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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 SAFAR 2, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Interior Ministry Israel cabinet Echoes of a Hamilton wins scrambles to votes to once famed Abu Dhabi react to the enshrine ‘Jewish nightlife in GP, claims rumor mill3 state’ in8 law ravaged40 Aleppo world20 title Legal panel clears bill for Min 18º Max 26º 5-year cap on expats’ stay High Tide 13:52 Low Tide MP files to grill commerce minister over alleged violations 07:18 & 19:08 40 PAGES NO: 16352 150 FILS Fees, salaries By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s legal and legislative committee yesterday cleared a draft law calling to at Indian, Pak impose a five-year cap on the residence of expatriate workers in Kuwait, and that the size of any single com- schools hiked munity should not exceed 10 percent of the Kuwaiti By A Saleh population, which currently stands at 1.25 million. The panel’s action is mere routine work because the com- KUWAIT: Minister of Education Dr Bader Al-Essa has mittee only examines issued a decision increasing the tuition fees and if any particular bill is staff salaries at Indian and Pakistani schools to be in line with the consti- effective from the beginning of the school year tution or not. The bill 2014-2015. According to the new decision, kinder- now must go to the garten fees at Indian schools will be KD 320, primary interior and defense fees KD 356, intermediate fees KD 410 and second- committee which ary fees KD 460. The decision also set the salaries of must discuss the sub- kindergarten teachers at Indian schools at KD 250, ject of the proposal primary teachers KD 263, intermediate teachers KD and see if it is neces- 284 and secondary teachers KD 341. sary and useful for the According to the decision, librarians, social work- country and if it can ers, computer technicians, accountants and nurses be implemented or at Indian schools will get KD 250, while student not. affairs clerks, treasurers, secretaries, storekeepers, The bill, filed by MP receptionists, administrative supervisors, section KUWAIT: Customers stand at the service counter at a branch of a sharia-compliant bank at The Avenues Abdullah Al-Tameemi, Abdullah Al-Turaiji supervisors, data entry clerks, assistant teachers and mall on Nov 19, 2014. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat calls for making the accounting clerks would get KD 200. maximum period of stay for unskilled and semi-skilled Kindergarten fees at Pakistani schools will be KD expatriates five years. Highly qualified professionals are 345, primary fees KD 375, intermediate fees KD 430 Religion and risk drive exempt from the proposal. It also says the size of any and secondary fees KD 475. The decision also set the community should not exceed 10 percent of Kuwaitis, salaries of kindergarten teachers at KD 250, primary which means that at current strength, any expat com- teachers KD 263, intermediate teachers KD 284 and Islamic finance boom munity should not exceed 125,000. This practically secondary teachers KD 341. means that around 550,000 Indians, 400,000 Egyptians, According to the decision, librarians, social work- KUWAIT: When a Muslim cleric told four years and is now worth more Islam to take loans from a non- about 100,000 Bangladeshis and tens of thousands of ers, computer technicians, accountants and nurses Ahmad Salim that sharia law for- than $2 trillion, with demand fore- Islamic bank because they charge Filipinos, Pakistanis and Syrians will become illegal resi- at Pakistani schools will get KD 250, while student bids paying interest, he returned cast to soar to new heights. Salim interest,” the white-collar worker dents because they exceed the quota under the pro- affairs clerks, treasurers, secretaries, storekeepers, his days-old loan to the bank and returned a $35,000 loan just two said. A few days later, he arranged posal. If approved by the interior and defense commit- receptionists, administrative supervisors, section turned to the fast-growing industry days after he received it from a con- for a loan from an Islamic bank tee, the bill will go to the Assembly for approval, and supervisors, data entry clerks, assistant teachers and of Islamic finance. It is a market that ventional bank in Kuwait. “A cleric after paying a $700 service charge. then to the government. accounting clerks would get KD 200. has doubled in size over the past told me it is not permissible under Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 Gulf urged to protect workers By Faten Omar and Agencies her experience of being ‘sold’ into servitude. the Faculty of Law of Kuwait University yester- She was denied food and endured long work- day. Dr Ebrahim Al-Sahli, a law professor at KUWAIT: International rights and labor ing hours. She had to work 15 hours without a Kuwait University, discussed domestic work- groups called yesterday for urgent action to day off and was even locked in the house ers’ rights in the GCC. protect migrant workers from abuse in the when the employer went on holiday. Tahera Marieke Koning, Equality Officer of the Gulf countries. Ahead of a meeting this week was in tears as she talked about the threats International Trade Unions Confederation, of Gulf and Asian labour ministers, 90 groups she received from her employer, who twisted said all six GCC states signed the landmark issued a statement saying millions of Asians her arm and broke a bone. She managed to International Labour Organisation Convention and Africans are facing abuses including run away, but was hit by a car and covered issued in 2011 to extend the labor laws cover- unpaid wages, confiscation of passports, with blood. Someone called the police. age to domestic workers, but none imple- physical violence and forced labor. This is just one of the thousands of horror mented it. “Even though domestic workers Take the example of Tahera, a 27-year-old stories that illustrate the systematic exploita- provide critical services that families depend woman with a husband and son. She had to tion and abuse of female migrant domestic on - cooking, cleaning, and childcare - we leave Indonesia a year ago to earn some mon- workers in countries throughout the Gulf. A have faced discrimination and marginalization ey, and worked as a domestic helper in the seminar on “Domestic workers’ rights in Gulf for generations,” she said. UAE. She still looked broken as she recounted Cooperation Council countries” was held by Continued on Page 13

TUNIS: A Tunisian woman raises her ink-stained finger in front of a national flag after casting her vote in the country’s first post-revolution presidential election Facebook paper yesterday at a polling station in the capital. — AFP spells trouble Tunisians vote for first for news media freely-elected president WASHINGTON: Facebook’s move to fulfill its ambition TUNIS: Tunisians voted yesterday in their transparent,” he said. to be the personal “newspaper” for its billion-plus first presidential election since the 2011 But voting appeared slack and three members is likely to mean more woes for the ailing revolution that sparked the Arab Spring, in hours after polling stations opened at news media. The huge social network has become a a ballot set to round off an often fraught 0700 GMT, officials estimated turnout at key source of news for many users, as part of a dramat- transition to democracy. The favourite only 12 percent. Some 5.3 million people ic shift in how people get information in the digital among 27 candidates was former premier were eligible to vote, with tens of thou- age. Company founder Mark Zuckerberg told a forum Beji Caid Essebsi, an 87-year-old veteran sands of police and troops deployed to in early November that his goal is to make Facebook’s whose anti-Islamist Nidaa Tounes party guarantee security amid fears Islamist mili- newsfeed “the perfect personalized newspaper for won a parliamentary election last month. tants might seek to disrupt polling day. every person in the world.” Others vying for the presidency included Polling was restricted to just five hours in Zuckerberg said that while a newspaper provides outgoing President Moncef Marzouki, sev- about 50 localities near the Algerian bor- the same information to every reader, Facebook can eral ministers who served under ousted der, where armed groups are active, while tailor its feed to the interests of the individual, deliver- dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, leftwinger polls elsewhere were due to close at 1700 ing a mix of world news, community events and Hamma Hammami, business magnate GMT. A run-off vote will be held at the end updates about friends or family. “It’s a different Slim Riahi and a lone woman, magistrate of December if no candidate secures an approach to newspapering,” said Ken Paulson, a former Kalthoum Kannou. absolute majority. editor of USA Today who is now dean of communica- Whatever the outcome many Tunisians Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa hailed the tions at Middle Tennessee State University. “It’s neither saw the election as a milestone in the his- vote. “It’s a historic day, the first presiden- good nor bad, but it’s something a traditional newspa- tory of the North African country, where tial election in Tunisia held under per can’t do.” for the first time they could freely choose advanced democratic norms,” Jomaa said. With Facebook, editorial decisions about what mem- their president. “This election is very “God willing, it will be a great festival of bers see are made not by a journalist, but an algorithm important. It’s the culmination of the revo- democracy.” Tunisia has won international that determines which items are likely to be of greatest lution and something that we really plaudits for largely steering clear of the interest to each person. This may concern the tradition- should not pass up,” said an electoral violence, repression and lawlessness of al journalism community, but even some media observer who gave his name only as Moez. other Arab Spring countries such as neigh- experts acknowledge that Facebook appears to be able Bechir Yahyaoui could hardly control his bouring Libya. to deliver more of what people want to see, in an effi- emotions as he voted in the Tunis district Until the revolution, Tunisia knew only cient way. “It’s intimate, it’s relevant, it’s extraordinarily of Hay el-Khadhra, saying that for once he two presidents - Habib Bourguiba, the timely and it’s about you. That’s more than any newspa- was “voting for who I want, with no pres- “father of independence” from France in per can do,” said Alan Mutter, a former Chicago daily sure, no bribes”. “Before (under Ben Ali) you 1956, and Ben Ali, who deposed him in a MACAU: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (left) fights against Chris Algieri of the newspaper editor who is now a consultant for digital had to go and vote, regardless of the out- 1987 coup. US during their World Boxing Organization welterweight title bout at the Cotai media ventures. come. This time the election is free and Continued on Page 13 Arena yesterday. Pacquiao beat Algieri to retain the title. —AFP (See Page 18) Continued on Page 13 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahduring his meeting with the Tajik Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and his Tajik counterpart sign the visa-exemption deal. Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov. — KUNA Deputy Amir, top officials receive Tajik minister Kuwait, Tajikistan sign visa-exemption deal

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah, and the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirodjidin Aslov. The reception was attended by Amiri Diwan Affairs Undersecretary Sheikh Mubarak Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and his Tajik counterpart held talks meanwhile which dealt with means of cementing bilateral ties, as well as various issues of common interest on the regional and international arenas. The two sides lat- er signed a visa-exemption deal for nationals of the two countries who hold diplomatic and special passports. Minister Aslov also met National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem, and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Separately, HH Sheikh Nawaf received Speaker Al- Ghanim, HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej, Minister of Information, Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al- Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. — KUNA The visiting minister with Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem Minister Aslov with HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. Kuwait, Spain mull bilateral cooperation Arab peace initiative KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister mental projects, focusing on the experiences an increasing number investment and major schemes. and Minister of Commerce and country’s new economic legisla- of Spanish companies carrying out Garcia-Legaz said that he would to convene in Cairo Industry Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej tions which encourage and target projects here in the domains of call the Spanish companies for and Spain’s visiting Secretary of foreign investors. energy, infrastructure, transport investing in Kuwait to the extent CAIRO: The Arab Peace Initiative will also meet together on the same day to State for Trade Jaime Garcia-Legaz In a statement to KUNA on the and construction. that contributes to strengthening Committee is set to meet at the Arab discuss the latest Palestinian developments discussed ways of strengthening sidelines of the meeting, Garcia- The Spanish official noted that bilateral ties. He expects that League in Cairo next Saturday under chair- and a Palestinian bid to join the UN and economic and trade ties. Legaz said that the visit aims at such firms have a great deal of Spain’s economy will experience manship of Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime other international organizations and During the meeting yesterday, enhancing trade exchange and experience and a wide-scale tech- an increase of two percent next Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah agencies, he said. Minister Al-Mudej called on economic ties and developing nology which helps them partici- year, the highest growth in the Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. He cautioned that the current Israeli Spanish companies to take advan- bilateral investments, adding this pate effectively in the process of Eurozone, noting that his country The committee’s meeting, which will be malpractices in Jerusalem and other occu- tage of big opportunities offered is the second visit to Kuwait. development and boom that witnesses a gradual economic attended by Palestinian leader Mahmoud pied Palestinian territories seriously under- by Kuwait in the field of develop- He pointed out that this period Kuwait sees. recovery. Abbas, will mainly discuss ongoing Israeli mine ongoing efforts by the international Asked about trade exchange Meanwhile, Minister of Finance malpractices and violations in the occupied community to achieve security and stability between the two countries, Garcia- Anas Khaled Al-Saleh and Garcia- Palestinian city of Jerusalem, Deputy in the region. The agenda of the meeting Legaz said that there is a wide Legaz reviewed aspects of bilateral Secretary-General of the Arab League also includes Arab, Islamic and internation- range to increase bilateral trade economic and investment cooper- Ahmad Bin Helli told reporters yesterday. al efforts to stop Israeli violations, the Arab exchange; especially it has experi- ation. The aim of the Spanish offi- The Council of Arab Foreign Ministers League’s official pointed out. —KUNA enced a growth of 50 percent last cial’s visit was to consolidate and year. strengthen the bilateral economic “The size of Spanish exports to relations between Kuwait and Kuwait reached euro 266 million, Spain, according to a statement of while Kuwaiti exports to Madrid hit the Finance Ministry. The meeting euro 60 million,” Garcia-Legaz said. was attended by Managing He noted that he was briefed by Director of Kuwait Investment Kuwaiti officials on the new legisla- Authority (KIA) Bader Al-Saad and KUWAIT: Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej and his Spanish counter- tions and the developmental plans the KIA’s public relations official part during their meeting yesterday. — KUNA notably in the domains of foreign Nabil Al-Mazyad. — KUNA Informatics Award winners to be announced today KUWAIT: BHis Highness Sheikh Salem UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. He Al-Ali Al-Sabah hailed “the fatherly spon- Informatics Award is sorship” of the award by scheduled to His Highness the Amir announce winners’ Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- names of the award Jaber Al-Sabah and Chief KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- 14th session today, fol- of the National Guards His Hamad Al-Sabah received yesterday the new Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait lowing assessment of Highness Sheikh Salem Al- Martine Moreau, who presented her credentials during the reception. The reception approximately 20,000 Ali Al-Sabah. was attended by a number of officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — KUNA contesting websites Winners will be honored and smart applications. in a concluding ceremony, Bassam Al- to be patronized by His Shemmari, member of Highness the Amir. Ambassador congratulates Tarek Al-Shemaimri the steering commit- Judgment will be on bases tee, said in a statement of services, content, Bahrain on successful polls the judging council Bassam Al-Shemmari designing, applied tech- ICJ’s executive MANAMA: Dean of the diplomatic corps, positive participation from people of comprises 11 members nology, quality, coverage Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Bahrain in the polling process. He pointed from nine Arab countries. They include space, diversity of the e-sites and the board to adopt Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah congratulated out the Kingdom’s great achievements in officials of four e-governments-of the smart apps. — KUNA the Kingdom of Bahrain yesterday on the various fields and strides towards further successful parliamentary and municipal development of democracy in the era of 2015 plan elections, held Saturday. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, In a press statement after end of the saying that this election is an important BRUSSELS: Representative of the State of Kuwait and Speaker lauds fourth parliamentary election, the step in the process of Bahrain’s developing observer of the Executive Board of the International Court Ambassador praised the substantial and reforms. — KUNA of Justice (ICJ) for Permanent Arbitration, Justice Tarek Al- nominating service Shemaimri, said yesterday that the Executive Board of the Court will hold a meeting tomorrow to adopt a future plan for the next year. for UN award GCC FMs meet in Qatar Shemaimri, who also serves as chairman of the Financial and Administrative committee at the Court, said in a state- KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker nisms to reinforce popular participa- RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council ment that the Council will discuss during a meeting in the Marzouq Al-Ghanem yesterday com- tion in decision making as well as fos- (GCC) countries will hold the 133rd meet- Dutch city of The Hague a number of topics presented on mended the nomination of the tering social interaction with legislative ing for foreign ministers in Qatar tomorrow, the agenda, including the court’s performance for 2014 to “Contribute to Legislation” service decision makers, the Parliament GCC Secretary General Dr Abdullatif Al- date, discussing work plan following an update of the elec- available on the Parliament’s website, Speaker noted. Zayani announced yesterday. tronic system and software information mechanism. for the UN Public Service Awards The nomination in itself is “encour- The ministerial meeting will prepare for He added that the council will also discuss ways to (UNSPC). aging for the persistent Kuwaiti youth the 35th session of the Supreme Council of strengthen protection on the electronic services provided The Central Agency for Information who stand behind Contribute to GCC leaders, which will also be held in to the Member States of the Court and the parties related Doha in December. to the issues being considered in the International Court of Technology (CAIT) has nominated the Legislation web page and other inno- service for the 2015 UNSPC, as it offers vative ideas, “ he stressed. The GCC foreign ministers will discuss Justice, in addition to topics related to contributions from reports on GCC joint action, strategic dia- Member States in arrears and amounts to other countries an advanced concept that seeks to get The National Assembly in November the public opinion involved in the leg- in 2013 launched the Contribute to logues among the GCC and foreign coun- and how to deal with it. tries and latest regional and international islation process, Ghanem said in a Legislative page on its site, where ordi- The Executive Board of the Court consists of 120 mem- developments. They will also hold separate bers. The Court is an organ of the UN bodies. Kuwait joined press statement. nary people, citizens and residents, can sessions with each of Jordanian, Moroccan the court in 2003. The court groups all the GCC countries, Incipient as it is, the service aims at offer their remarks on new legislations and Yemeni foreign ministers to discuss Shemaimri said, adding that most countries are member in getting out of the traditional mecha- or amending existing ones. — KUNA diplomatic matters and boost ties with the Court. — KUNA these countries. —KUNA Abdullatif Al-Zayani MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LOCAL Interior Ministry losing battle against social media rumors Reacting to the rumor mill

By Nawara Fattahova instances where the Interior dren pretending to be lost so that expat to do pushups while he Ministry had to issue a clarification they can rob those who try to help thumped him. KUWAIT: Kuwait has the highest or a denial about rumors or them. The ministry stated that This creates many problems. rate of social media usage in the unconfirmed reports spread on they are not responsible for such First of all, rumors spread faster Arab world. Kuwait dominates on social media. messages, and called upon people than most government ministries Twitter, outranking the On Nov 6, reports surfaced on to refrain from spreading such in Kuwait can respond and often Netherlands, Brunei, UK, USA, social media that the authorities news that may cause unnecessary are repeated as fact long before Chile, Ireland, Canada, Sweden had arrested nine members of the alarm. they are confirmed or denied. and Puerto Rico as the most the radical Islamic State (Daesh) in In another quickly spread Secondly, citizens and residents of most active (per capita). As far as Jleeb Al Shuyoukh and Hawally. rumor that made the rounds on Kuwait are faced with unreliable posts go, #kuwait on Instagram The Ministry of Interior quickly Twitter, the ministry denied that it and unconfirmed reports and has nearly 20 million posts com- issued a denial regarding the would pay KD 2,000 reward in oftentimes these are harmless and pared to #uk, with less than 11 rumors. reward to anyone who reported silly rumors. But when reports of million. shabu (meth) dealers in Kuwait. dangerous issues surface, people The growing power and influ- The ministry noted that reporting are unsure what to believe. This ence of social media can be attrib- such crimes is a national duty that can lead to panic. uted to many causes. “Social helps eliminate negative phenom- At the same time, a proactive media, known as new media, has ena, which demands the coopera- approach from the ministry where become more influential than tion of all to protect the communi- transparency and openness conventional media in the past ty. Countless other incidents have become the norm may help years mainly for two reasons - its occurred and there is also a grow- reduce the spread of false rumors speed and spread,” political analyst ing trend of posting photos and and strange tales prevalent on Ibrahim Dashti told KUNA in a videos of police officers and other social media. People will also grow recent interview. government officials committing more social media savvy as time Sharing news quickly and to a illegal or wrong acts. In one such passes and less responsive to the large number of people, however, A few days earlier on Nov 1, the instance, a photo of a police car rumor mill. This will not happen can have its drawbacks and this is ministry denied a story circulating parked in a handicapped parking overnight, however, and in the now an issue the Ministry of regarding lost children. According spot was posted. In another, a meantime be prepared for more Interior grapples with almost daily. to the rumors, the ministry had video made the round of reports of strange beasts on the Just within the last few weeks, instructed police officers to send WhatsApp groups in Kuwait show- Sixth Ring Road (oh wait, that one there have been at least six messages warning people of chil- ing a police officer forcing an was real!) Divers continue cleanings sea-bed in territorial waters KUWAIT: Divers from the Environmental to remove the neglected objects at Al- Voluntary Foundation (EVF) continued the Shemlan bay, adjacent to the main fish hard task of clearing waste and aban- market. The removed items included plas- doned objects littering the seabed in the tic bags and materials, empty cans, iron country’s territorial waters. and wooden pieces, noting that a large The divers started the first phase of amount of these things had been tossed clearing the beach off the Ministry of to the beach by currents, Fadhel said. The Foreign Affairs’ headquarters, team leader foundation will continue the process to Walid Al-Fadhel said yesterday. He added remove tons of waste hurting the national that the team also pursued the operation marine environment. —KUNA IICO delegation inspect Kuwaiti-funded relief projects

KUWAIT: The governor and minister escorted by security men while touring a street in Farwaniya. Farwaniya problems need ‘deep-rooted’ solutions Dr Othman Al-Hajji Ulas Akhan Shatha Al-Meshri KILIS: Director General of the ects, notably Kuwait model village which International Islamic Charity accommodates up to 7,000 refugees. Organization (IICO) Dr Othman Al-Hajji “The infrastructure of the village cost the extolled His Highness the Amir Sheikh Turkish government $600 million which Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for took Turkey’s total funding for hosting his firm support to the humanitarian the Syrian refugees to $five billion,” Kilis activities of the organization. governor said, noting that “it is a moral “His Highness the Amir constantly fol- responsibility to care for our Syrian lows up, and backs up IICO’s relief brothers.” efforts,” he said, citing as an example the He appreciated Kuwait’s generous kind initiative by His Highness the Amir contributions to the relief efforts for the to launch an integrated village for the Syrian refugees particularly those who Syrian refugees in Al-Zaatari camp, north were orphaned by the armed conflict. Jordan. “The humanitarian disaster resulting Hajji, head of an IICO delegation on a from the armed conflict in Syria is the visit to Kilis province, in south-central world’s biggest since the WWII,” Akhan Turkey, made the comments during their indicated. The governor and minister inspect a restaurant in the area. Governor Sheikh Faisal and minister Al-Kandari during the tour. meeting with Kilis Governor Ulas Akhan As winter approaches, the Turkish on Saturday. authorities are working for setting up By Hanan Al-Saadoun tain areas of the governorate, adding that this magnitude of the problems and work on “At the behest of His Highness the camps in the border areas inside Syria to requires deep-rooted solutions to solve lin- resolving them as soon as possible. Sheikh Amir and in collaboration with the house the internally-displaced people KUWAIT: Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal gering problems. He said during the visit of Faisal said he will not spare any effort in coor- Turkish IHH Humanitarian Relief and provide them with food, medical Al-Humoud Al-Malik Al-Sabah said that the Communications Minister and State Minister dinating with concerned authorities to meet Foundation, IICO has built 1,000 housing and housing aid, he added. Farwaniya governorate is in most need of help for Municipality Affairs Essa Al-Kandari that the needs and remove obstacles that stand in units for the Syrian refugees in Kilis,” he On her part, chairperson of the due to many reasons, including it being the the main goal of the governorate’s meeting the way of preventing main and important said after paying an inspection visit to woman conference committee Shatha busiest and most congested, especially in cer- with ministers is to inform them about the services in the area. the project. Al-Meshri said female members of the This is the one of two humanitarian IICO general assembly were keen on tak- projects the IICO delegation aims to visit ing part in the relief effort for the Syrian in Turkey; the second will be “Kuwait refugees. She added that the female model village which includes a similar members of the IICO delegation will brief number of housing units funded by a the woman conference, due in Kuwait Kuwaiti government donation. this December, on this humanitarian Hajji noted that the IICO set up the experience. Kuwaiti higher committee for emergency Besides Hajji and Shemmeri, the dele- relief, an umbrella of 11 Kuwaiti charities gation includes Dr Aroub Al-Refa’i, Mona aiming to network for speeding up the Abu Suleiman, Laila Al-Ghanem and relief effort and back the model village Khalil Al-Awadhi. project for the benefit of the Syrian On Friday, Hajji and Dr Abdullah Al- refugees. He commended the efforts Ma’touq, advisor to the Amir Diwan, being made by Kilis governor and the opened the Humanitarian Leader’s vil- IHH to facilitate the implementation of lage in the eastern city of Van which humanitarian projects and strengthen was hit by a massive quake in late the Kuwait-Turkish ties. 2011; the two-stage Kuwait-funded On his part, Akhan briefed the delega- housing project is meant to accommo- tion on the Turkish efforts to back up the date the families rendered homeless implementation of Kuwaiti relief proj- after the quake. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Members of a national campaign to spread awareness about Bedoons (stateless) students who are deprived of education car- ried out a sit-in at the international book fair this past weekend. The annual exhibition is currently held at the Kuwait International The Kuwaiti delegation inspects one of the projects. Fairground in Mishref, and ends next Saturday. — Photo by Ahmad Jabr MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LOCAL Chief of Staff, Peninsula Shield Commander discuss common topics

Crime Crime Report Report SUV driver assaults officer

KUWAIT: A detective at the criminal detectives depart- ment was beaten severely and his military ID stolen by a citizen. A security source said the detective who was on the Sixth Ring Road suspected a driver of an SUV. When he stopped him and asked for his ID, the citizen became very angry and beat the detective, stole his ID and escaped. KUWAIT: Lt Gen Mohammad Al-Khuder during his meeting with Maj Gen Hasan Al-Shehri yesterday. —KUNA KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Mohammad account on the goals of this joint training which aimed at False charges Khaled Al-Khuder discussed with Commander of the joint improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the A citizen who harassed a woman and urged her to GCC Peninsula Shield Force Maj Gen Hasan Hamzah Al- Army, instilling discipline and learning tactical maneuvers Shehri issues of common interest yesterday. employed on the battlefields. Maj Gen Al-Shehri was Boxes of cheese confiscated by the municipality. commit vice acts went to the police station and filed Meetings of this level are designed to raise the combat accompanied by officials from the Kuwaiti Army during the false charges accusing her of insulting him. Both were readiness of the forces in the Gulf Cooperation Council tour. sent for questioning. (GCC), Lt Gen Al-Khuder said in a press statement released The Peninsula Shield Force, the military wing of the Gulf 1kg rotten cheese by the Kuwaiti Army’s Moral Guidance Directorate. He also Cooperation Council, is empowered to deter and retaliate praised the solid relations among the GCC countries and for military aggression against any of the GCC member confiscated Ingrate son their keenness on enhancing them. countries. A juvenile attacked his mother and caused her various The meeting was attended by Deputy Commander of In 1984, the GCC decided to create a joint military force By Hanan Al-Saadoun bruises, so she went to Naeem police station and com- Land Forces Brigadier Bader Al-Awadhi and a number of of 10,000 soldiers, divided into two brigades, called the plained against her son. Detectives were asked to arrest joint Peninsula Shield forces’ commanders. Peninsula Shield Force. It was based in Saudi Arabia near KUWAIT: The emergency team of Jahra municipality con- Later, Maj Gen Al-Shehri visited the ‘Pearl of the West the Kuwaiti and Iraqi borders and composed of infantry, him and take legal action against him. In another case, a fiscated 1,008 kg of cheese from Sulaibiya warehouses Drill 2014’ headquarters to witness Kuwaiti and French armor, artillery, and combat support elements from each of unfit for consumption. Its Public Relations Department said girl stabbed her father after he collected her from Abdullah combat training. He was given a tour, and a detailed the GCC countries. —KUNA such campaigns will continue round-the-clock as instruct- Al-Mubarak police station following an absconding case, ed by the minister and municipality director. but the girl refused to go home. The father, who was stabbed in the neck, was taken to hospital and girl was arrested for further legal action.

Nurse insulted A nurse at Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorate polyclinic was insulted by a patient because he did not allow him to enter the doctor’s room while another patient was inside. The patient went to the police station and com- plained, claiming that the man insulted him with foul language. Mubarak Al-Kabeer detectives were asked to arrest the suspect.

Fugitive nabbed Mubarak Al-Kabeer backup patrols sent a citizen in his for- The visiting Commander at the ‘Pearl of the West Drill 2014’ headquarters. ties to criminal detectives after he was found wanted on 10 Liquor barrels at the site theft cases and other civil cases. Interior Ministry streamlines public services Liquor factory raided Ahmadi patrols discovered a liquor factory in the KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MOI) launched a unique Kuwait, we hope to present e-government services that are camps area. An Indian who was caught with liquor Unfinished business mobile application to make government services readily efficient and intuitive to suit their requirements,” said Ali Sabah Al-Salem detectives arrested a Gulf national and took police to the factory where eight barrels full with available for the Kuwaiti public. It has recently joined Al-Muaeli, General Manager, General Department of ready-to-bottle liquor were found in addition to two a citizen after they stormed the house of their friend efforts with Gulf Business Machines (GBM), the leading Information systems, Ministry of Interior. and threatened him with a firearm because of previous gas cylinders and four sugar bags, in addition to a box provider of customized IT solutions in the Gulf. Nations within the GCC top the global list for having the of yeast and 240 bottles ready for sale. differences. The citizen told Sabah Al-Salem police “The Ministry of Interior (MOI) is constantly seeking out highest rates of smartphone penetration in the world, and about his friends and gave them their details. The two ways to improve the standard and variety of services we recognizing the importance of these devices in directly were arrested. —Al-Rai provide to the public. By developing a unique smartphone connecting with Kuwait’s public, the MOI has consulted Former MP’s son arrested application that is easily available to the residents of with GBM to deliver a nationally unique mobile applica- A security source said despite all contacts and wastas to tion, “Ministry of Interior -Kuwait”. This application includes keep Daeya police from registering a case against the son many service options, all of which have been created with of a well-known former MP and cover it up, police regis- special consideration for the privacy and confidentiality of tered the case under #322/2014 misdemeanors. The son of the user’s personal data. the former MP and his two passengers were in an abnor- “Within a month of the app going live, the total number mal condition when they hit a police patrol and a private of downloads have surpassed 40,000 on iOS devices. E- car at a checkpoint. He was arrested after attempting to government platforms and services have taken off in a big escape. way in recent years, and governments across the GCC are ramping up their offerings in this area to bring the most efficient solutions to the public. E-Government allows the Armed suspect damages patrol delivery of services in a more efficient way than traditional A police patrol on Wafra Road was stopped by a citizen government offices and service counters. In our part of the to tell police that there was a shooting in the area. The world, the focus for governments is to align processes, patrol went there, but was surprised by a man driving people and policies to connect directly with their citizens,” a car that collided with them, then attempted to Abdullah A-Najjar, Brands Manager, GBM commented. escape. Policemen caught him and found firearms and The application addresses various public needs, includ- drugs, and he was in an abnormal condition. ing passport and election inquiries for Kuwaiti nationals, residency and visa matters for non-Kuwaitis, driving license and traffic violation inquiries, visa status updates, and more. This application is available at the App Store for iPhones and at the Google Play Store for Android phones.

KPC to take part in Horeca 2015 exhibition KUWAIT: Kuwait Proteins Company (KPC) announced its intention to take part in the Horeca 2015 exhibition, which is annually gaining more success and reflects the role of specialized exhibitions in boosting development plans. KPC’s General Manager Fadi Jobran stressed that Horeca Kuwait 2015 is an out- The flat on fire standing opportunity for KPC to promote its international products and their uniqueness and quality compared to those of others. He added that the exhibition was also a golden opportunity to meet decision makers in the field of hotels and hospitality, expert Fadi Jobran chefs, catering projects’ entrepre- neurs or those working in market- ing and sales and display the company’s products and open new markets for it. Jobran added that KPC has great experience in the Kuwaiti market and has a wide range of customers who ful- ly trust its products and services. Jobran disclosed that KPC would display a unique variety of its products at Horeca Kuwait 2015, which will be organized by Leaders Group in collaboration with Hospitality Services Co at Badriya A fireman evacuates a child from the building Ballroom, Jumeriah Messila Hotel in the period of Jan 19- 21, 2015. Man injured in fire Notably, Horeca Kuwait 2015 is witnessing a growing Fire broke out in a Salmiya building yesterday morning. demand from leading companies specialized in hotel Firemen evacuated the building and the blaze was put out equipment, hospitality and catering to take part and dis- within 15 minutes. A resident suffered cuts and bruises as play their latest products and exclusive offers. he jumped from the window, and another was rescued. KAC to receive 2 new Airbus jets in Dec

By A Saleh officially proclaim it, Al-Jarida daily reported yesterday. The sources added that the process was pending KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways’ financial department started amending the company’s capital to determine its cash making the needed arrangements to pay the first pay- and assets capital on foundation, especially since its ment for the new leased planes from Airbus, said previous capital of KD 250 million will have to be informed sources, noting that the first plane will arrive changed once the new fleet of Airbus and Boeing on Dec 9 and the second two weeks later. The sources planes is included in the assessment. The sources added added that the monthly lease value would be $320,000 that KAC chairwoman Rasha Al-Roumi, in collaboration per plane excluding maintenance and insurance. with KAC’s financial advisors Ernest and Young, was Meanwhile, well-informed sources said Kuwait working on finalizing the foundation and proclamation Airways would confer with the Ministry of Commerce of the new contract so as to list it with the operating and Industry this week to discuss issuing its license and companies. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LOCAL

In Brief Oil reshuffle Jordanian universities MPW projects KUWAIT: Minister of Oil Dr Ali Al-Omair is expect- KUWAIT: The Independent Group of Kuwaiti Students in KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works is working on ed to announce a reshuffle at the Board of Jordan (IGKS-JOR) issued a statement condemning Kuwait’s executing 148 projects and 524 contracts worth a Directors of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) decision to cancel the academic recognition of four private total of KD 449 million during the current fiscal year, in the coming few weeks, followed by new universities in the Kingdom. Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher said Abdulmohsen Al-Enizy, Assistant Undersecretary appointments at the boards of subsidiary compa- Education did not provide reasons for canceling the recog- for Planning and Development. He added that as nies, namely Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and nition of Zarqaa University, Irbid University, Philadelphia part of the state’s e-government approach, the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). The University and Israa University, IGKS-JOR Secretary Faris Al- ministry plans to launch a ‘new and improved e- new members are set to be named before the cur- Shemmary said. He urged education minister Dr Bader Al- gate’ next month, allowing contractors to view rent boards’ terms expire by the end of the year, Issa to reconsider, and vowed to protect Kuwaiti students’ tenders, update their data online among other according to informed sources. —Al-Rai rights. —Al-Qabas services. —Al-Rai Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A Public Authority for Youth and Sports (PAYS) team carried out a campaign in Sulaibiya recently, which included painting the walls of the area’s main tunnel, and planting more than 100 rham- nus trees at the site. KIPCO brings students in US closer to home

KUWAIT: KIPCO - the Kuwait Projects Company - is experience to its listeners and engaging students in sharing the excitement of Kuwaitis studying in the discussions and activities. The Marina FM team United States with their friends and families in included Nawaf Al-Nejadah, Talal Malik, Salman Al- Kuwait, through a number of activities and seg- Nejadi, Shoula Al-Qurashi and Hashim Mohammed. ments aired exclusively by Marina FM, a member of Kuwaiti students living in the US connect to the KIPCO Group. Marina FM through its smartphone application, Marina FM, Kuwait’s most popular tier one radio which provides a number of features that allow station, is a Media Sponsor of the 31st Conference of users to tune in to the live broadcast, choose a wide the National Union of Kuwaiti Students - USA Branch selection of their favorite songs, receive updates, (NUKS-USA) held in San Francisco, California. The and replay any programs they have missed. team is reporting live on a broad range of activities, KIPCO is a Platinum Sponsor of the 31st NUKS- engaging the audience in activities and games, and USA Conference for the fourth consecutive year. The encouraging students to share their experiences company strongly supports young, aspiring people with listeners in Kuwait. reach their academic potential, and provides them In the week leading up to the conference, Marina with career opportunities across different industry FM is airing its popular ‘Nagham Al Sabah’ morning sectors. Alongside Marina FM, Burgan Bank was also (From left) Talal Malik, Salman Al-Nejadi, Hashim Mohammed and Shoula Al-Qurashi show from San Francisco, providing a unique radio present at the conference. Telecom forum kicks off KUWAIT: The Arab Economic and Financial Forum on Telecommunications kicked off yesterday to shed light on promoting communication technologies as they are important cor- nerstones in the advance- ment of modern economies. The aim of the forum is to place the Middle East region on the map of modern communication and to facilitate closeness in digital networking among world countries to allow universal access that would lead to the creation of an information Hameed Al-Qatan society. Undersecretary at Ministry of Communications Hameed Al-Qatan stressed the importance of making information and data accessible to individuals for bet- ter social, health, economic and academic conditions. He added that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has encouraged through its regional pres- ence to use new and emerging technologies since they have a significant impact on the expansion of telecom- munications and have the potential to close the gap not only between developing and developed coun- tries, but also between urban, remote and rural areas and between well-served and underserved areas with- in a country. He expressed hope that this forum would create an opportunity to boost telecommunication tech- nologies to better “our economies and societies.” The forum is co-organized by ITU and the Ministry of communication. He also lauded efforts made by various local and Arab telecommunication bodies to make this event possible. —KUNA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LOCAL

In my view In my view Preserving Endless problems international peace

By Labeed Abdal By Talal Al Ghannam

Government [email protected] [email protected]

ussia slammed NATO Secretary General roblems and headache-causing troubles never end and no Jens Stoltenberg over his recent anti- New solutions are in sight. We live on a dream that the govern- Moscow remarks, accusing the bloc’s chief Pment sees everything that is wrong and commits itself to R blood resolve it to ease the suffering and pain experienced by everyone. of lauding “idle inventions”. Russia’s Foreign Kuwaitis and expatriates alike feel the same way when it comes Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a to slackness in the imposition of the law on all violators, Kuwaitis or statement: “Instead of doing some concrete non-Kuwaitis. Those who harm the environment, those who Al-Anbaa work in looking for a settlement of the expose people’s lives to dangers, those who see themselves above Ukrainian internal conflict, Stoltenberg has the law, those who pretend they know everything and those who control the destiny of others. We are still dreaming that one day an joined in the efforts of propagating idle inven- angel on a white horse would come and solve these problems and tions ... about supposed movements of Russian end up in a trouble-free society. We will wait for that horse. armaments across the Ukrainian border.” Among the headache-causing dilemmas are the daily conges- Zhkharova added that the remarks made by tions. Few years back we knew that between 7am to 9 am the Stoltenberg were primarily based on principles in my view roads are fully congested so try to avoid this hectic scene by resort- ing to other roads, whereas now, congestion can be seen 24 hours and even at dawn. More Israelis applying for gun permits 2- When will we see empty hospitals where you would come Countries’ independ- and be served in 15 minutes like it used to be few years back? 3- When will we see patience and respect of one another on ence should be kept By Linda Gradstein the road? 4- When will we see people giving up a parking space to his or away from competitions oram Issachar, who owns a contracting company in 300,000 guns her sister with a smile at a shopping mall or at an ordinary parking Jerusalem with his father and two brothers, has carried a Amit said there are about 300,000 guns held legally in Israel —- space? between rich countries YBaretta 765 for the past 25 years. He works in Jewish com- half of them by individuals such as Issachar who carry them for self- 5- When will we see some Kuwaitis and expatriates respect the munities on land Israel acquired in the West Bank, employing 15 - protection, and the other half by security guards at public institu- environment, beaches, desert and public places and keeping them or superpowers. 30 Palestinian laborers, and carries the gun for his protection. Now, tions. Israelis must demonstrate a need for the gun, and pass a psy- clean and adopt anti-littering policy and look with sympathy at after the attack in Jerusalem that killed four worshippers and a chological test as well as a shooting test before they receive a gun those Asians who clean the country for us every morning where police officer, he plans to upgrade to a larger gun. Immediately license. The license must be renewed every three years. some undisciplined persons would come and throw garbage in and instructions that reflected the consolidated after the attack, he says, he took out his gun and cleaned it to In the past decade, there have been a series of incidents in front of the cleaner making the latter look at him with pity. opinion of all 28 member countries of the North make sure it was ready for use. which innocent people have been killed by guns at home, either 6- When will we see the domestic workers recruitment agen- “I want to buy a Glock because each bullet is larger, and it in accidents or intentionally. At least 16 women have been killed Atlantic Treaty Organization. She further under- cies are empty of (returned) house maids who are being exploited shoots faster,” he said. “It will give me more security if I need it.” by their partners using licensed guns, since 2002, say women’s by some of the offices to work on an hourly basis, leaving the guar- lined the importance of restoring calm and its He’s only used the gun once. In 1992, several young groups. antor puzzled after paying nearly KD 1,000 to bring her in from her effects on the region. Palestinians threw stones at his car as he drove through the Israelis who carry guns say they make them feel safer. “When I country and end up knowing that she no longer wants to work for Countries’ independence should be kept Palestinian town of El-Bireh, damaging his car although he was moved to Israel in 1976 from Memphis, Tennessee, I brought two him. not hurt. Angry, he jumped out of the car and pursued them, hand guns with me,” Alon Kirschner, a physiologist, said. “In away from competitions between rich countries 7- When will we see the salaries of the domestic helper jump opening fire at their legs, although he did not hit them. Tennessee, if you don’t have a gun by the time you’re 8, you’re con- reasonably to at least KD 80 to KD100 in equivalence with the or superpowers. History has many unforgettable In the wake of a series of attacks that have left 11 Israelis dead sidered a sissy.” nature of the work they do as many start work from 5 am till 12 pm over the past few weeks, Israelis are lining up to get their gun Kirschner did his compulsory army service as a sniper. He lives lessons - including the financial crises that sur- with no rest hour. rounded the First and Second World Wars, and licenses. Others who already have licenses are carrying the guns in Ma’alei Adumim, a Jewish community 4.5 miles east on with them more often. The Israeli government asked everyone Jerusalem on land that Israel acquired in 1967. Several times he 8- When will we see some of the guarantor (Kafeel) treat his or now it is overshadowing current events. Wise who already has a gun to carry them in public, to help reinforce has had rocks thrown at his car as he traveled to and from her maid like part of the family similar to Prophet Mohammad decision-makers are required to take a serious Israel’s security situation, and some who would leave their guns at Jerusalem, but he has never opened fire. He is responsible for (Peace and blessing be upon him) when he used to sit with the ser- vants and eat with them. He says that a true Muslim must treat his role to protect international peace and security, work, such as security guards, are urged to bring them home. coordinating security at his synagogue. “People are nervous after recent events, and anyone who has a “In the attack on the synagogue in Jerusalem they were all or her servant as himself through dressing them with decent and exert efforts to prevent reasons that could gun should carry it around rather than leave it at home,” said Yakov ultra-Orthodox and none of them had guns, probably because clothes, giving them the same food that you eat and most impor- lead to devastating wars with unimaginable lev- Amit, the director of the gun licensing department for the Ministry they didn’t serve in the Israeli army,” he said. “Maybe if some of tantly treat them like mankind and never make a difference as we els of destruction. of Public Security. “We want as many people as possible to be able them had been armed, they could have shot the attacker before are all humans. to respond to an attack.” he killed anyone.” —The Media Line Until the next article Insha’Allah

kuwait digest The problem lies in mismanagement

By Jassim Marzouq Boodai

he more I recall parliamentary, press or media lawmaker or politician, which has been one of the discussions of some of the major and vital proj- major reasons to impede work and progress because Tects in Kuwait, the more convinced I become corruption accusations have been made through both that our state lacks proper management and decision- political and judiciary channels and because our gov- making. I am talking here of about thirty years or more. ernments has got used to fearing loud voices. Decades have gone by while contracts to build univer- To be more specific, the problem lies in mismanage- sities, hospitals and oil facilities remained frozen and ment. Corruption does exist but the problem is in mis- are only brought out for discussion, studies, yelling management. An official might be one of the best in and exchanging accusations of corruption and profi- terms of manners and reputation but lacks the sense teering before they are sent back to closed drawers! of taking initiatives and skills of making the right deci- The funny thing is that while doing so, Kuwait has sion at the right time. They might even lack the skills been contributing to building universities, for instance, needed to run groups or departments, make the best in certain countries where within three years, those of their staff’s potentials and achieve. The same applies universities become real, tangible, operative facilities. to killer bureaucracy, red tape and restrictive paper- The same applies to hospitals, playgrounds, roads and work that has always been hindering administrative other facilities built in countries including some where achievement because of fearing political conse- regimes had been repeatedly accused of corruption. quences. Here, one can go back in history to discussions made Ever since the liberation, all development projects’ about the northern oil fields or the new university ‘locomotives’ have gone rusty in terminals instead of some 30 years ago to find out that the very same dis- being launched. Nobody denies that the country is in cussions are still being made today with slight changes dire need for true administrative revolutions to renew for the sake of some ‘action and thrill’. and revive establishments with more flexible young It is no secret that our economy has been paralyzed mentalities that can easily adapt to and interact with ever since the liberation in 1991 and that all our devel- various variables, rapid changes and the fast pace of opment plans and projects have been very stagnant. It modernity and that are more capable to make decisions is also no secret that the political situation and dis- regardless of all obstacles they might face doing so. putes between lawmakers, politicians, opposition This mismanagement applies for both decisions members and hesitant governments has played a and individuals. It is manifested in many cases such as major role in delaying such projects. In addition, it is when employees are stacked at the ministries com- no secret that ‘corruption’ has been the key word or plex, when engineers graduate and get told to take weapon used in various debates to ‘sedate’ everyone temporary jobs until suitable ones are available, when and take these projects back to ‘drawers’! you restrict your job duties to sitting to a desk reading Corruption does exist in Kuwait the way it does in correspondence and answering or not answering it or so many other countries. If we review reports about when you refer some of them to other departments for corruption in the world, we will find that it is more consultancy, when you receive draft projects and refer common in major, more advanced countries than in them to other committees that might refer them to ours. Nevertheless, they manage to achieve and further ones where they get frozen, when you delay a accomplish projects within schedule, leaving account- project for a simple flaw that can be dealt with during ability and redeeming state and individual rights to execution, when you delay making some decisions courts. Moreover, the people hold politicians account- that might revive the public sector or when you sus- able and this appears in each election when trust is pect corruption in some sectors and suspend all proj- renewed in some of them and withdrawn from others ects in other ones over fear of accountability instead of to select the best. holding those responsible accountable. If you do any In Kuwait, the word ‘corruption’ is being used as a of the above, as an official, this leads to mismanage- weapon by some people. For instance, when an MP ment! fails to have an employment, transfer or treatment There are many examples, but Kuwaiti politicians abroad transaction approved, he will start shouting seem to have forgotten that pairing ‘bad’ and ‘manage- corruption accusations against the official responsible ment’ begets failure, delay and corruption. Get rid of or even the whole department. He would also hold the word ‘corruption’ because those with loud voices press conference or seminars at his diwaniya talking have been using it for public gains and officials have about corruption. So, all it takes to frighten a minister been using it as an excuse not to work in order avoid is to throw the ‘corruption glove’ at his face; and all it being accused of it. takes to freeze a decision is to make threats to blow Finally, mismanagement is the root of all our prob- the cover on some ‘corruption’ issues! lems, so clean various departments from groups, bureau- This analogy might have been the reason behind cracy, stagnancy, fear and lack of initiatives to renew the increasing rates of corruption in other areas and their youth and that of Kuwait! departments that were not mentioned by this or that —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Rai MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Cabinet votes to enshrine Ferguson prepares for grand jury decision ‘Jewish state’ in law

Page 9 Page 8

KABUL: Bodies of civilians are laid out at a hospital after a suicide attack in the Yahyakhail district of Paktika province east of Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. — AP Suicide bomber kills 45 Afghans

