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TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 JAMADA ALAWWAL 12, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwait, South Outspoken Solar plane Nadal grabs Korea ink visa, preacher wins passes new slice of history health and Saudi prize for test ahead of with win in transport2 deals service13 to Islam world27 tour Argentina20 Opposition vows massive Min 08º Max 26º protest as Barrak jailed High Tide 11:44 & 22:37 Low Tide Ex-info minister acquitted • MP proposes electoral law amendment 05:29 & 17:01 40 PAGES NO: 16448 150 FILS By B Izzak Amir fetes KU grads KUWAIT: Lawyers of opposition leader Musallam Al- Barrak yesterday filed appeals against his two-year jail sentence passed last week by the appeals court as the former lawmaker was taken to jail to start serving the sentence. Lawyer Thamer Al-Jadaei said that reasons for the challenge were submitted to the court of cassation yesterday, which is expected to start looking into Barrak’s appeal very soon. Jadaei said that they will file a petition to release Barrak on bail only after a judge is appointed for the case. This could take a few days. In the first hearing, the judge will decide whether Barrak should remain in jail until the court issues its verdict or freed on bail pending trial. Barrak was handed the tough sentence by the appeals court for allegedly insulting HH the Amir at a public rally against amending the electoral law. Police arrived at Barrak’s residence late Sunday night, and after brief negotiations, he agreed to go with the police fol- lowing an emotional farewell by dozens of his support- ers, who carried him and vowed to protest to secure his release. Opposition activists immediately launched a campaign on Twitter calling for a huge demonstration of 100,000 people to press for Barrak’s freedom, but no details were provided about the protest. In a related development, the appeals court yester- KUWAIT: Demonstrators march towards the Central KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad day acquitted former information minister Saad bin Jail in Sabah Al-Nasser yesterday, calling for the Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Minister of Education Dr Bader Al-Essa cut the ceremonial cake as National Assembly Taflah Al-Ajmi of charges of writing an article deemed release of opposition leader Musallam Al-Barrak, Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem looks on during the graduation of the 44th batch of Kuwait University students offensive to the minister of finance. who was arrested and jailed late Sunday. — Photo for the 2013-2014 academic year yesterday. — KUNA (See Page 3) Continued on Page 13 by Yasser Al-Zayyat News KIO cuts US in brief

Saudi diplomat held by investments Qaeda in Yemen freed ABU DHABI: The Kuwait Investment Office (KIO), the RIYADH: A Saudi diplomat, kidnapped in Yemen almost London branch office of sovereign wealth fund three years ago and handed to Al-Qaeda, has been Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), is gradually freed and returned to the kingdom, the interior ministry reducing its overweight stance on US assets after said yesterday. Abdullah Al-Khalidi, keeping that position for seven years, its chief execu- deputy consul in the southern port tive said yesterday. Osama Al-Ayoub, speaking at a city of Aden, who was kidnapped business conference in Abu Dhabi, also said the KIO on March 28, 2012, was freed fol- was going overweight on Europe because of the lowing “intense efforts” by the Saudi European Central Bank’s decision in January to use intelligence services, a ministry quantitative easing, a radical form of monetary stim- statement carried by the official SPA ulus. news agency said without elaborat- “This year, we’re starting after seven years of over- Al-Khalidi ing. Less than one month after his weighting the US market, we’re starting to imple- abduction, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian ment an overweight of European markets and grad- Peninsula demanded the freeing of all its members ually reducing our overweight to US markets,” he detained in Saudi Arabia as well as a ransom in said. “With all this liquidity (ECB president) Mr Draghi exchange for the diplomat’s release. His captors initially is trying to introduce, assets will inflate.” asked for $10 million but later doubled the ransom The KIA is one of the world’s largest sovereign demand to $20 million, a tribal mediator told AFP in wealth funds with about $548 billion under manage- Aug 2012. It was unclear if Saudi authorities paid any ment, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund money in exchange for Khalidi’s eventual release. The Institute, which tracks the industry. Ayoub also said interior ministry said the diplomat had been handed the KIO believed the fall in oil prices might create over to Al-Qaeda “in a suspicious deal” after his kidnap opportunities to invest in oil services companies out- in Aden. He “will undergo medical examinations and be side the Middle East and North Africa. The KIO aims reunited with his family,” SPA said. to double its assets under management over 10 years which translates to an annual internal rate of return of 7.3 percent, but this year will be “a very Egypt got $23bn in aid challenging year”, he added. — Reuters from Gulf in 18 months DUBAI: Egypt has obtained $23 billion in aid from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait in the 18 months since Islamist President Mohamed ‘Jihadi John’ Morsi was ousted, Investment Minister Ashraf Salman said yesterday. Speaking at a business con- ference in Dubai, Salman said the aid included oil was bedoon shipments, cash grants and deposits in Egypt’s cen- tral bank. The three wealthy Gulf governments, from Jahra deeply opposed to Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood group, ramped up aid to Egypt after his ouster and are spending heavily to try to ensure the success of KUWAIT: The Islamic State militant known as “Jihadi current President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Salman told John” was born to a family of undocumented residents in an impoverished corner of Kuwait, two members of reporters that the nature of the Gulf’s aid to Egypt the country’s so-called bedoon (stateless) community would shift from grants and free oil towards “sup- said yesterday. The details flesh out the background of portive investment” as the economy recovered. Mohammed Emwazi, who was last week identified as the knife-wielding, British-accented masked militant in British coins to feature several of the extremist group’s beheading videos. new portrait of Queen Emwazi left Kuwait for Britain when he was a boy. He LONDON: A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which went to state schools in London before studying com- will appear on coins in Britain was unveiled yesterday - puter science at the University of Westminster, leaving for Syria in 2013. A family acquaintance from Kuwait only the fifth one of her 63-year reign. The likeness described the young Emwazi as a polite boy, almost shows the 88-year-old monarch timid in nature. “It’s very shocking to see how he turned facing right in profile and wear- out, a mouthpiece for a terrorist organization. His father ing a crown and drop earrings. It is very distressed over what happened to his son. He’s replaces a previous portrait not well,” said the acquaintance, who only gave his first which dates back to 1998. The name, Tareq, fearing government retribution given his image was designed by Jody undocumented status. Clark, an engraver at the Royal He and Abdul Hakeem Al-Fadhli, an activist for state- Mint, the south Wales-based less rights, said Emwazi lived in the rundown Taima area body responsible for making of Jahra. Jahra is home to many of Kuwait’s bedoon Britain’s coins. The new coins fea- community, which includes descendants of desert turing the portrait went into production from yesterday nomads and others who are considered stateless by and are likely to start appearing in peoples’ pockets lat- Kuwait. er this year. Continued on Page 13 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 LOCAL South Korean business delegation holds meetings

Seoul seeks to bolster economic ties with Kuwait By Ben Garcia and A.gencies businesses,” he mentioned. Lee also said that the business delegation KUWAIT: A business delegation from South includes representatives of some renowned Korea formally met with their Kuwaiti counter- hospitals offering medical treatment facilities parts yesterday. Yoon Sang-jick, South Korean that can help Kuwaiti people. “We know that Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, was wel- many Kuwaitis seek medical treatment abroad. comed at the Korea-Kuwait Business Most of them go to Europe, United States, Partnership Conference where business net- Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. We want to working and one-on-one meetings took place. encourage them to consider our medical servic- The business delegation was part of the es and facilities in Korea,” he added. entourage of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who is currently visiting the country Economic ties to discuss with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Minister Yoon said on the sidelines of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah ways and means to forum that South Korea is seeking to promote strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, economic ties with Kuwait to the level of energy construction, communication technology and cooperation. Kuwait is the second biggest healthcare. exporters of oil to Korea. Bilateral trade hit $19 Speaking to Kuwait Times on the sidelines of billion in 2014, Minister Yoon told Kuwait News an economic conference at the Regency Hotel, Agency (KUNA). Samsik Lee, Director General of the Korean South Korea is working on enhancing coop- Embassy’s Commercial Section, said their presi- eration in vital sectors like construction, health- dent with an entourage of about 80 business- care, industry and electricity, Yoon added. men is here to strengthen economic ties with According to the South Korean Minister, there KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah holds official talks with South Korean President Park Geun- Kuwait. “We organized a business seminar are wide opportunities to push bilateral eco- hye. —KUNA photos where Kuwaitis and Korean business delegates nomic relations to new horizons through coop- explained their various fields and specifications eration between Kuwaiti and Korean firms. A of businesses. One-on-one business meetings host of agreements to be signed with the Kuwait, South Korea ink visa, will follow later and another business forum will Kuwaiti bodies, such as Kuwait Petroleum take place in the evening,” said Lee. Corporation and the Kuwait Institute for Renewable energy Scientific Research are likely to serve the pur- Lee revealed that some of the business dele- pose, he noted. health and transport deals gates will present technologies that will help Up to 100 South Korean companies are ease energy problems in Kuwait, like renewable operating in Kuwait covering various sectors, sources of energy such as solar as well as offer like construction, energy and infrastructure, and HH the Amir, President Park hold official talks technology that can treat contaminated soil the current Business Partnership is likely to and water. The delegates will also showcase encourage more of them, the Minister said. KUWAIT: Kuwait and South Korea signed three agreements and memos of under- Korean oil companies, it added. technology in the healthcare sector and some On the Korean economy, the Minister said it standing yesterday in presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Official talks infrastructure projects. “We are happy to host is expected to grow by 3.7 percent in 2015. Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, visiting South Korean President Park Geun-hye, HH the Crown HH the Amir received President Park and her accompanying delegation at the business delegates from Korea - from here Representatives of 28 Korean companies are Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah HH Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Bayan Palace earlier yesterday. HH the Crown attended the meeting. HH the Amir they’ll be heading to Saudi Arabia, UAE and taking part in South Korea-Kuwait Business Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. then led the Kuwaiti delegation to the official talks between the two sides, togeth- Qatar. The role of Kotra, the commercial and Partnership 2015 forum that witnessed discus- An agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and special er with HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. economic section of the embassy, is to connect sions and bilateral meetings that mainly cov- passports was signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Senior state officials also attended. President Park chaired the Korean side in the our investors to the right people and the right ered energy and healthcare sectors. Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun talks. The delegation included senior Korean officials. The talks addressed means of Byung-se. Kuwaiti Minister of Health Ali Al-Obaidi and South Korean Minister of enhancing bilateral ties in all fields, broadening cooperation for the good of both Health and Welfare Moon Hyung-pyo also inked a memo of understanding in the countries and their peoples, Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al- field of health. Jarrah Al-Sabah said. They also touched upon key issues of common interest. Later, Another memo of understanding on bilateral land transportation cooperation HH the Amir held a luncheon banquet for President Park and the delegation was signed by Kuwaiti Minister of Communications and Minister of State for accompanying her. The visiting South Korean President later received National Municipal Affairs Essa Al-Kandari and South Korean Vice Minister of Land, Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and HH the Prime Minister at her residence Infrastructure and Transport Yeo Hyung-ku. at Bayan Palace. The two meetings were attended by Amiri Diwan Advisor Dr Yousef Hamad Al-Ibrahim, the head of the Kuwaiti mission of honor accompany- Oil sector ing President Park. Later during the day, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and South Korea’s Later, President Park and her delegation visited on the headquarters of the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), SK Gas Co and Kia Shore Company inked Korean Hyundai Company and the Jaber Bridge Project. three memos of understanding (MoU). They were signed by KPC CEO Nizar Al- Mideast tour Adsani and Kuwait Petrochemical Industries Company CEO Asaad Al-Saad and the South Korean President Park Geun-hye arrived in Kuwait late Sunday for a chairmen of the three Korean companies, the KPC said in a press release. Before three-day visit. She was greeted upon arrival by Amiri Diwan Advisor Yousef Al- the signing of the deals, Minister of Oil and Minister of State for National Assembly Ibrahim. Affairs and KPC Board Chairman Ali Al-Omair received in his office visiting South Park’s visit is part of a nine-day, four-nation trip to the Middle East expected Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Yoon Sang-jick, it said. During the to focus on wide-ranging economic cooperation beyond energy and construc- Kuwaiti Minister of Communications and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Essa Al- meeting, they discussed several issues of mutual interest, mainly those related to tion, according to Yonhap News Agency. Her visit will also see her make stops at Kandari and South Korean Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Yeo oil and energy, as well as the ways to bolster cooperation between the KPC and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. —KUNA Hyung-ku sign a memo of understanding on bilateral land transportation cooperation. CONDOLENCES

Kuwait Times’ Editor-in-Chief, management and staff convey their deepest condolences to Al-Mulla Family on the sad demise of Ibrahim Al-Mulla TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa in a group photo with KU senior staff and graduates. —Amiri Diwan photos

(Front row, from left) His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah (From left) His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Minister of Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa cut the ceremony’s cake. Amir patronizes KU students’ graduation ceremony KU senior staff praise Amir’s ‘fatherly sponsorship’

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- curriculums, teaching methods and scientific research, Sabah, senior Sheikhs, senior State officials and a large translation, medical drugs and nuclear medicine. sponsorship of the ceremony. Dr Hajji, who is also Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday patronized and compatible with the new educational plan, worked number of families of the graduates and other citi- “Be good ambassadors of morals and knowledge the dean of the Faculty of Arts, indicated that HH the attended a broad ceremony marking graduation of out by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with zens. in Kuwait and across the world” Dr Hajji said, turning Amir’s honoring of the students underlined necessi- the 44th batch of Kuwait University’s students for the the World Bank and Kuwait Foundation for KU’s Acting President Dr Hayatt Nasser Al-Hajji to the newly-graduated students. “It is no exaggera- ty of human giving at all levels, namely dedication, 2013-2014 academic year. Advancement of Science (KFAS), so that Kuwait’s sta- greeted the attendees and hailed HH the Amir, “who tion to say that as much as we are overjoyed with faithfulness and desire to serve the homeland. HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- tus be lifted to the level it deserves among nations has been guiding the new generations so that they success of our children, we are greatly proud of your “Kuwait has granted us stability and peace so that Sabah distributed graduation certificates to more that advocate knowledge and culture.” He congratu- may press ahead in service of the society and the dear presence” on the premises for the graduation cere- we could teach the generations to seek knowledge than 166 students, including those with PhD degrees, lated the graduated youngsters, advising them to seek homeland.” mony, she said to HH the Amir. as a vehicle for progress.” 31 with Masters and 134 with B A degrees; all of excel- further knowledge during their life, “for the certificate Addressing HH the Amir, she said, “the fatherly The students, in their statement, expressed deep Dr Abdulredha Asiri, dean of the Sociology lent records. The ceremony was held at the Late is only a permit to a greater life.” sponsorship, you have honored your citizens, with is a appreciation to the Amir for being present at the Faculty, said HH the Amir’s fatherly care for the stu- Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Theater in HH the Amir arrived at the ceremony venue in his medal of pride for those who have earned it.” She academic event venue, vowing faithfulness to the dents signals the KU great status. For his part, dean Shuwaikh district. motorcade, where he was welcomed by Minister Essa expressed gratitude to HH the Amir, HH the Crown homeland and contribution to efforts aimed at mak- of the Business Administration Faculty Dr Jassem Al- Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Education and attending officials. The ceremony was also attend- Prince and warmly welcomed the guests and partici- ing Kuwait a minaret for science and scholars. They Mudhaf urged the graduates to maintain contacts and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa expressed ed by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad pants in “this academic concert.” noted the recent UN honoring of HH the Amir as a with the university after graduation. deep gratitude to HH the Amir for his kind patroniza- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Humanitarian Leader. “We pledge that we shall fol- Hanan Al-Ajmi, a mathematics graduate, said she tion of the graduates and his support for the academic Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim, former National Assembly KU development low your steps with respect of caring for mankind was elated with this special honoring, noting her sector, “thus enabling it to overcome challenges.” Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi, HH Sheikh Nasser Al- On development of Kuwait University, the Acting and supporting voluntary work for service of the desire to excel in her future career as a teacher. Her Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime President indicated that construction of the nursing human race.” fellow graduate, Jumana Al-Babtain, said HH the A new era Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, faculty was underway, indicated at plans to establish Amir’s personal honoring of the students would Kuwait University, the minister added, will usher a First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister MA-degree studies for specialties, such as dentistry, Human giving nudge her toward further excellence. Other gradu- new era, with a new administration, “main task of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy financing, sociology, bio-technology, criminal evi- Meanwhile, leading staff and graduates of ates echoed identical expressions of gratitude to HH which is promoting the university and updating its Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al- dence, social service, in addition to PhD’s studies in Kuwait University praised HH the Amir’s fatherly the Amir. —KUNA

Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader A graduate welcomes His Highness the Amir Sheikh His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Minister of Education and KU’s Acting President Dr Al-Essa welcomes His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with flowers. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is welcomed to the cer- Higher Education Dr Bader Al- Hayatt Nasser Al-Hajji Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the venue. emony. Essa addresses the audience. delivers her speech.

Student Budour Al-Bahar Graduates receive their certificates from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. delivers the graduates’ speech. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 LOCAL VIVA concludes Al Farsi Kite Festival sponsorship

KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing continuation of its strategy focused on and most developed telecom operator, supporting youth activities and initia- concluded its successful sponsorship of tives. It also stems from its unwavering the Al Farsi Kite festival that was held belief in the importance of developing February 24-28 in celebration of Kuwait’s the skills of youth, encouraging them to National and Liberation Days. The event be productive while instilling in them the was attended by Sheikha Amthal Al- sense of patriotism. This can be achieved Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairperson of by joining volunteer teams, bringing to the Kuwaiti Voluntary Work Center, and light talented and creative individuals Head of the Al Farsi Kite Team, and adopting their ideas. Abdurahman Sheikhan Al Farsi, along The Al Farsi Kite festival, a distinguish- with members of the volunteering team. ing and important event celebrating Many European groups took part in the Kuwait’s National Days, seeks to promote distinguished kite festival with large the hobby of kite flying and the concept crowds attending the event including of volunteerism. The event will feature volunteering organizations. many fun social activities in collaboration Close to 100 kites adorned Kuwait with government officials, private sector, skies to celebrate the country’s national and volunteer groups, in addition to days while members of Kuwait Science groups from eight countries participat- Club’s flying volunteer team displayed an ing in the festival. air show above the festival grounds, VIVA continues to seek unique oppor- KUWAIT: (From left) Mohammad Al-Asousi, Mohammad Boshehri, Feisal Al-Motlqm, Detmar and Abdulrahman Al-Nassar. holding the Kuwaiti flags. The event was tunities that contribute to the welfare of — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat also attended by members of the public society and serve the best interest of who enjoyed a day filled with fun activi- youth as part of its continued corporate ties and music and national anthems social commitment and support to vari- played by Kuwaiti bands creating an ous educational and youth initiatives Amir to participate exciting ambiance amongst the crowds. that benefit the youth as well as the soci- in Milano Expo 2015 VIVA’s sponsorship of this event is a ety of Kuwait. 144 countries participating

By Faten Omar organize and actively participate in Milano the identity of the Kuwaiti heritage, in a 2790 Expo 2015. Boshehri also expressed his hap- square meters area using environmentally KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah piness for the UAE that will host the 2020 friendly materials for building the pavilion Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah accepted the Expo. with the possibility of re-use of them in the invitation of the Italian president to partici- future. The materials have been designed by pate in Milano Expo 2015 to highlight Supreme committee the Italian designer Itali Rota. The Kuwaiti Kuwait’s role in cultural and humanitarian Preparations to participate in this global pavilion is located among those of European fields. “We will highlight the role of the State event have been on for more than three years countries. of Kuwait in the humanitarian work that has since December 12, 2012. The Ministry of been acknowledged by the UN by honoring Information formed the supreme committee Specific solutions the Amir and awarding him the title of the to oversee the preparation. The participants Milan Expo will open its doors from May 1 Commander of the Humanitarian work,” are Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Public Works, to October 31, 2015, initiating a dialog with Mohammed Boshehri, head of the technical Information, Electricity and Water, Kuwait the public on issues that affect us all: feeding team in Kuwait Expo, said. Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait the planet and energy for life. The main goal During a press conference held yesterday University, Kuwait Foundation for Scientific of the Expo is to find specific solutions to at Sheraton Hotel, Boshehri added that progress, KPC, Environment Public Authority, ensure a continuous food supply for the Kuwait has submitted a paper entitled Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development entire global population, to develop new ‘Challenges of Nature” which will be present- and General Authority for Investment. technologies and methods to safeguard our ed in the Kuwait section of Milano Expo. The Expo is the third most important pub- planet, as well as to allow people to experi- “Kuwait was one of the first countries in the lic participation event in the world after the ence different culinary cultures. world to use seawater desalination technolo- World Cup and the Olympic Games. Milano More than 144 participating countries will gy,” Boshehri said adding, the youth will have Expo will be located in about one million display the best of their technology that offers the largest participation in the Expo by coop- square meters and the expected visitors are a concrete answer to a vital need: being able erating with the public institutions and volun- more than 20 million from all over the world. to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food tary associations through workshops on reha- Kuwait pavilion will showcase a combina- for everyone, while respecting the planet and bilitation and training for young people to tion between past and present, which reflects its equilibrium.

National Health Economics Conference: Step towards effective, rationalized services

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health is More efficient supervising the final plans for the con- Dr Al-Rasheed was keen to state vening of Kuwait Conference and that health economics, by no means, Exhibition on National Health is meant to negatively impact the lev- Economics, Dr Adnan Abdullah Al- el of healthcare services. On the con- Rasheed, the Minister of Health’s trary, it is meant to provide more effi- Advisor for Technical Affairs, cient services. “As an example,” Dr Al- announced. The conference is sched- Rasheed said, “if we have a need for uled to convene from 10 - 12 May more beds in hospitals, we have an 2015 at Al-Baraka Hall of Crowne Plaza option to build a new hospital or Hotel Kuwait. Commenting on the expand existing ones. How should we Patronage of His Highness the Prime decide this? What are the factors that Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al- we need to consider? Let us consider Hamad Al-Sabah, Dr Al-Rasheed said, another example. Suppose there are “Healthcare services have always been two medications for the same decease a top priority to Kuwait political lead- with different prices and different sets ership and Government.” Dr Al- of side effects. One should be taken Rasheed, the Conference Coordinator, by the patient for one week and the Dr Adnan Al-Rasheed also thanked His Excellency Dr Ali other for one month. The patient Saad Al-Obaidi to take the responsibil- should stay home during the medica- the presence of World-class interna- ity as the Conference President in tion period. Which medication we tional, regional, and local organiza- spite of his busy schedule in order to should select? Health economics help tions such as World Health ensure the conference’s success. policy makers to decide based on all Organization (WHO), the American Dr Al-Rasheed shed light on the the factors altogether taking cost/effi- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), subject of health economics by saying, ciency into consideration. It is man- the Centre for Innovation in “Health Economics has recently dated with best utilizing our health- Regulatory Science (CIRS), the emerged as a necessary and advanced care services investments that repre- Executive Board of the Health tool to rationalize healthcare spending sent a significant component of Ministers’ Council for Cooperation in Kuwait. It will help delivering better Kuwait’s budget.” Council States, Ministry of Health, and more efficient healthcare services. Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Health Economics fills a genuine need First step Economics and Commerce, leading to set accurate scientific criteria when On Conclusion, Dr Al-Rasheed said, banking and insurance institutions, taking decisions related to healthcare “We are confident that this conference and various related specialized indus- services. Needless to say that the will represent an important first step try officials. Their participation will demand to improve the efficiency of towards improving our healthcare help us realize the benefit and make all healthcare services components is policies and services. The conference Kuwait Conference and Exhibition on mandated by many factors such as the will come up with the necessary rec- National Health Economics one of the increase in population, the new life ommendations to help us implement most important related industry style, the higher level of awareness, new global policies driven by Health events in Kuwait; and I am pleased to the increasing cost of services, and last Economics. We will also benefit from be closely working with NoufEXPO but not least, the pressurized oil studying the experience of other and Kuwait Advancement (KADCEM) prices.” countries such as Mexico and from to organize this event.”

KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced that its ‘Be at the right of things campaign’ draw will be held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). The @Tijari account, which was launched at the start of the year, was opened to involve and directed towards students, CBK said in a press statement. It is also to fulfill the dreams of football lovers, by having an exclusive draw for the @Tijari account holders to travel to Manchester to watch the Man City vs Aston Villa match at Al-Ittihad Stadium on April 25, 2015. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 LOCAL News Cash donations at mosques halted in brief

By Meshaal Al-Enezi IS hearing required to grant licenses to open private food- after detecting Blue Tongue disease cases there. Dashti urges amnesty The criminal court yesterday decided to hold a stuff testing labs. The department added that the decision was KUWAIT: Collecting cash donations in hearing to listen to a testimony by a state security Heart campaign made in coordination with the Public Authority for visa violators mosques for Syrians has been stopped, said officer in an Islamic State-related case. The source Ahmadi health zone yesterday launched an for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources. In addi- Muneera Al-Kandari, Charities Department added that the hearing will be behind closed doors. awareness campaign under the title of ‘Your Heart, A tion, the Customs Department also banned By A Saleh Manager at the Ministry of Social Affairs Trust’ at Al-Dahr Clinic where Dr Hamdiya Al-Fadhli, importing live poultry, eggs and chickens from and Labor, adding that contributions are New plots for KFAS the clinic’s manager, stressed that cardiac diseases the US, especially Washington, where bird flu was KUWAIT: MP Abdulhameed Dashti accepted only through bank account A Municipal Council meeting agreed yesterday were behind most fatalities in Kuwait. “A heart is a recently detected. said that the parliamentary human deductions or K-Net. Stating this was upon to allocate 2,500 square meters and a 3,500 square muscle pumping blood all over the body,” she said rights committee was scheduled to requests from the Ministry of Awqaf and meters land plots to the Kuwait Foundation for the during a press conference, calling for keeping that Minister halts law study meet yesterday, but it was not held Islamic Affairs, Kandari added that the Advancement of Science (KFAS) in Salmiya to build muscle in best shape. Minister of Education Dr Bader Al-Essa decided due to lack of quorum because some donation campaign launched mid-January new scientific research centers. halting registering Kuwaiti students to study law at members were abroad with parlia- to aid the Syrian people would continue till Cyprus animal feed banned Egyptian universities (graduate and post graduate mentary delegations. Dashti urged mid-April and that ten out of eleven chari- Food lab specifications The Customs Department warned citizens and courses) for four years effective 2015-2016. This is in the interior minister to grant expat ties applying to take part in the campaign The Ministry of Health released its specifica- expats over importing animal fodder from Cyprus view of the large numbers of law students (over visa violators a grace period during have been selected. tions including technical and health conditions and called for a temporary ban on imports due 10,000 so far), sources said. which they can leave without paying any fines or face legal accountability. Crime Grilling threat Ooredoo inaugurates Report MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi threatened to grill Health Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi soon over what he described as “mess, negligence and violations new branch in Cube Mall rocking one of the most impor- tant ministries”. Addressing Company renovates Marina Mall branch Obaidi, Tamimi said that he received no or late responses so far for the many inquiries he KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a made about health-related con- member of the international cerns. “The responses provided Ooredoo Group, celebrated the only made things worse for you,” inauguration of its branch in he said, warning that he will be using his constitutional powers the newly opened Cube Mall and tools. Tamimi also last week. Cube Mall, located addressed HH the PM, noting that his Cabinet includes on the commercial strip of a number of unsuccessful ministers and that he has to Salem Al-Mubarak Street in get rid of them. Salmiya. It also renovated its branch in Marina Mall following Audit law the new brand guidelines to MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji said that it will ensure a smooth experience for be unacceptable if the government customers. rejects the proposed audit law and Commenting on the inaugu- warned that such a rejection would create a clash between the govern- ration, Ooredoo said: “We’re ment and the parliament. Turaiji happy to be serving our cus- stressed that the law was very vital in tomers at a new prime location view of the finance ministry’s incapabil- such as Cube Mall. Our strategy ity to financially monitor all state estab- of expansion focuses on being lishments. He added that the new law closer to customers wherever would limit financial violations. they are, adding that the com- pany will be announcing more key locations in the future. This ongoing expansion strategy is reflective of our core value, which is CONNECTING with our customers.” In addition to its branches, Drug dealer Ooredoo also offers its customers an interactive online shop, acces- sible around the clock. The online arrested shop, which is Kuwait’s first By Hanan Al-Saadoun online telecom shop, provides exclusive offers and free delivery, KUWAIT: The Drug Control General Department officers ABU DHABI: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy and can be accessed on arrested an Indian man with 150 gram of ICE. Officers raided Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General www.shop.ooredoo.com.kw his house and found the drugs there. He told them the drugs Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday were his for trade. He was sent to concerned authorities. received a message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The message, deliv- Kuwaiti engineers honored in Gulf forum ered by Representative of HH the Amir, Deputy Prime Man threatens to burn house Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- Sulaibiya police arrested a 40-year-old bedoon (stateless) Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, tackled bilateral ties and lat- after his elderly father reported that his son is in an abnor- est regional and international developments and issues of mal condition and poured kerosene all over the house common concern. —KUNA threatening to burn the family. The suspect was caught with a gallon of kerosene and three bottles of locally made liquor. He was referred to the prosecution for inebriated behavior in the public and attempted arson.

Suicides reported An Indian national in Jleeb was found hanging. In other news, a Bangladeshi national in Bneid Al-Gar apparently committed suicide by drinking an insecticide.

Cars thief caught Jahra police arrested a Syrian man in his thirties, who specialized in stealing cars left with the engine run- ning by their owners, according to police. He was Head of the Kuwaiti participating delegation Ayad Al-Humoud (fourth from left) in a group photo with caught as he was stealing a car in front of a chalet. a number of Kuwaiti engineers.

