Govt Scrambles to Contain Fallout of Canceled Subsidies

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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 RABI ALAWWAL 14, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Expatriates Rouhani Australian Valencia bristle over urges end PM makes beat Real hefty fines, to Iran’s unannounced 2-1 to end mistreatment3 isolation7 trip to Iraq8 22-win20 streak Govt scrambles to contain Min 08º Max 21º fallout of canceled subsidies High Tide 13:12 & 23:31 Low Tide No hike in petrol, power prices • Price-gouging companies penalized 06:44 & 18:18 40 PAGES NO: 16393 150 FILS

By B Izzak conspiracy theories KUWAIT: Rising diesel and kerosene prices following the removal of subsidies on Jan 1 have become the Predictions main issue in the country after a subsequent wave of price hikes and bakery strikes. The government has vowed to clamp down on violators. Commerce and and reality Industry Minister Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej said the min- istry went into action yesterday, penalizing at least 70 companies and shutting down 15 restaurants that raised prices under the pretext of the increase in diesel prices. Speaking at a joint press conference with the minis- By Badrya Darwish ters of finance and oil, Mudej said the companies will be referred to the public prosecution for further legal action as he vowed to take action against all companies that raise their prices or charges. A decision by the government to lift the subsidies on [email protected] kerosene, diesel and aviation fuel came into effect on Jan 1 and lead to increases in the prices at some restau- rants, construction companies, Iranian bread bakeries, water tankers and others. Several Iranian bakeries at t’s the beginning of the year and all over the local co-ops throughout the country closed shop in world it’s the norm that TV stations and protest at the fuel price hikes, as they are restricted Ichannels bring in astrologers to make their from raising the price of bread. predictions for the coming year. I watched a few Price hikes in other commodities triggered a number of them randomly and even if you don’t believe of MPs to call on the government to reverse its decision on ending diesel and kerosene subsidies. But Oil in it, you get sucked in and start listening to Minister Ali Al-Omair insisted that there is no going what they say. Really, the predictions that I back. He however said that the issue of lifting or reduc- heard on the Lebanese channels were very ing subsidies on petrol, electricity and water will not be depressing. There were no bright moments in imposed now although the issue is under government any of these astrologers’ predictions and most KUWAIT: (From left) Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh, Commerce and Industry Minister Abdulmohsen Al- consideration. Mudej and Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair hold a joint press conference yesterday. — Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh of them spoke with full confidence as if it is real- Continued on Page 13 ly true that what they say will take place. Of course they started with local Lebanese politics and politicians and sometimes even gave names that this one will be assassinated MoI sticks to guns on fines and this one will die and this one will succeed. And then they dealt with neighboring coun- tries, painting a very dark and gloomy future for Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, 20,000 Indians among 107,000 violators Libya, Somalia, Palestine, wherever. By Nawara Fattahova update their data or renew their pass- the past, this could be done without I don’t think we needed their predictions to ports quickly. According to statistics, paying fines, but this stopped with the know what’s going to happen this year. Just KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry is firm Indians rank first with 20,000 violations, new system. Some cases were inten- look around you and you will see all the disas- on enforcing a 50-year-old law linking while Indonesians are the most affect- tional while others were not,” Kandari the validity of iqamas to passports, ed despite their numbers being low in explained. ters. Syria in turmoil. Libya is not any better. even as the number of violators who Kuwait, as 57 percent of them are in According to article 12 of the resi- Yemen. Bahrain. Egypt. Tunisia. Where shall we have to pay fines has reached around violation,” said Kandari. dency law, the iqama is only valid if the go? Next we’ll have to travel to Mars to escape 107,000 people. Kuwait Times inter- “Law no. 17/1959 dealing with expat passport is valid. “Some people the wars and disasters and upheaval. Even the viewed the head of the legal depart- residency is active since 55 years, but renewed their passports but without broadcasters were upset and dismayed by the ment of the residency system for entry there were manipulations by appli- registering it at the Immigration predictions and asked them, “don’t you have and departure procedures Col Khalid cants, employees and even the Department, which is now called the anything good to say?” None of them, however, Al-Kandari on this issue that has led to embassies that were renewing the Residency Affairs Department, which resentment by thousands of expats passports of their citizens with a prior led to the expiry of their iqamas. As a did. who were fined for not updating their date of their actual visit to the result, the fines started to accumulate. They did not save any leader from their pre- passport information. embassy. The application of new tech- Every expat should go to the dictions, be it Arab or be it Western - that some “We call upon expats to update their nology locked the renewal of iqamas or Immigration Department in their gov- will die, some will collapse and some will go out data as soon as possible to avoid being updating the data if there are any ernorate as their files are there,” he told of power. penalized. These fines are cumulative unpaid fines. So no paperwork is Kuwait Times. I was laughing my head off at these and increase daily, so they should processed without paying the fines. In Continued on Page 13 Col Khalid Al-Kandari astrologers honestly speaking, because they think they can bluff the people. Maybe a few people believe in them. But I didn’t find it very smart to paint such a gloomy picture, especially UAE, Kuwait call off about the Middle East, as we can clearly see it. Switch on any channel and watch Daesh in Iraq or Syria or the killings or the refugees every- friendly over dispute where or the bloodshed in Libya, etc. GOLD COAST, Australia: A disagree- been sorted out with the players lin- And as for the leaders, of course they look at ment over the recording of a pre- ing up in the tunnel but the game did the age and the situation in the country and Asian Cup friendly between the not proceed. “At this stage, the give their predictions. I don’t know what agen- United Arab Emirates and Kuwait led Kuwaiti team’s manager escalated the da these astrologers have. Are they supported to a last-minute cancellation of the situation and threatened that the by some party or some group to scare people match on Saturday, robbing both match could be cancelled unless their and add fuel to the fire? teams of vital match practice before requirement is responded to,” the UAE the Jan 9-31 tournament. The players FA said. “And since the Kuwaiti last Leave all the astrology and let’s get back to JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opens the weekly cabi- had lined up in the tunnel ahead of minute demand conflicts with the my country Kuwait. I don’t need an astrologer net meeting at his Jerusalem office yesterday. — AFP the game on the Gold Coast but it objectives of the UAE national team, to know what will be the future in Kuwait. If the was called off after the UAE refused to the persons in charge have rejected rules we are putting now continue and are agree to Kuwait’s request to record the Kuwaiti request and the match implemented such as deporting people for bar- First Palestinian ICC the match. was cancelled in the process.” bequing on the beach or walking a dog, then In a statement on its website, the Kuwait’s FA said in a statement on you can tell what kind of economy this country case to be Gaza war UAE Football Association said both its website that UAE officials had ini- sides had previously agreed to play tially responded positively to their will have in the future. the friendly behind closed doors with- request at a dinner hosted by the We’re on a wrong path and I hope the gov- Israel eyes tougher moves out recording, broadcasting and the Kuwaiti team but suggested they dis- ernment will realize this before it’s too late and JERUSALEM: Israel was weighing its half a billion shekels ($127 million) in tax presence of the media or public. “The cuss the matter with UAE coach puts itself on the right track. Because rules and options yesterday for further punishing revenues to the Palestinian Authority. Kuwaiti delegation has unfortunately Mahdi Ali. After the pre-match warm- regulations and constitutions cannot be made the Palestinians after freezing millions in Speaking to AFP, a Palestinian legal declined to adhere to the previous ups, Ali refused to allow Kuwait coach by anyone. Laws and regulations are already tax revenues as a first response to their expert said the first case that would be agreement under which an official let- Nabil Maaloul to use a private camera written and whoever comes to a ministry bid to join the International Criminal referred to the ICC would be the “crimes” ter was sent to the Kuwaiti FA on to film the match for training purpos- December 15, and clearly stipulated es despite the presence of many should serve and uphold them, not invent from Court. The Palestinian move to join the committed by Israel during summer Hague-based court sets the scene for 2014, including the Gaza war. Shawan that the match should not be telecast, members of the Australian communi- his hat new rules and regulations which do not potential legal action against Israel for Jabarin, director of the Ramallah-based recorded or open for the media and ty with cameras, Kuwait’s FA said. rhyme with humanity or culture or make good war crimes, in a bid to put pressure on it rights group Al-Haq, said the Palestinians the public,” it said. “But, the Kuwaitis “Maaloul refused to hold the match economic sense for the interest of the country. to pull out of the territories. But the had decided to file suit over Israel’s insisted on filming the game and this asserting that it is not possible to take I think that’s enough predictions for me request to join the court, formally pre- actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip was against the purposes of the tech- such behaviour, which deviates from today. sented on Friday, infuriated Israel which starting from June 13, 2013. nical staff of the UAE national team.” sportsmanship spirit, lightly,” it added. quickly moved to freeze the transfer of Continued on Page 13 The differences seemed to have Continued on Page 13 MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 LOCAL

In Brief No rain Roads projects Lawmaker sued

By A Saleh KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works plans to place KUWAIT: The Information Ministry’s Undersecretary tenders of the Gous Street and Seventh Ring Road proj- Assistant for Television Affairs Yusouf Mustafa, as well KUWAIT: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs ects at the beginning of next month, MP Saif Al-Azmi as the minister’s consultant Dr Zuhair Al-Abbad filed announced holding an Istesqa’a (call for rain) prayer said quoting Minister of Public Works Abdulaziz Al- a civil lawsuit against MP Rakan Al-Nisf, accusing him next week, and that for the third time this winter. Ibrahim. The ministry’s road projects this year include a of libel in statements and questions sent to minister Kuwait is yet to see rainy days this year despite pre- Nuwaiseeb Road expansion project, and building roads Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah. The two officials dictions of heavy rains that local meteorologists connecting Sabah Al-Ahmad with the state’s roads net- demand KD 20,000 each in damages, their lawyer made last summer. work, Azmi added. Mohammad Talib said.

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait is always keen on preserving and maintaining historical architectural and cultural landmarks. Al-Qatami Mosque in Sharq (above) is one of these landmarks that will always be engraved in the history of the county. The mosque was built in 1834 by Malakah bint Mohammad bin Ghanem Al-Jaber Al-Ghanem. — KUNA Hala February 2015 kicks off Thursday 21st Qurain Cultural Festival underway

KUWAIT: Hala February 2015 is a great the right direction to turn the country into that attracted individuals from all walks of opportunity to stimulate the country’s its desired goal of being a regional finan- life. economy through offering huge discounts cial hub. He emphasized the importance of For a usual period of three weeks, the and promotions in the retail businesses the government’s support, especially the festival puts on musical, theatrical, and cul- and small industries, the organizers said Ministry of Interior, to facilitate the entry of tural events conducted by Kuwaiti, Arab, yesterday. visitors into the country. He added that the and international talents which in return The annual festival kicks off this Ministry of Information also needs to have proves year after year that the Qurain festi- Thursday, January 8, and will continue full coverage of the festival’s activities to val was the main event for cultural enthu- through February 8, the festival’s higher attract more people. siasts from around the globe. organizing committee announced. The other incarnations of the Qurain Qais Al-Ghanim, and economic expert, Premier event festival took it up a notch by hosting and said that such stimulus encourages inter- Meanwhile, Kuwait prepares today for honoring many local, regional, and inter- nal and external tourism and places the the launch of the 21st Qurain Cultural national intellectual and artists as well as country as a tourist destination. He also Festival. Standing the test of time, the many nations, dedicating seminars and added that all sectors of the society could Qurain Cultural Festival proved itself as the lectures to showcase their cultural inputs KUWAIT: KJA officials honor Dr Tariq Al-Bakri during the ceremony at the association’s headquarters take advantage of the month-long dis- premier cultural event in Kuwait. and traditions. recently. counts and promotions at many shops Organized annually by the National The naming of the Qurain festival traces that wouldn’t make a dent in their pockets. Council for Culture, Arts and Letters back to historical causes as Qurain is origi- Similarly, financial analyst Fahad Al- (NCCAL) since 1994, the Qurain festival nally one of old names of Kuwait in the KJA honors Sager said that Hala February is a step in always created a cultural and social “buzz” late 18th century. — KUNA KUNA reporter

KUWAIT: Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) importance, pointing out that Kuwait and its held a ceremony recently to honor Dr Tariq Al- press have always been interested in this side Bakri from Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the and embraced the many writers, journalists and occasion of being awarded King Abdullah II authors, despite the scarcity of specialists in this Award for Creativity in the field of child literature. field. Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani, KJA Chairman, For his part Dr Bakri expressed pride for this praised Dr Bakri’s achievements in the field of ceremony which was attended by a group of sen- journalism, child stories and research that influ- ior Kuwaiti press figures. “I came from Lebanon to enced the march of the local journalist. For his Kuwait two decades ago at the invitation of the part, Adnan Al-Rashid, KJA’s Secretary, said that Al-Anbaa newspaper which was my real start,” he the march of Dr Bakri in the Kuwaiti press was said. prominent throughout the 20 since he came He explained that he worked in a number of from Lebanon, especially in the area of writing Kuwaiti newspapers and magazines and those child stories. interested in the child literature, besides a maga- Board of Directors member Fatima Hussein zine issued by the Kuwait Foundation for the stressed that child press should be given more Advancement of Science (KFAS). — KUNA MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 LOCAL

Expats cry foul at immigration Bakeries remain closed despite department’s fines, mistreatment assurances

‘I tried (to complain), only to be shouted at by the officers’ By Faten Omar

By Ben Garcia told when I reached the counter that I have to go to KUWAIT: Many Iranian bread bakeries at co-ops across the another window. See how the system works here!” he country remained closed yesterday in protest at new diesel KUWAIT: Stung by the ever-changing immigration railed. prices, which bakers argued unfairly affected their profit mar- rules, many expatriates have been expressing outrage Filipinos get new passports after 30 to 45 days after gins. Bakers in many coops noted that the rise in the price of on social media, especially over a decision by the applying. Many however forget to renew their passports diesel due to the removal of government subsidies hit them Ministry of Interior to enforce a law linking visa validity on time, and to help them avoid paying fines, the especially hard since they were not allowed a concomitant to the validity of passports. Two weeks ago, without any Philippine Embassy grants ‘kabayans’ one or two year raising in bread prices. Iranian bread, very popular with locals prior announcement, the immigration department extensions. “This extension is not being recognized by and expatriates, is currently sold for 20 fils per piece. But bak- implemented this rule and expatriates in Kuwait have the immigration authority here. I showed them my ers argued that the removal of diesel subsidies would see their expenditure on diesel jump from KD 150 per month to since been trooping to immigration departments to extension, photocopied it and attached it to my docu- KD 450. Not all bakeries closed in protest. correct their statuses and pay hundreds of dinars in ments, but it didn’t work. I am paying a fine even The heads of co-op societies met with bakers Sunday to fines. though my passport was extended until 2016,” a mid- discuss solutions to the problem amid reports that bakers Kuwait Times witnessed a flow of expats at the immi- dle-aged Filipino told Kuwait Times. would continue to receive diesel at subsidized prices. Heads gration department in Salmiya for the last three work- of societies will call the investor of the Iranian bakery to dis- ing days, where a long queue of people lined up to pay Suffering cuss the problem as pointed out that any support would be fines. Many expats were caught by surprise after being An Egyptian teacher was almost in tears paying a KD provided Assembly needs to address the Ministry of Social asked to pay fines although their expired passports 700 fine for his children’s expired passports with valid Affairs. The state of Kuwait subsidizes flour. were extended by their embassies. “I was forced to pay a visas. “We are suffering back home. I also help my par- The removal of state subsidies on diesel fuel and kerosene fine even though I have the extension clearly marked ents and extended families to cover their financial triggered protests, limited strikes and calls from various law- on my old passport - until June 2016. Yet, I cannot com- needs there. But if I don’t pay now, it will double or makers as businesses affected by the change in prices evalu- plain. I tried, only to be shouted at by the officers here,” maybe triple or reach the KD 600 maximum penalty for ated the impact it would have on their bottom lines. With a visibly frustrated Filipino told Kuwait Times yesterday. each, so it will be KD 1,800 for my three children,” he many locals and residents still out of the country on holiday, noted. Upon the expiry of their passports, individuals the impact has been felt in only limited ways four days after Mistreatment are given two months to renew or transfer their residen- the adjustment. “I was here last week, just before the New Year. I paid cy to a new passport. Failure to do so will mean paying a fine of KD 124, but the immigration officer forgot to KD 2 per day in penalty. enter it in their system. When I went to the window for An appeal by MP Adnan Abdulsamad to suspend the the stamping of my visa, they told me I still have the new regulation has fallen on deaf ears of the immigra- Crime fine active and will not be able to get the new visa tion authorities. A number of ambassadors also Report stamp,” another upset Pinoy said. “They told me to appealed to the Kuwaiti government to suspend the return to the computer record section. I had already immigration policy at least until expats have corrected queued there for more than two hours earlier, so I went their situation. The interior ministry recently issued a to ask at another window, but was shouted at. All I directive exempting domestic workers and foreign KUWAIT: The queue of expats outside immigration depart- Celebrity’s needed was information, but she shouted at me, so I spouses and children of Kuwaitis, but as of yesterday, ment in Salmiya about 6:30 am yesterday. queued again for another hour in that line just to be the new order has not been implemented. — Photo by Ben Garcia home robbed

KUWAIT: Actress Ilham Al-Fadhala was a victim of theft Work permits reopen at her house. The stolen jewelry and watches are worth KD 7,000. A source close to the actress said she discov- ered the theft from her room, so she called police, who by January’s end went to the house and inspected the scene. Police are working on the case. GCC chambers to discuss labor next week By A Saleh and agencies He added that the team would determine Search for teen kidnapper A female citizen accused a man of kidnapping various concepts and standards to be her daughter and filed a complaint against him. KUWAIT: Following a two-week suspen- used on cooperation between the private The woman told officers at the police station sion for annual inventory reasons, labor and the public sectors to avoid the prob- that her 18-year-old daughter was kidnapped departments all over the country will lems resulting from bringing expat labor- by a man she knows. Police are investigating. resume receiving work permits and visa ers to GCC states. applications by the end of the month, according to informed sources. The previ- Job vacancies ously announced date to reopen recruit- The Egyptian manpower and immigra- Daughter reported missing An Egyptian man told Khaitan police that his 19-year- ment, which was originally set for the tion ministry yesterday began receiving old daughter went missing and he could not find her. beginning of the year, was delayed pend- applications for job vacancies in Kuwait, He told them that this is the second time she escaped ing the Manpower Public Authority’s urging interested applicants to apply to from the house. Detectives are working on the case. board of directors’ decision, Al-Anbaa dai- the ministry in Cairo. ly reported yesterday quoting the 461 killed in traffic unnamed sources. The board of directors Parliament committees Domestic violence is yet to holds its first meeting - which is Well-informed parliamentary sources A citizen accused her husband of beating her slated for later this month. said that the parliamentary budgets com- after he found her in a restaurant with her sis- accidents in 2014 The sources stressed meanwhile that mittee will meet today to discuss the final ter, allegedly because she went out of the the only transactions suspended were report of the Kuwait Fund for Arab house without his permission. The husband is 51% of drug dealers Kuwaitis work permits and visa transfers, while Economic Development for the fiscal year being sought for questioning. Meanwhile, a other transactions including government 2013-2014 and the Audit Bureau remarks. female citizen complained against her husband projects had never stopped. The sources added that the committee who stormed her house and beat her while KUWAIT: The annual statistics issued by Meanwhile, other government statis- demanding that she drops court cases against Meanwhile, Secretary General of the investigating PAAAFR violations would the traffic department showed that there tics showed that Kuwaitis, Egyptians, him. Police are looking for the suspect. were 461 traffic accident-related deaths bedoons, Saudis and Iranians came on GCC Chambers of Commerce Union also meet to resume its investigations, in 2014 compared to 445 in 2013. The the top of the list of suspects arrested for Abdul Raheem Al-Naqi said he would rec- while that the health and social affairs statistics also showed that the total num- drug-related crimes that included 5,811 ommend forming a special team to dis- committee would meet to discuss a bill cuss labor issues in GCC states and point- on domestic labor and another one on Cross-dressers arrested ber of accidents registered in the first suspects arrested in the period of 2009- Hawally police referred three male cross-dressers to vice seven months of 2014 was 73,000 includ- 2013.Statistics showed that Kuwaitis ed out that the team would meet next establishing closed shareholding compa- week to schedule its first official meeting. nies to bring and recruit domestic labor. detectives after arresting them wearing women’s ing 70,000 where drivers were not pay- topped the list with 2,984 suspects (51 clothes in Salmiya, while dancing to loud music. ing enough attention. “This is 2,000 more percent), followed by Egyptians with 640 than the number registered in 2013,” said suspects (11 percent), bedoons 615 (10 traffic sources, noting that the final statis- percent), Saudis 338 (6 percent) and Teens confess to child rape Prostitutes caught tics would be declared by March. Iranians 182 (3 percent). Criminal detectives arrested four Asian women Moreover, weekly statistics showed In a related issue, statistics collected By Hanan Al-Saadoun arrived home very drunk. The son was who offered sexual services in a Salmiya apart- that 24,819 traffic citations were filed last from various police stations around the arrested. Meanwhile, two drunk citizens ment, using massage services as a cover for week, 989 vehicles and 22 motorbikes country showed that the youth were KUWAIT: Three Kuwaiti teenagers con- were arrested for insulting two policemen their operations. The suspects were also found were impounded and 22 people were becoming very violent and aggressive fessed to luring a Kuwaiti child to a who were manning a checkpoint at the to be reported missing by their original arrested in relation to such citations, said and that this resulted in filing over diwaniya in Bayan and raping him. The entrance of Khairan resort. employers. A security source said tips were the sources, adding that 32 people were 2,800 fighting cases including 1,800 juveniles were arrested when the 10-year- received about the women luring citizens and arrested in Ahmadi for reckless irrespon- crimes and 1,000 petty ones. old boy’s uncle complained and the foren- Maid charged with theft expats to a flat for massage services, but used it sible driving. — Al-Jarida, Al-Qabas sic medicine department confirmed that A citizen told Maidan Hawally police for illegal activities. Detectives raided the flat the rape had taken place. that her Filipina maid stole jewelry worth and arrested the four girls following the neces- KD 8,850 and KD 2,000 in cash. Police are sary legal procedures. Driver robbed investigating. Mabrook joins Horeca A Bangladeshi driver told police that four persons robbed him of KD 150 at Inspection campaign Shooting report knifepoint. He said while waiting in his cab Director of Kuwait Fire Service A citizen told police that a man she knows fired gun- as diamond sponsor at 360 mall, they got in the car, pulled the Directorate Maj Gen Yousuf Al-Ansari shots at her because she dumped him, but she was not knives at him, took the money and escaped inspected a security post at the Quaises hurt. The citizen was surprised by the man pulling a gun KUWAIT: Preparations for the Horeca and manufacturing manager Mahmoud on foot. Camp in Julaia. He checked the fire at her while driving in Saad Al-Abdullah. He then chased Kuwait 2015 exhibition are steadily pro- Maghniya announced the company’s preparations at the camp and listened to her until she arrived at the police station, then escaped. gressing and attracting more companies intention to take part in the exhibition, Drunks arrested explanations from PR Director Fatima Al- Police are investigating. - Al-Rai In Khaitan, a man told police that his son Enezi. to take part in it as an event providing a especially after the remarkable success golden opportunity to scientifically Horeca has achieved over the three past exchange expertise that matches the years. Maghniya added that his company local market’s needs and future expan- is very keen on taking part in local and sion plans. The exhibition is due to be regional specialized exhibitions to dis- organized by Leaders Group in collabora- play its latest products including smart tion with Hospitality Services Co at kitchens using modern technology to Badriya Ballroom, Messilah Jumeriah provide companies and hotels and cen- Hotel in the period of Jan 19-21, 2015. tral kitchens with their needs of tools, Mabrook Hotel Supplies Co’s partner kitchens and equipment. Maghniya expressed Mabrook’s pride in the status it has so far achieved in the Kuwaiti market and that developing it and meeting the demands of its clients was on top of its priorities as a leading company with a long record of achieve- ments ever since its foundation 55 years ago. Maghniya explained that during its participation in the past two Horeca exhibitions, Mabrook had displayed its latest products including UNOX ovens, and it will also present new products this year, namely stainless steel ovens that have the best international quality stan- dards. “In addition to the international brands, we are the exclusive marketing agents for the famous Taylor ice cream machines in addition to a variety of hotel, restaurant and central kitchen KUWAIT: Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khaled Suleiman Al-Jarallah received yesterday the outgoing South African Ambassador to Kuwait Delarey Mahmoud Maghniya needs manufactured in Mabrook’s facto- ry in Sabhan.” Van Tonder. The meeting was attended by Chief Ambassador at Jarallah’s Office Ayham Abdulatif Al-Omar. — KUNA LOCAL MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

KUWAIT: A diver monitors coral reefs at an unspecified locations in Kuwaiti waters. — KUNA photos Students in a group photo during a mobile beach cleaning campaign. Kuwait Dive Team outline 2014 achievements

Kuwait Dive Team Leader Waleed Al-Fadhl examines Failaka’s dead whale. The Shamlan harbor cleaning campaign The team members remove a buoy from the waters in Nuwaiseeb.

Team members lift nets from Kuwait Bay. Team members participate in a mobile beach cleaning campaign. Underwater works in Qarouh Island. KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team of the Environmental Management and the Boubyan to lift 185 tons of fishing nets and harmful waste ect of Jaber Bridge and navy signs to avoid any environment, he noted. Thanks to its voluntary Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF) Bank Volunteers Projects Award in recognition at several locations. He added that the team fol- risks. Fadhl said that the team cleaned the work, the team joined the Universal Charter of achieved several voluntary projects and accom- of its voluntary achievements, Fadhl said, stress- lows up the status of coral reefs in southern Shamlan Harbor and lifted several tons of waste United Nations, he said, adding that this move plishments in the field of environment in 2014 ing that the team has been implementing these islands and coasts and refers reports to interna- and boats, noting it also organized a journey for would enable it to convey its environmental in collaboration with several governmental and voluntary activities since 1986 to complete its tional organizations interested in the status of a number of journalists to the location of the massage to wider horizons and fields. non-governmental agencies. purposeful march. these coral reefs. huge dead whale in eastern Failaka Island and Fadhl said that the team developed and The team issued its annual report of 2014 in Fadhl thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh took photo and video pictures of gigantic three updated its website and participated in several which it outlined achievements, projects and Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his con- Coral reefs whales. local and international exhibitions, foremost programs that contributed effectively to the stant support to the team’s activities that had a The team had completed maintenance oper- The team, in collaboration with the Kuwait among which was the Arab Book Fair. The team protection of Kuwait’s marine environment and great impact on completing the environmental ations to secure the anchoring of boats and Municipality, ministries of education and social looks forward to further achievements and coasts, team leader Waleed Al-Fadhl said in a works. Concerning the teams’ achievements, he yachts around islands and the most important affairs and other bodies, participated in a cam- activities this year to achieve its vision contribut- statement. said it managed to pull about 59 boats and locations of coral reefs, Fadhl said, noting that paign that cleaned coats in order to raise envi- ing to making environmental awareness to all The team won the Saudi Arabia Award for ships totaling 196 tons in several locations and the team also constantly followed up the proj- ronmental awareness and preserve the coastal segments of the society. — KUNA

EPA emphasizes UN’s CDM importance

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) yesterday stressed the momentousness of the United Nations’ Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for reducing the amount of emis- sions. The CDM, a plan to use market forces to curb greenhouse gas emissions that once was hailed as among the most important and resilient parts of the UN process to confront climate change, was endorsed as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. EPA will organize a workshop on Wednesday to review efforts to set the institutionalized arrange- Kuwaiti athletes tour historic locations ments to endorse such projects, Sherif Al-Khaieat, head of the authority’s climate change depart- KUWAIT: The Ministry of State for historical values, aiming to teach former Kuwaiti football star Saad Al- ment, said. So far the EPA has given Youth Affairs organized a trip young ones about the prominent Hoti was present at the trip, sharing approval to three vital and leading Saturday night for young Kuwaiti events that shaped Kuwait’s history, his experience in the Kuwaiti foot- projects in the country, he added. athletes to learn about Kuwait’s his- the trip’s coordinator Fatma Al- ball’s golden era from 1975 to 1984 The first project is on retrieval of tory. The trip included different loca- Mutawaa told Kuwait News Agency with the participants. Hoti also led torch-ignited gas in the Kuwait tions in the country with cultural and (KUNA). Meanwhile, she noted that the athletes in a tour at Kuwait National Petroleum Company and Sporting Club, showcasing the the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company. The achievements of Kuwait’s national second is for generating electricity football team, who had participated from solar power, by Kuwait Oil in the World Cup back in 1982 in Company. Spain, she said. She called on youth The third project is for the use to participate in the second trip next of capacitor banks (reservoirs) to Saturday, which will include a tour boost efficiency of transformers in inside the Heritage Souk. electricity distribution sub-sta- Hoti, on his part, said that the tions, affiliated to the Ministry of Ministry of State is cooperating with Electricity and Water. The the Ministry of Education to provide Wednesday workshop will look youth with different useful activities into the impact of these projects by establishing specialized youth cen- on sustainable development in ters in all governorates, and encourag- Kuwait. — KUNA ing youth to spend their free time in Saad Al-Hoti playing football. — KUNA LOCAL MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 Sisi’s visit seeks stronger Arab joint action Bilateral ties, regional and international issues discussed

CAIRO/KUWAIT: Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi’s visit to Kuwaiti tourists in Egypt has recently increased, especially dur- Kuwait today is part of Egypt’s efforts seeking to consolidate Arab ing the holiday seasons, since the country regained its peace joint action and promote bilateral ties with fellow Arab states, an and security with Al-Sisi’s regime, official at a local travel agency Egyptian spokesman said yesterday. Hassan Abdullatif told KUNA. He also noted that among those The visit would also serve as an occasion to mark Egypt’s grati- continuously travelling to the country are thousands of Kuwaitis tude to Kuwait for its support to Cairo after the 30 June events, studying in Egypt, as well as Egyptians living in Kuwait, which Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef added in a statement. are estimated at over 500,000. During his first official visit to Kuwait since he took office in June 2014, Sisi will have talks with top officials, and businessmen on Beautiful beaches enhancing bilateral ties, Youssef said. He added that regional and The most visited Egyptian city by Kuwaitis is Sharm El-Sheikh international issues of common concern will also be addressed. for its beautiful beaches overlooking the red sea and the luxuri- ous resorts suitable for all family members, said Abdullatif. In the Close relations Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Minister of Information and Minister of same context, a report released by Al-Jazeera Airways regarding Meanwhile, a senior Kuwaiti official said that Sisi’s visit to Egyptian President Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al- State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman its operational performance in September 2014 showed that the Kuwait reflects fraternal and close relations between Kuwait and Abdelfatah Al-Sisi Mubarak Al-Sabah Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah number of passengers who flew to different Egyptian cities had Egypt and shows continuing people-to-people ties. increased by 18 percent, compared to the same period in 2013, of Commerce and Industry to Kuwait last November, where the Flights increase Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad while its market share rose by nine percent on the Kuwait-Sohag two sides had signed an economic and commercial cooperation Kuwait and Egypt share strong touristic relations with the Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah made those remarks yesterday in a route. agreement and for organizing joint expos. In addition, he noted increasing numbers of flights exchanged between the two statement in which he indicated that the cabinet welcomes the Meanwhile, a number of Kuwaiti tourists said that they visit that the Minister and the Kuwaiti officials had also agreed on countries. A survey published yesterday showed that there are Egyptian president’s visit. Egypt on a regular basis for its nice weather, beaches, water establishing a Kuwaiti-Egyptian economic cooperation council, no less than 35 flights carried out between Kuwait The cabinet is satisfied with the current situation in Egypt, pri- activities and nightlife. Egypt has been attracting large numbers set to be officially launched during January. International Airport and different Egyptian airports by Kuwait marily security, stability and serious steps towards progress and of tourists from all over the world, since it enjoys a rich ancient Egypt is set to issue a new unified investment law aimed Airways, Egypt Air, Air Cairo, Nile Air, Jazeera Airways and other prosperity, he said, hoping that the Egyptian president’s visit history and was the cradle of several old civilizations. The coun- at resolving all problems facing investors in the country, said Arab air companies. would produce good results to serve the common interest of try is also the land of the Pharaohs, attracting tourists to visit the the official, adding that this is a step towards preparing for Among the most visited destinations in Egypt are Cairo, both nations. President Sisi is on a two-day official visit to Kuwait, famous Pyramids, the Sphinx and many more historical monu- Egypt’s upcoming international economic conference to be Alexandria, Assiut, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor and Sohag, with where he is set for talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah ments of that era. — KUNA Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. held this month. increasing demands by citizens of both countries. The rate of

Egyptian support In the meantime, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al- Sabah said that Egypt, its president and people are “well-seated in the hearts of all Kuwaiti people”. Speaking to reporters, Sheikh Salman Sabah said Egypt has provided support to Kuwait over the last decades in several devel- opment domains, primarily scientific, cultural and art realms. He hoped Sisi’s visit would lead to a further promotion and develop- ment of historical relations between both brotherly countries. Kuwait and Egypt have several joint protocols and projects in the fields of media and art technical production, he said, pointing to Kuwait’s willingness to bolster positive partnership with Arab countries in general.

Common ties Kuwait and Egypt have had common ties for many decades, and the rulers of Kuwait underlined the importance of consolidat- ing and cementing relations with Egypt since it has pivotal and effective role toward the region’s issues. Thanks to these deep and strong bilateral relations, Kuwait considers Egypt as a major Arab brotherly country. From this point, the Egyptian president’s visit is expected to reaffirm the strength of bilateral ties, which had a positive impact on the inter- est of both countries. The Egyptian-Kuwaiti relations had started before independ- ence. Then Ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah emphasized in a press conference in 1959 that cooperation between Egypt and Kuwait was very good. Egypt supported decisively Kuwait in its battle of independ- ence. The late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser had affirmed at that time that Kuwait’s independence was a move that had to be encouraged and secured to support Arab nationalism.

Kuwaiti constitution After Kuwait became independent in 1961, it established diplomatic relations with Egypt and Abdulaziz Hussein was named Kuwaiti ambassador in Cairo. Some Egyptian experts of constitutional law participated in writing a Kuwaiti constitution in 1961. The late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem visited Egypt in 1966 where he met with the late president Abdel Nasser and discussed the possibility of putting an end to the war of Yemen. Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem adopted honorable stances in the wars of 1967 and 1973 on the economic, political and military levels to support the Arab stance in general and Egypt in particular. During the 1967 War, Kuwait’s then Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad met the late president Abdel Nasser and affirmed that Kuwait supported fully Egypt in this crisis. During the 1973 War, Kuwait supported Egypt in its war against Israel.

New phase Since the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah came to power in 1977, he started a new phase of distinguished relations between the two countries on various levels. During his tenure, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad held several meet- ings with the late Egyptian President Anwar Al-Sadat and with the ousted president Hosni Mubarak that led to an Egyptian decisive stance in the face of Iraqi occupation of the Kuwaiti territories in 1990. The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahamd was keen on strengthen- ing bonds of relations with Egypt that led to the establishment of the Egyptian-Kuwaiti Higher Joint Committee in 1988 aimed at further cooperation in different domains. HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been supporting Egypt to help it overcome its obstacles and challenges the country has been suffering since 2011. Under the leadership of HH the Amir, Kuwait has been keen on increasing meetings with the Egyptian officials to discuss the issues of common concern.

Economic relations Meanwhile, Head of the Trade Representation Office at the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait Jamal Faisal said that Sisi’s visit would enhance the already good bilateral economic relations. The Kuwaiti investments in Egypt have reached $2.8 billion, while the commercial exchange between the two countries recorded 32 percent in the first three quarters of 2014, compared to the same time period in 2013, Faisal told Kuwait News Agency(KUNA) yesterday. He added that the commercial exchange reached $405 millions in 2013, with an increase of 16 percent compared to 2012. The Egyptian exports to Kuwait were $345 million, while the Kuwaiti exports to Egypt stood at $60 million per year, Faisal said. The official also noted that commercial exchange has been grow- ing between the two countries, adding that there are currently 927 Kuwaiti companies operating in different fields in Egypt including tourism, real estate, finance and industry. Moreover, he recalled the recent visit by the Egyptian Minister MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 LOCAL

In my view Long live the UAE!

By Abdullah Abbas Buwair

[email protected]

othing one might say would give the UAE its due right over what it did a few days ago Nwhen festivities, cultural and heritage pro- grams lit the skies of UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi to launch the ‘Humanity Sabah’ operation. Long live the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, all Al-Nahyan sheikhs and the Emirati people! Kuwait’s love and appreciation for UAE, its leader- ship and its people is unquestionable. We truly love them and they have a profound status in our hearts. The Kuwaiti people will never forget UAE, its people and its leaders. UAE’s, as well as that of any GCC state’s love is born with us. It has gradually grown greater over our long history. For us, people should only properly talk about UAE and its sheikhs. Just recall the historic stance UAE, its leader, gov- ernment and people took during Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait. They all rushed to rescue and support Kuwait’s rights and host their Kuwaiti brothers in their country. We will never forget the historic role played by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan (may Allah have mercy on his soul) when he supported Kuwait’s rights and deemed Saddam’s invasion as an assault on all GCC states. The stances made by Sheikh Zayed and his brothers, the rulers of UAE, towards Kuwait have been always fixed, strong and deep-rooted. Al-Jarida Everyone still remembers Sheikh Zayed’s everlasting words when he said: “Kuwait is a member of the GCC family within the GCC council. So, if it faces any disas- ter, we, in the GCC, find no alternative but to support Washington Watch it no matter what happens. It is an obligation imposed by facts, neighborhood and fraternity. We are one body and whenever an organ is afflicted, all other organs are too. Man has to face menace by the A bad end to a bad year same might and reaction”. Under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed By Dr James J Zogby (may Allah have mercy on his soul) the UAE wit- nessed launching the GCC where his and his later brother Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah’s view of he closing weeks of 2014 spelled effectively respect the Fourth Geneva In acting as it did, the US ignored the Reeling from this blow, the unifying the Gulf nations was manifested into hold- disaster for US leadership and the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian fact that much of the language of the Palestinian Authority made the decision ing the first GCC summit on May 25, 1981 in Abu Trule of law. Territory, including East Jerusalem”. resolution comes from positions they on December 30th to sign onto the Dhabi, which witnessed the start of a GCC union During the last two weeks of have previously endorsed. Far from Rome Statute (paving the way for their march towards achieving GCC brotherly peoples’ December, the US countered three dif- Questionable commitment being unbalanced, it included language application to join the International aspirations under the leaderships of GCC leaders. ferent efforts designed to affirm Since the US has, in the past, affirmed condemning terrorism against civilians Criminal Court) and 19 other interna- Nobody can deny how strong both countries Palestinian rights. It was unfortunate the applicability of the Fourth Geneva and acts of incitement, and included a tional agreements. In response, Israel bilateral relations are and that they are steadily since in doing so the US undercut its Convention to the occupied territories call for the implementation of security threatened to withhold tax transfers, it is growing in all political and public fields. God stated commitments to uphold the rule and since there is indisputable evidence arrangements to guarantee peace. obliged to send to the PA, and to deny save Kuwait! of law in international relations and to that in the past four and a half decades PA officials the right to travel-demon- support a non-violent resolution to the Israel has repeatedly violated each of the Palestinians’ frustration strating, ever so clearly, their complete Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Convention’s provisions, US effort to What the US also ignored in opposing control over the lives of the people they kuwait digest On December 17, 2014, representa- block the meeting and then its refusal to the resolution was that it was the hold subject. The US reaction was pre- tives of 126 countries who had attend the session calls into question its Palestinians’ frustration with the US-led dictable, with the State Department call- endorsed the Fourth Geneva commitment to the Convention and peace-making effort that prompted ing the move “counterproductive”. As The government Convention Relative to the Protection of predictable were calls by some members Civilian Persons in Time of War of Congress to suspend US assistance to without oil coverage (Convention) met at the invitation of the The result is that 21 years after Oslo, all we see is “all the Palestinians. Swiss government and, by consensus, process and no peace”, while the number of Israeli By Thaar Al-Rasheedi passed a 10 point Declaration reaffirm- Several concerns ing the applicability of the Convention settlers in occupied territories has tripled and the There are several concerns that ill 2015 be calmer in terms of local politics to the territories occupied by Israel in emerge from these recent US actions. than the previous year? Well, to have a 1967. After working behind the scenes Palestinian Authority has become a dependency, The first is that the diplomatic approach Wmore logical answer to this, I believe that for months pressuring the Swiss to can- lacking authority and legitimacy. taken by the Palestinian leadership has unless Kuwait’s oil barrel price goes back to previ- cel the session, the US was one of a run into a dead end. US behavior over ous rates, or at least regains 25 percent of its value small number of countries that declined the past several decades have made it lost during 2014, the new year will possibly wit- to attend the meeting. reinforces Israel’s sense that it can act, their leadership to submit it in the first clear that the US simply cannot fairly ness more political chaos and noise. I am not pre- The Fourth Geneva Convention was with impunity, against the Palestinians. place. In the 21 years since the signing of manage the “peace process” portfolio dicting or jumping to conclusions, but high oil written and ratified by the international Also on December 17, 2014, the Royal the Oslo Accords, the US has shown itself and will attempt to block any initiative prices that varied from $80-108 over the past five community at the end of World War II Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan submit- to be incapable of acting as an “honest to involve anyone else in the effort. The years have been basic factors of repressing the and was designed to insure that the ted an Arab League endorsed resolution broker” in the peace process. Successive imbalance about which we should be opposition movement or the exposure of major abuses that occurred during that war to the United Nations Security Council Administrations have turned a blind eye concerned is not in the language of a UN corruption cases that could be used by the opposi- would not be repeated or tolerated in reaffirming the right of Palestinians to to Israeli abuses of Palestinian rights, resolution. Rather it is in the unfettered tion to revive its activities. future conflicts. Among the Convention’s self-determination, calling for renewed allowing Israel to have its way with the control that Israel has over all aspects of Moreover, because Kuwaiti oil price exceeded provisions are prohibitions against: the negotiations to conclude with a two people whose lives they control-dictat- Palestinian life. The virtual rape of the the $100 barrier, the government could quickly annexation of occupied territory; the state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian ing terms and imposing conditions, frus- occupied territories and the humiliation move towards projects that easily acquire public transfer by the Occupying Power of its conflict, and “affirming the need to trating not only the chances for peace, of the Palestinian people and their lead- approval and satisfaction such as payroll increases, population into the territory; and the attain, no later than 12 months ...a just, but also humiliating the moderate ership has produced a frightful situation approving new cadres, founding new companies, individual or mass forcible transfers and lasting, and comprehensive peaceful Palestinian leadership with whom they in which the US stands unwilling to act. deportations of the territory’s indige- solution that brings an end to the Israeli were supposed to be negotiating in The result is a dangerous brew of Israeli But with Kuwaiti oil prices losing nous population. It also prohibits: alter- occupation since 1967 and fulfills the good faith. The result is that 21 years impunity and Palestinian humiliation. ing the status of the occupied people’s vision of two independent, democratic after Oslo, all we see is “all process and Also of concern is the inability of the around 50 percent per barrel, public officials; destruction of public and prosperous states, Israel and a sov- no peace”, while the number of Israeli US to affirm the very framework of inter- the government will surely find property; all forms of collective punish- ereign, contiguous and viable State of settlers in occupied territories has tripled national law it claims to uphold. Far from ment; administrative detention; vio- Palestine living side by side in peace and and the Palestinian Authority has the Arabs “singling out Israel for criti- difficulty in moving as swiftly as lence, insults and intimidation of the security”. become a dependency, lacking authority cism”, as Israel’s supporters are quick to it used to. occupied population; and the use of As expected, the US objected to the and legitimacy. It was in a last ditch charge, US actions end up singling out physical coercion and torture. Further resolution calling it “deeply unbalanced” effort to assert themselves and demon- Israel as the one country that escapes the Convention obligates the Occupying and “unconstructive” since it included strate that their non-violent political criticism for its illegal behavior. By mak- bidding on behalf of citizens in them or in any oth- Power to humanely treat the population “deadlines that take no account of approach to a solution could bear fruit, ing this Israel exception, the US under- er project that requires financial coverage eventu- under their control and to respect their Israel’s legitimate security concerns”. The that led the Palestinian leadership to cuts not only its stated commitment to ally benefiting citizens. The financial affluence and human and legal rights to due process US lobbied the Arabs not to submit the advance this resolution at the UN. By the rule of law, it makes a mockery of the the budget surplus covered any government under the law. resolution and then pressed other coun- slapping it down, the US reinforced the law itself. movements in any directions. But with Kuwaiti oil The consensus declaration issued at tries to oppose it or to abstain. Then, on intransigence of the Israelis and sent prices losing around 50 percent per barrel, the the meeting’s end called on the December 30th, the US voted against Palestinians the wrong message, at the Note: Dr James J Zogby is the president government will surely find difficulty in moving as Occupying Power (Israel) to “fully and the resolution. wrong time. of the Arab American Institute. swiftly as it used to. Therefore, I believe that it will be hard to con- tain any political conflict of any kind or any oppos- ing political movement no matter how small it In my view could be or resulting because of insignificant issues. As I said, things are mere reasoning of what might happen. Therefore, the government must Juha and his donkey not give up the idea of offering and promoting cit- izen-focused development projects, namely those By Hussein Al-Rawi related to housing, health, education and roads. It must not stop promoting, marketing and execut- he Arab literature has it that Juha you? Your ability and endurance is and leaving the donkey alone!” Juha bedoons, the government turns its ing these projects, of course. Otherwise, the gov- (a comic character in old Arab lit- much more than his.” stopped and looked at his son and back to them. ernment will lose a great deal of its popularity, a Terature) and his son decided to So Juha stopped, got off the don- said: “My son, let us carry the donkey I will not forget the suffering of our thing it cannot afford losing in view of the unex- go to the market. Juha and his son key and made his son ride it. They on our backs so people won’t laugh at Kuwaiti sisters who are married to pected oil price losses and the endless ones in the then got on the donkey. They passed passed by a third group, who looked at us!” This story looks exactly like the bedoons, as they suffer from tight stock market. by a group of people who told them: Juha and his son with wonderment case with our bedoon brothers and housing and lack of employment for Any anti-government movement will have more “Do you not have mercy in your and told his son: “Are not you the government, which forces them to their children as if they committed a echoes than those even it is limited to some semi- hearts? You have exhausted the don- ashamed? How do you let your father correct their situations and belong to horrible crime by marrying a bedoon, nars. Accordingly, if the government wishes to win key over its ability.” So Juha asked his walking while you ride the donkey!” some countries by getting passports so the government cursed them. the round in the first quarter of this year, it will son to get off. The two passed by Juha stopped the donkey and asked and documents for money, so that the Oh you government...is it not time have to immediately launch citizen-related devel- another group, who as soon as they his son to get off, then both walked. A government facilitate their living in for the sorrow of bedoons to get out opment projects and give up the idea of promot- saw Juha on the donkey, said, “have fourth group saw them and started this country with total respect and no of their hearts and eyes? ing projects that will never take place in real life. mercy! How do you ride the donkey laughing hard and said: What is wrong harassment in all aspects of life. Then — Translated by Kuwait Times from — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida and keep your son walking behind with these two fools? Walking on foot after the positive response by the Al-Rai MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 First elected black Aid cash brings little cheer for Afghan orphans US senator dies

