard-like diapsid reptiles of coastal islands off New Zealand. 80. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine. DOWN 1. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos.
Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Sports FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Tigers maul White Sox Dodgers beat Diamondbacks
DETROIT: Prince Fielder homered and Rick Porcello pitched six PHOENIX: Hanley Ramirez and AJ Ellis hit solid innings as the Detroit Tigers bounced back Wednesday consecutive homers in the 14th inning night with an 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Detroit off Josh Collmenter, helping the Los allowed 23 hits in an 11-4 loss to the White Sox on Tuesday, but Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona it was the Tigers who did the slugging early on in this game. Diamondbacks 7-5 on Wednesday night Fielder lined a two-run shot to right field in the first inning for his to complete a three-game sweep. Ellis 16th homer. Conor Gillaspie and Gordon Beckham homered for Chicago. Porcello (6-6) allowed three runs and seven hits. tied the game with a two-out, run-scor- Joaquin Benoit pitched the ninth for his eighth save in eight ing single in the ninth inning off Heath chances. Dylan Axelrod (3-6) allowed seven runs and 11 hits in 5 Bell and Ramirez hit the first pitch of the 2-3 innings. Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez had 14th off Collmenter (4-2) just over the three hits each for the AL Central leaders. Cabrera’s run-scoring wall in right field. Five pitches later, Ellis single in the sixth pushed his major league-leading RBI total to made it 7-5 with his fourth homer. Kenley 93. Chicago’s Alex Rios was hitless a night after going 6 for 6. Jansen (3-3) pitched the final two innings for the Dodgers, who used all of their ORIOLES 6, RANGERS 1 position players and had Zack Greinke, Wei-Yin Chen returned from the disabled list to pitch seven Monday’s starter, pinch hit in the 10th innings of three-hit ball, and the Baltimore Orioles got a three- inning. Los Angeles has won 15 of 18 to run homer from Nolan Reimold in a victory over Texas. Manny move within 1 1-2 games of the NL West Machado had three hits and an RBI for the Orioles, who won for lead after its first sweep of Arizona since only the third time in nine games. Chen (4-3) had not pitched 2010. Arizona went through eight pitch- since May 12 because of a strained right oblique. The left-hander ers in the 19th game in the majors to go allowed one run, walked three and struck out four. Major league at least 14 innings this season, according home run leader Chris Davis went 0 for 3 with a walk and is hit- less in his last 17 at-bats. He hasn’t gotten a hit since Major to STATS. There were 20 total last season. League Baseball announced he was the leading vote getter in METS 7, GIANTS 2 All-Star fan balloting. Reimold homered off Josh Lindblom (1-3). CHICAGO: Darwin Barney #15 of the Chicago Cubs forces out Hank Conger #16 Former Giants prospect Zack Wheeler of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field YANKEES 8, ROYALS 1 pitched seven sharp innings and Marlon in Chicago. — AFP Robinson Cano hit a three-run homer and Lyle Overbay Byrd homered again as the New York added a grand slam to help the New York Yankees beat Kansas Mets completed their first sweep in San road sweep since April 12-14 at streak. Pedro Alvarez went 2 for 4 and City. Ivan Nova (4-2) delivered another impressive pitching per- Francisco since 1994. Daniel Murphy and Washington. Miami improved to 3-12 drove in two runs for Pittsburgh. Andrew formance and the Yankees, held to one run each of the previous John Buck each had two hits and drove against the Braves at Marlins Park since it McCutchen, Starling Marte and Jose three days, stopped a three-game slide. They watched two more in two runs as the Mets won their fourth opened in 2012. Tabata also had two hits each as the players get banged up, though, when slumping Travis Hafner in a row, including three straight over the Pirates beat Oakland for the first time and speedy Brett Gardner left with injuries. Hafner came out slumping World Series champions. The REDS 6, BREWERS 2 ever. Pittsburgh came in 0-11 against the with a bruised left foot, while Gardner departed with a bruised Giants have lost 16 of 19. Wheeler (3-1), a Mike Leake scattered four hits over 8 A’s since interleague play began in 1997 right leg after getting hit by a pitch. The team said X-rays on former Giants’ first-round draft pick, took 1-3 innings and Brandon Phillips had but broke loose against Tommy Milone both were negative and they were day to day. Nova yielded a shutout into the seventh. He allowed three RBI, lifting the Cincinnati Reds over (8-8). The Pirates worked quickly, follow- only four singles and a double in eight innings for his second win one run and three hits overall, striking the Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds put the ing a nearly three-hour rain delay, and in three solid starts since returning from the minors. Cano and out five and walking three. Matt Cain (5- leadoff runner on base in each of the first touched Milone for three runs in the Overbay both connected off Wade Davis (4-8), who dropped his seven innings and snapped a three-game third inning. third consecutive start. 6) lasted less than an inning for the first time in his career, giving up three runs losing streak. Leake (8-4) bounced back BLUE JAYS 5, INDIANS 4 on two hits while getting just two outs. from a rare rough start in his last outing CARDINALS 5, ASTROS 4 Munenori Kawasaki hit a two-run single with the bases He walked three. San Francisco dropped and seemed to get stronger as the game Matt Carpenter hit a two-run home loaded in the ninth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays beat a season-high 10 games under .500 as it progressed. He allowed four walks while run and Matt Holliday drove in two with Cleveland. Kawasaki, who broke an 0-for-18 slump, broke a 2-all was swept at home for the first time in striking out two. Milwaukee starter a two-out hit to help the St Louis tie with his two-out hit. A third run scored when center fielder nearly a year. Johnny Hellweg (0-3) had trouble throw- Cardinals beat the Houston Astros. Michael Bourn misplayed the ball for an error. Neil Wagner (2-3) ing strikes and was battered for his Carpenter’s ninth homer of the season in struck out Ryan Raburn with the bases loaded to end the eighth NATIONALS 5, PHILLIES 1 fourth consecutive appearance. The the seventh gave the win to Seth Maness after the Indians tied the game. Casey Janssen allowed two runs Gio Gonzalez tossed seven sharp right-hander, who made his major- (5-1). Tony Cruz got hit by starter Jordan in the ninth before Steve Delabar retired Michael Brantley on a innings and the Nationals hit a pair of league debut on June 28, allowed four Lyles’ first pitch of the inning and one fly ball for his first major league save. Rich Hill (0-1) took the loss. consecutive homers off Cliff Lee as runs on four hits and five walks in 4 1-3 out later Carpenter put a 2-1 pitch into Washington beat the Philadelphia innings. Sean Halton hit his first