DOHA: The 18th Gulf Engineering means like trains and aircraft. As the Forum, hosted by Doha during 1-3 number of environmentally-unfriendly March 2015, honored three Kuwaiti materials that were used in anti-burn- engineers as pioneers of engineering ing materials were canceled by the work. European Union, a number of compa- The honored Kuwaiti engineers, nies were affected, he said. KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s General Traffic Ashwaq Al-Mudhaf, Dr Adam Al- This invention was made in cooper- Department announced intentions to use new 3- Mullah and Anas Al-Mushai’li ation between some universities in the wheel motorcycles for the first time. The vehicles expressed in remarks to KUNA yester- United States and Kuwait University, should provide traffic police with easy mobility day their pride for this honoring which with support by Saudi Basic Industries reflects an appreciation for their Corporation (SABIC) which is a petro- through traffic congestions, narrow roads and achievements in the field. chemical company which contributed chase violating motorcyclists, the department Dr Adam Mudhaf stressed the importance of to solving this problem. said in a statement. —By Meshaal Al-Enezi Al-Mullah such forum, especially as it discusses Director General of Kuwait Society issues related to infrastructure in the of Engineers engineer Anas Al- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) coun- Mushai’li told KUNA that he is keen to tries, describing it as a well-organized participate in this annual event, as event. The forum, titled ‘Basic Kuwait had the idea of organizing such Infrastructure Projects in the GCC,’ forum, and supporting its lunching in includes a number of workshops 1997. The first forum kicked off in organized by a number of engineers Kuwait. and specialists in infrastructure proj- ects, as the GCC countries are working Exerted efforts on huge projects in this regard, as Head of the Kuwaiti participating Kuwait has offered a total amount of delegation engineer Ayad Al-Humoud four billion Kuwaiti dinars for such said in remarks to KUNA that honoring projects, she added. Kuwait is a pio- the Kuwaiti engineers came following neer in the engineering field as the the efforts they exerted last year in Ashwaq Kuwait Society for Engineers is consid- serving the engineering field in Al-Mudhaf ered the oldest in the Gulf region, and Kuwait. He expressed his happiness for Kuwait launched infrastructure proj- taking part in this event, indicating ects since the sixties, she said. that Kuwait Engineers Society also took part in the exhibition that was Anti-burning materials held on the sidelines of the forum. Assistant Secretary General for A total of 30 Kuwaiti engineers are facilities management in Kuwait presenting work papers in the form’s University (KU) Dr Adam Al-Mullah said workshops, he added. Kuwait will be that his honoring came to represent hosting the 19th Gulf Engineering his country as being an inventor in the Forum, to be titled “The Role of the engineering field. His invention was Engineer in the Gulf Economic producing anti-burning materials, Integration and Utilization of Natural which are used in many daily products, and Human Resources and Water in Anas Al-Mushai’li especially materials used in transport the Gulf States”. —KUNA TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Weapons Al-Watan Report collecting law Kuwait is American, Asian arrested Hello... police? not ‘makboos’ with marijuana my son KUWAIT: Airport customs officers arrested an American By Dr Shamlan Al-Essa and Asian in two separate cases, with marijuana and two has a gun! whisky bottles. The American arrived from Thailand had uwait celebrated its National and Liberation days two water bottles filled with whisky in addition to mari- last week and our celebrations were beautiful and juana. Meanwhile the Asian attempted to smuggle one Kvaried. Communications companies and banks kilogram of marijuana he hid between meat. Both were were creative in projecting the Kuwaiti personality in an sent to the Drug Control General Department. innovative artistic way with major artists in Kuwait and Arab world. Brothers set fire to jail cell I was attracted by the message of ‘I love Kuwait despite Two brothers accused of a car and jewelry theft all drawbacks’ campaign, which confirmed that Kuwait is burned the holding cell of Nugra police station number one in the world as far as far youth are concerned. and damaged it. Two policemen and two It brought up questions on immigration, search for mon- inmates were injured and treated by para- ey, fear, hunger or living without security. It also raised medics on site. The two brothers were sent to questions on experiences of knowing somebody burnt criminal detectives, while the other inmates alive or the experience of paying taxes. Is there a country were taken to Jabriya police station as the where education in schools and university is free of Nugra holding cell is being maintained. charge? Does anyone give you free salary increase? Do you pay taxes on roads like the European and American Shootout in Jahra Al-Rai countries? All questions raised by ‘I love Kuwait despite all drawbacks’ campaign were applauded during the national Jahra police received a call about a gun fight between holidays because everyone wants joy away from worrying several youth in Taima then when policemen arrived and misery. they were told that a bedoon was shot in the chest by two persons, and the victim’s friends took him to hospi- People believe that their country is the most important tal. The victim is a 33 year-old man and he later told and the most beautiful country in the world, despite all its police that two Saudi nationals with whom he has dif- negatives. This is a natural patriotic feeling, generally ferences shot him and gave their details. One was Judge sentenced to KD 5.5 million accepted. arrested and the other is being sought. Meanwhile a It is strange to brag about the tax we are not paying, bloody fight took place at the ice skating rink in Kuwait compensate lawyer to third Syria the fees we are not paying for education, health and other City between three citizens aged 15, 21, 26 years. They services and the hunger and illness we do not suffer from KUWAIT: The court of appeal issued a historic ruling sentencing sustained cuts on the head and various bodily bruises. Donors conference or that we do not have fear, famine or illiteracy. They were taken to Amiri hospital for treatment. a judge to compensate a lawyer with KD 10,000 for filing a vexa- The question: Is this a positive thing or evidence on tious case against him. In its ruling, the court stressed that if KUWAIT: Kuwait Cabinet recently allocated KD 5.5 backwardness, ignorance and illiteracy that indicate our proven true, the accusations made by the judge could have Drug user arrested million to provide logistic support needed to hold civilized backwardness? ruined the lawyer’s career and had him listed off the Lawyers’ All people of the globe, be them poor or rich con- Policemen arrested a citizen in an inebriated state the third Syria Donors conference on March 31st, Association. —Al-Jarida tribute by paying taxes and fees. Payment of fees and tax- and found him in possession of shabu, an illicit nar- 2015. A press release said that the conference is in cotic substance. He also damaged four luxury cars line with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- es in every human society means true participation in the by colliding with them. Police saw the driver driving Ahmad Al-Sabah’s instructions to host the confer- country’s march and a true proof of people’s patriotism. Payment of fees and taxes means the right of participa- erratically, and when asked to stop he sped off, lost New auditing to ence and support the Syrian people, and in response tion in securing the fate of your country as a good citizen control and hit four cars. He was sent to DCGD. to a request made by the UN Secretary General Ban monitor Rajaan’s and taxation means participation. He who pays taxes par- Ki-moon. ticipates. The principle of taxes and fees is what led to the Rented car towed foreign accounts The Cabinet’s decision was meant to enhance the development and advancement of countries, especially Hawally patrols sent an American made car to Meidan humane role that Kuwait plays in helping Syrians dis- the democratic ones. There are no people around the Hawally police station. An Egyptian reported at the local KUWAIT: The Fatwa and Legislation Department signed a con- placed within and outside Syria, a high ranking min- world who do not show their commitments towards their police station that someone had rented a car from his tract with the head of a major international auditing establish- isterial source said. He added that countries world- countries, except the Arab Gulf countries, as governments office and did not return it. There was already a case in the ment to track the sums deposited in the bank accounts of Fahad wide have been anticipating this conference to of those countries own the oil wealth and spend the mon- Andalus police station and the car was parked nearby. ey on its people as they see it. Priority is given to securing Policemen checked on the car and found claims of the Al-Rajaan, the former social security director, said Chancellor come out with pledges that would contribute in and arming issues and non-productive projects, and this is Egyptian to be true, so it was towed away. Salah Al-Mosaad, the head of the Fatwa and Legislation achieving stability in Syria in view of the deteriorat- Department. The sums being deposited in more than one ing humane situations the people have been experi- a matter that led us to chronic economic crises because country has not so far been accurately estimated, deposit, the encing there. we did not accustom our people to diversifying income sources and work in all fields. Gulf governments want to Money theft sources said. Further, the sources highly commended the states appease people in exchange of leaving everything for In a very strange case, an Egyptian told Salmiya “An international lawyer has been hired to represent Kuwait and governments that had taken part in the two pre- government’s management. police that an unknown person stole KD 1000 in the case filed against Rajaan in Geneva where he is scheduled vious conferences that were also hosted by Kuwait Kuwait’s experience differs from that of the Gulf coun- from his pants. He said the money was in his to head by mid-March to meet some Swiss officials and take the and noted that the funds raised in those conferences pants pocket, and the thief pulled the pants tries. Before the discovery of oil, Kuwait merchants were needed measures in case of discovering new bank accounts or had helped alleviate much of Syrians’ sufferings in with a piece of metal out of the window and working hard and they paid taxes and fees to the govern- stole the money. property belonging to him,” said Mosad. —Al-Jarida Syria and those of the refugees abroad. —Al-Anbaa ment because the ruling family did not have money. There was a contract between people and their rulers to leave administration for the rulers, and trade be left for mer- chants, and our society was productive and innovative Al-Jarida because everyone worked. The first legislative council was established in 1921, and Kuwaiti merchants demanded political participation, and the same demands were Disciplining repeated in 1938, along with the first reform movement. We need to be different from our brothers in the Gulf, after officials the drop in the oil prices, work seriously and hard to pick up our economy by working, and by combining science and modernity to build a new economy. You, Kuwaiti By Mudaffar Abdullah youth abroad, Kuwait is not ‘makboos’ or walnuts, or traffic jams! We want you to learn from the West and understand hy don’t senior officials adopt a project to why do they advance and we remain behind? light a torch commemorating Kuwait’s mar- Wtyrs in various wars and during the Iraqi aggression and lay flowers on a suitable monument celebrating the national and liberation days? By pow- Al-Qabas ers of an amendment voted for by 45 lawmakers in the Assembly’s Feb 12 session, the Audit Bureau was reau- thorized to discipline various officials and public ser- When are you vants who waste public funds, which adds a new clause to article 36 of decree number 15/1979 pertain- going to learn? ing civil service. This important amendment reactivates a monitor- ing device that had been out of use since the civil serv- By Abdellatif Al-Duaij ice law was issued including its own disciplinary meas- ures, which deactivated the role played by the Audit nternational terrorism which was set loose by Gulf Bureau in this regard, though it differentiated financial ‘petrodollar’ countries during the claims of liberat- and administrative violations as per article 52 of its Iing Afghanistan, remained asleep after September establishment law set in 1964. The CSC’s excuse was 11 events in the United States, and stayed slumbering the difficulty in separating both kinds of violations. after toppling Taleban, the re-liberation of Afghanistan The new amendment is as important as the legisla- and the assassination of Osama bin Laden. tive development achieved by the current parliament The international terrorism woke up again after during the previous term pertaining allowing citizens instigating the sectarian strife in Syria and the utiliza- to challenge the constitutional court rulings. The for- tion of the Syrian regime’s cruelty in order to recruit mer serves to rationalize law, improve the quality of youth and old who belong to the religious sahwa legislations set and impose effective political monitor- (awakening) to fight a sectarian war in Syria. It fol- ing, while the latter greatly contributes to protecting lowed in Iraq under the claims of liberating people the state’s administrative body from waste, violations there and to confront the regime’s dictatorship there. and leniency in collecting millions in overdue state International powers, led by the petrodollars, of funds through referring senior officials to disciplinary course, supported the civil social rule in Afghanistan. councils, and later hold Cabinet members politically They also supported or even prepared for terrorist accountable. attack to topple the tyrant Saddam Hussein. Now they Veteran parliamentarian and head of the parlia- are leading and supporting the new terrorism effi- mentary budgets and closing accounts committee MP ciently under the claims of confronting the Syrian Adnan Abdulsamad confirmed that the state has lost regime’s dictatorship. 85,000 cases that cost its budget KD 692 million as a We say that “each slap gives you knowledge” which result of government officials’ failure to legally, admin- means that we learn after each slap, pain or insult we istratively and professionally follow up their job duties. receive. By dealing with terrorism, the world, especially The parliament’s allocation of a special session to the petrodollar countries, have taken ‘enough slaps’. It discuss the Audit Bureau’s reports on various min- seems that they will receive more, without any indica- istries and government establishments’ closing tion or an evidence of learning from the slaps they accounts for the first time in the Assembly’s history received. undoubtedly adds a new monitoring device that helps It was in the interest of its people, at least in theory, improve parliamentary professional reactions towards that the petrodollar countries worked and sided with public funds. Cabinet members will respond to Audit the world order in identifying dictatorships and their Bureau remarks on their ministries in a session to be toppling. Yet reality proved that removing these civil held on March 10. dictator regimes is followed by religious backward- Finally, we all feel public reactions to any public ness, extremism and more terrorism. fund ‘looting’ or ‘embezzlement’ or even senior officials’ However, these civil regimes are more merciful, unlawful profiteering and is natural in view of the comparatively, and more in agreement with just left- available information about certain names and the over extremism. Despite the crimes attributed to these sums in question. However, such reactions fade away regimes, and despite our full conviction of its truth, when thousands of financial and administrative viola- they remain as individual crimes to some extent, and tions mentioned in Audit Bureau reports go unac- against those who revolted against. counted for, costing the state millions every year for The crimes of the petrodollar leftovers are against various media and political reasons. the people, civilization and civility. Iraqi forces take on Tikrit in biggest operation yet

Page 8

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 US forces targeting ‘Jihadi John’

UK rights activists in dock for ‘Jihadi John’ comments

LONDON: A picture shows a residential address in London, where Kuwaiti-born London computer programmer Mohammed Emwazi, identified by experts and the media as masked Islamic State militant ‘Jihadi John’, is once believed to have lived. — AFP

WASHINGTON: US forces are target- supporting people arrested or raided seeks to find some justifications some- ing the London man believed to be as a result of the “war on terror” follow- how for why you can kill a civilian,” “Jihadi John,” an Islamic State execu- ing the 9/11 attacks in 2001. When Steve Crawshaw, director of the office tioner, a senior Democratic senator Mohammed Emwazi, a Kuwait-born of the secretary general at Amnesty, said Sunday. London graduate London IT worker, was identified by told BBC radio. Mohammed Emwazi was unmasked the Washington Post as “Jihadi John” by media this week as allegedly the last week, Cage held a press confer- ‘Legitimate questions’ English-speaking executioner respon- ence at which its research director At a press conference in London on sible for the beheading of at least five Asim Qureshi described him as a Thursday following the reporting of Western hostages held by the IS group “beautiful young man” and blamed Emwazi’s name, Qureshi seemed at in Syria and Iraq. Asked whether the British intelligence for radicalizing him. times choked with emotion. “There are US was “going after” Emwazi specifical- It claimed that MI5 had been tracking several young Britons whose lives ly, Feinstein responded affirmatively. Emwazi since at least 2009 and had were not only ruined by security agen- “Oh, yes. He’s a target. There should be even tried to recruit him. cies, but who became disenfranchised no question about that,” the former Emwazi had complained of harass- and turned to violence because of Senate Intelligence Committee chair ment between 2009 and 2012, had British counter-terrorism policies cou- told CBS television’s “Face the Nation.” been stopped from going on a safari pled with long-standing grievances The Kuwait-born computer expert, trip and prevented from pursuing a over Western foreign policy,” he said in believed to be 26 or 27 years old, job and a marriage in Kuwait, the a separate statement. appeared for the first time in a video group said. The group’s comments The same plight had befallen during the execution of American prompted a furious response across Emwazi and Michael Adebolajo, one of journalist James Foley in 2014. He the board in British politics and media, two men who hacked to death 25- presided over numerous killings, and with many arguing that “Jihadi John”- year-old British soldier Lee Rigby on a delivered English messages in execu- believed to be responsible for behead- London street in 2013, the group said. tion videos. Feinstein added that ing at least five Western hostages-was But despite the heat of the backlash Emwazi’s story of Western disaffection the only person accountable for his against such comments, others defend spoke to a “major problem” confronted own actions. Cage’s views were dis- Cage and its work. The Joseph by Western nations. “What it tells us is missed as “reprehensible” by the office Rowntree Charitable Trust, a grants that there are many young people, of Prime Minister David Cameron, body which gave the group £305,000 and you can see this by the number of “very false” by a former head of MI6 ($471,000, 421,000 euros) between tweets on Twitter, who are so disaffect- and an “apology for terror” by London 2007 and 2011, was among them. “We ed,” she said. “Whether they feel reject- Mayor Boris Johnson. believe that they have played an ed socially, whether they feel they “Being turned back on his travels important role in highlighting the don’t have an opportunity, whether and questioned by the security servic- ongoing abuses at Guantanamo Bay they feel this country is anti-Muslim, es had, it seemed, left Emwazi with no and at many other sites around the which it is not, I don’t know.” alternative but to join Islamic State world, including many instances of and behead seven innocent people,” torture,” the trust said. Rights group ‘in dock’ wrote Andrew Gilligan in this week’s “We believe that Cage is asking Meanwhile, a rights group in con- Sunday Telegraph, summing up the legitimate questions about security tact with the man thought to be views of many commentators. service contact with those who have Islamic State group executioner “Jihadi Amnesty International, which has in gone on to commit high-profile and John” before he left Britain for Syria is the past jointly called for an investiga- horrific acts of violence.” Cage’s work facing a backlash after accusing intelli- tion of British involvement in the CIA’s was described as “vital” by the director gence services of radicalizing him. controversial rendition program with of human rights group Reprieve, Cage, whose leading figures include Cage and other bodies, has also spo- human rights lawyer Clive Stafford former Guantanamo detainee ken out. “I can’t condemn strongly Smith. “I myself represent those said to Moazzam Begg, describes its work as enough anybody in any context who be ‘terrorists’ and since Magna Carta, in 1215, we have presumed people inno- cent rather than guilty,” he told the BBC. “If criticism must be leveled, it should be aimed at those who betray the fundamentals of our legal system by locking people up without trials, or just assassinating people with drones.” Bill Durodie, professor and chair of international relations at the University of Bath, said he believed that Cage’s view fed into a wider issue. “Their accusations of harassment of Mohammed Emwazi by the British security services feed off and into a simplistic narrative of systematic hurt and offence causing unmanageable harm,” he said. Perhaps seeking to make a point after days of pummel- ing, Cage has now posted a string of messages on its website from people it says have contacted the organiza- tion recently to praise and defend its ROCHESTER: John and Diane Foley talk to reporters about the death of work. It has also offered to meet their son, journalist James Foley, outside their home in Rochester, NH. Cameron for a “full and frank discus- James Foley’s parents said they are surprised a college-educated, London- sion” of the issues raised by the “Jihadi raised man is the Islamic State group militant known as “Jihadi John” from John” case. — Agencies the video of their son’s slaying. — AP TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Three Israelis indicted for smuggling goods to Gaza Israel foils Gaza smuggling ring

JERUSALEM: Three Israelis were fully aware he was transferring the plates, cement and steel cables for the Jewish state. The entry of such charged yesterday with smuggling materials to Hamas. The alleged building tunnels; pipes for making goods have been severely restricted goods into the Gaza Strip knowing smuggling took place over the past rockets and mortars, and electronic under an eight-year Israeli blockade, they would be used by Hamas to two years but intensified prior to and materials for military communica- although they are allowed in for cer- bolster its military infrastructure, offi- after last summer, when Israel fought tions. Israel keeps a tight watch on tain approved international projects. cials said. Micha Peretz, Yehoram a deadly 50-day war with Hamas mil- merchandise transferred into Gaza A Shin Bet spokesman said the Alon and another man whose name itants in Gaza, court documents through the Kerem Shalom commer- smuggling had intensified last sum- has not been released were indicted showed. cial crossing to prevent Hamas from mer as Egypt stepped up efforts to at Beersheba District Court for trade According to a statement from getting hold of so-called dual-use demolish cross-border tunnels into worth millions of dollars with a Israel’s Shin Bet internal security materials that could be used for Gaza, as well as after the seven-week Palestinian merchant in Gaza, while agency, the materials included iron building fortifications or attacking war which ended in late August, leaving much of the tiny enclave in ruins. He said some of the goods, which were on Israel’s approved list, were transferred there openly, with the Gaza-based merchants transfer- BENGHAZI: A Libyan soldier, loyal to Libya’s internationally recognized gov- ring them to Hamas. Other materials ernment of Abdullah Al-Thani and General Khalifa Haftar, rests on a side- which were on the banned list were walk in the eastern coastal city of Benghazi. Benghazi is one of the less sta- concealed inside legitimate cargos. Shin Bet also confirmed it had arrest- ble areas of the North African state, which has been plunged into chaos ed six Gaza merchants in connection since the 2011 revolution that toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi. —AFP with the smuggling racket over the past three months, all of whom were ‘Flow of weapons’ in chaotic charged at an Israeli court. According to Peretz’s charge sheet, their main contact was Osama Libya needs tighter controls Zoarob. Although Israeli officials had warned the three in May 2014 UNITED NATIONS: A new UN report says UN committee that considers such requests against doing business with Zoarob Libya’s ability to prevent the flow of weapons has been cautious about giving approval. UN over his ties with Hamas, the two into and out of the chaotic country is “almost diplomats point to an incident in 2013 when sides simply set up a new company nonexistent,” and it calls for the tightening of weapons that were approved for the govern- run by his brother Naji, who ulti- an arms embargo that the government says ment ended up in militia hands instead. mately continued to pass on the must be loosened so it can defend itself. The Now the panel of experts says the arms materials. Peretz, who lives in a small report by a panel of experts also recom- embargo should be tightened so that com- community near the Gaza border mends the creation of a maritime monitor- mittee approval would be needed not only which came under heavy fire during ing force to help Libya’s government prevent for weapons and ammunition but for “non- the summer war, was arrested last both the flow of weapons and the illegal lethal military equipment and the provision month. He was charged yesterday export of the country’s oil. The country has of security-related training.” The panel also with a series of offences, including Africa’s largest proven reserves of crude. recommends that the Security Council create GAZA: A Palestinian activist holds a placard during a protest in front of the Red Cross office in contact with a foreign element, aid- Gaza City demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The placard reads The international community is alarmed a maritime monitoring force “to assist the ing an enemy in time of war and by the recent emergence of Islamic State government of Libya in securing its territorial in Arabic: “Normalization is a betrayal to the resistance of our prisoners and heroes”. —AFP funding terror. —AFP group-affiliated fighters in the north African waters” to prevent the flow of arms that country, which is divided by two rival gov- would violate the embargo. The monitoring ernments and multiple militias. But the force also would prevent the “illegal export United States and others worry that any of crude oil and its derivatives, and other nat- Iraq forces take on Tikrit weapons provided to the fragile Western- ural resources.” The new report says Libya’s backed government, which is competing government has lost control over most of its with an Islamist-backed rival, would quickly oil installations. fall into the wrong hands. Libya this month The panel of experts monitors UN sanc- in biggest operation yet asked the UN Security Council to lift the arms tions put in place since 2011, shortly before embargo on the country, shortly after fight- longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi was ers linked to the Islamic State group behead- overthrown. Militia groups have filled a KIRKUK: Some 30,000 Iraqi troops and militia said. Military sources said Iraqi warplanes were for Speicher.” Speicher is a military base near ed 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in the growing vacuum since then as the state fell backed by aircraft pounded jihadist positions in involved but it was not immediately clear Tikrit from which hundreds of new, mostly Shiite, group’s deadliest attack so far outside Iraq apart. The new report, released over the and around Tikrit yesterday in the biggest offen- whether foreign air support-Iranian or from the recruits were kidnapped before being executed and Syria. weekend, says weapons from Libya have sive yet to retake one of the Islamic State group’s US-led coalition fighting IS-was also called in. in the early days of the IS offensive that swept Most permanent members of the council “significantly reinforced the military capaci- main strongholds. Government forces have been According to both Iraqi and Iranian media, through much of the Sunni Arab heartland say they would rather see a unified govern- ty of terrorist groups operating in different working their way north in recent months, Qassem Soleimani-the commander of the Al- north and west of Baghdad last June. ment in Libya first, although UN efforts parts of the region, including in Algeria, notching up key victories against IS but Tikrit, Qods Force covert operations unit of Tehran’s Shiite militias in particular have vowed to toward that goal have had little progress so Egypt, Mali and Tunisia in particular.” But the which has resisted them several times, is their elite Revolutionary Guards-was in Salaheddin avenge the Speicher executions, sparking fears far. Libya already can apply for weapons flow of weapons from Libya to Syria seems toughest target yet. Building on recent success- province to help coordinate operations. of mass killings against Sunnis if Tikrit were to be imports under an exemption in the arms to have faded in the past year or two, the es, commanders voiced hope that the broadest recaptured. Some Sunni tribes in the Tikrit area embargo for the Libyan government, but the report says. —AP operation since IS overran swathes of the coun- Appeal to spare civilians have been accused of direct involvement in the try last June would be a step towards the libera- Abadi urged the security forces on Sunday to Speicher massacre. Abadi appealed to residents tion of Mosul, the jihadists’ main hub in Iraq. spare civilians during the offensive. Speaking to turn against the jihadists, who have suffered a “Security forces are advancing on three main from Samarra, the other main city in Salaheddin string of military losses since Iraq’s foreign part- fronts towards Tikrit, Ad-Dawr (to the south) and province, he appeared to be addressing fears of ners stepped up their support. “I call on all those Al-Alam (to the north),” a senior army officer on reprisals against the Tikrit area’s Sunni popula- who were misled and made mistakes in the past the ground said. The operation began in early tion. “The priority we gave to the armed forces to lay down their arms today. This may be the morning after being announced by Prime and all the forces taking part alongside them is last chance,” Abadi said, suggesting some could Minister Haider Al-Abadi the previous evening. to preserve the security of citizens,” he told be granted amnesty. The army officer said the forces involved in the reporters. battle were from the army, police, counter-ter- On social media, he called “for utmost care in ‘Jihadi John’ a target rorism units, a government-controlled volunteer protecting civilian lives and property.” Hadi Al- Iraqi forces tried and failed several times to group known as the Popular Mobilization units Ameri, the Popular Mobilization commander wrest back Tikrit, a Sunni Arab city on the Tigris and local Sunni tribes opposed to IS. and a central figure in Iraq’s fightback against IS, river around 160 kilometers north of Baghdad. “The attack is being carried out using fighter appealed to Tikrit residents on Saturday to leave The military commander for Salaheddin jets, helicopters and artillery targeting Tikrit to their homes within 48 hours so government province, Abdel Wahab Saadi, said Tikrit had secure the advance and cut supply routes,” he forces could “wrap up the battle of the revenge both symbolic and strategic importance. “The aim of course is to liberate Salaheddin to allow for the return of displaced families but it is also going to be a stepping stone on the way to liber- ating Mosul,” he said. Tikrit is the hometown of executed dictator Saddam Hussein, the rem- nants of whose Baath party have collaborated with IS in attempting to topple the Shiite-domi- nated government. IS declared a “caliphate” last June straddling Iraq and Syria, where the US-led coalition has also been conducting air strikes but not coordinating with any significant WASHINGTON: Workers prepare the stage for Israeli Prime Minister ground force. Benjamin Netanyahu address to the American Israel Public Affairs A senior US senator said on Sunday that US Committee (AIPAC) 2015 Policy Conference yesterday. —AFP forces were specifically targeting Mohammed Emwazi, the London man dubbed “Jihadi John” believed responsible for videotaped executions of several US and other Western hostages. “Oh, At AIPAC, papering over yes. He’s a target. There should be no question about that,” former Senate Intelligence cracks in US-Israel ties Committee chair Dianne Feinstein told CBS tele- vision’s “Face the Nation.” UN efforts to stop the WASHINGTON: They file into AIPAC by the thou- administration. violence that has pitted Bashar Al-Assad’s sands, intensely supportive of Israel, fearful of a Netanyahu’s acceptance sparked a bitter row regime against an array of rival rebel groups for nuclear Iran, and aware that-at least at leadership with the White House, with National Security almost four years suffered a blow on Sunday. level-Washington’s ties with the Jewish state are Advisor Susan Rice warning it would be “destruc- Rebel forces battling government troops in the under strain. But are American Jews down on the tive” to US-Israel ties. Several lawmakers, including divided second city of Aleppo rejected a plan relationship? Are they accusing Prime Minister Jewish Democrats, have vowed to boycott the TIKRIT: Volunteer Shiite fighters, known as the Popular Mobilization units, who sup- drawn up by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura for a Benjamin Netanyahu of overstepping his bounds speech, saying Netanyahu is openly undermining port the Iraqi government forces in the combat against the Islamic State (IS) group pre- freeze in fighting and demanded a comprehen- by agreeing to address the US Congress shortly the US president. Vice President Joe Biden will not pare a Howitzer artillery cannon in the village of Awaynat near the city of Tikrit. —AFP sive solution to the conflict. —AFP before Israeli elections and at the height of interna- attend either. Washington’s former UN ambassador tional negotiations with Iran? John Bolton minced no words when he told a con- Hardly. At least not those attending the servative gathering that Obama is presiding over Lost Jewish archives come to life online American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual the worst White House relationship with Israel policy conference Sunday in Washington. “This is “since the state of Israel was created in 1948.” going to be just a blip on the screen in terms of rela- Jewish voters are predominantly Democratic, VILNIUS: After seven decades holed “Mirele Efros”, often dubbed the 1920s and 1930s, all these materials Jews had first arrived in Vilnius in tionships, because it goes beyond the politicians,” but that support has eroded slightly. Exit polls up in a Catholic church basement in ‘Jewish King Lear”, and the numer- were together here in Vilnius. They the 16th century, and accounted for American-Israeli dual national Jeremy Bandler told showed Obama winning 74 percent of the Jewish the Lithuanian capital, thousands of ous other documents-whose con- constituted a single whole that was about one-third of its population AFP at AIPAC, referring to Netanyahu’s planned vote in 2008, then 70 percent in 2012. In the 2014 Yiddish manuscripts that survived tents are still largely unknown-were torn apart first by the Nazis and before the war. The city had speech Tuesday to a joint meeting of Congress. US mid-term elections, swept by Republicans, the the Holocaust and Stalin’s anti- spared destruction. Thousands more then by the Soviets,” Jonathan Brent, become a cultural hub, attracting Jews, he said, have “as strong a connection as ever” Jewish Democratic vote shrank to 66 percent. Still, Jewish onslaught are finally seeing ended up in the United States after the institute’s executive director, Yiddish-speaking writers and schol- to the Holy Land, despite what some see as the AIPAC attendees hesitated to point the finger at the light of day. A browning, centu- the Holocaust decimated the once told AFP in a telephone interview ars and earning the nickname political grandstanding of two national leaders Obama. “There have always been ups and downs ry-old play by renowned Jewish vibrant Jewish community in the from New York. “Jerusalem of the North”. But more whose rapport appears lukewarm at best. and certainly we’re at a low point right now,” 21- playwright Jacob Gordin is among Baltic state. than 90 percent of Lithuanian Jews year-old Tracy Frydberg, one of 3,000 college stu- them. Penned in Yiddish but using With brushes, erasers and glue, ‘Jerusalem of the North’ perished between 1941-1944 at the ‘Serious strains’ dents attending AIPAC, said of US-Israeli ties. “The the Latin alphabet, it still bears the archivists are now hard at work to The YIVO Institute’s vocation hands of the Nazis and their Many of the 16,000 attendees at AIPAC, which core foundation of the relationship and the need to red wax seal of Tsarist Russia’s cen- prepare them for digitizing, in both goes back long before the war. Lithuanian collaborators. During fills the capital’s mammoth Convention Center and curb Iran is stronger than any sort of dispute” sors. Vilnius and at the New York-based Founded in 1925 by Vilnius intellec- the Nazi occupation, part of the is the largest pro-Israel talk shop in America, between Obama and Netanyahu, she added. “‘Mirele Efros’ was a very popular YIVO Institute for Jewish Research tuals, it undertook a study of Jewish archive was sent to Germany but acknowledged US-Israel ties could be better. Even Retired federal tax agent Hans Seidemann sees Yiddish play, and a theatre sent the that has spearheaded the bid to languages, literature and culture in later found by the US Army and tak- AIPAC executive director Howard Kohr told the things similarly, noting the Obama-Netanyahu rift copy (to the Tsarist censor) to get reunite the “lost” collection. The aim Eastern Europe and Russia dating as en to New York. The documents opening session that “there are some serious is no secret. “But I think it’s just hype to an extent. permission to stage it,” said historian is to put the more than one million far back as the 17th century. YIVO remaining in Vilnius were slated for strains in the relationship,” although he stopped There are economic, military and other issues that Lara Lempertiene, showing off sev- manuscripts online in a digital relocated to New York, however, destruction under Soviet dictator short of declaring it a crisis. The acknowledgement remain as strong as they were before,” Seidemann eral manuscripts, some in Yiddish, archive highlighting pre-war Jewish after Lithuania’s sizeable Jewish Joseph Stalin’s anti-Jewish cam- is an understatement. House Speaker John said. Should Netanyahu address Congress now, in others in Hebrew. Thanks to a daring life in Eastern Europe. It is expected community-about 200,000 - was all paign, after Moscow took over the Boehner invited Netanyahu to Congress without this challenging moment? “It’s a tough question,” librarian, the 15-page copy of to take seven years. “During the but obliterated in World War II. Baltic states in 1944. —AFP consulting Democratic leaders or the Obama he said. —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Video shows Los Angeles police fatally shooting man

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles police fatal- and several onlookers cry out in alarm. area’s many tents, was pronounced Smith said. He added that some of the late last year. Some media reported ly shot a man on Sunday in an incident The Los Angeles Police Department said dead at the scene by paramedics, officers are believed to have been that the man in the Skid Row shooting that was caught on video and circulated three police officers-a sergeant and two Smith said, adding that he could not wearing body cameras. Two officers appeared to be black, but this was not widely online, with the department say- officers-fired at the man after he confirm whether the individual was sustained minor injuries, and those clear from the video. At least one of ing officers resorted to deadly force after reached for an officer’s firearm during homeless. Skid Row is a run-down area who fired on the man have been the officers at the scene was black. A the man had reached for one of their the altercation. Police had been called to that houses many hostels and services removed from the field and assigned local CBS television affiliate reported guns. The graphic footage, which the scene over a reported robbery and for the region’s homeless people, some home for the time being, Smith added. that tensions in the area remained appeared on Facebook, shows a violent were attempting to detain the suspect, of whom pitch tents on the sidewalks. It was not yet known how many times high for hours after the shooting. The altercation between a man and several who engaged in a fight, Commander Witnesses said the man had been the man was shot or how many offi- video also shows police grabbing a officers in LA’s “Skid Row,” an area near Andrew Smith, LAPD spokesman said. fighting with someone in his tent cers were at the scene, the spokesman woman after she picks up a baton that downtown where many homeless peo- During the struggle, police also used a before the police arrived, the Los said. He added that the coroner would an officer dropped, then appears to ple live. Taser, he said. Angeles Times reported. Investigations release the individual’s identity after raise it. The woman is being detained, The video appears to show the man into the deadly incident will be con- his next of kin are notified. The video but has not yet been booked in jail, flailing at officers as they try to subdue Victim may have been homeless ducted by an independent inspector comes against a backdrop of highly Smith said. The video can be viewed him. A voice yelling “Drop the gun!” can The man, whom US media initially general, the district attorney and the publicized police shootings of black on this Facebook page: be heard before several shots ring out reported to be living in one of the LAPD Force Investigation Division, men that sparked weeks of protests http://u.afp.com/Hyn — AFP