KABUL: A suicide bomber blew himself up at a Paktika’s capital, said the hospital received Yesterday’s attack was characteristic of September. The insurgents use their attacks to the American force be reduced to 9,800 by the volleyball tournament in eastern Afghanistan about 80 wounded people, 20 of them children. Haqqani operations, as the group regularly make clear their opposition to Ghani’s adminis- end of this year, a figure expected to be cut in yesterday, killing at least 45 people in the coun- Officials said people of all ages were watching sends young men to carry out suicide attacks tration, as well as his support for a security half by the end of 2015. try’s deadliest terrorist attack this year, officials the adult-league inter-district tournament. on high-profile targets. agreement with the US, which he signed imme- The troops were supposed to remain in a said. Volleyball is a popular sport in Afghanistan, Attacks that kill women and children cause diately after taking office. training and support capacity after ceding the The bloodshed came just hours after played across the country, and the attacker is particular outrage, and the Taleban have been Afghanistan’s Parliament approved the leading role in the anti-insurgent war to Afghan Parliament approved agreements allowing US likely to have targeted the event to ensure max- known to avoid claiming responsibility or to agreement yesterday with the US and another security forces in the middle of last year. But the and NATO troops to remain in the country past imum casualties. It is also possible that the pres- blame deaths on security forces. Earlier this with NATO allowing 12,000 international troops Afghans have suffered record casualties, stirring the end of the year. ence of local police in the crowd made it an year, a suicide bomber blew up a car packed to remain in the country past the end of this concerns that international troops are essential Dozens more were wounded, many critically, attractive target, as security forces are regularly with explosives near a busy market and a year. US President Barack Obama has approved if the war is to be won. said Mokhlis Afghan, spokesman for the gover- attacked by insurgents. mosque in Paktika’s Urgun district. The death an expanded combat mission authorizing Afghanistan’s first deputy president, Abdul nor of Paktika province. He said the bomber No one claimed responsibility, and the toll was originally thought to have been close American troops to engage Taleban fighters, Rashid Dostum, welcomed Obama’s decision, was mingling with the large crowd at the sport- Taleban’s spokesman could not be reached by to 90, but was later revised down to 43. That not just al-Qaeda terrorists. Obama’s decision saying yesterday: “The United States knows that ing event in Yahyakhail district when he set off telephone. Paktika, bordering Pakistan, is one attack was, until yesterday, Afghanistan’s worst also means the US can provide air support the Afghan army needs more equipment, that the explosives. of Afghanistan’s most volatile regions, a place for 2014. when needed. The decision to expand the mili- the army are being killed in Taleban attacks.” “There were too many people gathered in where Taliban and affiliated insurgent groups Attacks across the country have escalated tary’s authority does not affect the overall num- Obama wants all US troops to be out of the one place to watch the game,” Afghan said. like the Haqqani network are waging an inten- this year amid a contentious election and ber of US troops who will remain in Afghanistan by the end of 2016, as his presi- Naseeb Ahmad, a doctor at Sharan Hospital in sifying war against the government in Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani’s inauguration in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Obama ordered dency draws to a close. — AP Controversy clouds first Bahrain vote since uprising

MANAMA: Controversy clouded yesterday Bahrain’s first elec- after an opposition boycott, and the count was still underway tion since Sunni authorities crushed protests led by the Gulf after Saturday’s election to a 40-member parliament. monarchy’s Shiite majority, with the opposition mocking gov- The official electoral commission put turnout at 51.5 per- ernment boasts of more than 50 percent turnout. cent, but the Shiite opposition, which has dismissed the polls The focus was on turnout, a key marker of the poll’s validity as a “farce”, said only 30 percent of eligible voters had cast their ballot. Both sides also traded accusations of electoral mal- practice, with the opposition saying tens of thousands of people were pressured to vote, while the Sunni authorities accused Shiite militants of preventing oth- ers from reaching polling stations. “Lying, insults and ridicule are the weapon of the defeated,” wrote Information Minister Sameera Rajab on her Twitter account, retaliating to claims of vote rigging. The legislative polls were the first since security forces in the Sunni Muslim-ruled kingdom crushed Arab Spring-inspired protests led by the majority Shiites in 2011. The tiny Gulf state and key US ally remains divided nearly four years after the protests. “It was an astonishing turnout. It was unprecedent- ed,” wrote columnist Hisham al-Zayani in Al-Watan daily, insisting the fraud claim was the result of a failed boycott. Al-Wefaq, the main Shiite opposition group which withdrew its 18 lawmakers after the crackdown, warned Friday that failure by the rul- ing Al-Khalifa dynasty to ease the Sunni “monopoly” on power could trigger a surge in violence. — AFP p8_Layout 1 11/23/14 10:22 PM Page 1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Israel charges cop with manslaughter in Palestinian youth’s death JERUSALEM: Israel charged a police- Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. military border police, was arrested on azine so that his live fire, as opposed to deliberate and premeditated. It was not man yesterday in the fatal shooting of a A second teenage protester was killed Nov. 12. His name has not been released rubber-bullet fire, would not be random fire,” Nuwara’s father, Siam, told teenage Palestinian protester, accusing but Israel has made no arrest in that for publication. He denies wrongoing in observed,” the indictment said, adding Reuters. “A manslaughter charge is unac- him of deliberately switching his rubber case, citing lack of evidence as an autop- the incident, which occurred near an that he had targeted Nuwara’s torso ceptable. What sentence might he get if bullets for the live round that killed the sy was not carried out. Israeli prison and the Palestinian town of “with the intent of causing him grave the charge is manslaughter?” youth. CCTV footage suggested neither Beitunia. injury, and while anticipating the possi- Asked to explain the charge, a The prosecutors’ decision to level a youth posed any immediate threat to An indictment filed at Jerusalem bility that he would cause his death”. spokeswoman for the Jerusalem District charge of manslaughter rather than the troops stationed some 70 yards (64 District Court said the policeman had Manslaughter, killing without the Prosecutor’s Office said the evidence murder drew criticism from the boy’s metres) away, in that neither appeared slipped a live bullet into his ammunition clear intention to cause death, carries a available was insufficient for a murder father, who said there was ample proof to be throwing stones when they were clip, which was meant to hold only non- maximum 20-year jail term in Israel indictment. The policeman says he used the killing was premeditated. shot. Their deaths stoked Palestinian lethal blank rounds with which to propel though judges can hand down lighter rubber bullets only. His lawyer, Benny Nadim Nuwara, 17, was shot in the fury at Israel in the weeks after U.S.- rubber bullets mounted separately on sentences. Murder, killing intentionally, Katz, called the indictment “quite chest during a demonstration in May at sponsored peace talks collapsed in April. the rifle muzzle. usually carries a life term. severe”, and was confident he could which Palestinians hurled stones at The accused, a member of the para- “The defendant used the blanks mag- “All indications show the killing was prove his client was innocent. — Reuters Iraqi premier, US look to aid Islamic State battle

BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces battling the Islamic Already, the Islamic State group fighters State group focused their offensive yester- has lined up and shot several men from day on the city of Ramadi, backed by Sunni the al-Bu Fahd tribe, which is taking part in tribal fighters that the US plans to arm. the fight against them. They also have Authorities in the city implemented a killed more than 200 men, women and 24-hour curfew as Iraqi armed forces and children from Anbar’s Sunni Al Bu Nimr tribesmen fought to regain Ramadi’s east- tribe in recent weeks, apparently in ern Sijariya neighborhood, which the revenge for the tribe’s siding with Iraqi extremist group said it captured Friday. security forces and, in the past, with US Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has forces. ordered more aerial support and weapons Meanwhile yesterday, Iraq’s Supreme for both soldiers and Sunni militiamen bat- Judicial Council sentenced a former Sunni tling the Islamic State group in Anbar lawmaker to death for killing two Iraqi sol- province, where Ramadi is the provincial diers in 2013. The arrest of Ahmed al- capital. Alwani last year stirred sectarian tensions The US and Iraqi governments have as he had become a symbol for Sunni been working to woo Sunni tribesmen to protests against Iraq’s Shiite-led govern- support the fight, proposing the establish- ment. Al-Alwani can appeal the verdict. ment of a national guard program that will Iraqi and Kurdish forces also pushed include arming and paying loyal tribesmen. Sunday to retake towns seized by the The Pentagon plans to buy a range of Islamic State group in the eastern Diyala arms for Iraq’s tribesmen, including 5,000 province. Jabar Yawer, a spokesman for the AK-47s, 50 rocket-propelled grenade Kurdish peshmerga, said intense clashes launchers, 12,000 grenades and 50 82 mm raged in the towns of Saadiya and Jalula, mortars. The arms supply, described in a which fell to the militant group in August. document that will be sent to Congress of In Saadiya, a suicide bomber drove a JERUSALEM: Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni (L) and Finance Minister Yair Lapid (R) listen to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (unseen) dur- its approval, said the estimated cost to bomb-laden Humvee into a security check- ing the weekly cabinet meeting at the latter’s office in Jerusalem yesterday. Ministers were to discuss a controversial bill tonchor a in law Israel’s equip an initial Anbar-based force of tribal point, killing seven Iraqi soldiers and Shiite status as the national homeland of the Jewish people. — AFP fighters is $18.5 million, part of a $1.6 bil- militiamen and wounding 14, police said. A lion request to Congress that includes arm- separate car bombing at an outdoor mar- ing and training Iraqi and Kurdish forces. ket south of Baghdad killed seven people Cabinet votes to enshrine “Failure to equip these forces mean a and wounded 16, police said. less effective armed opposition to counter Hospital officials corroborated the casu- the Islamic State and its ability to gain the alty figures. All the officials spoke on con- local support necessary to effectively con- dition of anonymity as they were not ‘Jewish state’ in law trol the areas it holds,” the document said. authorized to brief journalists. — AP Israel eyes powers to target Arab residency

IS group recruits, JERUSALEM: Israel’s government yesterday ‘Equal weight’ both law and at the heart of the political system,” endorsed a proposal to anchor in law the coun- “However, that declaration also emphasises warned Majd Kayyal of Adalah, the Legal Centre try’s status as the national homeland of the the Jewish State’s absolute commitment to the for Arab Minority Rights in Israel. exploits children Jewish people, drawing fire from critics who said equality of all of its citizens-an essential compo- it weakened democracy. nent missing from the proposals being present- Nod to hardliners BEIRUT: Teenagers carrying weapons Nations panel investigating war crimes in “The cabinet today approved a draft basic ed to the government today,” IDI president “Democracy guarantees that all citizens have stand at checkpoints and busy intersec- the Syrian conflict concluded that in its law: ‘Israel the national state of the Jewish peo- Yohanan Plesner said in a statement. the same rights and are equal before the state, tions in Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul. enlistment of children for active combat ple” said a statement from Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted the law would give equal but this racist change introduces a distinction on Patched onto the left arms of their black roles, the Islamic State group is perpetrat- Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, one of whose weight to both characteristics. the basis of religion,” he said. uniforms are the logos of the Islamic Police. ing abuses and war crimes on a massive MPs was a sponsor. “There are those who would like the demo- Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, the gov- In Raqqa, the Islamic State group’s de scale “in a systematic and organized man- Netanyahu also announced a separate initia- cratic to prevail over the Jewish and there are ernment’s legal adviser, has also criticised the facto capital in Syria, boys attend training ner.” tive to strip Arabs of their residency and welfare those who would like the Jewish to prevail over proposal, saying it weakens the state’s demo- camp and religious courses before heading The group “prioritizes children as a vehi- rights if they or their relatives take part in unrest. the democratic... both of these values are equal cratic character. off to fight. Others serve as cooks or guards cle for ensuring long-term loyalty, adher- Following a stormy meeting, the cabinet vot- and both must be considered to the same The version of the bill approved by ministers at the extremists’ headquarters or as spies, ence to their ideology and a cadre of ed 14 to six in favour of the national homeland degree,” he said. yesterday represents a nod from Netanyahu to informing on people in their neighbor- devoted fighters that will see violence as a proposal, with ministers from the two centrist The proposal has provoked uproar among the most hardline elements of his party and rul- hoods. way of life,” it said in a recent report. The parties. HaTnuah led by Justice Minister Tzipi MPs and ministers from the centre and the left, ing coalition as talk grows of an early election. Across the vast region under IS control, panel of experts, known as the Livni and Yesh Atid of Finance Minister Yair who fear the text only institutionalises discrimi- But it will be incorporated into a hybrid pro- the group is actively conscripting children Independent International Commission of Lapid-voting against, media reports said. nation. posal approved by Netanyahu, the Likud state- for battle and committing abuses against Inquiry on Syria, conducted more than 300 The proposal would mean Israel would no There are also concerns about a plan to ment said. the most vulnerable at a young age, interviews with people who fled or are liv- longer be defined in its Basic Laws as “Jewish revoke the rights of any Arab resident who took “The bill will pass a preliminary reading in the according to a growing body of evidence ing in IS-controlled areas, and examined and democratic” but instead as “the national part in or incited violence, even stone-throwing. Knesset this Wednesday and will be revised to assembled from residents, activists, inde- video and photographic evidence. homeland of the Jewish people”. “It cannot be that those who attack Israeli citi- conform with a government bill which will be pendent experts and human rights groups. The use of children by armed groups in Critics, who include the government’s top zens and call for the elimination of the State of drafted and approved by the cabinet soon,” it In the northern Syrian town of Kobani, conflict is, of course, nothing new. In the legal adviser, say the proposed change to the Israel will enjoy rights such as National said. The final version of the text submitted to where ethnic Kurds have been resisting an Syrian civil war, the Free Syrian Army and laws that act as Israel’s effective constitution Insurance-and their family members as well, parliament for approval is likely to be softened, IS onslaught for weeks, several activists told Nusra Front rebel groups also recruit chil- could institutionalise discrimination against its who support them,” Netanyahu told ministers. predicted Denis Charbit, a political scientist at The Associated Press they observed chil- dren for combat, said Leila Zerrougui, the 1.7 million Arab citizens. Israel’s Arab minority, comprising some 20 Israel’s Open University. dren fighting alongside the militants. UN secretary-general’s special representa- By giving preeminence to the “Jewish” charac- percent of the population, are descendants of “The text proposed by Netanyahu is more Mustafa Bali, a Kobani-based activist, said tive for children and armed conflict. ter of Israel over its democratic nature, the law in Palestinians who stayed after the establishment moderate but it is still problematic because he he saw the bodies of four boys, two of But no other group comes close to IS in its current format is anti-democratic, they say. of Israel in 1948. disassociates the Jewish character from the them younger than 14. And at least one 18 using children in such a systematic and The Israel Democracy Institute said that the If the Jewish homeland proposal becomes democratic character of the state and this insti- year old is said to have carried out a suicide organized way. And the effect is that much state’s Jewish identity is already contained in its law, it would mean “the institutionalisation of tutionalises a hierarchy between them, to the attack. greater because IS commands large areas 1948 declaration of independence. racism, which is already a reality on the street, in detriment of democracy,” he said. — AFP In Syria’s Aleppo province, an activist in which the militants inculcate the chil- affiliated with the rebel Free Syrian Army dren with their radical and violent interpre- said its fighters encountered children in tation of Shariah law. their late teens “fairly often” in battles “What is new is that ISIS seems to be against the rival Islamic State group. quite transparent and vocal about their With Iran nuke deal in balance, It is difficult to determine just how wide- intention and their practice of recruiting spread the exploitation of children is in the children,” said Laurent Chapuis, UNICEF closed world of IS-controlled territory. regional child protection adviser for the hardliners protest back home There are no reliable figures on the number Middle East and North Africa, using an of minors the group employs. But a United alternate acronym for the group. “Children TEHRAN: Tensions over a possible nuclear deal she said. Despite the protest back home, an er, the source said. The five permanent members as young as 10, 12 years old are being used between Iran and world powers were on display Iranian source in Vienna signalled openness to of the UN Security Council-Britain, China, France, in a variety of roles, as combatants as mes- yesterday outside an atomic facility in Tehran extending the talks by six months or even up to Russia and United States plus Germany-the so- sengers, spies, guards, manning check- where a rare protest saw hardliners criticise gov- a year. Such an extension would be under terms called P5+1 — have been locked in talks with points but also for domestic purposes like ernment negotiators. of an interim deal reached in Geneva a year ago Iran since February to turn the interim Geneva cooking, cleaning, sometimes providing While the crowd was small-about 200, mostly that traded a temporary freeze on some of Iran’s accord into a lasting agreement. medical care to the wounded.” students, gathered at the entrance to the Tehran nuclear activities for limited sanctions relief, the Such a deal is aimed at easing fears that “This is not a marginal phenomenon. Research Reactor-the event was the first such source said. Tehran could develop nuclear weapons under This is something that is being observed officially approved demonstration in months. “We are still focused on agreeing to a kind of the guise of its civilian activities. and seems to be part of the strategy of the It coincided with the penultimate day of talks political” understanding which would not be The Islamic republic denies it wants to build group,” Zerrougui said in a phone interview in Vienna between Iran and the United States written but which would allow for negotiators to an atomic bomb and insists its nuclear pro- from New York. She said some children join and other leading states about a permanent fine-tune technical aspects of the agreement lat- gramme is entirely peaceful. — AFP voluntarily for various reasons but others nuclear deal. are targeted. “Nuclear energy is our absolute right,” and “They are abducting children and forc- “Sanctions won’t stop us,” read placards held by ing them to join, they are brainwashing protesters, many of them suggesting there children and indoctrinating them to join should be no compromise on Iran’s disputed their group. All the tools used to attract atomic activities. and recruit children are used by this group,” They chanted “Death to America” while a des- she said, adding that children as young as 9 ignated speaker rounded on the conduct of the or 10 are used for “various roles.” year-long negotiations which entered their final In areas of Syria and Iraq under their 36 hours with a deal hanging in the balance. control, the Sunni extremists have closed Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and schools or changed the curriculum to fit Mohammad Javad Zarif, the foreign minister with their ideology. Their goal, according to who is leading the talks in the Austrian capital, the UN, is to use education as a tool of “do not know how to do diplomacy”, the speaker indoctrination to foster a new generation said. One woman held a banner that said: “The of supporters. centrifuges are not working, nor is the economy,” A video recently published by an IS alluding to Rouhani’s pledge to restart talks with media arm shows what it says is a gradua- the West to help Iran’s sanctions-hit economy tion ceremony for boys, who appear to be recover. RAQQA: In this undated image posted in their teens. Dressed in military uniforms, One demonstrator, a medical student who online and made available on Thursday, they are lined up to shake hands with a did not want to give her name, said she was Nov 20, by Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered sheikh. Another scene shows the boys pos- “pessimistic about the Americans involved in the Silently, an anti-Islamic State group ing with AK-47s, their faces hidden under negotiations.” TEHRAN: Iranian students hold placards and shout slogans during a demonstration outside organization, a child wearing a hat with black masks. The video touts the children “We want an agreement where if we give the Tehran Research Reactor in the capital Tehran yesterday, to show their support to Iran’s the Islamic State group logo poses with a as a “generation of lions, protectors of reli- something we get something in return, and nuclear programme. Iran and six world powers are holding talks in Vienna to reach a lasting weapon in Raqqa, Syria. — AP gion, dignity and land.” — AP what we want is a total removal of sanctions,” agreement on Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme before yesterday. — AFP MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Obama defends moves on immigration

HENDERSON: President Barack Obama doing,” Cruz said on “Fox News Sunday.” yesterday dismissed Republican criticism A second Republican, Sen. Lindsey of his actions to lift the threat of deporta- Graham of South Carolina, said his party tion from millions of immigrants living shares the blame for failing to get an illegally in the United States. immigration bill through the House of In an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Representatives. Obama said it was important that he act “Shame on us as Republicans for hav- unilaterally to prioritize the deportation of ing a body that cannot generate a solu- criminals and recent arrivals and spare tion to an issue that is national security, those who have lived here illegally for at it’s cultural and it’s economic. The Senate least five years and have roots, including has done this three times,” Graham said on children who are American citizens. CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Why we would prefer a system in Indeed, Obama cast his decision as the which they’re in the shadows, potentially result of the failure of the Republican-led taking advantage of living here but not House to act on a comprehensive immi- contributing?” Obama said. gration bill the Senate passed with bipar- The president pointed to executive tisan support in June 2013, or advance orders issued by Democratic and legislation of its own. Republican predecessors and said presi- He said Republicans still could pass an dents exercise “prosecutorial discretion all immigration bill. Rep. Raul Labrador, R- the time.” Idaho, said he had pressed the Republican FERGUSON: Protestors demonstrate along a stretch of road where violent protests occurred following the August shooting of unarmed black Obama’s executive order, announced leadership to start passing legislation two teenager by a white police officer, Saturday, in Ferguson, Mo. Ferguson and the St Louis region are on edge in anticipation of the announce- on Thursday, has drawn a withering weeks ago on the immigration issue. ment by a grand jury whether to criminally charge officer Darren Wilson in the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown. — AP response from Republicans, but also has “We are going to pass legislation, but it laid bare divisions within the GOP over is not going to be the legislation the pres- how to deal with immigration. ident is asking for,” Labrador said. “We as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, rejected Republicans don’t believe you should give Ferguson prepares for Obama’s claim of prosecutorial discretion. amnesty first and talk about security later, “Essentially he’s gotten in the job of coun- which is what the Senate bill did.” terfeiting immigration papers, because Labrador spoke on “Face the Nation” on there’s no legal authority to do what he’s CBS. — AP grand jury decision Two arrested of unlawful assembly FERGUSON: Crews erected barricades around the was black. There have been many demonstrations Avenue. Officers dressed in patrol uniforms talked building where a grand jury has been considering in the months since Brown’s death, including some with members of the crowd before warning them whether to indict the Ferguson police officer who that were violent. Police arrested three protesters that impeding traffic could possibly lead to their shot and killed Michael Brown, even as a grand jury on Friday night - the third straight night of unrest in arrest. Protesters eventually moved to the side- decision seemed unlikely this weekend. Ferguson. walks, shortly before police wearing riot gear and Tension has been mounting in Ferguson and carrying shields also appeared at the station. elsewhere in the St. Louis area in recent days, with Barricades Chanting protesters then moved back into the many speculating that the grand jury’s decision On Saturday, authorities set up barricades street. St. Louis County Police spokesman Brian would be announced today. That seemed increas- around the Buzz Westfall Justice Center in Clayton, Schellman told The Associated Press that two peo- ingly unlikely by late Saturday, although there was a which is where the grand jury has been meeting. ple were arrested of unlawful assembly. noticeable uptick in the preparations being made. Barricades also went up in the shopping center Meanwhile, several businesses in both Ferguson Downtown STL Inc., a St. Louis civic group that parking lot on West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, and Clayton have put boards on their windows. promotes downtown businesses, told members in which was where police set up a makeshift com- Residents were on edge, too. Jamie Freeman of an email Saturday that the grand jury will recon- mand center in the immediate aftermath of Brown’s Ferguson, 38, a registered nurse and mother of four, vene today to continue deliberating whether death. said she was especially concerned since her 20- charges are warranted against Ferguson police Several dozen protesters marched in Ferguson year-old son lives in the neighborhood where Officer Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 fatal shooting of on Saturday evening, praying, playing music and Brown was shot. Brown. chanting slogans including, “No justice, no peace” “I just hope it stays peaceful,” Freeman said of The email did not explain how the group knew and “Mike Brown means, we’ve got to fight back.” protests that will follow the grand jury decision. “We the information, and a spokeswoman declined Cars stopped and drivers honked, slowing traffic. all have human emotions, but there’s a way to do comment. Ed Magee, a spokesman for St. Louis Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, spoke to things, and violence, you can’t get peace from vio- WASHINGTON: In this Nov. 21, 2014 file photo, supporters of immigration reform County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch, didn’t respond protesters through a bullhorn and urged people to lence.” Crump, the Brown family attorney, said the attend a rally in front of the White House in Washington, thanking President to several messages Saturday. be careful. “Don’t agitate them, and don’t let them grand jury process is weighted against those shot Obama for his executive action on immigration. Republicans in search of a way The Brown family’s attorney, Ben Crump, said agitate y’all,” she said. “I don’t want nobody getting by police officers. to oppose President Barack Obama’s moves on immigration without alienating Saturday that he hadn’t heard a decision had been hurt. We’re all willing to do something, but I don’t “Ninety-nine percent of the time the police offi- the nation’s fast-growing population of Hispanic voters can find a playbook in reached and that prosecutors had promised to tell want nobody getting hurt.” cer is not held accountable for killing a young black Colorado. — AP him when that happened. Later, several protesters gathered at the boy,” Crump said. “The police officer gets all the con- Wilson is white and Brown, who was unarmed, Ferguson police station, blocking South Florissant sideration.” — AP Controversial Washington ex-mayor Marion Barry dead WASHINGTON: Former Washington pital and could not be revived. decades, despite repeated scandals mayor Marion Barry, who left office in Local media said he had only just and multiple arrests. disgrace and went to prison on drug been released from another area hos- The most notorious incident came charges only to return for a fourth pital earlier in the evening after being during his third term as mayor when term, died at a Washington hospital, a admitted Thursday for observation, he was arrested in January 1990 for spokeswoman said yesterday. He was after what the local NBC affiliate crack cocaine use and possession in 78. reported was a urinary tract infection. an FBI sting operation caught on United Medical Center spokes- Barry had received a kidney trans- video. woman Natalie Williams confirmed plant five years ago, and had also suf- The “mayor for life” was sentenced the former mayor’s death, but fered from prostate cancer and dia- to six months in prison, but swept declined to give further details. betes. Barry, the Mississippi-born son back into the city’s top post in 1994. The Washington Post, citing hospi- of a sharecropper and a leader in the Barry, who also served many terms tal officials, said the mayor was in car- civil rights movement, dominated on the DC Council and was head of diac arrest when he arrived at the hos- local politics in the US capital for the board of education, was able to parlay his political disgrace into a theme of redemption during the 1994 election. More recently, in 2009, Barry, who was serving again as a city council- man, was arrested for allegedly stalk- ing a woman. In his early terms Barry gained recognition as a charismatic leader who used the city administration to further his ambitious social programs including jobs for the poor. In his DC Council biography, Barry wrote that he lived by the motto “always fighting for the people.” But by his later terms Barry’s for- tunes and those of the city had begun to sag. The municipal deficit bal- looned, crime rose, and a close may- oral confidant was convicted for mis- use of public funds. Current Washington Mayor Vincent Gray said in a statement he would WASHINGTON: Cora Masters Barry, wife of Washington Mayor Marion work with Barry’s family and city offi- Barry, looks on as the mayor grimaces during a news conference in this cials to plan official ceremonies “wor- Thursday May 21, 1998 file photo. Barry, who staged a comeback after a thy of a true statesman of the District 1990 crack cocaine arrest, died early yesterday morning. — AP of Columbia.” — AFP Cleanup on, flood threat looms after huge NY snow BUFFALO: The weekend offered the Buffalo region a chance angels,” said Kevin Masterson, 61, after a handful of volun- to dig out of record levels of deep snow before a flood warn- teers swarmed in to free his and his brother-in-law’s cars ing took effect because of rising temperatures and rain. from the drifts. “I was out shoveling and ... all of the sudden I With roughly the equivalent of six inches of rain tied up in had all these people.” the snowpack, volunteers moved through the area assisting One of the volunteers, Greg Schreiber, said he’d keep residents. Beth Bragg’s home was spared the worst of a lake- gong “until the back gives out.” Seneca Street in south Buffalo effect storm that buried parts of the Buffalo area under more was jammed with dump trucks, military vehicles and front than 7 feet of snow. But she still was out first-thing Saturday loaders rumbling through the streets as they hauled away with her shovel - along with hundreds of other volunteers. the canyon walls of snow. “It’s just a war zone here,” said Eric “I know that people really need to get shoveled out, espe- Ginsburg, standing outside of his store, Ginzy’s. “All the mili- cially some of the older folks, so I’m just doing my part to tary here, the police. It’s just crazy. Most snow I’ve ever seen.” help out,” said the bank manager and “shovel brigade” mem- Temperatures were expected to be near 50 degrees on ber. Volunteers helped to clear as much snow possible Sunday and near 60 on Monday. Weather Service meteorolo- before rain and warmer temperatures brought an increased gist Jon Hitchcock said there might be trouble with drainage threat of flooding. The National Weather Service issued a as snow and uncollected autumn leaves block catch basins. flood warning for early Sunday through Monday afternoon. The threat of rain also heightened fears of roof collapses on Buffalo lived up to its nickname, “The City of Good already strained structures. Thirty major collapses have been Neighbors,” as the volunteers went to work. “They’re like reported. — AP p10 2_Layout 1 11/23/14 8:58 PM Page 1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Tug of peace is stronger than pull of war for young Muslims

BIRMINGHAM: For some British Muslims, charity Human Relief Foundation for a Islam’s version of the life of Jesus and Mary Iqbal tells the story of one of the men majority Asian ‘Balti Triangle’ - a maze of the path to jihad and the path to peaceful month. In the preceding three years his plays while the men hand out flyers. charged under terrorism laws. He used to rundown Victorian houses, workshops and aid work can traverse much of the same charity work included opening a youth There are over 213,000 Muslims in be a drug dealer before experiencing a curry houses. terrain. centre in the basement of a local mosque. Birmingham, making up over a fifth of the similar change of heart to Iqbal’s. But “As a child you don’t understand why From an office in Britain’s second Before that, however, Iqbal says he led population according to the 2011 census. unlike Iqbal he adopted increasingly radi- this is happening, but it stays with you, largest city, Waseem Iqbal and a friend are a different life. He worked as a night club Neighbourhoods like Balsall Heath, where cal views after he rediscovered his faith, and you get angry. The important thing is planning a trip to the Middle East. In bouncer, ran a music studio and did free- Iqbal grew up, are predominantly Muslim which Iqbal attributes to a sense of guilt not to become the person they say you Jordan, they will bring food packages for lance security work. One night all of that and working class. They are also home to over past misdeeds. are,” says 22-year-old Waheed. Syrian refugees. stopped. what he calls a “gang culture”. “An unsympathetic reading of god as a Iqbal and Waheed have dozens of simi- Iqbal, 27, chose charity work not vio- In the space of a few weeks in 2010, This macho mentality can drive young punisher rather than a forgiver and that lar stories. The former has had pig heads lence. “How do you save innocents in Iqbal’s older cousin, someone he looked men to join gangs and sell drugs, or join the only way to be forgiven is to be on the and beer thrown at him in football venues Syria? By going into a war zone and get- up to, died of a drug overdose and his best jihadi groups and fight in the Middle East. battlefield and die,” is one of the reasons and both men have had racial slurs yelled ting yourself killed? Or by... bringing peo- friend was stabbed. “It is all about acceptance. He wants to young men choose to join jihadi groups at them in the street. ple water pumps, schools and food pack- “I was sitting there one night, smoking feel part of something, he wants to be abroad, says Mahmood. “Many young people don’t feel part of ages? This is what saves innocents,” he weed in my flat overlooking the city and respected or feared, he wants to feel part The former drug dealer in Iqbal’s story the mainstream anymore with the said. Iqbal knows others who have taken a started asking myself what the limit was of a cause and feel needed,” Iqbal was arrested in a car full of weapons on Islamophobia we see in the media,” says different path. Two acquaintances, young and where does it stop. I spent the whole explained. the way to a march by the anti-Islamist far Mahmood. British men, were arrested and charged night crying and realised that what I am Jihadi culture and the bravado that right English Defence League. The isolation of the Muslim community under Britain’s terrorism laws. They were a missing is Islam,” he said. goes with it as well the sanitisation of war led to it developing a siege mentality and world apart, Iqbal says, but they had one “I made a promise to be a better and glamorization of weapons play a larg- Hostile media out of that young people do not see them- thing in common: anger. Muslim and quit all the things I had been er role in the rationalisation of young Organisations like the English Defence selves as part of the mainstream or Britain, For authorities struggling to prevent doing cold turkey.” Muslim men than Islamist ideology argues League are a factor in driving young instead they view themselves as part of a young Muslims from joining the wars in Jahan Mahmood, who mentors the com- Muslims into extremism. global Muslim nation and feel they have to Syria and Iraq, understanding what drives Muslim ‘ghettos’ munity youth. Abdul Waheed, Iqbal’s colleague at “help their brothers” abroad. these men is key. Over 500 British citizens A main street in this central English city That view is backed by academic stud- their charity, says as an eight year old he In their lunch break Iqbal and Waheed have travelled to Syria, officials estimate. bustles with life. Travellers rush in and out ies. Researchers at Queen Mary University watched out of his window as his uncle discuss the futility of fighting. They con- Prime Minister David Cameron has warned of the train station, couples enter coffee list those most susceptible to extremism: was beaten up in the street of the predom- clude, however, that if someone is told that militants could return to attack the houses and a man is performing freestyle people suffering from depression, those inantly white neighbourhood his family over and over again that they are some- West. rap. Three young men have a booth set up who are isolated and those whose families had recently moved to. thing, say a terrorist, by the media, they Iqbal grows his beard long and wears a not five metres away from him. A stereo is have lived in Britain for several genera- The family soon moved back to will eventually become that thing. “The thawb - a traditional ankle-length robe- playing Qu’ranic verse in Arabic followed tions. Religious ideology does not appear Sparkhill, which alongside Balsall Heath power of suggestion is strong,” says like garment. He has been on the staff of by English translation. A verse detailing to be a major influencing factor. and Sparkbrook make up Birmingham’s Waheed. — Reuters Italy regional votes to test public mood on Renzi

ROME: Italians voted yesterday in regional On Friday evening in Calabria, Renzi ballots which will test whether the country, appealed to deep-rooted local concerns tired of economic stagnation and austerity, about high joblessness, organised crime is also wearying of Matteo Renzi’s nine- and lower availability of childcare than in month old coalition government. the industrialised north. Renzi’s popularity peaked in June short- Soon after toppling his predecessor in a ly after a landslide victory in European par- party coup, Renzi was nicknamed liament elections, but his ruling party has “Demolition Man” for his commitment to been steadily slipping lower in opinion breaking old Italian political structures, but polls since, as the economy stutters and he has yet to deliver promised reforms and joblessness remains stubbornly high. revive the economy. The public mood has soured in recent Planned changes to labour laws that weeks, with labour unions marching impede hiring and firing partly blamed for through cities, and clashes between police Italy’s economy shrinking around 9 percent and residents in poorer neighbourhoods of since 2007 - have met fierce union opposi- Milan and Rome after dark. tion. Opinion polls suggest the candidates The right-wing Northern League, which from Renzi’s Democratic Party (PD), which is exploiting growing anti-immigrant senti- is still by far the country’s biggest party, are ment, is focusing on Emilia. Party leader favourites to win over a divided centre- Matteo Salvini appealed on Facebook to his right. “Emiliani and Romagnoli friends” to vote for More than 5.3 million people are eligible his party’s candidate. The anti-establish- to vote for governors in the northern ment 5-Star Movement, whose leader Emilia-Romagna region, and Calabria at Beppe Grillo made a surprise visit to Emilia- Italy’s southern tip. Romagna on Friday, wants to consolidate Local factors will play a big role in the its position as Italy’s second-largest party. ballots, which were called after the outgo- Turnout will also indicate whether voter KANO: A screengrab taken on July 13, 2014 from a video released by the Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram and obtained by AFP ing governors were forced to resign in cor- apathy is still rising. In Calabria, 46 percent shows the leader of the Nigerian Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau (C). Boko Haram gunmen killed 48 fish vendors in ruption scandals, but they remain 39-year- voted in the European elections, versus 70 Nigeria’s restive Borno State, near the border with Chad, the head of the fish traders association told AFP. — AFP old Renzi’s first electoral test since winning percent in Emilia-Romagna. 41 percent of the European vote. Emilia’s outgoing governor, PD-affiliated Renzi campaigned in both regions this Vasco Errani, resigned in June after being Boko Haram kills 48 fish week and scuffles broke out between convicted of fraud. Giuseppe Scopelliti gov- police and demonstrators awaiting his erned Calabria until March when he was arrival in Parma, one of Emilia-Romagna’s given jail time for abuse of office and false vendors in northeast Nigeria main cities. accounting. — Reuters Attackers killed their victims silently KANO: Boko Haram gunmen killed 48 fish ven- and Niger fighting the Islamist group. Chad and fishermen from Doron Baga were dors in Nigeria’s restive Borno State, near the The MNJTF was formed in 1998 to fight trans- forced to abandon fishing and turned to import- border with Chad, the head of the fish traders border crime but its mandate was expanded to ing dried fish from neighbouring Chad. association told AFP yesterday. tame the Boko Haram insurgency in the volatile Gamandi said the Dogon Fili route provided “Scores of Boko Haram fighters blocked a region. the safest passage for traders from Doron Baga route linking Nigeria with Chad near the fishing Gamandi claimed the assailants killed all of to Chad as other routes are infested with Boko village of Doron Baga on the shores of Lake their victims without using their guns. “The Haram gunmen who rob and kill travellers. Chad on Thursday and killed a group of 48 fish attackers killed their victims silently without the Last December at least seven fishermen were traders on their way to Chad to buy fish,” use of the gun to avoid attracting attention from killed when Boko Haram Islamists attacked Abubakar Gamandi said. the multi-national troops,” Gamandi said. Doron Baga in a nocturnal raid that left many He said the insurgents set up a barricade at A military officer in Maiduguri confirmed the homes burnt. Dogon Fili, 15 kilometres (nine miles) from attack but said details were sketchy. “We heard In August, the Islamists raided Dogon Baga Doron Baga, and stopped a convoy of fish ven- of the attack near Doron Baga but we don’t have and kidnapped 97 people after killing 28 vil- dors around midday, slaughtering some of them any details because the area falls under the lagers. and drowning others in the lake. operational jurisdiction of the MNJTF,” the mili- The hostages, including women and children, “The Boko Haram gunmen slit the throats of tary officer said. were loaded on speed boats and ferried across some of the men and tied the hands and legs of the Lake into Chad. Chadian troops rescued 85 the others before throwing them into the lake to Safest passage of the hostages when they intercepted a convoy drown,” Gamandi told AFP by telephone from News of the attack was slow to emerge due of buses transporting them from the shores. Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. to the destruction of mobile phone towers in the The Boko Haram violence has claimed thou- Doron Baga, 180 kilometres from Maiduguri, area by Boko Haram in previous attacks. sands of lives since 2009 with the aim of creating is the base of the Multi-National Joint Task Force Incessant Boko Haram attacks have disrupted a hardline Islamic state in Nigeria’s mainly ATHENS: A greek squatter teaches at a school at the prosfygika complex in central (MNJTF), comprising troops from Nigeria, Chad fishing and farming along the shore of Lake Muslim north. —AFP Athens on Novemeber 2, 2014. Wedged between the Supreme Court of Greece and the Athens Police Headquarters this is hardly the place you would imagine Greek and immigrant squatters. — AFP Pope declares sainthood of Dilapidated complex in Athens shelters generations of migrants two Indians, four Italians

ATHENS: A group of people-Greeks, initially built for an earlier generation of VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis conferred sainthood refuges for pilgrims, street urchins and the sick - Franciscans Nicola da Longobardi and Amato Afghans, Iraqis, Syrians, Bulgarians, Iranians, refugees. “We all live together, cheek by on two Indians and four Italians yesterday, praising could inspire citizens today. Ronconi. The often decades-long process of con- Turks-gather around a steaming pot outside jowl,” said Aras Hosien. “The Greeks help the their “creative” commitment to helping the poor. “May the example of the four Italian saints help sidering a person for sainthood must normally wait a dilapidated building complex from the foreign children to learn the language, they Francis added to the roster of Catholic saints a the dear Italian people to rekindle the spirit of col- until they have been dead for five years, and have 1930s set in the heart of Athens. throw parties, show movies. It’s like a fami- Keralan mystic nun, an Indian priest and social laboration and harmony for the public good, and been credited with bringing about two miracles. Dubbed the Ta Prosfygika, meaning “The ly. Hosien, 34, is an Iraqi Kurd who shares his reformer, the former Bishop of Vicenza, and three to look to the future with hope,” Francis said, after a A pope can bypass the five-year rule, as Francis’s Refugees”, the once stately complex was apartment with an Iranian from the south- members of the Franciscan order. month punctuated by protests and strikes across predecessor Benedict did for John Paul II, who had erected on what is now plum real estate in ern city of Shiraz. “They responded with extraordinary creativity the country. The Italian saints were Giovanni in turn started the process of sanctifying Mother downtown Athens to house some of the The lobby of one of the buildings has to the commandment of love of God and neigh- Antonio Farina, Bishop of Vicenza in the late 1800s; Teresa of Calcutta within five years after her death hundreds of thousands of Greeks chased been turned into a sort of activity centre for bour,” Pope Francis told crowds in St. Peter’s Square missionary Ludovico da Casoria, and fellow in 1997. — Reuters from Turkey between the two world wars. children-there are around 30 of them aged in the Vatican. “Their preference for the smallest Under the international 1923 Lausanne between five and 15. The walls are adorned and poorest was the reflection and measure of Treaty closing one of the last chapters of the with paintings and the letters of the Greek their unconditional love of God,” said Francis, who Great War, Greece and Turkey exchanged alphabet. “The children have difficulties at chose his own papal name after the saint of Assisi, each other’s migrant populations — school, and we try to help them,” said who symbolises austerity and love for the poor. 385,000 Turks living in Greece and 1.3 mil- Vaguelis, 31, who was a squatter here three Portraits of the newly sanctified hung from St. lion Greek settlers in Turkey. years ago and still serves on the residents’ Peter’s Basilica, in front of which 5,000 Keralan Some of their descendants still live in the coordination team. Catholics and two local government ministers decaying complex, others around the pot joined the crowd, according to the Union of are recently-arrived refugees eking out a liv- Prime real estate Catholic Asian News. Carmelite nun Sister Eufrasia ing in economically-crippled Greece. The complex stretches for eight blocks was sanctified with Kuriakose Elias Chavara, who “It’s our Sunday get-together, the proof along a central artery of the Greek capital, founded the sisterhood she belonged to. Eufrasia, we can help each other in these difficult its crumbling facades an eyesore near the canonised six years after India’s first female saint, times, struggle against alienation,” said Supreme Court, police headquarters, and was born to an aristocratic family in 1877 and took Lucas P. as he poured tomato sauce over major hospitals. a vow of chastity aged nine. noodles. Across the way is the stadium of Athens’ Lucas, a bank employee, works as a vol- premier football club PanathinaÔkos. It Applause unteer every Sunday, helping to cook for stands on 1.5 hectares (nearly four acres) of Chavara founded two Carmelite congregations about 100 people here, immigrants as well prime real estate. in India in the 19th century, and decreed that every as homeless Greeks. For the past several For now the wastelands between each church should have its own school. VATICAN: An Indian flag is waved near Pope Francis at the end of the Canonization mass for years these people have been squatting in block serve as car-parks during the working Applause rang out yesterday when Francis said Eufrasia Eluvathingal, Amato Ronconi, Antonio Farina, Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Nicola Saggio around half of the 228 small housing units week.— AFP the Italian saints - who between them founded da Longobardi and Ludovico da Casoria, in St Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, yesterday.— AP MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Bangladesh arrests 9 in crackdown on militant groups

DHAKA: Bangladesh has arrested four members of women’s wing of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, whose main counter-terrorism arm, the National including the handover of those India suspects of an outlawed militant group, including the chief of husband Sajid was arrested by Indian police in con- Investigations Agency, held talks with Bangladeshi stirring up trouble in its remote northeast. its women’s wing, as well as five suspects in a south- nection with the West Bengal blast. officials in Dhaka and handed over a list of 11 sus- The Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen was thought to have ern city, police said yesterday, as authorities stiffen a “Fatema and three men were arrested in a raid in pects thought to be hiding there. been lying low since a crackdown by authorities crackdown on militants. Dhaka and we also recovered a huge quantity of Another five suspected militants, including a after it detonated nearly 500 bombs almost simulta- The arrest follows Indian security officials’ expo- bomb-making materials and explosives,” police Pakistani and a Saudi national, were arrested yester- neously on a single day in 2005 across Bangladesh, sure of a plot last month targeting Prime Minister spokesman Monirul Islam told a news conference. day at a hotel in the southern port city of including in Dhaka, the capital. Subsequent suicide Sheikh Hasina. Two members of a banned The group also planned to assassinate Chittagong, police official Banaj Kumar Majumdar attacks by its militants on several courthouses killed Bangladesh group were killed in an explosion while Bangladesh’s main opposition leader, Khaleda Zia, told Reuters by telephone, but which group they 25 people and left hundreds injured. A security van building bombs in India’s eastern state of West Indian officials said. She and Hasina have dominat- belong to is not yet known. taking members of the group to court earlier this Bengal, just over the border with Bangladesh. ed the country’s politics for more than a decade. Under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has been year was targeted by gunmen who opened fire and Police said they arrested Fatema, the chief of the Last week, a team headed by the chief of India’s working closely with India to tackle militant groups, tossed bombs at the vehicle. — Reuters Afghan parliament approves US and NATO agreements US can conduct air support when needed KABUL: Afghanistan’s parliament approved Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan. Obama’s deci- signed agreements with NATO and the US agreements yesterday with the US and NATO sion also means the US can conduct air support immediately after taking office in September, allowing international troops to remain in the when needed. but they also required lawmakers’ approval. His country past the end of this year amid a In approving the agreements in a 152-5 vote country, beset by decades of war, has seen renewed offensive by Taleban militants. yesterday, Afghan lawmakers made no mention Taleban militants increasingly attack civilians The international combat mission in of Obama’s expansion of the US role in fighting and local security forces amid the foreign troop Afghanistan, begun after the 2001 US-led inva- militants in the country. In a statement, presi- drawdown. sion that toppled the Taleban, was to conclude dential spokesman Nazifullah Salarzai said the Obama’s decision does not affect the overall at the end of this year. The new agreements rat- foreign troops will “train, advise and assist number of US troops that will remain in ified by parliament allow the US and NATO to Afghan security forces.” “Afghan forces are Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Obama ordered keep a total of 12,000 troops in Afghanistan responsible for the security and defense of the the American force presence to be cut to 9,800 next year to support local forces. Afghan people, and in the fight against interna- by the end of this year, a figure expected to be COLOMBO: In this photograph released by the Sri Lankan Presidential Office yester- However, the agreements come after US offi- tional terrorism and training of our national cut in half by the end of 2015. day, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse (L) offers valuables to be entomed in a cials said President Barack Obama had security forces we count on the support and Obama wants all US troops to be out of Buddhist stupa currently under construction in the northern-central region of Sri approved new guidelines allowing American assistance of our international partners,” Afghanistan a year later as his presidency draws Lanka. Rajapakse was taking part in religious ceremonies after calling a snap elec- troops to engage Taleban fighters, not just al- Salarzai said. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to a close. — AP tion in January 2015. — AFP Opposition secures Buddhist backing for Sri Lanka vote

