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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 SAFAR 19, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Girls sued Unwelcome The Real Fouz: Prosecutors will for ‘offensive’ dogs find Dos and seek murder social media care at rare don’ts for conviction video, images3 Iran13 shelter healthy37 nails against15 Pistorius Ban on Indian workers Min 09º Max 26º looms as spat escalates High Tide 01:27 & 15.52 Low Tide Meeting to resolve maid guarantee dispute fails 09:08 & 21:03 40 PAGES NO: 16369 150 FILS

By Staff Reporter Kuwait Sunil Jain and officials from the for- Delhi in protest against the decision. Filipinos 185,000 and Bangladeshis at eign and interior ministries, during which According to the sources, immigration 180,000. ‘Bomb’ found KUWAIT: A threat to ban the recruitment the issue was discussed at length. departments could start the ban on Indians The Indian embassy has repeatedly of Indian laborers into Kuwait may be Assistant undersecretary for passports from today or from next week unless a com- explained that the bank guarantee is a near ministry implemented as soon as today after a high- and residency Maj Gen Mazen Al-Jarrah promise is reached. Based on the latest offi- decision taken by the Indian government level diplomatic meeting failed to resolve was present at the meeting. Jarrah has cial figures, the number of Indians in Kuwait in 2007 and has been applied in several the dispute over an Indian decision to repeatedly blasted the decision and threat- has rapidly swelled to close to 800,000, countries including all other Gulf states. KUWAIT: A suspected bomb was found near the impose a $2,500 (KD730) bank guarantee ened to impose a ban on Indians. Kuwaiti becoming the largest foreign community. The embassy added that the bank guaran- Ministry of Information in Kuwait City yesterday. In for Indian domestic helpers working over- MPs have also strongly criticized the Indian Among them are more than 200,000 tee will be terminated immediately once an official statement issued by the ministry, a “for- seas, informed sources said. The meeting decision and called on the government to domestic workers. They are followed by the work contract between the employer eign object was found and the bomb disposal unit took place between Indian ambassador to halt the recruitment of workers from New Egyptians who number around 530,000, and domestic helper ends. of the Kuwait National Guard responded and dis- posed of it”. No direct admission of what the “for- eign object” was reported, but according to Shamekh Al-Rashidi, director of the PR and Media KSE rebounds after Assembly, govt meet Department at the Information Ministry, the foreign object was dealt with on site and no injuries or By B Izzak material damage was reported. According to a report in a local Arabic daily Al- KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock market rebounded slightly yes- Jarida, the ‘bomb’ was attached to a motorcycle and terday after heavy losses in the past few months on the was locally made. Another Arabic newspaper Al- positive news that came from a government-Assembly Watan reported that the foreign object was not a meeting to discuss the situation in the bourse. The bomb but a jammer used to block radio signals. This meeting was chaired by National Assembly Speaker information could not be independently verified. Marzouq Al-Ghanem and attended by the ministers of commerce and finance, head of Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), Central Bank Governor Mohammad Al- Kuwaiti student Hashel and others. Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulmohsen Al- recovering after Mudej said after the meeting that there is a complete understanding and an agreement between the govern- ment and Assembly towards regulating and controlling campus stabbing matters at the Kuwaiti bourse. Mudej said that the Capital Markets Authority is exerting efforts in this RIYADH: A female Kuwaiti student is “recovering well” direction and is heading in the right direction. after being stabbed last week at Umm Al-Qura Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh said the Kuwaiti University in Makkah, the Kuwaiti Embassy in Saudi bourse’s decline is the result of the sharp drop in oil Arabia announced yesterday. The Kuwaiti student was prices like other Gulf stock markets as Kuwait is not iso- assaulted in the parking lot of the campus by an lated from the rest of the world. He said “we are looking unidentified female student last Sunday, cultural for an effective, regulated and transparent shares mar- attache at Kuwait Embassy Dr Mesfir Mahdi Al-Mesfir ket that can compete with markets in the region in told KUNA. attracting foreign funds”. The girl was taken to a hospital in Makkah and was dis- Ghanem however said that Kuwait needs a compre- charged on the same day after her condition became sta- hensive plan to deal with the drop in oil prices and this ble. The diplomat pointed out that Saudi authorities have should be based on involving the private sector and been investigating the attack, adding that the Kuwaiti launching mega projects. The speaker said that Embassy is closely following up the case. — KUNA KUWAIT: A trader is seen at the Kuwait Stock Exchange in this file photo. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Continued on Page 13 Qatar takes pragmatic path in Gulf ties

DUBAI: Qatar has bowed to political realism by to Egypt” and Sisi’s political program. London- Brotherhood - now outlawed in Egypt - a “terror- setting aside differences with Gulf neighbors and based analyst Abdelwahab Badrkhan said Qatar ist” organisation, and the Doha summit was only backing Egypt’s anti-Islamist leadership at a sum- “made major concessions” on Egypt as well as possible thanks to last-minute Kuwaiti mediation. mit that reflected a thaw in regional relations, Libya, where Doha has been accused of support- In an unprecedented development, Saudi analysts say. ing Islamist militias. This change in Qatar’s atti- Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain recalled their Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s crack- tude is because of “political realism from one side, ambassadors from Doha in March in protest down last year on the Doha-backed Muslim and its choice to remain within the GCC on the against Qatar’s support for the Brotherhood. Brotherhood triggered a rift pitting Qatar against other,” he said. Diplomatic staff returned to Qatar eight months Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and The pragmatic stance is seen as underscoring later, paving the way for Tuesday’s summit, which Bahrain, who see the group’s political Islam as a Doha’s ambitions to become an economic and Qatar’s young new emir, Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani, threat to their stability. sporting powerhouse. Doha had repeatedly said he hoped would “signal a new beginning for But leaders of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation denounced former army chief Sisi’s ouster of Gulf relations”. At the end of the talks, Gulf leaders Council (GCC) presented a united front at a sum- Islamist president Mohamed Morsi last year. Sisi also “condemned the control of militias mit in Doha Tuesday, pledging their “full support allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE have branded the Continued on Page 13 Time mag names TURMUSAYYA: An Israeli border guard grabs Palestinian official Ziad Abu Ebola fighters Ein during a demonstration in this village near Ramallah yesterday. — AFP ‘person’ of 2014 Palestinian official dies

NEW YORK: Time magazine yesterday named as its after Israel troop clash “Person of the Year 2014” the medics treating the Ebola epidemic that has killed more than 6,300 people, pay- TURMUSAYYA: A senior Palestinian Netanyahu on issues including “recent ing tribute to their courage and mercy. The hemorrhag- official died yesterday after he was developments in Israel, the West Bank, ic fever mushroomed from an outbreak into an epidem- struck by Israeli forces during a protest and Jerusalem and the region”. ic in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, and there have march in the West Bank, prompting A former PA deputy minister, Abu been scattered cases in international calls for an investigation Ein, 55, was the most senior Palestinian Nigeria, Mali, Spain, into the incident. The Palestinian lead- official to die in a confrontation with Germany and the ership vowed to respond to what presi- Israeli forces in recent years. His death United States. “The rest dent Mahmoud Abbas called the “bru- was “a barbaric act that cannot be toler- of the world can sleep tal assault” on Ziad Abu Ein, who was in ated or accepted,” Abbas said, declaring at night because a charge of the issue of Israeli settlements three days of mourning. Neighbouring OSLO: Nobel Peace Prize laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai group of men and for the Palestinian Authority (PA). Jordan condemned the incident as “a display their medals and diplomas during the Nobel Peace Prize award cere- women are willing to European Union foreign affairs head crime” and denounced “clear evidence mony at the City Hall yesterday. — AFP stand and fight,” wrote Federica Mogherini said reports of of human rights violations by the Israeli Time editor Nancy excessive use of force by Israeli troops army”. The confrontation erupted as Malala, Satyarthi receive Gibbs, announcing the were “extremely worrying”, and Abu Ein took part in a march of about prestigious annual demanded an “immediate, independ- 300 Palestinians who intended to plant ent” inquiry. The UN special envoy for olive trees as a symbolic act of protest title. Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo the Middle East Peace process, Robert against Israeli settlements, an AFP pho- “For tireless acts of Serry, urged Israel to conduct a tographer said. courage and mercy, for OSLO: Malala Yousafzai vowed yesterday Fraternity between the nations!” “prompt, thorough and transparent The group was confronted by Israeli buying the world time to struggle for every child’s right to go to Thorbjoern Jagland, chairman of the investigation” into the death. Israeli- soldiers in the West Bank village of school as she became the youngest ever Norwegian Nobel committee, said at the to boost its defenses, Palestinian peace efforts have stalled Turmusayya. Tear gas was fired, three Nobel laureate, sharing the peace prize ceremony in Oslo. for risking, for persisting, for sacrificing and saving, the since talks collapsed in April despite a soldiers grabbed Abu Ein and he was with Indian campaigner Kailash Satyarthi. “I will continue this fight until I see Ebola fighters are Time’s 2014 Person of the Year.” The concerted diplomatic drive by US struck in the chest, the photographer “A young girl and a somewhat older man, every child in school,” the 17-year-old worst ever Ebola outbreak has left more than 6,300 peo- Secretary of State John Kerry. said. Abu Ein fell and an Israeli army one from Pakistan and one from India, Pakistani schoolgirl told an audience in ple dead worldwide, nearly all in Sierra Leone, Guinea Washington said yesterday that Kerry doctor rushed to treat him before he one Muslim, the other Hindu; both sym- Oslo City Hall after receiving the award. and Liberia. Health workers have been among the worst would head to Rome on Sunday to was taken to hospital. bols of what the world needs: more unity. Continued on Page 13 hit, with 340 deaths out of 592 cases. meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 LOCAL Girls sued for ‘offensive’ social media footage

By Nawara Fattahova crimes that harm the society. The aled. I filed a complaint at the video of the two girls in a car, police station as their identity is KUWAIT: Posting nasty videos or where one is shooting her friend not known yet, but investigators photos on social media, especial- sitting besides her and showing are working on finding them so ly Instagram, is the way to part of her breasts to the camera they can be sued,” explained become popular and gain more laughing while driving in the Ayada. followers. This phenomenon is street is legally considered an Through filing these cases, he increasing in Kuwait, especially incitement to immorality. It was- aims to prevent many reckless by young women. But be careful, n’t hard to identify them from people from spreading lewd acts this may land you in prison or their Instagram account,” he told in the community. “We live in a make you pay a big Kuwait Times. conservative society that doesn’t fine. This week, a The second case he accept such deviant acts that filed was against may negatively affect people KUWAIT: Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah (right) speaks video and an image three girls who were and especially the youth. They while Minister Hind Al-Subaih is seated nearby at the meeting. became very popular lying on the floor at may be sentenced to no longer — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh on social media and users were sharing it. the Avenues mall in than one year of imprisonment These prompted vulgar positions, tak- or a fine of KD 1,000 or both,” he reactions by many ing shots of each oth- added. New rules set people who felt er and posting them These weren’t the first cases offended and hoped on social media. Ayada has filed against vulgar Mishari Al-Ayada these girls are pun- “These girls commit- acts considered crimes. “I earlier novels,” concluded Ayada. for civil societies ished. Attorney Mishari Al-Ayada ted a crime classified as a fla- filed three cases at the court Also yesterday, reports were filed cases against the girls, con- grant act in a public place. Since against three authors of novels circulating on Instagram about KUWAIT: New conditions have been set basis to scrutinize applications of new sidering himself offended by their act was bawdy and a with vulgar and immoral sen- an Arab expat who was deported for the approval of civil societies, a senior civil societies before they are approved their immoral acts. “As a citizen breach of modesty in a visual tences. Now there is an order to after committing sexual acts in a government official announced yester- for public announcement. living in this country, I have the way and publicly, so it’s consid- arrest these authors for breach popular cafe in Kuwait, after the day. On multi-purpose banquet halls, right to sue those who commit ered a crime and they will be tri- of modesty through their lewd video spread on social media. Civil societies should meet these con- Subaih cleared that any violations of the ditions before they are announced to the Ministry’s regulations would subject the public Minister of Social Affairs and halls for closure; as of yet, six banquet Labor and Minister of State for Planning halls were closed due to infractions. Affairs and Development Hind Al-Subaih Furthermore, Subaih added that the min- clarified. She was speaking during her istry is studying increasing the role of meeting with residents of Al-Farwaniya centers of social services across the governorate upon the invitation of its country to provide an all-year-round Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Hmoud Al- assistance to the public. Sabah. On his part, Sheikh Faisal Al-Hmoud She added that an ad hoc committee said that his office will be receiving min- will be formed of specialists from the isters to touch base with the gover- ministry, Kuwait University and a group norate’s residents to hear them out and of volunteers, and will meet on a weekly solve their problems. — KUNA GCC audit bureaus symposium kicks off

KUWAIT: Deputy Chairman of State He noted that the State Audit Bureau Audit Bureau chairman Adel Al-Sarawi has chosen the topic of the symposium, yesterday underscored the significance which he wished success. The sympo- of boosting contacts and cooperation sium is part of the joint action among among the Gulf Cooperation Council the GCC states, head of the bloc’s (GCC) accounting and audit bureaus and Secretariat department on control inte- the target institutions for upgrading effi- gration, Mubarak Al-Mubarak said. ciency and effectiveness of control bod- He referred to a decision by the 12th ies. meeting of the GCC accounting and Sarawi’s remark was part of his audit chiefs to organize a conference The workshop in progress. address to the opening ceremony of the or a symposium annually or bi-annual- first symposium for the GCC accounting ly. According to Mubarak, importance and audit bureaus. The two-day event of the gathering lies in the ability to VIVA organizes ‘Corporate tackles the importance of cooperation produce proper recommendations between the monitoring agencies and likely to help cooperation between the bodies targeted by their work. the accounting and audit bureaus and Communications’ workshop at GUST Organizing such events supports the target bodies. monitoring tasks and secures success, he The focus of the first day is the KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing tele- mechanisms to protect employee and man- committed to continue its efforts to support said, noting that cooperation between Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau and the Civil com operator, organized a workshop entitled agement rights by meeting the organization’s and sponsor student initiatives and provide both sides streamlines the mission and Service Commission. The Finance Ministry “Corporate Communications” at the Gulf needs in terms of skilled and loyal staffs. In promising and ambitious youth with the reveals facts and data as well as guaran- and the Government Performance University for Science and Technology (GUST) addition, Ateeqi pointed out the importance required help and care through adopting tees accuracy and objectivity, Sarawi Follow-up Agency have submitted two in collaboration with the university’s of managing individual interviews to select projects they submit.” said. papers for discussion. — KUNA Management Club. The two-day event started and appoint new recruits based on qualifica- Mutairi added that VIVA’s sponsorship of from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily. tions to achieve the company’s goals. the Real Madrid Football and Manchester The workshop discussed several topics On the second day, the workshop dis- United clubs, and Kuwait Football Association, Forum urges exercise of such as the importance of managing commu- cussed the importance of Public Relations and demonstrates the company’s commitment nications, and concepts of managing the its role in any company. It is the point of con- towards youth and all football fans by sup- transparency at societal levels department of human resources, the corner- tact between the company and the world, porting their passion for sports and being the stone upon which all corporations and organ- through which the company showcases its first in Kuwait to sponsor this world renowned KUWAIT: It is incumbent on the nation’s insti- praised PAAET for organizing it and for izations are built. The event also discussed products and services to the public. Students football club. VIVA has made tremendous tutions to propagate the values of prudence spreading the good word about the merits of ways to create a family atmosphere among participated in large numbers on both days of efforts since its inception to support the and transparency in their work, said an edu- transparency and fighting corruption at all employees that contributes to increased pro- the workshop where an interactive question sports sector, and it will continue to help cator here at the opening of a forum on trans- levels, the academic, the financial, and the ductivity and helps achieve efficiency and and answer session opened the doors to dis- expand the sports movement and encourage parency and fighting institutional corruption administrative. effectiveness of human resources, while using cussions and dialogue between students and the journey of Kuwait’s national teams as part yesterday. Director of the Public Authority for Similarly, Public Authority for Anti- advanced and global methods that differenti- VIVA’s employees. GUST’s Management Club of its corporate social responsibility strategy. Applied Education and Training (PAAET) Dr Corruption (PAAC) chief Abdul-Rahman Al- ates the company from the competition. is a newly established students club that In addition, VIVA’s Social Media team held a Mahmoud Fakhra said at the “Transparency Nimesh said the organization he heads came On the first day of the workshop, Anas Al- focuses on helping management students in workshop at Kuwait University about the Forum”, attended here by the Minister of about because the wise political leadership in Education and Higher Education Dr. Bader Al- the country was cognizant of the need to pro- Ateeqi - Chief Human Resources Officer at their studies by assisting them to improve importance of electronic dialogue, social Eissa, that PAAET-the forum organizer-aimed tect public funds from the tentacles of cor- VIVA reviewed the importance of the role their overall understanding of management, media networks, and various communication at holding the forum to shed light on the ruption. He said the many ugly faces of cor- played by the department of human educate students about the different forms of means. VIVA will continue to look for unique international criteria and standards that must ruption were largely manifested in the resources in any corporation or organization. management techniques, and support entre- opportunities to contribute to the welfare of be fully assimilated by a public institution of Kuwaiti society in bribery and nepotism, The HR department is one of the most impor- preneurship. Commenting on this occasion, society and serve the interest of youth as part any kind if it were to exercise transparency in among other things. He urged the nation’s tant departments that contributes to the Ayman Al-Mutairi, Senior Manager Corporate of its ongoing commitment towards corpo- its work. In a speech opening the forum, the institutions, ministries, civil society organiza- overall improvement of any company or Communications at VIVA was delighted to rate social responsibility and support to vari- minister said the forum was fortuitously tions, and the public at large to work collec- establishment. It controls and regulates work have organized these workshops: “VIVA is ous youth and education initiatives. being held concomitantly with the tively to help stamp out the ogre of corrup- International Anti-Corruption Day and tion in society. — KUNA UNDP, SCPD set 4-year development projects

KUWAIT: United Nations Development quarters to prioritize the mechanisms of Programme (UNDP) and the General putting this plan into action. Secretariat of the Supreme Council for The projects document was set after Planning and Development (SCPD) long deliberations with the country’s var- announced yesterday setting up a proj- ious sectors to ensure optimal use and ects document for 2015-2018, as part of best distribution of available resources to their ongoing cooperation. support social and economic develop- As part of implementation, UNDP is ment and progress, UNDP said in a press holding a two-day workshop in its head- release. — KUNA Kuwait donates $6 million to support UN agencies

GENEVA: Kuwait vows to donate $6 mil- people worldwide in 2015. lion to the UN agencies, programs as part Kuwait had delivered $210 million in of its commitment to the international the previous two years to help millions of KIB concludes Islamic banking program organization, said a Kuwaiti diplomat Syrian refugees, said Al-Ghunaim that 1.5 here yesterday. million refugees had benefited from the KUWAIT: As part of its strategy to further three-day period. Dr Hisham Abdul Hai, Abdul Hai added that internal training is a Permanent delegate to the UN and support thus far. develop the skills of its staff, KIB has conclud- Shariah Coordinator at KIB, explained that the high priority for KIB, and the Shariah Board International Organizations in Geneva He stressed that Kuwait, under the ed its 11-seminar Islamic banking training seminar dealt with investing in futures, paral- works closely with the Human Resources Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim said that order of its leadership, will continue to program for 2014 with the final training lel Istisna’a contracts, BOT contracts and Department in order to keep its staff at the Kuwait will contribute around $1 million support the UNHCR’s mission in 2015, course having took place earlier this month. included discussion on practical situations forefront of the Islamic banking field. He to the UN High Commission of Refugees noting that such action reflected The most recent seminar tackled the topic where these topics would apply. He men- stressed that Islamic banking and finance con- (UNHCR) to help its efforts in aiding 43 Kuwait’s commitment towards the inter- of “Developing Islamic Banking Products” and tioned that the trainees exhibited positive tinues to experience remarkable growth on million forcibly displaced or stateless national community. —KUNA saw the instruction of 20 trainees over a enthusiasm throughout the three-day period. local, regional and international fronts. LOCAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Crime Lifting ban on foreigners’ Report Drug offender caught recruitment postponed KUWAIT: Jahra police are looking for a drug user who left his car and escaped on foot between Naeem and Taima areas. Hashish, various narcotic pills, drug paraphernalia and stolen license plates were found in the car. The car Pending further studying - No timetable set was impounded, and detectives are working on arresting the suspect. KUWAIT: Opening recruitment of foreign workers in the pri- announcing that a ban on recruiting expatriate labor forces remains unclear, but officials inside the manpower authori- vate sector has been postponed until further notice, a sen- directly by local firms was to be lifted at the beginning of ty have hinted in the past that the process will be bound by ior government official said. 2015. The process had been suspended in recent years conditions that aims to prevent augmentation of the coun- Husband charged The decision, which was scheduled to go into effect on pending the introduction of new regulations at the try’s demographic imbalance, and direct employers to A citizen accused her husband of stealing her car, and January 1, 2015, has been put on hold pending a meeting Manpower Public Authority said to help organize the depend heavily on the local market for hiring. filed a complaint at Fahaheel police station. Police are for the Manpower Public Authority’s Board of Directors for process. The authority’s General Director Jamal Al-Dousary Subaih, also the state’s Minister of Planning and investigating. further discussions, said Hind Al-Subaih, Chairperson of the was also quoted multiple times stating that hiring in the Development, added in a statement Tuesday that coordina- Board, and Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor. She private sector will resume normally by the beginning of the tion is in place with the Central Statistical Bureau to study did not provide a timeline for when the suspension is new year. The exact details of the mechanism by which increasing fees that expatriates pay for work permits, Al- Body found expected to be lifted. Subaih was quoted earlier this year companies will be allowed to recruit workers from outside Qabas daily reported. The body of a Sri Lankan was sent to the medical examiner to make sure whether there is a foul play in his death. The body was found in a joint residence in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.

Verbal assault A Canadian expat accused an Egyptian of insulting her and filed a complaint at Mubarak Al-Kabeer police sta- tion. The Canadian said that while she was at her job, she argued with the colleague, so he “showered” her with insults and swears. Detectives were asked to arrest the man for questioning.

Backstabbing in Dahr A Gulf national was stabbed in the back following a fight with two men in Dahr area. The fight started at Dahr co-op when the victim saw two men with whom he had previous differences, and a verbal exchange ensued, which evolved into blows, and finally the stabbing. Detectives are investi- gating.

KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality Environment Affairs Department in coordination with the Public Relations Department and the participation of several Education Ministry Forgery charges schools, Voluntary Foundation and Kuwait Diving Team carried out a campaign to clean Sharq beach of the Capital governorate, as the number of students who participated A bedoon was charged with forgery after he sold a car in it reached 450. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun without the knowledge of its owner. A citizen told Andalus police that a bedoon she knows received papers from a company of her car without her knowl- edge, then sold the car and registered it without refer- MoI rejects bank warranty ring to her. Detectives are looking for the suspect. to hire Indian maids Drunk man detained A drunk man was detained at Fahaheel police station after he harassed pedestrians and shoppers. Police who KUWAIT: The Indian embassy in Kuwait still insists on Mazen Al-Jarrah ordered a study of possible alternatives, ential people who tried convincing him to accept the checked the suspect’s ID found out that he is a 33-year-old imposing the KD 729 bank warranty on citizens wishing to that includes banning domestic workers from India. Indian embassy’s condition, and he stressed that Kuwaiti ex-convict citizen, and wanted on several drunkenness bring in domestic workers from India, which is refundable The sources stressed that deputy PM and Interior laws already protect domestic workers’ rights and their cases. — Al-Rai once the contract between the maid and the sponsor is offi- Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khaled refused negotiating complaints are usually approached from a humanitarian cially concluded, said informed sources. The sources added on the matter and ordered the study because citizens’ and social perspective. “Cases where sponsors do not pay that following the ministry of interior’s rejection of the new interest are a top priority for him. Moreover, the sources maids’ rights are very limited and subject to regulations US Defense Secretary condition, assistant undersecretary for passports Maj Gen highlighted that Jarrah had refused mediation from influ- and laws,” he stressed. — Al-Jarida wraps up visit

KUWAIT: US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ended his two-day official visit to Kuwait where he held talks with Kuwaiti officials on several topics of mutual concern. Chuck was seen off at the airport by Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Mohammad Khaled Al-Khedr, US Ambassador Douglas Silliman and director of Ali Al-Sabah Military College Major General Ahmad Al-Omairi, Ministry of Defense Directorate of Moral Guidance said in a statement yesterday. Chuck and the delegation accompanying him had arrived in Kuwait Sunday where he discussed with officials mutual relations and the ways of strengthening them, notably in the ministry field, the statement noted. The two sides also focused on the latest developments on both regional and international arenas. — KUNA

KUWAIT: US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is seen off at the airport by Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Mohammad Khaled Al-Khedr. — KUNA

Court postpones decision on assembly law KUWAIT: Ambassador of the kingdom of Thailand Surasak Chuasukonthip and his wife hosted a reception recently at Crowne Plaza Hotel on the occasion of the 84th birth- day of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Senior officials, diplomats and media personalities attended the event. — Photos byoseph J Shagra KUWAIT: The Constitutional Court postponed yester- day case number 8 for the year 2014, regarding the constitutionality of some articles in the law to a court KUFPEC China inks South hearing in January. The case has to do with the articles number 12,16, and 20 of the right of assembly law and with article 24 of the criminal law. In its last November 26 session, the Constitutional China Sea exploration contracts Court had held back on reaching a sentence regarding case number 8. The Court will decide on it on January 7, 2015, pending the Court’s perusal of documents to Kuwait’s IDS opens fuel station in West Austria be submitted by the Public Prosecutor’s office. Furthermore, a court of First Instance had turned KUWAIT/VIENNA: Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration exploration, development and production of crude oil and Ambassador Marafi said, voicing hope for closer economic over criminal case number 83 for the year 2013 on Company (KUFPEC) announced yesterday that its subsidiary natural gas outside the state of Kuwait. It is currently active ties between the two friendly countries. behalf of the Public Prosecutor to the Constitutional KUFPEC (China) Inc (KUFPEC China) has signed three in 15 countries with 63 projects in Asia, Africa, Middle East, The station is the fourth Q8-owned station in Austria Court for its decision regarding the constitutionality of Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) covering three new Europe, North America and Australia. KUFPEC is working besides 10 others in which Kuwait has considerable stakes, article number 24 of the law number 31 for the year exploration blocks located in the South China Sea adjacent towards achieving its strategic plans aiming to increase its he added. On his part, Al-Mushaileh expressed confidence 1970 which some citizens brought to the attention of to the Yacheng pipeline. production to 200,000 BOEPD with reserves of 650 MMBOE that the new station will give momentum to the friendly court authorities. The citizens petitioning the court In an exclusive statement to KUNA, KUFPEC pointed out by year 2020 and maintaining it until year 2030. ties between Kuwait and Austria and strengthen the Q8 authorities sought amendments to some articles of that in the event of a commercial discovery in any of the presence in Europe. “We have been awarded license to uti- the criminal law, particularly the aforementioned ones new exploration blocks, KUFPEC China will have a 30 per- Fuel station lize this strategic location in Worgl after more than 10 years (12,16,20). The citizens’ concern is basically about the cent working interest in the development of such a discov- Separately, the International Diesel Service (IDS), an off- of studies and talks with the Austrian officials,” he said, not- constitutionality of some articles of the right of ery. The remaining working interest will be held by the shoot of Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI or Q8), on ing that Kuwait owns over 600 fuel stations in 24 European assembly law. — KUNA operator, a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Tuesday opened a fuel station in Worgl town, Tyrol state, countries. “For 30 years IDS is ranked as the third leading Corporation (CNOOC), it added. west Austria on a key European highway. international fuel card provider in Europe. The company is a The statement noted that these new exploration activi- The opening ceremony gathered Kuwait Ambassador to business dedicated to the fuelling needs of long haul and Kuwait lifts ban on cattle ties in the People’s Republic of China are further steps taken Austria and Permanent Delegate to the UN Agencies in international road transport companies with over 600 imports from Texas by KUFPEC as part of its strategy to expand its oil and gas Vienna Sadeq Marafi, IDS marketing director and acting strategically placed and competitively priced filling loca- exploration and production operations worldwide. deputy CEO for strategic and financial affairs - Europe oper- tions along all major road routes in Europe. “All these fuel- “Our new exploration licenses allow us continue to work ations - Khaled Mubarak Al-Mushaileh and Q-8 regional rep- ing stations are positioned at key locations including border KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs with CNOOC to take full advantage of our excellent working resentative Mohammad Ali, as well as a number of business crossings and major transport and trading centers. and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) yesterday lifted a ban on cat- relationship in the Yacheng Field in the South China Sea, leaders. Speaking to KUNA following the ceremony, Marafi “The sites are set up following the highest security stan- tle and horses imports from Texas, the United States of where KUFPEC China holds a 30 percent working interest,” praised the selection of the location of the station on a dards in the market and using contactless chip fuel card for America. KUFPEC Chief Executive Officer Shaikh Nawaf Al-Sabah said strategic European highway that link Italy to Austria and secure payments,” he added. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ali, in The decision stipulates that all imports will be examined in the statement. Germany. “The station, located near the entrance of a tun- charge of Q8 diesel station development in Europe, said by the Authority in line with the relevant World Production from the Yacheng offshore gas field has been nel crossing the borders into Italy, will serve thousands of Austria is a key transit country for commercial road trans- Organization for Animal Health (OIE) requirements, said supplying natural gas for power generation to Hong Kong trucks in keeping with the IDS choices,” he said. port in Europe. “The main highway corridors of Austria are PAAAFR Chairperson and Director General Nabila Al-Khalil. via a 780 km pipeline since 1996. Additional natural gas, “This event gains additional significance as it coincides key to transporters driving from Northwest and Southwest She noted that the PAAAFR step was based on reports that condensate and LPG are sold to customers on Hainan Island. with the preparations for the commemoration of the gold- Europe all the way to North East and South east side of Texas is now free from ulcerative stomatitis. Yesterday’s KUFPEC is an international oil company engaged in the en jubilee of the Kuwaiti-Austrian diplomatic ties,” Europe and vice versa. —KUNA decision revokes a ban imposed last July. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 ‘Unique’ Islamic manuscript exhibition kicks off

Organized by Dutch embassy, Kuwait Islamic Arts Center

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: In cooperation with Ministry of Awqaf and the Grand Mosque, a beautiful Islamic man- uscript exhibition was opened at the Grand Mosque that features the rich historical bonds between the Netherlands and the Arab/Islamic world. The opening was on Sunday, attended by Undersecretary of Ministry of Awqaf Adel Al- Falah, who commended in his welcoming note ABK supports KU the Dutch Embassy for such a mutual coopera- tion opportunity, and hoped for further devel- engineering students opment of cultural relations between the Netherlands and Kuwait. “Peaceful coexistence and integration of civilizations in relations KUWAIT: As part of its social responsibility ty we live in.” To show their unstinted support among countries is important,” he stressed. towards Kuwaiti youth, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait to the University and its students, ABK made a Ambassador of Netherlands Nicolaas Beets is privileged to support students of Kuwait financial donation to ensure that students’ explained that this exhibition was initiated to University’s College of Engineering as they project sees light of day, in order to be part of celebrate the 400th anniversary of Arabic studies prepare for their graduation project. a prestigious exhibition at the University at at Leiden University in 2013, making it one of Ali Al-Baghli, Manager, Public Relations at the end of the semester. “It is a great honor for the oldest universities outside of the Arab world ABK, explained that, “Being part of this project the Management at ABK to witness what our means that we can fully support these stu- support achieves and we look forward to continuously teaching Arabic. “The exhibition made a journey to Cairo, Doha and Ramallah, dents and help them complete their gradua- being part of the completion of this project Professor Petra Sijpesteijn (right) with Adel Dashti speaking at the opening. tion projects. As part of our social responsibil- when the exhibition opens on campus,” Baghli and is now in Kuwait with the close cooperation ity we focus on ways to give back to the socie- stated. with the Kuwait Islamic Arts Center,” he said. miniatures. The manuscripts are shown in repro- and Culture at Leiden University and an expert The embassy has been celebrating this year duction on large panels, because the originals in Islamic history, elaborated on the background the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations are too fragile to travel. A guest expert, professor of the exhibition and the collection of the uni- Arwa Gulf Trading Co to between Kuwait and The Netherlands by organ- Petra Sijpesteijn, professor of Arabic Language versity library. izing a number of cultural and economic activi- take part in Horeca 2015 ties throughout the year and the Islamic Art exhibition in the Grand Mosque concludes the ‘A Nation’s Speech’ reviews celebration. The exhibition presents examples of KUWAIT: Preparations for the Horeca Kuwait the rich cultural relations between the 2015 exhibition are steadily progressing and Qatar’s foreign policy Netherlands and Kuwait, dating further back attracting more companies to take part in it as an event providing a golden opportunity to sci- than one may initially think. The establishment KUWAIT: Editor-in-chief of Qatari foreign policy features and atti- entifically exchange expertise that matches of the chair of Arabic studies at Leiden University newspaper Al-Sharq, Jaber Al- tudes towards regional as well as local market needs and future expansion plans. in 1613 makes it one of the oldest in Europe, and Harami, recently published the global issues through the three The exhibition is due to be organized by an example of the longevity of the tradition in latest of his books under the speeches the Emir made and is Leaders Group in collaboration with Hospitality Oriental studies. This is reflected in the wealth of name ‘A Nation’s Speech’, which considered a good reference for Services Co at Badriya Ballroom, Messila the library collections at the university. At pres- reviews Qatar’s foreign policy by historians, researchers, members Jumeriah Hotel in the period of Jan 19-21, 2015. ent, Leiden University holds 4,000 Arabic manu- probing three speeches made by of the media and readers. The Arwa Gulf Trading Co announced its inten- scripts, in addition to 2,000 manuscripts in the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim book has four main interfaces by tion to take part in the exhibition as one of the Persian and Ottoman Turkish. Many of these bin Hamad on three different Turkey’s PM Ahmet Davutoglu, leading companies in the field of hospitality, pieces are unique and of historical significance. occasions, addressing the UN, the Iraqi Vice President Tareq Al- especially since its products are very well The exhibition showcases the beauty of Security Council and a CNN inter- Hashimi, former Palestinian PM known in Kuwait and overseas. Commenting Oriental manuscripts at the Special Collections view. Ismail Haniya and former Syrian on his company’s participation, Arwa Gulf Department of Leiden University’s libraries, with Jaber Al-Harami The book documents Qatar’s PM Riyadh Hijab. Company’s Sales and Marketing Manager their exquisite calligraphy, illumination and Mohammed Abdul Salam said that Horeca 2015 was a good opportunity for people with Mohammed Abdul Salam visions about developing the hospitality, food WEGA machines for coffee shops and restau- manufacturing and hotel equipment sectors, rants. He added that the company provides especially after the success achieved in its various sizes of bottled water from 330 ml to three past editions. 19-liter water dispenser containers. Abdul Abdul Salam added that ever since its foun- Salam added that jointly with the Italian com- dation in 1992, Arwa Gulf Trading Aqua Cool & pany Lavazza, Arwa provides high quality cof- Lavazza Kuwait has specialized in the supply of fee machines and various types of coffee vary- bottled water, water dispensing machines and ing from ground coffee, coffee capsules and components, ground coffee, coffee beans and decaffeinated coffee. Envoy lauds Kuwait - Russia cultural ties Kuwait in Hermitage museum celebrations

KUWAIT/MOSCOW: Russia’s Ambassador to Kuwait Alexey Solomatin praised his country’s relations with Kuwait, which date back over half a century ago, noting that Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish relations with the former Soviet Union (USSR). Ambassador Solomatin’s remarks came during a press statement Tuesday on the sidelines of a promotion of an upcoming Russian children show, “Moskova,” set to be held on December 14th at Salmiya Theatre. Kuwait and Russia have benefited from their bilateral relations, the Russian diplomat said, adding that the two countries have always strived towards finding a common ground for a dialogue on all pending issues in the region. The Kuwaiti people’s positive reception and feedback on Russian arts galleries and shows prove popularity of the Russian culture in Kuwait and Arab countries in general, he noted, adding that the upcoming children show will be held in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). “Moskova” is one of the most popular and Ambassador Alexey Solomatin professional Russian shows as it consists of vari- that cooperation and relations with the Russian ous Russian classic and modern dances, museum dates back to 1990 during the Iraqi Ambassador Solomatin said, affirming the invasion. In that period, Dar Al-Athar Al- embassy strive to cooperate with NCCAL in Islamiyyah, which is partaking in the current cel- holding further Russian cultural events in ebration, and the Hermitage Museum protected Kuwait. “We are not only trying to bring the and preserved many of the artifacts from the Al- Russian culture to Kuwait, but we are also seek- Sabah family Collection. ing to bring the Kuwaiti culture to Russia as The Ambassador went on saying that an well,” he said, adding that several prominent and exhibition of the collection was held during significant Kuwaiti figures have been recently the Iraqi occupation and Gulf War. The ambas- invited to visit the Hermitage Museum in St. sador hailed the museum’s director Professor Petersburg, Russia on the occasion of its 250th Mikhail Piotrovsky’s role in providing care for anniversary celebration. Kuwaiti owned antiquities. The Hermitage Among the invited figures; Sheikha Hussah Museum 250th anniversary will include the Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Director General of opening of the new exhibition spaces in the Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah (DAI), and NCCL’s Eastern Wing of the General Staff Building Secretary-General Dr Ali Al-Youha, said the (new art exhibition of the 19th-20th-21st cen- Russian diplomat. turies), the newly restored Great Church of the Winter Palace, the Small Throne Hall and the Deep relations White Column Hall with the new permanent Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Russia display of oriental arms and armors; the new Abdulaziz Al-Adwani described Kuwait’s partici- exhibition space in the Small Hermitage, and pation in Hermitage Museum 250th anniversary the newly opened next stage of the restora- as reflective of the deep cultural relations tion and open storage facility. The museum between Kuwait and Russia. was founded by Catherine the great in 1764 In a statement to (KUNA), Adwani said that includes three million pieces. — KUNA

MOSCOW: The Kuwaiti delegation participating at the Hermitage museum celebra- tions. — KUNA T message ofpeace andlove for allhumanity. Muhammad (peace beuponhim),whocarrieda withtheteachings ofProphetalso contradicts whichisnotonlyalientoextremism Kuwait, but centers, undoubtedly contribute toto fight efforts to establishmoderation other state departments to spread moderate Islam,andcooperation with crimination. ethics, religious moderationandabsence ofdis- characterizedby high make alivinginsociety will always beastationfor to immigrants looking thehistorical truththatKuwait hasand reasserts that seekto tarnishIslam’s image. Moreover, it Such approach contributes to countering efforts ofallreligionsand respect for over five centuries. image ofKuwait, whichwasbuiltonmoderation are thetrue trainedto deliver sermonsthatcarry make sure thatwhennewimamsare hired, they mustbeaccompaniedefforts to by similarefforts under falsepromises. themeantime, In these waves thatlures ofextremism theminto violence asimamshelpsprotect themfrom the ministry incentives to young Kuwaitis to behired by the tion amongreligions. Islam, whichbuildstrust,tolerance andapprecia- thetrueimageofmoderategeneration reflect need to makesure thatmembersofthefuture of religions. considering the important, This isvery spread themessageoftolerance andconvergence work asimamsinlocalmosques, where theycan youngtion andattempts to citizens attract to ministry’s to encourage ongoingefforts modera- others andthreatens publicorder ormorals. rituals aslongthisdoesnotnegatively affect theirreligiousand therightofpeopleto practice mental step towards recognizing freedom ofbelief ber, govern- could thusbeseenasanimportant These statements, coming from aCabinet mem- already guaranteed by Kuwait’s constitution. nize people’s rightofreligious freedom, whichis cameto recog-ments thattheacknowledgement theirrituals.practice Ifelt whilereading hisstate- are beingusedby followers religions to ofcertain is amillionaire butitisbroke! work’ seemsthatthehealthministry system. It accordingworking to ‘payment inreturn for this injustice ofdelaying thewages ofpeople them. toThey stop should intervene andundo lack any andtheyare notsupposedto forget these workers officials andIdonotthink MoH till theendofday! workers KD200for from working earlymorning Such alongboringprocess justto pay thepoor finally to MoH’s financialaffairsdepartment. and health zone financialaffairs department place, beitahospitalorclinic, thento the procedures attheemployee’s starting work- goingthroughdone after endlesspaperwork payrolls are stillbeingwritten andmanually set strategy ormechanismto pay them. Their ing thoseofothers, Ifound thatthere wasno tem of ‘payment inreturn for work’ anddelay- accordingof somepeopleworking to thissys- legally, logically andreligiously unacceptable! whichis fulfill andcommit to themainpart, failstothemselves whilethebillionaire ministry has beencompletely fulfilledby theworkers work’ thathasbeenagreed uponby bothsides, tem definedby as MoH ‘payment inreturn for wages bedelayed for months? How canthepayment ofsuchinsufficient billions.months now despite itsbudgetworth ing noannualraisesnorallowances) for over six the ‘monthly’ payroll system (whichmeanshav- tals andclinicsasclerks, couriers anddrivers on invarioushospi- bedoons andArabsworking paid thesalariesofhundreds ofGCC nationals, source hasnot ofincome, thehealthministry flat andthatmostofthemhave noother T The Ministry ofAwqafThe andIslamicAffair’s Ministry efforts Furthermore, providing financialandother This withthe attitudecomes alsoinconcert Message of peace Justice andfairnessare lawful rightsfor Probing theissueofnotpaying thesalaries ‘Work’, ofthesys- whichisthesecond part — acknowledged that some Arab-style homes thatsomeArab-style acknowledged and IslamicAffairs Yaqoub Al-Sane recently ofJusticeAwqafhe Minister and even enoughto pay therent ofasmall only beingpaidKD200-300,whichisnot into consideration thattheyareaking Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa millionaire and love A broke [email protected] By Thaar Al-Rasheedi By Thaar By LabeedAbdal kuwait digest In my view Bahrain parliament mean? It meansthatthere isreluc-Bahrain parliamentmean?It political Islamgroups offive orsixoutof40seatsinthe Arabia’sSaudi internal events inEgypt andtheirinterference inUAE and reason for thefadingof MuslimBrotherhood are while theSalafremain intheirseats, andmaybe the maintained thesameseats, whichisfive. they latest butasfor elections, (Salaf), Asala Society in2002to justoneseatinthe elections parliamentary (Islamic Brotherhood) won dropped from 7inthefirst badly asthenumberofseatsIslamicForum Society moderate, were whilepoliticalIslamfactions defeated ofindependentcandidates whoareed intheelection acandidate forforth thespeakership. speaker, didnotput whiletheIslamistEnnahdaParty opened, andtheNidaa Tunis candidate waselected ofseats. withamajority party The newparliamentwas Tunisia oftheNidaa itledtoTunis thevictory secular that took place in Tunisia andBahrainlastmonth,asin factions. The proof ofthisisthelegislative elections ofpoliticalIslam tions willdefinitely lead to thevictory T against Arabcitizens ofIsrael. tionalized, there practices are aseriesofdiscriminatory citizens ofIsraelhave therightto vote. gated parks orambulances. crucial, Most hesays, isthatArab state. apartheid There are nosegregated cinemas, nosegre- racism inIsrael, Pogrund says thatproves Israel is notan That wasapartheid.” who were atthebottom andundersevere black, control. mixed race andAsians, ofthepopulation, thenthemajority there wasatotem poleofprivilege. Whites atthetop, then ny ofthatcountry,” Pogrund said. wasastotal asthat, “It tion andsegregation were driven nookandcran- into every down to, wasthatwithonelaw theotherdiscrimina- after state. that Israelisanapartheid to aninvestigationapplied thatknowledge into theclaims Pogrund andnow he onapartheid, spent26years reporting with theissue. Africa,While hewasstilllivinginSouth wrath oftheworld.” Israel would rightlystandto becondemned andface the the lastcentury... ifit’s So true, it’s seriouscharge and avery within inflicted practices one ofthemostevildiscriminatory AfricanSouth journalist,said. “Apartheid... wasjustabout state.increased questioningofIsraelasanapartheid as the “nation-state oftheJewishpeople” hassparked Binyamin Netanyahu’s to passalaw efforts designating Israel At intheKnesset. sametime,tives Prime serve Minister rights, at leastonpaper. They canvote andArabrepresenta- in favor white inhabitants. oftheminority blackinhabitants therightsofmajority which curtailed course, to thesystem ofracialsegregation Africa, inSouth A This meanstheregression oftheBrotherhood role, inBahrainlately result- elections The parliamentary Critics argue thatwhileracismmay not betrulyinstitu- istheabsence ofatotal,It institutionalized system of meant,andwhatitreally came actually apartheid “What Pogrund’s recently publishedbook, “Drawing Fire,” deals it’s“If true, it’s seriouscharge,” avery BenjaminPogrund, a When itcomes to Israel, Arabcitizens ofIsraelhave equal proved thefalseclaimsof West thatfree elec- tions thattook place insomeArabcountries he democraticexperience andfree openelec- Israel is an apartheid state. Apartheid refers, state. Apartheid Israel isanapartheid of up the “A” word, andto raisethequestionofwhether anargument inIsraelis wayto bring sure-fire to start Discriminatory practices Discriminatory affairs. What Is Israel anapartheid state? does thewinningof Decline of political Islam LOCAL Spending organizations to organized terrorism thatshredded Spring revolutions, andtheturningofsomeIslamist the Arabworld today following thefailure oftheArab isdominantin that thecentrist andmoderationfaction nomic growth andleadto politicalstability. developmental mandate orideasthatstrengthen eco- than oneArabcountry, itproved thatitdoesnothave a Islam took power inEgypt ortheparliamentinmore such asIslamicState (Daesh)andNusra. When political the emergence inbothSyria andIraq ofjihadistfactions tance towards especiallyafter Islamistfactions, extreme sions inthecountry. After aseriesofrecent attacks in discrimination, whichrisesand falls alongwiththeten- above theissueswithinsystem, theyface individual crimination inthesystem.” opment intheArabsector, andthere isasystemic dis- is muchlessdeveloped inruralareas, there islessdevel- developed inruralareas,” shesaid. “Public transportation ment ofdevelopment ismuchless ofinfrastructure nation interms ofbudgetingandplanning, theinvest- is muchlessdeveloped. ofthecities, where accessperiphery to job opportunities to anunequalsystem.tend to Minorities live inthe schools. the level ofeducationissignificantly lower thaninJewish Historically, Arabschoolshave beenunder-budgeted and to moveity upintheworkforce istheeducationsystem. ground.” the samework andwiththesameeducationalback- income disparities[between ArabandJewishcitizens] in drastically lower thanamongJews. There are alsohigh Principles Project, said. “Participation intheworkforce... is researcher Institute’s inIsraelDemocracy Democratic found [between Jews andArabs],” Talya Steiner, a Bahrain’s and elections, Tunisia’s before them,proved In theworkforceIn itself, ifArab citizens manage to rise “Discrimination doesexist,there ishistorical discrimi- There are alsogeographic disparitiesthatcontribute Steiner saidthemainissueaffectingArabcitizens’ abil- “Across alldifferent measures substantialgapscanbe institutionalized, therearea tion faction isdominantinthe tion faction Tunisia’s beforethem,proved that thecentrist andmodera- the failure oftheArab Spring practices againstArab citi- Arab world todayfollowing racism maynotbetruly series ofdiscriminatory Critics arguethatwhile Critics Bahrain’s and elections, zens ofIsrael. revolutions. loose andfightingothers. tration ontheopenculture oftheworld, instead ofbeing Strengthening centrismrequires inany country concen- remove beitSunni orShiite. politicalextremism, lessonfrom Bahraininthatfree elections important women won whochallengedthefatwas seats. The most 13moderate candidates andthree faction, Ikhbari tents.their election dates by threatening themandburningdown to kill ing to violence andterrorizing moderate Shiite candi- influence, it would have beenmuchbetter than resort- them for religious andpoliticalreasons andforeign instead ofboycotting intheelections had participated theseparties andpluralism?If believe indemocracy cal Islamgroups, bothSunniandShiites. are politi- clear thatthemajorloserinBahrainelections religious represented factions by Al-Wafeq. isvery It despite theboycottmore thanone-third ofextreme as Shiite MPs won 17seatsoutof40inparliament, made amajorachievement for theShiites ofBahrain, Libya and Yemen. more thanoneArabcountry, mostnotablySyria, Iraq, removed by government decision.—The Line Media Bank to Israel. Israeliofficials argue thatthebarrier couldbe The barriereffectively annexes eightpercent of the West Palestinians say isnow beingusedasaway to grab land. measures don’t stay thatway, suchasthebarrier, which out attacks. would-be terrorists from andcarrying entering thecity to2002 duringthesecond keep intifada,asaway to try which runsinandaround the West in Bankwasstarted conceived asonesuchmeasure. The concrete barrier measures. What Palestinians callthe “apartheid wall” was the measures putinplace were conceived assecurity er thanoppression, hesays. Butheargues thatmostof ernment calls “disputed territories” can’t beanything oth- West withgunscontrolling Soldiers whatthegov- Bank. the occupied state of Palestine.” said. we state have in “What isthereality ofanapartheid pied state, andwe don’t have therightto vote,” AbuEid then Israelcontrols four millionPalestinians intheoccu- Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, are off-limits to Palestinians. Highway 443,analternative to theoften-crowded for Jews andonefor non-Jews.” Organization (PLO), said. isclearlyonesetofrules “There Abu Eid, spokespersonfor thePalestine Liberation rules for peoplelivinginthesame piece ofland,” Xavier us adifferent word to use twofor having different setsof used, butiftheydon’t like itthenmaybe theyshouldgive law.Bank are underIsraelimilitary civil law, whilethe2.3millionPalestinians inthe West the350,000Israeliswholive thereBank, are underIsraeli more complicated. While Israelhasnotannexed the West Arab workers. Jerusalem, there were callsonbusinessesto fire their Despite from allthat,two Shiite the moderate sheikhs The really question:DoShiite religious parties The inBahrain independentmoderate factions The problem comes whenthingsconceived assecurity Pogrund agrees thatthere isanoccupation inthe isdefinedastherightof people to vote, democracy “If roadsSome inthe West Bankincludingmostof Israelisdon’t“I know likewhenthe word ‘apartheid’ is When itcomes to the West thesituationiseven Bank, Income — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Watan Reality inPalestine HRDY EEBR11,2014 THURSDAY, DECEMBER By DrShamlanAl-Essa By Badgen Samantha kuwait digest in my view