Homeland Security not the only area of Congress’ dysfunction WASHINGTON: Congress’ dysfunction isn’t Export-Import Bank limited to the struggle to keep a Cabinet On June 30, temporary authority expires department running without interruption. for the bank. Critics say it picks winners such Lawmakers couldn’t finish their work last year as Boeing Co and General Electric and that and it’s showing now. The leftover business too little of its financing benefits small busi- could prove even more divisive than the dis- ness. The bank has support from Democrats pute over rolling back President Barack and establishment Republicans but increas- Obama’s immigration policies on a bill provid- ingly is opposed by conservatives, who note ing money for the Department of Homeland that its subsidies for foreign purchasers of Security. Stretches of brinkmanship are cer- exports such as jumbo jets give foreign air- tain to consume much of the legislative cal- lines advantages over US carriers. This split endar in 2015. clearly has the bank in danger of losing its One critical issue is whether to increase charter. Very difficult. the nation’s borrowing authority. That debate could have major repercussions for the recov- Debt limit ering economy. The to-do list includes fore- The government’s borrowing authority stalling a 21 percent cut in Medicare pay- lapses on March 15. Filing-season tax surplus- ments to physicians, preventing a cutoff of es and Treasury Department accounting highway and transit dollars in the middle of maneuvers could delay the need for Congress peak construction season this summer and to step in until August or later. Action is renewing critical parts of the Patriot Act. mandatory or else the government would There’s also a debate among Republicans, default on its obligations. In 2011, House the majority on Capitol Hill, about whether to Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, used the debt renew the charter of the Export-Import Bank, limit as leverage to pry spending cuts from which provides credit to purchasers of US President Barack Obama. Since then, Obama exports. “We haven’t even started talking has refused to negotiate. Last year, Boehner about either one, (Medicare payments) or had to rely on Democratic votes to pass an highways,” said Rep Sander Levin of Michigan, extension. Raising the debt limit again will top Democrat on the powerful House Ways prove difficult, but it must be done. and Means Committee. “So that shows how procrastinated all this is.” Approaching are Patriot Act deadlines for longer-term legislation set to Three controversial provisions expire June expire, including the Children’s Health 1: authorizing the bulk collection of tele- Insurance Program. A look at Capitol Hill’s phone records, obtaining surveillance war- leftover agenda and expiring laws that may rants without naming the person being wire- be renewed, with an assessment of the tapped, and allowing surveillance of foreign- JERUSALEM: In this file photo, President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu huddle during their joint news confer- degree of difficulty: ers suspected of terrorist activity but who are ence in Jerusalem, Israel. This was never happy-ever-after waiting to happen. When Obama and Netanyahu took office early in 2009, there were not affiliated with a terrorist organization. plenty of reasons to expect their relationship would be difficult. The cerebral president and the brash prime minister have stark differences in Medicare fees Both left and right oppose the provisions, but personality, politics and world views. Still, few could have predicted the downward spiral of finger-pointing, backbiting, lecturing and outright Doctors who participate in Medicare face solid majorities are likely to back them amid name-calling that has occurred. — AP a 21 percent cut in their payments at the end the growing threat from the Islamic State of March. Because of a flawed formula dating group. Obama signed a four-year extension in to 1997, Medicare doctors are threatened 2011. Not too hard. with big fee cuts almost every year. Congress Netanyahu in US to has since stepped in 17 times to prevent the Children’s health cuts but has failed to permanently fix the The Children’s Health Insurance Program, problem. Lawmakers hope to resolve the which provides health coverage to millions of issue once and for all this year. In the mean- children in low-income families, expires Sept. time, they plan a temporary fix that would 30. There’s pressure to renew it well before stop ‘bad’ Iran deal buy six months or so. Shouldn’t be too diffi- then because state legislatures are drafting cult. their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1 in most places. A fight is Highway funding unlikely because top Republicans such as Israeli PM brings his Iran nuclear fight to Washington Authority to spend money from the high- GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, chairman of way trust fund expires May 31, the end of a the Senate Finance Committee, and Michigan WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin time Netanyahu is arriving-insisted the United reprieve passed last fall. The uncertainty is Rep. Fred Upton, chairman of the House Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday for States is eager to avoid politicizing the contro- slowing construction in some states. A long- Energy and Commerce Committee, are pro- a “historic” quest to stop a “bad” international versial visit. “The prime minister of Israel is wel- term fix won’t be ready by then, so the most posing to tighten eligibility for the program, nuclear deal with Iran sought by the United come to speak in the United States obviously likely solution is Congress will punt again. possibly taking away insurance from many States. Netanyahu’s controversial 48-hour visit has and we have a closer relationship with Israel Even doing that requires coming up with bil- children, and roll back a scheduled increase in stoked discord with US President Barack Obama right now in terms of security than in any time in lions of dollars to fix the short-term shortfall, federal matching funds to states. Tricky, but and brought bilateral relations to their lowest history,” Kerry told ABC television’s “This Week” which won’t be easy. doable.— AP point in years. A speech before lawmakers on program. “We don’t want to see this turned into Tuesday by the Israeli leader aims to drum up last- some great political football.” minute support to halt a possible world deal with Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s allies in Congress Iran over its nuclear program. It has infuriated the were as outspoken as ever, insisting that Obama, White House and prominent Democrats because not the Israeli leader, was to blame for the recent the speech was set up by congressional discord. “What I do wonder is why the White Republicans without consulting with the presi- House feels threatened because the Congress dent, violating usual protocol. wants to support Israel and wants to hear what a Several leading members of America’s political trusted ally has to say,” John Boehner, the speak- establishment have announced they plan to skip er of the House of Representatives, told CBS’s the address to a joint session of the US Congress. “Face the Nation.” Israel worries that Iran and And no meetings have been set up between world powers will likely clinch a deal that eases Netanyahu and US government officials during international sanctions on Tehran without apply- his visit. “We know a great deal about the emerg- ing sufficiently stringent safeguards to halt its ing agreement,” a member of Netanyahu’s nuclear drive. Netanyahu’s trip comes just four entourage said on condition of anonymity. “In our weeks before a March 31 target for a framework view, it is a bad agreement.” He would not indi- deal with Iran. Negotiators intend to pin down cate the source of the “excellent information” the technical details of a comprehensive agree- Israelis have about the deal between the Islamic ment by June 30. republic and the so-called P5+1 group that would The next round of talks is due to begin next prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb. week in Switzerland. Netanyahu’s visit also In return, the West would ease punishing sanc- comes about two weeks before a March 17 gen- GENEVA: Iranian Foreign Minister WASHINGTON: House Majority Whip Rep Steve Scalise (R-LA) (second from left) tions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear pro- eral election in Israel in which he is hoping to Mohammad Javad Zarif (center) arrives for walks with Deputy Whip Rep Patrick McHenry (R-NC) (at center) on their way to the gram, which Iran insists is purely civilian. For his win a third consecutive term in office. Kerry sug- the 28th session of the Human Rights Council House chamber at the US Capitol. —AFP part, Netanyahu, who will also speak at the annu- gested there were no hard feelings, despite the at the European headquarters of the United al policy conference of the powerful pro-Israel administration’s ruffled feathers after the Nations in Geneva yesterday. — AP AIPAC lobby, has refused to back down. “I’m going speech was announced. “Obviously, it was odd if Obama focuses on civil rights to Washington on a fateful, even historic, mission,” not unique that we learned of it from the speak- tler than remarks from the Obama administra- he told reporters on the tarmac at Ben Gurion air- er of the House (Boehner) and that the adminis- tion just days ago, when the president’s struggles - past and present port near Tel Aviv shortly before his plane took tration was not included in the process, but the National Security Advisor Susan Rice warned off. “I feel deep and sincere concern for the securi- administration is not seeking to politicize this,” that the Netanyahu speech would be “destruc- WASHINGTON: For President Barack Obama, bipartisan congressional delegation planned ty of Israel’s citizens and for the fate of the state Kerry said. “We want to recognize the main goal tive of the fabric of the relationship.” US Vice it’s a week to invoke America’s civil rights to be a part of a three-day civil rights pilgrim- and of all our people,” he added. “I will do every- here is to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear President Joe Biden, who normally would be struggles from past to present. The nation’s age to the state. thing in my power to ensure our future.” weapon, and on that, Israel and the United expected to preside over such an important cer- States agree.” first black president plans a speech Saturday The week also highlights the personal emonial joint congressional session, also found US, Israel ‘closer than ever’ The top US diplomat stressed that the two pressing overseas business that he said would from the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, racial politics of the first black president’s past Secretary of State John Kerry-who will be allies have an “unparalleled close security rela- prevent him from attending Netanyahu’s Alabama, the site of one of the movement’s and future as he plans Friday to make his first leaving Washington at almost exactly the same tionship.” Those mollifying words were far gen- address.— AFP stirring moments, and will refocus on last return to South Carolina since the 2008 pri- year’s fatal shooting by a white police officer mary campaign in which he and Hillary of a black 18-year-old in Ferguson, Missouri. Rodham Clinton fiercely fought for the state’s Recommendations were expected Monday black voters. Obama’s South Carolina event is Keep ‘politics out of US Federal Reserve’ from the president’s Task Force on 21st tied to his 1-year-old My Brother’s Keeper ini- Century Policing, appointed after Michael tiative aimed at improving the lives of young WASHINGTON: Most Americans don’t know who The Republican Senator from Kentucky held an setting interest rates, 66 percent of the partici- Brown’s death in August. Attorney General minority men, expected to be a continuing runs the Federal Reserve, but they do believe that “Audit the Fed” rally in Iowa last month, and his pants said independent experts, while 34 percent Eric Holder has said he expects to announce focus for the president after he leaves office. elected officials should stay out of its business, spokesman told Reuters that polls showed said elected officials. “There ought to be some results of his department’s investigation of The Alabama visit will recall a troubled time in according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll. Just 24 percent Americans want the central bank to be audited. review but I don’t know that a full public disclo- the case before he leaves office, and that the history of civil rights. From the Pettus of those polled said Congress should be allowed Supporters of the campaign say the Fed needs sure of every comment attributed to every Fed word could come within days. bridge on March 7, 1965, white police officers to have detailed oversight of the Fed, the poll more transparency and accountability. Opponents member for the whole world to see is necessarily Obama’s actions are an important gesture beat civil rights protesters. Obama last visited shows. More than double that amount said the say the Fed is already audited, and that exposure the best option,” said David Webb, 64, a former toward the black community, which strongly the bridge in 2007 when he was a presiden- central bank should be left alone. of internal policy discussions could lead to politi- labor relations specialist for the US Army. backed him in his two White House races and tial candidate; this time he is bringing his The poll of 1,388 Americans was conducted cal influence over decisions on interest rates and The Davenport, Iowa, resident said his concern will be critical for Democrats in the 2016 pres- entire family. from Feb 20-24 to measure whether people sup- damage market confidence. is that public exposure of the comments invite idential campaign and their efforts to retake “When I take Malia and Sasha down with ported proposed legislation that would expose Fed Chair Janet Yellen came under pressure politicians to manipulate the process, and opens control of Congress. Former President George Michelle next week, down to Selma, part of the Fed to a full government audit, a move being from conservatives in Congress this week, with the door for them to apply pressure on Fed offi- W Bush and his wife, Laura, also plan to be at what I’m hoping to do is to remind them of led by Rand Paul, a likely 2016 presidential candi- some accusing her of bias towards Democrats. cials with whom they disagree, or agree on certain the Selma commemoration, and a large their own obligations. —AP date. When asked about who should be responsible for policy matters. —Reuters p10 2_Layout 1 3/2/15 8:38 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Ukraine death toll soars past 6,000

GENEVA: US Secretary of State John diplomat was due to brief the press ‘Crime against humanity?’ ing to arbitrary detention, torture and to shelter in basements, with hardly Kerry held tense talks with his Russian early afternoon. But he is expected to The United Nations, meanwhile, enforced disappearances committed any drinking water, food, heating, elec- counterpart in Geneva yesterday to have warned Lavrov that the US and cast a cloud on hopes raised by the mainly by armed groups but also in tricity or basic medical supplies,” Zeid end fighting in Ukraine, where the UN EU are working on another slew of ceasefire with a report that painted a some cases by Ukrainian law enforce- said. Speaking in Geneva for the says more than 6,000 have died in less launch of the report, UN Assistant than a year. The meeting with Sergei Secretary-General for Human Rights Lavrov in Geneva came less than a Ivan Simonovic said “the deliberate week after Kerry accused Moscow of targeting of civilian areas may consti- lying about its involvement in the con- tute a war crime and if widespread and flict, and as high-stake talks to resolve systematic, a crime against humanity.” a bitter gas dispute between Kiev and Moscow were also due in Brussels. Gas talks Speaking after the Geneva talks, In Brussels, three-way gas talks were Russia’s foreign minister welcomed also set to take place between the “tangible progress” in the implementa- energy ministers of Ukraine and Russia, tion of a February 15 peace deal, say- together with European Commission ing “the ceasefire is being consolidat- vice president Maros Sefcovic. Russian ed, heavy weapons are withdrawn.” state-owned gas giant Gazprom threat- Fighting has halted along most of ened last week to cut deliveries to Ukraine’s frontline, raising hopes that Ukraine over a dispute related to Kiev and pro-Kremlin rebels holding Moscow’s move to supply gas directly parts of the east are moving towards to separatist areas and then demand implementing the shaky deal. that Kiev pay for it. Rebel leaders in Several incidents still took place over east Ukraine said that Kiev had sud- the weekend, with photographer Sergiy denly ceased gas supplies, and asked Nikolayev killed by a mortar shell and for access to gas from Russia. eight soldiers injured by rebel fire, Ukraine’s national gas company according to Ukraine security spokesman Naftogas did stop pumping gas to the Andriy Lysenko. But in a more encourag- separatist areas last month, saying it ing sign, Kiev security officials said could not deliver due to a damaged Sunday no Ukrainian soldiers had been pipeline, but added that deliveries killed over the past 24 hours. Both sides resumed a few hours later. Russian have begun to pull back some heavy DONETSK: An elderly woman walks across a destroyed bridge, fallen onto the road towards the airport, the scene of President Vladimir Putin has accused weaponry from the frontline, but while heavy fighting in Donetsk, Ukraine. —AP Ukraine of perpetrating a kind of monitors from the Organization for “genocide” by denying energy to four Security and Cooperation in Europe sanctions if Moscow does not adhere bleak picture of developments in the ment agencies. million people living in territories hit reported weapons movements on both to the new ceasefire deal. He was also country. “More than 6,000 lives have The swelling violence and dire liv- by a humanitarian crisis. The Kremlin sides, they said it was too early to con- thought to have pressed for assur- now been lost in less than a year due ing conditions have forced more and appeared to soften its rhetoric, howev- firm a full pullback. ances that Moscow carries out a credi- to the fighting in eastern Ukraine,” UN more people to flee, and by mid- er, after the European Union unveiled It was as yet unclear exactly what ble probe into the assassination of High Commissioner for Human Rights February, at least one million people plans last week for a continent-wide Kerry and Lavrov talked about in their Russian opposition leader Boris Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a state- had been registered as internally dis- single energy market, with the goal of 80-minute encounter-later followed by Nemtsov-which Lavrov described as a ment. The report detailed how the placed inside Ukraine. “Many have decreasing its reliance on Russian a second, brief meeting-and the US “heinous crime.” conflict was affecting civilians, point- been trapped in conflict zones, forced gas.— AFP Mystery surrounds Putin critic’s death Conflicting reports on CCTV video footage MOSCOW: The investigation into the killing of Boris Nemtsov, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin who was gunned down not far from the Kremlin, faced conflicting reports yes- terday about possible surveillance footage of his slaying. No suspects have been arrested since Nemtsov was shot dead Friday night on a Moscow bridge, a slaying that came just hours after a radio interview in which he denounced Putin’s “mad, aggressive policy” in Ukraine. BUENOS AIRES: Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner waves at sup- According to Russian investigators, Nemtsov was porters while leaving after the inauguration of the 133th period of ordinary sessions walking near the Kremlin on his way home with a at the Congress in Buenos Aires. —AFP woman when he was shot four times by an assailant, who escaped in a light-colored car. It was not clear what CCTV footage may have Cleared of cover-up charges, captured his slaying, even though the area is one of the most highly secure parts of the Russian Cristina comes out swinging capital. The business daily newspaper Kommersant quoted anonymous sources in the BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s scandal-hit Fernandez said fault for the lack of Interior Ministry as saying there was no CCTV president came out swinging with a fiery progress in solving the bombing lies with footage of his murder because the cameras in speech about justice on Sunday, retaking the local courts “and the intelligence serv- question were not working at the time of the the initiative three days after being ices that covered up, and covered up, and incident. However, Yelena Novikova, a spokes- cleared of allegations that she tried to did not permit the truth to be known.” “If woman for Moscow’s information technology derail an investigation into a deadly 1994 there have been delays,” she shouted, her department, which oversees surveillance cam- bombing in Buenos Aires. In mid-January voice breaking, “look somewhere else. eras in the city, said that all cameras “belonging Cristina Fernandez was accused of con- Don’t look here.” Adding to the confusion to the city” were operating correctly on the night spiring to cover up Iran’s alleged role in over the case, Fernandez said two signed of Nemtsov’s death. She said federal authorities the truck-bombing of the AMIA Jewish documents were found in Nisman’s safe also had surveillance cameras near the Kremlin community center. Prosecutor Alberto after he died. One argued the case against that are not under her organization’s control. Nisman said Fernandez conspired to her while the other said she had nothing whitewash the bombing in order to com- to do with a cover-up. “Which Nisman am I CCTV footage plete a grains-for-oil deal with Tehran. left with?” she said. The failure to dig up CCTV footage in such a Days after leveling the charge, Nisman Fernandez has accused former counter- public place as central Moscow has deepened was found dead, a bullet in his head, a gun intelligence chief Antonio Stiuso of manip- the frustration of those who supported Nemtsov, KIEV: Ganna Duritska, the chief witness to the murder of Russian protest leader Boris by his side. His accusation and mysterious ulating Nisman into making the allegation many of whom believe the government is Nemtsov, a Ukrainian model by his side when he was shot dead is being kept under guard in death hurt Fernandez’s credibility and in order to smear her, and then of having a responsible for his killing. Investigators said they Moscow. Duritska, 23, said she had given all the information she could to investigators but sent her government reeling while con- hand in his death. Stiuso, who has left the are looking into several possible motives and that they were preventing her from leaving Russia “for her security.” — AFP spiracy theories multiplied. In her first country, is also accused of operating a have offered 3 million rubles (nearly $50,000) for speech since a judge threw out the cover- smuggling ring from the headquarters of information about the slaying so far there have Meanwhile, TV Center, a station controlled by the independently confirmed. Tens of thousands up allegation on Thursday for lack of evi- the SI Intelligence agency, which Congress been few leads. Yesterday, France’s foreign minis- Moscow city government, broadcast a poor-reso- turned out Sunday to march through central dence, Fernandez took aim at the rogue voted to disband last week. Fernandez, ter called Nemtsov’s killing an “assassination that lution video from one of its web cameras that it Moscow in silent tribute to Nemtsov, while other intelligence agents she blames for the constitutionally barred from running for a was revolting,” and called for a serious investiga- said shows Nemtsov and his date shortly before supporters mourned him in St. Petersburg. His scandal. “Twenty-one years have passed third term in October’s election, has nine tion into the crime. Laurent Fabius told BFM tele- the killing. The station, which superimposed its supporters, friends and family are now gearing without a single conviction for AMIA,” the more months in office. Polls show the cov- vision that Nemtsov’s killing “raises a series of own time code on the footage, circled figures up for his funeral, which will be held Tuesday at a two-term president shouted during her er-up allegations and Nisman’s death have questions.” He insisted on a thorough investiga- that it said were Nemtsov and the woman walk- human rights center in Moscow. Prominent final annual address to Congress on damaged Fernandez’s popularity, already tion but would not comment on whether he ing across the bridge on a rainy night. A vehicle Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny Sunday, in which she claimed to have strained by a weak economy, and will hurt thought Russian authorities’ efforts would be suf- that TVC identified as a snowplow moved slowly requested to be released early from prison so done everything possible to get to the government-allied candidates in the ficient. behind the couple, obscuring the view of the that he could attend the funeral. Navalny was bottom of the case. October vote.—Reuters Noting killings of other Russian opposition shooting. TV Center then circled what it said was sentenced on Feb 20 to 15 days in custody for figures in the past, Fabius said, “The fact is that it the suspected killer jumping into a passing car. handing out leaflets for an upcoming protest, is not good to be an opposition figure in Russia.” The authenticity of the video could not be which was also organized by Nemtsov.— AP Raging wildfires destroy five houses in Cape Town Ice slows business, traffic CAPE TOWN: Five houses and an upmarket largely gutted by fire despite extensive efforts hotel were destroyed and dozens of people by Fire and Rescue Services to save the build- evacuated from their homes as wildfires ings,” the NSRI said in a statement. The fire on Northeast waterways raged through Cape Town’s scenic southern had reached the border of Hout Bay, a dense- peninsula, firefighters said yesterday. A mas- ly populated coastal commuter village and sive firefighting operation was under way, fishing port, which also has an informal set- PORTLAND: Waterways around the Northeast rying heating oil, gasoline and jet fuel can auction, he said. The ice also is causing dam- with a fleet of helicopters water-bombing tlement on its borders, the statement said. are beset by ice that is more than a foot thick reach destinations. The thickest part is in the age to piers and could contribute to erosion, blazes threatening upscale seaside villages “So far we have treated 52 people for smoke in some places, making life miserable for those area of Germantown and Hudson, north of Needelman said. dotted along the coastline. inhalation and the total number of homes who make their living on the water. Scott New York City. In some spots the ice is a foot- He said this year’s ice likely will take a heavy Fanned by strong winds and high temper- lost has gone up from four to five,” said Cape Werner of Portland said this winter has been “a and-a-half thick, Coast Guard officials said. toll on waterfront infrastructure in the city. “It’s atures, the fires stretch over some 3,000 Town Disaster Risk Management spokes- horror show” for lobster fishermen like himself. “The barges traveling from New York City to a highly destructive force and we can antici- hectares (7,400 acres) of the mountain range woman Charlotte Powell. The ice has prevented him from getting his Albany have the most difficult time transiting pate that there will be a lot of maintenance running down the spine of the narrow penin- Several roads in the area, including the boat out to fish in recent weeks, and cut into through that one area, so that’s where the needs and repair needs,” he said. The Coast sula, national parks spokeswoman Merle dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, have been his ability to make money in the already slow Coast Guard is devoting its effort to keep Guard experienced an approximately two Collins said. The peninsula includes parts of closed, snarling traffic as commuters tried to winter lobstering season, he said. clean,” Coast Guard Lt Ken Sauerbrunn said. week period in February when it’s ice-cutting the Table Mountain National Park leading to reach the city centre. Some 300 firefighters “I’m not going to risk it. I don’t want to break It was the coldest February on record in tug, Shackle, was out cutting ice every day, Cape Point at the extreme southwestern tip were battling the blaze, said Theo Layne of anything,” Werner said. “It’s been brutal, but Portland according to National Weather Chief Warrant Officer Bob Albert said. Cutting of Africa, a popular destination for interna- the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue what are you going to do?” Iced waterways are Service records that go back to 1940. The frigid was needed in Portland Harbor, the Fore River tional tourists. As it swept towards the village Services, and are being assisted by volunteers a problem in other Northeast locations, such as temperatures froze more than 10 lobster fish- and parts of Casco Bay to allow for petroleum of Hout Bay on the Atlantic coast, the fire and national parks staff. “The fire is contained ripped through the five-star Tintswalo in certain areas, but on the higher slopes of off of Boston, where a commuter ferry carrying ing boats in ice off of Portland, said Bill deliveries and for commuter ferries and fishing Atlantic Lodge perched on the edge of the the mountain it is not contained yet,” he said. more than 100 passengers got delayed by Needelman, the city’s waterfront coordinator. vessels to traverse the waterways, he said. ocean, the National Sea Rescue Institute Social media sites were swamped with mes- about 45 minutes when it was slowed down by Fewer fishermen have been able to pursue key “The demand for ice breaking this year has reported. sages from frightened resident describing the the coastal ice pack on Feb 20. food fish such as haddock and pollock, which exceeded any demands that have been placed Guests were evacuated earlier and no fires as “huge and scary” as they raced down And in New York, where the Coast Guard is has cut into landings at the city’s fish pier and on the Coast Guard at any time in the last ten injuries were reported. The hotel “has been the mountainsides._ AFP cutting ice on the Hudson River so barges car- lessened activity at the Portland Fish Exchange years,” Albert said.— AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Tourism thrives in Malaysia despite tragedies Plane catastrophes put Malaysia on the map in a bad way

KUALA LUMPUR: Two airplane catastrophes put Malaysia on the map in a bad way in 2014. But they didn’t hurt the country’s tourism, and the higher visi- bility may even have helped: visitor numbers had their strongest growth in years. For the past decade, Malaysia has run an elaborate campaign to market itself abroad as an ideal Asian destination, touting a multiethnic culture, lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Despite the effort to internationalize, its tourism industry still relies heavily on tightly-packed neighboring Singapore and in a renewed push the government had designated 2014 as “Visit Malaysia Year.” So when Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 went missing with 239 people on board en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, it put the global spot- light on Malaysia and seemingly dealt a blow to its tourism strategy. A double whammy came four months later when a Malaysia Airlines jet was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Tourism, however, grew at its fastest pace since 2008. Figures for all of 2014 haven’t been released yet but the January-October data shows 22.9 million visitors, a jump of nearly 10 percent from a year earlier. That far outpaced 2.5 percent growth for the same period in 2013 and a 0.7 percent rise in 2012. The full year growth rates for those two years are close to the 10-month figures. “The bad publicity has made Malaysia more well known to the world,” said Jaya Kumar Sannadurai, vice president at Dayangti Transport and Tours. The overall effect on visitor num- bers is probably marginal but being the center of KUALA LUMPUR: Tourists has their souvenir photograph taken against the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Two airplane catastrophes attention “is an advantage to us in some ways,” he put Malaysia on the map in a bad way in 2014. But it didn’t hurt the country’s tourism, and the higher visibility may even have helped: visitor numbers said. The strong growth in tourism came despite a had their strongest growth in years. — AP sharp drop in visitors from China, which had 153 biggest source of visitors. The aim of the Visit ing increased by 43 percent. There was also strong help fill seats. Malaysia has extended its tourism nationals on Flight 370. Many in China were angered Malaysia campaign, with the endangered pot-bellied growth from Western nations such as the United campaign, designating 2015 as “Year of Festivals” by Malaysia’s perceived mishandling of the tragedy. proboscis monkey as its mascot, was to lure 28 million Kingdom,.., Australia and Germany. with a goal to attract 29.4 million tourists and 89 bil- The Malaysian government says satellite data visitors and 76 billion ringgit ($21.1 billion) in spend- But it was Singapore along with Indonesia and lion ringgit ($24.7 billion) in total receipts. Azizan, showed the jet crashed into the southern Indian ing. Tourism is already Malaysia’s second biggest earn- Thailand that provided the mass market numbers, the tourism officials, said Tourism Malaysia is work- Ocean, but no wreckage has been found despite an er of foreign exchange after manufactured goods. together accounting for about two thirds of total visi- ing closely with China to mount more scheduled exhaustive multi-nation search. Authorities believe The country might fall a little short of the 28 million tors. “Our Southeast Asian neighbors helped to keep chartered flights flying direct to the country from the plane was flown deliberately off course, but are visitors goal for 2014 but a high level of fully paid the tourist numbers up. We could have done better if China’s second and third-tier cities such as Wuhan still investigating the cause of the disappearance. advance tour bookings and a quick change in market- it wasn’t for the China market,” said Hamzah Rahmat, and Chengdu. Kidnappings since April of foreigners including a ing strategy by tourism officials helped keep the president of the Malaysian Tour and Travel He said Tourism Malaysia is confident of higher Chinese fish breeder and a Chinese female tourist industry on a growth path overall. Associations. Other tour and travel agents said the Chinese arrivals this year. Last month, the government from a resort in Malaysia’s Sabah state in Borneo by Tourism Malaysia cut promotions in China and industry also benefited from a weaker currency in the waived visa fees for Chinese tourists. Tour agents how- Philippine gangs also put off tourists. All were focused efforts on India and other markets after Flight last quarter of the year, making Malaysia more attrac- ever, urged the government to allow two week visa- released after ransom was paid. Sabah, a popular des- 370’s disappearance, said its deputy director-general tive to foreigners. Malaysia’s ringgit depreciated by 10 free travel for Chinese visitors to help the market recov- tination for scuba-diving and nature trails, is a short Azizan Noordin. This helped to boost growth in all percent against the dollar in the last four months. er faster. “Regional travel is on the rise,” said Joseph boat ride from southern Philippines, home to Muslim markets for the first 10 months of last year, except Cheaper air travel and more numerous flights, Francis Mariasosay Xavier from World Discovery Travel. militants and kidnap gangs. For January-October, China and Taiwan, he said. Arrivals from India, which primarily due to the expansion of low-cost carriers in “I don’t think Flight 370 is a factor. People need and Chinese tourists to Malaysia dropped by 11 percent or is the 6th biggest source of visitors for Malaysia, were the region, also helped drive tourism. Since its two want to travel. It’s more important to have the right some 175,000 people. It remained Malaysia’s third up 21 percent and the number of South Koreans visit- jet tragedies, Malaysia Airlines has lowered fares to infrastructure and pricing in place.”— AP Bangladesh police arrest chief suspect in US blogger murder Radical Islamist ‘behind earlier death threats’

DHAKA: Bangladesh authorities announced they had arrested a radical Islamist yesterday over last week’s machete murder of an atheist American blogger, accusing him of being behind earlier death threats on social media. A spokesman for the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said Farabi Shafiur Rahman had been arrested at a bus station in the capital Dhaka over the gruesome killing of Avijit Roy, describing him as the prime suspect in a crime that trig- JAKARTA: A mobile phone found by wreckage search and rescue teams while exam- gered international outrage. ining the fuselage of the crashed AirAsia flight 8501 is held by a worker on a vessel at “He is the main suspect,” RAB spokesman Major the Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta yesterday. Indonesia has retrieved the final major Maksudul Alam said. “He is a fundamentalist blogger,” the part of the fuselage of an AirAsia jet that crashed into the Java Sea in December, spokesman said, adding that according to “primary informa- killing all 162 people on board. — AFP tion” Farabi had threatened Roy through Twitter and Facebook. “(Roy’s) family told us that he got threats from No plane, many discoveries in Farabi several times,” he added. The American, who earned fame for his blog pieces and for authoring a series of books yearlong search for Flight 370 including the best-selling “The Virus of the Faith”, was hacked to death with a machete in downtown Dhaka last DHAKA: Bangladeshi Rapid Action Battalion personnel produce Farabi Shafiur Rahman WELLINGTON: The yearlong search for Malaysia search-and-rescue mission to understanding Thursday. Airlines Flight 370 has turned up no sign of the how marine species spread to new areas. He said (center), arrested over the machete murder of an atheist American blogger, during a pho- Roy was the founder of the Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) tocall in Dhaka yesterday. — AFP plane, but that doesn’t mean it’s been unpro- it can even help scientists understand how heat blog. He was born in Bangladesh to a family of scholars but ductive. It has yielded lessons and discoveries is distributed through the ocean, which could be moved to Atlanta in the southern US state of Georgia that could benefit millions, including coastal used by meteorologists to help fine-tune weath- around 15 years ago. He and his blogger wife, who was also Australians, air and sea travelers and scientists er forecasts. badly injured in the attack, had been returning from a book Afghanistan’s soldiers take on trying to understand ancient changes to the fair when they were both hauled off their rickshaw by two earth’s crust. The knowledge gained so far is of Better plane tracking Taleban in first solo offensive little comfort to family and friends of the 239 One thing the airline industry learned from assailants who then slashed them with the machetes. The RAB paraded Farabi before the press at its headquarters in people still missing from the plane, which van- Flight 370 is that more tracking is needed, even KABUL: The Afghan army is waging its toward peace talks, and ahead of the ished last March 8 during a flight from Kuala for planes expected to fly over land for their Dhaka where another RAB spokesman, Mufti Mahmud, described him as a member of the banned pan-Islamist out- largest-ever solo offensive against the Taleban’s traditional spring fighting season, Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing. While finding the entire journeys. The International Civil Aviation Taleban, hoping to strike a decisive blow which is expected to be particularly violent as plane remains the top priority for searchers and Organization, which is part of the United fit Hizbut Tahrir. ahead of the spring fighting season and the militants test Afghan forces now fighting investigators, what they’re learning along the Nations, has proposed that airlines be required prove it can rout the insurgents without the without battlefield backup from American way may prove valuable long after the search to get position updates from each of their ‘He’ll be murdered’ aid of US and NATO combat troops. Afghan and NATO troops. While it could be a more ends. Benefits of the work so far include: planes every 15 minutes. That requirement is “On different occasions, he exchanged (Roy’s) location, troops have been slowly pushing up through than a year before the prospect of peace expected to be in place by November 2016. A his identity and his family’s photographs with various peo- a fertile river valley in the southern Helmand becomes a reality, an Afghan official said yes- New underwater maps more stringent requirement would seek updates ple,” Mahmud told reporters. “He wrote: ‘Avijit Roy lives in province, with special forces mounting night- terday that preliminary “trust-building” discus- In the Indian Ocean west of Australia, where every minute if a fire is detected or the plane America. So it’s not possible to kill him at this moment. But time helicopter raids into mud brick com- sions are expected “in the near future.” Both experts believe the plane crashed, scientists makes an unusual move, such as suddenly drop- when he’ll return to the country, he’ll be murdered’,” pounds and ground troops gradually advanc- sides will be aiming to enter any meetings have been mapping the sea floor to aid in the ping or climbing in elevation. That would apply Mahmud said. A source within the RAB, which is mainly ing across the poppy fields that in past years from a position of strength gained on the bat- search for wreckage. Previous maps relied on only to jets manufactured after 2020. tasked with tackling religious militancy in the Muslim-major- have furnished the insurgents’ main cash tlefield, officials and diplomats said. satellite data, which gave only rough estimates Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss ity nation, said correspondence between Farabi and another crop. “For Ghani, failure (in Helmand) is simply of the ocean’s depth. Now, using sonar readings said Sunday that his government’s airspace person about killing Roy had been discovered. A former US and British troops suffered some of not an option,” the Western diplomat said. US from ships, scientists have mapped an area the agency will work with Malaysia and Indonesia to physics student at a top university, Farabi was detained in their biggest losses of the decade-long war and Afghan officials say local security forces size of Nebraska and have discovered previously test a new method, which would enable planes 2010 after he joined Hizbut Tahrir and was arrested again here, seizing territory that was later lost by ill- are so far proving they can take the fight to unknown trenches and underwater mountains to be tracked every 15 minutes, rather than the after the murder of another atheist blogger Ahmed Rajib equipped and poorly trained Afghan forces. the Taleban without the aid of foreign combat that rival the height of any on Australia’s surface. previous rate of 30 to 40 minutes. However, even Haider in February 2013, but was released on bail. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to troops. There are 13,000 foreign soldiers in the Searchers are getting even more detailed sonar if such a system had been in place for Flight 370, Roy was the second atheist blogger to have been mur- break the grim cycle, and the latest offensive country, down from a peak of 140,000 in readings using small underwater vehicles called it would not have made it possible to track the dered in Bangladesh in the last two years and the fourth is widely seen as a test for his efforts to over- 2009-2010, with 5,000 US troops engaged in “towfish” that are towed just above the sea floor. plane because transponder and other equip- writer to have been attacked since 2004. His killing was haul the army and police since taking office in counterterrorism operations against the September. Ghani was personally involved in Taleban and Al-Qaeda. Scientists from around the world are eagerly ment were switched off. Because investigators greeted by uproar both at home and abroad with hundreds planning the operation, which is codenamed US military leaders have advised the anticipating the release of the three-dimension- still don’t know what happened to Flight 370, of secular activists holding protests for days to demand the al maps and data once the search is completed. airlines have no information to help them Zolfiqar - meaning double-edged sword - and troops in Helmand and helped plan the oper- immediate arrest of the perpetrators. They also slammed which began on Feb 10, according to Maj Gen ation, but American troops are not involved in update their mechanical systems or flight-train- the country’s secular government for not doing enough to Better tsunami prediction ing techniques. Kurt Fuller, deputy chief of staff for US and the fighting. Fuller said the troops have protect humanist writers. The United States condemned the NATO operations in Afghanistan. already cleared large areas where the insur- Stuart Minchin, a divisional chief at killing as a “shocking act of violence” and an assault on the Geoscience Australia, said that when the maps Improved multinational searches Ghani heads to Washington later this gents had been entrenched for more than a country’s “proud tradition” of free speech. “This was not just month, where he is expected to seek decade, saying the Taleban’s casualties were are released and further analyzed, they will give Capt Chris Budde, maritime operations an attack against a person, but a cowardly assault on the scientists a better understanding of areas that director for the US Navy 7th Fleet, said that enhanced US military backup, particularly air higher than those of government forces by “a universal principles enshrined in Bangladesh’s constitution,” during earthquakes are susceptible to underwa- when it helped out on a multinational search support. “This is an incredibly important oper- factor of 10 to one.” He said Afghan forces had ter landslides, which can create or exacerbate for another missing plane in December, things State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. ation,” said a Western diplomat who spoke on found bunkers, tunnels, trench lines, and a tsunamis. He said the information will help sci- went more smoothly thanks to lessons learned Roy’s father, Ajoy, said he had warned his son he could condition of anonymity in order to discuss the giant slingshot apparently used to fling secret operation. “This is Ghani’s attempt to grenades at government forces. He said the entists pinpoint areas along Australia’s west from the hunt for Flight 370. The latter search face problems in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, where secu- demonstrate to the US and the US Congress Sangin district, which had seen months of coast that are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis was for AirAsia Flight 8501, which plunged into lar activists have expressed concern about the rise of that Afghan ground forces are able to take the heavy fighting, was declared clear on Friday, and enable better warnings and predictions for the Java Sea near Indonesia, killing all 162 peo- Islamism. On Sunday, Ajoy Roy reiterated that Islamist mili- lead and conduct offensive operations if they adding that Afghan forces had “met with coastal residents. ple aboard. tants were responsible for his son’s death, but also blamed the police for failing to protect him despite repeated threats have the right enablers to support them.” heavy resistance that was more than they Budde said tasks like establishing common anticipated.” Gen Mohammad Salim Ahses, Improved search and rescue radio frequencies between nations and deter- on his life. “I am speechless at this moment of mourning. When the fundamentalists threatened, I informed the ‘Trust-building’ the head of the national police, told The Knowing the topography of the ocean floor mining who to contact onshore for search The assault coincides with Afghan govern- Associated Press by telephone from Sangin also helps scientists predict ocean currents, said assignments were completed more efficiently Inspector General of Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police,” Ajoy Roy said, referring to the national police chiefs. ment efforts to open a preliminary dialogue that 385 Taleban fighters had been killed Minchin. That can help with everything from after Indonesia studied and learned from with insurgent leaders in the hope of moving there, including 31 commanders. —AP predicting where a disabled boat might drift in a Malaysia’s experience.—AP “This murder has proved their utter failure.”— AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 3 2015 INTERNATIONAL Prince William takes on diplomatic role in China