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s main opposition can- try have been marred by assassinations, didate yesterday won important backing bomb attacks and widespread campaign- from a top Buddhist monk campaigning to related violence. scrap the executive presidency and return The authorities have already removed the the country to a parliamentary democracy. elite police commando unit which protected Agriculture minister Maithripala Sirisena, Sirisena while bodyguards of three other who defected Friday to challenge his former defecting ministers have also been with- boss President Mahinda Rajapakse in the drawn. January 8 election, visited monk Maduliwawe Rajapakse’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party Sobitha to receive his blessings. (SLFP) has also suspended five members who “I applaud your courage to enter the fray pledged support to Sirisena. only to scrap the presidency and bring back Sources close to the president said at least parliamentary democracy, ensure rule of law another dozen SLFP legislators have been and end corruption,” Sobitha said while bless- identified as trying to defect but they would ing Sirisena in front of reporters and TV cam- not be suspended as yet. eras at his temple. Rajapakse called the election two years The monk is a key figure campaigning for ahead of schedule in an apparent attempt to political reforms in the majority Buddhist seek a fresh mandate before his party’s popu- nation of 20 million. He had been the spiritual larity tumbles further, after dropping over 21 guide of former president Chandrika percent in September local elections. Kumaratunga who is also backing the 63- While Rajapakse remains popular with year-old Sirisena for the presidency. voters from the Sinhalese majority after he The monk expressed regret that Rajapakse won a 37-year war against Tamil separatists in had failed to deliver on promises to abolish 2009, critics say he has become increasingly the 1978 constitution, which gave strong authoritarian. powers to the executive including immunity A key coalition partner, the JHU, or party from prosecution. of Buddhist monks, walked out of the gov- Sirisena told reporters he would launch ernment on Tuesday, accusing Rajapakse of TRAL: In this photograph taken on November 20, 2014, shows Indian State Assembly election candidate for the Congress Party Ghulam his campaign after visiting two more failing to deliver promised democratic Mohammad Mir ahead of filing his election nomination papers in Tral. As armed police in bullet-proof vests patrol the tense streets of India’s Buddhist shrines in the central and the north- reforms. Rajapakse is also struggling to avoid only Muslim majority state, BJP candidate Avatar Singh forecast victory for his Hindu nationalist party in Kashmir’s elections. — AFP central region of the island today. international censure over claims his troops “We will not engage in violence, character killed 40,000 Tamil civilians in the bloody assassination or any such thing,” Sirisena said. finale of the fighting, an issue that has over- Modi’s BJP eyes power in Kashmir “We hope the campaign will be peaceful.” shadowed his ongoing chairmanship of the Almost all previous elections in the coun- Commonwealth. — AFP TRAL: As armed police in bullet-proof vests patrolled Modi’s victory over the previously ruling Congress National Conference party. the tense streets of India’s only Muslim majority state, party, winning a string of state elections since May. Thousands of residents are still homeless as winter Mother questioned after Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Avatar Singh fore- Singh, a member of Kashmir’s small Sikh popula- sets in. Business leaders have put the total losses from cast victory for the Hindu nationalists in Kashmir’s tion, hopes to persuade voters that Modi’s party is the floods at around $17 billion. baby found in Sydney drain upcoming elections. best placed to improve their livelihood by pointing to Abdullah has admitted his administration was “My godfather Modi Ji’s development initiatives green shoots of recovery at national level. overwhelmed by the scale of the floods-the worst in SYDNEY: Australian police were ques- make me confident that I will win,” Singh said, refer- Modi has made five visits to the state as premier, nearly a century. He says he is best placed to defend tioning a mother yesterday after pass- ring to India’s new BJP prime minister while out can- including during Divali last month when he promised the state’s special status, accusing the BJP of “talking ing cyclists who had heard crying found vassing in the town of Tral last Thursday. more flood relief. “We in the BJP consider Jammu, in different voices”. her new-born son abandoned in a 2.5- Just hours later, three suspected separatist rebels Kashmir and Ladakh as extremely close to our hearts,” “In Jammu, they talk about abrogating Article 370 metre-deep (8.2-feet) drain in Sydney. were shot dead in a stark reminder of the tensions in Interior Minister Rajnath Singh said at a rally last and in the Valley they say that if people want, it will New South Wales police said a group the picturesque Himalayan region, which is claimed week. remain,” he told reporters. of cyclists were riding on a bike track by both India and Pakistan and has been the scene of Pundits are predicting a major fall in his centre-left along a highway in western Sydney ear- two wars between the neighbours. ‘Pick up a gun’ party’s support. Many commentators have said the ly yesterday when they heard the About a dozen rebel groups have been fighting One handicap is the BJP’s long-standing pledge to real contest this time would be between the BJP and sound of crying coming from a nearby Indian forces since 1989 for Kashmir’s independence scrap a constitutional provision known as Article 370, the People’s Democratic Party which advocates “self- drain. or for its merger with Pakistan. Tens of thousands of which allows Kashmir to make its own laws. rule”. The separatist boycott of the polls suffered its “We actually thought it was a kitten people, mostly civilians, have died in the violence. Even one of its candidates in Srinagar, Hina Bhat, first setback in 2008 elections, when turnout crossed at first, but when we went down there So the idea of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP recently said she would “pick up a gun” if the article 60 percent. Tral has a history of low turnout and few we could hear exactly what it was, you taking even a share of power in Kashmir would have was removed. While talk of scrapping the article plays voters voiced support for the BJP although Ghulam could definitely tell it was a baby been unthinkable only a few months ago. well at a general election, the leadership has been Rasool, who lives near the candidate Singh, said he screaming,” David Otte, one of the But Modi’s landslide May general election win and more circumspect while campaigning in the state. would consider voting for the BJP as “he has been cyclists, told The Daily Telegraph. a meltdown in support for the incumbent chief minis- “Article 370 is a national issue for us and there good a neighbour”. “We’re just thinking about the little ter after deadly floods in September have given the should be an extensive debate over its utility,” Rajnath Bashir Ahmed Wani, whose son is one of Kashmir’s fella, he’s a beautiful, beautiful baby.” BJP hope of a breakthrough. Separatist hardliners Singh said. most wanted militants, said he wouldn’t vote out of Police said the concrete slab cover- have called for boycott of the vote, a move that could While there is anger over the Modi government’s principle, but acknowledged that could help the BJP. ing most of the drain was so heavy it play to the BJP’s advantage. response to the September flooding, which killed “Many people may end up voting for the PDP needed several people to lift it. Voting begins in the five-phase election on around 200 people, most of the ire has been directed even if they support a boycott as the fear of the BJP “With the assistance of several Tuesday, with results due on December 23. Analysts towards Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his ruling winning is worse,” he said. — AFP passers-by we managed to raise a large say the BJP is almost certain to fall short of an outright concrete slab which covers the inspec- SYDNEY: This photo released by New majority in the 87-member assembly. But they also tion pit of the stormwater drain,” South Wales Police shows a newborn say it has drawn up a strategy of military precision to Inspector David Lagats told reporters. baby who was found yesterday aban- mop up in the Hindu majority Jammu area, and then UK police chief claims “Officers climbed into the drain and doned in a drain in the Sydney suburb cut a deal with one of the smaller Muslim parties to located a baby wrapped in a striped of Quakers Hill, Australia. —AP become the lead player in a coalition. hospital blanket, approximately eight terror plots foiled foot down on the bottom of the pit.” some areas. The launch pad of Jammu The baby, who police fear may have “He was already malnourished and “Jammu is like a launching pad,” said Mehmood- LONDON: British police have foiled four or five Most recently, three people were charged in been dropped through a gap into the dehydration would have taken effect so ur-Rashid, an analyst based in the main city Srinagar. suspected terror plots this year, the country’s London last week over an alleged plot which drain, was taken to hospital conscious I would have had grave fears for the The BJP battleplan is “to sweep Jammu, and then most senior police officer said yesterday ahead media reports said included a plan to behead and breathing and remains in a serious child’s welfare had it been exposed to cobble together some kind of a loose coalition with of a week-long campaign to enlist the public’s somebody in Britain. but stable condition, Lagats said. this weather for the rest of the day,” individual winners in Kashmir,” he added. help in countering the threat. Hogan-Howe said the threat from so-called He added that the baby was mal- Lagats said. Speculation is rife that the BJP will link up with the “We’ve said on average over the last few years “lone wolf” attacks by individuals or small nourished and between two days to a “It’s a horrific incident... but with all small People’s Conference, a formerly pro-separatist it’s been about one (plot) a year, but this year groups was causing “growing concern”, and week old. the teamwork from the bystanders too, party which now argues that economic growth is the alone we think four or five,” Scotland Yard com- warned their ability to act quickly left little time The Telegraph reported that the boy it was a good result and hopefully the best way of improving the lives of Kashmiris. missioner Bernard Hogan-Howe told BBC televi- for the security services to intervene. But he may have been in the drain since child will survive,” the police officer said. Its leader Sajjad Lone met Modi this month in sion. said the public could help by being more vigi- Tuesday. Investigators spent several hours Delhi, telling reporters he had felt “respected and He added: “Certainly we’ve seen a change to lant, particularly in crowded places and trans- Lagats said the cyclists found the searching hospital records and knock- humbled” by the talks. the momentum... we’ve seen a change to the port hubs where attacks are more likely to hap- baby just in time, as a heatwave later ing on doors before they tracked The BJP is even fielding 32 Muslims candidates in frequency and the seriousness of the types of pen. For a week starting today, police will hold swept through the state, with tempera- down the 30-year-old mother, who is the 70 seats it is contesting, including 25 in the restive plots that we’re looking at.” a series of events across Britain to let ordinary tures rising as high as 40 degrees now being interviewed at a police sta- Kashmir Valley. The party won 11 seats in the last More than 250 counter-terrorism arrests have people and businesses know how they can help Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in tion. — AFP elections in 2008, its best ever performance. been made so far this year, according to police by identifying and reporting suspicious behav- The BJP is enjoying a honeymoon period after sources. iour. — AFP MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Taiwan ruling party faces rout in biggest ever local polls

TAIPEI: With public fears of Chinese influ- her more popular DPP opponent-by riding a ers over a controversial trade deal with China, used tainted cooking oil-known as “gutter oil”. Claudia Wu, said she would abstain to reflect ence growing, a slowing economy and a black horse down the city’s streets. sparking mass rallies. “The Kuomintang has even seen their sup- her disillusionment. “I’m not going to vote this series of food scandals, Taiwan’s ruling party is Meanwhile an independent candidate for Ties with Beijing have warmed since the port from the military, teachers and govern- time as I was really disappointed in the poor facing a rough ride in the island’s biggest ever mayor in the city of Kaohsiung stripped to his Kuomintang came to power in 2008, with ment employees-who have long been stal- performance of the government,” said Wu, local elections-seen as a barometer for the underpants on stage as he drew his candi- trade booming and millions of Chinese warts of the party-shaken after cuts to their who works for a construction company in 2016 presidential race. date number, shouting: “Naked to meet you, tourists visiting the island each year. pensions and benefits,” says Tung. Taipei. Campaigning is well under way with honesty is the best policy”. But the improved relationship has led to Currently, the Kuomintang dominates three “Food safety is the most basic demand almost 20,000 candidates contesting a record It was, perhaps, an offbeat nod to allega- domestic anxiety that Taiwan is too reliant on municipalities in the north, including Taipei from the people. The government has to fill 11,130 seats, and analysts predict the Beijing- tions of vote buying which have dogged elec- the mainland. Taiwan broke away from China City, and one in the centre, while the opposi- the people’s stomachs,” she added. friendly Kuomintang government will take a tion campaigns in some areas. Government after the Communist Party took power in tion Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) holds The anonymous Kuomintang official said: serious knock. figures say more than 2,400 people are being 1949. Beijing has never recognised the two in the south. But even the key Taipei may- “The most important thing is for candidates “The Kuomintang party is very likely to investigated, both candidates and supporters, island’s sovereignty and has said it wants to oral seat is under threat-DPP-backed independ- to win back voters’ passion for the party.” lose ground in the vote, it’s just a matter of to mostly in rural locations. Two suspects were reunifiy, by force if necessary. ent candidate Ko Wen-je has a strong lead over Taiwan will go to the polls in early 2016 to what extent,” said Tung Chen-yuan, social sci- detained Friday accused of bribing college More than 12 million people are eligible to the Kuomintang’s Sean Lien in opinion polls. elect a new president after Ma Ying-jeou ence professor at Taipei’s National Chengchi students in a county council election. vote in the six municipalities alone, out of the Recent polls by three major newspapers put completes his second and last four-year term. University. From mayors of the country’s six “The public feels apathetic over the vote, island’s total population of 23 million. Ko’s lead at between seven and 14 percent. The DPP has said the local elections are an municipalities to county chiefs, city council- so candidates are resorting to publicity grab- Stagnant income levels and soaring hous- important prelude, calling on supporters to lors and village leaders, the elections on bing tactics, rather than focusing on critical ing prices are a major source of complaint Losing youth vote cast a “no-confidence” vote. Pro-Kuomintang November 29 could see new faces at every issues,” said one Kuomintang official, who did among voters, particularly for younger gener- Young voters are set to shun the ruling think tank National Policy Foundation also level of local government. not want to be named. ations. party. “I believe lots of young people would emphasised the local vote’s significance. Campaign tactics so far have ranged from The Kuomintang is also under fire over a prefer to vote for the DPP who have more “If the results substantially change the traditional street rallies to bizarre efforts to Party faithful jump ship string of food safety scandals, the latest of reformist ideals,” Shih Yen-ting, a graduate present political landscape, they could impact garner attention. The vote comes at the end of a turbulent which prompted the resignation of the health school student who participated in the spring the 2016 presidential vote,” it said in a One Kuomintang candidate for mayor of year which saw Taiwan’s parliament occupied minister after more than 1,000 restaurants, protests, told AFP. research paper, “and even influence Taiwan’s Tainan cast herself as a “dark horse” against in March for three weeks by student protest- bakeries and food plants were found to have Long-time supporter of the Kuomintang, political ecology in the next 10 years”. —AFP Strong quake in west China kills four, 54 hurt Workers restoring electricity supply to Tagong

BEIJING: A strong earthquake The Sichuan provincial govern- county government, who gave his Along with the two collapsed struck a lightly populated, moun- ment information office said on its surname as Xia, said the quake last- homes, Kangding’s regional airport tainous area of western China, microblog yesterday that the death ed only a few seconds, and that sustained some damage, though killing at least four people, injuring toll had risen to two with 54 injured. there had been some reports of flights were not disrupted, Xinhua 54 others and collapsing homes, The dead included a woman in her cracks in buildings and toppled said. Wang Dan, a spokeswoman for officials said yesterday. 70s who was struck by a falling win- walls. The area is frequently struck the government of Ganzi prefecture, The US Geological Survey said the dow pane, the official Xinhua News by earthquakes, and Xia said newly which includes Kangding county, magnitude-5.9 quake hit Saturday Agency and state broadcaster CCTV constructed buildings in the town of said rescue teams had been dis- about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from said, citing Chen Yunbing, a doctor Kangding must be able to withstand patched to the epicenter. the town of Kangding in Sichuan at the region’s Ganzi People’s those of up to 8 in magnitude, Xinhua said workers were restor- province. China’s seismological Hospital. although requirements are less strict ing the electricity supply to Tagong, Ex-leader Kim Jong Il giving guidance to military units. agency put the magnitude at 6.3. A duty officer at the Kangding in the surrounding rural area. the town closest to the epicenter, where a statue of Buddha in a local Kim Jong Il, great master temple was also damaged. About 100 vehicles were trapped by a land- slide on a highway connecting of independent politics Sichuan and Tibet, and railway serv- ice was also halted in the area while PYONGYANG: Kim Jong Il (1942-2011), the may be, dare to attack. workers checked on damage to the eternal General Secretary of the Workers’ Consistently maintaining independ- line, Xinhua said. Party of Korea and the eternal Chairman of ence, peace and friendship as the funda- No major damage was reported in the DPRK National Defence Commission, mental ideal of the DPRK in its external the town of Kangding, where CCTV was a great master of independent politics, activities, Kim Jong Il paid deep attention video showed residents strolling the who was worth special mention in the to the building of an independent, new town’s streets, looking up at the world history of politics. world. steep surrounding hillsides and talk- His political philosophy was the Juche He conducted energetic external activi- ing on their cellphones.Kangding idea recognized by the international com- ties to strengthen the anti-imperialist inde- and the surrounding county have a munity as the guiding ideology of the pendent forces of the world and also paid population of 129,320 people, about cause of independence. The Juche idea great efforts to the work with figures from 70 percent of them Tibetan. clarifies that one is responsible for one’s Western countries so that Korea’s external Western China is regularly hit by own destiny and one has also the capacity position was much more strengthened. earthquakes, and reports said for hewing out one’s own destiny. His Excellency has wisely led the move- Saturday’s quake could be felt in the Kim Jong Il thoroughly applied this idea ment for the reunification under the ideal Sichuan provincial capital of in the revolution and construction. When of By Our Nation Itself bringing about the Chengdu on the plains below the socialism collapsed in several countries grandiose June 15 reunification era by the Himalayan foothills. Sichuan was one after another towards the close of the north and south. struck by a magnitude-7.9 quake in last century, the DPRK remained unper- Thanks to his love for the nation and his May 2008 that left nearly 90,000 peo- turbed because it had been guided by the nation-oriented policy, the June 15 Joint ple dead, many of them in collapsed line of independence put forward by Kim Declaration was adopted in 2000 and the schools and other poorly constructed Jong Il. October 4 Declaration in 2007, thus setting buildings. Most noteworthy in his political up a new milestone on the road of Korea’s Construction standards have achievements is Songun politics. Thanks reunification. been significantly tightened since to his Songun politics the military Leader Kim Jong Il passed away but his then, and the country’s disaster strength of the DPRK was markedly rein- venerable image is deeply kept in hearts of KANGDING: Two Tibetan women stand outside a makeshift tent at a relief centre in Kangding response capacity has improved with forced and the DPRK became a military the Korean people and the mankind as a yesterday after a quake struck 39 kilometres (24 miles) northwest of Kangding in the mountain- better equipment and trained rescue power which no enemy, how powerful he great master of independent politics. ous west of Sichuan province on Saturday. —AFP teams. —AP Philippines vows justice five years after massacre

AMPATUAN: Top officials vowed yesterday to deliver province-the country’s worst-ever political massacre- Department to convict “at least the principal accused” justice as the Philippines marked the fifth anniversary as “a litmus test of the Philippine justice system”. before he steps down in 2016, Coloma said. of a political massacre that killed 58 with no one yet The 58 victims, including 32 journalists, were rid- convicted and several would-be witnesses murdered. ing in a convoy in the strife-torn province when they Slow wheel of justice Under a burning sun hundreds of relatives and were stopped, rounded up, shot dead and buried on Reforms were being undertaken to speed up legal supporters of the victims, guarded by scores of mili- the hillside. processes, Coloma added, stressing “our people will tary men, congregated on a hillside in the town of The convoy was on its way to file the election can- not accept the slow turning of the wheel of justice”. Ampatuan on the southern island of Mindanao didacy of a local rival of the Ampatuan clan when it But the trial of Ampatuan Snr and Jnr, seven other where the bodies were dumped on November 23, was allegedly waylaid by the family’s private militia clan members and scores of their alleged followers — 2009. Relatives released white balloons, lit candles led by Andal Ampatuan Jnr, son of local strongman 111 in total-has dragged on for years under a creak- and said prayers as they echoed calls to convict mem- Andal Ampatuan Snr. ing justice system which lets lawyers resort to numer- bers and followers of the powerful Ampatuan politi- President Benigno Aquino “is filled with determi- ous delaying tactics. HAKUBA: A local resident leaves after picking up her belongings from her col- cal clan, some of whom are now on trial for the mas- nation that his administration will complete the Meanwhile, 79 suspects, including nine lapsed house after a strong earthquake hit the area the night before, in Hakuba, sacre. In Manila presidential spokesman Herminio unfinished work of achieving justice”, his spokesman Ampatuans, remain at large while human rights some 300 kms northwest of Tokyo Nagano prefecture, yesterday. —AFP Coloma described the killings in Maguindanao said. The president had challenged the Justice groups and victims’ relatives say witnesses are being killed or intimidated to try to sabotage the case. 50 homes collapse, dozens One potential witness was killed last Tuesday, bringing to four the number of would-be witnesses to injured in Japan quake have been murdered. At the ceremonies in Ampatuan, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima joined the relatives of the dead in call- TOKYO: The damage from an overnight earth- nuclear plants are offline following a magnitude- ing for speedier proceedings. quake in a mountainous area of central Japan 9.0 earthquake and massive tsunami in 2011 that Families of those who died spoke of how they that hosted the 1998 winter Olympics proved sent three reactors at the Fukushima Dai-ichi were losing their faith in the system as others wept. more extensive than initially thought. plant into meltdown. Fukushima is about 250 Amnesty International said authorities were run- A daylight assessment yesterday found at kilometers (155 miles) northeast of where ning out of time to ensure their response to the mas- least 50 homes destroyed in two villages, and 41 Saturday’s earthquake occurred. sacre did not become a mockery of justice. people injured across the region, including seven The hardest-hit area appeared to be Hakuba, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Five years after seriously, mostly with broken bones, officials said. which hosted events in the 1998 winter games. the Maguindanao massacre, the cases are still inching The magnitude-6.7 earthquake struck shortly At least 43 homes were destroyed there, and 17 through the Philippine court system and not a single after 10 pm Saturday west of Nagano city at a people injured, national and local disaster agen- person has been held to account,” said Hazel Galang- depth of 5 kilometers (3 miles), the Japan cies said. Another seven homes were lost in Folli, the group’s Philippines researcher, in a state- Meteorological Agency said. The agency revised Otari, a nearby village to the north. Non-residen- ment. The International Federation of Journalists and the magnitude and depth from initial estimates. tial buildings were also destroyed, with officials the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines The US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude assessing the extent. accused the government of failing to protect media of 6.2. Since the quake occurred inland, there workers, citing a continued climate of fear in the was no possibility of a tsunami. Rescued country. De Lima conceded there were obstacles such Ryo Nishino, a restaurant owner in Hakuba, a Japanese television footage showed buildings as 300 witnesses who were due to testify for the ski resort village west of Nagano, told Japanese in various states of collapse, some flattened and defence but she insisted the prosecution’s case was broadcaster NHK that he had “never experienced others leaning to one side, and deep cracks in the still stronger. a quake that shook so hard. The sideways shak- roads. A landslide spilled onto a railroad track, She also acknowledged the killings of witnesses ing was enormous.” He said he was in the restau- forcing service to stop. About 200 people from MANILA: Ralatives of the Maguindanao massacre, journalists and students partici- and potential witnesses. But de Lima said she would rant’s wine cellar when the quake struck, and Hakuba and Otari had evacuated to shelters. pate in a candle lighting ceremony at the Edsa Shrine monument in Manila yester- keeping helping potential witnesses, adding “we will that nothing broke there. Shigeharu Fujimori, a Nagano prefecture dis- day, to commemorate the 5th year of the massacre. Senior Philippine officials vowed continue our fight for rights and justice”. Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said no aster management official, said it was fortunate yesterday to deliver justice as the nation marked the fifth anniversary of the coun- “Justice is slow but it still moves,” she told the rela- abnormalities were reported at three nuclear there haven’t been any deaths reported despite try’s worst political massacre that left 58 dead. —AFP tives. —AFP power plants in the affected areas. All of Japan’s the extent of the damage. —AP NEWS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Tunisians vote for first freely-elected... Continued from Page 1 voted in the afternoon near the city of Sousse, south of Tunis. To prevent the emergence of another dictatorship, A group of protesters demonstrated against his bid for presidential powers have been restricted under a new con- re-election but were kept at bay by police, an AFP reporter stitution, with executive prerogatives transferred to a pre- said. Critics have accused Marzouki of having forged a pact mier drawn from parliament’s top party. Frontrunner “with the devil” in 2011 when he joined a coalition with the Essebsi ran on a campaign of “state prestige”, a slogan with moderate Islamist party Ennahda. Ennahda, which came wide appeal to Tunisians anxious for an end to instability. second in the parliamentary election, did not put up a can- Supporters argue only he can stand up to the Islamists didate and invited its members “to elect a president who who first held power in the post-Ben Ali era, but critics will guarantee democracy”. “The polls are an important charge he is out to restore the old regime, having served turning point for Tunisia, the outcome of a whole process under both former presidents. “Long live Tunisia,” Essebsi that will allow Tunisians to decide their future,” said veteri- said as he cast his ballot at a polling station in a Tunis sub- nary professor Jamel Shemli. Whoever wins, tackling the urb, where he was among the first to vote. Marzouki, who faltering economy will be a top priority, with unemploy- has been hammering home the argument that he is the ment, a leading cause of the revolution, running at 15 per- only leader capable of preserving the gains of the uprising, cent. — AFP Gulf urged to protect workers Continued from Page 1 contract for domestic workers. Qatar and the UAE both have a draft law for domestic helpers but these have not Afghan children play football in a field in Kabul yesterday. — AFP “A proposed Standardized Employment Contract (SEC) been implemented. Bahrain has reformed its labour law to is scheduled for adoption at the GCC conference in Bahrain. extend some benefits to maids, while Saudi Arabia issued However, it is doubtful that the current proposal will make a decision last year granting domestic workers a nine-hour a difference for migrant domestic workers,” added Koning, rest per day and one month’s leave after two years of serv- Facebook paper spells trouble for new an expert on gender equality and domestic work issues. ice, Begum said. Most of those regulations, however, lack Continued from Page 1 er to put in a single organization.” There is no indication that the SEC will be accompanied enforcement and have not been successful in halting Facebook, Google and other tech firms jealously guard by enforcement mechanisms to secure its implementa- abuse against domestic workers, she said. Mutter said that as newspapers cling to their “ancient” their algorithmic formulas. But observers note that a single tion. The document also contains loopholes that the Ministers from the GCC and Asian countries are meet- business model, organizations like Facebook are making tweak of that formula can have important consequences employers can use for their benefit. For instance, they ing in Kuwait on Nov 26 and 27 for the third round of the the news more personal. And he said the trend will contin- for news organizations. “News organizations are trying to could state that a worker’s injury was deliberately self- so-called Abu Dhabi Dialogue on labor migration. About ue as younger readers shun print in favor of digital and build their strategy around trying to guess the algorithm, inflicted, which frees employers from providing medical 23 million foreigners, including at least 2.4 million domes- mobile platforms. and ultimately that’s a losing strategy,” Usher said. care as stipulated in Article 4 of the contract. And in its cur- tic servants, live in the six-nation GCC that groups Bahrain, Nikki Usher, a George Washington University journalism But with traditional news media hurting, it remains rent form, the document falls short of the minimum stan- Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab professor specializing in new media, said Facebook config- unclear how the industry can support the kind of journal- dards set forth in the ILO Convention 189 - the Domestic Emirates. ures its news feed using an algorithm taking into account ism needed to keep people informed as it has in the past. Work Convention. GCC countries have come under fire over the controver- tens of thousands of factors. “Facebook has all the data to Mutter said what people read may change - it may be “Whether it is the scale of abuse of domestic workers sial kafala system of sponsorship for migrant workers, tell you what all of your friends are reading, so you have a sponsored or subsidized in a way that may or may not be hidden from public view or the shocking death toll among which is used to varying extent across the region. It better chance of seeing things that you are interested in,” transparent. “It won’t necessarily be real journalism, but it construction workers, the plight of migrants in the Gulf restricts most workers from moving to a new job before she said. “The reason Facebook has so many engineers and will be content,” he said. Paulson said that while Facebook demands urgent and profound reform,” said Rothna their contracts end unless they obtain their employer’s data scientists is to continually make the algorithm better. can deliver much of the information from newspapers, “it Begum, a Middle East researcher at New York-based consent, trapping many workers in abusive situations. The The algorithm gets stronger as more people use it.” would be hard pressed to capture the soul” of traditional Human Rights Watch. Begum said that reports and investi- speakers called for comprehensive laws to protect migrant Facebook is a source of news for at least 30 percent of print news. “Freedom of the press was established to keep gations by HRW and other rights groups have found com- laborers and reforming the kafala system. Mustafa Qadri of Americans, and a major driver of traffic to news websites, an eye on people in power and inform the community,” he according to a Pew Research Center study. This gives the added. “There’s a tremendous public spirit component that mon patterns of abuse against domestic workers in the Amnesty International assured that “in several cases, social network enormous power over the news media, you can’t address with an algorithm.” Gulf including unpaid wages, no rest periods, excessive domestic workers have reported physical or sexual abuse which is increasingly dependent on traffic from Facebook Paulson said that while Facebook is a useful platform for workloads, food deprivation and confinement in the work- and have been in situations of forced labor, including and other social platforms. Even though Facebook is sharing, it will not underwrite the kind of investigative place. In several cases, domestic workers reported physical human trafficking”. The statement also urged Gulf states to known for its computer coding, it still must make editorial journalism upon which newspapers often pride them- or sexual abuse and had been in situations of forced labor, strengthen their regulation and monitoring of labor decisions, Usher points out. “What’s scary is how reactive a selves. With journalism retrenching, that weakens the including trafficking, she said. recruitment agencies and provide migrants with access to position it puts news organizations, which are trying to entire democratic process. “We get the kind of news we Begum said GCC states are studying a model common justice and support services. guess Facebook’s next move,” she said. “That’s a lot of pow- deserve and are willing to pay for,” Paulson added. — AFP

Islamic finance boom Legal panel clears bill for 5-year cap on... Continued from Page 1 credit shocks. “Islamic banks generally escaped the worst Continued from Page 1 Bureau reports which cost public funds several million effects of the 2008 financial crisis because they were not dinars, which included violations by investors in the free As well as the religious aspect, customers are attracted exposed to subprime and toxic assets,” World Bank man- Meanwhile, MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji yesterday carried out trade zone. The lawmaker claimed that administration cor- to Islamic finance by its flexibility, link to real economic aging director Mahmoud Mohieldin said in a recent his threat and filed a request to grill Commerce and Industry ruption in the ministry has reached an unprecedented level, activity and its ban on transactions involving speculation research note. Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej over alleged financial and as the minister defied legal restrictions and allowed a num- or uncertainty, experts say. To meet ever-increasing But the industry, based on the sharing of profit and administrative violations and failure to safeguard public ber of senior officials to carry out other businesses although demand, Islamic finance has developed numerous prod- losses, was badly hit by the second round of the crisis funds, in addition to alleged moral violations. Speaker this is strictly banned under the law. ucts compliant with sharia law, from loans for cars and which affected real estate and other sectors in the Gulf Marzouq Al-Ghanem said he has informed the government The minister has also made a large number of appoint- houses to funding for major infrastructure projects. region. “In the Gulf, both Islamic and conventional banks of the grilling, which will be listed on the agenda of the Dec ments and transfers at several centers and departments in “Despite being governed by strict religious principles, and companies were hit equally by the crisis. Some 2 session and could be debated the same day unless the clear violation of the law and insisted on the decisions Islamic finance remains highly flexible and less risky. Islamic investment companies were forced out of the minister demands a two-week delay under the constitution. despite being cautioned by a ministerial committee, the These have helped it to expand fast and meet various market,” Saudi economist Abdulwahab Abu-Dahesh said. Under the law, the grilling could lead to a vote of no- lawmaker said. Turaiji also charged that the minister pun- forms of demand,” Kuwaiti economist Hajjaj Bukhdur told Islamic finance’s link to solid assets is seen as one of its confidence, and if it succeeds, will mean an automatic dis- ished an employee and his colleagues for refusing to AFP. major strengths. “They do not deal in derivatives or spec- missal of the minister. To pass, the vote requires the sup- change a health report he made stating that soft drinks Around 40 million of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims ulation,” said Abu-Dahesh, a former senior economist port of 24 MPs or a simple majority among elected MPs made by a local factory were not fit for human consump- are now clients of the Islamic finance industry, which has with a conventional bank. who are not ministers. Out of the 50 elected MPs, three are tion. surged in popularity since its days as a small niche mar- Introduced more than a decade ago to cater for large- Cabinet ministers who are not allowed to vote on no-confi- He said that the minister approved all punitive meas- ket in the early 1970s. The International Monetary Fund scale financing, sukuk bonds are among the most suc- dence motions. Ghanem however said he believes grillings ures taken against the employee, which includes salary (IMF), the World Bank, and other global economic bodies cessful Islamic financial products. Sharia prohibits trade will not disrupt the functioning of the Assembly or over- deductions and halting promotions. The lawmaker claimed estimate that the assets of Islamic financial institutions in debt, so unlike conventional bonds, which give owner- shadow cooperation between the Assembly and the gov- that the minister allowed a senior official to conduct com- grew nine-fold to $1.8 trillion between 2003 and last year. ship of debt, sukuk are asset-based securities that give ernment. The speaker also said that if the grilling is debated mercial activities banned under the law. He said the official They are estimated to have already crossed the $2 trillion investors a share in the project. They also offer better on Dec 2, the Assembly will hold its regular sessions on Dec opened a restaurant in which he sold food unfit for human mark. yields. In June, Britain became the first sovereign issuer of 3 and 4. consumption, and the minister did not take any action The industry, which spans more than 70 countries, sukuk outside the Islamic world with an issue of £200 mil- In the grilling request, Turaiji outlined a large number of against him. could be worth $4 trillion by 2020, according to forecast- lion ($310 million), an offering that was swamped by alleged violations - from squandering public funds to Turaiji charged that the minister committed a large ers including Standard and Poor’s. About 80 percent of strong demand. administrative corruption and immoral behavior, in addi- number of serious violations regarding the Kuwait Stock the assets are now in banks, 15 percent in Islamic bonds The global value of such outstanding bonds was $269 tion to the minister’s alleged responsibility for the collapse Exchange, which comes under the ministry’s supervision, called sukuk, four percent in investment funds and one billion at the end of 2013, and the market is expected to of the Kuwait Stock Exchange. He claimed the minister cost and this resulted in heavy losses for investors and share- percent in Islamic insurance known as takaful. Iran expand at a double-digit rate, Dubai International public funds several millions of dinars in the food rationing holders. The violations included delaying key projects to accounts for about 40 percent of Islamic banking assets, Financial Centre governor Essa Kazim estimates. Sceptics program despite being warned by the finance ministry. In privatize the Kuwait Stock Exchange, which contributed to Saudi Arabia 12 percent, and Malaysia 10 percent. say the booming industry owes its success to religion, addition, the minister allegedly sent a number of assistant its decline and losses, he said. Turaiji also claimed that the Proponents argue that Islamic banks outperformed but others say it also makes financial sense. “I have been undersecretaries on unnecessary overseas missions to ben- minister has covered up a number of immoral practices their conventional counterparts during the 2008 global dealing with Islamic banks for the past two decades for efit them financially despite being warned by the under- that included sexual harassment. He said that the minister financial crisis. Their capital and liquidity buffers are seen purely economic reasons and good profit,” said Amin secretary. not only failed to take any action against the culprits but as helping to shield them during market turbulence or Mahmoud, a private sector manager. — AFP Turaiji highlighted financial violations cited in the Audit protected them in their posts in the ministry. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Countdown to missed opportunity for EU economy

By Paul Taylor

he countdown has begun to what threatens to be a missed opportunity to revive Europe’s stalled economy. TWhen European Union leaders meet on Dec 18-19 under new management, they have a chance to launch a joint assault on the economic stagnation and high unemployment that are fuelling disenchantment and anti-EU protest among voters. All the signs are they are set to fall short. The 18-nation euro zone is struggling to pull out of the aftermath of its debt crisis, aggra- vated by the economic impact of a standoff with Russia over Ukraine. Inflation and growth are hovering below 1 percent while unemployment is stuck at 11.5 percent, and more than double that level in Spain and Greece. Even EU powerhouse Village Alpine idyll for asylum-seekers Germany has hit a slowdown. Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers says Europe risks “secular stagnation” - a long- By Philippe Schwab mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iran but train youngsters. “I now know hundreds of mechanic told AFP in excellent German. term, self-perpetuating slump similar to the one that followed also the Horn of Africa and even Ukraine. people ... I didn’t think people would be so the Great Depression in the 1930s. France’s economy is flatlin- s Europe struggles with floods of And not only are they tolerated they are welcoming,” Mohsen, whose asylum appli- Magic Formula ing, Italy’s has fallen back into recession and both countries are refugees fleeing Syria and other even valued members of this small, tight- cation for him, his wife and baby has just Under Austrian law asylum seekers are not failing to cut their budget deficits and debt in line with EU rules, Ahotspots, one award-winning village knit community. Mohsen, for example, an been accepted, told AFP. “At the club people allowed to work while their claims are being causing tension with Brussels and Berlin. in Austria is showing that it is possible for Iranian who has been in Altmuenster for told me that before they had a negative processed, but those of Altmuenster are not “Without jobs and growth, the European idea itself is in dan- locals and asylum-seekers to get along just two years, has become something of a star image of asylum-seekers, but that we have sitting idly around while they wait. They get ger,” outgoing European Council President Herman Van fine. Two years ago, when it was announced in the local football team. He even helps changed their opinions,” the 29-year-old 5.50 euros per day per adult and four euros Rompuy said last week. His successor, Poland’s Donald Tusk, will that the pretty, lakeside village of per child, money they can spend at the local have the task of trying to forge a summit agreement on a new Altmuenster, population 2,500, would house mini-market on food to cook themselves at economic policy mix. European Central Bank President Mario an asylum centre, there was uproar, said the hotel. Of course it helps that picture-post- Draghi set out the agenda for what might become a New Deal Almut Etz, member of a local collective creat- card Altmuenster is a small, wealthy place for Europe in a speech to global central bankers in Jackson ed to help the newcomers. “There were with an unemployment rate of one percent. Hole, Wyoming, in August. He called for a combination of posters at the beginning that said ‘Yes to Conditions are not so favourable else- national budget measures to boost demand, greater EU public Altmuenster, no to the asylum centre’. As if it where in Austria or across Europe - where investment and growth-friendly structural economic reforms was mutually exclusive, that if you said yes to nearly half a million applied for asylum last alongside the ECB’s monetary stimulus. the centre, you were against Altmuenster,” Etz year, up 30 percent from 2012. But this alone Draghi highlighted the scale of the challenge on Friday, told AFP. doesn’t explain the success of Altmuenster’s painting a gloomy outlook and promising to act “as fast as pos- The far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), one of scheme, which has earned it the award “Ort sible” to combat worryingly low inflation. Yet despite a show of whose MPs this month called asylum-seekers des Respekts” (“Place of Respect”). Another unity this month, he is struggling to overcome opposition led “cavemen”, supported a petition that attract- key factor is that the dialogue is constant. by German Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann to bolder meas- ed 700 signatures against the centre. One Every month the asylum-seekers and locals ures such as buying government bonds, known as quantitative Facebook post spoke of welcoming the get together for coffee and cake, and once a easing. “What Draghi needs is an ambitious agreement at the refugees with machine guns. But the church year there is a party, when the refugees cook summit on investment, a commitment to coordinated econom- and the mayor managed to calm things specialties for the locals. ic reforms and stronger fiscal rules, to give him political cover to down. “We immediately organised two public But more importantly, teachers give the move to quantitative easing,” a senior EU official said, referring meetings that included a lot of opponents refugees - some of whom never went to to the policy of large-scale asset purchases by the central bank. who were able to express their opinions,” school - 30 hours a week of German lessons, “But there is a risk that the summit will be a let-down.” parish priest Franz Benezeder told AFP. “I and the children go the local school. For may- reminded people that welcoming strangers is or Hannes Schobesberger, the magic formula ‘Fake Money’ one of the key tenets of the Bible.” is “properly informing people, letting them New European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker In just a few days, the hostile placards went express themselves and involving them,” the has promised a Ä300 billion ($376 billion) investment program and around 40 locals formed the new collec- 57-year-old told AFP. “These people are put- on public works such as transport, energy and digital networks. tive to help the refugees when the first ones ting all their energy into integrating and But it is expected to involve largely recycling existing EU budg- arrived one snowy day in Dec 2012. “We were obtaining refugee status. It is inconceivable et and European Investment Bank funds with little if any new quite literally drowning in donated clothes that they would cause trouble,” he said. “The and bikes. In a few days we had collected only worry is that at the beginning some public money. French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron Parents Raman and Fatima with their children Ibrahim and Nirmin, refugees said last week that an investment program based on “fake mon- 6,000 euros ($7,500),” says Almut Etz, a retired people aren’t familiar with the recycling sys- teacher. Today 50 asylum-seekers are housed from Syria, wait for asylum in a former hotel in Altmuenster, Austria on Oct 29, tem,” Benezeder, the priest, added with a ey” without at least 80 billion euros in new “real money” would 2014. —AFP risk disappointing. in a former hotel in the village near Salzburg, smile. —AFP Germany, aiming to balance its budget, has rebuffed calls to stimulate domestic demand and made only a token ges- ture towards more investment in public infrastructure, prom- ising a paltry extra 10 billion euros over three years. At the Pankisi Gorge: The making of a jihadist same time, France and Italy, the euro zone’s troubled second and third economies, are balking at going beyond half-mea- By Irakli Metreveli But Pankisi does have a history of militancy. During the two quickly returned. They were shocked by the atrocities against inno- sures to shake up rigid labour markets and open up to more Russian-Chechen wars, between 1994 and 2000, and for a few years cent civilians. They saw that it’s not a jihad, but a Muslim fratricide.” But competition. Barring a last-minute surprise, EU leaders are hite smoke belches from the chimney of a lopsided stone more, separatist fighters from neighbouring Chechnya found a safe an elderly resident of Shishani’s native Birkiani village said that heading for a hollow agreement that won’t fundamentally house, mingling with thick fog in Georgia’s Pankisi Gorge haven in Pankisi and even used it as a springboard for attacks on Salafism threatened the “very existence of the Kists’ cultural identity”. change a set of economic policies that has failed to reignite Wwhose bucolic setting hardly fits its reputation as a jihadist Russian forces. In 2004, the United States helped Georgia’s former pro- “Overwhelmingly Salafi, Kist youth no longer identify themselves as growth so far. “The architecture of the euro zone doesn’t hotbed. Temur Batirashvili, a 70-year-old subsistence farmer, warms his Western president Mikheil Saakashvili clear the Chechen fighters out. ethnic Kists or Georgian citizens - only as Muslims,” he said, declining make it easy to provide the radical policy solutions that hands over a rusty stove as he tells the story of his son, one of the most But the years of lawlessness had a lasting impact, with some among to give his name. depression requires,” said Nicholas Childs, professor of eco- feared commanders with the Islamic State group in Syria. The notori- the 10,000 refugees from the Chechnya wars introducing radical In Duisi, another Kist village, a member of Pankisi’s Council of nomic history at the University of Warwick. “I can’t see supply ous red-bearded fighter Omar Al-Shishani was born Tarkhan forms of Islam. Elders said that the Georgian government lacked policies to address side reforms delivering enough in the short term to help. Batirashvili in Birkiani, one of six villages in the area populated by Traditional Sufi Islam was quickly replaced by Salafism - a radical serious social and economic problems in the area. “Poverty and That means the ECB, a fair weather central bank, is going to Muslim Kists - descendants of ethnic Chechens who migrated to be tested in a storm.” branch of Islam. “Salafism is now the dominant form of Islam in unemployment are what drives young Kists out of Pankisi. They look Domestic constraints, divergent economic philosophies Georgia in the 19th century. Pankisi,” Sulkhan Bordzikashvili, a journalist from Pankisi’s Jokolo vil- for jobs in Turkey and some of them end up in that bloody war in and mutual mistrust make a disappointing summit outcome Shishani - whose nom-de-guerre means “the Chechen” in Arabic - lage, told AFP. But he insisted that “extremists are not welcome in Syria,” said Khaso Khangoshvili. Shishani’s father agreed. “If only my likely. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is convinced Europe is among dozens of other Kists reportedly fighting in Syria and Iraq for Pankisi.” People who expressed radical views were forced to leave the son had had a glimmer of hope for a better life here in Georgia, he cannot grow its way out of crisis on borrowed money and the IS group. The 27-year-old previously served in pro-Western region, he said. “Some of them went to the Syria war but almost all would never have left Pankisi,” he said. —AFP thinks France and Italy are falling short on economic reforms. Georgia’s US-trained army, fighting against Russian troops during the One hope may lie in a Franco-German study to be presented Russia-Georgia war in 2008. He was promoted to sergeant before this week (Nov 29) identifying priorities for structural reforms being diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2010 and dismissed. and public investment in both countries. “When Tarkhan recovered, he was keen to re-join the army,” his Paris and Berlin may yet take recommendations by econo- father said. “They promised him a job in the military but never kept the mists Jean Pisani-Ferry and Henrik Enderlein as the basis of a promise.” A few months later he was arrested and jailed for three years grand bargain matching more French reform with more for illegal weapons possession. When he left jail, shortly before the end German investment. Otherwise, the job will again be left to of his sentence, he told his father he felt rejected by his country. “One the ECB. But as Draghi warned in his Jackson Hole speech: day he told me: ‘Dad, this country doesn’t need me.’ That was the last “No amount of fiscal or monetary accommodation ... can time I saw him. He went away and never returned,” his father said. “The compensate for the necessary structural reforms in the euro time he spent in prison changed him. He converted to Islam. Before area.” —Reuters that, he was not a religious man. He only called me twice from Syria,” he added. “He asked me whether I pray. ‘Of course I pray,’ I told him. ‘I pray to Saint George.’ He hung up.”