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TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during the opening ceremony of an economic conference yesterday. — AFP Rouhani urges end to Iran isolation Iranian president says nuclear talks a matter of heart

DUBAI: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dling of subsidies, taxes, debt and the financial compromised our principles and cause?” enrichment, which can create both reactor called for curbs on the state’s involvement in have been wary of the nuclear negotiations system. He also suggested he supported a reso- Rouhani asked. He responded: “Our cause fuel and the fissile core of nuclear arms. In business and an end to Tehran’s international and some preside over companies whose grip lution passed by parliament in December to tax is not linked to a centrifuge. It is connect- seeking to reduce Iran’s bomb-making isolation yesterday to help rescue an economy on the economy had grown during sanctions. organisations overseen by Khamenei and the ed to our heart and to our willpower.” ability, the US has proposed that Tehran hurt by sanctions, corruption and mismanage- Rouhani’s call is in line with his preference armed forces, an unusual move by the legisla- On Jan 15, Iranian negotiators will meet export much of its stockpile of enriched ment. His appeal in a speech to 1,500 econo- for a greater public say on strategic matters, ture to regulate areas dominated by the most in Geneva with officials from the US, uranium - something the Islamic Republic mists appeared to be critical of hardliners who traditionally vested with Khamenei. Last powerful figures in the country. “We are trying Russia, China, Britain, France and has long said it would not do. Two other oppose his efforts to deliver Iran from years of month, Rouhani presented a “cautious, tight” to tax everyone across the board, but as soon Germany, hoping to hammer details out of unresolved issues are Iran’s Fordo under- erratic economic management by the previous budget in response to falling oil prices, which as we touch this or that institution, they make a final deal. Iran reached an interim, one- ground enrichment site and the nearly administration of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. have fallen to just above $50 a barrel. Iran’s such a stink about it,” Rouhani said, apparently year deal with world powers in Nov 2013 built Arak nuclear reactor. “Our economy will not prosper as long as it budget ending March 2015 is based on a price referring to the resolution, which has been to freeze its nuclear program in exchange Two diplomats in recent days told AP is monopolised (by the government). The econ- of a $100 a barrel. Proposed spending for that opposed by Islamic hardliners. “Of course this for the easing of some sanctions. that Iran and the US tentatively agreed omy must be rid of monopoly and see competi- same budget was 6 percent above the previous government will do what it deems in people’s Negotiators later agreed to extend talks on a formula about shipping its stockpile tion,” he said. “It must be freed of insider specu- year, but this was a cut in real terms due to interest,” he said. He added without elaborat- until June 30, with hopes of reaching a to Russia, as well as drew up a catalog lation, be transparent, all people must be aware inflation of 20 percent. The government hopes ing: “Just be aware that in some cases, the rough deal in March. The West fears Iran’s outlining areas of potential accord and of the statistics. If we can bring transparency to to meet the deficit through more efficient taxa- domestic political lobby is very strong, very nuclear program could allow it to build differing approaches to remaining dis- our economy, we can fight corruption.” He tion and non-oil exports. strong, more than you think.” nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear pro- putes. On Saturday, Iranian Foreign added: “Our political life has shown we can’t “As the enforcer of our constitution, I would Rouhani also said that ongoing nuclear gram is only for peaceful purposes, like Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham have sustainable growth while we are isolated.” like, even for once, to see conditions ripe to negotiations with world powers are a matter of power generation and medical research. denied any tentative formula or catalog Rouhani, a pragmatist elected in 2013 on implement a tenet of the common law calling “heart”, not just centrifuges ahead of talks next The main conflict is over uranium had been made. — Agencies pledges to resolve a nuclear standoff with for major issues - economic, social, political and week in Geneva. Rouhani both countered hard- world powers and end crippling sanctions, said cultural - to be put to public referendum rather line critics worried Iran will give up too much he would like some economic reforms to be than parliamentary vote,” the president said to while also attempting to signal his administra- passed by referendum as opposed to the par- applause. “Some 36 years have passed now and tion remains open to negotiation with the six- liament, currently dominated by conservatives. this article has not been enforced even once.” nation group leading the talks. If “we are ready Powerful anti-Western hawks in the Islamic Rouhani appealed to the economists for to stop some types of enrichment which we do Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), who report solutions on how to improve the state’s han- not need at this time, does it mean we have Boko Haram ‘seizes military base’

KANO: Suspected Boko Haram militants have and five other Nigerian towns and fishing villages Kangallam and Kaiga villages inside Chad near the seized a military base in northeastern Nigeria in a poured into Chad to escape the Islamist raids on border with Nigeria,” Dansubdu told AFP by tele- series of blistering raids near Lake Chad, sending their homes, witnesses said. Maina Ma’aji Lawan, the phone from Gubuwa. soldiers and civilians fleeing, witnesses said yester- senator representing northern Borno where Baga is The gunmen killed several people, burnt hun- day. Local residents reported that the gunmen killed located, confirmed the attack on the military base dreds of homes and looted scores of businesses in several people, burnt hundreds of homes and loot- and other five locations. the attacks that lasted over seven hours, said Doron- ed scores of businesses in Saturday’s attacks, Baga resident Lawan Ajikalumbu who also fled to although there was no official death toll. The ‘Overpowered the Troops’ Gubuwa. There was no official casualty toll. Islamists are believed to control large swathes of “Boko Haram insurgents launched attacks in Abubakar Gamandi, head of the fishermen’s union land in northeastern Nigeria since launching an Baga area yesterday (Saturday), destroying six towns in Borno state and a resident of Baga, said he uprising in 2009 that has now claimed more than and several settlements, forcing the people in the received several calls from union members who fled 13,000 lives. affected places to flee into Chad. “They came in to neighbouring Chad informing him of the attacks. The base outside the town of Baga is used by the unbelievably large numbers and overpowered the Baga was the scene of the deadliest Boko Haram Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which was multinational troops and local vigilantes,” he told attack in April 2013 when 185 people were killed established in 1998 to battle cross-border crime but AFP. “They took over the multinational troop base in and more than 2,000 homes were destroyed in whose mandate was expanded to fighting the Baga and sent the soldiers fleeing,” he told AFP. fighting between the Islamists and members of the deadly Boko Haram insurgency. The gunmen seized The force is made up of troops from Nigeria, multinational force. Suspected Boko Haram gun- the base near Lake Chad after engaging troops in a Niger and Chad, Nigerian army spokesman men late Saturday also raided the town of Babban fierce battle that lasted several hours, witnesses Brigadier General Olajide Laleye told AFP. Residents Gida, 50 km from Damaturu, the capital of neigh- said. “They (the militants) overwhelmed the troops of Kauyen Kuros, Mile 3, Mile 4, Baga, Doron-Baga bouring Yobe state, according to residents. The mili- and forced them to abandon the base which the and Bundaram fled across the lake in fishing boats tants destroyed the military barracks, torched a gunmen took over,” local resident Usman Dansubdu and canoes into Chad following the hours-long deserted government boarding school and a local told AFP after fleeing to neighbouring Chad. attacks by hundreds of militants from the Islamist administration building after overpowering soldiers Hundreds of fear-stricken residents from Baga group. “We are now seeking refuge in Gubuwa, in a gunfight, they said. — AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

KABUL: In this photograph taken on Dec 8, 2014, Frozan, the house manager, speaks with a disabled child at the Window of Hope orphanage. (Right) Afghan children read their schoolbooks as they sit in their bunk beds at the orphanage. — AFP Aid cash brings little cheer for Afghan orphans

KABUL: International aid was meant to transform schools, hospitals, roads and power stations have been remain will no longer undertake combat missions against we cannot help the children even if we reform the system,” he Afghanistan’s welfare standards, but orphanages in Kabul built, and funds provided for projects ranging from adult the Taliban. said. “We need responsible people who will sincerely work for reveal that the most vulnerable children, many left parent- literacy classes to Internet start-ups, pomegranate farms the children. With the presence of the international communi- less by war, have seen little benefit from the billions of dol- and handicraft workshops. Corruption Culture ty, and establishment of a credible government system, a lot lars spent. At Windows of Hope, an orphanage in the war- But the impact has been limited, with infrastructure and Adjusting to a new and even more challenging era, of effort has been made to support children. I hope things are torn capital, organisers and volunteers make the best of a social care still feeble even in the cities. Frozan, who uses Windows of Hope is seeking funds from the government and getting better. We are trying. Our orphans eat meat three tiny budget to look after 12 children, most of them severe- only one name, lost both her parents in an airstrike on her Afghan community groups, rather than relying on the occa- times a week, fruit three times a week, yogurt three times a ly disabled. home in Kabul during the 1992-1996 civil war, when she sional foreign grants that have kept it open in recent years. week, and rice every day.” There are an estimated 110,000 Despite spartan conditions, house manager Frozan pro- was only six months old. She survived, but lost a leg and But the government’s 30 public orphanages are often beset orphans in Afghanistan, about 12 percent of them in orphan- vides basic comfort and security for youngsters left neg- relies on crutches to move around. “When I was nine, my by corruption, and they highlight officialdom’s inability to fun- ages, Hashimi said. The flood of money since 2001 created an lected by the foreign-funded Afghan government and the grandmother passed away, and then I was given to another nel cash to those need it most. At the state-run Tahia Maskan endemic culture of corruption in Afghanistan, with many international charities that are active in the country. woman, and my experience gave me motivation to work in orphanage in Kabul, 500 boys aged between 11 and 18 live in Transparency International rating the country only better than “These are the children who do not have anyone who cares such a place as this,” she said. a huge run-down building with few facilities. Sayed Abdullah Sudan, North Korea and Somalia. President Ashraf Ghani, who for them,” Frozan, 22, said. “There are many problems Aid funding to Afghanistan is set to fall in the coming Hashimi, director of public orphanages, admits that some came to power in September, has vowed to crack down on because they need someone every moment of the day. years as international attention turns elsewhere 13 years Afghan parents with connections use government orphan- fraud, but it is a mountainous task. Sami Hashemi, a Kabul- “Many are victims of war, because they have lost their fami- after the fall of the Taleban regime. Exact figures are hard ages to house and educate their children - meaning real based UNICEF child protection specialist, is blunt in his assess- lies. They have suffered, they have mental issues, and their to pin down, but the US Agency for International orphans are denied scarce resources. He says the government ment of how orphans are treated in Afghanistan. “Orphanages relatives are not prepared to keep them.” Development (USAID) alone spent $15 billion since 2001, allocates 85 Afghanis ($1.50) per day to feed each child in are not providing service to the most vulnerable children,” he The US-led international intervention in Afghanistan according to official figures. state orphanages, but that only 50 Afghanis reach their said. “What are the gap of services? We need to identify them. since 2001 combined a military campaign against the Dec 2014 also marked the end of the US-led NATO war intended destination due to bureaucracy and corruption. It will take time, nothing will happen overnight. Those who Taleban with a massive aid development program. New in Afghanistan, as most foreign troops left. Those that “If the people who are working for the children are corrupt, need it must have access to services.” — AFP Australian premier makes unannounced trip to Iraq Abadi asks Abbott for more military aid

BAGHDAD: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott made an unannounced visit yesterday to Baghdad, meeting with top officials to discuss ways his country can help Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State group. Abbott and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi discussed military cooperation between the two countries, including the training and equipping of Iraqi sol- diers, state television reported. The Iraqi army collapsed last summer in the face of a blitz by extremists from the Islamic State group, which NEW YORK: This May 28, 2012 file photo shows a newspaper with a photograph of now holds about a third of Iraq and neighboring Etan Patz, part of a makeshift memorial in the SoHo neighborhood. — AP Syria in its self-declared caliphate. During a joint news conference, Abbott said that his country is determined to provide all Impact echoes as trial kinds of support to Iraq in its war against terror- ism. He vowed to enhance cooperation between nears in Patz murder the two countries. Australian fighter jets are bombing Islamic State group targets in northern NEW YORK: His 6-year-old face became a Most Wanted,” which ran from 1988 to 2011. Iraq as part of a US-led coalition and 200 symbol of parents’ darkest fear, animating a Yet there were nearly 34,000 active missing- Australian special forces troops soon will enter national push to find lost children and a cul- child records nationwide at the start of this Iraq to advise and assist local security forces. tural shift toward hypervigilant child rear- year, according to FBI statistics. Authorities Abadi “called on the Australian side to ing. As a suspect in Etan Patz’s disappear- cleared hundreds of thousands of other cas- increase the arming and speed up the training BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi (right) greets his Australian counterpart Tony ance heads to trial 35 years later, missing- es. A 2002 study for the US Department of and distribution of what is needed by the Iraqi Abbott ahead of a meeting yesterday. — AFP children’s advocates see it as proof that Justice found the vast majority of missing- forces to decide the battle and eliminate the (IS) such cases still can be pursued after child reports concern youths who ran away, organisation,” his office said. The IS-led offensive against IS. Dozens of Australians are fighting for Baghdad, killing four people and wounding sev- decades, if also a reminder that many have got lost or injured, or were taken by relatives; in Iraq began last June, and the group’s rapid Islamic militant groups overseas, raising fears en. Elsewhere, police said a bomb blast on a gone unsolved and garnered less attention. abductions by strangers accounted for a expansion and brutality in areas it controls in that they could return home and carry out commercial street killed two people and wound- Parenting experts wonder whether retelling fraction of a percent. Iraq and neighbouring Syria eventually sparked attacks. ed six in western Baghdad. Medical officials con- Etan’s haunting story will kindle new anxi- an international campaign against it. Australia Meanwhile yesterday, police said mortar firmed the casualties. All officials spoke on con- ety for present-day moms and dads who Awareness was one of the first countries to confirm its sup- shells slammed into several houses in the Shiite dition of anonymity because they were not grew up in the protective shadow of his dis- While awareness of missing children has port for the US-led campaign of air strikes village of Sabaa al-Bour, about 30 km north of authorized to speak to journalists. —Agencies appearance. grown, advocates rue that it isn’t always “I remember looking at that kid’s face on spread evenly. A 2010 academic study a milk carton ... and thinking: ‘Oh, Lord. found that disproportionately few national Please help them,’” said Sheliah Bradley- TV news missing-child stories were about 4 killed in suicide car Smith, whose grandnieces would disappear black and female children, compared with 22 years after Etan. “But never once would I their percentage among missing-children think or imagine that I would be the ‘them’ I reports. “We are not trying to dishonor any- bombing in Mogadishu was praying for at that time.” The upcoming one at all, but we also want to even the trial, to her, shows that authorities don’t playing field,” said Natalie Wilson, co- give up. “One thing we fear is being forgot- founder of the Black and Missing MOGADISHU: A huge suicide car bomb blast ten,” she said. Foundation. Nearly 40 percent of all miss- shook Somalia’s capital Mogadishu yesterday Jury selection is scheduled to start today ing-child reports involve black children. Still, near the heavily-fortified international airport, for the murder trial of Pedro Hernandez, of she feels the trial in Etan’s much-covered killing four people, officials said. A police offi- Maple Shade, New Jersey, who wasn’t a sus- case - however uncertain the outcome - cial said the bomber rammed an explosives- pect until police got a tip in 2012. encourages all families waiting to learn laden vehicle into another car, setting off a Hernandez then confessed - falsely, because what happened to their loved ones. huge blast that was heard across the coastal of mental illness, his lawyers say. Hernandez If a trial can provide explanations, they city. A military spokesman for Somalia’s Al- denies the charges. After Etan disappeared are excruciating, says Marc Klaas, who Qaeda-affiliated Shebab, Sheikh Abdul Aziz while walking to his school bus stop on May watched the trial of the man convicted of Abu Musab, confirmed that the militants had 25, 1979, his case entered Americans’ con- killing his 12-year-old daughter, Polly, after carried out the attack. sciousness, and even their homes, in new snatching her from a California slumber par- The sprawling airport area is a major base ways. He was one of the first vanished chil- ty in 1993. “I had to be there, for her,” said for members of Somalia’s armed forces and dren on milk cartons, and National Missing Klaas, whose KlaasKids Foundation aims to houses several foreign embassies and African Children’s Day marks the anniversary of his prevent crimes against children. But “it was Union troops battling the Islamists. It has been disappearance. absolutely brutal ... having the last two a frequent target of attacks by the Shebab, While there have always been protective hours of my daughter’s life replayed in any most recently in late December when the parents, “fear became a national issue” with number of ways.” group launched a major assault against an Etan’s disappearance, said Susan Newman, Families like his talk of justice and African Union command centre. “We had infor- a psychologist and parenting specialist. She answers, not resolution. “Our families hate mation about this car laden with explosives expects the trial may reverberate through the word ‘closure,’” said Alison Feigh, the and we have been following it... but it detonat- today’s families, many led by parents too program manager of the Jacob Wetterling ed and four civilians were killed, and the young to recall it happening. Alarm intensi- Resource Center, founded by the parents of bomber,” interior ministry spokesman fied with the kidnapping and killing of a Minnesota boy abducted in 1989. Ten- Mohamed Yusuf told reporters. Witnesses said they saw clouds of smoke MOGADISHU: Somali soldiers stand near the wreckage at the scene of a car bomb attack Florida 6-year-old Adam Walsh in 1981 and year-old Tionda Bradley and 3-year-old that targeted a moving convoy of Somalia’s US-trained elite forces at dusk yesterday. — AP other child abductions in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Diamond Bradley disappeared from their after the explosion, and that security forces Frightened parents stopped letting children Chicago home in July 2001. Police searched opened fire to disperse approaching onlookers another air strike against the Shebab, who are Mogadishu in 2006 before being pushed out walk alone to school and play unsupervised but have said they didn’t find enough evi- - prompting fears that another coordinated Al-Qaeda’s main African affiliate and are bat- by Ethiopian forces. The militants were finally in their neighborhoods. dence to link a suspect to the crime. But attack was under way. Several witnesses also tling to topple the country’s fragile internation- driven from their fixed positions in Mogadishu New laws established a national hotline Bradley-Smith, the girls’ great-aunt, still said they saw up to five destroyed vehicles in ally-backed government. The Somali govern- in 2011, and have lost several strongholds in and smoothed law enforcement information yearns for an answer. “There are times when the vicinity of the explosion. “There was a terri- ment said the Shebab’s intelligence chief, the south and centre of the country in a recent sharing about missing children, and later the you have hope, and there are times when ble explosion. The security forces have cor- Abdishakur Tahlil, was killed in Monday night’s offensive by the AU’s 22,000-strong AMISOM Amber Alert system began broadcasting you don’t,” she said. “There are times when doned off the area. They opened fire to dis- raid. The Shebab’s former leader Ahmed Abdi force. The group, however, still controls vast news of them through radio and television you pray to find them alive, but then over perse people nearby,” said Ali Suleyman, a wit- Godane was also killed by a US air strike in rural areas from where militants launch regular stations and on billboards. Adam Walsh’s time, you pray to find them dead - because ness. The latest attack came at the end of a September. The organisation emerged from attacks against the AU’s AMISOM troops and father, John Walsh, launched TV’s “America’s you just want to find something.” — AP week which saw the United States conduct the Islamic Courts Union that controlled the country’s government. — AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 First elected black US senator dies

WASHINGTON: Politicians from both sides Regiment and earning a Bronze Star. A lib- of the aisle mourned the death Saturday of eral Republican who grew up in racially “trailblazer” Edward Brooke, the first popu- divided Washington, Brooke served in the larly elected black US senator. He was 95. 100-seat US Senate for two terms. Brooke, who represented Massachusetts Before Brooke, other African Americans from 1967-1979 in the US Senate, champi- had served in the Senate but they were oned laws to benefit the disadvantaged chosen by state legislatures rather than during his two terms. President Barack elected by popular vote. During a ceremony Obama hailed his “extraordinary life of pub- awarding Brooke the highest civilian award lic service”. “Ed Brooke stood at the forefront in the US in 2009, Obama said he had “fol- of the battle for civil rights and economic lowed the trail” Brooke had blazed through fairness,” said Obama, America’s first African the segregated United States. Brooke was American president in a statement. “During also awarded the Presidential Medal of his time in elected office, he sought to build Freedom, and has received honorary consensus and understanding across parti- degrees from more than 30 colleges and universities. Brooke studied at Howard University in Washington and practiced law. Before join- ing the Senate, he was the attorney general for Massachusetts. He was the first black person to hold a state attorney general post in the US. “Senator Brooke’s accomplish- ments remind us that anything is possible in our country,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus also paid tribute to a man he called a “pioneer and an inspiration to many” NEW YORK: New York City police officers march before funeral services for police officer Wenjian Liu at Aievoli Funeral Home yesterday in the through his life story and relentless com- Brooklyn borough. — AP mitment to public service. Secretary of State John Kerry, a former Democratic senator, agreed. “Ed Brooke: Funeral of second slain trailblazer, gentleman, public servant per- sonified. Guts and integrity. God bless,” he wrote on Twitter. NYPD policeman held Brooke Clears the Way After Brooke, Democrat Carol Moseley Braun was elected and served in the 1990s Cops salute NYC mayor, commissioner at wake as the second African American US Senator. Obama was the third ever elected African NEW YORK: Thousands of police officers paid their own father, former Gov Mario Cuomo. “This is really ple, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, have since American member of the Senate. Following respect to a New York Police Department officer pointless. It had nothing to do with them,” he said pressed all parties to tone down the rhetoric. And Obama, black senators Cory Booker, a shot to death along with his partner as mourners of Liu and Ramos. “They did nothing wrong. ... It this weekend, Police Commissioner William Bratton Democrat, and Republican Tim Scott also converged from around the country yesterday for a was pure and random hatred.” sent a memo to all commands urging respect, won elections to the nation’s highest leg- second funeral that stands to test tensions The shooter, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, killed himself declaring “a hero’s funeral is about grieving, not between the city’s mayor and police. Buddhist shortly after the brazen daytime ambush on a grievance”. islative body. Booker was elected to the WASHINGTON: Former US Senator Edward monks led a Chinese ceremony for Officer Wenjian Brooklyn street. Investigators say Brinsley was an On Saturday, officers standing outside the William Brooke (right) shakes hands with chamber in 2013. After being appointed to Liu, followed by a traditional police ceremony with emotionally disturbed loner who had made refer- Brooklyn funeral home where Liu was displayed, US President Barack Obama before receiv- the post in 2013, Scott won a special elec- eulogies led by a chaplain. Liu, 32, had served as a ences online to the killings this summer of dressed in full uniform in an open casket, saluted as ing the Congressional Gold Medal tion to hold his seat in 2014. A “deeply sad- policeman for seven years and was married just unarmed black men at the hands of white police the mayor and commissioner entered. But some ill Ceremony in this Oct 28, 2009 file photo in dened” Scott took to Twitter to say that two months when he was killed with his partner, officers, vowing to put “wings on pigs”. The deaths will was visible again yesterday, ahead of de Blasio’s the rotunda of the US Capitol. — AFP Brooke “was a true trailblazer; those of us Officer Rafael Ramos, on Dec 20. strained an already tense relationship between city scheduled remarks at Liu’s funeral. Retired NYPD who followed cannot thank him enough”. Officer Lucas Grant of the Richmond County police unions and Mayor Bill de Blasio, who union officer John Mangan stood across the street from san lines, always working towards practical Former congressman Allen West said Sheriff’s Office in Augusta, Georgia, said he came to leaders have said contributed to an environment the funeral home with a sign that read: “God Bless solutions to our nation’s challenges.” Brooke was a “fine role model and van- Liu’s funeral with about six other officers from that allowed the killings by supporting protests fol- the NYPD. Dump de Blasio.” The Massachusetts Republican Party guard”. Brooke is survived by his wife neighboring departments “to support our family”. lowing the deaths of Eric Garner on Staten Island And Patrick Yoes, a national secretary with the praised the “decorated war hero” as a “high- Anne, children Remi, Edwina, Edward, and “When one of us loses our lives, we have to come and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. 328,000-member Fraternal Order of Police, said he ly respected legislator responsible for shap- stepdaughter Melanie, along with four together,” Grant said. As Liu’s family arrived for his The head of the rank-and-file police union, applauded New York police union leader Patrick funeral, Police Commissioner William Bratton which is negotiating a contract with the city, turned Lynch’s stance toward the mayor, including Lynch’s ing our nation’s laws and ensuring equal grandchildren. In Sept 2002, he was diag- tweeted: “We will never forget his sacrifice.” his back on the mayor at a hospital the day of the declaration that de Blasio had “blood on his hands” rights for all men and women”. Born nosed with breast cancer, and subsequent- A day earlier, mourners lined up for blocks on a killings. The act was imitated by hundreds of offi- after the shootings. “Across this country, we seem October 26, 1919, Brooke served in the US ly underwent a double mastectomy. He cold, rainy day for Liu’s wake. “This is a really tragic cers standing last week outside Ramos’ funeral who to be under attack in the law enforcement profes- Army during World War II, fighting in Italy as later spoke publicly about a disease that story,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters following turned their backs toward a giant TV screen as de sion, and the message to take away from this is: We part of the all-black 366th Infantry many men are not aware of. — AFP the wake, held just two days after the death of his Blasio’s remarks were being broadcast. Many peo- are public servants. —AP Reps to challenge Obama on energy, Cuba, immigration WASHINGTON/HONOLULU: Republicans Republicans have promised to fight him As the new Congress convenes, Obama take full control of the US Congress this on a range of issues. will set out on Wednesday on a three-day week with an agenda of trying to force Obama has vowed to use his veto pen road trip to Michigan, Arizona and approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline if Republicans pass legislation he opposes, Tennessee to tout his economic record and push back on President Barack but he has said he believes he may be able and highlight his own agenda for 2015. Obama’s sweeping policy shifts on Cuba to forge common ground with them in Republican Mitch McConnell, who will and immigration. After years of battles some areas, including free trade, overhaul- become the Senate majority leader, has over the budget and other issues, further ing the tax code and boosting infrastruc- said the first item on his agenda will be clashes loom as Republicans who already ture spending. Reaching deals won’t be legislation to force approval of control the House of Representatives take easy amid deep mistrust on both sides. “To TransCanada Corp’s Keystone XL pipeline. over the Senate majority on Tuesday after suddenly claim you’re going to work with The pipeline, which has been under wins against Obama’s Democrats in members of Congress after years of ignor- review by the Obama administration for November’s midterm elections. Angry over ing them is rather ludicrous,” said Kevin years, would help transport oil from the president’s moves last year to bypass Smith, a spokesman for Republican House Canada’s oil sands to the U.S. Gulf Congress on issues such as immigration, of Representatives Speaker John Boehner. Coast. —Reuters Here come the freshmen: Congress’ newest class

WASHINGTON: Congress’ approval rating Democratic incumbent in Florida. “I hope replacing her onetime boss, Frank Wolf, hovers around 15 percent, but there’s one we can be different. ... I hope we focus on whom she served as a top aide and chief group of people excited about the institu- getting things done.” counsel on the House Oversight and tion: the newly elected lawmakers who are Government Reform Committee before about to join its ranks. The House will wel- A few of the notable new arrivals: joining the Virginia House of Delegates. come 58 freshmen this coming week, The Milennials Dingell and Comstock are friendly and including 43 Republicans and 15 Stefanik is one of several young new have spoken about how they can collabo- Democrats, pushing the GOP majority to faces bringing fresh blood to Capitol Hill, rate and improve relations and policy 246 members, the most since the Great where many lawmakers, especially sena- making on Capitol Hill. Depression. In the Senate, 13 new lawmak- tors, are in their 70s or even older. Others “People don’t get to know each other, ers, all but one of them Republican, will be are Democrats Seth Moulton of and that relationship building and that sworn in, flipping control of the chamber Massachusetts, who is 36, and Ruben sense of trust and knowing each other is to the GOP with a 54-vote majority. Gallego of Arizona, who’s 35. The three all part of what’s missing,” said Dingell, who The incoming classes will bring new graduated from Harvard University and wrote a master’s thesis on civility in gender and racial diversity to Capitol Hill, have friends in common, Gallego said. Congress. “And we’ve got to find ways for with 104 women in the House and Senate Gallego said the three have already dis- people to get to know each other and talk.” Comstock, who has started a women’s leadership initiative in Virginia, said she, Dingell and other female law- makers have met together and hope to forge coalitions. “Debbie has been a great leader on her side and she knows Washington also so I think we will proba- bly team up,” Comstock said. Although they’re from different parties, “Sometimes people get caught up in the labels. Good ideas are good ideas.”

Elise Stefanik Mia Love The New Republican Diversity GOP lawmakers in the House and and close to 100 black, Hispanic and Asian cussed areas of cooperation, such as infra- Senate remain overwhelmingly white and lawmakers. The newcomers include the structure investments and bringing down male, but some of the new Republican youngest woman elected to Congress, 30- the cost of college. “We have talked actual- arrivals break that mold. In addition to year-old Elise Stefanik of New York, and ly a lot and I can definitely see us working Stefanik, Curbelo and Love, Republicans the first black Republican woman, Mia together,” Gallego said. “We all want the elected Will Hurd, in Texas. The GOP now Love of Utah. same things in the general scheme of claims two black House members and one As the new members prepared to things - a stable country, a prosperous black senator, and 10 Hispanic House arrive on Capitol Hill, several said they future. We may not agree 100 percent on members plus two in the Senate. There are brought hopes of curbing the often parti- how to get there but I think Democrats 22 Republican women in the House and san atmosphere in Washington and show- and Republicans do want to find a way.” six in the Senate. The newcomers could ing the public that they really can govern. add diversity of ideas to the Republican And, just maybe, getting Congress’ The Experienced Hands conference. Curbelo said he would push approval rating back up past 20 percent. Two of the newcomers to Congress are House GOP leaders to support immigra- “This election was not an endorsement of not new to Washington at all. In Michigan, tion overhaul legislation, something the either party, it was a condemnation of, yes, Debbie Dingell is replacing her husband, party has resisted. “Of course as a fresh- the president’s policies, but also of govern- John Dingell, the longest-serving member man our influence is limited but we can ment dysfunction,” said GOP Rep.-elect of Congress, who retired after nearly 60 work within our class, our freshman class Carlos Curbelo, who defeated a years. In Virginia, Barbara Comstock is to build support,” Curbelo said. — AP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Buckingham Palace issues fresh denial over Andrew sex claims

LONDON: Buckingham Palace issued a fresh denial yes- woman, the palace said. ‘I won’t be bullied’ diplomatic cables exposed by WikiLeaks and links with terday of allegations an American woman kept as an “The allegations made are false and without any foun- The woman claimed she was his sex slave from 1999 key figures in repressive regimes. underaged “sex slave” by a Wall Street billionaire was dation.” The Mail on Sunday and the Sunday Mirror news- through to 2002. Dershowitz, whom “Jane Doe #3” was allegedly forced forced to have sexual relations with Britain’s Prince papers both published details of interviews given by the In a statement to The Guardian she said: “These types to have sex with on several occasions, told AFP the story Andrew. The woman, identified in legal documents only woman in recent years, in which she discusses three of aggressive attacks on me are exactly the reason why was “made up”. He accused the woman of “filing a false as “Jane Doe #3,” has alleged in a US court filing that she alleged encounters with Andrew. sexual abuse victims typically remain silent and the rea- and malicious legal proceeding” in an attempt to extort had been kept as a “sex slave” by financier Jeffrey Epstein, Meanwhile, the Sunday Express reported that the son why I did for a long time. money from his former client. In a BBC radio interview, a friend of the prince. prince was due to fly back into Britain after taking a ski “That trend should change. I’m not going to be bullied the Harvard Law School professor urged Andrew to fight Andrew, the Duke of York, and prominent US attorney trip to Switzerland. A royal source confirmed Andrew had back into silence.” Andrew is fifth in line to the British back hard against the allegations. Alan Dershowitz, one of Epstein’s defence lawyers, have been away on a private holiday abroad. throne and was the first child born “If she’s lied about me, which I know to an absolute both vigorously denied the allegations. Following the denials from the prince and Dershowitz, to a reigning British monarch in more than a century. certainty she has, she should not be believed about In a strongly-worded response on Friday, Buckingham “Jane Doe #3” told The Guardian newspaper that she He remains close to his ex-wife Sarah, with whom he has anyone else,” Dershowitz said. “You have to fight back Palace said that “any suggestion of impropriety with refuses to be “unjustly victimised again”. two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. with every resource and ounce of energy available to underage minors is categorically untrue”. According to the motion filed in a Florida court this The naval officer, who flew helicopters in the 1982 you. “I will swear under oath-and I challenge them to But the palace took the even more unusual step of week, the woman alleges she was “forced to have sexual Falklands War, was Britain’s special representative for swear under oath-that it did not happen,” he added. issuing a second statement after British Sunday newspa- relations” with 54-year-old Andrew in London, New York international trade and investment for 10 years until The filing in which Andrew is named is to be included pers printed details of interviews the plaintiff has given in and the Caribbean at Epstein’s behest. 2011. in an ongoing civil case that accuses federal prosecu- recent years. Epstein, a known friend of Queen Elizabeth II’s second The prince gave up the business ambassador post fol- tors of cutting a plea-bargain deal with Epstein without “It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had son, was convicted in 2008 of soliciting an underage girl lowing the intense scrutiny he faced over his relation- consulting his victims, in violation of the US Crime any form of sexual contact or relationship” with the for prostitution and served a prison term. ships with Epstein, candid comments recorded in US Victims Rights’ Act. — AFP

‘Shame’ as French mayor refuses burial of Roma baby

CHAMPLAN: French officials expressed shock drome. The family asked a burial firm in Corbeil- and disgust yesterday after the mayor of a Paris Essonnes to request permission from the suburb refused to allow the two-and-a-half authorities to lay the infant to rest but, according month old baby of a Roma family to be buried in to the firm’s manager Julien Guenzi, the mayor the municipal cemetery. refused “without explanation.” “He doesn’t have Christian Leclerc, the conservative mayor of to justify himself, but responses like that are very Champlan, about 23 kilometres (14 miles) south rare,” Guenzi told AFP. of Paris, reportedly explained his refusal on the grounds that the cemetery has “few available ‘Racism and stigmatisation’ plots”. “Priority is given to those who pay their Loic Gandais, president of ASEFRR, said it was local taxes,” Leclerc was quoted by Le Parisien “racism, xenophobia, and stigmatisation” and daily on Saturday as saying. He has not since accused Leclerc of hiding behind the fact that been available for comment. the baby was pronounced dead in another Laurence Rossignol, a junior government town. minister for the family, said on Twitter the refusal Maria Francesca is now expected to be was “an inhumane humiliation” for the family, buried on Monday in the town of Wissous, a few adding the hashtag #honte or “shame”. kilometres away. Explaining his offer to host the And France’s defender of human rights, burial, the conservative mayor of Wissous, Jacques Toubon, said he was “shocked, stunned Richard Trinquier, told AFP it was “a question of by the news”. “It is clear there is a legal question humanity”. in this case,” he told France Inter radio, adding he “The pain of a mother who carried a child for could “maybe take action” against any perceived nine months, and lost her after two and a half discrimination. The baby, identified only as Maria months must not be worsened.” ASEFRR said it Francesca, was born on October 14 and died in would cover the funeral costs. The family has the early hours of December 26. already paid for a coffin. The child’s parents are “The mother tried to breastfeed her at 5:00 Romanian natives in their mid-30s who have am and the little girl was cold. She was dead,” lived in France for at least eight years, according said Marie-Helene Brelaud, a member of the to supporters. They have two boys, aged five ASEFRR association, which supports Roma fami- and nine, who are attending school in lies in the region. Champlan. The family lives on the outskirts of Maria Francesca was rushed to hospital in Champlan in a makeshift settlement without nearby Corbeil-Essonnes, where she was pro- electricity or running water, near a factory and nounced dead from sudden infant death syn- very close to Paris’s Orly Airport.—AFP ITALY: Icelandic coastguard volunteers check the ship Ezadeen at Corigliano harbour on January 3, 2015 the day after some 500 would-be Syrian immi- grants disembarked from the ship. Italian coastguards have narrowly prevented two disasters this week off the country’s southern coast involving so- called “ghost ships”, which seem to have originated in Turkey. — AFP ‘Ghost ship’ migrants paid $8,000 each to traffickers Ship left to drift in stormy seas off Italy

CORIGLIANO: Italian authorities disembarked 360 week. The first arose after a deadly fire broke out on New smuggling tactics cold and hungry migrants late Saturday from a ship the Norman Atlantic ferry Sunday between Greece Three days after the ferry fire, the Italian navy left adrift by its crew off the country’s coast, with and Italy. Italian prosecutors fear the Norman stopped its first crewless “ghost” ship of the week, some having paid up to $8,000 to traffickers for the Atlantic, which was towed to the port of Brindisi which had been left drifting with around 770 perilous journey. Friday, could contain the bodies of illegal immi- migrants on board. CHAMPLAN: A picture taken yesterday shows the center of the city of Champlan, south- It was the latest in a wave of such incidents grants and unregistered passengers yet to be dis- The Blue Sky M freighter was on autopilot, after ern Paris. Champlan’s mayor has been accused of racism following his refusal to allow a involving migrants crossing the Mediterranean to covered. Bari prosecutor Giuseppe Volpe said having been abandoned by the people smugglers Roma baby to be buried in the municipal cemetery. He explained his refusal on the flee conflict and poverty in the Middle East and almost 500 people may have been aboard far who had sailed it from Turkey. grounds that the cemetery has “few available plots.” — AFP Africa and attempting to reach Europe by sea. above the 474 officially on the manifest-prompting The Moldovan-registered Blue Sky M got within The migrants have been preyed upon by people fears the current death toll of 13 may rise once the five miles of running aground before six navy offi- smugglers, who have recently resorted to a new ferry is fully searched. cers were lowered on to the ship by helicopter and Search resumes off British tactic of abandoning “ghost ships” full of desperate Ettore Cardinali, the magistrate leading the succeeded in bringing it under control. travellers off European coasts. investigative portion of Volpe’s case, told reporters Some of the migrants were treated for Women and children were among hundreds of Saturday that his first search of the Norman Atlantic hypothermia and injuries, including broken limbs. coast for missing mariners migrants left stranded aboard the Ezadeen, which had turned up no additional victims. More than 170,000 people have been rescued at docked in the Italian port of Corigliano Calabro However, when he first entered the ferry to sea by Italy in the last 14 months, and hundreds, LONDON: A major search effort resumed Brise of Hamburg, managers of the around 11:00 pm Friday after a delicate operation recover its “black box” data recorder Friday, possibly thousands, have perished trying to make yesterday for the missing crew of an over- cement carrier, confirmed in a statement by the Italian navy to take control of the ageing ves- Cardinali noted important sections of the vessel the crossing. turned cargo ship spotted off the British that the crew of eight were missing “follow- sel. Its arrival was one in a series of maritime dramas remain inaccessible due to safety concerns, and The International Organisation for Migration coast. ing a severe accident”. that Italy has grappled with in recent days, and that it would take time for a complete sweep of the estimated Friday that people smugglers grossed Seven Poles and one Filipino were on “No distress call was received from the which have brought some 2,000 rescued migrants ship to determine whether any other victims were over $1 million (830,000 euros) on just one of this board the Cypriot-registered Cemfjord, a vessel. Bad weather prevailed in the area at to Italian soil. trapped in it. week’s abandoned ships alone. — AFP cargo ship carrying cement, which capsized the time and conditions remain difficult at Italian prefect Gianfranco Tomao told reporters around 15 miles (24 kilometres) from Wick the scene, with storm force winds. migrants can now pay traffickers between $4,000 on the northeast tip of Scotland. “The crew consists of seven Polish sea- and $8,000 for passage to Europe. “The search has resumed this morning, farers and one Filipino mariner. The compa- Passengers aboard the Ezadeen had paid Notorious Greek fugitive with two helicopters, four lifeboats and five ny is in the process of informing the fami- amounts in that range, he said, and the ship was lat- coastguard rescue teams. There is no sign lies.” er left to drift in stormy seas off southern Italy with- of any of the crewmen,” said a spokes- Built in 1984, the 83-metre vessel suc- arrested on bicycle out fuel or electricity. woman for the Maritime and Coastguard cessfully completed her classification Some confusion remained about whether the Agency. renewal inspections during December, ATHENS: A notorious Greek fugitive who appeared in an online video berating Greece’s vessel’s crew jumped ship, or as some passengers “It is early in the day so we will see how Brise said. absconded while serving a life sentence for government over the austerity policies it suspect, simply peeled off masks they’d worn dur- the day progresses, but every effort is It was carrying a cargo of 2,000 tonnes acting as a hitman for an extreme left group enacted at the behest of international credi- ing the crossing, then melted in among migrant under way.” A passing ferry spotted the of cement from Aalborg in Denmark to was caught Saturday as he rode a bicycle tors and threatened to “fire the guerrilla shot- passengers to be rescued as naval ships neared. upturned hull at around 1430 GMT on Runcorn near Liverpool on the northwest while armed with a loaded pistol, police said. gun against those who stole our life and sold Most of the 232 men, 54 women and 74 children Saturday. Its last-known position was at English coast, right round the top of Britain. Christodoulos Xiros was taken into custody our dreams.” aboard are thought to be Syrians fleeing war in 1315 GMT on Friday. It had been due to arrive today.— AFP in the southern suburb of Anavyssos just shy Several months later, authorities found their homeland. They were all said to be in good of a year following his January 7, 2014 disap- DNA on a parcel bomb sent to a police station health. Six coastguard officers were lowered from a pearance while on prison leave. in the city of Itea that matched traces lifted helicopter onto the deck of the Sierra Leone- He had been serving multiple life sen- from the car Xiros used to go into hiding. flagged vessel on Friday to set up a tow for the 40 tences for deadly attacks he participated in as Authorities suspect Xiros began working kilometres (25 miles) to the Italian coast. a hitman for the November 17 group and had with a group calling itself “Conspiracy of Cells been on a nine-day New Year’s break when he of Fire,” which claimed responsibility for the disappeared. parcel bomb-detonated by police-and ‘We are alone’ Police caught him as he rode a bike in the expressed solidarity with the fugitive. The nearly 50-year-old Ezadeen was spotted by neighbourhood where the 56-year-old radical Greece’s public safety minister Vassilis a coastguard plane 80 miles offshore shortly after had been renting an apartment in recent Kikilias saluted the arrest of Xiros, whom he nightfall Thursday. A female migrant raised the months. labeled a “terrorist”. alarm over the ship’s radio, telling authorities the “He changed his physical appearance, Xiros’ arrest marks a breakthrough for crew had abandoned the vessel, coastguard wearing long hair, a goatee, glasses,” said the Greek police, but the country still faces a spokesman Captain Filippo Marini said. head of Greece’s police Dimitrios Tsaknakis. threat from other like-minded, far-left mili- “We are alone, there is no one, help us!” Marini “He had a pistol on him loaded with 14 bul- tants prepared to carry out violent attacks. quoted her as saying. Icelandic patrol boat Tyr, lets.” In December, gunmen raked the Israeli which was in the area on a mission with the Xiros, who didn’t resist arrest, was immedi- embassy in Athens with machine gun fire. A European Union’s border agency Frontex, came ately handed to anti-terrorism authorities. year earlier, the German ambassador’s resi- to the rescue, but rough weather conditions made Before its breakup in 2002, November 17 was dence was targeted in a similar attack. boarding the ship impossible. one of Greece’s most violent far-left organisa- No one was injured in either incident, After the Ezadeen ran out of fuel, five Tyr crew tions, claiming responsibility for 23 assassina- which police suspected to be the work of left- members were winched onto the ship by helicop- tions during its 27-year span, including the wing extremists. ter to care for passengers until the Italian coast- 1975 killing of the CIA’s Athens station chief, In April 2014, a booby-trapped car explod- guard arrived. “The migrants aboard were visibly Richard Welch. ed outside the Bank of Greece in central BRAMBLE BANK: Rescue craft float next to the grounded Hoegh Osaka cargo ship on the distressed but overall in good medical condition. Despite November 17’s dissolution, Xiros Athens as Greece prepared to return to debt Bramble Bank in the entrance of the Southampton Waters in between Southapton on the They have been provided with food, water and allegedly remained a committed militant and markets after a four-year absence. The southern English coast and the Isle of Wight yesterday. RNLI lifeboats joined a multi- basic medical assistance,” a Frontex statement said maintained close contacts with fellow jailed “Revolutionary Struggle” militant group agency rescue when a large cargo ship grounded on the Bramble Bank in the waters Friday. The incident marked the third sea rescue radicals. Shortly after his escape last year, he claimed responsibility for that attack. — AFP south of the southern English city of Southampton. — AFP operation Italy’s navy has been forced to mount in a

INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un New Year’s address for 2015

PYONGYANG: Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea. nation. In order to successfully attain the gigantic This is the slogan of struggle to be held by the whole Workers’ Party of Korea,first chairman of the National He underlined the need for all service personnel goals for this year, it is necessary for all officials, party Korean nation, he noted. Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme com- and people to dynamically advance toward the grand members, service personnel and other people to live He said that the Workers’ Party of Korea and the mander of the Korean People’s Army, made a New festival venue in October, holding high the slogan “Let and struggle in the revolutionary spirit of Mt. Paektu DPRK government will strengthen in every way the Year address for 2015. Us All Turn Out in the General Offensive to Hasten and in the spirit as strong as the wind on Mt. Paektu, bonds and solidarity with the world progressives lov- He paid highest tribute to President Kim Il Sung Final Victory in the Revolutionary Spirit of Paektu!” he said. ing peace and aspiring after independence and jus- and leader Kim Jong Il and sent them New Year greet- He stressed the need to further increase the invin- He stressed the need to surely achieve the reunifi- tice and positively develop the good neighborly and ings, representing boundless loyalty of all service per- cible might of a socialist political and ideological pow- cation of the country, the lifelong desire of Kim Il Sung friendly relations with all countries which respect the sonnel and people. er this year. and Kim Jong Il and the greatest cherished desire of sovereignty of the DPRK and are friendly toward it. Under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea He underscored the need to give fuller play to the the nation, and build a dignified and prospering He emphasized that there is no force on earth that last year the DPRK provided a firm foundation for might of a military power by effecting a new turn in reunified powerful nation on this land though the sit- can block the way of the army and people of the bringing earlier the final victory on all fronts for build- building the revolutionary armed forces and bolster- uation remains complicated and difficulties and bot- DPRK dashing ahead like snow storm on Mt. Paektu ing a thriving nation and demonstrated its invincible ing up the defence capability. tlenecks are lying in the way. with the unshakable revolutionary faith and the spirit might, he said. He called for giving a definite priority to science “Let the Whole Nation Join Efforts to Open Up a of winning sure victory under the leadership of the He noted that 2015 is a significant year marking and technology and bringing about a turn in building Broad Avenue to Independent Reunification in This Workers’ Party of Korea, and the final victory belongs the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and the 70th a socialist economic power and a highly civilized Year of the 70th Anniversary of National Liberation!” to us. Bangladesh bans protests, locks opposition leader

DHAKA: Bangladesh police banned all Police detained several people who tried protests in the capital from yesterday and to break through the security cordon to locked main opposition leader Khaleda Zia meet Zia in her office, live TV footage in her office in Dhaka as tensions rose showed. Police Inspector Firoz Kabir before the first anniversary of an election denied that Zia was being forcibly detained her party boycotted. in her office.”We’ve not detained her, only Zia had threatened to hold mass rallies in her security has been enhanced. She is not Dhaka to mark “Democracy Killing Day” on leaving her office,” he told AFP. Monday-the first anniversary of the polls that her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ‘Hundreds arrested’ and its allies refused to join on the grounds BNP officials said at least 400 party sup- they would be rigged by the ruling party. porters were arrested, including two other “She has been confined in her office. senior party figures, ahead of the poll Police have cordoned off the area and barri- anniversary. caded (the) road. She wanted to see a sick Police also stormed the home of the BNP party colleague around midnight, but they deputy leader Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Somoy did not let her out,” Zia’s aide S.R. Shimul Television said, but it was unclear whether Biswas told AFP. he was at home at the time. Police banned all protests, rallies and Tension has been rising since January 1, demonstrations in the capital from 5pm when Zia demanded fresh polls under a (1100 GMT) Sunday until further notice to neutral caretaker government and threat- prevent violence after the ruling party ened to bring the country to a halt. announced rival rallies. Zia’s decision to boycott the “farcical” “We imposed the ban as rival rallies by election handed a walkover victory to her the political parties raised fears of clashes,” bitter rival Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman Zia was confined to her home in the told AFP. build-up to last year’s election but was Buses and ferries heading to the capital released after the polls. were halted, virtually cutting the city from Zia and her allies had alleged Hasina PANGKALAN BUN: Members of an Indonesian search and rescue team carry items for investigation, found during the search operation for the the rest of the country, operators said, amid would rig last year’s vote with the help of a missing AirAsia flight 8501, after being delivered by a Singapore Super Puma helicopter from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) RSS fears tens of thousands of opposition biased election commission and “partisan” Persistence in Pangkalan Bun yesterday. — AFP activists would march to Dhaka. civil and security agencies. The main opposition headquarters in The United States has said the polls did central Dhaka was padlocked by police at not credibly reflect the will of the people. midnight on Saturday, according to local tel- Since the controversial election, Hasina Ice may have caused evision channels, with police vans barricad- has consolidated her power by arresting ing nearby roads. opposition officials, prosecuting hundreds A bus was torched near the office but of thousands for violence in the run-up, and there were no reports of injuries. Zia was launching the trials of Zia and her eldest son forced to spend the night in her office on graft charges. Scores of BNP activists AirAsia crash: Govt despite attempting to leave by car, her aide have disappeared, with rights groups blam- said. ing security agencies. — AFP Workers hunting for the ‘black box’

PANGKALAN BUN: Weather was the “triggering fac- Flight 8501 had asked for permission to fly at a higher tal with facilities to store 150 bodies. About 100 griev- tor” in the crash of AirAsia Flight 8501 with icing likely altitude to avoid the storm, but the request was not ing Catholic relatives and well-wishers, some of them causing engine damage, Indonesia’s meteorological approved due to other planes above him on the pop- in tears, crowded into a small church in the police agency said, as divers found another body yesterday ular route, according to AirNav, Indonesia’s air traffic headquarters for a memorial mass Saturday after- during a momentary respite from bad weather that control. In his last communication, Captain Iriyanto, an noon, singing hymns and praying for the victims to be has hampered rescue efforts. The Airbus A320-200 experienced former air force pilot, said he wanted to found quickly. crashed into the Java Sea a week ago carrying 162 change course to avoid the menacing storm system. “We are trying to cope as hard as we can but it is people from Indonesia’s second city Surabaya to Then all contact was lost, about 40 minutes after the still a very difficult time for our family as we are still Singapore, and relief workers are hunting for the plane had taken off. waiting for news,” said 25-year-old Sebastian Joseph “black box” flight data recorders to determine the The families of victims have been preparing funer- Widodo, whose sister Florentina was on the plane. “My cause of the crash. als as the bodies recovered are identified in Surabaya, faith is very central, especially at this time where An initial report on the website of BMKG, where a crisis centre has been set up at a police hospi- there’s nothing much we can do,” he added. — AFP Indonesia’s meteorological agency, suggested the weather at the time the plane went down sparked the disaster after it appeared to fly into storm clouds. “Based on the available data received on the location of the aircraft’s last contact, the weather was the trig- gering factor behind the accident,” said the report. “The most probable weather phenomenon was icing which can cause engine damage due to a cool- ing process. This is just one of the possibilities that occurred based on the analysis of existing meteoro- logical data.” Five major parts of the Airbus A320-200 have now been found off the island of Borneo, but rough weather throughout the week has hampered BOGRA: In this file photograph taken on Janaury 5, 2014, Bangladeshi police and soldiers the relief process, a huge operation assisted by several stand next to damaged ballot boxes in front of a polling station after it was attacked by countries including the United States and Russia. protestors in the northern town of Bogra. Bangladesh marks the first anniversary yester- As the weather cleared, a team of divers went day, of a “farcical” election which was boycotted by the opposition amid accusations that down to the biggest part of the wreckage yesterday the world’s eighth most populous nation is becoming a one-party state. — AFP morning and recovered one body, bringing to 31 the number of victims found, but bad conditions forced them to surface again. KOLKATA: Indian police officials escort suspects in the alleged gang-rape and extortion of a Monitors fear intimidation “They managed to go down but the visibility at the Japanese tourist held as a sex slave, as they are brought to the Bankshall court in Kolkata on sea bottom was zero, it was dark and the seabed was Saturday. Five men have been arrested over the alleged gang-rape and extortion of a before Sri Lanka election muddy, with currents of three to five knots,” search Japanese tourist held as a sex slave for nearly a month in a basement near a famous Buddhist and rescue agency chief Bambang Soelistyo told shrine in India, officials said January 4. — AFP COLOMBO: International observers said on Saturday night and wounded one per- reporters, adding that heavy rain and big waves were yesterday they had received complaints of son. On Friday at least 20 supporters of continuing to hamper the rescue effort. voter intimidation before this week’s Sri Sirisena were wounded when stones and “For that reason, the diving efforts must be tem- Five arrested in India over Lankan presidential election, in which the rocks were thrown as he addressed crowds porarily stopped. We’ll try to deploy an ROV (remotely- incumbent faces a tough battle to win an at Pelmadulla outside the capital. operated underwater vehicle),” he said. He said the Japanese tourist gang rape unprecedented third term. Private local election monitors have said fifth major part of the plane, located early yesterday, was about 10 metres by one metre (33 by 3.3 feet). The The 55-member panel of monitors told they received nearly 1,100 complaints since KOLKATA: Five men have been arrested over the then handing her over to the alleged rapists. search, focused on a patch of sea southwest of reporters they had already received com- campaigning got underway in early alleged gang-rape and extortion of a Japanese “We have arrested three people who befriended Pangkalan Bun, a town on Borneo, has also been plaints that the military had set up 400 December. Police said they had received a tourist held as a sex slave for nearly a month in a the victim in Kolkata. They have been charged with extended east because parts of the plane may have roadblocks to discourage minority Tamils much smaller number of complaints, but basement near a famous Buddhist shrine in India, common conspiracy and intention to kidnap and been swept by currents, Soelistyo said. from voting freely in former war zones. that 130 arrests had been made. officials said yesterday. The 22-year-old’s ordeal rape,” the commissioner said. The relief operation has prioritised finding the bod- began in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state, “The men managed to extort 76,000 rupees “According to the opposition these The private monitors, the Campaign for ies of those on board the ill-fated flight, of whom 155 where she was befriended by three local men short- ($1,200) from her and convinced her to travel to roadblocks are to keep away the voters... Free and Fair Elections, said the increasing were Indonesian, with three South Koreans, one ly after arriving on November 20, one of the city’s Bodh Gaya with them in their car.” (but) we are told (by the authorities) that violence was well organised and targeted Singaporean, one Malaysian, one Briton and a top police officers told AFP. the military has no role to play in these the opposition, which is mounting a seri- Frenchman-co-pilot Remi Plesel. The men, one of whom spoke Japanese, first Foreigners under attack election,” said the monitoring team leader ous challenge against two-term incumbent Indonesian pilot Setiawan, who is part of the ariel managed to persuade her to withdraw around The woman managed to escape from Gaya and S. Y. Quraishi. “We are yet to see that.” Rajapakse. recovery effort combing the search area from above, $1,200 dollars in cash before travelling with her to reached the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, where she He said international observers would Previous elections have been marred by told local television channel MetroTV that he had seen the holy shrine of Bodh Gaya in the neighbouring met some Japanese tourists who helped her con- today begin fanning out to the 22 electoral violence, particularly against Tamil and another three bodies floating in the sea early yester- state of Bihar. tact the consulate in Kolkata. districts across the island to check out the Muslim voters who are the opposition’s day. There she was then handed over to two brothers Although it was not immediately clear when her final rallies. They will also be present at major support base. who allegedly locked her in a secluded under- ordeal ended, police said she filed the police report AirAsia investigated polling booths on Thursday during a nine- Sirisena left his health portfolio and quit ground room and repeatedly raped her for nearly a in the last week of December. “(When) we came to Indonesia has pledged to investigate flight viola- hour period when some 15 million people Rajapakse’s administration in November to month. The case is the latest in a string of high-pro- know of the incident... we assisted her in registering tions by AirAsia, saying the ill-fated aircraft had been are eligible to vote. become the main opposition candidate. file sex attacks that have highlighted the frightening the complaint with the police,” Japan’s consul-gen- flying on an unauthorised schedule when it crashed. “The police have assured us that they Local media reports say the two men levels of violence against women in the world’s sec- eral in Kolkata, Kazumi Endo, told AFP. The airline has now been suspended from flying the will guarantee that the election is free and are currently neck and neck, although ond most populous country. Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma conceded that Surabaya-Singapore route. But the Civil Aviation fair,” Quraishi said. “At the moment, we have Rajapakse was considered the clear front- The two brothers, who were working as tourist the incident would dent India’s image further. Authority of Singapore said it had granted permission to take their word.” runner when he called the vote two years guides, were arrested on Friday and taken to “We are only getting 69 lakh (6.9 million) tourists for the airline’s Sunday flight. It was unclear how the The monitors have been invited by Sri ahead of schedule. Kolkata where they appeared in court late Saturday. in a year so that’s a matter of concern for us. (We airline, a unit of Malaysia-based AirAsia, had been able Lanka’s election chief Mahinda Deshapriya, The ruling party’s vote sank 21 points at A magistrate ordered that they be remanded in cus- have) to take care of the security of travellers,” he to fly without the necessary authorisation from its who told them he was confident of con- tody until January 9 for an identification parade. told CNN-IBN news network. Samina Khatoon, sis- a local election in September, suggesting starting point. Kolkata joint police commissioner Pallab Kanti ter of the men arrested in Gaya, denied the charge ducting a fair election. that the president’s popularity may be The company has declined to comment until the Ghosh said the other three men were being held on of gang rape and demanded a thorough probe into Even as they arrived in the island, gun- waning five years after he ended a sepa- probe is complete, but said it would “fully cooperate” suspicion of extorting money from the victim and the incident.—AFP men opened fire at a meeting of the main ratist war that had claimed 100,000 lives with the government. Before take-off, the pilot of opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena between 1972 and 2009. — AFP NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Italian firemen check the Italian-owned Norman Atlantic ferry moored at the pier of Brindisi on Saturday. Bari prosecutor Giuseppe Volpe ordered the Italian-owned vessel to be towed to Brindisi so that it can be searched for corpses and for clues as to what caused the huge fire that erupted on board on Dec 28. The fire led to the deaths of at least 13 people and there are fears the final toll could be higher amid uncertainty over how many people were actually on board. — AFP

UAE, Kuwait call off friendly over dispute Govt scrambles to contain fallout... Continued from Page 1 poor Gulf Cup of Nations. The UAE have had a more settled Continued from Page 1 not be able to bring the price rises under control and run under coach Mahdi Ali, who was appointed in 2012, and punish violators, and as a result he called on consumers Kuwait have failed to advance beyond the group stage in have been drawn in Group C with Iran, Bahrain and Qatar. Omair’s statement came after media reports said that to boycott companies that artificially raise their prices. their last two appearances in 2004 and 2011 and it gets no Kuwait, who play Australia in the tournament opener the government has revived its study on reducing subsi- MP Ahmad Lari sent a number of questions to the easier this time around as they face hosts Australia, South at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium on Jan 9, opted to dies on electricity and petrol and that the finance min- ministers of commerce, finance and oil about the lifting Korea and Oman in Group A. The Kuwaitis also have a new host a training session at the ground instead. The UAE istry was studying a number of options to provide a safe- of subsidies on diesel and kerosene. He asked Mudej if coach in former Tunisian international Maaloul after will begin their campaign next Sunday against Qatar in ty net for Kuwaiti citizens. The lifting of diesel and the decision to raise the diesel and kerosene prices came Brazilian Jorvan Vieira was sacked in November following a Canberra. — Reuters kerosene subsidies has increased their price more than after a study, and demanded a copy of the study. He also threefold from 55 fils a litre to 170 fils a litre. asked about the factories and companies that are Meanwhile, head of the National Assembly budgets exempted from the increase and what is the impact of First Palestinian ICC case to be Gaza war committee MP Adnan Abdulsamad said the government the decision on their products. is likely to accept a recommendation made by the com- Lari asked the finance minister about the amount Continued from Page 1 ments first published by the Haaretz website. mittee to link the diesel and kerosene prices in the local expected to be saved in the 2015/2016 budget from lift- After the Palestinians won the upgraded UN rank of observer market with international prices. He said the govern- ing the subsidies on diesel and kerosene and how much That was the date when Israel began a massive West Bank state in Nov 2012, Israel froze the tax monies and also ment is expected to set the price of the two fuels at the was spent on subsidizing them in the 2013/2014 budg- crackdown after the kidnapping and subsequent murder of announced plans for 3,000 homes in a highly sensitive area of international price or 170 fils a litre, whichever is lower. et. In questions to the oil minister, Lari asked about the three Israeli teenagers, triggering a series of events which led to the West Bank, as well as in annexed east Jerusalem, triggering a MP Khalil Abul insisted that the commerce ministry will production cost of the two fuels. the seven-week Gaza war. furious response from the international community. A senior “The Palestinian Authority has chosen to take a path of con- official quoted by Haaretz said the government had learned a frontation with Israel, and we will not sit idly by,” Prime Minister lesson from that incident and would not be taking any steps MoI sticks to guns on fines Benjamin Netanyahu told cabinet ministers yesterday, vowing to making Israel the focus of criticism rather than the Palestinians. put up a vigorous defence of Israel’s soldiers. Palestinian chief “We will not let Israel Defence Forces soldiers and officers be Continued from Page 1 the thousands of dinars. “The violations are different. negotiator Saeb Erakat denounced the freezing of the transfer as dragged to the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” They include not transferring data, not holding valid “piracy”, and Hamas said it amounted to “the theft of Palestinian Netanyahu told ministers, vowing to defend them with “determi- “Whenever the passport expires, the iqama expires visas and expiry of the visit visa. Violators include money”, urging the leadership to cut all security cooperation nation”. The ICC can prosecute individuals accused of genocide, as well. Some people get a new passport abroad and employees in the private sector holding article 18 iqa- with Israel. crimes against humanity and war crimes committed since July 1, come back to Kuwait and show the iqama on the old mas, domestic servants with article 20 visas, article 22 But Israeli officials warned it was only the first in a series of 2002, when the court’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, came one, but don’t transfer it to the new one within a family visas and others,” Kandari stated. punitive measures. “If the Palestinian Authority doesn’t take a into force. month. Those who have renewed their passports inside But mistakes sometimes happen. “Some expats step back, I think we have to take much more severe steps,” said A high-ranking legal official quoted by the top-selling Yediot Kuwait have a period of two months to transfer their complained of finding out they have fines although Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz, a close associate of Aharonot said Israel was ready to counter with its own lawsuits data. Also, some expats don’t change the expired pass- their documents are in order and they updated their Netanyahu, referring to a “gradual dissolution” of the PA. “We against senior Palestinian officials. “These lawsuits, which are port and just put a renewal sticker in their passport data, but the employee made a mistake. These employ- should not aid the existence of this authority.” Israel may also file backed up with evidence, documents and affidavits, can be filed that extends its validity. In all cases, they have to regis- ees are human and can make mistakes, and in this case countersuits against top Palestinian officials, a source close to as early as tomorrow morning,” he told the paper. The basis of the government said on Friday. the complaints would be that Palestinian president Mahmoud ter it,” said Kandari. we study the complaint and check the original paper- But, in an unusual development, Israel was not planning to Abbas’ partnership in a consensus government with Hamas Violators will not be granted any amnesty or exemp- work. A person who believes he is wronged is allowed announce any new settlement construction, a senior foreign makes him complicit in the militant group’s rocket attacks from tions. “The fine has to be paid in full - installments are to use all legal channels to get his rights, and the court ministry official said yesterday. Speaking to Israeli diplomats Gaza on civilians in Israel. not allowed. We advise violators to pay their fines soon will decide,” stressed Kandari. serving in Europe, foreign ministry director general Nissim Ben Under an economic agreement between the sides signed in and not wait for any amnesty that will not come. Also, He concluded by advising expats and the citizens Sheetrit said Israel’s response would be “harsher and more com- 1994, Israel transfers to the PA tens of millions of dollars each Syrian nationals won’t be given an exemption because who are sponsoring expats to always check the validity prehensive” than just freezing the taxes, but would not include month in customs duties levied on goods destined for their embassy is not working, as the law applies on of their documents and visas to avoid paying fines and settlement announcements, ministry spokesman Emmanuel Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports. The tax rev- everybody. The fine is KD 2 per day, while the maxi- help the ministry. He also called upon embassies to Nahshon told AFP. “Israel is about to switch from defence to enues make up around two-thirds of the PA’s annual budget, mum fine amount is KD 600,” he pointed out. make their procedures faster in issuing new passports attack mode,” Nahshon quoted him as saying, confirming com- excluding foreign aid. — AFP The amount of the fines both paid and unpaid are in to their citizens. MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues Bangladesh oppn in disarray after walkover election

By Shafiqul Alam

angladesh marks the first anniversary today of a “farci- cal” election which was boycotted by the opposition Bamid accusations that the world’s eighth most popu- lous nation is becoming a one-party state. Analysts say the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist allies, which paralysed the country with a series of strikes and protests ahead of the Jan 5 polls, have since been largely neutered. And foreign governments such as the United States, which initially called on Prime Minister Sheikh Migrant flow into US from Caribbean spikes Hasina to swiftly organise fresh and credible multi-party elections, have since eased off their demands. By Jennifer Kay That’s at least 3,000 more migrants intercepted than in the and US immigration officials think another calm summer with- Hasina’s Awami League was handed a walkover when 20 previous fiscal year. It’s also the highest number of Haitian out many tropical storms and a recovering US economy might opposition parties boycotted the vote, fearing it would be recent spike in Cubans attempting to reach the United migrants documented in five years and the highest number of have encouraged more to take to the sea. They also say the rigged. The BNP’s leader Khaleda Zia refused to participate States by sea has generated headlines. But the numbers Cubans recorded in six. It’s unknown how many made it to US increased captures may reflect better law enforcement. in what she branded a “farce” when Hasina, her archenemy, Aof Haitians and other Caribbean islanders making similar shores without getting caught, or how many died trying. More Smuggling operations in the region range from individual rejected calls for the election to be organised by a neutral journeys are up even more. And while federal law grants legal than 1,920 migrants - most of them Cuban or Haitian - have opportunists looking to use their vessels for extra money to caretaker government, as with previous contests. But while residency to Cubans reaching US soil, anyone else can be been intercepted so far in the fiscal year that began Oct 1. The sophisticated networks that may add drug shipments to their the boycott meant Hasina’s victory was hollow, analysts say detained and deported. That law, the so-called wet foot-dry foot Coast Guard worries that number will only increase as news human cargo, said Carmen Pino, an official with US Immigration it does not bother the prime minister of a country that has policy, and Coast Guard operations related to migrants remain spreads about recent changes to the US immigration system, and Customs Enforcement in Miami. Smugglers also lure people, had more than a dozen coups in its short history. unchanged even as Cuban and US leaders say they are restoring including fast-tracking visas for some Haitians already approved especially in relatively new routes that send Haitians into the “Democracy is on its death bed and the ruling party is diplomatic relations after more than 50 years. to join family here and an executive order signed by President neighboring Dominican Republic to board boats bound for now planning a new phase of rule that aims to finish off the “The Coast Guard strongly discourages attempts to illegally Barack Obama that would make millions already illegally in the Puerto Rico. main opposition,” said veteran political scientist Ataur enter the country by taking to the sea. These trips are extremely US eligible for work permits and protection from deportation. US authorities deported George Lewis following a four-year Rahman. “This will definitely lead to one-party rule,” Dhaka- dangerous. Individuals located at sea may be returned to Cuba,” “Any perceived changes to US immigration policy can cause sentence for a felony drug conviction in May 2013 to the based Rahman added. Support for the Awami League, said Lt Cmdr Gabe Somma, spokesman for the Coast Guard’s 7th a spike in immigration because it gives a glimmer of hope,” even Bahamas, where he was born but lived only briefly. His Haitian which has been in power since thrashing Zia in a 2008 elec- District in Miami. According to the Coast Guard, in the fiscal year to people not eligible under those changes, said Capt Mark mother brought him to Miami as an infant, and though he tion, had fallen sharply ahead of the vote, with polls show- that ended Sept 30, US authorities captured, intercepted or Fedor, chief of response for the Coast Guard’s 7th District. It’s always considered the US home, he never became a legal resi- ing the BNP would have won a fair contest. chased away at least 5,585 Haitians, 3,940 Cubans and hundreds unclear why the numbers are jumping. Poverty and political dent. Just five months after he was deported, he got on a The country was in the grip of a sustained bout of politi- from the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries repression have long caused Caribbean islanders to attempt the Bahamian smuggler’s boat with about a dozen Haitians and cal violence, with Islamists taking to the street over the attempting to sneak into the country. journey, and the outlook remains dismal for many. Coast Guard Jamaicans trying to sneak into Florida. Lewis said he easily talked death sentences handed down to some of their leaders over his way onto the boat. He just struck up a conversation with their role in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan some locals at a sports bar in Bimini, a small cluster of Bahamian and the BNP holding mass protests against the government. islands 92 km off Miami. More than 500 people were killed in political violence in “It was like getting a number from a girl. I just needed the 2013, making it the bloodiest year since Bangladesh broke right line,” Lewis said in an interview in November. The failed trip free from Islamabad. Zia herself was confined to her home cost $4,000. The boat capsized and four Haitian women in the build-up to the election. Although she was released drowned. He and the others were rescued. After his rescue, US after the polls, she has been preoccupied with fighting cor- authorities initially accused Lewis of being a smuggler, partly ruption charges that could land her in jail. because he was the only person on board with a phone, which he used to call the emergency dispatcher when the boat started ‘Monumental mistake’ taking on water. He scoffed at the allegation. He remembered Mubashar Hasan, an expert in Bangladeshi politics at that on the boat he was talking to a teenage Haitian girl and Australia’s Griffith University, said the BNP had made a “mon- thinking about his mother’s boat trip from Haiti to the Bahamas umental mistake” in easing up its anti-government protests as a young girl, a crossing he never thought he would emulate. after the election. “It allowed the ruling party to seize the ini- Now Lewis finds himself back in the US but not at home. He tiative and terribly exposed weakness in the BNP leadership,” Hasan said. “It’s now in total disarray”, he added. The BNP has just started a five-year sentence for illegally re-entering the US been widely ridiculed on social media for going “soft” on and faces another forced return to the Bahamas, a homeland he Hasina, having abandoned its strategy of calling strikes and doesn’t know and where the government considers Haitians protests. who have migrated illegally and their children an unwanted While the protests caused huge disruption, many ana- burden. The 39-year-old Lewis knows he’d try to reach the US lysts say they succeeded in alienating voters as well as again. “It’s not worth losing your life, but what life do you have annoying the government. Rahman said it would make little when you have a whole country against you? I’m completely In this Feb 6, 2014 photo, a group of migrants stand on their overturned boat off the coast of Port St Lucie, Florida. The alienated from a country where I’m supposed to be from,” Lewis sense for Zia to again call for a mass mobilisation of support- migrants were from Haiti, India and the Bahamas. — AP ers unless they really can flood the streets. Only around a said. — AP dozen people turned up at a protest outside the party’s headquarters last week in response to a call from Zia. Rahman said the government’s iron rule masked its “sliding Refugees expand diversity in Texas cities popularity” amid a raft of corruption scandals in a country where around a third of the 160 million population live By Jamie Stengle ties. “We have no problem with bringing them here,” Harpole arrived to the city of about 120,000 - most from the Congo, below the poverty line. “Yet the BNP does not have a clue said. “But we want to be able to do the right job when we get Bhutan and Burundi. Groups have clamored to help, offering how to cash in on this popular resentment,” he added. new Thai and sushi restaurant sits on a busy corner, not them here.” everything from language classes and other education oppor- Its cause has not been helped by a crackdown which has far from the vast prairie that once epitomized Texas’ early Amarillo’s rich history of being a refugee relocation spot tunities to a program that teaches refugees how to play tennis. seen hundreds of thousands of activists prosecuted over the Acattle ranching days. Only five years ago, owner Saw dates to 1975, when Vietnamese were resettled here. Today, the “It’s just a very, very welcoming environment,” said Susanna pre-poll violence while scores of BNP officials have disap- Lawla left his home country of Myanmar and resettled in Los majority of its refugees come from Myanmar. The overall effect Lubanga, resettlement director of the International Rescue peared. While the government has denied any role in the Angeles through a federal refugee program. Vexed by big-city on the city’s demographics has been muted. Since 2000, its Committee in Abilene. “We have volunteers who started volun- disappearances, rights groups claim the officials were picked life, Lawla was lured to the Panhandle in 2011 by cheaper living, Asian population has jumped from about 3,600 to about 7,400 teering because they were at Wal-Mart and gave refugees a up by the security forces on the instructions of their political employment at a meat processing plant and a growing popula- but still only accounts for 3.8 percent of Amarillo’s about ride.” masters and fear they may have been killed or are being tion of other Myanmar refugees. “For our people, here is the 197,000 residents. More dramatic shifts are occurring in smaller Iraqi refugee Hamzah Hussein has spent almost a year in held without trial. The party’s deputy leader, Fakhrul Islam best place,” said the 40-year-old, who recently opened Bagan communities such as Cactus, a town of about 3,000 in Moore Abilene with his wife and four children. A former teacher and Alamgir, alone faces 68 cases of violence ranging from Restaurant after pooling funds with four other refugees. “They County where the Asian population has gone from less than 1 interpreter for the US Army, Hussein has been stocking shelves bomb blasts to vandalism. He and many colleagues spend can find a future here.” percent in 2000 to the most recent estimate of almost 28 per- at Wal-Mart at night and by day earned his commercial driver’s much of their day in court seeking bail. Despite its reputation for anti-immigrant politicians, Texas cent. license, which he hopes leads to a job in the oil industry. “I’ve has led the nation in refugee resettlements for the last four Farther south, refugees have been resettled in Abilene for visited Dallas, but I like it here. It’s very quiet,” the 34-year-old ‘Killing Democracy’ years and continues to attract others who move here on their only about a decade, but during that time, about 2,000 have said. “Over there it’s too much people, too much noise.” — AP Zia again called last week for new polls under a neutral own, due in large part to a strong economy. Most are settled in administration so that “a level playing field is created” while large cities, but immigrant populations are also thriving in more denouncing the government for “killing democracy”. In the remote areas like Amarillo, where subtle aspects of far-away cul- immediate aftermath of the election, the US State tures have taken root. “We’ve just adapted,” Moore County Department demanded new polls that “credibly express the Judge Rowdy Rhoades said. His county, just north of Amarillo, will” of the people, while UN chief Ban Ki-moon called for “an will soon have a third mosque to serve the population of inclusive political process”. But few such calls have been Somalis and people from Myanmar who work at a nearby meat heard of late. And while some of Hasina’s camp indicated a processing plant. “They’re just here to provide for their family, year ago that fresh elections were possible, the tone is now like anyone.” more defiant, with an Awami League spokesman saying last The US State Department oversees the resettlement pro- week that she would complete her five-year mandate. Some gram, which annually places tens of thousands of people who observers however say trouble is brewing and the govern- have fled their countries in about 190 communities. In a year ment could face a rocky ride in 2015, even if the opposition span that ended in September, Texas became the new home for has been tamed. —AFP about 7,200 refugees from more than two dozen countries, the majority from Iraq and Myanmar. Houston led the state with nearly 2,000 resettlements, followed by Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. All articles appearing on these pages Texas’ smaller cities have been accommodating the rest - are the personal opinion of the writ- including Amarillo, Abilene and Midland. In 2010 alone, ers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibil- Amarillo received 730 refugees, about the same as San Antonio and Austin. Yet, the constant flow of refugees - hovering in the ity for views expressed therein. Kuwait 400 to 500-person range in each of the last four years - has Times invites readers to voice their some of Amarillo’s leaders worried that the city’s resources are opinions. Please send submissions via being overwhelmed. Among the biggest concerns are getting students up to speed in schools and addressing the language email to: [email protected] or barrier. Dozens of languages are now spoken in Amarillo, Mayor via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Paul Harpole said, and 911 calls have sometimes taken nearly Kuwait. The editor reserves the right 10 minutes. to edit any submission as necessary. Resettlement agencies have responded, deciding that refugees would only be placed in Amarillo if they have family Hamzah Naser Hussein of Iraq poses for a photo in the living room of their apartment with his wife Fatin Jasmin Abdullah, daughter Rnad, son Muamal, daughter Nabaa and eldest son Ridha on Dec 16, 2014, in Abilene, Texas. — AP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS

Algerian duo Sarkar in B’desh squad Torres wants to taste

ruled out DHAKA: All-rounder Soumya Sarkar, Faruque Ahmed told reporters yester- success with Atletico ALGIERS: African Nations Cup favorites Algeria suf- who made his debut against day. “So, we have enrolled a few all- BARCELONA: Winning trophies with his boyhood club and rediscovering his scoring touch fered a double blow yesterday when Mehdi Abeid and Zimbabwe last month, has been rounders into the squad.” is what Fernando Torres really craves after returning home to Atletico Madrid. Essaid Belkalem were ruled out injured from the tour- rewarded for his strong domestic per- Bangladesh will be led by fast Fans flocked to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday to welcome back their idol after a nament, their football federation said. formance with a spot in Bangladesh’s bowler Mashrafe Mortaza while all- loan deal was agreed with AC Milan for Torres to play for the La Liga champions until the Newcastle United midfielder Abeid had been 15-man World Cup squad. rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been end of next season. Torres, a product of the Atletico youth system, made his debut aged doubtful for the event over the past few weeks after The 21-year-old Sarkar played his named vice-captain. The Cricket World 17 and went on to become a talisman for Atletico at a time when the club was struggling struggling with a toe injury and uncapped Ahmed only one-day international in the final Cup will be staged in Australia and on the pitch. The former Atletico captain played 244 games before deciding to seek his Kashi was placed on standby as a replacement. match of the five-ODI series against New Zealand from Feb. 14 to March 29. fortune abroad by joining Liverpool in 2007 for a fee reported to be 20 million pounds Defender Belkalem was also ruled out Zimbabwe in Dhaka, which the hosts ($30.65 million). by Algeria’s team doctors with a ham- won 5-0. Squad: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul “Away from the pitch a lot has happened since I moved. I am more mature string problem after picking up the injury Besides Sarkar, who has scored Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul and I am a happier person with a family,” Torres said at his presentation. “On a while playing for his Turkish club sporting level I was very young and I had a very difficult decision but I knew I Trabzonspor. heavily in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Division competition, left-arm spinner Rahim, Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, had to leave for me and for the club to grow. It was the hardest moment of my The tournament begins in Equatorial career but it has worked out as the club is now stronger and has won titles. “For Guinea on Jan. 17. Algeria compete Taijul Islam and attacking batsman Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza Sabbir Rahman also made their debuts (capt), Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, me I got the trophies that I wanted but there has always been something I in Group C at the Nations Cup lacked which was to win them here. I have a lot of motivation to win against Ghana, Senegal and South against Zimbabwe and were named in Rubel Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Taijul the World Cup party. Islam (Reporting by Ruma Paul, writing them here and hopefully I can do that with hard work.” Torres adapt- Africa. Their opening game is on ed well to English football during his time at Liverpool but he “We have tried to select a balanced by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai, edit- Jan. 19 against South Africa in failed to shine at Chelsea after making the switch to Stamford Mongomo. — Reuters team,” Bangladesh chief selector ing by Pritha Sarkar).— Reuters Bridge for 50 million pounds in 2011. —Reuters

NEWARK: Jaromir Jagr No. 68 of the New Jersey Devils and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare No.78 of the Philadelphia Flyers fight for the puck at the Prudential Center. — AFP Flyers fall, Predators roll

NEWARK: A month shy of 43, Jaromir Jagr is still set- ting scoring records. Jagr scored three times to pass Gordie Howe and become the oldest NHL player to NHL results/standings record a hat trick, leading New Jersey to a 5-2 victo- ry over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night. Ottawa 3, Boston 2 (OT); Nashville 7, Los Angeles 6 (OT); New Jersey 5, Philadelphia 2; NY Jagr had his 15th career hat trick, first since Rangers 6, Buffalo 1; Montreal 4, Pittsburgh 1; Winnipeg 5, Toronto 1; Dallas 7, Minnesota 1; March 26, 2006, against the Flyers while a member Arizona 6, Columbus 3; Vancouver 4, Detroit 1; St. Louis 7, San Jose 2. of the New York Rangers. Howe was 41 in 1969 when he had a three-goal game. The line of Jagr, Western Conference Tampa Bay 24 12 4 130 106 52 Adam Henrique and Scott Gomez combined for Pacific Division Detroit 20 10 9 109 99 49 four goals and eight points, helping the Devils end a WL OTLGFGAPTS Toronto 21 16 3 130 122 45 two-game skid with their third victory in 13 games Anaheim 25 9 6 111 107 56 Florida 17 10 9 84 93 43 (3-7-3). Patrik Elias and Gomez also scored, and Cory Vancouver 22 12 3 109 98 47 Boston 19 15 5 103 106 43 Schneider made 18 saves. Andrew MacDonald and Los Angeles 19 12 9 112 103 47 Vincent Lecavalier scored for the Flyers. San Jose 20 14 5 106 103 45 Ottawa 16 14 7 100 101 39 Calgary 21 16 3 115 105 45 Buffalo 14 23 3 77 136 31 PREDATORS 7, KINGS 6 Arizona 15 19 4 92 124 34 Metropolitan Division Roman Josi scored 18 seconds into overtime Edmonton 8 22 9 83 133 25 NY Islanders 26 11 1 119 104 53 after Pekka Rinne gave up three goals in the final 2:01 of regulation, and Nashville eked out a wild vic- Central Division Pittsburgh 24 10 5 118 94 53 tory over Los Angeles. Nashville 25 9 3 113 84 53 NY Rangers 21 11 4 113 90 46 Mike Fisher and Colin Wilson scored goals 1:22 Chicago 25 11 2 119 81 52 Washington 19 11 7 108 96 45 apart in the first period, Mattias Ekholm and Mark St. Louis 23 13 3 118 99 49 Columbus 16 17 3 92 116 35 Acrobello scored 1:41 apart in the second, and the Winnipeg 20 12 7 101 93 47 Philadelphia 14 18 7 106 120 35 Predators also got goals from Ryan Ellis and Olli Dallas 18 14 5 115 119 41 PITTSBURGH: The Pittsburgh Steelers take the field as they are introduced before an Jokinen in opening a 5-1 lead. Rinne finished with Minnesota 18 15 4 104 106 40 New Jersey 14 20 7 90 117 35 NFL wildcard playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens. — AP 24 saves. Dwight King, Alec Martinez and Jeff Carter Colorado 15 15 8 98 113 38 Carolina 11 23 4 75 101 26 each scored during the Kings’ late third-period Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one burst. King and Martinez both scored earlier, and Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not includ- Ravens flatten Steelers Matt Greene also had a goal. Montreal 26 11 2 108 89 54 ed in the loss column (L). PITTSBURGH: The Baltimore Ravens used off his fingers for an improbable intercep- BLUES 7, SHARKS 2 an unrelenting pass rush to shut down the tion by linebacker Terrell Suggs, who TJ Oshie scored his second career hat trick to ly in the first period and Montreal beat Pittsburgh to Chipchura also scored, and Mike Smith stopped 23 Pittsburgh Steelers offense and advanced in trapped the ball between his legs before it move past the 100-goal milestone in his career and move into first place in the Eastern Conference. Tom shots for his first victory in more than a month. the NFL playoffs with a 30-17 AFC wildcard hit the ground. St. Louis ended a five-game road losing streak by Gilbert and Alexei Emelin also scored for the Fedor Tyutin, James Wisniewski and Ryan Johansen victory on Saturday. On the next play, Flacco rolled right and beating the Sharks. Canadiens and Carey Price stopped 30 shots for his scored for the Blue Jackets. Joe Flacco passed for 259 yards and two hit tight end Crockett Gillmore for a 21-yard Alexander Steen and Kevin Shattenkirk each had 22nd win of the season. Montreal won its sixth second-half touchdowns with no intercep- touchdown that made it 30-15. a goal and three assists, and Jaden Schwartz and straight overall and fifth in a row on the road. David JETS 5, MAPLE LEAFS 1 tions to set up a clash with the top-seeded The Steelers sorely missed the running Dmitrij Jaskin also scored for the Blues, who were Perron, acquired from Edmonton on Friday, scored Bryan Little had a goal and two assists to stretch New England Patriots next Saturday in the and pass catching of injured running back dominant from the start a night after losing in for the Penguins. his point streak to six games and Michael divisional round. “We’ve got a good football Le’Veon Bell, who hyperextended his knee Anaheim. Brian Elliott made 18 saves to give St. Hutchinson made 20 saves to help Winnipeg beat team and I think we’re getting better every in last week’s game. Pittsburgh were held to Louis its second win in the past eight games. STARS 7, WILD 1 Toronto. Dustin Byfuglien and Ben Chariot each had time we take the field,” said Flacco, MVP of 68 yards rushing in the game and were con- Joe Pavelski reached the 20-goal plateau for the Vernon Fiddler scored two goals and Dallas a goal and an assist. and T.J. Galiardi and Matt Baltimore’s 2012 Super Bowl triumph, after tinually thwarted in the red zone, settling sixth time in his career and Melker Karlsson also scored six or more goals in consecutive games for Halischuk also scored. Chariot’s goal was the first of scored for the Sharks, who have lost four of five. the win in Pittsburgh. for three field goals in the first half. the first time since 1997, beating Minnesota. his NHL career. Mike Santorelli scored for Toronto. Antti Niemi allowed six goals on 27 shots before Kari Lehtonen made 21 saves for Dallas, after Baltimore, who only made the playoffs Baltimore got a five-yard TD burst from getting pulled early in the third period. after San Diego lost on the last day of the Bernard Pierce in the second quarter to lead shutting out Arizona 6-0 on Wednesday night. The SENATORS 3, BRUINS 2 regular season, registered five sacks of at the half despite trailing Pittsburgh in Stars put 35 shots on goal against Wild goalies Mike Hoffman scored for Ottawa to send it to RANGERS 6, SABRES 1 Darcy Kuemper and Niklas Backstrom. Fiddler, overtime and Bobby Ryan ended it 46 seconds into Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger time of possession by 21 minutes to nine. Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider and Rick Nash Colton Sceviour, Tyler Seguin, Erik Cole and Antoine the extra period. Craig Anderson made 26 saves, and hurried him into numerous mistakes. Roethlisberger, without a reliable run- scored power-play goals 2:32 apart in the first peri- Roussel scored second-period goals for the Stars. In and Kyle Turris also scored for the Senators. Brad Yet the big quarterback brought the ning game, attempted 45 passes, complet- od, and surging New York rolled past slumping the third, Brett Ritchie netted his second goal in two Marchand and Torey Krug scored for Boston. Steelers close early in the fourth quarter ing 31 for 334 yards and was intercepted Buffalo. Dan Boyle made it 4-0 with the only even- NHL games. Thomas Vanek scored for Minnesota. with a six-yard touchdown pass to Martavis twice. ‘Big Ben’ banged his head on the strength goal in the opening period, and Carl CANUCKS 4, RED WINGS 1 Bryant to take advantage of fumble by ground after the fifth sack of the game late Hagelin and Jesper Fast added second-period tallies COYOTES 6, BLUE JACKETS 3 Ryan Miller made 29 saves, Henrik Sedin scored Justin Forsett and make it 20-15. in the fourth quarter and left the field to be for the Rangers, who won for the 10th time in 11 Sam Gagner scored twice, Martin Hanzal had a two empty-netters to pass 200 goals for his career The Ravens countered with a 52-yard checked for concussion before returning. games by posting their best offensive effort of the goal and three assists and the Coyotes rode a rare and the Canucks beat the Wings 4-1. field goal by Justin Tucker and then built up Steve Smith led Ravens receivers with season. Henrik Lundqvist made 24 saves for the big night on the power play to a victory over Alexander Edler and Radim Vrbata scored on a comfortable cushion. A full-force blitz 101 yards on five receptions, with tight end Rangers. Drew Stafford scored for Buffalo. Columbus. The Coyotes won for the fourth time in the power play for Vancouver (22-12-3). Sedin’s rushed Roethlisberger into floating a short Owen Daniels catching four passes for 70 five games, scoring three power-play goals after two goals gave him 201 for his career. He also had pass to running back Ben Tate that tipped yards. — Reuters CANADIENS 4, PENGUINS 1 managing only 10 in their first 19 home games. up an assist. Tomas Tatar scored for Detroit (20-10- Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais scored ear- Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Tobias Rieder and Kyle 9), which got 20 stops from Jimmy Howard. — AP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS

NEW ZEALAND: Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara bats on day two of the second international Test cricket match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. — AFP Sangakkara double gives Sri Lanka control

WELLINGTON: Kumar Sangakkara provided and the moment when they make a mistake When he was dismissed just 28 overs lat- a cricket master class yesterday with an if that ball goes for a boundary that changes SCOREBOARD er, he had contributed 103 of the next 134 exquisite 203 to lift Sri Lanka off the ropes momentum.” New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ runs, adding a further 11 fours and three and put them in command of the second Watling, who had a close up view of sixes as he despatched the New Zealand Test against New Zealand. Sangakkara’s innings described it as “a WELLINGTON: Scoreboard on day two of N. Pradeep not out 0 bowlers to all points of the ground. It was the 10th highest score of demonstration of how to play by a world the second Test between New Zealand and Extras (lb4, w6, nb3) 13 For much of the day Sangakkara had an Sangakkara’s illustrious Test career and the class player”. “He showed how good he is.” Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington Total (10 wickets, 102.1 overs) 356 admirable partner in Dinesh Chandimal. 11th time he has reached 200, putting him Sangakkara, who early in his innings yesterday: Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Karunaratne), 2-25 Determined not to waste his recall to the one behind Australian legend Don Bradman became the fifth and fastest player to reach New Zealand 1st innings 221 (K. (Silva), 3-29 (Thirimanne), 4-58 (Mathews), 5- side, Chandimal shared a 130-run partner- for the most double tons. 12,000 Test runs, batted for nearly seven Williamson 69; N. Pradeep 4-63, S. Lakmal 78 (Jayawardene), 6-208 (Chandimal), 7-242 ship with Sangakkara for the sixth wicket. Sri Lanka were all out for 356, a 135-run hours and faced 306 deliveries. 3-71) (Prasad), 8-189 (Herath), 9-356 (Sangakkara), He posted 1,000 runs in Tests on his way to lead, and at stumps in their second innings It took a stunning catch by Trent Boult Sri Lanka 1st innings (overnight 78-5) 10-356 (Lakmal) 67, his sixth Test half century, his innings D. Karunaratne c Neesham b Boult 16 Bowling: Boult 24-3-75-2 (2w), Southee 26- New Zealand were 22 without loss with diving high to his left at point to send ending when he edged a full Neesham K. Silva b Bracewell 5 3-87-1, Bracewell 24-2-93-3 (3nb, 3w), Hamish Rutherford on 12 and Tom Latham Sangakkara back to the shed after he K. Sangakkara c Boult b Neesham 203 Neesham 11-0-42-3 (1w), Craig 17.1-3-55-1 delivery and was caught by Watling. on nine. The prolific knock was enough to slashed at a loose Jimmy Neesham delivery. L. Thirimanne c McCullum b Bracewell 0 New Zealand 2nd innings Neesham and Watling combined again to make Sangakkara reconsider retirement After New Zealand dominated the first A. Mathews c Watling b Southee 15 T. Latham not out 9 remove Dhammika Prasad for 11 to have Sri plans, saying the idea of overtaking day when 15 wickets fell, their frontline P. Jayawardene c Neesham b Bracewell6 H. Rutherford not out 12 Lanka 242 for 7. Rangana Herath added 15 Bradman was attractive. seamers Boult, Tim Southee and Doug D. Chandimal c Watling b Neesham 67 Extras (w1) 1 before was caught by Watling off Boult. “I would love to,” he said, adding a final Bracewell never looked strong on day two. D. Prasad c Watling b Neesham 11 Total (0 wickets, 11 overs) 22 Suranga Lakmal scored only five of the 67 decision on his future would be made after It was master batsman Sangakkara, who R. Herath c Watling b Boult 15 Bowling: Lakmal 4-0-9-0 (1w), Pradeep 2-0- runs for the ninth wicket posted with the World Cup starting in New Zealand and unusually failed twice in the first Test, who S. Lakmal st Watling b Craig 5 5-0, Herath 3-0-6-0, Prasad 2-0-2-0. Sangakkara. The innings closed with Australia next month. “It’s nice to get big appeared determined not to go cheaply Lakmal’s stumping to give Watling a hand in ones especially in a game situation like this, again as Sri Lanka resumed at 78 for five, five dismissals. For New Zealand, Neesham to come back into the game from being 78- 143 in arrears. Sangakkara put away his three. With a three off Neesham in the next tired in the final session. was the most successful bowler on day two 5. “The idea was to punish the loose bowl- attacking instinct as he patiently led his side over he led Sri Lanka past New Zealand’s As Sri Lanka put their nose in front after with three for 42 while Doug Bracewell fin- ing. When they are constantly put under out of trouble taking 191 balls to reach his 221 with four wickets to spare and then dra- 74 overs Sangakkara had a century includ- ished with three for 93 without adding to pressure to keep bowling those good balls 38th Test century cutting Mark Craig for matically lifted the tempo as the bowlers ing seven boundaries to his name. the trio of wickets he took Saturday. — AFP De Villiers ton gives South Africa edge

CAPE TOWN: A century by AB de Villiers and two “My hundred was definitely hard work,” he said. early strikes by the bowlers gave South Africa the “Maybe from 120 to 148 I felt really comfortable.” edge on the third day of the third and final Test De Villiers said that although he was confident against the West Indies at Newlands yesterday. South Africa could chase down any target with De Villiers was last man out for 148 as South their long batting line-up, he acknowledged: Africa were bowled out for 421, a lead of 92. “Anything over 200 could be tough.” South Africa then dismissed both West Indian Richie Richardson, the West Indies manager and openers before Leon Johnson and Marlon Samuels former captain, said it was important for at least took the tourists to 88 for two at the close, four two West Indian batsmen to “dig in” on Monday. runs behind. “South Africa have to bat last. If we have two Although the match is fairly evenly poised, De batsmen who can get centuries we could have a Villiers said he felt South Africa were in a strong very interesting match. The two guys batting at the position. “You are never one hundred percent in. moment are looking pretty solid. We’re hoping There are some cracks in the wicket, a couple keep they can put on a massive partnership tomorrow low and the spinners are always in the game. If we and then we’ll take it from there.” De Villiers started can start really well they will be under big pres- the day with an array of attacking strokes but he sure.” In a match in which eight other batsmen was forced to change gears when captain Hashim reached 40 but did not go on beyond 68, De Villiers Amla was caught behind and Temba Bavuma fol- was the only player to make a substantial score. lowed soon after the second new ball was taken. SCOREBOARD

CAPE TOWN: Close of play scores on the (Petersen), 3-157 (Du Plessis), 4-254 (Amla), third day of the third and final Test between 5-288 (Bavuma), 6-384 (Van Zyl), 7-385 South Africa and the West Indies at (Philander), 8-404 (Harmer), 9-408 (Steyn) Newlands yesterday. Bowling: Taylor 20-2-80-1 (1nb, 1w), Gabriel 17-2-64-1 (7nb, 3w), Holder 24-4-87-2 (2nb, West Indies, first innings, 329 1w), Samuels 16.4-0-68-2, Benn 45-9-115-1 South Africa, first innings(overnight 227-3) A. Petersen run out (Blackwood) 42 West Indies, second innings D. Elgar lbw b Holder 8 K. Brathwaite b Harmer 16 CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s Stiaan van Zyl (left) looks up as he loses his wicket during the third Test game against West Indies. — AP F. du Plessis st Ramdin b Benn 68 D. Smith c De Villiers b Morkel 7 He accelerated again either side of lunch as South and he hit 15 fours and a six. De Villiers was stumps, reducing the West Indies to 27 for two. H. Amla c Ramdin b Holder 63 L. Johnson not out 37 Africa moved closer and then passed the West involved in two significant partnerships, 97 for the Samuels and Johnson added an unbeaten 61 for A. de Villiers c Gabriel b Samuels 148 M. Samuels not out 26 Indian total and reached his hundred with his third fourth wicket with Amla, who made 63, and 96 for the third wicket. Samuels gave a difficult chance T. Bavuma b Gabriel 15 Extras (lb2) 2 audacious reverse sweep in an over from off-spin- the sixth wicket with Stiaan van Zyl (33). As they when he had 13, clipping Steyn to mid-on where S. van Zyl lbw b Samuels 33 Total (2 wickets, 34 overs) 88 ner Samuels which yielded 14 runs. “He is a part- had in the first innings, West Indian opening bats- Morkel dived full length to his right but could not V. Philander run out (Holder) 0 Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Smith), 2-27 time spinner, you’ve got to take your chances,” he men Kraigg Brathwaite and Devon Smith saw off hold on. Brathwaite earned a footnote in history S. Harmer lbw b Taylor 10 (Brathwaite) quipped. the first spells of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander. when he got off the mark with a seven. D. Steyn run out (Johnson) 0 Bowling: Steyn 10-2-31-0, Philander 9-3-17-0, De Villiers’ 21st Test century-and his sixth But the tall Morne Morkel produced a break- The batsmen ran three and gained four extra M. Morkel not out 4 Morkel 6-3-10-1, Harmer 9-4-28-1 against the West Indies-was made off 144 balls with through in his first over when Smith gloved a leg- runs when De Villiers shied at the stumps at the Extras (lb7, nb10, w13) 30 Match situation: West Indies trail by 4 runs 11 fours. As he ran out of partners, with two men side catch to wicketkeeper De Villiers. bowler’s end and the ball went to the boundary. Total (122.4 overs) 421 with eight wickets remaining in the second run out, he hit a six off Samuels before being Off-spinner Simon Harmer also struck in his first According to South African statistician Andrew Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Elgar), 2-112 innings. caught at wide long-on attempting to clear the over, bowling Brathwaite with a ball which turned Samson, this was the first occasion in Test history boundary again. His innings lasted for 194 balls back sharply as the batsman went back on his when a batsman’s first runs were a seven. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS

PORTLAND: Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford (15) works against Portland Trail Blazers’ Allen Crabbe (23) and Dorell Wright (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Hawks soar over Blazers

PORTLAND: Paul Millsap had 27 points as the Memphis at home, improving to 32-5 all-time. Mbah a Moute had 14 for the 76ers, who fell to 4- Atlanta Hawks beat the Portland Trail Blazers Lawson also had 11 assists. Marc Gasol scored 18 28 with their fifth straight loss overall and fifth in NBA results/standings 115-107 on Saturday night for their fourth points for the travel-weary Grizzlies, who were a row on the road. straight win. running on fumes on the second night of a back- Jeff Teague added 22 points and the Hawks, to-back. They held off the Lakers 109-106 in Los JAZZ 101, TIMBERWOLVES 89 Charlotte 98, Orlando 90; Chicago 109, Boston 104 (OT); Houston 115, Miami 79; Utah 101, playing the second game of a back-to-back, Angeles on Friday. Memphis lost its cool in the Trey Burke bounced back from a horrendous Minnesota 89; San Antonio 101, Washington 92; Denver 114, Memphis 85; Atlanta 115, improved to 11-5 on the road, including six third quarter, with coach Dave Joerger drawing shooting night to score a season-high 28 points, Portland 107; LA Clippers 127, Philadelphia 91. straights wins. two technical fouls, leading to his ejection, and and the Jazz handed the Timberwolves their Eastern Conference Western Conference The loss ended a four-game winning streak Gasol receiving another. 11th straight loss. After going 2 for 19, including Atlantic Division Northwest Division for the Trail Blazers (26-8), who have lost just 0 for 11 from 3-point range, against Atlanta on W L PCT GB Portland 26 8 .765 - three games at home this season. LaMarcus SPURS 101, WIZARDS 92 Friday, Burke hit 10 of 16 shots and 4 of 6 3- Toronto 24 9 .727 - Oklahoma City 17 17 .500 9 Aldridge led Portland with 30 points and 12 Cory Joseph had 19 points and San Antonio pointers. Rudy Gobert added 13 points, 11 Brooklyn 16 16 .500 7.5 rebounds. The Eastern Conference-leading overcame Washington’s fast start to beat the rebounds and six blocks to help the Jazz roll on Denver 14 20 .412 12 Boston 11 20 .355 12 Utah 12 22 .353 14 Hawks (25-8) led by as many as 20 points in the Wizards for the 17th straight time. San Antonio the second night of a back-to-back. The Jazz (12- NY Knicks 5 30 .143 20 second half. has won 14 straight home games against 22) have won six of their last nine games. Minnesota 5 27 .156 20 Philadelphia 4 28 .125 19.5 Pacific Division Washington, but this was among the more unex- Andrew Wiggins scored 20 points, but the Central Division Golden State 26 5 .839 - ROCKETS 115, HEAT 79 pected. With Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard Timberwolves shot just 39.5 percent and missed Chicago 24 10 .706 - LA Clippers 23 11 .676 4.5 James Harden scored 28 points, Dwight injured and Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili 10 of their first 11 3-pointers to fall to 5-27. They Cleveland 19 14 .576 4.5 Howard added 23 and the Rockets rebounded struggling, the Spurs turned to the role players have won just once in their last 18 games. Milwaukee 17 17 .500 7 Phoenix 19 16 .543 9 quite nicely from their most lopsided loss of the that helped them win a championship last sea- Indiana 13 21 .382 11 Sacramento 14 19 .424 13 season. Coach Kevin McHale said his team was son. Tiago Splitter scored 16 points and Patty BULLS 109, CELTICS 104 Detroit 9 23 .281 14 LA Lakers 10 23 .303 17 “terrible” in a 111-83 loss at New Orleans on Mills had 15 for San Antonio. Bradley Beal and Pau Gasol had 29 points, 16 rebounds and Southeast Division Southwest Division Friday night. But the Rockets used a 19-point John Wall led the Wizards with 15 points each. five blocked shots, leading Chicago to the win. Atlanta 25 8 .758 - Memphis 24 9 .727 - second quarter from Howard to build a double- Aaron Brooks added 19 points for the Bulls, who Washington 22 11 .667 3 Dallas 24 10 .706 0.5 digit lead against Miami, and then put together a CLIPPERS 127, 76ERS 91 won for the ninth time in 10 games. Taj Gibson Miami 14 20 .412 11.5 Houston 23 10 .697 1 big run in the third before coasting to their Chris Paul had 24 points and 12 assists, JJ and Derrick Rose had 12 points apiece. Orlando 13 24 .351 14 San Antonio 21 14 .600 4 biggest win of the season. Dwyane Wade and Redick added 17 points and the Clippers earned Evan Turner scored 24 of his 29 points after Charlotte 11 24 .314 15 New Orleans 17 16 .515 7 Chris Bosh scored 15 apiece for Miami, which has their third consecutive victory. Blake Griffin halftime, but Boston dropped to 2-6 since trad- lost four in a row. scored 15 points and DeAndre Jordan had 10 ing Rajon Rondo to Dallas on Dec. 18. Avery rebounds to help send the NBA-worst 76ers to Bradley had 17 points for the Celtics. HORNETS 98, MAGIC 90 Victor Oladipo scored 21 points for the Magic, NUGGETS 114, GRIZZLIES 85 their sixth straight loss against the Clippers. They The Bulls were without starters Jimmy Butler Kemba Walker scored 30 points, and the and Nik Vucevic had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Ty Lawson scored 25 points, rookie Jusuf ended 2014 with a 21-point win over the lowly (bereavement leave) and Mike Dunleavy (right Hornets stopped a five-game losing streak. Tobias Harris also had a double-double with 18 Nurkic provided a lift inside by blocking a career- Knicks and built an early 19-point lead against ankle). Rookie Nikola Mirotic scored 10 points in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 17 points and 12 points and 11 boards. best five shots, and Denver ended a three game the even worse 76ers. It didn’t entirely hold up, his first start. The Celtics were coming off a 119- rebounds for Charlotte, which dropped each of Orlando has lost three in a row. The Hornets losing streak. Arron Afflalo added 23 points and with the Sixers cutting their deficit to four in the 101 loss to Rondo and the Mavericks on Friday its first two games this season against Orlando. outscored the Magic 30-9 in the second quarter, Kenneth Faried had 13 points and 13 rebounds third. Tony Wroten scored 27 points, Robert night. Jared Sullinger scored 16 points in Gary Neal added 16 points, and Cody Zeller fin- including a 22-0 run in the final seven minutes of as the Nuggets kept up their mastery of Covington added 23 and former UCLA star Luc Boston’s fourth consecutive road loss. ished with 12. the period. — AP Serena welcomes Perth Djokovic tests his fitness in Doha heat as Bouchard wilts DOHA: Novak Djokovic will start the 2015 ATP World Doha, and although he declined to do a press confer- Djokovic has competed in the opening week of a season. PERTH: World number one Serena Williams backed the searing Perth tour season by playing doubles to determine whether ence yesterday, he expects to make an exploratory start And there are significant advantages for the seven-time he is fit enough to begin the new year with a bid for a on Monday, in partnership with young compatriot Filip Grand Slam winner to try to do this. conditions as perfect preparation for her Australian Open title bid but 49th career title. Krajinovic. Not only might it aid his preparation for a bid to the weather proved too hot for Canadian Eugenie Bouchard, who was Doubts were cast over the world number one’s ability If that goes well, Djokovic would begin an attempt to regain the Australian Open title starting in Melbourne in thrashed in yesterday’s Hopman Cup opener. to make a prompt start to what could be a history-mak- succeed title-holder Rafael Nadal with a debut match in two weeks’ time, it might even boost a belief that he can Williams will pair up with John Isner for the United States in the ing year by the fever which caused his withdrawal from the Qatar Open against another fellow Serb Dusan complete a career Grand Slam in Paris in June. The mixed-team event in Western Australia this week as the 18-times the final of the Abu Dhabi exhibition on Saturday. Lajovic on Tuesday. French Open is the only Grand Slam title to have eluded grand slam singles champion bids for a sixth title at the Melbourne Djokovic was nevertheless well enough to travel to If he competes it will be only the third time that Djokovic, 27, and if he were to win a final next Saturday showpiece later this month. Temperatures in Perth are expected to against Nadal, even on a different hard court surface, it reach 41 degrees Celsius and Williams, who won the last of her would do no harm to his hopes of beating the nine- Australian Open titles in 2010, said she was looking forward to the times champion on the Roland Garros clay. warm feeling in Monday’s opener against Italy after a cool winter at However the chances of Djokovic actually meeting home. “If anything it’s going to help me for Melbourne,” Williams told Nadal on Saturday may not be as strong as they appear. reporters yesterday. “Perth is one of the most hottest places I’ve ever Nadal, the holder of 14 Grand Slam titles, sounded played, so it will be really good for the preparation in Melbourne, unusually downbeat about his ability to quickly recover which is always super hot. from an appendix operation, and perhaps also worries “I haven’t won in Australia for several years, but there’s also a lot of about a troublesome back. other people who want too. I’ll just have to do my best.” Nadal looked rusty as he fell 6-2, 6-0 to Andy Murray With Flavia Pennetta, Czech Lucie Safarova and Bouchard as oppo- in the Abu Dhabi semi-finals on Friday before beating nents in the round robin matches at the Hopman Cup, Williams will Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka in the third- have no dearth of quality opposition. place playoff. Asked whether the result was important to him this “The women’s field is excellent here. It’s going to be great,” the 33- week, Nadal said philosophically: “The result is sport, the year-old said. “More than anything it’s a great time to get match play result is life.” “The more matches I can play the better for and not get stressed out too much. “Usually I’m really stressed (in my health,” he said. “If I am able to win a couple of knockout tournaments), so this will be really good for me.” The 27- matches it will be fantastic. If not, I am ready to accept year-old Safarova showed she had adjusted quickest to the conditions everything, and that I will need to take time. “I hope to in Perth as she breezed past world number seven Bouchard 6-0 6-4. be competitive soon. It’s not an ideal situation in which “It’s the best way I could imagine and I started really strong and to be trying to win a title again. If I can win a couple of was pressuring her from the first point,” said the world number 16. matches, maybe the feeling will be different for me.” “I had a really hard and good off season in Florida and another It may help Nadal that his first match is against a week at home in Czech and I came here, it’s the fifth day here, so I’ve qualifier and his first significant test may not come until had time to adjust to the hot conditions.” Thursday when he could play Leonardo Mayer, the Safarova later teamed up with Adam Pavlasek, who lost his singles eighth-seeded Argentine, or Andreas Seppi, the talented match to Vasek Pospisil, to win the mixed doubles and lead Czech Italian. If he does reach Friday’s semi-finals he could play Republic to a win over Canada. World number six Agnieszka either Richard Gasquet, the Frenchman who won the Radwanska also made a winning start in her preparation for Doha title two years ago, or Tomas Berdych, the third- Melbourne, where she reached the semi-finals last year. —Reuters seeded former Wimbledon finalist from the Czech ABU DHABI: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball in this file photo. —AP Republic. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS Tigers avenge Bath humiliation

LONDON: Leicester avenged their humiliating 45-0 be drawn on speculation that Wales international five tries as Sale’s run of four wins from their previ- understrength Harlequins work far harder than they drubbing by Bath three months ago with a 17-8 vic- fly-half Rhys Priestland will join the team from the ous five games came to an end. can have expected for their 24-13 victory. tory over the Premiership high-fliers at Welford Scarlets after the World Cup. Back rowers Ashley Johnson and Nathan Hughes Karl Dickson, Marland Yarde, Tom Williams and Road yesterday. “Recruitment is ongoing, and we’ve got two or also touched down for Wasps, with Andy Goode replacement Kyle Sinckler scored tries for the Second-placed Bath’s run of five successive three (players) still to get in place for next season,” kicking 16 points. “All in all I’m really pleased with Quins with Tim Swiel kicking two conversions. league wins came to a halt as an early Tom Youngs was all Ford would say. Priestland, 27, has won 32 how it’s gone,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Paul Rowley scored Welsh’s try with Will Robinson try and four Owen Williams penalties saw Leicester Wales caps, but is currently behind Ospreys star Dan Young of the team’s new Ricoh Arena home. kicking two penalties and a conversion. “We are claim a 17-8 victory. George Ford kicked Bath’s soli- Biggar in the Wales fly-half pecking order. “We’ve had two big performances here and two not a team that going to roll over as you saw tary penalty, but he missed the 80th-minute con- Wasps moved into the top five with a 41-16 win big crowds, we’ve got to keep that going and turn today,” said London Welsh coach Justin Burnell. version of Ross Batty’s try that would have at least over Sale to follow their 48-16 rout of London Irish this into a real fortress for us as soon as possible.” “We’ve got nothing to lose now and hopefully our given the visitors a losing bonus point. in their first match at their new Coventry home. London Welsh went down to their 12th performances can improve to put us in good stead After the match, Bath coach Mike Ford refused to Scrum-half Joe Simpson scored two of his side’s Premiership loss in 12 games but they made an for next season.” — AFP

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ARGENTINA: Peugeot’s driver Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz of Spain compete during the 2015 Dakar Rally stage one between Buenos Aires and Villa Carlos Paz. — AFP

ARGENTINA: Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah in a Mini won the but we got off to a good start. We needed to know where Honda and 1min 12secs ahead of last year’s winner Marc were expected to prevent the Minis from completing first stage of the Dakar Rally yesterday between Buenos everyone stands,” said Al-Attiyah. “We might be able to be Coma on a KTM. “It’s difficult to judge your strategy based another clean sweep of the auto podium. Aires and Villa Carlos Paz as the annual race got underway more aggressive tomorrow. There were a few tricky spots on the first day because you still don’t know who’s pulled Peterhansel took second place last year for Mini behind in front of huge crowds. where we didn’t take any risks. The car worked perfectly.” out all the stops,” said Sunderland. then teammate Roma. Peugeot won the Dakar for four suc- Al-Attiyah, who won the title with Volkswagen in 2011, Peterhansel, an 11-time champion, admitted that he did “It’s also important not to go all in, you’ve got to leave cessive years from 1987-1990 when it was still staged in clocked 1 hour 12 minutes for the 170 kilometre timed sec- not drive flat out with a marathon stint to follow over the something for the other stages. “However, I think I had a Africa. This year’s event, the seventh in South America since tion of 833km stage. That was 22 secs faster than next two weeks. “It was a bit stressful to tackle the first spe- good special and that’s always a reason to be happy. The its enforced transfer for security reasons from Africa, is the Argentina’s Orlando Terranova, also in a Mini, and 1min cial when you don’t know how strong you are,” said the bike didn’t miss a beat.” This year’s rally features a gruelling 37th of all time. The 2014 race takes the Dakar caravan 04secs ahead of American Robby Gordon behind the Frenchman. “We eased into the race, without taking too 9,000 kilometres trek through Argentina, Chile and Bolivia from the Atacama, the driest spot on the planet, to the wheel of a Hummer. Veteran Peugeot drivers Carlos Sainz many risks, gently, keeping a watchful eye on all the dials... before arriving back in Buenos Aires for a January 17 finish. Iquique dunes and crossing the Andes at the highest point and Stephane Peterhansel placed sixth and seventh We’re trying to learn about the car. We had no clue how far Former winners Sainz and Peterhansel were spearhead- on Argentina’s Route 40, the 4,970m mountain pass of Abra respectively at 2 mins 06secs and 2 mins 35secs, but last we could go.” In the motorbike section, Britain’s Sam ing the Peugeot campaign as the French car-makers del Acay. In all, there will be 4,600km of special stages year’s winner, Nani Roma, struggled in his Mini to end the Sunderland on a KTM was fastest in 1hr 18min 57secs, five returned to the Dakar Rally for the first time in 25 years. including a 781km time trial from the Bolivian city of Uyuni day some 20 minutes behind. “The stage was a bit too fast, seconds faster than Paulo Goncalves of Portugal on a Their ultimate goal was to win but at the very least they to Chile’s Pacific Coast. — AFP Shiffrin dominates slalom

ZAGREB: US teenager Mikaela Shiffrin won her second World Cup slalom race of the season in Zagreb yesterday with Austria’s Kathrin Zettel in second and Nina Loeseth of Norway third. Reigning Olympic and world champion Shiffrin from Vail, Colorado, produced a technically impec- cable performance to dominate the first run. She stayed focussed second time out and dominated the opposition with a 1.68 seconds overall advance over Zettel. It was the 19-year-old’s second slalom victory this season after she won at Kuhtai, Austria on Monday. It was also her second victory at Sljeme, a mountain peak over- looking Zagreb, where Croatia’s skiing stars-the Kostelic siblings Janica and Ivica made their skiing debuts. Shiffrin won the Zagreb slalom in 2013. Last year the race was not held due to unfavourable weather conditions. “If I enjoy it I know that I will be a good run” which was the case Sunday, a gleeful and smiling Shiffrin told reporters. “I feel like I’m in complete control of myself (on skis) for the first time in my life!” “I felt like I skied very well in the first run and I attacked the course” in the second, she said. “I try to go as fast as I can as soon as I can ... I like skiing fast!” Zettel echoed the American’s view: “It’s great to look at Mikaela. She is skiing smoothly, it looks easy. It’s impor- tant not to lose fun (in skiing).” The 28-year-old Austrian said she liked the Sljeme slope as it was long and steep. “I have problems with easy and flat slopes. I like this one. I’m glad I ended up second.” Norway’s Loeseth made the first podium of her career but said she hoped it was just the start. “It’s a good feeling. I’ve been fighting so hard. It came later than I anticipated. I’m not finished yet, but it’s a good start,” the 25-year-old said. “I love this hill, atmosphere ... the course is long and tough. I looked at Mikaela and how cool and cold she was, it inspired me.” Sweden’s Frida Hansdotter was fourth while World Cup overall leader Tina Maze, who was touted to be the favourite on Sunday along with Shiffrin, came in fifth. The 31-year-old Slovenian has ZAGREB: Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States crosses the finish line to win an alpine ski, women’s World Cup slalom in Sljeme. — AP one win in slalom this season, but has never won at Sljeme. For the win Shiffrin received a crystal crown as the Zagreb slalom is dubbed the Snow Queen Trophy in honour of Freitag wins Four Hills Janica Kostelic who was known as the “Snow Queen.” Kostelic, the first woman to win four golds in Olympic INNSBRUCK: Germany’s Richard Freitag won the third but the German pulled ahead after his second attempt — Veterans Simon Ammann, 33, and Japan’s Noriaki skiing history, retired from competitive skiing in 2007 at round of the Four Hills at Innsbruck yesterday ahead 132m to the Austrian’s 127m. Kasai, 42, tied for third place on Sunday. It was the 78th the age of 25 due to long-standing health and injury prob- of home hope Stefan Kraft who moved closer to the Kraft won the first leg in Oberstdorf on December 28 career podium for Switzerland’s Ammann. The final event lems. In the World Cup slalom standings, after five races, overall title. and finished sixth at Garmisch-Partenkirchen on New of the Four Hills takes place Tuesday at Bischofhofen in Shiffrin is currently second with 319 points only one point Freitag, 23, and Kraft, 21, were level after the first jump Year’s Day, to take the overall lead in the tournament. Austria. — Reuters behind leader Hansdotter. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 SPORTS Celtic boss not concerned at conceding title lead

GLASGOW: Celtic manager Ronny Deila insists he isn’t the Hoops lost just once. However, Deila, whose side in the league but we have to keep progressing. recently and we’ve not been converting the chances overly concerned by his side losing their lead at the have a game in hand over the Dons, pointed out that “It’s going to be an exciting run towards the end of that we’ve been creating, so we’ve been training hard top of the Scottish Premiership to Aberdeen. Celtic’s fate remains within their own hands and is the season. Aberdeen are on a good run and that’s and working hard to improve, and I think you’ll see The Dons moved a point ahead of the Hoops with confident their experience means they can handle the why they are challengers. “It is still in our hands, if we that against Kilmarnock on Monday night.” The Hoops a 2-0 win over St Johnstone on New Year’s Day while pressure of a title race. “Our players are used to fight- win all our games we’ll be league winners. “It is early could welcome back winger James Forrest and Celtic’s match away to Glasgow rivals Partick Thistle ing for a championship. They’ve been in this situation though to start talking about it. There are 19 games defender Jason Denayer for the match at Rugby Park was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Firhill. before. The last two seasons haven’t maybe been so left, 20 for us, so we’ll see how things are when there’s but striker Anthony Stokes will miss out along with Deila’s side could find themselves four points tight. But the club and the players are used to fighting one month left.” Defender Efe Ambrose is also Mikael Lustig and Charlie Mulgrew. behind in the title race before they take on Kilmarnock for trophies, more than the other teams,” Deila said. adamant that Celtic will go on to win their fourth title Elsewhere, United can provisionally go above at Rugby Park on Monday if Aberdeen can defeat “Aberdeen are not used to being at the top. It’s in a row once the players find top gear again. “We Celtic with a win at Partick on Sunday, while Motherwell yesterday. always better to have the experience of being up know how the gaffer wants us to play and the level he Hamilton can move level on points with the champi- A defeat to Dundee United and a goalless draw there. Aberdeen have proved they can win a lot of wants us to be at, and we’re not there yet, but we’re ons with a win at St Johnstone. Inverness in fifth with Ross County in their previous two matches games but we’ll see if they can keep on winning. working hard to get there, and I know that when we entertain St Mirren and bottom club Ross County go means Celtic have dropped 15 points already this sea- “If we win our game in hand we will be two points get to that level, we’ll go on and win the league,” the to Dundee, who have not won any of their last seven son - as many as the whole of the last campaign when ahead. We know what we have been doing is the best Nigerian said. “We know we’ve not been at our best league matches. —AFP

Shooting tournament at KSSC By Abdellatif Sharaa Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex from Thursday Jan 8, 2015 until Saturday KUWAIT: Kuwait Shooting Sports Club Jan 10, 2015. Competition in this tourna- will organize Mustafa Karam General ment will be in the Olympic shotgun Trading Company Cup at Sheikh Sabah (skeet, trap, double trap) for men, women, juniors and Saad Al-Abdallah Academy Shooters. KSSC Secretary General said Mustafa Karam Company Cup receives large num- ber of shooters of both genders who wish to participate and record numbers are registered in it. Al-Osaimi thanked the company on behalf of the president and board mem- bers for their support and contribution to the march of shooting. He said the com- pany extends financial and moral sup- port to shooting champions as an encouragement to their achievements in the name of their homeland Kuwait. Registration is open until 6 pm on Al-Osaimi Tuesday 6/1/2015. Kohli’s aggression adds spice to final Test

SYDNEY: Virat Kohli’s pressing task as the new methods,” India team director Ravi Shastri Test skipper is to arrest India’s woeful away said. “That’s his personality. He is aggressive, record, starting with tomorrow’s final Test passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve. against Australia in Sydney. But he’s also prepared to walk the talk. Kohli assumed the mantle as India’s new “Remember also, he’s only 26 and still getting captain following the sudden Test retirement used to captaincy. With a little luck, the of Mahendra Singh Dhoni after last week’s (series) scoreline could well have been differ- Melbourne Test, opening debate on whether ent. This is a young team that has acquitted his aggressive approach will energise the itself very creditably.” team. India have already lost the Border- Johnson believes Kohli will bring a fresh, Gavaskar Trophy with Australia holding an aggressive approach to the way India plays unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the fourth cricket. “It could be quite interesting because Test, but there is much interest in how Kohli’s they’re not known for that aggressive type of volatility will impact on the team’s fortunes. play,” Johnson said. “He’ll definitely be an India have won only one of their last 22 Tests aggressive type of captain I think in the way overseas and have been successful in only he sets fields, and I think you’ll see a lot differ- one of their 10 Tests at the Sydney Cricket ent to what MS (Dhoni) did. “He’s an interest- Ground, that sole victory coming 37 years ing character. He is a fierce competitor and he ago. Kohli has been tagged a firebrand, a really does like to get involved in it all.” LONDON: This is a Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 file photo of Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard as he celebrates scoring against Leicester during the English “spoilt brat” but has been long viewed as the Kohli skippered India for the first time in Premier League soccer match. — AP natural successor of Dhoni, who was the most the first Test in Adelaide when Dhoni was successful Test match skipper in India’s histo- recovering from a fractured thumb. Australia’s ry, winning 27 of the 60 Tests he led with 18 vice-captain Brad Haddin said there might be Gerrard begins goodbyes losses and 15 draws. some pointers from the Adelaide Test as to Now that Dhoni has moved on, India’s how Kohli will handle things at the SCG. immediate Test future lies in Kohli’s hands and “I think what happened in Adelaide was it will be a fascinating sub-plot to this week’s we won the big moments,” Haddin said. “It amid echoes of 1988 Sydney Test. Australia will be weakened by was a good game and there were some out- the loss of ICC Cricketer of the Year and pace standing performances from Kohli and a few spearhead Mitchell Johnson with hamstring of the Indian batsmen.” LONDON: Steven Gerrard will begin his achieve, and it would be brilliant for us as a Wimbledon’s team that day contained trouble, opening the way for Kohli and his The Sydney Test will also be played against farewell tour of English football today when team and for him personally to get something future Chelsea captain Dennis Wise and future other in-form team-mates Murali Vijay and the poignant backdrop of the Phillip Hughes Liverpool visit fourth-tier AFC Wimbledon for in his last year.” Gerrard has been used spar- Hollywood film star Vinnie Jones, while their Ajinkya Rahane to get among the runs again. tragedy. Test batsman Hughes was fatally All are averaging above 58 in this series, struck by a short-pitched ball in a domestic an FA Cup third-round tie rich in historical sig- ingly by manager Brendan Rodgers over the ‘Crazy Gang’ approach was encapsulated by with Kohli matching his Australian counter- game at the SCG in late November and sever- nificance. Recalling as it does the 1988 final, opening months of the campaign and may bruising centre-forward John Fashanu. The part Steve Smith with three centuries, and al of his close cricketing friends on the field when the original Wimbledon stunned league start on the bench at Wimbledon’s 4,800- team disintegrated over the years that fol- only brittle tail-end batting has been the key that fateful day will be returning to the scene champions Liverpool 1-0, the match was a capacity Kingsmeadow stadium in southwest lowed and the club effectively disappeared in difference between the two sides. “Captains during this week’s Test. A number of tributes captivating fixture even before Gerrard’s London. A place in the League Cup final is 2004 when it moved 56 miles (90 kilometres) have their own personalities and the best to Hughes are planned ahead of the start of announcement on Friday that he will leave closer for Liverpool, who are scheduled to north to Milton Keynes and was rebranded as ones make players adapt to their thinking and the Test tomorrow. — AFP Anfield at the end of the season. face Chelsea in a two-legged semi-final later Milton Keynes Dons. The FA Cup gave Gerrard one of his great- this month, but Gerrard will not want a shock The move, caused by the club’s inability to est triumphs when, in 2006, he inspired FA Cup exit to tarnish his swansong. find a new stadium in the local area, left fans Liverpool to victory on penalties over West And when it comes to FA Cup upsets, there devastated, but they reacted by forming a Ham United with a brace that included a sen- is almost nothing to rival Liverpool’s loss to new club, AFC Wimbledon, in 2002. sational 35-yard equaliser in stoppage time. unfashionable Wimbledon on a sun-drenched The new team, playing in Wimbledon’s tra- Gerrard also lifted the trophy in 2001, Wembley afternoon 27 years ago. ditional colors of royal blue with yellow trim, when Liverpool came from behind to beat Having romped to the league title by nine began life in English football’s ninth tier, but Arsenal 2-1, and victory in May’s final would points, a Liverpool team containing club after five promotions in eight years, they go some way towards healing the pain of last greats such as Alan Hansen and John Barnes returned to the Football League in 2011. season’s spectacular collapse in the Premier were bidding to complete a league and FA Asked what Liverpool’s visit represented League title race. Cup Double for an unprecedented second for the club, AFC Wimbledon chief executive Gerrard will turn 35 on the day of the final time. Wimbledon, who had been playing in Erik Samuelson, who was present at and his midfield colleague Jordan Henderson England’s fourth division just five years previ- Wembley in 1988, told Britain’s Press believes lifting the FA Cup would be the per- ously, were expected to provide cannon fod- Association: “Dreams.” He added: “That’s fect way for the club’s inspirational captain to der, with the British press predicting one of what it is all about. It is a chance to dream sign off. “That’d be nice for him, because he the most one-sided FA Cup finals ever. But about what might happen and fond imagin- deserves something like that for how good after Lawrie Sanchez broke the deadlock with ings of the end result. “I want people to he’s been over so many years for Liverpool,” a 37th-minute header, Dave Beasant became come away thinking this is a decent club, Henderson told the BBC. the first goalkeeper to save an FA Cup final they know how to do things properly and “Hopefully we can go on to win the cup. penalty when he thwarted John Aldridge, and they’re respectful, but they gave them a That’s the aim, that’s what we hope to Wimbledon claimed a place in history. hard time on the pitch.” — AFP Nadal, Djokovic, Federer set for another gripping season

DOHA: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic lead rently ranked three behind Djokovic and “There are only two or three weeks left for the Qatar Open field from today while, Federer. “If I become number one because of the Australian Open and I hope to arrive there 12,000km away in Brisbane, Roger Federer my results, then great. But I’m not going to pur- feeling well, but I’m aware two weeks might starts his 18th year on the tour as tennis heads sue this objective. Instead I will follow my not be enough to be back at a hundred per- for another gripping season. schedule.” That is because, well into his 29th cent.” The Doha seedings suggest he should The details of Nadal’s plan to preserve his year, Nadal is making one of his greatest goals face world number one Djokovic in Saturday’s hopes of one day becoming the most success- to play as many remaining years as possible. final, but a fever caused the world number ful player of all time may become clearer when “What I won’t do is put at risk the best years one’s withdrawal from the final of the weekend he starts his title defence at Qatar. of my career to get the number one spot,” he exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. It remains to be Although the Spaniard is almost five years emphasised. This was a policy Federer adopted seen whether he recovers enough to make his younger than Federer, and is only three Grand a couple of years ago, something which has first appearance in Doha. Slams behind his all-time record of 17, chang- helped him, at 33, to remain a serious con- Djokovic, who picked up his seventh major ing his goals and his schedule will be vital if he tender. Preserving his physical condition is a at Wimbledon in 2014, became a father only is to surpass the Swiss genius. After an appen- precondition for Nadal preserving his career as three months ago and has been taking advice dectomy cut short a 2014 season which also well, though he has mental repair work as well. from Federer on how best to cope with having brought problems with his back and wrist, After missing the whole of the 2014 a family on tour. The only thing which has pre- Nadal has accepted that stringent compromis- American hard court season and not compet- vented the 27-year-old Serb from joining es are required. ing since October 24, the effect of these Federer and Nadal in the career Grand Slam The wear and tear of more than 850 match- absences is important. club is the absence of the French Open title, es has left Nadal unable to sustain intense “It wasn’t a negative season in terms of all the rectifying of which has become his biggest physical pressure for long periods, and has results, it was negative in terms of mentality career goal. He will try again at Roland Garros caused him to give up ambitions of ever again because it was hard to accept that I wasn’t able in May and June by which time both Djokovic’s being world number one. “That won’t be a goal to compete for the whole year,” nine-time state of mind and Nadal’s physical fitness may INDIA: In this photograph taken on September 2, 2012, Indian batsman Virat Kohli in my career any more,” says Nadal, who is cur- French Open champion Nadal conceded. be better understood. —AFP raises his bat after scoring a century. — AP Sangakkara Qatar’s Al-Attiyah double gives Sri makes winning Lanka16 control start18 to Dakar MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Gerrard begins goodbyes amid echoes of 1988 Page 19