major the right field stands off reliever Wesley RAYS 4, TWINS 3, 13 INNINGS Phillies. Anthony Rendon and Wilson league home run for the Brewers. Wright (0-3). Maness gave up two hits Ben Zobrist hit an RBI single with two outs in the 13th inning Ramos hit back-to-back shots off Lee to and a run in two innings of relief. He as Tampa Bay beat Minnesota to win its season-best seventh start the fifth and Ryan Zimmerman and ROCKIES 5, PADRES 4 struck out three. Edward Mujica earned straight game. Zobrist lined a 1-2 pitch from Ryan Pressly (2-1) Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa took his 25th save in 26 tries. He has appeared into the gap in right-center field, ending a 4-hour, 47-minute Jayson Werth did it to open the sixth. a one-hit shutout into the sixth inning in six consecutive games, going 1-1 with game that featured 35 strikeouts - 19 for Rays pitchers. Tampa Gonzalez (7-3) gave up one run and six Bay climbed to a season-best 12 games over .500. The Rays also hits, striking out five to win his fourth and Colorado held on to give the left- four saves. improved to 9-1 in a stretch of 14 consecutive games against the straight start. The lefty has eight quality hander his sixth straight win against the ANGELS 13, CUBS 2 Twins, Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros - teams with the starts in a row. Lee (10-3) had allowed San Diego Padres. De La Rosa lifted his three worst records in the American League. Minnesota has lost nine homers in his first 135 2-3 innings record at Petco Park to 3-0 with a 1.88 Josh Hamilton hit two home runs, 10 of 11, including four straight. Cesar Ramos (2-2) got two outs, this year before yielding four in a span of ERA. His winning streak against San Albert Pujols also connected and the Los escaping a jam with runners at first and third in the 13th to get eight batters. Darin Ruf hit a solo shot for Diego spans eight starts. The Rockies Angeles went deep a season-high five the win. the Phillies, who failed to reach .500 for were leading 4-0 in the sixth when Carlos times in a rout of the Chicago Cubs. Mark the first time since June 7. Quentin hit his 11th home run, a two-run Trumbo and Brendan Harris also home- RED SOX 11, MARINERS 4 shot to straightaway center field, scoring red for the Angels. Hamilton drove in five David Ortiz doubled in his first at-bat to become baseball’s MARLINS 6, BRAVES 2 Chase Headley, who had walked. That runs and Pujols drove in three. All of the career leader in hits as a designated hitter and hit a two-run Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run dou- was all for De La Rosa (9-5), who allowed Angels’ home runs were no-doubters. homer an inning later, leading Boston Red Sox to victory over ble to end a 10-game RBI drought, and two hits over five innings with four walks They hit a pair during a five-run first Seattle. Ortiz entered the night tied with Harold Baines for the the Miami Marlins broke a five-game los- and four strikeouts. Andrew Cashner (5- inning and then followed with three most hits as a DH and it took just one at bat to claim the record. ing streak by beating Atlanta 6-2. 5) went five innings for the Padres, giving more in a six-run fifth, providing more Ortiz doubled to left-center field to lead off the second inning up three runs, two earned, on eight hits. than enough support for CJ Wilson (9-6). and was acknowledged by a standing ovation from the mix of Stanton had been in a 3-for-26 slump The Angels have won 11 of 14. Once 12 Red Sox and Mariners fans. An inning later, Ortiz collected his before he put the Marlins ahead in their four-run first inning against Paul Maholm INTERLEAGUE games under .500, they are now within eighth hit of the series with a two-run homer off Seattle starter PIRATES 5, ATHLETICS 0 Aaron Harang (4-8), his 19th this season. Jacoby Ellsbury had (9-8). Placido Polanco added three hits two games of the break-even mark - three hits to extend his hitting streak to 18 games, currently the and three RBIs. Jacob Turner (3-1) Francisco Liriano scattered four hits since June 12, they have the best record best in baseball, and the Red Sox knocked around Harang for allowed four hits and two runs in seven over seven innings, and the Pittsburgh in baseball at 17-8. Jeff Samardzija (5-9) seven runs and eight hits. Felix Doubront (6-3) pitched seven innings. Steve Cishek allowed two singles Pirates beat the Oakland Athletics. took the loss for the Cubs, who had their innings, giving up five hits and one run with six strikeouts and in the ninth to complete a six-hitter. The Liriano (9-3) struck out six and walked four-game winning streak snapped, a two walks.—AP Braves won two of three games in the one. He trimmed his ERA to 2.00 as the day after they hit five home runs to beat series but missed a chance for their first Pirates snapped a four-game losing the Angels 7-2.—AP Sports FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Photo of the day SUPER15 PREVIEW Bulls, Chiefs in box seat for Super 15 playoffs
SYDNEY: Triple champions Northern Bulls and holders Waikato Chiefs can lock up the top two positions-and with them, semi-final hosting rights-in this weekend’s final Super 15 regular round of matches. The Bulls will take a big step towards hosting this season’s Super Rugby final if they can win their South African derby against the Western Stormers in Cape Town to finish top after 20 rounds of the southern hemisphere provincial series. The Pretoria-based Bulls are two points clear of the Chiefs, who face a tricky New Zealand derby with the Blues in Auckland if they are to maintain their top two spot heading into the playoffs. The top two teams have a bye from next weekend’s opening playoffs and will face the winners in the following week’s semi-finals to decide this season’s Super 15 finalists. Only Australia’s ACT Brumbies, a former two-time winner, and, mathematically, the seven-time champions Canterbury Crusaders, can knock the Chiefs out of the top two places in final round jockeying. The Brumbies, resuming after a month’s break for Australia’s home Test series against the British and Irish Lions, take on Western Force in Perth on Saturday where they have only lost once in four trips, while the Crusaders host the Wellington Hurricanes. The Bulls, who have lost on two of their last three trips to Cape Town, have Francois The Red Bull Skydive Team performs at the AirPower13 in Zeltweg, Austria. —www.redbullcon- Venter in for injured midfielder Jan Serfontein, and Jano tentpool.com Vermaak taking over from injured scrum-half Francois Hougaard. The suspension of Wilhelm Steenkamp opened the door for 19-year-old Jacques du Plessis, who could make his debut for the Bulls after he was included as replacement Heremaia backs Hull to avenge Dragons defeat lock. Captain Dewald Potgieter said the Bulls will have to step LONDON: Hull FC’s Aaron Heremaia admits his side up their approach and execution if they want to beat the are desperate to avenge their recent loss to Catalan Subplots aplenty Stormers and finish the season top of the heap. “We did not Dragons when the sides meet again in this week- react well in certain situations when placed under pressure