All articles appearing on these Poverty and Unemployment pages are the personal opinion of A former Georgian security official told AFP that Shishani - who the writers. Kuwait Times takes no was arrested for selling weapons to Chechen separatist fighters - “only cared about money, just as many other purported fanatics who claim responsibility for views expressed to be fighting a holy war”. Shishani, as well as other Kists reportedly therein. Kuwait Times invites read- fighting in Syria and Iraq, have earned the area of northeastern ers to voice their opinions. Please Georgia a reputation for forging Islamic militants. “Up to 70 people send submissions via email to: opin- from Pankisi are currently fighting alongside IS jihadists,” Shota Utiashvili, a former senior official in Georgia’s Interior Ministry, told AFP. [email protected] or via snail But he dismissed multiple Western media reports that Pankisi - just mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. a day’s drive from Syria - has become a jihadist hotbed. “There are no The editor reserves the right to edit radical Islamists in Pankisi,” he said. “There might be some Kist kids who any submission as necessary. are proud of their world-famous Tarkhan, but if he were a football star A picture taken on Nov 1, 2014 shows Temur Batirashvili, a 70-year-old subsistence farmer in his home in they would all be dreaming of becoming footballers.” Birkiani. —AFP p15_Layout 1 11/23/14 8:55 PM Page 1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 SPORTS

Wakeup call for Dortmund Whelan threatens to quit Mamat marches to title BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund players must pull themselves out of a LONDON: Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan says he will resign if the MANILA: Singaporean Mardan Mamat romped to an emotional six-shot domestic rut that has left them 15th in the Bundesliga and not expect English FA find him guilty of racism over comments he made defending win at the $1 million Manila Masters yesterday to preserve his playing privi- problems to go away, club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said yesterday. the appointment of controversial manager Malky Mackay. leges on the Asian Tour for another two years. Speaking at the annual members meeting with the entire team present, Whelan, who also owns the Championship (second-tier) club, was The 47-year-old entered the week in danger of losing his card but a Watzke said it was neither the club, nor the coach who could help them. accused of anti-Semitism and condoning racism when speaking to the three-under-par 69 in the wind at the Jack Nicklaus designed Manila “The poison that everything will sort itself out must come out of your Guardian newspaper last week. Southwoods Golf and Country Club was more than enough to claim his ears, out of all of our ears,” Watzke said after the team had received thun- He later apologised for causing offence and said he had been misquot- fourth Asian Tour title and first since the 2012 Philippine Open. derous applause despite their 2-2 draw against Papderborn on Saturday. ed as using the word “chink” to describe a Chinese person and saying that “It means a lot to me,” said Mamat, who fell to his knees and kissed the green after closing with a par at the last. “This is my last Dortmund, last season’s runners-up, squandered a two-goal lead in the “Jewish people chase money more than everybody else”. year of exemption and I needed to play well to keep second half, indicative of their erratic form. “In the future think The FA issued a statement saying it was “very concerned” about the about what kind of reception you have been given here my card. I wanted to win again to keep my exemp- remarks and had written to Whelan, giving him three days to respond tion for the next few years.” Mamat entered the day today as 15th-placed,” Watzke said. “No coach, no one of us before deciding what action to take. can help you. You have to change it, it is your task. We have with a four-shot lead and his steely focus resulted in The 77-year-old now says he will quit if he is charged with racism. five birdies and two bogeys which were enough for a to get out from down there.” “Should they even suggest I’m guilty I would immediately resign,” Whelan fourth round in the 60s this week and a 20-under “We just cannot afford to implode like we did in the told ITV News. “I’m absolutely anti-racist, always have been, always will be”. total of 268. His playing partner Kiradech second half when we are 15th,” he said. Dortmund, who The Wigan chairman had been speaking to the newspaper to defend his Aphibarnrat struggled in the conditions on won the Bundesliga in 2011 and the domestic appointment of former Cardiff City boss Mackay, who is under FA investiga- the way to a three-over 75, allowing league and Cup double in 2012, also reached the tion for sending allegedly sexist, racist and homophobic texts when in Frenchman Lionel Weber to finish second Champions League final in 2013.—Reuters charge at the Welsh club.—Reuters after a closing 70. —Reuters Team Brunel takes 2nd leg lead in Volvo Ocean Race

ALICANTE: Dutch skipper Bouwe bunched on the 5,200-nautical mile Bekking, who has been trying to win the route from Cape Town to Abu Dhabi that Volvo Ocean Race for nearly 30 years, is expected to take three weeks to com- snatched the second leg lead yesterday. plete, depending on the weather. Bekking, 51, is the oldest skipper in Only 53 nautical miles separates first the fleet and is competing in offshore to last, the Swedish all-women crew of sailing’s most prestigious event for a Team SCA, with just over 4,300 nautical record-equaling seventh time after first miles to go. MAPFRE of Spain is third, taking part in the 1985-86 edition, for- ahead of Team Alvimedica (Turkey/US), merly the Whitbread Round the World Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Race. Vestas Wind (Denmark). He has finished second and third but The leg is one of the most challeng- never won and said before setting off in ing in the 41-year-old event. Before the Alicante, Spain, last month: “Only win- teams left South Africa on Wednesday, ning will do this time.” there were warnings of cyclones, tropi- His Team Brunel crew responded by cal storms and icebergs on the stage finishing third behind Abu Dhabi Ocean that crosses the Southern and Indian Racing on Leg 1 from Alicante to Cape oceans. The race covers 38,739 nautical Town and on Sunday they edged into a miles and takes nine months to com- three-mile lead from Chinese boat plete, visiting 11 ports and every conti- Dongfeng Race Team in the next stage. nent. It finishes in Gothenburg, Sweden, The seven-strong fleet is still tightly on June 27. —AP

UNIONDALE: Brock Nelson No. 29 scores on his powerplay goal at 9:47 of the third period against Thomas Greiss No. 1 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. —AFP Islanders thrash Penguins

UNIONDALE: Anders Lee scored the go-ahead goal in the shootout in a win over New Jersey. The teams meet again Tuesday in St. Louis for the early in the third period, Jaroslav Halak made 27 Trailing 4-2, Flames coach Bob Hartley aggres- second and final time this season. Ottawa (9-6-4) saves as the New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh sively pulled goaltender Karri Ramo with just under was only 3-7-2 in afternoon games last season, and Penguins 4-1 on Saturday night to sweep a home- 4 minutes remaining in regulation. Hudler scored the Senators repeated the trend against the Blues. and-home series. from the side of the net with 2:22 left, and Curtis Lee’s third goal of the season at 2:38 came on a Glencross’ second goal of the game tied it with 5 PREDATORS 3, PANTHERS 2 tip-in of Lubomir Visnovsky’s slap shot that got past seconds to goIn the shootout, both teams scored Filip Forsberg scored the lone goal in a shootout backup goalie Thomas Greiss. Brock Nelson added a once in the first three shooters before Hudler sent a as Nashville edged Florida after squandering a two- power-play goal at 9:47 - his team-leading 10th tally shot past Devils goalie Scott Clemmensen to put goal lead in the final minute of the third period. - and Islanders captain John Tavares closed the scor- Calgary ahead. Ramo clinched the victory by stop- Colin Wilson and Matt Cullen had goals in regulation ing with his eighth at 15:46. ping Travis Zajac. Josh Jooris also scored for Calgary, for the Predators, winners of three of four. Pekka New York had tied it 1-1 in the second period on which finished 4-1 on a five-game homestand. Rinne made 28 saves to improve to 13-3-1. a goal by Matt Martin. The resurgent Islanders (14-6), Adam Henrique, Mike Cammalleri, Zajac and Rocco Grimaldi and Nick Bjugstad scored 12 sec- who finished last in the Metropolitan Division last Tuomo Ruuto scored for New Jersey, which is 1-1-1 onds apart to help the Panthers tie the game. season, won for the eighth time in nine games. on a four-game trip that concludes Tuesday at Roberto Luongo had 48 saves for Florida, which has Halak has won his last six starts, allowing just eight Vancouver. lost two of three. With time winding down in the goals. New York tied Pittsburgh atop the division third, Luongo was pulled for an extra attacker. with 28 points, though the Penguins (13-4-2) have COYOTES 4, SHARKS 3 Grimaldi’s first career goal put the Panthers on the SOUTH AFRICA: Team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing depart on the next leg of the Volvo played one fewer game. Antoine Vermette scored in regulation then net- board at 19:17. Bjugstad quickly followed to send Ocean Race. —AP ted the lone goal of the shootout to help Arizona the game to overtime. CANADIENS 2, BRUINS 0 beat San Jose. San Jose’s Joe Pavelski scored on a Carey Price made 33 saves, and Tomas Plekanec power play to tie it midway through the third peri- STARS 5, KINGS 4 had a goal and an assist as Montreal topped Boston. od. Brett Burns fired a shot from just inside the blue Jamie Benn scored two first-period goals as F1 champ meets Kuwaiti Andrei Markov added his 100th career goal for the line that Pavelski redirected past Devan Dubnyk. Dallas held on to top Los Angeles. It was the Stars’ Canadiens, who posted their eighth win in nine Shane Doan scored 52 seconds into the third to second straight home victory after they had lost racing driver Ashkanani games. Tuukka Rask stopped 22 shots, but fell to 3- give the Coyotes a 3-2 lead. He followed Sam nine of their first 10 there. 12-3 in his career during the regular season against Gagner’s shot and flipped in the rebound. Los Angeles dropped to 1-4-3 on the road at the ABU DHABI: 20 year old Kuwaiti racing Formula 1’s superstars Daniel Ricciardo. I the Canadiens. Montreal improved to 3-0 against Vermette and David Schlemko scored in the first start of a three-game trip. The only victory was at Driver Zaid Ashkanani joins the Red Bull was able to get a first-hand look at the Boston this season. to put the Coyotes ahead en route to their third road Dallas on Nov. 4. Tyler Seguin and John Klingberg athlete family. To celebrate this achieve- operation of such a professional team, and It was the 728th regular-season meeting win in four games. Dubnyk stopped 40 shots for the each had a goal and an assist for Dallas, and Jason ment Zaid was welcomed by the team at a glimpse of what happens behind the between the clubs, the first in Boston since Montreal Coyotes. Antti Niemi made 22 saves as the Sharks Demers scored in his first game after being traded to the Infinity Red Bull Racing Garage during scenes in the garage.” said Zaid Ashkanani. upset the top-seeded Bruins in a seven-game series fell to 2-3-2 at home. Tommy Wingels and Andrew the Stars. Justin Williams scored two goals, and the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. Zaid Ashkanani started his racing career last spring in the Eastern Conference second round. Desjardins had goals in the second period to tie it Tanner Pearson and Mike Richards had one each During his visit, Zaid was given a garage in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle for the Sharks. after Los Angeles fell behind 4-0. tour where he met many of the team mem- East when he participated in 2012/2013 in LIGHTNING 2, WILD 1 Dallas’ Cody Eakin and Los Angeles’ Kyle Clifford bers who gave him an overview of the RB10 the Silver category. He managed to clinch Steven Stamkos scored his 14th goal of the sea- MAPLE LEAFS 4, RED WINGS 1 and Jarrett Stoll had two assists apiece. Kari & showed him what happens behind the the 6th place overall and Rookie of the Year son as Tampa Bay ended Minnesota’s four-game Tyler Bozak scored a pair of third-period goals as Lehtonen made 38 saves for Dallas. Los Angeles’ scenes during the F1 races. title. In 2013/2014 Zaid managed to take winning streak. Alex Killorn scored in his fourth Toronto beat Detroit. Leo Komarov and Peter Holland Jonathan Quick had 23, including only two in the Daniel Ricciardo, the Infiniti Red Bull four wins and three pole positions and end- straight game for the Lightning, who had lost two in had the other goals for Toronto. Jonathan Bernier third period. Racing Driver, met Zaid and shared some of ed the season being the youngest champi- a row. Anton Stralman had two assists, and Ben made 26 saves to improve to 7-5-2. Tomas Tatar had his experiences as a professional F1 driver onship winner. This year he started defend- Bishop stopped 30 shots. the lone goal for Detroit, and Jimmy Howard made AVALANCHE 4, HURRICANES 3 and gave him some tips and career advice. ing his title by earning second and 3rd Zach Parise scored for Minnesota, which won the 24 saves. Following Thursday night’s backlash, the Zach Redmond scored his second goal of the “I’m very delighted to join the Red Bull places in the first round in Bahrain. He cur- other meeting between the teams, 7-2 on Oct. 25. Maple Leafs saluted their fans on Saturday night after game with 1:35 remaining as Colorado rallied to athlete family. I’m also very happy with this rently sits second in the championship with Darcy Kuemper finished with 26 saves. Bishop made the win before leaving the ice. Toronto topped beat Carolina. Jarome Iginla had a goal and an assist, unique experience and meeting with one of 44 points, only 6 points behind the leader. two saves during Minnesota’s power play early in Detroit for the first time in three games this season, and Erik Johnson also scored for the Avalanche, who the third period. The Wild went 0 for 3 with the man and the Maple Leafs have back-to-back contests after have won three of four. Calvin Pickard had 17 saves advantage to drop to 1 for 38 on the road. a three-game skid in which they were outscored 17- in relief of Reto Berra. 5. They are 8-4-1 in their last 13. Bozak gave Toronto Colorado trailed 3-2 late but controlled play for FLYERS 4, BLUE JACKETS 2 its second lead of the night with a short-handed goal most of the third period. Iginla tied it 3-3 at 14:43, Brayden Schenn, Mark Streit, Wayne Simmonds early in the third period. and Redmond pinched in from the blue line to and Braydon Coburn all scored for Philadelphia, record his first career multi-goal game. which beat Columbus and broke a season-worst, BLUES 3, SENATORS 2 Carolina pulled goalie Cam Ward for an extra four-game losing streak. Alex Steen’s second-period goal stood up as the skater with a minute left, but couldn’t tie it. Ward fin- Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux both had two game-winner in St. Louis’ victory over Ottawa. ished with 31 saves. assists, and Voracek improved his NHL-leading Maxim Lapierre and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored Nathan Gerbe, Andrej Nestrasil and John-Michael points total to 29. Giroux notched his 400th NHL for the Blues (13-6-1), and Brian Elliott stopped 24 Liles scored for the Hurricanes, who have lost five of point with his first assist. Steve Mason made 20 shots. Ottawa got goals from Mika Zibanejad and six after a 5-0-1 stretch. Carolina struggled to score saves. Boone Jenner and Matt Calvert scored for the Erik Karlsson. Robin Lehner, making his second con- during its recent slide, managing just two goals dur- Blue Jackets, who have lost three games in a row. secutive start, stopped 30 shots. ing a three-game losing streak. —AP Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 33 shots against his for- mer team. NHL results/standings SABRES 2, CAPITALS 1 Torrey Mitchell scored the tiebreaking goal with St. Louis 3, Ottawa 2; Montreal 2, Boston 0; Toronto 4, Detroit 1; Tampa Bay 2, Minnesota 1; NY Islanders 4, Pittsburgh 1; 7:42 left and Jhonas Enroth stopped 43 shots as Philadelphia 4, Columbus 2; Buffalo 2, Washington 1; Nashville 3, Florida 2 (SO); Dallas 5, Los Angeles 4; Colorado 4, Buffalo beat Washington for its third straight win. Carolina 3; Calgary 5, New Jersey 4 (SO); Chicago 7, Edmonton 1; Arizona 4, San Jose 3 (SO). Washington’s Braden Holtby made the initial save Western Conference Eastern Conference after Brian Gionta picked up a loose puck in the left Pacific Division Atlantic Division WLOTLGFGAPTS Montreal 16 5 1 61 52 33 Tampa Bay 14 6 2 77 60 30 circle, but Mitchell knocked in the rebound for his Anaheim 12 4 5 58 53 29 third goal of the season. Boston 13 9 0 57 54 26 Calgary 13 7 2 71 61 28 Detroit 10 5 5 55 49 25 Matt Moulson also scored for Buffalo, which Vancouver 13 6 1 61 60 27 Toronto 11 8 2 67 63 24 began the day last in the NHL. The Sabres have won Los Angeles 11 6 4 57 49 26 Ottawa 9 6 4 52 50 22 three in a row for the first time since Feb. 25-28. Matt San Jose 10 9 4 62 64 24 Florida 7 5 6 40 47 20 Arizona 9 10 2 53 65 20 Buffalo 6 13 2 36 70 14 Niskanen tied it for Washington with a power-play Metropolitan Division goal at 5:54 of the third period. Holtby made 24 Edmonton 6 13 2 49 74 14 Pittsburgh 13 4 2 69 44 28 Central Division saves. Enroth, starting in place of the injured Michal NY Islanders 14 6 0 68 57 28 Nashville 13 5 2 57 42 28 Washington 9 8 3 56 54 21 Neuvirth, stopped 20 shots in the second period. St. Louis 13 6 1 53 41 27 New Jersey 9 9 3 53 61 21 Washington had won two straight and five of seven. Chicago 12 7 1 62 40 25 NY Rangers 8 7 4 52 58 20 Winnipeg 10 8 3 43 47 23 Philadelphia 8 9 2 57 60 18 Carolina 6 11 3 48 62 15 FLAMES 5, DEVILS 4 Minnesota 11 8 0 54 43 22 Columbus 6 12 2 49 72 14 Jiri Hudler scored late in regulation to start Dallas 8 9 4 61 72 20 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the Calgary’s comeback and then got the deciding goal Colorado 7 9 5 53 67 19 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). p16_Layout 1 11/23/14 8:56 PM Page 1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 SPORTS Anamul, Tamim set up easy win for Bangladesh

CHITTAGONG: Opening batsmen Anamul balls. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza took three Haque and Tamim Iqbal each struck a half- wickets in his opening spell to rattle century to set up an easy 68-run win for Zimbabwe and left the visitors struggling Bangladesh in the second one-day interna- at 3-40 and the side could never recover tional against Zimbabwe in Chittagong from the damage. yesterday. Anamul made 80 off 110 balls Solomon Mire top-scored for Zimbabwe while Tamim cracked 76 off 98 balls as with his maiden fifty — 50 off 79 balls- Bangladesh posted 251-7 before dismissing while Regis Chakabva (32) and Elton Zimbabwe for 183 runs in 44.5 overs to take Chigumbura (38) played late cameos but 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Bangladesh were always in control. Anamul and Tamim provided Arafat Sunny, who finished with 4-29, Bangladesh the foundation putting on 158 bowled last three batsmen in his final over runs in what was the side’s second best after Chigumbura was run out by Sabbir opening stand after Mehrab Hossain and Rahman with a direct hit. Shahirar Hossain’s 170 against the same Mortaza (3-34) was adjudged man of opponents in 1999. the match. Bangladesh won the first match Bangladesh suffered a major collapse by 87 runs at same venue on Friday. The losing six wickets for 46 runs after Tamim remaining three matches of the series will was run out, but Mominul Haque, batting be held in the capital Dhaka’s Sher-e- at number seven, guided the score past Bangla National Stadium on November 26, 250-run mark with an unbeaten 33 off 23 28 and December 1. —AFP

SCOREBOARD

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh: Scoreboard of the second one-day international between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday.

Bangladesh innings Zimbabwe innings Tamim Iqbal run out 76 H. Masakadza b Mortaza 0 S. Raza c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 16 Anamul Haque c Sibanda b Panyangara 80 V. Sibanda b Mortaza 21 Shakib Al Hasan b Sibanda 0 B. Taylor c Mahmudullah b Sunny 8 Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Kamungozi 27 S. Mire c Sunny b Shakib 50 SYDNEY: Australia’s captain George Bailey (second left) celebrates with teammates and the winning trophy following their 4-1 series victory Sabbir Rahman c Kamungozi b Panyangara 0 R. Chakabva c Mortaza b Al-Amin 32 against South Africa after the fifth one-day internationalcricket match. —AFP E. Chigumbura run out 38 Mahmudullah c Panyangara b Kamungozi 12 T. Panyangara b Sunny 8 Mominul Haque not out 33 J. Nyumbu b Sunny 0 Mashrafe Mortaza b Chatara 6 T. Chatara not out 1 Australia edge S Africa in T. Kamungozi b Sunny 0 Rubel Hossain not out 5 Extras (lb4, w5) 9 Extras (lb3, w8, nb1) 12 Total ( all out; 44.5 overs) 183 Total (for seven wickets; 50 overs) 251 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Masakadza), 2-37 last ODI to top rankings (Sibanda), 3-40 (Raza), 4- 50 (Taylor), 5-115 Fall of wickets: 1-158 (Tamim) , 2-158 ( Shakib), (Chakabva), 6-140 (Mire), 7-177 (Chigumbura), 3- 173( Anamul ), 4- 173 (Sabbir), 5-204( 8-181 (Panyangara), 9-182 (Nyumbu) , 10-183 discipline. Ten no-balls over the course of the on to reach his century before being caught off Mahmudullah), 6-204 ( Rahim ), 7-225 ( (Kamungozi) Bowling: Mortaza 8-0-34-3 (w2), SYDNEY: James Faulkner hit the winning boundary with five balls to spare to give series cost them dearly. his glove going for a uppercut off paceman Pat Mortaza) Bowling: Panyangara 10-1-51-2 (w1, Al-Amin 8-0-44-1(w1), Rubel 6-1-28-0, Sunny 9.5-0-29-4 (w1), Shakib 8-2-18-1(w1), Australia a thrilling two-wicket victory over De Villiers wants the problem cleared up Cummins in the 41st over. nb-1), Chatara 10-0-58-1(w1), Kamungozi 10- Mahmudullah 2-0-12-0, Sabbir 3-0-14-0 Result: South Africa yesterday and push them to the top before the start of the World Cup. “It’s unaccept- De Kock put on 107 for the second wicket 0-38-2 (w1), Nyumbu 10-0-56-0 (w2), Sibanda Bangladesh won by 68 runs and lead the five- of the ICC one-day rankings. able and it shouldn’t happen-it’s not good with Rossouw, who scored 51 off 71 balls. 10-0-45-1(w3) match series 2-0. The Australians were cruising towards a rain- enough,” he said. Farhaan Behardien provided late fireworks in his reduced victory target of 275 in Sydney but then In the absence of de Villiers, de Kock stepped best knock of the series with 63 off 41 balls, lost four wickets for three runs to give the up to play a valuable innings for the Proteas, including seven fours and two sixes. Proteas a late chance of victory. who were striving to avoid a fourth defeat in the He looked set for a third six only to be athleti- But Faulkner (six not out) got Australia over five-game ODI series. cally caught above his head by Smith on the the line with a sweep for four off spinner Robin The wicketkeeper’s 107 off 123 balls with 14 boundary rope. Cummins was the best Peterson, who had bowled the Proteas into con- fours was his sixth ODI hundred but first against Australian bowler with three for 54. Australia tention with four wickets. Australia. It was also the first one-day century by now have a four-Test home series against India Australia secured a 4-1 series win and nudged a South African at the Sydney Cricket Ground. before hosting a triangular ODI series featuring ahead of India by just 0.2 points to top the one- De Kock survived a close shave on 98 as world champions India and England from day rankings, less than three months before the Smith’s throw narrowly missed the stumps when January 16 to February 1, ahead of the World start of the World Cup in Australia and New the batsman was well out of hi ground. He went Cup. —AFP Zealand. Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock was named man-of-the-match in a losing side for his 107 off 123 balls after South Africa won the toss SCOREBOARD and scored 280 for six. SYDNEY: Scoreboard for the fifth one-day international between Australia and South Africa at The Australians seemed in control of the run the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday: chase with Aaron Finch scoring 76 (67 balls), Shane Watson 82 (93 balls) and man of the series South Africa Innings Australia Innings Steve Smith 67 (74 balls). Q. de Kock c Wade b Cummins 107 D. Warner c Peterson b Parnell 21 But some reckless batting coupled with H. Amla c Wade b Maxwell 18 A. Finch c Rossouw b Peterson 76 Peterson’s mesmerising spin brought South R. Rossouw c Bailey b Cummins 51 S. Watson c Rossouw b Morkel 82 Africa back into contention after the loss of F. du Plessis c Bailey b Cummins 2 S. Smith c Rossouw b Peterson 67 Glenn Maxwell, Smith, skipper George Bailey, G. Maxwell C Behardien b Morkel 7 D. Miller c Cummins b Smith 5 Matt Wade and Pat Cummins. Faulkner got the G. Bailey c Rossouw b Abbott 4 Australians home in the final over. F. Behardien c Smith b Faulkner 63 M. Wade b Peterson 3 “We made it a bit difficult for ourselves in the W. Parnellnot out 18 J. Faulkner not out 6 end and Jimmy (Faulkner) again got us home so R. McLarennot out 1 P. Cummins b Peterson 0 it’s nice to win the series 4-1,” Smith said. “We Extras (lb5, w9, nb1) 15 M. Starc not out 1 were a bit nervous sitting and watching and we Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 280 Extras (w4, nb4) 8 were actually feeling a little bit sick, I don’t know Total (8 wickets; 47.1 overs) 275 CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal plays a shot during the second one- Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Amla), 2-161 (Rossouw), what happened, and luckily Jimmy came out Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Warner), 2-137 (Finch), 3- day international (ODI) match against Zimbabwe. —AFP and rescued us again.” The South Africans never 3-164 (du Plessis), 4-187 (Miller), 5-206 (de 218 (Watson), 4-246 (Maxwell), 5-264 (Smith), gave in. Coupled with Peterson’s bowling, Rilee Kock), 6-279 (Behardien) Did not bat: R. 6-264 (Bailey), 7-267 (Wade), 8-267 (Cummins) Rossouw took four catches, including a sprawl- Peterson, M. Morkel, K. Abbott Bowling: Did not bat: J. Hazlewood Bowling: Morkel 10- ing effort to dismiss Smith in the outfield at a Hazlewood 9-1-52-0, Starc 10-1-60-0 (4w), All set for Mandela 0-69-2 (1w), Abbott 10-0-59-1 (3nb, 1w), pivotal time in the match. Cummins 9-0-54-3 (4w), Faulkner 8-0-51-1 Proteas skipper AB De Villiers, who missed the Parnell 9-0-54-1, McLaren 7-0-41-0 (1nb, 2w), (1nb), Maxwell 8-0-30-1, Watson 1-0-11-0 (1w), Cricket Cup in Kuwait final game with injured ribs, said his side was Peterson 6.1-1-32-4, Behardien 5-0-20-0. hurting after losing the series by such a wide Smith 5-1-17-1 Result: Australia won by 2 wickets (D/L) KUWAIT: The South African Embassy and affiliated to the Kuwait Olympic margin and his bowlers needed to improve their announced in a media statement that all Committee. The association was founded in arrangements are in place to host the first 1996. In 1946 the first cricket game was Nelson Mandela Cricket Cup for Youth played in Kuwait in Magwa between the Development in collaboration with Kuwait Kuwait Oil Company employees and those Cricket, the official governing body of of the contracting companies. Kohli ready to captain Cricket in the State of Kuwait. This one day Prominent local companies and spon- cricket carnival will feature dedicated ten sors who volunteered their support and school teams and top young cricketers and assistance to ensure the success of the is scheduled to take place on Nov 29, 2014 Mandela Cup include Golden International India against Australia at the Sulaibiya Cricket ground. Logistics Group, Pro-Sports, Bon Voyage According to South Africa’s Ambassador Travel and Tourism, Burgan Bank, Sultan ADELAIDE: Indian star Virat Kohli said yesterday Dhoni would return to the helm for the remain- Australia XI in Adelaide today. in Kuwait Delarey Van Tonder the Nelson Centre, IDS, Etihad Airways, Agility, Rotana he was ready for the in-your-face pressure in ing three Tests of the series. Responding to “I’ve played against him, he’s quite a competi- Mandela Cup is aimed at honoring the pos- Hotel, Kavaal Security Systems Company. store for his Test captaincy debut against Australian paceman Peter Siddle’s taunt that he tive guy so I’m not surprised there’s already itive international legacy of Nelson Murali Kutticode Coordinator of the Australia in next month’s opening Gabba Test. might find the rowdy crowd and added respon- some banter starting from that end ... (and) I Mandela in accordance with resolutions of event and Director for Cricket Kohli will become India’s 32nd Test captain sibilities “a bit daunting”, Kohli went straight on don’t mind all that. the United Nations and in support of South Development at Kuwait Cricket confirmed with regular skipper MS Dhoni missing the start the front foot. “I love leading the side. I love being captain. “I Africa’s international programme in cele- that the Sulaibiya Cricket Ground is in of the four-Test series in Brisbane on December 4 “Well that’s for me to know and for me to don’t see any issues on why I can’t be up to the brating the country’s first twenty years of excellent condition and invited Kuwait resi- against the Australians because of a wrist injury. experience,” Kohli told reporters yesterday ahead challenge.” Kohli has filled in for Dhoni in the lim- Freedom and Democracy. dents to attend this historic and entertain- The Board of Control for Cricket in India said of the tourists’ opening hit-out against a Cricket ited-overs format, but is yet to do so in a Test. In this regard Ambassador Van Tonder ing event. “I’m pretty confident of the ability the guys remarked “South Africa is a Good Story. In terms of the format of the Mandela have. It’s up to me how I handle them, how I Throughout South Africa’s history sport has Cup he indicated that the competing played an important role. The international teams (9 players a side) will play seven over handle different situations,” he said. “As long as sport sanctions to isolate the apartheid matches (per side). Players are 16 years and the team backs me and puts in the performanc- regime and the vision by Nelson Mandela younger. Winning teams will advance to es we want, I think I’m going to look good at the of using sport to bring about social cohe- the next round while losing teams will also end of the day.” sion and national reconciliation in South continue to play a shorter version of limit- Dhoni’s injury worries prompted India’s selec- Africa’s democratic transition remain ed overs. Many prizes will be presented to tors to include two other wicket-keepers, important milestones in the country’s his- all players including the South African Wriddhiman Saha and Naman Ojha, in the tory”. Ambassadors Floating Trophy as well as unusually large touring squad that comprises By hosting the Nelson Mandela Cup Man of the Match Awards, Player of the eight specialist batsmen and five seamers. aimed at the further development of this Series, best Batsman, Fielder and Bowler Kohli was empathetic when asked about great game among Kuwait’s youth we also and Wicket Keeper and Merit Awards for counterpart Michael Clarke’s injury-disrupted wish to pay tribute to His Highness the Sportsmanship. lead-up to the first Test. “I’ve heard about Amir of the State of Kuwait for his high The first match is scheduled to start at Michael Clarke’s hamstring injury. I’m not in a recognition by the United Nations as a 07:30 with the final match to take place at position to comment on that because I don’t Global Humanitarian Leader and in particu- 16:00 followed by the Award Ceremony. know how serious it is,” he said. “It’s very unfortu- lar the constructive efforts by the Minister The following teams will participate: nate for a cricketer before a Test series to have of Information and State Minister for Youth 1. Future Stars that sort of an injury.” Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al Salem Al- 2. FAIPS Titans The tour, which ends with the World Cup in Hmoud Al-Sabah in actively promoting the 3. Bhavan’s cricket Australia and New Zealand in February and linkages between sport and youth devel- 4. Kuwait Pakistan XI March, gives India a chance to improve their opment in Kuwait”. Cricket is one of the 5. Cricket Coaching Club (CCC) poor record overseas in recent years. fastest developing sports in Kuwait and 6. All Rounders XI India have won just three and lost 14 of their Kuwait’s participation at the Asian Games is 7. WKC- Young Masters (Comprising all 23 Tests away from the sub-continent in the last an historic event, given the fact that Kuwait women cricketers) four years, enduring 4-0 routs in England and is the first Arab nation to achieve this mile- 8. Gladiators Australia in 2011 and a 3-1 drubbing in England stone. Kuwait Cricket is an associate mem- 9. FAIPS Warriors earlier this year. The series opener in Brisbane ber of the International Cricket Council and 10. Bosco Blasters will be followed by Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne a full member of the Asian Cricket Council 11. The English School . Virat Kohli and Sydney. —AFP p17 2.e$S_Layout 1 11/23/14 10:21 PM Page 1

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 SPORTS

James and Cavaliers struggle to find winning formula NEW YORK: The return of the prodigal league most valuable player James told equally blunt. “They were just sloppy,” he another runner-up finish last season. around the NBA for Blatt, who coached son to Cleveland is undergoing growing reporters after scoring 22 points in the told the Washington Post. “You realized “What helps me out is I’ve been in Israel and Europe, and steered Russia pains as LeBron James and the Cavaliers 91-78 loss. “We have to figure out what that they don’t feel comfortable doing through it before,” said James, who is to Olympic bronze in London. struggle to fulfill lofty National needs to be done to win.” what they were doing.” averaging 25.5 points. “At the same time, Yet a special fire burns in James, Basketball Association expectations. The points total was the lowest of the I’m a winner, I want to win, and I want to determined to honor his home state and Despite being crowned favorites to season for the lackluster Cavs, who shot ANOTHER REBIRTH win now,” he added. “It’s not tomorrow, bring a championship to Cleveland, win the NBA title by Las Vegas oddsmak- 36 percent, committed 19 turnovers and James left Cleveland, where he start- it’s not down the line, I want to win now.” which has not seen a professional team ers after James announced his return to seemed to be moving in a lower gear ed his NBA career after high school in Finding the formula may not be so triumph since the NFL’s Cleveland Cleveland in July, the Cavs slipped to 5-6 than their hosts. Akron, Ohio, in 2010 with the aim of win- easy this time as James joins 22-year-old Browns 50 years ago. “Before anyone after their third loss in a row in falling to “I’m concerned about everything ning championships as he formed a Big Irving, the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year ever cared where I would play basketball, the Washington Wizards on Friday. right now,” coach Blatt said. “This is the Three on the Miami Heat with fellow free and two-time All Star power forward I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It’s The season is young, but there is same team that a week ago, 10 days ago, agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Love, his teammate on the 2012 Olympic where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where clearly work to be done to turn James, was scoring 120 points a game,” Blatt They got off to a rough start meshing champion US team who joined the I cried. It’s where I bled,” James wrote in new Cavalier Kevin Love and guard Kyrie said. “We’re not a different group of peo- under young coach Erik Spoelstra, going Cavaliers from the Minnesota Sports Illustrated in announcing his Irving into a force under rookie NBA ple, and we’re not a different team, but 10-9 in their first 19 games before find- Timberwolves. return to Cleveland. “I sometimes feel like coach David Blatt. we’re just playing in the dark right now.” ing their stride and reaching the NBA Love and Irving have never been to I’m their son. Their passion can be over- “No one feels sorry for us,” four-time Washington center Marcin Gortat was Finals. They then won two titles before the playoffs, and this is the first time whelming. But it drives me.” —Reuters Al-Attiyah did it in Spain

JEREZ, Spain: Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah success but all those who stand beside me managed worthily in the elections of FIM deserve all thanks and gratitude. I promise for the position of First Vice-President in that I will do my best to meet your trust Jerez, Spain, which witnessed the meetings and confidence, and will be always at the of the general assembly of FIM and electing service of this sport regardless of any other new board members. Attiyah got 68 votes considerations, as we in the federation live out of a total of 103 votes. Poland’s Andria together as a family,” he added. Vitoviski came in second with 62 votes, Attiyah stated that the most prominent while France’s Jack Paul came in the third features for the next 4 years will be the spir- with 49 votes. The management of the it of teamwork and good communication. election committee had to hold a re-vote “No doubt we will try hard to refresh the for Paul as he didn’t get the legal number auto bike sport internationally and all over to win, which is 51 votes. Attiyah will con- Asia, as I belong to this continent which tinue in his path which started in Macau in became one of the advanced continents in 2010 when he got 70 votes out of 94 votes, this sport. This progress is the result of the which is considered the highest in such sincere efforts of the heads of clubs and fed- elections. erations who seek hosting local and interna- For Attiyah, winning the elections was tional championships and the fruitful work not his main battle, but the main battle was plan with the European Union to exchange the open support for Vito Ippolito, the pres- experiences, as Europe has a good history in ident of FIM, against Portugal’s Vegas. this sport. The same also goes for Latin Attiyah managed to attract a great elec- countries - we will be always supporters of toral mass and contributed positively in them by organizing such championships achieving the victory for Ippolito with 62 and we will sustain the communication votes against 41 votes for Vegas. mechanism with these countries,” he said. “First of all, I grant this achievement to The general assembly witnessed the atten- His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- dance of a large number of members - 104 Thani, who always offers his unlimited sup- representatives of the FIM clubs and federa- port to these international occasions in the tions out of 109 countries. The meeting name of Qatar, and we take this opportuni- started at 8 am and lasted till late in the ty to promise him more achievements. evening. The most prominent decisions dur- Also, I would like to congratulate my dear ing the first session of the meeting were the friend Mr Vito Ippolito - he is really a person exclusion of Tanzania from the general who deserves this position. I will always assembly, reinforcing Libya’s membership stand beside him and beside all members and accepting the membership of in order to promote this sport,” said Attiyah. Kyrgyzstan and Madagascar. With these “As for my win, I can’t describe my feel- changes, the number of the general assem- ings in words. I would also like to say that I bly members was raised to 112 countries am not the only person who achieved this from the next season.

NEW YORK: Knicks’ Amare Stoudemire (1) drives past Philadelphia 76ers’ Brandon Davies during the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP Knicks drop 76ers, Suns shine

NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points second half to beat Milwaukee. The Wizards, remaining before Harden made two free and Amare Stoudemire added 16 points and 11 after trailing by as many as 15 in the first half, throws. Monta Ellis missed on the other end, rebounds as the New York Knicks dropped the took control of the game by outscoring the and Harden put Houston on top 93-92 when he Philadelphia 76ers to 0-13 with a 91-83 victory Bucks 19-8 to start the fourth quarter and made a jump shot and the ensuing free throw on Saturday night. grabbed a 93-78 lead when Bradley Beal hit a with 28 seconds left. Jose Calderon made his season debut for the 17-foot jumper with 7:15 remaining. Harden stole the ball from Ellis, and Trevor Knicks, who had lost consecutive games but Milwaukee fought back and cut the deficit Ariza made two more free throws to seal the had an easy time against a team that was every to 104-97 with 2:13 remaining on a jumper by victory. Dallas had a chance to tie it but Dirk bit as bad as its record for most of the game. Ersan IIlasova. But Pierce hit a 19-foot jumper as Nowitzki and Ellis each missed 3-pointers in the The 76ers are the first team to drop their the shot clock expired to give Washington a final seconds. first 13 games since the 2009-10 Nets lost 18 106-97 lead with 1:13 remaining. straight during the worst start in NBA histo- Wall then stole the inbounds pass and KINGS 113, TIMBERWOLVES 101 ry. The Sixers are nearing their franchise- scored on a dunk with 1:10 remaining to put DeMarcus Cousins had 31 points and 18 worst start of 0-15 in 1972-73, when they fin- the game away. Bradley Beal added 17 points rebounds to power Sacramento to a victory ished 9-73 for the worst 82-game mark in for the Wizards, who won for the second over short-handed Minnesota. Cousins hit 11 of league history. straight night. 15 shots, and Ben McLemore had 22 points and Florida State edge Boston Brandon Knight led the Bucks with 27 nine rebounds to help the Kings overcome a SUNS 106, PACERS 83 points, and Giannis Anteokounmpo added 20. sluggish start and improve to 8-5. TALLAHASSEE: James Winston drove top- has already clinched the North Division’s Gerald Green led all scorers with 23 points as Milwaukee lost its second straight game and Andrew Wiggins scored a career-high 29 ranked Florida State 66 yards to put Roberto berth in the conference championship game Phoenix remained one of the hottest teams in fell to 7-7 after winning three straight. points and had four steals for the Aguayo in position for a 26-yard field goal on Dec. 5. No. 4 Mississippi State’s Dak the NBA after its road win over Indiana. Timberwolves, who were missing four starters with 3 seconds remaining, as the Seminoles Prescott threw three touchdown passes and Phoenix (9-5) got its fourth straight win, all SPURS 99, NETS 87 and playing the second night of a back-to-back. remained undefeated with a 20-17 victory ran for a devastating 51-0 win over on the road during a six-game trip. The Pacers’ Tony Parker had 22 points as San Antonio The Kings outrebounded Minnesota 50-37, over Boston College on Saturday. Vanderbilt, while Bryce Petty threw touch- two-game winning streak was snapped. never trailed before beating Brooklyn for its taking full advantage of a frontcourt missing Florida State has been plagued by slow down passes on No. 6 Baylor’s first two drives Indiana (5-8) had won four of its previous five. fourth straight victory. San Antonio led by as Nikola Pekovic to injury, and Thaddeus Young starts throughout the season and the in a comfortable 49-28 victory over Oklahoma Markieff Morris added 13 for Phoenix, and many as 18 points in winning its 12th straight after the death of his mother. Seminoles went into the fourth quarter level State. Jalin Marshall returned a punt 54 yards Goran Dragic had 11. Isaiah Thomas pitched in regular-season home game over the Nets. at 17-17 with the Eagles. But with less than for a touchdown to give No. 7 Ohio State the with 16 points off the bench for the Suns. Deron Williams had 24 points, and Mirza PELICANS 106, JAZZ 94 five minutes left, Winston helped engineer lead late in the third quarter and added three Indiana was led by Rodney Stuckey, who Teletovic had 22 for the Nets (5-8), who lost for Anthony Davis had a career-high 43 points another game-winning drive. late insurance scores in a 42-27 win over scored 14 points. Solomon Hill scored 13 and the sixth time in seven games. Kawhi Leonard and 14 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday added 19 The Seminoles have won a school-record Indiana, and Arkansas safety Rohan Gaines Ian Mahinmi had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Danny Green each had 21 points for the points and eight assists as New Orleans beat 27 consecutive games. No. 2 Alabama returned an interception 100 yards for a after playing the final 2 1/2 quarters in place of defending champion Spurs (8-4). Tim Duncan Utah. trounced Western Carolina 48-14 after Derrick touchdown in a 30-0 victory over No. 8 Roy Hibbert, who left midway through the sec- had seven points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, Davis shot 16 for 23 from the field to help Henry rushed for two touchdowns and scored Mississippi. ond quarter with a sprained left ankle. four blocked shots and three steals in 25 min- the Pelicans earn a split of their four-game a third on a catch, all in the first half. The In other games, No. 9 Georgia scored two utes. The Spurs chose to rest Duncan for the western road trip. Gordon Hayward scored 31 Crimson Tide recovered from a slow start to touchdowns on its first three snaps, including HEAT 99, MAGIC 92 remainder of the game after the 38-year-old points and Trey Burke had a season-high 20 for score the final 31 points in its first game since an 83-yard touchdown run by Nick Chubb, for Chris Bosh scored 14 of his season-high 32 forward played the first 7 minutes of the sec- the Jazz. rising to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff a 55-9 win over Charleston Southern, No. 10 points in the fourth quarter, leading Miami over ond half. Utah cut a 19-point third-quarter deficit to rankings. Western Carolina scored a touch- Michigan State trounced Rutgers 45-3, No. 11 Orlando. Bosh’s two free throws with 6:45 left 77-72 by the end of the period as Hayward down on the opening drive and trailed just USLA defeated No. 24 USC 38-20, No. 13 pulled the Heat out of a 77-77 tie and started a ROCKETS 95, MAVERICKS 92 made four free throws over a 20-second span. 17-14 early in the second quarter. Arizona State beat Washington State 52-31 14-4 run that put them firmly in charge of their James Harden scored 32 points, including However, Holiday had a 3-pointer, and Davis The Tide can clinch a spot in the SEC and No. 14 Wisconsin edged Iowa 26-24. 10th straight win against their intrastate rivals. five down the stretch, to help Houston rally for had a dunk as the Pelicans used a 10-2 run to championship game with a victory next Freshman Nick Wilson ran for 218 yards Nic Vucevic led Orlando with 33 points and a win over Dallas. Houston, playing without take a 13-point lead with 9:28 remaining. Utah weekend at home over No. 16 Auburn. and three touchdowns as No. 15 Arizona 17 rebounds. Mario Chalmers had 24 points Dwight Howard (knee injury), ended its two- closed within single digits one more time, At Eugene, Oregon, Marcus Mariota threw downed No. 20 Utah 42-10, No. 16 Auburn and eight assists for the Heat, who shot 52 per- game skid and snapped the Mavericks’ six- pulling to 99-90 on Burke’s jumper with 3:08 for 323 yards and three touchdowns, and ran dominated Samford 31-7, No. 18 Marshall cent overall and made 12 of 26 3-pointers. game winning streak. left. Rivers and Holiday drove for back-to-back for 73 yards and another score as No. 3 edged UAB 23-18, No. 19 beat Tennessee 29- Rookie Shabazz Napier added 12 points. Victor Dallas led by four with less than a minute layups to put the game out of reach. —AP Oregon beat Colorado 44-10 in perhaps his 21, Minnesota upset No. 21 Nebraska 28-24, Oladipo scored 12 points for the Magic, and last game at Autzen Stadium. No. 22 Colorado State ran past New Mexico rookie Elfrid Payton had nine points and five NBA results/standings Freshman Royce Freeman ran for 105 58-20 and No. 23 Oklahoma was a 44-7 win- steals. yards and two scores for the Ducks. Oregon ner over Kansas. —AP RAPTORS 110, CAVALIERS 93 Phoenix 106, Indiana 83; Miami 99, Orlando 92; Toronto 110, Cleveland 93; NY Knicks 91, Philadelphia 83; Houston 95, Dallas 92; Sacramento 113, Minnesota 101; Washington 111, Milwaukee 100; San Antonio 99, Lou Williams scored a career-high 36 points Brooklyn 87; New Orleans 106 Utah 94. as Toronto turned an 18-point deficit into a convincing win over Cleveland, handing the Eastern Conference Western Conference Cavaliers their fourth straight loss. Atlantic Division Northwest Division The Raptors, who have won four in a row W L PCT GB Portland 9 3 .750 - Toronto 11 2 .846 - and are off to their best start, trailed 26-8 less Denver 5 7 .417 4 Brooklyn 5 8 .385 6 Utah 5 9 .357 5 than 4 minutes into the game, but showed why Boston 4 7 .364 6 they have the best record in the Eastern Minnesota 3 9 .250 6 NY Knicks 4 10 .286 7.5 Oklahoma City 3 11 .214 7 Conference. Philadelphia 0 13 0 11 Pacific Division Toronto led 56-54 at halftime and took con- Central Division Golden State 9 2 .818 - Chicago 8 5 .615 - trol midway in the third quarter. The Raptors Phoenix 9 5 .643 1.5 led by as many as 19 points in the fourth. Milwaukee 7 7 .500 1.5 Cleveland 5 7 .417 2.5 LA Clippers 7 4 .636 2 Kevin Love scored 23 points to lead Sacramento 8 5 .615 2 Cleveland. LeBron James, who spent the final Indiana 5 8 .385 3 Detroit 3 10 .231 5 LA Lakers 3 10 .231 7 6:20 on the bench, finished with 15 points with Southeast Division Southwest Division 10 assists. Washington 9 3 .750 - Memphis 11 2 .846 - Atlanta 6 5 .545 2.5 Houston 10 3 .769 1 TALLAHASSEE: Florida State defenders PJ Williams (left) and Lamarcus Brutus break WIZARDS 111, BUCKS 100 Miami 7 6 .538 2.5 Dallas 10 4 .714 1.5 up a pass intended for Boston College quarterback Tyler Murphy (right) in the end Paul Pierce scored 25 points and John Wall Orlando 6 9 .400 4.5 San Antonio 9 4 .692 2 zone in the second half of an NCAA college football game. —AP added 19 points as Washington rallied in the Charlotte 4 9 .308 5.5 New Orleans 7 5 .583 3.5 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 SPORTS Pacquiao knocks Algieri down 6 times, dominates

MACAU: Manny Pacquiao couldn’t resist having a little fun after getting the signature win he desperately needed for the fight boxing fans desperately want to see. No reason not to enjoy himself after sending Chris Algieri to the canvas six times Sunday night in a performance that will once again heat up talk of a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. “He’s going to fight me? Yes! Yes!,” Pacquiao said, jumping up and down in the ring Sunday after tearing apart a reluctant Algieri on his way to a lopsided decision win. “I am ready to fight him next year.” Pacquiao was playing off a new commercial where he celebrates after thinking Mayweather has agreed to the match. But he might have boosted his stock enough to entice Mayweather into the ring finally. “I really want that fight,” Pacquiao said. “The fans deserve that fight.” Pacquiao got the big knockdowns he was looking for, battering Algieri around the ring at will Sunday in a lopsided welterweight title fight. Pacquiao chased Algieri from the opening bell, knocking him down repeatedly and domi- nating. About the only thing Pacquiao didn’t get was his first knockout in five years, settling instead for a lopsided 12-round unanimous deci- MACAU: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (right) fights against Chris Algieri of the US during sion against an opponent who seemed unwill- their World Boxing Organization welterweight title bout at the Cotai Arena. —AFP ing to engage. By the time it was over, Algieri had gone punches and dropped him as he tried to back feet to punch, and kept trying to run away from down six times. And Pacquiao had dispelled away. the champion’s punching power. JAPAN: Mongolian grand champion Hakuho (front center) holds the trophy after notions he might be on the decline. “The master boxer was given a master class Unfortunately for Algieri, things then went winning his 32nd Emperor’s Cup, at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka. “It’s not just his hand speed,” Algieri said. “He’s by professor Pacquiao tonight,” trainer Freddie from bad to worse. Pacquiao caught him with a —AP a great fighter. He does everything well. Manny Roach said. “I was disappointed in Algieri’s per- big left hand that sent Algieri sprawling on the has perfected his style of boxing.” Pacquiao formance tonight. All he did was run.” canvas in the sixth round, almost turning a Hakuho wins Emperor’s Cup prayed in his corner while waiting for the deci- Pacquiao’s second fight in China was held at reverse somersault before finally landing in the sion. But it was Algieri who never had a prayer. midday to accommodate the pay-per-view sales corner. Pacquiao was right back on him, and FUKUOKA: Mongolian grand champion could take the all-time championship lead Pacquiao knocked Algieri down once in the in the US, but the time of day didn’t matter Algieri went down again late in the round as he Hakuho beat compatriot Kakuryu at the if he claims the trophy at the New Year second round, two more times in the sixth and much to the Filipino fans who cheered on their tried desperately to survive. Still, Algieri’s corner Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament yesterday tournament in January. Taiho won 32 titles twice more in the ninth. After a final knockdown 35-year-old national hero. Pacquiao knocked urged him to continue to do what he was doing, to win his 32nd Emperor’s Cup, tying him between 1956 and 1971 and was regarded in the 10th round, he seemed to back off in a Algieri down in the corner in the second round, long after he needed a knockout to win. for the all-time lead with sumo legend as the greatest sumo wrestler of the post- fight that had long been decided. Two ringside though Algieri claimed it was a slip. He easily “This is the way we want to be,” Lane told Taiho. Hakuho calmly dispatched Kakuryu war era. He died last year at the age of 72. judges scored the bout 119-103 while the third fought his way through Algieri’s tentative him. “This is what you wanted” Algieri was an in the day’s final bout to finish the tourna- Hakuho made his debut in 2001 and had it 120-102. The Associated Press had defense, landing punches on the inside and pil- unlikely opponent despite being unbeaten in 20 ment with 14-1 record. Kakuryu finished won his first Emperor’s Cup in 2006. He was Pacquiao winning 120-102. ing up points. fights after ending a kick boxing career to con- with a 12-3 record. promoted to sumo’s highest rank of Pacquiao went into the fight saying he need- Algieri came into the fight with a reputation centrate on boxing. He got the bout after being The 29-year-old native of Ulan Bator yokozuna in 2007. —AP ed a power win to entice Mayweather to fight for his jab, but he refused to commit to it early knocked down twice in the first round in his him. He vowed to put on a performance like and simply pawed at Pacquiao with his left hand. June fight with Ruslan Provodnikov and coming some of his earlier fights and did, never letting Still, Algieri’s corner somehow thought he was back to win a 12-round decision, and was Algieri get close. carrying out the game plan just the way they supremely confident in the weeks before the Carlsen retains Some of the sold out crowd of 13,202 at the had drawn it up. fight that he would beat Pacquiao, too. Venetian Macau may have wondered whether “You’re doing beautiful man,” trainer Tim Lane Oddsmakers made him a 7-1 underdog Algieri deserved this fight, as he spent more told his fighter after the third round. “Everything against the Filipino great, who came into deter- time trying to stay away from Pacquiao than stays the same. Keep it up.” mined to show he still had his punching power. chess crown trading punches. By the end of the fourth round, Pacquiao had The bout was for a piece of the welterweight But while Algieri could run, he couldn’t hide. already thrown more than 100 more punches title held by Pacquiao, though it was fought at a MOSCOW: Norwegian prodigy Magnus just a week before his 24th birthday. Before Pacquiao caught him repeatedly with power than Algieri. And Algieri rarely stopped to set his catch weight of 144 pounds instead of 147.—AP Carlsen retained his title as World Chess he captured the championship title in Champion yesterday, vanquishing rival 2013, the last Westerner to hold the world Viswanathan Anand for the second year in champion title was American legend a row. Bobby Fischer who relinquished it in 1975. Stenson defends Dubai title The 23-year-old world number one beat Introduced to chess by his father, India’s Viswanathan, who had held on to Carlsen showed off his genius as a toddler. the championship from 2007 to 2013 until His breakthrough in chess came in 2004, DUBAI: Henrik Stenson successfully defended his being dethroned by Carlsen, in the 11th when the 13-year-old defeated Russian for- title at the $8 million DP World Tour game of the competition. mer world champion Anatoly Karpov, Championship in dramatic fashion, making two “Overall, throughout the match, Carlsen forced Garry Kasparov to a draw and birdies on the final two holes to win by two shots played better than I did,” Viswanathan was became a grandmaster. yesterday. A final-round two-under par 70 gave quoted as saying by Russian news agency At the age of two, Carlsen knew by heart world number four Stenson a final tally of 16- TASS. “I tried, but the risk didn’t work out. all the major car brands and later memo- under par 272, two better than his three Ryder Carlsen didn’t make a mistake. I had noth- rised the long list of Norway’s municipali- Cup team-mates - world number one Rory ing left to do but take risks.” ties, with their flags and administrative cen- McIlroy (68), number seven Justin Rose (69) and Carlsen had been playing since tres. A fashion model in his spare time, he number 22 Victor Dubuisson (68). November 8 against Viswanathan, who is made it to the Time magazine list of the Ireland’s Shane Lowry (66) was alone in fifth nearly 20 years his senior, in the Russian 100 most influential people in the world in place at 13-under par, while England’s 22-year-old Black Sea resort of Sochi. 2013. Carlsen has been hailed by Russian Tyrell Hatton (70), Sweden’s Robert Karlsson (69) The victory will mean one million euros legend Kasparov as a Harry Potter-type and South African Louis Oosthuizen (66) were ($1.2 million) in prize money for Carlsen “super-talent”.—AFP tied for sixth on 12-under par. The Swede seemed to have put himself out of contention when he made a rare blunder on the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates, slicing his tee shot with an iron out of bounds for a double- bogey six on the par-four 11th hole. Stenson was tied with Spain’s Rafael Cabrera- Bello until then, but conceded two shots to his consistent playing partner. He then made a cru- cial 12-foot putt for par at the 12th, while Cabrera-Bello ended up with a bogey and the lead was down to one. Still leading by one shot after 15 holes, Cabrera-Bello’s chances met a watery grave on the par-four 16th, when he found the fairway bunker off the tee and ended up making a double-bogey after hitting his third shot into the water. The Spaniard was completely out of the race when he hit his tee shot into water on the par-three 17th for a second successive double-bogey.