BEIJING: Prince William presented China’s singing opera in a palace come true as he met president with an invitation from the queen with young people from disadvantaged back- for him to visit Britain this year, as the prince grounds. He made the comment as he toured yesterday began the first official trip to main- a traditional Beijing courtyard residence dat- land China by a senior British royal in a gener- ing from the 1890s that has been restored ation. President Xi Jinping told the prince that and turned into a museum with help from he thanked Queen Elizabeth II for the invita- charities related to his father, Prince Charles: tion. “I look forward to meeting her majesty the Prince of Wales’s China Foundation and and other British leaders during the visit and The Prince’s Foundation for Building to jointly plan out the future of Sino-British Communities. relations,” Xi said during the meeting in the He spent most of his time chatting with Great Hall of the People, the seat of China’s representatives of charities helping children legislature. “The British royal family has great with hearing and visual impairments, whose influence, not just in Britain but across the parents are migrant workers or in prison, and world.” The prince’s three-day trip to Beijing, some of the young people they work with. Shanghai and southwest China near the bor- Zhao Chen, 14, who is visually impaired and der with Myanmar is testing his diplomatic undergone six operations to his eyes, and mettle as the second in line to the throne. wants to be a tenor, told the prince: “My He won’t be visiting Hong Kong, the for- dream is to go to your palace to sing opera.” mer colony Britain handed back to China in The prince replied: “Well, you have met the 1997. It was the scene last year of weekslong right man. We might be able to arrange pro-democracy protests, during which Beijing something.” Before he left, William was pre- prevented a British parliamentary committee sented with a picture drawn by a 10-year-old from traveling to Hong Kong to investigate of crops, lush vegetation and bright pink, red political reform there, saying it did not want and blue buildings. “That will look nice in Britain interfering in its internal affairs. George’s bedroom,” he said, referring to his 1- PAJU: South Korean army soldiers move during their military exercise near the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea William told Xi and the rest of the Chinese year-old son. yesterday. —AP delegation, including Yang Jiechi, the govern- Prince William also had a stroll in the ment’s senior foreign policy adviser, and Forbidden City, where emperors once resided, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, that he was looking and had a meeting with Vice President Li forward to strengthening relations between Yuanchao, after which culture officials from N Korea fires missiles at the countries. both countries signed an agreement marking “I’m particularly interested in the young the start of a year of cultural exchange people and seeing how the next generation between Britain and China. The prince opened develops and is aware of the world as it is,” he an exhibition in Shanghai yesterday evening South-US military drills added. Earlier yesterday, Prince William told a that showcases British innovation in entertain- boy he might be able to make his dream of ment, design, health care and fashion. —AP Pyongyang vows ‘merciless’ retaliation SEOUL: North Korea fired two short-range ballis- shipping, while China urged the two Koreas to the North was ready to wage “any form of war” tic missiles into the sea and vowed “merciless” exercise restraint. Missile tests have long been a that the US chooses. retaliation yesterday as the US and South Korea preferred North Korean method of expressing kicked off joint military drills denounced by anger and displeasure with what it views as con- Test moratorium offer Pyongyang as recklessly confrontational. The frontational behavior by the South and its allies. North Korea has carried out three nuclear annual exercises always trigger a surge in mili- tests-in 2006, 2009 and 2013. In January the tary tensions and warlike rhetoric on the divided ‘Brink of war’ North offered a moratorium on further tests if peninsula, and analysts saw the North’s missile “The situation on the Korean peninsula is this year’s joint drills were cancelled-a proposal tests as a prelude to a concerted campaign of again inching close to the brink of a war,” a rejected by Washington as an “implicit threat” to sabre-rattling. spokesman for the KPA General Staff was quoted carry out a fourth atomic detonation. Analyst “If there is a particularly sharp escalation, we as saying yesterday by the North’s official KCNA Jeung said Pyongyang was unlikely to conduct a could see the North orchestrating some kind of news agency. “The only means to cope with the fourth test just to protest against the exercises. clash on the maritime border,” said Jeung Young- aggression and war by the US imperialists and “Nuclear tests carry more significance than that,” Tae, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National their followers is neither dialogue nor peace. They he said, noting that the North’s testing schedule Unification in Seoul. The missile launches came should be dealt with only by merciless strikes.” was mainly driven by technical development. with a stern warning from the nuclear-armed North Korea has threatened attacks, including “On the other hand, there is the chance of a mid- (North) Korean People’s Army (KPA) that this nuclear strikes, on the US before, although it has or long-range missile test,” Jeung said. year’s military drills would bring the peninsula never demonstrated a missile capability that “I would say that a demonstration that it “towards the brink of war”. The South’s defense would encompass the US mainland. could deliver a nuclear warhead would be more BEIJING: Britain’s Prince William (left) meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great ministry said the Scud missiles were fired from The largest element of the two South Korea- threatening to the world than an actual nuclear Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. The Duke of Cambridge is in China on a four- the western port city of Nampo and fell into the US drills that began yesterday is Foal Eagle, an test,” he added. A new research report by US day visit, the highest-profile visit by a member of the royal family for 30 years. —AFP sea off the east coast-a distance of nearly 500 eight-week exercise involving air, ground and experts published last week estimated that kilometers. naval field training, with around 200,000 Korean North Korea could be on track to have an arsenal UN resolutions ban any ballistic missile test and 3,700 US troops. The other is a week-long, of 100 nuclear weapons by 2020. In a further by North Korea, and Seoul defense ministry largely computer-simulated joint drill called Key sign of rising tensions, the North Korean state- China leaders meet with spokesman Kim Min-Seok said Pyongyang Resolve. Seoul and Washington insist the exercis- run website Uriminzokkiri warned yesterday of a appeared intent on triggering a “security crisis”. es are defence-based in nature, but they are reg- fierce response to any attempt by South Korean ‘rule of law’ on agenda “We will respond sternly and strongly to any ularly condemned by Pyongyang as provocative activists to float anti-Pyongyang leaflets across provocation,” Kim said. Japan said it had issued a rehearsals for invasion. In a statement, the North the border by balloon. “The response might not BEIJING: When Chinese President Xi Jinping Follow the rules strong protest to the North given the danger Korean Foreign Ministry labeled the start of the just be a few shots of gunfire but cannons or pledged to “safeguard the rights of people China’s former premier, Wen Jiabao, once such missile launches posed to aviation and drills an act of “intolerable aggression” and said missiles,” the website said.— AFP in line with law” in his New Year address, Xu said: “The gate to Zhongnanhai is open to Liangju was in a cell for seeking govern- the people”. But Xu is among the millions of ment action over the killing of her teenage “petitioners” who have found the doors of son. On a winter morning, the 45-year-old power closed firmly in their faces. Every year News was muscled into a van, taken to a police they present their complaints to the Bureau in brief station, driven seven hours to her home for Letters and Calls, a government agency province of Henan and sentenced by police with offices across the country, under a sys- to 10 days’ detention. Her crime? “Illegally tem established during imperial times. Her Japan shrugs off S Korean petitioning outside Zhongnanhai”, the heav- eldest son, Zhang Pengfei, was 15 in 2007 calls on ‘comfort women’ ily guarded central leadership compound when he was killed in a confrontation with TOKYO: The Japanese government yesterday shrugged off next to Beijing’s Forbidden City. schoolmates after a classroom argument. renewed calls from South Korean President Park Geun-Hye China’s Communist Party-controlled leg- The boys were convicted of “injury result- to apologize to former wartime sex slaves, saying Tokyo islature, the National People’s Congress ing in death” and sentenced to up to 15 hoped Seoul would change its views. “We have explained (NPC), gathers in the capital this week with years in prison, but Xu says they should our position many times. We want to continue our diplo- the “rule of law” high on the agenda. It is have been charged with intentional homi- matic efforts so that our view will be understood,” said one of Xi Jinping’s “Four Comprehensives” in cide and ordered to pay her compensation. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The comment a newly proclaimed political theory, but the Years trying to change the decision have came in reaction to Park’s weekend call for Japan to resolve concept has a different meaning in China proved fruitless. “If Xi wants to rule the issues surrounding women being pressed into sexually than elsewhere. Last week the country’s country according to the law, why can’t the serving Japanese troops during World War II. Mainstream supreme court denounced “judicial inde- government resolve a small and simple case historians say up to 200,000 women, mainly from Korea pendence” and “separation of powers”, call- like mine?” she said in a windowless con- but also from China, Indonesia and other Asian nations, ing on judges to “resolutely resist the influ- crete room she shares with her five-year-old were forced into sexual slavery during the war. Tokyo has ence of the West’s erroneous thought and second son on Beijing’s outskirts. “I was maintained that a 1965 treaty with Seoul, signed when the mistaken viewpoints”. Analysts say the “rule hopeful when Xi became president, opti- two nations normalized relations after the war, solved all of law” is seen as a way for China’s rulers to mistic that the government would finally outstanding issues and has rebuffed calls for separate com- exercise authority, rather than be subordi- start following the rules. But for me, it’s pensation for so-called “comfort women”. nate to it themselves. become worse.” Not even Party cadres are safe. The ruling A high-level meeting in November pro- Cambodia govt deports 36 organization’s feared internal Central claimed the Communist Party’s commit- HONG KONG: Democratic party’s legislator Albert Ho (centre right) says a few words Commission for Discipline and Inspection ment to the “rule of law with Chinese char- Vietnamese Montagnards to the media as Occupy Central leader Benny Tai (left), legislators Charles Mok (2nd PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has deported 36 (CCDI) operates its own justice system acteristics”. In a commentary last week the left) and Helena Wong (right) stand by outside the Wanchai police station in Hong known as “shuanggui,” beyond external official Xinhua news agency said: Vietnamese Montagnards after they were arrested Kong yesterday. — AFP while trying to seek asylum, in the latest expulsion of a legal control. Its investigators have essen- “Catapulting a nation long entrenched in a hill tribe group fleeing persecution, activists said yes- tially free rein over suspects and there is no tradition of rule by men into a law-abiding terday. Scores of Montagnards, mainly Christian ethnic Hong Kong MPs arrested right to legal counsel. Xi’s two-year-old anti- society is... a revolution that will have a far- minorities in Vietnam’s mountainous Central corruption drive-likely to be trumpeted as a reaching impact.” It added that measures Highlands, have crossed the border to Cambodia in over democracy protests triumph at the NPC-has seen thousands of being taken “showcase that China’s deter- recent years to escape discrimination-with an uptick in officials disappear into CCDI custody. mination to build a law-abiding society cases over the last few months. The latest group were HONG KONG: Hong Kong pro-democracy A number of protest leaders have Typically, several months later they will be and government is not empty words, dash- arrested and deported early Thursday after they were lawmakers were arrested and then released already been arrested and only to be ruled to have violated party rules and hand- ing Western media reports alleging that caught in vans bound for the Cambodian capital yesterday over their involvement in mass released without charge-including promi- ed to judicial authorities for prosecution, China’s efforts to pursue the rule of law are Phnom Penh in search of help from the United protests for free elections, the latest step in nent student leaders Joshua Wong and with their guilt already pronounced. futile”. —AFP Nations, Chhay Thi, an activist from local rights group a widespread investigation that has been Alex Chow-in a controversial procedure Adhoc said. Cambodian authorities routinely deport accused of seeking to intimidate activists. which some say is harassment. The street Montagnards that have entered the country but with Police have vowed to investigate the “prin- protests, which began in September and the assistance of the UN refugee agency some have cipal instigators” of the street blockades lasted for more than two months, kicked managed to apply for asylum. that ended in December when rally camps off after Beijing said that candidates for the were cleared. Albert Ho and Helena Wong, 2017 vote for Hong Kong’s next leader both of the Democratic Party, voluntarily would be vetted by a loyalist committee. Thai panel moves to turned themselves in at Wan Chai police Campaigners have described the decision allay fears over draft headquarters yesterday morning on the as “fake democracy”, but Hong Kong’s lead- BANGKOK: The panel appointed by Thailand’s military gov- request of the police. ership says that any public vote must take ernment to draft a new constitution after the previous one Both were holding small paper yellow place within Beijing’s framework and has was torn up following a May coup sought to allay growing umbrellas-the symbol of the democracy granted no concessions over the election criticism yesterday amid calls for more public involvement. movement-as they went into the police sta- process. Critics, including politicians from both sides of the political tion while supporters carrying umbrellas Police have said they reserve the right to divide, are calling for more public participation and for a refer- and placards shouted “We want universal prosecute those who have been released. endum to approve or reject the draft charter. Among the suffrage”. “Today Albert Ho and myself were “These pre-arranged arrests are a waste of more contentious points is a proposal to make Thailand’s 200- formally arrested,” said Wong after she was resources and money,” former lawmaker member upper house Senate unelected. The prime minister released. She said that during questioning Audrey Eu, who will turn herself in later, will also no longer have to be an elected lawmaker, changes police showed her a video and two told supporters. “The police are trying to critics say are designed to limit the power of elected politi- Facebook photos taken during the protests intimidate Hong Kong people,” she added, cians and ensure that ousted prime minister Thaksin to illustrate that she had participated in an saying that she was being brought in for Shinawatra and his allies, which have won every election since “unauthorized assembly”. Ho said he was inciting and organizing an unauthorized 2001, can never return to power. Thailand’s 36-member questioned over the same allegations. Both assembly. Former lawmaker and veteran Charter Drafting Committee (CDC) was handpicked by the Wong and Ho said the possibility of future campaigner Martin Lee handed himself junta following the May 22 coup which overthrew the elected charges remained. “I think this is a kind of yesterday morning to shouts of “Go, Martin, BEIJING: Petitioner Xu Liangju sits with her son in their windowless home in Beijing. government of Thaksin’s sister, former prime minister Yingluck political prosecution against those who go” from supporters, and was later When Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to “safeguard the rights of people in line Shinawatra. Bowornsak Uwanno, a law academic who heads fight for true democracy,” Wong added. released. Lawmaker Charles Mok also with (the) law” in his New Year address, Xu Liangju was in a cell for seeking govern- the committee, said it was ready to listen to public criticism. Police had no immediate comment. turned himself in to police.—AFP ment action over the killing of her teenage son. — AFP NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

A harbor light is covered by snow and ice on Lake Michigan at 31st Street Harbor in Chicago on Sunday. — AP Naik wins Saudi prize Erdogan in Riyadh as for service to Islam ‘Sunni unity’ sought RIYADH: An Indian television preacher who has called airliners into New York’s World Trade Center on Sept the 9/11 attacks an “inside job” received one of Saudi 11, 2001, killing almost 3,000 people. “Even a fool will RIYADH: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived Madinah. yesterday in Riyadh for a visit at the king’s invitation in Cairo has accused Turkey of interfering in Egypt’s Arabia’s most prestigious prizes on Sunday for “service know that this was an inside job,” he said in the video, what is seen as a Saudi bid to unify Sunnis against Iran internal affairs and of supporting the Muslim to Islam”. Zakir Naik, president of the Islamic Research claiming then-President George W Bush was behind and jihadists. Erdogan’s meeting with King Salman Brotherhood. Sisi and Erdogan have had strained rela- Foundation in India, was one of five recipients of the the attacks. In 2010 Naik was reportedly barred from comes a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi tions since Sisi ousted president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, King Faisal International Prize from Saudi Arabia’s King entering Britain after the Home Secretary cited held talks with the monarch, and precedes a visit by launching a crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood Salman during a ceremony at a luxury Riyadh hotel. “numerous comments” which showed his “unaccept- Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif later this week. which Qatar was also accused of backing. But Obaid said The annual prizes are a project of the King Faisal able behavior”. Naik told Sunday’s ceremony that he The Turkish and Saudi leaders discussed “means of keeping Turkey “on the sidelines” only weakens the Sunni Foundation, established in 1976 by the children of would donate all of his $200,000 prize money to Peace enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, issues world, which accounts for about 90 percent of Muslims. King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz who died in 1975. TV. of common interest” and external developments, said “So as long as you can start having a serious sustained Naik was honoured for being one of the most The other prize winners were: In Islamic studies - the official Saudi Press Agency. discussion between the major Sunni powers then you renowned non-Arabic speaking promoters of Islam. He Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Kaki for his Top officials from neighboring nations Qatar, Kuwait, can come up with some form of policy at some point founded the Peace TV channel, billed as the world’s research on the cultural heritage of the Muslim holy Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have already visited down the road, dealing with Iran and dealing with ISIS,” only channel specialising in comparative religion. It city of Madinah. In medicine - Jeffrey Ivan Gordon of Salman since mid-February, and other Arab heads of he said, referring to the Islamic State group jihadists who has an estimated English-language audience exceed- the United States, whose research has enhanced state will follow, said Nawaf Obaid, a visiting fellow at the have seized large parts of Iraq and Syria. ing 100 million, according to his award citation. “Islam understanding of diseases such as obesity, which is a Belfer Center at Harvard University in the United States. IS has claimed atrocities including the beheading of is the only religion that can bring peace to the whole growing problem in Saudi Arabia. In science - Michael “Saudi Arabia is drastically going to re-energise its for- foreigners and Christians and the burning alive of a of humanity,” he said in a video biography aired at the Gratzel of Switzerland for his development of solar eign policy to bring the kingdom back to its natural role caged Jordanian fighter pilot. Saudi Arabia and its Sunni ceremony. cells, and co-winner Omar Mwannes Yaghi of the as the main unifier of the Sunni world because of its Arab neighbours are part of a US-led military coalition In a July 2008 Peace TV broadcast Naik suggested United States for his work in the new field of metal unique attributes,” Obaid told AFP. conducting air strikes against the jihadist group. Shiite- that Al-Qaeda was not responsible for flying hijacked organic frameworks. — AFP He was referring to the kingdom’s hosting of Islam’s dominated Iran competes with Saudi Arabia for influence holiest sites, the size of its economy, and its position as in the region. An official from nuclear-armed Pakistan the world’s largest oil exporter. “Clearly, things are shap- confirmed Sharif would make a two-day visit to the king- ing up in a very different way than they have been in the dom this week for talks. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have last several years.” Salman acceded to the throne in been coordinating their positions for a long time”, said January after the death of King Abdullah, aged about 90. the official who asked for anonymity. He added that, with Erdogan arrived in Riyadh after performing a weekend about 20 percent of its population Shiite, Pakistan avoids pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Makkah and visiting “anything sectarian”. — AFP Hamas struggles to mend Iran ties

JERUSALEM: After years of strained relations over the taking place, and that hasn’t come yet,” he told AFP. “Even Syrian conflict, Palestinian Islamist group Hamas is looking in the best-case scenario... relations are unlikely to return to mend ties with its traditional backer Iran. But reconcilia- to what they once were.” tion is proving far from simple. The outbreak of Syria’s civil Hamas appears to have had more success mending ties war nearly four years ago provoked a rupture between with Iran’s Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah. A Hezbollah website Hamas and Iran, after the movement threw its support in January published what it said was a letter from Hamas behind rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, a close military chief Mohammed Deif calling for forces hostile to ally of Tehran. Wrongly banking on Assad’s overthrow, Israel to “unite”. Yezid Sayigh, an expert at the Carnegie Hamas’s exiled leader Khaled Meshaal in 2012 abandoned Middle East Center in Beirut, said Hamas’s efforts to rebuild host Damascus to move his base to Qatar. the relationship with Iran and Hezbollah were still at a very RIYADH: Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz presents Zakir Naik, president of the Islamic Research And after reports that Hamas’s military wing was help- early stage. “More is expected of Hamas than it can give Foundation in India, with the 2015 King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam on Sunday. — AFP ing Sunni rebels fighting the Assad regime, financial sup- right away, including reversing its stance towards Assad.” port from Shiite Iran soon began to dry up. With Hamas Israel’s 50-day war with Hamas last July and August left now in dire straits after a destructive war last year with much of Gaza in ruins and severely depleted the ‘Jihadi John’ was bedoon from Jahra Israel in the Gaza Strip, officials have begun making over- Palestinian militants’ rocket supply. Hamas, which controls tures to Iran and its allies, seeking to return to the axis that the coastal enclave, is also unable to pay its security forces Continued from Page 1 the government,” he said. Members of Emwazi’s family links Tehran, Damascus and Hezbollah, Lebanon’s powerful due to a lack of cash. Neighbouring Egypt has since 2013 have been taken in for questioning and instructed by Shiite movement. “In terms of logistics and training, Iran destroyed hundreds of cross-border smuggling tunnels They have long claimed the government is depriving authorities not to speak to the media, the two men said. has done more than any other country in supporting the that were a key supply line for materials, supplies and them of citizenship and rights, including access to the Kuwaiti authorities have not spoken publicly about resistance,” Hamas official Ahmad Yusef told AFP. “Iran has funds into the Palestinian enclave. Reconciliation with Iran country’s generous public benefits such as free healthcare Emwazi since his identity was revealed. An official at the always helped us.” could mean “that money begins to come from Tehran to and state jobs. Ministry of Interior confirmed authorities were questioning But the path to reconciliation is fraught with obstacles Gaza, in the middle of a financial crisis for Gaza,” Abu Amer Fadhli described Emwazi’s hometown as “a slum area” - some members of Emwazi’s distant relatives in Kuwait “to and it will take time to fully restore ties, experts say. said. “Iran also has ways and means, through the Red Sea, a condition he blamed on state policies. “The government find out what they know”. The official insisted on anonymi- “Reconciliation between Hamas and Iran is on its way to through Sudan, Sinai, and so on, to send weapons to does that intentionally. Stateless people have no value to ty because he was not authorized to speak publicly. — AP being realised, but is going very, very slowly, and faces Hamas.” obstacles which ensure it won’t be a fait accompli in the near future,” said Adnan Abu Amer, politics professor at Nuclear uncertainty Gaza’s Ummah University. Reconciliation prospects are clouded by efforts Opposition vows massive protest as Barrak... Experts say the biggest hurdle is Hamas’ position on between world powers and Iran to seal a deal over Tehran’s Continued from Page 1 seat Assembly, which is the same under the existing Assad. Its gamble on his downfall alienated the movement nuclear program. “There’s huge uncertainty about what law. He however proposed increasing the number of from longtime backers Tehran, Damascus and Hezbollah, in Iran’s policies are going to be if they reach a deal with the favour of a closer alignment with Qatar, Turkey and other US, and that’s uncertainty for Hamas,” Thrall said. A nuclear The court however convicted his former partner at votes a voter can cast from the existing one vote only to Sunni supporters of anti-Assad rebels. “The Iranians still agreement could either embolden Iran to become “more Al-Aan electronic newspaper Zayed Al-Zaid and upheld two votes. He explained that one vote must be given have a quarrel with Meshaal, because they see him as aggressive”, pumping money and arms to militant groups a one-week jail term against him. Several weeks ago, within the voter’s constituency and the second to a can- deciding to leave Syria for the Qatar-Turkey-Gulf axis,” Abu such as Hamas - or to enter a tacit alliance with the US, Ajmi was arrested at Kuwait Airport while attempting to didate from other constituencies. Amer said. “It seems they’re demanding as a precondition... Thrall said. leave for the holy city of Makkah to perform umrah. He Under the present law, introduced in Oct 2010 at the that he publicly declare his support for the Assad regime,” And in a Middle East where numerous proxy battles are was detained for four days before being released on height of a political crisis, each voter is allowed to vote which Hamas is refusing to do, he added. being fought - often between Iran’s allies on one side and bail. for a single candidate in his/her own district. The oppo- Sunni groups on the other - Hamas might hedge its bets, Meanwhile, MP Saadoun Hammad submitted a draft sition had strongly protested against the amendment, Supporting Assad? Abu Amer said, suggesting the group was optimistic of law proposing to amend the key electoral law, which claiming it will enable the government to manipulate Hamas has for months trumpeted an upcoming meet- rapprochement with Riyadh, Doha and Ankara. Supporting has been at the center of the political crisis in the coun- election results in its favor to strengthen its grip on the ing between Meshaal and Iran’s leaders which has not Assad “would be a loss for Hamas in popularity among try. Hammad proposed that Kuwait should comprise of Assembly. All opposition groups boycotted subsequent materialized - a clear sign of problems, according to Arabs and Palestinians,” he said. “It might not be in a rush Nathan Thrall of International Crisis Group. A visit by for reconciliation with Iran if it fears losing support from five constituencies, with each electing 10 MPs to the 50- polls because of the amendment. Meshaal to Tehran “would be the signal there’s a real shift the Gulf axis.” — AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues Why Niger Delta will only accept Jonathan as prez

By Tim Cocks

he most impressive building in Otuoke, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s home town in the oil pro- Tducing Niger Delta, is the multistorey mansion complex he has built for himself and close family while in office. A few hundred metres away, the street where he grew up is a jumble of rusting iron-roofed shacks. Down a dirt side alley, Happiness Ebi smokes fish on a charcoal barbecue, a staple in this swampy southern region. “We haven’t really seen much benefit since our brother became president, except the university,” she says, referring to the shiny Federal University Otuoke, complet- ed in 2011, that has about 1,000 students and nearly a third more staff. “But there’s no light, no water here. We’re disap- pointed.” Yet she will vote for him again in a presidential election set So far, GOP majority fails good governance for March 28. “Of course,” she says, “He’s our brother.” Her answer reveals why the delta, historically one of Nigeria’s most By Steven R Hurst gration. But the House of Representatives, Sunday if he could control House gration issue will be settled in the courts, marginalised regions although its oil provides three quarters of mainly because of the refusal of hard-right Republicans. “I think so. I think so. I’m not not Congress. Some in Congress are now government revenue, could erupt again if Jonathan leaves egislative chaos and dysfunction still members, was unable to move forward on going to suggest it’s easy, because it’s not,” questioning Boehner’s future as speaker. office. Otuoke, on the banks of a sand-coloured river, does not grip the US Congress even though the Senate measure. he said. But he has clearly been stung by And in the two months since Republicans feel particularly favoured, although the few cars, well-clothed LRepublicans promised effective gov- There was a brief attempt to fund the the conservative revolt. He, under conser- became the majority in both houses, they inhabitants and thriving petty trade show it is doing better ernance after taking control of both houses agency for three weeks to let the situation vative insistence, is now pushing for the have been defined as much by infighting than many places. of the legislature. The battle over funding calm down. The ultraconservatives refused House and Senate to open negotiations on among themselves and between the House But having one of its own in the top job for the first time has for the Department of Homeland Security that too. Finally, with hours to spare and a longer-term funding measure. and the Senate as by any achievements. helped pacify a region long incensed by a feeling of being left tells the tale. The Republicans had added in with many Democratic votes, House The leader of Senate Democrats, Harry That raises questions about Congress’ out of political power despite its oil riches. “We have been both chambers a demand that agency Speaker John Boehner pushed through a Reid, has vowed to block that. And with the ability to accomplish the many tasks before oppressed, we have been sidelined, and we are the people funding be contingent on killing President bill to give the agency enough money to Senate Democrats still having sufficient it, including passing a budget, increasing feeding this country,” militant leader ‘Ex-General Pastor’ Reuben Barack Obama’s executive action on immi- stay open for seven days. Obama signed votes to block bringing the measure to a the nation’s borrowing authority and pass- Wilson told Reuters over a whiskey and Coke at his office in gration last fall. He moved to protect from the bill into law shortly before midnight. vote, such a conference between the hous- ing a new use of force agreement to battle Yenagoa, capital of Jonathan’s Bayelsa state. Militants like deportation tens of thousands of immi- But the ideological battle was only pushed es seemed pointless. Boehner continued to Islamic State militants. “The DHS funding Wilson fought for a greater share of the oil riches and fairer rep- grants in the country illegally. It also would a few days into the future and turned the insist the problem grew from what he fight is the first test of the new Republican resentation until an amnesty deal in 2009. grant them permission to work in the spotlight again on the vast rift in the called Obama’s unconstitutional overreach Congress, and so far they’re failing,” said The deal provides militant leaders with multimillion dollar United States. Republican party, especially in the House. It on immigration. Sen. Chuck Schumer, a Democrat. “If the monthly payouts they are meant to share with their men. They As the midnight Friday funding deadline also highlighted Boehner’s repeated inabili- A Texas federal judge has added to the Republicans can’t even fund something as also get lucrative government contracts. The amnesty was due approached, it quickly became clear to ty to control right wingers in his complexity of the immigration issue, block- simple as Homeland Security, we shudder to expire last year but payments were extended for fear of a Senate Republicans that they did not have Republican caucus who refuse to compro- ing forward motion on Obama’s immigra- to think what will happen when it’s time to backlash. Under Buhari both payments and contracts could the 60 votes needed to pass that legisla- mise on their agenda. tion order. The administration has appealed fund the whole government or raise the end. “With Goodluck as President we achieved what we are tion. They dropped the demand on immi- Boehner was asked on CBS television the ruling. It now is looking like the immi- debt ceiling.” —AP fighting for. It’s our right. If they refuse us our right, by rigging the election, I don’t think there will be peace,” Wilson said, hold- ing an ‘appreciation award’ from Miss Niger Delta 2010. Chicago black voters key in mayoral race ‘He Who Pays the Piper’ It is not only militants who feel it is the delta’s right to field a president for another elected term despite an informal deal By Mary Wisniewski and Tracy Rucinski stronger support in majority-white wards, Washington’s Coalition ethnicities that he is a viable politician that power should rotate between north and south every two with 52 percent, which is the same level Chicago is a city where racial politics to run the city and not just a protest terms. There is a broadly felt sense of entitlement to the oil rich- inning more support from that Garcia received in majority-Hispanic tend to spell out the calculus of victory, candidate used to send a warning to es that have fattened up corrupt governments but brought lit- tle to the region except environmentally catastrophic oil spills. Chicago’s black community, wards. especially given the three major ethnic Emanuel, political strategists said. He Nigeria’s tensions are often seen as between a largely Muslim Wwhich makes up about one In his bid for re-election, Emanuel has groups each have roughly the same must also get more of the vote out - north and mostly Christian south. This contest between opposi- third of the electorate, will be essential if stressed that he is the only candidate number of votes. There are, though, overall turnout for all voters was 33.6 tion leader Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim northerner, and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is to cause one of the who can make tough decisions to rein in plenty of complexities - for example, the percent last Tuesday. “If Chuy can win Jonathan, a southern Christian, does appear to fit that picture. biggest political upsets of recent years by the city’s budget deficit, expected to Hispanic vote includes people with vari- this race, it’s because he can put togeth- But in a nation the British carved a century ago out of peo- defeating incumbent Rahm Emanuel in a grow to $1.2 billion by next year, and deal ous countries of origin, particularly er all these different groups who aren’t ples speaking 500 languages, rivalries are more complicated. runoff and become Chicago’s first with massive unfunded pension obliga- Mexico and Puerto Rico. About 5.5 per- talking with each other as much as they From the Niger Delta perspective, since independence in 1960, Hispanic mayor. He will need to over- tions for city workers. Garcia has criticized cent of the population is of Asian should be,” said Kevin Lampe, a political Nigeria has been ruled by two Christian Igbo easterners, a Middle Belt minority military ruler, two northern Fulani gener- come tensions between the black and Emanuel’s authoritarian style, and said descent. consultant. “He has to build a new coali- als, two southwestern Yoruba rulers, a Hausa northern general, Hispanic communities in the city, aggra- that while he knows sacrifices are needed In Chicago, building an African- tion.” a Kanuri northeastern general and a Fulani civilian. The only vated under the 22-year term of Mayor he would listen to residents before mak- American and Hispanic coalition is no part of Nigeria that has completely missed out on this merry- Richard M Daley, which ended in 2011. ing controver- easy task. A “black-brown” coalition Bridging the Gap go-round is the Niger Delta - until Jonathan. There was a widespread perception in sial cuts. formed under the city’s first black mayor, Garcia does have some major sup- “Someone from the Niger Delta got to be president by acci- the black community that Hispanic sup- Harold Washington, in the early 1980s, porters within the black community. He dent, and despite it generating all the money, it is, or at least porters of Daley were favored in getting but was never solid and fell apart has, for example, the backing from Karen was, about as poor as you will find in any part of the country,” city jobs. after Washington’s death in 1987, Lewis, the charismatic black president of said Antony Goldman, head of PM consulting. Jonathan’s critics say the delta benefits disproportionately from his presidency, But while in 2011 majority African- said Delmarie Cobb, an African- the powerful Chicago Teachers Union. but evidence does not stand up the claim. The highway American wards gave overwhelming American political consultant. Lewis had planned a run against Yenagoa connecting to the oil hub of Port Harcourt is now so backing to Emanuel, who was previously The resentment among blacks Emanuel herself but backed out after smooth traffic whizzes along it dangerously fast, but roads in President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, that was built up under being diagnosed with a brain tumor, and other parts of Nigeria have also been fixed. some disillusionment has set in since. A Daley’s rule persists today, then threw her weight behind Garcia. Jonathan’s flagship reform policies - power and farming - persistently high crime rate, the decision Cobb noted. “Now, there’s Jonathan Todd, a black community have not hugely benefited the delta. Power privatisation has to close 50 schools in mostly poor areas, even more of a feeling of us activist, said Garcia’s ethnicity may have yet to translate to more kilowatts on the grid anywhere, while hurt him among some blacks. “We have reforms to farming, especially cutting corrupt middle men out and a sense that Emanuel is out of touch versus them,” Cobb said. of a state fertiliser scheme, has disproportionately benefited the with the community and its problems has “That’s what Jesus has to to find a way to bridge that racial gap,” north, where the vast majority of agriculture happens. Even so, hurt him among black voters, some polit- overcome.” said Todd, who supports Garcia. the mere fact the president is from the delta is enough for ical activists say. Emanuel does have pow- Despite his small campaign fund, many to feel historic injustices are being righted. After spending more than $7 million erful allies among African- Garcia has much positive momentum, The north’s parallel discontent at losing political power is in on television ads alone, Emanuel won American and Hispanic lead- said political strategist Vince Casillas, focus because of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency that has 45.5 percent of the vote in the first ers, including Obama and Obama’s Spanish-language press secre- killed thousands and destabilised Africa’s top oil producer. But if round last Tuesday - the largest tally Illinois Congressman Luis tary in 2008, who has friends on both Jonathan loses an election that his delta supporters feel was not fair, or if he is pushed out by a faction within his party that of the five contenders but short of Gutierrez, who said after sides. One thing that will help is if Lewis opposes him - Nigeria could well have two insurgencies on its the 50 percent plus one vote need- Tuesday’s election Emanuel campaigns for him, said Casillas. Another hands. —Reuters ed to avoid an April 7 runoff. was “well-positioned” to win strategy would be to organize in areas Garcia, a soft-spoken 58-year-old the run-off. “Rahm’s campaign where schools were closed. Cobb said Mexican immigrant and county is about making Chicago bet- that in the black community, Garcia commissioner, who raised less than ter for all Chicagoans - from needs to point to both his alliance with All articles appearing on these $1.5 million and only bought TV ads every neighborhood, back- Mayor Washington, and his current job pages are the personal opinion of in February, came in with 33.6 per- ground and family, and he’s mak- as floor leader for Cook County Board the writers. Kuwait Times takes no cent of the vote. ing his vision for one strong President Toni Preckwinkle, another responsibility for views expressed Emanuel’s backing in predominant- Chicago clear everywhere he goes,” powerful black politician. ly black wards slipped to just 42 per- said Emanuel campaign spokesman Tamika Ford, 33, an African-American therein. Kuwait Times invites read- cent, from about 59 percent in 2011, Steve Mayberry, when asked about shop assistant who graduated from one ers to voice their opinions. Please according to the Illinois Election Data support in black and Hispanic wards. of the shuttered public schools, said send submissions via email to: opin- web site, while Garcia had 26 percent of He cited in particular the mayor’s push Garcia’s ethnicity doesn’t matter to her. [email protected] or via snail the votes. The other 32 percent in those for a higher minimum wage, and initia- “Chuy could probably change things up mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. wards went to the three other candidates tives to expand a kindergarten pro- a little,” said Ford. “Obama did it so why The editor reserves the right to edit - two blacks and one white - who have gram and to make community college not Chuy? He’s from a different culture any submission as necessary. now been eliminated from the race, leav- places more accessible. and he’s looking out for all cultures, not ing those votes up for grabs. Emanuel has Garcia must convince residents of all just one side.” —Reuters p15_Layout 1 3/2/15 9:12 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 SPORTS