Al-Jarida THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 US inmate executed Myanmar’s landless: Playthings of the powerful for hammer death

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KABUL: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Palace yesterday. Ghani condemned the CIA torture detailed in a US Senate report at the specially-convened press conference. — AFP CIA torture report sparks outrage Calls for perpetrators to face justice

WASHINGTON: A damning report reflect upon itself, correct its ways and dling ways, was also shamed by the into the United States’ brutal treat- earnestly respect and abide by the report. Former leader Aleksander ment of war on terror detainees trig- rules of international conventions.” Kwasniewski said that as president he gered worldwide condemnation yes- had put pressure on his then US coun- terday and calls for CIA agents and ‘Tyranny Against Humanity’ terpart George W. Bush to end brutali- senior officials to face justice. That US Sensing an opportunity to poke its ty at the so-called “dark site” in 2003. “I interrogators tortured Al-Qaeda sus- traditional foe, Iran seized upon the told Bush that this cooperation must pects in secret jails was known, but a report to throw back some of the end and it did end,” Kwasniewski told detailed Senate report into the scan- human rights criticism that its own local media. Those who broke interna- dal was seized upon by America’s notorious prisons regularly receive. tional laws prohibiting torture must shocked friends and gloating enemies Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali be prosecuted, he added. alike. China and Iran, whose own Khamenei took to Twitter to declare The United Nations said the pro- human rights records have often been the United States a “symbol of tyranny gram violated international law and criticized by Washington, denounced against humanity” not just in the CIA basic human rights and British-based the abuses - but so did Germany and torture program but in domestic law advocacy group CAGE demanded the new pro-US leader of Afghanistan. enforcement. criminal proceedings. Around the “Such a gross violation of our liber- In next door war-torn Afghanistan, world, human rights bodies have al, democratic values must not hap- the new leader, who America hopes demanded that current US President pen again,” German Foreign Minister will work with it to ensure a smooth Barack Obama - who halted the tor- Frank-Walter Steinmeier said, reflect- end to the US combat mission there, ture but has not gone after the perpe- ing the embarrassment of distanced himself from his ally’s trators - take legal action. Washington’s European allies. excesses. “The Afghan government European Commission spokeswoman condemns these inhumane actions in ‘Russian Roulette’ Catherine Ray welcomed the trans- the strongest terms,” President Ashraf That is unlikely. In Washington, a parency of the report but warned it Ghani told a specially-convened news senior Justice Department official told “raises important questions about the conference at his presidential palace reporters that nothing in the Senate violation of human rights by the US in Kabul. “There can be no justification Intelligence Committee report would authorities.” for these kinds of actions and inhu- change a decision not to prosecute. America’s great power rival China mane torture in today’s world.” The report, released by Democratic was equally strict. “China has consis- Poland, which hosted one of the committee chair Dianne Feinstein tently opposed torture,” Chinese for- secret CIA detention centers where over the objections of some of her eign ministry spokesman Hong Lei detainees were shackled, threatened Republican colleagues, said CIA tor- said. “We believe the US side should and abused in a variety of bloodcur- ture had been more brutal than previ- ously acknowledged. It was also badly supervised and ineffective, it found, Ex-prez admits Poland and CIA officials deliberately misled Congress and the White House about the value of the intelligence its inter- hosted CIA ‘black sites’ rogators were gathering. Among the findings: a CIA opera- WARSAW: Poland’s former president agreed to “beefed-up intelligence tive used “Russian Roulette” to intimi- publicly acknowledged for the first cooperation” with the US within the date a prisoner and another - time yesterday that his country host- framework of NATO after the untrained in interrogation techniques ed a secret CIA prison where a US September 11 attacks, but insisted - threatened to use a power drill. Senate report says torture was used he was unaware the CIA practised Detainees were beaten, waterboarded against Al-Qaeda suspects. torture at its secret facilities. Poland - some of them dozens of times - and Aleksander Kwasniewski said that as allowed the CIA to hold terror sus- humiliated through the painful use of president he put pressure on the pects on its soil on the condition medically unnecessary “rectal feeding” United States to end brutal CIA inter- they were “treated as prisoners of and “rectal rehydration.” rogation at the secret prison on war”, he said, adding that the US nev- In response to the report, Obama Polish soil in 2003. “I told (then US er signed the memorandum of acknowledged that torture had been president George W) Bush that this understanding that included this counterproductive and contrary to cooperation must end and it did stipulation. Those who broke inter- American values. “The report docu- end,” Kwasniewski told local media. national laws prohibiting torture ments a troubling program involving He was speaking a day after the must be prosecuted, he added. enhanced interrogation techniques scathing Senate report revealed the on terrorism suspects in secret facili- CIA had used methods amounting to Taking Responsibility ties outside the United States,” Obama torture to interrogate prisoners after The European Court of Human said. “It reinforces my long-held view the Sept 11, 2001 terror attacks. Rights slammed Poland in July for that these harsh methods were not Kwasniewski, president between complicity in torture on its territory only inconsistent with our values as 1995 and 2005, said he raised Polish of a Palestinian and a Saudi, later nation, they did not serve our broader concerns over CIA activities in Poland sent to the notorious US counterterrorism efforts or our nation- face-to-face with Bush at the White Guantanamo Bay base. The court al security interests.” House in 2003. He said Bush insisted concluded Poland had cooperated in But CIA director John Brennan that the intelligence agency’s meth- the CIA’s notorious “rendition” pro- defended his agency’s adoption of ods provided “important benefits in gram. The CIA disputes the findings tough tactics in the aftermath of the security matters”, a claim disputed by of the Senate report, which says 119 Sept 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on US the report. “The Americans conduct- detainees were captured and impris- cities by Al-Qaeda operatives. He ed their activities in such secrecy, oned in secret CIA “black sites” in insisted that, while mistakes were that it raised our concern. Polish countries whose names were redact- made, the brutal techniques used on authorities acted to end these activi- ed. Previous news reports suggested captured suspects “did produce intelli- ties and they were stopped under the sites were located in Afghanistan, gence that helped thwart attack pressure from Poland.” Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and plans, capture terrorists and save Kwasniewski said Poland had Thailand.—AFP lives”. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 British royals crown NY visit with gala dinner

NEW YORK: Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate on back in a sleek pony tail, and finished her look by wear- Tuesday crowned their whirlwind tour of New York with ing black gloves and carrying a small black clutch. The a glittering gala dinner to raise money for the university couple toured the museum, built into the bedrock of where they fell in love. The Duchess of Cambridge, the Twin Towers and which documents the 2001 attacks resplendent in a midnight blue evening gown by the and their legacy. British designer Jenny Packham, swept up the steps of After the museum, they visited a youth organiza- the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a huge smile on tion that fosters artistic and intellectual development her face - despite the near-freezing weather. Her hair in Manhattan to watch an arts performance. They fashioned into an elegant chignon and wearing drop then mingled with the likes of British actor Patrick emerald and diamond earrings, the duchess, who is five Stewart and Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein at months pregnant, had reportedly worn the same dress a reception to celebrate creative British talent. For the in the past despite New York’s status as fashion capital occasion, Kate wore a high-necked black maternity of the US. dress styled with a gold necklace and drop earrings. She and her husband, who was dressed in black tie and dinner jacket, mingled for drinks with guests in the Empire State Building opulent museum’s Velez Blanco Patio. US television pre- Later in the afternoon, William went up The Empire senter Seth Meyers gave the toast, after Hollywood State Building, while his wife rested. The couple, who actor Tom Hanks reportedly had to pull out, and sopra- are in the United States without their baby son no Renee Fleming performed “Have Yourself a Merry George, flew home late Tuesday. New Yorkers have Little Christmas.” The supper celebrated the 600th welcomed the British couple with warmth and hospi- anniversary of the University of St Andrews in Scotland tality - but also some amusement and bewilderment. and raised money for scholarships. On Monday, LeBron James enthralled them with a Earlier in the day the royal couple, both 32, braved brilliant display as he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to pouring rain to visit the 9/11 memorial, leaving a bou- victory over the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. quet and handwritten note in memory of the nearly The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and dou- 3,000 victims of the Al-Qaeda attacks. It was a somber ble Olympic gold medalist - known as “King James” - note in an otherwise lightning tour that saw them hob- gave the couple a Cavaliers shirt marked Cambridge nob with basketball superstar LeBron James, Beyonce NEW YORK: Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife, Catherine, Duchess of and another for the one-year-old Prince George. Jay-Z and Jay-Z at an NBA game after William met US Cambridge, arrive at Metropolitan Museum of Art to attend the St Andrews 600th anniversary din- and Beyonce, who sat opposite them on the other President Barack Obama on a solo side-trip to ner on Tuesday. — AP side of the court during the game, chatted with the Washington. Their three-day visit - their first to couple to deafening cheers from the crowd. The cou- America’s biggest city - is a mix of diplomacy, support- haul work for the British monarchy as Queen Elizabeth II inscribed in bronze panels that border the pools and ple stayed at the Carlyle Hotel, where William’s mother ing their favorite causes and promoting British business. approaches her nineties. The Duke and Duchess, who is built in the footprint of the Twin Towers. Diana used to stay. Their visit has drawn comparisons expecting her second child in April, shielded under Kate wore a double-breasted cerise wool silk coat with the 1985 visit made by Charles and Diana, when Bouquet at 9/11 Memorial large black umbrellas while she delicately placed a bou- fastened with black buttons from British luxury label the princess dazzled Americans by dancing with US Second in line to the throne after his father Prince quet of white lilies and roses at one of the 9/11 memori- Mulberry, over her customary thick black tights and a president Ronald Reagan and Hollywood star John Charles, William is increasingly taking on more long- al’s two reflecting pools. The names of those killed are pair of classic black pumps. She wore her hair pulled Travolta. — AFP US inmate executed for hammer death

BONNE TERRE, Missouri: A Missouri legal appeals - one on the mental com- inmate was put to death early yesterday petency question and one concerning for fatally beating a 63-year-old woman Missouri’s use of an execution drug pur- with a hammer in 1998, the state’s record chased from an unidentified compound- 10th lethal injection of 2014 to match ing pharmacy. Texas for the most executions in the Six people attended the execution on country this year. Paul Goodwin, 48, sex- Goodwin’s behalf, including his mother ually assaulted Joan Crotts in St Louis and two sisters. Ten of Crotts’ relatives County, pushed her down a flight of attended, all wearing purple, her favorite stairs and beat her in the head with a color. Son Robert Becker recalled his hammer. Goodwin was a former neigh- mother as, “a pleasantly ornery Germany bor who felt Crotts played a role in get- woman”. ting him kicked out of a boarding house. That stubbornness was evident in her Goodwin’s execution began at 1:17 final hours, when she stayed alive long am, more than an hour after it was enough to provide information to police scheduled because Supreme Court that helped lead to the killer. Another appeals lingered into the early morning. son, Kent Becker, said the execution “can- He was pronounced dead at 1:25 am. He not erase the memory of having to clean up your mother’s murder scene”. Missouri’s 10th execution of 2014 beats the state’s previous high of nine in 1999. Neither Missouri nor Texas has another execution scheduled this year. Texas, Missouri and Florida have com- SANAA: Yemeni university students shout slogans during a rally yesterday against the control of Sanaa University by Shiite Houthi rebels. — AFP bined for 28 of the 34 executions in the US this year. Goodwin received special education as a child but still failed sever- Houthis control Sanaa al grades, Mifflin wrote. He relied on rela- tives or his girlfriend to help with such tasks as buying groceries or paying bills, and alarm the West she said. When the girlfriend died, Goodwin wasn’t mentally capable of handling the grief and turned to alcohol, which was a factor in his attack on Crotts, Qaeda recruitment benefits from rivals’ rise Mifflin wrote. Crotts’ daughter, Debbie Decker, told SANAA: It was Waddah Al-Hitari’s beard that killed er terrorism forces, AQAP remains a determined ene- signs the group was starting to be incorporated into the St Louis Post-Dispatch that Goodwin him. Militiamen on the streets of Yemen’s capital shot my, as highlighted by their killing last week of the country’s political process. Sanaa residents howev- deserved no mercy. “I’ve been sitting him dead one Friday because he looked like a terror- American hostage Luke Somers. The Houthi takeover er dislike Houthi security measures. “It’s just a humilia- back waiting for this to happen,” Decker ist, colleagues of the young doctor said. Hitari was has meant AQAP, who regard Shiites as heretics, has tion,” said a man called Al-Qudsi, referring to the said of the execution. “I’m hoping all killed by a member of the Houthis, an armed Shiite attracted new recruits. Widely seen as a failed state, rigours of passing through Houthi checkpoints on the these bad memories will go away.” In the faction whose fighters had swept down from the Yemen remains one of the gravest threats to stability way to work. mid-1990s, Goodwin lived in a St Louis north and stunningly captured Sanaa from the army in the Gulf and beyond, playing host to an al Qaeda Even diplomats are not spared. At the airport, the County boarding house that was next about a month earlier. Their arrival following anti-gov- militancy determined to launch spectacular attacks Houthis have forced some to empty bottles of alcohol door to Crotts’ home. The two had been ernment protests threatens to further destabilise against the West. considered to be forbidden under Islam. The German involved in several verbal confrontations. Yemen, already wracked by political turmoil since the embassy complained to the Yemeni foreign ministry Goodwin was evicted in 1996 after he Arab Spring revolutions of 2011. Pouring Out Alcohol that its diplomats had faced demands for up to $250 The Houthis are fighting Al-Qaeda, two com- While some Yemenis admire the Houthis’ stance to pass through the airport VIP hall, while the Chinese and friends harassed Crotts, including manders have been sanctioned by the United States, against corruption, the group’s heavy-handed tactics embassy said customs officials tried to search the throwing beer cans into her yard. Court and the group is viewed as Shiite Iran’s ally in its have angered many. Since taking over on Sept 21, the ambassador’s personal belongings, according to doc- records show that Goodwin blamed proxy war with Saudi Arabia, which has suspended Houthis have penetrated key state institutions. How uments seen by Reuters. Paul Goodwin Crotts for his eviction, telling her, “I’m aid to Yemen since the Houthis arrived. While the they managed to move in so quickly is not clear. One going to get you for this,” according to Houthis have stamped their authority on the capital, theory was that some army units were not loyal to Relationship with Iran declined to make a final statement. court testimony. they are by no means universally popular and were President Abd Rabbu’ Mansour Hadi. A senior official The Houthis deny they are copying the Iranian- Efforts to spare Goodwin’s life centered On March 1, 1998, Goodwin entered understandably jumpy when they spotted Dr Hitari in Yemen’s defence ministry said: “The units that were backed Hezbollah movement, the most powerful on his low IQ and claims that executing Crotts home and confronted her. After a that Friday in October. A day earlier, a suicide bomber on the front line received verbal orders not to engage force in Lebanon. But similarities in tactics, such as him would violate a US Supreme Court sexual assault, he pushed her down the had blown up a Houthi checkpoint in Sanaa, killing in confrontation.” blocking the airport road and setting up protest 47 people in an attack claimed by al Qaeda in the Now, Houthi checkpoints seem to be everywhere camps in the capital, have prompted accusations that ruling prohibiting the death penalty for basement stairs before striking her head Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). in Sanaa. Young men with AK-47s peer at cars passing the Houthis get support from Iran. Salah Al-Sammad, the mentally disabled. Attorney Jennifer several times with a hammer. She was “They said he looked like a terrorist. We told them through checkpoints where captured military vehicles a Houthi who advises the president, says the group Herndon said Goodwin had an IQ of 73, taken to a hospital, where she died. he was a doctor,” said Mostafa Al-Nadish, a colleague carry signs saying: “Death to America, Death to Israel”. only assumed control to root out corruption, and will and some tests suggested it was even Police found a handwritten note that of Hitari, referring to the doctor’s beard. Nadish said “They have a representative in the finance depart- leave once the government can provide security in lower. read, “You are next” on the kitchen table. the shooter thought Hitari may have been armed. ment who sits on the side and looks over all cheques Sanaa. That assertion is greeted with some scepticism, Goodwin’s sister, Mary Mifflin, wrote in Fingerprints from the note and a Pepsi Afterwards, the Houthis negotiated a blood money before they are processed,” the defence official said. If and a senior security official told Reuters that Iran sent a statement that the death penalty “is can matched Goodwin’s. deal with Hitari’s father. As judge, jury and execution- he’s not convinced, he confiscates the cheque and weapons and money to the Houthis, whose leaders not a just punishment for his crime - an His hearing aid was also found inside er, the Houthis have left no doubt they are the new throws it into a plastic bag. “They have also started to had travelled to Iran and Lebanon. Sammad denied act that occurred out of passion, not pre- Crotts’ home. He admitted the crime power players in Yemen, leaving the West and neigh- appoint Houthi deputies as the heads of important receiving Iranian support. But a large bomb at the meditation, by a man with the mental after his arrest. Missouri has scheduled bouring Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, with a departments in the defence ministry,” he said. Jane Iranian ambassador’s residence last week, claimed by new problem in an already turbulent region. Yemen, Marriott, Britain’s ambassador to Yemen, said the UK AQAP, appeared also to be a message that the Houthis capabilities of a child, not an adult”. But one execution each month since Nov like Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, is now at the heart of a was also “picking up reports of Houthis running illegal have outstayed their welcome. It is hard to see how Goodwin’s fate was sealed when Gov Jay 2013. Two were halted by court action, battle for regional influence between Iran and Saudi detention facilities and setting up their own court sys- Yemen can avoid sectarian conflict between the Nixon denied a clemency request and but 12 were carried out over the past 14 Arabia. And despite persistent US drone strikes and tem”. A senior US official said the Houthis’ expansion Houthis and Al-Qaeda. The bomb at the Iranian envoy’s the US Supreme Court turned down months. — AP millions of dollars poured into training Yemen’s count- to the south was a major concern but there were also house may just be the beginning. — Reuters American arrested in Israel denies charges

JERUSALEM: An American Christian who faces the charges in the indictment,” Wolf said. “He says to arrest Livvix last month at his 7th-floor apart- plot in October. An Israeli court is expected to charges in Israel of trying to blow up Muslim holy it is nonsense.” ment, the ministry said, but he initially tried to decide on Dec 21 whether to continue to detain sites in Jerusalem denies the charges, his lawyer Wolf said he last saw Livvix on Monday and escape by leaping down to a patio on the floor Livvix until the conclusion of court proceedings. said yesterday. Illinois-native Adam Everett Livvix, described his mood as “down.” He said that Livvix below. According to Israel’s Justice Ministry, an A bounty hunter in Indiana told AP he believed 30, has been charged with possessing weapons may have “psychological issues” that need assess- unnamed Palestinian asked Livvix, who said he the Livvix held by Israeli officials was Everett that Israel says he planned to use to blow up ing and could come into play during his trial. was a former Navy SEAL, to assassinate Obama Livvix, 30, of Robinson, Illinois. Bounty hunter unidentified Jerusalem holy sites. Israeli police Israel’s Justice Ministry said Livvix underwent a with a sniper rifle during the president’s March Willie Bryant said he had been tracking that Livvix said Livvix also turned down an offer from a psychiatric evaluation Tuesday, but Wolf said 2013 visit to the region, Israeli police said. Livvix through various cities in Israel, but was unable to Palestinian to assassinate US President Barack results had not yet been released. Wolf said Livvix declined, but the FBI ended up involved in the arrest him as he had no authority abroad. Livvix Obama during the leader’s visit to the Holy Land was living with a fiancee when he was arrested. He case investigating his actions. first arrived to the Palestinian-held West Bank in in 2013. Livvix’s lawyer, Gal Wolf, said his client was did not identify the woman but said she was also Later that year, Livvix entered Israel, the Justice early 2013, around the time Bryant said his Livvix held for eight days without access to a lawyer fol- an American citizen. He did not know if they Ministry said, and told Israeli friends he had strong jumped bond in Indiana on criminal charges. Wolf lowing his arrest last month, although he said US arrived to Israel together or met here. anti-Arab sentiments. The ministry said Livvix later said his client resembled a photograph of the Embassy officials did see him. Wolf said Livvix Israel indicted Livvix on Monday on charges of cooperated with his roommate, a serving soldier Livvix sought in America. “Evidently, he just went underwent “extended interrogations” by Israeli illegal weapon possession and overstaying his visa in the Israeli military, to obtain 1.4 kg of explosive crazy then,” Bryant said. US law enforcement offi- security services and that he is being kept sepa- by more than a year. Operating in cooperation material to blow up the unidentified Jerusalem cials could not be immediately reached for com- rate from other prisoners. “He categorically denies with Israel’s Shin Bet security service, police went holy sites. The ministry said police discovered the ment yesterday. — AP

INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Mysterious spate of bombings hit Ukraine military hub

KHARKIV: The city of Kharkiv in Ukraineís industrial The factory was being used to store the remains of east has stayed out of rebel hands but a mysterious victims from the MH17 commercial airliner that was spate of bombings have triggered fears that Russia is shot down over the conflict zone in July with 298 peo- trying to destabilize this key defense hub. Barely a ple on board. The SBU released a video confession of a week goes by without another bombing reported woman claiming she had been recruited by Russiaís against Ukrainian military targets in the city of 1.4 mil- military intelligence to lay explosives along the route of lion that once served as Ukraineís capital. Most have the Dutch delegation. In the heightened atmosphere been low-level attacks leaving few victims, but the tar- of the war and the vicious diplomatic tussle between gets are symbolic: a National Guard base on December Ukraine and Russia, it has become difficult to verify the 2; an anti-aircraft unit and military hospital in late allegations. Russia denies interfering in the rebellions November. Investigators say they often find traces of of eastern Ukraine, but a wealth of evidence from plastic explosiveócommon during Soviet times and NATO, Kiev and Western governments suggests other- often sourced from Russia. Plastic explosive was used wise. Kharkivís defense industries make it a prized tar- to bomb a bar collecting money for Ukrainian soldiers get for both Ukrainian rebels and the Kremlin, analysts in the city centre on November 10, leaving 11 injured say. The attacks ìare aimed at sowing panic and desta- and the building destroyed. bilizing this strategic regionî, said Anatoliy Oktysyuk of The city is known as a hub of the Ukrainian defense the Centre for International Political Studies in Kiev. ìIn industryówith several aerospace manufacturers and Kharkiv, Ukraine is facing a new type of attack... the factory that builds the Malyshev tank. In one of the which show they are well-planned and carried out by more dramatic attacks, insurgents used flamethrowers professionals.î Unlike provinces further east, Kharkiv against a building at the Malyshev factory and a mili- did not descend into full-blown rebellion against the tary base in August. Police arrested six Kharkiv locals new pro-Western government, even though pro- with flamethrowers, which they said were sourced from Russian protesters did briefly seize control of govern- Russia, along with anti-tank mines and Kalashnikov ment buildings in the early days of the insurgency in rifles. Ukrainian security services (SBU) also claimed to April. But Oktysyuk warned that the region remains have foiled a plot to kill Dutch Foreign Minister Bert vulnerable if Russia manages to infiltrate local power CHUGUIV: Ukrainian servicemen walks near armored vehicles after a ceremony with the Ukrainian Koenders when he was visiting the Malyshev factory in structures or destabilizes the city with a steady president for the delivery of more than 100 pieces military equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces, November. stream of attacks. — AFP near northeastern Ukrainian city of Chuguiv, Kharkiv region. — AFP Congo opposition struggles to mobilize against Kabila MLC party weakened after senior figures join govt

KINSHASA: Democratic Republic of Congo’s ability to mobilise a credible response to the Tshisekedi’s Union for Democracy and Social opposition parties are united in their demands president, analysts say. On Sunday, Kabila Progress (UDPS), to lead a series of marches in that President Joseph Kabila should not stay in unveiled a long-awaited national unity govern- Kinshasa. Their collaboration has provoked bitter power when his term ends in 2016 but personal ment including three senior figures from the recriminations in the UDPS, with Mavungu dis- rivalries and infighting are hobbling efforts to Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC), avowed by senior party officials. Meanwhile, mount an effective campaign. The opposition the second-largest opposition party. Alongside a Kamerhe’s former ally Martin Fayulu, a parlia- has accused Kabila-who has ruled the mineral- cabinet packed with loyalists, the defections mentarian and coordinator of the “Let’s Save rich central African nation since 2001 — of plot- were hailed as a sign Kabila was shoring up his DRC” platform, accused him of trying to monop- ting to scrap a constitutional two-term limit and position ahead of 2016. Though the three men olize the leadership and split with him. Amid the seek reelection, despite warnings not to do so were subsequently expelled by the MLC, it weak- internal wrangling, the opposition has yet to from the United States and France. ened the party’s leadership and could diminish prove it can mobilize people. Its largest demon- After decades of one-man rule culminated in the impact of a possible return to politics by its strations in recent months have attracted a few a war that killed millions between 1998 and founder, Jean Pierre Bemba. thousand people in Kinshasa, a city of more than GROZNY: A serviceman guards near a school building, damaged during fighting 2003, many in Congo fear an attempt by Kabila Bemba, who was runner-up to Kabila in the 10 million. between militants and police, in Grozny. — AFP to cling onto power could tip the nation into 2006 election, is on trial at The Hague for war While there is discontent with Kabila, his chaos. Kabila has remained silent and his crimes in neighboring Central African Republic security forces’ reputation for brutality deters Chechens loyal to Russia fight spokesman has said there is no reason to believe but will be released if he receives a not-guilty many people from taking to the streets. “People the 43-year-old plans to modify the constitution, verdict. “It’s a sort of pre-emptive strike ... to are afraid of the police,” said Fidel Landu, a secu- alongside east Ukraine rebels although some supporters have asked him to do reduce Bemba’s capacity to do harm if he’s ever rity guard. “You march, they shoot.” Opposition OUTSIDE OF DONETSK: Chanting “Allahu mering. Gunmen attacked a police post so. But delays in organizing local elections and released,” said Philippe Biyoya, a politics profes- leaders insist the underlying discontent with Akbar” (God is greatest), dozens of armed and captured a building in the regional the announcement of a population census, sor at Kinshasa University. Kabila, in power since the assassination of his men in camouflage uniforms from Russia’s capital of Grozny last week and at least 20 which would likely delay the 2016 vote, have The opposition has been prone to squabbling father Laurent-Desire in 2001, could be tapped republic of Chechnya train in snow in a people, including ten police and ten sus- fuelled concerns that Kabila is looking for ways and being co-opted by the ruling elite. In the at the right moment. But given the opposition’s camp in the rebel-held east Ukraine. They pected militants, were killed in gunbattles to stay on in Africa’s largest copper producer. 2011 presidential election, its failure to rally weaknesses, analysts expect the Catholic Church say their “Death” unit fighting Ukrainian that ensued. The Congolese opposition has stepped up its around veteran Etienne Tshisekedi was crucial to and civil society to play a significant role in forces has 300 people, mostly former state Violence erupted just hours before campaign, galvanized by protests in Burkina Kabila’s re-election, amid widespread allegations blocking any bid by Kabila to hang on. Congo’s security troops in the mainly-Muslim region Russian President Vladimir Putin had been Faso in October that ousted president Blaise of fraud. “There are problems of internal cohe- bishops have spoken out against an extension of where Moscow waged two wars against due to give a major speech in Moscow, a Compaore when he tried to extend his rule. sion within the opposition, whether it’s between Kabila’s mandate in a country where 40 percent Islamic insurgents and which is now run by symbolic challenge to the man who came Opposition leaders have organized demonstra- the various opposition groups or within the of its 65 million people are Catholic. a Kremlin-backed strongman. Seasoned to power 15 years ago credited for the tions and taken to the airwaves to denounce main opposition parties,” said Jason Stearns, a Pascal Kambale, former Congo director for Chechen fighters, whose combat experi- Russian army victory in the second what they see as a power grab. “They’re going to Congo analyst. the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, ence often dates back to the 1994-96 and Chechen war. Re-establishing Moscow’s use the army and police for repression,” said Vital said it was too soon to judge the opposition’s 1999-2000 wars, fight on both sides in east control over Chechnya and then introduc- Kamerhe, a former Kabila loyalist who heads the Internal rifts clout until the government made a move. “When Ukraine, adding to the complexity of a con- ing an uneasy peace under Ramzan opposition Union for the Congolese Nation In the absence of the 81-year-old Tshisekedi- something happens, we will see ... whether they flict in which the West says Russian troops Kadyrov, whom critics and rights cam- (UNC). “They’re going to use money to buy the who has been in Belgium since August for med- mobilize and how they mobilize public opinion,” are involved. paigners accuse of heavy-handed tactics consciences of the people.” ical treatment-others have vied to lead the he said. “It’s a multi-front war they are launching. “This is volunteer battalion Death,” and massive rights violations, is seen by But internal rifts and personal ambition are opposition. Kamerhe has joined forces with It’s a war against the government. It’s a war deputy commander of the group who only Putin’s supporters as a key achievement. In eroding the opposition’s unity, undermining its Bruno Mavungu, the secretary general of against themselves.”— Reuters gave his nickname “Stinger”, told Reuters in Ukraine, Stinger’s men are sworn enemies a former tourist camp the unit turned into with another group of Chechens who fight their base outside of the rebel stronghold on the opposite side of the conflict and Remaining French hostage of Donetsk in east Ukraine. “There are support the Kiev government troops. about three hundred of us in Donetsk Some of them have Western passports region. We have battlefield experience after fleeing Russia following the two wars. from 10 to 20 years starting from 1995,” said They say Moscow is theirs and Kiev’s joint arrives home after 3 years the man, in his forties, a pistol fixed to his enemy and that Chechnya is occupied by thigh. He had a little Chechen flag in green, Russia. Stinger, however, said Chechnya PARIS: France’s last remaining hostage, Serge white and red stitched to his cap and was being destroyed in the wars of 1990s Lazarevic, arrived home yesterday after three speaks Russian with a strong Caucasus and became peaceful again only when years at the hands of Islamist militants, to be accent. Several cars with Chechen registra- some local leaders allied with the Kremlin. greeted by his family and French President tion plates are parked in the camp. Some of those in the “Death” unit said they Francois Hollande. The beaming 51-year-old, Russia sides with the rebels in east had initially fought against Russia in dressed casually in a blue hooded top, was wel- Ukraine but denies sending serving troops Chechnya but later switched sides and comed warmly by Hollande at a military airport to reinforce them. Some fighters on the were amnestied by a former Kremlin-allied outside Paris before an emotional embrace with ground admit to being former Russian ser- head of the region, Ramzan’s father, his mother and sister. Lazarevic, sporting a close- vicemen, or “on leave”. Moscow has said Akhmet Kadyrov. “Now we are (former) sol- ly-cropped beard, shared a joke with Hollande any Russians fighting there are volunteers. diers and officers of the Russian army, of and the rest of his family after exiting the jet In Chechnya, two brutal wars quashed the Russian special forces, mostly veterans of with his daughter. separatist insurgents but unrest is still sim- war campaigns,” Stinger said. — Reuters “Life is good when you have freedom. I didn’t know what it was like to be free. I had forgotten what it is like to be free. I will never forget it again,” Lazarevic told reporters. “Be careful, Honey, there’s a because freedom is dearer than anything. When you’ve been taken, when you’re being abused, nuke in the yard when you’re lost, when you’re close to death, you think more about life,” he added. Hollande VIENNA: When a nuclear bomb landed in the And in 1968, a B-52 bomber carrying four said it was “an enormous joy” to see him back on Gregg yard in South Carolina in 1958, it left a hydrogen bombs crashed near the Thule air French soil. “Welcome back, Mr Lazarevic, we’ve big crater, killed a few chickens, caused the base in Greenland. The conventional explo- been waiting for you for three years,” said the family minor injuries and wrecked their sives surrounding the nuclear core exploded, president. Chevrolet. Luckily, the device that had fallen but a full nuclear explosion was averted, out of a B-47 bomber after Captain Bruce although radioactive plutonium was dispersed ‘He’s doing well’ Kulka accidentally grabbed a lever opening in the area and part of one of the bombs was Lazarevic was taken immediately to a military the bomb bay-almost falling out himself-was never recovered. In 1980 Zbigniew Brzezinski, hospital for check-ups before returning to the not fully armed with a fissile core. But other US former US national security adviser, was wok- comfort of his family, according to a diplomatic VILLACOUBLAY: Serge Lazarevic (left), France’s last remaining hostage, embraces French aircraft routinely flew carrying fully-primed en up at 2.30 am to be told of 220 - then cor- source. “The doctor gave him a check-up on the President Francois Hollande, after Lazarevic landed in a French Republic plane at the nuclear weapons, and the incident, as high- rected to 2,200 — incoming Russian nuclear Villacoublay military base near Paris yesterday. — AFP lighted in this week’s international conference missiles. Brzezinski was about to phone presi- plane and he’s doing well,” this source said. on nuclear weapons in Vienna, was far from dent Jimmy Carter, and US bomber crews had Lazarevic was the last of more than a dozen and embraced him in front of the cameras.A their assistance in securing Lazarevic’s release. isolated. already started their engines, when the all- French citizens taken captive in recent years, Malian security source said the final stages of The presidency in Niamey said in a statement “We were lucky to get out of the Cold War clear came through. The false alarm was trig- with those held in Africa reaching a high of 15 Lazarevic’s release had taken place in the north- that the liberation was “the result of intense and without a nuclear detonation,” US author Eric gered by a faulty microchip costing less than last year. Four journalists held by Syrian jihadists ern desert city of Kidal. “I won’t say if there was a continued efforts from authorities both in Niger Schlosser, who recounts this episode and 50 cents. were released earlier this year. He was freed after ransom payment or liberation of prisoners,” the and Mali”. many others in his recent book “Command intensive efforts by Niger and Mali. There was no source told AFP. “This is a joy for all the French people and Control”, told the gathering. “The problem Thing of the past? immediate information on how the release was because there are no more French hostages in with luck is that eventually it runs out,” said Since the collapse of the Soviet Union 25 secured or whether France paid a ransom. An ‘No more French hostages’ any country in the world,” Hollande told Schlosser, who spent six years researching his years ago, nuclear arsenals have been slashed, association, “the friends of Ghislaine Dupont”, an book, sifting through thousands of pages of and technological advances and security In his three years in captivity, Lazarevic reporters. “I want to deliver a clear and simple RFI journalist killed last year in Mali, said appeared in several AQIM videos, the most message to our compatriots who might find documents obtained through the Freedom of improvements have reduced the chances of Lazarevic had been swapped for “several Information act and interviewing a range of an accident. The US says its missiles are point- recent of which was in November in which he themselves in a high-risk zone: make sure you hostage-takers”, without revealing how they senior figures. ed to land in the middle of the ocean. Its com- said he was gravely ill and believed his life was in don’t go to places where you could be taken In another case in 1961, a B-52 bomber bat aircraft no longer routinely have nuclear obtained their information. danger. The video spurred Lazarevic’s daughter hostage.” One of the main armed Tuareg groups broke up in the air and went into a spin. The bombs on board. Lazarevic was snatched by armed men in Mali Diane to urge Hollande to obtain his release “as in the still-volatile region, the High Council for resulting centrifugal forces pulled a lanyard But there are believed to remain 16,300 on November 24, 2011 while on a business trip fast as possible... for Christmas.” Fears spiked for the Unity of Azawad (HCUA), said it had also that released a fully operational hydrogen nuclear weapons worldwide in the hands of with fellow Frenchman Philippe Verdon in a kid- the safety of the tall Frenchman of Serbian origin “participated in the release” efforts. While the bomb-a super-powerful nuclear bomb-over nine countries, 1,800 of them ready to be napping claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic after hiker Herve Gourdel was abducted in details of Lazarevic’s release were not given, North Carolina. “There was one switch in that launched at short notice, and experts say that Maghreb (AQIM). Verdon, who suffered from an Algeria and beheaded in September by Islamic France has repeatedly denied paying ransoms weapon that prevented the full-scale detona- major causes for concern persist. The nuclear ulcer and tachycardia-an abnormally fast heart- State-linked militants. The pair, who worked in despite being accused by other Western nations tion of a hydrogen bomb hundreds of times warheads themselves may be more modern, beat-was found shot dead last year, and those security and construction, were accused by of using back-channels to do so. “France does more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb” but the equipment that carries them-missiles, close to his family suggested he had been exe- AQIM of being French intelligence agents, some- not pay ransoms, nor does France engage in dropped by the US on Japan on 1945, aircraft and submarines-are antiquated, and cuted because he was weak. Verdon’s son stood Schlosser said. incidents still happen. —AFP thing their families have denied. Hollande prisoner exchanges,” Hollande said in alongside Lazarevic, who called him “my son” thanked the authorities in Mali and Niger for September. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Islamisation of schoolbooks sparks debate in Malala’s homeland

PESHAWAR: As teenage Pakistani education activist as well as those private schools which do not have the Emphasis on Islam in non-religion related school texts texts, from primary to university level, to promote the Malala Yousafzai received her Nobel Peace Prize, the means to procure their own texts-covering the vast began as early as the 1960s, but increased in the 1980s country’s “democratic” heritage over its history of regional government in her homeland is pushing for majority of students in the province. under the rule of hardline military dictator Zia-ul-Haq. coups. The main problem however is that following Islamic content in school textbooks that critics claim Pakistani liberals have denounced the moves in The two dominant political parties, the PPP of the recent devolution steps it is the provinces, not the cen- promotes violent jihad. Malala, 17, was awarded for her mainly English-language newspapers, saying they risk Bhutto-Zardari family and the PML-N of Prime Minister tral government, that have the final say on curriculum struggle against religious extremism and for the right of radicalizing impressionable youths. The debate itself Nawaz Sharif, project a more moderate vision. in order to cater to the region’s particular cultural and children, especially girls, to an education in northwest goes to the very heart of Pakistan’s identity crisis. Since linguistic values. “There is a lot of confusion at the Pakistan-where Taleban militants tried to kill her two gaining independence from Britain in 1947, the coun- Fightback? moment,” with some provinces refusing to allow the years ago. try has found itself caught in a struggle between pro- In response to the provincial government’s plan, central government to participate in the writing of The challenge is enormous: some 25 million chil- democracy liberals and religious conservatives who Sharif has launched a counter-attack by ordering the texts, explains AH Nayyar, an academic and leading dren aged from five to 16 in Pakistan are out of school, believe in a strict interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law. Higher Education Commission to seek changes to all voice for reform. 14 million of them girls, according to Alif Ailaan, an Current textbooks are already heavily criticised by education campaign group. But the biggest debate liberals, who say they project a revisionist version of surrounding education in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa history that is highly nationalistic, especially over the province is not how to improve attendance, hire more country’s rival India, while also being dismissive teachers or repair dilapidated infrastructure: instead, towards religious minorities. Sardar Hussain Babak, a the regional government is attempting to determine spokesman for the left-leaning Awami National Party how best to reclaim the curriculum in the name of that sits in opposition in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Islam. province, blamed Imran Khan’s PTI for striking a deal The move is being led by the hardline Jamaat-e- with the Jamaat-i-Islami to ensure its fragile ruling Islami (Islamic Party), the junior member of the coali- coalition survived. “There is a compromise between tion led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf and Jamaat-i-Islami. Now Jamaat-i- Movement for Justice) of national opposition leader Islami points will be part of curriculum,” he said. Imran Khan. “There are errors in current text books “Jamaat-i-Islami is a radical religious party which is pro- which go against our values,” Inayatullah Khan, local voking jihad, definitely now jihadi elements will be part governance minister said. The project foresees, for of curriculum.” example, reintroducing verses of the Koran that deal A recent US study of 100 Pakistani school texts with jihad (holy war), and adding passages on the found that minorities-especially Hindus-were depicted divine creation of the universe into science textbooks. as “second-class” citizens and “enemies of Islam”. The It also envisages rolling back changes made during the rhetoric is even more worrying for the country’s liberals last period of reform, 2006, when authorities “removed than the rising number of attacks on religious minori- religious chapters on social science texts” to replace ties, saying it lays the groundwork for further radicaliza- them with “chapters on Nelson Mandela, Karl Marx, tion. Even the country’s Western donors, who give mil- Marco Polo, Vasco de Gama and Neil Armstrong,” lions of dollars in education aid, are privately worried according to the minister. They also want to pull pri- about the “re-Islamisation trend”. Others see it as simply mary school textbooks that depict girls without veils. a populist move with little chance of succeeding in the “We live in an Islamic society, women don’t wear skirts short term. After the last set of reforms in 2006, author- here,” said Khan. The project, confirmed by provincial ities took seven years to print new editions, according education minister Atif Khan, pertains to public schools PESHAWAR: Pakistani schoolchildren take part in a class at a school in Peshawar. — AFP to one Western diplomat.— AFP

Lanka leader suffers more India drops attempted defections ahead of vote suicide from crime list NEW DELHI: India yesterday dropped Manipur. Under the old law anyone attempted suicide from a list of crimes attempting to kill themselves is liable for Two Sri Lankan ministers quit the government punishable by prison, potentially paving a jail term of a year. She has been under the way for the release of a human detention throughout her fast, and is rights activist who has been on hunger force-fed by tubes several times a day. COLOMBO: Two Sri Lankan ministers quit the gov- without opposition support. Rajapakse called the down from 161 when Rajapakse called the election strike for the past 14 years. The govern- The World Health Organization has list- ernment yesterday, leaving President Mahinda snap election after his party suffered a sharp drop last month. ment informed parliament of its deci- ed India as one of the countries with the Rajapakse without the two-thirds parliamentary in support in September’s local elections. The presi- The Brussels-based International Crisis Group sion in a written reply from the home highest suicide rates - 21.1 per 100,000 majority he enjoyed before calling a snap election dent remains largely popular with voters from the said in a report this week Rajapakse was facing an ministry yesterday, saying it was acting people in 2012. The Indian government to seek an unprecedented third term. The latest Sinhalese majority after he won a 37-year war unexpectedly strong challenge from his former on a recommendation of the Law said 134,799 people committed suicide defections reflected growing political disenchant- against Tamil separatists in 2009, but his support health minister Sirisena, who has secured wide Commission. The government panel for in 2013, a rise of 11.9 percent over the ment with the president. Botanical Gardens deputy has eroded among minority parties, which usually opposition support. “The sudden emergence of a legal reform had deemed the suicide previous year. There was no data on the minister V S Radhakrishnan and National Language hold the balance of power. strong opposition candidate caught many, includ- law “anachronistic” and “undesirable” in number of attempted suicides, it said. Integration deputy P Digambaram joined opposi- Critics say he has become increasingly authori- ing President Rajapakse, by surprise,” the ICG said. It a 2008 report. More than 800,000 people each year tion candidate Maithripala Sirisena, who is spear- tarian. Both ministers who exited the ruling party’s warned the election could turn ugly and called for Irom Sharmila has been on hunger worldwide commit suicide around one heading the challenge to Rajapakse in the January ranks yesterday are from the minority Tamil Hindu the international community to send monitors to strike in protest against army atrocities person every 40 seconds - WHO said in 8 election. community. At an opposition press conference observe the campaign and deter any violence. in the northeastern Indian state of September. — Reuters “There will be more defections before the elec- they vowed to topple Rajapakse, who has been in There has been election-related violence in Sri tion,” Sirisena told reporters at a news conference. “I office since 2005 and is South Asia’s longest-serv- Lanka in previous polls. But private monitors have am confident of victory in the elections,” Sirisena ing leader. “We are not alone,” Digambaram told voiced concern about police inaction this time in said. Rajapakse’s party still holds a comfortable reporters. “We bring with us about 150,000 of our dealing with attacks against opposition activists, simple majority, but loss of the two-thirds support supporters.” The ministers’ departures reduced the and suggest the post-election situation could be Indian opposition politicians means it can carry out no constitutional changes ruling party’s strength in parliament to 148 seats, more serious.— AFP slam conversion of Muslims

NEW DELHI: Indian Hindu groups are India’s secular constitution. “This house luring poor Muslims to convert with must be assured the constitution of offers of cheap food, opposition politi- India will not be violated,” Anand cians said yesterday, accusing the Sharma, leader of the opposition groups of a “diabolical agenda” to under- Congress party told parliament. “There is mine religious diversity. Religious con- a diabolical agenda.” versions have become a lightning rod in Hindu organizations stir unease recent months with Prime Minister among India’s minority Muslims who Narendra Modi’s rivals demanding that accuse them of a deep-seated bias and he rein in religious groups affiliated to say they have become more assertive his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trying since the rise to power of the Hindu- promote a Hindu-dominant agenda. nationalist BJP in a stunning election About 250 Muslim slum-dwellers victory this year. Government minister changed their faith at a ceremony in the Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the opposi- city of Agra this week. But police regis- tion critics must allow the police investi- tered a case on Tuesday after several of gation to go ahead and should not jump those who converted said they had been to conclusions. “We are as committed to misled. They were offered government the cause of secularism as anyone else,” identity cards showing them to be he said. Parliament was paralyzed for below the poverty line and thus entitled most of last week after a government to cheap supplies of the staples wheat minister made derogatory remarks and rice. Opposition members of parlia- about non-Hindus. Modi rejected ment criticized the conversions, saying demands he fire her, saying she had the ruling party was chipping away at made a public apology. — Reuters

COLOMBO: Supporters of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa gather holding posters bearing his image outside the election office in Colombo. Sri Lanka’s leader called for a “fair” election and warned the opposition not to underestimate him as 18 candidates challenged his bid for an unprecedented third term. — AFP Pakistan’s Malala, global icon of girls’ education ISLAMABAD: Schoolgirl activist Malala and frankness of a child, opened a window for more girlish side to the teenager she is a fan of Yousafzai’s courageous fightback from being shot Pakistan onto the miseries being perpetrated Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber and the by the Taleban has transformed her into a symbol within its borders. But it was only after the shoot- “Twilight” series of vampire romance novels. But for human rights and a campaigner in global ing in 2012, and Malala’s subsequent near-mirac- her activism has continued. On her 17th birthday demand. Few teenagers can lay claim to a Nobel ulous recovery in a British hospital, that she earlier this year she was in Abuja, pushing Prize, or say they spent their 17th birthday lobby- became a truly global figure. Former British prime President Goodluck Jonathan to meet with the ing Nigeria’s president to do more to free hun- minister Gordon Brown, a UN special education parents of hundreds of girls who had been kid- dreds of girls kidnapped by Islamist militants. But envoy, visited her in hospital shortly afterwards napped by the Islamist group Boko Haram. Malala is no ordinary teen. She had already been and took up her cause with a petition which he Although she missed out on the Nobel Peace in the public eye for years when a Taleban gun- presented to the Pakistani government. Prize in 2013, she was nominated a second time man boarded her school bus on October 9, 2012, this year and won along with Kailash Satyarthi, an asked “Who is Malala?”, and shot her in the head. A formidable force Indian children’s rights activist. Her father Ziauddin, a school principal and She has since become something of an inter- himself a seasoned campaigner for education, national star-a formidable, and instantly recogniz- Controversial at home helped propel the precociously talented girl from able force for human rights. She received a stand- Her feat was lauded by Pakistan’s leaders, its the Swat valley in northwest Pakistan into the ing ovation in July 2013 for an address to the liberal press and many girls and women in her limelight. At his encouragement, Malala started United Nations General Assembly in which she native Swat who see her as an inspirational figure. writing a blog for the BBC’s Urdu service under a vowed never to be silenced. The teen went on lat- But she remains controversial among some con- pseudonym in 2009, aged just 11, about life er that year to win the European Union’s presti- servatives at home, who view her as a Western under the Taleban in Swat, where they were ban- gious Sakharov human rights prize. The 17-year- agent on a mission to shame her country. An ning girls’ education. In 2007 the Islamist militants old has also published an autobiography and association of private schools held an “I am not had taken over the area, which Malala affection- been invited to tea with Queen Elizabeth II, Malala” day last month exemplifying the trend. ately called “My Swat”, and imposed a brutal, achieving a level of fame more akin to a movie The controversy has not deterred her, however. In bloody rule. Opponents were murdered, people star than an education campaigner. In an inter- October she announced she would donate were publicly flogged for supposed breaches of view in 2013 with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour at a $50,000 (39,000 euros) to help rebuild United sharia law, women were banned from going to sold-out public event in New York, Malala said she Nations schools in Gaza, and last month she market, and girls were stopped from going to wanted to become prime minister of Pakistan to addressed a thousand schoolchildren in her school. “save” her country. home province via videolink, urging them to fight Her blog, written anonymously with the clarity Her autobiography “I am Malala” reveals a on for education.- AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Myanmar’s landless: Playthings of the powerful