LONDON: Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez (right) competes for the ball with Hull’s Harry Maguire (left) during the English FA Cup third round soccer match. — AP Big guns progress in FA Cup Blades cut down QPR LONDON: Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City City’s cross-town rivals Manchester United also Sheffield United, who reached last season’s semi- headed home a right-wing cross from Connor Jennings. and holders Arsenal reached the FA Cup fourth round recorded a hard-fought victory over lower-league oppo- finals and face Tottenham Hotspur in the last four of this But with another famous upset beckoning, Marko yesterday, while third-tier Sheffield United demonstrat- sition, winning 2-0 at third-tier Yeovil Town. season’s League Cup, won 3-0 at QPR via a Marc McNulty Arnautovic stabbed home an equaliser in the 80th ed their cup pedigree by eliminating Queens Park United manager Louis van Gaal named a strong side goal and a second-half brace from Jamal Campbell-Ryce. minute before Stephen Ireland claimed a late brace to Rangers. featuring Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao for his first QPR became the second top-flight team to be knocked send Mark Hughes’s side through. Arsenal progressed after winning 2-0 at home to Hull FA Cup tie, but had to wait until the 64th minute for out in the third round following Newcastle United’s 1-0 “I thought we were going out, to be perfectly honest,” City in a repeat of last season’s final, which saw Arsene Ander Herrera to put the visitors in front with a glorious, loss at Leicester City on Saturday. said Hughes, who used to watch Wrexham as a boy. Alan Wenger’s side end their nine-year trophy drought by looping strike from 20 yards. “We know we can come and compete with top Pardew made a winning start to life as manager of coming from behind to win 3-2. Yeovil continued to press, but United killed the game teams,” said Sheffield United first-team coach Chris Crystal Palace, who won 4-0 at non-league Dover The reunion with Steve Bruce’s Hull was a less dramat- off in the last minute when Rooney freed substitute Morgan. “It’s great to have a run in the cup-great for sup- Athletic thanks to a first-half double by centre-back ic affair. Per Mertesacker headed Arsenal in front from Angel di Maria to run through and chip home. porters and for the revenue of the club.” Southampton Scott Dann and goals from Dwight Gayle and Kevin Alexis Sanchez’s 20th-minute corner and Sanchez sealed “I had expected this,” Van Gaal told the BBC. “It is were taken to a replay by Championship side Ipswich Doyle. Pardew was appointed Palace manager on victory with a precise shot eight minutes from time. always difficult to play against a team like this, who play Town after a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s, while it took a power- Saturday after leaving Newcastle. Premier League joint-leaders Manchester City were long balls. You have to fight and they gave us a lot of ful late effort by Christian Benteke for Aston Villa to over- Meanwhile, Sunderland repeated their victory over given a scare by second-tier Sheffield Wednesday before pressure.” come second-tier Blackpool 1-0. Leeds United in the 1973 final with an identical 1-0 coming through 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a Chelsea enjoyed a rather more straightforward victo- Meanwhile, non-league Wrexham of the fifth-tier home win over the Championship club courtesy of a 91st-minute winner from James Milner. ry, winning 3-0 at home to second-division Watford Football Conference came within 10 minutes of creating 33rd-minute effort by Dutch left-back Patrick van Wednesday had lost 7-0 at City in the League Cup in courtesy of second-half strikes by Willian, Loic Remy and another piece of FA Cup history, only to lose 3-1 at top- Aanholt. Tottenham travel to Burnley on Monday in a September, but they took a 14th-minute lead through Kurt Zouma. flight Stoke City. repeat of the 1962 final, which Spurs won, while Atdhe Nuhiu, only for Milner, on his 29th birthday, to It could prove a positive omen for Jose Mourinho’s The Welsh side, who knocked out holders Arsenal in Liverpool visit third-tier AFC Wimbledon for a tie that equalise in the 66th minute before snatching a last-gasp side, as Chelsea beat Watford en route to glory in the the third round in January 1992, went 1-0 up in the 73rd recalls the original Wimbledon’s shock victory in the winner. competition in 1970, 2009 and 2010. minute at the Britannia Stadium when Mark Carrington 1988 final. — AFP Valencia end Real’s 22-match winning run

MADRID: Valencia came from behind to snap late the group who trained all week for this.” deflected shot come back off the post in the Real Madrid’s winning streak at 22 games and Roared on by a vociferous home support, last action of the opening period. blow the La Liga title race wide open with a 2- Valencia started with the same intensity that Valencia also started the second-half in the 1 win at Mestalla yesterday. had rocked Atletico Madrid and Barcelona on ascendency as Gomes sent another shot fly- Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half penalty had the their visits to Mestalla previously this season. ing inches wide, but they were finally reward- visitors on course for a four-point lead at the top, However, they couldn’t convert that enthu- ed when Pepe this time turned a low drive but Valencia roared back after the break with siasm into chances and instead went behind from Barragan past the helpless Iker Casillas. goals from Antonio Barragan and Nicolas on 19 minutes when Alvaro Negredo handled Bale had a great chance to restore Madrid’s Otamendi to move back above Sevilla into fourth. Gareth Bale’s flick on from Toni Kroos’s free- lead when he galloped in behind the Valencia Madrid now lead Barcelona by just a point kick and Ronaldo duly stepped up to fire defence seven minutes later, however the with both sides having played 16 games, but home his 33rd goal of the season from the Welshman was denied by a fine saving chal- the Catalans can move to the top with victory penalty spot. lenge from Otamendi. away to Real Sociedad later on Sunday. The World Player of the Year should have And just moments later, the Argentine cen- “I don’t think we deserved to lose,” said doubled his tally and his side’s lead 12 min- tre-back was the star at the other end of the Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. “We just didn’t utes later when Bale’s deflected cross fell per- pitch as he towered above Ramos to power a have the luck to score when we had the fectly into his path, but after rounding Diego header high past Casillas. chances to make it 2-0, then to go ahead 2-1 Alves, Ronaldo could only turn the ball into Barragan should have given the hosts a and finally at the end when we had many the side-netting with the goal gaping. two-goal cushion when he shot wide with just chances to make it 2-2.”Victory for Valencia, A slew of yellow cards then followed as ref- Casillas to beat at the end of a lovely move. meanwhile, was a huge boost to start the year eree Jesus Gil Manzano dished out seven book- The European champions rallied in the final they hope will culminate with a return to the ings inside the opening 45 minutes, but the 15 minutes, but couldn’t find an equaliser as Champions League. lack of flow seemed to benefit Valencia as they Ramos sent a header inches wide before Alves “They are three very important points,” ended the half the stronger. Barragan should denied Isco with a brilliant save from point- Otamendi told Canal Plus. “It was a key game have done better when he fired straight at blank range and Otamendi cleared the dan- SPAIN: Real Madrid’s Pepe (left) duels for the ball with Valencia’s Andre Gomes to start 2015 well. We have started this year Pepe when well-placed inside the area and the ger before a Madrid player could pounce on (right) during a Spanish La Liga soccer match. — AP like we ended last year. We need to congratu- visitors were fortunate to see Andre Gomes’s the rebound. —AFP Gulf stock markets soft after oil slips

Page 22 Business Bleak 2015 for Spaniards stillengul fed by economic crisis MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 Page 23 New hope and old woes as Detroit Homeless residents make lives in Spanish airport exits bankruptcy Page 26 Page 25

VILNIUS: Salesperson Jurga Butkute shows euro banknotes in a shop in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Baltic state of Lithuania early Thursday became the 19th European Union member to adopt the joint European currency, the euro. — AP Merkel under fire over possible ‘Grexit’

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel came under under an EU bailout programme. fire yesterday over a magazine report suggesting she “Greece has fulfilled its obligations in the past. The gov- would be prepared to let Greece exit the euro should a far- ernment assumes that Greece will continue to meet its left party win a snap Greek election. contractual commitments,” spokesman Georg Streiter told Der Spiegel news weekly quoted government sources AFP. as saying Berlin sees a Greek exit from the eurozone as But a leading member of the CDU, Christian Baeumler, “almost inevitable” should the radical leftist Syriza party slammed what he saw as the lackadaisical way in which a win the vote and abandon Athens’ current austerity possible Grexit was being conjectured. course. “If anyone believes a Greek exit is manageable, they Both Merkel and her finance minister Wolfgang should show exactly what costs can expected and make Schaeuble had come to consider that Greece’s departure the necessary funds available,” Baeumler told the business from the single-currency bloc would be “manageable”, the daily Handelsblatt in its online edition. magazine said. The recovery underway in other formerly problem ‘Extremely risky’ economies such as Ireland and Portugal, the establish- Should Greece quit the euro, it would not reimburse its ment of a permanent eurozone bailout fund and the cre- debts and “Germany will have to shoulder a signicant por- ation of a banking union had all bolstered Berlin’s belief tion of the burden,” he said. that the contagion from a fresh Greek crisis would be lim- The conservative daily Die Welt accused the govern- ited, it added. ment of interfering in the Greek election campaign and Greece’s parliament was dissolved Wednesday after the warned such a tactic was “extremely risky” and could easily assembly failed to agree on a successor to outgoing backfire. President Karolos Papoulias in three successive votes. A It might fuel Greeks’ discontentment with Germany and snap election has now been called for January 25. Syriza is thereby boost support for Tsipras and his party, the news- currently ahead in opinion polls. paper suggested. ATHENS: A man holds a bag with food as he leaves a New Year’s meal for homeless organized by municipality of German media saw the Spiegel article as an attempt by That would contribute to instability in Greece and Athens. Homelessness has increased dramatically during the financial crisis in Greece, which has depended on Merkel and Schaeuble to put pressure on Greeks and might even spark a bank run, where bank customers international rescue loans for more than four years. The campaign for Greece’s general election is now underway, Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras, who has vowed to end austeri- scramble to withdraw their deposits, it argued. with the country’s conservative prime minister claiming his anti-bailout opponents would “lead the country to ty policies. Bernd Riexinger, head of the opposition leftist Die default.” — AP Neither Merkel’s office nor Schaeuble’s finance ministry Linke party, accused Merkel of trying to destabilise Greece would confirm or deny the Spiegel report, which drew ahead of the elections. compelling Athens to reintroduce the drachma. affairs, Michael Roth, had already warned about the con- condemnation from members of both Merkel’s conserva- In theory, there is no mechanism allowing eurozone The SPD laid the blame for the report at the CDU’s door. sequences of a Greek exit. tive CDU party and the Social Democrats (SPD), the junior countries to withdraw from the single currency. “A change in the government’s line? More a serious “Greece is a member of the eurozone. And must remain partners in her coalition government. But there is speculation in Berlin that Greece might mistake on the part of the CDU,” tweeted the deputy head so. Nothing must be invoked which would prove to be A government spokesman insisted that Berlin was con- abandon its bailout commitments, forcing the European of the SPD’s parliamentary faction. economically and politically unwise,” he wrote on his fident Athens would meet its commitments to its creditors Central Bank to cut off refinancing for Greek banks and On Saturday, the SPD’s secretary of state for European Twitter account. — AFP France’s 75% ‘supertax’ dies with few mourners

PARIS: Once a flagship policy of French President al the original plan to levy the tax on all individuals he wrote at the time. French football clubs were also Even by its own standards, the tax was largely a Francois Hollande, the 75-percent “supertax” on top earning one million euros ($1.2 million). horrified, saying the tax made it difficult to attract failure-the watered-down version brought in minimal earners limps into its final weeks this month having The government came back with a version that top-flight talent. revenue and did little to tackle wealth inequalities. sparked plenty of controversy but few economic made companies pay the 75-percent rate only for the Clubs in Ligue 1 and 2 threatened to strike in late It also had a limited impact on the government’s results. portion of employees’ salaries above the million-euro 2013 although they found it hard to rally much sym- efforts to balance its books and pay off ballooning It was no surprise that the policy, which expires on ceiling. pathy for the multi-millionaires at clubs like Paris debts. Still more damaging was the way it added to February 1, would be quietly dropped: it was only But by then, it had already become a symbol of Saint-Germain, where more than 10 players qualified the perception of France as “anti-business”, an image ever slated to last two years and the Socialist govern- France’s opposition to big business and attracted for the tax. that was gleefully exploited across the Channel in ment has for months declared it would not be high-profile derision. Britain where Prime Minister David Cameron said he renewed. Actor Gerard Depardieu stormed out of the coun- Shifting right would “roll out the red carpet” for French executives The tax had also been watered down until it was try in a huff over the tax and took up Russian citizen- The fate of the supertax mirrored the wider trajec- fleeing the supertax. barely a shadow of the “exceptional contribution to ship in 2013. It was reported he only paid six-percent tory of the troubled Socialist presidency, which was Facing record unemployment, a sluggish economy solidarity” proclaimed by Hollande when he came to tax in his new home. elected in a surge of left-wing enthusiasm but has and unable to meet European borrowing limits, power in 2012. “I am leaving because you consider that success, been forced to temper its initial approach in a desper- Hollande has since taken his country in a very differ- France’s top court had declared as unconstitution- creation, talent-anything different-must be punished,” ate bid to escape the country’s economic quagmire. ent direction. — AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 Dubai passes first deficit-free budget since crisis

DUBAI: Dubai announced adoption of a balanced while revenues are projected to be up 11 percent. Abdulrahman al-Saleh, said six percent of spending, or The remaining 13 percent is for infrastructure proj- budget for 2015, the first time there has been no Dubai is one of the seven emirates in the United $670 million, is tagged for servicing an estimated ects, he said. Tax revenue is projected to rise 12 per- shortfall since the global financial crisis. Arab Emirates. Its non-oil economy has posted budget some $80 billion in debt. cent to make up 21 percent of total revenues. Unlike Spending and revenues are both projected at 41 deficits since 2009 after being hit hard by the global About 37 percent of spending is allocated for other Gulf states and sister emirate Abu Dhabi, oil billion dirhams ($11.2 billion/9.3 billion euros), accord- financial crisis and debt problems before being bailed wages and salaries and another 44 percent for admin- income is projected to contribute only 4.0 percent of ing to an official statement cited by the official WAM out by fellow emirate Abu Dhabi. istrative and public expenditures, capital spending, Dubai’s revenues, Saleh said. Dubai’s economy news agency. Spending is set at 9.0 percent higher, The director of Dubai’s finance department, grants and subsidies, Saleh said. depends on real estate, tourism and hospitality. — AFP

Draghi says price risks rising in eurozone

BERLIN: The eurozone faces a growing “We are in technical preparations to risk of unstable prices, the head of the adjust the size, speed and compositions European Central Bank said in an inter- of our measures in early 2015, should it view published, at a time when concerns become necessary to react to too long a are mounting the bloc could slip into period of low inflation,” he said. deflation. The ECB has already used several tools “The risk that we do not fulfil our to push inflation in the 19 members of mandate of price stability is higher than the eurozone back up to the 2.0 percent six months ago,” ECB chief Mario Draghi annual rate it regards as healthy, includ- was quoted as saying by German finan- ing asset purchases and making cheap cial newspaper Handelsblatt. loans available to banks. Eurozone inflation slipped to 0.3 per- It is also currently examining the pos- cent in November, an alarmingly low lev- sibility of large-scale purchases of sover- el that the ECB warned could drop even eign debt, so-called “quantitative easing” further this year due to a slump in oil or “QE,” to help jump-start the European prices. Union’s moribund economy. The slowdown has stoked fears the Draghi told Handelsblatt the bloc like- single-currency bloc could even fall into ly faces “a long period of weakness more deflation, a dangerous downward spiral than a crisis,” but said he was “cautiously of falling prices that can strangle eco- optimistic” that the bank’s measures nomic growth and drain government would be enough to return all eurozone coffers. Draghi said the risk of deflation members to growth in 2015. was “limited” but said the European He also called on EU governments to Central Bank’s governing council was accelerate reforms to reduce bureaucra- “unanimous” that the bank would inter- cy and cut red tape to make their coun- vene to stabilise prices if necessary. tries more competitive. — AFP

MOSCOW: In this file, Sergei Romanchuk, a trader of at Metallinvestbank looks at the screens in Moscow, Russia. Concern is strong in the rooms UAE cooling firm Tabreed where stock traders anxiously monitor their screens. The ruble’s fall, the plunge in world oil prices and the sanctions’ denial of access to Western raises 2.6bn dirham loan credit have all dealt a blow to the Russian economy. Traders are looking for hopeful signs. — AP

DUBAI: United Arab Emirates utility Tabreed Tabreed, which has 67 district cooling has raised a 2.6 billion dirham ($707.9 million) plants across the Gulf, did not respond to Gulf stock markets seven-year loan facility from three banks, two Reuters requests for comment. The sources banking sources familiar with the matter said spoke on condition of anonymity as they are yesterday. not authorised to speak to the media. National Central Cooling Co., Tabreed’s for- The loan was arranged by Abu Dhabi mal name, has split the loan into two parts: Commercial Bank , First Gulf Bank and soft after oil slips 1.6 billion dirhams is a term loan which will Mashreq, the sources said, adding the fund- be repaid at the end of the loan’s life, with the ing was completed at the very end of 2014. rest structured as an amortising facility, which Abu Dhabi fund Mubadala holds a 13.4 Saudi’s Advanced Petrochemical rises on 2014 results means repayments will be made during the percent stake in Tabreed, with a further 19.9 seven years. percent owned by its subsidiary General DUBAI: Most Gulf stock markets fell yesterday made valuations attractive. to “B” from “B-” following an Egyptian sover- The Dubai-listed firm will pay a margin of Investments FZE, according to bourse data. after Brent crude oil closed down nearly a dol- eign rating upgrade. 1.4 percent on the amortising part of the loan Tabreed’s share price fell 1.8 percent on its lar a barrel at $56.42 on Friday and many UAE and 1.9 percent on the remaining chunk, one first day of trading in 2015. It slumped by investors remained absent from the markets Dubai’s index dropped 2.3 percent. SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS of the sources said. around 55 percent last year. — Reuters for extended holiday breaks. Heavyweight developer Emaar Properties fell Although markets have become less prone 1.8 percent, while builder Arabtec Holding, the DUBAI to panic sell-offs since Saudi Arabia most traded stock, tumbled 3.8 percent. The index dropped 2.3 percent to 3,689 announced late last month a 2015 state budg- Trading volume more than halved from the points. et which maintains spending at a high level, previous session, indicating that many many buyers may choose to stay on the side- investors were either absent or unwilling to ABU DHABI lines until oil prices find a floor. open new positions. The index fell 1.7 percent to 4,451 points. Saudi Arabia’s main equities index edged Abu Dhabi’s bourse fell 1.7 percent as Abu down 0.6 percent with most sectors in the red. Dhabi Commercial Bank and Aldar Properties SAUDI ARABIA The kingdom’s market is heavily weighted tumbled 5.4 and 6.4 percent respectively. The index edged down 0.6 percent to 8,357 towards petrochemical producers, whose prof- Energy firm Dana Gas intially outperformed points. its may be hurt if oil’s weakness is prolonged. after the company said it had received $60 mil- However, shares in Advanced lion from Egypt’s government as part of over- QATAR Petrochemical Co bucked the trend and rose due receivables totalling $212 million. But the The index slipped 0.5 percent to 12,229 1.2 percent after the firm said its 2014 net stock ultimately closed 2.0 percent lower. points. profit rose 34.9 percent on higher sales vol- Qatar’s benchmark edged down 0.5 percent umes and prices as well as cheaper feedstock. while Kuwait edged up 0.2 percent. Trading vol- EGYPT The company was the first one in Saudi umes in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Kuwait also fell The index edged up 0.2 percent to 8,943 Arabia and the Gulf to report full-year results. sharply. Bourses in Oman and Bahrain were points. More positive results could buoy regional mar- closed for Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) birth- kets in coming weeks. day. KUWAIT “Despite falling oil prices, the outlook for Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s index added 0.2 The index added 0.2 percent to 6,547 ASHBURN: A clean crew member moves a ladder around after cleaning windows on new Tadawul (Saudi Arabia’s bourse) is still positive percent on the back of Commercial points. —Saudi’s Advanced Petrochemical rises homes sold in Ashburn, Virginia on Saturday. US spending on construction fell slightly in as corporate earnings remain healthy,” International Bank, which rose 1.7 percent. The on 2014 resultsSaudi’s Advanced Petrochemical November from the previous month driven by a decline in non-residential building, but National Commercial Bank said in a note on stock has gained 5.3 percent since Dec. 23, rises on 2014 resultsSaudi’s Advanced was higher from a year ago, the Commerce Department reported Friday. — AFP Friday, adding that December sell-offs had when Fitch upgraded the bank’s credit rating Petrochemical rises on 2014 results — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006500 0.006780 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Singapore Dollar 0.219084 0.225084 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019429 0.027929 Japanese Yen 2.460 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 231.71 228.71 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001887 0.002467 Indian Rupees 4.658 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 256.71 257.71 Taiwan 0.009184 0.009364 Pakistani Rupees 2.913 Turkish Lira 131.225 Swiss Franc 302.93 300.93 Thai Baht 0.008627 0.009177 Srilankan Rupees 2.227 Euro 362.08 363.08 Nepali Rupees 2.908 US Dollar 293.55 296.55 Arab Singapore Dollar 224.280 Sterling Pound 461.65 464.65 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 37.933 Bahraini Dinar 0.774044 0.782044 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Bangladesh Taka 3.763 Egyptian Pound 0.039628 0.042728 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 4.031 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.605 Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.636 4.936 Thai Baht 8.946 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007665 0.008665 Jordanian Dinar 0.410960 0.418460 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.893 3.428 British Pound 0.446302 0.455302 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.918 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004847 0.016847 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 79.77 80.23 Danish Krone 0.043732 0.048732 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024018 0.048018 Saudi Riyal 78.498 Bahraini Dinar 779.11 781.18 Euro 0.348875 0.356875 Nigerian Naira 0.001197 0.001832 Qatari Riyal 80.871 Egyptian Pound 40.93 41.53 Norwegian Krone 0.035420 0.040620 Omani Riyal 0.758265 0.763945 Omani Riyal 764.880 Jordanian Dinar 417.10 422.75 Romanian Leu 0.084402 0.084402 Qatar Riyal 0.080112 0.081325 Bahraini Dinar 781.850 Omani Riyal 761.26 768.56 Slovakia 0.008628 0.018628 Saudi Riyal 0.077830 0.078530 UAE Dirham 80.166 Qatari Riyal 80.83 81.38 Swedish Krona 0.033693 0.038693 Syrian Pound 0.001745 0.001965 Saudi Riyal 78.19 78.59 Swiss Franc 0.288286 0.298486 Tunisian Dinar 0.154106 0.162106 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.125130 0.132130 Turkish Lira 0.125130 0.132130 Egyptian Pound - Cash 42.250 UAE Dirhams 0.079132 0.080281 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.069 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001329 0.001409 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.374 Australian Dollar 0.230216 0.241716 Tunisian Dinar 158.880 New Zealand Dollar 0.220914 0.230414 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 415.430 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.975 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Syrian Lira 2.098 Canadian Dollar 0.245362 0.253862 Sterling Pound 456.630 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 330.620 US Dollars 0.290150 0.294850 Euro 366.500 US Dollar 293.650 US Dollars Mint 0.290650 0.294850 Euro 356.650 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Pound Sterlng 455.100 US Dollar Transfer 294.250 Asia UAE Dirhams 79.330 Canadian Dollar 252.600 Euro 358.130 Bangladesh Taka 0.003448 0.004048 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Indian Rupee 4.644 Sterling Pound 459.320 Chinese Yuan 0.046232 0.049732 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Egyptian Pound 41.050 Canadian dollar 255.980 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035853 0.038603 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.224 Turkish lira 126.180 Indian Rupee 0.004397 0.004798 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Bangladesh Taka 3.748 Swiss Franc 300.260 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Philippines Peso 6.555 Australian Dollar 243.640 Japanese Yen 0.002372 0.002552 Indian Rupees 4.716 Pakistan Rupee 2.922 US Dollar Buying 293.050 Kenyan Shilling 0.003282 0.003282 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 781.900 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 UAE Dirham 80.000 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.080597 0.086597 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Saudi Riyal 78.450 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003008 0.003178 Cyprus pound 715.865 *Rates are subject to changeCurrencyTransfer Rate (Per 1000) 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002772 0.003052 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 US Dollar 293.650 BUSINESS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Shipping container home readying for Detroit debut

DETROIT: An unusual home taking shape inside One shipping container home won’t turn around “Finding a place where both those communities “I loved the creative idea of taking and reusing an General Motors’ sprawling Detroit-Hamtramck Detroit’s housing woes. The city emerging from bank- can find common ground is beautiful,” said Gersh, old shipping container and giving new life,” Darovitz Assembly plant is intended to be part of a movement ruptcy has roughly 40,000 vacant homes waiting to be president and co-founder of the group that operates a said. “It can be used as a model for a bigger idea that’s to rebuild the city’s economy and deteriorating, disap- demolished. But it’s a start and, organizers hope, a farm and owns property in the North End, where structurally sound.” pearing housing stock. model to lure and keep residents as Detroit removes blight and vacancy are common, but so are signs of Both GM and the nonprofit see the potential to Skilled-trades workers, taking breaks from their blight and recovers from bankruptcy. residential and commercial renewal. “It’s escalable, grow the idea and are exploring ways to continue. But tasks at the factory that produces the electric Shipping containers converted into living or work- works for everyone and it’s also not going to ruin the first they must finish a process that’s faced many chal- Chevrolet Volt and other vehicles, dart in and out to ing spaces are common in some other cities. For environment. It’s easier to maintain and can repur- lenges, including the long wait for the existing home do door, window and wall installation and framing, as instance, in Salt Lake City’s rundown warehouse dis- pose existing materials.” on the lot to default into tax auction and finding a well as electrical and plumbing work. Meanwhile, a trict, a nonprofit group last year converted them into Gersh said reusing the containers and other com- functional sewer line. nonprofit urban farming group is preparing property “micro-retail” spaces. A Seattle-based company ponents has environmental benefits but points out Another roadblock to building more storage con- a few miles away that will welcome the project, what’s designs and builds houses out of reclaimed contain- that people working solely toward that end “are doing tainer homes is figuring out how to price them. Now, believed to be the city’s first occupied shipping con- ers. it from a position of privilege,” and that’s “not what Darovitz said, there is nothing to assess them against, tainer homestead. Containers have been modified for both basic and Detroit is.” since neighboring lots often are blighted or vacant. Come spring, the house-in-progress will be deliv- luxury living elsewhere. But Tyson Gersh of the For its part, the automaker met with Gersh and Still, those involved aren’t deterred and view the ered to Detroit’s North End neighborhood and Michigan Urban Farming Initiative is unaware of others from the farming group a couple years ago, effort as a microcosm of the kind needed to rejuve- secured on a foundation where a blighted home once another project involving a major manufacturer and and the container home idea immediately resonated. nate Detroit. They take inspiration from how city, state stood. After finishing touches and final inspections, nonprofit designed to serve many socio-economic GM spokesman David Darovitz said it fits with the and federal officials forged deals with financial institu- the 40-foot-long former container will feature 320 needs through what he calls “social innovation.” company’s goals of reducing landfill waste while tions and lassoed philanthropic organizations to save square feet of living space with two bedrooms, a bath- Organizers hope the container project can lure mil- boosting reuse and recycling of materials. For pensions and city-owned artwork and get through room and a kitchen, and will serve as home base for a lennials who don’t want their grandfather’s bungalow instance, the home’s front door had been discarded bankruptcy. university-student caretakers of a neighborhood farm yet also provide predominantly poor, longtime resi- by the plant and was salvaged on its way to the land- “That is Detroit - that’s what’s happening,” Gersh and agricultural research activities. dents with a low-cost housing alternative. fill. said. “It takes a village to make a functional city.” — AP Bleak 2015 for Spaniards still engulfed by economic crisis Three thousand social housing units sold

MADRID: Behind the iron door of a ground November was evicted from the modest his expenses. Ortiz has been able to keep his floor flat in Madrid’s working-class suburb of Vallecas apartment where she had lived for home with help from his mother-in-law, who Vallecas around 30 people have gathered as five decades. shares her monthly pension of 460 euros, and Veronica Hidalgo announces she will be evict- The widow had co-signed a loan of 40,000 from his 31-year-old daughter. ed from her home in 2015. euros for her only son, using the flat as collat- They take turns to speak, standing shoul- eral. He lost his job four years ago and the ‘Exhausted savings’ der to shoulder in the face of an economic cri- family was unable to make payments. For many others, 2015 is shaping up to be sis that began in 2008 and continues to drag The case sparked indignation across Spain another difficult year. on for them. “I have lived in social housing for and it served as a reminder that despite statis- “People have exhausted all their savings the past two years. I paid 50 euros ($60) a tics showing the Spanish economy is on the and financial aid. Suddenly they are no longer month. It climbed to 400 euros,” explains 26- mend, people are still suffering and facing a able to negotiate with the banks,” said Ivan year-old Hidalgo at the meeting. bleak new year. Cisneros of the Platform for Mortgage Victims, The regional government of Madrid has a grassroots movement that campaigns to sold her 46-square-metre (495 square foot) ‘Nothing has changed’ protect ruined homeowners. apartment to a private company that drasti- Spain technically exited recession in mid- “People find work, but it is part-time or cally increased the monthly rent. 2013 after five years of economic turbulence precarious, not something that allows them Hidalgo, an unemployed mother of two sparked by the collapse of the labour-inten- to pay for accommodation.” children aged four and eight, only has a sive property sector, but the unemployment Home repossessions rose 13.5 percent in In this Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 photo, workers raise a wall in the late sunlight at a building monthly income of 323 euros. If she fails to rate remains extremely high at 24 percent. the third quarter over the same period last construction in Newtown, Pa. The Commerce Department said Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, that pay her rent, she will be evicted on February “When you watch television, you end up year to 6,787, according to the National construction spending slipped 0.3 percent in November, after having climbed an 18. getting angry,” said Antonio Ortiz, who took Statistics Institute. upwardly revised 1.2 percent in October and 0.6 percent in September. — AP Three thousand social housing units have part in the meeting in Vallecas. The problem is more severe in Spain than been sold by the cash-strapped Madrid “They describe a reality that I don’t know. in other European nations since there is very regional government, causing hardship for That we are exiting the crisis. That must be little social housing, said Antonio Gonzalez If lawmakers don’t act, renters. The Vallecas meeting took place just the crisis of the rich because for people down Gordillo, a Socialist lawmaker in the Madrid before Christmas and Hidalgo said she could below nothing has changed,” said Ortiz, a regional government and a specialist in urban only give her children gifts that were donated fragile looking but lively 62-year-old. planning. rents could rise in NYC by churches. Spain, a nation of around 44 million, “only” Only one percent of Madrid’s roughly 2.6 She said she may also be able to get some has about 30,000 homeless people since fami- million homes are public or social housing, ALBANY: Cynthia Chaffee’s Manhattan High” ballot line in 2010. Rent stabiliza- help from her mother or the father of her chil- ly ties remain strong and many people survive compared with over 30 percent in cities such apartment would likely go for more than tion initiatives were created decades ago dren, although he too is jobless. The meeting thanks to the pension received by grandpar- as Amsterdam, Berlin and Vienna, he added. $5,000 a month if the landlord charged as a way to prevent longtime residents was called by anti-eviction group “Stop ents and government aid offered to children, Back in Vallecas, participants at the weekly market price. But Chaffee pays thou- from being priced out of their neighbor- Expulsions”, which holds such self-help gath- he said. self-help meeting maintain their sense of sands less thanks to the city’s long-stand- hoods. Similar programs are in place in erings once a week in Vallecas, a town badly Like the majority of Spaniards, Ortiz had a humour. One man gave out dozens of ing rent stabilization rules - regulations Westchester, Nassau and Rockland coun- hit by Spain’s economic crisis that erupted mortgage with a floating interest rate. His yoghurts that were donated by a supermar- that will expire this year if lawmakers ties. when the property bubble burst six years ago. monthly payment jumped from 500 euros to ket. “Their expiry date has passed. If they are a don’t act. The renewal of the city’s rent laws The group alerted the media to the case of 800 euros just as he lost his job. His new part- bit acidic, don’t drink them,” he said, causing The 63-year-old paid $300 a month poses a perennial dilemma for state law- 85-year-old Carmen Martinez Ayuso, who in time job as a street sweeper does not cover all the group to break out into laughter. — AFP when she moved into the one-bedroom makers and leaders like Democratic space in 1978. To Chaffee, the rules gov- Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has made hous- erning how much she and more than 2 ing and income inequality key priorities, India factory output million other New York City residents pay and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a in rent protect the city’s diversity and former U.S. Housing and Urban character. Development secretary who has taken at 2-year high: Survey “The city is changing enough as it is, millions in political contributions from and these laws are so important to so real estate interests. MUMBAI: Indian factory output expanded The survey suggested a continuing many people,” said Chaffee, who won’t The debate is likely to be one of the at its quickest pace in two years last month, sharp fall in input prices such as oil could specify how much she pays now. “If you defining issues of the 2015 legislative a key survey showed, in a further sign that create “space for some rate cuts” in 2015. the economy is picking up under new Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of want to have neighborhoods, if you want session, which gets underway Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India hinted that it would be in a position to have families and artists and elderly Wednesday with Cuomo’s State of the Banking giant HSBC said that its pur- to lower interest rates if price pressures living in New York City, we need these State address. Democrats from New York chasing managers index (PMI) rose to 54.5 continued to ease. laws. Can you imagine what New York City will try to protect and strengthen points in December, up from 53.3 in the But the survey sounded a cautious note City would be like without them?” the rules; Republicans who lead the state previous month. on the pace of recovery in Asia’s third- The laws governing the rent paid by Senate are expected to try to roll back In the survey, which is seen as a harbin- largest economy, saying it was “critical” that Chaffee and more than 2 million other the restrictions. ger of industrial expansion and economic demand for investment goods, such as New York City residents are due to expire health, a reading of more than 50 points heavy machinery, outpaced demand for suggests expansion while anything below consumer goods. June 15, and state lawmakers are prepar- ‘Major fight’ indicates contraction. Modi’s right-wing Hindu nationalist ing for what could be a bruising debate One possible compromise involves “Manufacturing activity momentum party won a landslide general election in over whether to renew, strengthen or tying rent restrictions to limits on prop- accelerated to a two year high in May but his government has been strug- weaken them. erty taxes to offer landlords some relief. December, led by a healthy increase in new gling to step up the pace of reforms to The complicated set of rules deter- Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, a orders,” said Pranjul Bhandari, chief econo- revive the stuttering economy due to mines the size of rent increases for nearly Manhattan Democrat first elected 44 mist at HSBC. opposition in India’s upper house of par- 1 million apartments built before 1973. years ago, said rent laws and tenant Supporters say they are critical to ensur- issues have always been one of the top ing that New York City - a city of 2.2 mil- two or three concerns raised by con- Al Tijari announces lion apartments - remains affordable to stituents. He said he’s preparing for a working-class and middle-class resi- “major fight” this year. daily winners dents. Landlords, however, chafe under “The rent laws, like the subway sys- rules that they say keep rent artificially tem, are a large part of what enables low and force them to charge more for New York City to be what it is,” he said. “It of Najma account unregulated apartments and forgo wouldn’t be as economically integrated KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al Najma improvements. as it is. The rent laws are what enable a Account Daily draw on 4th January 2015. The draw was held Brooklyn landlord Chris Athineos middle-class family or a working family under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry manages some rent-stabilized apart- to put down roots and remain in a rental represented by Saguer Al Manaie. ments that go for as little as $500 to $700 apartment as their home.” a month - units that would go for $1,500 On the other side are groups like the The winners of the Najma Daily Draw are :- or $2,000 if unregulated. He said the Rent Stabilization Association, an organi- Zahad Qayyum Abdulqayum KD 7000 rules are unfair to landlords and tenants zation representing landlords that Mohamed Elyas Al Rahman KD 7000 Awatef Omar Al Omar KD 7000 who are forced to subsidize the lower believes the rules need to be relaxed. Melita Tereze Dsilva KD 7000 rents of regulated units. Frank Ricci, the group’s director of public affairs, said he hopes lawmakers build on The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces the biggest Highest cost of living reforms made in the last two decades, daily draw in Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma “We all pay the same price for a loaf of which made it easier for many apart- account. Customers of the bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 dai- bread or a gallon of milk at a particular ments to become deregulated over time. ly prize which is the highest in the country and another 4 market,” said Athineos, whose family Ricci said many of the landlords repre- mega prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 each on differ- ent occasions: The National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and on business manages 140 apartments in sented by his group are small family the 19th of June which is the date of the bank’s establishment. nine properties. “Just because you’ve businesses that have to deal with proper- With a minimum balance of KD 500, customers will be eli- been going to that market longer ty taxes and maintenance costs that gible for the daily draw provided that the money is in the doesn’t mean you get to pay less for the increase faster than rents. account one week prior to the daily draw or 2 months prior to bread.” “It’s 8th-grade algebra: If one side of the mega draw. In addition, for each KD 25 a customer can get With one of the highest costs of living the equation goes up, the other has to as one chance for winning instead of KD 50. in the country, rent in New York has been well,” he said. “Something’s got to give, NEW DELHI: An Indian cycle rickshaw puller transports a rack of shelves as he Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this opportunity to con- speaks on his mobile phone at dusk in New Delhi on January 4, 2015. India has gratulate all lucky winners and also extends appreciation to a sensitive topic for more than a century, and the guy who has to figure out what been stuck in the longest spell of below-five-percent growth in a quarter-centu- the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their effective even giving rise to Jimmy McMillan’s bid gives is the guy who owns or manages ry, hit by high interest rates, an investment slowdown and flagging consumer supervision of the draws which were conducted in an orderly for governor on “The Rent is Too Damn the building.” — AP confidence. — AFP and organized manner. BUSINESS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 China’s Fosun closes in on Club Med buyout

PARIS: Chinese conglomerate Fosun zeroed in on its euros ($1.12 billion), which represented too much in After weathering rough business seas over the past parts of the market and outperform its competitors.” 18-month quest to buy French holiday resorts group Bonomi’s view. decade, Club Med improved its financial health by tar- Fosun’s looming bid victory does not come without Club Med on Friday when Italian businessman Andrea “Having carefully analysed the public offer for shares geting higher-end clients, particularly among wealthier some risks, however. Despite its recently improving Bonomi refused to raise his latest offer. in Club Med SA, and, in particular the company’s valori- sections of emerging economies. financial fortunes under its recalibrated business strate- Fosun looked assured to win what became the sation level, Global Resorts SAS has decided not to According to Club Med figures released in December, gy, Club Med is reportedly set to reveal a net loss of 12 longest bidding war in Paris Bourse history when increase its bid, and consequentially intends to with- for example, 80 percent of the 25,000 new clients the million euros ($14.41 million) in 2014, on turnover of Bonomi’s Global Resorts company announced Friday it draw its offer,” financier Bonomi explained in a company group attracted in 2013 were Chinese or Brazilian. 1.38 billion euros ($1.66 billion). would not better the 24.60 euro ($29.55) per-share price statement. Fosun-with whom Club Med has worked in expand- Still, Fosun’s 24.60 per-share bid of Club Med- the Chinese group tabled for Club Med on December Bonomi’s decision clears the way for Fosun and its ing its activities in China has said it wants guide that which owns 70 holiday resorts in 26 countries, and 19. Chinese, Brazilian, Portuguese and French partners to continued expansion into new markets. But Fosun has employs around 13,000 people-is considerably lower That offer-which topped Global Resort’s last bid of 24 move ahead with final acquisition of the famous French also stressed it wants to “continue to invest in France, than the stock’s closing price Friday of 25.09 euros euros ($28.82) per share-values Club Med at 939 million holiday group. Club Med’s leading market, to continue to win new ($30.13). — AFP