end’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Hull headed to as Super Rugby last weekend and will have to improve on that,” Potgieter the south of France last month having gone on a said. “The Stormers have momentum and the home crowd five-game unbeaten throughout May, but Dragons enters final round on their side and this being the big North/South derby we ended that with a 30-4 victory in Perpignan. That will have to front up. It is fair to say that this will be our sparked three more Super League defeats for Hull, WELLINGTON: Subplots abound in the final round of biggest test this season.” the latest 22-16 to Huddersfield Giants last Sunday, Super Rugby matches this weekend as the top six sides Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has recovered from his and Heremaia, who played three seasons in the NRL jostle for home-field advantage in the playoffs, a World sternum injury, and will lead the Stormers after missing the for the New Zealand Warriors, believes a switch of Cup winner returns to action and players get the last two wins over the Cheetahs and the Kings. Record- focus to the Challenge Cup can provide a change of chance to impress Australia’s new coach. While the top breaking Springbok winger Bryan Habana will be playing in fortunes. six have already booked their spot in the playoffs, his final and 57th match for the Stormers, having scored 18 Hull will have to do it back in Perpignan tomor- which begin next week, the first five positions in the tries in the process. The Chiefs have made several team row but, with victory putting them within 80 min- standings could all change after the final round. Only changes with prop Toby Smith starting and Liam Messam utes of Wembley, Heremaia is adamant they won’t South Africa’s Cheetahs, who have a bye and will returning after a back injury. Robbie Robinson and Lelia be fazed by the challenge. “Watching the final last receive four points to finish sixth on 54, are guaranteed Masaga are on the wings and Tim Nanai-Williams (centre) year and seeing the crowd at Wembley, I was think- to finish in the position they started the weekend. and Andrew Horrell (fullback) have been named. ing how amazing it would be to be a part of that,” Every other side above them could rise or fall “We are obviously pretty disappointed with our perform- said Heremaia.”The hunger is there to win on depending on results, with the table-topping Bulls (63) ance last week but we are excited about the opportunity to Saturday and to go all the way and get to the final. It and second-placed Waikato Chiefs (61) still needing to redeem ourselves,” Coach Dave Rennie said. “We know the will be a tough game because they are a good side win their games against the Stormers and Auckland Blues will want to put in a big performance in their final and they beat us at their place last time. Blues to ensure they advance straight to the semi- finals. “We are obviously pretty disappointed with our game of the season.” Wallaby flanker George Smith will be “There is a whole different mind-set going into performance last week,” Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said on the bench with Colby Faingaa starting in the number sev- this game, though, with it being a knockout game, in reference to his side’s 43-15 loss to the Canterbury en jersey for the Brumbies, who have been boosted by the we have to leave everything out there on the pitch. Crusaders that put a dent in their run to the playoffs. return of seven Wallabies from national duty for the match “We know we have to learn lessons from the last “We are excited about the opportunity to redeem against Force. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made game. The heat affected everyone in the last game over there but we know what to expect. “We have ourselves. “We know these are traditionally big clashes only one change, putting Tom Donnelly at lock with Luke and know the Blues will want to put in a big perform- Romanof out with an ankle injury against the Hurricanes in learnt a lot from it, we know it will be hot and we know it will be tough. It will be hotter this weekend ance in their final game of the season.” The top two Christchurch. sides will have home advantage for the semi-finals, Prop James Slipper will captain the Queensland Reds in and we know coping with that is key.” Elsewhere in quarter-final action, Huddersfield face Challenge with the highest-ranked winner of those matches to the injury absence of Wallabies James Horwill and Will Genia host the final on Aug 3. The other four teams will meet in tomorrow’s Australian derby with the NSW Waratahs in Cup holders Warrington, while Wigan host Widnes. And Brett Hodgson is desperate for Warrington to next week in the first round of the playoffs, with the Sydney. The Reds cannot be overhauled in the top six but third- and fourth-placed sides, currently the Australian- this weekend’s game gives playmaker Quade Cooper a edge ever closer to Wembley with victory over Huddersfield, who sit one place above them in sec- conference leading ACT Brumbies (59) and the chance to show what the Wallabies missed after he was Crusaders (56), having home advantage. passed over by former coach Robbie Deans for the Lions ond in the Super League table. “I have been fortu- nate enough to have played in some great stadiums The Crusaders’ match against the Hurricanes on series. In this weekend’s other games with no playoff bear- Friday, despite the playoff ramifications, has been over- ing, the Rebels face the Otago Highlanders in Melbourne and but Wembley tops them all,” said Hodgson, a former Giants and Wests Tigers full-back. “It has got an aura shadowed in rugby-mad New Zealand by the return of the Sharks host the Kings in Durban. The sixth-placed World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw following a Cheetahs have the bye. — AFP about it where you know some special players have played before in whatever sport it may be.” —AFP six-month sabbatical. —Reuters Sports FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 Sprinters battle set to decide stage 12
FOUGERES: The sprinters’ battle for Cavendish. Fougeres for the first time, the Tour However the sprinters and their teams maximum stage wins on the flat con- Omega-Pharma’s Cavendish barged peloton will roll over slightly undulat- are unlikely to give them too much tinues when the 12th stage of the Tour into the Dutchman on his way to the ing terrain at the start before heading freedom before collaborating in the de France takes the peloton over 218 finish line and was lucky to escape towards a virtually pancake-flat finish chase in a bid to reel them in before km from Fougeres to Tours. So far, punishment from race officials. That in Tours, which has hosted several the finale. Germany’s Marcel Kittel holds the incident, and the fact Cavendish was sprint finishes in the race. Cavendish, who had won 23 stages bragging rights after a second win of victim to an angry fan who threw urine With a number of riders and teams, on the race before this edition, has the 100th edition, the only sprinter to at him during Wednesday’s time trial, including the hosts, still looking for won one only so far and will be looking do so, on Tuesday that was marked by makes stage 12 one not to be missed their first stage win a breakaway is like- to make amends, especially after finish- his Argos teammate Tom Veelers for fans of hectic bunch or group fin- ly to form early and be allowed to build ing third as the crash drama unfolded falling victim to sprint rival Mark ishes. Starting in the Breton town of a comfortable lead on the main bunch. in Saint Malo on Tuesday. — AFP