NEW THAMEELAY: Left destitute after the said, choking back tears as she recounted the to resolve even a small fraction of the tens of in eastern Karen State who struck a deal to join 2010 elections the USDP was accused of vari- army said they were squatting, hundreds of day in March when the army declared the vil- thousands of complaints that have flooded in. forces with the previous-junta government, ous vote-winning tactics, including half-build- families have found themselves caught in a lage of Thameelay illegal. Homeless and helpless, Aye Aye Win and over a appeared eager to show their magnanimity. ing roads and promising to finish the work bizarre tug of war involving Myanmar’s ruling Land is among the most contentious issues thousand others from a cluster of 10 local ham- They arrived in 12-wheeler trucks brandishing only after they were elected. In next year’s cru- party and an armed ethic group in a case that in Myanmar as reforms and the end of most lets soon found themselves buffeted between promises of lush land plots in the insurgency- cial polls the party will face a greater test-com- highlights the country’s acute land challenges. Western sanctions fuel a scramble for territory some of Myanmar’s most powerful forces-from wracked jungles near the Thai border. petition from Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition, When military officials with loudhailers told in the resource-rich nation. The problem is the military to the clergy, political heavy- Some 200 families took them up on the which is running in its first general elections Aye Aye Win and her neighbors that their vil- widespread in the country, where the state weights and armed ethnic groups. offer. Villager Than Htwe told AFP that life with since its 1990 victory, which was ignored by lage near the central Bago mountains was legally owns all land and the army stands In the face of bureaucratic inertia, the fighters, who have never released a motive the junta. “People do not need to be USDP about to be razed, the bulldozers were already accused of rampant land grabbing. A commis- aggrieved ordinary people across the nation for their uncharacteristic act, was not quite as members to stay here,” Myint Myint San told at their doors. “We were so frightened,” she sion set up to deal with disputes has struggled are taking matters into their own hands. advertised. After a gruelling four-day journey AFP when asked about the party’s motivation Farmers barge through barricades to plough to the frontier region, the villagers were met for its largesse. “But everyone here was their former fields, displaced villagers confront with suspicion and restrictions. “We were basi- already in the party before they came.” businessmen and placard-wielding protesters cally locked up as soon as we arrived,” said flock to towns and cities in rallies that flare Than Htwe, 42. His family of three decided to Land disputes across the country on a weekly basis. cut their losses and return to central Myanmar Some 70 percent of Myanmar’s popula- Hundreds of protesters have been arrested this where relatives, including Aye Aye Win, had tion-mainly the rural poor-rely on the land for year alone. But Aye Aye Win and her neighbors chosen to throw their lot in with the ruling their living. The government is drawing up a were afraid. “They told us they would take legal Union Solidarity and Development Party. new land use policy that will underpin fresh action against us if we complained,” said the The USDP, the well-funded vehicle for legislation as part of reforms since the end of 52-year-old as she sat surrounded by her Myanmar’s former generals to relaunch them- outright military rule in 2011. But researchers extended family and a few salvaged posses- selves as civilian politicians, had bought 12 at the Transnational Institute think tank have sions in her new home-a one room bamboo acres of barren farmland for around $200,000 warned that the proposals look to please hut in a field on the fringes of Yangon. and created new Thameelay village from the large investors, potentially to the detriment of scrub along the lonely highway north of the small farmers. Khine Maung Yi, a member of a Jungle ordeal commercial hub Yangon. Around 200 stilted parliamentary commission on the issue said Many from Thameelay ended up in a huts now stretch across the field in neat rows land appropriation remains a chronic prob- monastery in the remote Bago countryside. reminiscent of the country’s many displace- lem, even as the government struggles to But they could not stay long. Authorities again ment camps. “We gave them a lease saying return property taken under the junta. Of demanded they move on and it was then, as that they can live here and pass it on to their 26,371 letters of complaint received, only their plight filtered into national news, that children. But they cannot sell their plot,” said some 9,000 had been forwarded to the rele- vant departments as of September. But most YANGON: Men build a fence for their homes, which were donated by the two unlikely organizations stepped in to offer USDP village leader Myint Myint San. help-the military-backed ruling party and the There are plans for a factory, promises of of these have yet to be dealt with. “The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), at the Thameelay new Democratic Karen Buddhist Association government loans and a new village hall has amount of seized land returned is still just housing ward on the outskirts of Yangon. —AFP (DKBA) armed group. The DKBA, former rebels recently been completed. During controversial tiny,” he said. —AFP Strict new Japan secrets law takes effect amid protests Prison terms for leaking state secrets

TOKYO: Waving banners and bang- a non-profit organization that pro- ing tambourines, hundreds of motes information disclosure. Japanese took to the streets of Tokyo Two watchdog groups are to to protest a strict new state-secrets oversee implementation of the law, law which took effect yesterday that one directed by the prime minister. critics charge will help conceal gov- “By applying the law practically and ernment misdeeds and limit press properly, explaining carefully how it freedom. The government of Prime is being applied, and reporting to Minister Shinzo Abe says the law, parliament and making public how it which was passed a year ago amid is being enforced, the government protests, is essential to convince plans to show clearly that the peo- allies led by the United States to ple’s right to know will not be share intelligence with Japan. infringed on,” said Hiroshige Seko, Critics counter that whistleblow- Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary yes- NADOR: Malian immigrants get warm up on a bonfire in a clandestine immi- ing on government misdeeds will be terday. Critics say Abe’s government grants camp located at the Mount Gourougou, in the Moroccan province of chilled and Reporters Without failed to keep a pledge to win public Nador. After traveling thousands of miles overland from sub-Saharan Africa, Borders has called the law “an understanding of the law by not fully unprecedented threat to freedom of explaining how it will be implement- destitute migrants dreaming of making it to Europe eke out a tenuous exis- information”. “This terrible law must ed. The Cabinet Office solicited pub- tence on the rocky slopes of Mount Gourougou, a 900-meter peak with be revoked, but at least if we keep lic comment for a month from late spectacular views of their destination - Spain’s tiny North African enclave of on protesting the government won’t July until late August - during prime Melilla. —AP be able to do whatever it wants,” said summer vacation time. Yumi Nakagomi, 59, one of several The Japan Federation of Bar Record numbers trying and hundred people braving frigid winds Associations called for revoking the to gather near Abe’s office yesterday. law and holding national debates “If we give up on this Japan will on the subject. The uncertainty dying to reach Europe: UN end up just like Russia, or China, or about what the government will North Korea.” The law mandates deem a secret was already having a GENEVA: More than 3,400 people have died in the Lampedusa. They rescued 75 migrants and recov- prison terms of up to 10 years for repressive effect, Miki said. Her Mediterranean this year trying to reach Europe, ered the bodies of 17 who died from hypothermia public servants or others leaking office has received calls from blog- the UN refugee agency said yesterday, urging gov- and dehydration. But Italy recently ended its Mare state secrets, while journalists and gers worried about whether they ernments to take more action to save lives. More Nostrum search-and-rescue operation after its others who encourage such leaks should delete posts to avoid prose- than 207,000 people have made the risky sea European Union partners refused to help fund it, could be imprisoned for five years. cution. “This law restricts the public’s crossing since January, almost three times the pre- with critics arguing that saving the migrants was Kyodo news agency said that some right to know,” said Tomoki Hiyama, vious high of 70,000 during the Libyan civil war in simply encouraging them to try their luck. 460,000 documents would be affect- one of roughly 800 people at a 2011, the UNHCR said. Guterres warned: “You can’t stop a person who is ed immediately. “The law says that protest on Tuesday night. “It’s full of Of these, a record 3,419 died, out of a total of fleeing for their life by deterrence. “The real root the act of leaking itself is bad no ambiguity and will take us back to 4,272 reported deaths worldwide on migrant ves- causes have to be addressed, and this means look- Japanese Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party sels this year. Most set off from Libya bound for ing at why people are fleeing, what prevents them matter what the circumstances,” said (LDP) leader Shinzo Abe the ‘public peace and order’ controls Yukiko Miki at Clearinghouse Japan, of World War Two.” —Reuters Italy and Malta, looking for work or, increasingly, from seeking asylum by safer means, and what can asylum-the numbers include 60,051 Syrians and be done to crack down on the criminal networks 34,561 Eritreans. The figures were released at the who prosper from this.” start of a two-day meeting in Geneva hosted by Liu Tienan: From planner UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Numbers at sea reach new high Guterres on how to protect people who take to While the Mediterranean is the most deadly the sea to escape persecution, war, instability and route, it is by no means the only one, with the poverty. Ahead of the talks involving govern- UNHCR reporting that a total of 348,000 migrants to prisoner, via mistress ments, UN agencies and NGOs, Guterres warned and asylum seekers taking to the sea this year. that many states seem increasingly preoccupied Comparisons with previous years are difficult due with securing their own borders rather than pre- the clandestine nature of the crossings, but the UN LANGFANG: Over decades as a Chinese techno- and that she received death threats after they fell ‘Oil faction’ venting the loss of life. agency said the data pointed to 2014 being a crat, Liu Tienan rose to become one of the top out. Liu was born in Beijing in 1954 and studied at Without naming specific countries, he said: record high. planners of the world’s second-largest economy, Liu’s wife and son held shares in the business- Iron and Steel College during the twilight years “This is a mistake, and precisely the wrong reaction At least 242 people died in the Red Sea and but was brought down by a former lover. Even as man’s company, and he wired “huge amounts of of the Cultural Revolution, a decade in which for an era in which record numbers of people are Gulf of Aden out of 82,680 people making the deputy director of the National Development money” into foreign currency accounts held by nearly all formal schooling was suspended. Little fleeing wars. “Security and immigration manage- journey, most of them travelling from Ethiopia and and Reform Commission (NDRC), Liu-whose giv- the son “multiple times”, the journalist added. is known about his family life or what he did ment are concerns for any country, but policies Somalia to Yemen or onwards to Saudi Arabia or en name literally means “iron man”-was a bureau- Luo was later moved to a different post in his before he started working for the government. must be designed in a way that human lives do the Gulf states, the UNHCR said. Most recently 24 crat with little or no public profile. organization, but the Communist Party’s anti- He began his career in 1983 in what was then not end up being collateral damage.” An arc of Ethiopians drowned when their boat capsized in That changed when his mistress-identified corruption watchdog had already announced known as the State Planning Commission, which conflict around Europe’s southern, eastern and bad weather off the Yemeni port of Al-Makha last only by her surname Xu-detailed shady business Liu was being investigated for “grave violations oversaw China’s centrally managed economy southeastern borders, in Libya, Ukraine, Syria and week, according to the International Organization deals, fake academic credentials and death of discipline”-code for corruption. He was con- before the country introduced market reforms. Iraq, has fuelled the numbers heading to the conti- for Migration (IOM), revising initial reports of 70 threats to Luo Changping, the deputy editor of victed Wednesday of accepting bribes worth $6 After a short stint as an economic attache in nent. For many of them Italy is the first port of call dead. About 540 people also died this year cross- business magazine Caijing. Luo reported a litany million from several businessmen, and sen- Tokyo, he returned to the commission, which by and the country has rescued more than 150,000 ing the Bay of Bengal, out of a total of 54,000 mak- of her accusations on his Sina Weibo microblog, tenced to life in prison. At his trial in September then had been renamed and whose approval people from rickety boats already this year. ing the journey, while another 71 deaths out of including that Liu had formed an “official-busi- the court heard the bribes included cash and was required for nearly all large-scale industrial Last week, navy and coastguard boats found 4,775 crossings were reported in the Caribbean, nessman alliance” with an entrepreneur, had gifts for the son, among them a villa in Beijing projects. an inflatable dinghy adrift of the island of the UNHCR said. —AFP sought an undeserved degree from a university and a Porsche. A career technocrat, Liu eventually rose to deputy director of the NDRC and head of the National Energy Administration. Analysts say his China jails 21 members position overseeing the energy industry meant Top Chinese official gets he developed close relationship with former of banned religious cult security czar Zhou Yongkang and former head of life for $6 million bribery China National Petroleum Corporation Jiang Jiemin, both now under investigation for corrup- LANGFANG: A former top Chinese economic self or via his son Liu Decheng. His activities BEIJING: Courts in two Chinese cities handed jail refusing to give her telephone number to group tion. Zhou and Jiang are central figures in what planning official was convicted of bribery yes- amounted to committing the crime of bribery.” terms to 21 members of a banned religious cult, members. Two members, Zhang Shuzhi, 44, and some analysts have termed the “oil faction” with- terday and sentenced to life in prison, the Beijing authorities picked the court in state media said yesterday, in the latest action Geng Yuqin, 63, received seven- and four-year in the Communist Party, a network of influential court said, after a former lover went public Langfang, a desolate and bleak industrial city against a group that saw two of its members con- prison terms yesterday in northeastern Liaoning politicians who have ties with China’s powerful with a litany of accusations against him. The in Hebei province, an hour’s drive south of the demned to death in October. China’s Communist province, the official Xinhua news agency said, and lucrative petroleum industry. While the cir- guilty verdict against Liu Tienan, once deputy capital, to hear the case. Party, obsessed with social stability, brooks no chal- describing the duo as “core” members of the group. cumstances of their corruption investigations are director of the National Development and State broadcaster China Central Television lenge to its rule. It has cracked down on cults, “The court upheld evidence that Zhang and Geng surrounded by political intrigue, Liu’s downfall Reform Commission, China’s top economic showed Liu facing the judge in court as the which have multiplied in recent years. actively recruited new members for the Church of was far more public. planning agency, is the latest step of the verdict was read out, striking a deadpan Demonstrations have been put down with force the Almighty God cult, claiming that only the cult Following Liu’s arrest, many in China ques- Communist Party’s much-publicized anti-cor- expression and flanked by two policemen. and some sect leaders executed. could save them,” Xinhua said. tioned the competence of local anti-corruption ruption campaign. “Liu Tienan is sentenced to Foreign media were not allowed in and a large China has vowed to levy harsher punishments Nineteen members of the group received bureaux as an increasing number of cadres were life in prison for bribery,” the Langfang police presence patrolled outside, where the on anyone spreading superstitions or undermining prison terms ranging between 2-1/2 years and six brought down by their jilted mistresses, rather Intermediate People’s Court said in a docu- road was blocked off and a parade of police the law through the use of a religious institution. years in neighboring Jilin province, where authori- than official investigations. The speculation ment handed to AFP. vehicles drove up and down the street, while Members of the group, Quannengshen, or the ties in the city of Yanji had cracked down on the prompted the People’s Daily, the Communist He was convicted of taking 35.58 million a group of protesters complained about local Church of Almighty God, which had preached pre- cult, Xinhua said in a separate report. In 1999, then- Party’s flagship newspaper, to reflect on the crisis yuan ($5.8 million) in bribes, the document government wrongdoing. Liu took bribes dictions of a global apocalypse in 2012, killed a 37- President Jiang Zemin launched a campaign to of confidence. “Some people have said that the added. It added that the case was “based on from various business people in exchange for year-old woman in the eastern province of crush the Falun Gong religious group. It was anti-corruption departments at all levels perform clear facts and concrete and sufficient evi- project approvals and other favors, the court Shandong in May. banned as an “evil cult” after thousands of practi- worse than the mistresses,” it said in an editorial dence”. “The court holds that the defendant said previously during his trial in September. Two people were handed death sentences for tioners staged a surprise but peaceful sit-in outside last year. “Although it’s a joke, it reflects a serious Liu Tienan as a government employee took They included cash and gifts for his son, the killing, which sparked a national outcry after it the leadership compound in Beijing to demand question: Whom should the anti-corruption advantage of his post to seek gains for others, among them a villa in Beijing and a Porsche, it official recognition of their movement. —Reuters emerged that the woman was beaten to death for effort depend on?” —AFP illegally took cash or gifts from others by him- said then.—AFP NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 KSE rebounds after Assembly, govt meet

Continued from Page 1 and the fall in oil prices, but this does not mean leaving small investors without help. He said the government the meeting focused on the sufferings of the small promised to take a series of measures and steps to recti- investors on the bourse and that “we will exert all efforts fy the situation and that the Assembly will monitor their to search for efficient solutions and will not leave them implementation. alone”. He also hoped that government’s pledges during KIA Director General Bader Al-Saad, whose authority the meeting will be reflected on the ground to resolve manages a large government fund in the bourse, said problems facing the bourse. that KIA follows a prudent investment policy so that “we Ghanem called for activating privatization, the Build- do not cause any losses to public funds”. Some dealers Operate-Transfer (BOT) program and the so-called ini- said yesterday that the bourse’s rebound is attributed to tiatives agency to become good alternatives for the the activity of the KIA fund. Head of the financial and dependence on oil. economic affairs committee MP Faisal Al-Shaye praised He said the meeting reviewed a number of legisla- the government’s response on the issues raised by MPs tions and measures that must be introduced to improve during the meeting. He said the meeting discussed the the Kuwaiti bourse. Ghanem said that all Gulf bourses status of market makers in the bourse and the role of have dropped under the influence of global markets government-run funds and portfolios. Time mag names Ebola fighters...

Continued from Page 1 in western Sierra Leone and northern Guinea. He said more foreign health workers and specialists were need- Time said the virus struck doctors and nurses in ed in areas where the disease was still spreading quick- unprecedented numbers, “wiping out a public-health ly, as were more treatment units and beds. infrastructure that was weak in the first place.” Nina Gibbs said governments were not equipped to HASHTGERD, Iran: In this Dec 5, 2014 photo, Iranian volunteers Roya Ahmadi (left) and Asal Moghaddam Pham, a Texas nurse who contracted Ebola while caring respond to the crisis, the World Health Organization was release dogs from their cages to feed them at the Vafa Animal Shelter. — AP for the first patient diagnosed with the killer virus on US in denial and snarled in red tape, and first responders soil, said she was delighted to be part of the accolade. were accused of crying wolf. “So honored to be a part of @Time Magazine’s POY!” she “This was a test of the world’s ability to respond to Iran’s unwelcome dogs tweeted. Pham and another nurse at Texas Health potential pandemics, and it did not go well. “It exposed Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas became infected with corruption in African governments along with compla- Ebola while caring for Thomas Eric Duncan, who died cency in Western capitals and jealousy among compet- on Oct 8. Both nurses survived. ing bureaucrats,” Gibbs wrote. She paid tribute to the find care at rare shelter Duncan was diagnosed with the disease after travel- people in the field, those sent by charities such as ling from his homeland Liberia to the United States, Doctors Without Borders, as well as local doctors and TEHRAN: Man’s best friend is seen as anything but in Iran, Western influence. But their efforts have met with resistance, where he was initially sent home from hospital. On nurses, ambulance drivers and burial teams. “Ebola is a where city workers gun down strays and conservatives view particularly from younger, more urban and more well-off Tuesday, the United Nations’ Ebola czar, David Nabarro, war, and a warning. The global health system is pet dogs as a corrupting Western influence. But in a rare ani- Iranians - the dog owner demographic - who helped elect welcomed widespread progress in the fight against the nowhere close to strong enough to keep us safe from mal shelter in the countryside west of Tehran, hundreds of President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate, last year. deadly virus, but warned the outbreak was still surging infectious disease,” wrote Gibbs. —AFP lucky pups have found mercy, and a growing number of “Dog owners sometimes bring them to public, in buses for Iranians are learning to love them. Islamic tradition holds cats example, or let the dog stick its head out of a car window to in high esteem, and in much of the Muslim world people leave show it to others. That is unacceptable,” said Mohammad Qatar takes pragmatic path in Gulf ties food out for feral felines. Stray dogs, on the other hand, are Ismail Kowsari, one of the parliamentarians supporting stiffer often seen as a public nuisance - overgrown rats with wag- penalties. “What made us consider drawing up such a bill was Continued from Page 1 months will tell whether Qatar has really changed its poli- ging tails. the increasing number of those who exhibit dogs by walking cies, or if it is unwilling, or maybe unable, to change,” he said. In Iran’s Islamic republic, dog ownership is seen as a perni- them in public.” in Libya” and urged “all Libyan parties to support legiti- Badrkhan said the concessions made at the summit do cious Western import, and conservative lawmakers have Kowsari added, however, that the mere ownership of a dog macy represented by the elected parliament”. not mean that Qatar will break its relationship with Islamists. called for it to be banned or at least heavily restricted, in line would not be criminalized, as long as it is kept indoors. The In contrast to the allegations of Qatari support for But Doha “does not want its ties with political Islam to with other regulations governing Western music and fashion. shelter has steered clear of the debate, and does not promote Islamists in Libya, UAE warplanes in August carried out undermine its regional and international relations, as it has But outside Tehran, more than 500 dogs find care and affec- dog-walking. Sani said authorities have generally been sup- strikes against them from neighbouring Egypt. Since Qatar’s big political and sporting ambitions that have seen set- tion at the Vafa Animal Shelter, which was established through portive of the shelter’s work, in part because it gathers up regional and international influence rose in the late 1990s, backs,” he said, referring to a campaign of criticism sparked an endowment in 2004 and is the country’s only licensed ani- strays and spays and neuters them. Homa Rashid, a dog the energy-rich US ally has been regularly accused of sup- by Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Qatar also holds mal refuge. “In our society, dogs are the most vulnerable ani- groomer, said the shelter relies on volunteers and private porting or financing insurgent movements. the world’s third-largest natural gas reserves. mals,” said Ali Sani, the shelter’s manager. “The dogs that are donors - which can be a hard sell at a time of crippling inter- brought here used to be in urban environments and were national sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program. “We try to Experts said Qatar is not expected to sever ties with Doha has already asked several Islamist leaders to leave struggling with problems and needed help.” convince people to donate, but unfortunately talking them Islamists, who still have supporters within the Arab world. and the Muslim Brotherhood’s spiritual guide Sheikh Yusuf The shelter rescues stray dogs, who otherwise risk being into helping this shelter is a very difficult job, because most of But it could limit the impact of the support on its political al-Qaradawi, whose speeches have angered the UAE, no shot and disposed of by municipal workers. But pet dogs them say as long as there are human beings that need help, and economic interests, as well as its sporting ambitions. For longer appears on Al-Jazeera, where he was a frequent don’t have it much better. Dog-walking in public is banned, as why should they help dogs?” now, Qatar’s policy does not seem to have radically guest. But Doha is still providing shelter for many others, is allowing dogs to stick their heads out of car windows. The shelter also struggles to find homes for dogs, with only changed. This is reflected by Doha-based Al-Jazeera news especially those who escaped a crackdown on the Around 30 lawmakers have signed onto a draft bill to punish around six being adopted each month. Iranians, like many channel, whose editorial line still appears to sympathise Brotherhood in Egypt. Kuwaiti political analyst Ayed Al- dog walkers with up to $3,000 in fines and 74 lashes, but a other prospective dog owners, prefer purebreds to strays, with Islamists. “Qatar could have made formal concessions Manaa said Qatar “chose to remain within the GCC where it similar previous attempt failed. The dispute over dogs is part something the shelter is trying to change. “We want to show to save the summit and joined (official) statements. But this has interests”. “But we must not quickly draw conclusions” of a culture war in Iran that dates back to the revolution in people that those homeless dogs that they see in streets and does not (necessarily) reflect a change in its policy,” a Gulf because “Egypt must also make steps towards Qatar,” he 1979 that toppled the pro-Western shah. Conservatives have alleyways can be our best friends,” said Afsaneh Zarrin, who is official told AFP on condition of anonymity. “The coming said. — AFP sought to impose their version of Islam on society and rid it of in charge of adoptions. —AP Palestinian official dies after Israel... Malala, Satyarthi receive peace Nobel... Continued from Page 1 officials said the clash erupted in response to the death Continued from Page 1 but there are so many girls who cannot go to school, there are of Abu Ein. Shortly before his death, Abu Ein was seen on so many boys who cannot go to school,” she said. “They have Ahmed Bitawi, the director of the Ramallah hospital, Palestinian media berating the Israeli army for blocking Malala became a global icon after she was shot and nearly never dreamed of any iPad, any PlayStation, any Xbox. The only killed by the Taleban in Oct 2012 for insisting that girls had a thing that they dream of is a school, a book and a pen.” told AFP that Abu Ein “was martyred after being beaten the march. “This is the occupation army which terrorises right to an education. In a speech peppered with self-deprecat- Satyarthi, 60, was recognised by the Nobel committee for a in the chest”. Abbas said his death would not go unan- the Palestinians. We came to plant trees in our Palestinian ing humour, she used the award ceremony to call not just for 35-year battle to free thousands of children from virtual slave swered. “We will take the necessary measures after the land,” he said. “This is the terror of the occupation army, education but also for fairness and peace. “The so-called world labour. “I refuse to accept that the world is so poor when just results of the investigation into the incident.” which oppresses our people.” Abu Ein had previously of adults may understand it, but we children don’t. Why is it that one week of global military expenditure is enough to bring all The Israeli army, or IDF, said it was “reviewing the cir- been arrested and imprisoned by Israel. He was extradit- countries which we call ‘strong’ are so powerful in creating wars of our children into classrooms,” he said after receiving the prize. cumstances” of the incident and had proposed a joint ed from the United States in 1981 over the killing of two but so weak in bringing peace?” she said. “Why is it that giving “I refuse to accept that the shackles of slavery can ever be... investigation with the Palestinians. A statement said Israelis in 1979 and sentenced to life in prison, but guns is so easy but giving books is so hard? Why is it that mak- stronger than the quest for freedom.” Malala was 15 when a Israeli forces had been confronted with “approximately released in 1985 in a prisoner exchange. ing tanks is so easy, but building schools is so difficult?” Malala, Taleban gunman shot her in the head as she travelled on a 200 rioters”. “Forces halted the progress of the rioters... Beside his role in the PA monitoring Israeli settle- who described herself as the “first recipient of the Nobel Peace school bus in response to her campaign for girls’ education. using riot dispersal means,” the statement said. It said an ments and the separation barrier, Abu Ein was a mem- Prize who still fights with her younger brothers,” triggered Although she almost died, she recovered after being flown for Israeli pathologist would be joining a delegation of ber of the Fatah Revolutionary Council and previously applause and also frequent outbursts of laughter during her extensive surgery in Birmingham, central England. She has pathologists from Jordan to examine the incident. served as deputy Palestinian minister for prisoner speech. But the underlying message was that a world that may been based in the city with her family ever since, continuing The Islamist movement Hamas, the de facto ruler in affairs. His death follows months of tensions between soon be able to send a person to Mars still allows millions to both her education and activism. The pairing of Malala and the Gaza Strip, issued a statement mourning Abu Ein’s Israelis and Palestinians and a wave of unrest in the suffer from “the very old problems of hunger, poverty, injustice Satyarthi had the extra symbolism of linking neighbouring death and calling on the West Bank-based PA to cease West Bank and Arab east Jerusalem. Israelis are on edge and conflicts.” countries that have been in conflict for decades. security coordination with Israel. “The time has come to after recent “hit-and-run” car attacks by Palestinians that Moments after Malala received the prize, a man carrying a After she was named as the winner, Malala said she wanted rally all our forces in facing the criminal Zionist occupa- killed five people, as well as an assault last month that Mexican flag walked towards her, but was caught by security. both states’ prime ministers to attend the prize-giving ceremony tion and stop all sorts of security coordination with the saw two Palestinians burst into a Jerusalem synagogue, The motives of the man, who was later identified as a student in Oslo. Although the leaders of the two South Asian archene- occupation,” a statement said. Hours later, near Ramallah, leaving four rabbis and a policeman dead. The tensions and asylum seeker from Mexico, were unknown. Before the cer- mies were not present in Oslo yesterday, Malala expressed opti- Israeli troops shot and seriously wounded a 14-year-old have been heightened by Israeli announcements of emony, Malala and Satyarthi met with 7,000 Norwegian chil- mism for her region. “I am... glad that we can stand together and Palestinian in the head during a clash at Jelazoun refugee new settlement construction in east Jerusalem and the dren aged between six and 14 in the heart of Oslo. “You have show the world that an Indian and a Pakistani can be united in camp, Palestinian security officials and medics said. The West Bank. — AFP given me so much energy,” Malala said. “You might not know peace and together work for children’s rights,” she said. —AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Differences persist after ‘happy summit’

By Angus Mcdowall

summit of Gulf Arab leaders billed as sealing a reconciliation after months of vitriol was Adescribed as the “happy summit” by their club’s secretary general, but despite pledges of unity from its members, mistrust persists. “We cannot be sidetracked by differences over details,” said Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim, who hosted Tuesday’s meeting. His words were a call to unity, but also an implicit message to Doha’s Gulf critics to cease criticism of its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, seen by neighbours as a danger- CIA torture confronts US with demons ous enemy. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), made up of By Jerome Cartillier “Did they achieve it? Did they make us exposing it,” said Vice President Joe Biden, will likely not lead to any concrete action. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab safer? Less safe? Or did they make no differ- summarizing the report in his typical “Republicans, who will soon control the Emirates and Oman, is the most stable and prosperous ore than a decade after the Sept ence? What did they gain us? What did straightforward style, Senate and have the majority on the intelli- bloc in the Middle East, but its influence on Arab affairs 11 attacks, a bruised and divided they cost us? The truth is sometimes a hard gence panel, denounced the report, acting has been weakened by infighting. In March, Saudi MUnited States is still grappling with pill to swallow. It sometimes causes us diffi- ‘Old Wounds’ as though it is the reporting of the torture Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain pulled their ambassadors their dark legacy, as the squalid details of culties at home and abroad. It is sometimes It remains far from clear that the Senate and not the torture itself that is bad for the from Qatar over its backing of Islamists and only CIA torture dominate front pages. used by our enemies in attempts to hurt report will mark - as Secretary of State John country,” it said. returned them last month after intensive mediation by America’s drone assassins still crisscross the us,” he said. “But the American people are Kerry suggested optimistically - “a coda to a Beyond the question of torture, the Kuwait aimed at allowing the summit to go ahead. skies over Middle East battlefields, US mili- entitled to it, nonetheless.” chapter in our history”. Although there are shockwaves caused by the Senate intelli- Before Tuesday’s meeting, Gulf officials had eagerly tary advisers are returning to Iraq and Sleep deprivation, isolation, confine- exceptions, like McCain, most of the gence committee’s three-year investigation trailed the expected announcement of a new joint mili- scores of prisoners languish in ment, waterboarding, forced rectal feeding, Republicans who will form a majority in the could also add fodder to other debates. tary command centre, to be based in Riyadh and with Guantanamo Bay’s military jail. And as brandishing power drills and threatening to new Senate from next month opposed Widespread US phone and Internet surveil- each country pledging military units that it could call troops battle militants abroad, a Senate make a detainee watch his mother’s rape - releasing the report and disputed its con- lance, revealed in documents leaked by for- upon in crisis. But the final statement only voiced satis- committee’s report into the Central the Senate report is searing. More than 100 clusions. Republican Senator Saxby mer NSA contractor Edward Snowden, faction on efforts to reach this goal, which was first Intelligence Agency’s ruthless abuse of War prisoners were held at secret facilities far Chambliss vehemently denounced the sparked an outcry in the United States and announced in 2012 and agreed to pursue it further with on Terror detainees has forced America to from US soil, the details of their treatment publication, which he said re-opened “old around the world. A reform project aimed more studies. A joint police unit, to be based in Abu confront its own demons. “It isn’t about our kept hidden from even Congress. The report wounds”. He lamented that, as “the world at updating the Patriot Act and curtailing Dhabi and focus on security issues, was set up. enemies; it’s about us. It’s about who we also takes a dim view of the success from around us burns,” a commission spent five the warrantless wire-tapping denounced “They wanted this summit to be a success, so they were, who we are and who we aspire to be. the techniques which, it says, were “not an years and $40 million studying an aban- by Snowden was blocked in November by have decided not to talk about the things they still dis- It’s about how we represent ourselves to effective means of obtaining accurate infor- doned program. Senate Republicans. agree on,” said a Gulf political analyst. Abdulkhaleq the world,” said Senator John McCain. mation” on imminent terror threats. On the opposite side, a number of rights Micah Zenko of the US think tank the Abdulla, a UAE political scientist, said the alliance was The 78-year-old former presidential can- In a carefully worded statement, groups, led by Amnesty International, have Council on Foreign Relations said US leaders operating on “minimum” cooperation, suggesting that didate and veteran senator made a power- President Barack Obama denounced the urged criminal prosecutions against US must now be more transparent on another even holding of the summit was something of an ful plea against torture, which he himself CIA’s tactics - methods which he banned on officials. But so far, the Justice Department issue: the “targeted killings” of suspected ter- achievement. “The fact this meeting took place in Doha experienced when he was a prisoner of war taking office in 2009 - as “contrary to our has apparently rejected taking such a rorists in Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen. “If was a positive. A few weeks back we didn’t expect it,” he in Vietnam. The United States, he said, must values.” But he also took care to emphasize move. A senior official said noting in the the 119 detainees who entered the rendi- face up to the questions raised by its con- that his predecessor George W Bush was report would cause it to reopen a closed tion and interrogation program 26 of whom said. duct in the wake of the September 2001 confronted with “agonizing choices” during investigation. In a cutting editorial on what were wrongly detained - deserve a public The biggest bone of contention since the Arab attacks on its cities. “What were the poli- the “difficult years” that followed the fall of it called the CIA’s “lies,” the New York Times accounting, then don’t the 3,500 who have spring, when Saudi Arabia called on the bloc to move to cies? What was their purpose?” he asked. the Twin Towers. “We made a mistake, we’re predicted, and lamented, that the report been killed deserve this as well?” —AFP the stage of “unity as a single entity”, has been Qatar’s support of the Muslim Brotherhood viewed with deep suspicion by other Gulf states. Qatar’s eviction of some Brotherhood members and its promises to fellow GCC states not to give the group a platform inside the Gulf Venezuela’s poor sour on Maduro were enough for a formal reconciliation, but they did not resolve continued disputes over foreign policy. There are also differences over policy towards Iran, By Alexandra Ulmer tion programs. demonize the opposition and depicts pre-Chavez which both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain see as a mortal But stores are increasingly low on stocks. Women Venezuela as a living hell for the poor. foe, and over the group’s ultimate form. Some of its acking potatoes at his vegetable stand on a sun- clutching babies often dash out to buy diapers and deter- Withdrawing support for the PSUV is a painful decision for many who felt a spiritual connection with the messianic members fear further integration would lead to their baked street in Caracas’s hillside Catia slum, Jesus gent, currently two of the most coveted products, whenev- Jimenez fondly recounts voting for late president er they hear some have arrived. Meanwhile, many of the Chavez. Marisol Aponte, a community organizer in the domination by its most populous member Saudi P Hugo Chavez. Like millions in Venezuela’s poor “barrios,” signature “Inside the Barrio” medical outposts are closed or roughly 8,000 strong Cacique Tiuna showpiece “socialist Arabia. the chatty father of 14 worshipped the larger-than-life lack adequate equipment. Currency controls have foment- city” on a hill overlooking Caracas, is about as “Chavista” as Chavez and benefited from his welfare programs, especial- ed a black market where dollars now fetch over 27 times they come - but even she is having doubts. “When Chavez Iran, Egypt, Libya ly Cuban-staffed free health centers and substantial pen- the strongest official exchange rate, hitting imports of died I felt like my father had died,” says Aponte, a mother of Since it was founded in 1981 to close Arab ranks sion rises. So after Chavez’s death last year, Jimenez natu- basic goods. Wealthier Venezuelans dodge the long waits seven. “I was left with an uncle who doesn’t listen to me against Iran’s revolution, the GCC has strengthened ties rally voted for the leader’s hand-picked protege Nicolas by hiring people to shop for them, buying goods abroad, the same way.” in a crisis, but done little to advance a supposed goal of Maduro, a former union activist and bus driver who vowed turning to high-end stores or simply leaving the country. She complains of “stagnation” at Cacique Tiuna: resi- greater unity. The group’s annual summits regularly call to continue the idiosyncratic brand of socialism known as The poor have few such options, so in once zealously pro- dents don’t do their share of communal work, there are for closer ties, but longstanding efforts to achieve a cus- “Chavismo”. government heartlands, the tide appears to be turning as problems of internal tensions and domestic violence, and toms union, a missile shield and other goals have made Now, though, he struggles to make ends meet as infla- never before. community projects are not receiving much major new little apparent headway. The efforts to demonstrate tion running at over 60 percent eats into his meager funding. But while Aponte considers herself more “centrist” goodwill extended to the group’s decision to praise income and he spends hours in lines to buy scarce flour or Approval Ratings Plunge than before, she cannot bring herself to vote against Oman for the role it played in hosting secret talks medicines. Furious, he says he would readily protest Only 24.5 percent of Venezuelans approved of Maduro Maduro. “It would be like betraying myself.” between the United States and Iran, as a precursor to against Maduro. “Never in my 56 years of life have I seen in November, down from 50.6 percent at the start of his last year’s deal for formal negotiations over Tehran’s the country like this. I’m never voting for this government government, according to leading local pollster Datanalisis. ‘Going Backwards’ nuclear plans. again,” he grumbles as motorbikes zip up the steep Just around 16 percent of Venezuelans identified Next door, dance teacher Estilita Fernandez is exhaust- The GCC supports the talks - provided they ensure street and shoppers mill around. “I don’t have with the ruling party in July and November, ed from waking at 3 a.m. to commute to a job she says Iran cannot gain atomic military capability - but in pri- a life anymore. Everything is a queue,” the lowest levels in over a decade. In doesn’t pay her enough to get by, and then queuing up for vate Saudi officials had been furious about Muscat’s role the raspy-voiced vendor adds, knot- Maduro’s favor, however, a fractured food on weekends. “It’s one thing to love the revolution, in helping the deal happen, diplomats in the Gulf said ting bags of potatoes. opposition has failed to capitalize but we have to eat,” she says at the Cacique Tiuna school. at the time. Although the group made a statement of Increasing numbers of low- on the disgruntlement so disaf- But for all her complaints, she says she will not vote against support for Egypt, whose government has been at dag- income Venezuelans are souring on fected “Chavistas” may be more Maduro. “If the government is pushed out, maybe we will gers drawn with Qatar over its backing of the Maduro as they suffer a declining likely to abstain than switch be too.” Many see opposition leaders as a pampered elite Brotherhood, there was no announcement of any new economy, the highest inflation in sides. intent on slashing the popular social programs that sharply initiative to restore ties between Doha and Cairo. While the Americas, chronic shortages of Opposition leader Henrique cut poverty levels in the Chavez years. they agreed to condemn the role of militias in Libya, basic goods and one of the world’s Capriles did win over voters dur- The recent collapse in oil prices is worsening they did not specify which were more to blame in a highest murder rates. Swelling frus- ing his two presidential cam- Venezuela’s cash crunch and apparent recession but conflict where Qatar and the UAE continue to back tration in the tough slums dotting paigns, but a lot were turned off Maduro is reluctant to make any policy changes that could opposing armed forces. The summit was cut short from Caracas’s rolling hills means Maduro again by what they deemed spark unrest or criticism he is straying from socialist ideals. two days to one at the last minute. “We agree on all the is much more vulnerable, especially useless and destructive street Blaming the problems on an “economic war” waged by a issues so we don’t need more time. We read this as a as oil prices fall to around five-year protests led by radical oppo- local elite and their “imperial” allies, officials shut down very positive and healthy indication,” a Gulf official told lows. These were the neighbor- nents earlier this year. While shops on allegations of hoarding and overcharging cus- Reuters. —Reuters hoods that provided the most loyal there is no sign major unrest tomers. backing to Chavez during his 14- will kick off again, there has Some Chavistas seem dumbfounded by the economic year rule, voting for him over and been a smattering of isolated downturn. Gladys Moncada, an employee at a lamp store over again and taking to the protests against shortages, in Catia, supported Chavez for his social policies, including streets to help return him to office electricity cuts and crime, improving her blind mother’s pension. “I was a fervent All articles appearing on these during a brief coup in 2002. chiefly in provincial towns “Chavista,” she said in the store, which is selling lamps from pages are the personal opinion of Maduro’s popularity is falling and smuggling-rife areas near its stock because it no longer receives imports. “I wish I fast, there are more signs of dis- the Colombian border. could say I still am but the situation is too hard. Everything the writers. Kuwait Times takes no sent inside his ruling party and he The ruling Socialist Party, or is going backwards.” responsibility for views expressed could be embarrassed at legisla- PSUV, is showing signs of Groceries eat up to half of her minimum wage salary, therein. Kuwait Times invites read- tive elections next year if voters in strain. One dissident wing, equal to $776 dollars at the strongest official currency rate former “Chavista” strongholds Socialist Tide, berates Maduro but just around $27 on the black market. Moncada is tak- ers to voice their opinions. Please abandon him. He could even be daily for betraying Chavez’s ing out loans and selling ice cream and bracelets to sur- send submissions via email to: opin- ousted in 2016 if the opposition legacy and letting corruption vive. She has stopped buying clothes, housing appliances [email protected] or via snail manages to promote a recall refer- flourish, and appears on the and certain pricey fruits and vegetables. Recently, her endum and attract enough disillu- verge of expulsion or breakaway. brother-in-law was murdered. Fed up, Moncada now says mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. sioned “Chavistas”. To be sure, many Maduro insists “Chavistas” are still the she too would protest against Maduro. Back at the veg- The editor reserves the right to edit slum residents despise opposition lead- majority though he admits to prob- etable stand, Jimenez echoes what many Venezuelans are any submission as necessary. ers and the state still runs subsidized lems and has urged unity in tackling saying: the situation is unsustainable. “This is going to supermarkets, medical centers and educa- them. The government tries to explode one day. When? I don’t know.” —Reuters p15_Layout 1 12/10/14 10:21 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 SPORTS

McLaren to announce drivers Malaysia laments absence Feng leads in Dubai LONDON: McLaren could put a spring in Jenson Button’s step, or bring KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton ‘powerhouse’ Malaysia lamented their DUBAI: China’s Feng Shanshan, the highest ranked player in the field at down the curtain on the 2009 world champion’s Formula One career, today absence from next week’s $1 million Super Series Masters Finals in Dubai world number 5, overcame a mystery illness to master the tough afternoon when they are expected to announce their 2015 driver lineup. The team, and warned the current crop of shuttlers to buck up their ideas or risk conditions and join Sweden’s Carin Koch on top of the leaderboard at the who are starting a new partnership with Honda and have yet to announce a being axed. With world number one Lee Chong Wei suspended for a dop- end of the opening day’s play yesterday of the 500,000 euros Dubai Ladies title sponsor, called a news conference at their Woking headquarters for “an ing violation, Malaysia will have no representatives at the prestigious Dec. Masters. In the season-ending championship of the Ladies European Tour important and exclusive media event”. No details were given, 17-21 end-of-season event for the top eight men, women and doubles (LET), Feng closed with a 12-footer birdie on the final hole of the Majlis and McLaren gave no further indications when contacted, teams. “We are one of the badminton powerhouses but it is sad that we will course for a six-under par round of 66, a mark that had been but the move was interpreted by an expectant media as not have any Malaysian in this major BWF tournament for the first time. set in the morning group by the 43-year-old Koch. evidence a driver decision had been reached at last This should not happen again,” Badminton Association of Malaysia deputy Unlike Feng, Koch had started her round from the after a board meeting last week ended without news. president Norza Zakaria was quoted as saying in local newspapers yester- 10th hole, and could have finished as sole leader after Button’s future has been the big question in the day. Lee won the men’s singles title at four of the six editions, with other the eight-birdie round but for a dropped shot on her clos- sport for months, with the 34-year-old Briton out of Malaysian successes coming only in the early years. ing hole. contract and McLaren the only team yet to name their Wong Pei Tty and Chin Eei Hui took the first two women’s doubles In the race to become the new European number one, drivers. crowns, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong the inaugural men’s champi- England’s Charley Hull started her campaign in excellent One is sure to be Spain’s double world champion onship in 2008 and Wong Mew Choo the women’s singles in 2009. Norza fashion with a five-under par 67. That round gave her a two- Fernando Alonso, already replaced at Ferrari by said Malaysia had become too dependent on Lee, who was provisionally shot advantage over her nearest rival for the Order of Merit four times titleholder Sebastian Vettel but suspended by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) last month for an crown, Gwladys Nocera of France. Winner of last week’s whose return has yet to be confirmed offi- “apparent” anti-doping violation. The 32-year-old, twice Commonwealth Women’s Indian Open, Nocera needs to make 22,716 cially by McLaren despite being an open Games champion and double Olympic silver medallist, appealed the ver- euros more than Hull this week and she opened with a secret.—Reuters dict and is awaiting the decision.—Reuters steady three-under par 69.—AFP Devils fall to Blackhawks, Wild win

NEWARK: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane scored in a shootout, and the Chicago Blackhawks rallied late to earn their seventh straight victory with a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. Bryan Bickell and Duncan Keith had goals in regulation for Chicago, whose winning streak matches the NHL high for this season. Scott Darling made 22 saves, including two stops in the shootout. The loss spoiled the first NHL start for Devils goalie Keith Kincaid, who made 37 saves. Jordin Tootoo and Stephen Gionta scored for New Jersey. and Steve Bernier added two assists for the Devils, who were trying for back to back wins.

BLUE JACKETS 3, FLYERS 2 Kevin Connauton scored his first goal of the season at 1:58 of overtime to lift Columbus past Philadelphia for its fourth straight win. Boone Jenner scored in his career-best fourth straight game, and Scott Hartnell also had a goal. Sergei Bobrovsky made 19 saves. Brayden Schenn had both goals for the Flyers, including one after a video review with 55.3 sec- onds left in the third period. Mason stopped 21 shots. Columbus’ longest winning streak of the season follows a six-game skid that was part of a 2-13-2 stretch. Connauton played his seventh game since being picked up off waivers from Dallas on Nov. 18. The Flyers, playing the last of a five-game, 11-day trip, had lost 10 of 11 before beating Los Angeles on Saturday.