EXHAUSTED However, neither could take advantage of their tee shots on the par-five 18th, and were SOCHI: Norway’s Magnus Carlsen (right) currently the top ranked chess player in the joined on 14-under par by Dubuisson, who world, plays his 11th game against India’s former World Champion Vishwanathan picked up a shot on the last. Anand, at the FIDE World Chess Championship Match. —AP Stenson, who finished second on the Race to Dubai, picked up a cheque of $2.13 million ($1.33m for the victory and $800,000 as Race to Dubai bonus pool), said: “It feels great. I’m Scott denied by masterful exhausted to say the least. “Again, it was hot out there, and it was a tricky day. On the back nine the wind picked up and I didn’t play my best, and bunker shot in Melbourne I had a shocking hole on 11 and that kind of put me back. But I didn’t give up. “I was hanging in MELBOURNE: Nick Cullen nervelessly struck (70) and Josh Younger (69). After struggling there and made a couple of important par putts a sublime bunker shot for a tap-in par putt with an opening round of 73 in searing on 12 and 16. That kind of kept me in the ball- on the last hole to win the Australian northerly winds, Scott was forced to play game and hit it to a foot on 17, and had a one- Masters by a stroke in Melbourne and frus- catch-up all week and though he started shot cushion up the last there and hit a lovely trate Adam Scott’s bid for a hat-trick of titles Sunday four strokes adrift, the 34-year-old pitching wedge that secured it. yesterday. came agonisingly close to dragging Cullen “I’ve had a couple close calls this year to get Clinging to a one-stroke lead on the into a playoff. my win and it wasn’t to be earlier. Eventually you 18th, Cullen’s approach shot found a steep Bidding for a record third successive win get something if you stick around, and I surely did sand-trap left of the green, but the unher- in the A$1 million ($867,000) tournament, alded South Australian put his recovery Scott birdied the 12th, 14th and 17th holes that today so I’m very pleased with that.” within two feet of the hole to seal the to push to eight-under but his monster The new European number one McIlroy could biggest win of his career on a sun-drenched birdie putt on the par-four 18th lipped out not win the two trophies he was aiming for, but afternoon at Metropolitan Golf Club. to the groans of a packed gallery, giving he said he would have been surprised if he had “I was trying to concentrate,” an ecstatic Cullen, four groups behind, vital breathing won the tournament the way he had been play- Cullen, wearing the winner’s ‘gold’ jacket, space. “Today was definitely the best I’ve ing all week. “It could have been different. But at told reporters. “I knew Adam was one shot swung my club, putted and chipped and did the same time, I never expected 14?under to have back. everything well today,” Scott told reporters. a remote chance of winning this golf tourna- “I didn’t really want to have to go into a “It’s just hard. Some of the pins were real- ment,” said McIlroy, who had already won the playoff with him... I got lucky hitting a great ly tough today. I made a couple of errors like Race to Dubai before the start of the week. bunker shot on the last and didn’t have a probably most everyone did, and probably “It just seemed like no-one really took the very long putt. I was glad it wasn’t any from where I was I needed to make none.” tournament by the scruff of the neck and went longer because I was nervous enough over American Boo Weekley shot a second with it. The two guys, Rafa and Henrik, were on that.” The bearded 30-year-old’s round of successive 70 to finish five behind on tied 16 for quite a while, and sort of stayed there. three-under 69 gave him a nine-under total 15th while former US Open champion Geoff “I just didn’t play well enough to win this week, of 279, one ahead of a trio of compatriots in Ogilvy crashed to a three-over 75 to finish and if I had have won by playing like that, it DUBAI: Henrik Stenson of Sweden poses with his trophy after winning the final round of the world number two Scott (68), James Nitties seven adrift. —Reuters would have been a bit of a surprise.” —AFP DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. —AFP MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 SPORTS Cagliari hold Napoli in thriller

MILAN: Cool-headed Cagliari fought back he ran unhindered to the back post to from a two-goal deficit to claim a precious meet Luca Rossettini’s header. 3-3 draw away to Napoli yesterday, which Smiles were back on Napoli’s faces just left Rafael Benitez’s men six points behind after the hour when Jonathan De Guzman second-placed Roma. sent a fine angled header past the out- Juventus had restored their three-point stretched Cragno, but Farias levelled again lead at the top of Serie A with a 3-0 rout of six minutes later when he was picked out Lazio at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, by Ibarbo’s pass at the back post. after Roma had momentarily drawn level Elsewhere, Fiorentina grabbed a pre- thanks to a 2-1 win away to Atalanta. cious 2-1 win away to Verona thanks to Napoli were hoping to make it three wins Juan Cuadrado’s 62nd minute winner after on the trot to maintain their title push but Nico Lopez had levelled the visitors’ 16th- Benitez’s men blew a two-goal lead provid- minute opener from Gonzalo Rodriguez ed by Gonzalo Higuain and Gokhan Inler as just before the interval. tenacious Cagliari fought back to claim a Sampdoria, who are one point adrift in share of the points. fourth, spurned the chance to leapfrog Benitez told Sky Sport after the game: Napoli into third after settling for a 1-1 “We had the game under control, but gift- draw away to struggling Cesena. ed Cagliari too many chances. “We started The hosts opener the scoring through with the right attitude, but then we took defender Stefano Lucchini on the hour our foot off the pedal and let our intensity mark but saw Constantin Nica turn the ball drop.” Cagliari coach Zdenek Zeman said into his own net 13 minutes from time to the secret to claiming an “important point”- hand Sinisa Mihajlovic’s visitors a share of the Sardians are now two above the drop the spoils. zone-was adopting the correct mental Antonio Di Natale scored his 200th Serie approach. A goal on what was his 400th league “If you have the right mentality, if you appearance when he gave Udinese a 1-0 focus on playing football, the results will half-time lead against Chievo, who saw come,” said the wily veteran. “If you’re Ivan Radovanovic hit a 74th-minute leveller SPAIN: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, from Argentina, is lifted by his teammates after scoring against Sevilla during a Spanish La Liga soccer match patient, sooner or later the goal-scoring to grab a point. at the Camp Nou stadium. —AP opportunities come your way.” Parma’s woes continued, meanwhile, Higuain, who now has seven goals this with Roberto Donadoni’s side succumbing season, struck for the fifth consecutive 2-0 to promoted Empoli, leaving them league game when he hit a curling shot rooted to the bottom with 10 defeats hav- Messi leaves La Liga greats trailing from just inside the area past Alessio ing leaked 30 goals in 12 games. Cragno after 11 minutes. In Sunday’s late match AC Milan host MADRID: If anyone had said when a callow fans wildly cheered their talisman who joined Raul needed 550 games to reach 228 and Di Inler doubled Napoli’s lead with a daisy- Inter Milan in the city derby in what will be teenager called Lionel Messi netted his debut La the club’s academy at the age of 13. Stefano required 329 for his 227 goals. Anyone cutter from 30 yards that had Cragno Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge fol- Liga goal in May 2005 he would break Telmo He has taken 10 seasons to overhaul Zarra- who has watched Messi in recent years knows clutching at thin air, but Napoli’s two-goal lowing his return as coach of the Zarra’s top-flight scoring record within a decade also setting a remarkable record for goals in a he can do things with a football that seem to joy was short-lived. Nerazzurri. they would have been dismissed as a lunatic. single campaign of 50 in 2011-12 — and the defy the laws of physics and he does not fit into Cagliari centre-forward Victor Ibarbo Milan sit in eighth place, 14 points adrift Yet that is what the pint-sized 27-year-old illustrious names he has leapfrogged give some the mould of a traditional striker. pounced on a Napoli defensive blunder to of Juventus with Inter, who sacked Walter Argentine achieved when he scored a hat-trick indication of the scale of his feat. Most of the other players at the top of the fire past Rafael and reduce the arrears sev- Mazzarri nearly a fortnight ago, a point fur- in Saturday’s 5-1 win for Barcelona over Sevilla The likes of Hugo Sanchez (234 goals), Raul charts were considered out-and-out goalscorers en minutes before the interval. ther adrift in eighth. Genoa, in fifth, host at the Nou Camp, moving to 253 goals and sur- (228), Alfredo Di Stefano (227) and Cesar while Messi tends to roam the pitch. Brazilian forward Diego Farias levelled Palermo today when a win for the hosts passing Zarra’s haul of 251 over 15 seasons for Rodriguez (226) have been left trailing and, with His ability to dribble at speed past oppo- matters two minutes after the restart when would push them up to fourth place. —AFP Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and 50s. years left in his career, Messi’s eventual tally nents is outstanding and as well as netting a Messi equalled the record with a typically could stand as long as Zarra’s if not a lot longer. phenomenal number of goals, he regularly sets breathtaking effort, curling a free kick around Messi also has a share of the Champions up team mates to score. the wall and past goalkeeper Beto to give Barca League scoring record, having equalled Raul’s “Messi has something magical about him a 1-0 lead. haul of 71 goals this month and he could over- when the ball touches his feet,” former He struck again from close range in the 72nd haul it in Tuesday’s game at APOEL Nicosia. Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson minute and scored a third goal six minutes later A glance at the numbers shows Messi’s goals said. “It’s as if it has landed on a bed of feathers.” with a powerful low drive from the edge of the per game ratio in La Liga is second only to Comparing Messi’s playing style to some of penalty area. Zarra’s who amassed his 251 in a mere 277 La Liga’s previous top marksmen is problematic Messi’s team mates picked him up and threw matches while the Barca attacker needed 289 as relatively little television footage exists of the him into the air several times while his adoring games. Sanchez’s 234 came in 347 matches, likes of Zarra, Di Stefano and Cesar.—Reuters Woeful Liverpool suffer more pain at Palace

Crystal Palace 3

Liverpool 1

LONDON: Liverpool suffered more Selhurst Park misery as struggling Crystal Palace came from behind to clinch a shock 3-1 win over the lack- lustre Reds yesterday. Brendan Rodgers’ side saw their hopes of winning the Premier League title effectively ended when they conceded three late goals in a NAPLES: Napoli’s Gonzalo HiguaÌn is tackled by Cagliari’s Antonio Balzano during a 3-3 draw at Palace last season and they fared Serie A soccer match at the San Paolo stadium. —AP even worse on their first return to south London since that painful experience. Rickie Lambert had given Liverpool an early lead with his first goal since his pre-season move from Southampton. But Neil Warnock’s Eriksen sees team hit back through Dwight Gayle’s first half equaliser and Joe Ledley put Palace in front with 12 minutes remaining before Australia midfield- er Mile Jedinak’s brilliant free-kick sealed the Spurs past Hull points moments later. LONDON: Crystal Palace’s James McArthur (right) competes for the ball with Liverpool’s Liverpool, disjointed going forward and care- Raheem Sterling during the English Premier League soccer match. —AP less in defence, could have few complaints come through the youth ranks at White about a dismal result that left them without a his fourth goal in three games against the Reds. organised rearguard in the second half. Hart Lane, the 25-year-old midfielder elect- win in four league matches and with only one Lambert, starting in the absence of injured Gerrard couldn’t keep his long-range effort Hull 1 ed not to celebrate. Briefly, Hull threatened victory in their last seven games in all competi- duo Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli, has on target and Martin Skrtel sliced wide after to swamp Spurs and visiting goalkeeper tions. found it hard to replicate the prolific Speroni’s weak punch before Rodgers sent on Hugo Lloris found himself in the thick of The Reds are languishing in 12th place, only Southampton form and, despite his goal, he still Fabio Borini for Lallana in the final 20 minutes. the action. four points above the relegation zone and two looked tentative when he headed Steven Liverpool last left Selhurst with a win back in Tottenham 2 After flapping at a free-kick, the points ahead of Palace, who climbed out of the Gerrard’s free-kick over from close-range. December 1997 and they were destined for Frenchman saved smartly low to his left bottom three with their first win since late Bolasie was proving a real menace to the more angst in south London when Bolaise from Robbie Brady and then Ramirez, with September. Liverpool’s last visit to Selhurst had Liverpool defence and he twisted into space for skipped away from Dejan Lovren’s weak chal- Hatem Ben Arfa curling the rebound over been filled with tears and torment, but this was a a fierce shot that Mignolet palmed away at full- lenge and whipped over a cross for the the bar on the second occasion. much more alarming performance that suggest- stretch. unmarked Ledley to side-foot home in the 78th LONDON: Danish midfielder Christian In response, the best Spurs could Eriksen scored an excellent last-minute ed they won’t have to worry about holding their Lambert was off-target with another tame minute. Raheem Sterling, anonymous for long muster before half-time was an Erik Lamela nerve in the title race for this season at least. header and Gerrard smashed a powerful effort periods, appealed in vain for a penalty as winner as Tottenham Hotspur snatched a 2- shot that McGregor blocked comfortably. 1 victory over 10-man Hull City in the Lambert and Adam Lallana had been at over, but it was Palace, inspired by Bolasie’s pace Liverpool tried to respond, but Palace captain Hull looked in control, but they handed Southampton together when Liverpool fell and power, who finished the half on top. Jedinak put the result beyond doubt in the 81st Premier League yesterday. their opponents a lifeline five minutes into Former Spurs midfielder Jake Livermore apart at Palace last season and, unaffected by Rodgers’ men still couldn’t find the cutting minute when he curled his free-kick into the top the second half. gave Hull an early lead at the KC Stadium, any psychological scars, they combined to give edge needed to break down Palace’s well- corner from 25 yards. —AFP Ramirez angrily kicked out at but the hosts lost their way after Gaston Liverpool the perfect start in the second Ramirez was sent off in the 50th minute for Vertonghen after he had been sent tum- minute. lashing out at Jan Vertonghen. bling by a challenge from another player Lallana spotted Lambert’s run in behind EPL results/standings Harry Kane equalised just after the hour and after consulting one of his assistants, Palace defender Martin Kelly and picked him before Eriksen drove home the winning referee Craig Pawson brandished a straight out with a slide-rule pass that the England strik- Crystal Palace 3 (Gayle 17, Ledley 78, Jedinak 81) Liverpool 1 (Lambert 2); Hull 1 (Livermore 8) goal to give Spurs only a third win in 10 red card. er controlled with one touch before flicking a Tottenham 2 (Kane 61, Eriksen 90). league games and lift Mauricio Pochettino’s It took Spurs 11 minutes to make their clinical finish past Palace goalkeeper Julian side into the top half of the table. numerical advantage count, with Kane Speroni. Playing today Steve Bruce’s Hull, beaten finalists in last sweeping home his 11th goal of the cam- That should have been the signal for Aston Villa v Southampton season’s FA Cup, have now gone five paign after Eriksen’s 25-yard free-kick Liverpool to take complete control, yet they matches without a win and lie 16th, just a bounced back off the post. Kane’s goal, his allowed Palace to regain a foothold and, in the English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals point above the relegation zone. The two second in the league this season, was to process, exposed a shaky defence which had against, points): only kept two clean sheets this season. teams’ indifferent recent form was reflected prove the cue for an onslaught. Chelsea 12 10 2 0 30 11 32 Stoke 12 4 3 5 13 15 15 in the fact that both coaches elected to Soldado scuffed a shot narrowly wide, TENTATIVE Southampton 11 8 1 2 23 5 25 Liverpool 12 4 2 6 15 18 14 make six changes to their starting XIs. substitute Aaron Lennon teed up Kane to Palace refused to be rattled by Lambert’s Man City 12 7 3 2 24 13 24 West Brom 12 3 4 5 13 17 13 Goalkeeper Allan McGregor was one of head off-target, McGregor parried an effort opening salvo and drew level in the 17th Man Utd 12 5 4 3 19 15 19 Sunderland 12 2 7 3 12 19 13 the players drafted into the Hull team and from Ryan Mason, and Lamela shot tamely minute thanks to a predatory finish from one of Newcastle 12 5 4 3 14 15 19 Crystal Palace 12 3 3 6 17 21 12 his concentration was given an early test by over with his weaker right foot after drift- their main tormentors last season. West Ham 12 5 3 4 20 16 18 Hull 12 2 5 5 15 17 11 Roberto Soldado’s low shot. ing into the box. It appeared that Hull had With rain lashing down and Liverpool’s Swansea 12 5 3 4 16 13 18 Aston Villa 11 3 2 6 5 16 11 But it was Hull who took the lead, in the held out, but in the 90th minute Eriksen defenders backing off, Yannick Bolaise’s long- Arsenal 12 4 5 3 20 15 17 Leicester 12 2 4 6 11 18 10 eighth minute, when Livermore seized gathered a pass from Lennon and arrowed range strike skimmed off the slick turf and when Everton 12 4 5 3 22 19 17 Burnley 12 2 4 6 8 20 10 upon a headed clearance by Federico Fazio a 20-yard shot past McGregor’s out- Simon Mignolet could only push it on to a post, Tottenham 12 5 2 5 16 17 17 QPR 12 2 2 8 11 23 8 before drilling a low shot into the bottom- stretched right hand to break the home the rebound fell perfectly for Gayle to convert left corner from outside the area. Having supporters’ hearts. —AFP Stenson defends Woeful Liverpool Dubai title suffer more 18 pain19 at Palace MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Kohli ready to captain India against Australia Page 16

FRANCE: (Left to right) Switzerland’s Davis Cup team captain Severin Luthi and tennis players Roger Federer, Stanislas Wawrinka, Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer celebrate with the trophy after winning the Davis Cup final between France and Switzerland. -— AP Tears of joy for Federer in Davis Cup glory

LILLE: Roger Federer gave Switzerland and Slam titles, the Olympic title and the Davis to Wawrinka in four sets on Friday, was manfully each time to hold his own. Federer The pressure on his own serve was all the himself a first Davis Cup title yesterday in Cup. struggling with an arm injury and generally failed to convert two set points at 5-4 up, more acute and a tired-looking backhand, Lille, pounding Richard Gasquet of France in “It’s an an enormous pleasure for me, I’ve out of sorts. but another love service game did the trick which sailed well wide, handed Federer the straight sets to ensure the winning point. waited 15 years for this,” Federer said. “This In came Gasquet with the monumental in the following game. final break of serve he needed. Federer romped to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win to has been a perfect weekend in a crazy task of defeating Federer and opening the When Federer broke serve to open the Two games later it was all over, Federer hand the Swiss an unbeatable 3-1 lead after atmosphere and all the Swiss fans helped us door for the possibility of the in-form second set, the heads visibly went down in falling to his knees in celebration after a Stan Wawrinka had won the opening sin- enormously. Monfils defeating Wawrinka in the decider. the French camp, while the outnumbered final perfect backhand drop shot. He then gles of the match and the world number But he refused to accept that finally win- Another world record crowd of 27,488 Swiss supporters got to their feet. shed some tears as he savored a hugely two and four had teamed up to win the ning the Davis Cup made him the greatest roared their support for Gasquet as the two The merest point earned by Gasquet on emotional win. doubles on Saturday. player of all-time. “That’s of no importance players came out on to the red claycourt set the Federer serve brought an ear-splitting The French team looked miserable on It was one of the greatest sporting tri- to me, what matters is that I enjoy playing down inside one half of a roofed over Lille reaction from the French fans and the occa- the closing ceremony podium as they umphs for Switzerland, the 14th nation to tennis,” he added. football stadium. sional rendition of ‘La Marseillaise’. watched Federer get his hands on the Davis win the Davis Cup, and a huge personal Organisers promptly announced that the But it was all to no avail as a calm-as-you- Cup for the first time after years of trying. milestone for Federer to go with his 17 scheduled fifth and final rubber opposing STRUGGLING like Federer brought up three more break “(Federer) was exceptional in every Grand Slam titles, six Masters titles and Gael Monfils and Wawrinka had been can- The 33-year-old Swiss superstar executed points and converted the second of those aspect of his play,” French captain Arnaud Olympic doubles gold. celled and that the final score was an exquisite half-volley to bring up break to pocket the second set. Clement said. “Richard (Gasquet) tried to It left him with just an Olympic singles Switzerland 3 France 1. point in the third game and sealed that with Gasquet put up some desperate late be aggressive but Roger was just stunning. gold to win in Rio in 2016 to become just Federer had expected to play Jo-Wilfried a superb backhand down the line. fight at the start of the second set, garner- “It’s hard for us to take but on the day we the third man, after great rival Rafael Nadal Tsonga in the first of yesterday’s two rub- Gasquet could make no inroads at all on ing a few points on the Federer serve, but have to say that the Swiss were the better and Andre Agassi, to win all four Grand bers, but the French number one, who lost the Federer serve and he was struggling he failed to earn a single break point. team.” — AFP Hamilton clinches second world title

ABU DHABI: Lewis Hamilton clinched his second drivers’ world championship and became the first British multiple champion for 46 years when he won yesterday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 29-year-old Englishman, who took his first title in 2008 with McLaren, won not only the 55-lap race, but also his private duel with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg, who suffered pro- longed problems with his car after making a poor start from pole position. Having started from the prime spot on the grid for the 11th time this year, Rosberg was comprehensively outpaced immedi- ately as Hamilton surged clear to control the race with a well- judged and dominant performance. Hamilton’s victory was his 11th of the season and the 33rd of his record-breaking career and secured a record 16th victory of the season for the Mercedes team. Rosberg finished 14th, lapped by Hamilton and bitterly dis- appointed. “Today I don’t know how but compared to 2008 I was ABU DHABI: Mercedes-AMG’s British driver Lewis Hamilton (center) Williams’ Brazilian driver Felipe Massa (fourth so much more relaxed. I hoped that was a positive - and it was. I left), and Williams’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas (third right) stand on the podium at the Yas Marina circuit. — AFP felt so composed,” said Hamilton. Raikkonen in the second Ferrari. Rosberg, on pole, simply could not cope with the “I wanted to battle to the end but will take what we had. Nico Rosberg struggled with a series of problems that hampered Englishman’s remarkable pace and smooth adhesion as he cre- put on an incredible charge and I’m grateful I had a good battle.” his performance, but refused to retire when offered a chance to ated a clear gap as they raced towards the hairpin. Hamilton praised Rosberg who was trying to emulate father pit with two laps remaining. “I’d like to go to the end,” said an By the end of the opening lap, Hamilton had a lead of 1.2 sec- Keke who was world champion in 1982. “Nico has been a rival for emotional Rosberg, who knew his fate when he was lapped at onds and looked comfortable, leaving Rosberg with the prob- the last two years and stepped up his game this year,” he said. the end. lem of finding a solution to a personal nightmare scenario for Hamilton became the fourth British driver to win more than one him. Hamilton’s initial success was his first, in beating his team- championship, joining Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark and Graham Hill, SPORTSMANSHIP mate off the grid from second place, in seven races since the the last man to succeed in 1968. Rosberg, showing great sportsmanship and dignity in defeat, Belgian race, where their relationship hit its lowest point follow- Hamilton came home 2.5 seconds clear of second placed went to the pre-podium room to embrace and congratulate ing a collision that prompted acrimonious accusations. Felipe Massa of Williams and his team-mate Valterri Bottas, who Hamilton, a gesture that spoke volumes for their rivalry. Hamilton continued to set the pace with aplomb. After pit was third. Daniel Ricciardo was fourth for Red Bull ahead of After a tense hour of official preliminaries, the race began stops Massa was left out in front by more than 15 seconds, a lead Briton Jenson Button in what may be his last race with McLaren, under a setting sun with a track temperature of 33 degrees he retained until he pitted on lap 13, Hamilton regaining control Nico Hulkenberg and his Force India team-mate Sergio Perez. Celsius and an air temperature of 26 degrees. with an advantage of 2.3 seconds over Rosberg. ABU DHABI: Mercedes-AMG’s British driver Lewis Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel finished eighth As the lights went out, Hamilton delivered a dream start, his Rosberg’s problems intensified when he ran off the track on Hamilton celebrates with the trophy on the podium in his final race with Red Bull, one position ahead of the man he car accelerating alongside Rosberg’s and then pulling away to lap 23, and he slipped further back when he suffered an Energy at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. — AFP replaces at Ferrari next season, Fernando Alonso and Kimi secure the lead as they headed into Turn One. Recovery System (ERS) failure. — AFP Pakistan picks banks to hold dollar sukuk roadshows

Page 22 Fuel price rise tests Business Indonesia leader’s anti-poverty pledge MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Page 23 Getting ready for Nissan Patrol ranks on top a digital future Page 26 Page 25

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian people passing sewage tubes at Boeung Kok lake community in Phnom Penh. — AFP OPEC divided on oil output cut Iran may push Saudi to slash production

VIENNA: Iran will try to persuade Saudi Arabia to cut oil Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, has yet to say October-above its 30 million bpd target. Saudi Arabia has cut what it charges US customers, in a production when the oil ministers from the two OPEC whether it supports one. “The next meeting of the Organization of Petroleum move seen aimed at maintaining its market share as it is members meet this week in Vienna, Iran’s semi-official OPEC delegates expect a difficult meeting, and analysts Exporting Countries... should be the most interesting since faced with increasing competition from oil extracted from Mehr news agency reported yesterday citing a television are split over the outcome. Iran’s oil Minister Bijan the change from individual quotas to a group target in ear- shale rock in the United States. interview with the country’s oil minister. Zanganeh said he would meet with his Saudi counterpart ly 2012,” said Tom Pugh, an analyst at Capital Economics Pugh said that “any cut in the cartel’s production target The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Ali Al-Naimi in Vienna to talk about market share as Tehran research group. “The key driver (behind tumbling prices) will simply be as a response to lower demand for its oil, meets on Nov 27 to set its output policy and some of its aims to boost its oil exports if sanctions against it end, has been increasing supply, although other triggers for rather than a concerted attempt to push up prices”. members have called for output cuts to shore up oil prices. according to the official news agency IRNA on Thursday. Brent’s slump from $115 in June have included weak Faced with surging US output-crude production in the Brent crude oil has lost about 30 percent of its value since Iran has said the steep fall in oil prices this year is the demand, particularly from Europe and China, and the world’s biggest economy is set to hit a 45-year high of 9.5 June to around $80 a barrel because of abundant supplies result of deliberate moves by some exporters which have strength of the US dollar. The decline has probably also million barrels a day in 2015 — Venezuela has called for a and weakening demand. kept production high to undermine Tehran’s sanctions-hit been compounded by panic selling by producers and meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC countries to address the Ahead of Thursday’s meeting of the Organization of economy. The country is struggling to offset a wide budg- investors.” slide in oil prices. Venezuela depends on crude exports for Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna, home to the car- et imbalance created by the drop in oil prices. On Friday, the price of benchmark Brent North crude oil 96 percent of its foreign currency, and the price crunch has tel’s headquarters, its dozen member countries are split on traded at $79.56 a barrel. added to the headaches of a government struggling to what direction to take after a 30 percent drop in crude Russia move halt rampant inflation and ease severe shortages of food prices since June has slashed revenues. OPEC’s poorer Separately, Russia, which is not a member of OPEC but US output surge and medicine. members, led by Venezuela and Ecuador, have called pub- is nevertheless a major crude producer, declared Friday Rather than cut its official output ceiling, OPEC could “What is for certain is that the price is currently trying to licly for a cut in output, while Iran has hinted at a need to that it was considering cutting its oil production in a bid to decide to reduce the amount it is over-producing. “The find a new equilibrium after a number of years with crude reduce production. revive falling prices. minimum consensus that appears likely to be reached at oil trading above $100,” said Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen. “Iran’s oil minister will meet his Saudi counterpart in OPEC produces about one third of global crude at more OPEC’s meeting is a commitment to better comply with “High prices were primarily driven by a rapid increase in Vienna to persuade the oil giant for cuts in oil production than 30 million barrels per day. According to the the official production target of 30 million barrels per day,” demand from emerging economies and as a result of high and supply,” Mehr reported. But an agreement on an OPEC International Energy Agency, which advises on energy poli- Commerzbank analysts said in a note to clients. prices we saw the emergence of new sources of supply, not output cut at this week’s meeting is uncertain. Saudi cy, OPEC pumped out 30.6 million barrels per day in Ahead of the meeting, the world’s top oil producer least shale oil.” — Agencies

Oil, global equities support markets China ready to cut rates MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS again on deflation fears DUBAI: A slight rebound in oil prices and a rally in glob- the lack of listed securities in retail, food and hospitality BEIJING: China’s leadership and central bank are ready to based stimulus and were open to more rate cuts as well al equities supported most stock markets in the Middle segment in Egypt, the non-real estate business could cut interest rates again and also loosen lending restric- as a cut to the banking industry’s reserve requirement East yesterday, but profit-taking continued in Qatar. get a premium valuation from local as well as foreign tions, concerned that falling prices could trigger a surge ratio (RRR), which effectively restricts the amount of capi- Brent crude climbed back above $80 a barrel and investors,” Harshjit Oza, property and banking analyst at in debt defaults, business failures and job losses, said tal available to fund loans. China cut the RRR for some global stock markets also rose on Friday after China Cairo-based Naeem brokerage, said in a note. sources involved in policy-making. banks this year but has not announced a banking-wide made a surprise interest rate cut and the European Friday’s surprise cut in rates, the first in more than two reduction in the ratio since May 2012. Central Bank indicated it would step up asset purchas- UAE, Qatar years, reflects a change of course by Beijing and the cen- “Further interest rate cuts should be in the pipeline as es. China is a major market for Gulf petrochemicals Dubai’s index gained 1.5 percent as most stocks rose. tral bank, which had persisted with modest stimulus we have entered into a rate-cut cycle and RRR cuts are measures before finally deciding last week that a bold also likely,” the think-tank’s economist said. Friday’s move, firms such as Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC), shares of Emaar Properties, the emirate’s largest listed developer, monetary policy step was required to stabilize the world’s which cut one-year benchmark lending rates by 40 basis which jumped 2.4 percent yesterday and helped Saudi was the main support with a 3.7 percent rise to 11.30 second-largest economy. points to 5.6 percent, also arose from concerns that local Arabia’s index to a 1.1 percent gain. dirhams. Abu Dhabi’s index edged up 0.1 percent on Economic growth has slowed to 7.3 percent in the governments are struggling to manage high debt bur- Most other stocks also rose, but Etihad Etisalat the back of Aldar Properties’ 2.2 percent gain. Shares in third quarter and policymakers feared it was on the verge dens amidst reforms to their funding arrangements, the (Mobily) edged down 0.4 percent after the telecoms National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAKBank) rose 2.1 of dipping below 7 percent - a rate not seen since the sources said. operator suspended chief executive Khalid Al-Kaf after percent to 9.65 dirhams after breaking through resist- global financial crisis. Producer prices, charged at the fac- Top leaders had been resisting a rate cut, fearing it the company restated 18 months of previously ance at 9.30 dirhams in the previous session. tory gate, have been falling for almost three years, piling could fuel debt and property bubbles and dent their announced earnings, wiping out $381 million of prior Qatar’s bourse, however, edged down 0.7 percent as pressure on manufacturers, and consumer inflation is also reformist credentials, but were eventually swayed by profit. investors continued to book profits after strong gains weak. signs of deteriorating growth as the property sector Egypt’s index rose 0.2 percent as shares in Amer last week. Shares in Qatar National Bank fell 0.9 percent “Top leaders have changed their views,” said a senior cooled. Until then, they had persisted with targeted poli- Group climbed by 5.5 percent after the company said it after rising 2.9 percent last week. Medicare Group, economist at a government think-tank involved in inter- cy steps, such as cuts in reserve ratios for selected banks would split its core real estate business from its hospi- which had gained 8.3 percent, fell 1.5 percent yester- nal policy discussions. and liquidity injections into the banking system. But tality, retail, food and entertainment operations. “Given day. — Reuters The economist, who declined to be named, said the these failed to bring down borrowing costs for the corpo- People’s Bank of China had shifted its focus toward broad- rate sector. — Reuters BUSINESS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Pakistan picks banks to hold Bayt.com weekly report 5 tips to improve your dollar sukuk roadshows relationships at work ood work relationships are the key to a positive workplace and a productive one. In fact, optimal Citigroup, Deutsche Bank among banks picked Grelationships at work are critical for building a successful career and finding long-term satisfaction in one’s job. Here, the career experts at Bayt.com, the HONG KONG: Pakistan has mandated four banks to market conditions, the document added. Pakistan, a favorite with frontier market investors since Middle East’s leading job site, suggest five ways to nur- arrange fixed income investor meetings starting today Benchmark size is traditionally understood to mean peaceful elections were held there last year, sold $2 billion ture and maintain constructive relationships with your ahead of a potential issue of a US dollar-denominated upwards of $500 million. If a debt issue is 144A-compliant, of dollar-denominated bonds in April after attracting $7 managers and colleagues: Islamic bond, a document from lead managers said yes- investors in the United States can buy the offering. billion in investor orders. terday. The sukuk uses a sharia-compliant sale and lease-back In September 2013, the IMF saved Pakistan from possi- 1. Be consistently true to your values The sovereign, rated Caa1 by Moody’s and B- by structure to underpin the transaction. Proceeds will be ble default by agreeing to lend it $6.7 billion over three Integrity matters. People can generally see right Standard & Poor’s, has picked Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, used to purchase land comprising the M-2 Motorway, years. The sukuk will be issued by Pakistan International through people if not immediately then over time, and Dubai Islamic Bank and Standard Chartered to arrange the which connects Lahore to the capital Islamabad. Political Sukuk Company and is expected to be listed in the definitely co-workers have a good measure of each oth- roadshows and the possible deal, it showed. Pakistan will instability in Pakistan had temporarily caused some uncer- Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Pakistan’s external debt was er with the length of time they spend together. Ask hold roadshows in the United Arab Emirates today, before tainty around the sovereign sukuk issue as Prime Minister about 19 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on June yourself what your core values are and be sure you are heading to London and Singapore tomorrow, with a 144A- Nawaz Sharif came under pressure from weeks of demon- 30 and it had a fiscal deficit of 5.5 percent of GDP in 2013- consistently true to them. 70 percent of respondents in compliant, benchmark-sized sukuk to follow, subject to strations calling on him to resign. 2014, it showed. —Reuters the Bayt.com ‘Values, Ethics and Integrity in the MENA Workplace’ poll, June 2014, think that success is possi- ble without compromising your morals and values at work. You will be more respected by everyone you work Dollar rises vs with if you are known as an honest professional with Kuwaiti dinar real integrity and an upstanding character. 2. Respect company resources KUWAIT: The US dollar exchange climbed against the You company’s time, assets and reputation are Kuwaiti dinar reaching KD 0.291 and the euro dropped to yours for the safekeeping, so ensure they are respected KD 0.360 yesterday compared with Thursday’s rates, the and nurtured at all times. Tardiness, a sloppy work ethic Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) said. The sterling pound and a lukewarm attitude towards the company’s exchange rate fell to KD 0.455 and the Swiss Franc followed employees and brand are not only potentially conta- suit, dropping to KD 0.300. The Japanese yen remained gious but they will fail to endear you to more serious unchanged, trading at KD 0.003, said the CBK daily bulletin. and focused professionals around you who are more Meanwhile, international markets witnessed fall of the euro loyal to the company and passionate about their per- vis a vis the USD, which continued to rally against back- sonal career trajectory and professional brand. The ground of the industrial sector’s sluggishness in the euro- Bayt.com ‘Absenteeism in the MENA Workplace’ poll, zone, during the current month. Moreover, the greenback July 2012, shows that 58.2 percent of the regions’ pro- gained strength against the euro and the other main cur- fessionals regard absenteeism as being very harmful to rencies due to decline of the number of subsidy applica- a company’s productivity. tions in the United States-by 291,000. —KUNA 3. Be pleasant and professional By all means join the weddings, baby showers, Saudi Mobily sports teams, and after-work gatherings as and when appropriate and seek to be part of creating a joyful suspends CEO office spirit and sincere winning camaraderie. However, it’s best to clearly delineate between your home life after results shock emotions and professional life priorities and make sure your professional self is as focused and productive as MAZAR-I-SHARIF: Afghan laborer Saleha, 75, collects cotton on a farm on the outskirts of Mazar-i- can be. Aim to walk into your place of work every morn- DUBAI: Mobily, Saudi Arabia’s second-biggest telecoms ing with an attitude of pleasant can-do optimism and network operator, said yesterday it has suspended its Sharif yesterday. Afghanistan’s economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taleban regime in 2001 largely because of the infusion of international assistance. —AFP polite professionalism leaving all your personal worries chief executive Khalid al-Kaf and put his deputy Serkan and obstacles behind. 30 percent of professionals in the Okandan in temporary charge pending an investigation region see a ‘command and control style’ as one of the into accounting errors. Bank Muscat appoints Najah Al-Sulaiman biggest turnoffs in a manager; 11 percent mentioned Earlier this month the company announced a poor communications skills (as per the Bayt.com ‘Workplace Dynamics in the Middle East and North restatement of its results which it blamed on account- as head of corporate banking, Kuwait Africa’ poll, June 2013). ing errors, wiping out 1.43 billion riyals ($381 million) of KUWAIT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services Bank Muscat aims to attract and develop Kuwaiti talent to previously reported profits and sending its share price 4. Be a peacemaker provider in the Sultanate of Oman, has announced the strengthen its operations in Kuwait. tumbling. Kaf will be suspended until Mobily’s audit We all know them, the gossips and rift-makers who appointment of Najah Al-Sulaiman as Head of Outside Oman, Bank Muscat has a branch thrive on office politics and always seek to amplify dif- committee completes its investigation into these errors, Corporate Banking, Kuwait branch. She will each in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and ferences, escalate problems and create general discord. the company said in a statement. lead the corporate banking team and work on Representative Offices in the UAE and Steer clear of their troublemaking at all costs and make Kaf was the Gulf’s longest-serving CEO in the sector, expanding the activities and businesses as Singapore. it clear you have no desire to magnify issues that can part of the bank’s strategic plan to sustain its Bank Muscat’s international operations, taking the helm at Mobily in 2005 after 19 years at easily be resolved to everyone’s advantage. Simply position in the region. which deliver a wide range of cross-border United Arab Emirates’ Etisalat, which owns 27.5 percent maintaining a pleasant demeanor and refusing to Najah has over 23 years of experience in finance solutions, continue to be central to the of Mobily. engage with their misplaced opinions, stealth tactics the field of corporate banking. She participat- bank’s strategy of prudent expansion to meet On Nov 5 Etisalat cut its own profits by 162 million and improper conversation should win you kudos with ed in the arrangement of several international the financial needs of customers. Participating the more self-respecting and straightforward members dirhams following Mobily’s results restatement. finance deals in the Middle East and Africa. in the local economy - either directly or of the team. 15 percent of professionals in the MENA Okandan, Etisalat’s chief financial officer, was appointed Najah’s wealth of experience includes stints through syndicated facilities - is an integral say that employers are looking above all for ‘character as deputy CEO of Mobily in October, while Etisalat’s with leading banking and financial institu- objective for the Kuwait branch. Since the and integrity’ when hiring, according to the Bayt.com tions in Kuwait. Prior to joining Bank Muscat, commencement of operations in 2010, Bank chief executive Ahmad Julfar is also a director of Mobily ‘Workplace Dynamics in the Middle East and North she occupied the position of Assistant General Manager of Muscat has participated in the financing of various projects and chairman of its Risk Management Committee. Africa’ poll. Another senior Etisalat executive Essa Al-Haddad also Corporate Banking in Burgan Bank. As part of its strategy, in Kuwait. sits on Mobily’s board, according to Etisalat’s 2013 5. Become a valuable resource annual report. France, Germany to present reform paper Nothing beats the awe inspired by a job well done. Mobily’s share price has fallen 36 percent since late Aim to be an expert and top practitioner in your field October, when rumours began to circulate that some- so you are actively sought and highly regarded for your BERLIN: Germany and France are set to present a joint do more to get women into the workforce, according to advice and input at all times. Don’t take mediocrity for thing was amiss with the company’s results, wiping out economic reform paper Thursday that proposes Paris the Spiegel report. The road map plan for Europeís two an answer and your name will soon be synonymous 6.56 billion riyals from the value of Etisalat’s stake, would freeze wages and Berlin would hike public invest- biggest economies will be presented Thursday in Paris to with a passion for excellence. Be generous in imparting according to Reuters calculations. ment, a news report said. Paris stressed that the proposals German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel and his French your knowledge and experience with your peers so Mobily began operations in 2005, ending Saudi to be presented to both countriesí economy ministers counterpart Emmanuel Macron. you build a robust pool of admirers and advocates Thursday is not government policy but merely ‘a report by It is based on a government-commissioned study by Telecom Co’s (STC) monopoly, and it turned profitable within the team and across the firm. The Bayt.com two economists’. Henrik Enderlein, head of the Jacques Delors Institute in ‘Hiring Management in the MENA’ poll, August 2012, the following year, marking the start of the operator’s Under the proposals, France would make its labor rules, Berlin, and Jean Pisani-Ferry, chief economic strategist of remarkable rise. Its annual profits more than quadru- shows that 13 percent of the region’s employers are including the 35-hour week, more flexible in many sectors French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, said Der Spiegel. A mostly looking look for senior executives and man- pled from 2006 to 2009 to reach 3 billion riyals that year, and seek to freeze wages for three years to make compa- spokeswoman for the French economy ministry told AFP agers who display technical excellence and industry Reuters data shows. Mobily reported a record annual nies more competitive, reported Der Spiegel news weekly yesterday that the plan does not represent proposals by knowledge, with a further 4.8 percent of them mainly profit in 2013 of 6.68 billion riyals, up 11 percent from yesterday. Germany would also double its infrastructure the French and German governments but is ‘a report by searching for professionals with a track record of cre- the previous year, although that result has now been spending to 20 billion euros ($25 billion) by 2018, and the two economists’. ‘This report is not finalised so it cannot be ativity and innovation. commented on at this stage,’ she added. —AFP cut in the restatement. —Reuters fast-ageing country would reform immigration rules and EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Singapore Dollar 0.221807 0.227807 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 South African Rand 0.020725 0.029225 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001918 0.002498 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 2.521 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Taiwan 0.009344 0.009524 Australian Dollar 234.68 231.68 Indian Rupees 4.740 Thai Bhat 9.885 Thai Baht 0.008566 0.009116 Canadian Dollar 263.96 264.96 Pakistani Rupees 2.865 Turkish Lira 131.225 Srilankan Rupees 2.223 Swiss Franc 305.79 303.79 Arab Nepali Rupees 2.964 Euro 364.86 365.86 Bahraini Dinar 0.768209 0.776209 US Dollar 292.25 295.25 Singapore Dollar 226.140 Bahrain Exchange Company Egyptian Pound 0.038439 0.041539 Sterling Pound 459.99 462.99 Hongkong Dollar 37.594 Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Japanese Yen 2.52 2.54 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Philippine Peso 6.487 Bangladesh Taka 3.765 4.035 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.407843 0.415343 Thai Baht 8.889 Indian Rupee 4.725 5.025 Belgian Franc 0.007604 0.008804 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal transfer 59.000 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.223 2.658 Lebanese Pound 0.000144 0.000244 Irani Riyal cash 116.000 Nepali Rupee 2.949 3.484 British Pound 0.450167 0.459167 Pakistani Rupee 2.871 2.790 Czech Korune 0.005253 0.017253 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023881 0.047881 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 79.41 79.88 Danish Krone 0.044520 0.049520 Nigerian Naira 0.001183 0.001818 Saudi Riyal 77.764 Bahraini Dinar 775.65 777.72 Euro 0.357439 0.365439 Omani Riyal 0.752548 0.758228 Qatari Riyal 80.115 Egyptian Pound 40.75 41.35 Norwegian Krone 0.038794 0.043994 Qatar Riyal 0.079508 0.080721 Omani Riyal 757.730 Jordanian Dinar 415.25 420.90 Romanian Leu 0.083769 0.083769 Saudi Riyal 0.077243 0.077943 Bahraini Dinar 774.540 Omani Riyal 757.89 765.19 Slovakia 0.008526 0.018528 Syrian Pound 0.001731 0.001951 UAE Dirham 79.417 Qatari Riyal 80.48 81.03 Swedish Krona 0.035484 0.040484 Tunisian Dinar 0.155967 0.163967 Saudi Riyal 77.85 78.25 Swiss Franc 0.295293 0.305493 Turkish Lira 0.129932 0.136935 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.129932 0.136935 UAE Dirhams 0.078533 0.079682 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.860 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001318 0.001398 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.684 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.360 Australian Dollar 0.245329 0.256829 Tunisian Dinar 159.550 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.224312 0.233812 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 411.550 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.956 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.254462 0.262962 Syrian Lira 2.078 Sterling Pound 456.630 US Dollars 0.287950 0.292650 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 33.314 Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.288450 0.292650 US Dollar 291.550 Swiss Frank 303.035 Asia Euro 365.200 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Bangladesh Taka 0.003404 0.004004 Pound Sterlng 459.000 US Dollar Transfer 291.500 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Chinese Yuan 0.046145 0.049645 Canadian Dollar 261.700 Euro 364.960 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035569 0.038319 Indian Rupee 4.716 Sterling Pound 464.960 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Indian Rupee 0.004449 0.004850 Egyptian Pound 40.745 Canadian dollar 257.670 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222 Turkish lira 129.110 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Japanese Yen 0.002393 0.002573 Swiss Franc 303.330 Bangladesh Taka 3.750 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Kenyan Shilling 0.003311 0.003311 Australian Dollar 254.190 Philippines Peso 6.465 Indian Rupees 4.716 Korean Won 0.000252 0.000267 US Dollar Buying 290.300 Pakistan Rupee 2.868 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Malaysian Ringgit 0.083624 0.089624 Bahraini Dinar 776.000 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 GOLD Nepalese Rupee 0.002985 0.003155 UAE Dirham 79.350 Philippines Pesso 6.481 20 gram 226.000 Pakistan Rupee 0.002713 0.002993 Saudi Riyal 77.850 Cyprus pound 715.865 Philippine Peso 0.006355 0.006635 10 gram 116.000 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 59.000 Japanese Yen 3.480 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 BUSINESS Abenomics under pressure