Mixed martial arts-UFC back in Macau, set for Singapore debut
SINGAPORE: The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced yesterday it has signed a multi-year deal with venues in Macao and Singapore to stage mixed martial arts events in the region from next year. The UFC said it would hold events at The Venetian resort hotel in Macau and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands from 2014, and produce a Chinese version of its reality show The Ultimate Fighter. The organization made its first foray into Greater China last year with a glitzy event in Macau and Mark Fischer, the UFC’s Asia chief, told Reuters the success of that event had been a springboard to their latest expansion plans. “The event in Macau was a tremendous success and I think it was an eye-opener for both the fans and the UFC,” Fischer told Reuters by telephone from Beijing. “We’ll be bringing at least one live fight event to the Singapore Marina Bay Sands, with the first one coming early first quarter next year. “We’ll have well-known fighters on the main card but we want to fill the card with more Asian fighters. We really want to build a base and... create more relevance with local audiences.” Fischer, who was one of the driving forces behind the National Basketball Association’s growth in China, said The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) reality show could be key in cracking the Chinese market. “We are still at the investment stage but we do see tremendous long-term potential here. TUF China is a watershed, we believe it’s going to do more for growing the brand and the sport of MMA among the Greater China audience than any other program to date. “In terms of making money, I’m sure Asia is LE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL: Australia’s Cadel Evans competes during the 33 km individual time-trial and eleventh stage of the going to be very fruitful but right now we still consider it a build- 100th edition of the Tour de France cycling race between Avranches and Mont-Saint-Michel, northwestern France. — AFP ing phase, but this is a huge step in that build.” ASIA SPREAD Evans loses legs as One of the fastest-growing sports in the world, MMA is a full contact combat sport that allows fighters to utilize techniques from both striking and grappling martial arts such as boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, wrestling and judo. Already hugely Porte bounces back popular in mature MMA markets such as the United States, Brazil, Japan and Canada, the UFC is looking to extend its reach through- out Asia. Clearly looking to hook Chinese viewers, the UFC state- MONT SAINT MICHEL: Former champion do better,” he said. As Evans underwhelmed, the maximum time possible from my rivals,” ment said applicants for The Ultimate Fighter show must “speak Cadel Evans’ Tour de France hopes remain trailing such riders as Frenchman Jeremy Roy said Froome, who won Olympic time trial Mandarin, be of Chinese decent and able to compete as a feather- alive but on the day race leader Chris Froome and green jersey holder Peter Sagan, bronze in London last year. weight, lightweight or welterweight”. took more time off his rivals the Australian Australian Richie Porte produced a solid per- Asked if he could beat Froome, Valverde, The show features up-and-coming mixed martial artists living admitted he simply didn’t have the legs. As formance that was good enough for fourth who won the 2009 Tour of Spain but has never and training together, and competing with each other for a UFC Froome finished only 12 seconds behind place at 1:21 behind Germany’s two-time finished on the podium of the Tour de France, contract. The US version catapulted the UFC, and the sport, into Germany’s Tony Martin, the winner of the world champion. just shook his head and said: “Difficult... diffi- the mainstream in 2005. “It’s definitely a series targeted at a stage with a time of 36min 29sec, Evans Porte had sat in second place overall fol- cult.” Two-time champion Contador, a climb- Chinese audience,” said Fischer, adding that the sport’s following crossed the finish 2:18 in arrears to the yel- lowing Froome’s winning attack on the way ing specialist like Froome but who was less there had so far been built on provincial television channels and low jersey holder. to Ax-Trois-Domaines in the Pyrenees on suited to the flat, mostly linear race course, on Internet streaming sites. “But it’s been relatively niche, and we Having lost 26secs to Froome on the Saturday’s eighth stage, only to collapse said he has not given up hope despite sitting think this series is going to spread that niche following to more of team time trial, then over four minutes to the spectacularly the following day. The fourth at 3:54. “No one’s lost this race yet and a mainstream one.” Kenyan-born Briton on the dramatic eighth Tasmanian started Wednesday’s 33 km race no one has won it. There’s a lot of racing to be As to when the UFC would hold events on the Chinese main- stage to Ax-Trois-Domaines, Australia’s 2011 against the clock in 34th place at 20:10 done,” said the Spaniard. The onus will now land, Fischer said they first had to reach a critical mass. “It’s a ques- champion is now 14th overall at a massive behind Froome. Although he is now far be on Froome’s rivals to attack in the Alps. 6:54 off the pace. Froome’s closest rival behind in 31st at 21:19, his performance in Asked how he expected his rivals to race next tion of strategy and how aggressive we want to get. We’ve had a Alejandro Valverde of Spain is now 3:25 adrift the ‘race of truth’ reassured Froome that weekend, Froome said: “Like we saw last very deliberate and patient strategy to date, and TUF is a very big in second place with one time trial and four Porte, and fellow climbing specialist Pete weekend, other teams are going to throw step in the middle of that strategy. “Certainly in the longer term tough mountain stages to go. Evans, who fin- Kennaugh, will be ready to provide crucial everything they’ve got at us. “We’re just we want to hold regular events here, but we need to do it at the ished third overall on the Giro d’Italia barely pace-setting support when required. going to try and have to deal with that the right time. We want to build up demand, build up a very strong six weeks ago, now looks out of the running “Unfortunately Richie has slipped back best we can with the team that we’ve got.” understanding of the sport, before we bring the live events here.” for a place on the podium of the 100th Tour from second place in GC, but I think he’s Evans’ BMC team have yet to make their mark With the growing popularity of Asian fighters such as the de France. shown today he’s not out of this race,” said