WILD 5, ISLANDERS 4 Nino Niederreiter tapped in the go-ahead goal with 4:33 left and capped a furious come- back by Minnesota in a win over the New York Islanders. The Wild trailed 3-0 after the first peri- od and 4-1 at the second intermission, but they were fired up midway through the game. Defenseman Keith Ballard was sent to a hospital after his head bounced hard on the ice, following a hit from Matt Martin. Jason Pominville, Mikko Koivu, Erik Haula and Thomas Vanek scored for the Wild, and Niederreiter followed with the most dramatic goal against the team that chose him No. 5 in the 2010 draft. Chad Johnson made 25 saves for the Islanders, who lost their second straight after leading 3-0 in the first. Michael Grabner, Brock Nelson and Martin scored early for the Islanders, and Josh Bailey gave them a 4-1 lead on their lone shot of the second period. Niklas Backstrom made 15 saves for the Wild, who outshot the Islanders 27-8 over the final two periods. NEWARK: The puck enters the net of New Jersey Devils goalkeeper Keith Kinkaid (1) on a shot by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) as Devils’ Mike Sislo (32) tries to defend during the third period of an NHL hockey game. —AP SABRES 1, KINGS 0 Tyler Ennis’ third-period, power-play goal lift- Washington also got goals from Matt Niskanen, his NHL-leading 22nd goal, and Antoine Roussel the first period, and Phil Kessel and Mike Gabriel Bourque and James Neal scored empty- ed Buffalo to a win over Los Angeles Kings on Brooks Laich and Troy Brouwer. Ovechkin has 37 also scored for Dallas. Santorelli had empty-net goals in the final net goals in the closing minutes for the Tuesday night. Jhonas Enroth made 34 saves for goals and 74 points in 56 games against Tampa Lowry’s first goal broke a 2-2 tie as his low minute. Markus Granlund got the Flames on the Predators, who avoided their first two-game los- his first shutout since April 13, 2013, and the Bay. Ovechkin opened the scoring 40 seconds in shot got past Trevor Daley’s sliding block board with a power-play goal early in the third to ing streak of the season. Sabres kept up their home mastery of the Kings. when he beat Ben Bishop from in-close. He attempt and between goalie Kari Lehtonen’s legs make it 2-1. Jonas Hiller had 25 saves as Calgary Forsberg scored the 12th goal of his rookie Los Angeles is 1-11-1-1 in its last 14 games in added his 436th goal, one shy of tying Pavel Bure at 7:22 of the second. lost consecutive games in regulation for the first season, and Rinne did the rest in stopping 26 Buffalo. Jonathan Quick had a shutout streak of for 66th place the NHL career list, with an empty- The Stars then pulled Lehtonen, and Lowry time this season. Calgary had a 33-29 shots shots. He has won eight of his past 10 starts, lim- 119 minutes, 54 seconds against Buffalo netter. Steven Stamkos scored his 250th goal for scored on a rebound against backup Jussi advantage. Toronto, coming off a 3-2 loss to San iting opponents to two goals or fewer in those snapped by Ennis. Quick blanked the Sabres on the Lightning, who have lost three of four. The Rynnas at 9:41. Frolik’s short-handed goal with Jose that snapped a four-game winning streak, games. Calvin Pickard made 33 saves in place of Oct. 23 in Los Angeles. Tampa Bay captain became the 10th youngest 40 seconds remaining in the period capped the finished its homestand 4-1 and improved to 6-1- Semyon Varlamov, who missed his 10th game of The Sabres snapped a two-game losing streak NHL player to reach the milestone at 24 years, scoring. Lehtonen stopped 14 of the 17 shots he 1 following consecutive lopsided losses to the season after aggravating a groin injury dur- and won their third straight at home. The 305 days. Brian Boyle and Valtteri Filppula had faced, and Rynnas finished with 13 saves on 15 Buffalo and Nashville. ing practice on Monday. The Avalanche fell to 0- defending champion Kings lost consecutive other Tampa Bay goals. shots. The Stars dropped to 0-7-3 against Central 3-1 in December after winning five of their last games for the fourth time this season. Division opponents. CANADIENS 3, CANUCKS 1 seven in November. JETS 5, STARS 2 Tomas Plekanec scored the go-ahead goal CAPITALS 5, LIGHTNING 3 Winnipeg rookie Adam Lowry scored twice in MAPLE LEAFS 4, FLAMES 1 late in the third period to lead Montreal over SHARKS 5, OILERS 2 Braden Holtby made 33 saves, Alex Ovechkin the second period to lead the Jets over Dallas. Jonathan Bernier stopped 32 shots, James Vancouver. Brendan Gallagher and Max Joe Pavelski scored two goals, and San Jose scored twice to break out of a four-game Mathieu Perreault, Blake Wheeler and Michael van Riemsdyk scored the winning goal early in Pacioretty also scored for the Canadiens, who bounced back from a loss at Edmonton to win drought, and Washington beat Tampa Bay to Frolik also scored for Winnipeg. Michael the second period, and Toronto topped Calgary. snapped a three-game losing streak. Carey Price the back end of the home-and-home set. complete a perfect three-game road trip. Hutchinson stopped 26 shots. Tyler Seguin had Toronto’s Peter Holland scored midway through stopped 15 shots. Derek Dorsett scored and Ryan Barclay Goodrow, Logan Couture and Brent Miller made 21 saves as Vancouver finished a 3-3- Burns also scored for the Sharks, who have won 1 road trip. Plekanec scored the tiebreaking goal five of six with the only loss coming on Sunday in with 4:16 remaining. Before the game, the Edmonton to the worst team in the Western Prosecutors win bid to appeal Pistorius verdict Canadiens honored the late Jean Beliveau with a Conference. PRETORIA: South African prosecutors yester- viction. The decision could leave Pistorius Mncube said. The NPA was criticised over the video tribute, moment of silence, and lengthy Alex Stalock made 25 saves as he started con- day won their bid to appeal the culpable homi- open to a prison sentence of at least 15 years if orginal conviction against Pistorius and faced standing ovation. secutive games for the first time since last March. cide verdict handed down to athlete Oscar he is convicted of murder. “I cannot say the further disdain this week for bungling the mur- Jordan Eberle, David Perron scored for the Oilers, Pistorius for killing his girlfriend Reeva prospect of success at the Supreme Court is der case against British national Shrien PREDATORS 3, AVALANCHE 0 who were unable to carry over the momentum Steenkamp and will now seek a murder con- remote,” Judge Thokozile Masipa said in granti- Dewani, who was cleared on Monday of con- Filip Forsberg scored 2:23 in and added a late from their 2-1 win over the Sharks that snapped ng the appeal. spiring to kill his wife during their honeymoon assist, and Pekka Rinne earned his third shutout an 11-game losing streak. Ben Scrivens made 19 The Olympic and Paralympic track star, in Cape Town. of the season as Nashville blanked Colorado. saves. —AP aged 28, is currently serving prison time after The matter that will be heard next year will being convicted in October of culpable homi- evaluate if Masipa’s ruling based on the legal cide after a seven-month trial. principle of ‘dolus eventualis’ was correctly NHL results/standings He has admitted killing Steenkamp on applied and if prosecutors succeed, they can Feb.14, 2013, by firing four shots into the demand a stiffer sentence. Masipa’s original Chicago 3, New Jersey 2 (So); Columbus 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT); Toronto 4, Calgary 1; Montreal 3, Vancouver 1; locked door of a toilet cubicle in what he said decision to rule out murder was criticised by Washington 5, Tampa Bay 3; Buffalo 1, Los Angeles 0; Minnesota 5, NY Islanders 4; Winnipeg 5, Dallas 2; Nashville was the mistaken belief an intruder was hiding several legal experts and the Women’s League 3, Colorado 0; San Jose 5, Edmonton 2. behind it. Masipa said during sentencing that of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) Western Conference Tampa Bay 18 8 3 101 77 39 the state failed to convince her of Pistorius’ as an erroneous interpretation of the law. By Pacific Division Montreal 18 10 2 77 77 38 WLOTLGFGAPTS Toronto 15 9 3 93 80 33 intent to kill when he fired. But state prosecu- the time the appeal is heard before a panel of Anaheim 18 6 5 85 79 41 tor Gerrie Nel said in his application to appeal South Africa’s most senior judges, Pistorius, Boston 15 12 1 72 72 31 Vancouver 18 9 2 88 81 38 Florida 11 8 7 58 68 29 that the judgement was “shockingly inappro- who did not attend the appeal process, could Calgary 17 10 2 90 76 36 Ottawa 11 11 5 70 74 27 priate” and argued that even if Pistorius did not be out of prison as his five-year sentence only San Jose 15 11 4 86 81 34 Buffalo 10 16 2 48 85 22 know Steenkamp was behind the door when Los Angeles 14 9 5 72 60 33 requires that he serves 10 months behind bars Metropolitan Division he fired, he showed intent to kill whoever was and the balance under house arrest. Pistorius, Arizona 10 15 3 66 90 23 Edmonton 7 16 5 62 96 19 Pittsburgh 18 6 3 88 64 39 there. In granting the application, Masipa said whose lower legs were amputated as a baby, Central Division NY Islanders 19 9 0 90 79 38 the prosecution’s points were questions of law became one of the world’s most celebrated Chicago 19 8 1 88 55 39 Washington 13 10 4 79 74 30 and should therefore go to the Supreme Court athletes after he became a Paralympic champi- Nashville 18 7 2 73 54 38 NY Rangers 12 10 4 77 76 28 of Appeal for consideration. on then took part in the 2012 Olympics and St. Louis 18 8 2 80 65 38 New Jersey 11 13 5 68 83 27 PRETORIA: South African judge Thokozile South Africa’s National Prosecuting other international events. The killing of Winnipeg 15 9 5 69 66 35 Philadelphia 9 13 5 70 85 23 Minnesota 15 10 1 76 65 31 Masipa delivers judgement during the Authority (NPA) welcomed the decision. “Our Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law grad- Columbus 10 15 2 64 90 22 appeal by prosecutors against the verdict Dallas 10 13 5 81 100 25 argument was that he should have been con- uate, led to one of the most sensational trials Colorado 9 13 6 72 92 24 Carolina 8 16 3 59 76 19 and sentence of South African Paralympic victed of murder. That is, of course, what we in South Africa’s recent history and cost him his Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in athlete Oscar Pistorius in the North would like to happen,” NPA spokesman Nathi reputation and his fortune.—Reuters Atlantic Division the standings and are not included in the loss col- Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. —AFP Detroit 17 6 5 88 70 39 umn (L). p16_Layout 1 12/10/14 10:19 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 SPORTS Rain washes play

PALLEKELE: The cricket ground is covered in plastic sheets as rain interrupts play during the fifth one day international cricket match between Sri Lanka and England. —AP

KANDY: England will start their one-day international a modest 239 in the fifth of seven ODIs in the series, reserve day after the second half of Wednesday’s play threatened to open up during the latter stages of the innings against Sri Lanka today after rain ended play in which the hosts lead 3-1. Although it is an ODI, the rules was washed out. England must reach their 240 victory Sri Lankan innings caused a steady shower at the Kandy yesterday. The tourists had restricted Sri Lanka to allow England to start their innings on Thursday’s target to stay alive in the series. Dark clouds which had innings break. —AFP Pakistan on edge as Kenya arrive in Lahore

KARACHI: Kenya’s national cricket team Gaddafi stadium for a test match. arrived in Lahore amid tight security yester- day for the most high-profile series in SECURITY CONCERNS Pakistan since a March 2009 attack on the This time the PCB has housed the Kenya Sri Lanka team. team at the NCA residential quarters. With The Kenyan players and officials were a bustling commercial food street operat- whisked away under police escort to the ing outside the stadium, the board has National Cricket Academy adjacent to the even asked those businesses to close for Pakistan board headquarters at the Gaddafi two weeks. stadium. Pakistan have had to play all their Kenya, who will play five one-day “home” games in the United Arab Emirates matches against a Pakistan A side, are only because of security concerns, losing out on the second team to play international crick- significant revenues, but Khan hoped that et in the country since tours were suspend- would change. ed after militants attacked the Sri Lankans “Once this tour goes smoothly then we in Lahore. will be in a position to start more concerted Six Pakistani policemen and a van driver efforts to invite other teams to play in were killed in that attack while some Sri Pakistan,” he said. Kenya captain Shem Lanka players and a Pakistani umpire, Ngoche and coach Steve Tikolo told a news Ahsan Raza, sustained injuries. conference they were not worried about Although Afghanistan have played a security. couple of low profile series in Pakistan “We have no apprehensions about play- since 2009, a senior PCB official told ing in Pakistan. We know we will be taken Reuters the Kenyan visit was much more good care off. This tour for us is all about significant. cricket and gives us a great opportunity to “We are doing everything to ensure we give exposure to our new players,” said don’t have a repeat of the 2009 incident. Ngoche. We are coordinating closely with the police Kenya, once regulars at the ICC World and government to provide top security to Cup, have struggled in recent years and the visitors,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan failed to qualify for the 2015 tournament. said. The Sri Lanka team was attacked while They play their opening game in Lahore on travelling by bus from their hotel to the Dec 13. —Reuters Palmer hopes for helping hand on Tour debut ADELAIDE: Australia’s Steve Smith plays a reverse sweep against India during the second day of their cricket Test match. —AP

CAPE TOWN: As anybody who has hacked can think he is joking around. their way through 18 holes will tell you, “Fellow pros know how the yips can golf is a hard enough game with two hands have a devastating effect on your game Clarke defies pain on the club so why would you try and play and I know I wouldn’t be on the European with one? Tour if it wasn’t for the change that I made. Briton Jason Palmer knows as he pre- “I do get some strange looks at pro-ams pares to make his European Tour debut at where some amateurs don’t think you are the Alfred Dunhill Championship at taking things seriously, but I have taken to for brave century Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa warning them now before I play a shot.” on Thursday where he will put on display his unusual chipping game. NOVEL ADAPTATION ADELAIDE: Captain Michael Clarke defied a and his running between the wickets was con- He jogged away from the wicket and pointed The 30-year-old said he would not have Palmer believes his career can be a les- back injury and grief over the death of Phillip strained. But he and Smith gradually took con- towards the ‘408’-Hughes’s Test cap number- reached this level had he not made one key son in how to adapt to something outside Hughes to post an inspirational century as trol, hitting out late in the day as India faltered. painted on the playing surface, before raising his change to his game-he chips using his right the norm if it helps you to be successful. Australia took charge of the first Test against Clarke brought up his ton with a single off his bat and looking skywards in his own salute to hand only anywhere within 50 yards of the “There are countless examples of play- India yesterday. pads, taking off his helmet and kissing its the batsman. green. “I was battling with my short play ers who have struggled with a particular Clarke, who was supported by Steve Smith’s emblem in a subdued celebration, to the acclaim “I had that long (rain) break on 98 and I into the greens with two hands, I just aspect of golf,” he said. “If you look at put- unbeaten 162, retired hurt on 60 on day one but of an admiring crowd. thought if I got the two more runs it would be couldn’t get the feel right. I dreaded miss- ting, there are a variety of different grips after painkilling injections he returned to com- nice to go over there to the 408 and stick my bat ing the greens and it was affecting me bad- and so many ways to get around that. pile 128 in one of his bravest knocks. ‘SIGNIFICANT INJURY’ in the air and say thanks to Hughesy for being ly,” Palmer told Reuters in a telephone inter- “Chipping is a bit different in that your The skipper’s 28th Test ton, on a rain-disrupt- The captain played a leading role in the days with me all the way out there,” Smith said. view yesterdayday. options are a lot more limited. I’ve seen ed second day in Adelaide, came in his first after Hughes’s death, in which he read a tearful He then shared another long hug with bat- “I made the switch while on the Alps players try to play left-handed or cack- innings since Hughes was tragically killed by a tribute at the funeral and was one of the pall- ting partner Clarke, who also was there to Tour in 2010, just really to try something handed even... this is what works for me.” blow to the head while batting in Sydney last bearers. embrace Warner when the opener reached his different. As soon as I did I went on a great Palmer putts with both hands and said month. The Australian skipper has earned a reputa- century on day one. run of form and I’ve stuck with it. It’s freed was the strongest part of a game that was The centuries by Clarke and Smith, together tion for his batting heroics in adversity. Last Smith’s assured century again highlighted the me up and I enjoy my short game again. “I built around hitting fairways and greens in with David Warner’s ton on Tuesday, left the March he batted on with a fractured left shoul- rapid development of the 25-year-old right-han- used to get a sinking feeling when I missed regulation with the hope of avoiding chip- hosts on 517 for seven and in command against der in an unbeaten 161 to help his team to a 2-1 der. He took 23 Test innings to reach his maiden the greens, but now I quite enjoy it. I get to ping altogether. a bedraggled Indian attack. series victory over South Africa in Cape Town. century, but has had four more in his past 15 show what I can do.” “I’m quite a short hitter from the tee so Clarke was out late in the day for 128 off 163 Clarke, who has a long history of back trou- innings. Palmer does not get much reaction from therefore I need to be straight and accurate balls with 18 fours, and he put on 163 runs for ble, only made the Adelaide Test after passing a “I’m not sure if it’s my best innings... but his fellow professionals, with course eti- with my irons,” he said. “My strength is my the seventh wicket with Smith. Smith enhanced late fitness test for recurring hamstring trouble. every hundred’s nice and hopefully I’ve got a quette suggesting you do not comment on putting. You wouldn’t look at my long his growing stature in the Australia set-up with Team physio Alex Kountouris said the captain few more this summer,” Smith said. India’s field- an opponents’ technique, but he does game and say, ‘He’s a tremendous ball strik- his highest Test score, his fifth Test hundred and was struggling with a “significant back injury” ing deteriorated late in the day with Smith dread pro-am tournaments where people er’.”—Reuters his fourth in his last 15 Test innings. but he did not think it was “directly related to his dropped three times and a mis-stumping by “We’re all good mates with Hughesy us three hamstring”. Wriddhiman Saha, while Clarke was also put (Clarke and Warner), so I was sort of hoping all Smith sealed his determined century off the down before he was caught by Cheteshwar three of us would get runs. It’s nice to be in that first ball after lunch, clipping off his pads for two. Pujara. —AFP position with 517 on the board in the first innings,” Smith said. SCOREBOARD “I know that’s what Hughesy would have wanted, all of us to be out here doing the job SYDNEY: Scoreboard at the close on the second day of the first Test between Australia and and he was with me, Pup (Clarke) and Warner all India at Adelaide Oval yesterday: the way this innings.” It was tough going for the tourists in the Australia 1st innings (354 for 6 overnight) M. Johnson not out 0 gloom with only 30.4 overs possible in between C. Rogers c Dhawan b I. Sharma 9 Extras (lb4, w9, nb2) 15 the day’s three lengthy rain delays. D. Warner c I. Sharma b K. Sharma 145 Total (7 wickets; 120 overs) 517 S. Watson c Dhawan b Aaron 14 Clarke made his surprise return to the crease Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Rogers), 2-88 (Watson), 3-258 M. Clarkec Pujara b K. Sharma 128 at the outset and despite batting in discomfort, (Warner), 4-345 (Marsh), 5-352 (Lyon), 6-354 he provided dependable support for Smith after S. Smith not out 162 the clatter of three wickets in the last five overs M. Marsh c Kohli b Aaron 41 (Haddin), 7-517 (Clarke) Bowling: Shami 24-2-120-2 on day one.The captain grimaced and yelped in N. Lyon b Shami 3 (1w), Aaron 23-1-136-2 (2nb, 3w), I. Sharma 27-5-85- pain as he twisted his torso to play some shots, B. Haddin c Saha b Shami 0 1 (1w), K. Sharma 33-1-143-2, Vijay 13-3-29-0. Jason Palmer p17 2_Layout 1 12/10/14 10:38 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 SPORTS

DR Congo woman boxer wins kudos as only female referee

KINSHASA: The first and only woman refer- During a commemoration of the fortieth ee of professional boxing in the Democratic anniversary of Kinshasa’s “Rumble in the Republic of Congo, Wivine Tshidibi says she Jungle” in 1974, when US heavyweight battled her way to renown in a man’s world Mohamed Ali beat then world champion thanks to a “fit of jealousy”. It was a way to George Foreman, Tshidibi refereed two of keep an eye on her husband, recalls the 40- the six matches staged in the capital. year-old mother of four who once practised the “noble art” herself but now sees the ‘NOTHING SCARES ME’ sport as a strictly male affair. The sport of boxing gained ground in “That’s the real fight,” Tshidibi says, the former Belgian Congo after independ- clenching her fists and calling boxing ence in 1960, but has not become wide- matches between women “child’s play” in spread despite the worldwide news cover- comparison. age of the Ali-Foreman contest-which the Stubborn and generously built, Tshidibi late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko had pushed came to boxing after practicing several for to bring publicity to his country. other sports, including handball, basketball Kieselo believes that Tshidibi has carved and judo but she readily concedes that out her place in such a masculine preserve jealousy pushed her into the ring in 2002. because of the qualities he admires. “In the Tshidibi was then married to renowned ring, she’s very watchful, objective in her Congolese boxer Mbuyi Tshibangu, alias decisions, knows when it’s the right “Mbuyi-Champion” to his fans. “Each time moment to end the fight (and) can distin- he finished one of his boxing matches, he guish what’s right from what is not.” went off with other women,” she says with Boxer Dady Bola, who has fought under an amused smile. Tshidibi’s vigilant eye, respects her skills. “In “That’s why I decided to take up boxing, the ring, she’s strict,” she says, but she’s “also so that he couldn’t get away from me any very hot-tempered and gets angry fast.” more,” she adds, though times have since Tshidibi herself accepts these assess- moved on and “Mbuyi-Champion” has emi- ments, saying that she won her status grated to Canada. because of her personality, which she Only about 30 women boxers are active describes as “stern, tough, choleric ... And in the DRC on both the professional and nothing scares me!” amateur circuits, as compared with some Her task as a referee is her “passion”, she 100 men. Sponsors are not interested in adds, noting that she oversees matches women and the matches can be difficult to only in Kinshasa, but this does not enable arrange. For lack of finding opponents in her to make a living for her family. “We her own category, Tshidibi decided to take don’t earn much,” she says, a little flustered a course in becoming a professional refer- to talk about money. CLEVELAND: Kyrie Irving No. 2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives between Patrick Patterson No. 54 and Terrence Ross No. 31 of the Toronto ee. To serve as a referee during amateur Raptors during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. —AFP Since the first fight she adjudged in matches is a purely volunteer job, while the 2009, Tshidibi has served as referee for 15 pay for adjudging professional fights varies professional matches and more than 80 “between 30 and 80 dollars (24 and 65 amateur contests, every one of them euros)”, Tshidibi finally discloses. Cavs sink Raptors between men. She raises the extra cash to feed her chil- “She deserves it,” says Ling Shang dren by braiding the hair of women living Kieselo, head of the Congolese League of in her district, who are prepared to pay CLEVELAND: LeBron James scored 35 points, Tim Duncan had 23 points and 13 rebounds and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 17 for the Boxing Referees, who has watched over between five and 10 dollars a head for her including a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 48 sec- for San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard added 16 Bucks, who have lost five of six. fights himself for 36 years. expertise. onds remaining, and the Cleveland Cavaliers points for the Spurs, who played without start- Kieselo adds that relatively few matches Proud of her career, Tshidibi keeps her rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 105-101 on ing point guard Tony Parker. Utah outrebound- HEAT 103, SUNS 97 take place in the DRC, though the sport is old photos as a trainee boxer and of match- Tuesday night for their eighth straight victory. ed San Antonio 43-37, although the Spurs had Chris Bosh scored 10 of his 34 points in the widely followed, so that some of Tshidibi’s es she fought on display. Her professional James’ jumper from the top of the key gave a 62-50 advantage in points in the paint. fourth quarter, including seven straight down male colleagues have not seen a single referee’s certificate has suffered from the Cleveland a 102-99 lead and tied him with Mark the stretch, and Miami snapped a four-game fight since they became qualified. humidity but she keeps it carefully, along Price for the franchise record for 3-pointers at PELICANS 104, KNICKS 93 losing streak. “You can place Mrs Tshidibi in charge of with a medal awarded to her in 2013 by the 802. Tyreke Evans scored 27 points, Anthony Luol Deng scored 23 points and Dwyane any fight there is and be certain that there Congolese Boxing Federation for having James scored 10 points in the fourth quarter Davis had 18 and the Pelicans handed the reel- Wade added 16 for the Heat. Miami has won will be no mistakes on the part of the refer- been referee at the final of a local champi- as Cleveland rallied from a 10-point deficit early ing Knicks their ninth straight loss. Omer Asik nine straight against the Suns, and eight ee,” Kieselo says. onship. —AFP in the period. Dion Waiters scored 18 points had 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Jrue straight in Phoenix. and Kevin Love had 17. Holiday scored 13 points for New Orleans, Marcus Morris scored a career-high 25 Jonas Valanciunas and Terrence Ross each which won its second straight to pull back to points for Phoenix on 10-of-13 shooting. Gerald scored 18 for Toronto. Kyle Lowry added 16, but .500 at 10-10. Green added 19 points, including five 3-point- only scored two in the fourth quarter as he was Amare Stoudemire scored a season-high 26 ers, and Markieff Morris had 17. Phoenix has hounded defensively by Cavaliers guard points and Carmelo Anthony had 17 for New lost three straight. Matthew Dellavedova. York, which kept the game close into the fourth Toronto shot 14 for 21 in the first quarter quarter before fading down the stretch, as the LAKERS 98, KINGS 95 and led 63-55 at halftime. Valanciunas had a Knicks have done often this season. Pablo Kobe Bryant scored nine of his 32 points in strong first half with 14 points and nine Prigioni scored 17 for the Knicks, who fell to 4- the final 3:14, leading the Los Angeles Lakers’ rebounds. 19 with what was also their 10th straight road fourth-quarter comeback over the Sacramento loss. Kings. GRIZZLIES 114, MAVERICKS 105 Carlos Boozer added 15 points for the Marc Gasol scored 30 points, Mike Conley THUNDER 114, BUCKS 101 Lakers, who snapped their three game skid by added 22 and the Grizzlies withstood 18 Dallas Kevin Durant scored 23 points in his first rallying from a 12-point deficit in the second 3-pointers. Gasol, who was limited to only two home game of the season, leading Oklahoma half. After Bryant tied it at 92 with a breakaway points in Sunday’s win over Miami, was 9 of 14 City to the victory. Durant, the reigning MVP, dunk and a clutch 3-pointer, Jordan Hill’s layup from the field and 12 of 13 from the line as missed the first 17 games with a broken bone on a sharp pass from Bryant put the Lakers Memphis won its second straight. Zach in his right foot, and then played three road ahead 94-93 with 1:39 to play. Randolph had 17 points and 13 rebounds, games before making his home debut. He also The Kings went back in front on a driving while Tony Allen scored 13 points. had nine rebounds and seven assists. Russell layup by Darren Collison, but Bryant hit two Chandler Parsons led the Mavericks with 30 Westbrook scored 28 points for the Thunder, free throws for the lead with 34 seconds left points, going 10 of 18 from the field and 6 of 10 who have won five of six after starting the sea- before Rudy Gay missed an open 3-pointer for from 3-point range. Jameer Nelson had a sea- son with a 3-12 record. OJ Mayo had 18 points Sacramento, which has lost six of eight. —AP son-high 18 points. NBA results/standings TRAIL BLAZERS 98, PISTONS 86 LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points and 11 Cleveland 105, Toronto 101; Portland 98, Detroit 86; Memphis 114, Dallas 105; New Orleans 104, NY Knicks 93; rebounds, Wesley Matthews scored 19 points, Oklahoma City 114, Milwaukee 101; Miami 103, Phoenix 97; Utah 100, San Antonio 96; LA Lakers 98, Sacramento 95. and Portland earned its fifth straight victory. Detroit lost its 13th in a row, one short of the Eastern Conference Western Conference franchise record set in 1979-80 and tied in Atlantic Division Northwest Division 1993-94. Those were both aging teams, with W L PCT GB Portland 17 4 .810 - Toronto 16 6 .727 - Denver 9 12 .429 8 the second group marking the end of the Bad Brooklyn 8 11 .421 6.5 Boys era at the Palace. The current Pistons Oklahoma City 8 13 .381 9 Boston 7 12 .368 7.5 Utah 6 16 .273 11.5 haven’t had a winning season or won a playoff NY Knicks 4 19 .174 12.5 Minnesota 4 16 .200 12.5 game in seven years. Greg Monroe had 22 Philadelphia 2 18 .100 13 Pacific Division Central Division points and 10 rebounds for Detroit, which only Golden State 18 2 .900 - Cleveland 13 7 .650 - got 40 points from its starting lineup. LA Clippers 15 5 .750 3 Chicago 12 8 .600 1 Milwaukee 11 12 .478 3.5 Phoenix 12 11 .522 7.5 JAZZ 100, SPURS 96 Indiana 7 14 .333 6.5 Sacramento 11 11 .500 8 Derrick Favors scored 21 points, Gordon Detroit 3 19 .136 11 LA Lakers 6 16 .273 13 Hayward added 20 and Utah snapped a nine- Southeast Division Southwest Division game losing streak. Enes Kanter added 12 Atlanta 14 6 .700 - Memphis 17 4 .810 - points and 15 rebounds for his fourth double- Washington 14 6 .700 - Houston 16 4 .800 0.5 San Antonio 15 6 .714 2 double of the season, while Alec Burks chipped Miami 10 11 .476 4.5 KINSHASA: Wivine Tshidibi, the only woman referee in the men’s boxingpro fessional Orlando 9 14 .391 6.5 Dallas 16 7 .696 2 in 14 points for Utah, which lost all four games Charlotte 5 15 .250 9 New Orleans 10 10 .500 6.5 championships in Democratic Republic of Congo, poses on November 20, 2014 in against the Spurs last season. Kinshasa. —AFP Fernandez in spotlight on Barcelona ice

BARCELONA: Spanish figure skating star Javier forced to leave your country is hard,” said give it everything even though I’m definitely not in Fernandez will be centre stage despite a strong Fernandez. the best of condition. “I’ll trust the people around Japanese and Russian contingent as the ISU Grand Japan hold half the the men’s berths in the final me. I looked out of the plane window and saw the Prix Final gets underway in Barcelona today. with Fernandez’s training partner, Olympic and sunrise and it made me feel I could channel It is largely thanks to the achievements of world champion Yuzuru Hanyu, competing along- Barcelona’s beauty and power into my skating.” Fernandez, the first Spaniard to medal at an ISU fig- side compatriots Tatsuki Machida and Takahito In the women’s field, Russia have four of the six ure skating event, that the elite six-skater final has Mura, and Russians Maxim Kovtum and Sergei competitors in teenagers Elena Radionova, made its way to football-mad Spain. Voronov. “I hope to do the programmes of my life Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Anna Pogorilaya and Julia A provisonial 5,500-seater ice rink has been spe- because I know that my rivals are going to make it Lipnitskaya. cially constructed to host the three-day event in almost impossible, but I’ll give it 100 percent to be Radionova, 15, won gold in both Skate America the Catalan capital’s International Conventions on top of the podium,” added Fernandez. and the Trophee Bompard and believes she is Centre. Kovtum, 19, was the only man to make it to steadily improving. “I skated much more confident- Two-time European champion Fernandez, who Barcelona with an unbeaten record in both the Cup ly in Bordeaux,” explained the two-time world jun- finished just off the podium at the Sochi Olympics, of China and the Trophee Eric Bompard. ior champion. “For me there’s no serious difference booked his ticket to the final with a gold in the Cup “I’m happy to win a place in the GP final for the between the GP finals and any other tournament.” of Russia and silver in Skate Canada. second consecutive year. I don’t think I shall make Veteran Ashley Wagner, 23, competing in her “I couldn’t miss a competition like this,” said the any changes in my technical elements,” he third GP finals, will be carrying American hopes 23-year-old skater from Madrid, of the second most explained. “I just need to fine-tune my pro- after Gracie Gold withdrew injured, which allowed important event of the season after the world grammes.” Hanyu scraped into the final after finish- Japan’s Rika Hongo to snatch her first Grand Prix championships. ing fourth at the NHK Trophy, having ignored pleas final berth aged 18. It puts the focus on ice sports in Spain just two not to compete following head injuries suffered in a In pairs, Russia’s Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor months after the Spanish Ice Sports Federation collision during the Cup of China in which he took Klimov are the favorites along with Canadian’s elected a new president Frank Gonzalez. silver. “I’ve focused harder and pushed myself more Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford, in a field that “I have been told that things will change, there in training than ever for this,” said 20-year-old also includes Russia’s Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander will be major reform,” said Fernandez, a two-time Hanyu. Smirnov and three Chinese couples. world bronze medallist, who left Spain for the “I feel like an underdog here so will give it every- Ice dance will be hotly contested as France’s United States aged 17 to train and is now coached thing I have and leave everything out there. My aim Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron; by Brian Orser in Canada. is to conquer all the lingering doubts (from China Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates; and “The idea is that those who come after me will accident).” Machida, the world silver medallist, Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada, all won GERMANY: South Korea’s Sang-Hwa Lee competes to win the 500m not have to emigrate to reach the elite. Being added: “I’m looking to plunge in 100 percent and gold medals in both their GP events. —AFP event of the ISU Speed SkatingWorld Cup in this file photo. —AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 SPORTS

US sportsmen find breathing room to voice opinions

LOS ANGELES: Against a backdrop of always enforced from above. Whether gesture was mainly a “shout-out” to angered a St. Louis police organization team picture protesting the shooting anger over killings of black suspects Michael Jordan ever really said Garner’s family. Cleveland team-mate when they entered the field with the death of Florida teenager Trayvon by white police officers, NBA star “Republicans buy sneakers, too,” in Kyrie Irving was among the players same “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture Martin. LeBron James and other US athletes declining to back a Democratic politi- who wore similar shirts prior to adopted by protesters in Ferguson, “If it feels important to me, then I are making their opinions known in an cal candidate, the NBA icon certainly Monday’s game, which received spe- Missouri, where a white policeman respond,” James said. “There’s a lot of arena sometimes hostile to activism. maintains a reputation of shying away cial scrutiny thanks to the attendance shot dead an unarmed black teenager. issues I haven’t talked about. For me Deference to sponsors, fans and from discussing contentious issues. of Britain’s Prince William and his wife NBA commissioner Adam Silver it’s about knowledge, it’s about the sports bosses has long been the norm So does Tiger Woods, another mar- Kate. issued a measured response, saying in gut feeling.” in US sports, with athletes expected to keting juggernaut who came of age in “It’s really important to us that we a statement that the league respects do their stuff on court or field but stay an era when sports and politics rarely stand up for a cause, especially this “Derrick Rose and all of our players for SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECT out of the issues of the day-particular- seemed to mix. one,” Irving said of wearing the shirt voicing their personal views on impor- Bob Dorfman, an endorsement ly when it comes to something as sen- But four-time NBA Most Valuable first sported on Saturday by Chicago’s tant issues, but my preference would expert and executive creative director sitive as race. Player James and other 21st century Derrick Rose. be for players to abide by our on-court of Baker Street Advertising, told CNN Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the US sportsmen are slowly breaking that attire rules.” that in the age of the Internet, players US athletes famed for their black- mold, and the arrival of the 24-7 news ‘GUT FEELING’ In less than a year on the job, Silver probably couldn’t be as apolitical as gloved protest at the 1968 Olympics, cycle and social media only makes it NBA players aren’t the only US ath- has already negotiated rough waters Jordan managed to be. “Just having a are now honored for their gesture of easier to get their views across. letes to express their opinions on the of racism much closer to home, suc- presence in social media, it’s virtually solidarity, but at the time it sparked “Obviously, as a society we have to race issue. In the NFL, which like the cessfully steering the league through impossible not to share an opinion,” outrage in the Olympic movement do better,” James said of his decision to NBA has a large number of African- the saga of former Clippers owner Dorfman said. In James’ case, team- and they were sent home from the support the current protests by don- American players, Lions running back Donald Sterling. mate Jarrett Jack believes it’s just a Games. ning a T-shirt reading “I can’t breathe” Reggie Bush wore a top with “I can’t James was a vocal critic of Sterling question of a man “very comfortable In the 1960s, Bill Russell and others for warm-ups prior to a game in breathe” written on it prior to a game when his racially charged comments with his voice.” “As you get older, you used their stature in the NBA to pro- Brooklyn on Monday. The words were on Sunday, as did the Browns’ Johnson became public, and James showed in understand you’re a citizen of the mote civil rights, but Muhammad Ali the last uttered by Eric Garner, the Bademosi. Davin Joseph, a St. Louis 2012 that he wasn’t afraid to act on his world, and it’s not just what you say was vilified not only for refusing to black father of six who died after he Rams guard, wrote the same words on conscience when he tweeted a picture about basketball that counts,” Jack serve in the Vietnam War but also for was put in a chokehold by a New York his cleats and tweeted it, along with of himself, Dwyane Wade and other told USA Today. “It’s what you say changing his name from Cassius Clay. police officer. the caption: “RIP Eric Garner.” Miami Heat teammates with their about the world and your environ- The murky, unwritten rules aren’t James, toeing a fine line, said his A week earlier, five Rams players heads bowed under black hoodies in a ment.” —AFP Back to drawing board for limping Liverpool

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool can only hope that Markovic, a £20 million recruit from their elimination from the Champions Benfica, injected purpose and directness League heralds the end of a vertiginous after coming on at half-time, only to be downward spiral that began with Steven sent off for flinging a hand at Behrang Gerrard’s infamous slip against Chelsea last Safari. season. Since Gerrard lost his footing on April STURRIDGE ‘DEVASTATED’ 27, gifting Demba Ba a goal that set In defence, Liverpool continue to look Chelsea on their way to a 2-0 win that tilted vulnerable, with goalkeeper Simon the Premier League title race in Manchester Mignolet’s confidence at a low ebb after a City’s favour, Liverpool have lost their way. string of recent errors and Dejan Lovren Luis Suarez left for Barcelona. Some seemingly incapable of exuding the reas- £116 million ($181.8 million, 146.8 million surance he was signed from Southampton euros) was spent on new players who have to provide. yet to convince, with Mario Balotelli the Gerrard looked off the pace for long most conspicuous disappointment. Daniel periods against Basel, although his fine, Sturridge has succumbed to a succession arcing free-kick proved that, even at 34 and of injuries. amid uncertainty about his future, he And after making a dismal start to the remains the man for the big occasion. Premier League season, Tuesday’s 1-1 draw Liverpool’s defence is marginally less at home to Basel saw Liverpool’s return to porous than it was last season, conceding the Champions League following a five- an average of 1.27 goals per league game year absence ended after only 85 days. compared to 1.32 in 2013-14, but when the Gerrard’s late equaliser from a free-kick forwards only average 1.27 goals per game briefly gave Anfield hope of a comeback to at the other end, the sums do not make for compare with the glorious European fight- encouraging reading. backs of yesteryear, but in sum, the per- As well as losing three and drawing two formance was a microcosm of all of their six Champions League group Liverpool’s current ills. games-scoring only five goals-they have With Sturridge and Balotelli both already lost six times in the league and also injured, the powerful but limited Rickie dropped points in frustrating 0-0 draws at Lambert-a close-season recruit from home to Hull City and Sunderland. AZERBAIJAN: Inter’s Milan defender Isaac Donkor warms up during a training session on the eve of the UEFA Europa League Group F football Southampton-started up front, but lasted Sunday’s trip to a Manchester United match Inter Milan vs Qarabag Agdam. —AFP only 45 minutes. team on a five-game winning run portends Both he and Balotelli were signed to further gloom. But with only six points provide alternatives to the mobility and between Liverpool and the Champions Holders look to secure guile of Sturridge, but in the former League places, all is not lost just yet, while Chelsea striker’s absence, Liverpool look victory at second-tier Bournemouth next bereft of pace and inventiveness at centre- week will take them into the League Cup forward. Last season, when Liverpool nar- semi-finals. berth in Europa last 32 rowly missed out on a first league title in 24 Rodgers believes that by the spring, years, their dominance of possession with Sturridge back from injury and the enabled them to push and pull teams out new players having bedded in, Liverpool PARIS: Trophy holders Sevilla are among the Qarabag captain Rashad F Sadygov told “I’m working hard for the team and I believe of position before either Suarez or will be a different prospect, capable of clubs looking to claim one of the 10 berths still UEFA.com, mindful of the fact that a slip-up the fans haven’t seen the best of me yet.” Of the Sturridge would pounce. mounting a challenge in both the league up for grabs in the Europa League knockout could see either Saint-Etienne or Dnipro of game, the 22-year-old added: “We have a very With neither Suarez nor Sturridge in the and the Europa League. stage in Thursday’s final round of group games. Ukraine take advantage. “We have a huge good team spirit and we want to win every team, there is an aimlessness to their ball Watching Tuesday’s game at home, The Spanish side, who beat Benfica on penal- responsibility and just can’t let them down. So game. We are not treating it like we have quali- circulation, and against Basel that was only Sturridge tweeted: “Sat here devastated ties in last season’s final in Turin, host Rijeka of we have to be patient and hope God will help fied - we are not going out to relax.” exacerbated by the nerves of the Anfield wishing I could have helped. We’ll come Croatia needing just a point to progress, while us.” Among the other decisive encounters, Lille Scottish champions Celtic are also already crowd. back stronger from this and I’m working their visitors have to win to advance from Group welcome Bundesliga high-flyers Wolfsburg to through, although Ronny Deila’s side know they Manager Brendan Rodgers’s biggest hard to do the same.” For Liverpool’s sup- G alongside Dutch giants Feyenoord. northern France in a direct shoot-out to decide will finish second in Group D to Salzburg, ren- summer signing, Adam Lallana, did not porters, that turnaround cannot come too However, coach Unai Emery has urged his who progresses from Group H along with dering their trip to play Dinamo Zagreb in even make it off the bench, while Lazar quickly.—AFP side, who are currently in fourth place in La Liga, Everton. While Wolfsburg can afford to settle for Croatia meaningless. to make sure they win the game. a draw, Lille have to win, something they have “The pressure will be off and the gaffer might “Our objective is to win the game and be in yet to do in the group. change the team but we don’t want to let the the hat for the last 32,” Emery wrote on his per- Everton are already certain to progress as fans down over there,” said Celtic’s Irish forward sonal website. “We feel that we are strong in our group winners, which means they will be seeded Anthony Stokes, scorer of his team’s winning own stadium and we hope to maintain that by in next Monday’s draw for the last 32 along with goal in the weekend Premiership win at carefully preparing a game in which (Rijeka) the four third-placed teams with the best Motherwell. can’t afford to settle for a draw.” records in the Champions League group stage. Tottenham Hotspur are also through, Elsewhere, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Given their current travails in the Premier although in their case first place in Group C is Villarreal will advance from Group A by avoiding League, that means Toffees manager Roberto still up for grabs as they go to Istanbul to face defeat in their games, while Qarabag can Martinez will shuffle his pack when already-elim- Besiktas. become the first club from Azerbaijan to survive inated Krasnodar visit Goodison Park, and A draw will be enough for Spurs to clinch in a major European competition into the spring Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu is one of those top spot, but a defeat would see them if they can win at home to Italian giants Inter, looking to get a chance. leapfrogged by the current Turkish league who are already certain to win Group F. “It’s been quite difficult since I came here,” leaders, who reports suggest may be forced to “We will be playing in front of our fans and Atsu, who has started just three games since do without leading scorer Demba Ba due to a this sometimes can add to the pressure,” joining on loan from Chelsea, told evertontv. toe injury. —AFP

LIVERPOOL: Basel’s head coach Paulo Sousa (right) embraces Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard at the end of the Champions League Group B soccer match between SYDNEY: Australian supermaxi yacht Wild Oats (front left) leads US supermaxi yacht Comancheî (right) during the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Liverpool and FC Basel. —AP Sydney Harbor. The race is a prelude to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race held annually on Boxing Day. —AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 SPORTS Rangers in new low for crowd support

GLASGOW: The chairman of financially- a similar figure to see the club through the struggling Rangers has admitted that the rest of the financial year. attendance figures for last weekend’s Auditors Deloitte signed off on the lat- league game against Cowdenbeath at est results but warned there remains “mate- Ibrox was much lower than announced. rial uncertainty” over the club’s ability to The fallen Glasgow giants announced mid- continue as a going concern. way through the second half of the Scottish The Rangers board’s attempts to bal- Championship game, which Rangers won ance the books have been hit by large- 1-0, that 28,137 fans had turned out at scale supporter unrest. Season-ticket levels Ibrox. dropped from around 36,000 holders in That represented Rangers smallest 2013/14 to just 17,000 by the start of the home attendance for a league game since current campaign. Further disappointing Graeme Souness’ first season in charge 28 results on the field from Ally McCoist’s side, years ago. But chairman David Somers told including a shock 3-2 cup loss to minnows the Daily Record that the true figure was Alloa have fuelled the discontent. 10,000 fewer than the number given out on Meanwhile the club confirmed on Saturday. Wednesday that Norman Crighton had left “The 28,000 included season-ticket his role as a Rangers director. The 48-year- holders who were not there. In reality old joined the board 12 months ago and Saturday’s attendance was around 19,000.” represented Laxey Partners - the club’s Rangers announced losses of £8.3million biggest single shareholder with a 16.32 per last month and admitted they would need cent stake - on the PLC board. —AFP Basel shatter Reds dream

LIVERPOOL: Steven Gerrard scored in vain Rodgers. “We are not too far off the top four as Basel ended Liverpool’s Champions and, if we get there, we will be better in it League campaign with a 1-1 draw at next season.” Anfield on Tuesday that consigned his side Rodgers had emphasised the impor- to the Europa League. tance of patience prior to kick-off, but in Gerrard’s exquisite late free-kick can- front of an anxious crowd, the hosts were ISTANBUL: Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chaberlain (left) and Felipe Melo of Galatasaray (center) fight for the ball during their Champions League celled out Fabian Frei’s 25th-minute open- eager to get forwards quickly. Group D soccer match at the Turk Telekom Arena Stadium. —AP er, but with Liverpool reduced to 10 men Captain Gerrard, back in the team at by the dismissal of substitute Lazar number 10 after being rested for Saturday’s Markovic, Paulo Sousa’s Basel held on for a 0-0 draw with Sunderland, saw an early point that took them into the last 16 along- effort easily held by visiting goalkeeper Wenger relieved by side Group B winners Real Madrid. Tomas Vaclik. It was yet another English scalp for But there was haste and imprecision in Basel, who knocked Liverpool out of the Liverpool’s attacking interplay and Basel tournament in 2002, eliminated began to exploit their nervousness, with Manchester United in 2011, put Tottenham Shkelzen Gashi slashing wide from Luca Arsenal’s Euro revival Hotspur out of the Europa League two sea- Zuffi’s pass before Sousa’s side went ahead. sons ago, and beat Chelsea twice in the Liverpool allowed the visitors to advance to Champions League last year. the edge of their box and paid the price ISTANBUL: Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal’s 4- against Anderlecht to finish top. that would have overhauled leaders Dortmund “For me and my staff and the players, it’s when Frei exchanged passes with Zuffi 1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the Champions “We gave a strong response from the start,” on goal difference. “I did not think it was possi- special,” said Sousa. “We are working in this before crashing a 20-yard shot into the bot- League was exactly what he needed after a trau- Wenger said. “We looked dangerous every time ble at the start of the game, but at half-time yes,” direction to achieve important things like tom-right corner. matic week. we won the ball back, we had good penetration, Wenger said. we achieved today, which gives us the Rodgers introduced Markovic and Just four days ago Wenger had cut a forlorn we scored good goals and until half-time I feel opportunity to challenge other fantastic Alberto Moreno at half-time and the for- figure as he hurried onto a club train home from we were very strong. “In the second half we suf- DAUNTING DRAW teams.” mer’s direct running provided Liverpool Stoke to avoid the foul-mouthed abuse of fans fered a bit more for two reasons-some players “But after we were had to take Ramsey and The match fell 10 years and a day after with a spark, only for him to be sent off on frustrated by the Gunners’ dismal 3-2 defeat at had not enough competitive games and espe- Flamini off, it was too much for us to hope that Gerrard had inspired Liverpool to a stirring the hour for swinging a hand at the chasing the Britannia Stadium. Wenger’s position was cially I had to take two players off But, overall, it we could score six. “We were closer to conceding 3-1 win over Olympiakos at the same stage Behrang Safari. once again the subject of much debate and was a strong performance.” Those midfield one or two more in the second half and we of the competition, en route to an unfor- The Serbian winger did not appear to another disappointing performance in Istanbul changes saw Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini with- defended very well.” Arsenal’s second-place fin- gettable comeback against AC Milan in the make contact with his opponent, but the on Tuesday would have heaped further pressure drawn with hamstring and calf complaints ish means the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, final. But his fine 81st-minute strike was not intent was sufficient for Dutch referee Bjorn on the under-fire Arsenal manager. But the north respectively at half-time. Paris St Germain and defending champions enough to rescue his team on this occasion Kuipers to brandish a straight red card. Londoners silenced Wenger’s critics, for a few Wenger explained both were precautionary Bayern Munich could now await them in as Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite com- Rodgers called it “an awful decision”. days at least, with a vibrant display featuring one measures and that they should be fit to face Monday’s draw. petition after a five-year absence dissolved Taulant Xhaka had shot narrowly wide after of the goals of the season from Wales midfielder Newcastle at the weekend, which will be a par- That is a daunting prospect for Arsenal, who in the Anfield drizzle. “I don’t think we striding to the edge of Liverpool’s box Aaron Ramsey. ticular relief when it comes to Ramsey. have failed to progress past the last 16 since deserved better,” Gerrard told ITV Sport. immediately prior to Markovic’s dismissal, Ramsey’s stunning second goal even led to 2010, but Wenger preferred to concentrate on “We have not gone out because of this but despite being a man down, the hosts STUNNING GOAL applause from the notoriously partisan home the busy Christmas schedule rather than worry performance. We weren’t good enough belatedly began to offer a threat. Martin Lukas Podolski’s early opener was followed by fans, but Wenger claimed he would have been about the draw. away to Basel (losing 1-0) and we let in a sil- Skrtel sent an audacious shot narrowly a brace from Ramsey, including a brilliant 30- unhappy with the midfielder’s decision to shoot “Look, let’s wait for the draw, prepare well,” ly goal away to Ludogorets. wide from 35 yards, while Vaclik showed yard volley, before Podolski sealed the points in from such a long way out if he had missed. Wenger said. “We can focus now on the Premier impeccable timing to slide out and prevent second half stoppage-time after Wesley “Honestly, I felt at the time when he took the League. “It was my 180th game in Champions ANFIELD ANXIOUS Gerrard from surging onto Raheem Sneijder’s free-kick reduced the deficit for decision that it was not the best decision. But he League tonight, we won away from home and “You qualify over six games and we have Sterling’s through-ball. Galatasaray. It was exactly the response Wenger proved me wrong,” Wenger said with a smile. now 15 consecutive years in the last 16. That, I not been good enough.” Brendan Rodgers With nine minutes remaining, Gerrard needed, even though Arsenal were forced to set- Wenger was also surprised by the ease with believe, is an achievement. “Let’s focus on the must now rouse his side for a trip to old set up a grandstand finish by arcing a pic- tle for a second place finish in Group D after which his side won-at one stage looking like Premiership until the end of February and the FA enemies Manchester United on Sunday, ture-perfect free-kick into the top-left cor- Borussia Dortmund got the point they required they could get the six-goal margin of victory Cup as well.” —AFP but the disappointment of a campaign in ner from just outside the box. which his side’s only win came against But in a frantic finale, an injury-time Bulgarian newcomers Ludogorets Razgrad drive from Jordan Henderson that forced will take some time to digest. a full-length save from Vaclik was the Monaco beat Zenit to reach last 16 “We have to fight going forward to be in closest the hosts came to the goal they this competition next season,” said craved. —AFP MONACO: Goals by Aymen flashed just wide of the near post. than made up for his departure by space being left at the back as the Abdennour and Fabinho secured It was Monaco goalkeeper taking the lead in the 63rd minute, visitors pressed for an equaliser and Monaco a 2-0 win over Zenit St Danijel Subasic who had to make Tunisian defender Abdennour Moroccan winger Nabil Dirar sent a Petersburg and a place in the the first save of the match, which heading home Yannick Ferreira- fizzing shot just wide of the far knockout stages of the Champions the spectators had to wait 40 min- Carrasco’s beautifully delivered post. The hosts doubled their lead, League for the first time since 2004 utes for, getting down to save a free-kick-only the third goal of their and secured their place in the draw on Tuesday. The French side-who Nicolas Lombaerts header. campaign-to give Prince Albert II of for the first knockout round for the scored just four goals in the six Monaco front man Dimitar Monaco, sitting in the stands, rea- first time since their run to the final group games-also finished top of Berbatov, who had barely had a son to smile. Zenit went desperate- in 2004, as Fabinho fired home a Group C as Bayer Leverkusen drew touch of the ball, was forced off ly close to levelling with 20 minutes left-footed shot two minutes from 0-0 away to Benfica, who finished shortly before the hour mark with remaining as Hulk’s curling free- time, provoking Prince Albert on bottom of the group with Zenit left what looked like a rib injury. kick from long range crept over the this occasion to get up from his with the consolation of a Europa However, his team-mates more bar, but Monaco used the extra seat in celebration. —AFP League spot. Monaco’s Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim was happy to have proved people wrong in thinking his side would struggle. “Two French teams have quali- fied for the last 16 which is rare,” said Jardim, who took over after Claudio Ranieri was not retained and quickly lost star players James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao. “And I would like to remind people that in August we were considered the worst team in the group. “Is this revenge for that line of thinking? No. I am happy because we have achieved our target.” His compatri- ot, Zenit coach Andre Villas-Boas, said Monaco’s defending had been first-rate and that his side had found it difficult to break down a team who put virtually all their players behind the ball. However, the former Porto, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea coach said he did not wish to com- ment on rumours linking him to Liverpool, who will also be in the Europa League draw. “I am happy at Zenit and I am under contract with them,” he said.”There are new challenges ahead, namely the Europa League as well as the domestic league which we are leading by seven points.” The opening 15 minutes were a cagey affair although Zenit did manage to work one promising chance, but Jose Rondon’s shot from inside the area was blocked by Brazilian Under-21 international defender Wallace. Monaco were doing the job in terms of keeping Zenit at bay and only occasionally went on the counter-attack, their best one being a determined run from MONACO: Monaco’s Joao Moutinho (top left) celebrates with teammates their side’s 2nd goal during LONDON: Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson (left) challenges Basel’s Shkelzen Gashi dur- Jeremy Toulalan, whose shot after the Champions League Group C soccer match between Monaco and Zenit St. Petersburg at Louis II ing the Champions League Group B soccer match. —AP cutting inside from the right stadium. —AP Clarke defies pain Cavs sink for16 brave century Raptors17 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