KCIC WEEKLY ANALYSIS ON ASIA

By Jordi Rof might be useful in order to overcome this latest drawback. Additionally, the n the last couple of years, Abenomics yield of the government bond is at suffi- has been the trendiest concept in ciently low levels, currently at 0.47 per- IJapanese economics. Behind this cent for the 10-year benchmark horizon, word there is a mixture of monetary eas- allowing to delay fiscal consolidation ing policies, initial short term fiscal stim- measures. ulus and a number of long term structur- PMI, one of the most informative al reforms, designed to overcome Japan’s leading indicators of GDP suggests that vicious cycle of deflation and low growth should recover from the recent growth. Announced reforms range from pernicious effects of additional taxa- sector-specific regulation to two con- tion, albeit at a slower rates. Moreover, sumption tax hikes, one of them already it is far from clear whether expansionary implemented. monetary policy alone will be able to This set of policies has been relatively reach the dual objective of reaching successful so far. Inflation excluding the structurally higher growth and inflation. effect of the consumption tax hike is Since the government has limited room about 1 percent, clearly better but still for additional fiscal stimulus, economic falling below the 2 percent target. reforms arise as the stronger candidate Average growth rate from 2013 to mid- to fuel the economic engine in the 2014 is larger than during the 22 year medium run, particularly those related long deflationary cycle, but only moder- to the labor market and the introduc- ately (1.38 percent vs 0.95 percent year- tion of investment friendly taxation. ly). Moreover, the effects of the tax hike Japan, as the third largest country on GDP were larger than anticipated, ranked in terms of GDP at current leading to a GDP fall in the second and prices, has a sizeable influence in most third quarters by 0.07 percent YoY and economies across the globe. The 1.07 percent YoY respectively. strength of the Japanese recovery is of The limited success of Abenomics led great importance for the GCC, since to a substantial modification of the gov- Japan’s imports of oil rely significantly ernment and the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) in the region: Saudi Arabia was the fifth roadmap to revitalize the economy. The import partner in 2013. The spillovers of first hike’s higher-than-expected drag on Although the BoJ’s consistently structural negative effect on consump- a threat to the attempt of anchoring the Japanese recovery would also have GDP forced President Abe to delay the judged inflation to be on the right track, tion, thereby jeopardizing the attempts inflation expectations at higher levels. far-reaching implications in other Asian second tax hike due on 2015, and to the fact is that it recently decided to to accelerate the economy, and the Overall, the latest steps that policy- economies such as China, the main back this choice via a snap election increase the rhythm of asset’s purchases weakness of global demand may keep makers have taken seem to respond to Japan’s trade partner. expected to be held next month. The by 32 trillion yen per year in order to offsetting the positive effects that a the changing conditions reasonably Wrapping up, the success of Japan at decision to postpone the hike, will pre- fulfill its mandate. Both measures aim at weaker yen should have on exports and in a timely manner. Given the sensi- regaining the strength it had had dur- vent the fiscal policy to turn tighter, the same objective, boosting demand growth. Even a presumably positive fac- tivity of GDP growth to the first tax hike, ing the 80s is a key factor for the recov- however its implementation is still seen and inflation, but there are significant tor, such as the low price of energy and proceeding with further increases ery of global demand, and would repre- as crucial to address the structural public downside risks which might limit its commodities -recall that Japan is a net would certainly harm the economy in sent a very significant boost for the deficit and improve debt’s sustainability. effectiveness. The tax hike may have a importer of these items-, might well be excess, and additional fiscal stimulus emerging Asia and the GCC. Fuel price rise tests Indonesia leader’s anti-poverty pledge Widodo to walk tightrope on subsidies

JAKARTA: In an old cemetery in the Indonesian which they sleep at night. In the short term, the from the subsidies, they are not the ones who capital, Enur’s family and others live in makeshift increase in fuel costs risks widening this gap. are hardest hit when the payouts are cut, houses between tombstones, a handful of the Fuel prices rose more than 30 percent, to 8,500 observers warn. The government predicts infla- millions of poor people that new President Joko rupiah (70 US cents) for a litre of petrol and 7,500 tion will increase by around two percent in the Widodo has pledged to help. rupiah for diesel, but are still among the cheap- coming weeks but the poor, who often live in But Widodo’s promise to close a fast-growing est in the world. remote places where it is more difficult to trans- wealth gap is looking tougher after his decision While it is Indonesians wealthy enough to port food, will face even higher price rises. last week to hike subsidized fuel prices, which own cars and motorbikes who mainly benefitted Inflation was 4.8 percent year-on-year in observers warn will hit the poor hard as food October. Nevertheless, observers agree that prices rocket due to higher transportation costs. Indonesia had no choice but to reduce the sub- While the reduction in government subsidies sides that gobble up a huge chunk of the state is widely viewed as the right move towards get- budget, particularly at a time growth is slowing AHMEDABAD: An Indian employee works at a textile factory in Khatraj village, ting Southeast Asia’s top economy back on track, and the money is needed to help the economy. some 20 km from Ahmedabad. India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley promised for those at the bottom it will mean a harder “It is a bitter pill that we have to swallow yesterday to unveil a whole series of “second-generation” reforms to try to time in the short term. Enur, 40, who earns about because we need it,” Asep Suryahadi, the direc- kickstart the stuttering economy. —AFP 50,000 rupiah ($4) a day to feed his family by tor of a think-tank focusing on poverty, SMERU, driving a construction truck and selling fried said. snacks, sees no other choice than to borrow They also say that any inflation spike is likely Indian FM Jaitley pledges more to deal with an expected spike in inflation. to be temporary-after an increase in the fuel “What else is there to cut? Should I halve our price last year, the rate jumped initially but then daily rice intake? My children will be crying in dropped back. Widodo, who took office last ‘second generation’ reforms hunger,” the father of two, who has another child month, argues that in the long term the money on the way and goes by one name, told AFP. It is can be diverted to aid the poorest, through pro- NEW DELHI: India’s Finance Minister Arun Bharatiya Janata Party. Although the right- the same story for his neighbours at the Jakarta grams aimed at helping the country’s many mil- Jaitley promised yesterday to unveil a wing government has introduced some cemetery, many of whom work as scavengers in lions of hard-pressed farmers and fishermen. whole series of “second-generation” reforms reforms, it has so far steered clear of “big the city’s rubbish dumps, hunting for plastic bot- Just before the fuel price was increased, to try to kickstart the stuttering economy. In bang” initiatives that economists say are tles and cardboard boxes that they can sell on to Widodo, known by his nickname Jokowi, also an interview with the Press Trust of India needed to boost investment and manufac- scrape by. launched a system of benefit cards to help the (PTI) news agency, Jaitley said the reforms turing. About 100 million Indonesians, out of a pop- poorest across the sprawling archipelago. This that would be unveiled in the budget early Jaitley also hinted that the government ulation of 250 million, have missed out on the included immediate cash handouts for the poor next year would help the country cross the might reconsider its subsidy policy. country’s sustained economic boom over the families to cushion the impact. However ana- six percent growth mark in 2015-16. “Subsidy must be a quantified amount giv- past decade, living below or just slightly above lysts believe that such moves are insufficient to “The country needs a larger opening out en to an identifiable section... you cannot the poverty line. stave off the short-term effects of a broad rise in more sectors... I think we have a lot of have such sections enjoying the benefit in the cost of everyday goods. exciting times ahead of us and I do see who are not entitled to,” he said. India’s sub- Rising inequality MALANG CITY: An Indonesian woman “These cards are an intervention to solve a investments coming into India,” he told the sidy bill increased fivefold under the previ- The country’s Gini coefficient, which meas- long-term problem,” said Sonny Harmadi, an agency. ous left-leaning Congress government, receives a 400,000 rupiah ($32.73) gov- ures income inequality, rose from 31 percent in ernment cash aid at the post office in economist from University of Indonesia’s demo- Asked about the broad contours of the which implemented policies to buy agricul- 2001 to 41 percent in 2012, one of the fastest graphic institute. While he is worried about the budget, Jaitley said there was “a whole set tural produce at guaranteed prices and dis- Malang city, in eastern Java island as the rates in Asia, the World Bank said. The higher the government launched the benefit cards looming price increases, Enur is also patiently of second-generation reforms”. The first tribute cheap grain to the poor. figure, the less evenly wealth is distributed in an looking to the long term, and hopes the new generation in 1991 opened up India’s econ- Modi’s government has held back from economy. system to help the poorest across the government might find him a secure job. omy to foreign investment while introduc- dismantling many populist schemes. But it The gap is all too clear in Jakarta, a sprawling sprawling archipelago that included “Give us a job, a barn where we can do the ing major trade liberalization and tax did recently lift diesel price controls in a metropolis where flashy Lamborghini sports cars immediate cash handouts for families to simplest of tasks such as making shirts, stitch- reforms. move to reduce India’s energy bill.The new zoom past people hauling wooden carts filled cushion the impact of a fuel price ing buttons, and give us houses next to it,” he The economy grew by 5.7 percent in the government’s resolve to further open up with rubbish that they are trying to sell, and in increase. —AFP said. —AFP first financial quarter, its best pace since ear- the economy will be tested during the win- ly 2012, spurred by growing business confi- ter session of the parliament which begins dence following the landslide election vic- today, with contentious tax and land bills tory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s on the agenda. —AFP Juncker’s EU investment plan risks disappointing BRUSSELS: New European Commission The plan uses an as yet unex- the initial investments that the Trade Union confederation. chief Jean Claude Juncker has made a plained mix of public and private Commission hopes to create using “Will the EU repackage investment Casablanca financial centre 300-billion-euro investment plan a cen- financing, while the amount of actual the financial markets. In this version, that would have been done anyway? trepiece of his five-year agenda, but new money is also unclear. But with Jyrki Katainen, the commission’s vice Such an approach would have no plans arbitration body days before a highly awaited unveiling cost-conscious and powerful president in charge of the plan, and sense,” ETUC said. doubts are rife that it can deliver. Germany looking on, what the invest- Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre MARRAKESH: Casablanca’s international finan- international arbitration body, Morocco is follow- Two years after the euro-zone debt ment plan won’t be is a “New Deal” for Moscovici would be sent out on road- Avoiding ‘disappointment’ cial centre will launch a business arbitration ing the example of the Middle East’s top banking crisis, the economy is flatlining and Europe, an avalanche of state spend- shows to promote investor interest. Some member states argue public body this week in an effort to expand its foot- hub, the Dubai International Financial Centre. unemployment is high, while the lack ing to win a quick hit of growth. spending will be needed, despite print in the region, an official involved with the Dubai’s arbitration body and the DIFC court of response by European Union lead- ‘Old wine, new bottles’ German reticence. France’s pro-reform project said. “In the past, African companies system are reasons for multinationals to locate ers has again become a concern for Lack of ambition The actual amount of new money Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron might go to Paris, Brussels or Geneva to resolve themselves in the DIFC; they encourage lawyers the world. Overall responsibility for the plan is up in the air-and completely has aggressively pushed for an ambi- their business disputes,” said Said Ibrahimi, chief and other professional service firms to set up The stakes are huge for the EU, the will almost certainly fall on the dependent on the enthusiasm of the tious plan, saying he fears a “disap- executive of the Moroccan Financial Board, a shop in the emirate, bringing down costs and world’s largest economy, its 500 mil- European Investment Bank, a little- investors whom the EU must win over. pointment” if the scheme remains too public-private body which oversees Casablanca helping to create an ecosystem which attracts lion citizens, and global markets. The known EU institution based in The Commission, the executive cautious. Finance City. more financial companies. heart of the problem in the 28-nation Luxembourg that is often criticized for branch of the EU, says the plan can The pressure is on Germany, the “Now they will be able to stay in Africa and Ibrahimi said experienced arbitrators would EU is a drastic lack of investment, its lack of ambition. Details are scarce, amplify initial cash by a factor of ten. EU’s most powerful country, which find professional services here,” he told Reuters be invited from around the world, including which remains way off pre-crisis lev- but in essence the idea is to use exist- This is a huge leap and one never cherishes its balanced budget and fis- on the sidelines of a business conference. Europe and Asia, to serve in Casablanca’s arbitra- els, in stark contrast to the US and ing cash from both the EIB and EU before reached by similar EU invest- cal prudence. Germany has already Morocco’s government began developing tion body, in much the same way as the DIFC emerging economies. “The EU is cry- and an extra injection from rich mem- ment schemes. Brussels investment indicated it will throw 10 billion euros Casablanca Finance City in 2010 as a banking employs many foreign judges for its court sys- ing out for new investment,” said Jan ber states like Germany as seed mon- plans “focus too hard on big headline into the Juncker plan, on the strict centre for French-speaking Africa, in the same tem. About 60 companies, including arms of Randolph, an analyst at IHS Global ey for major investment projects. numbers”, said Reinhard Cluse, econo- condition that the money flow way that Johannesburg and Mauritius serve major foreign banks such as BNP Paribas, are cur- Insight in London. These would be driven almost mist at UBS in London. “These have through private sector actors and not English-speaking countries on the continent. rently members of Casablanca Finance City and In response Juncker, the former exclusively by the private sector with relied on significant ‘crowding in’ of straight to overspending govern- Financial companies, professional services the number is expected to rise to 100 by the end Luxembourg premier, aims to kick- the financial markets playing a key private resources, which has often ments. But the German taboos on firms and regional headquarters of multination- of 2015, Ibrahimi said. A 100-hectare zone in start growth with the 300-billion-euro role to raise cash and attract investors. failed to materialize,” he said. That government spending need to be als can become members of the centre, receiving Casablanca is being developed to physically ($380 billion) investment program In fact, the whopping 300-billion-euro danger still exists, with critics warning broken, analysts said. Jennifer tax concessions and other benefits such as fast- house the companies, and the first ones are that he will unveil before the figure is not actually a lump sum that the Juncker team will do no more McKeown of Capital Economics said track visa procedures for staff. In setting up an expected to move in by 2016. —Reuters European Parliament in Strasbourg, will be pumped into European busi- than pour “old wine in new bottles”, in Germany has all the scope “to France, on Wednesday. nesses, but the total resulting effect of the wording of ETUC, the European increase its investment”. —AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Falling inflation a worry for Europe but also the world

GLOBAL ECONOMY WEEKAHEAD

LONDON: European Central Bank President Mario Draghi Exporting Countries (OPEC) decides. The latest Reuters poll ulus from central banks, alarm bells are ringing worldwide. Even if the ECB does engage in sovereign QE, it may not has moved closer to launching sovereign debt purchases suggests euro zone inflation relapsed to 0.3 percent in Japan’s experiment in raising sales taxes to try to revive make much difference with euro bond yields already so low. and data this week will show just how dangerously low November, far from the ECB target of just below 2 percent. inflation spawned news of yet another recession. The main effect would be to “contribute to a further depre- inflation has fallen in the $13 trillion euro-zone economy. A “It is essential to bring back inflation to target and with- The People’s Bank of China, which is dealing with a ciation of the euro to $1.15 by end-2016 and mitigate the sickly Europe has held back global economic growth for out delay,” Draghi said on Friday. “Monetary policy can and falling property market and an inflation rate that has tum- upward pressure on bond yields in the euro zone that is years, and now it is contributing significantly to powerful will do its part to achieve this. But it is also clear that, as bled to just 1.6 percent, unexpectedly cut its main interest likely to result from rises in US Treasury yields as the Fed forces already dragging down inflation across the globe. monetary policy works on the demand side of the econo- rates for the first time in more than two years on Friday. tightens the reins,” wrote Melanie Debono at Capital A spectacular drop in crude oil prices over the past my, other policies can assist in this process - or at least not The ECB, with rates as low they can go, has been doing Economics. month will be the centre of discussion when ministers from counteract it.” everything in its power short of printing money - an option But a rise in US Treasury yields has been part of many the world’s top oil exporters meets in Vienna on Friday. After many years of austerity, Draghi and others have staunchly opposed by Germany. Yet private credit figures economists’ forecasts for years now. Despite solid growth The key question there is whether Saudi Arabia, which come around to the idea of loosening fiscal policy to invest this week may once again fail to show any real impact from and modest inflation - likely to be confirmed in official data signalled last month it was comfortable with lower oil in infrastructure. But Germany, which could best afford it, is the cheap long-term loans the ECB has offered banks to next week - Treasury yields have either remained low or prices, accelerating a plunge in the price of crude to a third focused on balancing its books for the first time since 1969. lend on to businesses. moved lower. With so many central banks having eased or since June, will stick to that view. Bank credit to the private sector has been contracting prepared for possible easing over the last several months, it But rapidly-increasing US oil production, coinciding with ALARM BELLS for more than two years and the few economists who gave is becoming increasingly doubtful that the Federal Reserve shaky demand from China and Europe, is likely to keep a lid Despite years of zero interest rates across mature a forecast expect another roughly 1 percent fall compared will raise its benchmark rate from a record low by the mid- on the price no matter what the Organization of Petroleum economies and trillions of dollars worth of emergency stim- with a year ago. dle of next year. — Reuters Amer Group to split into two companies CAIRO: Egyptian real estate company Refaat told Reuters that growth in real Amer Group plans to split into two com- estate activity in Egypt had prompted the panies in an attempt to create more split to maximize development opportu- opportunities for its development busi- nities and boost its liquidity on the stock ness and boost trading in its shares. The exchange. At 0828 GMT the company’s 6XQGD\1RYHPEHU company, which owns hotels, restaurants stock was trading at 1.30 Egyptian pounds ,QGH[ &KDQJH &ORVLQJ /DVW&ORVLQJ +LJK /RZ and shopping malls, said in a statement ($0.18) per share, up 2.4 percent. The divi-

3ULFHLQGH[ Ÿ      9ROXPH  that it would be divided into a develop- sion of the company is subject to approval ment business called Amer Holding Group by shareholders, the statement said, and :HLJKWHG,QGH[ Ÿ     9DOXH .:'  and a smaller company called Porto that a division of assets, liabilities and .6; Ÿ      1XPEHURI7UDGHV  Holding. equity would be made “at book value at Amer’s investor relations director Riad the effective date of the split”. — Reuters

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Zain Group Technology team. ISTANBUL: Zain Group, a leading telecom innovator in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, announces the successful completion of its fourth annual Zain Technology Conference (ZTC) that took place in Istanbul, Turkey between November 17- 19, 2014. The theme of this year’s conference was, ‘Towards an Inspiring Digital Lifestyle Experience’, and the company took the opportunity to describe how it planned to achieve this ambition through a series of pre- sentations from Zain Group senior manage- ment, discussions with technology partners including main sponsors Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia, and 92 dedicated break-out tech- nical sessions. The three-day event which was Zain’s largest to date, attracted over 600 attendees and more than 65 technology partner exhibitors saw keynote addresses and a Q&A session by Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer, Zain Group Chief Technical Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer. Crowd at a panel session. Officer Hisham Allam and Zain Group Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer among many other innovative digital related during ZTC2014 across a myriad of topics, Emre Gurkan. areas, which we shall be actively exploring with presentations entitled ‘Effective Path to The key message from Zain executive and looking to play a major role in the com- 5G’, ‘Expanding new Businesses from Big management was that the company is on a ing years.” Data for Telecom’, ‘Transforming Schools with path to transform itself into a digital lifestyle Hisham Allam commented, “Our aim is to Technology’, and ‘Public and Private Cloud operator, and shall look to achieve this by future proof our network in order to become Solutions and Services’, among many other expanding its operations in the areas of more successful at what we do over the com- topics on the wide-ranging agenda. innovation, digital services provision, and ing years. Zain’s transformation efforts incor- A high level panel discussion was also services for enterprises. Zain will also contin- porate convergence as a transformation driv- part of the proceedings at the conference, ue to actively defend its market leading er; network transformation; virtualization; where Zain representatives were joined by positions and existing voice and SMS busi- analytics and Big Data; as well as considering technology partner representatives to dis- nesses, and optimize its network operations organizational implications. We have the cuss the topic, ‘Transforming Zain to serve a and deployments, all in the aim of being a tools to achieve a successful transformation, new Digital Lifestyle Experience’. A key theme more agile, relevant digital communications and the partners to help us implement such, that all panelists rose to was the requirement provider. so we have every confidence in the future.” to believe in the future vision and efforts to Scott Gegenheimer said, “This has been On his part, Emre Gurkan said, “ZTC gives create a digital services lifestyle for Zain’s cus- the largest ZTC yet, and shows the excite- us the opportunity to express our digital tomers. ment Zain continues to generate in the futuristic vision within the Group, and receive In addition to formal meetings, numerous regional telecom market. The exchange of feedback from staff and technology partners team-building activities were undertaken in ideas and perspectives with our technology alike, which is vital for a successful execution which Zain personnel from across all its oper- Question and answer session in progress. partners will help Zain’s leadership to bench- of the strategy. With what we are proposing, ations were actively involved in, with the Zain mark where our operations are and align we are making a new ‘Zain from Zain’, and we booth being a central point for many social main conference events and keynote ses- est it had received, Zain with the support of them with our vision. It’s a collaborative have the belief to do so. We are ready to and brainstorming events. sions that are all available on the corporate its main technology partners, Ericsson, approach to get us ready for a digital future.” meet our full potential as an organization, The importance Zain places in ZTC 2014 website www.zain.com/blogs. Turkish TV and Huawei and Nokia ended ZTC2014 with an Furthermore Gegenheimer indicated, and it is our intention to be bold and inno- saw the company provide intensive social print media were also present reflecting the awards ceremony that recognized the best “Zain can capture significant market-share vate in the things we do.” media coverage on all its channels namely local huge interest Zain generates across the efforts of both Zain personnel and technolo- from the Smart City and Enterprise business Leading technology providers from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn as region and afar. gy partners alike during the course of the opportunities in the Middle East region, across the globe gave a series of presenting well as providing daily live blogs from the In appreciation of the support and inter- three days.

US dollar buoyed by positive data China rate cut knocks legs from NBK WEEKLY MONEY MARKETS REPORT under yuan rally KUWAIT: The US dollar traded near a 41/2-year high program in a move widely expected by markets. While alized rate of 1.5 percent in October, above expectations of both the manufacturing and service sectors slipped SHANGHAI: China’s surprise interest rate cut is another against its major counterparts last week, as mostly posi- the economy is improving, some monetary authorities for a 1.2 percent increase and following a gain of 1.6 per- from 52.1 in October to 51.4 in November. In parallel, step toward softening the country’s exchange rate, setting tive US data continued to support the greenback and want to be sure recovery remains sustained before rais- cent in the preceding month. The core producer price manufacturing activity in Germany stalled in the yuan on course to end the year lower for the first time comments by European Central Bank President Mario ing interest rates, which is expected to take place in index eased up by a seasonally adjusted 0.4 percent last November, fuelling concerns over the health of the since its landmark revaluation in 2005. The People’s Bank of Draghi dented risk sentiment. Furthermore, investors mid-2015, with a few voting members expressing con- month, above expectations for a gain of 0.2 percent and euro-zone’s largest economy. German manufacturing China (PBOC) cut one-year benchmark lending rates on flew to safety as figures showed that Japan, the world’s cerns that inflationary pressures remain soft. Markets following a flat reading in September. The Federal purchasing managers’ index fell to a seasonally adjust- Friday, a move celebrated by Chinese corporates struggling third largest economy, has entered into a recession. rose on the news, as investors interpreted the minutes Reserve view core prices as a better gauge of longer- ed 50.0 this month from a final reading of 51.4 in against a toxic combination of high debt load and weak That combined with a slowdown in the euro-zone’s as a sign the Fed is aware the economy is improving but term inflationary pressure, as they exclude the volatile October. Meanwhile, economists expected the index end demand. manufacturing sector drove investors to buy the green- remains wary of raising interest rates too soon. food and energy categories. to inch up to 51.5 in November. Analysts say it could also signal the end of a rally in the back. Finally, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s previ- yuan since May, especially if the central bank follows up ous monetary policy meeting signaled that members Housing permits US manufacturing German economic sentiment with a cut to reserve requirement ratios, which would flood of the Fed are starting to acknowledge improvements Residential-construction permits in the US climbed US manufacturing activity in November expanded German investor confidence rose for the first time money markets with cheap renminbi. Investors have long in the economy, further pushing the currency higher in October to a six-year high, pointing to a pickup in at the slowest rate in ten months, dampening opti- in 11 months after Europe’s largest economy avoided been attracted to yuan-denominated assets, seen as rela- against its counterparts. homebuilding after a slowdown in multifamily projects mism over the strength of the economy. US manufac- relapsing into a recession. The ZEW Center for tively safe given implicit government guarantees, and at the The Euro started the week at 1.2515, and gained led to a drop in activity. Groundbreakings for single- turing purchasing managers’ index declined to a sea- European Economic Research in Mannheim said its same time higher yielding than similarly rated dollar- some traction to reach a high of 1.2599 as figures family homes, condominiums and apartments fell 2.8 sonally adjusted 54.7 this month from a final reading index of investor and analyst expectations, which aims denominated instruments. showed that the German ZEW economic sentiments percent to a 1.01 million annualized rate following of 55.9 in October. Analysts had expected the index to to predict economic developments six months in These high yields, along with the prospect of forex index rose to a 4-month high last month. The single cur- September’s 1.04 million pace, which was stronger than ease up to 56.2 in November. Weaker rates of output advance, increased to 11.5 in November from -3.6 in appreciation, encouraged speculative “hot money” to flow rency then traded in a tight range on Thursday previously reported by the Commerce Department. and new business growth were the main negative October as economists expected a rebound to 0.5. into China, maintaining upward pressure on the exchange between 1.2570 and 1.2500. The currency came under Permits for future projects rose to the highest level influences on the headline PMI figure in November. Germany’s gross domestic product expanded 0.1 per- rate. Friday’s rate cut now reduces the relative attractive- pressure after ECB President Mario Draghi reiterated on since June 2008. Construction began last month on the cent in the third quarter, after contracting in the three ness of the yuan and makes it more risky to hold going for- Friday that the central bank is prepared to act rapidly if most single-family homes in a year, indicating a Unemployment claims months through June, to join a gradual euro-area ward. “The rate cut overnight, along with prolonged weak- low inflation persists. The currency reached a low of strengthening job market and cheaper borrowing costs The number of people who filed for unemploy- revival that extended from France to Greece. The ness in the Japanese yen, will increase political pressure on 1.2426 and closed the week at 1.2388. are continuing to support the economy. Moreover, ment assistance in the US last week fell less than European Central Bank has implemented unprece- the PBOC to allow a modest devaluation in the currency, The sterling pound opened at 1.5665, and dropped existing-home sales rose in October for the second expected, dampening optimism over the strength of dented stimulus measures to bolster the regional both to reflect a normal market response to rate cuts and to a low of 1.5588 at the beginning of the week. The straight month and are now above year-over-year lev- the labor market. The US Department of Labor said recovery and has pledged more if needed. also to shore up export competitiveness in the face of Pound then gained some traction after data showed els for the first time in a year. Total existing-home sales, the number of individuals filing for initial jobless ben- downward pressure on Asian currencies across the board,” that UK retail sales rebounded stronger than anticipat- which are completed transactions that include single- efits in the week ending November 15 decreased by BoE rate vote split Eurasia Group analysts wrote in a research note distributed ed in October. However, cable slid lower against the US family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 291,000 from the previ- Minutes from the Bank of England’s most recent to clients on Saturday. The yuan dropped sharply at the dollar on Friday, after the release of higher-than expect- rose 1.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of ous week’s revised 293,000. Meanwhile, analysts had policy meeting released Wednesday showed that the start of the 2014, losing over 3 percent in the course of two ed UK public sector borrowing data, while demand for 5.26 million in October from an upwardly revised 5.18 expected jobless claims to fall by 7,000 to 286,000 last Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 to keep rates months, a phenomenon widely seen as an attack on cur- the greenback remained broadly supported. The cur- million in September. Sales are at their highest annual week. The number of Americans applying for new job- on hold and its quantitative-easing program rency speculators by Beijing. The currency remains down rency fell to a low of 1.5588 and closed the week at pace since September 2013 and are now above year- less benefits held below 300,000 for the tenth consec- unchanged. The minutes show seven members were 1.17 percent for the year, despite rising steadily since May. 1.5654. The Japanese Yen dropped against the US dollar over-year levels for the first time since last October. utive week, signaling the recovery in the labor market in favor of leaving the key interest rate at a record low Markets were already growing wary of that trajectory, as figured released early last week showed that the is gaining momentum. of 0.5 percent and making no changes to the central however, given a 10-percent rally in the US Dollar Index in Japanese economy has entered into a recession. The Consumer prices bank’s GBP 375 billion asset-purchase program. the second half of the year, followed by broad drops in USD/JPY reached a 7-year high of 118.96 after the The cost of living in the US changed slightly in Euro-zone manufacturing However, dissenting members Martin Weale and Ian Asian currencies led by the Japanese yen. But economists release of the GDP figure. The pair found support October, reflecting a drop in energy prices that has yet Manufacturing activity in the Euro zone expanded McCafferty voted for a 0.25 percent hike in the bench- warn that the PBOC is unlikely seeking to provoke a dra- around the 117.40 level as investors took profit. Finally, to filter through to other goods and services. No at a slower rate than expected in November, underling mark rate to 0.75 percent for the fourth consecutive matic drop, and markets did not aggressively revalue the the Yen closed the week at 117.80. change in the consumer-price index followed a 0.1 per- concerns over the region’s growth outlook, preliminary meeting. The minutes said that policymakers see a offshore yuan in response to the announcement. cent gain the prior month versus expectations for a 0.1 data showed last week. In a report, market research small chance of inflation expectations drifting lower “China has a broader agenda, involving economic Fed focus on Inflation percent drop. Excluding volatile food and fuel, the so- group Markit said that its preliminary manufacturing and that there is a risk slack may soon be exhausted, reform and rebalancing, which sets it apart from the other Monetary authorities spent their most recent policy called core measure rose 0.2 percent, the most in five purchasing managers’ index fell to a seasonally adjust- boosting CPI pressure. While the minutes also cited countries involved in global currency tensions,” wrote HSBC meeting agreeing that the economy was improving months. ed 50.4 this month, down from a final reading of 50.6 threats to the recovery from the Euro area and the UK economists in a research note, arguing the ultimate out- and no longer needed stimulus tools such as asset pur- Wholesale prices unexpectedly increased in October in October. Analysts had expected the index to ease up housing market, it said business investment growth come would be more forex market volatility, as opposed to chases, though concerns persisted that inflation expec- as higher costs for services and food outweighed a to 50.9 in November. Meanwhile, the preliminary serv- was “buoyant” and there were signs that wage growth steady rises or declines. “Structural reforms could be accom- tations may be dipping, the minutes of the Federal slump in energy. In a report, the Commerce Department ices purchasing managers’ declined to a seasonally was picking up. panied by lower growth, inflation, gradually lower interest Reserve’s October policy meeting revealed last week. At said that producer prices inched up by a seasonally adjusted 51.3 this month, down from 52.3 in October rates, and a smaller savings-investments gap (implying a its October monetary policy meeting, the Fed left its adjusted 0.2 percent, compared to forecasts for a 0.1 and below expectations for a reading of 52.3. The sea- Kuwait smaller current account surplus). All of these actually indi- benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.00-0.25 per- percent decline, after falling 0.1 percent in September. sonally adjusted Markit Flash euro-zone Composite Kuwaiti dinar at 0.29120. The USDKD opened at cate less room for further currency gains.” —Reuters cent and said it was closing its monthly bond-buying Year-over-year, the producer price index rose at an annu- Output Index, which measures the combined output 0.29120 yesterday morning. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 BUSINESS Nissan Patrol ranks on top Patrol obtains more than 50% of Kuwait market share in its category

KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al- proves its great ability in dealing with the back screen with a vehicle parking system. Babtain Co, the exclusive dealer of Nissan in desert nature. With using 4 cameras, the screen is displaying Kuwait announced an ascendant sales ratio On this occasion, Mohammed Shalaby, a panoramic view to help the driver of Nissan of Nissan Patrol in Kuwait. once again the COO, Al-Babtain Group expressed his happi- Patrol to park the vehicle in narrow spaces. Nissan Patrol proved that it’s the ‘Hero of All ness with the success achieved by Nissan This is provided by the collision avoiding sys- Terrains’, through achieving more than 50 Patrol. “I feel proud with the tremendous tem during reverse (BCI), which warns the percent market share of sales in the Kuwait sales of Nissan Patrol for this year compar- driver if a moving body was detected on the market in its category for the first half of the ing to its competitors in Kuwait. It attracted back of the vehicle when reversing. fiscal year. This is a record, as it’s the highest the Kuwaiti driver with its high quality func- percentage among all GCC countries. tions, luxury design, creative abilities, and Nissan Patrol is available in 9 categories Nissan Patrol continues in achieving extraordinary power,” he said. “Nissan Patrol Nissan Patrol is available in various cate- more success through the outstanding gained great popularity in the Kuwaiti mar- gories including the using fuel engine options that resulted in ranking on top of its ket so it beat the competitors with taking VK56DE, with 8 valves and 5.6 litters, auto- competitors. Nissan Patrol achieved great over more than 50 percent of sales in the matic transmission with 5 speeds of the fol- success at both the Abu Dhabi Desert local market of this category,” he added. lowing categories: XE ,SE-T1, SE-T2 SE- Challenge, in which it occupied the top five He also said that this is an outstanding Platinum and SE- Platinum City, then with positions and the Celine Dessert Rally in achievement added to the previous manual transmission with 6 speeds in two Qatar, which is the most difficult rally, which achievements of Nissan Patrol. “The new categories: XE and SE-T1, with fuel engine generation of Nissan Patrol proved the it VK56VD with 8 valves and 5.6 litters, and has all what it takes to continue the history 400 horse power and automatic transmis- of wins achieved by the previous models”. sion with 7 speeds in the following cate- It’s worth mentioning that Nissan Patrol gories: LE-T1° LE-T2° LE-Platinum ÊLE- also registered great achievement last year Platinum City. by registering in the Guinness World Records in ‘The heaviest object pulled by a In addition to that, the front seats are body move, separate back entertainment production vehicle, which increased the electronically adjustable with electrically system with a DVD player and a 7 inch dis- reputation of its exceptional abilities. supporting the lumbar vertebrae, one play. The brand new Nissan Patrol is available touch opening and closing sunroof feature, Nissan care about the safety of the driv- in completely special design. The new automatically open the trunk, off-road driv- ers and the passengers, through providing bumper design matches the front net and ing information display, monitoring system the warning system and avoid leaving the the chrome in the front side of the vehicle. for air pressure in the tires, controlling tem- left line (LDP), smart key for fixing speed Also main LED lights were added to the new perature in front seats, navigation system (ICC) placed on the steering wheel, leaving Nissan Patrol along with the day lights and with HDD with switch on the steering safety distance system (DCA), smart break the hidden space of the main light which is wheel, DVD player with memory on 8 inch technology (IBA), front sensor (FCW), warn- seen when the engine starts. Furthermore LCD display, voice entertainment BOSE sys- ing and interference system in blind areas new tires of size 20 inches were used, which tem with 13 megaphone, Music Box voice (BSW/BSI), spaces for window detecting were made of bars cut by machines, back entertaining system with CD of 9.3 GB, com- rain, with a display for parking , dual airbags LED lights, and roof rails. The Hero of puter driving system with digital system SRS, with a dynamic control of the Mohammed Shalaby, Terrains is available in new body colors; speedometers, automatic light warning sys- vehicle, parking vehicle on slops system, COO, Al-Babtain Group metal gray, clear pearl white, and the new tem, starting engine from distance, and hill decent control system. color of interior (Tan). hydraulic control system with the HBMC Nissan Patrol was also featured with a Al-Tijaria enters in a new real Unbeatable deals on Dodge estate investment in Norway KUWAIT: Abdulfatah Marafie, Chairman Kingdom of Norway. In addition to Charger, Challenger at MBMC of the Commercial Real Estate Company another building used as a warehouse ‘Al-Tijaria’ has stated that the company with high specification with a total con- has entered in a new real estate invest- struction area of 25,974m2. ment in Oslo, Kingdom of Norway for It is worth mentioning that Onninen AS KUWAIT: To celebrate 100 years of Dodge performance Dodge Charger achieved an overall 5-star vehicle Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety fea- KD3.9 million with a share of 49.64 per- Company was established in 1913 and it is and heritage, Al Mulla & Behbehani Motor Company safety score. The rating is a combination of frontal, side tures to improve overall vehicle handling and perform- cent in alliance with a group of investors considered as a one of the largest multina- (MBMC) is offering an exceptional deal on the Middle pole and barrier performance with the static stability ance both on and off the track. In addition, standard and in cooperation with ‘Arzan Wealth’ as tional leading company in electrical East’s most loved muscle cars, the Dodge Charger and factor accounting for the rollover rating. Dodge front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length a consultant for the invest- wholesale distributors with Challenger. Charger also achieved high marks in rollover testing side-curtain air bags and standard front seat-mounted ment deal. strong financial position, and “We wanted to mark this very special milestone for with a 4-star rating. side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protec- Marafie has mentioned that operating in the Nordics and Dodge with a once in a lifetime opportunity - so not In addition, Dodge Charger was named a “Top tion to passengers in the event of a collision. the investment is a property Baltics. Marafie has added that only are we offering the classic 2014 Dodge Charger Safety Pick” by the IIHS - its highest rating. The IIHS The Challenger’s innovative Uconnect system inte- that was constructed in 2010 Al-Tijaria is continuing to follow from KD 7,599 - an amazing saving of KD 1,300 on the recognises vehicles with outstanding crashworthiness grates a 6.5-inch (165.1 mm) touchscreen display with a in an area of 82,231m2 accord- its policies and strategies that normal price of KD 8,899,and the 2014 Dodge in front, side, rollover and rear crashes. The Dodge flag- 30gb hard drive for additional storage. Uconnect media ing to the latest construction aim to acquire good and Challenger from KD 7,999 - a saving of KD 1,700 on the ship sedan received “good” ratings, the highest achiev- centres also offer a single navigation option with clean systems and it is fully rented income-generating assets normal price of KD 9,699 - but we’re also adding in a able, in all four categories. and crisp graphics and allow passengers to create a for Onninen AS Company. The which maximizes shareholders’ free added-value package worth KD 650 that includes To be considered, vehicles must have available ESC personalised in-vehicle media experience with its avail- property consists of a special equity and the Company’s busi- $1,000 worth of accessories, 2 years/40,000 km free systems that significantly reduce crash risks. Dodge able USB port with iPod control, auxiliary jack for MP3 building used as the head ness outcome in light of main- servicing (including major service), registration and Charger has standard ESC. Other standard safety fea- player input and DVD playback (in Park). quarter of the company and taining low risk business and insurance,” said Maher Abu-Shaaban, Assistant General tures include, full-length side-curtain airbags, seat- To make long cruises more comfortable, the Dodge key distribution warehouse to Abdulfatah away from economic and politi- Manager - Sales and Marketing of Al Mulla & Behbehani mounted side thorax air bags, driver’s knee bag, front- Challenger features highly cushioned and comfortably serve their (28) stores in Marafie cal markets volatility. Motor Co. (MBMC), the sole distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep(r), Ram and Mopar in Kuwait. The 2014 Dodge Charger SE features the light- Al-Tijari announces winners weight, 292 hp 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 aluminium engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission - once of Najma Account draw limited to premium import vehicles costing twice as KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the 100,000 each on different occasions: The much, the segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic Al-Najma Account daily draw on November 23, National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and on the transmission expands the world-class power and fuel 2014. The draw was held under the supervision 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s efficiency of the Dodge Charger SE, delivering quicker of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry repre- establishment. acceleration, seamless shifts, improved performance sented by Saquer Al-Manaie. With a minimum balance of KD500, cus- and class-leading fuel efficiency with the roominess of tomers will be eligible for the daily draw provid- a full-size sedan, and the style only the brand’s iconic The winners of the Najma daily draw are: ed that the money is in the account one week Charger can deliver. Hussain Abduljalil Al-Hadad — KD 7000, prior to the daily draw or two months prior to l Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 mpg / Nawaf Ali Al Enzi — KD 7000, Dalal Khalid Al- the mega draw. In addition, for each KD25 a 7.587 L/100km highway) Dulaimi — KD 7000, Hessah Helal Al-Otaibi — KD customer can get one chance for winning l Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 mpg / 7000, Mohammad Hanif Mohammad — KD 7000. instead of KD50. 10.227 L/100km) The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this l Unsurpassed city fuel economy (19 mpg / 12.38 the biggest daily draw in Kuwait with the opportunity to congratulate all lucky winners L/100 km city) launch of the new Najma account. Customers of and also extends appreciation to the Ministry of l Overall unsurpassed fuel economy in its class the bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize Commerce and Industry for their effective It also offers more standard equipment than any of which is the highest in the country and another supervision of the draws which were conducted its direct standard full-size competitors, and is well 4 mega prizes during the year worth KD in an orderly and organized manner. equipped for the individual looking for comfort, han- dling, iconic styling and value. This vehicle features 18 inch painted aluminium Burgan Bank announces wheels, signature ‘racetrack’ tail lamps with 164 LED’s, row reactive head restraints, Hill-start Assist, Rain Brake contoured seating, while maintaining large bolsters to integrated dual exhaust, active front head restraints, Support and Ready Alert Braking. hold passengers in place during performance driving - winners of Yawmi account seven airbags, acoustic laminated windshield and front The Dodge Challenger SE’s standard award-winning it also offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door side glass, Uconnect with a 4.3 inch touchscreen (avail- 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine features a cold-air induc- coupe, achieving best-in-class rear headroom (37.4 KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday To further add to the anticipation of Yawmi able best in class 8.4 touchscreen with GPS navigation tion system and dual exhausts from the headers back inches / 949.96 mm) and legroom (32.6 inches / 828.04 the names of the lucky winners of its Yawmi account customers, Burgan Bank now offers a system), ESC, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Brake Assist, Rain to the exhaust tips for maximum output. The result is mm) compared with its competition. account draw, each taking home a prize of KD quarterly Draw with more chances to win high- Brake Support, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button 305 track-ready hp at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 With class-exclusive seating for five, coupled with 5,000. er rewards, entitling one lucky customer to win start, power driver’s seat, power windows, power locks lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine’s torque best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), the Dodge KD 125,000 every three months. The Yawmi with remote keyless entry, power mirrors, electronic exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,800 to Challenger is the segment’s best day-to-day pony-car The lucky winners for the daily draws account now offers daily and quarterly Draws, vehicle information centre, air conditioning with dual- 6,400 rpm, which provides outstanding drivability and choice, offering maximum comfort and functionality to took home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 the quarterly draw requires customers to main- zone control, steering wheel-mounted cruise control responsiveness. go with its legendary iconic styling and sought-after each, and they are: tain a minimum amount of KD 500 in their and audio control, and much more. Thanks to its all-aluminium design, the 3.6-litre performance. 1. SANAA ABDULAZIZ MUBARAK BIN NASER account for 2 months prior to draw date. The Dodge Charger has achieved 5-star safety rat- Pentastar V6 engine, linked to a five-speed AutoStick “Limited stocks of the 2014 Dodge Charger and 2. EMAD ABDULRAZZAQ AHMAD ALFAHAD Additionally, every KD 10 in the account, will ings from the National Highway Traffic Safety automatic transmission, provides the Dodge Challenger are still available in our showrooms, but 3. KATABJIWALA SALMA SAIFUDDIN & OR entitle customers to one chance of winning. If Administration (NHTSA) - the 5-star rating is the highest Challenger with a 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribu- demand for the current models, which will be replaced KATABJIWALA SAIFUDDIN the account balance is KD 500 and above, the rating for safety by the Administration and measures tion for improved balance and handling. in 2015, is exceptionally heavy as customers look to 4. YARA FUAD YAQOUB ALGHAREEB account holder will be qualified for both the vehicle safety performance in three categories, includ- The Dodge Challenger features more than 45 safety snap up the remaining examples of these timeless clas- 5. SAUD GHANNAM SAUD ALDHAFEERI quarterly and daily draws. ing front, side crashes and rollover crashes. and security features, including standard ESC, with sic-styled muscle cars.” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 technology Can robots help stop the Ebola outbreak?