on this race with Jim Ochowicz admitting: “Korean Zombie” Jung Chan-sung, Kim Dong-hyun and Yushin The 36-year-old remains defiant, but he Froome. “I expect him to be there in the “We think that the race is far from over. Okami, Fischer said the UFC was looking at several other cities in admitted he simply didn’t have the legs to mountains with Pete Kennaugh as we move Certainly for us, it’s a lot more difficult to the region to host events. “Seoul and Jakarta, no firm plans yet but threaten the big specialists like Martin and into the Alps.” Froome missed what would think about winning in Paris.” Evans added: we are in discussions in both of those cities,” he added. “Manila is Froome. “Looking toward Paris and the end have been his third stage win in the race, but “From here, I hope to improve myself for the in our sights, we’re in advanced talks with Tokyo and I guess to of the race, it would have been ideal to take there were other rewards for the Kenyan- next set of mountains and the next time trial round it out would be Bangkok. There’s lots of interest throughout back more time on some of the rivals ahead born Briton. “I’m very happy with the time I and keep moving ahead on the GC (general the region but those are the key cities for 2014.” — Reuters of me, but I didn’t have it in the legs today to set. The objective today was to try and take classification).” — AFP Sports FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Al-Nasser and Cardinal Match teams play during the match. LelMakasa and Atletico teams World Futsal Club Tournament
By Abdellatif Sharaa ing its second goal by Bondar which caused the Egypt were determined from the very start to total control and reached their opponent’s goal morale of Al-Nasser players to drop significantly perform well and refused to accept defeat to several times, but the outstanding performance KUWAIT: Ukraine’s team Cardinal-Rivne was the and they could not do much as the match end- Colombia’s Atletico-Huila which scored first, but of goalkeeper Ayman Ibrahim denied them any first to score a win at the start of the Kuwait Mini ed with the score of 2-0. LelMakasa was able to turn that into a 2-1 win. score. As time went by, LelMakasa began to get World Futsal Club Tournament Wednesday and In the second match, Misr LelMakasa from The Colombian team began the match with into the match with the skills of its players tops Group 1 by goal difference with Misr Ahmad Abdulqader, Mohammad Idrees and LelMakasa, as Cardinal defeated Saudi Arabia’s Ahmad Yusri, and attacks were exchanged with Al-Nasser 2-0 while Egypt’s LelMakasa defeated Huila until its player Fernando was tackled and Atletico Huila 2-1. got a penalty but failed to score, and the first Experience played a major role in the first half ended scoreless. match as Al-Nasser fell victim to it during its The second half was totally different as the meeting with Cardinal, which possessed the ball Colombian team was awarded a penalty kick for a long time and imposed its style of play and during the fourth minute of the second half and limited the ability of Al-Nasser to score as its Rodriguez was able to score. This made chances were very scarce. Cardinal relied on LelMakasa players nervous and angry, prompt- deep penetration by its highly skilled players ing the referee to show yellow cards to players Trygubets Sergii, Kashuba Vitaliy and Piddubnyi Al-MutazBillah Sami, Yusri and Ibrahim Serhii, while Al-Nasser relied on Bedro. Mohammad. Al-Nasser players missed several chances due The 15th minute of the half witnessed an to a lack of coordination among its strikers and organized attack by LelMakasa which allowed this was utilized very well by Cardinal. Ahmad Hussein Othman to equalize for his team Miscommunication between Al-Nasser’s goal- followed by a red card to Huila’s player Sergio keeper and one of his defenders was used by Vega Balaguera, making it easier for LelMakasa Sergii who scored the first goal for his team, players to keep the ball, until Ramadan Samasiri placing tremendous pressure on Al-Nasser was able to score the second goal a few seconds which attempted to equalize, but most shots before the end of the match. Matches today will were off target. be between Iran’s Dabiri Tabriz and Qatar’s Al- In the second half, fitness of Al-Nasser play- Sadd while the second match will be between ers dropped while Cardinal kept possession of Paraguay’s Sport Colonial and Kuwait’s Al- the ball for long periods and succeeded in scor- Qadisiya. Perry banks on power Part-time strategy works well game at Senior Open for PSG Tour veteran Stricker ILLINOIS: Like a connoisseur of fine wines, Steve have to practice every minute. And that’s been NEBRASKA: Searing heat and a hilly course are straight like I did at Fox Chapel ... I’ve got a huge Stricker prefers quality to quantity and his deci- fun,” said the American, who will miss next likely to pose problems for players at this week’s advantage.” Perry landed his first major title by sion earlier this year to cut back on his PGA Tour week’s British Open to be at home in Wisconsin US Senior Open in Omaha, Nebraska where two shots in last month’s Senior Players schedule seems to have been a master-stroke with his wife Nicki for their wedding anniversary. Kenny Perry hopes his power game can help him Championship at Fox Chapel Golf Club in by the veteran American. He has recorded four A 12-times winner on the PGA Tour, Stricker said clinch a second successive major title. The 52- Pittsburgh for his third career win on the top-10s in only seven starts on the US circuit and he had cut back on his playing schedule year-old American is one of the longest hitters Champions Tour. He capped a superb driving is among the pre-tournament favorites for this because of his desire to spend more quality time on the over-50s Champions Tour and he views display there with a closing six-under-par 64 to week’s John Deere Classic at the TPC Deere Run with his family while also retaining his love for his length off the tee as “a huge advantage” on seal victory but this week he knows he will need in Silvis, Illinois, where he is a three-times former competitive golf. the 6,711-yard, par-70 layout at Omaha Country stamina as well as power if he is to visit the win- champion. “This is my 20th year on tour and I want to Club. ner’s circle for a second consecutive event. “I don’t know if my game has improved, my make sure that I am fresh when I come out,” said “It’s all going to be how well I drive the golf “This is probably the hardest walking course attitude is fresher,” Stricker, 46, told reporters on the softly-spoken Wisconsin native, who has ball is how well I play this week,” Perry told I’ve ever been on,” Perry said of the Omaha Wednesday about the success of his part-time long been regarded as one of the best putters in reporters on Wednesday while preparing for Country Club layout. “I played the (PGA) Tour 27 strategy on the 2013 PGA Tour. “I am excited to the game. “I don’t want to get to the point Thursday’s opening round at the fourth of the years and a couple of years out here and it’s the be at each and every event that I tee it up in. “I where I dread coming out. I