DR Congo woman boxer wins kudos as only female referee Page 17

MADRID: Ludogorets’ goalkeeper Vladislav Stoyanov jumps for the ball during a Group B Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and Ludogorets. — AP Real set record of 19 straight wins

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed to win when they were humbled 2-1 at home by charge. “I knew we would fix what had not gone the Paranaense state championship and the affection for the players and I thank them whenever his “extraordinary” players after they set a Spanish city rivals Atletico Madrid in a La Liga game in well but not in this way.” Brazilian Cup. Real’s 19 wins have come in La Liga I can,” added the 55-year-old, a Champions League record for consecutive victories of 19 thanks to a 4-0 September. “I have an extraordinary group (of play- (11), the Champions League (six) and the King’s Cup winners with AC Milan as both player and coach. success at home to Ludogorets in Champions ers) and I never tire of saying it,” Ancelotti told a OVERALL RECORD (two). Their latest exploits will fuel expectations the Barca hold the record for the most La Liga wins in a League Group B on Tuesday. news conference after the match at a festive Brazilian side Coritiba hold the overall record for club is set to extend and improve Ancelotti’s con- row of 16 set under Pep Guardiola in the 2010-11 Real surpassed the previous record they jointly Bernabeu stadium. “I could not imagine winning 19 most consecutive wins in all competitions, accord- tract, which runs until the end of next season. season. Real, the current La Liga leaders, can make it held with Barcelona, who won 18 matches in a row games in a row after the defeat to Atletico,” added ing to Guinness World Records. “I have felt a lot of affection from the club and 12 straight victories in Spain’s top flight when they in all competitions between October 2005 and the Italian, who led Real to a record-extending 10th The South Americans won 24 straight games everything is going well and we have to fight to play at Almeria on Friday before heading to the Club January 2006. European champions Real last failed European crown in 2013-14 in his first season in between February and May 2011 spread between prolong the moment,” Ancelotti said. “I have a lot of World Cup in Morocco. — AFP Juventus in last 16

TURIN: Juventus secured their ticket for the last Simeone. “The first half was very intense and we 16 of the Champions League for the first time in didn’t have many opportunities, while in the two years after dominating a listless Atletico second we closed down a bit and played on the Madrid in an entertaining scoreless draw in counter-attack.” Remarkably, the match finished Turin on Tuesday. While the Spaniards were without either side using a substitute but for already qualified thanks to the four-match win- Simeone it was not surprising. “It’s not surpris- ning run that followed their opening day defeat ing at all. Why would it be?” he said. to Olympiakos, Juventus required just a point to After Andrea Pirlo had driven an early free- qualify for the knockout phase. kick into the defensive wall, a poor headed Coach Massimiliano Allegri had underlined clearance by Leonardo Bonucci set Atletico up his side’s intention to go for a win with a two- for one of their few real chances of the game. goal margin that would allow the Turin giants Although the defender tried to rectify his to snatch top spot from Diego Simeone’s reign- error, the ball was fed to Koke to fire a low ing Spanish champions. But despite dominat- angled shot that forced goalkeeper Gianluigi ing in all departments, the Italians failed to con- Buffon down low to block. vert chances into goals. Vidal earned a yellow card before the half- The draw means Atletico finish top of Group hour when he pulled down Raul Garcia, leading A on 13 points, with Juventus second on 10 and directly to another half-chance for Atletico as Olympiakos, who beat Malmo 4-2, finishing Jose Maria Gimenez sent a looping header third on nine to drop into the Europa League. towards goal which Buffon had to tip over. “The most imporant thing was to qualify Mario Suarez was then shown a yellow card from the group and that’s what we have done,” moments later when he tugged at Carlos GERMANY: Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan (left) and Anderlecht’s Olivier Deschacht hook arms as they jump to head the ball during the Group D said Allegri. “It would have been good to win Tevez’s right shoulder, and the subsequent free- Champions League soccer match. — AP with a two-goal margin and finish top of the kick by Pirlo from 30 metres flashed over the group, but we’ve achieved what we set out to crossbar. With Atletico apparently set on do.” Juventus suffered a minor blow before kick- defending top spot, Juventus found momen- Dortmund defeat Anderlecht to top group off when Claudio Marchisio was ruled out with tum. Good build-up on the left allowed Pogba a bout of flu and replaced by Roberto Pereyra, to deliver a delightful ball for Llorente with the DORTMUND: Borussia Dortmund finished atop Europa League in February. Dortmund coach Jurgen Mitrovic after the striker was put through on goal by which forced Arturo Vidal back to the right side outside of his right boot but the Spaniard’s their Champions League Group D on superior goal Klopp, who has seen his side fail to replicate their Dennis Praet. Immobile again tested Proto after a of midfield. But the late change did not upset looping header was collected by Moya. A difference from Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against European form in the Bundesliga, was satisfied with neat one-two with Shinji Kagawa and the goalkeep- Juve’s plans. Atletico were restricted to only one defeat would have proved disastrous for Juve Anderlecht on Tuesday. the outcome. “This was a very good performance by er fended off an effort from Henrikh Mkhitaryan.As it real chance on goal in the opening half and and Atletico, at times, were a threat. Buffon was Former Genoa and Torino striker Ciro Immobile, the team,” said Klopp, who guided Dortmund to the turned out Sacha Kljestan almost handed the Juventus were allowed to move the ball around forced into a two-handed parry two minutes part of Italy’s World Cup squad, struck in the 60th 2013 Champions League final. “We created a lot of Belgians a surprise lead just before half-time but the with surprising ease. But with Atletico among before half-time after Pogba lost control and minute for Dortmund. Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic chances but unfortunately we were not able to con- American’s shot drifted high. the tournament favourites after their 4-1 defeat the ball found its way to Suarez on the edge of equalised in the 84th minute for the Belgians in a vert them. Still, 13 points is a great total.” Both goal- Immobile finally broke the deadlock with a well- to city rivals Real in last May’s final, Simeone the area. It took Juve almost 10 minutes to fash- game dominated by the home side. Dortmund, the keepers were called into early action of a first-half in taken goal, the Italian stepping back inside the 1997 Champions League winners, had already which Dortmund dominated possession. defence and blasting past Proto from the edge of admitted his side’s priority was to defend top ion any kind of chance after the restart, but assured their progression to the knock-out round Anderlecht’s Silvio Proto was forced into a close- the area for his fourth goal of the campaign so far. spot. “We’re delighted to finish top of the group, from 10 metres out on the left Pogba’s shot was along with second-placed Arsenal who beat win-less range save from Immobile while Dortmund’s The 24-year-old Italian kept testing Proto, the especially given we’ve only been playing in the blocked after a move featuring a back-heel Galatasaray 4-1 in Turkey on Tuesday and also fin- Australian ‘keeper Mitchell Langerak came racing off Belgian pressed into a smart double save and then Champions League for the past two years,” said from Tevez. —AFP ished on 13 points. Anderlecht go on to play in the his line in the 11th minute to block an effort from pushing away a longer-range volley. —AFP France unveils controversial plan to energize its economy Page 25

Dubai Parks tumbles Business on their bourse debut Page 26 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Toyota Corolla crowned Japan’s looming benefit cuts ‘an unsettling election theme’ the ‘Middle East Car of the Year’ Page 22 Page 25

TEXAS: Aerial photo shows oil refineries, in Deer Park, Texas. North America, once a sponge that sucked in a significant portion of the world’s oil, will instead be supplying the world with oil and other liquid hydrocarbons by the end of this decade, according to ExxonMobil’s annual long-term energy forecast. — AP Fall in oil prices is a result of ‘treachery’ Iranian president blames oil price fall on ‘conspiracy’

TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani about 40 percent of the world oil market close to an agreement on an oil-for-goods billion that would involve Moscow buying Crime said yesterday that the sharp fall in global and Saudi Arabia, the largest oil exporter, swap, the semi-official Mehr news agency up to 500,000 barrels a day of Iranian oil in Report oil prices is the result of “treachery,” in an produces nearly 10 million barrels a day - a reported yesterday. Russia’s Economy exchange for Russian equipment and apparent reference to regional rival Saudi third of the OPEC total. Riyadh has thus far Minister Alexei Ulyukayev was quoted on goods. Such an agreement, if was reached, Arabia, which opposed production cuts. Oil refused to go along with Iran, Russia, Nov 30 as saying Russia hoped for an would enable Iran to significantly raise oil BP eyes restructuring prices have plunged by more than 40 per- Nigeria and Venezuela, all of which want to agreement soon on a deal to supply grain exports despite sanctions over its nuclear amid sliding revenues cent since June to less than $70 a barrel, scale back production to drive prices up. and equipment to Iran in return for oil, but program, and give the slowing Russian LONDON: British energy giant BP yesterday announced a placing severe strain on Iran’s economy, The fall in prices has mainly been attrib- Iran Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh told Mehr economy a much-needed boost. But it major restructuring of the company’s operations faced with which is already hobbled by international uted to a US oil boom and lower world there was no such plan in prospect. would also strain relations between sliding revenues from plunging oil prices. BP said it would take sanctions imposed over its nuclear pro- demand because of weakened economies. “The idea of bartering Iranian oil in Moscow and the West at a time when they a restructuring charge totaling about $1.0 billion (800 million gram. An OPEC meeting last month failed Saudi Arabia is opposed to cutting produc- return for Russian commodities (goods) is are already frayed over the Ukraine crisis. euros) over the next year “as part of its wider ongoing group- to reach agreement on production curbs, tion because it fears its market share could not true and such an agreement has never The United States has warned Russia that wide program to simplify across its upstream and downstream mainly because of Saudi opposition. erode. Saudi Arabia and Iran are longtime taken place between the two countries,” he an oil-for-goods deal could run counter to activities and corporate functions”. It added it would provide Rouhani told a Cabinet meeting yester- rivals who have been fiercely divided over was quoted as saying. “Iran and Russia have nuclear talks between world powers and further details in upcoming earnings statements. Reports say day that the fall in prices is at least partly the civil war in Syria, where Shiite Iran sup- merely agreed on bilateral cooperation in Iran and might fall foul of US sanctions. Iran BP could cut jobs as part of the restructuring plan. The compa- “politically motivated,” the result of a “con- ports President Bashar Assad while Saudi oil and gas industries, based on which Iran and the six powers last month gave them- ny has been hit hard in recent months by plunging oil prices, spiracy against the interests of the region, Arabia backs the mainly Sunni rebels fight- will take advantage of Russian firms’ techni- selves seven more months to resolve a which have collapsed by more than 40 percent since June to the Muslim people and the Muslim world.” ing to topple him. cal and operational capabilities in its oil standoff on Iran’s nuclear program that has strike five-year low points this week. It comes after BP-which “Iran and people of the region will not for- and gas industries,” he said, according to led to economic sanctions being imposed was devastated by the catastrophic Gulf of Mexico oil spill in get such conspiracies, or in other words, Oil-for-goods swap Mehr. Russian and Iranian sources told on Tehran, while extending the partial eas- 2010 - has been forced to sell off billions of dollars of assets to meet the clean-up bill. “We have already been working very treachery against the interests of the In another development, Iran’s oil minis- Reuters in January that the two sides were ing of those sanctions that followed an hard over these past 18 months or so to right-size our organi- Muslim world,” he said. OPEC controls ter has denied Tehran and Moscow are discussing a barter deal worth up to $20 interim agreement. — Agencies zation as a result of completing more than $43 billion of divestments,” chief executive Bob Dudley said in yesterday’s statement. Swiss banks eye Chinese wealth Qatari Songbird bid GENEVA: Switzerland’s banking sector, facing the end of the tions held their first “financial round table” in June. be for a Chinese bank to open a branch in Switzerland, he said, wins more support secrecy that was once the bedrock of its business, is turning to The Swiss National Bank and the People’s Bank of China also acknowledging that was a decision for the individual bank. He LONDON: The Qatari-led group attempting a takeover of China as it seeks new markets for the future. “One of the first reached a bilateral swap agreement-a currency exchange deal- also identified asset management as an area for growth- Songbird Estates, owner of the Canary Wharf financial dis- ports that the Swiss financial centre is steering for... is the port in July. Such moves were “small steps”, said Margelisch, but he Switzerland is currently only a minor player in a sector dominat- trict in London, said another shareholder had pledged of China,” Claude-Alain Margelisch, chief executive of the Swiss insisted that things were moving forward. The next step would ed by London, New York and Hong Kong. —AFP support to take total acceptances to nearly a third of the Bankers Association, told reporters in Geneva this week. company’s free float. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) “Together with our member banks, we want to make and its bidding partner, US investor Brookfield Property Switzerland an international hub for the renminbi,” also known Partners, launched a 350 pence-a-share offer direct to as the yuan. Songbird shareholders last Thursday, valuing the compa- Switzerland will abandon its long-prized banking secrecy in ny at $4 billion. That hostile move had followed the rejec- 2017 when it starts automatically exchanging account details tion of an earlier 295 pence-a-share bid. Songbird has said with other countries, and with it goes one of the main attrac- that both offers undervalued the group but has yet to for- tions of placing money in its banks. For generations, investors mally reject the second bid. EMS Capital, which holds 3.2 have paid Swiss banks high fees to hide their money from tax percent of Songbird’s free float, or 0.7 percent of its total authorities around the world, providing a lucrative stream of issued share capital, said in a letter to the bidders that it revenue for them. But the global financial crisis prompted intended to accept the latest offer. demands for a tougher regulatory environment. Switzerland was reluctantly forced to accept the new rules, leaving the China may need more banks facing an uncertain future. Not only are private Swiss banks looking for new sources of than 5,300 new aircraft revenue, but they have also faced probes and massive fines from BEIJING: China will require more than 5,300 new aircraft in countries accusing them of abetting tax dodging. “The Swiss the coming two decades as demand for domestic air travel financial centre and the Swiss banks have recognized the need mounts, Airbus forecast yesterday. The Europe-based air- for action,” said Margelisch. “We have drawn the necessary con- craft manufacturer said its 2014-2033 Global Market clusions from previous mistakes and introduced counter-mea- Forecast showed China was expected to take delivery of sures.” In 2013, Switzerland still held 26 percent of global off- 5,363 new passenger and freight aircraft during the period. shore assets, or $2.3 trillion, according to an analysis by Boston Airbus, manufacturer of the A380, the world’s largest pas- Consulting. But Nicolas Pictet, president of the Geneva Financial senger jet, competes for orders with Boeing of the United Center, which represents hundreds of banks and financial com- States. Boeing said in its own forecast released in panies, warned in October that the sector must wake up. September that China will need 6,020 new aircraft over the Pictet, a managing partner in his family’s eponymous bank, same time period as flight demand increases and diversi- said Geneva must stop “behaving like hedgehogs on a freeway” fies. By aircraft type, Airbus said that its forecast included as they risked losing out to other financial centers. Many now 3,567 single aisle, 1,477 twin-aisle and 319 very large air- believe that China could be the answer. Margelisch said rela- GENEVA: Roberto Azevedo (right) Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, of Brazil, and Pierre craft. The aircraft have a combined market value of $820 tions between China and Switzerland were stronger than ever, Laporte Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment for the Seychelles hold a board before exchanging documents billion and account for 17 percent of total global demand noting a free-trade agreement signed in 2013 and which came during the final ceremony before Seychelles becomes member of WTO, at the World Trade Organization headquar- for more than 31,000 new aircraft over the period, it pro- into force this year. Officials from both sides have met twice in ters, in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. Seychelles will become the 161th member of the World Trade jected. the past year to discuss finance, while national banking associa- Organization. — AP BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Japan’s looming benefit cuts an unsettling election theme Cuts seen as inevitable; public debt tops quadrillion yen

TOKYO: Hiroko Shinohara frets about one percent from 8 percent next October as initial- to weather the pain. Moody’s Investors issue Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has notice- ly planned, Japan was not on track to meet its Service cited rising uncertainty over the gov- ably avoided on the campaign trail ahead of promise to balance the budget in the next 7 ernment’s ability to hit its budget goals when Sunday’s election: the need to cut Japan’s years. With the tax hike delayed by 18 months, it downgraded Japan’s sovereign debt rating generous social welfare program that sup- there is even greater need for cuts to gener- by one notch to A1 last week. A quarter of ports millions of people. “I hope my own pen- ous social benefits, further tax increases or, Japan’s population is over 65, and that figure sion is OK, but I need to work as long as I can more likely, both. “We cannot rely on high is projected to increase to nearly 40 percent and save money, just in case,” said Shinohara, growth but must seek both tax hikes and wel- by 2050. The number of those aged 18-24 has 67, as she tended her family’s traditional fare spending cuts to fix public finances,” said fallen by nearly a third over the past two Japanese sweet shop in Tokyo. “I really worry Kazumasa Oguro, associate professor of eco- decades. Social welfare spending, already one about people in their 30s and 40s now. Will nomics at Hosei University. third of the 96 trillion yen budget, is rising there be any money left for them when automatically by about 1 trillion yen a year as they’re old?” Details only after election Japan’s demographic timebomb ticks. Abe called the election as a referendum on Abe, who media projections show is on Finance ministry forecasts early this year his economic policies, particularly the deci- course for a landslide victory in Sunday’s bal- showed that even if the sales tax hike had sion to delay a tax increase designed to curb lot despite concerns over his economic poli- gone ahead, under the most optimistic Japan’s runaway public debt, which tops a cies, promises answers in the coming months, assumption of 3 percent annual growth and quadrillion, or 1,000 trillion, yen ($8.3 trillion). but is not giving out specifics while on the further steps to rein in social security spend- But raising revenues is not the only problem. campaign trail. “We will formulate specific ing, Japan would not reach its goal. It would So is curbing spending that’s already growing plans by the summer of next year on achiev- run a deficit, excluding debt service and rapidly and is set to expand further as the ing a primary budget surplus” for the fiscal income from debt sales, of 6.6 trillion yen ($55 number of retirees soars in this fast-greying year to March 2021, Abe’s Liberal Democratic billion), or 1.1 percent of GDP, in the 2020-21 society, and as the workforce supporting Party said in its election platform. Japan’s fiscal year, the ministry calculated. In her shop them dwindles. Looming benefit cuts are public debt this year is more than twice the in the Sugamo area of northern Tokyo, causing people like Shinohara to save rather country’s GDP and the heaviest burden Shinohara declined to say how she would than spend, complicating Abe’s attempt to among developed nations. vote on Sunday, but made clear she was no break the nearly two-decade deflationary But after an April hike in the sales tax fan of Abe’s economic recipe. She has not mindset. tipped Japan into recession, Abe decided to been able to pass on the April tax increase Government projections indicate that even delay the second hike, saying the priority and higher costs to customers. “Abenomics? I if Abe had raised the national sales tax to 10 must be to make the economy strong enough want it to stop,” she said.— Reuters Yen plunge ‘hurting’ Iraq’s economy to

TOKYO: The precipitous plunge in the val- nearly tripled to 301 in the 11 months shrink 0.5 percent ue of the yen in the past 18 months is an through November, according to Teikoku object lesson in being careful what you Databank, a corporate credit research firm. BAGHDAD: Iraq’s oil-dominated economy is expect- wish for. After years of complaints by eco- “Further yen depreciation could do lethal ed to shrink 0.5 percent this year, the International nomic managers that the yen was too high damage to mid-sized and small companies Monetary Fund said, a significantly smaller contrac- and no one was buying Japanese exports, which are barely surviving,” the report tion than the 2.7 percent fall it forecast two months the currency is on a one-way charge to the warned. ago. The IMF attributed the drop in output to the bottom of the heap. Three years after hit- Among those that have succumbed is Islamic State insurgency in the north and west of the ting the dizzy heights of 75 yen to the dol- now-bankrupt bag maker Fukai, among a country, but its latest estimate appeared to be based lar as global investors poured into the safe slew of firms that struggled to pass on the on higher figures for the country’s oil production and haven currency, the Japanese unit is now extra costs to customers, which came as exports. plumbing seven-year lows beyond 120 to the sales tax rose from 5.0 percent to 8.0 Oil production should reach 3.3 million barrels per the dollar. percent in April, hammering consumer day (bpd) in 2014, up from 3.1 million bpd in 2013, Massive-and recently expanded-mone- spending. “In addition to losses in currency with exports remaining at 2013 levels of 2.5 million bpd, the Fund said in a statement on Tuesday after tary easing by the Bank of Japan has been derivatives due to past strengthening of talks with Iraqi officials. Growth is likely to rebound to responsible for driving down the yen, a the yen... increased costs in imports due to about 2 percent in 2015 with increasing oil produc- trend that has accelerated in recent a cheaper yen since the end of 2012 wors- tion and exports helped by a recent agreement months as the Fed wound down its asset- ened its profitability rapidly,” the Teikoku between central government and Kurdish regional purchase program. The price of Japanese report said of the bag maker. authorities over oil exports and budget payments, goods abroad has fallen and exporting For struggling companies and hard- the IMF said. firms have seen their bottom line fattening pressed consumers, it seems worse is yet to Under the deal, which is expected to start in nicely, driving up share prices. come. Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party is January, 300,000 bpd of oil from Kirkuk will be export- Companies such as Toyota and widely expected to bag an easy victory in ed via a pipeline running through Kurdish territory to Panasonic have celebrated as their coffers this weekend’s general election, meaning Turkey, in addition to 250,000 bpd from the Kurdish fill with cash, enough-maybe-to dish out more of the same. The US economic recov- region’s own fields. This year’s economic contraction the pay rises Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ery should also fuel dollar-buying, econo- will be the first since the US-led invasion of Iraq in desperately wants workers to get if they are mists said. There is one factor cushioning 2003 and follows 4.2 percent growth in 2013. That was ever to start spending and help nurture the Japan from the full brunt of the plunging the weakest rate since 2007. The fund said year-on- economy back to health. With the dollar at yen-cheap oil. Crude has struck fresh five- year inflation outside Iraq’s conflict-affected areas 120 yen, compared with 103 a year ago, the year lows, with US benchmark West Texas stood at 0.9 percent at the end of October. Falling oil main six automakers stand to collectively Intermediate for January delivery around prices and declining revenues contributed to a fall in enjoy an additional 800 billion yen ($6.7 bil- $63 a barrel and analysts forecasting fur- international reserves to $67 billion from around $77 lion) in operating profit for the year to ther falls owing to weak demand, a global billion at the start of the year, the IMF said. March 2015, the Nikkei newspaper estimat- supply glut and fewer production halts. The slide in crude prices has forced Prime ed. And businesses catering to foreign Even with its ever-larger need to import Minister Haider Al-Abadi’s government to scrap its tourists are seeing a boom, with the cheap dollar-denominated fossil fuels-a legacy of original 2015 draft budget and prepare a revised yen encouraging an ever-greater number the nuclear shutdown in post-Fukushima version to present to parliament. No budget was of high-spending foreigners to splash the Japan-things are not as bad as they could approved for 2014, limiting spending in many areas, cash. be. The impact of cheap oil on the econo- but off-budget spending, particularly on security, my at large is similar to a tax cut in Japan has boosted the deficit to a likely 5 percent of GDP. Corporate bankruptcies for now, said Ryutaro Kono, economist at “As projected financing in 2015 will be limited, we But the rocketing price of imports like BNP Paribas. But-frustratingly for Abe-that expect the government deficit to decline to less energy, food and raw materials have put is taking the wind out of price rises and than 2 percent of GDP,” the IMF said. Iraq has strug- the squeeze on consumers and businesses putting his target of 2.0 percent inflation gled to rebuild its dilapidated infrastructure, hit by at home. Where Tokyo was accustomed to further beyond reach. That, in turn, might wars and economic blockade, and investment is still making soothing noises to hard-hit lead the Bank of Japan to further extend its needed in nearly every sector from electricity to exporters, it now finds itself drafting meas- easing program, which could further drive banking. The oil sector-from which Iraq garners 95 ures to combat high fuel prices that have down the yen, Kono added. If that happens percent of government revenue-still suffers from ageing infrastructure. — Reuters hit truck drivers and fishermen. The num- “we will never enjoy the benefits of falling ber of yen-linked corporate bankruptcies oil prices”, said Kono. — AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006469 0.006749 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Singapore Dollar 0.219379 0.225379 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 South African Rand 0.019556 0.028056 Japanese Yen 2.460 Australian Dollar 229.17 226.17 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001873 0.002453 Indian Rupees 4.724 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 258.98 259.88 Turkish Lira 131.225 Taiwan 0.009269 0.009449 Pakistani Rupees 2.371 Swiss Franc 305.10 303.10 Thai Baht 0.008567 0.009117 Srilankan Rupees 2.220 Euro 364.41 365.41 Nepali Rupees 2.959 US Dollar 292.95 295.95 Arab Singapore Dollar 223.660 Sterling Pound 460.65 463.65 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.769536 0.777535 Hongkong Dollar 37.740 Japanese Yen 2.48 2.50 Egyptian Pound 0.037925 0.041025 Bangladesh Taka 3.741 Bangladesh Taka 3.748 4.018 CURRENCY BUY SELL Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Philippine Peso 6.573 Indian Rupee 4.727 5.027 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000197 0.000257 Thai Baht 8.926 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Belgian Franc 0.007618 0.008618 Jordanian Dinar 0.408551 0.416051 Irani Riyal transfer 60.155 Nepali Rupee 2.950 3.485 British Pound 0.451767 0.460767 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal cash 118.945 Pakistani Rupee 2.892 2.790 Czech Korune 0.005115 0.017115 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 UAE Dirhams 79.60 80.07 Danish Krone 0.044636 0.049636 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023942 0.047942 GCC COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 777.51 779.58 Euro 0.356690 0.364690 Nigerian Naira 0.001186 0.001821 Saudi Riyal 78.045 Egyptian Pound 40.85 41.45 Norwegian Krone 0.037080 0.042280 Omani Riyal 0.753847 0.759527 Qatari Riyal 80.404 Jordanian Dinar 416.24 421.89 Romanian Leu 0.083913 0.083913 Qatar Riyal 0.079646 0.080859 Omani Riyal 760.460 Omani Riyal 759.70 767.00 Slovakia 0.008549 0.018549 Saudi Riyal 0.077377 0.078077 Bahraini Dinar 777.330 Qatari Riyal 80.67 81.22 Swedish Krona 0.034877 0.039877 Syrian Pound 0.001734 0.001954 UAE Dirham 79.703 Saudi Riyal 78.03 78.43 Swiss Franc 0.294814 0.305014 Tunisian Dinar 0.154481 0.162481 Turkish Lira 0.129559 0.136559 Turkish Lira 0.129559 0.136559 ARAB COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 0.078669 0.079818 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.536 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001321 0.001401 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.831 Australian Dollar 0.234965 0.246465 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.366 New Zealand Dollar 0.218929 0.228429 Tunisian Dinar 158.560 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Jordanian Dinar 413.030 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.963 Canadian Dollar 0.250315 0.258815 Sterling Pound 456.630 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Syrian Lira 2.086 US Dollars 0.288450 0.293150 Euro 366.500 Morocco Dirham 33.240 US Dollars Mint 0.288950 0.293150 US Dollar 291.950 Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 364.150 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Asia Pound Sterlng 460.300 UAE Dirhams 79.330 US Dollar Transfer 292.550 Bangladesh Taka 0.003469 0.004069 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Canadian Dollar 256.950 Euro 363.640 Chinese Yuan 0.046188 0.049688 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Indian Rupee 4.715 Sterling Pound 460.470 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035634 0.038384 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Egyptian Pound 40.815 Canadian dollar 256.620 Indian Rupee 0.004632 0.005033 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Turkish lira 129.230 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.215 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Swiss Franc 302.850 Japanese Yen 0.002380 0.002560 Bangladesh Taka 3.715 Indian Rupees 4.716 Australian Dollar 244.570 Kenyan Shilling 0.003309 0.003309 Philippines Peso 6.554 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 US Dollar Buying 291.350 Korean Won 0.000253 0.000268 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Pakistan Rupee 2.898 Malaysian Ringgit 0.081336 0.087336 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Bahraini Dinar 777.350 GOLD Nepalese Rupee 0.002990 0.003160 Cyprus pound 715.865 UAE Dirham 79.500 20 gram 232.500 Pakistan Rupee 0.002732 0.003012 10 gram 118.950 Japanese Yen 3.480 Saudi Riyal 78.000 BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 ‘LuxLeaks’ release drags Disney and Microsoft into tax scandal LONDON: Dozens of companies including company Invista, owned by the powerful US Microsoft, Disney and Koch Industries were conservative political donors the Koch dragged into the Luxembourg tax avoid- brothers. The scandal has increased political ance “LuxLeaks” scandal on Tuesday with the pressure to address tax avoidance, and on release of new documents by investigative Tuesday investigative journalists called on journalists. The revelations increase pressure Juncker to make company ownership trans- on former prime minister Jean-Claude parent. “The ‘LuxLeaks’ scandal is a recent Juncker over Luxembourg’s tax policies dur- example of the kind of corrosive deals that ing his 19 years in office, and come on the big companies are able to extract from eve of his swearing-in as president of the countries when they think no one will see,” European Commission. The new claims the dozens of international journalists wrote emerge from 28,000 pages of documents in the open letter. obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), and examined ‘I was weakened’ by dozens of newspapers. The November leaks, which named com- The first installment in November panies including Apple, Pepsi, IKEA and revealed hundreds of the world’s biggest Heinz as tax breaks beneficiaries while companies brokered secret deals with Juncker was prime minister, hit less than a Luxembourg to avoid paying billions of dol- week after he took office at the head of the lars in taxes. The new documents detail European Commission. “Subjectively speak- “aggressive tax structures” brokered for ing, I have no more to answer for than oth- major companies by accountants Ernst & ers,” Juncker said in an interview published Young, KPMG, PwC and Deloitte between on Wednesday in the French daily Liberation. 2003 and 2011, when Juncker was in office. “But objectively speaking, I was weak- They contain confidential “tax rulings” from ened because ‘LuxLeaks’ suggests I was par- Luxembourg officials that “assure companies ty to manoeuvres that do not meet the basic they will get favorable treatment for their standards of ethics and morality.” Juncker tax-saving manoeuvres”, according to the conceded in November that while he was SHANGHAI: Chinese tourists stand along the promenade on the Bund overlooking the Huangpu River against the skyline of the Pudong district ICIJ. The reports claim internet calling busi- “not the architect” of the problem, he was in Shanghai yesterday. China’s consumer inflation fell to a five-year low of 1.4 percent in November. — AFP ness Skype, owned by Microsoft, used an “politically responsible” for Luxembourg’s tax Irish subsidiary to allow its Luxembourg practices as prime minister. unit to report no corporation tax over five The European Commission has fought China inflation falls years. Meanwhile, entertainment giant the back on the issue, announcing agreements Walt Disney Company and Koch Industries on Tuesday to close loopholes and to ensure had complex arrangements to channel the exchange of tax information between “hundreds of millions of dollars in profits the EU’s 28 member states. “Current events through Luxembourg” from 2009 to 2013 require us to step up our efforts against cor- to 5-year-low 1.4% and pay little tax, the ICIJ said. Canadian porate tax avoidance and aggressive tax aerospace giant Bombardier and communi- planning on all fronts,” said Pierre Moscovici, cations firm Telecom Italia are also named in European Commissioner for Economic and the documents, according to Belgian news- Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs. Concern about the danger of deflation paper Le Soir, which reported that Disney Since June, the commission has also was afforded a 0.28 percent tax rate in the launched investigations into the tax affairs arrangements. of Amazon and Fiat in Luxembourg, Apple in BEIJING: China’s consumer inflation fell to a five- growth is expected to slow further in the coming ratio (RRR) reductions in each quarter of next year. British newspaper The Guardian reported Ireland and Starbucks in the Netherlands to year low of 1.4 percent in November, the govern- year,” ANZ economists Liu Li-Gang and Zhou Hao Investment bank China International Capital the documents name major consumer determine whether sweetheart tax deals ment said yesterday, fuelling concern about the wrote in a reaction to yesterday’s data. Corporation argued for lower benchmark interest goods company Reckitt Benckiser and Lycra could constitute illegal state aid. — AFP danger of deflation in the world’s second-largest While moderate inflation encourages con- rates and RRR cuts given what it described as a economy. The news comes after the central sumers to buy before prices go up, falling prices “significantly” increased risk of falling prices. People’s Bank of China on November 21 shocked lead shoppers to delay purchases and companies “Higher deflation expectations in the real markets by cutting interest rates for the first time to put off investment, both of which can hurt economy will lift the level of real interest rates, Thousands rally in in more than two years to kickstart the slowing growth. Once deflation starts it can be hard to further curbing aggregate demand and in turn economy. Analysts said they expect further eas- overcome as Japan has found after years of policy reinforcing deflation expectations,” it said in a Indonesia for higher pay ing measures in the new year. experiments aimed at ending it. Chinese stocks note. “Therefore, counter-cyclical monetary policy The rise in the consumer price index (CPI) is closed higher after the inflation data, with the easing is strongly needed.” But Julian Evans- JAKARTA: Thousands of workers rallied in one of several unions organizing the the lowest since November 2009, coming in short Shanghai Composite Index rising 2.93 percent, or Pritchard, China economist at Capital Economics, the Indonesian capital Jakarta yesterday, protests. “If the government cannot push of a median forecast of 1.6 percent in a Wall Street 83.74 points, to 2,940.01. Dealers cited increasing said that while price rises should ease further demanding higher salaries after a recent the petrol price down then they must sub- Journal survey of 16 economists and marking a hopes for more policy easing. The benchmark heading into 2015, worries about deflation risks increase in the fuel price pushed up infla- sidize staple foods.” slowdown from October’s 1.6 percent. The rebounded following a plunge of more than five were overblown despite the worsening producer tion. Crowds waving flags marched to a The workers were also demanding National Bureau of Statistics also said the produc- percent Tuesday on profit-taking. prices figure. “Industrial input costs are falling, on major roundabout in downtown Jakarta improved pensions, as well as an end to er price index (PPI) a measure of costs for goods the back of lower commodity prices, but the fac- and to the presidential palace to kick off outsourcing labor and moves aimed at at the factory gate and a leading indicator of the Further easing expected tory gate price of final consumption goods has two days of strikes across the country, curbing the power of unions. New trend for CPI-fell 2.7 percent year-on-year, the Yesterday’s figures were far below the govern- remained broadly flat and so many firms are actu- while there were smaller walk-outs in other President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, worst reading since a similar decline in June 2013. ment’s 2014 inflation target of 3.5 percent. ally better off,” he wrote in a reaction. cities. raised the price of petrol and diesel by The last PPI increase was in January 2012. Nomura economists said in a note after release: China’s top leaders opened a meeting Protesters in Jakarta are unhappy with more than 30 percent last month in a bid to The figures point to further downward pres- “We expect inflation to remain below 2.0 percent Tuesday to craft economic policies for 2015, an increase in the minimum wage agreed reduce government subsidies that gobble sure on economic activity in China, a key driver of in 2015, which may raise concerns of deflation including growth and inflation targets. Gross for 2015, particularly after the government up a huge chunk of the state budget. global growth, after trade figures Monday and trigger more policy easing.” Economists have domestic product growth came in at 7.3 per- raised fuel prices which pushed up inflation Jakarta police spokesman Rikwanto, who showed imports unexpectedly fell and exports been expecting further measures after last cent in the third quarter, the slowest since the due to the higher cost of transporting goes by one name, said about 4,500 work- grew far slower than forecast. The country has month’s rate cuts, including reductions in reserve height of the global financial crisis in early goods. “We are against this cheap wage ers took to the streets in the capital and the also been hit by disappointing manufacturing requirements-the amount of cash banks must 2009. China had set its GDP target at about 7.5 regime, and we are also against the petrol protests were peaceful. The figure was far activity, tumbling property prices and nagging keep on hand. Cutting the level means more percent for 2014 and analysts are broadly hike,” said Subianto, who goes by one name below the tens of thousands that police concerns over corporate and local government money is available for lending, which can stimu- expecting it to be reduced to as low as 7.0 per- and is secretary general of the KSPSI union, and unions had expected. — AFP debt. “China has entered into a rapid dis-inflation late the economy. The Nomura economists said cent for next year as authorities try to trans- process, and faces the risk of deflation as com- they expect one more interest rate cut in the sec- form the economy to make consumer spend- modity prices continue to trend lower and ond quarter of 2015, with reserve requirement ing the key growth driver. — AFP Indonesian oil firm in new push to upgrade refineries

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s state energy firm Pertamina minister has said ageing refinery infrastructure Indonesia’s Refinery Development Master Plan signed yesterday preliminary agreements with costs Indonesia 10 trillion rupiah ($811 million) a aims to double the country’s crude processing global energy firms to upgrade five oil refineries in year because processing costs mean global fuel capacity to 1.68 million barrels per day from a new push by the former OPEC member to mod- prices are cheaper. 820,000 bpd at present, Soetjipto said. According ernize its creaking energy infrastructure. President Expanding domestic refineries and storage is to Pertamina data, the plan aims to more than Joko Widodo has launched sweeping energy also key element of energy proposed reforms, triple gasoline output from Indonesia’s refineries reforms aimed at curbing corruption and meeting allowing Pertamina to shift to buying petroleum to 630,000 bpd by 2025 from 190,000 bpd in 2012, ballooning energy demands. Pertamina, whose in more stable long-term contracts. But Southeast and more than double diesel output to 770,000 entire board of directors was replaced last month Asia’s largest economy has struggled to attract bpd by 2025 from 320,000 bpd in 2012. as part of the reforms, signed Memoranda of investment in its refining sector and its newest Pertamina said it is prioritizing the upgrades of Understanding (MOU) with China Petroleum and facility is 20 years old. Government talks with the Cilacap refinery in Central Java, Balongan in Chemical Corp (Sinopec), Saudi Aramco and Kuwait Petroleum and Saudi Aramco stalled last West Java, and Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. JAKARTA: Indonesian workers shout slogans during a rally against cheap wages in Japan’s JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. year over tax issues. “In the past our refinery Pertamina senior vice president for business Jakarta yesterday. Thousands of factory workers took to the streets in the capital to The firms will first assess the feasibility of the (investments) were not too economically attrac- development, Iriawan Yulianto, said the expected protest against outsourcing and low wages. — AP upgrades, with binding agreements expected tive,” Soetjipto said. Pertamina has recently said it rate of return for investors on the upgrades would within six months to bring the refineries up to would offer partnerships in marketing and other be “good” but declined to elaborate. Michio Ikeda, international standards within four years, areas to sweeten deals for investors. executive vice president of JX Nippon Oil & Energy ICD to up Dubai Aerospace Pertamina Chief Executive Dwi Soetjipto said. “This Crude supply agreements, however, would Corp, said Indonesia was attractive because its alone won’t be enough to fill the demand gap,” remain separate from refinery investments, demand for oil products was increasing at up to 5 Soetjipto said, adding that Pertamina was also Soetjipto said, because Indonesia wanted to retain percent a year, in contrast to declining demand at stake in latest asset shuffle looking at building new refineries. The energy flexibility to find the lowest energy costs. home. — Reuters DUBAI: Investment Corp of Dubai (ICD), Other DAE shareholders are Emaar which hold stakes in many of the emirate’s Properties, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority top companies, expects to complete a deal and Dubai International Capital. Qatar Airways delays to increase its stake in Dubai Aerospace ICD, which has holdings in some of the Enterprise (DAE) by the end of the year, a emirate’s most high-profile brands includ- delivery of the first top official said. The purchase from a unit of ing Emirates airline and lender Emirates Dubai World is the latest example of asset NBD, has already bought the Atlantis hotel Airbus A350-900 shuffling in the emirate. This allows cash to from Istithmar, a luxury resort situated at be shifted from stronger state-owned enti- the top of a manmade island in the shape of PARIS: Qatar Airways yesterday postponed the delivery of ties to ones still struggling after a debt crisis a palm tree. DAE was set up in 2006 with Airbus’ first A350-900 just days before taking possession of at the start of the decade. the aim of becoming one of the world’s the next-generation plane built to erode Boeing’s domi- Such moves allow Dubai to prop up biggest aircraft lessors, but was forced to nance in the lucrative long-haul market. “Qatar Airways these indebted firms-Dubai World secured a cancel orders as funds dried up in Dubai’s announces that the Airbus A350 aircraft ceremonial trans- $25 billion debt restructuring in 2011, and is debt crisis. It has rebuilt its fortunes since, fer of title has been postponed until further notice,” the air- close to renegotiating the terms to give it aided by its aircraft maintenance business line said in a statement on its Facebook page. “With the more time to repay-as well as maintain StandardAero, and expects to report a high- imminent launch of the new Airbus A350 program, both ownership of assets it considers important er profit for 2014 than the $410 million it entities are committed to introducing the A350 very soon,” cogs in its economy. ICD is already the recorded last year, Daboos said. added Qatar Airways. majority shareholder of DAE, holding 55 Arizona-based StandardAero should Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said he was “very percent, and it was hoping to acquire the post a double-digit percentage growth in confident that our delivery to our customer Qatar will hap- stake currently held by Istithmar World, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, pen very soon.” Shares in the aerospace giant were down Khalifa Al-Daboos, deputy CEO of ICD and depreciation, and amortization) in the cur- more than seven percent on the French stock market, managing director of DAE said. “We have rent year, he added. DAE had previously put pulling down the broader CAC-40 market, which was down made an offer to them. StandardAero on the auction block and was 0.5 percent overall. Both sides had said last week that the I think most likely the deal will be com- in talks with London-headquartered BBA A350 would be delivered Saturday at a ceremony in the pleted by end of this year,” he said, speaking Aviation over a merger reported by media southwestern French city of Toulouse. Qatar Airways has on the sidelines of an aviation event. He at the time to be worth 2.7 billion pounds. ordered 80 of the aircraft, whose delivery had already been declined to disclose the price offered to Discussions were ended in September 2013. pushed back about a year. Istithmar and how much of DAE the unit of Daboos said there were currently no divest- The airline planned to use the new plane for its daily Dubai World owned. However, a source ment plans for StandardAero but said all Doha-Frankfurt flight from January 15. The delivery of a MUMBAI: An Indian-operated SpiceJet Boeing 737-800 aircraft (foreground) takes aware of the matter, speaking on condition options, including a sale process and an ini- new aircraft is always an extremely delicate task for manu- off as a British Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft (background) sits on the tarmac at of anonymity as the information is private, tial public offering, could be considered in facturers as the client’s technical teams scrutinize every the international airport in Mumbai. Cash-strapped Indian airline SpiceJet said that said Istithmar held around 15 percent. the future. — Reuters detail of the cabin, retaining the right to refuse delivery at it has cancelled nearly 1,900 flights across the country for this month, as its financial any moment. —AFP woes mount. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Asian shares, dollar slump but pull off lows

TOKYO: Asian shares, the dollar and oil prices all looked as though the bears were going to run move more aggressively to head off deflation. risk-taking,” said Hiroyuki Nakai, chief strategist lysts had predicted a drop. On Tuesday, Greek slumped yesterday, pulling back as global rampant across equities all over the world. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares at Tokai Tokyo Research Center. shares and sovereign bond markets plunged growth concerns and political uncertainty in However, after the European close, US markets outside Japan slipped 0.2 percent, but was off A Japanese government survey released after the government in Athens brought for- Greece prompted a flight to safety. Financial were able to pare back the majority of the earli- lows as Chinese shares rebounded after a before the market opened showed big ward a presidential vote that heightened uncer- spreadbetters predicted a brighter day ahead in er declines,” Capital Spreads dealer Jonathan sharp selloff on Tuesday. The Shanghai Japanese manufacturers grew less optimistic in tainty over the country’s transition out of its Europe after steep losses in the previous ses- Sudaria said in a note. On Wall Street overnight, Composite Index was up 2.4 percent, a day after October-December and see conditions worsen- IMF/EU bailout. sion. Britain’s FTSE 100 was expected to open 18 major indexes finished lower, though the S&P a rollercoaster session in which it marked a 3- ing further in the following quarter, suggesting That led to a flight to safety, pressuring to 26 points higher, or as much as 0.3 percent; 500 ended nearly flat. Still, investors could take 1/2-year high before collapsing to lose more that the economy is slow to recover from a yields on US Treasuries and in turn the dollar. Germany’s DAX was seen opening 69 to 78 little comfort from data showing China’s annual than 5 percent. Japan’s Nikkei stock average recession. A separate survey showed Japanese The yield on benchmark 10-year notes stood at points higher, or 0.8 percent; and France’s CAC consumer inflation eased to a five-year low of tumbled 2.3 percent, as a stronger yen prompt- consumer confidence worsened for a fourth 2.218 percent in Asian trade, down from its US 40 was called opening 26 to 31 points higher, or 1.4 percent in November, signaling persistent ed investors to sell exporters’ shares. “Market straight month in November. The government close of 2.220 percent on Tuesday. The dollar 0.7 percent. weakness in the world’s second-largest econo- euphoria over the recent positive news is fading reset its view on consumer confidence to weak. was down about 0.5 percent on the day at “When European markets closed yesterday it my and leading some to predict that Beijing will out for now as investors shift to risk-averse from Brent crude slipped about 0.8 percent to $66.29 119.04 yen, after shedding more than 2 per- a barrel, though it pared losses and remained cent at one point on Tuesday to trade as low as well above a five-year low of $65.29 touched on 117.90 yen. The greenback marked a seven- Tuesday. year high of 121.86 yen on Monday. The euro US crude futures were down 1 percent at added about 0.2 percent on the day to buy $63.18. Oil prices have been under pressure $1.2391 , while the dollar index, which tracks amid a massive supply glut, after OPEC decided the US unit against a basket of six currencies, against cutting output. Adding to pressure on edged down about 0.1 percent on the day to crude prices, the American Petroleum Institute, 88.564. Spot gold added about 0.5 percent to an industry group, reported a 4.4 million barrel $1,237.23 an ounce after marking a seven- build in crude stockpiles last week when ana- week high.— Reuters