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0$5,1       ź  62.28.       ŷ  ,.$586      ŷ  .5(       Ÿ  Shanghai, Shanghai, CHINA : (FILES) A file photo taken on June 15, 2010 shows the logo ,3*      ŷ  85&       ŷ  of Fosun Group is seen in front of the company’s headquarters building in Shanghai. 1$3(6&2       Ÿ  15(       ŷ  Italian businessman Andrea Bonomi announced on January 2, 2015 via his society (1(5*<+       ŷ  65(     ŷ  Global Resorts that he renounces to outbid on the offer by Chinese conglomerate Fosun *3,      Ÿ  3($5/       ŷ  to buy French holiday group Club Med. Fosun bid 24.60 euros ($30.20) per share for $%$5     ŷ  7$0    ŷ  Club Med, which values the iconic holiday brand at 939 million euros. — AFP 2LO *DV     Ÿ  $5((&       ź  0$66$/(+       ŷ  .)28&       ŷ  $5$%5(&       Ÿ  %3&&       ź  85(&     ŷ  China manufacturing $/.287       ŷ  (5(6&2       ŷ  $/485$,1       ź  0$%$1((     ŷ  growth at lowest in 2014 %DVLF0DWHULDOV     ź  ,1-$==$7       Ÿ  ,19(67256       ź  BEIJING: China’s manufacturing growth Research, said in a note. .&(0       ŷ  ,5&       ŷ  dropped in December to its lowest level of But some data suggest that “real activity 5()5,       Ÿ  $/7,-$5,$       ź  2014, an official survey showed, as the sec- indicators should have accelerated in the &$%/(      ŷ  6$1$0       Ÿ  6+,3       ŷ  $$<$15(       Ÿ  tor struggles with weak domestic demand. last month of 2014, supported by proactive 3&(0       ŷ  $4$5       ŷ  China’s official Purchasing Managers’ fiscal policy”, they added. 3$3(5      ŷ  $/$4$5,$     ŷ  Index (PMI) released by the National China’s central bank surprised econo- 05&       Ÿ  0$=$<$       Ÿ  Bureau of Statistics (NBS) came in at 50.1 mists in November by cutting benchmark $&,&2       ŷ  $'1&       Ÿ  last month, down from 50.3 recorded in interest rates for the first time in more than **0&       ŷ  7+(0$5       ŷ  November. two years, in a move interpreted as an +&&       ŷ  7,-$5$       ź  The index, which tracks activity in facto- attempt to shore up flagging growth. .3$.      ŷ  7$$0((5       ź  ries and workshops, is considered a key The People’s Bank of China lowered its .%00&     ŷ  $5.$1       ŷ  indicator of the health of China’s economy, one-year rate for deposits by 25 basis 1,&%0       ŷ  $5*$1       ŷ  (48,30(17       ŷ  $%<$$5       Ÿ  a major driver of global growth. A figure points to 2.75 percent and its one-year 1&&,     ŷ  0816+$$7       ŷ  above 50 signals expansion, while anything lending rate by 40 basis points to 5.6 per- *<3680       ŷ  ),567'8%$,       Ÿ  below indicates contraction. cent. The decision came after a string of 6$/%22.+       Ÿ  .%7       Ÿ  “Growth momentum is still insufficient,” disappointing statistics showed the $*/7<       ŷ  5($0     ŷ  NBS said in a statement. British bank HSBC Chinese economy is struggling with not ('8       ŷ  0(1$       Ÿ  said Tuesday that its own PMI figure for the just stalling factory growth, but also other &/($1,1*       Ÿ  $/08'21       ź  month fell to 49.6, down from the problems including soft exports and the &,7<*5283       Ÿ  0$5$.(=     ŷ  breakeven point of 50.0 in November. weakening property market. .*/       ź  5(0$/       ŷ  .&3&       Ÿ  0$6+$(5       ź  “The decline of both official and HSBC Authorities had for months used various +80$162)7       ŷ  5HDO(VWDWH     Ÿ  PMIs suggests that China’s manufacturing kinds of limited stimulatory measures such 1$)$,6       ŷ  sector, especially those industries related to as targeted cuts in bank reserve require- 6$):$1     ŷ  .,19       ŷ  property market, is still struggling due to ments-aimed at freeing up funds for lend- *)&       Ÿ  )$&,/       ŷ  sluggish domestic demand,” Li-Gang Liu ing-and a cash injection into the country’s 0$<$'((1       Ÿ  ,)$       Ÿ  and Hao Zhou, economists at ANZ five biggest banks for re-lending. — AFP &*&       Ÿ  1,19       ź  07&&       ź  .352-      ŷ  83$&       ŷ  &2$67       ź  $/$)&2       Ÿ  6(&+       Ÿ  08%$55$'       ŷ  6*&       ź  Indonesia inflation /2*,67,&6       ź  $5=$1       ź  6&(0       ŷ  0$5.$=       ŷ  *&(0     ŷ  .0(),&    ŷ  jumps to 8.36% 4&(0       ŷ  $/$0$1       Ÿ  )&(0      ŷ  $/2/$     ŷ  JAKARTA: Indonesia’s inflation rate shot rich country’s key exports, slumped. 5.:&       ŷ  $/0$/       ź  63(&       ź  *,+       Ÿ  up in December and its trade balance “These data are surprising, the infla- ,QGXVWULDOV     Ÿ  $$<$1       ŷ  swung to a deficit after the country’s tion is much higher than our expectation, %$<$1,19       Ÿ  new president hiked fuel prices by 30 while the trade deficit is bigger than our .6+    ŷ  2628/       ź  percent a month earlier, data showed estimate,” David Sumual, chief economist 16+       ŷ  .),&       ź  yesterday. at Indonesia’s Bank Central Asia, told AFP. 3$3&2     ŷ  .$0&2     ŷ  December inflation jumped to 8.36 Adding to the gloomy data, manufac- &$77/      ź  1,+       ŷ  percent year-on-year from 6.23 percent turing activity hit yet another low to '$1$+       ŷ  ,6.$1     ŷ  in November. Transportation cost adjust- weaken further in December as HSBC 328/7    ŷ  0$'$5       ź  )22'       ŷ  $/'((5$       Ÿ  ments in December that pushed up food said in its Purchasing Managers’ Index for &RQVXPHU*RRGV     ź  $/6$/$0       ŷ  prices during the holiday season were Indonesia fell to a record low of 47.6. A (.77,7$%       ź  the main reason for the higher-than- reading below 50 indicates contraction, 0+&       ŷ  485$,1+/'       Ÿ  expected inflation, the Statistics Agency while anything above signals growth. $7&   ŷ  $/0$',1$       ŷ  said. However, economists praised new <,$&2       ź  1225       ŷ  “Some (companies) adjusted the President Joko Widodo’s move this week +HDOWK&DUH     ź  7$0,19       ŷ  transportation cost only in December to scrap the gasoline subsidy and fix the (;&+       ŷ  and this is the reason why inflation is subsidy for diesel fuel for 2015. .&,1       ŷ  7$,%$     ŷ  that high,” said Statistics Agency head Economists have long been calling for .+.+2727      ŷ .6+&.6+&        ŷ  68/7$1       Ÿ  675$7(*,$     ŷ  Suryamin, who goes by one name. Indonesia to reduce its generous fuel &$%/(79       ź  .&,&       ŷ  The 30 percent increase in the price of subsidies which are blamed for a widen- (<$6     ŷ  0$1$)$(     ŷ  diesel and petrol was announced in ing current account deficit, although ,)$+5    ŷ  *1$+&       ŷ  November, and was aimed at cutting attempts to cut them are often met with 28/$)8(/       ŷ  $0:$/       ŷ  government subsidies that gobble up a public anger. 0817$=$+$7       ŷ  $/,07,$=       Ÿ  huge chunk of the state budget and have Widodo, who took office in November, -$=((5$       ź  0$1$=(/       Ÿ  sparked investor alarm. made reducing the payouts a key elec- 6225       Ÿ  1,1'       Ÿ  The trade balance also suffered as it tion pledge, and has vowed to divert the )8785(.,'       ŷ  %,,+&       ŷ  $/1$:$',     ŷ  6(1(5*<       ŷ  swung to a deficit of $425.7 million from money to overhauling the country’s $/5$,       ź  $*+&      ŷ  a small surplus of $20 million in October creaking infrastructure and for pro- =,0$+       ŷ  .33&       Ÿ  as prices of commodities, the resource- grammes to help the poor. — AFP 8),*       ŷ  7$+66,/$7      Ÿ  .287)22'       ŷ  -((5$1+       ŷ  &RQVXPHU6HUYLFHV     ź  (.+2/',1*       ŷ  *)+       ź  =$,1       ź  ,129(67       ŷ  225('22       Ÿ  )LQDQFLDO6HUYLFHV    Ÿ  +,767(/(&       Ÿ  9,9$       ź  ,QYHVWPHQW,QVWUXPHQWV     ŷ  7HOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV     ź  $6&       ź  1%.       ź  6$)7(&    ŷ  *%.       ź  )8785(       ŷ  &%.     ŷ  +$<$7&200       ŷ  $%.     ŷ  7HFKQRORJ\     ź  $/087$+('       ŷ  .,%       Ÿ  %$5((4     ŷ  %85*       ŷ  $)$4       ŷ  .),1       ŷ  $/6+$0(/       ŷ  %28%<$1       ŷ  6$)5(       ź  $8%    ŷ  $-:$1       ź  ,7+05       Ÿ  0$6$.(1       ź  :$5%$%$1.       ź  '$/4$1       ŷ  %DQNV     ź  $/(,'     ŷ 0,'$1       ŷ  .,16       ŷ  )/(;     ŷ  *,16       ź  7+85$<$      ŷ  $,16       ŷ  .&/,1,&     ŷ  :,16       ŷ  $0$5    ŷ  .8:$,75(     ŷ  3DUDOOHO0DUNHW    ź  )7,       ŷ  SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo, right, arrives to attend a :(7+$4     ŷ ceremony to mark the start of business for Year 2015 at the company’s headquarters %.,.:7       ŷ  )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFDOO*OREDO,QYHVWPHQW+RXVHRQZZZJOREDOLQYQHW in Seoul, South Korea, Friday. Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. are ,QVXUDQFH    ź  forecasting their weakest growth in car sales in more than a decade as competition intensifies and the global economy slows. — AP BUSINESS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

NBK’S WEEKLY MARKET REPORT Higher US Dollar across the Board US dollar continues momentum towards the New Year ast week, the US Dollar reached its highest point adjusted 55.5 in December from a final reading of 58.7 in nine years against the major currencies sup- in November. Analysts had expected the index to ease Lported by further strength from the US econo- down to 57.7 in December. my’s outperformance and the diverging outlook for monetary policies among major economies. The cur- Unemployment Claims rency started the New Year with a strong footing after Fewer Americans filed applications for unemployment closing 2014 with a 13% surge, the best annual per- benefits in 2014 than at any time in 14 years as the eco- formance for the greenback since 1997. The Dollar nomic expansion strengthened. An average 308,500 index rose to 90.62. The gap between the US Federal workers a week filed jobless claims this year, the least Reserve’s path toward rate hikes and simulative poli- since 299,600 in 2000, according to figures from the Labor cies in Europe and Japan gave a broad boost to the Department in Washington. Applications climbed by greenback last year and is likely to remain a key theme 17,000 to 298,000 in the week ended Dec. 27, more than in 2015. projected, displaying the typical year-end holiday swings. The Euro opened the week at 1.2176 and rose to a high of 1.2220. However, the currency continued to Europe & UK drop as concerns that early elections in Greece might Euro at Two-Year Low amid rising Concerns over risk breaking the country’s bailout agreement pushing Greece. Euro dropped to a new two-year low against the the single currency to fall further. The ECB President Dollar after the pro-austerity Prime Minister Antonis Mario Draghi said in an interview that the risk of the Samaras failed, in his third attempt, to secure parliamen- central bank not fulfilling its mandate of preserving tary support for his candidate Stavros Dimas for presi- price stability was higher now than half a year ago. He dent. Samaras said he would call for election on January also reiterated the ECB’s readiness to act early this year 25. Meanwhile, the anti-austerity leftwing opposition should it become necessary. The Euro touched a low of Syriza, seen as the leading party, could win that election. 1.2001 on Friday; its lowest since July 2012. The Euro Syriza has openly expressed that they would want to closed the week at 1.2002. renegotiate with international creditor Troika to reduce Sterling initially rose against the greenback amid the debt and cancel some terms. Some analysts noted better than expected inflation figures. However, news that Greece could be in for a new turmoil and it’s only at from Greece continued to support the US Dollar’s Pending Sales of US Existing ceptions about economic conditions at a high last seen an early stage. appeal. Cable opened the week at 1.5556, rose to a Homes Increase 0.8% in November in February 2008. The Conference Board, an industry high of 1.5619. The currency then lost most of its gains The pending home sales index advanced 0.8% after a group, said its index of consumer confidence rose to UK Manufacturing Slows in December amid disappointing PMI figures from the manufactur- revised 1.2% decrease in October. Economists called for 92.6 from an upwardly revised 91.0 the month before. British manufacturing expanded at a much weaker ing sector. The currency closed the week at 1.5328. the index to rise 0.6%. Contracts to purchase previously Economists expected a reading of 93.0 for December. pace than expected in December, suggesting its contri- Profit taking combined with thin trading helped owned homes rose in November as employment gains bution to the economic recovery slowed down further in the JPY gain some ground against the Dollar. However, and low borrowing costs helped bring potential buyers ISM Manufacturing PMI the final months of 2014. The Markit/CIPS UK the Japanese currency has reversed its gains amid into the market. US manufacturing activity cooled in December to Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 52.5 comments from the Bank of Japan’s Governor, which the slowest rate in 6-months, indicating that compa- from 53.3 in November, hitting a three-month low and reiterated that the BOJ was ready to expand stimulus Consumer Confidence nies are beginning to scale back capital spending plans falling short of the predicted rise to 53.7. again if needed to meet its 2% price target. The USD- US consumer confidence increased in December, as overseas markets slow down. US manufacturing pur- JPY opened the week at 120.35 and dropped to 118.84 bolstered by a brightening jobs situation that left per- chasing managers’ index declined to a seasonally Kuwait only to close the week higher at 120.50. Kuwaiti Dinar at 0.29340 GOP focus for Congress: Cut deficit, don’t stumble Bills to speed congressional approval of trade treaties

WASHINGTON: In the first Republican-domi- nated Congress to confront President Barack Obama, GOP leaders will focus on bolstering the economy and cutting the budget - and oh yes, avoiding self-inflicted calamities that make voters wonder if the party can govern competently. When the new Congress raises the curtain tomorrow, Republicans will run both the House and Senate for the first time in eight years. GOP leaders want to showcase their leg- DETROIT: Commuters exit the 53 Woodward bus at the Rosa Parks bus terminal islative priorities, mixing accomplishments January 1, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. After the largest municipal bankruptcy in US with showdowns with Obama but shunning history, Detroit hopes outsiders will see the city’s potential not the history of racial government shutdowns and other chaotic conflict, financial crises and citizen flight that has cut its population in half since standoffs. 1960. — AFP Another priority is minimizing distractions like the recent admission by No. 3 House New hope and old woes as leader Steve Scalise, R-La., that he addressed a white supremacist group in 2002. Detroit exits bankruptcy “Serious adults are in charge here and we intend to make progress,” incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told DETROIT: After the largest municipal New York’s most popular architects, The Associated Press recently. bankruptcy in US history, Detroit hopes SHoP, for new development on the long- McConnell says the Senate’s first bill would outsiders see its potential and not its his- vacant site of the vanished Hudson’s force construction of the Keystone XL oil tory of racial conflict, financial crisis and Department Store on Woodward Avenue, pipeline, which Republicans call a job creator dramatic population loss. the city’s principal thoroughfare. but Obama and many Democrats say threat- The city, founded as a small French There is a new three-mile (five-kilome- ens the environment. fort on the Detroit River that grew to be a ter) rail line along Woodward, which is WASHINGTON: In this Nov. 14, 2014 file photo, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., emerges from a closed- The House leads off with legislation letting door meeting of House Republicans, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The first Republican-con- hub of the global auto industry, emerged lined with several new office, medical small companies sidestep some requirements from bankruptcy last month after shed- and residential developments up into trolled Congress to confront President Barack Obama takes charge tomorrow, and GOP leaders of Obama’s prized health care overhaul by hir- are planning an agenda that focuses on cutting the budget and bolstering the economy — and ding almost $7 billion of its roughly $18 the bustling midtown area. But some of ing veterans, followed by other measures billion debt. the old problems have not gone away. oh yes, avoiding self-inflicted calamities that make voters wonder if the party is capable of weakening that law and pushing the Keystone governing. — AP Under the bankruptcy provisions, city pipeline. workers made concessions and the Vandals and ‘scrappers’ Other bills likely early would block Obama’s saging. “We want things arriving at the presi- medical device tax and ending the require- healthcare coverage of pensioners was Detroit’s housing stock, mostly built executive actions on immigration and ease dent’s desk, and a lot of those things happen- ment that people buy medical coverage. They reduced-but the pensions themselves during the first half of the 20th century, environmental and business regulations that ing sooner rather than later,” said Rep. Tom would also exempt companies from providing remained largely intact. continues to melt away under the pres- the GOP contends stifles job growth. Cole, R-Okla. “It’s not helpful to us if we drag coverage to employees who work under 40 And in a boost to remaining civic sure of de-population. Additional bills would cut spending, squeeze into spring or summer and the stories are, ‘It’s hours weekly, up from the current 30 hours. pride, the Detroit Institute of Arts’ The city’s population has dropped Medicare and other benefit programs, revamp a do-nothing Congress’ or a confrontation.” famous collection, with paintings by from 1.6 million in 1960 to around tax laws, finance highway construction and Budget and taxes Vincent van Gogh and Brueghel, 800,000 today, and most of the jobs cre- speed congressional approval of trade treaties. Enough Republicans? The new House Budget Committee chair- remained intact thanks to donations by ated by a recovery of auto sales are in “We’re focused on job creation,” said House McConnell will often need at least six man, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., expects his cham- foundations and private individuals. Detroit’s suburbs. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Democrats for the 60 Senate votes required to ber to approve a budget similar to blueprints “Working together, we can transform The outward migration has left thou- running “a more efficient, effective, account- overcome filibusters, procedural delays aimed written by former chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the city,” said Mary Barra, chief executive sands of houses vacant and open to van- able government.” at scuttling bills. Republicans will need two- ending deficits in a decade, trimming spend- of General Motors, the city’s most dals and “scrappers”, who tear out the Democrats say the GOP’s goal is cutting thirds majorities in each chamber, impossible ing and overhauling benefits like Medicare. famous corporate resident, after a judge plumbing and electrical wiring and sell it. taxes on the rich while crippling Obama’s without Democratic support, to override Senate Republicans want belt-tightening, but approved the exit from bankruptcy. Detroit’s city government now has accomplishments, including expanded health Obama vetoes that await bills threatening his McConnell didn’t promise a balanced budget “And you can see clear progress in the plans to demolish more than 20,000 coverage and restrictions on financial institu- health care law and his actions easing immi- in 10 years. restoration of downtown, the entrepre- vacant houses over the next several tions. “In the minority, your role is to play gration rules. Republicans want to rewrite tax laws but neurs who are flocking here, the massive months with assistance from the federal defense and stop the worst from happening,” McConnell says at an upcoming House- progress is uncertain. They want to lower rates building projects getting underway and government. The city’s public transit sys- said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Senate Republican retreat, he will warn, “Don’t for corporations and for businesses whose the work being done to improve educa- tem, despite the construction of the new Senate Democrat. Republicans captured get your expectations so high that you’re owners pay individual taxes, with lost revenue tion, neighborhoods and city services,” rail line, is generally considered one of Senate control in November’s midterm elec- inevitably going to be disappointed.” recovered by eliminating unspecified tax she said. the worst of any major city in the United tions, adding nine seats for a 54-46 advantage breaks. Democrats want the exercise to raise “People always ask me about what’s States. Residents can take hours to com- that includes two Democratic-leaning inde- Immigration fresh revenue, partly to boost dwindling high- going on in Detroit,” said Ania Eaton of mute by bus from one part of the city to pendents. A 13-seat gain swelled their House Funding for the Department of Homeland way funds. the Library Street Collective, who said another. majority to a commanding 246-188 with one Security, which enforces immigration laws, she had recently been in Miami for an art The sprawling west side, now home to vacancy, the result of New York Republican runs through late February. House Also planned show and found a lot of interest in the majority of city residents, continues Michael Grimm’s planned resignation follow- Republicans plan to quickly vote to finance Price wants to use legislation preventing a Detroit. More galleries are now opening to deteriorate, with well-kept homes sit- ing his guilty plea on a tax evasion charge. that agency through September but are still federal default, around summer, to pressure in the city. “You have more people walk- ting side-by-side with abandoned prop- With McConnell and House Speaker John discussing how to use that bill to block Obama to cut spending, calling such bills ing by the gallery. When I moved here erty. “Not all that much has changed,” Boehner, R-Ohio, jointly mapping an agenda Obama’s executive actions deferring deporta- “pinch points to get good policy.” McConnell five years ago, I only expected to stay a noted one city firefighter stationed at and scheduling long congressional work peri- tion for millions of immigrants in the United said with GOP congressional control, a default year, but I think there is a lot of potential” Engine 29 on Jefferson, who declined to ods, goals and potential pitfalls include: States illegally. That measure’s Senate fate and showdown is unneeded because of other said Eaton, who came to the US from give his name because he wasn’t author- GOP strategy for an Obama veto remain opportunities, such as must -pass spending unclear. bills, that the GOP can use to constrain agen- Romania. ized to speak to the press. Distractions and the calendar Republicans rule out a sweeping immigra- cies. Republicans want to send Obama meas- In the Russell Street Delicatessen in Detroit’s well-deserved reputation for GOP leaders still face tea party lawmakers. tion overhaul like the Senate-passed, biparti- ures that the GOP-led House passed the past the 124-year-old Eastern Market, the cen- violence hasn’t been curbed. While the Their recalcitrance helped produce stalemates san 2013 measure. They plan narrower bills two years but died in the Democratic-run ter of the Detroit’s whole sale food busi- crime rate has dropped, the city still has with Obama that excited conservative that could attract Democrats, bolstering bor- Senate. These include bills blocking ness and one of the city’s major attrac- the highest murder rate and violent Republican voters but appalled others, caus- ing GOP approval to plummet. Top der security and easing immigration restric- Environmental Protection Agency curbs on tions, patrons line up for tables. “We’re crime rate of any city with a population Republicans want to ensure that Scalise’s 2002 tions on highly skilled and farm workers. pollution and easing business regulations. The packed like this every Saturday,” said of over 100,000, according to the Federal speech, for which he has apologized, doesn’t GOP calls these measures job creators; waiter Kamaul Prendergrass. Bureau of Investigation. With budget hurt their efforts to appeal to more diverse Health care Democrats call them favors for special inter- Work is also progressing on other cuts reducing the police force to just voters. Republicans are itching to vote to repeal ests. Republicans also want to consider legisla- fronts. Rock Ventures, one of the compa- 2,300 officers, Detroit Police Chief James Another complication: By autumn 2015, the Obama’s 2010 health care law, knowing that tion blocking Obama’s normalized relations nies spawned the billionaire landowner Craig has suggested the best thing resi- developing presidential race could distract would never get his signature. with Cuba, penalizing Iran and authorizing Dan Gilbert, has commissioned one of dents can do is buy a gun. — AFP voters from congressional Republicans’ mes- They’re preparing measures repealing the force against Islamic State militants. — AP BUSINESS MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

GM shares drop after latest ignition-related recall

WASHINGTON: General Motors shares fell more than in motion and turn off power to steering, brakes and Avalanches, Tahoes and Suburbans; GMC Sierras and waited more than a decade after first uncovering that one percent after its latest recall for another problem airbag function, resulting in the airbags not deploying Yukons; and Cadillac Escalades from 2011 and 2012. problem to start recalling cars. related to auto ignitions. Following a year when it in an accident. Also involved are a number of earlier models GM was responsible for about half of the record 62 recalled some 30 million vehicles worldwide, the top The specific problem is different to the defective repaired with the problem part. GM said it was million vehicles recalled in the United States last year, US automaker began 2015 with a new alert for owners ignition switches blamed for at least 42 crash deaths unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the according to data reported by the New York Times. of around 92,000 additional trucks and SUVs. that led off GM’s massive recalls in 2014. newest ignition defect. Shares of the automaker fell as low as $34.41, or 1.4 On Thursday, GM said the trucks and SUVs, mainly But a GM spokesman said that even if the new The company is expected to pay out tens of mil- percent, in early trade Friday before pulling back to in the United States but also some in Canada and recall issue is different, the potential outcome is simi- lions of dollars in compensation to victims of the main $34.62 after midday. Despite strong sales in 2014, Mexico, had a faulty ignition lock actuator. A defective lar to that of the faulty ignition switches. ignition recall. It is facing investigations by the US GM’s shares fell nearly 15 percent last year, mainly due actuator could inadvertently rotate while the vehicle is Affected by the recall are Chevrolet Silverados, Congress and the Justice Department over why it to the cost of the frequent recalls. —AFP Burgan Bank announces winners of Yawmi account

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced today date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the the names of the lucky winners of its Yawmi account, will entitle customers to one account draw, each taking home a prize of chance of winning. If the account balance KD 5,000. is KD 500 and above, the account holder The lucky winners for the daily draws will be qualified for both the quarterly and took home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 each, daily draws. and they are: Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Yawmi account and/or increase 1. Ghassan Mohammad Zein their deposit to maximize their chances to 2. Fahad Jawad Al-Arbash becoming a winner. The more customers 3. Abdulla Naief Al Mutairi deposit, the higher the chances they 4. Abdalkarem Ebrahem Altamime receive of winning. For more information on opening a To further add to the anticipation of Yawmi account or about the new quarterly Yawmi account customers, Burgan Bank draw, customers are urged to visit their now offers a Quarterly Draw with more nearest Burgan Bank branch and receive all chances to win higher rewards, entitling the details, or simply call the bank’s Call one lucky customer to win KD 125,000 Center at 1804080 where customer service every three months. The Yawmi Account representatives will be delighted to assist now offers Daily and quarterly Draws, the with any questions on the Yawmi account Quarterly Draw requires customers to or any of the bank’s products and services. maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in Customers can also log on to Burgan Bank’s their account for 2 months prior to draw www.burgan.com for further information.

All-New Ford F-150 named official vehicle of 2015 International CES

DUBAI: The all-new Ford F-150 pickup - the assist uses two ultrasonic sensors and elec- outlets in the cab allow drivers to easily toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever tric power-assisted steering to help drivers charge corded tools, battery chargers or - will be the Official Vehicle of the 2015 parallel park. The sensors measure the gap mobile devices on-site or while in transit. International CES. between two vehicles to determine if there • LED spotlights: LED spotlights on sideview CES, which will take place Jan. 6-9, 2015 in is enough room for the F-150. After confirm- mirrors provide powerful, durable and bright Las Vegas, is owned and produced by the ing the vehicle can fit, the truck automatical- lighting around the truck exterior Consumer Electronics Association and is the ly steers into the space, while the driver • Blind Spot Information System with cross- world’s largest hands-on showcase of emerging operates the accelerator and brake pedals traffic alert:Available BLIS(r) uses radar sen- innovation. • Class-exclusive adaptive cruise control and sors in the taillamps to monitor areas that The all-new F-150 demonstrates Ford’s prod- collision warning with brake may not be visible to the driver. The sensors uct excellence and innovation. The truck is com- support:Adaptive cruise control and collision trigger a warning light in the sideview mir- pletely redesigned, with a high-strength, mili- warning with brake support uses radar in rors to indicate another vehicle is in a blind tary-grade, aluminum-alloy body coupled with a the front of the truck to measure the dis- spot if the driver is attempting to change high-strength steel frame, making it nearly 700 tance and speed of vehicles ahead. Using lanes. These same sensors can detect a vehi- pounds lighter and more efficient. Also available this information, F-150 can automatically cle coming down an aisle when the driver is are more smart features than the previous mod- slow to keep a consistent following distance slowly backing out of a parking space el, including class-exclusive driver-assist tech- set by the driver. The slower speed will be • Lane-keeping system: Available lane-keep- nologies such as adaptive cruise control, smart maintained if adaptive cruise control is acti- ing is designed to help prevent a driver from US manufacturing towing module, multicontour seats, active park vated. Collision warning triggers visual and drifting outside of the intended driving lane. assist, 360-degree camera and Blind Spot audio alerts if the system detects the follow- The system automatically detects the left- or PMI falls in December Information System with cross-traffic alert. ing distance is diminishing too quickly and a right-hand road lane markings using a cam- “We are honored the 2015 F-150 is the collision may occur. It also pre-charges the era mounted between the windshield and Official Vehicle of CES, proving that the new brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly interior rearview mirror. A vibration in the WASHINGTON: Growth in the US at a faster pace, mainly reflecting standard in full-size pickups is not only Built • Class-exclusive smart trailer tow module steering wheel is used to alert the driver. The manufacturing sector slowed for the the fall in prices of commodities led Ford Tough but also smart, with innovative with Dynamic Hitch Assist:The smart trailer system can also provide steering torque to second straight month in December, by oil. design and technologies that help truck cus- tow module shows the driver which lights help guide the vehicle back into the lane if partly due to falling crude prices and Respondents in the chemicals and tomers do more with their truck,” said Doug on a trailer connected to the truck aren’t needed the labor slowdown at West Coast oil products industries said buyers are Scott, Ford Truck Group marketing manager. working, so the driver or a passenger doesn’t • Lighter yet more capable: Regardless of ports. holding off purchases and running As Official Vehicle of 2015 CES, F-150 will be have to exit the vehicle and walk around the model configuration or engine choice, every The Institute for Supply down inventories as they wait for low- featured in Ford’s main display area in the North trailer to discover lights are blown. Dynamic truck customer benefits from up to 700 Management reported Friday that its er prices. Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as Hitch Assist is a new rearview camera feature pounds of weight savings with the 2015 F- purchasing managers index for the Other manufacturers cited the prominently throughout the show floor. that adds a dynamic line based on steering 150; F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more sector fell to 55.5 last month from 58.7 standoff between West Coast port “We are excited to have the new F-150 as the wheel angle in the display to help customers pounds, haul up to 530 more pounds, and in November. owners and unions for delays in get- Official Vehicle of the 2015 CES,” said Gary line up truck and trailer without requiring a brings thehighest EPA-estimated fuel econo- The PMI remained above where it ting key materials from Asia for their Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer spotter or having to exit the vehicle. my ratings of any full-size gasoline pickup on started in 2014, at 51.3. Anything businesses. Electronics Association. “With state-of-the-art • Class-exclusive 360-degree camera with the market. When equipped with the avail- above 50 denotes growth. “West Coast port issues have great- technologies, driver-assist features and dramatic split-view display: Available360-degree cam- able 2.7-liter EcoBoost(r) engine, the new F- December survey respondents said ly impacted our incoming materials. improvements in weight savings, the F-150 era with split-view display uses four exterior 150 4x2 has EPA-estimated fuel economy growth in new orders and production We are air freighting many parts from delivers the type of connectivity, efficiency and cameras to give the driver a bird’s-eye view ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and slowed and inventories contracted Japan and Asia to support production performance tech-savvy consumers demand in of up to seven feet surrounding the F-150 to 22 mpg combined. Actual mileage may vary. during the month, though hiring while parts sit at the dock,” said one their vehicles. We look forward to seeing Ford assist in parking, maneuvering in tight spots “We’re always looking to deliver more for our picked up. respondent from the fabricated metal once again at our show.” F-150 features several and navigating narrow roads and trails at customers, and this truck offers a whole new level Prices also continued to fall, and products industry. — AFP innovative and smart technologies, including: low speeds. of productivity by being the toughest, smartest • Class-exclusive active park assist: Active park • High-wattage outlets: 400-watt, 110-volt and most capable F-150 ever,” said Scott. Homeless residents make lives in Spanish airport

MADRID: In Madrid airport’s bustling fourth terminal, armed robberies, Gines Rubio, 52, landed in the street after terminal in the evening. Like most of the airport’s resi- a greying beard. “I am less cold here. There are bathrooms Edu’s trolley is loaded with suitcases, but he won’t be being released two years ago, separated from his wife and dents, he chose the biggest and brightest terminal, with where you can wash your hair.” checking them in. Unlike the thousands of Christmas trav- two sons. In the airport he can get up to 15 euros (18 dol- plenty of floor space and quiet corners to curl up in. Sleeping on the floor there without a blanket, he gets a ellers, he is not flying anywhere. lars) a day by begging. Like others, he eats at a soup “People come to sleep in terminal four because it is the few hours’ sleep before the early crowds arrive for the For him the terminal is his destination-the closest thing kitchen in the suburbs in the day and comes back to the best,” said Rubio, a Madrid native with sunken features and morning flights to London, Paris, the United States and he has to a home. Nearly two years ago, the 49-year-old Latin America. unemployed builder wandered into the airport while try- “I’d like to rob half a million euros and get out of here. ing to hike up the highway to another town. But I don’t resent the other people I see here leaving. They “I came in here because I needed to sleep. And here I have earned it.” stayed,” Edu, who would not give his surname, told AFP. He is one of dozens who have made their home in the termi- Blending in nal, with its bright lights and huge glass windows over- A miniature community has sprung up among the ter- looking the passenger planes on the runway. minal’s residents, virtually all of them men. Edu charges a Like other hubs such as London Heathrow and Paris euro a bag to keep an eye on the others’ belongings. Some Charles de Gaulle, the airport’s warmth, security and free earn tips by pushing passengers’ luggage on trolleys and bathrooms, open round the clock, draw desperate down- helping them find the right check-in desk. and-outs who blend into the crowds of travellers. Among them is Valentin Giorgiev, a 60-year-old former Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport-Europe’s fifth- school sports teacher from Bulgaria. Long separated from busiest with 40 million passengers a year-is a public space, his wife and two children, he came to Spain a decade ago so authorities let the homeless sleep there as long as they and worked at odd jobs until four years ago when he was cause no trouble. diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. Police say there are at least 30 people sleeping perma- Pushing his trolley around or drinking Coca Cola in the nently in terminal four but the number goes up in the win- cafes, taking his medicine and washing in the airport toi- ter. Two days before Christmas, officers said they counted lets, he blends in with the crowds of passengers who 42. scarcely notice him until he offers to lug their bags. At Christmas time he can earn up to 20 euros a day. Warmth and a wash His whole body aches from sleeping on the floor. “But Poverty grew in Spain after a construction crash in 2008 this is the only place where you can earn a bit of money,” threw millions out of work. Now the recession is officially he said. over but the unemployment rate is still close to 24 percent. MADRID: Homeless Bulgarian, Valentin Giorgiev, poses in front of lugage trolleys at Adolfo Suarez-Barajas air- “You see a lot of people in the street begging, but I The latest official statistics count 23,000 homeless peo- port’s terminal 4 in Madrid on December 30, 2014. A miniature community has sprung up among the terminal’s would never do that.” He has friends in the terminal, most ple in the country, but charities estimate the real figure is residents, virtually all of them men. Among them is Valentin Giorgiev, a 60-year-old former school sports teacher of them fellow Bulgarians. But there are also unseen adver- closer to 40,000. from Bulgaria. Long separated from his wife and two children, he came to Spain a decade ago and worked at odd saries, he says. “I have had lots of my clothes stolen. I feel Having spent more than half his life in jail for a series of jobs until four years ago when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. — AFP bad,” he says, wiping away tears. “I have nothing.” — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 technology

SEOUL: A magazine with cartoons of US President Barack Obama (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is displayed at a book store in Seoul, South Korea. The United States imposed new sanctions Friday on North Korean government officials and the country’s defense industry for a cyberattack against Sony, insisting that Pyongyang was to blame despite lingering doubts by the cyber community. — AP North Korea blasts US for sanctions over Sony attack

SEOUL: North Korea on Sunday criticized the North Korean government officials and three The 10 North Koreans singled out for sanc- United States for slapping sanctions on organizations, including Pyongyang’s primary tions didn’t necessarily have anything to do Pyongyang officials and organizations for a intelligence agency and state-run arms dealer, with the attack on Sony, senior US officials said. cyber attack on Sony Pictures - the latest fallout in what the White House described as an open- Anyone who works for or helps North Korea’s from a Hollywood movie depicting the fictional ing move in the response toward the Sony government is now fair game, especially North assassination of North Korea’s leader. cyberattack. Korea’s defense sector and spying operations, An unnamed spokesman for North Korea’s The sanctions might have only a limited they said. Foreign Ministry, in rhetoric that closely mirrors effect, as North Korea already is under tough North Korea has expressed fury over “The past statements, denied any role in the breach U.S. and international sanctions over its nuclear Interview,” an anti-Pyongyang Sony comedy. It of tens of thousands of confidential Sony emails and missile programs. President Barack Obama has denied hacking Sony, but called the act a and business files and accused the United also warned Pyongyang that the United States “righteous deed.” States of “groundlessly” stirring up hostility was considering whether to put North Korea Sony initially decided to call off the film’s toward Pyongyang. The spokesman said the back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, release after movie theaters decided not to new sanctions would not weaken the country’s which could jeopardize aid to the country on a show the film. After Obama criticized that deci- 1.2-million-strong military. global scale. sion, Sony released the movie in limited the- HAMPTON: In this April 27, 2012 photo provided by NASA, engineers check out The spokesman told the North’s official American officials portrayed the sanctions as aters and online. the Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE-3) following the complete media mouthpiece, the Korean Central News a swift, decisive response to North Korean Questions remain about who was behind a inflation system test under vacuum conditions in the Transonic Dynamics Agency, that the sanctions show America’s behavior that they said had gone far over the nearly 10-hour recent shutdown of North Tunnel at NASA’s Langley Research Center. — AP “inveterate repugnancy and hostility toward the line. Never before has the U.S. imposed sanc- Korean websites. The United States never said DPRK,” referring to the North’s official name, the tions on another nation in direct retaliation for a whether it was responsible, but North Korea’s NASA explores inflatable Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. cyberattack on an American company. powerful National Defense Commission blamed “The policy persistently pursued by the U.S. There have been doubts in the cyber com- the U.S. and hurled racial slurs at Obama, calling to stifle the DPRK, groundlessly stirring up bad munity, however, about the extent of North him a reckless “monkey in a tropical forest.” spacecraft technology blood toward it, would only harden its will and Korea’s involvement. Many experts have said it’s Such hateful comments are not new: resolution to defend the sovereignty of the possible that hackers or even Sony insiders Pyongyang has similarly attacked other U.S. offi- NORFOLK: Devising a way to one day land astronauts on Mars is a complex problem and country,” the spokesman said. could be the culprits, and questioned how the cials and called South Korea’s female president a NASA scientists think something as simple as a child’s toy design may help solve the prob- The United States on Friday sanctioned 10 FBI can point the finger so conclusively. prostitute. — AP lem. Safely landing a large spacecraft on the Red Planet is just one of many engineering challenges the agency faces as it eyes an ambitious goal of sending humans into deep space later this century. At NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, engineers have been working to develop an inflatable heat shield that looks a lot like a super-sized version of a stacking Las Vegas airport preps ring of doughnuts that infants play with. The engineers believe a lightweight, inflatable heat shield could be deployed to slow the craft to enter a Martian atmosphere much thin- ner than Earth’s. Such an inflatable heat shield could help a spacecraft reach the high-altitude southern for tech-savvy travelers plains of Mars and other areas that would otherwise be inaccessible under existing tech- nology. The experts note that rockets alone can’t be used to land a large craft on Mars as LAS VEGAS: While the gadgets of the future are can be done on the atmosphereless moon. Parachutes also won’t work for a large space- only just arriving in Las Vegas for the annual craft needed to send humans to Mars, they add. International CES show, officials at the city’s main Hence the inflatable rings. The rings would be filled with nitrogen and covered with a airport are updating a decades-old terminal to thermal blanket. Once deployed for landing, the rings would sit atop the spacecraft, some- cater to legions of tech-savvy travelers. what resembling a giant mushroom. “We try to not use propulsion if we don’t have to,” said By Friday at McCarran International Airport, a Neil Cheatwood, the senior engineer at Langley for advanced entry, descent and landing couple thousand outlets and USB ports under systems. “We make use of that atmosphere as much as we can, because it means we don’t seats and inside bars and restaurants will be avail- have to carry all that fuel with us.” able for those looking for a power charge in NASA’s leaders acknowledge that getting humans safely to and from Mars as early as Terminal 1 before heading home after the gadget the 2030s will poses extreme challenges. The agency’s scientists acknowledge they also convention. must design new in-space propulsion systems, advanced spacesuits, long-term living The airport had already installed free airport- habitats aboard spacecraft - even communication systems for deep space. wide Wi-Fi ahead of the electronics show 10 years Work is proceeding, sometimes fitfully. When an unmanned private rocket destined for ago at a time when travelers had either a laptop or the International Space Station exploded in October soon after liftoff from Wallops Island, personal digital assistant, if that, and were at most Virginia, numerous scientific experiments went up in flames with it. But one NASA experi- checking e-mail or finishing up a PowerPoint pres- ment that Orbital Sciences Corp. originally invited aboard - for a second-generation inflat- entation. able spacecraft - never made it for lack of time to get it together, NASA officials say. Now, there are movies to stream, virtual meet- That experiment calls for testing how second-generation inflatable spacecraft technol- ings to conduct, Internet games to play and books ogy performs upon re-entry in Earth’s atmosphere. The test is important because NASA to download. More than 160,000 people attended officials believe an inflatable heat shield could be what helps them land astronauts on the 2014 show, which takes over the Las Vegas Mars and return larger loads of supplies from the International Space Station. The experi- Convention Center, the Sands Expo and several ment is now scheduled to go up on the next Antares rocket in 2016. New technology is nearby hotels with more than 2 million square feet needed to get astronauts to Mars because the type of spacecraft that would land humans of exhibit space - or about 35 football fields. would be much larger than anything that’s landed on the planet previously. Current heat Hot trends this year include Internet connectivi- shield technology weighs too much to be on larger spacecraft, which means scientists ty in everyday products such as cars and appli- can’t land anything much larger than the rovers that have been sent there previously. ances and the growth of online video as an alterna- LAS VEGAS: In this Dec. 29, 2014, photo, people use a charging station at McCarran NASA has relied on parachute-based deceleration on Mars since the Viking program in the tive to traditional television channels. New TVs International Airport in Las Vegas. By the end of the annual International CES show a couple 1970s. with sharper images and better colors are also thousand outlets and USB ports will be available for those looking for a power charge in Engineers at Langley have been working on the inflatable technology for about a expected. The four-day show begins Tuesday, Terminal 1 before heading home.—AP decade, and believe it is close to being ready for operational use. “If I had the budget and though pre-show events take place Sunday and we had the funding to do it, I think we could get as large a scale as needed for humans in Travelers with gadgets often face a dilemma to devices - smartphone and a tablet - at a bank of Monday. five to ten years,” Cheatwood said. grab a bite to eat in a restaurant or bar lacking out- outlets in the wall where payphones had long ago Karen Chupka, senior vice president with CES He said the same inflatable technology could also be used for spacecraft to explore lets or slump against a wall, plug into a wall outlet rested. and the Consumer Electronics Association, said her other planets or objects with atmospheres, such as Venus, Jupiter and Titan, Saturn’s near a boarding gate and watch as the battery is The new Layover Bar in the airport’s pre-securi- group is likely the biggest electricity and Internet largest moon. recharged. “You don’t have to make that choice,” ty area, though, features outlets under the counter user when it comes to town. Because the inflatables are made of lightweight material and filled with nitrogen, more said Samuel Ingalls, assistant director of aviation at each seat. Each table at the new neighboring “We tend to push the limits of everything,” she room is left aboard a spacecraft for science experiments and other things astronauts will information services at the airport. Wendy’s has them, too. said adding that year after year, the city has beefed need. The inflatable is covered by a thermal blanket of layers of heat-resistant materials. The 500 under-seat power supplies with two Susan Anderson, from Iowa, sat on the floor up its capabilities in response, such as relatively “The idea is that you would have something that could be packed up, put in a very outlets and two USB ports each and more power with her Samsung Galaxy Mega recently and said recent Internet upgrades to the convention center small volume and then deployed into a very large size,” Anthony Calomino, principal inves- outlet upgrades to come are expected to cost the she tried to find an outlet near a seat but to no that show organizers are particularly excited about. tigator for materials and structures for hypersonic re-entry at Langley. He said in a state- airport $400,000. avail. She hadn’t noticed newly installed seat out- The airport’s addition of a couple thousand more ment in April: “Think airbag, something we could pack into compressed volume that will fit A group of travelers on their way to Portland, lets a few feet away. “This is OK, but it does make outlets and USB ports is, “great, that’s absolutely the size limits of a launch shroud, but allow for a much larger aeroshell.” — AP Oregon, had little luck finding an outlet at a bar your fanny hurt a little,” she said. “They need more wonderful,” she said. past security. They ended up hovering with their (outlets) or I need a better phone.” — AP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

KARACHI: Pakistani boatmen travelling on a boat loaded with chopped mangroves.