am too old for that. season’s five senior majors. “Definitely length is hilliest I’ve seen. It’s very physically demanding. still work at my game at home, just not as much. I’ve seen guys through their career just feel like going to be a big advantage this week, but “You’re always coming off the green and walking There are times now when I am home for two or they have to come out and play for some reason you’ve still got to hit the fairways. The rough is 50 to 80 yards up the hill to the next tee box, and three weeks I can set the clubs down for a week and I don’t want to be that guy. “I want to be a very penal out there. It’s chip-out rough. then you’re walking straight down and then or two and then pick them up the week prior to guy who comes out and be excited to play, “It’s got definitely a US Open feel out there, back (up). “The guys that will do well this week get ready to come to an event. “I am enjoying want to be there and put all my effort into play- with the greens as small as they are and undulat- are going to be the guys who are in pretty good the down-time at home where I don’t feel like I ing well that week that I am there.” —Reuters ing. But with my power, if I can keep driving it shape.”—Reuters Sports FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Uruguay overcome Iraq to meet France in U20 final
ISTANBUL: Uruguay scored the equalizer missed the first for Iraq as he hit the post. Iraq also drew a lot of Turkish fans, who before directing a 20-meter strike past in the 87th minute to draw with Iraq 1-1 Uruguay substitute Gonzalo Bueno leveled switched allegiance after the host team goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Thauvin and won the penalty shootout 7-6 to reach the score with a volley in the closing min- lost in the first knockout round. Striker found the net again coming in from the the final of the Under-20 World Cup on utes of regulation after Iraq took the lead Florian Thauvin scored both goals for right and beat Antwi with a low shot at the Wednesday. Runner-up in 1997, Uruguay in the first half on a free kick by Ali Adnan. France against Ghana. Two minutes before near post in the 74th. France defender will play first-time finalist France tomor- Iraq missed the chance to reach the final of halftime, Thauvin was set up by Jean Samuel Umtiti was sent off for receiving a row. The Europeans beat Ghana 2-1 in the a FIFA tournament for the first time. Christophe Bahebeck, dribbled past Ghana second booking in the 80th and will miss first semifinal. Iraq midfielder Saif Salman Iraq’s successful run to the semifinal has goalkeeper Eric Antwi and netted into the the final. France, improving on its best sent the decisive spot-kick over the cross- been warmly welcomed at home. Streets empty goal. result of fourth two years ago, can become bar after both teams missed one penalty. and cafes in Baghdad and other cities were Ebenezer Assifuah equalized for Ghana the first European winner since Spain in Gianni Rodriguez had Uruguay’s first the scene of jubilant celebrations after the in the 47th with his fifth goal of the tourna- 1999, which has been the sole European attempt saved by Iraq goalkeeper wins over Paraguay and South Korea, but ment as he collected the ball with his back victory in the competition for the past 20 Mohammed Hameed and Ali Faez also the streets remained calm on Wednesday. to the goal, and held off three defenders years. — AP Spain gripped by sporting ‘crisis’ as budget cuts bite
BELO HORIZONTE: MADRID: Think Spanish sport and images that spring to mind Lucas Bernardi include the nation’s all-conquering soccer team, Rafa Nadal hoist- (right) of ing aloft the French Open trophy or Fernando Alonso burning up Argentina’s a Formula One track in his Ferrari. While these are some of the Newell’s Old Boys, highest-profile and wealthiest athletes on the planet, and a vies for the ball with source of immense national pride, recession-hobbled Spain is Ronaldinho Gaucho increasingly having to face up to a new reality marked by sting- (center) of Brazil’s ing budget cuts that threaten the country’s status as a hive of Atletico Mineiro, sporting excellence. during their Elite competitors from athletics and swimming to rowing and Libertadores Cup gymnastics are being denied basic facilities, face delays in grant semifinal match at payments and in some cases, are forced to pay for travel, accom- Arena modation and equipment. They are scarcely the ideal conditions Independencia for a bid to improve on a disappointing 21st-place finish in the Stadium in Belo medal table at last year’s London Olympics when the next Horizonte, Summer Games take place in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Brazil. — AFP Nor does the current financial crunch suggest Spain will be reliving the euphoria of Barcelona 1992 or emulating the stun- ning performance of 2012 hosts Britain if Madrid beats Istanbul and Tokyo to win the right to host the Summer Olympics in 2020. Victor’s shootout save Local media talk of a “crisis” and the issue has been given an unusual amount of coverage alongside the latest news about soccer giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. seals Atletico progress “The moment will come when all Spanish athletes are reduced to mediocrity,” gymnast Isaac Botella, who was sixth in the men’s vault at the London Olympics, told radio station Cadena Ser this week. Botella said he had not received any grant cash since Ronaldinho penalty gives Brazilians 3-2 win January and without regular employment, was having to rely on his parents for support. “It hurts quite a lot and you lose motiva- RIO DE JANEIRO: Goalkeeper Victor made Internacional, Santos and Corinthians in the the end of the first half for dissent, protest- tion,” the 29-year-old added. “I couldn’t afford to buy a pair of another crucial penalty save to send Atletico last three years. “What motivates me to carry ing to the referee for not awarding fellow short trousers for the summer and it’s embarrassing to ask my Mineiro on the way to a first Libertadores Cup on playing is to win unprecedented titles, it forward Jo a penalty. Atletico coach Cuca mother. “It has an effect on your training, you are down in the final appearance with a 3-2 shootout win makes me feel like a kid again to go on run- said the power failure helped him to reshuf- dumps and your work is of poorer quality.” over Newell’s Old Boys in Belo Horizonte on ning and doing what I like,” an elated 33- fle his team, who were struggling to score a Botella’s experience is not an isolated case. He and his disgrun- Wednesday. Victor, who saved a stoppage- year-old Ronaldinho told reporters. decisive second goal against a Newell’s side tled team mates sent an open letter to the gymnastics federation time penalty against Tijuana to secure Bernard will miss the first leg of the final defending well with Rodriguez in fine form (RFEG) last month complaining that budget cuts had left them Atletico’s passage to the semi-finals, stopped through suspension after being booked near in midfield. —Reuters with only one physiotherapist for 32 athletes and practically no Maxi Rodriguez’s effort after Ronaldinho had medical services. Carlos Perez, a kayak gold medalist with Saul put the Brazilian side ahead in the shootout. Craviotto in Beijing in 2008, angrily told Marca sports daily last The tie had ended 2-2 on aggregate. 