SHANGHAI: A man transports his goods on his bike in Shanghai. China’s consumer inflation fell to a five-year low of 1.4 percent in November, the government said yesterday, increasing con- cerns over the risk of deflation in the world’s second-largest economy. — AFP Oil falls below $66 OPEC trims 2015 demand forecast

LONDON: Brent crude oil slipped below $66 a pared with analysts’ expectations of a drop of barrel yesterday, just above a five-year low, as 2.2 million. US gasoline and distillate stocks producers forecast lower demand for their oil also showed big builds, the API said. “Almost next year. In a monthly report, the all the news flow points to a weaker market,” Organization of the Petroleum Exporting said Carsten Fritsch, oil analyst at Countries (OPEC) forecast demand for the Commerzbank in Frankfurt. “We have had very group’s oil will drop to 28.92 million barrels bearish API data with large stock builds across per day (bpd) in 2015, down 280,000 bpd from the board, and also a very bearish Short-Term its previous expectation. Energy Outlook from the EIA, with a sharp The price of the North Sea oil benchmark reduction in demand growth forecasts for next has fallen more than 40 percent since June as year.” new supplies of high-quality crude from North The US Energy Information Administration America have fed a glut in many parts of the cut its global oil demand growth estimate for world. “There is a growing realization that the 2015 by 240,000 barrels per day (bpd) to first half of next year is going to look very 880,000 bpd. It forecast oil demand growth weak,” said Gareth Lewis-Davies, strategist at this year would be around 960,000 bpd. OPEC BNP Paribas. “You start to price that in now.” members are divided on how to respond to Brent futures for January fell to a low of $65.54 the global surplus and falling prices. The cartel a barrel, down $1.30, before recovering slight- may still hold an emergency meeting before ly to trade around $65.90 by 1215 GMT. The its June gathering, Algeria’s energy minister contract hit $65.29 on Tuesday, its lowest since said on Tuesday. Italian oil and energy group September 2009. Eni said OPEC may cut output in the spring US crude futures were down $1.12 at and that oil prices will remain between $66 $62.70 a barrel. Data from the American and $75 per barrel next year. Top oil producer Petroleum Institute (API) on Tuesday showed Saudi Arabia blocked production cuts at US crude oil inventories rose by 4.4 million OPEC’s meeting in November and has taken barrels last week to 377.4 million barrels, com- steps to shore up its market share. — Reuters Gold edges lower

LONDON: Gold edged down yesterday, near 2 percent fall in crude oil prices pre- holding below a seven-week peak hit vented further upside in gold. An earlier as a modest rebound in equity increase in appetite for risk could limit markets and lower crude prices more interest towards assets perceived as safer, than offset the impact of a weaker dollar. such as gold, while lower oil prices hurt Spot gold was down 0.3 percent at gold’s appeal as a hedge against oil-led $1,226.90 an ounce by 1042 GMT. The inflation. Holdings of the SPDR Gold metal had jumped in earlier trade to Trust, the world’s largest gold-backed $1,238.20, its highest since Oct 23, hav- exchange-traded fund, rose 0.37 percent ing risen as much as 2.8 percent in the to 721.81 tons on Tuesday. The fund’s previous session on lower share prices holdings remain near six-year lows, how- and the dollar. US gold futures were ever, as bullion investors worry that an down 0.4 percent at $1,227.60 an ounce, expected increase in US interest rates having touched a seven-week high of could dull demand for the metal. $1,239 on Tuesday. Gold slumped to a four-and-a-half- “There were a lot of elements that year low last month, undermined by a pushed gold prices higher yesterday: rocketing dollar and positive US econom- very weak stock markets, expectations ic data. As a non-interest-bearing asset, that India may announce changes in the gold would have taken a hit from higher imports policy within the next few days rates, but this week’s comments from and a lower dollar,” MKS SA head of trad- Federal Reserve officials helped calm ing Afshin Nabavi said. “Although there investor nerves. In the physical markets, are no strong drivers and important strong demand lifted coin sales to a events today ... maybe we have started to record for the second straight year, the form a floor around the $1,220 area, US Mint said. Traders were also watching which could hold for the next few ses- regulatory developments in major con- sions.” The dollar dipped 0.1 percent sumer India, which could announce against a basket of currencies. A weaker changes to import policies, according to US unit makes dollar-denominated assets a source. Platinum fell 0.1 percent to such as gold cheaper for holders of other $1,244.55 an ounce. Silver was down 0.3 currencies. percent at $16.96 an ounce, and palladi- A modest rebound in European shares um gained 0.2 percent to $809.30 an after the previous session’s losses and a ounce. — Reuters THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 BUSINESS Lawmakers reach deal on $1.1 trillion spending bill US negotiators try to avoid looming shutdown

WASHINGTON: US congressional negotiators punishment against Obama for his unilateral by Israel for missile defense programs. finalized a huge spending bill late Tuesday that action to shield millions from deportation. Leadership aides acknowledged the House will funds most federal operations through next DHS will implement most of the executive have to pass a short-term funding extension to September, concluding weeks of haggling to order on immigration, and Republicans want to keep the lights on beyond the shutdown dead- avoid a looming government shutdown. The revisit its funding levels when Congress meets line, as the Senate might need an extra day or $1.1-trillion measure, which includes money for next year under full Republican control. The bill two to debate and vote on the bill. anti-jihadist operations including training for contains $1.014 trillion in discretionary domestic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said law- moderate rebels in Syria, was agreed to with lit- spending, plus $64 billion in military overseas makers should seek to avoid the “cliffhanger tle time to spare before funding runs out at contingency operations in places like Iraq and fights” that have come to mark several recent 11:59 pm Thursday. Afghanistan. It provides for counterterrorism spending measures. “There’s no reason the gov- “This bill will allow us to fulfill our constitu- cooperation with countries like Yemen, Libya ernment should shut down,” Reid said Tuesday. tional duty to responsibly fund the federal gov- and Somalia, funds $5 billion for operations to “And we’re ready to pass a year-long spending PARIS: French Economy and Industry minister Emmanuel Macron gives a ernment and avoid a shutdown,” Republican counter the Islamic State extremist group, bill to take care of this.” But in a sign of tension press conference to present the “growth and activity” bill - a package of House Appropriations chairman Hal Rogers said including $1.6 billion to train Iraqi and Kurdish over the 1,603-page bill at the conclusion of one measures aimed at stoking employment by freeing up some of France’s after the marathon haggling concluded. The security forces, and re-authorizes a Pentagon of the most partisan congressional sessions in notoriously inflexible labor rules and regulations. —AFP measure combines an omnibus package fund- program for up to $500 million to train and memory, House Democratic leaders hinted there ing nearly all of government through the end of equip vetted Syrian opposition members. could still be drama over one of the final votes of fiscal year 2015. But it sets up a showdown next It also provides $5.4 billion in emergency the year. “Until we review the final language, we February over President Barack Obama’s immi- funding to respond to the Ebola crisis-slightly cannot make a determination about whether France unveils controversial gration policy. Funding for the Department of less than the $6 billion requested by Obama. It House Democrats can support this legislation, Homeland Security would limp along for two earmarks $175 million for Israel’s Iron Dome mis- but I am hopeful,” Democratic leader Nancy plan to energize its economy months under a continuing resolution, a form of sile defense shield, part of a $347 million request Pelosi said. —AFP

PARIS: France yesterday unveiled a contro- doubt over all the historical battles of the versial package of reforms to energize its (political) left”. In a PS memorandum sent crisis-hit economy, including a plan to to the economy minister and obtained by Six years after property expand Sunday trading for shops that has AFP, deputies said it was “not necessary to sparked outrage in some quarters. The pro- move beyond five Sundays per year across posed measures also included a plan to the whole nation”. “Everyone has to accept open up traditionally closed-shop sectors that we have to change things that aren’t crash, Spain builds again of the economy, such as for bailiffs and working, things that drag down the econo- notaries, who plan to hit the streets in an my and therefore jobs, even if that shakes unusual white-collar protest. “This is not a up habits, vested interests or corporatism,” MADRID: When Spain’s property ing to employment ministry fig- ‘Inflection point’ struction sector’s turnover this year, law about the protected professions or Valls told reporters. bubble burst in 2008, the country ures published last week. “It is Among the factors giving the however. Activity in the sector is about working on Sundays,” the proposed was plunged into an economic cri- mostly linked to a rise in public sector a boost are low interest expected to fall by 2.4 percent in legislation states. ‘Devil in the detail’ sis that threw millions of people works,” said a spokesman for the rates, easier household credit, a 2014 before finally rising next year, “This is a law which seeks to remove, in a The French economy is badly in need of out of work. Now after six hard National Confederation of rise in the number of building according to a forecast from the pragmatic way, obstacles we have identi- a fillip. Growth was a sluggish 0.3 percent in fied in several sectors to free up untapped the third quarter, after two consecutive years, and even though hundreds Construction, which groups permits issued and a return to Catalan Institute of Construction potential for growth and activity.” periods of zero growth. Unemployment is of thousands of properties stand together the majority of Spain’s modest economic growth, said Technology (Itec). It predicts activi- Emmanuel Macron, France’s youthful stuck at a record high 10.4 percent and empty, building has restarted in builders. The tendency should Miguel Cardoso, chief economist ty will rise 1.8 percent next year banker turned economy minister, was pre- President Francois Hollande has vowed not the country. The decade before continue next year since Prime at Spain’s second-largest bank before growing by 5.0 percent in senting the measures under the watchful to stand for re-election if he fails to reverse the crash saw an all-out building Minister Mariano Rajoy’s budget BBVA. “There are a series of factors 2017. eye of the European Union and Germany, the trend. Meanwhile, France, Europe’s sec- frenzy in the Euro-zone’s fourth- for 2015 - when he faces local and that make us think that we have That is good news for a sector which has recently chided its neighbor for ond-largest economy, has found itself in largest economy. Around 700,000 legislative elections-calls for reached an inflection point,” he that suffered such a huge fall. “We not doing enough to revamp its economy. hot water in Brussels and Berlin for its pub- houses were built each year dur- spending on infrastructure proj- said. The number of building per- didn’t plunge into a cave, we fell Other moves include opening up inter-city lic deficit, which is expected to be above ing the 2000s until the bubble ects to increase by around six per- mits issued in Spain during the down to the catacombs,” said Josep coach travel within France, and selling the three percent ceiling until 2017. between five and 10 billion euros ($12 bil- German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a burst, more than in Britain, France cent. first nine months of 2014 rose by Ramon Fontana, a Spanish mem- lion) in state-owned assets. pot-shot at Paris over the weekend, saying and Germany combined. At the “There is a lot of optimism in 5.7 percent over the same period ber of European construction busi- But it is the proposal to extend Sunday French reforms were “insufficient”, and same time municipal and local the construction sector, in part last year, according to BBVA. ness research group Euroconstruct. shopping that has touched off a firestorm Brussels has slammed the “limited governments, flush with cash in because of the announcements Home building is up despite a The construction sector, which of criticism, even among fellow members progress” made by Paris. part from the sale of building that have already been made by huge stock of unsold homes accounted for about 20 percent of of the ruling Socialists. Retail outlets may “There is no doubt that the French econ- licences, undertook massive infra- the public works minister,” said because many of these empty Spain’s economic output in 2007, currently apply to local authorities to open omy suffers from a lack of competition in structure projects, such as Huesca Javier Vaca, director of business dwellings are not in urban areas now represents just 5.0 percent of on five Sundays per year, but Macron wants domestic markets and some of the meas- airport in the foothills of the development at Spanish builder like Madrid and Barcelona where it, according to Itec. Foreign to expand that to 12. Shops situated in ures proposed by the government would “international tourist zones” would also be help to tackle this issue,” said Diego Iscaro, Pyrenees in northeastern Spain, FCC. The slight uptick in the sector the economy is improving at a investors have started to return to allowed to open until midnight and on France analyst at IHS Global. “However, the which opened in 2007 and is now is not limited to public works, with faster clip and demand is rising, the sector. Mexican telecoms mag- Sundays year-round. “Do we want millions devil is in the detail,” he said, adding that mostly empty. the building of private homes up Cardoso said. nate Carlos Slim, the world’s sec- and millions of tourists-notably Chinese- there was “a relatively high risk of the bill Nearly 1.9 million people slightly as well. “The improvement Most of the empty new houses ond-richest man, announced last who come to the capital to leave us and go being significantly diluted during the par- worked in the building sector in investment in the construction are found along Spain’s extensive month that he will invest 650 mil- and do their shopping in London on a liamentary process.” Even if the reforms before the economic crisis. Now sector that has been noticed since coastline or in the interior of the lion euros ($800 million) to become Sunday?” said Prime Minister Manuel Valls were approved and implemented in full, the sector employs fewer than the start of the year seems to have country that were intended as holi- the main shareholder in Spanish in a recent interview. Iscaro said there were doubts over whether 700,000. But in recent months continued during recent months,” day homes or secondary resi- builder FCC. “This time the sector is However, the left wing of the Socialist they would have a significant impact over Party (PS) has said it will vote against the the short term, “although they should help building firms have started hiring the Bank of Spain wrote in its lat- dences, he added. not the cause of economic growth, measures after a parliamentary debate to lift the economy’s long-term growth again. The sector created nearly est bulletin at the end of These encouraging signs will it is growing because of economic expected in January, believing it “casts potential”. —AFP 10,000 jobs in November, accord- November. not translate into a rise in the con- growth,” Cardoso said. —AFP

As beef prices rise, cattle herds go missing in Idaho BOISE: More than 150 cattle valued at about $350,000 have been reported missing in southeastern Idaho, and authorities suspect modern-day cattle rustling as beef prices have soared. “Right now it’s just insane what those things are worth - it scares me to death,” Idaho State Brand Inspector Larry Hayhurst said. “Which means the incentive is there.” Three ranchers say roundup searches in recent weeks in the hills and gulches on the remote summer range where the cattle graze have come up empty in two counties. The losses include a herd of 50 Black Angus consist- ing of 25 cows and 25 calves valued at $150,000. Another herd of 41 cow-calf pairs, meaning 82 animals total, plus 10 cow-calf pairs, or 20 animals, from another rancher are also reported missing. Those missing cattle are valued at about $200,000. Authorities say other ranchers in the region have reported smaller losses, but note that typically one or two cow-calf pairs go missing almost every year. An entire herd disappearing is some- thing else. “At this point we don’t have any suspects,” said Sgt. Jeff Edwards of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the missing Black Angus. He said an aircraft was used in that search, and so far no other rancher has reported accidently rounding up the cattle, which happens sometimes. The sheriff’s office in nearby Bingham County, where the 102 cattle are missing, is also stumped. “It is a very cold trail,” said Capt. Robert Sobieski. “There’s no way of knowing when they went missing. That’s what makes it toughest.” But he also said that deputies aren’t ready to confirm that the cattle have been stolen because they could have mingled with Toyota Corolla crowned the other herds in the area. But there have been no reports of that from other ranchers so far. Authorities said taking that many cattle would likely involve tractor-trailers, and at least several people on ‘Middle East Car of the Year’ horseback or all-terrain vehicles to round them up. “We’ve never seen cattle prices this high before in the history of the cattle market,” said Brad Higgins, a rancher in northern Idaho near Cottonwood and board member KUWAIT: The 2014 Corolla which is the 11th generation which were used to grade the cars. These included value for money makes the Corolla an unmatched vehicle of the Idaho Cattle Association. “I worry about (theft) a of the world famous model from Toyota was officially design & quality (Exterior & Interior), handling and dri- in its class. On this occasion, I would like to thank our cus- little bit out here.” US cattle industry officials say beef crowned as the Middle East Car of the Year in the midsize vability, safety & durability, performance & capability, tomers for their faith in Toyota and making the Corolla a prices are at record highs due to a combination of factors category. A Jury panel comprising of 14 impartial motor- technological innovation, emotional appeal & driver sat- best seller across the region. The Corolla reflects Toyota’s that include past droughts that caused cattle numbers ing journalists from around the region selected the isfaction, value for money (new purchase & resale), envi- constant efforts to anticipate customer needs and pro- to shrink and increased demand for beef on a global Corolla as the overwhelming choice for this prestigious ronmental friendly, regional appeal, comfort & practicali- vide ever better cars.” scale following the Great Recession. “More people enter- accolade to enhance Corolla’s reputation for being a true ty. According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Making a strong design statement with its unique ing the middleclass want to eat up the food chain,” said Kevin Good, a senior market analyst for CattleFax, a icon in the automotive industry. Representative of Middle East & North Africa visual signature which is highlighted by a more elegant group that tracks the industry. The Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) is one of the Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, “We are and expressive design, the Corolla signifies Toyota’s He said the size of the nation’s cattle herd has shrunk most coveted awards of the regional automotive indus- delighted to receive this prestigious award for the Corolla brand evolution which has been driven recently by more in 15 of the last 17 years, while at the same time the try. It integrates a complex yet transparent nomination as it truly recognizes the immense appeal of the Corolla design-focused product launches. The 2014 Corolla has a human population has grown. He also said some cattle and scoring methodology which is developed, tested from a distinguished jury drawn across the region. compact, lightweight engine with a 1.6 liter and 2 liter producers are currently withholding cows and heifers and implemented by reputed experts from the industry. With the 2014 Corolla, customers get to enjoy a car configuration which harnesses advanced technologies to from the market in an attempt to increase herd sizes, MECOTY provides a platform for leading motoring jour- with a legendary reputation for providing low operating deliver exhilarating performance and outstanding fuel another factor leading to less beef on supermarket shelves. “It’s supply driven,” Good said. “At some point nalists to combine their collective experience and expert- costs and reliable trouble free motoring stemming from economy.. An Innovative interior design lends itself to an we’ll expand the herd.” —AP ise and select the best new vehicles annually. quality engineering, along with outstanding comfort lev- even more spacious cabin that offers refined comfort and The section criteria for the award included 10 aspects els. Combining this with its exciting design evolution and class-leading legroom with abundant storage space. BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Most Gulf markets stabilize; Saudi extends drop Mideast Stocks Markets DUBAI: Most stock markets in the Gulf stabilized tumbled 6.0 percent yesterday and last traded at he said. In a report on Tuesday, Fitch Ratings said been big net sellers of Dubai shares in recent yesterday after falling sharply earlier in the week 81.25 riyals, its lowest level since June 2010. public sector spending would continue to sup- days, were in no rush to open new positions. in response to oilís slide, but Saudi Arabiaís equi- Other sectors were hit hard too and most stocks port a favorable macroeconomic outlook and Abu Dhabiís bourse edged up 0.4 percent on ties index dropped again, wiping out the remain- declined. The banking sector index dropped 2.1 business opportunities for Saudi banks in 2015. the back of lenders such as Abu Dhabi der of its gains this year. Brent crude held near percent and top lender National Commercial Commercial Bank, which climbed 6.7 percent. $66 a barrel until most bourses in the region Bank tumbled 3.5 percent. ìRecently, concerns Qatar, UAE Omanís market edged down 0.7 percent. The closed yesterday, but then fell further as produc- have surfaced about whether the slump in oil Other markets in the region did much better countryís Shura Council, an advisory body to the ers forecast lower demand for their oil next year. prices could lead to strains in financial institu- yesterday. Qatarís index inched down just 0.1 government, approved a proposal to totally ban Saudi Arabiaís stock market, which closes later tions,î Jason Tuvey, Middle East economist at percent and a number of stocks pared early loss- alcohol in the country, including for tourist estab- than others in the Gulf, reacted by dropping 2.5 London-based Capital Economics, said in a note es to move into positive territory. Industries lishments, Omani media reported. It is unclear percent to 8,411 points, its lowest level in almost yesterday. Qatar rose 1.1 percent and telecommunications whether the cabinet will actually take that step, a year. The benchmark, which at one stage was But Gulf banksí exposure to energy companies firm Ooredoo jumped 2.7 percent. Dubaiís stock or when it will consider the proposal, but a ban up 31 percent this year, is now down 1.5 percent is very low, and the threat of currency devalua- index closed 0.2 percent down, having dropped could hit the tourist industry. Shares in Gulf year-to-date. tions is almost non-existent thanks to huge exter- as much as 1.4 percent shortly after the opening. Investment Services , a firm with interests in the The Saudi market is particularly vulnerable to nal reserves. Meanwhile government spending - The benchmark lost 9.2 percent earlier this hospitality sector, dropped 2.6 percent. Outside cheap oil because petrochemical firms, which the key driver of economic growth - is likely to month in a broad sell-off which may now have the Gulf, Egyptís market edged down 0.8 percent make up roughly a quarter of its capitalization, remain stable in most countries, although Oman attracted bargain-hunters. But Dubai Parks and as most property stocks pulled back after several face losing the competitive advantage which and Bahrain are possible exceptions, Tuvey said. Resorts, which listed yesterday, closed 9.0 per- strong sessions. Up 39 percent year-to-date, the subsidized feedstock gives them over foreign ìAll told, then, lower oil prices donít seem to pose cent below its initial public offer price of 1.00 market is now the top performer among major rivals. Saudi Basic Industries, the sectorís leader, a significant threat to banking sectors in the Gulf,î dirham, indicating that retail investors, who have Middle East bourses. — Reuters Dubai Parks tumbles on its bourse debut Oil sours the mood

DUBAI: Shares in Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) “Investors have run out of cash, their money wealthy individuals and 5 percent to state- tumbled on their bourse debut yesterday, demon- is all in these new companies. But the market owned Emirates Investment Authority - none of strating how plunging oil prices and a glut of cash will come good - when oil prices return to a which were believed to be major sellers of the calls have for now exhausted retail investor good price, there will be more confidence.” stock yesterday. demand in Dubai’s volatile bourse. Retail investors Dubai’s index fell 0.2 percent yesterday and is Instead, retail investors who borrowed to dominate trading on the Dubai Financial Market down 28 percent from its May peak. Since buy shares during the market’s uptrend, and and they powered the market’s spectacular recov- economies in the region depend heavily on oil are now feeling the financial pinch, were ery from its 2008-2010 crash. The main index more exports, oil’s slide - Brent crude has fallen 43 per- believed to be dumping DPR. “You don’t sell than tripled in the 18 months to May 2014, spark- cent from June’s high - has hit investor senti- today unless you need the money - some peo- ing a flurry of initial public offers this year after a ment hard, even though analysts believe earn- ple are selling because they have taken bank freeze of about five years. ings at most Dubai companies will not be affect- loans,” said Mohammed, another local investor. DPR’s IPO last month, which raised 2.5 billion ed much. Raed Al-Nuaimi, chief executive of DPR, said the dirhams ($689 million), was the latest offer. But firm had not considered delaying the IPO its shares ended 9 percent lower yesterday, a Float despite the drop of Gulf markets. “We need to surprising slump for one of the few direct plays DPR’s flotation was unusual for the United have a fully funded project now,” Nuaimi told Al-Mazaya participates at on Dubai’s tourism boom; the firm is building a Arab Emirates in that retail investors were allot- reporters. DPR will not pay a dividend before $2.9 billion amusement park complex that is to ted only a tenth of the 40 percent of the compa- 2018, the year it expects to turn profitable, said CITYSCAPE-Kuwait event be completed in 2016. “Retail investors have less ny’s capital sold in the IPO. The retail portion was chief financial officer Sandesh Pandhare. The liquidity after so many IPOs,” said Juma, a local 1.63 times oversubscribed, an uncommonly low company is part of Meraas Holding, owned by investor on the DFM’s trading floor who declined level for a Gulf IPO. Sixty percent of the floated Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al- KUWAIT: Yesterday, Al-Mazaya trade mark of Mazaya as a leading to give his full name. shares went to institutions, 25 percent to Maktoum.— Reuters Holdings Concluded its participation company in real-estate development - at CITYSCAPE-Kuwait, the biggest this is already evident from the multi- investment and real-estate develop- ple projects Mazaya has constructed ment event held under the patronage in several geographic locations and of His Royal Highness the Prime countries of the region, most recently Minister, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- in the Turkish market. Hamad Al-Sabah. The exhibition was Al-Saqa’bi said: “The third objective held at the Kuwait International Fair for Al-Mazaya is to directly communi- Ground, Mishrif with more than 65 cate with the audience and to bond local, regional and world participant with Kuwaiti clients resting on the sol- companies. id faith in the demand the Kuwaiti Dr Abdul Muhsin Al-Mude’j, Deputy investors have for real-estate products to the Prime Minster, Minster of inside and outside Kuwait. To serve Commerce and Industry who inaugu- this purpose, Mazaya chose to offer rated the CITYSCAPE-Kuwait customers a closer look regarding Exhibition last Sunday, visited Al- their projects at this booth so they Mazaya Holdings booth and received didn’t have to travel to see their ideas. a brief on its current projects and lat- Doing so, a current and future rela- est achievements and services offered. tionship is deeply rooted between Rashid Al-Nafisi, Chairman of the Mazaya and its customers so they can Board of Al-Mazaya received HE the be continuously aware of its varied Minister of Commerce and Industry products and offers. along with Eng. Ibrahim Al-Saqa’bi, As for the media campaign simulta- CEO of Al-Mazaya Group. The execu- neously taking place with the exhibi- tive management and Al-Mazaya staff tion, Al-Saqa’bi said: “Mazaya has well participating in the exhibition also prepared a huge campaign to pro- attended the reception. mote its “Queue Point” accommoda- Following the official inauguration tion project releasing several ads in of the exhibition, Rashid Al-Nafisi, newspapers, magazines, radio, social Chairman of the Board provided a media and on-line marketing websites briefing for HE the Minster in the com- in addition to the promotion held in 50,000 cars produced at Grugliasco pany booth informing him of the Kuwait International Airport. The same company-projects profile and the campaign will last for an additional strategic locations and expansion of month following the exhibition hop- as Maserati marks 100th birthday its projects in Kuwait, the GCCs and ing to attract more clients willing to Middle-East. H.E. the Minster of invest in the project.” GRUGLIASCO: December 1 was a day of celebra- tured, was officially inaugurated on the 30th Maratea, with red and black colors for interior Commerce and Industry gave credit to Al-Saqa’bi added: “Mazaya gave tion for Maserati, not only for the 100th birthday, January 2013 and with a production ramp-up upholstery and built for the US market. The North the significant role Al-Mazaya special attention to the “Queue Point” but also for the milestone of 50,000 units pro- designed to maximise the quality of the finished American market, where the Quattroporte S Q4 is Holdings takes in real-estate develop- project which offers 52 residential duced at the Avv Giovanni Agnelli Plant, in product, it has been possible to reach 50,000 cars appreciated for its comfort, unfailing finish and ment and being a leading Kuwaiti units dedicated to middle class Grugliasco. This important result for Maserati was in just 22 months. Car number 50,000, the protag- unprecedented sportiness, this year reached a company. HE the Minster of accommodations. The project consists achieved in less than two years. The plant, where onist in the days of Maserati’s 100th birthday, is a new sales record, with more than 10,700 Maseratis Commerce and Industry further of 100 apartments of varied sizes the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloon are manufac- Quattroporte S Q4 painted in the new Grigio delivered in the first 10 months of the year. praised Al-Mazaya booth which offered in very competitive prices caught the eyes of the participants starting from KD49 thousand along and visitors with its unique design with a free kitchen supplied to the being the biggest and the most unit; 20% coupon value offered by strategic one in the exhibition. Options Furniture along with excellent Al-Nafisialso praised CNBC Arabia facility finance up to 75% based on on providing media coverage of the easy installments. He proceeded to exhibition and especially to the Al- provide a brief of the unique invest- Mazaya booth. As part of this special ment profile Mazaya has in different coverage, CNBC had an interview with countries regionally - mainly in Kuwait the Chairman and the CEO of Al- and the UAE serving residential, office Mazaya Group. Al-Nafisi gave special and commercial areas. Al-Saqa’bi also credit to Najwa Asran, the Director of introduced the “Mazaya Logistics” CNBC for her presence during this project which will lease stores in special media coverage which was in Bahrain and offers unique storage great part dedicated to Al-Mazaya and solutions. GENEVA: An Air France passenger jetliner takes off from Geneva GENEVA: International Air Transport Association (IATA) Chief Economist Brian more over for the live talk CNBC held “Queue Point” project received spe- International Airport yesterday. Global airline association IATA yesterday Pearce speaks at the IATA global media day yesterday in Geneva. — AFP with Eng. Ibrahim Al-Saqa’bi, CEO of cial attention from the visitors to the raised the sector’s profit forecast to a record $19.9 billion for 2014 and $25 Al-Mazaya Group on the projects, the exhibition,80% of projects were pro- billion for 2015, as plunging oil prices drive down costs. — AFP performance of the company and its moted - building on previous cam- financial data. paigns launched in UAE. The final Eng Ibrahim Al-Saqa’bi in turn stage of the project will be similarly IATA sees record profit for stressed the three main objectives Al- promoted very soon. Queue Point Mazaya seeks to attain from partici- Project is constructed on 13 million pating in CITYSCAPE Exhibition which square feet offering one, two or three airlines as oil prices plunge are: first, to provide support to the - bedroom apartments of 55 - 80 m≤ Kuwaiti real-estate sector activities for one-bedroom apartments, 100 - GENEVA: Travelers might soon be able to pay less tion. IATA chief Tony Tyler said travelers also stand price of $85 a barrel and jet fuel price of $99.90 a and events being presented in real- 135 m≤ for two - bedroom apart- to fly, IATA’s chief said, after the global airline asso- to benefit from the sliding crude prices. “Stronger barrel in 2015. Crude prices currently hover at estate exhibitions and campaigns ments, while the area of the three- ciation predicted record profits for the sector due industry performance is good news for all. It’s a around $65, and analysts have forecasted them to which contributes to enhancing the bedroom apartments is over 148 m≤. to plunging oil prices. Airlines are now expected to highly competitive industry and consumers-travel- keep sliding well into 2015, particularly after the cooperation between public-private Al-Saqa’bi concluded by stressing the make $19.9 billion in profits for 2014 and $25 bil- ers as well as shippers-will see lower costs in 2015 OPEC oil cartel decided to maintain its output level. sectors and potential investors. Such faith he holds in the Kuwaiti real- lion for 2015, more than double from $10.6 billion as the impact of lower oil prices kick in,” he said. Airlines in North America are expected to rake in events also add to the strategic rela- estate market and pointing to the in 2013. “Lower oil prices and stronger worldwide “And a healthy air transport sector will help gov- the biggest chunk of profit, with $13.2 billion next tionships and economic cycle in coming projects Mazaya will soon GDP growth are the main drivers behind the ernments in their overall objective to stimulate the year. Asia-Pacific carriers are seen making $5.0 bil- Kuwait. The Second goal is to establish offer Kuwait and other strategic mar- improved profitability,” IATA said in a statement. economic growth needed to put the impact of the lion while European airlines would earn $4.0 bil- the solid institutional identity and kets of the region. Crude prices have plunged by more than 40 global financial crisis behind them at last,” said lion. Airlines in the Middle East would record $1.6 percent since June, owing in part to a glut in sup- Tyler. billion in profits, and those in Latin America $1 bil- plies as the United States ramps up shale produc- IATA’s forecast is based on an average Brent lion and African companies $200 million. —AFP technology THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Australia to crack down on online pirates

SYDNEY: Australia’s government yesterday outlined brought significant challenges to the protection of gal downloads of hit HBO show “Game of Thrones”, would “open the way for significant and dispropor- plans to tackle online piracy as it moves to end the copyright, due to the ease with which material can be earlier this year, making up 11.6 percent of internet tionate penalties for consumers”. country’s position as one of the world’s top illegal digitally copied and shared, at little or no cost,” protocol (IP) addresses that were sampled, according Choice spokeswoman Erin Turner told AFP that downloaders of television shows such as “Game of Attorney-General George Brandis said in a joint state- to file-sharing monitor TorrentFreak. blocking websites which host file-sharing links had Thrones”. Copyright holders will be able to apply for ment with Communications Minister Malcolm Australian ISP iiNet and other providers are current- been shown to be ineffective, with users able to cir- court orders requiring internet service providers (ISPs) Turnbull. ly battling the owners of the “Dallas Buyers Club” in cumvent restrictions through the use of virtual private to block access to websites outside the country that “The Government has sought the least burden- court. The owners are seeking the IP addresses of cus- networks (VPNs) and other means. “In the research we give access to infringing content, according to the some and most flexible way of responding to concerns tomers who shared the Hollywood film online. did this week, we found that Australian pirates were proposed amendments to the Copyright Act. about online copyright infringement.” The announce- Internet piracy and the rise of streaming sites such as more likely to pay for content on iTunes, were more ISPs have also been given 120 days to develop an ment came a week after a French court ordered the Netflix, which is due to launch in Australia in March, likely to have a (streaming service) Quickflix account industry code that includes issuing warnings to con- country’s main ISPs to block notorious file-sharing has seen traditional media outlets and pay-TV and were significantly more likely to go to the movies sumers who breach copyright laws. Otherwise, website The Pirate Bay, amid estimates that the online provider Foxtel scramble to cut prices or offer similar then people who don’t pirate,” Turner said. “They want providers will be hit with binding rules imposed by the sharing of movie and music content cost billions in services. Consumer lobby group Choice said it was dis- to pay for content. You need to give it to them at the government. “The rapid growth of the internet has lost revenue each year. Australia led the globe for ille- appointed with the government decision, which right price and in the right way.” — AFP

Two security firms launch rival automatic password changers LONDON: A French-American start-up trolled by a master password. But by offering a launched an automatic password changer in way to change passwords regularly with just a an attempt to remove the all-too-human frailty few clicks, Dashlane’s approach marks a break- that has rendered the phrase “computer securi- through in an industry that typically demands ty” a worrying oxymoron, leading a rival US users create complex strings of text and num- software firm to launch a similar service. For bers - a request that largely goes unheeded. most people, properly managing passwords “The key is to have reasonably complicated verges on impossible, given the dizzying array passwords that are different on every website,” of devices and websites on which we have all Dashlane Chief Executive Emmanuel Schalit become increasingly reliant. But Dashlane.com said in a telephone interview. and LastPass are stepping up their offerings to Dashlane says the feature will update pass- counter hackers. words automatically at pre-set intervals, say Dashlane, which was founded in Paris but is every 30 days, or at the user’s request if, for now based in New York, said on Tuesday that it example, a website’s security has been com- has acquired PassOmatic, a start-up that creat- promised. “We are making passwords go away ed the automatic password changer it is build- from the perspective of the consumer, without ing into its own products in coming weeks. The doing away with passwords from a technical deal’s terms were not disclosed. In response, perspective,” Schalit said. Though some cyber LastPass, a competing supplier of password security experts have said passwords will even- management software, said it now offers an tually be replaced by other forms of identifica- automatic password changing feature of its tion, such as fingerprints, the prospect of pass- own. The feature is available when LastPass words disappearing completely remains a long users visit more than 75 supported sites, way off, and Dashlane has, in effect, found a CALIFORNIA: Pedestrians walk past an exterior wall to Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California days after Sony Pictures denounced a ‘brazen’ including Facebook, Twitter and Amazon.com. way to manage a user’s digital identity across cyber attack it said netted a “large amount” of confidential information, including movies as well as personnel and business files, but downplaying a “With one click, LastPass’ patent-pending tech- the Web. The LastPass password changer report that North Korea was behind the attack. — AFP nology launches a website and logs in for you, makes password changes locally on a specific then automatically changes your password,” user device, the advantage of which is that the Fairfax, Virginia-based company said in a only the user has access to passwords, the statement. company said. Dashlane was founded in Paris Cyber attack could cost Dozens of similarly featured programs exist, five years ago by three engineers backed by with LastPass, Dashlane and RoboForm among Bernard Liautaud, the French entrepreneur the most popular across both computer and who started Business Objects, the data analysis phone systems. Each helps users store and software company acquired by SAP for $6.8 Sony studio $100 million organize passwords in a secure database con- billion in 2007. — Reuters LOS ANGELES: Sony Corp’s movie studio could would not mean a big financial setback to Sony influence competitors’ strategies. Costs could face tens of millions of dollars in costs from the Pictures Entertainment, which reported operating mount if Hollywood stars, producers or financiers massive computer hack that hobbled its operations profit of $501 million for the fiscal year through decide to take projects to Sony’s competitors. “Will and exposed sensitive data, according to cyberse- March. they be able to attract high-name stars if those curity experts who have studied past breaches. The But other effects, such as the loss of trade stars believe their personal information will not be tab will be less than the $171 million Sony estimat- secrets, will be difficult to measure, Rasch said. protected?” he said. “How do you know what busi- ed for the breach of its Playstation Network in 2011 Hackers have released a trove of documents that ness opportunities are lost? It’s hard to put a dollar because it does not appear to involve customer include contracts and marketing plans that could figure on it.” — Reuters data, the experts said. Major costs for the attack by unidentified hackers include the investigation into what happened, computer repair or replacement, and steps to prevent a future attack. Lost produc- tivity while operations were disrupted will add to the price tag. The attack, believed to be the worst of its type on a company on US soil, also hits Sony’s reputa- tion for a perceived failure to safeguard informa- tion, said Jim Lewis, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Usually, peo- ple get over it, but it does have a short-term effect,” said Lewis, who estimated costs for Sony could stretch to $100 million. It typically takes at least six months after a breach to determine the full financial impact, Lewis said. Sony has declined to estimate costs, saying it was still assessing the impact. The company has insurance to cover data breaches, a person familiar with the matter said. Cybersecurity insurance typically reimburses only a portion of costs from hacking incidents, experts said. People claiming responsibility for the attack posted yet-to-be-released Sony films online, including holiday musical “Annie.” Macquarie Photo shows the spacesuit worn by Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano when he nearly Research analysts projected Sony would likely take drowned in his helmet during a 2013 space walk sits under a medical imaging scan- an impairment charge of 10 billion yen ($83 mil- BERLIN: A person looks at the Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone and smart watch at the consumer elec- ner at Houston Methodist Hospital. The imaging technology was demonstrated on lion) related to the incident. Mark Rasch, a former tronics trade fair IFA in Berlin. Like previous Xperia models, the 5.2-inch Xperia Z3 is waterproof. the spacesuit for an annual event that brings three of Houston’s biggest industries - federal cyber crimes prosecutor, estimated costs You can take it to the pool or the beach without worry, as long as you remember to close the covers medicine, energy and aerospace - to discuss ideas and technologies that could be could run up to $70 million. Losses in that range for the charging port and other slots. — AP shared by the different fields. — AP New woes may put brakes on Uber

WASHINGTON: Uber, the ride-sharing service and Silicon liability lies.” Breyault said Uber is a prime example of a “dis- designed to protect entrenched interests. “We should not lation.” The smartphone app from Uber and similar services Valley superstar startup, has hit problems around the world ruptive” business model which provides a new service by tak- have regulations that keep out competition, that hurt the next can allow people to get rides that were otherwise impossible, which threaten to put the brakes on its spectacular growth. ing advantage of technology. But he said regulators need to Uber,” he said. Some Uber advocates say the system is effec- and to allow people to use vehicles which might be otherwise Uber has long drawn scorn from established taxi operators in take a close look at issues relating to insurance, liability and tively self-regulating, because users post reviews that help the idle to earn cash and even a living. Uber is operating in 250 many cities, and regulators from New Delhi to Portland, criminal background checks for drivers. better drivers and weed out the poor ones. cities in 50 countries, according to a blog by founder Travis Oregon, have been clamping down on its operations. At the “I don’t think we should be concerned that consumer pro- But Breyault of the consumer group said reviews “can play Kalanick last week. “We are six times bigger today than 12 same time, the company has seen its image tarnished by exec- tection regulation is going to kill Uber,” he told AFP. But he a powerful role in weeding out the good guys from the bad months ago-and grew faster this year than last,” he wrote. utives’ gaffes and concerns on privacy. Even as Uber has raised said any regulations should promote competition, and not be guys, but it doesn’t replace robust consumer protection regu- “This progress is remarkable, but it is in the coming years that a fresh $1.2 billion-which gives it an eye-popping value of $40 Uber truly scales and the impact in cities becomes visible.” billion-it has run into roadblocks, even in its home state of Uber offers several classes of service including a “black car” California. ride, and other options where individuals user their personal A judge in Spain banned Uber’s ride-sharing on Tuesday, vehicles. Kalanick said Uber will create one million jobs in saying it violated laws on fair competition. A day earlier, the 2015. But he noted that the sudden growth “has also come city government in New Delhi banned Uber from operating in with significant growing pains” and has shown “that we also the Indian capital after a passenger accused one of its drivers need to invest in internal growth and change.” In the United of rape. Thailand also ruled Uber illegal, and the service has hit States, Uber has been the target of protests in several cities, regulatory hurdles in locations from Germany and the and has had tenuous relations with local regulators. It was Netherlands to San Francisco, where a driver has been recently ordered to halt service in Las Vegas, but the city of charged in an accident leading to the death of a six-year-old Washington passed a bill legalizing Uber and similar services. girl. On Tuesday, San Francisco and Los Angeles officials sued ‘Sharing economy’ challenge Uber for misleading consumers about fees and background Uber also hired a team of privacy experts amid concerns checks. “Uber continues to put consumers at risk by mislead- that it may be spying on riders, and got a black eye when an ing the public about the background checks of its drivers and executive was quoted as proposing the creation of a team of its unwilling ness to ensure that correct fares are charged,” Los researchers to investigate reporters to counter bad press. Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey said, while announcing Arun Sundararajan, a New York University economist who fol- a settlement with rival ride-sharing service Lyft. A Dutch court lows Uber and other “sharing economy” startups, said the this week also ruled illegal the Uber system in which non-pro- regulatory issues for these firms will need some time to be fessional drivers offer trips in their own cars at half the price of sorted out. a regular cab. “Drivers who transport people for payment “We are transitioning to an economy where more people without a license are breaking the law,” said the decision from are providing a service using a platform” such as Uber, he the Hague-based Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal. told a forum in Washington this week. “We need to see what Authorities in Denmark and Norway have also filed com- the market provides so that any government intervention is plaints against Uber. surgical. So it is not there when the market is taking care of itself.” Uber has consistently said it wants to provide more Regulatory quandary options for consumers by disrupting the entrenched taxi “The so-called sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft are con- industry. “History shows us that every truly revolutionary cerning to regulators because they represent something dif- innovation was faced with stiff opposition from incumbents ferent,” said John Breyault of the National Consumers League. WASHINGTON: Peter Faris, CEO of Szabo Faris LLC Transportation Solutions, stands in front of one of his vehicles while and rearguard actions by regulators,” an Uber spokesman “They don’t fall neatly into the regulatory buckets we’ve seen holding a smart phone with an Uber app that can be used to order up his sedan service in Washington, DC. Uber, is a said in an email to AFP. “Despite a few individual, country- in the past century. So its difficult to see how to deal with technology firm which has created a mobile app which allows consumers to use their device to request a nearby taxi or specific setbacks, the future is bright for Uber and the shar- evens like in what happened in New Delhi, and to know where limousine. — AFP ing economy.” — AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Smoking out Texas is full-time job for first US barbecue critic

TEXAS: In Texas, with its long traditions barbecue editor at a major publication check his cholesterol. all, he is from Ohio, a state not known restaurants in his career. when it comes to cooking meat, it in the United States. He was named to “I have got to get my greens wherev- for its barbecue. Second, he is a trained On this trip, he is checking out a seemed inevitable that an arbiter of his post at Texas Monthly in March er I can but they always seem to come architect. new place in Abilene with positive barbecue like Daniel Vaughn would 2013, taking up a job that has sent him loaded with sausage slices,” said word of mouth called Stillwater emerge. The question is why did it take traveling across the state sampling bar- Vaughn, 36, during a six-stop tour to Texas ethics Barbeque. Then he heads for one of the so long? Vaughn is the first full-time becue, with pit stops at the doctor to the Abilene area where the calorie But Vaughn was also one of the pre- most famed steak restaurants in Texas - count ran to heart-clogging numbers. mier barbecue bloggers before taking up Perini Ranch in the tiny town of Buffalo Vaughn only takes a few bites at each his current job, and the author of a book Gap, population 463 before the dinner stop but the total food up for sampling called “The Prophets of Smoked Meat: A hour and up about 20 percent when that day was jaw dropping: six orders of Journey Through Texas Barbecue”. He the ranch is serving. “When I saw him brisket, a half dozen sausages, 10 meat uses the handle “BBQSnob” for his Twitter walking up, I was a bit nervous. He can ribs, two orders of smoked chicken, a rib feed. “Barbecue is such a loaded word in make or break a business,” said Matt eye steak, a prime rib steak, fried cat- Texas with so many people bringing their Proctor, the pit master and owner of fish, a bowl of chili, a chopped beef own meaning to it. It is so ingrained in Stillwater. sandwich, more than a dozen side the culture and always a subject to argue Along with those two main stops, orders and four desserts. about,” he said. Vaughn tries out three other barbecue Oh, and green beans with sausage Debate rages on whether Texas tra- joints and a place ranked in the maga- bits. Barbecue had its origins as a hum- dition calls for direct heat with flames zine’s top 50, occasionally sampling a ble food, but these days Texas barbecue or coals, or low and slow cooking with takeout plate off the trunk of his car to joints range from sleek gourmet restau- indirect heat and smoke. Questions save time. At Perini Ranch, awarded an rants in major cities to hole in the wall abound on what cuts of meat are American Classic by the influential joints on dust-strewn prairies. One of appropriate, if sauce should be banned, James Beard Foundation, Vaughn and the most praised, Franklin Barbecue in and if Texas ethics are violated by using owner Tom Perini share thoughts on Austin, is in an unpretentious building a knife and fork when eating sliced mesquite, brisket and chuck wagon serving meat on butcher paper. At first brisket. Vaughn takes about six whirl- cooking. “My definition of barbecue has glance, Vaughn seems an unlikely can- wind, regional trips a year, and also only expanded. The more that I explore didate for what many consider one of finds time out to stop by as many bar- the subject, the more the subject the most-coveted jobs in Texas. First of becue joints as possible, nearing 1,000 grows,” Vaughn said. —Reuters Debt and hunger at birthplace of Ebola in Guinea