KARACHI: This photograph taken on April 29, 2014, shows Pakistani boatmen travelling on a boat loaded with chopped mangroves along a trib- utary close to the Arabian Sea .— AFP photos Karachi’s mangroves, defence against storms and tsunamis, threatened

KARACHI: Thick mangroves have long pro- tion upstream on the agricultural plains of Fisherfolk Forum. “I really cannot understand tected Karachi, southern Pakistan’s sprawling Sindh and Punjab provinces. The fishermen, why you would attack the mangrove. It’s stu- A Pakistani fisherman maneuvering his boat along mangrove swamps in the Arabian metropolis, from battering by the Arabian Sea, who make a livelihood from the fish and shell- pid it’s like emptying your neighbour’s stom- Sea. but pollution, badly managed irrigation and fish that shelter in the mangroves, have ach to fill your own,” Shah said. years of illegal logging have left this natural warned about their decline for years. “If we were in another country, the man- barrier in a parlous state. Experts fear that loss But a short boat ride from Karachi’s Ibrahim grove would be valued and protected.” As well of the natural barrier formed by the man- Haidri fish harbour finds plenty of locals cut- as dissipating the energy of tropical storms groves could put the city of nearly 20 million ting the mangrove and carrying it away. Some when they hit the coast, the mangrove also people at greater risk from violent storms and use foliage as fodder for cattle while others provides a line of defence in case of tsunamis. even tsunamis. Close to Karachi, the mighty scrape a living by selling branches for fuel. “I The Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet Indus river ends its long journey from the sell one bundle for 10 to 20 rupees (10 to 20 at the Makran Trench, off the coast, and the Himalayas in the sea. The river delta is home to cents),” Haji Ibrahim, a frail old man who had boundary has the potential to create major the shimmering green mangrove, a delicate just anchored his small boat at the shallow earthquakes. ecosystem that thrives in the mingled salt and waters of the harbour told AFP. Cutting the An undersea quake in 1945 generated a fresh water. mangroves is illegal but the maximum punish- tsunami that hit Karachi, killing 4,000 people, Fisherman Talib Kacchi, 50, recalled taking ment for cutting the mangroves is a 36,000 and a recent UN simulation suggested the city shelter from monsoon storms in the man- rupee ($360) fine, doubled for habitual offend- could be wiped out if a big tremor hit again. “It groves as a young man. “When there were ers, and in any case, prosecutions are extreme- is a very important ecosystem... it is the first storms, we would have tied as many as four ly rare. line of defence against cyclones, strong boats together with the mangroves, and then surges, tsunami and other natural calamities,” we would sit, gossip and sing songs,” he said. Pollution said marine biologist Khan, who works for the But the mangrove is a shadow of its former Karachi is Pakistan’s biggest city and eco- WWF wildlife NGO. But there is some hope. A self-from 600,000 hectares in the early 20th nomic and industrial heart. The rapid growth drive to replant the mangroves in recent years century now barely 130,000 hectares remain, of factories has contributed to pollution in the has seen them slowly regain some of the loss- according to marine biologist Mohammad Indus delta. Near a power plant to the east of es. “It (plantation) is going very well. There are Moazzam Khan. The rest has fallen victim to the city, the mangroves are dry and withered, very few areas in the world where the man- illegal loggers, pollution from nearby industry robbing fish of their spawning grounds and groves cover is increasing and Pakistan is one Pakistani fisherman Talib Kacchi looking at a mangrove swamp. and changes to the river flow caused by irriga- angering Kamal Shah of the Pakistan of them,” Khan said. — AP

KARACHI: Pakistani fisherman Talib Kacchi and Kamal Shah of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), a group fight- KARACHI: A crow sitting on a chopped mangrove in a mangrove swamp. ing for fishermen’s rights, gesturing as they look at a mangrove swamp along a beach in the Arabian Sea. US healthcare worker under South Korean flown to watch after Ebola exposure Germany for Ebola treatment

WASHINGTON: An American healthcare worker who has room used for treatment of the first three patients and will BERLIN: A member of a South Korean medical team The hospital didn’t say whether an Ebola infection been in Sierra Leone will be placed under close observa- be carefully monitored to see if the Ebola disease devel- treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone has been flown to had been confirmed in the patient, but said a news con- tion at a Nebraska hospital after high-risk exposure to the ops.” Two of the previous three Ebola patients at the facili- Germany after suffering an injury with a hypodermic ference would take place later in the day. The World Ebola virus, doctors said on Saturday. The unnamed patient ty were treated and released but the third-a surgeon who needle. Berlin’s renowned Charite hospital said in a Health Organization says more than 8,000 people have will arrive on Sunday aboard a private air ambulance for was infected while working in his native Sierra Leone-died statement that the unidentified medic was taken to its died from the Ebola outbreak that began in West Africa observation and possible treatment. “This patient has been in November. Ebola has killed 7,890 people in the past special isolation unit yesterday. about a year ago.-— AP exposed to the virus but is not ill and is not contagious,” year, out of 20,171 cases, according to the latest tally by said Phil Smith, medical director of the Biocontainment the World Health Organization. Almost all the deaths and Unit at Nebraska Medicine. cases have been recorded in the three west African coun- “However, we will be taking all appropriate precau- tries worst hit by the outbreak: Sierra Leone, Liberia and tions. This patient will be under observation in the same Guinea. — AFP Victory against Ebola ‘within our reach’: New UN mission chief

ACCRA: Ending the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history is a worst-affected countries are Sierra Leone, Liberia and difficult task, but it is “within our reach”, the UN’s new mis- Guinea. “We need to keep going until we don’t have even sion chief on the disease said, and warning that the world one case, because even one case is too many,” he said. “The has no choice but to beat back the infection. “This is a work ahead remains very hard but we really have no other global crisis. We definitely have a difficult time ahead of us, choice,” the Ebola mission chief added, according to the but we can achieve it,” Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the new statement. head of the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response Ahmed will be visiting Liberia and Sierra Leone this (UNMEER), said on arrival in Ghana yesterday. “We have no week, and Guinea shortly after, “to reinforce UNMEER’s plan B, we have to get rid of this virus. This is within our strategic priorities and see first-hand the Ebola response.” reach, but we should not be complacent,” said Ahmed, a the text said. He will be accompanied by UN Special Envoy Mauritanian, who had arrived in Accra to officially assume on Ebola, David Nabarro, it added. Before his new appoint- duty, taking over from American Anthony Banbury. ment, Ahmed served as Deputy Special Representative and UNMEER, based in the Ghanaian capital, is leading inter- Deputy Head of the United Nations Support Mission in national efforts in the battle against Ebola. According to Libya (UNSMIL). At a press conference last week in Ghana the latest World Health Organization figures, there are on the eve of his departure for New York, Banbury had said more than 20,200 confirmed, probable or suspected cases he was confident that the number of Ebola cases would GERMANY: This March 13, 2014 file photo shows an outside view of the Charite hospital in Berlin. of Ebola and just over 7,900 reported deaths. The three start to fall in the early part of 2015. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

End of life planning does WISH to showcase Qatari healthcare not make cancer patients initiative ‘Your Health First’ hopeless or anxious NEW YORK: For a small group of advanced after the advanced planning sessions, cancer patients, using an online tool for learn- researchers measured the patients’ anxiety, ing about end-of-life medical decisions and hopefulness and hopelessness with validated developing an advance directive document questionnaires. Hopelessness levels have did not lead to psychological distress, accord- been linked to suicide risk for the terminally ing to a new study. “One thing we noticed is ill, the authors note. that many patients with advanced cancer had Neither group had a decrease in hope or not had these conversations,” said lead author an increase in hopelessness after their Dr Michael J. Green of the humanities and advance care planning sessions, according to medicine departments at Penn State College results in the Journal of Pain and Symptom of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Management. Anxiety levels decreased slight- “When we talked to the oncologists about ly for the MYWK group and stayed the same it, a response we heard again and again is, ‘it’s for the comparison group. Knowledge of not appropriate at this time, it’s going to advance care planning and feelings of self- make them anxious, take away their hope’,” determination increased slightly for both Green told Reuters Health. He and his team groups. set out to see if it was true that working “People worry about what’s going to hap- through end of life planning took away can- pen, ‘am I going to be a burden, how are peo- cer patients’ hope or raised their anxiety lev- ple going to know what I want’,” Green said. “‘If els. I get sick how am I going to get the treatment They used an interactive decision aid with that I want and not get treatment I don’t audio and video elements called “Making want’.” Your Wishes Known: Planning Your Medical Future,” (MYWK) which is available online. It Professionals suggest includes education modules on common Terminally ill people are often already medical conditions that can result in decision- thinking about death, so there is little reason DOHA: The World Innovation Summit for Health Medical Corporation; Tim Brown of global ideas con- the lead here in Qatar to encourage a new generation al incapacity, as well as medical treatments to avoid having an explicit conversation (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation for sultancy IDEO; and Bright Simons, President of of health-aware young adults. It is crucial we educate often introduced in life or death situations. about it, he said. “Many health professionals Education, Science and Community Development Pedigree Network, social innovator and entrepreneur. and inspire our Qatari youth to take ownership of Patients can choose a spokesperson, prioritize suggest that (advance care planning) may (QF), will showcase the Qatari ‘Sahtak Awalan’ -’Your ‘Your Health First’ was launched in 2012 by their health and their bodies to enable the best possi- values and goals, match treatment options make patients anxious, however like this Health First’ program among some of the world’s Abdulla bin Khalid Al-Qahtani, Minister of Public ble fitness for a lifetime of happiness and success. with priorities and generate a printable study there is no evidence this is the case - most exciting healthcare innovations at the second Health, with a plan to raise awareness of the issue of “I am proud to be partnering with WISH who advance directive document articulating their there is some evidence suggesting the oppo- WISH Summit taking place on 17-18 February 2015. obesity in Qatar where 70 per cent of adults are over- share these same values of collaboration and innova- wishes. site,” said Dr Karen Detering of the Respecting Run by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar weight and 41 per cent obese. tion in the work they undertake on behalf of the Patient Choices Program at Austin Health in (WCMC-Q), a member of Qatar Foundation, ‘Your Abdullah bin Khalid Al-Qahtani underscored the global health community. By working together we Advance care Melbourne, Australia. Health First’ is a unique wellness promotion program importance of community-wide health awareness truly can deliver the best possible healthcare for For the study, the researchers divided 200 “In my experience I think the health care designed to encourage the Qatari population to lead initiatives, asserting that: “Health is not limited to Qatar.” advanced-stage cancer patients with antici- professionals often feel helpless, and are healthy lifestyles. The five-year educational campaign large-scale projects, hospitals and health centers, but pated life expectancy of two years or less into often reassured when they see patients are targets all sections of society, with a particular focus it is far more important to promote health awareness Qatar’s journey two groups. One engaged in advanced care helped by (advance care planning),” Detering, on helping young people aged between 10 and 25 and healthier lifestyles among the population. These Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive planning with the online tool, while the other who was not involved in the new study, told years to make positive, healthy lifestyle decisions. efforts directly contribute to the fulfillment of health Chair of WISH, said: “Our Innovation Showcases aim used only a state-approved advance directive Reuters Health by email. “In our experience - Following the success of last year’s handpicked objectives that are aligned with Qatar National to highlight new ideas that have the potential to form and American Hospital Association edu- only approximately half of the patients who Innovation Showcases, this year WISH’s Showcases Health Strategy 2011-2016 and Qatar National Vision help transform healthcare worldwide. Educational cational materials. are offered and undertake (advance care were opened up to entries from around the globe 2030.” campaigns such as ‘Your Health First’ strongly sup- Those who used the MYWK online tool planning) will complete formal advance direc- and received 80 applications from 26 countries in all port Qatar’s journey toward the fulfillment of Qatar spent an average of 70 minutes in their tives, but many others will have a useful dis- advance care planning, compared to 26 min- cussion regarding what they would want in areas of health innovation: digital health, healthcare New generation National Vision 2030’s goals in healthcare, and we are utes in the comparison group. Before and the future,” she said. — Reuters products, design-solutions and innovative health sys- Al-Qahtani added: “‘Your Health First’ is a crucial delighted to showcase a key Qatari initiative that fur- tems and services. Selected entries, including ‘Your initiative due to its leading role in promoting health ther contributes to our mission of disseminating the Health First’, will be given the chance to present their awareness, and it is imperative that it is presented at best ideas in healthcare for the benefit of communi- ideas to more than 1,000 leading global healthcare the World Innovation Summit for Health as an ties all over the globe.” Qatar Foundation has estab- Pacific Coast sea bird experts attending the 2015 Summit. Innovation Showcase that delegates could learn lished WISH to bring about action in healthcare inno- from, alongside other unique global healthcare inno- vation locally in Qatar, regionally and globally. Global ideas vations to be revealed at the Summit.” Through WISH, Qatar Foundation is supporting the die-off puzzles scientists The selection was made by the Innovation Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical nation in establishing healthcare initiatives for the Showcases Curation Team, represented by Professor College in Qatar, said: “Through its Innovation benefit of the globe while remaining closely aligned SALEM: Scientists are trying to figure out It’s normal for some seabirds to die dur- the Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH; Dr Showcases, WISH offers the perfect platform for us to to the vision of Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, what’s behind the deaths of seabirds that ing harsh winter conditions, especially dur- Hanan Al-Kuwari, Managing Director of Hamad share the potential of ‘Your Health First’ while we take Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. have been found by the hundreds along ing big storms, but the scale of the current the Pacific Coast since October. Mass die- die-off is unusual. “To be this lengthy and offs of the small, white-bellied gray birds geographically widespread, I think is kind known as Cassin’s aucklets have been of unprecedented,” Phillip Johnson, execu- reported from British Columbia to San Luis tive director of the Oregon Shores Obispo, California. Conservation Coalition, told the Salem Statesman Journal. “It’s an interesting and somewhat mysterious event.” The birds appear to be starving to death, so experts don’t believe a toxin is the culprit, said Julia Burco, a wildlife vet- erinarian for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. But why the birds can’t find food is a mystery. Researchers say it could be the result of a successful breeding season, leading to too many young birds competing for food. Unusually violent storms might be pushing the birds into areas they’re not used to or preventing them from foraging. Or a warmer, more acidic ocean could be affect- ing the supply of tiny zooplankton, such as krill, that the birds eat. The US Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center in Wisconsin is con- ducting additional necropsies on dead SAN FRANCISCO: In this Saturday, July 8, birds, researchers said. Robert Ollikainen 2006, file photo, a Cassin’s auklet chick of Tillamook, Oregon, found 132 dead is displayed at the Farallon National birds on the beach there, including 126 Wildlife Refuge. — AP Cassin’s auklets on Dec 26. “It was pretty dramatic,” Ollikainen said. —AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Full-box set of ‘Breaking Bad’, over 50 new blockbusters added to Go by OSN Arabic series lovers can watch Al Ishq Al Aswad’s Season 1 back-to-back

SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, is redefining service matched by a remarkable array of premium content. ing the Golden Globe for best television series (drama) and Go by OSN will also bring timeless escapades with some the online entertainment experience this January With the interactive platform, we have brought a new dimen- best actor (Bryan Cranston). of the biggest Disney titles such as The Lion King, Fantasia Owith the exclusive screening of the full box-set of the sion to delivering exclusive content to on-the-go platforms. For Arabic series enthusiasts, the full first season of Al Ishq 2000 and Peter PanReturn to Neverland available in both much-acclaimed series Breaking Bad and an impressive range We are further strengthening our content library in 2015 with Al Aswad will also be available on Go by OSN. A household English and Arabic, further strengthening its family and kids of blockbuster movies on Go by OSN. an unmatched breadth of movies and series that will appeal favourite, the series has been one of the most successful and offering. Available at just US$10 per month, Go by OSN subscribers to all members of the family.” much-loved Turkish series of 2014. To subscribe to ‘Go by OSN,’ interested customers can log enjoy unlimited premium Hollywood and Arabic movies and Following strong customer response, Go by OSN is adding OSN has also partnered with Miramax, an American enter- on to www.go.osn.com. Each subscriber gets a seven-day trial series, on-the-go, contract and commitment-free. value with the new roster of movies and series including the tainment company renowned for spectacular productions, to period, prior to signing up for the service. Available for just Emad Morcos, Senior Vice President - Business full box-set of the award-winning Breaking Bad, a crime dra- bring 50 blockbuster films to Go by OSN. Some of the titles to US$10 per month, subscribers can sign up for ‘Go by OSN’ Development, Strategy & Digital, OSN, said: “Go by OSN has ma series, for the first time in the region on a mobile plat- look forward to include: Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill 1 and 2, Chicago, contract- and commitment-free, with an anytime cancellation set a new industry benchmark with its high quality streaming form. Breaking Bad has won many top awards in 2014 includ- The English Patient, Goodwill Hunting and the Scream trilogy. policy.

McDonald’s calls on all to try new Spicy Chicken McNuggets Available for limited time, part of the Chicken McNuggets Celebrations

hings got a little bit spicier today at McDonald’s Kuwait with the announcement of the launch of its Tall new Spicy Chicken McNuggets. The flavourful recipe adds the perfect kick of heat to the iconic Chicken McNuggets flavour, and is a fitting addition to a series of celebrations around this much-loved McDonald’s menu item. The spicy new flavour from McDonald’s will be avail- able from January 3rd, 2015. Customers’ taste buds will be teased with this spicy spin on the timeless classic, making sharing those deli- cious McNuggets even more fun, and harder to share. Customers will get to savour the new spicy flavour with a variety of dipping sauces with this new limited time offer. Sherif Coutry, McDonald’s Kuwait Marketing Director said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and to responding to our customers ever evolving tastes, our McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets celebrations would Indian Education Exhibition not be complete without treating our customers to a new flavour to indulge in. Our new Spicy Chicken McNuggets combine richness of flavour with the golden quality crunch our Chicken McNuggets are famous for, and we held on 9 - 10 January 2015 welcome all those who love the ‘heat’ to indulge and share this social food.” The McDonald’s Arabia Twitter competition Chicken he Indian Education Exhibition 2015, to be held on (India) Pvt Ltd, and Response Events and Exhibitions, world economy along with China. This by itself has been McNuggets Daily Tasks is now in full swing, with partici- 9 and 10 January, 2015 at the Ramada Hotel in Al- Kuwait, and is co-sponsored by Manipal University. Indus a major cause of India’s attraction for many international pants submitting their #ShareAMcNugget pictures, ideas, TRiggae will be the eight edition of the highly-antic- group established in the year 1995 is engaged in organ- students. Moreover, India’s successful stint with democ- videos, and quotes in creative and ingenious ways in ipated and successful annual education exhibition. izing trade shows and exhibitions in India and Abroad. racy has also been a major magnetic force for scholars response to a new task set each day, taking “social food” The two-day Indian Education Exhibition 2015, open The exhibition has become an annual affair and quite around the world. to a whole new level. Participants receive a voucher for from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on both days, will be a one- popular among the NRIs in Gulf region. However, apart from knowing India well, there are one extra delicious golden McNuggets with any Chicken stop information event for learning about the variety of McNuggets purchase, with the best submissions from professional and vocational courses that NRI and Kuwait each day’s Daily Task featured on McDonald’s Arabia web- students can pursue in reputed Indian institutions of site. The Chicken McNuggets Daily Tasks will be running higher learning. Students, along with their parents will till February 1st, 2015. get an opportunity to personally interact with college administrators and professors, to know about the variety of educational programs available in India The exhibition displays attractive options available to NRI and other students from Kuwait and beyond to obtain undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in var- ious disciplines, including medicine, engineering, busi- ness management, marketing and communications, arts and science, hospitality and hotel management and Allied Health Sciences. This exhibition will have nearly 15 leading Indian Exhibitors with more than 75 institutions under them offering nearly 200 programs. Some of the leading insti- tutions participating include, Anna University, Manipal Continuing the celebrations, McDonald’s Kuwait is fea- University, DY Patil University, Thapar University, CMR turing additional great offers for Chicken McNuggets University, Hindustan University, Datta Meghe Medical fans, such as special saving offers available with the pur- Science University, KJ Somaiya Group of Institutions and chase of any large extra value meal between January 17th Vishwakarma Institutions, among others. All the partici- - January 30th, 2015. pating institutes are recognized by the AICTE, UGC and While McDonald’s is focused on providing unique respective government bodies in India. menu choices, it is also committed to serving the very The profile of participating institutes range from The visitors will get an opportunity to interact with other advantages that are attracting students to study in best ingredients in the quick-service restaurant sector, International Schools, Universities, Deemed Universities, the faculties and officials of the leading educational India, including: and will never compromise on food quality. All products served at all McDonald’s restaurants in the Middle East Engineering Colleges, Medical Colleges, MBA and institutions, get updated information, fee structure, eligi- Low Cost: The cost of education in India is quite low are Halal certified, inspected and approved by local Management, B -Schools, Distance Education, Pharmacy bility criteria and programs which are currently in high as compared to many other countries of the world. authorities and Halal officers at the countries of export and Nursing, Bio Informatics, Information Technology, demand. Some of the institutions are also offering spot Quality Education: While the quality of education is and customs officials at the port of entry. All meat used in Colleges offering Higher education in Arts and Science, admissions. Information about personality develop- not uniform throughout the length and breadth of the McDonald’s restaurants can be traced back to a trusted Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Post ment, communication skills and demanding IT courses country, there are some educational institutes in India supplier that shares the company’s dedication to the Graduation and Research, Diploma Studies, International and programs will be available at the venue, for which that provide world class education. The government of highest quality standards. Schools, and other specialized programs. students would otherwise have had to travel long dis- India is also speeding up the efforts to establish more For more information on the Chicken McNuggets chal- The exhibition offers free educational counseling, tance and spend time and money. institutes that can offer quality education in India. lenges and limited time offers, please visit www.mcdon- registration and admissions from school to research pro- India is fast becoming a major economic power in the Financial Assistance: Various scholarships, education aldsarabia.com grams. world today. And if its growth trend continues for some loans and other financial aids are now available for The exhibition is organized by Indus Fairs and Events more years, it would soon be playing a major role in the studying in India today.

Artist Johnarts Kalabhavan presents his caricatures to visiting Bishop John Vadakkel of Bijnor, Utharpradesh and singer Renjini Jose during a recent function held by Syro Malabar Catholic Association, Kuwait. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 Young athletes showcase skill at Hoop Mountain tournament US-established basketball camp holds inaugural tournament

oop Mountain Basketball Camp Kuwait, the country’s first premium US-franchised basketball Hcamp for youth, announced the winners of its first annual Hoop Mountain Kuwait Basketball Invitational Tournament hosted at the Al Bayan Bilingual School of Kuwait. During the closing ceremony of the tournament, win- ners were presented awards under the patronage of the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, Dr Mishal Aljnoobi, Head of the Department of the Kuwait National Youth Leadership Program. The Championship trophy went to Universal American School of Kuwait, followed by American School of Kuwait, Al Bayan Bilingual School and Hoop Mountain Kuwait, while MVP was awarded to Fahad Al-Haji. The tournament also announced an All- Star Selection team, consisting of 12 of the top players from the tournament whose names will be circulated throughout the participating schools in Kuwait. Winners of the tournament receive a pre-season title allowing them to have three additional games in their schedule during the season, contributing to additional practice and experience. The tournament is one of the first national invitational tournaments providing young athletes with competitive exposure outside of the school’s extra-curricular and sports activities. The pre-season tournament allows par- ticipants to experience real game situations and pressure of not only the game being ‘on the line’, but also where Winners of the tournament, Universal American School of Kuwait, with Dr Mishal Aljnoobi. your team places in a tournament. Hoop Mountain Kuwait founder, Musaed Al Saleh The tournament, running over the course of 3 days said: “Hoop Mountain Kuwait takes pride in helping the consisted of fifteen players per team between the age youth of Kuwait pursue their athletic dreams and reach of 13-18 with each game split into four quarters, each their full potential through teamwork, leadership and quarter being eight minutes long. Also present at the sportsmanship. Today, we would like to take the time to event were the Kuwait Diabetes Society, a Hoop congratulate all winners of this year’s pre-season tourna- Mountain Kuwait partnership aimed towards promot- ment, and all those who participated. ing awareness for diabetes in Kuwait and living a As displayed through our camps, and now invitational healthy lifestyle through organized sports. tournament, we believe we have helped instill a high lev- Hoop Mountain Basketball Camp Kuwait provides el of coaching and skill development environment as basketball camps run by American coaches and pro- equal to that of the United States, here in Kuwait, and vides training for boys and girls ranging from the age of now hope to take this tournament to the next level - by five onwards. The ratio of campers to coaches never having international schools compete.” exceeds 10:1. The tournament was open to four teams, consisting of Hoop Mountain Kuwait, American School of Kuwait, Universal American School of Kuwait, and Al Bayan Bilingual School of Kuwait, all competing for the Dr Mishal Aljnoobi present- Championship trophy, MVP and a spot on the All-Star ing Fahad Al-Haji his MVP Selection team. Award, with Hoop Mountain Coach Kevin Connor (left).

Universal American School of Kuwait’s team. Hoop Mountain Kuwait’s team. American School of Kuwait’s team.

ASK vs UAS Al Bayan Bilingual School’s team. ACK organizes ‘Effective Leadership Through Coaching’ seminar

s part of its commitment to the development of human ed at the College’s campus in West Mishref. international reputation for his coaching and leadership devel- potential, the Australian College of Kuwait’s Corporate In addition to his role as Managing Director of the consult- opment and has published around 50 peer review research ATraining Department (ACK CT) is delighted to bring to ing firm “Embrion”, Professor Jonathan is also a Professor of papers, as well as 14 books including the best sellers: “Top Kuwait Professor Jonathan Passmore, an internationally Psychology at the University of Evora, Portugal. Before joining Business Psychology Models” and “Excellence in Coaching”. renowned expert in the field of leadership and coaching, as a “Embrion”, Passmore worked at board level as a Director and Seats for this event are limited and need to be reserved keynote speaker to the seminar entitled: “Effective Leadership Chief Executive in consulting firms; including through [email protected] or by calling 1 828 225 Ext Through Coaching” on Tuesday the 13th of January, 2015 host- PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM Business. He has earned an 4222. MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

11:25 Kindig Customs 16:00 Keeping Up With The Of Dogs 19:00 Bones 12:15 Highway To Sell Kardashians 22:20 Coronation Street 20:00 Revenge 13:05 Auction Hunters 17:00 The Drama Queen 22:50 Emmerdale 21:00 Bates Motel 13:30 The Liquidator 18:00 E! News 23:15 Emmerdale 22:00 Banshee 13:55 Dukes Of Haggle 19:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 23:00 Supernatural 00:35 The Weakest Link 14:20 Siberian Cut The Hamptons 01:20 The Lady Vanishes 15:10 Car Chasers 20:00 House Of DVF 02:50 The Turn Of The Screw 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 04:20 The Weakest Link 16:50 How It’s Made 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 05:05 Show Me Show Me 17:15 How It’s Made 22:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 05:30 Gigglebiz 17:40 Dual Survival 22:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 05:45 Boogie Beebies 18:30 Gold Rush 23:00 E!ES 00:00 Salvage Code Red 00:00 Unforgettable 06:00 Nina And The Neurons: In 19:20 Gold Rush 01:00 The Truth Behind 02:00 Good Morning America The Lab 20:10 The Liquidator 02:00 Live Free Or Die 03:00 Grimm 06:15 Woolly & Tig 20:35 Dukes Of Haggle 03:00 Family Guns 04:00 The Leftovers 06:20 Show Me Show Me 21:00 Gold Rush 04:00 Wild Spain 06:00 Good Morning America 06:45 Gigglebiz 21:50 Gold Rush 05:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 07:00 Emmerdale 07:00 Boogie Beebies 22:40 Alaskan Bush People 06:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 07:30 Coronation Street 07:15 The Weakest Link 23:30 Gold Rush 00:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 08:00 Blackadder II Basics 07:00 Britain’s Underworld 09:00 24 08:30 The Mimic 00:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 08:00 Salvage Code Red 10:00 Emmerdale 09:00 My Family Basics 09:00 The Truth Behind 10:30 Coronation Street 09:30 The Impressions Show With 00:55 Siba’s Table 10:00 Live Free Or Die 12:00 Burn Notice Culshaw... 01:20 Siba’s Table 11:00 Wild Spain 13:00 Unforgettable 10:00 Casualty 01:45 Chopped 12:00 Predator CSI 14:00 24 10:50 The Weakest Link 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:00 My Dog Ate What? 15:00 Live Good Morning America 00:00 Violetta 11:35 The Royle Family: Christmas 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:00 Mega Breakdown 17:00 Burn Notice 00:45 The Hive 2012 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 15:00 Car SOS 18:00 Unforgettable 00:50 Art Attack 12:40 Blackadder II 03:50 Siba’s Table 16:00 Hunter Hunted 19:00 24 01:15 Art Attack 13:10 My Family 04:15 Siba’s Table 17:00 Fight Science 21:00 Unforgettable 01:40 Jungle Junction 13:40 The Impressions Show With 04:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 18:00 Crime Lab 22:00 Grimm 01:50 Jungle Junction Culshaw... Basics 19:00 Car SOS 23:00 The Leftovers 02:05 Jungle Junction 14:10 Casualty 05:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 20:00 Hunter Hunted 02:15 Jungle Junction 15:00 Doctor Who: A Christmas Basics 21:00 Fight Science 02:30 Violetta Carol 05:30 Reza’s African Kitchen 22:00 Crime Lab 03:10 The Hive 16:00 The Mimic 05:50 Siba’s Table 23:00 Wild Spain 03:20 Art Attack 00:00 Recoil 16:25 The Weakest Link 06:10 Have Cake, Will Travel 03:45 Art Attack 02:00 Insidious 17:10 Eastenders 06:35 Have Cake, Will Travel 04:10 Jungle Junction 04:00 40 Days And Nights 17:40 Doctors 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:20 Jungle Junction 06:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 18:10 Being Erica 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:35 Jungle Junction 08:00 Chain Reaction 19:00 The Vicar Of Dibley 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:45 Jungle Junction 10:00 Escape From L.A. 19:30 Moone Boy 08:15 Chopped 05:00 Art Attack 00:00 Mystery Girls 12:00 The Expendables 2 20:00 Whitechapel 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 05:25 Art Attack 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 14:00 Recoil 20:50 Scott & Bailey Basics 05:50 Mouk Stewart 16:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 21:40 The Room At The Top 09:30 Farm Kings 06:00 Dog With A Blog 01:00 Community 18:00 Chain Reaction 22:40 The Room At The Top 10:20 Recipes That Rock 06:25 Liv And Maddie 01:30 Saturday Night Live 20:00 The Expendables 2 23:45 The Weakest Link 10:45 All You Can Meat 22:00 Olympus Has Fallen 06:50 So Random 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 02:30 The Big C 07:15 I Didn’t Do It 11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 03:00 Men At Work 07:40 Jessie 12:00 Chopped 03:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 08:05 Austin & Ally 12:50 Siba’s Table 04:00 New Girl 08:30 Girl Meets World 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 08:55 Suite Life On Deck Jimmy Fallon 13:40 Mystery Diners 00:00 Insidious-PG15 09:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 05:30 My Boys 00:05 Antiques Roadshow 09:45 Hannah Montana 06:00 Til Death 02:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 00:55 Come Dine With Me 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 10:10 That’s So Raven 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:30 Welcome To The Family 01:45 Food Glorious Food 10:35 Cheetah Girls 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 06:00 Chain Reaction-PG15 02:30 Bargain Hunt 15:45 Farm Kings 08:00 Escape From L.A.-PG15 12:15 Austin & Ally 16:35 Chopped 08:00 New Girl 03:15 Bargain Hunt 12:40 Jessie 08:30 My Boys 10:00 The Expendables 2-PG15 04:00 Bargain Hunt 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 12:00 Recoil-PG15 13:05 I Didn’t Do It 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 09:00 Men At Work 04:45 Antiques Roadshow 13:30 So Random 09:30 Dads 14:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 05:35 Come Dine With Me 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:00 Chain Reaction-PG15 13:55 Liv And Maddie 18:40 Siba’s Table 10:00 Baby Daddy 06:25 Food Glorious Food 14:20 The Adventures Of Disney 10:30 Welcome To The Family 18:00 The Expendables 2-PG15 07:15 Bargain Hunt 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 20:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 Fairies 19:30 Mystery Diners 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 08:00 Bargain Hunt 14:55 Jessie Jimmy Fallon 22:00 Live Free Or Die Hard-PG15 08:45 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 19:55 Burger Land 15:20 I Didn’t Do It 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 12:00 Til Death SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS ON OSN PREMIERE HD Living 12:30 New Girl 15:45 Liv And Maddie 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 04:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of 09:10 Homes Under The Hammer 13:00 My Boys 19:30 The Happening-PG15 23:00 Live MSNBC The Cycle 16:10 Austin & Ally 22:00 Guy’s Big Bite Meatballs 2-PG 10:00 Antiques Roadshow 13:30 Welcome To The Family 21:00 Prisoners-PG15 16:35 Girl Meets World 22:25 Guy’s Big Bite 06:00 Death Clique-PG15 10:50 Come Dine With Me 14:00 The Michael J. Fox Show 23:30 Metro Manila-PG15 17:00 I Didn’t Do It 22:50 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 00:00 Monty Python’s Meaning Of 08:00 The Expatriate-PG15 11:40 Masterchef: The 14:30 Dads 17:25 Jessie 23:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco Life-18 10:00 Frozen-PG Professionals 15:00 Baby Daddy 02:00 Top 14 17:50 Code: 9 23:40 Burger Land 02:00 Good Morning, Vietnam- 12:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 12:05 Nigel Slater’s Simple 18:15 Dog With A Blog 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 04:00 Trans World Sport PG15 01:00 The Wicked Within-PG15 14:00 Dangerous Attraction-PG15 Suppers 18:40 Good Luck Charlie Stewart 05:00 Volvo Ocean Race 04:15 Ghost Dad-PG 03:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 16:00 The Expatriate-PG15 12:35 Bargain Hunt 19:05 I Didn’t Do It 16:00 Community 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 06:00 The Incredible Burt A Marriage Counselor-PG15 18:00 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit- 13:20 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 19:30 Liv And Maddie 16:30 Til Death 07:00 Top 14 Wonderstone-PG15 05:00 Deep Sea-PG 20:00 Hummingbird-PG15 Living 19:55 Austin & Ally 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:00 Volvo Ocean Race 08:00 Hope Springs-PG15 06:15 The Great Gatsby-PG15 22:00 Seven Psychopaths-18 13:45 Homes Under The Hammer 20:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:00 Raising Hope 11:00 NFL Road To The Playoffs 00:35 Who’s Doing The Dishes 10:00 Good Morning, Vietnam- 09:00 Great Expectations-PG15 14:35 Antiques Roadshow 20:45 Suite Life On Deck 18:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 12:00 PDC World Darts 01:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love PG15 11:15 Horizon-PG15 15:25 Come Dine With Me 21:10 Hannah Montana 19:00 Dads Championship Of Dogs 12:30 Dr Seuss’ Cat In The Hat-PG 13:15 No Clue-PG15 16:20 Masterchef: The 21:35 That’s So Raven 19:30 Baby Daddy 15:00 Top 14 02:00 Emmerdale 14:00 Jesus Henry Christ-PG15 15:00 A Common Man-PG15 Professionals 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 02:25 Emmerdale 20:00 Friends With Better Lives 16:00 Hope Springs-PG15 17:00 Sevens World Series 16:45 Nigel Slater’s Simple 20:30 Mystery Girls 16:45 Great Expectations-PG15 Highlights 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 02:55 Coronation Street 18:00 Warm Bodies-PG15 00:00 MSNBC Caught On Camera Suppers 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 19:00 The Hot Flashes-PG15 17:30 Hero Indian Super League 22:50 Shake It Up 03:25 Who’s Doing The Dishes 20:00 The Internship-PG15 02:00 Live ABC World News 17:15 Bargain Hunt Stewart 21:00 Grace Unplugged-PG Highlights 23:10 Wolfblood 04:20 Big Star’s Little Star 22:00 Go-18 02:30 Live NBC Nightly News (Sat- 18:00 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 21:30 Two And A Half Men 23:00 Carrie-PG15 20:00 Volvo Ocean Race 23:35 Wolfblood 05:15 Four Weddings UK Sun) Living 22:00 Getting On 06:10 The Chase 03:00 ABC World News 18:25 Homes Under The Hammer 22:30 Jonah From Tonga 07:05 Holiday Heaven On Earth 03:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 19:15 Homes Under The Hammer 23:00 The Big C 07:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes 04:00 NBC Sunday Today Show 20:10 Simply Italian 23:30 Friends With Better Lives 08:25 Big Star’s Little Star 01:00 Tony Hawk: Boom Boom 05:00 ABC This Week With G 00:00 Live NFL 20:35 Come Dine With Me 09:20 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 01:00 There Be Dragons-PG15 Sabotage 03:30 Challenge Series Golf 00:00 The Soup Stephanopoulos 21:30 Celebrity MasterChef Of Dogs 03:00 The Pact-PG15 02:45 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & Highlights 00:30 Giuliana & Bill 06:00 NBC Meet The Press 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 09:50 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 05:00 Special Forces-PG15 Wolverine 04:00 Live NHL 01:25 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 ABC World News 23:10 Come Dine With Me Of Dogs 07:00 The Good Witch’s Wedding- 04:15 The Little Rascals Save The 07:00 Australian PGA 02:20 E! News 07:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 23:35 Paul Hollywood’s Bread 10:15 Four Weddings UK 09:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle- Day Championship Highlights 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 White Collar 08:00 ABC World News 11:10 Emmerdale 11:00 Special Forces-PG15 06:00 A Cat In Paris 08:00 PDC World Darts 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:00 The Americans 08:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 11:35 Emmerdale 13:00 Almost Christmas-PG15 08:00 Hatching Championship 04:10 E!ES 03:00 Supernatural 09:00 ABC This Week With G 12:00 Coronation Street 15:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 10:00 Barbie As The Princess And 11:00 Top 14 05:05 E!ES 04:00 How To Get Away With Stephanopoulos 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 17:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle- The Pauper 13:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Murder 10:00 ABC World News 13:25 Four Weddings UK 19:00 Knife Fight-PG15 11:30 Dragon Hunters Highlights Miami 05:00 Castle 10:30 NBC Nightly News (Sat-Sun) 14:20 Holiday Heaven On Earth 21:00 McCanick-PG15 13:00 Kong Return To The Jungle 15:00 NFL Road To The Playoffs 00:45 Fast N’ Loud 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 06:00 White Collar 11:00 Live ABC World News Now 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 23:00 Drive-18 14:30 Hatching 19:00 WWE Experience 01:35 Fast N’ Loud Miami 07:00 Helix 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 15:35 The Chase 16:00 The Legend Of Secret Pass 20:00 WWE Afterburn 02:25 Fast N’ Loud 07:50 Style Star 08:00 C.S.I. 12:30 Live ABC America This 16:30 Tricked 18:00 Barbie As The Princess And 21:30 NFL 03:15 Fast N’ Loud 08:20 E! News 09:00 Castle Morning 17:25 Paul O’Grady: For The Love The Pauper 04:05 Fast N’ Loud 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 10:00 How To Get Away With 13:00 Live ABC America This Of Dogs 20:00 Fred 2: Night Of The Living 05:00 Troy 10:15 Giuliana & Bill Murder Morning 17:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 01:00 The Last Weekend-PG15 Fred 06:00 Siberian Cut 11:10 Kourtney And Khloe Take 11:00 Helix 14:30 MSNBC First Look Of Dogs 03:30 Hitchcock-PG15 21:45 Kong Return To The Jungle 06:50 Car Chasers The Hamptons 12:00 Emmerdale 15:00 Live NBC Today Show 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 05:30 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 23:15 The Legend Of Secret Pass 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 12:05 E! News 12:30 Coronation Street 19:00 Live MSNBC NewsNation 01:00 Live New Zealand v Sri 19:10 Coronation Street 07:30 Not Without My Daughter- 08:30 Storage Hunters 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 14:00 C.S.I. 20:00 Live MSNBC Andrea Mitchell Lanka Test Series 19:35 The Chase PG15 08:55 The Liquidator 13:35 Beyond Candid With 15:00 White Collar Reports 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 20:30 Tricked 09:30 Before And After-PG15 09:20 Dukes Of Haggle Giuliana 16:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Live MSNBC Ronan Farrow 09:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 21:25 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 11:30 Timer-PG15 09:45 How It’s Made 14:30 Style Star 16:30 Coronation Street Daily 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 Of Dogs 13:30 Blancanieves-PG15 10:10 How It’s Made 15:00 Keeping Up With The 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:00 Shiver-PG15 22:00 Live MSNBC The Reid 16:00 Big Bash League T20 21:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 15:30 Dangerous Minds-PG15 10:35 Fast N’ Loud Kardashians 18:00 C.S.I. 02:00 Ender’s Game-PG15 Report 19:30 Ranji Trophy 17:30 Before And After-PG15

THE EXPENDABLES 2 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Classifieds

MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (01/01/2015 TO 07/01/2015)

SHARQIA-1 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 5:00 PM UNBROKEN 6:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:30 AM VICE 12:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:30 PM PERSONAL DVD 7:00 PM VICE 2:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:30 PM Special Show “UNBROKEN “ 6:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 4:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM VICE 9:30 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 11:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 6:30 PM Special Show “VICE “ 9:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:00 PM FANAR-5 UNBROKEN 11:30 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 4:00 PM VICE 10:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 12:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 5:45 PM VICE 12:45 AM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 1:45 PM AVENUES-6 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 3:30 PM VICE 1:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:15 PM SHARQIA-2 LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 5:15 PM VICE 3:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM P.K -HINDI 7:00 PM VICE 5:15 PM ACCOMMODATION THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:30 PM P.K -HINDI 9:45 PM VICE 7:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM VICE 9:15 PM VICE 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:45 PM VICE 11:15 PM VICE 1:30 PM Sharing accommodation THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:45 PM MARINA-1 VICE 1:15 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 3:30 PM available in a flat at Jabriya, THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM VICE 12:30 PM VICE 5:15 PM area - 10 near Jabriya Indian THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:15 AM INTO THE WOODS 2:45 PM AVENUES-7 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 7:15 PM VICE 5:30 PM PADDINGTON 1:00 PM Digital (2D) 9:00 PM School for decent working SHARQIA-3 INTO THE WOODS 7:45 PM LAGGIES 3:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:00 PM ladies or couple from LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 11:30 AM VICE 10:15 PM PADDINGTON 5:00 PM VICE 12:45 AM February-2015. Contact: LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 1:15 PM VICE 12:15 AM LAGGIES 7:00 PM 99300513. (C 4898) LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 3:00 PM LAGGIES 9:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 UNBROKEN 4:45 PM MARINA-2 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM 5-1-2015 LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 7:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM UNBROKEN 2:00 PM UNBROKEN 9:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:45 PM UNBROKEN 4:45 PM Sharing accommodation 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:05 AM AVENUES-8 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ERET OF THE TOMB 7:30 PM available in Abbassiya with NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM P.K -HINDI 1:30 PM UNBROKEN 9:30 PM MUHALAB-1 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 6:15 PM ANNIE 4:15 PM UNBROKEN 2:15 AM a Keralite family near UNBROKEN 12:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM ANNIE 6:45 PM Highway center, fully fur- ANNIE 3:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM P.K -HINDI 9:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 nished, separate bathroom, INTO THE WOODS 5:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:45 AM THE WATER DIVINER 12:15 AM LAGGIES 11:30 AM couples or working ladies. UNBROKEN 8:00 PM LAGGIES 1:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:45 PM MARINA-3 AVENUES-9 ANNIE 3:15 PM Contact: 66130689. UNBROKEN 12:30 AM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 11:45 AM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 11:30 AM LAGGIES 6:00 PM (C 4896) UNBROKEN 1:30 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 1:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 7:45 PM 1-1-2015 MUHALAB-2 LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 4:15 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 3:30 PM LAGGIES 10:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 12:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 6:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 5:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 11:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 2:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 7:30 PM SITUATION VACANT LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 4:15 PM UNBROKEN 9:45 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 9:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 VICE 6:00 PM UNBROKEN 12:30 AM THE WATER DIVINER 11:30 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 11:45 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:30 PM Required a driver for a VICE 10:00 PM AVENUES-1 AVENUES-10 VICE 12:05 AM INTO THE WOODS 1:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 3:45 PM Kuwaiti family. Has a valid INTO THE WOODS 3:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST-3D 5:45 PM driving license, has experi- MUHALAB-3 INTO THE WOODS 6:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM ence in Kuwait, speaks THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 8:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:45 PM English. Tel: 90030691. THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 9:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 4:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:15 PM (C 4899) THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 6:15 PM AVENUES-2 BAIRAQ-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 PM AVENUES-11 UNBROKEN 12:45 PM A well experienced cook THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 2:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 3:30 PM for a family house in THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:45 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 4:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 2:45 PM P.K -HINDI 6:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 6:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 5:00 PM UNBROKEN 6:15 PM Kuwait. Tel: 90030691. FANAR-1 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 7:15 PM UNBROKEN 9:00 PM (C 4899) UNBROKEN 11:45 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:30 PM UNBROKEN 11:45 PM 5-1-2014 UNBROKEN 2:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:45 PM UNBROKEN 5:30 PM BAIRAQ-3 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:15 PM AVENUES-3 360º- 1 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:30 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM UNBROKEN 11:45 AM VICE 12:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 PM SITUATION WANTED UNBROKEN 11:45 PM UNBROKEN 2:45 PM VICE 2:15 PM VICE 3:00 PM UNBROKEN 5:45 PM VICE 4:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 5:00 PM FANAR-2 UNBROKEN 8:45 PM VICE 6:15 PM PADDINGTON 6:45 PM An MBA, LLB job aspirant VICE 12:45 PM UNBROKEN 11:45 PM VICE 8:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 8:45 PM with 13 years of experience VICE 2:45 PM VICE 10:15 PM VICE 10:30 PM in banking, insurance, con- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:45 PM AVENUES-4 VICE 12:15 AM VICE 12:30 AM VICE 6:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 AM struction, construction materials sales and pur- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:30 PM 360º- 2 PLAZA VICE 10:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 PM LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST 4:00 PM chase management as sen- VICE 1:00 AM Special Show “NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB” 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 3:15 PM ior manager is looking for a 4:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 5:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 4:00 PM FANAR-3 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 6:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 5:45 PM senior managerial posi- INTO THE WOODS 1:00 PM Special Show “LEGEND OF THE NEVER BEAST” 6:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:15 PM COUSINS- MALAYALAM 8:00 PM tions. Contact: 97341053. 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 3:45 PM Special Show “VICE “ 6:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM THU+FRI+SAT+MON (C 4897) VICE 8:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 AM 1-1-2015 THE WATER DIVINER 8:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:45 AM 360º- 3 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM LAILA AVENUES-5 INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 3:30 PM FANAR-4 VICE 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM UNBROKEN 6:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 PM UNBROKEN 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:00 PM VICE 4:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:00 PM 112

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 5/1/2015 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 Departure Flights on Monday 5/1/2015 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 Airlines Flt Route Time SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 01:35 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MEA 411 Beirut 02:45 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 MEA 410 Beirut 01:45 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MEA 407 Beirut 04:15 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 MEA 406 Beirut 03:15 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 104 London 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 CROSSWORD 775 STAR TRACK

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

Unfinished obligations keep you busy this morning. This should be an Sleeping late may bring about an opportunity to remember and write amorous time for lovers who feel a genuine desire to both give and receive. Neither one down a dream or two. Consider keeping a dream diary-there are lessons. While writing, will feel whole without the other. There could be a temptation to make too much or too think about using a little time for some needed relaxation. Fast living, late nights and lots little of the relationship, with the wish to receive more or give less. Keep your perspective of rich food or heavy spending may have taken its toll during the holidays. You may even with all that passion. You may enjoy diving into some activity that shows off your spend most of this day planning a new health regimen. Others will find you extremely talent, like art or cooking. This ability to express yourself is fun and with an audience, you helpful and cooperative. Your attitude is humble, upbeat and positive. You may have to are in top performance. You may see value in or feel love for an older person or someone teach a child about disagreements at this time. To have a disagreement is not a bad thing in authority this afternoon; this person may enjoy the results of some of your talents. . . . Sometimes it is just what we need to bring to light a viewpoint we never thought Family and security are where you make beginnings and bold moves. about before the debate began. Consider the art of humming tunes.