3 athletes charged with week he would have to pay his own way to compete at the world Tournament favourites Atletico recovered championships in Duisburg starting next month. “It’s a disgrace from a 2-0 defeat in last week’s first leg in raping official in Malaysia Roasario by beating Newell’s by the same having to pay to represent Spain,” Perez told the newspaper. score in a match interrupted for 11 minutes KUALA LUMPUR: Three young Malaysian on bail despite objections from the prose- late in the second half due to a power failure. handball players have been charged with cutor, defence lawyer Suraj Singh said. The BLEAK OUTLOOK Brazil forward Bernard was quick to raping an official at a national tournament, incident was said to have occurred in the The tribulations of Botella, Perez and others like them are part- reduce the arrears, scoring from a fine a government lawyer said yesterday, in a early hours of July 4 in a room at a games ly the result of deep cuts to government subsidies for Spain’s Ronaldinho pass after three minutes and sub- case that has shocked the country’s sport- village during the ongoing competition. sports federations, part of a wider effort to rein in state spending. stitute Guilherme pounced on a poor clear- ing fraternity. The alleged gang-rape of the It was reported that the 19-year-old Public assistance totalled 76.3 million euros ($98.1 million) in ance with five minutes remaining to make it female official has sparked widespread victim was semi-conscious at the time. 2009 but has more than halved since then to a mere 34.1 million 2-0 with a long-range shot. “(Rodriguez) had public anger, as officials demanded tough The Star newspaper had said that before this year. The soccer federation (RFEF), which has a host of corpo- scored two penalties in the shootout against punishment for the perpetrators. The victim the alleged rape, the young woman had rate sponsors and is flush with cash after a run of success in inter- Boca Juniors and he had hit the first in the was a communications liaison officer for the left the games village to have alcoholic national tournaments, can afford to forego its subsidy and is not corner (of the net) that I went for,” Victor told Federal Territories girls’ handball team at drinks with several handball players. If affected by the cuts. reporters in reference to Newell’s quarter- the recent inter-state Malaysia Games. found guilty, the three accused face a For most of the rest, however, the picture is anything but rosy final win over their fellow Argentine side. Deputy public prosecutor Tan Gin Han maximum 20 years in jail and whipping by and a recent report in El Pais newspaper suggested 25 of Spain’s “We have to also thank our researchers for said the court had set August 20 for a judge a cane. Peter Velappan, former Asian 63 federations were flirting with bankruptcy. The plight of the passing that information on to me,” Victor to announce a possible trial date. The three Football Confederation general secretary, athletics federation (RFEA) is typical. Its subsidy was slashed 47 added. Atletico will meet three-times South players-aged between 18 and 19 - pleaded Wednesday said the “outrageous” inci- percent this year compared with 2012 and had sunk to 2.8 million American champions Olimpia of Paraguay in not guilty, he said. Tan said the three who dent was the first of its kind in Malaysian euros from 7 million in 2008, according to RFEA president Jose the final over two legs on July 17 and 24. were charged in the sessions court were: sports and had tarnished the country. Maria Odriozola. Spanish track and field athletes have performed They will be looking for Brazil’s fourth consec- Adib Adha Ismail, Megat Farzeril and Offenders must face “severe punishment”, utive Libertadores Cup title after victories by Mohammad Shaizzad. The trio were freed he said. — AFP particularly poorly in recent years and failed to win a single Olympic medal in Beijing or London. —Reuters Sports FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013
Pellegrini plans Man City youth revolution
MANCHESTER: Manuel Pellegrini admits part of his and the other coaches have done we will continue has already boosted his squad with the signings of remit as Manchester City manager will be to help nur- working at and adding different things.” Brazil midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk ture young talent and save the club spending heavily on Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano was for £30 million and Spain winger Jesus Navas from transfer fees in the future. City, who were bought by recently quoted as saying that he wanted Pellegrini to Sevilla for £15 million. Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, win five trophies in the next five years. Former Malaga And the City manager confirmed a player’s nationali- have been the Premier League’s highest spenders in the boss Pellegrini knows he will be under pressure to com- ty will not be an important issue when asked whether transfer market in recent years. pete for all trophies on all fronts, but the 59-year-old he would target any English players. “We need good But new financial fair-play rules have been intro- Chilean believes that is only part of his mandate at players, yes. Good English, Argentinean, South duced in a bid to curtail the spending of clubs like City Eastlands. “As a coach of course we always want imme- American players. We are trying to have a strong squad and Pellegrini, who on Wednesday spoke to the media diate success,” he added. “If that will bring us trophies, in all positions,” Pellegrini said. “I think that all the clubs for the first time since he was appointed as Roberto perfect, we have more chances to win that way. In the have the same problem with English players. Mancini’s successor, seemed to suggest a slight depar- same way we are working with young players and we Arsenal or Chelsea do not have a lot of English play- ture from that policy in the long term. will continue to. “I’m here not only to win trophies - the ers but we have here very important young players. “Is “We have to have a different style here in the club,” Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup - I signing English players a priority? It is important but not Pellegrini said. “I mean a different style in the way Man am here to work with young players. a priority. We have very good English players like Joe City must work in the next few years. “It is impossible “To win trophies is very important but I am not here Hart and James Milner. “It is very difficult at an impor- every year to buy three, four, five expensive players. We just for that. I will do my job here completely with tant club to have only national team players. “We will need a mix with young players, who work exactly the Ferran, with Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City sporting see. I am sure that players can arrive when we are on the same as the first team, and as the Under 21s. “There are director), with Patrick Vieira (elite development squad club’s tour of South Africa and Hong Kong. We are not a lot of things we can improve. What Roberto Mancini manager) also working with young players.” Pellegrini in a hurry. We have people and choices.”— AFP Pep talks of resignation