MELIANDOU: When 2-year-old Emile entire village was cursed, according to the and killed his last goat. He says it will take ease started with us,” said village chief Ouamouno caught a fever, started vomit- village chief. The village doctor, Augustin him a year to pay back his debt. Even the Amadou Kamano. Mourners who came to ing, passed blood in his stool and died two Mamadouno, was among the first to flee, little he had was lost, when everything Meliandou refused to eat any of the food days later, nobody knew why. Nor did any- and the clinic is shuttered and shunned as was burned to avoid contamination. As he or drink the water. Eventually they one really ask. Life is unforgiving in this a place of death, not healing. Those left complains of the chilly nights, he puts his stopped attending village funerals alto- part of the world, and people often lose here are gaunt, skin stretched tightly over arm around one of his surviving children, gether, a slight that cuts deep in African their children to cholera, malaria, measles, their bones, with the only false signs of fat 6-year-old Marie, who snuffled from a cold culture. At one point, they isolated typhoid, Lassa fever and a host of other ill- being the cruelly bloated stomachs of as snot ran down her nose. “I don’t own a Meliandou for days, Kamano said. They nesses that have no name. Now Emile is malnourished children. Families crowd blanket to cover myself at night,” he said smashed the bridge that leads to town, widely recognized by researchers as into two-roomed houses built from home- bitterly. “I don’t own a goat ... What I carry is cutting off access to the only working well Patient Zero, the first person to have died made mud bricks. Their “kitchens” are a weight of sorrow.” and the main road. in the latest Ebola outbreak back on open fires outside marked by three black- Before the Ebola outbreak, village People in Meliandou have even lost December 28 last year. And Meliandou, a ened stones. treasurer Facine Ouamouno said, every- one of their few sources of protein to small village at the top of a forested hill Etienne Ouamouno, Emile’s father, one contributed to the village coffers to Ebola. After the virus was officially recog- reached by a rutted red earth track, is hugs his arms to his chest, as if for comfort, give them a cushion in case of an emer- nized in Guinea at the end of March, vil- notorious as the birthplace and crucible of when he talks about the many deaths in gency. But borrowing to pay for all the lagers were warned to stop eating “bush MONROVIA: Children listen to the village chief in the communal room in the the most deadly incarnation of the virus to his family, especially that of his only son. “I burials in Meliandou has emptied the meat” - the fruit bats, cane rats and mon- date. was so traumatized by the deaths,” said communal chest that once held 8 million keys that provide protein but that scien- Guinean village of Meliandou. tists suspect are a reservoir for viruses like Ebola. Without protein, the villagers are less healthy, said the village’s health assis- tant Bernard Kamano, in a country where UNICEF estimates 50 percent of child deaths are related to malnutrition. Kamano is the only health worker left from the epidemic that killed the village’s three midwives, known here as “wise women.” “They were the ones called to care for peo- ple when they became ill,” said Suzanne Leno, who speaks for the women of Meliandou. “Who will care for us now?” In Meliandou, as in many other villages across Ebola country, the disease is shrouded in mystery, surrounded by suspi- cion and rumors. People here still believe that Ebola was disseminated by white people seeking the deaths of blacks, including through a measles vaccination campaign; by a laboratory testing bats to create a vaccination against the virus; by politicians from a rival tribe bent on killing off the forest people; by white miners looking to exploit a nearby mountain of MONROVIA: Women gather in the Guinean village of Meliandou. iron ore. Fabian Leendertz, a veterinarian MONROVIA: In this photo Kissi Dembadouno, center, is comforted by relatives outside his home specializing in wildlife epidemiology from in the Guinean village of Meliandou believed to be Ebola’s ground zero. —AP photos Berlin’s Robert Koch Institute, said he and a Don’t blame California colleague were testing whether the dis- Today villagers here are in debt, stig- Ouamouno. (pronounced Wah-moo-noh) francs ($1,100). “This was a catastrophe,” he ease may have been transmitted indirectly drought ‘on warming’ matized, hungry and still angry and “I think we still are.” Like most of the vil- said. “Now we have nothing.” Worse than by great apes, or directly by bats harboring deeply suspicious about who or what lagers, he’s also broke. When Ouamouno nothing - some of those indebted to the it. Leendertz said findings should be pub- WASHINGTON: Don’t blame man-made global doing to water in California,” wrote Kevin brought the disease that has devastated took his son to the village doctor, he had village fund have themselves died of lished in a scientific journal in coming warming for the devastating California drought, a Trenberth, head of climate analysis at the their lives. It is a question scientists have to pay 20,000 Guinea francs ($2.75) for Ebola. In a tragic irony, the burials that weeks. new federal report says. A report issued by the National Center for Atmospheric Research. He yet to answer conclusively, although they medication. It did no good. More expen- bankrupted the village only helped to “My personal opinion is that the virus National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the work “completely misses” how hotter air have come to Meliandou to test great sive and useless trips to the clinic followed spread the disease. When people died, is probably everywhere from time to said natural variations - mostly a La Nina weather increases drying by evaporating more it from the apes and bats as possible sources. In the as Ouamouno’s 4-year-old daughter died, their bodies were washed by relatives, in time, and it’s just a matter of ecological oscillation - were the primary drivers behind the ground. meantime, Ebola has left Emile’s grandfa- then her mother, eight months’ pregnant, line with tradition. They found out too late features and bad luck when someone drought that has now stretched to three years. In droughts, extra heat from global warming ther, 85-year-old Kissy Dembadouno, with- followed quickly by the grandmother, an that this is one way to pass on Ebola, gets infected,” said Leendertz, who went Study lead author Richard Seager of Columbia enhances the drying in a feedback effect, out hope. Dembadouno has locked the aunt and the midwife who delivered his which can be caught only by direct con- back to Meliandou twice a day for 10 University said the paper has not yet been pub- Trenberth and others said. But Hoerling said that room in his house where the child died. wife of a stillborn baby. tact with the blood or secretions of an days to get villagers to cooperate with lished in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. is less of a factor in California because it is so near “Eight people died in that room. It must infected person. him. Meliandou does have one hard-won He and NOAA’s Martin Hoerling said 160 runs the ocean and its rain comes in storms coming remain closed,” he said. “All that is left for Chilly nights victory to be proud of - Ebola is gone, at of computer models show heat-trapping gases off the Pacific. Peer-reviewed studies are divided me is to wonder why God gives me any Ouamouno had no money to pay for African culture least for now, and the village is still stand- should slightly increase winter rain in parts of on whether the drought can be blamed on cli- more days on this Earth.” the burials and feed the many mourners Meliandou - whose name in the local ing. Kamano is thankful, and credits some California, not decrease. “The conditions of the last mate change. Others published earlier this year Meliandou is a village of about 400 who came from other villages to perform Kissi language means “This is as far as we of the doctors who came. “(Otherwise) three winters are not the conditions that climate point more directly to changes in pressure of the people - down from 600 last year, after a mass funeral rite. So he borrowed 1 1/2 go” - has also been left isolated, as neigh- this whole village would be dead,” he change models say would happen,” Hoerling said. Pacific that blocked rain from coming into dozens of young men abandoned it in the bags of rice and 250,000 francs (about bors in other villages turned on it. “People said. “It would have disappeared from the But he said the La Nina, which is the cooler flip side California, but Hoerling and Seager dismissed belief that the Ouamouno family or the $35) - more cash than he sees in a year - are very, very angry with us, saying the dis- maps.” —AP of the warming of central Pacific ocean, can only them as not adequate. be blamed for about one-third of the drought. The Hoerling, who specializes in the complicated rest of the causes can be from just random varia- field of studying the cause of climate extremes, in Australia bows to pressure, pledges tion, he said. the past has downplayed other scientists’ claims Some outside climate scientists criticized the that regional droughts are caused by man-made report, saying it didn’t take into effect how record warming. However, Hoerling acknowledges that US$165 million to UN climate fund warmth worsened the drought. California is hav- climate change is happening, will worsen weather ing its hottest year on record, based on the first in the future and has produced past studies SYDNEY: Australia bowed to international pres- said at a press conference: “We’ve seen things tions above the fund’s initial target of US$10 bil- 11 months of the year and is 4.1 degrees warmer attributing strange weather - such as more fre- sure and pledged Aus$200 million (US$165 mil- develop over the last few months. “I think it’s lion by the end of the year. than 20th-century average, according to the quent Mediterranean droughts - to heat-trapping lion) to the UN-backed Green Climate Fund yes- now fair and reasonable for the government to “The pledge to the Green Climate Fund will National Climatic Data Center. “This study com- gases from the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists terday to mitigate the impact of global warming make a modest, prudent and proportionate facilitate private sector led economic growth in pletely fails to consider what climate change is can’t even agree on how bad the drought is. —AP on poor countries. With its use of coal-fired pow- commitment to this climate mitigation fund. I the Indo-Pacific region with a particular focus on er and relatively small population of 23 million, think that is something that a sensible govern- investment in infrastructure, energy, forestry and Australia is one of the world’s worst per capita ment does.” The money will come over four years emissions reduction programs,” he added. The Pharmacy error led greenhouse gas polluters and has been increas- from Canberra’s foreign aid budget. fund is a mechanism designed as a way for ingly isolated over its perceived reluctance to do wealthy countries to help poorer ones to more to tackle the climate threat. Pressure on emissions become greener and to bolster their defenses to US patient death It follows the world’s most powerful Greens Party leader Christine Milne said against the effects of climate change. Before economies last month urging “strong and effec- Australia had clearly been forced into acting. heading to Peru, Bishop said despite Australia PORTLAND: The death of a hospital patient who hospital’s internal investigation revealed that a tive action” on climate change, catapulting the “There is no way Australia could have continued being one of the worst per capita polluters, was given the wrong medication occurred pharmacy worker inadvertently filled the bag with issue onto the final statement of G20 talks host- with its stand against global finance (of tackling Australia’s emissions amount to only about 1.5 because a pharmacy worker inadvertently filled an the wrong drug, rocuronium. A second worker ed in Brisbane despite pressure from Australia to climate change) and be viewed as negotiating in percent of those globally. IV bag with the wrong drug, officials at an Oregon then reviewed the vials of medication and the IV stick to economic matters. “All countries should good faith here in Lima,” she said from the cli- She argued that “those countries that are emit- hospital say. The mistake was one of several bag without catching the error. Shortly after the take practical and proportionate steps to take mate talks in Peru. WWF-Australia chief Dermot ting the most have the greatest responsibility in revealed Monday that led to the death of Loretta medication was administered to Macpherson in action on climate change while safeguarding O’Gorman welcomed the government’s move terms of the totality”. Australia has committed to Macpherson, who had gone to the emergency the ER, a fire alarm led a staff member to lock the economic growth,” said Prime Minister Tony but said the money should not be coming out of reducing its carbon emissions by five percent room at St Charles Medical Center in Bend. door of Macpherson’s room “to protect her from Abbott in a joint statement with Foreign the foreign aid budget. “We are disappointed below 2000 levels by 2020, and has announced a Officials at St Charles Health System say potential fire hazards.” Health system spokes- Minister Julie Bishop who is at a UN climate sum- that the contribution is not additional to Aus$2.55 billion (US$2.12 billion) Emissions Macpherson, 65, was given a paralyzing agent typ- woman Lisa Goodman said Macpherson was in mit in Peru. Australia’s existing aid budget, which was signifi- Reduction Fund to give polluters financial incen- ically used during surgeries instead of the anti- the room for about 20 minutes before a nurse The pledge follows the United States con- cantly cut in the May 2014 budget, and we urge tives to cut back. Environmentalists say it ought seizure medication that was prescribed for her last returned to check on her. By that time, the patient tributing US$3 billion and Japan up to US$1.5 the government to find additional funds to con- to target 15 percent. Abbott, who has spoken week. Hospital officials say the drug prescribed by had suffered cardiac arrest. billion. France, Germany, Britain, Canada and a tinue supporting our vulnerable neighboring repeatedly about the importance of the coal the physician, fosphenytoin, was correctly entered Though doctors were able to resuscitate host of other countries have also donated large nations,” he said. Abbott, who since coming to industry to Australia’s prosperity, said the govern- into the electronic medical records system and the Macpherson, she had suffered brain damage. She sums, leaving Australia conspicuous in not chip- power a year ago has dismantled a carbon tax ment would review its international emissions hospital’s pharmacy received the correct medica- was taken off life support two days later. Three ping in. The government had previously indicat- designed to combat climate change, said the reduction targets in the lead-up to the Paris cli- tion order. employees involved in the error have been placed ed it was not interested in the fund, but Abbott cash would bring total international contribu- mate conference next year. —AFP The IV bag also was correctly labeled. But the on paid administrative leave. —AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Many US women get wrong radiation for breast cancer

MIAMI: Two thirds of women diag- ed whole breast radiation-costs less and Ezekiel Emanuel, chairman of Penn’s The use of hypofractionated therapy is breast cancer patients get shorter radia- nosed with early stage breast cancer in works just as well after breast-conserv- Department of Medical Ethics and on the rise in the United States. The tion treatments. The problem in the the United States get radiation for twice ing surgery. Hypofractionated radiation Health Policy and a breast oncologist. JAMA study found that 34.5 percent of United States comes down to a lack of as long as recommended, researchers involves higher doses of radiation deliv- “It’s a win-win. And yet, only a third or women over 50 years old received it in financial incentive for shorter, more said yesterday.The findings in the ered over the course of three to four fewer women are getting it in the US, 2013, up from 10.6 percent in 2008. effective care, said Emanuel. “The cur- Journal of the American Medical weeks, instead of the traditional treat- while in other countries over 70 percent In younger women and those with rent payment structure is the biggest Association (JAMA) showed that most ment of lower dose radiation for five to of women receive hypofractionated more advanced cancers, 21.1 percent of hurdle-there is no financial incentive to women get six to seven weeks of radia- seven weeks. treatment.” women received hypofractionated ther- recommend shorter duration treat- tion therapy, despite new guidelines “Hypofractionated radiation is high- Four randomized trials and 2011 apy last year, up from 8.1 percent in ment,” he said. “We need to properly issued after multiple randomized trials value care and high-quality breast can- practice guidelines from the American 2008. However, the United States still align payment with health care quality showing that three weeks of a stronger cer treatment that saves the health care Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) lags far behind Canada and Britain, in order to reduce low-value cancer type of radiation-called hypofractionat- system money,” said senior author support the shorter duration treatment. where more than seven in 10 early care.” —AFP

ALEXANDRIA: First lady Michelle Obama visits the cafeteria as she has lunch with school children at WASHINGTON: Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Sen Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich, right, talks with Parklawn elementary school in this Jan 25, 2012 file photo. —AP photos Sen John Hoeven, R-N.D., left, during a news conference on Capitol Hill. Dr Phil’s startup Congress relaxes whole grain launches video visits standards for schools with US therapists WASHINGTON: Congress is taking some whole still have to abide by previous guidelines that “strongly supports” the language. SAN FRANCISCO: Doctor On Demand is 50 minutes. The mental health profes- grains off the school lunch line. A massive year- half of their grain products be mostly whole the latest Silicon Valley startup to bet sionals receive the bulk of this fee, but end spending bill released Tuesday doesn’t allow grain. The final language is a compromise ‘Significant challenges’ schools to opt out of healthier school meal stan- between the House’s attempt to allow schools to The Agriculture Department has already that people will turn to mobile devices Doctor On Demand makes money by dards championed by first lady Michelle Obama, opt out of the standards for a year and a Senate shown some flexibility on the whole grain issue. for confidential counseling. The compa- retaining a cut. as House Republicans had sought. But it would provision that called for more study on the It said earlier this year that schools can put off ny has launched a web and mobile serv- Internet-based programs to support ease standards that require more whole grains in whole grains issue. for two years the requirement that all pastas in ice to connect people with its network of mental health have increasingly gained school foods. The bill also would put off rules to The changes for sodium standards are far off. schools be mostly whole grain if they can US psychologists. The Doctor On support from Silicon Valley’s entrepre- make school meals less salty, suspending lower The 2012 standards already lowered salt levels in demonstrate that they have had “significant Demand app is available on mobile neurs and investors. Doctor on Demand sodium standards that were supposed to go into school meals, with even lower sodium levels set challenges” in preparing the pasta. Advocates for devices with both Google Inc’s Android rival MDLive recently acquired a startup effect in 2017. to start in two years. The bill says the govern- the healthier meal standards predict there will and Apple Inc’s iOS platforms. called Breakthrough to move into the Some school nutrition directors have lobbied ment cannot require the 2017 levels “until the be fewer problems over time as kids get used to Doctor On Demand was founded by space. Online therapy solutions are for a break from the standards, which have been latest scientific research establishes the reduc- the new foods and the food industry creates daytime talk show personality Dr Phillip often more affordable and convenient phased in since 2012, saying the rules have tion is beneficial for children.” In a statement tastier and more numerous products that follow McGraw, popularly known as Dr. Phil, as than in-person alternatives, the compa- proven to be costly and restrictive. Some kids after the bill was released, Alabama Rep. Robert the standards. well as his son Jay McGraw and entre- ny said. The majority of Doctor On don’t like the meals, either. House Republicans Aderholt, the Republican chairman of the House American Heart Association CEO Nancy preneur Adam Jackson. It has raised $24 Demand’s therapists specialize in a have said the rules are an overreach, and have subcommittee that oversees agriculture issues, Brown said the changes in the spending bill million from such venture firms as brand of coaching called cognitive fought to ease them. As the debate escalated said the whole grains waiver is “the best bill we could harm kids’ health, even if the bill doesn’t this summer, Michelle Obama said she would that are going to get” with Democrats still con- dismantle the school meals program. “If Andreessen Horowitz and Google behavioral therapy or CBT, which helps fight “to the bitter end” to make sure kids have trolling the Senate. He expressed optimism that Congress hits the pause button now on the sodi- Ventures, as well as angel investors people identify specific problems and good nutrition in schools. The White House did the GOP may get more of what it wants when um reduction, it’s possible that more children including Virgin Group founder Richard gives them tools to overcome them. This not have immediate comment on the language the party controls both chambers next year. could develop high blood pressure and be at risk Branson. The benefits of these virtual type of therapy can be seamlessly adapt- in the spending bill. While many schools have implemented the for heart disease or stroke before they even services outweigh any potential draw- ed for video consultations, said Jackson, Many schools have complained that the new standards successfully, others have said become adults,” Brown said in a statement. backs, such as therapists missing impor- the company’s CEO. whole grain standards are a challenge, especially they’re not working. Schools have long been The year-end spending bill won’t be the last tant nonverbal cues, Phillip McGraw said. The company yesterday has also when preparing popular pastas, biscuits and tor- required to follow government nutrition rules if time Congress takes on the school meal stan- “Facial expression, body language secured a partnership with UpSpring, a tillas. Food service companies don’t have as they accept federal reimbursements for free and dards, as the overall law governing child nutri- and reactions to different questions or startup that specializes in providing tools many options in the whole wheat varieties, and reduced-price meals for low-income students, tion policy, including school lunches, expires subject matters are all available for an for moms. Doctor On Demand’s users can preparation can be more difficult, especially with but the 2012 standards were much stricter than next year. Both the House and the new attentive virtual therapist,” he said. The now request a private video conference some whole wheat pastas that can be mushy earlier standards. Republican Senate are expected to consider company claims over 300 mental health with lactation consultants to address any and hard to cook. The congressional changes have been changes to the meal standards as part of legisla- professionals are ready to accept new concerns about breastfeeding. pushed by the School Nutrition Association, a tion renewing the law. On other food issues, the patients on its service. In the coming months, the company Final language group that represents both school nutrition spending bill would allow fresh white potatoes The spending bill, expected to become law directors and the food companies that produce to be part of the federal Women, Infants and Patients answer a few background is aiming to provide more reimburse- before the end of the year, would allow schools many of the school foods. While the group was Children nutrition program. The Agriculture questions and then schedule an ment options for its patients. Jackson that can demonstrate they have had difficulty looking for deeper rollbacks than included in Department doesn’t currently allow them, even appointment for a live video chat with a said it is in talks with insurance providers finding and affording acceptable whole grain the spending bill, the whole grain and sodium though it allows other fruits and vegetables, therapist. Doctor On Demand charges and large employers, but declined to products like pastas and breads to be exempted standards were among its main concerns. The because it says people already eat enough white $50 for a 25-minute session and $95 for provide specifics. —Reuters from 2014 standards requiring all grain products organization’s CEO, Patricia Montague, issued a potatoes. The program serves low-income chil- to be mostly whole grain. Those schools would statement late Tuesday saying the group dren and pregnant and nursing mothers. —AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Greetings

SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network and Sundance Channel, will present the exclusive Opremiere of the independent documentary A Small Section of the World and the premiere of It Might Get Loud on 7th February 2015 in celebration of acclaimed filmmaker Lesley Chilcott. In the lead up to the premieres next year, OSN and Sundance Channel hosted a masterclass in Dubai on 8th and 9th December with the award-winning filmmaker Chilcott (An Inconvenient Truth). The events included a screening of A Small Section of the World along with a Q&A with the audience. OSN and the Sundance Channel Global signed a land- mark deal to introduce The Sundance Channel in the Middle East and North Africa region in January 2014. The channel celebrates independent feature films, world cin- appy birthday to Louie Albert Nicolas ema, documentaries, short films, series and original pro- Rafael and Malyn Isnalon today. Happy grammes exclusively on OSN. Hbirthday both of you! Enjoy this year and The Sundance Channel can be viewed on channel 35 use it as a launchpad for your future. exclusively on OSN in the region.For more details on Sundance Channel HD and to subscribe, please visit www.osn.com

A Small Section of the World Premieres on 7th February, 2015 at 22:00 KSA, on Sundance Channel exclusively available on OSN in the region. A touching documentary directed by Chilcott, A Small Section of the World focuses on a village of women coffee producers from the remote farming region in the Talamanca mountains in Costa Rica. The port scholarships for women in coffee. Sundance Channel exclusively available on OSN in inspirational film follows the lives of a group of women Chilcott commented on the themes explored in the the region. whose ideas sparked a revolution in the coffee growing documentary: “Coffee is a ritual for many people, but we Rarely can a film penetrate the glamorous surface world. After a crisis leads to the men of the village in can really think a bit more about where it comes from of rock legends. It Might Get Loud tells the personal search of work, the women came together to build their and what goes into the process. I want people to think stories, in their own words, of three generations of own coffee mill, creating the first women’s run micro- about these women when they drink their daily cup of electric guitar heroes-The Edge(U2), Jimmy Page(Led mill in their country. And while the film also documents coffee. Women’s economic empowerment, especially in Zeppelin), and Jack White(The White Stripes). It the risky business of coffee, it also shows how a cup of agricultural areas, is really the key to helping many fami- reveal show each developed his unique sound and coffee can change lives. lies to a better way of life. It is said that when a woman style of playing favorite instruments. Concentrating The women in A Small Section of the World bring to gets a promotion, it’s a promotion for the whole family, on the artist’s musical rebellion, traveling with him to life a story of human perseverance. The remarkable and often the entire community.” influential locations, provoking rare discussion as to account of how a community came together imagining A Small Section of the World has been seen this year how and why he writes and plays, this film lets you a different future for themselves, their families and their at many prestigious festivals including the DOC NYC witness intimate moments and hear new music from community, tells a story of passion, tenacity and Film Festival, the 2014 Woodstock Film Festival and the each artist. The movie revolves around a day when women’s empowerment. Indie Memphis Film Festival, among others. Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge first met and As all great stories spark more inspiration, the sound- In addition to Chilcott, A Small Section Of The World’s sat down together to share their stories, teach and track for this movie is equally impressive. With an origi- Co-Producers include Josh Lieberman and Maresa play. nal anthem composed for the film, “The Morning” is co- Wickham. Dominic Sandifer, Nick Davidge and Paolo Co-produced by Chilcott, Peter Afterman, Thomas written by the best-selling female rock performer of all Bonsignore serve as Executive Producers. Logan Tull and Davis Guggenheim (who also serves as time and multi Grammy Award-winner Alanis Morissette, Schneider serves as Director of Photography, and the Director), It Might Get Loud received nominations at and renowned Costa Rican artist and fellow Grammy film was edited by Chris Catanach. the International Documentary Association and winner Carlos Tapado Vargas. The song is available for Satellite Awards. The film was well-received by critics download via iTunes or via the film’s official website, It Might Get Loud with Rolling Stone calling it “rock heaven” and the where all proceeds from every song purchase go to sup- Premieres on 7th February, 2015 at 23:05 KSA, on Boston Globe citing it as “sublime.” Idukki Association Kuwait to hold Idukki Fest 2015 dukki Association Kuwait released the flier for Idukki the function along with other dignitaries. Comedy show Fest 2015 which is scheduled on 30th January 2015 at led by cine artists from Kerala will be performing during ICambridge School Auditorium Mangaf from 3.30 pm Idukki Fest 2015. onwards. The purpose of conducting Idukki Fest 2015 is to The official releasing of flier was done by handing over raise fund for the ongoing Karuniya Nidhi project for sup- the flier to Hi Tech Jayan by program committee convener porting financially poor school children who are good in Benny Perikilathu. During the flier releasing function IAK studies and also sick people who are striving very hard for President Jaison Jacob Kaliyanil, General Secretary Biju their day to day medicines. P.Anto & Treasurer Mathew Areeparambil made felicitation Idukki MP Adv Joice George will be the chief guest for speech. Secretary Mrs Berly gave vote of thanks.

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All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 WHAT’S ON

IWG visits Yarmouk Public Park he International Women’s Group recently visited Yarmouk public park where members and spouses of diplomats designated in Kuwait and the group leader, Narjes Al-Shatti took part in planting new Ttrees in the park. —Photos by Joseph Shagra THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 TV PROGRAMS

12:00 Chopped 10:00 Fantastic Four: Rise Of The 14:30 Barbie As The Princess And 12:50 Siba’s Table Silver Surfer The Pauper 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks The 12:00 Cloverfield 16:00 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A Riviera 14:00 Ong Bak 3 Baby 13:40 Mystery Diners 16:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation 18:00 Garfield’s Pet Force 00:20 Magic Of Science 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 04:00 Men At Work 18:00 The Rock 20:00 Barbie As The Princess And 00:45 Magic Of Science 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 20:15 Cloverfield The Pauper 01:10 Close-Up Kings 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Jimmy Fallon 22:00 Maximum Conviction 22:00 Marvel’s Doctor Strange 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 15:45 Amazing Wedding Cakes 05:30 Better Off Ted 23:30 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A 02:50 Storage Hunters 16:35 Chopped 06:00 Til Death Baby 03:15 Container Wars 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 06:30 My Name Is Earl 03:40 Garage Gold Riviera 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 04:05 How It’s Made 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 08:00 Men At Work 04:30 How It’s Made 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:30 Better Off Ted 00:00 Lockout-PG15 05:00 Treehouse Masters: View 18:40 Siba’s Table 09:00 Raising Hope 02:00 Alex Cross-PG15 From Above 00:00 She Wants Me-PG15 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 09:30 Melissa & Joey 04:00 Tactical Force-PG15 02:00 Blades Of Glory-PG15 06:00 Wheeler Dealers 19:30 Mystery Diners 10:00 Baby Daddy 06:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 06:50 Extreme Fishing 04:00 Someday This Pain Will Be 19:55 Burger Land 10:30 My Name Is Earl 08:00 Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Useful To You-PG15 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring Silver Surfer-PG 08:30 Storage Hunters 06:00 Class-PG15 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes Jimmy Fallon 10:00 Cloverfield-PG15 08:00 The Pretty One-PG15 08:55 Container Wars 22:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes 12:00 Til Death 12:00 Ong Bak 3-PG15 09:20 Garage Gold 10:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of 22:50 Siba’s Table 12:30 Men At Work 14:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 Meatballs 2-PG 09:45 How It’s Made 23:15 Siba’s Table 13:00 Better Off Ted 16:00 The Rock-PG15 10:10 How It’s Made 12:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 23:40 Burger Land 13:30 My Name Is Earl 18:15 Cloverfield-PG15 14:00 Death Clique-PG15 10:35 Troy 14:00 Welcome To The Family 20:00 Maximum Conviction-PG15 11:25 Magic Of Science 16:00 The Pretty One-PG15 14:30 Melissa & Joey 22:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 18:00 Hide Away-PG15 11:50 Magic Of Science 15:00 Baby Daddy 12:15 Close-Up Kings 20:00 The Hangover 3-18 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:00 Drinking Buddies-PG15 13:05 Storage Hunters Stewart 13:30 Container Wars 16:00 The Colbert Report 13:55 Garage Gold 00:40 Ade In Britain 16:30 Til Death 00:00 The Little Rascals Save The 14:20 Extreme Fishing 01:30 Brendan’s Magical Mystery 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Day-PG 15:10 Wheeler Dealers Tour 18:00 The Neighbors 00:00 Golfing World 02:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 02:00 Emmerdale 18:30 Last Man Standing 01:00 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official Fred-PG 16:50 How It’s Made 02:55 Coronation Street 19:00 Enlisted Film 03:30 All In Good Time-PG15 17:15 How It’s Made 03:25 Derren Brown - Enigma 19:30 New Girl 02:00 PGA Tour Year in Review 05:30 Sister Act 2: Back In The 17:40 Treehouse Masters 04:50 Paul O’grady For The Love 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 Sevens World Series Habit-PG 18:30 Airplane Repo Of Dogs Jimmy Fallon Highlights 07:30 What To Expect When 19:20 American Guns 05:15 May The Best House Win 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 03:30 NFL Gameday You’re Expecting-PG15 20:10 Container Wars Abroad Stewart 04:00 Golfing World 09:30 Open Season-FAM 20:35 Garage Gold 06:10 The Chase 21:30 The Colbert Report 05:00 Live Cricket 11:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 21:00 Airplane Repo 07:05 Brendan’s Magical Mystery 22:00 Louie 10:00 Golfing World Fred-PG 21:50 American Guns Tour 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In 11:00 European Tour Weekly 12:30 All In Good Time-PG15 22:40 The Fighters 07:30 Derren Brown - Enigma Philadelphia 11:30 Live PGA European Tour 14:30 Standing Ovation-PG15 23:30 Airplane Repo 08:50 Paul O’grady For The Love 23:00 Legit 13:30 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official 16:30 Open Season-FAM Of Dogs 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers Film 18:00 A Smile Like Yours-PG15 09:20 Breathless 14:30 PGA Tour Year in Review 20:00 The Big Wedding-PG15 10:15 May The Best House Win 15:30 Live PGA European Tour 21:30 The Big Lebowski-18 Abroad 18:30 Sevens World Series 23:30 The Food Guide To Love-18 11:10 Emmerdale Highlights 12:00 Coronation Street 19:00 Australian PGA 00:00 House Of DVF 00:00 Suits 12:30 Ade In Britain 01:00 Switched At Birth Championship Highlights 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 13:25 The Chase 20:00 Golfing World 01:25 Keeping Up With The 02:00 Mistresses 14:20 Brendan’s Magical Mystery 03:00 Supernatural 21:00 Live PGA Tour Kardashians Tour 02:20 E! News 04:00 The Voice 01:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 14:45 May The Best House Win 05:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 03:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Abroad 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills S.H.I.E.L.D. 05:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 15:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 06:00 Suits 07:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 00:00 Trans world Sport 04:10 THS 16:30 Tricked 05:05 The E! True Hollywood Story 07:00 Sleepy Hollow 09:00 Straight A’s-PG15 01:00 NHL 17:25 Harry At 30 08:00 C.S.I. 11:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 03:00 Live NHL 06:00 Keeping Up With The 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show Kardashians 09:00 Switched At Birth 13:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle 06:00 Trans world Sport 19:10 Coronation Street 10:00 The Voice 15:00 Scents And Sensibility-PG15 07:00 Golfing World 06:55 Keeping Up With The 19:35 The Jonathan Ross Show Kardashians 11:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 17:00 Straight A’s-PG15 08:00 Live Asian Tour 20:30 Tricked S.H.I.E.L.D. 19:00 Promised Land-PG15 13:00 Golfing World 07:50 Style Star 21:25 Harry At 30 08:20 E! News 12:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Maladies-PG15 15:30 NFL 22:20 Coronation Street 12:30 Coronation Street 23:00 Arthur Newman-18 18:00 WWE Bottomline 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 22:50 Emmerdale 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 WWE NXT 23:45 May The Best House Win 14:00 C.S.I. 20:00 WWE Main Event 11:10 House Of DVF Abroad 12:05 E! News 15:00 Suits 21:00 Trans world Sport THE HANGOVER 3 ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE HD 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 16:00 Emmerdale 22:00 WWE Bottomline 13:35 E!ES 16:30 Coronation Street 01:00 Saturday Night Fever-18 23:00 WWE NXT 19:00 MasterChef Australia 09:00 American Restoration 14:30 Style Star 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:00 Mud-PG15 20:00 Private Practice 09:30 Pawn Stars UK 15:00 Keeping Up With The 18:00 C.S.I. 05:15 Girl In Progress-PG15 21:00 According To Jim 10:00 Storage Wars: New York 19:00 Switched At Birth Kardashians 00:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 07:00 Meet Joe Black-PG15 21:25 According To Jim 10:30 Counting Cars 16:00 Keeping Up With The 20:00 The Flash 10:00 Pop Star-PG15 01:00 Unbreakable 22:00 No Ordinary Family 11:00 Pawn Stars Odyssey 22:00 Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Kardashians 11:30 Not Without My Daughter- 00:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 02:45 The Recruit-PG 23:00 The Walking Dead 11:30 Pawn Stars 01:00 The Known Universe 23:00 Supernatural 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 02:00 Mega Factories 13:30 Mud-PG15 01:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 04:45 25th Hour 12:00 Storage Wars 18:00 E! News 03:00 Diggers 16:00 Hyde Park On Hudson- 01:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 07:00 The Replacement Killers 12:30 Storage Wars 19:00 Live From E! 03:30 Diggers PG15 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 08:30 Little Man 13:00 Mountain Men 19:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 04:00 Doomsday Preppers 18:00 Pop Star-PG15 02:30 Australia v South Africa T20I 10:15 The Reunion 14:00 Ax Men 20:00 House Of DVF 05:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 19:30 Hitchcock-PG15 Highlights 12:00 Inferno-PG 00:00 The Fastest Gun Alive-PG 15:00 Down East Dickering 21:00 House Of DVF 06:00 Naked Science 2.5 21:30 Nobody Walks-PG15 03:30 Australia v South Africa T20I 13:45 Pirates Of The Caribbean: At 01:30 A Streetcar Named Desire 16:00 Mountain Men 22:00 E! News 07:00 The Truth Behind 23:00 The French Connection Highlights World’s End 03:35 The Fastest Gun Alive-PG 17:00 Mountain Men 23:00 Live From E! 08:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 00:00 Necessary Roughness 04:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 16:45 Wreckers-U 05:05 Gun Glory-FAM 18:00 Pawn Stars 23:30 Fashion Bloggers Odyssey 01:00 Good Morning America 05:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 18:15 Then She Found Me-FAM 07:00 The Fighting 69th-PG 18:30 Pawn Stars 09:00 The Known Universe 03:00 Treme 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 20:00 The Incredibles-PG 08:25 Robin And The Seven 19:00 Storage Wars 04:00 Strike Back 22:00 People Like Us-PG 19:30 Storage Wars 10:00 Mega Factories 01:00 Pawn-PG15 07:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 Hoods-FAM 05:00 Good Morning America 20:00 Mountain Men 11:00 America The Wild 03:00 The Legend Of Hercules- 08:30 India v Sri Lanka ODI 10:25 Rhapsody-FAM 07:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Down East Dickering 12:00 Adventure Wanted PG15 Highlights 12:20 The Ballad Of Cable Hogue 07:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Pawn Stars 13:00 Jurassic C.S.I. 05:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 09:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 14:20 Key Largo-PG 14:00 Predator CSI 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 ICC Cricket 360 16:00 Skyjacked-PG 22:30 Storage Wars 00:05 Chopped 09:00 24 Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 15:00 Situation Critical 11:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 00:00 According To Jim 17:40 Rio Bravo-U 23:00 Counting Cars 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 10:00 Emmerdale 07:00 Peeples-PG15 16:00 Megastructures 12:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 00:30 Castle 20:00 Never So Few-PG 23:30 Counting Cars 01:45 Chopped SA 10:30 Coronation Street 09:00 Quartet-PG15 17:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 12:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 01:30 Grey’s Anatomy 22:00 Shaft In Africa 02:35 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 The Legend Of Hercules- 18:00 Hard Time 13:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 02:30 Army Wives 23:45 The Man Who Came To 03:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 12:00 Castle PG15 19:00 Situation Critical 13:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 03:30 MasterChef Australia Dinner-FAM 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 13:00 Necessary Roughness 13:00 The Croods-PG 20:00 Megastructures 14:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 04:30 Bones 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 14:00 24 15:00 Now You See Me-PG15 21:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 14:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 05:30 How I Met Your Mother 04:40 All You Can Meat 15:00 Live Good Morning America 17:00 Quartet-PG15 22:00 Hard Time 15:00 ICC Cricket 360 05:55 How I Met Your Mother 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 17:00 Castle 19:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 23:00 America The Wild 15:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 06:30 Greek 05:30 Reza’s African Kitchen 18:00 Necessary Roughness 21:00 Gravity-PG15 17:00 Australia v South Africa T20I 07:30 The Walking Dead 00:45 My 600lb Life 05:50 Siba’s Table 19:00 24 23:00 Pain & Gain-18 Highlights 08:30 Castle 00:00 Down East Dickering 01:35 Body Bizarre 06:10 Sweet Genius 20:00 Castle 18:00 Australia v South Africa T20I 09:30 According To Jim 01:00 Storage Wars 02:25 I Didn’t Know I Was 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 21:00 Necessary Roughness Highlights 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 01:30 Pawn Stars Pregnant 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 22:00 Treme 19:00 Australia v South Africa T20I 11:00 Army Wives 02:00 Mountain Men 02:50 Family Fat Surgeons 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 Strike Back Highlights 03:00 Down East Dickering 03:40 Long Island Medium 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 12:00 MasterChef Australia 08:15 Chopped 01:00 The Happy Cricket 2 20:00 ICC Cricket 360 04:00 Storage Wars 04:05 Say Yes To The Dress Stewart 13:00 Bones 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 02:45 Quest For A Heart 20:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 04:30 Storage Wars 04:30 Say Yes To The Dress 01:00 The Colbert Report 14:00 How I Met Your Mother Basics 04:30 Pacific Pirates 21:30 ICC Cricket 360 05:00 Pawn Stars 05:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 01:30 Family Guy 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 09:30 Chopped Canada 06:00 Marc Logan 22:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe 05:30 Pawn Stars 06:00 Something Borrowed, 02:00 Family Guy 00:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation 15:00 Greek 10:20 Recipes That Rock 08:00 The Legend Of Sasquatch ODI Highlights 06:00 Big Rig Bounty Hunters Something New 02:30 Wilfred 02:00 Lockout 16:00 The Walking Dead 10:45 All You Can Meat 10:00 Garfield’s Pet Force 23:00 Bangladesh v Zimbabwe 07:00 Storage Wars: New York 06:25 Ultimate Shopper 03:00 Raising Hope 04:00 Alex Cross 17:00 Grey’s Anatomy 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 11:30 Krazzy Planet ODI Highlights 07:30 Counting Cars 07:15 Craft Wars 03:30 Welcome To The Family 06:00 Tactical Force 18:00 Army Wives 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 08:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation 13:00 Quest For A Heart 08:00 Mountain Men 08:05 Randy To The Rescue

G.I. Joe: Retaliation ON OSN MOVIES ACTION Classifieds

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (11/12/2014 TO 17/12/2014)

SHARQIA-1 THE HUNTED 3:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 5:00 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 11:30 AM THE HUNTED 5:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 8:00 PM THE HUNTED 1:45 PM THE HUNTED 7:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:00 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 3:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:45 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 5:45 PM THE HUNTED 12:30 AM AVENUES-4 THE HUNTED 8:15 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 12:30 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 10:15 PM FANAR-4 KILL THE MESSENGER 3:00 PM THE HUNTED 12:30 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:00 PM GET SANTA 5:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 3:00 PM Special Show “DUMB AND DUMBER TO” 6:00 PM ACCOMMODATION SHARQIA-2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 6:00 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 8:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 8:45 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 10:30 PM Full furnished 2 rooms THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 3:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:45 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 1:00 AM attach bathroom available THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 6:00 PM for decent two bachelors or THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 9:00 PM FANAR-5 AVENUES-5 small family. House is 3 BR THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:05 AM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 12:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 1:15 PM + 2 bath + living room + Digital(2D) 2:30 PM Special Show “GET SANTA “ 1:45 PM central A/C. Salwa block 9, if SHARQIA-3 ACTION JACKSON-HINDI 6:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 4:15 PM GET SANTA 12:45 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 2:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:15 PM needed one room also can PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 3:15 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 6:00 PM Special Show “NIGHTCRAWLER “ 7:15 PM be given to executive bach- GET SANTA 3:15 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 9:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 10:15 PM elor. 2 rooms rent KD 190. GET SANTA 5:30 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:45 AM THE PYRAMID 1:15 AM Tel: 51066770, 98007972. GET SANTA 7:45 PM 6:30 PM (C 4879) THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 10:00 PM MARINA-1 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (DOLBY ATMOS) 10-12-2014 KILL THE MESSENGER 12:45 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:15 PM 9:30 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 3:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (DOLBY ATMOS) MUHALAB-1 THE HUNTED 5:45 PM 12:30 AM GET SANTA 11:45 AM KILL THE MESSENGER 7:45 PM SITUATION VACANT GET SANTA 1:45 PM THE HUNTED 10:15 PM 360º- 1 KILL THE MESSENGER 3:45 PM KILL THE MESSENGER 12:15 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 11:30 AM Required a part time maid THE PYRAMID 6:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:30 PM to work one or two times KILL THE MESSENGER 8:00 PM MARINA-2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 5:30 PM per week in an apartment THE PYRAMID 10:15 PM GET SANTA 12:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 8:30 PM located in Salmiya. Salary KILL THE MESSENGER 12:15 AM GET SANTA 2:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:30 PM and timing are negotiable. PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 4:15 PM Call 66417504. (C 4878) MUHALAB-2 GET SANTA 6:15 PM 360º- 2 THE HUNTED 11:30 AM GET SANTA 8:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:00 PM 10-12-2014 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 1:15 PM GET SANTA 10:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3:30 PM THE HUNTED 2:00 PM THU+FRI+SAT THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:00 PM Required a chef for a GET SANTA 4:00 PM THE PYRAMID 10:45 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 12:00 PM respected family, who GET SANTA 6:15 PM THE PYRAMID 12:45 AM LINGAA - TAMIL 3:30 PM cooks Arab and Asian cui- THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 8:30 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 7:00 PM sine. Call: 99006777. THE HUNTED 11:30 PM MARINA-3 LINGAA - TAMIL 10:30 PM THE HUNTED 1:15 AM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 11:30 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 1:30 PM 360º- 3 MUHALAB-3 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 4:15 PM NIGHTCRAWLER 11:45 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 12:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 7:00 PM NIGHTCRAWLER 2:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:45 PM NIGHTCRAWLER 4:45 PM Venkatesu holder THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 6:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:30 AM NIGHTCRAWLER 7:15 PM I, Bonam THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:30 PM NIGHTCRAWLER 9:45 PM of Indian Passport No. THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:30 AM AVENUES-1 NIGHTCRAWLER 12:15 AM F6322758, Lagi Setty THE HUNTED 1:00 PM Wandlapalli Sanypaya - FANAR-1 THE HUNTED 3:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 Veeraballi, Kadapa, A.P. GET SANTA 1:00 PM THE HUNTED 5:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 2:24 PM 516130 hereby changed my GET SANTA 3:15 PM THE HUNTED 7:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3:00 PM name to Bonamsetty GET SANTA 5:30 PM THE HUNTED 9:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 6:00 PM Venkatesu. (C 4880) THE PYRAMID 8:00 PM THE HUNTED 11:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 9:00 PM GET SANTA 10:00 PM THE HUNTED 1:15 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:05 AM 10-12-2014 THE PYRAMID 12:15 AM Prayer timings Raun AVENUES-2 AL-KOUT.2 I, Anil Kanakkattusseril, holder of FANAR-2 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:30 AM GET SANTA 11:30 AM Fajr: 05:07 KILL THE MESSENGER 11:30 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:30 PM GET SANTA 1:45 PM Indian Passport No. KILL THE MESSENGER 2:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 6:00 PM GET SANTA 4:00 PM Z2110755 issued in Kuwait Shorook 06:31 KILL THE MESSENGER 4:30 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 2:30 PM GET SANTA 6:15 PM hereby change my name to KILL THE MESSENGER 7:00 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 6:00 PM THE PYRAMID 8:30 PM read as Anil Duhr: 11:41 KILL THE MESSENGER 9:30 PM LINGAA - TAMIL 9:30 PM GET SANTA 10:30 PM Kanakkattusseril Raun. KILL THE MESSENGER 12:05 AM THE PYRAMID 1:00 AM THE PYRAMID 12:45 AM Address: Kanakkattusseril Asr: 14:31 House, Cherai P.O. 683514, FANAR-3 AVENUES-3 AL-KOUT.3 Maghrib: 16:50 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:45 PM PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR-3D 11:45 AM THE HUNTED 11:45 AM Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. THE HUNTED 1:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES -3D 2:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:00 PM Isha: 18:12 (C 4873)

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 11/12/2014 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 Departure Flights on Thursday 11/12/2014 QTR 8647 Doha 15:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 PIA 205 Lahore 00:15 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 THY 767 Istanbul 15:20 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 PIA 206 Lahore 01:15 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 JZR 175 Dubai 15:20 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 156 Dubai 18:30 TZS 170 Bahrain 05:40 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 TAR 327 Tunis 07:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 19:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:35 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 BAW 156 London 08:45 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:50 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KAC 502 Beirut 19:50 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 104 London 19:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 JZR 174 Dubai 10:45 TZS 171 Bahrain 21:50 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 TBZ 5483 Mashhad 11:50 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 12:50 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 QTR 8646 Doha 13:35 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 157 Dubai 23:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 THY 766 Istanbul 14:20 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 CROSSWORD 751 STAR TRACK

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

You will feel inspired about a work-related project. An ability to read You should find that today is one of those super nice days–things just kind between the lines will be an asset in your dealings with others just now. You may run of flow along. Dealings with bankers and realtors are favored at this time. You will do par- into someone who wants to be bossy with others. Life and circumstance will provide this ticularly well in activities that include children, young people and your home and sur- person with the proper knowledge; walk away. Renewing ties with someone you used to roundings. You could feel real rapport and assistance at this time for circumstances and admire is not wise at this time; wish this person well. Priorities and goals that are family, those around you. You may not be expecting it but some kind of boost in the form of personal and future oriented are worth your time; thinking and writing your heart’s extra recognition or support will be coming from those around you. You should feel very desire into new goals is a good thing. List three things a month that you can do to work much in touch with others; the lines of communication are wide open. All of the support toward the accomplishment of this list of goals. Time wasters will not own you again. that you could possibly want or need is available. This may be an opportune time for you Relax this evening with healthy entertainment; laughter is positive. to consolidate and organize your affairs.