Dalmiya returns as ICC chief Player walks off pitch Fenninger wins Super-G NEW DELHI: Former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Jagmohan SAO PAULO: A Panamanian player has hit out at Peru’s soccer authorities BANSKO: Anna Fenninger increased the pressure on World Cup leader Tina Dalmiya returned to head the world’s most powerful cricket board yester- for doing nothing to stop racism in the country after he walked off the Maze with her fourth back-to-back victory in a women’s Super-G in Bansko yes- day following his unopposed election as president of the Indian board. pitch during a top-flight game after being subjected to abuse which he terday. After winning in one minute and 14.59 seconds, the Austrian now lies Dalmiya will succeed ICC chairman N Srinivasan who was barred from con- said was going unpunished. only 44 points behind her Slovenian rival and seems to be improving with every testing the election by India’s top court for possible conflict of interests. Juan Aurich striker Luis Tejada booted the ball into the stands and left race as Maze struggles for form. After a sluggish start to the season, Srinivasan’s India Cements company owns the Chennai fran- the field after 70 minutes of Sunday’s game at Cienciano. Fenninger, the 2014 overall World Cup champion, has won the last chise in the Indian Premier League twenty20 tournament. “I couldn’t take it anymore and I only walked off after I kicked the ball four races she entered-the world championship giant slalom in Dalmiya, who headed the ICC from 1997 to 2000 and away in protest and at the impotence I felt when I could see that no one Beaver Creek, another giant slalom in Maribor and the first was named BCCI president the following year, is widely was doing anything,” Tejada said. super-combined of her career on the same piste on Sunday. credited for turning India into cricket’s financial power- He was booked for kicking the ball away and some Cienciano players Maze, the 2013 World Cup winner, finished 0.16 seconds behind house and the most influential member of the sport’s appealed to their own fans for restraint. Tejada refused to return and the big globe holder and the season finale promises to be a nail- global governing body. He was the consensus candidate Cienciano won the match 2-0. “I leave this in the hands of the authorities so biting one between the best two skiers of the winter, who both between the two rival groups headed by Srinivasan and they can do something to end this racism,” Tejada wrote on his website. won two gold medals at the worlds. former ICC chief Sharad Pawar, local media reported. “We’re not advancing and it’s the same thing over and over.For how long?” By contrast, Lindsey Vonn, who staged a sensational Anurag Thakur replaced Sanjay Patel as secretary of The incident was the second involving Tejada in five months. Last comeback by beating the record of 62 World Cup victo- the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the rul- October he was taunted while playing for Deportivo Universidad Cesar ries following a one-year injury break, looks out of con- ing body said in a statement.—Reuters Vallejo against Sporting Cristal.—Reuters tention as the season draws to a close.—Reuters

NHL results/standings

Winnipeg 5, Los Angeles 2; Florida 4, Tampa Bay 3; Pittsburgh 5, Columbus 3; Washington 4, Toronto 0; Anaheim 3, Dallas 1; Vancouver 6, St. Louis 5 (SO). Western Conference Pacific Division WLOTLGFGAPTS Anaheim 40 17 7 189 177 87 Vancouver 36 23 3 180 167 75 Calgary 33 25 4 175 160 70 Los Angeles 29 21 12 166 162 70 San Jose 30 25 8 175 181 68 Arizona 20 36 7 138 214 47 Edmonton 18 35 10 143 208 46

Central Division Nashville 41 15 7 191 151 89 St. Louis 40 18 5 197 159 85 Chicago 37 21 5 183 150 79 Winnipeg 32 20 12 179 172 76 Minnesota 33 22 7 176 161 73 Colorado 27 25 11 167 182 65 Dallas 27 26 10 196 210 64

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Montreal 41 16 5 171 135 87 Tampa Bay 38 20 6 210 171 82 Detroit 35 15 11 180 159 81 Boston 31 22 9 165 161 71 Florida 28 22 13 154 178 69 Ottawa 27 23 10 171 163 64 Toronto 25 33 5 170 193 55 Buffalo 19 39 5 123 212 43

Metropolitan Division NY Islanders 41 21 2 205 179 84 NY Rangers 38 17 6 192 152 82 Pittsburgh 36 17 9 181 155 81 Washington 34 20 10 188 159 78 Philadelphia 27 25 11 168 183 65 New Jersey 26 27 10 141 164 62 Columbus 26 32 4 160 196 56 Carolina 24 30 7 142 162 55 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the stand- ings and are not included in the loss column (L). MONTREAL: David Booth No. 20 of the Toronto Maple Leafs shoots the puck in this file photo. —AFP Capitals end losing streak

WASHINGTON: Alex Ovechkin scored his PENGUINS 5, BLUE JACKETS 3 Lightning. Aaron Ekblad, Brad Boyes and goal in one of their more complete efforts of Perry and Ryan Getzlaf each had a goal and an 40th and 41st goals of the season and added Evgeni Malkin scored twice and added an Aleksander Barkov also scored for the the season. Blake Wheeler added an empty- assist for Anaheim. an assist, and Braden Holtby made 32 saves as assist as Pittsburgh’s revived power play domi- Panthers. Al Montoya made 20 saves, and net goal. Jeff Carter scored twice for Los the Washington Capitals ended a three-game nated the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jonathan Huberdeau had three assists. Jagr Angeles, and the Kings dropped their third CANUCKS 6, BLUES 5 losing streak with a 4-0 victory over the David Perron, Steve Downie and Derrick was acquired in a trade with New Jersey on consecutive game after an eight-game win- Nick Bonino, Radim Vrbata and Chris Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. Pouliot also scored for the Penguins, who have Thursday for two draft picks. He gave Florida a ning streak. Higgins scored in the shootout as Vancouver Ovechkin struck just 33 seconds into the won four straight. Sidney Crosby picked up 1-0 lead when he scored 10:24 into the game. recovered from blowing a three-goal lead for a game and added a second-period score as he two assists and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 22 Tyler Johnson, Steven Stamkos and Anton DUCKS 3, STARS 1 win over St. Louis. Eddie Lack made 34 saves surpassed the 40-goal mark for the seventh shots as Pittsburgh sent the Blue Jackets to Stralman scored for the Lightning. Clayton Stoner scored the go-ahead goal in for Vancouver, while Shawn Matthias, Yannick time. their sixth straight defeat. Curtis McElhinney the third period with his first of the season as Weber, Jannik Hansen, Henrik Sedin and Marcus Johansson and Joel Ward (empty made 36 saves for the Blue Jackets. James JETS 5, KINGS 2 Anaheim beat Dallas.Stoner, who hadn’t Bonino each had goals in regulation. net) added third-period goals for Washington, Wisniewski, Ryan Johansen and Nick Foligno Andrew Ladd scored twice as the Winnipeg scored in his first 54 games, put a slap shot Ryan Reaves, Alex Pietrangelo, Dmitrij and Holtby picked up his seventh shutout and scored for the Blue Jackets. Jets boosted their playoff hopes in a win over from the left point between the legs of Dallas’ Jaskin, Petteri Lindbohm and David Backes 30th win of the season. James Reimer stopped the Los Angeles Kings. The Jets also got goals Jhonas Enroth. The goal was unassisted. had goals for the Blues, who scored three 28 shots for Toronto, which has lost 16 straight PANTHERS 4, LIGHTNING 3 from a pair of recent acquisitions, Drew The game was tied at 1 before Stoner’s goal times in the third period to force extra time. road games. Jaromir Jagr had a goal and an assist as the Stafford and Tyler Myers, and held the defend- at 4:19 of the third. Ryan Getzlaf increased the Vladimir Tarasenko had the lone shootout goal Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay ing Stanley Cup champions to 20 shots on lead to 3-1 on a breakaway at 14:09. Corey for St. Louis. —AP

Toyota expands involvement in Global Motorsports Announces return to FIA World Rally Championship

KUWAIT: Toyota Motor Corporation recently out of eight races, winning the manufacturers’ ideal medium for conveying the anticipation compete in all three categories of the NASCAR enter a Toyota “Prius” in the Super GT GT300- revealed details of its 2015 global motorsports and drivers’ world titles. In 2015 which is the and excitement that driving can produce, and racing series. Toyota will make its ninth con- class. Since 2012, GAZOO Racing has spon- activities and announced an expansion of its fourth year of participation, Toyota Racing will will strive to expand the reach of motorsports secutive-year appearance in the Sprint Cup sored Tom’s Spirit, a team competing with the racing initiatives with a return to the FIA World enhance its full-hybrid powertrain?the Toyota to attract a wide range of car enthusiasts. Series, the pinnacle of NASCAR racing, with “86”, and will compete again this year with the Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017. Toyota will Hybrid System-Racing (THS-R)?aiming to win Toyota hopes to use these activities to the aim of taking the Drivers’ Championship GAZOO Racing Spirit 86 in the Super Taikyu compete in the WRC for the first time since the title again and, for the first time, win the hone its people, automobiles and technolo- title for the first time. series. Moreover, Toyota will dispatch engi- 1999 through a Yaris hatchback with a 1.6-liter legendary Le Mans 24 Hours (held June 13-14). gies, and use the experience and expertise At the Dakar Rally held in South America in neers and mechanics to learn vehicle develop- direct-injection turbo (in line with global race The THS-R powertrain, developed at Toyota’s gained to develop ever-better cars. Toyota has January this year, Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.’s ment skills and be trained as automotive sea- engine stipulations). Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan, incor- a rich motorsports history spanning 57 years Toyota Land Cruiser 200 placed first and sec- soning personnel. It will be developed and tested by Toyota porates last year’s V8 engine including front during which we have performed at the high- ond in the production vehicle division for the GAZOO Racing will also compete with a Vitz Motorsport GmbH (TMG). Between 1973 and and rear motors/generators to better power all est level of world motorsport, and succeeded second consecutive year. Turbo in the All-Japan Rally Championship, 1999 (with a temporary suspension between wheels. Toyota plans to utilize the advanced in a wide variety of disciplines. I would also For the Japanese Super Formula champi- which is the pinnacle of Japanese rallying. 1996 and 1997), Toyota won 43 WRC rallies hybrid technologies obtained from these like to acknowledge the huge support from onship, Toyota has developed a two-liter four- Participation will take a comprehensive form, and won the championship three times. activities in its mass-production hybrid vehi- our fans for our motorsports activities and we cylinder RI4A direct-injection gasoline turbo with staff acting as mechanics and involve- Toyota Racing will also continue to race in cles. deeply appreciate their loyalty and encour- engine. The engine meets new regulations, ment ranging from vehicle development to the FIA World Endurance Championship According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief agement. We look forward to building on this and propelled both the driver and team to racing aimed at handing down expertise for (WEC). Last year, when it became possible to Representative, Middle East and North Africa heritage by competing successfully once titles. This year, Toyota Racing will further educational and vehicle development purpos- fully utilize the maximum potential of the Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor again in the WRC championships.” enhance engine function with the aim of earn- es. GAZOO Racing aims to commence partici- hybrid system, the “TS040 Hybrid” won five Corporation, “Toyota views motorsports as an In the United States, Toyota will continue to ing more titles, while Toyota Racing will also pation around mid-2015. p16_Layout 1 3/2/15 9:17 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 SPORTS

Kuwait Handicapped team return victorious

KUWAIT: Kuwait handicapped athletic team Handicapped Sports Club Shafi Al-Hajiri said HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince and the ed the support of the Chairman and the National Assembly MP Madhi Al-Hajri returned to Kuwait Sunday evening after in addition to getting the medals, 10 Kuwaiti Kuwait people. He said the tournaments Managing Director of PAYS Sheikh Ahmad and for his continued support. winning 24 various medals during Al-Ain, players achieved qualifying numbers for the were tough as more than 450 athletes from Al-Mansour by providing an external train- He also gave thanks to the honorary pres- Fazza and International Shariqa tourna- international handicapped sports champi- 45 countries participated. He lauded the dis- ing camp in the UAE, one month before the ident of the club Al-Sheikha Sheikha Al- ments which were held in Al-Ain, Dubai and onship which will be held in Doha, Qatar lat- tinguished technical level displayed by championships began. Abdallah for receiving the delegation and Shariqa from Feb 18-28. er this year. Kuwaiti players which was the result of their He also appreciated the efforts of her continued support of the club at all lev- Head of the team, President of Kuwait Al-Hajiri dedicated these achievements to commitment to training. Al-Hajiri appreciat- Chairman of the Handicapped Committee at els. — KUNA

Poulter, Casey share lead

PALM BEACH GARDENS: Britain’s Ian Poulter and Paul Casey shared the lead at the weather-delayed Honda Classic, both at seven-under at the close of play on Sunday. After Saturday’s play was wiped out by rain there was no chance of completing the fourth round on Sunday and players will return late yesterday for the conclusion. Poulter’s third-round 66 propelled him into the 54-hole lead, with a three-stroke advantage, but he slipped in fourth-round play with a double bogey on the par-three fifth and a bogey on the sixth. But the Englishman restored his spirits with a birdie on the par-three seventh before darkness ended play. “I was tiring and made a couple of really bad swings on five and six,” said Poulter. “But that kind of angered me inside enough to spark a little bit of energy there to hit a good shot on seven. “I’m pretty pleased with the golf I’ve played throughout the whole of today. I haven’t really made many mistakes, at all. I’ve put it in position an awful lot, which is encouraging right now, and if I do that on Monday, then I’m going to be in a good position,” he said. Casey revelled in the dusk at PGA National, reaching the turn at four-under, bogey-free, to pull level with his compa- triot. “Sleeping on this sort of situation, is going to be diffi- cult for everybody, it just breaks up momentum,” said Casey. DUBLIN: England’s Jack Nowell (right) passes the ball from the ground during the “Some guys will carry it through tomorrow. Others rugby union Six Nations match against England at the Aviva stadium. —AP won’t and that’s very difficult to predict. You just hope you wake up tomorrow and you feel like you’ve got the same kind of golf swing and the putts are going in the hole. I hope the golfing gods are nice to us.” Henshaw keeps Irish American Patrick Reed, who shot an even-par 70 in his third round, was in third place, a stroke behind the leading Grand Slam hopes alive pair. Overnight leader Padraig Harrington fell to four strokes off the lead after a third-round 71 was undone by a DUBLIN: Robbie Henshaw’s first Test try Ireland somehow managed to turn the bogey on the fourth and a double bogey on the sixth, his kept alive defending Six Nations champi- ball over despite being down to 14 as penultimate hole of the day where he got in trouble in the ons Ireland’s hopes of the Grand Slam on Sean O’Brien’s injury woes continued rough. Sunday as the Irish beat England 19-9 at when he went down-he had to be Five players were three shots off the lead including Phil Lansdowne Road for a national record- replaced by Tommy O’Donnell after just Mickelson, who had a third-round 69 and was one-under through the first eight holes of his fourth round. World equalling 10th success in a row. 25 minutes. number one Rory McIlroy had missed the cut after shoot- PALM BEACH GARDENS: Ian Poulter hits from the first fairway during the final round The 21-year-old man-of-the-match’s O’Donnell was immediately in the ing seven-over from his first two rounds. —Reuters of the Honda Classic golf tournament. —AP second-half try-allied to 14 points by thick of the action burrowing away as Jonathan Sexton-ended a run of four the Irish entered the England 22 but the successive defeats to the English, whose hosts came away with nothing as Peter own hopes of the Grand Slam disap- O’Mahony was penalised for not releas- Hurricanes, Chiefs flex early muscles peared with this defeat, and could see ing the ball. the Irish retain the Five/Six Nations tro- However back came the Irish and SYDNEY: New Zealand’s Wellington at Pretoria. to take victory. phy for the first time since 1948/49. Sexton won them a penalty with a crack- Hurricanes and Waikato Chiefs, along with The return of ex-Wallaby James O’Connor The Brumbies scored two tries to nil, but Sexton landed a penalty in the third ing tackle on Luther Burrell which earned South Africa’s Western Stormers, have ended in a 20-13 defeat for the Queensland Mike Harris kept the Rebels in the contest minute pumping his arms in celebration him a pat on the shoulder from captain emerged as the form teams after the opening Reds against the Otago Highlanders in with five penalty goals. The Canberra-based on his way back to the halfway line to Paul O’Connell. The fly-half duly slotted it three rounds of Super Rugby. Dunedin, while defending champions NSW team had less possession and territory but give the hosts early momentum. over for 9-3 after 30 minutes. The Hurricanes, Chiefs and Stormers Waratahs had a bye. seized on the Rebels’ errors to keep in front of The Ireland fly-half tested the English Sexton was like a man possessed as remain unbeaten while South Africa’s Central Despite having not yet played at home, the the home side. defence immediately afterwards with a he put in another extraordinary tackle on Cheetahs have yet to lose in two outings. Hurricanes made it three wins in as many out- Joe Pietersen kicked a late penalty as the delightful cross kick into the far corner Ford and Anthony Watson conceded a The Wellington-based Hurricanes showed ings by scoring the first four tries of the match Cheetahs edged out the Blues after a seesaw and earned the Irish a scrum five metres penalty picking up the ball yards offside. they could be genuine contenders this season in a commanding performance against the in Bloemfontein. The fly-half kept his nerve to out. Sexton, though, sent his penalty just with an overwhelming 42-13 win over the Force. convert an angled kick with a minute left for Hooker Rory Best looked to have gone wide for Ireland’s first miss of the cham- Western Force in Perth on their way home The Force suffered their biggest-ever home the Cheetahs to climb to second in the South over the line under the posts but he was pionship in 16 attempts. from winning two games in South Africa. loss and have just one win from three games, African conference. held up and from the subsequent scrum He made no mistake when called Code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams inspired the which came in the season opener against the Defeat created an unwanted record for the the hosts went close to the line again upon the next time as he extended Chiefs to a thumping 40-16 New Zealand der- Waratahs. Blues, who lost three consecutive matches at through Rob Kearney but as consolation Ireland’s lead to 12-3 in the 48th minute. by win over the Canterbury Crusaders to the start of a Super Rugby season for the first earned a penalty which Sexton convert- The roar that greeted those points was maintain their perfect start to the season. WILLIAMS ON SONG time. ed. England steadied the ship as George nothing compared to those when Heroic stoppage-time defending earned The Chiefs ran in five tries to one, with After home losses to compatriots the Ford reduced the deficit with a drop-goal Henshaw outjumped Alex Goode to the Stormers a 22-19 victory over the Golden Williams scoring one and setting up two more Stormers and Hurricanes, the Bulls won one of in the 12th minute. However, he missed a touch down from Conor Murray’s astute Lions at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park to go top of as they made it three wins from three. the most pulsating Super Rugby games seen chance to draw them level when a penal- box kick, Sexton converting beautifully the South African conference. It was the Chiefs’ biggest win over the sev- in South Africa against the Sharks. ty drifted wide of the post after Jordi from the sideline for 19-3. The ACT Brumbies are the Australian con- en-time champions Crusaders, confirming O’Connor had a strong game against the Murphy, who had come in for the injured However, that was it for Sexton as he ference leaders following a gutsy 20-15 win they are back to their best after winning back- Highlanders in a match dominated by Jamie Heaslip, had been penalised. had to go off with an apparent hamstring over the Rebels in Melbourne. The Cheetahs, to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. defence that featured just one try from either England won another penalty but problem and was replaced by Ian coming off a bye, hold down fifth place over- The Crusaders, finalists last year, struggled side, with a high penalty count proving costly captain Chris Robshaw opted not to go Madigan. Ford got England’s first points all after pipping New Zealand’s Auckland to cope with Waikato’s combination of speed for the Queenslanders. for goal despite being within a kickeable of the half on the board as the hour mark Blues 25-24 with a late penalty goal in and physicality, falling to their second defeat It was the Reds’ second loss in three match- distance and paid the price as Devin approached with a penalty to make it 19- Bloemfontein. in three starts. es, placing more pressure on a club still reel- Toner won the resulting lineout allowing 6 and added another three points as the Northern Bulls put a disastrous start to the In Johannesburg, the Stormers, clinging to ing after Australian police charged high-pro- the Irish to clear the danger. game neared the final 10 minutes but the season behind them with a lively 43-35 win a three-point advantage, repulsed 36 phases file recruit Karmichael Hunt with supplying The visitors regained possession but Irish held firm for a deserved win. —AFP over Coastal Sharks in a South African derby before Lions centre Howard Mnisi knocked on cocaine. —AFP p17 2_Layout 1 3/2/15 9:42 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Swing kings offer hope of checking run riot

SYDNEY: Prior to this World Cup, there thriller, with just 303 runs made in total, ‘DEFEND NEW BALL’ Against New Zealand, they were shot rent rules, in one-day games to gain were plenty of pundits forecasting the as New Zealand clung on to win the Australia captain Michael Clarke out for just 123 as right-arm seamer Tim reverse-swing. tournament would descend into an orgy match of the tournament so far by just labelled his side’s batting as “horren- Southee, getting the ball to move in the Richards, who in his 1970s globetrot- of run-scoring, with bowlers reduced to one wicket. dous” and said they needed to revisit air, took seven for 33. ting heyday used a relatively light bat cannon-fodder. Their worst fears appear It was a case of ‘back to the future’ as some old-fashioned basics. Yet on Sunday, with James Anderson by modern standards, also called for to have been realised with 14 scores of conventional swing bowling from New “I think sometimes in T20 cricket and and Stuart Broad rarely getting the ball weight restrictions to the blades wield- 300 and over already and the group Zealand’s Trent Boult (five for 27) and one-day cricket you can get caught up to deviate, England were unable to ed by such heavy-hitters as West Indies stage not yet complete. Australia’s Mitchell Starc (six for 28), working on the power side of your defend a target of 310 as Sri Lanka opener Chris Gayle, who smashed a The record for most 300-plus totals in admittedly both something of a rarity game,” said Clarke. “I don’t think we have eased to a nine-wicket win on the back World Cup record 215 against a single World Cup has been broken in given they are left-arm quicks, proved had too many training sessions where of hundreds by Lahiru Thirmanne (139 Zimbabwe on February 24. each of the last three editions — 2003 too much for batsmen used to hitting we have worked on the start of our not out) and Kumar Sangakkara (117 “The pressing of cricket bats has to (nine), 2007 (16) and 2011 (17) — and through the line of straight deliveries. game and actually defending the brand not out). be controlled and the thickness in their 2015 is heading the same way. New Zealand prevailed after making new ball or the swinging ball and that’s There remains a feeling that, with edges. Maybe there can also be a desig- Yet hope for long-suffering bowlers 152 for nine in reply to Australia’s 151 all an area we can focus on because I think bigger bats, increased fielding restric- nated sweet-spot area for bats,” Richards arrived in the unlikeliest of settings. out, with the bowlers on both sides well- you face conditions like that all around tions and two new balls, one-day cricket told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. Before Saturday’s clash between co- supported by attacking fields. the world, not just here in New Zealand. has become unfairly weighted against “Ours used to be about the size of a hosts New Zealand and Australia in Significantly, New Zealand’s Daniel “The ball is going to swing and we bowlers. 50 cent piece but now they are much Auckland, there was much speculation Vettori-whose brand of orthodox left- have some work to do with the bat.” South Africa batting great Barry bigger...These are just a few of my about the damage the power-hitters on arm spin has been overshadowed by an England’s two recent matches in Richards, speaking before the New ideas, because batsmen have it too both sides might do given Eden Park’s emphasis on ‘mystery’ tweakers, played a Wellington highlighted the difference Zealand-Australia match, suggested easy,” said Richards. Those who faced short straight boundaries. key role in slowing Australia’s run-rate between what can happen when the bowlers be allowed to rub the ball in Boult and Starc last weekend might But the result was a low-scoring with two for 41 in 10 overs. ball swings-and when it doesn’t. the dirt, something banned under cur- disagree.—AFP De Villiers looms large for Ireland

CANBERRA: Ireland go into today’s World Cup clash against South Africa in Canberra faced with a question that even fanciful Test nations have struggled to find an answer for. How does one tame the rampaging AB de Villiers before he destroys the rivals’ bowling attack, dents their morale and leaves them dumbstruck by what just hit them? The West Indies once more suffered at the hands of the South African captain who, despite a stomach illness, smashed an auda- cious 162 off 66 balls with 17 boundaries and eight sixes in Sydney on Friday to fashion a 257-run win. It was against the same team that de Villers smashed the fastest one-day century off 31 balls at home in January, prompting former NEW ZEALAND: Australia’s Shane Watson plays a shot in this file photo. —AFP Australian dasher Adam Gilchrist to call him the “most valuable crick- eter on the planet.” The Proteas, one of the pre-tournament favourites, needed the brutal attack by their 31-year-old captain to Watson critics crank up steady the ship after they were stunned by India by 130 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground a week ago. De Villiers was run out for 30 in that match by a brilliant throw heat after false start from the deep by Mohit Sharma, which must make Ireland wonder if that is the only way to see the back of him. SYDNEY: Australians might have been But the proud Irish, whose cricket has developed rapidly under Magic moments stunned by the collapse of their much-vaunt- their West Indies coach Phil Simmons, will look to run the mighty ed batting line-up in the face of brilliant New Proteas closely after winning their first two games in the tourna- SYDNEY: Five magic moments at the 2015 Zealand bowling at the weekend but the fall ment. Ireland chased down a challenging West Indies total of 304-7 Cricket World Cup as the tournament takes of one particular wicket was no surprise to at Nelson with four wickets and 25 balls to spare on the back of half- its first rest day on Monday: anyone. Shane Watson, batting at number centuries from Paul Stirling (92), Ed Joyce (84) and Niall O’Brien (79 three, had scrapped his way to 23 runs off 30 not out). Simmons, the former West Indies opening batsman, insist- Captain Morgan? balls in three-quarters of an hour when he ed the result was not an upset because his team was now capable of England captain Eoin Morgan was took an almighty heave at a Daniel Vettori matching skills with the more established teams. introduced as ‘Eoin Rogers’ by the mayor of delivery and picked out Tim Southee fielding “It excited me the way we played against the West Indies,” said Wellington when the team arrived in the on the legside boundary. Simmons. “They played four fast bowlers, thinking we would not be New Zealand capital. Morgan, 28, The big Queenslander was certainly not to able to cope with the speed. It’s the best I’ve seen the team play and shrugged off the gaffe: “I’ve been called a blame for the skittling that followed but exas- it augurs well for the future.” lot worse. She got the hardest part right.” peration at his ability to throw away a solid Ireland overcame wayward bowling in their next game in start to an innings was soon surging through Brisbane to allow the United Arab Emirates to pile up 278-9, but the Rambo inspiration the Twittersphere on a wave of bile. Watson batsman kept their nerve to win in the final over with the ninth- Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan used to take flak for his inability to convert wicket pair at the crease. If other results go their way, even one win has become a cult hero, charging in with half centuries to centuries but recently his from their four remaining games against South Africa, India, bandanna strapped tightly around his problem has been progressing from scores in Pakistan and Zimbabwe could see Ireland qualify for the quarter- the 20s and 30s, when a batsman is consid- finals. However, past records favour South Africa against the Irish, head, with cheeks painted in the colours of ered to have played himself “in”. who progressed from the first round in their inaugural appearance the Afghan flag. He admits his hero is The 33-year-old all-rounder divides his at the World Cup in 2007 but were knocked out in the group stages Rambo but unlike Sylvester Stallone’s on- compatriots like no other player and calls for four years later. Ireland have lost all three one-day internationals screen lone wolf, he performs a nifty cart- him to be dropped from a side expected, by against South Africa so far. wheel when he takes a wicket. Hassan was Australians at least, to win a fifth World Cup In their last meeting at the 2011 World Cup at the Eden Gardens also at the non-striker’s end when Shapoor next month have reached fever pitch. in Kolkata, the Proteas thumped them by 131 runs. Still, the Irish can Zadran hit the winning runs in the historic Australia’s selectors, however, have be expected to blast away at the batting friendly Manuka Oval wick- win over Scotland. remained steadfastly loyal to Watson-when et where West Indies opener Chris Gayle hammered a World Cup he has not been suffering from one of the record score of 215 against Zimbabwe last week. South Africa’s only Tweet revenge many soft tissue injuries that have blighted worry will be the underwhelming form of pace spearhead Dale If West Indies Cricket Board president his career. In the dark days after the 2010-11 Steyn, who has claimed just three wickets in the first three games at Dave Cameron was trying to get Chris Ashes humbling, that loyalty may have been a high average of 47.66. Gayle fired up when he retweeted a call down to a lack of choice, but Mitch Marsh and With de Villiers’ team almost certain to qualify for the knock-out from a fan to pension off the star opener, it James Faulkner are now genuine threats to rounds, Steyn will be needed to be at his best if South Africa are to certainly did the trick. Watson’s position as Australia’s premier all- have a shot at their maiden World Cup title. An unlikely bowling “Gayle goes... Can’t buy a run. Let’s give rounder, in the 50-over format at least. hero for the Proteas is leg-spinner Imran Tahir, whose nine wickets AUSTRALIA: South Africa’s middle-order batsman Farhaan Behardien prac- him a retirement package ... Can’t fail so far is only behind the New Zealand seam duo of Tim Southee (13) tises in the nets for their upcoming 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool B match repeatedly and still front up based on rep- ‘PAMPERED’ and Trent Boult (10) in the leading bowlers’ list.—AFP against Ireland. —AFP utation,” was the post retweeted by the It is no blind loyalty, however, and his Windies boss. Two days later, Gayle career figures since his one-day international smashed the first ever World Cup double debut in 2002 stand up to the toughest of century in the win over Bangladesh. scrutiny. With the bat, despite his predilection Changes demanded after England’s flop Cameron apologised for his blunder. for being dismissed lbw, he has averaged 50 “No offense intended. Full apologies in three World Cup campaigns and his overall MELBOURNE: The incoming chairman of would end their tournament. aggressive early on, are our players as aggressive extended. Rally round the West Indies,” he one-day average hovers around the 40 mark. England’s cricket board has flagged a review of “In ODIs we have underperformed. In tests as the others? We need to talk about those wrote on Twitter. It was Watson’s record for the fastest 150 the team’s approach to the one-day format after we are on the up, we have some fantastic young things.” England have performed poorly at World in one-day internationals that AB de Villiers a third crushing loss at the World Cup. players coming through and have got to have Cups since their run to the final in 1992 but have Freed on bail bettered with his 162 from 66 balls against England slumped to a nine-wicket defeat to some faith in them,” Colin Graves, the incoming appeared especially stodgy and predictable at Ireland’s Ed Joyce had a lucky break West Indies on Friday. Sri Lanka on Sunday, leaving their hopes of mak- chairman of the England and Wales Cricket the current tournament. when he survived the ball hitting the Watson’s right-arm medium pace has tak- ing the World Cup’s quarter-finals hanging by a Board, told the BBC. Having set Sri Lanka 310 to win at Wellington stumps while batting against the United en 164 wickets in 182 matches at 31.29 and thread. Having beaten only Scotland in their first “We have to have a strategy and in one-day Regional Stadium, their bowlers managed to Arab Emirates in Brisbane. Amjad Javed he has shown over the years an ability to win- four pool matches, a loss to lowly Bangladesh or internationals we have to improve. “The main take just a single wicket as their opponents thought he’d struck with his fourth ball kle out a batsmen in the middle overs to a wash-out of the match in Adelaide on March 9 thing is, you look at the World Cup and it’s very reeled in the total with overs to spare. when an inswinger beat left-hander break-up promising partnerships. “I think they Their pace attack, all right-arm seamers, have should keep him,” Brian Lara said on Sunday Joyce’s defence and caused the LED lights been treated with contempt by opposing bats- when asked about Watson’s position in the on the bails to flash. But although the off- men while number three Gary Ballance has side. “His past performances suggest that at bail was disturbed, it landed back in its scored a total of 46 runs from his four matches in some point in time he is going to come good.” the tournament. Despite that, selectors have groove and Joyce, who stood his ground The barrel-chested righthander won the Allan as seamer Javed celebrated prematurely, stuck with the same misfiring lineup through- Border medallist as Australia’s best cricketer out. England’s under-fire captain Eoin Morgan was not out. Joyce was eventually out for in 2010 and 2011 — only Watson, Ricky 37. dodged questions on whether changes would Ponting and Michael Clarke have won the be made for the Bangladesh game late yester- award more than once. day. Former players have called for a shakeup of Afghanistan champions That Watson scored 41, 16 and 82 in his A New Zealand robot predicted World England’s attack and said the team is too hung three innings before his golden duck against up on statistics, citing the plodding middle overs Cup glory for Afghanistan although even England in the tournament opener could sug- the machine’s programmer said such an of England’s batting innings against Sri Lanka gest the antipathy towards him in some quar- and Morgan’s insistence their total was above outcome was unlikely. ters might not be just about his skills as a par at the Wellington ground. The University of Canterbury’s robot cricketer. Watson banked a cool A$4.5 million “From what I’ve heard over the last year or Ikram made the prediction using software ($3.51 million) last year as Australia’s best paid two, that culture has been driven by premeditat- developed by doctoral student Eduardo cricketer, according to business magazine ed plans and statistics when it should be gut Sandoval. When the flags of the 14 partici- BRW, and will perhaps be forever tainted by feeling and instinct,” former captain Nasser pating nations were placed in front of the his role “homework-gate” scandal on the India Hussain wrote in the Daily Mail. Former England robot it selected Afghanistan. “Of course tour of 2013. “He is a handsome player of spinner Graeme Swann added: “It was a very this is unlikely, but with cricket the result abundant talent,” Gideon Haigh, the current self-congratulatory 310, everyone was saying can always be unexpected,” Sandoval doyen of Australian cricket writers, wrote of WELLINGTON: England batsman Joe Root (right) snicks a ball fine as Sri Lanka wicketkeeper ‘brilliant’. These days that’s about average and said.—AFP him at the time. “He is also wealthy, pam- not a great score.”—Reuters pered, immature and self-involved.” —Reuters Kumar Sangakkara (left) looks on in this file photo. —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 SPORTS Misfiring City must change and adapt