RIVA DEL GARDA: Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola finally shed some light on his resig- nation at Barcelona yesterday and confirmed he hoped to raid his old club for midfielder Thiago Alcantara. Guardiola, 42, quit as head coach at Barca after winning 14 titles during his four-year reign at the Camp Nou between 2008 and 2012. “After four years the desire was gone in Barcelona,” Guardiola said at Bayern’s training camp in northern Italy. “The same players, the same opponents, the same journalists, the same games. Now everything is new.”It’s good for my experience. My fami- ly will come to Munich soon, it’s a good edu- cation and therefore I’m grateful.” He also confirmed the European champi- ons’ interest in Alcantara. Spanish media had already linked the 22-year-old with a move to BANGKOK: Manchester United football fans hold a scarf as team players arrive at the Four Seasons hotel in Bangkok yesterday.— AFP Bayern and Guardiola admitted he has already asked the Bavarian giants to sign the midfielder. “Yes, I want Thiago Alcantara, I have asked (Bayern to get him),” he said. “I Fans mob United as know him very, very well. He’s a great player and can cover three, four, five positions. “I have talked to (chairman Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge and (director of sport Matthias) Asian tours kicks off Sammer, we will have to wait and see. “Thiago is the only player I want, it will be BANGKOK: him or no one. “We have many players, but Hundreds of cheering fans gave morning to greet us, they hang around our hotels... But the tours are likely to be dominated by transfer Manchester United a stirring welcome yesterday as it’s great and makes us feel really welcome.” talk with British media reporting that Chelsea, who we need the special qualities Thiago the English champions jetted into Thailand at the Manchester United are the first to arrive in what arrive in Bangkok on Friday, are preparing a major Alcantara brings.” Both Manchester United start of a flurry of Asian tours by top European will be a bumper Asian pre-season, with Chelsea bid for Rooney. However, Moyes has signaled his and Real Madrid have been linked to clubs. Spectators were out in force as the superstar also due in Bangkok this week and Barcelona, determination to keep the striker, who asked for a Alcantara, who has a market value of around squad, wearing suits with trainers, arrived by char- Manchester City and Liverpool among the other transfer in May, by describing his concerted effort 20 million euros ($26 million) and captained tered jet at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, where clubs headed to the region. Moyes, taking over to win over the want-away star. Spain Under-21 to the European title and new manager David Moyes performed a tradition- after Alex Ferguson’s 27-year, 38-trophy career at “I have met Wayne two, three, four times,” was voted player of the tournament. al Thai greeting. The players then boarded a huge the club, will lead out the team for the first time Moyes, who coached Rooney when they were Alcantara, who has a contract at Barcelona bus emblazoned with the words “United in against a Thai All-Star XI in Bangkok on Saturday. both at Everton, told Britain’s talkSPORT radio. “A until June 2015, scored a first-half hat-trick as Thailand” and drove to their five-star downtown Captain Nemanja Vidic stayed in Manchester lot has been said about myself and Wayne over the Spain beat Italy 4-2 in the European Under- hotel, where they were welcomed by more fans because of back pain, but he may join the 19-man years but we have a really good relationship. He 21 Championships in Jerusalem last month. holding banners and scarves. squad later on the tour of Thailand, Australia, came to my house, I have been to his recently to Bayern already have several midfield stars Moyes and United great Ryan Giggs were also Japan and Hong Kong, according to the club web- have a chat.” Moyes, who looks set to lose out on a with Germany’s Mario Goetze signed from mobbed during a visit to Siriraj hospital, where site. Robin van Persie, David De Gea and Shinji bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, Borussia Dortmund, plus Holland’s Arjen they paid their respects and brought a big bunch Kagawa will also meet up with the team later but also insisted the club were “working hard” to buy Robben, France’s Franck Ribery, Thomas of flowers for Thailand’s revered king and queen, Javier Hernandez, rested after international duty, new players as they seek to defend their Premier Mueller, Toni Kroos and Swiss Xherdan who are both unwell. England striker Wayne and injured trio Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and League title. Chelsea will also play their first game Shaqiri vying for places. “I don’t think adding Rooney, at the centre of intense speculation about Nani are all missing. Exciting new signing Wilfried under returning manager Jose Mourinho in another midfielder will be a problem for us,” his future, walked with his head down and did not Zaha is one prominent inclusion and veteran Bangkok next week, while Manchester City will be said Guardiola. “I spoke to club about my talk to media as he arrived with his team-mates. defender Ferdinand said all players were keen to under new boss Manuel Pellegrini when they play concept and told them why I want Thiago “It’s crazy whenever we visit this part of the world,” make an early impression on the new boss. a mini-tournament in Hong Kong. Barcelona and Alcantara. “I give my opinion but I listen to defender Rio Ferdinand told the club’s website. “I think it’s natural that everybody here is trying Liverpool are also among the visitors in the com- the board. If they say no, that’s ok. “Nobody “The reception we get in the Asian countries is to impress on this tour,” he said. “When you get a ing weeks to a region which comprises the bulk of will leave Barcelona, unless they feel they something else entirely. I’ve never seen fanatics new manager you want to show him that you the world’s population and contributes growing won’t play much. He wants to play. That’s like them. should be in the starting XI for that first day of the revenues to top clubs via TV rights and merchan- why I proposed him to the club.”— AFP “They come to airports at mad times in the new season and that process has started already.” dise.— AFP Fans mob United as Asian tours kicks off
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FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2013 JULY FRIDAY, www.kuwaittimes.net
Atletico eye first Libertadores Cup final
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BELO HORIZONTE: Ronaldinho Gaucho, of Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, heads the football during their Libertadores Cup semifinal match at Arena Independencia Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. —AFP