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

Your popularity is increased in the workplace and in the social sector. You This is a good time for clear speculation and problem solving. You will be may see your career plans take off–the sky’s the limit, so to speak. Look closely and think receiving helpful advice on a business or financial concern just now. You are in a serious hard about any professional offers or invitations that you receive. Professional associa- frame of mind and find yourself dealing with matters of much concern and responsibility. tions push you to be your best; this is a good thing. Rise to the occasion and meet the This is a good time to reorganize. You may be feeling a bit on the introverted side and challenge–you can do it! A positive attitude benefits you greatly. Demonstrate the magic just want to spend more time with your lover or with your close friends. It may not be a of positive thinking. An idea about travel and what you would like to do may find you not time to be very outward or to try to make yourself known in the world. Your feelings are very far from home as you and your friends or family are interested in learning more more reflective than expressive now. You enjoy the feeling of being needed and helping about the area in which you live. This may mean a river voyage or a camping trip. Music others feel needed. Tonight you encourage family or friends to come together at an after- may assume a more important role in your life this evening. dinner gathering with hot tea, cider or chocolate.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Previous obstacles to self-discipline or to your sense of organization will You should be feeling very upbeat, healthy and natural. Everything seems begin to clear up now. You can see what needs to be done in order to rise to point at your taking the first step in a big decision. It’s really a great time above frustrations around the workplace. Authorities and red tape may slow you down ACROSS Nymphaeaceae. to be with others that are supportive of you and to work side by side with people that are this afternoon–but not for long. You may find yourself reworking the idea of how you 1. A group of African language in the 82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made energized and love their work. Someone in a superior position may come to you and ask want your goals to proceed, even to the extent of changing jobs. You realize that success from aba cloth. that you assume the responsibility for a particular task. Your ability to manage and direct is largely a matter of how you pick and choose to fill your day. Delving into a good book Niger-Congo group spoken from the Ivory others is not really a secret. You should be feeling quite confident with your circum- Coast east to Nigeria. or movie tonight may help you to relax and accept the day-to-day realities. You appreci- stances, very much at peace and stable on the emotional level. Tonight, your dreams will ate an imaginative approach and may value collective or futuristic ideas. Tonight especial- 4. Small burrowing legless European lizard DOWN be lucid and slightly mysterious especially if you do not write them down as soon as you ly, has a decidedly romantic flavor. Love will make this a standout time! with tiny eyes. 1. The basic unit of money in Myanmar. wake up. You might find the meaning of your dreams through 12. A tight-fitting headdress. 2. Gully or streambed in North Africa and 15. Edible tuber of any of several yams. the Middle East that remains dry except 16. A group of street musicians in Mexico. during rainy season. 17. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar 3. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) to but heavier than beer. protozoa that form temporary You want to feel powerful and in complete control of your life. Brush aside your impa- Playing the role of the one who nurtures another suits you quite well at this time. 18. A rapid bustling commotion. pseudopods for feeding and locomotion. tience–matters needing personal attention will get your attention soon. It is more 19. A swinging blow directed upward 4. A black colloidal substance consisting You may be feeling the need to care for others or to possibly have them return the favor. You have definite needs but you realize that others do as well. Being able to fit the two elements together is important to keep the pace steady for now. You are a very intelligent person and sometimes the (especially at an opponent's chin). wholly or principally of amorphous carbon problems you face are easier to solve than at other times. You work best with machines and proba- 20. Being one hundred more than two and used to make pigments and ink. what makes life work. You are a good mentor. Having the ability to get your message across to oth- ers is at a high point now. Your timing should be perfect and those around you should find you bly interact worst with emotional issues. Today you may get a chance to deal with both. For now, hundred. 5. A mistake resulting from inattention. most intuitive. A good friend or work associate may come to you for advice concerning a very per- focus your attention on fixing an item you know you can understand. The other situation, probably a 21. A major industrial center in northeast- 6. Perennial northern temperate plant with sonal and emotional issue. Cutting through the red tape and getting to the heart of what lies clash or difference of opinion, may take a little more patience. Listening instead of talking is impor- ern China on the Grand Canal near the toothed leaves and heads of small pur- beneath and behind will allow you to be of great assistance, wherever needed. tant for now. Agree with whatever ideas surface now–within reason of course. Yellow Sea. plish-white flowers. 23. The blood group whose red cells carry 7. United States mathematician and both the A and B antigens. founder of cybernetics (1894-1964). 25. A soft silvery metallic element of the 8. The waging of armed conflict against an Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) alkali earth group. enemy. This is a fine day for making new starts. A feeling of peace and stability on 26. The compass point midway between You should find this a good day for getting things accomplished. Your 9. English scholastic philosopher and good hand and eye coordination, plus a concentrated effort, should make just about any the emotional level comes into play at this time. Being stable and permanent satisfies a northeast and east. assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285- task run well. Use your instincts to help you make an important decision. Your workload is deep emotional need. Music could also play a more important role for you than usual–you 27. A Portuguese province on the south 1349). lighter and you resolve problems with grace and ease. At home, some of the choices that may find a period of material acquisition–satisfying a deep yearning to be free from want. coast of China and two islands in the South 10. Long pinkish sour leafstalks usually eat- you make at this time may set you apart from your friends–this is only temporary. You There is a better than average chance that you will understand those around you and have a special time with someone you love. There is a great deal of support and harmony, which China Sea. en cooked and sweetened. may want to become caught up in the social whirl but your timing may be off a little. It is okay to dream, and now could be a good opportunity for you to do so. These days do not along with good feelings makes this an exceptionally happy time. You may perceive how 29. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. 11. An engineering university in to proceed with plans and determinations in respect to your life situation. This is a much 32. A soft silvery metallic element of the come too often–do not ignore this opportunity to allow your imagination a field day. Feed Cambridge. the ducks, go to a movie or call a friend. better day than yesterday for socializing. alkali metal group. 12. Tropical American tree producing 34. (informal) `johnny' was applied as a cacao beans. nickname for Confederate soldiers by the 13. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising Federal soldiers in the American Civil War. solely the razorbill. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 37. A white metallic element that burns 14. Either of two large muscles of the with a brilliant light. chest. Something may help you to appreciate and discover all of the beauty that Go ahead and allow your creative and intuitive side to surface, as there are 38. An international organization of 22. Greek mythology. is in your life and in those around you. By the same token, everything could take on added rewards coming as a result of being expressive in encouraging ways. You are unique in your value and importance. It would be only too easy for you to overspend or indulge too problem-solving abilities and could teach or serve as a mentor to many young people. European countries formed after World 24. Used as a Hindi courtesy title. War II to reduce trade barriers and increase much just now. You may be called on to perform a very special job–someone knows of Watch for new solutions to old problems; something inventive is about to develop. If any- 28. Small South American spiny tree with your reputation to lead and manage others. You see a clear path to the desired end result one has a project that they need to have completed by a certain time, you will be the one cooperation among its members. dark crimson and scarlet flowers solitary or and can complete difficult tasks in no time. Do not forget that there are people waiting to that they come to for help. You just seem to instinctively know how to utilize the crucial 40. Web spinners. clustered. help you and lend a helping hand. Others will enjoy your company and you theirs. You time you are given to work on a project. You are appreciated for your abilities to manage 42. A large group of islands in the south 30. The capital and largest city of should be feeling very peaceful and at ease with your life. Seasonal dances and music can and direct others when asked. The accent tonight is on recreation but don’t go overboard in Pacific including Melanesia and Micronesia Bangladesh. be enjoyed at this time. your pursuit of a good time–there are more tomorrows. and Polynesia (and sometimes Australasia 31. An inflammatory disease involving the and the Malay Archipelago). sebaceous glands of the skin. 44. (Irish) Goddess. 33. Accord or comport with. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 45. A digital display that uses liquid crystal 35. A seaport in northwestern Italy. cells that change reflectivity in an applied 36. Obvious and dull. electric field. 39. A civil or military authority in Turkey or 46. The United Nations agency concerned Egypt. with civil aviation. 41. A Chadic language spoken south of 49. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur. Lake Chad. 50. An informal term for a father. 43. A doctor's degree in education. 52. A blind god. 47. Green turtles. 55. English theoretical physicist who 48. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt. applied relativity theory to quantum 51. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. mechanics and predicted the existence of 53. South American wood sorrel cultivated antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). for its edible tubers. 57. Tropical starchy tuberous root. 54. A dyed fabric. 58. Wood of a sumac. 56. Someone who cuts and delivers ice. 61. (usually followed by `to') Having the 59. Liquid excretory product. necessary means or skill or know-how or 60. Blouse with a sailor collar. authority to do something. 63. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions 62. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. 66. A spear with three prongs. of the Old World. 69. Under a moral obligation to do some- 64. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked thing. on a skewer usually with vegetables. 71. A resource. 65. A city in southern Turkey on the 72. The boundary line or the area immedi- Seyhan River. ately inside the boundary. 67. (used with singular count nouns) 75. Jordan's port. Colloquial for `not a' or `not one' or `never 76. Either extremity of something that has a'. length. 68. Thin and fit. 77. The theological doctrine taught by 70. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Arius that Christ the Son was not consub- Lamaism. stantial with God the Father. 73. A conspicuous disparity or difference 79. An adult male person (as opposed to a as between two figures. woman). 74. Antibacterial drug (trade name 80. A field covered with grass or herbage Nydrazid) used to treat tuberculosis. and suitable for grazing by livestock. 78. A toxic nonmetallic element related to 81. The type genus of the family sulfur and tellurium. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 DAY: :HGQHVGD\  Issue Time  Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Expected Weather for the Next 24 Hours Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 %<'$< 9LVLELOLW\ZLOOLPSURYHJUDGXDOO\ZLWKOLJKWYDULDEOHZLQGFKDQJLQJWROLJKWWRPRGHUDWHVRXWKHDVWHUO\ODWHU Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 RQZLQGZLWKVSHHGRINPKDQGVRPHVFDWWHUHGFORXGVZLOODSSHDU Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 %<1,*+7 &ROGZLWKOLJKWYDULDEOHZLQGZLWKVSHHGRINPKZLWKDFKDQFHIRUIRJIRUPLQJDWQLJKW Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 WARNING Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 )RJDWVRPHDUHDV China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 STATION 0$;(;3 0,15(& 6)&&+$57 87& Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 .8:$,7&,7< ƒ& ƒ& Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 .8:$,7$,53257 ƒ& ƒ& Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 $%'$/< ƒ& ƒ& Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 %8%<$1 ƒ& ƒ& Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 -$+5$ ƒ& ƒ& Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 )$,/$.$,6/$1' ƒ& ƒ& Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 6$/0,<$+ ƒ& ƒ& Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 $+0$', ƒ& ƒ& Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 -8/8,$+3257 ƒ& ƒ& Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 4$52+,6/$1' ƒ& ƒ& Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 W Hawally 22630786 800$/0$5$'(0 ƒ& ƒ& Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 4 DAYS FORECAST El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Jahra 24770319 Temperatures DAY DATE WEATHER Wind Direction Wind Speed Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 MAX. MIN. Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 7KXUVGD\  6XQQ\ ƒ& ƒ& 1: NPK Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 )ULGD\  3DUWO\FORXG\ƒ& ƒ& 1: NPK Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 6DWXUGD\  6XQQ\ ƒ& ƒ& 95% NPK Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 6XQGD\  6XQQ\ ƒ& ƒ& 6( NPK Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 PRAYER TIMES RECORDED YESTERDAY AT KUWAIT AIRPORT Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 Fajr  MAX. Temp.  °C France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Sunrise MIN. Temp. °C Firdous 24892674   French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 Zuhr  MAX. RH  % French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Asr  MIN. RH  % Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 Sunset MAX. Wind km/h N Khaitan 24710044  6(  Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Isha  TOTAL RAINFALL IN 24 HR.  mm Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 All times are local time unless otherwise stated. 83  UTC 9 7 ŵŤŚƀ Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 TRAVEL

Movenpick Hotel Kuwait A personalized service and welcoming atmosphere

ovenpick Hotel Kuwait is one of the Kuwait University, Ministry of Health and KT: The government has ambitious plans to considered as an opportunity to attract Arab finest hotels in the city, since it com- Sabah Hospitals. stimulate tourism. How are you aligning and foreign business travelers from all over Mbines exquisite hotel services, where the yourselves with the government’s strate- the world, thanks to its Arab Gulf beach that guests can relax amidst the elegant architecture KT: What makes your hotel memorable and gy? is located alongside its northern cost, as well and fine entertainment that expresses the pas- unforgettable? Hassanein: Kuwait needs to look to many chan- as the futuristic plans to establish the sion of the genuine Swiss hospitality that makes Hassanein: The attention to details, the person- nels that attract the international market and International Financial Center, which will also guests feel like at home. Hassan Hassanein the alized service and the welcoming atmos- focus its attention on positioning itself as a make Kuwait an important destination for GM of Movenpick Hotel Kuwait had a lot to talk phere. In addition, the hotel offers 5 interna- global player. The implementation and ongo- businesspeople. and express about this exceptional hotel. tional specialty restaurants: Bays restaurant ing improvements of the new visa scheme is with a pool view and a garden view, the certainly a major step in the right direction to Kuwait Times: Tell us about your professional Italian restaurant Al Dente, Garden CafÈ, the opening up the country to overseas visitors. history in the hotel industry? Cuts restaurant and our very special and ele- Kuwait’s tourism sector is dominated by the Hassan Hassanein: I have worked in different gant English lounge, where the famous corporate and government segments, espe- Movenpick hotels around the GCC. I had a Movenpick ice cream is served with a huge cially due to the country’s natural resources long history of tasks as General Manager of variety of tea and snacks at the sounds of a and high spending power. Yet the country is Hassan Hassanein Movenpick Madinah and as Director of Sales live piano every night. also a haven for visitors from neighboring and Marketing at Movenpick Hotel and countries, who visit mostly during the week- especially after the renovation work, which Residence Hajar Makkah and Movenpick KT: What does the hotel offer in terms of ends and holidays such as Eid and Hala Feb. included the entire hotel rooms to be the per- Hotel and Resort Al Bida’a, Kuwait. I have also leisure facilities? fect place to stay for Kuwaiti and Arab broth- worked for international hotel chain such as Hassanein: We have an outdoor swimming pool KT: With a number of regional and interna- ers from the GCC countries or any country in Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, InterContinental with waterfalls, and a kids’ club and a profes- tionally-branded hotels in the pipeline for the world. and finally Movenpick. sional gym is also available for guests. Kuwait, how do you plan to keep your competitive edge in the market? KT: Kuwait is renowned as a corporate hub. KT: What do you think is the most distinctive KT: What will guests rave about to their Hassanein: Any hotel looking for success must Does your hotel have plans to explore any or unique feature of the Movenpick Hotel friends and family? be concerned with guests’ needs, so we are other tourism segments? If so please Kuwait that sets it apart from competitors? Hassanein: With its unique location, offering a new type of upscale and individual explain why and how you plan to entice Hassanein: We are proud of our professional Movenpick Hotel Kuwait provides business service to keep this hotel at the highest levels, guests to this segment? event management services that encapsulate people and families with more than 100 Hassanein: Kuwait’s geographical location is the highest quality standards, creative cuisine rooms with a pool view or a garden view, and qualified service. Business meetings, and genuinely Arabic fine architecture. Every weddings or anniversaries can be made room is equipped with a wide screen TV, memorable at our meetings room and Taiba high-speed Internet connection and an traditional Arabic tent that fits more than 350 international line, along with a round-the- people. clock room service.

KT: What is unique about your hotel’s loca- KT: What exciting strategies do you have in tion? place for 2015? Hassanein: Being situated in the Gulf of Hassanein: Certainly there is currently a focus KT: What are your feeder markets? What new Shuwaikh within the Free Zone in Kuwait, the on short and medium term intraregional trav- feeder markets do you plan on tapping hotel is only 10 minutes away from Kuwait el, in particular GCC families on short breaks into? airport by car, 6 minutes away from Kuwait or visiting relatives on a long term basis, Hassanein: Our main leisure market is Saudi City, 4 minutes away from Shuwaikh which creates a definite potential for Kuwait Arabia, but we have noticed an increase of Industrial City, 10 minutes from the renowned to position itself as one of the leading leisure leisure guests from other GCC countries such Avenues Mall, and it’s closely located to destinations in the GCC as Qatar and Bahrain. lifestyle THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 FASHION Do’s and don’ts for healthy nails

owadays, nails can be one of the accessories we carry along to top off our look, BUT, we can all notice the huge difference in how our Nnails look like before and after our manicures and pedicures. I love getting my nails done and trying out different nail varnishes. All the manicures and coloring can take a toll on your nails, and it would show in a short period of time. When we color our nails too often, they tend to become brittle, and sometimes your nail beds turn a bit yellowish. Some people experience this from the lack of moisture, Iron or Zinc. Anxiety and stress can also lead to the behavior of nail biting, which is a nervous habit that will also lead to weak nails. Sometimes the condition of your nails says something about your health. Diabetes can sometimes lead to your nails yellowing, and the skin around your nail. So, it is impor- tant to notice these signs as something more related to your general

Fingernails health rather than thinking you only have brittle nails. When I was younger, I was always biting on my nails, which was horri- ble! I guess it was just a habit, but when I grew older and started taking

2- If you’re a girl, wear fake nails. 9- Use oils such as olive oil and coconut This will stop you from biting your natu- oil to massage your nails, and keep it ral nail and probably encourage you to overnight to moisturize both your skin and like the idea of how your nails would look nails. like if you stopped biting them!\ 10- When getting your nails done, push back 3- Adopt a new habit, distract your- your cuticles rather than cutting them. Your self whenever you want to bite or cuticles are created to protect your nails, start biting your nails so the more you cut away the weaker 4- Use a deterrent on your nails, your nails will be. you can get those from the pharmacy. The way a person carries themselves What those usually are is a cream or top- says a lot about how they care for their health coat that once you start biting down it and appearance. Changing up your care routines would taste awful and bitter! and educating yourself about what is good for you and 5- Make sure your nails are always groomed and your body doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing it only clean. Having terribly short nails won’t really be encour- for the outer appearance, but for yourself and your health in aging to wait on them to grow, but make sure they are general. Caring for your nails is just as important as taking care always clean so you would feel bad ruining them. of your hair, skin, and body. There are some things that you can do, 6- Use oils and creams to treat the skin around your nails, sometimes and use that would help all of the mentioned together. It’s all a matter of we tend to bite on the skin till we start bleeding. Which is even as dan- how much you love yourself that you would take the time to take care of gerous, some serious infections can happen under your nail bed or you, for you. We all deserve a little bit of extra love, don’t we! between your skin and nails, which can lead to getting surgery. That is a care of the way I looked, my skin, hair and nails, I started to stop. It’s very bit too extreme. Moisturizing your skin around the nail will relief pain and See you next week! unattractive, and unhealthy to do so because it really took me a long wounds, and help with the process of getting attractive nails. Love, time to have normal and healthy nails. 7- When getting your manicure and pedicure, make sure you use a Fouz xo For those who are still struggling with biting their nails and want to base coat before you apply your nail polish, this will decrease the dam- have healthier, longer nails, here are some tips to help you stop: age done to your nail. 1- Think of all the bacteria and yuck you are transferring from your 8- Let your nails breathe, constantly having nail polish on will cause nails to your mouth. yellowing and weakening of the nails.

Got kids? Make your wedding a family affair

hen Angelina Jolie wed Brad Pitt in one of the most publicized nuptials Wof the 21st century, she wore a jaw- dropping silk and satin gown designed by Donatella Versace. Embroidered on her floor- length veil were colorful drawings by the cou- ple’s six children. One even read “Buttock Fatock.” Eldest sons Maddox and Pax walked Jolie down the aisle, daughters Zahara and Vivienne tossed flower petals, and daughter Shiloh and son Knox were ring-bearers. Pax baked the wedding cake. It all sounds very Hollywood. But it’s not just Brangelina.

A semi-sweetheart table, in which the little girl sat between her mother and father during the reception. Signs reading “I’m hers,” “I’m theirs” and “I’m his” decorated the chair backs. Photo shows a special flower girl box reads “Daddy here comes Mommy.” — AP photos Stacey James Wheeler, a California-based fami- support for our partnership . So it gives them a Bob Czworka, danced down the aisle with ceremony in Sunrise, Florida, and at the recep- ly dynamics researcher and author, whose wife voice and a choice in the matter.” their four children to the song “Love is tion sang a song written by two of them. “I had two daughters when they married more Instead of having a traditional processional, Strange.” All four kids stood with them under gave my daughter and two ‘bonus daughters’ than 12 years ago. “Involving the children in event planner Sandy Sloane and her husband, the Jewish chupah, or canopy, during their necklaces that said ‘daughter,’ and my son a our marriage was a great way to do that.” commemorative keepsake box,” Sloane says. The girls were flower girls, and received an Chicago-area event planner Amanda engraved locket and a verbal commitment Morris created a semi-sweetheart table for a from Wheeler after he proposed to their moth- newly married couple and their 4-year-old er. “I let them know I was committing to be daughter. The little girl sat between her mom there as a parent and to raise them as my and dad at the reception, and each sat in a own,” he says. chair with signs that read, “I’m his,” “I’m hers” or Like Jolie and Pitt’s brood, many children “I’m theirs.” Morris also created a “favorite take part in the ceremony as flower girls, ring things” station instead of a traditional dessert bearers and readers, while others walk their table. “What was cute is that it even had items mother down the aisle. Children also can help like mini Heinz ketchup packets and Starbucks light a “unity candle” or participate in what’s pink cake pops because their daughter loved In this photo a Chicago-area couple made become known as a “sand ceremony,” in which both,” she says. the grand entrance into their wedding the bride, groom and children pour different- Cupcake stations are another kid-friendly reception with sparklers burning overhead. colored sand into a container to symbolize a dessert idea. The children of the bride and new union. groom can play “host” and help other kids dec- Many brides and grooms have children San Francisco physician Kyra Bobinet and orate cupcakes during the reception. And from previous relationships, and are going her fiancÈ, Josh Leichter, designed wedding then there’s the first dance. Not between bride beyond the traditional to find ways to incor- bands with a diamond for each of their four and groom, but between each of them and porate them into their weddings. Yes, the kids children. “Our kids will be our only brides- their children and/or stepchildren. “Make sure add cuteness. But it’s often more about blend- maids and groomsmen, setting them apart as to bring the tissues,” says wedding planner ing families. “The need to create a family bond In this photo the toddler nephew of one Chicago-area couple played a prominent role in special attendants to the wedding,” Bobinet Stephany Allongo in Palm Beach, Florida. “This early is vital to stepparents’ success,” says their wedding. Instead of a traditional garter toss, he popped out of the bride’s gown says. “We’re inviting them to offer words of dressed as the “Incredible Hulk” when the groom approached to find her garter. is usually a tearjerker.” — AP lifestyle THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Features Hobbit fans drop Tolkien evil eye plan for Moscow after Church protest group of Russian designers yesterday scrapped a planned light installation modeled on the all-seeing Aevil eye in JRR Tolkien’s fantasy novels after the Russian Orthodox Church protested. The group had planned to raise what resembles a giant glowing eye on the 21st floor of a sky- scraper to celebrate the local release of the final part of Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation of “The Hobbit” on Thursday. In Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and also in the subsequent “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the Eye of Sauron is a giant flaming eye controlled by the “dark lord” Sauron which allows him to watch anyone who puts on the fateful, power-giving ring. But the Russian Orthodox Church’s head of public affairs, Vsevolod Chaplin, objected to what he called a “demonic symbol” in an interview with Govorit Moskva radio station. “Such a symbol of the triumph of evil is rising up over the city, becoming practically the highest object in the city. Is that good or bad? I’m afraid it’s more likely bad. Just don’t be sur- prised later if something goes wrong with the city,” Chaplin warned. The city authorities then also reacted, saying that the Eye of Sauron could require planning permission. “Unfortunately we are forced to stop the ‘Eye of Sauron’ project,” the group of designers called Svecheniye, or Kirk Douglas poses for a portrait in Beverly Hills, Calif. Kirk Douglas, right, and wife Anne Douglas pose for a por- In this Dec 5, 1960 file photo, actor Kirk Douglas and his Radiance, wrote on Facebook, saying they did not expect —AP photos trait in Beverly Hills. wife Anne Douglas, formally Anne Buydens, arrive at “such a public reaction.” “The project doesn’t have a religious London Airport from Paris to attend the premiere of his or political subtext. And not wanting any kind of negativity, film, “Spartacus,” in London. we are stopping our preparations for the project,” it said, post- ing a picture of Ian McKellen playing wise wizard Gandalf in Jackson’s films. The installation was planned as a 10-metre (33 foot) sphere with a light show projecting from behind to create a 3-D effect Kirk and Anne Douglas reflect on 60-year romance on a 21-story tower in Moscow’s business district. The proper- irk Douglas is done with writing. The rakish screen leg- myself, I’m not going to do that. I will work and I will do my pledged $50 million to five charitable organizations. Giving ty company that owns the tower had backed the stunt, which end with the famously dimpled chin made that abun- work for the movie that I was hired for, but no intimate con- has been in Kirk Douglas’ bones since childhood. “I was a boy the designers said was a fans’ tribute to Jackson’s latest film, Kdantly clear on a recent afternoon at his Beverly Hills nection with the movie stars,” she said. who didn’t have enough to eat. I had six sisters, no brothers. not part of its promotional campaign. — AFP home, a few days before the release of his poetry collection Then she attended a charity event where actors played the We were living by the railroad tracks and every night, hobos “Life Could Be Verse: Reflections on Love, Loss, and What parts of circus performers. Kirk Douglas, sporting a tuxedo, would come and knock on the door. And even though we did- Really Matters.” “To me, this is my best book, and my last book,” decided his talent would be cleaning up after the elephants. “I n’t have enough, my mother always saved something so when said Douglas, seated next to Anne Douglas, his wife of over 60 held on until he picked up the elephant doo,” she said, laugh- they came to the door, she had something to give them. She years. It was a pronouncement that came up more than a few ing heartily. “That did it for me.” Douglas, not missing a beat, taught me at an early age to help other people.” times. The “Spartacus” star, who just turned 98, has 87 films to chimed in: “Obviously she was looking for a garbage collector.” His career is pointedly on the back burner as he reflects on his name, 11 books, and is one of the last living members of Still, a cute beginning is hardly noteworthy. Longevity is. his life. A rebel on the screen and off, he counts crediting old Hollywood. By now, the world probably thinks it knows “Romance begins at 80, and I ought to know,” he said, refer- blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo on “Spartacus” as his Kirk Douglas. encing one of his poems. most rebellious move. “I was much younger then, and I was But in some ways, “Life Could Be Verse” is his most personal “I’m a romantic guy. You think I’m always shooting guns much more stubborn,” he said. Now, Kirk and Anne Douglas work, featuring poems from throughout his life along with with John Wayne, but I can be romantic. And, listen, we’re sit- are focused on their home, family and reflecting on a life well- essays and private family photos that help paint a picture of ting here. We have been married for 60 years. A few poems lived. They recently hosted Thanksgiving at their home near Douglas as a man, a father and a husband. In an industry not help.” Romance is just one of their secrets. Over the years, they Santa Barbara. Among the 14 attendees were Michael known for domestic stability, Kirk and Anne Douglas may be have devoted themselves to philanthropy. The shared passion Douglas, his children and Michael Douglas’ mother, actress one of the great Hollywood romances. Seated closely on a has been important for the couple, who’ve endured tragedy Diana Dill, whom Anne Douglas refers to as “our ex-wife.” cozy couch in a home that is elegant, modest and lived-in, the and loss, including his stroke in 1996 and the death of their “We are living in a town of make-believe. I have done couple recalled their first meeting in Paris. He was working on youngest son, Eric Douglas, in 2004. “Our goal has been, since about 90 movies. That means that every time I was pretending the film “Act of Love.” She was the publicist. we’re able to do that, to help a little bit and to share what you to be someone else. There comes a time in your life when you have with those in need. That has been a very big bond say, well, ‘who am I?’” he said. “I have found writing books a Romance begins at 80 between us,” said Anne Douglas. good substitute to making pictures. When you write a book, “I thought she was so beautiful, and I lowered my voice you get to determine what part you are playing.” — AP and said, ‘Would you like to have dinner?’” he said. “I waited for More stubborn an answer and she said, ‘No, I think I will go home and make They’ve sold art from their personal collection to help fund This photo released by Paramount Pictures shows, David some eggs and go to bed.’” Anne Douglas (then Buydens) had various causes, including the restoration of over 400 play- Oyelowo, center, as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Carmen her own thoughts about transient movie stars. A lot of her grounds in the Los Angeles area and the development of a Ejogo, right, as Coretta Scott King in the film, “Selma,” friends were going out with actors at the time. “I said to shelter for homeless women downtown. In 2012, the couple from Paramount Pictures and Pathe. — AP ‘Birdman’ leads Screen Actors Guild nominations he dark show-business comedy “Birdman” soared with a story “The Theory of Everything.” All were recognized for their leading four Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, ensemble casts and individual performances. Patricia Tincluding best ensemble cast. Lead actor Michael Arquette and Ethan Hawke earned nods for playing divorced Keaton was recognized for his work as the washed-up parents across 12 years in “Boyhood”; Felicity Jones and Eddie Hollywood actor Riggan Thomson. Co-stars Emma Stone, who Redmayne for their portrayal of Jane and Stephen Hawking in played Thomson’s troubled daughter, and Edward Norton, as “The Theory of Everything”; and Benedict Cumberbatch and an arrogant theater star, also both picked up nods. Keira Knightley as World War II-era British logicians Alan Turing Following with three nominations each were the coming- and Joan Clarke in “The Imitation Game.”—AP of-age tale and critics award favorite “Boyhood,” the Alan Turing biopic “The Imitation Game,” and the Stephen Hawking

These images released by Paramount Pictures show Chris Rock with Gabrielle Union, left, and Rosario Dawson in “Top List of SAG nominees Five.”—AP photos Outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture “Orange is the New Black” “Birdman” “Veep” “Boyhood” “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Outstanding performance by a male “The Imitation Game” actor in a drama series “The Theory of Everything” Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire” Chris Rock’s stand-up Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones” Outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role Woody Harrelson, “True Detective” Steve Carell, “Foxcatcher’” Matthew McConaughey, “True Detective” Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game” Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards” comes to life in ‘Top Five’ Jake Gyllenhaal, “Nightcrawler” Michael Keaton, “Birdman” Outstanding performance by a female actor in riter-director Chris Rock is not Andre Allen, the up to the challenge. Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything” a drama series (six nominees due to tie) stand-up comedian turned movie star lead of “Top Just like in a great Woody Allen film or Richard Linklater’s Claire Danes, “Homeland” Outstanding performance by Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder” Five.” But, it’s almost impossible to watch his latest “Before” series, it would be easy enough to watch these two W a female actor in a leading role Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife” effort, a cutting comedy about showbiz, creativity and ambi- characters do just that for an entire movie. But Rock isn’t con- Jennifer Aniston, “Cake” Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black” tion, and not wonder what material Rock took from his own tent to luxuriate with just the two leads, as fun as that would Felicity Jones, “The Theory of Everything” Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey” life. While that’s a fun and compelling draw, thankfully, it’s only have been. Instead, he broadens Andre’s world with an all-star Julianne Moore, “Still Alice” Robin Wright, “House of Cards” part of the triumph of the film. In “Top Five,” Rock manages to supporting cast the size of a football team. Cedric the Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl” transcend the gimmick and his larger-than-life persona, to Entertainer pops up as sleazy, hilarious local club promoter, Reese Witherspoon, “Wild” Outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy create one of the most vibrant, self-aware comedies of the J.B. Smoove steals scenes as his bodyguard and chauffeur, series year. Tracy Morgan appears as one of his childhood friends, and Outstanding performance by Ty Burrell, “Modern Family” This is a story about a man who’s become disconnected Sherri Shepherd plays an ex-girlfriend. Jerry Seinfeld and a few a male actor in a supporting role Louis C.K., “Louie” from his work and is looking for a change. Told across a single, other surprise high-profile comedians even play themselves in Robert Duvall, “The Judge” William H. Macy, “Shameless” jam-packed New York day, we accompany Andre on a press a standout scene. Ethan Hawke, “Boyhood” Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory” tour around the city on the day of his new movie’s opening. Edward Norton, “Birdman” Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family” Andre, we learn, became a mainstream superstar by donning Dramatic notes Mark Ruffalo, “Foxcatcher” a full bear suit and playing the catch-phrase happy character The most groundbreaking aspect about “Top Five” is that it J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash” Outstanding performance by a female “Hammy the Bear” in three blockbuster movies. defies categorization. It’s a romance, a gross out comedy, a sil- actor in a comedy series Now sober, grasping for relevancy, and about to marry a ly industry satire, and a sweet look at an artist who’s just trying Outstanding performance by a female Uzo Aduba, “Orange Is the New Black” reality television star (Gabrielle Union), Andre just wants to be to figure out what he wants. That might seem scattered or actor in a supporting role Julie Bowen, “Modern Family” sincere. His new “serious” movie about a Haitian revolutionary unfocused, and in some cases it is. Scenes go on too long and Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood” Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie” just looks abysmal, like the fictional title in “Tropic Thunder.” some of the dramatic notes don’t land as gracefully as they Keira Knightley, “The Imitation Game” Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep” It’s clear that Andre is at a crossroads and even he isn’t con- could. But even if Rock doesn’t succeed in seamlessly weaving Emma Stone, “Birdman” Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation” vinced of his new path. Things really get going when Andre together all those disparate elements, he’s still created a com- Meryl Streep, “Into the Woods” hooks up with Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), a quick-wit- plex, exciting patchwork that is just fun to exist in. Naomi Watts, “St. Vincent” Outstanding performance by a male actor ted New York Times reporter who’s gotten the tony assign- Rock has said that he wanted to make a movie that cap- in a television movie or miniseries ment to follow him around for an entire day. He resists, since tures the energy of his stand-up. “Top Five” fits the bill. “Top Television nominees Adrien Brody, “Houdini” Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama Benedict Cumberbatch, “Sherlock: His Last Vow” the paper’s critic has historically eviscerated his movies, but Five,” a Paramount release, is rated R by the Motion Picture series Richard Jenkins, “Olive Kitteridge” his agent (Kevin Hart) convinces him to go anyway. Chelsea’s a Association of America “for strong sexual content, nudity, “Boardwalk Empire” Mark Ruffalo, “The Normal Heart” fan, he thinks. crude humor, language throughout and some drug use.” “Downton Abbey” Billy Bob Thornton, “Fargo” Running time: 101 minutes. Three stars out of four. MPAA defi- “Game of Thrones” A breath of fresh air nition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying par- “Homeland” Outstanding performance by a female actor It’s half true. She was a fan, but now, like most of the coun- ent or adult guardian. — AP “House of Cards” in a television movie or miniseries try, wonders why Andre isn’t funny anymore. In his Hollywood Ellen Burstyn, “Flowers in the Attic” world of suck-ups, she turns out to be a breath of fresh air and Outstanding performance by an Maggie Gyllenhaal, “The Honorable Woman” he’s intrigued. Long stretches of the movie focus on Chelsea ensemble in a comedy series Frances McDormand, “Olive Kitteridge” and Andre walking through the city, talking, flirting, and spar- “The Big Bang Theory” Julia Roberts, “The Normal Heart” ring about everything: Politics, relationships, addiction, and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” Cicely Tyson, “The Trip to Bountiful”— AFP sobriety. It takes skilled performers and deft dialogue to make “Modern Family” banal riffing compelling, and Rock and Dawson more than live lifestyle THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 Music & Movies Justin Bieber is 2014’s most tweeted-about artist

eyonce’s surprise self-titled album was, unsurprisingly, 3. Harry Styles 1. Pharrell Williams-Happy the most tweeted-about album of 2014, but overall, 4. Liam Payne 2. John Legend-All Of Me BJustin Bieber generated the most buzz in the music 5. Ariana Grande 3. Nicki Minaj-Anaconda crowd on Twitter, according to a comprehensive new report 6. Demi Lovato 4. Ariana Grande-Problem from the social media platform. However, despite Bieber land- 7. Lady Gaga 5. Lady GaGa-ARTPOP ing the number one spot on number of tweets generated, it 8. Beyonce 6. Magic! — Rude should be noted that members of One Direction-Niall Horan, 9. Louis Tomlinson 7. Demi Lovato-Really Don’t Care Harry Styles and Liam Payne-nabbed the second, third and 10. Taylor Swift 8. Beyonce-Drunk In Love fourth spots on the list, respectively. 9. One Direction-Night Changes Katy Perry, however, garnered the most followers. The Top music artists who experienced the most 10. Little Mix-Little Me songstress gained 13 million followers this year, bringing her to Twitter follower growth in 2014: a whopping 60 million, more than any other musician. 1. @KatyPerry: gained 13 million followers 2014’s most-tweeted-about albums: Following her in gained followers is Bieber, who brought on 11 2. @JustinBieber: gained 11 million followers 1. Beyonce, “Beyonce” million more followers to reach 56 million, and Taylor Swift, who 3. @TaylorSwift13: gained 10 million followers 2. 5 Seconds of Summer, “5 Seconds of Summer” gained 10 million followers to reach 46 million. The three are 4. @ArianaGrande: gained 9.5 million followers 3. Taylor Swift, “1989” the most-followed musicians on Twitter. 5. @JTimberlake: gained 9.1 million followers 4. Michael Jackson, “Xscape” The report also pointed out that music was the most tweet- 6. @SelenaGomez: gained 7.9 million followers 5. Ed Sheeran, “X” ed-about topic of the year, with hip-hop, R&B and pop 7. @DDlovato: gained 6.2 million followers 6. Chris Brown, “X” being the genres tweeted about the most. Top music-related 8. @Rihanna: gained 6.2 million followers 7. Coldplay, “Ghost Stories” trends include #vote5sos, #MTVHottest, #VoteDemiLovato, 9. @BritneySpears: gained 6.1 million followers 8. Rick Ross, “Mastermind” #MTVEMA and #LHHATL. In the realm of music events, the end 10. @OneDirection: gained 5.5 million followers 9. The Vamps, “Meet the Vamps” of the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bruno Mars and the 10. Ariana Grande, “My Everything” Red Hot Chili Peppers generated the most tweets per minute, 2014’s most tweeted-about fan armies seeing 229,533 tweets per minute. 1. Beliebers — (Justin Bieber ) The top 30 US music-related trends and hashtags: Following that in tweets per minutes is Imagine Dragons 2. Directioners — (One Direction) 1. #vote5sos and Kendrick Lamar’s performance during the Grammys 3. Animals — (Ke$ha) 2. #MTVHottest (171,593), Lorde winning best pop solo performance at the 4. Lovatics — (Demi Lovato) 3. #VoteDemiLovato Grammys (152,888) and Lorde’s performance at the Grammys 5. Sones — (Girls’ Generation) 4. #MTVEMA (146,083). Coachelle was the most tweeted-about music festi- 6. Rihanna Navy — (Rihanna) 5. #LHHATL val, followed by, in order, Tomorrow World, Warped Tour, 7. Mahomies/Mahonies — (Austin Mahone) 6. #SXSW Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. 8. Swifties — (Taylor Swift) 7. #EMABiggestFansJustinBieber See the key lists from the report below: 9. Aliens — (Tokio Hotel) 8. #VMAs 10. Selenators — (Selena Gomez) 9. #RickyChat 2014’s most-tweeted about artists: A sampling of 2014’s top tweeted-about songs: *Note: This 10. #GRAMMYs—Reuters 1. Justin Bieber data is based on Tweets mentioning the song and terms about 2. Niall Horan the artist.

Sam Smith tops MTV’s 2014 best artist list

his year’s breakthrough new singer, Sam from his debut album, “In the Lonely Hour.” featuring the voices of Chris Pratt, Will Arnett and Smith, went from an artist to watch to But Smith could not beat Iggy Azalea’s catchy Elizabeth Banks. The lists are selected by MTV TMTV’s best artist of 2014 and beat out hit song “Fancy,” which topped the list for MTV’s executives based on influence and pop culture megastars like Beyonce and Taylor Swift. The 22- best songs of 2014 and whose video was nomi- impact. — AP year-old Smith performed his soulful song, “Stay nated for four awards at the VMAs. MTV’s best With Me,” at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards movie of 2014 was “The LEGO Movie,” a kid flick

Hozier’s ‘Take Me to Church’ is top Spotify 2014 single he breakout hit “Take Me to Church” by It includes a clip of a gay rally in Russia, the young Irish singer Hozier that has where President Vladimir Putin has signed Tbeen adopted as a protest song against into law a ban on the spread of “gay propa- gay discrimination in Russia was the most ganda” among minors which is widely regard- streamed single on Spotify in 2014, the online ed in the West and by critics as discriminatory. music service said yesterday. The anthem-like “Take Me to Church” was first released by tune, which also has been nominated for Hozier, 24, on an EP (extended play) single in song of the year at the 57th Grammy Awards, 2013 and rose to number two in Ireland. has had more than 87 million streams to date It later became the first track on his long- on Spotify. awaited debut album “Hozier” released by It has also logged more than 40 million Island records in September and which views for the video version on YouTube, debuted at number one on the trade publica- Spotify said in a press release. The video, in tion Billboard’s rock album chart. The song took which Hozier, whose full name is Andrew off in the United States after Hozier sang it on In this Dec 5, 2014 file photo, Sam Smith performs at In this Dec 5, 2014 file photo, Iggy Azalea performs at the KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball at the Hozier-Byrne and who is a native of County “The David Letterman Show” in May and again the KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball at the Staples Center in Los Staples Center in Los Angeles. Wicklow, does not appear, portrays a homo- in October on “Saturday Night Live”. — Reuters Angeles. — AP phobic backlash against a young gay couple who have to flee an angry mob in Russia. Former Miss America, Mary Review Ann Mobley Dies at 75 ‘Exodus’ plagued by casting, script issues ary Ann Mobley, actress and former Miss America, has died in Beverly o what do we owe the second coming of the biblical touch of camp, a necessary ingredient to any successful bib- Hills after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 75. Mobley, a epic? A genre that was once as moldy as stale com- lical epic. Scott ought to have kept it up. However, the direc- Mnative of Mississippi, was crowned Miss America in 1959. After study- Tmunion wafers has been reborn this year, first with tor of “Gladiator” and “Blade Runner” isn’t known for his light- ing acting with Lee Strasberg, she appeared on a 1963 episode of Aaron Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah” and now with Ridley Scott’s ness of touch, but rather a monochrome masculinity. His Spelling’s “Burke’s Law,” which led to a breakout role opposite Elvis Presley in “Exodus: Gods & Kings.” The resurrection is partly to capital- “Exodus” is action-heavy and more interested in the sheer “Girl Happy” in 1965. She and Elvis also starred in “Harum Scarum” later that ize on the faith-based moviegoing audience and partly computer-generated scale of the airy Egyptian palaces, the same year. Her other notable film roles include “Get Yourself a College Girl” and because the Bible offers stories suited to this blockbuster grotesque visitation of plagues (from the bloody Nile to the “Young Dillinger.” era, offering both spectacle and name-brand familiarity. locust swarms) and the mass movements of the Hebrews. In addition to her film career, Mobley appeared on several television shows, More than 50 years after “The Ten Commandments” sandals Yet after Seti’s death and Ramses’ ascendance to the throne, including “Perry Mason,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Partridge Family” and “Diff’rent are back in style. We can only hope the trend will culminate “Exodus” seems to lessen in scope, turning into a mano-a- Strokes,” and was a recurring panelist on game show “Match Game.” She also in a seemingly ordained bit of casting: Someone has got to mano drama between the stepbrothers Ramses and Moses, performed on Broadway and traveled to Africa and Southeast Asia to make This September 10, 2010 file photo shows make a Jesus film with Jared Leto. who’s exiled after the discovery of his Hebrew birth. documentary films about homeless and starving children. Actor Gary Collins US actress Mary Ann Mobley attending But big-tent Old Testament tales are no easy sell in times For an epic, there are, at best, only two clearly seen char- and Mobley were married in 1967 after meeting on the set of “Three on a the Eighth annual “What A Pair” celebrity marked by both religious discord and secular disbelief. acters in “Exodus,” with supporting players like Ben Kingsley Couch.” They had one daughter. Collins died in 2012. — Reuters concert. “Noah” was interesting because it saw the arc-builder as (as a Hebrew elder), Sigourney Weaver (as Seti’s wife) and hero of environmentalism, a protector of both morality and Aaron Paul (as a Hebrew slave) all but inconsequential. Let animals. The 3-D “Exodus” also refashions Moses (Christian our people go? The leads, you may have noticed, are uni- Bale) for modern times, giving us an elite, action-film com- formly white, which has spawned a good deal of deserved batant who’s less a conduit for God than a strong-minded controversy not abetted by Scott’s defense that his stars individual whose beliefs mostly jibe with the deity who were necessary for financing. The skin color of the ancient secretly appears to him. (God is seen here as an impatient Egyptians, it should be noted, isn’t known certainly, and his- child, played by the 11-year-old Isaac Andrews). torical accuracy is never much a consideration to biblical epics. But that Historical accuracy “Exodus” begins promisingly, with a bald John Turturro in Hebrew heritage makeup. As the Egyptian pharaoh Seti, the father of Ramses “Exodus” chose to ignore this issue of representation - (Joel Edgerton) and king to Moses’ prince, Turturro (and the which has a long dubious history in Hollywood - speaks to brilliant Ben Mendelsohn’s louche viceroy) gives the film a the film’s general lack of curiosity. It’s after spectacle, not questions. “Exodus” - written by the team of Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine and Steven Zaillian - does indeed supply the big scenes. Slowly accepting his destiny and his In this Sept. 12, 1959 file photo, Miss America of 1960, This Oct 1, 2005 photo provided by the University of Hebrew heritage, a bearded Moses rallies the Israelites and Miss Mississippi, Lynda Lee Mead, right, of Natchez, is Mississippi Communications shows Mary Ann Mobley, leads them to the climactic moment at the Red Sea (which crowned by outgoing Miss America, Mary Ann Mobley, top right, and husband Gary Collins. — AP photos isn’t as sumptuously rendered as you’d expect). Throughout, left, also of Mississippi, in Atlantic City. Edgerton’s Ramses (who in the film’s best image, wraps a python around himself) is generally befuddled by the hap- penings. Bale’s Moses is a reluctant, weary prophet. He may be the only actor who would barely bat an eye in scenes with the Almighty. Burning bushes don’t impress this French award for Portuguese Batman. The most emotional moment of the film comes after it ends. Before the credits roll, Scott dedicates the film director’s 106th birthday to his late brother, Tony Scott. It adds a tender dimension to the brotherly psychodrama of “Exodus.” But as a self-pro- claimed agnostic, Scott would be better to leave Moses to a rance on Tuesday bestowed an additional rank onto his 106th birthday today. The veteran cineaste, who brought believer. —AP Portuguese film director Manoel de Oliveira’s Legion out his first film in 1931, is still working and is considered the This image released by 20th Century Fox shows Joel Fd’honneur award, just ahead of his 106th birthday. world’s oldest working film director. Today, his latest short Edgerton, left, as pharaoh-to-be Ramses, and France’s ambassador to Portugal, Jean-FranÁois Blarel, gave movie, “O Velho do Restelo” (“The Old Man of Belem”) is to be Christian Bale as Moses in a scene from “Exodus: the Grand officier de la Legion d’honneur (Grand Officer of the screened in Lisbon, after getting its premiere at the Venice Gods and Kings.” — AP Legion of Honour) accolade to Oliveira in a small ceremony in film festival this year. — AFP the filmmaker’s birthtown of Porto. Oliveira, who is only the fourth Portuguese person to receive the medal, is to celebrate Bieber is 2014’s most tweeted-about artist

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 39

Dressed in a Santa Claus outfit, divers hold a banner to show visitors ahead of the upcoming Christmas at the Coex Aquarium in eoul,S South Korea, Sunday. — AP

Winnie-the-Pooh World’s most starred chef illustration sells for record price sets sights on fresh accolades he original drawing of an iconic literary illustration depicting TWinnie-the-Pooh and his friends playing “poohsticks” sold at auction in London on Tuesday for a record-break- ing £314,500 ($490,470 or 399,170 euros). The sale of EH Shepard’s ink drawing of the much-loved AA Milne characters Pooh, Christopher Robin and Piglet broke the world record for any book illustration in the sale at Sotheby’s auction house. The drawing, which has become one of the most famous book illustra- tions of its time, shows the trio stand- ing on a bridge looking expectantly into the river below. In the story, Pooh invents the now widely-played game “poohsticks” in which he and his fic- tional friends throw sticks over one side of the bridge and wait for them to appear on the other. The picture was first published in Milne’s “The House at Pooh Corner” in 1928 and has been used on the front of many editions of the popular children’s A picture taken on December 6, 2014 in Bordeaux, southwestern France, shows a view of ‘La Grande maison”. — AFP photos French cook Joel Robuchon and cook Tomori Danzaki book since. The signed original was pose in Bordeaux. kept in a private collection for almost 40 t 69 retirement is out of the ques- ‘French hospitality’ years before being sold as part of Sotheby’s auction of English literature, tion for celebrated French chef Magrez made his fortune by founding history, children’s books and illustra- AJoel Robuchon. Far from slowing the William Pitters spirits company. He is tions. The auction house described it as down, the most starred chef in the world also a passionate patron of the arts. “probably the most famous and evoca- has just opened a new restaurant with “Cooking is a great tradition of art, the tive book illustration of the 20th centu- the objective of winning yet another art of French hospitality,” he said. For ry”. — AFP three Michelin stars to add to his tally of Robuchon, “the idea of Bordeaux is 28. At a time when many are opting to linked to huge potential, with duck foie put their feet up and enjoy the fruits of gras, Porcini mushrooms, and lamb oys- their success, Robuchon has teamed up ters”. with wine magnate Bernard Magrez to For his latest project, he promises a open his latest eaterie and hotel, La cuisine characterized by “innovation, Grande Maison, in a 19th century modernity but also tradition with classic Bordeaux mansion. French dishes”. For the opening this week And the pair are aiming high with the of La Grande Maison, diners enjoyed a declared objective of securing three “meal of four courses with a main course Michelin stars, the coveted mark of the of beef Rossini and duck foie gras”. His world’s top restaurants. Both self-made signature dishes also make an appear- men, Robuchon and Magrez hit it off ance on the menu with specialties immediately after meeting through a including “tarte friande” with truffles and A view of a table at ‘La Grande maison’. friend, they told AFP. For Magrez there confit of onions with meat. was an immediate “spark of mutual To help him rise to the challenge, respect”, while Robuchon realized that Robuchon brought in Japanese chef they each instinctively understood the Tomonori Danzaki-his long-time collabo- other. rator and chef at one of his Vegas restau- The son of a mason and a housewife rants. The new restaurant, meanwhile, from the western region of Poitou, which will be managed by Jean-Paul Robuchon opted for a culinary life after Unzueta, who has come from starred turning his back on his original vocation- restaurants owned by Robuchon in the church. The young Robuchon discov- Monaco. In addition to the 40-seater ered his love of cooking while helping restaurant, there will also be a bar bistro, out in the kitchen at his seminary. In L’Olivier, and six hotel rooms. — AFP 1960 at the age of 15 he left and took up an apprenticeship at the Relais de Poitiers hotel, starting as a pastry chef. A handout picture received on Awarded his first Michelin star in 1982, December 8, 2014 from Sotheby’s he achieved his first three stars accolade London shows E H Shepard’s origi- only two years later. Today he boasts 28 nal ink drawing of Winnie-the-Pooh, stars spread across restaurants world- Christopher Robin and Piglet on the wide from Tokyo to Las Vegas, including “Poohsticks” bridge. — AFP photos An outside view of ‘La Grande maison”. three with three stars.