WASHINGTON: The US military has Force Base, which acquired one of the Systems MUTT, a robotic wagon, was cit- tored while reducing the risk of infection Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according enlisted a new germ-killing weapon in robots in October. ed as a machine already in existence that for the physician. “Robots could reduce to government statistics. the fight against Ebola-a four-wheeled Although ultraviolet light has been could be deployed now to help health the number of times humans handle con- Dozens of the hospitals that have used robot that can disinfect a room in min- around for decades as a tool for cleaning, workers in West Africa, said Robin taminated waste or the number of people the Xenex robot have reported a reduc- utes with pulses of ultraviolet light. the new robot uses environmentally- Murphy, a professor of computer science needed to carry a litter,” Murphy said. tion in hospital infections, according to Resembling a taller, skinnier version of friendly xenon instead of mercury-vapor and engineering at Texas A&M University. But a clinic in Liberia or Sierra Leone Melinda Hart, a spokeswoman for the R2D2 from “Star Wars,” the robots are bulbs that are slower-acting and toxic, “The major takeaway was that robots presents challenges to robots designed in robot company. operating at three military medical cen- according to Texas-based Xenex do exist that could be immediately repur- more pristine, Western settings, and Wi-Fi The robot’s ultraviolet light can disin- ters and about 250 other American hospi- Disinfection Service, which manufactures posed now to protect Ebola health work- access, ample electrical power, batteries fect surfaces and hidden areas that even tals are using the machines to destroy the machines. ers,” Murphy said in a report on the and flat floor surfaces may not be readily the most diligent human cleaner cannot pathogens. Hauling contaminated waste November 7 brainstorming session. available in areas where the robots are reach. “The robot is able to eliminate the Sending out 1.5 pulses per second in a Researchers say the disinfecting bot is But any robots sent over would have most needed. risk of human error,” said Hart. 10-foot (three-meter) radius, the robots just one example of how autonomous to fit into the wider medical effort, take Given widespread public fears over use xenon, a non-toxic gas, to create the devices could play a crucial role in the the local culture into account and avoid Infections at hospitals Ebola, the Xenex robots are a reassuring ultraviolet rays that eradicate germs fight against the Ebola outbreak in West imposing radical new procedures on There are no immediate plans to send presence to patients and medical work- faster and more thoroughly than any Africa. stressed health workers, she said. the Xenex robot to West Africa but con- ers, said Colonel Wayne Pritt, commander human cleaning crew, doctors and offi- At a conference this month organized As a virus that spreads through direct cern over the Ebola outbreak has under- of the US Air Force 633rd medical group cials said. “The robot is currently part of by the White House linking up universi- human contact, Ebola demands medical scored the wider problem of hospital- at the Langley base. “The Xenex device our Ebola mitigation strategy, but will be ties across the country, scientists and aid equipment and methods that shield a associated infections in the United States adds a level of surety to the process of used across the hospital to combat a vari- workers concluded that robots could help doctor or a nurse from the risk of infec- and other Western countries. Hundreds disinfection that wasn’t possible before. ety of other pathogens known to cause haul contaminated waste or enable tion. of patients in America die every year of With Ebola, that translates to increased hospital acquired infections,” said Alton health workers to remotely interview Like surgical masks, robots can offer a infections contracted during a hospital confidence in staff and patients alike,” Dunham, a spokesman for Langley Air patients. The General Dynamics Land way for patients to be treated and moni- stay, including from Methicillin-resistant Pritt said. — AFP

Yahoo replaces Google as Firefox’s default search

SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo will supplant looking up information online. Google’s search engine on Firefox’s Web Yahoo Inc. CEO Marissa Mayer, a for- browser in the US, signaling Yahoo’s mer Google executive, hailed the Firefox resolve to regain some of the ground agreement as Yahoo’s most significant that it has lost in the most lucrative part partnership since forging the Microsoft of the Internet’s ad market. The five-year deal in 2009. alliance announced will end a decade- “We believe deeply in search - it’s an old partnership in the US. area of investment and opportunity for between Google Inc. and the Mozilla us,” Mayer wrote in a Wednesday blog Foundation, which oversees the Firefox post. Yahoo plans to unveil a “clean and browser. The tensions between Google modern” search engine on Firefox next and Mozilla had been rising since month and then roll out the new model Google’s introduction of the Chrome on its own website early next year, browser in 2008 began to undercut Mayer wrote. Firefox. Google’s current contract with The redesign will primarily affect how Mozilla expires at the end of this month, Yahoo’s search engine’s results are dis- opening an opportunity for Yahoo to played, and not the way that requests pounce. are processed. The search technology Even though Chrome is now more will continue to be provided by widely used, Firefox still has a loyal audi- Microsoft Corp. as part of a 10-year deal ence that makes more than 100 billion Yahoo signed in 2009, according to Mel worldwide search requests annually. Guymon, Yahoo’s vice president of Yahoo is hoping to impress Firefox search. users as the Sunnyvale, California, com- In various public remarks since pany sets out to prove that it’s still adept becoming Yahoo’s CEO two years ago, at Internet search after leaning on Mayer has expressed disappointment Microsoft’s technology for most of the with Microsoft’s search technology. That results on Yahoo’s own website for the has spurred speculation that she might SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks with reporters after giving a press briefing on past four years. renegotiate or end the Microsoft search the intersection of cloud and mobile computing, in San Francisco. (Inset) Uber CEO and co-founder Financial details of Yahoo’s Firefox partnership next year when Yahoo has Travis Kalanick arrives at the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.— AP contract weren’t disclosed. In a blog an option to re-evaluate the deal. Yahoo post, Mozilla CEO Chris Beard said the currently receives $88 of every $100 in new deal offers “strong, improved eco- revenue generated from ads posted nomic terms” while allowing Mozilla “to alongside the search results on its web- innovate and advance our mission in site. Does bad behavior ways that best serve our users and the Those payouts have helped Yahoo Web.” boost its revenue from search advertis- Google accounted for 90 percent, or ing for 11 consecutive quarters, com- about $274 million, of Mozilla’s royalty pared with the previous year. Despite really hurt business? revenue in 2012. Mozilla hasn’t released those gains, more searches have been its annual report for last year. Besides shifting to Microsoft’s Bing search dropping Google in the US, Mozilla is engine, causing Yahoo to slip further also shifting Firefox to Baidu’s search behind its rivals. Yahoo is expected to engine in China and Yandex in Russia. end this year with a 5.6 percent share of Silicon Valley has a major share Firefox users still have the option to pull US search advertising revenue, down NEW YORK: Silicon Valley seems to have more There are calls to boycott the company on for things to get buried in the age of blogs, down a tab to pick Google and other from 6.6 percent in 2012, according to than its share of companies behaving badly. Twitter, and many have vowed to go to its small- Twitter and Reddit. “There is much less ability to search engines as their preferred way for the research firm eMarketer. — AP Among up-and-comers in the tech world, priva- er rival Lyft. But on Friday Uber was ranked 35th wipe the slate clean,” he notes. cy abuses and executive gaffes have become among the most popular free apps on iTunes - Some established tech companies have viral sensations. But is all that bad behavior up from 37th on Monday. rolled out new features without disclosing pri- actually bad for business? “If it’s a brand (people) like - and Uber is a vacy implications, all while professing respect TV-over-Internet service Last week, Uber sparked controversy after a brand (people) like - they have a few get out of for customers’ personal data and privacy. Take top executive suggested spending $1 million to jail cards,” said Allen Adamson, managing direc- Google, for example. The company, which was dig up dirt on a journalist critical of the driver- tor of the branding firm Landor Associates. Not founded with the motto “don’t be evil,” has Aereo seeks Chapter 11 on-demand company. It’s only the latest time that Uber is an anomaly in the industry. Some faced scrutiny from European regulators for Uber has been called out, either for actions by tech companies have had executives with secretly scooping up users’ personal data trans- NEW YORK: Aereo, an online startup that The Supreme Court decision “effective- its drivers or its corporate culture. The company domestic violence charges or who have gone mitted over unencrypted Wi-Fi networks in tried to offer a cheaper alternative to ly changed the laws that had governed also is investigating one of its New York employ- on ham-fisted Facebook and Twitter rants. cities around the world for at least two years. In cable TV, has filed for Chapter 11 bank- Aereo’s technology, creating regulatory ees for tracking another journalist’s ride, which Earlier this year, the hot dating app Tinder set- the US, Google paid $500 million to settle a US ruptcy protection less than five months and legal uncertainty,” CEO Chet Kanojia has raised fears that Uber is misusing customers’ tled a sexual harassment and discrimination Justice Department investigation that alleged after an unfavorable ruling by the US said. private location information. So far Uber’s lawsuit filed by a co-founder. It claimed that the company’s top executives allowed ads for Supreme Court. The Chapter 11 filing will allow Aereo investors, which include Google Ventures and Tinder’s founders engaged in “atrocious sexual illegal pharmaceutical drugs to be distributed The company backed by media mogul Inc to maximize the value of its business prominent venture capital firms that poured harassment and sex discrimination” against a through its marketing network. Yet it is far and Barry Diller allowed people to watch and while avoiding the cost and distraction of $1.2 billion into the company at its latest fund- former vice president at the company, calling away the leader in online search and owns oth- record broadcast TV online for $8 a litigation, said Kanojia. Aereo didn’t pro- ing round, have remained quiet. So is Uber’s her names and threatening to strip away her co- er widely used services such as Android and month on tablets, phones and other vide many details about what it would do much-criticized “bro culture” just part of the founder title. The suit hasn’t crimped Tinder’s Chrome. gadgets. Unlike Hulu and other online with its technology but in a March inter- package, a reason even, for its meteoric rise and style: the product reportedly makes over 14 mil- “Until a company does something that per- video services, Aereo offered live stream- view with The Associated Press, Kanojia ability to go after smaller rivals and the taxi lion matches a day. sonally impacts the consumer, this kind of bad ing of broadcast channels. The Supreme said the company’s Internet-based establishment? Or is it a liability for the compa- behavior will only influence the decisions of Court ruled this summer that Aereo had recording technology was itself valuable. ny, its Ayn Rand-loving CEO and its backers? Not startups alone customers for whom these are highly sensitive been operating like a cable TV company, “The fact that we’ve created this “I think it’s going to alienate some potential PR problems aren’t limited to startups. Last issues,” said Maclyn Clouse, University of meaning that unless it paid broadcasters cloud-based system at a cost point, and it customers but I doubt, given what’s happened month, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told Denver’s Daniels College of Business. Fordham’s licensing fees, it was in violation of copy- works, is going to have a lot of value to a to date, that it’s going to make a big difference,” women they shouldn’t ask for a raise and just Hurley doesn’t think Uber is completely right law. lot of people,” he said then. Potential buy- said Robert Hurley, director of the Consortium trust “good karma” instead. The punchline? He immune to customer disapproval forever, Aereo suspended its operations ers of that technology could include of Trustworthy Organizations at Fordham made the statement, for which he later apolo- though. “You want to create a culture that cre- three days later. The company got its start cable-television operators that are trying University in New York. gized, at a conference celebrating women in ates positive reputational capital for the compa- in New York and had expanded to about to maintain subscriber levels by offering So far, the controversies haven’t put the computing. ny, particularly if you are a startup,” he said. 10 other metropolitan areas, including new ways to watch TV online. Cable oper- brakes on Uber’s skyrocketing valuation ($17 “You have these CEOs that don’t have much “There is some evidence that they have some Boston, Houston and Atlanta, though it ators pay broadcasters millions of dollars billion at last count, and reportedly heading to filter and get in trouble,” said John Challenger, excessive testosterone in their culture and they never disclosed how many subscribers it in licensing fees, and would not be sub- nearly double that), or its popularity among CEO of the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray need to have a handle on that.” Uber did not had. ject to the same legal challenges. — AP people who can use the app to hitch rides. & Christmas. But unlike in the old days, it’s hard respond to requests for comment. — AP Kohler introduces odor-eating toilet seat

MILWAUKEE: Blow out the candle and ditch the everyone’s experienced it.” ies and carbon filters, which cost $6.99, should aerosol can. Kohler Co has introduced a deodor- The seat turns on automatically when some- last six months. Scent packs, which must be izing toilet seat that it says eliminates embar- one sits down. The fan emits a slight hum as it replaced monthly, are sold three for $7.99. rassing bathroom odors and the need for can- filters the offending odor. The air flows over a It is not the first company to make a no-smell dles and sprays to cover them up. scent pack similar to air fresheners used in cars, seat. San Francisco-based Brondell introduced A fan hidden in the battery-operated seat and the masking smell builds gradually. one in 2006 but pulled it from the market about sucks in air and pushes it through an odor-eat- Bougher’s wife, Angela, said her husband three years ago because the manufacturing ing carbon filter, followed by an optional scent installed a Purefresh seat in their home without costs were high and demand “wasn’t where we pack. Product manager Jerry Bougher said the telling her, and she noticed the scent “just had hoped it would be,” said the company’s idea is to attack smells “where the action is.” before you would normally reach for a can of president, Steve Scheer. His company now The $90 seat is one of many high-tech gadg- spray.” includes deodorizing technology similar to ets that Wisconsin-based Kohler and its com- Josh Pantel, 27, has a Purefresh seat in the Kohler’s on its $600 Swash 1000 bidet seats. petitors have introduced in recent years to Middleton home he bought about three “Personally, I kind of view (deodorizing) more make time spent in the bathroom more pleas- months ago with his girlfriend, who works for as an extra than as a core reason to buy the ant. When it comes to toilets, consumers can Kohler. He too likes it. “If you have a visitor or product,” Scheer said. However, he said the mar- get seats with features such as slow-closing lids, someone at your place, it makes them feel more ket for specialty toilet seats is growing. “People In this photo provided by the Kohler Co demonstrates how to access the housing heat and nightlights that typically add $20 to comfortable using the restroom,” Pantel said. are becoming aware of these kind of unique that contains a carbon filter and scent packs on a new no-smell toilet seat the $100 to the cost. Kohler sees deodorizing tech- Kohler began selling the seats Nov. 10, in time products,” Scheer said. “And once they’ve used Wisconsin company is introducing. — AP nology as something that most consumers can for the Christmas season. They require two D something like a bidet seat or a heated seat, connect with, Bougher said. “In terms of odor, batteries to operate, and Kohler says the batter- there’s no going back.” — AP MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE US healthCare.gov gets steady traffic; hits bump

WASHINGTON: HealthCare.gov got steady working normally, she added. In the past, a consumer interest and also hit a bump queuing feature has been used during peri- today, the first weekday of the new sign-up ods of high volume to space out website vis- season under the president’s health over- itors. It was unclear what today’s issue haul. Consumers trying to open their exist- involved. ing accounts on the website got this mes- The administration said more than 1 mil- sage off and on during the afternoon: lion consumers visited HealthCare.gov this “HealthCare.gov has a lot of visitors right weekend, without the widespread technical now! We need you to wait here, so we can problems experienced last year. Health and make sure there’s enough room for you to Human Services Secretary Sylvia M Burwell have a good experience on our site.” At other said that more than 200,000 people dialed times, this message was displayed: “We’re the federal call center. About 20,000 of those busy making HealthCare.gov even better! calls were to Spanish-speaking representa- Sorry you can’t get what you need right now. tives. The administration says about 100,000 Please come back and visit again later.” people submitted applications for 2015 cov- Spokeswoman Lori Lodes said one problem erage, as of Saturday, the first day of open was fixed and issues will be addressed as enrollment. That includes new and returning they arise. Other areas of the website were customers.— AP UK health volunteers head to S Leone to tackle Ebola

LONDON: A first group of volunteers from More than 1,000 NHS workers have put Britain’s state National Health Service left for their names forward and more teams of Sierra Leone on Saturday to join the Ebola British volunteers are due to go out to Sierra epidemic fightback. More than 30 NHS work- Leone over the coming weeks. More than KAZAKHSTAN: In this Sept 25, 2014, file photo, Russian cosmonaut Elena Serova, the crew member of the mission to the International Space ers flew out of London Heathrow Airport and 5,000 people have died in the west African Station, ISS, attends pre-launch preparations at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome.—AP were due to arrive in the capital Freetown Ebola outbreak and more than 15,000 have today for a week of training before moving to been infected. British-built treatment centers around the Recent data has shown a decline in cases west African country. The group includes in Liberia, the worst-hit country, and Guinea, Space Station rarity: Two doctors, nurses, clinicians, psychiatrists and but last week, 533 new cases were reported emergency medicine consultants. “I found in Sierra Leone-the highest weekly tally since myself less and less able to hear about the the epidemic began in that country. “Our evolving situation in west Africa and the fight against Ebola in west Africa is one of women on long-term crew increasing loss of life and do nothing. I felt I Britain’s biggest responses to a disease out- just had to go,” said Doctor Hannah Ryan, 29, break,” said International Development from the intensive care unit at Aintree Secretary Justine Greening. The impact of gender on adapting to space University Hospital in Liverpool, northwest “But to beat Ebola we desperately need England. the experience and dedication of skilled doc- CAPE CANAVERAL: For the 21st-century space- Sally Ride’s first flight into space when she got ing to stand upon immediate return to Earth Doctor James Lavers, 37, an intensive care tors and nurses to care for the thousands of woman, gender is a subject often best ignored. similar questions. Both Serova and Cristoforetti and also more vertigo, according to the report, registrar from Bangor in northwest Wales, sick and dying patients who are not receiving After years of training for their first space mis- will spend six months aboard the 260-mile-high and they appear to lose more blood plasma said: “This could be the biggest medical disas- the treatment they need.” One UK-built treat- sion, the last thing Samantha Cristoforetti and complex, following in the footsteps of nine during spaceflight. Male astronauts seem to suf- ter of my lifetime, killing hundreds of thou- ment centre is already open in the former Elana Serova want to dwell on is the fact they American women who logged lengthy stays. fer more vision impairment due to intracranial sands of people in the region. To prevent this British colony of Sierra Leone, with a further are women. Cristoforetti, Italy’s first female Two of those US women shared the place in pressure in orbit than women, although the dif- from happening and save vast numbers of five to open in the coming weeks, with a total astronaut, is set to rocket into orbit this week- 2010, with four men. Another two women rose ference is not statistically significant given the lives, large-scale intervention has to happen of 700 beds between them. Cuba, Norway, end from Kazakhstan, bound for the to station commander rank. small number of subjects, researchers noted. now.” The volunteers have gone through nine Australia, New Zealand and Denmark have International Space Station. There, she will join There also are concerns about astronauts’ repro- days of intensive training at a specialist committed to providing health workers to Russia’s Serova, a rarity in her homeland’s male- World’s first spacewoman ductive health stemming from space radiation Ministry of Defence unit in northern England, staff the British treatment centres alongside dominated cosmonaut corps. It will be just the Cristoforetti is the first woman assigned to a as well as weightlessness. which has a replica treatment centre. the NHS volunteers.—AFP second time in the space station’s 16-year histo- lengthy space station mission by the European ry that two women make up the long-term, six- Space Agency, fresh off a spectacular comet Extreme environment member crew. landing of a spacecraft. Serova is one of only “Many questions remain unanswered,” the Just don’t ask Cristoforetti or Serova about four Russian women to fly in space and the first executive summary concluded. Dr Saralyn Mark, the gender issue. “Space is what I do for work, to live at this space station. It was 1963 when an endocrinologist who serves as a government and that’s what I think about it: It’s my work,” Russia launched the world’s first spacewoman, science adviser, said in an accompanying com- Serova said in a NASA interview before launch Valentina Tereshkova, beating America by two mentary that the findings can still be useful in in late September. Cristoforetti, 37, a fighter full decades, and 1984 when it flew the first shaping health-related policies and procedures. pilot and captain in the Italian Air Force, has world’s female spacewalker, Svetlana Savitskaya. “Understanding small differences is especially managed to sidestep most if not all gender For the young Serova, those two pioneering important in the extreme environment of space questions leading up to Sunday’s planned Russian spacewomen were role models. “They where even small differences in how the body launch. had very impressive personalities, showing adapts can translate into critical health outcomes,” Serova tried to do the same. But before the everybody that if somebody wants to achieve wrote Mark. Mark and the other authors and 38-year-old engineer climbed aboard a Russian something they can do it,” Serova said in the researchers? Representing NASA, the National Soyuz rocket, Russian reporters asked if she was NASA interview. Serova and Cristoforetti’s joint Space Biomedical Research Institute in Houston taking up makeup and wondered how she flight comes as US medical researchers take an and various universities? Recommend that more would wear her hair during her six-month mis- updated look at gender differences in space. women fly in space, and more astronauts of both sion. Serova ignored the makeup question. As With space station missions spanning a half- genders participate as test subjects. for her hairdo, she shot back: “I have a question year and expected to last considerably longer That will be challenging given the over- for you? Why don’t you ask the question about on trips to Mars, NASA wants to make sure all whelming number of male astronauts. Of Alexander’s hair, for example,” she said, referring astronauts? Male and female alike? Stay safe NASA’s 43 current active astronauts, 11 are to crewmate Alexander Samokutyaev seated and healthy. women. NASA hopes to expand its medical next to her at the news conference. “I’m sorry, This month, the Journal of Women’s Health know-how with a yearlong mission by two this is my answer. Thank you. More questions?” published a series of studies on the impact of astronauts ? An American and a Russian? Set to SIERRA LEONE: A girl suspected of being infected with the Ebola virus has her tem- To Americans old enough to remember, it felt gender on adapting to space. It turns out that begin at the space station in March. Both are perature checked at the government hospital in Kenema.—AFP like a time machine hurtling back to 1983 and women tend to suffer more faintness when try- men.—AP Surrogate sushi: Japan biotech for bluefin tuna

TATEYAMA: Of all the overfished fish in the seas, for catches of Atlantic bluefin tuna by 20 percent ty to demonstrate. Under the right conditions, the luscious, fatty bluefin tuna are among the most over three years. Stocks have recovered somewhat tuna stem cells migrate into the ovaries and testes threatened. Marine scientist Goro Yamazaki, who is after a severe decline over the past two decades as of the mackerel. The team is now waiting to see if known in this seaside community as “Young Mr fishermen harvested more to meet soaring the mackerel, when mature, will spawn tuna, and if Fish,” is working to ensure the species survives. demand, especially in Japan. the tuna will survive. Following that, they could be Yamazaki is fine-tuning a technology to use mack- released into the sea or farmed. erel surrogates to spawn the bluefin, a process he Red List hopes will enable fisheries to raise the huge, torpe- But virtually in tandem with that, the Genetic diversity do-shaped fish more quickly and at lower cost International Union for Conservation of Nature put The research team has already succeeded in than conventional aquaculture. The aim: to relieve Pacific bluefin tuna on its “Red List,” designating it using surrogate technology to produce tiger pressure on wild fish stocks while preserving vital as a species threatened by extinction. About a puffer fish, the poisonous “fugu” used in sashimi genetic diversity. quarter of all tuna are consumed by the Japanese, and hotpot, using smaller grass puffer fish. It has Yamazaki, 48, grew up south of Tokyo in the according to the United Nations Food and produced trout spawned by salmon. Companies ancient Buddhist capital of Kamakura, fishing and Agricultural Organization. They gobble up most - that import rare and tropical fish also are interest- swimming at nearby beaches. His inspiration hit 15 between 60 percent and 80 percent - of all bluefin. ed in the technology. The method could help years ago while he was out at sea during graduate Rosy, fatty “chu-toro” from the upper part of bluefin reduce pressure on wild populations, Yamazaki studies at the Tokyo University of Marine Science bellies, is especially prized for sushi and sashimi. hopes, and also help ensure the greater genetic and Technology, and a school of bluefin tuna Out at his seaside lab in Tateyama, on the far diversity needed to preserve various species. streaked by. “They swam just under the boat, and northern rim of Tokyo Bay, Yamazaki and other Though he started out working in the field of they were shining metallic blue. A beautiful ani- researchers are hoping their latest attempt to get genetic modification, Yamazaki emphasizes that mal,” Yamazaki said. “Before that, tuna was just an mackerel to spawn bluefin will prove a success. An his techniques involve only surrogate reproduc- ingredient in sushi or sashimi, but that experience earlier attempt failed due to what he thinks was a tion, not GM. The main “tricks,” as he calls them, are changed bluefin tuna into a wild animal to me.” problem with the water temperature. Yamazaki’s using baby fish as future surrogates, because their TOKYO: Scientist Goro Yamazaki, right, looks on as his colleague Ryosuke Yazawa collects An animal, that like so many other species, is technique involves extracting reproductive stem immature immune systems will not reject the tuna mackerel fry that will be used as surrogates to produce tuna at a lab of the Tokyo endangered due to soaring consumption and cells from the discarded guts of tuna shipped by cells, and relying on the natural tendency of the University of Marine Science and Technology in Tateyama. aggressive modern harvesting methods that have cold delivery from fish farms and inserting them reproductive stem cells to mature and produce transformed the bluefin, also known as “hon- into mackerel fry so tiny they are barely visible. viable offspring. To simplify matters, the lab is maturity. The group set a 10-year target of rebuild- turies, humans have repeatedly over consumed maguro” and “kuromaguro,” from a delicacy into a The baby fish are put in an anesthetic solution using triploid, or sterile hybrid fish commonly bred ing the population to 8 percent of its original size. resources, sometimes past the point of no return. commonly available, if pricey, option at any sushi and then transferred by dropper onto a slide under at fish farms, that will not develop eggs or sperm “As long as you don’t take too many, those popula- “Japanese people eat tuna from all over the world. bar. This month, experts in charge of managing the microscope. Researcher Ryosuke Yazawa deftly of their own species. tions can rebuild and rebuild fairly effectively,” she We have to do something. That is the motivation Atlantic bluefin met in Italy and raised the quota inserts a minute glass needle into one’s body cavi- Yamazaki expects his research to be useful for said. Perhaps so, said Yamazaki, but over the cen- for my research.”—AP commercial purposes. Though researchers else- where have succeeded in breeding tuna in captivi- ty, the process is costly and survival rates are low. Mackerel, less than a foot long when caught, are much easier to handle and keep in land-based tanks than tuna, which can grow to nearly the size of a small car and require far more food per fish. The mackerel also mature more quickly and spawn more frequently, if they are well fed and kept at the right temperature.

Multi-nation fisheries Not all experts favor such high-tech solutions for the bluefin. Amanda Nickson, director of global tuna conservation for The Pew Charitable Trusts, said the partial recovery of Atlantic bluefin stocks shows that enforcement of catch limits, backed by threats of trade bans, can work. Earlier this year, the multi-nation fisheries body that monitors most of the Pacific Ocean recom- mended limiting the catch of juvenile bluefin tuna to half the average level of 2002-2004. Scientists found that stocks of the species had dwindled to TOKYO: Photo released by Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, a less than 4 percent of their original size. It also researcher demonstrates the technique for using a minute needle to insert reproductive TOKYO: People watch a bluefin tuna laid in front of a sushi restaurant near Tsukiji fish mar- found that most fish caught were juveniles less cells from a bluefin tuna into a mackerel fry, under a microscope, that will produce tuna ket after the year’s celebratory first auction.—AP photos than 3 years old, before they reach reproductive when it matures. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE First humans settled on Tibetan Plateau 3,600 years ago WASHINGTON: Researchers said Thursday such dizzying heights.” Sporadic human that people likely moved to the Tibetan presence was detected on the plateau as highlands 3,600 years ago, in an indication early as 20,000 years ago, while semi-per- of when humans first settled at high alti- manent settlers arrived 5,200 years ago. tudes. Humans were able to permanently Researchers said early humans likely first settle as high as 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) traveled to the plateau to hunt animals, but on the Tibetan plateau-which is known as the discovery of altitude-resistant crops “the roof of the world”-by growing alti- allowed them to put down roots there. tude-resistant crops and raising livestock, The researchers examined the remains according to a study published in the US of pigs, sheep and cattle as well as plants at journal Science. They survived on wheat 53 sites across 800 miles of the northern and barley imported from the so-called Tibetan Plateau. Up until now, researchers “Fertile Crescent” in the Middle East and on knew little about settlement patterns at transplants from China such as broomcorn high altitudes because of a lack of archaeo- and foxtail millet, said the researchers from logical data. Jones said he hopes the latest Britain’s Cambridge University, China and findings will lead to more research of the United States. humans’ genetic resistance to altitude sick- The scientists analyzed animal teeth, ness, the ethnic make-up of humans at bones and plant deposits for the study. high elevations, and also plant behavior. “Year-round survival at these altitudes must The study could have an impact on mod- have led to some very challenging condi- ern-day food security, as most of our foods tions indeed,” said lead researcher Martin today are grown in the lowlands. “The Jones from Cambridge’s Department of more we learn about the rich ecology of Archaeology. past and present societies, and the wider range of crops they raised in the world’s Genetic resistance more challenging environments, the more “This poses further, interesting ques- options we will have for thinking through tions for researchers about the adaptation food security issues in the future,” he of humans, livestock and crops to life at said.—AFP

PRASLIN ISLAND: A file photo taken on March 6, 2012, shows young Coco de Mer Palms pictured at the Vallee de Mai natural reserve, a UNESCO Banking culture Heritage site. —AFP photos breeds dishonesty Seychelles poachers go LONDON: A banking culture that Participants were divided into a treat- implicitly puts financial gain above all ment group that answered questions else fuels greed and dishonesty and about their profession, such as “what is nutty for erotic shaped seed makes bankers more likely to cheat, your function at this bank;” or a control according to the findings of a scientific group that answered questions unrelat- study. Researchers in Switzerland stud- ed to work, such as “how many hours of VICTORIA: Under cover of darkness in the steamy ied bank workers and other profession- TV do you watch each week?” jungles of the Seychelles thieves creep out to har- als in experiments in which they won They were then asked to toss a coin vest the sizeable and valuable nuts of the famous more money if they cheated, and found 10 times, unobserved, and report the coco de mer palm, but their activities are threaten- that bankers were more dishonest results. For each toss they knew ing its long-term survival. Nicknamed “coco bot- when they were made particularly whether heads or tails would yield a tom” on the Indian Ocean archipelago for its aware of their professional role. $20 reward. They were told they could curves like a woman’s buttocks, some 40 of the When bank employees were primed keep their winnings if they were more giant nuts have been stolen since the beginning of to think less about their profession and than or equal to those of a randomly the year on the island of Praslin. The trees survive, more about normal life, however, they selected subject from a pilot study. but slashing with knives means the rare palms were less inclined to dishonesty. “Many Given maximum winnings of $200, produce fewer fruit each year, while the seeds scandals... have plagued the financial there was “a considerable incentive to themselves are taken off for sale rather than pro- industry in the last decade,” Ernst Fehr, a cheat,” Fehr’s team wrote in the journal ducing new plants. researcher at the University of Zurich Nature, online November 19. It is a worrying problem for the Seychelles, who co-led the study, told reporters in a The results showed the control group which features the coco de mer on its coat of arms. telephone briefing. “These scandals reported 51.6% winning tosses and the Conservationists fear the illegal trade threatens raise the question whether the business treatment group - whose banking iden- the future of nut, the biggest in the world and culture in the banking industry is favor- tity had been emphasized to them - endemic to just two of the country’s islands. ing, or at least tolerating, fraudulent or reported 58.2% as wins, giving a misrep- “Shock and horror,” the headline of a Seychelles unethical behaviors.” resentation rate of 16%. The proportion news agency story read after a raid last month in Fehr’s team conducted a laboratory of subjects cheating was 26%. The same which 10 nuts were stolen. With some 17,000 trees game with bankers, then repeated it experiments with employees in other counted on Praslin and 10,000 on neighboring with other types of workers as compar- sectors - including manufacturing, tele- Curieuse island, the tree is now on the warning isons. The first study involved 128 coms and pharmaceuticals - showed “red list” of the International Union for employees all levels of a large interna- they don’t become more dishonest Conservation of Nature, IUCN. tional bank - the researchers were when their professional identity or It says numbers have dropped by almost a third sworn to secrecy about which one - and banking-related information is empha- within three generations of trees, warning the har- PRASLIN ISLAND: A file photo shows young Coco de Mer Palms. 80 staff from a range of other banks. sized.—Reuters vesting and illegal sale of the nuts poses a signifi- cant threat. “Before we’d see about 75 coconuts on the black market, meaning a single nut can sell for the illegal smuggling continues. Laboudallon fears a tree, now there are just 25,” said Victorin thousands of dollars. the tree could suffer the same fate as the Dodo, Laboudallon of the Seychelles Islands Foundation In an attempt to curb the thefts and protect the the extinct bird that disappeared nearly 400 years ‘Star-gazing’ shrimp (SIF), which helps conserve the palm-filled Vallee 19 hectares (47 acres) of forest where the palms are ago on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. The de Mai national park, a UNESCO-listed World found SIF has boosted the number of guards, but environment ministry insists they are in control of discovered in South Africa Heritage Site. “Trees do not give as much fruit as the rugged terrain and lack of fences complicate the situation, installing x-ray machines at the air- before when a coconut is cut.” that task. The bizarre “double” nut has an ancient port to scan for the nut, said top official Ronley JOHANNESBURG: A tiny shrimp equipped zsilaveczi after Guido Zsilavecz, the under- history: traded far from the archipelago to the Fanchet. But environmental activists were shocked with large, candy-striped eyes to ward off water photographer who discovered it. The Alleged aphrodisiac Middle East, Asia and Europe, earning legends of its when a recent culinary festival, organized by the predators has been discovered in South university’s senior marine biologist, Charles The nut is a fertility symbol for some and in healing powers. For centuries, its origin was a mys- culture ministry, featured the famous nut. For the African waters, the University of Cape Town Griffiths, could not identify the species Asia, particularly in China, it has a reputation as an tery: nuts were found only adrift at sea or washed first time, coco de mer dishes-including ice cream, said on Friday. The 10-15 mm-long crus- when Zsilavecz brought it to him and so alleged aphrodisiac. Thousands of tourists who vis- up on the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean. pies and bread-were available for tasting at the tacean has been christened the “star-gazer samples were sent to an expert in Vienna. it the white sand beaches of the Seychelles eye Never having been seen growing on land, sailors one-off festival. Defenders of the fruit warned that mysid” as its eyes seem to gaze permanent- Zsilavecz also recently found a new type them as ornaments. Britain’s Prince William and thought that they came from the sea bed itself - could create a new demand that would put the ly upwards. Similar to insects’ eyes, they of nudibranch, a soft-bodied sea slug, the Duchess of Cambridge were given a nut by the giving the name, the “coconut of the sea”. nuts under even greater pressure. “If tomorrow each look in a different direction. “The vivid around Cape Town, a city situated at the government at the end of their honeymoon on the Demand grew after the country’s independ- there are menus with coco de mer in all restau- ringed patterns are thought to be there to meeting of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Seychelles in 2011. Protected by law, nuts can only ence from Britain in 1976 and the boom in its rants, what do we do?” said SIF chief Frauke make the eyes appear to belong to a much “It’s amazing that we’re still finding so be taken out of the country in accordance with tourism industry, said Laboudallon. The govern- Dogley. “It is not the one-off use of the kernel bigger creature, and hence to scare off many new species in heavily dived waters strict regulations. A nut, which can weigh as much ment was forced to step in to control the trade, which is the issue here, but creating a demand, predators,” the university said. such as False Bay, right on our doorstep,” as 35 kilograms (77 pounds), can reportedly sell for with the legal export of nuts highly regulated and where the side-effects have the full potential to It is officially named Mysidopsis Griffiths said.—Reuters as much as $450 per kilogram ($202 a pound) on only four companies having a licence to sell. But lead to an unsustainable exploitation.”—AFP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Travellers from Kuwait boost visitor numbers to Jumeirah Group’s properties

uring the Kuwait event, Jumeirah representatives will address top travel trade, tour operators, travel agencies and clients on 25 DNovember 2014 at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa. They will also showcase its STAY DIFFERENT brand promise and its full range of lux- urious and innovative offerings for business and leisure guests. Jumeirah seeks to attract more tourists from Kuwait and will focus on family tourism as it responds to the international Muslim community requirements. The roadshow will also provide a chance to share updates on current developments and the new brand VENU with strategic part- ners in Kuwait. In 2014 year-to-date, the combined business from countries in the Gulf region accounted for 326,644 room nights and 22.7% of revenues. Furthermore, the average room rates across the company’s portfolio grew by 1.4% with occupancy increasing by 4% which in turn contributed to a 7.4% growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR). During 2013/2014 Jumeirah Group signed management agreements to operate a hotel in St Petersburg, Russia, two hotels in a luxury resort on the coast of Oman, near Muscat, four properties in China and a hotel in Mauritius. The company also signed a series of letters of understanding in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe, which are expected to mature into management agreements, adding to the robust pipeline of new ACK and PERI team up to enhance developments. civil engineering learning Introducing new Indian products

he School of Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering to mented: “The partnership with PERI is TSC adds more flavor to its stores Australian College of Kuwait donate its formwork element for another step towards providing rele- T(ACK) has teamed up with PERI, hands-on learning; which is an integral vant and hands-on engineering educa- esponding to its growing cus- The newly added products According to Makram Malaeb - one of the largest global formwork sys- part of the curriculum at ACK. tion to our Civil Engineering students. tomer requests; The Sultan include; Quaker Oats which with the Group International & Non Food tems providers, to enhance ACK’s civil The program focuses on the appli- It will provide them with the necessary RCenter (TSC) has widened the added benefit of Indian Kesar flavor Commercial Director at TSC. “We engineering students’ learning experi- cability of relevant learning and skills and knowledge for working with range of products available in its with Kishmish (real raisins); Maggi always offer our valuable customers ence. PERI utilizes an advanced time- research activities within a globalized state-of-the-art formwork systems as stores to include a new range of Masala Noodles; MTR Foods’ range of with the finest exclusive and unique saving mold technique, used by lead- world. Through innovative learning they are utilized by large construction Indian products. TSC has always been Ready-to-Eat products which covers a products from every sport in the ing construction companies around approaches such as Project Based companies throughout the industry.” the pioneer in introducing new prod- wide range of delicious Indian recipes world. This new extensive line comes the world, for producing concrete Learning (PBL), students take owner- The program at ACK is a perfect fit ucts of different brands and flavor that give a taste of fresh home- to delight our Indian community with which is much more efficient when ship of their learning and develop skills for this partnership with PERI as the and now, it leads the market to pro- cooked food; and last but not least, a their favorite home brands “. TSC is compared to traditional applications. and knowledge within a safe environ- College prides itself on its unique mix vide some of the highly attractive and touch of Badshah masala & spices to committed to providing customers In line with PERI’s corporate philoso- ment. of vocational and theoretical education famous brands that cater to the bring out flavors instantly of an with the best products & services in phy of supporting engineering educa- Dr Martin Jaeger, Head of Civil greatly benefiting students when mov- Indian community and those who authentic Indian blend for a great order to meet their changing tion, the company selected the Engineering Department at ACK, com- ing onto their professional careers. enjoy traditional Indian cuisine taste. demands & expectations.

KidZ’s tour to the Zoo! On Tuesday, 18 Nov 2014, KidZ Nursery and Preschool went to the Kuwait Zoo as part of their educational field trip. With a lively group of 80 children from both KidZ branches (Kaifan and Faiha), they proceed- ed to have a fun day looking at the animals and birds they have been learning about, went on a train ride and picnicked at the zoo. KidZ Nursery and Preschool is located at Kaifan and Faiha and caters to the age group 9 months up to 4 years. With excellent childcare provided from 7 am to 7 pm and successful summer camp programs, it is fast becoming a leading nursery in Kuwait. IKEA Kuwait announces winners of Nuqat’s furniture re-design workshop

ulwa Al Radhwan, Saja Al Muzaini, Dalal Al Kandari, by renowned designer Younes Duret. The aim of the creative works displayed in our stores for all of customers What’s On - Submission Guidelines Hawraa Al Maqseed and Fatma Al Habib, won the workshop focused on new and different takes on the func- to see and appreciate,” said Ahmad Al-Humaidhi IKEA Lchance to be part of a unique opportunity to work tions of furniture, such as different interpretations of the Kuwait Store Manager. with IKEA’s design team in a two-week program. The cre- everyday chair. The Nuqat workshops were conceived to give partici- All photos submitted for What’s On ations of the five winners that will be developed during Throughout the workshop, the goals and brand identity pants insight and practical experience in various fields. should be minimum 200dpi. this program will go on display at the IKEA showroom for of IKEA were explored, in addition to giving participants an Their objective was to create a positive collaborative envi- Articles must be in plain text and one month each and will provide a platform for the young in-depth perspective into the ways basic products can be ronment and included a variety of topics, namely, product should include name and phone designers to present their creations before an audience experimented with their functions changed. Each partici- design, modern and classical calligraphy, type design & comprised of thousands of daily visitors. pant was then provided with the opportunity to choose advertising, furniture design, collaborative musical improv- numbers. Articles and photos that The winners were chosen from a group of 26 partici- the home furnishing product that they wanted to re- isation, screenwriting, jewelry design, wearable technolo- fail to meet these requirements will pants during the annual Nuqat conference, which was design, taking their approach through the stages of con- gy, design thinking and novel writing. not be published. established in 2009 for promoting the intellectual, cultural cept formation, execution and presentation. “We are happy to have had the participation of IKEA and creative knowledge base of young talents in Kuwait. “This was an exciting opportunity to help develop the Kuwait. We want to extend our thank you to the represen- Please send them to A representative from IKEA and the jury chose the finalists talent of young artists in Kuwait. Our selection of the win- tatives of IKEA for helping us to develop the talents of based on the participants’ designs during the four day ners was based on their designs, their presentation and young artists and for helping to make this year’s confer- [email protected] workshop titled, ‘Furniture Design: Defy the Existing their potential. We are pleased that these young men and ence the most successful to date,” said Hussa Humaidhi Function Defy the Existing Function,’ that was facilitated women will learn from our design team and will have their Founding Member of the Nuqat Conferences. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 WHAT’S ON

Dr Khayat (center) opening the exihibition. Prof Al-Khayat and other officials at the stand.

A lady asking about information on Sebamed products. The Heart Society Stand ‘Give me health and take my wealth’ exhibition opened

By Abdellatif Sharaa

he fourteenth health week exhibition under the slogan “give me health and take my wealth” was opened yesterday under the patronage of Dean of Engineering and Petroleum College Prof Hussein Ali Al- Khayat. Government and private departments and entities are participating in the event which will continue until Nov 27, at Khaldiya campus. Prof Hussein Ali Al-Khayat said it is important for this event to Tcontinue for the 14th consecutive year, due to its positive effect on health awareness for students, employees and college staff as well as university employees in general to create a healthy environment that increases production. The exhibition aims at informing visitors, students, employees and faculty on security, safety and health. It also aims at making them aware of the importance of periodical health exams to avoid illness reduce risks. The exhibition is considered means to transfer information and instructions from doctors and specialists to persons, in addition to information already available in brochures.

Sebamed staff at the company stand. Prof Al-Khayat (center) at Sebamed stand.

Traffic department stand. Paramedics stand.

School girls at the Sebamed stand. Classifieds

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (20/11/2014 TO 26/11/2014)

SHARQIA-1 JESSABELLE 12:30 AM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 12:15 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:30 PM JESSABELLE 2:15 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:30 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 4:15 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:30 AM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 6:15 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 8:15 PM FANAR-3 HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 10:15 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 11:45 AM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 12:15 AM BIG HERO 6 11:45 AM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:15 PM BIG HERO 6 2:30 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:15 PM BIG HERO 6 4:45 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:15 AM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 7:00 PM JAZEERA 2 -Arabic 9:00 PM SHARQIA-2 HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 12:05 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 2:30 PM FANAR-4 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 5:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:15 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 2:45 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 10:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 5:15 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:30 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:45 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 10:15 PM SHARQIA-3 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:45 AM CATCH HELL 11:30 AM BIG HERO 6 1:15 PM FANAR-5 CATCH HELL 3:30 PM HAPPY ENDING-HINDI 12:00 PM handling accounts of medi- Prayer timings BIG HERO 6 5:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 3:15 PM SITUATION VACANT SITUATION WANTED INTERSTELLAR 7:45 PM HAPPY ENDING-HINDI 5:45 PM um sized companies up to CATCH HELL 11:00 PM HAPPY ENDING-HINDI 8:45 PM finalization level 4, familiar Fajr: 04:56 CATCH HELL 1:00 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 11:45 PM Driver, having knowledge IT Technical Support, MB4 with computerized Shorook 06:19 of all Kuwaiti area. Contact: Graduate, 6 years experi- accounting systems, seek- MUHALAB-1 MARINA-1 55748362. (C 4861) ence in desktop technical ing suitable position. Mob: Duhr: 11:34 HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 12:00 PM INTERSTELLAR 12:00 PM 23-11-2014 support, 1 month in 66019422. (C 4864) Asr: 14:31 HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 2:00 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 3:15 PM Kuwait. MCSE 2008 certi- 24-11-2014 INTERSTELLAR 4:00 PM THE SIGNAL 5:15 PM fied, trained in Linux. Visa Maghrib: 16:50 HAPPY ENDING-HINDI 4:00 PM INTERSTELLAR 7:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 7:15 PM HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 10:30 PM 18, can join immediately. Isha: 18:11 INTERSTELLAR 9:15 PM THE SIGNAL 12:30 AM Contact: 97482501. HAMATI BITHEBINI -Arabic 12:30 AM I, Vonkiraju Subramanyan (C 4863) NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 9:15 PM MARINA-2 Raju (old name) holder of NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 11:30 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 11:30 AM Indian Passport No: M.Com 15 years of experi- 112 DUMB AND DUMBER TO 1:30 PM ence in independently MUHALAB-2 BIG HERO 6 3:30 PM Z1959281 R/o DUMB AND DUMBER TO 11:45 AM BIG HERO 6 5:45 PM Madhavarampodu, BIG HERO 6 1:45 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 8:00 PM Upparapolli, RLY Kodun BIG HERO 6 4:15 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 10:00 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 6:45 PM DUMB AND DUMBER TO 12:05 AM (MDL) Y.S.R (Dist) A.P No: 16352 DUMB AND DUMBER TO 8:45 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:00 PM changed my name as THE SIGNAL 10:45 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:00 PM Vankiraju Subramanyam THE SIGNAL 12:45 AM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 12:05 AM Raju. (C 4866) MUHALAB-3 MARINA-3 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 11:30 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 11:45 AM I, Aneesh Palakkeel THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 2:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 2:15 PM Valappil , holder of Indian THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 4:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 4:45 PM Passport No. K8441277 THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:00 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 7:15 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 9:30 PM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 9:45 PM hereby change my name to THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:05 AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1 12:15 AM Muhammed Aneesh. Address: Kannome Kerala, FANAR-1 AVENUES-1 Ezhome P.O., Kannur Dt, CATCH HELL 11:30 AM BIG HERO 6 11:30 AM CATCH HELL 1:30 PM BIG HERO 6 1:45 PM pincode 670334 Kerala. POKER NIGHT 3:30 PM BIG HERO 6 4:00 PM (C 4865) CATCH HELL 5:30 PM BIG HERO 6 6:15 PM HAPPY NEW YEAR - HINDI 7:45 PM JESSABELLE 8:30 PM I, Rosaria Mafalda Nunes POKER NIGHT 11:00 PM JESSABELLE 10:45 PM CATCH HELL 1:00 AM JESSABELLE 1:00 AM r/o H.No. 851 Goa-Velha NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 8:30 PM Morgado. I would like FANAR-2 NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 10:45 PM change my name from DUMB AND DUMBER TO 1:00 PM NORTHMEN - A VIKING SAGA 1:00 AM Rosaria Mafalda Gomes to DUMB AND DUMBER TO 3:00 PM INTERSTELLAR 5:00 PM AVENUES-2 Rosaria Mafalda Nunes. DUMB AND DUMBER TO 8:30 PM POKER NIGHT 1:00 PM (C 4862) DUMB AND DUMBER TO 10:30 PM POKER NIGHT 3:00 PM 24-11-2014

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 24/11/2014 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Monday 24/11/2014 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 00:40 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KZU 984 Amsterdam 15:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 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 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 AFG 416 Kabul 03:30 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 AFG 416 Jeddah 02:20 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 KAC 118 New York 18:30 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 ABY 121 Sharjah 19:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 104 London 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 KAC 281 Dhaka 20:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 DHX 172 Bahrain 22:15 KAC 103 London 12:20 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 DHX 173 Bahrain 23:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 CROSSWORD 734 STAR TRACK

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

Harmonious ties to others are what you yearn for; refinement and elegance Work, achievement and ambition are a definite drive these days. This day, are what you seek. The ideal partnership, the perfect balance, the highest standards of however, is a good time to take care of some personal business you have previously put truth and beauty are some of the things that quicken your pulse. A co-worker may be to one side. You prepare for the next working week and mail letters, as well as update the much more agreeable this next week than in the past. You will prosper by pursuing your checkbook. Obligations come to your attention. This afternoon you may find yourself ideals and most deep-seated dreams of how life could be. Don’t be afraid to push for- hurrying to some neighborhood meeting. Being on the go and keeping a finger to the ward and make your dreams real. Ideas of group cooperation and communion could fur- winds of change make you feel in touch. Learning and communicating satisfy your need ther your career. You make preparations for the workweek ahead and consider some of to know. If you are not constantly growing and learning there could be a bit of frustra- your job options. You would work well with mental patients, prison inmates and the like. tion. Set a pace for something new in your focus every other month; this will bring in a You and a friend may work together in a volunteer organization. feeling of satisfaction, no matter what is going on each day.