LONDON: If you were to ask Premier Lallana and Raheem Sterling skipped League fans which attacking players they around City’s uninspired formation at will, would like their clubs to sign given a limit- leading to further suggestions they need to less budget, the likes of Manchester City’s change their approach. Pellegrini, however, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and David Silva does not agree. “The formation was not the would be at the top of most wish lists. Put problem. It was the best decision. In the first them in a rigid 4-4-2 formation like City half it was a close game,” he told reporters. manager Manuel Pellegrini, however, and “When they won the game we were playing they may not be so keen. For all Manchester with just with one striker so that wasn’t the City’s attacking riches, the champions’ out- problem. dated tactics are not lighting up the “I think they scored two beautiful goals, Premier League and they are in serious dan- both from the edge of the box and impossi- ger of losing their crown. After playing with ble for Joe Hart to save. It was a close game, two strikers and neglecting the midfield we had chances-David Silva, Kun (Aguero) battle during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions hit the post and had another chance.” City’s League defeat by Barcelona, Pellegrini hopes of defending their Premier League attracted criticism. title now hang in the balance this season as By opting to stick with the same forma- leaders Chelsea boast a five-point advan- tion against a re-energised Liverpool on tage with a game in hand. “It’s three points Sunday, the Chilean scored an own goal as less, when we drop points it’s difficult to try stunning goals from Jordan Henderson and to reach the top of the table,” Pellegrini said. Philippe Coutinho helped Brendan “We must try to continue, to win the next Rodgers’s side to a 2-1 victory. game and as many games as we can, and With Yaya Toure alongside Fernandinho we’ll see where we finish.” Chelsea manager in the centre and David Silva and Samir Jose Mourinho, busy sliding around the Nasri on the left and right, City were over- Wembley turf after League Cup success exposed in midfield and not the creative against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, will force many would have predicted. have no complaints if Pellegrini sticks to his Liverpool’s attacking trio of Coutinho, Adam misfiring formation.—Reuters

MADRID: Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (top left) tries to score as he jumps in between Villarreal’s players during a Spanish La Liga soccer match. —AP Real held at home by battling Villarreal

MADRID: La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped saves before substitute Jese missed an open Atletico have 54 points in third, one ahead of points at home for only the second time this sea- goal after the Villarreal keeper had misjudged a Valencia, who won 2-0 at home to Real Sociedad son when Villarreal fought back from a goal cross. on Sunday and play at Atletico next weekend. down in an entertaining 1-1 draw that left Real The visitors could even have claimed their Sevilla are seven points further back in fifth. two points ahead of Barcelona on Sunday. first win at the Bernabeu when Luciano Vietto, Following their 1-0 Champions League Champions Atletico Madrid also stumbled, a another substitute, tested Casillas with a diving reverse at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, 0-0 stalemate at Sevilla denting their chances of header four minutes from time. Atletico coach Diego Simeone deployed a a second consecutive Spanish title and leaving Villarreal withstood intense pressure in the defensive lineup for their game at Sevilla’s them five points behind Barca in third. final minutes, Ronaldo again going close with a Sanchez Pizjuan. With a King’s Cup semi-final second leg header. It was the first game Real have failed to Antoine Griezmann initially played as a lone against Barca looming on Wednesday, Villarreal win at home in La Liga since they were beaten 2- forward in front of a five-man midfield and the coach Marcelino fielded a weakened side at the 1 by Atletico in September and was their first champions struggled to impose themselves Bernabeu but it took Real until seven minutes draw in Spain’s top flight this season. against the fired-up Europa League holders. into the second half to break the deadlock. “We fought but we were up against a very In a match littered with yellow cards, Sevilla LIVERPOOL: Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (left) and David Silva react in this file Eric Bailly hauled Cristiano Ronaldo down in good team,” Real centre back Pepe said in an had the best chance of the first half when mid- photo. —AP the penalty area and the Portugal captain picked interview with Spanish television broadcaster fielder Vicente Iborra clipped a first-time shot himself up and sent goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo Canal Plus. against a post in the 27th minute. the wrong way with his spot-kick for his 30th “We have to keep battling, we are still top but Atletico, beaten 2-0 at Celta Vigo two weeks goal of the campaign. Villarreal had the best we have to work until the end,” added the ago, looked more dangerous when Fernando Preview chances in an even first half. Real keeper Iker Portugal international. “We sent over a lot of Torres came on for Arda Turan with half an hour Casillas did well to block a close-range Moises crosses and they were playing with two lines of left. The Spain forward almost had an immediate ‘Yellow Submarine’ need Gomez effort in the 12th minute and fullback four so it was almost impossible to get through impact when he charged down the left and Dani Carvajal cleared Gerard Moreno’s follow-up the centre.” crossed for Griezmann but the Frenchman was shot off the line. unable to hit the target. special splash to sink Barca Moreno made up for his earlier miss and LONE FORWARD Griezmann played Torres into space in the stunned the European champions when he Carlo Ancelotti’s side lead on 61 points with 69th minute and his weak shot was easily dealt MADRID: Villarreal have proved they can Barca were given a big scare by Villarreal at lashed a shot low into the corner in the 64th 13 games left, and Barca, who host their great with by Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico. Torres go toe to toe with Spain’s elite this season home in La Liga last month, twice falling minute. rivals at the Nou Camp in three weeks, are on 59 had another chance when he created space for but the team known as the ‘Yellow behind before winning 3-2. Ronaldo had two chances to restore Real’s after they won a scrappy game at Granada 3-1 himself on the left of the penalty area but sent Submarine’ will need something special to Villarreal spent a year in the second divi- lead but was twice denied by excellent Asenjo on Saturday. his angled shot past the far post. —Reuters get past Barcelona in tomorrow’s King’s sion in 2012-13 but have bounced back Cup semi-finals. impressively under coach Marcelino and Barca, the record winners, lead 3-1 from with a host of talented youngsters in the last month’s first leg at the Nou Camp, side have won praise for their attacking when their Brazil forward Neymar had a play. As well as pushing Barca hard at the Cruz Azul lose to Toluca second-half penalty saved, and are closing Nou Camp in La Liga, they fought back on a 27th triumph in the competition. from a goal down to claim a point at Real They must be on their guard against Madrid on Sunday and inflicted a rare MEXICO CITY: Cruz Azul suffered a 1-0 defeat one of the most entertaining teams in the home defeat on champions Atletico Madrid at Toluca on Sunday, a second straight loss top flight to secure a berth in May’s final in December. Argentine forward Luciano that dropped them further behind leaders against Athletic Bilbao or Espanyol who are Vietto scored the winner in that 1-0 win at Tijuana in Mexico’s Clausura championship. level at 1-1 ahead of their second leg in the Calderon and is one of several talented Toluca defender Paulo Da Silva scored the Barcelona tomorrow. youngsters under Marcelino’s command. only goal of the game in the 77th minute, Luis Enrique’s expensively-assembled Russia midfielder Denis Cheryshev, on heading home Lucas Lobos’ corner. After a six- loan from Real, can score and create goals match unbeaten start to the championship, while the talents of Mexico forward Giovani Cruz Azul have now slipped to sixth and trail Matches on TV dos Santos and his midfielder younger Tijuana, who came from two goals down to brother Jonathan, both products of the beat Pachuca 3-2 on Friday, by five points (Local Timings) Barca academy, are undisputed. Marcelino had warm praise for his play- after eight games. Tijuana lead on 19 points, three ahead of Veracruz, who beat Atlas 3-0 English Premier League ers after Sunday’s game at the Bernabeu, singling out their professionalism and spirit away on Saturday. America, level with Cruz Southampton v Crystal Palace 22:45 of sacrifice. “This draw tastes even better Azul on 14 points, were stunned 1-0 on beIN SPORTS 2 HD because it shows that with commitment Saturday by relegation-threatened UG Leones beIN SPORTS 14 HD and talent you can compete with any rival,” Negros at the Azteca, their first home defeat Hull City v Sunderland 22:45 he told a news conference. of the year. “We know the result from the first leg is Midfielder Luis Telles scored the only goal beIN SPORTS 2 HD against us and Barca’s enormous potential from outside the box after half an hour and beIN SPORTS 14 HD but we are not going to fail for a lack of the Eagles had defender Pablo Aguilar and Aston Villa v West Bromwich 22:45 effort,” added the 49-year-old who has had Daniel Guerrero sent off in the final five min- beIN SPORTS 2 HD stints in charge at Sporting Gijon, Real utes. Zaragoza and Sevilla. —Reuters Guadalajara remain two from bottom of the relegation standings - based on teams’ average points over three seasons - despite a 3-0 home win over Monterrey on Sunday. New Queretaro coach VÌctor Vucetich will need to summon all the powers that earned him the nickname “King Midas” if he is to turn around his team’s fortunes. Vucetich, who has won league titles with four different Mexican sides, watched Queretaro go down 4-1 at Puebla on Saturday, leaving them one from bottom of the Clausura table. The former Mexico coach took over from the sacked Ignacio Ambriz at the beginning of the week. Puebla are in the same boat as Guadalajara, five points off the pace but fight- ing to avoid the drop since they are one from bottom of the relegation standings. On Friday, Morelia won for the first time in the league this year, beating Chiapas 3-2 on interim coach Roberto Hernandez’s debut. Hernandez DUNEDIN: Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher warms RA Dickey pitches during the was appointed after Alfredo Tena was sacked first inning of an intrasquad spring training baseball game. —AP eight days ago.—Reuters Paulo Da Silva TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 SPORTS

LONDON: Chelsea’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho celebrates on the floor as Chelsea players celebrate with the trophy during the presentation after Chelsea won the League Cup. —AFP Chelsea continue silverware hunt

LONDON: Suggestions that Chelsea effectively game in hand, they are beginning to look matches. City will hope to get back on track in top of the league,” Arsenal manager Arsene maintain their upward progress. “The team is bagged two trophies on Sunday were pre- untouchable. a home game against bottom club Leicester Wenger said after his side responded to the very clear on how it’s working and is playing at sumptuous but they make the trip across town West Ham, after flirting with the top four City while third-placed Arsenal, who are nine Champions League debacle against AS a real good level,” Liverpool manager Brendan to West Ham United on Wednesday with a vice- earlier in the season, have fallen away and adrift of Chelsea, are at Queens Park Rangers. Monaco by beating Everton on Sunday to Rodgers said. Tottenham, six points off the top like grip on the Premier League title race. Chelsea will be buoyant at Upton Park in a fix- Fourth-placed Manchester United travel to strengthen their top-four credentials. four, must shake off two big setbacks as they Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat by Liverpool ture they usually dominate-losing only one of Newcastle United. Mourinho insists United are “You can drop points against anybody.” host Swansea City. After tumbling out of the shortly before Chelsea beat Tottenham the last 17 league clashes between the sides. still in the title race, along with Liverpool, Liverpool are the side in form, unbeaten in the Europa League and losing to Chelsea at Hotspur to lift the League Cup at Wembley was But Mourinho is not taking anything for grant- although in reality both those clubs are in the league since early December-a sequence of Wembley, their season is in danger of fizzling a huge bonus for Jose Mourinho’s side as they ed. “It’s in the hands of everyone,” Mourinho scrap for Champions League qualification results that has moved then to within two out. Southampton are also in need of fillip. pursue a first league title since 2010. Five said after the League Cup final. “We have lots of along with Arsenal, Tottenham and points of United. A home game against After back-to-back league defeats they host points clear of faltering champions City with a difficult matches to play. City have difficult Southampton. “It’s tighter and tighter at the Burnley on Wednesday should help them Crystal Palace late yesterday. —Reuters

Preview Bayern aim to change gear

BERLIN: Holders Bayern Munich aim to hit game behind closed doors on appeal. top gear in their bid to reach the German But the DFB banned Dresden entirely Cup quarter-finals, while the authorities from the 2013/14 cup competition after brace themselves for Borussia Dortmund’s Dynamo fans rioted after losing a penalty trip to Dresden late yesterday. shoot-out at Hanover 96 in October 2012 Third-division Dynamo Dresden host in a second-round clash. Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund in the cup’s On their first season back in the cup, third round against the backdrop of the Dresden in particular need to be on best riots which blighted their 2011 second- behaviour, especially with the game to be round clash. televised. Borussia beat Dynamo 2-0 on October “Dynamo is a cool draw,” said 25 2011 amidst ugly scenes as Dresden Dortmund coach Klopp, but the DFB and fans rioted and clashed violently with police will be paying close attention. Dortmund police. Both groups of support- Dortmund routed Schalke 3-0 on Saturday ers have a notorious reputation in in the Ruhr Valley derby to move up to Germany. The German Football tenth in the Bundesliga after four straight Association (DFB) initially threw Dresden wins having started the month bottom of out of the competition for a year for the the table, while Dresden are eighth in violence in Dortmund, then reduced the Germany’s third tier after relegation last punishment to a 100,000 euros fine and a season.—AFP PSG falter in title race PARIS: Paris St Germain missed the oppor- wide of the near post. tunity to overtake Olympique Lyonnais at The Argentina international said PSG the top of Ligue 1 after a 0-0 draw at had lacked concentration against resilient Monaco on Sunday. Monaco who were confident after their MILAN: Inter Milan’s Argentinian forward Rodrigo Palacio (left) vies for the ball with Fiorentina’s defender from Argentina Gonzalo during the PSG failed to take advantage after Lyon midweek Champions League success Italian Serie A football match. —AFP suffered their first Ligue 1 defeat in three against Arsenal. months against Lille on Saturday. Lyon “It depended on us to win and once have 54 points from 27 games, followed by more we didn’t get top spot,” he told PSG on 53 and Olympique de Marseille, Canal+ Television. Monaco on Wednesday Fiorentina edge Inter beaten 3-2 at home by Caen on Friday, on gave Arsenal a lesson in patient, counter- 50. Monaco are fourth on 44. attacking football to win their Champions Javier Pastore missed the best chance to League last 16 first leg-match 3-1 in MILAN: Fiorentina forward Mohamed Manuel Pasqual’s cross to give Fiorentina rest of the season into a one-horse race. break the deadlock in the second half London and take a stranglehold on the Salah, enjoying a new lease of life since his their first away win over Inter for 15 years. Anderson put Lazio ahead when he curled a when, fed by Marco Verratti, he shot just tie.—Reuters move from Chelsea, scored again to give “I wanted to make the most of Salah’s right-foot shot into the top corner from the his side a 1-0 win at Inter Milan on Sunday extraordinary form. I know that when a edge of the area just before halftime and despite finishing with nine men due to player is going through that kind of form, provided the cross for former Germany for- injuries. it’s the coach’s job to encourage him,” ward Miroslav Klose to head the second. An inspired Felipe Anderson perform- Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella told He unwittingly provided the third when ance, including a majestic opening goal, led reporters. Fiorentina had to cling on after his shot was deflected into the path of Lazio to a 3-0 win at Sassuolo and moved losing Nenad Tomovic to a nasty knock on Marco Parolo who completed the win. them two points behind third-placed the head and Stefan Savic, also to injury, in Stefano Okaka gave Sampdoria, sixth with Napoli, who lost 1-0 at Torino, as the race for the closing minutes, having made their 39 points, a 2-1 win at Atalanta to end a Champions League places warmed up. three substitutions. five-match winless league run, tapping the The weekend’s matches all kicked off 15 Norberto Neto made a superb save to tip ball across the line after Marco Sportiello minutes late in a show of solidarity, organ- Rodrigo Palacio’s header over the bar in failed to hold a Samuel Eto’o shot. ised by the Italian Players’ Association (AIC), stoppage time while the Argentine wasted Gianfranco Zola’s Cagliari were left stuck for bottom-of-the-table Parma, whose game another chance by shooting at Neto instead in the relegation zone and three points at Genoa was called off because of the club’s of passing to the unmarked Mauro Icardi. adrift of 17th-placed Atalanta and safety financial crisis. Napoli, who are third in the Champions after losing 2-1 at home to Verona. Parma’s players have not been paid all League playoff spot, have 45 points from 25 Luca Toni, with a clever finish, and season. Salah, who made only 13 Premier games after losing to Kamil Glik’s second Juanito Gomez put Verona in control before League appearances, mostly from the half goal at Torino. They are followed by Daniele Conti pulled one back with a free bench, in his year at Chelsea, came on just Lazio (43) and Fiorentina (42). Roberto kick in the 90th minute. before halftime for the injured Khouma Mancini’s Inter are ninth with 35 points. Cesena, one place off the bottom, moved Babacar and settled a disappointing game Second-placed Roma (48 points) entertain within one point of Cagliari by beating MONACO: Monaco’s French forward Anthony Martial (left) vies with Paris Saint- with his third Serie A goal in four outings. leaders Juventus (57) in the top-of-the- Udinese 1-0 thanks to an Alejandro Germain’s Brazilian defender David Luiz (right) during the French L1 football The Egyptian pounced in the 55th minute table clash on Monday where anything oth- Rodriguez header. Palermo and Empoli match. —AFP after Samir Handanovic failed to hold er than a win for the hosts could turn the drew 0-0. —Reuters Poulter, Casey Real held at share lead home by battling Villarreal

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 16 18 Swing kings offer hope of checking run riot Page 17

LOS ANGELES: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (left) of Congo, and Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill go after a rebound during the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP Rockets on target, Warriors win

HOUSTON: James Harden scored 33 making four straight free throws to and sat out the rest of the game. Durant is out with a foot injury, and win its season-high fourth straight. points ahead of Brooklyn and points and LeBron James missed a pair clinch it in the final seconds as Golden Westbrook underwent surgery on his Charlotte in the crowded race for the of free throws with 4.2 seconds left in State erased a 26-point deficit to beat THUNDER 108, LAKERS 101 right cheek Saturday in his native Los TRAIL BLAZERS 110, KINGS 99 final Eastern Conference playoff spot. overtime, helping the Houston Rockets Boston. Serge Ibaka had 18 points and 14 Angeles. Damian Lillard scored nine of his Indiana has won eight of 10, while the hold on for a 105-103 win over the Golden State won for the seventh rebounds, and DJ Augustin added 18 Yet the Thunder’s role players, 31 points in the fourth quarter and 76ers have lost six of seven. Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. time in nine tries and snapped Boston’s points and nine rebounds as backups and newcomers never trailed LaMarcus Aldridge had 26 points and George Hill scored 17 points and James hit a 3-pointer with 43.5 sec- three-game winning streak. Klay Oklahoma City beat the Lakers with- against the 14th-place Lakers, whose 15 rebounds as Portland beat Luis Scola added 15 off the bench for onds left to get Cleveland within one. Thompson scored 20 for the Warriors, out Kevin Durant and Russell three-game winning streak ended Sacramento for its third straight vic- the Pacers. Hibbert had his 14th dou- Harden and James got tangled up on Harrison Barnes had 17 and Draymond Westbrook. meekly. tory. ble-double of the season. Robert Houston’s next possession, but no foul Green scored 11 of his 14 points in the Enes Kanter had 16 points and 15 Jeremy Lin had 20 points, eight Wes Matthews scored 17 points Covington led the Sixers with 12 was called and the shot clock expired. fourth quarter. rebounds as the Thunder’s supporting assists and six rebounds for Los and Robin Lopez had 15 points and points despite leaving in the third James drove into the lane and was Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points off cast snapped a two-game skid with Angeles, which got at least eight eight rebounds for Portland, which is quarter due to an injury. Ish Smith fouled by Josh Smith, but missed both the bench for Boston. Jae Crowder had no help from its superstar duo. points from eight players, but couldn’t 14-13 on the road. added 11 off the bench. free throws to finish 3 for 11 at the line. a career-high 17 rebounds to go with Rudy Gay scored 24 points and Harden, who had his 26th 30-point his nine points, but his 3-pointer with a Derrick Williams had 13 of his 18 in PELICANS 99, NUGGETS 92 game this season, added a free throw chance to give Boston the lead with NBA results/standings the fourth quarter for the Kings. Tyreke Evans scored 22 points, and Cleveland missed a 3 at the buzzer. under a minute left rolled around the Andre Miller had 12 points and 10 Dante Cunningham drew a key charge James finished with 37 points after rim and out. LA Clippers 96, Chicago 86; Houston 105, Cleveland 103 (OT); Portland 110, Sacramento 99; assists. late in the fourth quarter as New resting during Friday night’s loss at Golden State 106, Boston 101; Indiana 94, Philadelphia 74; Charlotte 98, Orlando 83; Orleans extended its winning streak Indiana. He returned for a chippy con- CLIPPERS 96, BULLS 86 Oklahoma City 108, LA Lakers 101; New Orleans 99, Denver 92. HORNETS 98, MAGIC 83 to five games by holding off strug- test that had multiple technicals and a DeAndre Jordan had 26 rebounds Mo Williams had 23 points and 11 Eastern Conference Western Conference gling Denver. flagrant foul by Harden on James. and Chris Paul scored 28 points to lead assists as Charlotte beat Orlando. Atlantic Division Northwest Division Eric Gordon added 18 points and The Cavaliers had a chance to win in Los Angeles past Chicago. Los Angeles Cody Zeller, Al Jefferson and Gerald W L PCT GB Portland 39 19 .672 - Omer Asik grabbed 16 rebounds for regulation but James held the ball until was behind 76-75 when Jamal Crawford Toronto 37 22 .627 - Henderson had 16 points apiece for Oklahoma City 33 27 .550 7 the Pelicans, who were without All- right before the buzzer and his jump made a 3-pointer with 8:02 left. The Brooklyn 24 33 .421 12 Utah 23 35 .397 16 the Hornets, who had dropped six of Star forward Anthony Davis for a shot bounced off the rim. Clippers never trailed the rest of the Boston 23 34 .404 13 Denver 20 39 .33919.5 seven. Kevin Love had 21 points for the way. After a scoreless first half, Crawford Philadelphia 13 46 .220 24 Minnesota 13 45 .224 26 It was the fifth straight double-dig- fourth straight game after he re- Cavaliers, who played their second had 16 points in the final two quarters. NY Knicks 12 46 .20724.5 Pacific Division it scoring game for Williams and his injured his right shoulder on Feb. 21. Central Division Golden State 46 11 .807 - The Pelicans are 4-0 in Davis’ absence game without point guard Kyrie Irving, The Clippers extended their winning Chicago 37 23 .617 - second time with double-digit assists who has a left shoulder strain. The loss streak to five in a row in Chicago, the LA Clippers 39 21 .650 8.5 since being dealt to Charlotte at the to remain in the playoff conversation. Cleveland 37 24 .607 0.5 Denver dropped its 10th straight at ended Cleveland’s 10-game winning longest in franchise history. They Milwaukee 32 27 .542 4.5 Phoenix 31 29 .51716.5 trade deadline. Victor Oladipo led the streak against the Western Conference haven’t lost there since Dec. 17, 2008. Indiana 25 34 .42411.5 Sacramento 20 37 .351 26 Magic with 21 points. Orlando has lost the Pepsi Center, its longest home and prevented the Cavs from moving Bulls rookie reserve Nikola Mirotic Detroit 23 36 .39013.5 LA Lakers 16 42 .27630.5 three straight since a season-high, skid since losing 11 in a row during into first in the Central Division. scored a career-high 29 points. He Southeast Division Southwest Division three-game win streak. the 1997-98 season. Cleveland has won 18 of 22 but has accounted for all but one of his team’s Atlanta 47 12 .797 - Memphis 42 16 .724 - Danilo Gallinari had 21 points for dropped two straight. 17 points in the fourth quarter. Washington 34 26 .56713.5 Houston 41 18 .695 1.5 PACERS 94, 76ERS 74 Denver, including a half-court shot to Dallas 39 22 .639 4.5 Chicago All-Star Jimmy Butler Miami 25 33 .43121.5 Roy Hibbert had 14 points, 15 end the third quarter that revved up San Antonio 36 23 .610 6.5 Charlotte 24 33 .421 22 the crowd. The Nuggets fell to 0-6 WARRIORS 106, CELTICS 101 sprained his left elbow when he ran into Orlando 19 42 .311 29 New Orleans 32 27 .54210.5 rebounds and five blocked shots to Stephen Curry scored 37 points, Jordan’s pick early in the third period help Indiana move three percentage since the All Star break. — AP Lin chases sixth Nadal wins first title All-England title BIRMINGHAM: Double Olympic champion Lin Dan will of year in Argentina launch his bid to become the fourth male singles player to win six All-England badminton titles when the sport’s BUENOS AIRES: Rafael Nadal won his up and took it when the Argentine after they finish their careers. oldest tournament begins tomorrow. China’s most dec- first title of the year with a 6-4 6-1 vic- netted a service return. Nadal, who won his first title of the orated singles performer last appeared at the 105-year- tory over Juan Monaco in a rain-inter- Nadal wrapped up the rain-inter- year with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Juan old championships in 2012, when he won his fifth rupted Argentine Open final on rupted set in 45 minutes. It had stood Monaco in a rain-interrupted crown, and returns this year after taking time away from Sunday. at 1-1 after 14 minutes when the Argentine Open on Sunday, said it the sport. Nadal, showing marked progress players had to come off court for was also important to maintain vari- Another triumph for the 31-year-old world number in his comeback from injury and oth- nearly an hour before play could ety on the Tour to keep players and six would put him alongside former champions Frank er woes last year, notched his 65th resume. spectators interested. Devlin of Ireland, Denmark’s Erland Kops and career title and equalled Guillermo He was too good for the 2007 The Argentine Open, now in its Vilas’s 46 on clay with the Argentine tournament winner and former world 15th year and a regular stop on the Indonesian Rudy Hartono. great watching from the stands. “I had number 10, who is also looking to South American clay-court swing, One of the competitors standing in fifth-seeded Lin’s the hope of winning here and I pre- regain his best form after a lean spell, has flirted with the idea of a change way is compatriot Chen Long, the world champion who pared very well for this so it’s objec- breaking serve three more times for a to a faster surface to widen its won the All-England crown in 2013. tive achieved,” the Spaniard, upset in comfortable victory in one hour and appeal. Chen, the top seed, plays a qualifier in his opening the Rio Open semi-finals a week ago, 26 minutes. “Clay is a traditional surface of our match while Lin faces Hong Kong’s Wei Nan. Defending told a courtside interviewer. Meanwhile, Nadal wants tourna- sport, we need to protect that,” Nadal champion Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia will be missing The world number four, nine-times ment organisers to maintain the tra- told Reuters after his victory over while he serves a ban after failing a doping test at the French Open champion, got the first dition of clay courts on the Tour and Argentine Monaco at the Buenos Aires world championships in August. break in the seventh game after a said the growing number of events Lawn Tennis Club. “Sport is bigger when ARGENTINA: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal pos- “It is a shame when the very best players in the world finely weighted chip that landed well switching to harder surfaces could you combine new and show events es with his trophy after defeating Argentine Juan are unable to compete,” Badminton England chief exec- out of Monaco’s reach put him 30-15 increase the injury risk to players long with traditional events. — Reuters Monaco 6-4, 6-1, in Buenos Aires. — AFP utive Adrian Christy told Reuters. — Reuters India sets inflation target in overhaul Page 23

Business Managing Capital Flows: A Special Report TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Page 25 NBK-Bahrain reports net profits of Gulf Bank hosts international market scene presentation $145m for 2014 Page 26 Page 22

BERLIN: European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (center) and his delegation arrives at a conference of the European Investment Bank (EIB) on innovation and competitiveness in Berlin yesterday. — AFP Deflation threatens euro-zone growth Consumer prices ease, jobless figures pick up

BRUSSELS: The euro-zone’s consumer price Energy prices alone were down 7.9 percent, evidence that euro-zone consumers are delay- Aiming to head off the danger, the ECB in cant.” downturn eased and jobless figures picked up slowing only slightly after a fall of 9.3 percent in ing purchases,” he added. January launched a massive 1.1 trillion euro The two latest reports show clearly that the slightly yesterday but the modest improve- January, Eurostat said. The jobless figures were stimulus program to flood the financial system economy was not growing fast enough to ments were not enough to dispell all fears of a modestly encouraging, with unemployment Stalling economy with cheap money and so boost investment. absorb all the slack, McKeown said. Peter deflationary spiral. down to 11.2 percent from 11.3 percent in The euro-zone economy has recovered only ECB head Mario Draghi said the aim was to Vanden Houten of ING Bank said the oil price Analysts said the figures were welcome December to hit its lowest level since April slowly from its prolonged debt crisis and virtu- stimulate the economy enough to drive infla- impact would fade in time, easing the deflation although the European Central Bank will still 2012. ally stalled in the third quarter of 2014 with tion back up to the central bank’s target of threat, but the economy was not out of the have to pull out all the stops to prevent the Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight said the growth of just 0.2 percent, followed by a slight- close to 2.0 percent. woods with unemployment still some four per- economy stalling as oil prices continue to fall two reports were “a double dose of good news ly better 0.3 percent in the fourth. Analysts The ECB would continue the extraordinary centage points above 2008 pre-crisis levels. sharply, stoking the deflation threat. Consumer for the euro-zone.” Improving price data “may feared especially that falling prices would see measures “until we see a sustained adjustment “The euro-zone economy has now been prices in the 19-nation euro-zone were down dilute fears that pervasive deflation could consumers put off purchases to buy goods in the path of inflation,” he added. trapped in a stop-and-go recovery for years and 0.3 percent in February, less than the drop of become entrenched in the euro-zone with long- when they are cheaper. Jennifer McKeown of Capital Economics said it would be unwise to give the all-clear sign too 0.6 percent in January when tumbling energy term debilitating growth effects,” Archer said. This classic change in behavior undercuts the ECB’s program “is unlikely to push inflation soon.” Fears about Greece’s international bailout prices slashed the cost of living, the EU statistics For the moment, lower prices appeared to demand, which in turn hits company invest- to anywhere near the ECB’s target... and the risk under its new government and the Ukraine cri- agency Eurostat said. be giving consumer demand a boost with “little ment and jobs in a vicious deflationary cycle. of a sustained bout of deflation remains signifi- sis have further clouded the outlook. — AFP Zain Kuwait, Huawei to cooperate on 4.5G mobile broadband services

BARCELONA/KUWAIT: Zain Kuwait and try’s perpetual advancement. Today 4.5G defini- forward to the future in offering our customers Huawei-a leading global ICT solutions provider- tions are largely based on standards and patents even better, faster and more seamless mobile have unveiled plans for a new strategic coopera- that are still under development. The transition digital experiences.” tion that will see the two companies trial and to 4.5G is being considered as a stepping stone Omar Al-Omar, Zain Kuwait CEO said, “As the implement 4.5G services on Zain Kuwait’s net- to fully-fledged 5th Generation (5G) mobile serv- largest operator in the country offering nation- work over the next three years. The agreement ices expected commercially in 2020, capable of wide 4G services, we recognize that to meet our marks one of the world’s first joint planning supporting 1,000-fold gains in network capacity. customers’ ever-increasing demand for data, we frameworks between a telecom operator and an The latest memorandum will see Zain Kuwait need to continually invest in network upgrades ICT vendor to develop 4.5Gservices. initially pilot new solutions with Huawei using for the future prosperity of the company and the This announcement follows a memorandum 4.5G standards including radio access networks wider economy at large. Cooperating with of understanding that was penciled between and network virtualization architecture. Several Huawei in the piloting of, and eventual roll-out Zain Group and Huawei during this week’s of Zain’s operations will ultimately seek to imple- of 4.5G services, will ensure that Zain Kuwait Barcelona Mobile World Congress to facilitate ment commercial 4.5G services within the next remains at the forefront of technology, provid- the implementation of 4.5G across Zain’s foot- three years based on technology standards ing our customers with a superior telecom expe- print over the next three years. developed on the global level. rience.” Microsoft co-founder and Berkshire Hathaway board member Bill Gates. — AP Over the last several years the deployment of Scott Gegenheimer, Zain Group CEO said, Wang Tao, President of Huawei Wireless 4G mobile broadband networks worldwide has “Over the years Zain has remained at the fore- Networking Business Unit said, “Mobile services facilitated a new era of high-speed telecom serv- front of mobile innovation partnering with lead- powered by 4.5G technologies will spearhead Bill Gates still world’s ices for individuals and businesses. The Middle ers in the ICT field to push the boundaries of the next revolution for the communications East has been particularly active in this regard what is possible for our customers. Our strategic industry by enabling users to freely connect richest man: Forbes with Zain offering 4G services across five key partnership with Huawei has seen a successful with each other, share content at high speeds, markets. track record of implementing state-of-the-art and enjoy more inspired communication experi- NEW YORK: Billionaire philanthropist Bill founder of the Inditex fashion group The concept of 4.5G marks the mobile indus- technologies across our footprint and we look ences anytime, anywhere. Building on our long- Gates kept his spot as the world’s richest that includes Zara clothing retail shops. standing cooperation with Zain, Huawei is com- man, a rank he has held for 16 of the past He counts a fortune of $64.5 billion. mitted to delivering cutting-edge products and 21 years, Forbes magazine said yesterday. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg solutions to help Zain smoothly evolve to a The Microsoft co-founder’s fortune jumped five spots to land in number future of endless mobile possibilities.” increased $3.2 billion since last year to 16, the first time he made it within the Experts believe that the application of 4.5G $79.2 billion, the business magazine exclusive circle of the world’s 20 richest technologies will offer the public faster speeds, said, despite a $1.5 billion gift of people. lower latency and better functionality than the Microsoft shares to the Bill & Melinda Jack Ma, whose Alibaba online mar- best 4G technologies currently available. It will also open up new revenue streams for operators Gates Foundation in November. ketplace made the biggest global IPO resulting in a healthier and more profitable Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim ever last year, was ranked among the mobile broadband business. held onto second place thanks to his world’s 50 richest people, along with Zain has made substantial investments over $77.1 billion, ahead of American two other Chinese nationals. the last three years in harnessing the speed of investor Warren Buffett, with $72.7 bil- The number of billionaires is grow- mobile broadband for its customers. It was the lion. The so-called Oracle of Omaha ing steadily, breaking an all-time first service provider to offer 4G LTE services in was the biggest gainer of the Forbes record this year, with 1,826 — up from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan and has even list this year, up $14.5 billion from last 1,645 last year. The rise of the dollar established an Innovation Center with Huawei in year riding on the rising share price of against the euro, along with plunging Kuwait to serve as a research hub for the his Berkshire Hathaway. oil prices, had a significant impact on advancement of future mobile broadband serv- In fourth was Amancio Ortega, this year’s list. — AFP BARCELONA: Officials of Zain Kuwait and Huawei pose for a group photo. ices and applications. BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 News NBK-Bahrain reports net in brief