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

If you have dealt with debate issues in the past and understand how to The family members that are closest to you now have a big impact on your remove the emotional aspect, then today could bring valuable insights that may help cut goals and they make a big impression on you. Procrastination is not all bad. Sometimes, through some pesky little problems of the past. A compromise may be in order. Being that extra push or a bit of nagging just winds up spinning the wheels, so to speak. A good more closely involved with another person may well become your highest priority now. plan of action will emerge from the least expected place, person or thought pattern. Marriage, contracts and partnerships are seen as keys to success and happiness-they have Writing music or completing some creative task seems to bolster your energies. Like the plenty of lessons to teach you. A lady named martha graham once said, “because there is little engine that could, you make great strides in your determination to achieve. You only one of you, in all time, your expression is unique. If you block it, it will be lost.” keep may be teaching or guiding a young person this evening. This could be in manners or your creative channels open by diving into some creative venture this afternoon. Try budgeting or some other skill that you find important and easy for them to learn. You put something new and challenging-your imagination will surprise you! yourself to sleep this evening by planning your goals.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may feel the need to take a little time away from your busy schedule of Plan for delays and cancellations and have an alternative plan for things the last few weeks. Somehow you are in need of quiet, natural surround- that are important. You have the ability to turn a negative situation into a ings. Perhaps some time near water or a drive out to the country. You and a friend or your positive one with your insights. When a loved one comes to you with a what-if problems, ACROSS country's 2nd largest city. mate may decide that this is the perfect day to just pack up a lunch and drive to the coun- 1. A light-weight hat worn in tropical countries 3. Large black-and-white herbivorous mammal ask them first what they consider the smart answers might be. You will be helping them try or enjoy some type of outside therapy. Any number of things would bring a fresh per- to help themselves and prevent an emotional overload for yourself as well. Your creative for protection from the sun. of bamboo forests of China and Tibet. spective to your workweek: a trip to a planetarium, a bicycle trip to a park or lake that has side is at a high this evening. This, along with the ability to put your thoughts into words, a bicycle path. Comfort on the home front is good but an occasional escape from the 5. The capital and largest city of Venezuela. 4. An advanced student or graduate in medicine allows you to bewitch and transport others. Perhaps you have story time around your 12. Of southern Europe. gaining supervised practical experience norm is always invigorating. Enjoy the day, take a camera and listen to new sounds. household. Good for you-this is one way to encourage the creative mind in others. With Consider making a wish list of future relaxing things to enjoy. 15. A theocratic republic in the Middle East in (`houseman' is a British term). the young children, tape-record their little voices creating their own story. western Asia. 5. An oleoresin used in varnishes and ointments. 16. The hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy 6. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flow- who would not trust his wife. ers. 17. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the 7. A line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) pilot is talked down by ground control using the same angle. Rain or sunshine, this day has the makings for a great day! You aim to please Music in the morning, perhaps a movie with the family in the evening, precision approach radar. 8. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was and you work hard to meet all the expectations of your job and your family. 18. The noise made by a short puff of steam (as responsible for research into atomic energy and makes for a very full day. You may feel more like being alone at noon. Leisure activity is You do good things for many people. These things do not go unnoticed; more than a few great in small doses. Perhaps the family can go to the neighborhood restaurant and leave from an engine). its peacetime uses in the United States. acquaintances want to let you know that they appreciate you. A few friends will join you you to your bubble bath or whatever. Later, you may have the energy to tackle small talk 19. An insufficient quantity or number. 9. An upward slope or grade (as in a road). today and you may find this one of the most relaxing days you have had in a long time. but most importantly you will help a young person with schoolwork for next week. There Now is a good time for mentally setting your goals and for creating a routine in your mind 20. Tag the base runner to get him out. 10. Angular distance above the horizon (espe- is an enchanting array of people that are putting forth the effort to communicate in fun, on how you will improve or maintain your physical wellbeing. If you take a few pictures, 21. (sports) With hand brought forward and up cially of a celestial object). creative ways. When you study the past flow of events in your life, you may gain an atti- you will be able to talk about this time and tell stories about your guests for a very long from below shoulder level. 11. Erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoli- tude of gratitude. You certainly have gratitude for the people that are in your life now. time. It might be fun to share a few pictures. 23. (Jungian psychology) The inner self (not the ate leaves and purple to pink flowers. external persona) that is in touch with the 12. God of fire. unconscious. 13. A fraudulent business scheme. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 25. Wild sheep of northern Africa. 14. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver Leo (July 23-August 22) 26. A small cake leavened with yeast. cells. This should be one of those happy days during which you feel good and so You may find yourself in a position of leadership today. This could mean 29. Being nine more than ninety. 22. European strong-scented perennial herb does everyone else. You feel nothing but warmth, generosity and affection toward every- that you are a spokesperson or organizer for a group of people. Others relax with you in 31. A long projecting or anterior elongation of with gray-green bitter-tasting leaves. body around you and they, in turn, reflect it all back to you. Your benevolence extends to charge and the results of your efforts are a mark in your favor. An old relationship that an animal's head. 24. A constitutional monarchy in northern strangers as well and everyone you attract will be in a good mood. This morning, a quest seems inhibiting to you is due for a change. A perfect balance between your career needs and personal needs should bring about an inner peace now that you rarely get a chance to 32. Occurring in or appropriate to the season of Europe on the western side of the Scandinavian for better health may find you writing out a grocery list and reviewing the positive and the negative on a variety of diets. Walking, exercising with a friend and planning to sign up for enjoy. Neither side of you has to struggle with the other. In addition, you have a supersen- spring. Peninsula. sitive awareness of the moods and needs of others, making this an excellent time to run an exercise class at the local spa may be in order as well. You may also be thinking about 37. Produced by a manufacturing process. 27. A radioactive element of the actinide series. seminars or work with groups. Take some time off from slaying dragons and recharge your further education so that you can get where you want to go with regard to your goals. batteries! Uncork some champagne and share the firelight. 39. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part 28. The residue that remains when something is Your ideas for progress are good. of an organism. burned. 42. One of the Aesir having a strong and beauti- 30. A glancing rebound. ful body but a dull mind. 33. A small lake. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 43. A constellation in the southern hemisphere 34. Any plant of the genus Inula. Pisces (February 19-March 20) near Telescopium and Norma. 35. (Sumerian and Babylonian) A solar deity. Attending or listening to a religious service or a self-help book-on-tape Spiritual matters take precedence this morning; you will find yourself rather 45. (computer science) A kind of computer 36. Norwegian composer whose work was often helps you to gain insight and learn new things. You may have a feeling that no matter creative. Your imagination soars! Awareness and insight into others’ needs may put you architecture that has a large number of instruc- inspired by Norwegian folk music (1843-1907). how well you are progressing in your professional life-there is still something missing into a counselor type of activity. This could mean you will give advice to others in a variety tions hard coded into the cpu chip. 38. An informal term for a father. regarding the path to success. It may be time to reassess the balance between your pro- of subjects, as needed. Home, family or real estate interests you and you may find yourself 48. A group of southern Bantu languages. 40. A digital display that uses liquid crystal cells fessional and personal goals and the progress you are making with each one. It may be driving visitors around to see some of the places of interest as well as some of the different neighborhoods and homes around your city. There are some questions that only real- 49. A sudden unexpected piece of good fortune. that change reflectivity in an applied electric time to consider branching out and discovering new talents-there are no correct answers estate people can answer but you are a helpful guide on this day. When it comes to relax- 51. A white metallic element that burns with a field. for now but there are plenty of good opportunities at this time for you to either stay where you are or to grow and become challenged. This afternoon you prepare for the ation later this afternoon you may enjoy a good fantasy novel or movie. Do not worry-reali- brilliant light. 41. The branch of computer science that deal week ahead and this evening a young person gains your attention. ty always returns-for now, it is time to rest. 52. A statement that deviates from or perverts with writing computer programs that can solve the truth. problems creatively. 53. A member of the Siouan people formerly liv- 44. A signal transmitted along a narrow path. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution ing in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska. 46. Any of a number of fishes of the family 57. Web spinners. Carangidae. 59. Decapod having eyes on short stalks and a 47. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its moth- broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen er and raised by hand. folded under the thorax and pincers. 50. The fifth month of the civil year. 62. The Mongol people living the the central 54. Pan with a convex bottom. and eastern parts of Outer Mongolia. 55. A town in northern Egypt. 67. Japanese mathematical physicist who pro- 56. A wad of something chewable as tobacco. posed that nuclear forces are mediated by mas- 58. A baseball deliberately thrown at the bat- sive particles called mesons which are analo- ter's head. gous to the photon in mediating electromag- 60. Measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood netic forces (1907-1981). or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is 71. Any of several trees of the genus Platanus used for drawing straight lines and measuring having thin pale bark that scales off in small lengths. plates and lobed leaves and ball-shaped heads 61. Jordan's port. of fruits. 73. A master's degree in business. 63. The cardinal number that is the sum of five 74. (informal) `johnny' was applied as a nick- and one. name for Confederate soldiers by the Federal 64. A subsidiary proposition that is assumed to soldiers in the American Civil War. be true in order to prove another proposition. 75. A light brown raw cane sugar from Guyana. 65. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a 77. An adult male person (as opposed to a skewer usually with vegetables. woman). 66. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan 78. A period marked by distinctive character or River. reckoned from a fixed point or event. 68. Gully or streambed in North Africa and the 79. Inflexibly entrenched and unchangeable. Middle East that remains dry except during 80. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from rainy season. aba cloth. 69. Meat from a domestic hog or pig. 70. Using speech rather than writing. DOWN 72. (in Scotland or Ireland) A mountain or tall 1. Semi-evergreen South American tree with hill. odd-pinnate leaves and golden yellow flowers 76. A polyvalent metallic element that resem- cultivated as an ornamental. bles chromium and tungsten in its properties. 2. A port city in northwestern Algeria and the

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: INTERNATIONAL Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 GOSSIP UK’s best-selling albums revealed he UK’s 10 best-selling albums of 2014 album with ‘A Perfect Contradiction’. Geoff were all made by British artists for the Taylor, chief executive of the BPI and Brit Tfirst time ever. Singer/songwriter Ed awards, praised the success of the top three Sheeran topped the list with ‘X’, which sold artists for “catching fire around the world”. The 1.7m copies whilst Sam Smith’s debut LP, ‘In ‘Thinking Out Loud’ hitmaker and the ‘Stay The Lonely Hour’, claimed second spot after With Me’ singer retained their positions of selling 1.25m copies. George Ezra’s first number one and two when it came to the album, ‘Wanted on Voyage’ and Paolo Nutini’s UK’s most-streamed artists, after receiving ‘Caustic Love’ placed third and fourth respec- over one billion streams. One Direction, tively. Other artists to feature in the list Coldplay and Calvin Harris, too, all achieved included Coldplay, One Direction and Take the same feat whilst Mark Ronson and Bruno That. Pink Floyd - who released their first Mars’ track ‘Uptown Funk’ broke the record as album in 20 years in 2014 - placed ninth the most streamed track in a single week. The whilst the only female artist to make the list, number one hit achieved 2.5 million plays in Paloma Faith, had the sixth best-selling the last week of December.

Artist albums chart 2014: Most streamed artists 2014:

1. Ed Sheeran, ‘X’ 1. Ed Sheeran 2. Sam Smith, ‘In the Lonely Hour’ 2. Sam Smith 3. George Ezra, ‘Wanted on Voyage’ 3. Arctic Monkeys 4. Paolo Nutini, ‘Caustic Love’ 4. Eminem 5. Coldplay, ‘Ghost Stories’ 5. Calvin Harris 6. Paloma Faith, ‘A Perfect Contradiction’ 6. Coldplay 7. One Direction, ‘Four’ 7. One Direction 8. Olly Murs, ‘Never Been Better’ 8. BeyoncÈ 9. Pink Floyd, ‘The Endless River’ 9. Katy Perry 10. Take That, ‘III’ 10. Bastille Menzel defends her

dina Menzel has defended her ceeding.”Performing isn’t only about ability to perform live. The the acrobatics and the high notes: I‘Frozen’ star came in for some It’s staying in the moment, connect- severe criticism for failing to hit a ing with the audience in an authen- note at the end of ‘Let It Go’ on New tic way, and making yourself real to Year’s Eve in Times Square, but she’s them through the music. “I am more

New Year’s Eve performance New Year’s responded to her critics by citing an than the notes I hit, and that’s how I interview she gave last year. In the try to approach my life. You can’t get interview, which she’s republished it all right all the time, but you can on her Twitter account, the 43-year- try your best. “If you’ve done that, all old star said: “There are about 3 mil- that’s left is to accept your short- lion notes in a two-and-a-half-hour comings and have the courage to musical; being a perfectionist, it try to overcome them.” ‘Let It Go’ took me a long time to realize that if won the Academy Award for Best I’m hitting 75% of them, I’m suc- Original Song in 2014. Rita Ora: Music success Rock boasts of being ‘loaded’ for women is ‘harder’ id Rock is “loaded”. The 43-year-old the people around me.” The musician, who am excited, but also nervous for my son. He star has earned a fortune through the was once married to actress Pamela was dropped on my doorstep at six months Kcourse of his career, but insists he isn’t Anderson, has a son from a previous relation- when I had no money and was trying to be a ita Ora thinks it’s “harder to embarrassed about his wealth because he ship, Robert Jr, and has revealed he’s “excited” rock star. I didn’t have a clue. “The partying be a female” in the music has amassed his earnings in an honest way. by the prospect of becoming a grandfather. gene skips a generation. I was really wild and Rindustry. The ‘I Will Never He said: “I’m not just wealthy, I’m loaded. I He told The Guardian newspaper: “I’m 43 and I never saw that in my son. He’ll have a few Let You Down’ hitmaker - who can say that because I’m not embarrassed - about to become a grandfather, but it keeps drinks, but that’s it. He’ll say: ‘Right, I’m going has scored three UK number one I’ve made a ton of money, but I’ve never my redneck street cred up. I could be a great- home,’ and I’m like: ‘Ha! We’re just getting singles and a UK number one made a dishonest dollar. I try to do right by great-great-grandfather by the time I’m 80. I warm.’” album - believes it is tougher for women to have success in music. She said: “Without pulling the female card, I think it has always Madonna defends been harder for females in all aspects. Whenever we have an Blunt reveals opinion, it always seems to be taken out of proportion ...”I think altered photos people take the word ‘feminist’ her admiration really seriously and I think people are scared to use that word. In of MLK, Mandela this industry, all the heads of of Streep labels are men. I have always been very vocal about the women sticking together.” The 24-year-old singer - who will be taking a seat on the judging pan- el of British talent show ‘The Voice’ alongside Sir Tom Jones, Will.i.am and Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson - also revealed that she is “proud” to be able to prove her- mily Blunt loves working with Meryl says ‘Into The Woods’ is a little darker than the self on the show. She told the Streep. The pair starred alongside each typical Disney film and she thinks it’s impor- Daily Mirror newspaper: “As a Eother in the 2006 hit ‘The Devil Wears tant children are not overprotected. She told woman in this industry, it has Prada’ and have reunited for ‘Into The Woods’, The Guardian newspaper: “Chris Pine [who always been a bit about proving and Emily has revealed she thoroughly plays the prince in the movie] was telling me yourself, so I’m proud to be on a enjoyed the experience. The 31-year-old that most schools in America only do the first panel with such successful men.” actress reflected: “I feel like Meryl walks act of the play, where everything is happy through life in a constant state of needing to ever after. And it’s just sad that we’re choosing diffuse people’s intimidation of her. A weird to coddle our children that way, because no way to exist. Maybe it helped that at least she one’s more perceptive than a child.” Emily Carell ‘doesn’t take himself seriously’ didn’t have to worry about me. “It doesn’t added: “Nobody goes through life unscathed. mean I’m any less in awe of her.” Emily - who If you want to fairytale the out of everything, teve Carell has “never cared about gave birth to her daughter Hazel in 2014 - you’re doing everyone a disservice.” being taken seriously”. The 52-year- Sold entertainer, who made his name in ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ and ‘Anchorman’, Gyllenhaal likens Enemy to a dream has made a successful transition from comedies to dramas, but Steve isn’t worried nemy’ makes its audience feel like they about the type of roles he’s offered. Asked are “dreaming”. Jake Gyllenhaal, who adonna is defending herself against whether he’s concerned about losing his ‘Estars as a college professor in the film criticism after she posted Instagram comic edge, Steve replied: “Not really. To who discovers a look-alike actor and learns more Mphotos of Martin Luther King Jr and me, they are different styles of entertain- about the other man’s private affairs, said he Nelson Mandela that were altered to look like ment, with different methods. “I’ve never enjoyed appearing in a movie that’s so intense her own image on her new album. Madonna’s cared about being taken seriously - I just and explores such a dark subject matter. He told cover for the album “Rebel Heart” is a close-up see myself as an actor. Most of my career, The Independent newspaper: “This movie hope- of her face with black string on it. Her social I’ve just taken what I’ve been offered. I fully feels like you’re dreaming. It’s an exploration media posts show the faces of King and always feel most comfortable as part of a of the unconscious. Such an intense mood. “I Mandela doctored to make it appear as ensemble. Whether it’s a comedy or a dra- have this feeling that, ironically, the darker the though they have similar string on their faces. ma, I like to fit in. It’s best not to stick out.” places you go, the more you can illuminate. I Some consider the posts offensive. In a state- really do believe in the world being a genuinely Steve found fame relatively late in his complicated place, but a very beautiful one.” This ment released late Friday night, Madonna said career and says his priority has always been comes shortly after Jake claimed that everybody The 34-year-old star said: “I equate it with fast she was not comparing herself to them but to provide for his family. He told The in society ought to relate to his 2014 movie food. We all know [it’s] bad for us. But people acknowledging that they were rebels. She also Guardian newspaper: “You know, that didn’t ‘Nightcrawler’, which concerns people who race demand it ... This narrative of fear and this spin- said the images were fan-generated and happen till I was 40. All of that came to pass say, but I just wanted to make a living. That to crime scenes to film eye-catching incidents ning of news has a great detrimental effect.” Jake defended herself against claims of racism, after I had a long career as an actor. It was the goal: to be able to have a family before selling the footage to TV news channels. added society is complicit in this activity. adding she also posted other famous faces sounds such an aw-shucks kind of thing to and support them.”— Bang Showbiz who were not black. lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 MUSIC & MOVIES Box Office: ‘Hobbit’ finale rules with $21.9 million “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five American and Hispanic audiences. Armies” is showing some impressive fight According to exit polls, 53% of the at the box office. The Middle Earth send- opening crowd was female, 25% was off held its ground, securing the top spot African American and 24% was Hispanic. on the charts for a third consecutive “It’s a terrific way to start the new year,” weekend. The New Line and MGM co- said Kyle Davies, president of worldwide production picked up $21.9 million, driv- distribution at Relativity. “It played ing its domestic total to $220.8 million. broadly,” he added. “The recent success- To retain its crown, “The Hobbit” had to ful horror films have appealed to young contend with two resilient Christmas females. holdovers in “Unbroken” and “Into the There’s this pre-conceived notion Woods” and the surprising strength of that horror is always for young males.” horror sequel, “Woman in Black 2: Angel It’s a shot in the arm for Relativity, which of Death.” The holiday hits were in a dead has struggled at the box office of late, heat for second place, with “Into the fielding disappointments such as Woods” retaining a slight edge in the ini- “Beyond the Lights” and “The Best of tial estimates. The musical is expected to Me.” Family films took advantage of the make $91.1 million, bringing its domestic New Year’s holiday and the number of haul to $91.2 million. children on school vacation. “Unbroken” was right behind, captur- ing third place with $18.4 million. The Fox’s “Night at the Museum: Secret survival drama’s stateside total stands at of the Tomb” made $14.4 million, and $87.8 million. “Woman in Black 2,” a has racked up $89.7 million domesti- People looking at a photo of late singer Zeki Muren displayed as part of the “Here I am, Zeki Muren” exhibition. — AFP photos Relativity release, bested tracking, which cally. Meanwhile, Sony’s “Annie” had pegged an opening of between $9 dipped a modest 31%, earning $11.4 million to $11 million. The film earned million and bringing its US total to $15.1 million from 2,602 locations. $72.6 million. In limited release, ‘Turkey’s Liberace’: Music icon “Woman in Black 2” was picked up by the “American Sniper” brought in an studio for an economical $1 million. impressive $640,000 from four theaters. In two weeks and in just a handful of Horror films locations the Clint Eastwood drama has The film appealed to women, African- earned $2.2 million. — Reuters celebrated at Istanbul show

outed as the “Turkish Liberace”, late singer Zeki Muren adored women’s clothes, out- Trageous makeup and was held up as a gay icon-an unlikely hero for modern-day Turkey. Yet a new show on his life is pulling in record crowds in Istanbul. Muren bucked all trends in a country known for its conservatism. He was considered a national treasure by the time of his death in 1996, as dear to the hearts of Turks as Frank Sinatra was to Americans. A consummate entertainer, Muren was a beloved movie star as well as a prolific song- writer and eccentric vocalist, a master of senti- mental “Turkish art music,” which has its origins in the court music of the Ottoman Empire. This-and his extravagant clothing, baubles and oversized rings-earned him the nickname “Turkish Liberace” after the flamboyant US entertainer who died in 1987. Entitled “Here I am, Zeki Muren” after one of his big hits, the Istanbul exhi- bition offers a rare look at his extraordinary life. Taylor Swift Dozens of photos-from early childhood to flashy stage shows, films, world travels and nights out with stars-along with letters and shimmering Taylor Swift has US’ artifacts pay hommage to his legacy. People visiting the ‘Here I am, Zeki Muren’ exhibition. ‘Part of our DNA’ letters from Muren’s mother Hayriye, addressed Cocktail” of lemon, and drinks, invented by the In its first 40 days, the show drew a record of to “my one and only, darling son”. “You are the singer for “long and cold winter nights”. “But best-selling album of 2014 42,000 visitors to the Yapi Kredi Culture Centre world’s sweetest fruit,” a missive reads. don’t drink too much,” Muren warned. “One in the city’s cosmopolitan Beyoglu district, the In another, she compares Muren to “a wing- glass is enough to make you forget about all aylor Swift topped the United States’ first time in Nielsen Music history, Disney most for any exhibition held at the site. Many less angel brought to this earth from the moon your troubles and bring you the sweetest of best-selling album list of 2014. Music Group has two albums in the top five said this was a sign that Istanbul cultural life by the Apollo 11 spaceflight”. Other rooms show sweet dreams.” After a life in front of cameras, TFigures provided by Nielsen Music - the soundtracks of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Guardians remains vibrant, despite complaints that non- his sky-high platform boots, sequined jumpsuit, Muren even died on stage, suffering a heart show that the 25-year-old singer’s fifth stu- of the Galaxy’. It is not the first year Taylor Islamic arts are being squeezed out under bejeweled capes and boldly patterned mini- attack in 1996 at age 65 while recording a show dio album, ‘1989’, sold 3.66 million copies, has been handed the accolade for best-sell- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “He’s just a part skirts, most of them designed by Muren himself. for TRT national television in the western city of beating the ‘Frozen’ soundtrack to the ing album; in 2009, her second studio of our DNA,” Veysel Ugurlu, one of the curators, Known as the first Turkish man to wear a skirt on Izmir. crown. The movie’s hit album - which end- album, ‘Fearless’, shifted 3.22 million copies. told AFP. “Everyone has heard a Muren song. stage, the star gave affectionate names to his The channel had just given him the micro- ed the year with 3.53 million sales - topped Visitors say, ‘This is an exhibition about my life’.” outfits, like “Moon Prince”, “Purple Nights” or phone he had used in his first radio broadcast in the tracking list every week of the year until US official artist albums chart 2014: Muren, who never married nor had children, “Hero’s Dream”. “As you know, the gravity on the 1951. Overcome with emotion, the singer col- a sudden surge of sales of ‘1989’ - 326,000 1. Taylor Swift - ‘1989’ donated all his possessions to the Turkish Moon is low. This makes it difficult for astro- lapsed a few minutes later. His death plunged copies in the week ending December 28 - 2. Disney Music Group - ‘Frozen’ soundtrack Educational Foundation and the Turkish Armed nauts to walk on the moon. That’s why I’m wear- Turkey into mourning. “He was a groundbreaker. meant the title was easily secured for the 3. Sam Smith - ‘In the Lonely Hour’ Forces prior to his death. Ugurlu said the materi- ing these boots,” he once said. He taught us it’s OK to be different, to think dif- singer. Both albums were the only two to 4. Pentatonix - ‘That’s Christmas To Me’ al filled 15 trucks and took organizers six ferently, to express yourself differently,” Ugurlu sell more than three million copies in 2014. 5. Disney’s Hollywood Records - ‘Guardians months to sort out-dresses, shoes, letters, ‘OK to be different’ said. “He will remain forever in our memory.” The Sam Smith’s debut LP, ‘In The Lonely of the Galaxy’ soundtrack records, handwritten lyrics-in chronological One of the biggest draws in the show is a show, already extended twice, is now set to run Hour’, was the third-best selling album of 6. Beyonce - ‘Beyonce’ order to capture the nostalgia. One room has hand-written recipe for a special “Muren until January 15. — AFP 2014 in the United States, shifting 1.21 mil- 7. Barbra Streisand - ‘Partners’ lion copies. BeyoncÈ, Lorde and One 8. Lorde - ‘Pure Heroine’ Direction also appear in the list as well as 9. One Direction - ‘Four’ Barbra Streisand and Pentatonix. For the 10. Eric Church - ‘The Outsiders’ ‘Goodbye to Language’ Aamir Khan’s ‘PK’ becomes top pick of NYC film critics oodbye to Language,” Jean-Luc Godard’s visually and sonically inventive 3D extrava- top grossing in India “G ganza, was named best picture of the year by the National Society of Film Critics on Saturday. In honoring the French New Wave icon’s 39th feature, a densely layered 69-minute fantasia on the ongoing evolution of language, history, coupledom and cine- ma, the Society went decidedly against the grain in a season that has largely favored “Boyhood,” which was feted by the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. Although Richard Linklater’s 12-year coming-of-age drama lost the NSFC’s top prize by a single point in the final balloting, it still came away with wins for director and supporting actress Patricia Arquette. Besides “Boyhood,” the only film to receive more than one award was “Mr Turner,” Mike Leigh’s portrait The full list of winners: of the British painter J.M.W. Turner, which was cited for Picture: “Goodbye to Language” (25) Timothy Spall’s lead performance and Dick Pope’s cin- Runners-up: “Boyhood” (24); “Birdman” and “Mr ematography. It’s hardly the first time the NSFC, with Turner” (tie, 10) its long-standing reputation for discerning, under-the- Director: Richard Linklater, “Boyhood” (36) radar choices, has refused to conform to a predictable Runners-up: Jean-Luc Godard, “Goodbye to awards-season narrative. Typically the last of the Language” (17); Mike Leigh, “Mr Turner” (12) major critics’ organizations to weigh in each year, the Actor: Timothy Spall, “Mr Turner” (31) group has a strong track record of bestowing its top Runners-up: Tom Hardy, “Locke” (10); Ralph Fiennes, honors on films from overseas, including “Waltz With “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and Joaquin Phoenix, Bashir,” “Melancholia,” “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Yi yi.” “Inherent Vice” (tie, 9) Actress: Marion Cotillard, “The Immigrant” and “Two Other categories Days, One Night” (80) Although Kino Lorber’s national rollout for favorite for actress (beating her closest competitor, Runners-up: Julianne Moore, “Still Alice” (35); Scarlett “Goodbye to Language” has been small even by those “Still Alice’s” Julianne Moore, by more than 40 points), Johansson, “Lucy” and “Under the Skin” (21) arthouse standards, limited to a handful of 3D- “Citizenfour” was the only winner to be determined on Supporting actor: J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash” (24) K”, a Bollywood satire on religious practices in a country where equipped specialty venues across the US, the film is the first ballot. A Film Heritage award was voted to Runners-up: Mark Ruffalo, “Foxcatcher” (21); Edward organized religion, is now the religion is a holy cow, right wing groups easily Godard’s best-received work in the decade-plus Museum of Modern Art’s associate curator Ron Norton, “Birdman” (16) “Phighest grossing Bollywood have vandalized several cinemas running since “In Praise of Love,” and has had no shortage of Magliozzi and film conservation manager Peter Supporting actress: Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood” (26) domestic film of all time. Starring the film and filed court petitions ardent critical champions since its premiere in compe- Williamson, for identifying and assembling the earliest Runners-up: Agata Kulesza, “Ida” (18); Rene Russo, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, the demanding a ban on exhibition. India’s tition at the Cannes Film Festival. The Society hewed surviving footage of 1913’s “Lime Kiln Field Day,” which “Nightcrawler” (9) December 19 release has collected $45.1 Supreme Court dismissed these on the to a more familiar path in other categories, even echo- would have been the first feature film to star a black Screenplay: Wes Anderson, “The Grand Budapest million in India, edging past Christmas grounds that the Central Board of Film ing the New York Film Critics Circle’s choices in all four cast. Ron Hutchinson, co-founder and director of the Hotel” (24) 2013 release “Dhoom 3,” also starring Certification had already cleared the film acting races: In addition to the victories for Spall and Vitaphone Project, also received a Film Heritage honor Runners-up: Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Khan, which had total Indian earnings of for exhibition. Meanwhile, the state gov- Arquette, Marion Cotillard was named best actress for for his extensive efforts to collect and restore original Alexander Dinelaris Jr, Armando Bo, “Birdman,” and $44.9 million. The UTV Disney-backed ernments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar her performances in both James Gray’s “The soundtrack discs for early sound shorts and features, Paul Thomas Anderson, “Inherent Vice” (tie, 15) Immigrant” and the Dardenne brothers’ “Two Days, picture is directed by Rajkumar Hirani have waived entertainment tax on the including the recent Warner Bros. restoration of 1929’s Nonfiction film:“Citizenfour” (56) One Night,” while J.K. Simmons took supporting actor and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. film, thereby making tickets cheaper. “Why Be Good?” Runners-up: “National Gallery” (19); “The honors for “Whiplash.” Variety chief film critic Scott Foundas was elected Overnighters” (17) Globally, “PK” has earned some $60.5 States usually waive the either for Similarly in keeping with their multiple mentions million so far, including the India box award winning films or for those provid- to succeed David Sterritt as chair of the Society. The Cinematography: Dick Pope, “Mr Turner” (33) this season, Wes Anderson received the screenplay group’s 49th annual meeting, held at the Elinor Bunin office and $7.8 million in the US. The all- ing wholesome entertainment, like “PK.” Runners-up: Darius Khondji, “The Immigrant” (27); prize for “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” while Munroe Film Center at Lincoln Center in New York, time top global earner from India It is a discretionary call intended to Fabrice Aragno, “Goodbye to Language” (9) “Citizenfour,” Laura Poitras’ documentary about NSA was dedicated to the memory of two Society mem- Film Heritage: Ron Magliozzi and Peter Williamson, remains “Dhoom 3” with $85 million. enable more people to watch the film at whistleblower Edward Snowden, was named best bers who died last year, Jay Carr and Charles Thanks to “PK”‘s fearless lampooning of a lower price. — Reuters the Museum of Modern Art; Ron Hutchinson, the nonfiction film. Along with Cotillard, a runaway Champlin. Vitaphone Project. — Reuters lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Awards Cumberbatch, Pitt, Keaton CELEBRATE AT PALM SPRINGS FESTIVAL GALA

tars and filmmakers turned out Saturday evening on a cold, clear desert night to celebrate the Palm SSprings Film Festival honorees. Scheduled after the first round of Oscar ballots have gone out, the cere- mony at Palm Springs Convention Center recognizes a cross-section of films in the awards conversation. Though Robert Downey Jr and Brad Pitt were presen- ters, not honorees, they helped add glamour to an evening packed full of warm anecdotes told by long- time collaborators. Benedict Cumberbatch, Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, Michael Keaton and Shirley MacLaine were among other big names at the awards ceremony which was again hosted by the eter- nally perky Mary Hart. Festival chairman Harold Matzner pointed out that 10 of last year’s 11 honorees ended up with Oscar nomi- nations, a feat of advance prediction which can’t be easy considering how quickly the Oscar winds can change. The respectful but playful stars were well- behaved, and one of the lively moments came when Pitt encouraged the audience to sing and help the audi- ence learn how to pronounce David Oyelowo.

Mob scene “Gone Girl” supporting actresses Kim Dickens and Carrie Coon kicked off the evening, giving the film’s star Rosamund Pike the Breakthrough Actress award. Wearing a striking black tent dress, Pike talked about her early role in “Die Another Day” and said she was glad the Palm Springs Fest “has decided that I am good enough.” After Pitt led the crowd in an “Oyelowo” singa- Brad Pitt presents the breakthrough performance award - actor at the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Saturday in long, the “Selma” star and Breakthrough Actor award Palm Springs. — AP photos recipient said, “You know you have broken through when Brad Pitt sings your name.” Oyelowo talked about into a lengthy and almost over-the-top explanation of the mob scene that ensues when his four children get her amazingness. “I know Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, together with Pitt’s six, and thanked Pitt along with and she makes them both look like a-holes,” he said. Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay for getting the film Also, “You can never see her acting.” MacLaine, perhaps made. the only star in attendance with clairvoyant powers, Jason Reitman presented the Spotlight award to appropriately presented her “Bernie” director Richard “Whiplash” supporting actor J.K. Simmons, who has Linklater with the Visionary award for “Boyhood.” appeared in most of Reitman’s films. Simmons’ speech Explaining that Linklater’s laid-back approach to direct- remembered co-star Miles Teller for being “supremely ing often results in him answering “I don’t know” to any slappable” and writer-director Damien Chazelle for pro- questions about how to play a part, she said he was viding him with a story “that leapt off the page.” nonetheless able to help her “discover my inner bitch.” Downey Jr called his “The Judge” co-star Robert Duvall Linklater quipped back, “At night, we would have con- “an iron-jawed icon of American manhood,” and joked, versations in another realm.” He thanked the “Boyhood” “We gotta get through this, my chopper’s idling on the cast and crew for carrying out a group vision of the film. roof.” Accepting the Icon award, Duvall thanked Warner Bros’ marketing and distribution topper Sue Kroll for her support of the film and reminisced about his New York Brad Pitt, right, presents the breakthrough performance acting days with Dustin Hoffman. award - actor to David Steve Carell continued Pitt’s shtick, singing the name Oyelowo for ‘Selma’. of his “Crazy Stupid Love” co-star Moore, then launching

Robert Downey Jr presents the icon award. Robert Duvall accepts the icon award. Morten Tyldum, second from left, and Alex Lawther, Benedict Cumberbatch, Allen Leech and Matthew Beard, winners of the ensemble performance award for ‘The Imitation Game’, pose in the press room.

Chaz Ebert arrives at the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Jason Reitman presents the spotlight award. Director Morten Tyldum presents the ensemble performance award. Festival Awards Gala.

Julianne Moore, winner of the Desert Palm achievement award - actress for “Still Benedict Cumberbatch, left, and Allen Leech, of “The Imitation Game”, Reese Witherspoon, winner of the chairmanís award, left, and Laura Alice”, left, and Steve Carell pose in the press room. pose in the press room with the ensemble performance award. Dern pose in the press room. lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 Awards

Shirley MacLaine presents the Sonny Bono visionary award. David Oyelowo accepts the breakthrough performance Rosamund Pike accepts the breakthrough performance award — actor for “Selma”. award - actress for ‘Gone Girl’.

Poetic speech Moore reappeared in her orangey red ruffled dress to present the actor honor to “The Theory of Everything’s” Eddie Redmayne, who appeared with her in “Savage Grace.” Redmayne lauded director James Marsh for giv- ing him “the confidence to fail” while portraying Stephen Hawking. Keaton was enthusiastically received as he appeared to give the director award to his “Birdman” boss Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, recalling that Mike Nichols had advised Inarritu not to make the film, but he didn’t listen. The energetic, charming direc- tor gave a poetic speech about his own “Birdman”-like doubts, his empathy for his characters and his debt to Raymond Carver’s widow Tess Gallagher. “The Imitation Game” director Morten Tyldum’s name isn’t yet well-known, but Cumberbatch, who was award- ed the Ensemble Performance honor along with Allen Leech, Matthew Goode and Alex Lawther, explained Tyldum’s nickname on the set was “The honey monster,” after a British cereal mascot. The actors (Keira Knightley was absent as she “thought the awards were being held in Palm Beach,” Cumberbatch joked) clowned around in winning British fashion before Cumberbatch gave a heartfelt speech about Alan Turing, the subject of the film who was the father of modern computer science. Finally, Laura Dern presented her “Wild” co-star Reese Witherspoon with the Chairman’s Award, for finding the book and “fiercely” making the movie. “I want to be part of any party Reese Witherspoon is throwing,” she said. Witherspoon said making the film is the “most impor- tant journey of my career thus far.” The night concluded Michael Keaton presents the director of the year award. with an after-party at the Parker Palm Springs hotel, where Cumberbatch and Redmayne chatted while their photos were snapped and MacLaine, Simmons and Reitman huddled in conversation. — Reuters Kim Dickens, from left, Rosamund Pike, winner of the breakthrough performance award - actress for ‘Gone Girl’, and Carrie Coon.

Richard Linklater, winner of the Sonny Bono visionary award. J.K. Simmons accepts the spotlight award. Eddie Redmayne accepts the Desert Palm achievement award - actor for “The Theory of Everything”.

Beverly Johnson arrives at the 26th annual Palm Springs Reese Witherspoon, winner of the chairmanís award, Eddie Redmayne, winner of the Desert Palm achievement award - actor for “The Theory of Everything”, left, and Julianne International Film Festival Awards Gala. walks on stage. Moore, winner of the Desert Palm achievement award - actress for “Still Alice”. Cumberbatch, Pitt, Keaton celebrate at Palm Springs38 festival gala MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Masks are displayed for sale for the New Year’s Eve celebration on a street in Quito, Ecuador. The masks are sold to revelers as they ready for the night’s celebrations while men dressed as women, partake In the “Viudas del ano Viejo” or Old Year’s Widows tradition, in which they go around city streets where they dance and sing for drivers and in exchange they receive a couple of coins for their troubles. — AP Cornell professor unlocks mysteries of paintings

ichard Johnson can see right through the Eventually, Johnson and Rice University profes- pictures, whether they were together in their histo- masterpieces of Rembrandt and Van Gogh. sor Don Johnson (no relation) developed digital ry at earlier dates. “ RThe Cornell University electrical and comput- “weave density maps” of canvases that added com- er engineering professor is a digital art detective, putational power to what had been a painstaking Distinctive patterns able to unlock the mysteries of a work’s age and process that required scholars to study small sam- Researchers have been conducting science- authenticity by analyzing its underlying canvas or based analyses of artworks for some time. But it paper. Using high-resolution X-ray images, the 64- has become more common to use computers to year-old academic can actually determine if paint- analyze large amounts of digital data. It’s some- ings came from the same bolt of hand-loomed can- times called computational art history and also vas, each of which has a varying thread density includes assessing brushstrokes for distinctive pat- pattern that can be as unique as a fingerprint. terns. Linking multiple pieces of canvas to the same bolt Johnson in recent years has left the canvas to can shore up arguments for authenticity and even other researchers as he focuses on paper. He’s been put works in chronological order. analyzing the old-fashioned paper used by It’s a valuable service to world-class museums Rembrandt for his prints, which was made by lay- that comes through the unlikely cross-pollinating ing pulp on screens. Scholars know the dates when Notes from a previous dealer or collector are seen on of traditional art history and contemporary com- Rembrandt etched the copper plates to make the the back of the Rembrandt etching. puter science. “By mixing the two groups we’ve prints, but they are often less sure when an individ- been able to do more than either group had been ual print was made. Was it one of the initial prints able to do separately studying the paintings,” or did it come years later after the artist’s death? Johnson said in a room full of Dutch paintings at Johnson is using high-resolution digital images Cornell’s Johnson Museum. “We’re not trying to of Rembrandt prints owned by Cornell’s museum replace the art historian, we’re trying to extend to try to discern patterns that the screens their reach.” Johnson is a tech whiz and an art lover impressed on the back of the prints. Separate - the rare person able to speak with authority prints cut from the same larger sheet of paper about Rembrandt’s brush strokes and adaptive could be matched to provide the same sort of con- feedback systems theory. textual information revealed by studying canvas. The details are different, but the idea of search- Small samples ing for useful patterns is the same, as is the idea of Although he didn’t make his first visit to an art Paper chain line patterns resembling stripes bridging the gap between art and tech. “My philos- museum until he was a student on fellowship in are seen on the piece of paper used by famed ophy all along has been to convince both sides Germany, the rooms full of Rembrandts left him Dutch artist, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, that this is worth doing and they should be talking thunderstruck. Johnson melded the two worlds in when his etching depicting his own self por- to each other,” Johnson said. — AP 2007 with a stint as an adjunct research fellow at trait is held up against a window at the the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. He began Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell examining high-resolution X-ray images of the can- University in Ithaca. — AP photos vases used by the 19th century master. ples with magnifying glasses. “It turns out with the The title of the etching, Self Portrait Leaning on a Stone eye, you make mistakes,” said Louis van Tilborgh, Sill, ca.1639, is seen at the bottom of the self portrait senior researcher at the Van Gogh museum. etched by famed Dutch artist, Rembrandt Harmensz Van Tilborgh sees the weave maps as an impor- van Rijn (1606-1669), at the Herbert F Johnson tant tool in the ongoing work of precisely dating and ordering all of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings. Museum of Art at Cornell University. The technique has also provided evidence to date Diego Velazquez’s “Sebastian de Morra.” A separate analysis of 24 Johannes Vermeer canvases support- ed the sometimes doubted attribution of one painting and provided fresh evidence to link two paintings at the National Gallery in London as com- plementary works. “It’s one more technical tool in the box of study- ing pictures,” said Walter Liedtke, curator of European paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, who worked with Johnson on the Vermeers. “You take this added evidence and you join it with - in the case of the two Vermeers in London - pigment analysis, the iconography of the

Professor Richard Johnson sits for a photo in room devoted to the Leiden Collection at the Herbert F Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University. A watermark depicting a foolscap, upper The signature of famed Dutch artist Rembrandt right center, is seen faintly, on the etching, Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669), is seen on the upper “The Small Lion Hunt (with Two Lions)” . left corner of the etching.