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

You may feel restricted in some of your activities this day. It may be hard to You are at your mental best today. This is an excellent time to make deci- organize or persevere. Do not force things. Be patient and let the chaos dissolve. Perhaps sions and take care of whatever needs your attention. Work, health, diet and the other this is not the time to try to solve any serious problems or make important decisions. It things that take care of us if we take care of them will be the topics of discussion among could be hard to think. This is a good time for personal communications, however. If you friends and family today. Self-achievement and competition concerning these subjects are a clerk, you will find your work slowed a bit because of interactions with the public. will help encourage successful results for yourself and others. The accomplishment of a This communication could be good for public relations and the upcoming season of retail self-improvement project can also lead to love and a new self-image, particularly if you business, but not so good for sales today. Think of ways to expand your social contacts. stick with it. You demonstrate a great deal of understanding and sensitivity to the needs This afternoon a love relationship appears almost magical in the way you communicate. of others and you are in a good position to communicate as well as volunteer your Let optimism lead you to a happy ending in a love story. expertise. Expect a sense of support and good will.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You will find it easy to pour a lot of energy into helping those around you; This is a great time to be with others and to work on a group project. You perhaps you are in a volunteer situation. You may be called upon to smooth may be sought after as just the person to lead or organize. You are in a fun over the frustrations of a disgruntled loved one this morning. Patient sacrifice of your time frame of mind but you can deal with matters of much concern and responsibility. If you ACROSS 9. United States theatrical producer noted is called for and teaches much. Learning what really counts is an important lesson that are searching for a lost object, today you will find that object. You may be asked to help 1. A rapid bustling commotion. for a series of extravagant revues known as may be learned the hard way. You succeed in helping others to look upon all things with make some tough decisions concerning a senior member of your family. You are able to 4. Basal part of a plant ovule opposite the the Ziegfeld Follies (1869-1932). love, appreciation and open-mindedness; keep up the good work. This afternoon you may bring about an understanding as well as helpful ideas. This evening you are ready to micropyle. 10. A river in north central Switzerland that feel that you need some relaxation. Exercise is always a good way to spend a little time for socialize. Everything conspires to reveal you at your most elegant. You look forward to you. Relaxation may come in some sort of group activities with friends. Refurbish that pos- 11. An amino acid that is found in the cen- runs northeast into the Rhine. this time of the year, a time to enjoy friends and catch up on the lives of those you love. itive attitude of yours–romance is possible. tral nervous system. 11. An anxiety disorder characterized by Today would be a good time to find a good hiding place for all your presents. 15. Nut of any of several trees of the genus chronic free-floating anxiety and such Corylus. symptoms as tension or sweating or trem- 16. Deciduous small trees or shrubs of bling of light-headedness or irritability etc China and eastern North America. that has lasted for more than six months. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. The sixth month of the civil year. 12. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian You might like to ignore responsibilities and do some socializing today, but pri- 18. The compass point midway between mythology. You may find yourself working on a budget for your place of business as well northeast and east. 13. A small cake leavened with yeast. orities or weather may demand that you tend to business close to home. Set as a personal budget. Budgeting is where your attention stays and planning for some sort aside some time for yourself this next week and make it known to others that you need some 19. Give or delegate power to. 14. The biblical name for ancient Syria. of travel or a special gift may take just that–budgeting. You are a solid supporter of those rest and relaxation time as well. Your management and directional abilities are in high focus 20. A Chadic language spoken south of 22. Of or like a cecum. you love and will get behind any worthy cause. If your plate is too full of outside responsi- today and all next week; now is a good time for planning. Remember, however, all work and Lake Chad. 24. Sandwich filled with slices of bacon and bilities, you may find your own home lacking . . . Careful. Emotional seriousness, a sober no play certainly makes for burnout. You may be moved to appreciate and discover the beauty 21. Show a response or a reaction to some- tomato with lettuce. orientation and a practical awareness of the nature of time are the clues to your deepest in your life at this time. Art and the involvement in some favorite hobby are where you will find thing. 27. The form of theological rationalism that feelings now. Ambition is intensified and you could be looking for a part-time job or trying yourself retreating this afternoon. You may find yourself teaching a cooking lesson to a young 23. An unforeseen obstacle. believes in God on the basis of reason with- to talk a family member into working part-time. Deal with the facts to find success. person this evening. 25. A member of a Mayan people of south- out reference to revelation. western Guatemala. 29. Annual grass of Europe and North 26. Cut the head of. Africa. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 28. Enclose or enfold completely with or as 30. Marked by features of the immediate if with a covering. and usually discounted past. Emotional seriousness and a sober awareness of time are keynotes to your You may find yourself in an unrealistic and dreamy mood today. It may take 31. A professional cook. 33. Any of several Old World tropical aro- day. Some unfinished projects or some desired ability that you have been wanting to extra effort–yours or someone else’s–to hold your attention just now. You may find your- 32. Suitable for use as food. matic annual or perennial herbs of the experience has lingered long enough. You may find yourself looking at continuing educa- self feeling blocked and unable to express yourself. This will pass and the job for now is tion classes in hopes of learning more about something you may want to accomplish–this realizing that it is not a time to be productive. It is a time to rest and rejuvenate for the 36. Footwear usually with wooden soles. genus Ocimum. busy time ahead of you. It’s up to you to stay on top of the latest developments so you may 41. An official language of the Republic of 34. A mistake resulting from inattention. could be piano, voice, computer knowledge or perhaps art. Clearing away the things that do not serve a purpose may also be part and parcel of this day. Your professional ambition find that you spend much time in reading and communicating with friends. This evening South Africa. 35. Fill with high spirits. is intensified; you aim to make a difference in this world: to achieve. You think of ways to you may find yourself shopping for food or decorations that will enhance a special meal. 42. Fleshy and usually brightly colored cov- 37. Start abruptly. be more prepared or organized. Look for ways to balance your activities. Now is a good Careful–your current appreciation for just about everything may lead you to overspend or er of some seeds that develops from the 38. Infections of the skin or nails caused by time to show off your soft side to a family member. indulge too much. A harmonious gathering is planned. ovule stalk and partially or entirely fungi and appearing as itching circular envelopes the seed. patches. 43. Characterized by dignity and propriety. 39. The seventh month of the Moslem cal- Virgo (August 23-September 22) 46. A woman religious. endar. Pisces (February 19-March 20) 47. Type genus of the Majidae. 40. A crown-like jewelled headdress worn 49. Optical instrument consisting of a pair by women on formal occasions. A drive to investigate and learn may find you examining and working You are feeling on top of the world and can do no wrong. Use this energy to through some problems that have lingered far too long on the home front. However, accomplish tasks that you would not normally do at this time. A positive attitude benefits of lenses for correcting defective vision. 44. A hard gray lustrous metallic element push too hard and you could be too dominating. You gain understanding and a sense of you greatly. Demonstrate the magic. Let optimism lead you to a happy ending in whatever 52. Type genus of the family Arcidae. that is highly corrosion-resistant. support from those around you. In return, you offer support and understanding. Instant you may be involved with today. Finances may top your list of concerns. Watch out for 54. Towards the side away from the wind. 45. A state in the eastern United States. gratification is one of the temptations to which you may be subject now. This is a practical overspending in group activities. Make an honest attempt to stay within your budget. You 55. A resident of Utah. 48. A region of Malaysia in northeastern and materialistic kind of focus–one that emphasizes the making and spending of money. will look for ways to increase your income. You may find ways that a budget can also save 57. African tree having an exceedingly thick Borneo. Learning what really counts is an important lesson that may be learned the hard way. the company for which you work. Extra expenses are noted and eliminated. Your mind is cutting through the nonessentials and penetrating to the core–you want to know who or Having and appreciating things of beauty and value also play a big role in your life. This trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and 50. Green algae common in freshwater what is in control. has an edible pulp called monkey bread. lakes of limestone districts. can be a financially favorable period. 60. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 51. Experiencing or showing sorrow or 62. A state in northwestern North America. unhappiness. 66. Any culture medium that uses agar as 53. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution the gelling agent. during respiration and by the decomposi- 69. (Old Testament) The fourth son of Jacob tion of organic substances. who was forebear of one of the tribes of 56. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of Israel. the alkali metal group. 73. A branch of the Tai languages. 58. A silvery ductile metallic element found 74. A tall Brazilian feather palm with a ter- primarily in bauxite. minal crown of very large leathery pinnati- 59. Serving as or forming a base. sect leaves rising from long strong stems 61. A person who announces and plays used for structural purposes. popular recorded music. 77. Light informal conversation for social 63. The main city of ancient Phoenicia. occasions. 64. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked 79. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts on a skewer usually with vegetables. of the lateral columns and anterior horns of 65. Jordan's port. the spinal cord. 67. A genus of Mustelidae. 80. A unit of atmospheric pressure equal to 68. A domed or vaulted recess or projection one thousandth of a bar. on a building especially the east end of a 83. A light touch or stroke. church. 84. Fish eggs or egg-filled ovary. 70. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tan- 85. Cut (a body) open while still alive. gerine and grapefruit having a thick wrin- 86. A loose sleeveless outer garment made kled skin. from aba cloth. 71. A platform raised above the surround- ing level to give prominence to the person DOWN on it. 1. Sour or bitter in taste. 72. A French abbot. 2. The recipient of funds or other benefits. 75. The widely studied plant virus that 3. A religious belief of African origin involv- causes tobacco mosaic. ing witchcraft and sorcery. 76. Being one more than two. 4. Long-legged spotted cat of Africa and 78. A vacuum tube in which a hot cathode southwestern Asia having nonretractile emits a beam of electrons that pass claws. through a high voltage anode and are 5. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked). focused or deflected before hitting a phos- 6. A large mountain system in south-central phorescent screen. Europe. 81. Being five more than fifty. 7. The basic unit of money in Sierra Leone. 82. A radioactive element of the actinide 8. An ancient city on the Nile in Egypt. series. Yesterday’s Solution

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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: 6XQGD\  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 %<'$< 3DUWO\FORXG\ZLWKOLJKWWRPRGHUDWHQRUWKZHVWHUO\WRQRUWKHUO\ZLQGZLWKVSHHGRINPKZLWKD Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 FKDQFHIRUVFDWWHUHGUDLQHVSHFLDOO\RYHUVRXWKDUHDV Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 %<1,*+7 3DUWO\FORXG\ZLWKOLJKWWRPRGHUDWHQRUWKZHVWHUO\WRQRUWKHUO\ZLQGZLWKVSHHGRINPKZLWKD FKDQFHIRUVFDWWHUHGOLJKWUDLQ Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 WARNING Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 1R&XUUHQW:DUQLQJV China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 STATION 0$;(;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 0RQGD\  &ORXG\VFDWWHUHGUDLQPLJKWEHWKXQGHU\DWWLPHV ƒ& ƒ& 1(95% NPK Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 7XHVGD\  8QVWDEOHVFDWWHUHGUDLQPLJKWEHWKXQGHU\DWWLPHVƒ& ƒ& 66( NPK Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 :HGQHVGD\  0RVWO\VXQQ\ ƒ& ƒ& 1:95% NPK Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 7KXUVGD\  3DUWO\FORXG\VFDWWHUHGUDLQ ƒ& ƒ& 1:95% 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 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Features36 Shopping malls: Sign of Angola’s rising middle class It’s a great joy for Angolans,” says Luciano Manuel, nudging his trol- “ley through a huge supermarket in the Angolan capital of Luanda. During almost 30 years of civil war, “we’ve never had a supermarket like this - it’s an undeniable gain, and an- other sign of Angola’s development,” he said, combing the aisles of Kero, a local hypermarket chain. Supermar- kets and shopping malls are signs of Angola’s rising middle class as the southwest African nation’s economy has grown rapidly in the last decade thanks to its large oil resources. Retailer Kero has jumped on the burgeoning prosperity, opening a dozen branches in the past four years with two more set to open soon, bolstering a local workforce of 5,000. Domestic products make up 30 percent of total sales, creating more local jobs, according to a recent study by consultancy firm Deloitte. Not far from the polished floors and well-lit aisles of the supermarket, at the far end of the parking lot, a group of women sit back in plastic chairs under a tree. They are selling cellphone airtime, vegetables and exchanging dollars for Angolan kwanza. “We set up here after the supermarket opened,” says Maria. “It’s a great location. There are a lot of pedestrians so there are lots of opportunities to make a sale.” This coexistence of formal and informal economies is reflected across Angola, a nation where extreme poverty and newfound wealth live cheek by jowl. A file photo taken on January 19, 2010 shows canned food piled up in a market in Cabinda.—AFP Mall with 240 stores After the devastation of a violent civil war between 1975 and 2002, oil has fuelled the country’s economy, which has grown by 3.9 percent this The 9th year and is expected to expand by 5.9 percent in 2015, according to the IMF. While many complain that the oil wealth has mainly lined the pockets of the elite, the sprouting of big shopping centers is a sign of more people in the middle class, currently about a fifth of the popula- tion. “In the last 10 years, we have witnessed the growth of a middle class both in Luanda and the rest of ‘Afrik Fashion’ the country,” said Feizal Esmail, who is helping build a mall with 240 stores in Luanda. He’s already planning a shuttle service for shoppers from more remote provinces. Economics professor Justino Pinto de Andrade says increasing wealth is also changing lifestyles and social mores. “A section of the popula- tion has seen its purchasing power increase and, because they work dur- ing the week, they concentrate their shopping on the weekend,” he said. “At the big malls they can buy every- thing they need at once,” he added. “And there’s more evidence for this social dynamic: more small cars, high-rise real estate projects, and the spreading use of credit cards.” In this regard Angola reflects a growing trend across the conti- nent. A third of Africans - about 370 million people - now belong to the middle class, according to an African Development Bank study published in late October. By African standards, these individuals spend between $2 and $20 a day, and have access to water, electricity, cars and a number of household goods like televisions and refrigerators.

Street trading But the middle class is still far from a dominant group in Angola, said sociologist Joao Nzatuzola. An August study by economists from South Africa’s Standard Bank put Angola’s middle class at 21 percent of the population. By 2030, they es- timate the country will have an extra one million middle class households. But 54 percent of the population still live on less than $2 a day. For many, street trading or traditional markets remain their sole source of revenue. “The multiplication of supermarkets has not overtaken street trading, which is still flourishing,” said Nzatu- zola. Nelson Pestana, professor at the Catholic University of Angola, sees the emergence of supermarkets as a test for small traders, but not an insuperable one. “The arrival of supermarkets poses a challenge to small businesses, but the informal sector is more resilient because it has advantages not offered by the malls, like selling used goods or negotiat- ing prices,” said Pestana. A bigger threat could ultimately be the Ango- lan government’s plans to regulate informal trade, organizing a network Models take part in the 9th “Afrik Fashion” in Abidjan. Designers from of traditional markets in licensed Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger,Togo, Senegal and Ivory Coast attended at the premises.—AFP African fashion trade show and presented their latest creations.-- AFP LIFESTYLE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Features37 ‘Anti-Barbie’ doll goes on sale on US

he’s short, brunette, has an average body shape and can even be given cellulite and acne: the ‘anti-Barbie’ doll is ready to go on sale in the United SStates. The brainchild of 26-year-old graphic designer Nickolay Lamm, the “Lammily” doll will begin shipping next week with the sales pitch that “average is beautiful.” Lamm told AFP he came up with the idea after searching for a doll to buy as a gift and discovering that “all the dolls looked like supermodels.” “There’s nothing wrong with being a supermodel but I just had the impression that the wall of supermodels suggests that something is wrong with you if you don’t look like one,” Lamm explained. “I created an alternative to suggest that it’s okay to not look like a supermodel, it’s okay to look like a normal person.”Lamm based the physique of his doll from statistics provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calculating that the “average” 19-year-old was five feet, four inches (163.3 centi- meters) tall, weighed 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and measured 33.5 inches (85 centimeters) around the chest. He contrasted those vital statistics to a Barbie, which is skinnier, taller and more blonde. Lamm raised money for mass produc- tion of his doll by crowd funding. So far, he has received some $225,000 worth of advance orders for the doll, which will sell at $25.Starting in January, a clothing line will be available as well as stickers depicting acne or cellulite.—AFP This handout photo obtained November 21, 2014 courtesy of So- theby’s in New York shows the Zoe Diamond, property from the collection of Mrs Paul Mellon. —AFP

This photo obtained November 21, 2014 courtesy of Lammily.com shows Blue diamond the Lammily doll.—AFP sells for record $32.6 million in NY magnificent blue diamond has fetched $32.6 million in New York, breaking the world auction record for any diamond of its color, auction Ahouse Sotheby’s announced. The stunning 9.75 carat, pear-shaped diamond was bought by a Hong Kong private collector after 20 minutes of competitive bidding on Thursday evening, Sotheby’s said. The price also set a new world auction record for price-per-carat for any diamond, the auction- eers said. The jewel had been owned by Rachel Lambert otherwise known as Bunny Mellon, the art collector wife of the late philanthropist and racehorse breeder Modern, surrealist art Paul Mellon. She died in March aged 103. “Mrs Mellon’s diamond absolutely auction aims to fetch $100M deserves the place in the record books that it achieved,” said Gary Schuler, head of Sotheby’s jewelry department in New York. It was the highlight of a collection of Mellon’s jewels and objects of vertu that Sotheby’s sold for more than $42 million in New York on Thursday, well above the pre-sale estimate of $19.2 million.—AFP ‘Wizard of Oz’ Cowardly Lion costume up for sale

A Christie’s employee displays a painting by Joan Miro called ‘L’echelle de l’evasion’ at the auction rooms in London, Thursday.--AP wo dozen modern and surrealist art works amassed by a private 24 works is a large oil painting on canvas by Miro, estimated to fetch In this 1939 file photo originally released by Warner Bros, from left, Bert collector, including important paintings by Joan Miro and Rene 7 to 9 million pounds ($10.9 million to $14.1 million). The colorful Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Judy Garland as TMagritte, are expected to fetch at least 64 million pounds ($100 1953 painting, with a French title that translates as “The bird with the Dorothy, and Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman, are shown in a scene from million) when they go on auction in London next year. The collec- fully spread-out feathers flies toward the silvery tree,” evokes a dream “The Wizard of Oz.”—AP tion, from an anonymous European collector who bought the art world, with two abstract creatures beneath a moon and stars. ert Lahr’s Cowardly Lion costume from the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” over almost half a century ago, contains eight surrealist paintings by “It’s one of the most extraordinary and beautiful Miros,” Camu said. is up for sale. The costume will be auctioned with other Hollywood items Magritte — the most impressive group of the artist’s work to come Another highlight is Modigliani’s 1918 painting “Les deux filles” (“The Monday in New York by Bonhams, according to a spokesman for costume to the market in recent years. It also includes works by Pablo Picasso, two girls”), a rare double portrait of a young woman and a girl that is B owner James Comisar. The big cat outfit has been authenticated as the one Lahr Amedeo Modigliani and Alberto Giacometti. expected to sell for up to 8 million pounds ($12.5 million). The paint- wore in the 1939 film, according to a “Every work was carefully selected. There’s no fluff in here — it’s all ing had only been offered at auction once before — it had previously Bonhams’ sales catalog. It is topped by a sculpted likeness of the late actor. A hard-hitting quality,” Olivier Camu, a modern art expert at Christie’s been owned by the same family for over 90 years. The auction takes secondary costume used in the film was sold at auction in recent years for close auction house told The Associated Press. The most valuable of the place Feb 4 in London.—AP to $1 million, the owner’s spokesman said. Comisar has a trove of TV memora- A Christie’s employee carries a paint- bilia from shows including “I Love Lucy” and “Lost.” He has said he plans to use ing by Rene Magritte called ‘Le Thera- money from the Cowardly Lion costume sale to exhibit his collection.—AP peute’ at the auction rooms. O’Keeffe painting sells for record $44.4M in NYC

Georgia O’Keeffe painting of a simple white flower has A sold for $44.4 million, more than triple the previous auction record for a work by a female artist. Sotheby’s New York says the 1932 painting, “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1,” sold Thursday during the auction house’s sale of Ameri- can art. The painting was sold by the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to benefit its acquisitions fund. The buyer bid by telephone. Sotheby’s isn’t disclosing the buyer’s identity. The previous world auction record for any work by a female artist was $11.9 million. That was the price for Joan Mitchell’s “Untitled” at Chris- tie’s New York in May. The previous auction record for an O’Keeffe work was $6.2 million, set at Christie’s This undated photo provided by Sotheby’s shows the Georgia Christie’s employee holds a painting by Rene New York in 2001.—AP O’Keeffe 1932 painting, “Jimson Magritte called ‘Souvenir de voyage’ at the auctions A Christie’s art handler hangs a painting by Rene Magritte called ‘Les muscles ce- Weed/White Flower No. 1”.—AP rooms. lestes’ at the auction rooms. LIFESTYLE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Music38 & Movies ‘Blind Massage’ big Golden Horse winner in Taiwan Chinese-French film about blind masseurs The film had been nominated in five catego- and Chinese actor and director Chen Jian- ries. Hui said her win was a surprise and she bin scooped the most accolades at Taiwan’s would have preferred her actress, Tang Wei, to Ast 51 Golden Horse movie awards, considered the win in the best lead actress category. Instead, Chinese-language equivalent of the Oscars. “Blind the award went to a lesser known actress, Chen Massage” from Chinese director Lou Ye won six of Shiang-chyi, for “Exit.” “I feel like I have made it, to the seven categories it had been nominated in, be able to win this award for Taiwan. I love Taiwan including best feature film, best cinematography films and I dedicated this for Taiwan,” said Chen and best sound effects. The film, adapted from in her acceptance speech. Chinese director Diao a novel, centers on the lives of workers in a mas- Yinan’s “Black Coal, Thin Ice,” a detective thriller set sage parlor in China’s Nanjing city. in northern China that won the Berlin Internation- The other big winner on Saturday evening al Film Festival’s main Golden Bear prize this year, was Chen, 44, who won best lead actor and best won the award for best art direction. It had been new director for “A Fool” - a film about a Chinese nominated in eight categories. The Golden Horse farmer who meets a homeless man and takes film festival celebrates Chinese-language cinema, him home - as well as best supporting actor for and the awards are the most prestigious in the his role in Taiwanese military drama “Paradise in greater China region. A total of 38 films were Service.” Also at the awards ceremony in Taipei, nominated for 21 awards this year. There was a Ann Hui won her third Golden Horse best director total of 364 entries, 100 more than last year.—AP award for “The Golden Era,” which portrays the turbulent life of Chinese writer Xiao Hong.

Best Feature Film director Lou Ye, third from right, Best New Performer Zhang Lei, second from right and fellow production staff hold six awards for the film “Blind Massage” at the st51 Golden Horse Awards in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday.—AP photos

Chinese director Lou Ye holds Chinese actress Zhang Lei his award and poses for poses for photographers and media for Best Feature Film holds her award for Best New “Blind Massage”. Performer.

Best Leading Actor Chinese actress Chen Jianbin, left, and Zhang Huiwen actress Chen Shiang- Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting and Best arrives at the Chyi hold their awards New Director Actor Chen Jianbin holds his 51st Golden for their film “A Fool” awards for his films “A Fool” and “Paradise in Horse Awards. Service”. and “Exit”. Disney enters awards race with India’s Vidhu Film Review Vinod Chopra works Traces of ‘Into the Woods’ off his anger at Film Bazaar Master Class Sandalwood’ elighting in cross-cultural con- trasts, “Traces of Sandalwood” Dfollows two separated sisters— one awash in the colorful melodrama of Bollywood, the other locked in the sterility of a biology lab in Barcelona. But this opposition proves to be far from absolute in Maria Ripoli’s hybrid English/Spanish-speaking indie: The melodrama is based on painful reality, while the lab is situated amid fantasti- cally contorted architectural landmarks. Vidhu Vinod Chopra With few pretensions to high art, this genuine crowd-pleaser (which snagged an audience award at Montreal), well oa, India—Vidhu Vinod Chopra, writer and producer hough “Into the Woods” debuted in 1986, it’s “a fairy tale for the post- crafted by an all-female crew, seems a of global hit “3 Idiots,” and arguably India’s most 9/11 generation,” said director Rob Marshall at a Q& A in New natural for Indian diaspora distribution, successful film maker, remains something of an an- York after a screening of the film Saturday. The panel session took G with definite crossover potential. T gry young man. “One of the reasons I became successful, place at the DGA Theater in New York and was satellite-fed to the Disney The film begins in high drama as was because I struggled so much with ‘Khamosh’,” he said, main theater in Burbank, a two-birds-with-one-stone approach as the film 6-year-old Mina (Vaibhavi Hankare) describing his 1985 film which has since become a classic, begins industry screenings for awards contention. The director and his saves her newborn sister, Sita, from into an Indian videostore. There, she but which he had to self-release after being rejected by team of artisans will certainly be under Oscar consideration, as will Meryl being drowned as an unwanted female, meets Prakash (Naby Dakhli), who distributors. Streep (top billed, but in a supporting role) and other performers. Variety thereupon taking full aquel Ferespon- introduces her to her sister’s films, and Chopra was speaking Sunday during the Film Bazaar in will run its review in December; after that, there will be more opportuni- sibility for her care. But when their whose openness and quiet persistence, Goa in a master class where he was interviewed by fellow ties to handicap the film’s awards chances in specific categories. mother dies a few years later, their fa- combined with Paula’s sudden cin- film maker Sudhir Mishra. Despite having promised not to, Disney often takes a cautious approach to the awards race, but the ther hands them over to a woman from ematic immersion in a vibrant culture, Chopra peppered his discourse with choice swearwords studio execs seem gung-ho about this one. The film also marks a subtle the city. Sita is left with nuns, despite gradually wear down her defensiveness. in English and Hindi, as he took sideswipes at film festivals shift for the studio. Its “Maleficent” earlier this year and the TV series “Once her sister’s frantic resistance, and young In exec producer/scripter Anna Soler- (“I’m not a festivals kind of man”), digital cinema (“a little Upon a Time” (on the Disney-owned ABC) offer an alternative view of fairy Mina is consigned to a brothel, from Pont’s adaptation of her novel (which bit of laziness has crept in”) and a string of named and un- tales. “Woods” takes that further and deeper, serving notice that “children’s which she narrowly escapes. She finds she co-wrote with Asha Miro), “Traces named distributors and producers. stories” are not just about the Disney Princess line of merchandise. As work as a maid for a rich family, gaining of Sandalwood” constantly plays off the Despite also calling himself “not a likeable person,” and Marshall said, the musical is about what happens following “happily ever an ally in Sanjay, the handsome son of differences between Paula’s buttoned- saying that he “uses hate as a weapon to defend myself,” after.” The filmmaker said he thought the message of the musical, that no the house. down repression and Mina’s effortless the majority of what he had to say was collegial, compli- one is alone, was more timely than ever. “Kids today live in a world much This melodramatic opener is sud- charisma; the unbound sensuality that mentary and common sense. He quoted Ingman Berg- more unstable and fragile than when I grew up.” denly revealed as a film-within-the- Das exuded in Deepa Mehta’s “Earth” man on the need to entertain and Akira Kurosawa on the Streep offered a variation of that, saying kids today have returned to a film, an autobiographical opus that and “Fire” are here channeled into an need for teamwork (“a co-operative workforce based on time when they’re aware of everything. “We lived for a halcyon moment Mina (Nandita Das), now a Bollywood all-inclusive warmth. individual talent”.) He described his unusual 25-year rela- in the ‘50s and ‘60s,” when kids were protected from harsh reality, but superstar, is making with her director But helmer Ripoli and her female tionship with Rajkumar Hirani, the director of 3 Idiots and now they see everything and know “the world is full of darkness and joy.” husband (the self-same Sanjay, now cohorts have granted equal impact to the upcoming Disney-backed blockbuster “PK”. “He is the They’re much more aware, but also resilient. Among others taking part played by Subodh Maskara). The film the siblings’ very different surround- director on set. He starts, I finish,” Chopra said. “I’ll work in in the Q& A was writer James Lapine, who adapted the script from marks the latest effort in Mina’s unend- ings. Mina is seen in dance classes that the lab, but I no longer go on the set of any movie I’m not the stage musical he co-created with Stephen Sondheim. The composer ing 30 -year search for her missing sister. showcase her talents without the usual directing. You don’t want two directors on one set.” wasn’t there, though Streep read a note from him saying he was “laid low dizzying Bollywood costume changes Aside from “PK,” which he produced, Chopra is also cur- by a virus.” Sondheim talked about the pride he and Lapine feel in the Adoptive parents and background shifts, stressing the un- rently finishing English-language drama “Broken Horses,” movie, saying “it is notoriously difficult” to adapt stage musicals to the Mina finally locates Sita in Barcelona pretentious grace and artistry involved which he wrote, directed and produced and which stars screen, but “the Disney film is a happy exception.” and travels with Sanjay to be reunited while still highlighting Mumbai’s rich Anton Yelchin, Vincent d’Onofrio and Thomas Jane. He with her. But little Sita has grown into colors and textures. Meanwhile, Paula’s described it as “the biggest challenge I’ve ever done,” and ‘Status, money and image’ a cold, remote scientist named Paula cool concentration and meticulous ex- “highly satisfying whatever the fate of the film,” At one He gave a lot of credit to Marshall, since he is a veteran of both theater (Aina Clotet), who is totally unaware perimentation at the biology lab unfold point he said he received a phone call from James Cam- and movies. James Corden got the biggest laughs of the evening, but that she was even adopted, much less in an atmosphere of scientific dedica- eron complimenting him on the film’s then anonymous Streep wasn’t far behind, throwing in a few asides about Sondheim’s that she is of Indian descent. Flatly un- tion. D.p. Raquel Fernandez’s blue-gray script. Chopra also described being deluged with remake word choices as she read his note. Corden jokingly talked about one of receptive, Paula angrily and summarily Barcelonan palette, at one with the offers for 3’ Idiots.’ “I’d like to make ‘3 Idiots’ in Chinese, in the late-in-the-film plot twists (no spoilers here) and clowned about how rejects Mina and her story. But a tense frequent seaside scenes, turns positively French and in English. It has touched a lot of people’s lives.” difficult it was to reach his water bottle from the directors chairs he was discussion with her adoptive parents magical when reflected in the contorted He wrapped the session by offering to help young film sitting in. But he got serious when paying tribute to Marshall and Streep, and Mina’s extensive documentation mirrored windows of renowned archi- makers at future editions of the Film Bazaar project market. who is “meticulous about the work” and takes it seriously, but doesn’t take lead her to reluctantly entertain some tect Antonio Gaudi’s whimsical configu- “I’m not a great believer in the festival circuit, but I’m very herself seriously.—Reuters curiosity about her roots and venture rations.—Reuters impressed with Film Bazaar.”—Reuters LIFESTYLE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Music39 & Movies In Tel Aviv, African illegals n the backstreets of a run-down Tel Aviv neighbor- hood, three Sudanese immigrants blast hip hop from Imobile phones and rap about the broken promises of life in the Promised Land. The youngsters travel regularly from southern Israel to meet in its commercial capital, home to tens of thousands of illegal African migrants, and to pursue their dream of becoming rap superstars. rap a bitter-sweet story Habib, 27, lives in the sprawling detention facility of Holot in the Negev desert, alongside some 2,000 other asylum seekers, mostly from Sudan and Eritrea. Israel is home to some 53,000 illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from Africa. Habib is allowed to leave Holot just twice each month, and uses that precious time to make the four-hour bus journey to Tel Aviv to meet his “crew” and try to record new music. Their band called “Innocent Boys” meets near the city’s central bus station in an impoverished area populated by migrants from all over—from Africa, the Philippines and South Asia. With jeans sagging low and the strut of his American “gang- ster” hip hop idols, Habib has a wide smile on his face as he listens to his own latest track on his smart phone. “They put me in prison, but I’m not a criminal!” his disembodied voice exclaims in English through the loudspeaker, turning the heads of several passers-by. The lyrics are political and address the struggle of illegal immigrants in Israel, where a government crackdown on migration has drawn condemnation from human rights groups. The other two band members are Mo-Yassin and One-Pac, who has chosen a stage name to emulate his American hero, the late rap star Tupac Shakur (2Pac).

‘Bad enough being black’ They too dress the part, in baggy jeans, basketball shirts, a cap and a clutch of glitzy neck-chains including an Africa-shaped pendant. Mo-Yassin and One-Pac’s larg- A picture taken on Janu- er-than-life presence in Tel Aviv is a world away from their ary 15, 2014 shows African everyday reality in the Red Sea resort city of Eilat, where asylum seekers , who entered both work as hotel cleaners. “We go to work, we go to Israel illegally via Egypt, stag- sleep, we go to work... we’re shadows, machines, robots. ing a protest along the sea But we have a dream,” says Mo-Yassin, a former Sudanese front in Tel Aviv, after days of army officer who has been waiting for five years for Israel mass protests against Israel’s to decide whether or not to grant him political refugee immigration policies.—AFP status. The Innocent Boys do not own recording equip- ment, so they put the word out to the Sudanese commu- nity by text message before arriving in Tel Aviv, asking for housands of AC/DC fans yesterday flocked to a small, rural Aus- use of a laptop, a microphone and a loudspeaker. Tiny Australian town rocks to tralian town for the launch of the group’s first new album in six Camping out at a friend’s cramped apartment, they Tyears—and also their first without founding member Malcolm wait for the gear to turn up, sipping sweet tea. Being Young, who is suffering from dementia. Wearing black T-shirts embla- observant Muslims, none has picked up the drinking or zoned with images of the veteran band and the trademark caps with smoking habits of some of their more illustrious Ameri- protruding red horns, fans gathered in the New South Wales town can rapper role models. They use English and Hebrew AC/DC’s new album The Rock to be among the first in the world to listen to the new “Rock rather than their native Arabic for both rap and conver- or Bust” album. The band—which has endured controversy in recent sation, trying to keep as low a profile as possible in a weeks after drummer Phil Rudd was accused of drug possession and country where they and their ilk are largely unwanted threatening to kill—did not attend the launch but the album tracks outcasts. “Being black is bad enough. If the Israelis hear were played by record executives at an event at the town’s market. us speaking Arabic as well, it gets difficult,” jokes Mo- Councillor John Paterson said thousands endured sweltering Yassin. temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) to attend the event. “There were at least a couple of thousand (fans), Racism the dominant theme it was very well supported,” Paterson told AFP. The Rock is some 500 Racism is a dominant theme in their music, and one kilometers south-west of Sydney and has a population of less than song called “Promised Land” lists the “broken promises” of 1000. “It was probably one of the biggest crowds we’ve seen for a very life in Israel where they thought they would find “free- long time. “’Rock or Bust’ obviously went over very well because of the dom, openness and success”. Southern Tel Aviv, where association with the name of our town... I can assure you that the song the group meets, was the scene of violent race riots in will be a new anthem for our little town here at The Rock.” It is not the 2012, and anger over the thorny immigration issue hit first time a world-famous musical group has opted to launch an album fever pitch earlier this year as tens of thousands of asylum in a rural Australian town. seekers marched outside embassies and the UN’s refugee agency headquarters. Israel’s rightwing government Recent setbacks passed legislation in December 2013 whereby authori- French group Daft Punk last year launched their “Random Access ties can detain illegal immigrants for up to a year without Memories” in remote Wee Waa, a far-flung town with a population of trial, and in the same month it opened the Holot deten- just 1,653 in the state’s north. AC/DC, which was founded by Malcolm tion centre. and Angus Young in Australia in 1973, is one of the biggest-selling It says illegal immigrants from Africa, dubbed “infiltra- bands in history. The group plans to back the new album with a global tors”, pose a threat to the state’s Jewish character. Along tour in 2015, although their line-up is unclear after recent setbacks. with arrests and deportations, Israel has also built a The rockers were dealt a blow when it was revealed in September that high-tech fence along its border with Egypt’s barren Sinai dementia had forced one of its founding members, Malcolm Young, to Peninsula, the main point of clandestine entry. While retire and move into a Sydney care facility. some MPs from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s They were hit with a further setback when New Zealand prosecutors ruling rightwing Likud have called Africans a “cancer in filed a murder-for-hire case against drummer Phil Rudd before quickly our body”, rights groups say most cannot be deported dropping it, citing insufficient evidence. Rudd, 60, is still accused of because their lives would be under threat if they were drug possession and threatening to kill, which carries a jail term of up returned to Sudan and Eritrea. to seven years. He is expected to appear in court on November 27 on In the end, the promised recording equipment doesn’t these charges. Singer Brian Johnson and guitarist Angus Young hinted show up and the rap trio shuffle outside to a park where last week that the band may look to replace him ahead of the tour. many immigrants sleep rough. Once again it is the music The Grammy award winners were inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall which gives best expression to the duality of their exis- of Fame in 2003 after a string of hits including “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt tence. “We’re trapped here, but we have a dream,” go the This CD cover image released by Columbia Records shows “Rock or Bust,” Cheap”, “Jailbreak” and “Highway to Hell”. The “Rock or Bust” album is lyrics on the latest Innocent Boys track.—AFP by AC/DC.—AP their first since 2008’s “Black Ice” and features 11 tracks. It will be offi- cially released on December 2.—AFP

New York honors ew York’s opera community on Friday paid YouTube tribute to the legendary soprano Jessye Jessye Norman, NNorman, with Nobel Prize-winning novelist goes online for second Music Awards Toni Morrison calling her voice almost singular in its beauty. The Metropolitan Opera Guild, which he YouTube Music Awards are undergoing an Awards will use metrics that already exist on the soprano who ‘heals soul’ raises money to support the Met as well as music overhaul for their second edition next year, video-sharing site to determine popularity, a compa- education programs, honored the 69-year-old Nor- Tscrapping a star-studded gala and instead look- ny official said. The second awards ceremony will aim man with an annual end-of-the-year luncheon that ing at videos’ online buzz. The blockbuster video- to be forward-looking by identifying videos that are features performances by opera singers Latonia sharing site in November 2013 debuted the YouTube expected to generate buzz in the coming year, rather Moore, Dolora Zajick and Susan Platts. Music Awards, with a livestreamed show from than honoring past performances, the official said. Morrison, the author of novels such as “Song of New York that appeared aimed at creating a next- The decision to hold a second round of the YouTube Solomon” and “Beloved” that vividly explored the generation, new-media successor to the MTV Video Music Awards comes as the company promotes a African American experience, described her excite- Music Awards. The YouTube inaugural awards have new subscription service. ment at first meeting Norman—even though, had more than 54 million views but received a mixed The company last week introduced YouTube Music Morrison said of herself, she was usually “unim- reception among social media users. One common Key, which will allow subscribers to listen to music pressed with practically everyone.” Morrison said criticism was that the awards lacked a unique You- without advertisements and without an Internet that she first heard Norman’s voice decades ago Tube flavor, with rap superstar Eminem—no stranger connection. Through YouTube Music Key, Google is in the French Riviera town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence to accolades—chosen as Artist of the Year. seeking a greater slice of the online music business at the home of self-exiled American writer James YouTube, which is owned by Google, said Wednes- and to compete more forcefully with the likes of Spo- Baldwin, whose assistant Bernard Hassell put on a day that instead of a physical-world show, which in tify’s streaming service, Apple’s iTunes and Pandora recording to which they listened for hours. 2013 was hosted by director Spike Jonze, it would Internet Radio. YouTube promised to debut a number “The beauty and power, the singularity of Jessye transform the site for one day in March 2015 to pres- of videos by prominent artists in the coming months Norman’s voice. I don’t recall anything quite like it,” ent the awards. “For one special day, music will be the ahead of the awards. Unlike many prizes, the YouTube Morrison said. “I have to say that sometimes when headline act on YouTube,” the company’s official blog Music Awards have been international in scope. At I hear your voice, it breaks my heart. But all of the said. “We’ll take this moment to celebrate the biggest the inaugural edition, the South Korean pop group time, when I hear your voice, it healed my soul,” she and emerging artists through new and unique music Girls’ Generation, which has a wide following in Asia, said. Norman grew up in Augusta, Georgia, before video collaborations with top directors and creators,” beat out Western superstars to win Video of the Year winning a full-tuition scholarship to Howard Uni- it said. for “I Got a Boy.”—AFP versity, the historically African American college in Washington. She moved afterward to Europe and Past performances became one of the most acclaimed dramatic so- While eager to reach out to music lovers, YouTube pranos, known in particular for her interpretations will scrap the inaugural awards’ methodology of of Wagner. Norman has performed infrequently in counting votes from fans. Instead, the YouTube Music the past few years and recently released a memoir, “Stand Up Straight and Sing!”—AFP ‘Anti-Barbie’ doll goes on sale on US

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014 37

Syrian women dinning at the Fairuz restaurant. Echoes of a once famed nightlife in Syria’s ravaged Aleppo

sliver of Aleppo’s once famous eastern half and confining government nightlife has returned to the forces to the west. “In the beginning, we Awar-torn Syrian city, with cafes were paralyzed. We didn’t dare go out,” and singers catering to residents of said Jalaa’s friend Dibeh, an employee regime-held districts, and even some at the electricity company. “We were heavily bombed rebel areas. In the chic afraid of everything: snipers, the sound Mogambo neighborhood in the divided of bombs. But now the fear has subsided. city’s government-controlled west, Jalaa That explosion we just heard? No one and her three friends eat ice cream at the reacted.” In the government-held zone, a Fayrouz cafe, their gossip interspersed fragile stability has allowed a few dozen with peals of laughter. “Of course, we cafes to open or reopen in the Mogambo complain about the electricity rationing, and Aziziyeh neighbourhoods. the water shortages. But most of the Fayrouz’s owner, Jihad Moghrabi, time, we talk about our lives, our work opened the cafe just six months ago. colleagues and what we watched on TV,” “Despite the war, we have to work and said Jalaa, a lawyer. live,” he told AFP. “On the other side (of Dressed up and elegant in multicol- the front line), they have opened up Syrian musicians perform at a pub restaurant in Aleppo. Syrian musicians perform at a pub restaurant in Aleppo in ored headscarves, the women amuse restaurants too, but it’s not like here. The the government controlled side of the war-torn northern themselves by swapping messages and only thing we have in common is coffee Syrian city.—AFP photos photos on their mobile phones, as a and nargileh (water pipes),” he said. violinist struggles to be heard above the chatter. “Ironically, we stay at home less ‘Bombing every night’ said Abu Sami, owner of the Al-Antik res- bop to loud music under laser lights, these days than before the war. We’re On the rebel side of the city, many taurant in the rebel-held Bustan Al-Qasr and on the weekend up to 100 revelers often in a cafe these days,” said her friend neighborhoods have been virtually emp- neighborhood. hit the dance floor. “All my friends come Mays, also a lawyer. The frequent power tied of residents who have fled repeated It is next to a checkpoint and fre- here,” said Hussam Shaaban, a 29-year- cuts mean many people prefer to go out bombardment by government forces. quented by the rebels who man it. “This old car salesman, accompanied by his to a cafe that has a generator, rather than Residents say cafe closures intensified is the fighters’ restaurant and it’s very trim and heavily made-up girlfriend sit at home in the dark, she explained. after the government began dropping popular,” Abu Sami said. On the rebel Sally. Once Syria’s industrial powerhouse, barrel bombs packed with shrapnel on side, restaurants are more conservative “Before, we were afraid. But now Aleppo has been reduced to a shadow of the eastern neighborhoods of the city. and less trendy than their counterparts we’re used to it. Two days ago, a bomb its former self by the conflict that began But in a few areas, restaurateurs have felt across the front line. fell near my house and I came here to in March 2011. safe enough to open up. “Thank God, the Women come out only with their forget the war,” he said. In the Syriac The fighting arrived in the city in security situation is better and young husbands, and entertainment takes the Christian quarter, Firas Jeilati, 25, runs mid-2012, with rebel groups seizing its people sometimes stay out until 1:00am,” form of qudud halabiyeh and muasha- Athar Al-Farasha (Touch of the Butterfly), shat, traditional Aleppine music and a cafe where artists come to sing or re- Syrians dancing at a night sung poetry. cite poetry. “The space belonged to two club in the government-con- Residents say there are only a dozen brothers, who were my friends. Almost trolled part of the northern or so restaurants in all of the city’s like a premonition, they told me that if city of Aleppo. eastern side, but they provide a much- anything happened to them, I would needed change of pace for those still have to take it over,” said Jeilati. “Half an in the area. “I often go with my friends hour later, they were killed in shelling. and sometimes with my family. There is “I’m losing money, but I’m going to keep a section for men and another for fami- going to keep my promise to them.” In lies,” resident Riad al-Hassan said. But the background, a performer sings a line he is nostalgic for the old days. “When of poetry that resonates in the war-torn the city was unified, we had much more city. “Aleppo is a fountain of sadness choice. Now it’s very limited. The streets that flows across my country.”—AFP aren’t safe anymore because every night there is bombing or fighting.”

‘Before we were afraid’ Syrian men playing Back on the government-held side of cards at a cafe in the town, the nightlife is more freewheeling. Mogambo neighbor- In Shahba Al-Sham, the former Meridien hood on the govern- hotel hosts a disco every night. Even on ment controlled side of a week-night, a few dozen customers Aleppo.