US dollar stable against profits of $145m for 2014 Kuwait dinar at 0.296 KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar was stable yesterday Results affirm success of expansion strategy: Al-Bahar exchanging at KD 0.296, and the euro stabilized at KD 0.331 compared to Sunday’s exchange rates, KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait-Bahrain to diversify sources of income. We continue to said the daily bulletin of the Central Bank of Kuwait (NBK Bahrain), the subsidiary of NBK Group in grow our operations locally by developing (CBK) yesterday. The sterling pound exchange went Bahrain, reported net profits of $145 million new products to serve our customers benefit- down to KD 0.456, while the Swiss franc stabilized (BHD 54.7 million) for the year 2014 com- ing from the support of NBK Group.” at KD 0.310 and the Japanese Yen as well, at KD pared with $114 million (BHD 42.9 million) in NBK has been present in Bahrain since 0.002. The dollar increased compared to major cur- 2013, a growth of 27 percent year-on-year. 1977 and enjoys strong and historical rela- rencies following issuance of positive US economic As of end of 2014, NBK-Bahrain’s total tionships with the major Bahraini and interna- data. Meanwhile, the euro dropped due to doubts assets increased by 36 percent y-o-y to $10.5 tional companies. NBK Group has the widest related to Greek-European negations which result- billion, while total shareholders’ equity banking presence with an international net- ed in the euro-zone approval of extending the increased 23 percent y-o-y to $917 million. work of branches in 4 continents. NBK’s inter- Greek rescue plan. Customer deposits reached $5.2 billion, up 16 national presence spans many of the world’s percent y-o-y. Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Deputy leading financial centers including London, Group Chief Executive Officer said “NBK- Paris, Geneva, New york and Singapore, as Barwa Real Estate appoints Bahrain continues its solid performance well China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional Muhannadi as group CEO despite the challenging operating environ- coverage extends to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, DUBAI: Qatar’s Barwa Real Estate has ment. The Bank’s strong results affirm the suc- Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and cess of NBK Group’s regional expansion strat- Turkey. appointed Salman Mohamad Al-Muhannadi egy that is built on a culture of prudence and NBK continues to enjoy collectively the group chief executive as of March 1, it said in strict risk management practices.” highest ratings in the Middle East from the a statement yesterday. Muhannadi was previ- ously chief executive of QNB Capital, the “We are successfully proceeding in Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Deputy Group CEO Ali Fardan, NBK-Bahrain General Manager three international rating agencies Moody’s, strengthening our position as a leading Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s. NBK investment arm of Qatar National Bank, a regional bank,” Al-Bahar added. “NBK’s sub- itability and adding value to the growth in said “This strong performance reflects our was also named among Global Finance’s list bourse statement said. In May last year, Barwa sidiaries continue to deliver strong results our business.” conservative management as we have consis- of the 50 safest banks in the world for the had appointed Ahmad Abdulla Ali al-Abdulla contributing positively to the Group’s prof- Ali Fardan, NBK-Bahrain General Manager, tently focused on our core business and ways ninth consecutive time. acting group chief executive after his prede- cessor resigned. Barwa has struggled with debt, leading it to offload assets and cut NBAD CEO denies capital staffing costs. In December, it sold land plots for $1.47 billion to an unidentified buyer. “The boosting bond plans group is currently finalizing its new strategy, reviewing current investments to determine best approaches of utilizing them and study- ABU DHABI: National Bank of Abu Dhabi has no plans to issue any capi- ing potential opportunities,” the statement tal-boosting bonds, its chief executive said yesterday. The United Arab added. Emirates’ largest bank by assets will ask shareholders on March 10 to vote on setting up a $2 billion program that would allow it to issue bonds with a perpetual tenor and enhance its Tier 1, or core, capital. However, Alex Thursby told reporters that the bank was satisfied with Dubai airport passengers its current Tier 1 ratio - 15.0 percent, according to its fourth-quarter finan- up 7.7% to record in Jan cial statement - and merely wanted to establish the program with upcom- ing regulatory changes in mind. “We think it’s good governance to have DUBAI: Passenger traffic at Dubai International backstops in play, should we need,” Thursby said on the sidelines of an Airport, which overtook London’s Heathrow last event hosted by the lender. “We’re putting those (backstops) in play but, year as the world’s busiest airport for international at this stage, we’ve no plans to issue Tier 1.” Basel III banking regulations, passenger business, rose 7.7 percent to a record in to be phased in globally over coming years, require banks to hold more January, the airport’s operator said yesterday. capital, in more diverse forms. A number of Gulf-based banks have issued, Passenger numbers climbed to 6.90 million in or are planning to issue, Tier 1 bonds or sukuk, including Dubai Islamic January from 6.40 million a year earlier, Dubai Bank and Doha Bank. — Reuters Airports said in a statement. Eastern European routes saw the fastest expansion of traffic, followed by North America. Freight volume fell 5.5 percent Tunisia tax move, teacher from a year earlier to 186,230 tons because of last year’s shift of dedicated cargo operations to strike test reform agenda Dubai’s other international airport, Al-Maktoum International. TUNIS: Tunisia cancelled a new tax in clashes between demonstrators TOKYO: A man walks by an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. Asian stock yesterday imposed on travelers and security forces during a protest markets were mostly higher yesterday as a weekend interest rate cut by the Chinese central bank lifted crossing Libya’s border after the in Dhiba against the tax. Prime sentiment following the release of lackluster US growth data. — AP measure triggered rioting, highlight- Minister Habib Essid visited the two UAE benefiting from ing the problems facing the govern- southern towns on Sunday and sub- strong dollar: UAE CB ment as it seeks to bolster shaky sequently decided to scrap the levy. ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates is ben- state accounts. The main teachers “The ministerial council has agreed Egypt’s Edita to list efiting from the strong U.S. dollar, and the union also launched a week-long to stop an imposed tax on travelers,” UAE dirham’s peg to the dollar has been very strike yesterday to demand pay said a statement from his office. 30% of ordinary shares helpful to the economy, central bank chief hikes in another challenge to the Essid’s hoped-for economic Mubarak Al-Mansouri said yesterday. “The recently installed government, reforms, including boosting devel- strong dollar helps the UAE. We have benefit- which is trying to curb state spend- opment and jobs, will not be easy in in secondary offering ed a lot from the link to the dollar,” Mansouri ing and reduce fiscal deficit as a country which is reliant on tourism, said at a business conference. He was speak- required by international lenders. has few natural resources, suffers CAIRO: Egyptian foodmaker Edita said yesterday it nominal value of 0.20 pounds per share. ing after a senior Qatari central bank official, Tunisia has been praised as an from high unemployment and offers would put up to 30 percent of its ordinary shares on The Edita offering is part of a flurry of mergers Director of Research and Monetary Policy example of compromise politics and generous state subsidies. Adding to the Egyptian stock market in a secondary public and rights issues that has boosted activity on the Khalid Alkhater, said last month that Gulf Arab democratic transition since over- the government’s problems, tens of offering. The company is making a combined offer- Cairo exchange, which had struggled to win investor throwing autocrat leader Zine El- thousands of teachers went on strike economies should rethink their monetary ing that includes an institutional offering of ordinary confidence during four years of political and eco- Abidine Ben Ali in a 2011 uprising, yesterday and boycotted student policies and the long-term sustainability of shares on the Egyptian bourse and global deposito- nomic turmoil since the Arab Spring uprising. holding free elections and drafting a exams to push for higher wages. The their dollar pegs. Mansouri made clear that ry receipts (GDRs) to be listed in London. Egypt’s government launched last year a raft of new constitution. education ministry has rejected the the UAE’s peg was here to stay. Asked There would also be a separate domestic offering long-delayed reforms aimed at luring back foreign But it faces pressure from its cred- demand, saying the budget did not whether dollar strength might hurt the UAE’s of ordinary shares, it said in a statement. “Edita has investors and shoring up growth while cutting a bal- itors to cut high public spending, allow for a pay hike. Analysts said if export competitiveness because of the peg, received permission to list its shares on the EGX looning deficit. including by reforming politically the government agreed to raise he said: “We export to neighbor countries (bourse) under the symbol EFID.CA,” the company Food is seen as a fast-growing sector in the most sensitive subsidies on basic foods teachers’ pay, it may be forced to whose currencies are linked to the dollar.” He said. populous Arab nation of 87 million people. Kellogg and fuel. Authorities tried to raise make more concessions in other sec- also noted that most of the UAE’s investments It added that shareholders were meeting to won a takeover battle in January to secure a control- money by imposing a $20 tax on for- tors. Public wages account for about approve the combined offering. Market sources later ling stake in Egyptian cake and biscuit maker Bisco were dollar-denominated. On the plunge in eigners crossing the Libyan border, a third of the state budget and told Reuters on Monday that the firm would seek to Misr , while Europe’s biggest dairy group, Lactalis, is oil prices, Mansouri said: “It will affect us but angering residents of the frontier Tunisia’s powerful UGTT labor union raise 2 billion Egyptian pounds ($262 million) in the competing with Egypt’s Pioneers Holding for cheese we have the financial capacity, SWFs (sover- towns Dhiba and Ben Guerdan, who started negotiations with the gov- initial offering on the Cairo bourse. maker Arab Dairy. Edita is being advised by eign wealth funds) and our banks are liquid, said it had hurt trade with Libya, ernment last week to increase The sources said trading was expected to start Goldman Sachs and EFG Hermes. The shareholders have high capital adequacy ratios and are in a which had responded by taxing salaries for some 800,000 public sec- from early April. Edita has a capital of 72.536 million selling stakes in Edita are Africa Samba B V and very good position today.” Tunisian visitors. tor workers. A deal is expected by pounds, divided into 362,681,000 shares, with a Exoder Limited, the statement said. — Reuters Last month, a man was shot dead the end of March. — Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006518 0.006798 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Singapore Dollar 0.217588 0.223588 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019592 0.028092 Japanese Yen 2.490 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 232.53 229.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001861 0.002441 Indian Rupees 4.750 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 249.90 250.90 Taiwan 0.009151 0.009331 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Turkish Lira 131.225 Swiss Franc 293.82 291.82 Thai Baht 0.008641 0.009191 Srilankan Rupees 2.221 Euro 350.75 351.75 Nepali Rupees 2.973 US Dollar 294.90 297.90 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.410 Sterling Pound 449.01 451.01 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.009 Bahraini Dinar 0.775237 0.783237 Japanese Yen 2.53 2.55 Bangladesh Taka 3.768 Egyptian Pound 0.038222 0.041322 Bangladesh Taka 3.778 4.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.577 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Thai Baht 8.979 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.227 2.662 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007677 0.008677 Jordanian Dinar 0.411598 0.419098 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.964 3.499 British Pound 0.439910 0.448910 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.926 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004327 0.016327 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.14 80.60 Danish Krone 0.042869 0.047869 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024074 0.048074 Saudi Riyal 78.618 Bahraini Dinar 782.70 784.77 Euro 0.342978 0.350978 Nigerian Naira 0.001199 0.001834 Qatari Riyal 80.995 Egyptian Pound 41.12 41.72 Norwegian Krone 0.034122 0.039322 Omani Riyal 0.759434 0.765114 Omani Riyal 766.050 Jordanian Dinar 419.01 424.66 Romanian Leu 0.084531 0.084531 Qatar Riyal 0.080236 0.081449 Bahraini Dinar 783.050 Omani Riyal 764.77 772.07 Slovakia 0.008649 0.018649 Saudi Riyal 0.077950 0.078650 UAE Dirham 80.289 Qatari Riyal 81.21 81.76 Swedish Krona 0.032541 0.037541 Syrian Pound 0.001748 0.001968 Saudi Riyal 78.55 78.95 Swiss Franc 0.283655 0.293855 Tunisian Dinar 0.153277 0.161277 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.134301 Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.131301 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.517 UAE Dirhams 0.079254 0.080403 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.132 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001331 0.001411 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.370 Australian Dollar 0.232286 0.243786 New Zealand Dollar 0.222732 0.232232 Tunisian Dinar 156.380 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 414.370 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.978 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Syrian Lira 2.101 Canadian Dollar 0.241272 0.249772 Sterling Pound 456.630 Morocco Dirham 32.278 US Dollars 0.290600 0.295300 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.291100 0.295300 US Dollar 293.950 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 351.450 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 US Dollar Transfer 294.700 Asia Pound Sterlng 447.150 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Euro 350.100 Bangladesh Taka 0.003454 0.004054 Canadian Dollar 249.900 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Sterling Pound 448.240 Chinese Yuan 0.046034 0.049534 Indian Rupee 4.650 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Canadian dollar 247.340 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035911 0.038661 Egyptian Pound 41.095 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Turkish lira 129.000 Indian Rupee 0.004404 0.004805 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.223 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Swiss Franc 291.350 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Bangladesh Taka 3.749 Australian Dollar 241.950 Japanese Yen 0.002417 0.002597 Indian Rupees 4.716 Philippines Peso 6.528 US Dollar Buying 293.500 Kenyan Shilling 0.003278 0.003268 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Pakistan Rupee 2.920 Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Bahraini Dinar 782.700 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.079761 0.085761 Philippines Pesso 6.481 UAE Dirham 80.050 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003012 0.003182 Cyprus pound 715.865 Saudi Riyal 78.500 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002739 0.003019 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 India sets inflation target in monetary policy overhaul Move marks victory for central bank

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: India has formally adopt- exchange rate and the need to protect exports. committee whose composition has yet to be ed inflation targeting, a historic monetary policy Rupa Rege Nitsure, group chief economist at L&T agreed on. overhaul that marks a victory for Reserve Bank of Financial Services, who was part of the panel Inflation has moderated sharply as oil prices India Governor Raguram Rajan, as the govern- that proposed inflation targeting, said the slumped since last year. In January, consumer ment makes subduing chronically volatile prices change marked a “paradigm shift”. prices rose an annual 5.11 percent, well within a priority. “This framework will decrease the uncertainty the target. In a document dated Feb. 20 but published around the decision-making process and there Under the document, the RBI will first aim to on the ministry website yesterday, the govern- will be limited possibility of any speculation,” she have consumer inflation fall below 6 percent by ment and the central bank agreed to set a con- said. “Transparency and predictability in mone- January 2016, in line with objectives already sumer inflation target of 4 percent, with a band tary policy decisions are significant progress.” spelt out by the central bank. of plus or minus 2 percentage points, from the The government will now need to amend the Analysts said the inflation target of 2-6 per- financial year ending in March 2017. Rajan, an RBI Act to reflect a new mandate for the central cent would be challenging in a country that as academic and former International Monetary bank, ushering in the biggest overhaul of mone- recently as 2013 was suffering from double-digit Fund chief economist who took the reins at the tary policy since the big bang reforms of 1991 inflation - a particular risk if oil or food prices RBI in 2013, has championed the move to infla- that saw India open its up economy to foreign rebound. tion targeting, increasingly popular among emerging market economies which typically struggle to contain price rises that hurt their poorest citizens. Monday’s document showed the move - the most significant change in monetary policy since India opened its economy more than two decades ago - had the support of Prime Minister Jazeera Airways’ reward Narendra Modi’s government. That will be criti- cal, given India’s inflation woes cannot be fixed by monetary policy alone. program issues its “The monetary policy framework is clear: the objective is containing inflation,” Finance 10,000th free ticket Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters in New Delhi. India has suffered from almost chronic KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways yesterday In 2014 alone, the airline issued 2,062 price volatility, due in part to its dependence on announced that it has awarded the vouchers in return of boarding passes col- energy imports and the uncertain impact of 10,000th free ticket three years after the lected together by families. monsoon rains on its large farm sector, as well as launch of its reward program, Jazeerati. The airline has a leading on-time per- the difficulties transporting food items to market Jazeerati offers a free ticket for every 10 formance in the Middle East region, with an because of its poor roads and infrastructure. Jazeera Airways boarding passes used by on-time performance of 95 percent regis- The government has also historically bor- an individual or their household within a tered in the last quarter of 2014, against rowed heavily to finance its spending, resulting year. other operating airlines. in high fiscal deficits that also push up inflation. The airline’s reward program is available Jazeera Airways serves from Kuwait 19 Fixing the infrastructure bottlenecks was a major to all Jazeera Airways passengers departing popular destinations in the Middle East, part of a federal budget unveiled by the govern- from any of the airline’s destinations across including high-demand business, leisure, ment on Saturday. the Middle East. Customers can collect the family, and weekend destinations such as In return, however, Finance Minister Arun boarding passes in their name or in the Dubai, Bahrain, Beirut, Alexandria, Amman, Jaitley also asked for an additional year to bring HYDERABAD: An Indian laborer works at a brick manufacturing unit on the outskirts of name of immediate family members within Istanbul, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Sohag, down the country’s fiscal deficit to its medium- Hyderabad yesterday. — AFP their household. The free ticket is valid for a Mashhad, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Cairo. term target of 3 percent of gross domestic prod- year from the date of issuance, and can be Jazeera Airways operates Airbus A320 uct, which it now intends to do by 2017/18. investors. Any amendments will need to be Reducing this volatility will need action from used towards any Jazeera Airways destina- aircraft with two class cabins comprising a approved by parliament, which finance ministry the bank but also from the government, which tion. Bookings are then made through the Business Class and an Economy Class. “PARADIGM SHIFT” officials have said will come within months. was overwhelmingly elected in May 2014 by airline’s sales desks or by email on Business Class travelers get both an Rajan has long argued that inflation has to be pledging significant economic reforms. [email protected]. upgraded experience and exclusivity, start- subdued for India to achieve sustainable long- RATE MOVE NEXT? Yet the budget - billed as a test of Modi’s will- Jazeera Airways Vice President of Sales, ing with exclusive check-in lines, business term growth. In a break with RBI practice, he first The RBI is widely expected to continue cut- ingness to reform a $2 trillion economy - RafikBoghdady, said: “Our easy and simple lounge access, up to 60 kilograms in free set targets at the start of last year after an RBI ting interest rates after lowering the key repo delayed fiscal consolidation, was short on struc- reward program has been a success from baggage allowance, and an exclusive on- commissioned report recommended it - without rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 7.75 tural reforms and contained revenue targets day one, with an average of eight free tick- board cabin. The airline’s Economy Class the government’s formal buy-in. percent on Jan. 15. some called unrealistic. Inflation targeting, used ets issued every day. Jazeerati is our way to offers travelers free baggage allowance of In the decades before that, interest rate poli- The RBI governor will continue to determine by the European Central Bank and the Federal thank all our customers who choose to fly 40 kilograms and free on-board meals with cy took into account several criteria aside from those rates. He is currently informally advised by Reserve, is also becoming increasingly common with Jazeera Airways for business and a changing menu every month. Jazeera inflation, including the government’s borrowing bank officials and an external panel of advisers, among emerging markets such as South Africa leisure to any of our destinations.” Airways is an IATA-member airline. needs and, at times, the stability of the rupee which may be replaced by a monetary policy and Brazil.—Reuters Iran could begin Iraq gas deliveries in May: Shana

DUBAI: Iran could begin natural gas exports to Iraq in May if head of the National Iranian Gas Exports Company. security conditions improve, Iranian oil ministry website In September, Iran said the scheduled start of gas exports Shana quoted a senior official as saying yesterday. to Iraq would be delayed because of fighting between Islamic Iran and Iraq signed an agreement in 2013 under which State militants and Iraqi troops. Tehran would start exporting gas to Iraq to feed three power Iran has huge gas reserves and exports small quantities to plants in Baghdad and Diyala. Completion of the pipeline, Turkey, but it has been unable to increase production quickly which has been delayed due to security concerns in Iraq, enough to meet its own demand for the fuel. Northern Iran would initially allow delivery of four million cubic metres of relies heavily on gas imports from Turkmenistan, especially for gas per day (mcm/d) to Iraq and that could rise to 35 mcm/d, heating in winter. The OPEC oil producer is in talks with six Shana said. Western powers aimed at reaching a deal to limit Tehran’s “In case security is established in Iraq, Iran’s gas exports to nuclear program and end sanctions on oil and gas investment Baghdad are projected to start in May,” said Ali-Reza Kameli, and trade with Iran. — Reuters China manufacturing improves in Feb: HSBC

BEIJING: China’s manufacturing activity since last summer. “However, the (PBoC) announced it was cutting bench- in February improved more than initially renewed fall in new export orders sug- mark interest rates for the second time in thought, HSBC said yesterday, but weak- gests that foreign demand has weakened, three months, in a move to help stem a ening foreign demand and declining while manufacturers continued to cut slump in Chinese growth. prices signalled the world’s second- their staff numbers (albeit fractionally),” China’s overall economy expanded 7.4 largest economy still faces multiple woes. she said in the statement, adding drop- percent in 2014, a 24-year low, with the The British bank’s final purchasing ping input and output prices pointed to slowdown prompting authorities to managers’ index (PMI) for the month persisting deflationary pressures. loosen monetary policy in a bid to put a came in at 50.7, up from its preliminary The National Bureau of Statistics on floor under growth. reading of 50.1 and the highest since Sunday said China’s official PMI showed The PBoC said in a note Saturday that July’s 51.7, the firm said in a statement. contraction for the second straight “historically low inflation” was among the factors behind the decision to cut interest rates. Chinese inflation as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) plunged to a more than five-year low of 0.8 per- cent in January, while the producer price index, a measure of costs for goods at the factory gate and a leading indicator of the trend for CPI, declined for the 35th straight month. The PBoC surprised markets on November 21 by lowering interest rates for the first time in more than two-and-a- half years. “February’s stronger-than- expected PMI readings suggest that a pick-up in domestic demand has led to a slight improvement in momentum, par- ticularly among small firms, and that downward pressure on inflation has eased,” Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist at Capital Economics, wrote in an analysis. Still, he added that “even after Saturday’s rate cut, policymakers will Laborers working in a shipyard in Yichang, central China’s Hubei province. — AFP need to do a lot more to prevent growth slipping next quarter”, suggesting the PMI readings above 50 point to month in February, coming in at 49.9, a necessity for more stimulus. expansion, while anything below sug- marginal improvement from January’s Nomura economists, meanwhile, said gests contraction. 49.8. The two surveys often differ to some in a report that they expect economic The index, compiled by information degree. Analysts have said HSBC’s survey growth to slow to 7.1 percent in the first services provider Markit, tracks activity in is more weighted towards small exporters quarter from 7.3 percent in the final China’s factories and workshops and is a while the official one looks to larger com- three months of last year, citing “deep- closely watched indicator of the health of panies. rooted structural challenges such as the Asian economic giant. Annabel local government debt, the property Fiddes, an economist at Markit, said the Rate cut market correction and deleveraging”, improvement was mainly underpinned The official figure was released a day with further policy easing on the hori- by the strongest expansion of output after the central People’s Bank of China zon.— AFP BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Europe shares rise, China rate cut lifts Asia LONDON: European shares clung to seven- index was up 0.1 percent. French media group Markit/ADACI PMI showed the first expansion mark lending and deposit rates. A survey news story this week,” said Neil Mellor, a year highs yesterday, lifted by merger activity Vivendi said on Friday it had agreed to sell its in activity for five months. However, French yesterday showed China’s HSBC/Markit strategist with Bank of New York Mellon in the telecoms sector, while Asian stocks remaining stake in telecoms company activity slowed further in February. PMI climbed to 50.7 in February - its in London. “There was the sense after the edged up after China cut interest rates at the Numericable-SFR to Altice, whose shares “European markets remain buoyant, not strongest since July - from 49.7 in resolution of the Greek situation last weekend. The dollar hit an 11-year high soared nearly 10 percent yesterday. just because of low yields but it seems that January. An official survey released on week that the market was ready to sell against a basket of currencies, partly as a result Upbeat European factory activity data also finally economic activity and confidence are Sunday showed factory sector contracted the euro again and we have seen a grind of a weaker Chinese yuan and on growing helped. German manufacturing activity ticking up from the lows,” said Lex Van Dam, for a second straight month in February. higher since.” prospects of a rise in interest rates from the US expanded further in February as new order hedge-fund manager at Hampstead Capital. The rate cut helped push Australian Against a basket of currencies, the Federal Reserve. rose, according to Markit’s final purchasing China, which posted its slowest growth in shares 0.5 percent higher as shares in dollar hit a peak not seen since The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 stocks manager’s index (PMI) for the month. Italy’s decades in 2014, cut on Saturday its bench- resources companies, which have pros- September 2003 before retreating slight- pered on the back of Chinese demand ly to trade up 0.1 percent on the day. rose. The Shanghai Composite Index closed up 0.8 percent. However, the Ruble weaker impact in the rest of Asia was muted. Russia’s ruble weakened to 62.3 to the MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific dollar, on the lower oil price and after shares outside Japan dipped 0.1 percent. the murder of prominent Kremlin critic Tokyo’s Nikkei closed up 0.2 percent as Boris Nemtsov. “This tragic incident can the yen lost ground against the dollar. serve as an additional argument to con- The Australian dollar, often seen as a sider new sanctions against Russia - with proxy for Chinese growth, initially rose as which we are already blanketed,” said high as $0.7850 before pulling back to Andrei Dirgin from Alfa-Forex. Brent $0.7768, down 0.6 percent on the day. crude fell 0.7 percent, or 45 cents, to The yuan fell to its lowest against the US $62.13 a barrel. A rebound in oil prices in dollar since October 2012 at 6.2740 and February may have slowed production last traded at 6.2730 to the greenback. cuts, though prospects of Chinese The US currency was up 0.3 percent at demand limited losses yesterday. 119.83 yen and the euro was down 0.1 Expectations of demand from China lift- percent at $1.1177, having earlier hit a ed gold prices to a new two-week high. one-month low of $1.1160. Spot gold was last at $1,218.60 an “I would expect the euro to be the big ounce. — Reuters BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Lessons from emerging markets for frontier economies Managing Capital Flows

By David Lipton local bond markets. In yet others, private capital flows to the twentieth, to see the critical role that foreign savings extent that they are available and effective, if there are First Deputy Managing Director the economy more broadly, including to the financial, cor- can play in fostering economic development. remaining concerns about the possible consequences of porate, and even household sectors through debt or equi- But it would be equally wrong to ignore the challenges inflow surges, then capital controls-let’s call them capital apital flows, and their successful management, have ty instruments. and risks associated with inflow surges. Not all borrowing flow management measures-can be deployed to help stem long been a focus of the Fund’s work and policy These various types of flows call for somewhat different and lending decisions are rational; inflow-fuelled credit the aggregate volume of inflows; they should not, howev- Cadvice. Soon after the global financial crisis, with emphases in the appropriate policy response, but before booms can inflate asset prices; risks can be-and often are- er, substitute for warranted macroeconomic adjustment. emerging market economies experiencing sizable inflows getting into that, I would like to recall some of the key ben- underestimated. As Keynes reportedly quipped “the mar- Beyond flow imbalances, national authorities need to in the wake of quantitative easing, unconventional mone- efits that capital flows can bring: ket can stay irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” be mindful of possible balance sheet mismatches and vul- tary policies, and widening growth differentials with • First, countries that are open to capital flows are better nerabilities-such as unhedged foreign currency exposure advanced economies, the IMF embarked on a work pro- able to take advantage of investment opportunities, A Balanced Approach of corporates or households-and be prepared to apply gram to help our member countries craft policy responses and achieve higher growth. Particularly frontier Over the past few years researchers at the IMF having macro-prudential measures to limit systemic financial risks. that would reap the benefits of financial globalization while economies with large infrastructure needs stand to been trying to craft a balanced approach to managing cap- If capital flows are the source of risk, such measures can minimizing the risks and challenges of large inflow surges. benefit from being able to tap foreign savings. ital flows that allows recipient countries to reap the bene- also be seen as capital flow management measures intend- Emerging market economies continue to grapple with • Second, capital often brings more than mere financing; fits of financial globalization while also minimizing the risks ed to restrict certain types of capital flows and shift the these issues, currently in the context of asynchronous nor- it brings cutting-edge technologies, know-how, and associated with inflow surges. composition toward less risky forms of liabilities (FDI; equi- malization of monetary policies in advanced economies, ancillary benefits. Central to this approach is to maintain macroeconomic ty; local currency instruments). sharp movements in oil prices, and globally diverging eco- • Third, financial openness promotes financial develop- policy discipline and strengthen financial supervision and All this is not to imply that the burden of managing cap- nomic performance. By and large, emerging market ment, allows countries to better insulate absorption regulation. Where private capital flows are mostly financ- ital flows should fall entirely on the recipient country. A economies have handled these episodes of large inflows against output shocks, and permits greater risk-sharing ing the public sector, including large infrastructure proj- balanced approach involves both recipient and source and sharp outflows very successfully, and while the bulk of through international portfolio diversification. ects, sound judgment is required to assess realistically countries. As a multilateral institution, the IMF is seeking to the credit for this must lie with their own policy makers, I • And fourth, much like the benefits of trade in goods, social rates of return, as well as the government’s ability to promote a cooperative approach, including by examining believe that the policy dialog with the IMF has contributed financial integration leads to a more efficient global raise revenue, and the economy’s capacity to generate for- cross-border spillovers, applying its Integrated Surveillance positively. In particular, EME policy makers seem, on the allocation of capital, benefiting capital-importing and eign exchange. The IMF-World Bank debt sustainability Decision, and analyzing the impact of policies “at both whole, to have taken to heart the key insight that the best capital-exporting countries alike. framework, together with recent advances in modeling, ends” of capital flows. way to deal with volatile capital flows is to maintain a disci- At the same time, we need to be cognizant of the chal- can help inform such judgments. plined response during the inflow phase to ensure the lenges that large-scale inflows can bring. For countries As capital begins to flow to the economy more general- From Theory to Practice economy is resilient when outflows occur. And that is why where private flows are mostly to the public sector, the key ly, other policies come into play: So much for broad principles. In applying this basic their experience may be so valuable for drawing lessons challenge is ensuring that the capital is used productively- • The first buffer is the exchange rate which, in countries framework to frontier economies in practice, certain critical more broadly across the Fund’s membership. and that public debt remains sustainable, recognizing that without fixed exchange rates, should be allowed to questions need to be answered: repaying the debt will eventually require both higher gov- appreciate provided that it does not become overval- • What is the appropriate extent and pace of capital The Next Frontier ernment revenues and greater foreign exchange earnings. ued. account liberalization? Today’s conference is focused on frontier economies. Beyond sustainability of the public finances, the main • Monetary policy may be eased in the absence of over- • How to maintain budgetary discipline when foreign Why? For the simple reason that, just as today’s emerging macroeconomic concerns include overvaluation of the cur- heating in order to reduce the incentive for further money is plentiful and cheaply available? markets were yesterday’s frontier economies, so will rency, which may undermine competitiveness and result in inflows. But if capital flows result in inflationary pres- • To what extent do frontier economies face generalized today’s frontier economies be tomorrow’s emerging mar- economic dislocation when the flows recede, and over- sures and credit booms, then the policy interest rate inflow surges, especially of portfolio flows to the non- kets. Indeed, despite global economic and financial tur- heating of the economy, with inflationary pressures and may need to be tightened to ensure the inflation target official sector that might necessitate a broader policy moil, growth in frontier economies has improved markedly excessive credit growth. is not jeopardized. response? over the past decade. African frontier economies, for exam- As flows extend more generally to the private sector as • In addition to safeguarding debt sustainability, fiscal • How to determine whether the exchange rate is broad- ple, have managed to raise their growth rates from an aver- well, the main financial-stability risks include fragile exter- policy should be geared to maintaining a counter-cycli- ly consistent with fundamentals and desirable policies? age of 31/2 percent per year in the 1990s, to more than 6 nal liability structures-excessive reliance on short-term cal stance, which will typically imply tightening in the • How effective is sterilized intervention? How does percent per year in the 2000s; similar trends are evident in debt-and foreign currency exposure of unhedged domes- face of inflows. monetary policy operate in the economy? Asian and Latin American frontier economies as well. tic balance sheets, as Swiss Franc mortgage holders in • Foreign exchange reserves can be accumulated in the • What macro prudential tools are available, and how to Financial markets have woken up to this fact, which is Poland, Hungary, and Croatia have recently learned. face of appreciation pressure, especially if reserves are calibrate them? why we have been seeing not only rising volumes of pri- One way to meet these challenges would be to try to low by country insurance metrics, sterilization costs are • Finally, how to build capacity, and coordinate the dif- vate capital but also greater diversity in the sources and insulate the economy from foreign flows-halting or even manageable, and there is little risk of undermining the ferent agencies responsible for the various policy modalities of flows to frontier economies. reversing the process of capital account liberalization. In clarity and credibility of the monetary policy frame- measures-the central bank, fiscal authorities, macro In some frontier markets, capital inflows predominantly my view, that would not be the right way. It would imply work. prudential regulator-to ensure an effective response, take the form of foreign direct investment, often linked to foregoing all the benefits that capital flows can bring. We • Macro prudential measures, where available, can be while respecting operational independence? the exploitation of natural resources. In others, private cap- have only to look at my own country, the United States, applied to safeguard financial stability when inflows (From a speech given by Lipton at the conference, ital flows mostly correspond to public sector borrowing, which went from being the quintessential frontier econo- are fueling excessive credit growth. Managing Capital Flows-Lessons from Emerging Markets either through sovereign issuances or by participation in my in the nineteenth century to an advanced economy in Assuming these instruments are being deployed to the for Frontier Economies in Balaclava, Mauritius yesterday.) Near Fed majority backs June US rate liftoff

WASHINGTON: Janet Yellen’s premium on consensus may The Fed hasn’t raised interest rates since 2006, and lead to a Federal Reserve decision the chair hasn’t yet Yellen’s career-long focus on labor markets has led some endorsed, as a near majority aligns in favor of a possible including Stockton to say she would resist an early rate June interest rate hike. Seven of the Fed’s current 17 mem- increase, risking higher inflation in favor of trying to gener- bers have now said they at least want the option of a June ate more jobs. Investors have generally expected the Fed tightening on the table, or have pushed in general for an to be later in its first rate hike and to move more slowly earlier increase amid an expectation that wages and infla- than policymakers have indicated. tion will turn higher. Data on Fed funds futures contracts collected by CME By contrast, there’s a dwindling core of officials who say Group’s Fedwatch have shifted between September and publicly that the economy and labor markets in particular October over the past week as the likely month of the Fed’s still have a long way to go-only four Fed members have in initial increase. recent weeks clearly said that rate hikes won’t be appropri- ate until much later in the year or even into 2016. A year at Yellen’s Fed The five members of the Fed’s Washington-based board Yellen has been arguably laying the groundwork for of governors, including Yellen, have spoken less definitive- considering a rate hike through changes to the Fed’s policy ly, though governors including Jerome Powell have said statement during her first year in office. Since she took they expected strong job growth to continue. Not all of the over in February 2014, the Fed has stripped the document seven who point to June vote this year on the Fed’s ten- of an out of date unemployment target, removed refer- member policy setting committee, but all participate in ences to a bond buying program as it wound to a close, policy discussions. The Fed is likely at its March 17th and and ditched the commitment that there would be a “con- 18th policy meeting to remove language saying the central siderable time” before a rate increase. bank will take a “patient” approach to raising rates, taking Still, the Fed’s job is to promote job growth and control away the final verbal constraint to a June rate hike, current inflation, and there is no inflation. US data have slipped fur- and former Fed officials say. “It’s likely they remove ‘patient’ ther from the Fed’s two percent target, and some policy- in March,” said David Stockton, a former Fed research direc- makers want more confidence inflation will rise before BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s Economy Minister Axel Kicillof gestures to supporters after attending the inauguration cere- tor now at the Peterson Institute for International changing the fed funds rate. Small data points could make mony for the 2015 legislative year at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday. — AP Economics. “Even if Yellen might not, left to her own a difference: US core prices ticked up last week even as the devices, be ready to move on rates, there is probably a fall in energy costs drove the overall inflation rate lower, an growing sentiment that the time is getting closer.” The use outcome likely to reassure Fed officials who consider oil’s of the word “patient” signals that the Fed would wait at impact to be transitory. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other least two more meetings before considering a rate hike. major retailers’ decision to raise starting wages is “a good Indonesian inflation slows There will be one more Fed meeting, in April, before June. sign,” and the type of evidence she expects to accumulate If the Fed later this month says it remains patient, then a as the economy improves, Yellen told a House committee June increase is off the table, likely pushing the decision to last week. Those and other positive developments have on lower fuel, food costs September when the Fed is scheduled to hold a press con- been emphasized by the Fed officials who have honed in ference after its meeting. Stockton said he personally on June. Historically, there is weight on their side: the cur- JAKARTA: Indonesia’s inflation slowed further in February, and transportation as a result of lower fuel prices”, said sta- expects a September liftoff. But he regards it as “a close rent near zero interest rate for overnight federal funds bor- official data showed yesterday, owing to the lower cost of tistics agency official Sasmito Hadi Wibowo. call” that could shift to June if either wages or inflation rowing by banks is out of line with the 5.7 percent unem- fuel and some staple foods in Southeast Asia’s top economy. Lower inflation last month prompted the central Bank begin to firm or if the Fed feels it needs to show markets it ployment rate, inconsistent with many of the formulas Prices rose 6.29 percent year-on-year last month, slowing Indonesia to announce a shock cut in its key interest rate, can tighten policy. used to help set central bank policy, and is even below the from a 6.96 percent rise in January, according to data from reducing it 25 basis points to 7.50 percent, saying it was con- There is little difference between a June or September minimal levels maintained during recessions, said Standard the statistics agency. The rate had accelerated in recent fident prices would remain under control. An aggressive start to a tightening cycle that is likely to evolve slowly & Poor’s chief US economist Beth Ann Bovino. “They want months after the new government reduced huge subsidies cycle of rate rises had been blamed in part for a slowdown over the next two years, and “maybe you just get it out of to let go of the balloon and see how markets respond,” said on petrol and diesel, pushing up the cost of transportation in economic growth, which has sunk to five-year lows. the way,” said Jon Faust, a Johns Hopkins University eco- Bovino, who said the Fed would want to close out years at and delivering goods. But after the price of oil fell dramati- Bank Indonesia last week suggested further rate cuts nomics professor and former special adviser to the Fed the zero lower bound and see how a new set of tools for cally, the government decided to almost entirely scrap the could follow, prompting the rupiah to fall to a near 17-year board. controlling rates works in practice. — Reuters decades-old fuel subsidy regime. low. Separately, HSBC said its purchasing managers’ index Because of the the collapse in global oil prices, letting of Indonesia’s manufacturing activity hit a record low of fuel float with the market actually reduced costs, which has 47.5 in February, down from 48.5 in January. A reading fed through to lower inflation. February’s slowdown was above 50 indicates growth, while below 50 indicates con- “caused by low prices of staple foods such as chillies, onions traction. — AFP UK manufacturing growth at 7-month high in Feb: PMI

LONDON: British manufacturing growth hit a seven-month of consumer goods, rather than the plant and machinery high in February, according to a survey which adds to signs which would reflect improving business investment. Official that Britain’s economy started 2015 on a strong footing, albeit data last week showed business investment fell at the one based mostly on domestic demand. The latest sharpest rate in nearly six years in the final three months of Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index 2014, as tumbling global oil prices hit the North Sea petrole- (PMI) rose a full point to 54.1 in February from an upwardly um industry. revised January reading. That was higher than all forecasts in a News of a renewed fall in export orders further underlined Reuters poll and comfortably above the 50 mark denoting Britain’s reliance on domestic demand to drive the recovery. growth. Markit said many respondents linked this to a rise in sterling, The survey will cheer finance minister George Osborne, which has strengthened by almost 7 percent against the euro who hopes strong economic growth over the last 18 months since the start of the year. Factory gate prices fell at the fastest will persuade voters to hand his Conservative Party victory in pace since September 2009, while prices paid by manufactur- a national election on May 7. The PMI suggested British manu- ers for raw materials and energy continued to fall sharply, facturing output is growing at a quarterly rate of around 0.5 albeit at a slightly slower pace than in January. “Waning infla- percent, compared with a 0.2 percent expansion in the final tion therefore looks set to continue to provide leeway for the three months of 2014. “This reinforces the picture of a broader Bank of England to push back that first rate increase until next growth revival in the UK so far in the opening quarter,” said year,” said Dobson. Detailed PMI data are only available under Ron Hudgins welds a 2015 Ford F-150 cab at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. The Institute for Supply Rob Dobson, senior economist at survey compiler Markit. license from Markit and customers need to apply to Markit for Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, issued its index of manufacturing activity for February 2015 yes- But he warned that the upturn relied on the manufacture a license. — Reuters terday. — AP TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 BUSINESS

British Airways lists top spring holiday spots

KUWAIT: To encourage residents of Kuwait to enjoy a family holiday this spring, British Airways’ holiday experts have put together a list of their top destinations that will suit parents and children for a quick getaway. The air- line is also going a step further and launching a special fares spring cam- paign running from today 2 March and allowing for travel until the 30 June 2015. According to holiday experts at British Airways, some of the best spring break holiday spots in 2015 include Los Angeles (California), Milan (Italy), Washington D.C (USA), Toronto (Canada) and the British Isles in Jersey (UK). From action packed activities, iconic Hollywood glamour, pictur- with how much it has to offer. the UK and then take a short flight to daily to the capital of the USA allow- shopping before flying onwards to visit the UK for as little as KWD 167. As esque beaches and world-class enter- Travellers from Kuwait can embrace Milan. ing customers excellent connections Toronto. flights to Jersey operate from London tainment for all ages, Los Angeles has fashion, art and history on their Italian Holidays in Washington D.C com- from Kuwait to London and onwards Lastly, when considering a break Gatwick, residents of Kuwait can it all. “A trip to LA wouldn’t be com- city break. Susan Gellatley, bine history and politics with an ener- to Washington. to the UK, don’t overlook the island of include a stopover in the capital of plete without walking the famous Destination Manager at British getic nightlife, outstanding cuisine Toronto is the most populous city Jersey. “Whether you’re looking for the UK before taking a connecting Santa Monica boulevard and visiting Airways Holidays suggests: “For the and beautiful parks and gardens. “Go in a country known for maple syrup adventure or a chance to unwind, flight to Jersey. the Pier, sampling the best Ice cream fashion savvy, Milan is the perfect beyond the popular landmarks such and hockey. Tips from Alex Perez, customers are certain to find it when The discounted air fares will be Sandwich ever in Westwood at Diddy spot for shopping, whether you are as the White House and the Pentagon Destination Manager at British visiting Jersey. A short flight from the available across Club World and World Riese or chilling out in one of the looking for designer boutiques, bar- and discover what this captivating Airways Holidays for Toronto include mainland, choose from 27 glorious Traveller cabins and allows for travel many magnificent beaches” says Alex gains at outlet stores or hidden gems city has to offer. Its diverse neighbour- driving to the Niagara Falls to see the beaches, including the family until 30 June 2015. Fares start from as Perez, Destination Manager at British in the flea markets. Dining out in hoods mean that there is something mighty curtain of cascading waters favourite at St Brelade’s Bay, relax on little as KWD 167* from Kuwaitto the Airways Holidays. With direct flights Milan is an exciting experience - grab for everyone, from the urban buzz of and seeing the amazing views from scenic golf courses and dine in style at UK and Europe, and KWD 266*to the to London from Kuwait daily and mul- a pizza at Roqus-Rosticceria Di Qualita the Penn Quarter to the tranquillity of Canada’s tallest building, the CNN Michelin starred restaurants,” added USA and Canada. A full timetable of tiple flights from London to Los Del Sud or sample delicious gelato at Woodley Park and the ‘around the Tower. Multiple daily connections Robyn Anderson, Destination British Airways’ flights to London and Angeles operating daily as well, don’t La Gelateria Della Musica.” With direct clock’ character of the Adams Morgan from London to Canada every week Manager at British Airways Holidays. beyond is available online at ba.com, wait to book your Californian holiday flights from London to Milan operat- area,” Alex Perez, Destination Manager allow passengers flying from Kuwait British Airways operates a daily flight- where customers can find the lowest with British Airways. ing multiple times a week, customers at British Airways Holidays. British to enjoy a stopover in London and to London Heathrow offering resi- fares and book, pay and check-in Milan can often surprise visitors can add in extra time to enjoy time Airways operates a number of flights take in some of the UK city sights and dents of Kuwaitthe opportunity to online for their flights.

Warba Bank offers customers with competitive returns

KUWAIT: Warba Bank yesterday announced that it is offering the highest market returns for customers through its Investment Saving Account, where clients will receive quarterly profits through their short-term investment, in compliance with Islamic Banking regula- tion. Profits will be deposited directly into a customer’s account which will allow significant flexibility in manag- ing their savings throughout the year. The calculated profit percentage on the Investment Saving Account is considered among the highest of its kind in the local market. A group photo of Gulf Bank’s senior management and ASIYA Investment’s representatives during the International Economic Market Scene Presentation for It is worth mentioning Warba Bank offers a wide its Priority Banking Customers range of other products which adopt the same strategy to saving, as part of promoting the saving culture Gulf Bank hosts international market scene presentation among the various segments of Kuwaiti society. Examples include the Shabab Warba youth account and KUWAIT: Gulf Bank recently organized a the Tala account, which enables parents to secure their presentation about the International child’s future with a competitive rate of return. Economic Market Scene for its Priority Commenting on the account, Adnan Al Salem said: Banking clients at Sheraton Hotel. The “As part of our continuous commitment to providing the event was hosted by Gulf Bank, with best services to our customers and depositors, Warba keynote speaker, Francisco Quintana, Head Bank is proud to provide this perfect savings account of Economic Research at ASIYA which enables customers to receive quarterly returns Investments, GCC’s premier Emerging Asia considered to be among the highest in the Kuwait.” He focused investment firm. continued, “With the Investment Saving Account, Warba In addition, Tareq Al-Saleh, Assistant customers will receive Smart-Chip ATM cards which will General Manager - Investment Unit Head, enable them to enjoy the benefits and special services Consumer Banking and Meshari Shehab, of the account in addition to online electronic banking Assistant General Manager - Priority Banking addressed the invitees presenting services and SMS banking services.” to them the various Investment opportuni- Meshari Al-Shehab, Assistant General Tareq Al-Saleh, Assistant General Francisco Quintana, Head of Al Salem added: “Warba Bank has achieved a signifi- ties Gulf Bank offers to them and Priority cant performance record during the past year and Banking features and benefits. Asiya Manager, Priority Banking at Gulf Bank Manager - Investment Unit Head at Economic Research at ASIYA accomplished strong financial results, which con- Investments Vice Chairman and Group CEO and Ahmad Al Hamad, Vice Chairman and Gulf Bank during the presentation Investments during the presentation tributed to the increase in competitive profit percent- Ahmad Al-Hamad and Gulf Bank’s Chief Group CEO of ASIYA Investments during ages for the saving account. Launching this account is Executive Officer, Cesar Gonzalez-Bueno the presentation. considered clear evidence that we are providing our along with senior management members customers with all value-add banking products and from both institutions attended the event. latest thinking on the international econ- ential treatment coupled with a suite of exclusive privileges, special fees and services which are Sharia compliant.” Al Salem conclud- Quintana’s presentation covered his omy, as well as drawing their attention to Banking and investment products and commissions on banking transactions ed: “In all our branches we are keen to provide the best views on the international economic the wide choice of regional and interna- services designed to meet their financial and added value benefits through our tional investment opportunities and serv- goals. A dedicated Relationship Manager premium partner merchants. services which fulfill the needs and requirements of our scene, as well as informing them of Gulf ices available through their local is assigned to manage customers bank- To find out more about Gulf Bank’s customers; we direct our focus on expanding our cur- Bank’s strategic relationship with ASIYA Investment, providing them with vast Relationship Manager at Gulf Bank. ing requirements in the comfort of dedi- products and services, visit one of Gulf rent customer base by attracting new customers and Gulf Bank strives to provide its clients cated private areas. In addition, they will Bank’s 59 branches, call the Customer providing a wide range of attractive offers.” array of regional and international invest- ments opportunities. with an exclusive and premium service. receive a branded ATM card that recog- Contact Center on 1805805 for assistance It is worth mentioning that the Investment Saving Through this event, Gulf Bank sought With Gulf Bank Priority Banking, cus- nizes their status across Gulf Bank and guidance, or log on to www.e-gulf- Account is being well-received in the local market as it is to update its most valued clients on the tomers enjoy a personalized and prefer- Network, premium credit cards with bank.com, Gulf Bank’s bilingual website. characterized by the flexibility of withdrawals and deposits. Customers can take advantage of the account by shopping through all local and international points Al-Motahid announces Its music on your ears at of sale approved by the bank, with utmost privacy guar- anteed by Warba credit cards equipped with the ultra- the appointment of Malabar Gold & Diamonds secure smart chip. Customers can also benefit from the KUWAIT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jew- crafted designer jewellery, Mine- diamonds unlimit- maximum daily ATM cash withdrawal limit which is KD George Beatty ellery retailer announced the details of its unique ed, Divine- Heritage jewellery, Precia- precious gem 2000 and KD 3000 for Al Safwa account special cus- campaign- ‘Studs& Drops Festival’ in the entire GCC jewellery and Starlet- kids jewellery will also be on tomers. They can also utilize the SMS service, as well as KUWAIT: Consistent with its strategy to strengthen and Singapore showcasing an extensive collection of display during the festival. free internet banking services to enquire about their earrings, giving their customers a unique chance to To add customer’s delight, the group also offers its retail offering, Ahli United Bank (Al-Motahid) balances, whilst inside the country or abroad. witness and own studs and drops from over 20 coun- ‘Zero Deduction Exchange’ facility through which announced the appointment of George Beatty as For more information on Warba’s Investment Saving tries in gold, diamond and platinum. This one month customers can update their old ornaments to the lat- General Manager of Retail Banking at Al-Motahid Account, please contact the Customer Service Center on long festival runs from 1March to 31 March 2015. est collection of Malabar Gold & Diamonds without 1825555, or visit one of the Bank’s branches. as of February 11, 2015. In a relevant press release, The jewellery chain presents a marvelous range of any loss. Any 22 ct old gold ornaments can be Warba Bank recently won the Best Call Centre Award Al-Motahid explained that Beatty has an extensive ear rings and studs for today’s woman, keeping in exchanged with the latest Malabar Gold & Diamonds 2014 from Banker Middle East Magazine for providing professional background with over 21 years in retail mind the different roles she plays at work and at designs by paying only making charges ensuring banking products and services in Kuwait by CPI FINAN- banking and consumer services. home and the way she adorn herself differently on they don’t lose any value on the rate of gold. special occasions and in everyday life. This exclusive Malabar Gold & Diamonds is always at the forefront CIAL. The Call Centre at Warba Bank continues to pro- He occupied executive positions in leading Australian banks including HSBC Australia, plus festival gives their customers a unique chance to when it comes to promotions and festivals. The vide the highest levels of performance satisfying cus- choose from a stunning collection of earrings immaculate collection of studs and drops are avail- tomer needs, responding to their enquiries about the leadership roles in the GCC banks. Mr. Beatty hold- san MBA in marketing from Monash University and designed and handcrafted by skilled artisans around able at their outlets in UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, wide range of products and services provided by the the world, ranging from lightweight daily wear to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Singapore with their unique a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Bank, receiving customers’ suggestions and finding heavy party wear in traditional as well as internation- exchange offers and buyback policies. The jewellery quick and practical solutions for their queries 24/7. Melbourne. He was formerly a chartered account- al designs to suit every occasion. Their branded jew- chain offers lifetime free repair and maintenance George Beatty ant with KPMG. ellery, Era- uncut diamond jewellery, Ethnix- hand service for all its products. technology TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Next Google Maps adventure: Soaring through Amazon jungle

SAN FRANCISCO: For its next technological trick, Google will show you what it’s like to zip through trees in the Amazon jungle. The images released yesterday are the latest addition to the diverse collection of photos supplementing Google’s widely used digital maps. The maps’ “Street View” option mostly provides panoramic views of cities and neighbor- hoods photographed by car-mounted cameras, but Google also has found creative ways to depict exotic loca- tions where there are no roads. In its latest foray into the wilderness, Google teamed up with environmental protection group Amazonas Sustainable Foundation, or FAS, to explore a remote part of an Amazon rainforest. Google Inc. lent FAS its Trekker device, a camera mounted on an apparatus originally designed to be carried like a backpack by hikers walking on trails. FAS, though, sent the Trekker down a zip line. Google is renowned for going out on a technological limb, but even this project made the company nervous at first, said Karin Tuxen-Bettman, who oversees Google’s Street View part- nerships. The setup required FAS workers to tread through the rainforest to find a place where they could string the zip line so the Trekker wouldn’t bump into tree trunks and branches as it zoomed through the thick canopy. With the ABU DHABI: A handout picture released by the Solar Impulse project shows the solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 flying over the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi. The plane made a third help of some monkeys who joined their scouting expedi- successful test flight in the United Arab Emirates yesterday, ahead of a planned round-the-world tour to promote alternative energy. — AFP tion, FAS workers found just enough room to erect a zip line for the Trekker’s trip. “One of the things that I love about working at Google Solar plane passes new test is that if a partner comes to us with a crazy idea, we will probably try it,” Tuxen-Bettman said. Since Google developed the Trekker camera in 2012, the device has been dispatched on other unusual journeys. ahead of planned world tour The Trekker went scuba diving in the Gal·pagos Islands to take underwater photographs of the preserve, and trav- eled on a dog sled in the Canadian Artic to photograph the tundra. Solar Impulse 2 promotes alternative energy Google’s Street View feature has raised privacy concerns through the years because its photographs have occasion- ABU DHABI: A solar-powered plane made a third successful ally captured images of unsuspecting bystanders engaged test flight in the United Arab Emirates yesterday ahead of a in embarrassing activities or near places where they didn’t planned round-the-world tour to promote alternative energy. want to be seen. Cars carrying Street View cameras also Organizers hope that Solar Impulse 2 may head off around secretly vacuumed up emails and other personal informa- the globe as early as Saturday but caution that the launch is tion transmitted over unsecure Wi-Fi networks from 2007 dependent on the weather, even in the relatively cloudless to 2010, sparking outrage and legal action around the Gulf. The hour-long test flight was the plane’s third from the world. Privacy issues shouldn’t be an issue in any of the UAE capital Abu Dhabi’s small Al-Bateen airport, but the first photography taken by the zip-lining Trekker. Birds and for Solar Impulse chairman Bertrand Piccard, the descendant insects are the only visible forms of life in the pictures it of a family of Swiss scientist-adventurers. The pilot reported took. — AP no problems, mission chiefs said. “Hopefully next weekend, if the weather is good, we will be in the air going 35,000 kilome- tres (21,748 miles) to the east until we come back here,” Piccard told AFP. The project is the fruit of 13 years of research and testing by Piccard and Andre Borschberg, two Swiss pilots whose idea was initially ridiculed by the aviation industry. Their plane is powered by more than 17,000 solar cells built into its wings which, at 72 metres (236 feet), are almost as long as those of an Airbus A380 superjumbo. The light-weight carbon fibre aircraft weighs only 2.3- SpaceX Falcon9 rocket carrying two commercial communications satellites launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force tonnes, about the same as a family 4X4 or less than one per- Station Launch Complex 41, as seen over the skyline of downtown Cocoa Beach Sunday. — AP cent of the weight of the A380. good weather,” he said. 65 weathermen, air traffic controllers and engineers will be The two Swiss pilots aim to demonstrate that “clean tech- stationed. A team of 65 support staff will travel with the two nology and renewable energy can achieve the impossible,” ‘Historical first’ pilots. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive back in Abu Dhabi in Piccard said. The world tour will see the plane fly from Abu The plane is the successor to Solar Impulse, a smaller craft July. Two years ago, Borschberg and Piccard flew the original Dhabi to Muscat in the neighboring Gulf sultanate of Oman which notched up a 26-hour flight in 2010, proving its ability version of their plane on a two-month journey across the before crossing the Arabian Sea to India. to store enough power in lithium batteries during the day to United States. It will then head on to Myanmar, China, Hawaii and New keep flying at night. The new aircraft had its maiden test flight in Switzerland York. Landings are also earmarked for the midwestern United The new plane will travel at speeds of between 50 and 100 last June. It was then disassembled in November and shipped States and either southern Europe or north Africa, depending kilometers per hour (30 and 60 miles per hour), the slower to Abu Dhabi, where further testing has taken place. “It is a on weather conditions. “From the operation point of view, this speeds at night to prevent the batteries from draining too historical first that we are trying to attempt,” said Picard, part of the world and the Middle East is the best location for BARCELONA: Google’s Senior Vice President Sundar Pichai quickly. Borschberg and Piccard will alternate at the controls describing the planned tour as “very, very challenging and dif- us to start because it gives us the possibility to fly over India gives a keynote address during the opening day of the 2015 of the aircraft because it can only hold one person. ficult.” “Physically we are fine. Andre is preparing himself with and China very early in the season,” said Borschberg. “It also Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona yesterday. — AFP Its pilot will be linked to a control centre in Monaco where yoga (and) self-hypnosis.” — AFP gives us the possibility to be back in summer with relatively

New media, New Wrist action: Phone firms China: Xinhua relaunch on bet on ‘year of smartwatch’ barred networks BEIJING: China’s official news agency BARCELONA: Defying skepticism and geek-stigma, mobile phone release, however. The Californian company is reportedly planning to Designers have come up with all manner of bands, pendants-and Xinhua has re-launched its English- firms are determined this year to sell you a wristwatch wirelessly ship five million of its Apple Watch in the first batch. even connected sex toys such as the remote-controlled vibrators language presence on Twitter, connected to your mobile phone. Numerous models have hit the “Everyone is watching to see what happens with that. Apple is produced by US-based company OhMiBod. So far, the most success- Facebook and YouTube, it announced- market over the past year but 2015 will see an explosion, analysts the massive elephant in the room. We are estimating they could sell ful wearables have been fitness trackers: bands that measure heart all of which are blocked in China. say, with manufacturers making their watches and other wearable 20 million watches this year,” said Wood. rate, calories, sleep quality and other data and send it to an applica- Like many official Chinese bodies, connected devices more elegant and useful. That would dwarf the hundreds of thousands of other types of tion on the wearer’s telephone. Huawei and another big Chinese Xinhua is an avid user of Western US giant Apple’s release of its first “smartwatch”-expected by smartwatches that experts estimate have been sold so far. firm, HTC, on Sunday unveiled new “fitness bands”. Curran said that social media despite their illegality in April-is set to make 2015 a “tipping point for wearables”, research about 90 million wearables were sold in 2014. He forecast that figure the country, and by January Xinhua group CCS Insight said in a report. In anticipation of that launch, Smart sex toys could soar to 200 million this year. The companies refused to cite had 30 accounts in different names Apple’s Asian rivals scrambled to unveil their own connected wrist Watches are just one of a variety of “wearables” which mobile consumer prices for the new products. Top-end smartphones and across the three platforms, it said. gadgets in Barcelona on Sunday on the eve of the World Mobile companies are trying to sell to customers to use with their phones. smartwatches typically cost several hundred dollars (euros). — AFP “The most influential are the official Congress trade show in Barcelona. accounts on Twitter and Facebook, South Korean manufacturer LG released the Urbane LTE, its first with 1.3 million and 740,000 followers fully connected luxury wristwatch which can make and receive calls- respectively,” it said at the weekend. either with a wireless headset, or by speaking into your wrist like the “These accounts have played a role in comic book detective Dick Tracy. promoting understanding between Unlike most smartwatch models, the chunky Urbane LTE version China and the outside world.” has its own network SIM card with a mobile connection and so can But it acknowledged that the par- be used for calls, without needing to be linked to a smartphone. allel accounts “made it difficult for Chinese telecom giant Huawei also unveiled a deluxe smart- Xinhua to catch up with the world’s watch: a round stainless steel creation that it says can receive text leading media”. From Sunday it uni- messages, email and call notifications as well monitoring your heart fied its output into one account for rate and calories burned. The industry is watching keenly to see each service, all of them re-branded whether smartwatches will be the first mobile phone-linked “wear- as “New China”-the English translation ables” to really take off in the mass market-a tough call, according to of the agency’s name. The move analysts. “marks a new phase for Xinhua’s pres- “In the end-user research that we’ve done, we asked people what ence on global social media”, it said. a smartwatch is for and they had no idea,” said Ben Wood, head of But the services are not directly acces- research at CCS Insight. sible to China’s 648 million Internet users-the world’s largest online popu- Technology and fashion lation. With the big phone companies piling in alongside smaller smart- As a key element of their grip on watch specialists such as Pebble, fashion brands are doing their bit power Beijing’s Communist authori- to try and design a more desirable product. ties maintain a vast censorship system Several Swiss watchmakers and fashion brands such as Guess known as the “Great Firewall”, which have unveiled designs, while jeweller Swarovski has encrusted blocks all three of the social networks, smartwatches with its crystals for a deluxe look. “The vast majority of among many other sites. They can smartwatches on the market are bulky and look more like a piece of only be reached within the country technology than a fashion item,” however, said Kevin Curran, a tele- using Virtual Private Network (VPN) com specialist at the University of Ulster. software. Chinese social media opera- “That’s going to change as companies focus more on design and tors themselves employ large num- making devices that are more discreet.” With their new circular bers of censors to weed out undesir- watches, LG and Huawei positioned themselves at the able comments from their own plat- luxury end of the market, differentiating themselves from the forms, where searches for sensitive square-faced design revealed in previews by Apple. subjects often return screens saying “We set out to create smartwatches that could contend for a spot that results are not displayed “due to on your wrist with a luxury mechanical watch,” said LG’s head for relevant laws, rules and policies”. Britain and Ireland, Andrew Coughlin. Xinhua made no mention of the BARCELONA: Visitors check new smartphones during the Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest mobile phone trade restrictions. — AFP The launches in Barcelona risk being overshadowed by Apple’s show in Barcelona yesterday. — AP HEALTH & SCIENCE TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Heavy toll as Australian farmers struggle through drought

WALGETT: On the road to Walgett a sign welcomes worsen. Trevor Hazell, a rural mental health expert at visitors: “Farming is not a way of life, it keeps every- the University of Newcastle, said what was missing one alive.” But with drought taking a heavy toll on were longer-term studies on the impact of living the region, farming has become a battle for survival. under drought conditions. “There is social research The Australian agricultural town-which takes its during the time of drought, but as soon as the name from the Aboriginal word meaning the meet- drought breaks, the research stops,” he said. ing of two rivers-is in the grip of the worst drought in a century, with disillusioned farmers battling to More assistance needed stay afloat. With 80 percent of the Walgett area’s income from Three wet seasons have come and gone with agriculture, Murray has watched locals increasingly hardly a drop of rain. Green floodplains have become struggle with financial as well as emotional problems endless expanses of cracked brown earth. Along during his recent three-year stint as mayor. “In 2010- roads lined with wooden stakes set up to measure 11, this shire was the third-highest in agricultural pro- water levels, instead plumes of dust rise between the duction in NSW,” Murray said as temperatures of 40 feet of passing emus. The horizon shimmers in a haze degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) scorched of heat. “It’s a game of chess in every direction to try his property. “(Now) we are at the bottom of the list. to survive-it’s a game of survival,” Wayne Newton, a We’ve gone from a rooster to a feather duster.” farmer from the remote town some 650 kilometers Walgett, home to the largest grain receival depot in northwest of Sydney said. the southern hemisphere, now produces no wheat. “The mornings are the worst because you don’t Just over a decade ago, the area had 1.2 million know what’s in front of you and you know it’s going sheep and 89,000 cattle. Now there are 200,700 to be a gruelling day. “What really gets you down is if sheep and 23,000 cattle, Clemson said. This has driven you’ve got to put a cow down or something that’s workers to leave for employment in regional cities, been too affected. It just builds, the constant pressure while families who send their children to boarding and no relief.” Chris Clemson, who has helped farmers schools have moved away in search of lower costs, sell their livestock for almost two decades, said even devastating already struggling towns. hardened and experienced landowners were strug- NEW SOUTH WALES: The sun scorches an already cracked earth on a farm in the Australian agricultural Calls for more assistance are growing amid reports gling. “I’ve had some really big, solid farmers say to town of Walgett, 650 kilometres northwest of Sydney. — AFP lenders have tightened the screws on debt-laden me if it doesn’t rain, they’ll have to walk,” he said. farmers, with Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce urg- Australia-one of the world’s largest red meat pro- drive west of Walgett for 150 years. “And that’s hard.” drought causes that much stress that it all comes out ing banks to stop foreclosing on farms. “We don’t ducers and exporters-had its hottest year on record in Adding to their despair, an Australian study last year in the open,” he said. But the increased availability of want people tossed off the land because of the 2013, while last year was third warmest. This is put- forecast climate change would lead to less rainfall in mental health services has helped struggling families drought and we’ve stayed in close communication ting fresh strain on farmers in areas like Walgett, in the nation’s south-and more severe droughts. to cope this time, he added. While there are no with the banks,” Joyce said, adding that two of the the south-eastern state of New South Wales. The known cases of suicide in Walgett due to drought, it is nation’s biggest lenders, Commonwealth Bank and region was hit by drought for most of the first decade Emotional, financial toll a big issue for rural communities in the country. ANZ, pledged to show restraint. The government, of this century. The current dry period spans NSW and Salvation Army rural chaplain Lloyd Graham said An Australian National University study on the link meanwhile, has introduced new drought loans and Queensland-an area bigger than France. “We had communities in Walgett and in the town north, between suicide and drought in NSW from 1970 to cut interest rates for such schemes with National droughts 2001-08, then we had three years off and Lightning Ridge, were “very low in spirits”. “You have 2007, published in 2012, found “clear evidence” to Farmers’ Federation president Brent Finlay saying: then we are back in it again,” said Bill Murray, whose husband and wife at each other’s throats and you support a 15 percent increased risk of suicide for rural “These people are under a huge amount of stress... a family has farmed a large tract of land about an hour’s have families that are bickering about it, and the men aged between 30 and 49 as farming conditions lot is just trying to help people through this.” — AFP Japanese men sickened after eating poisonous puffer fish TOKYO: Five Japanese men became sick after eating parts after requests from the diners, the official said. poisonous puffer fish, an official said, - the latest vic- The livers, ovaries and skin, among other parts, of the tims of a delicacy seen as sophisticated by fans and puffer fish-also known as the blowfish or “fugu” in crazy by others. The men, all in their 40s and 50s, Japanese-contain toxins powerful enough to kill an dined at a restaurant in western Wakayama city on adult, in the worst case scenario. Aficionados say the Friday night, the city’s health official said. They were tingle that the organs leave on your lips-caused by taken ill early the next day, experiencing breathing the potent neurotoxin they contain-is part of the difficulties and vomiting, the official said. “They con- appeal. Every year, several people in Japan are hospi- sumed a dinner that included liver, which is regarded talized after eating fugu. In order to get a licence for as toxic material,” she said, reading from a statement. serving the fish, restaurant chefs must train for years The city shut down the establishment for five days to pass a stringent exam, which includes paper and from Sunday, she said. Calls to the restaurant went practical tests on how to distinguish poisonous parts unanswered. from others. Strict regulations are often credited with The restaurant served the banned, poisonous the low level of fatalities.— AFP Greenpeace rebukes paper

giant over farmer’s death SHANXI: Photo shows smog down a main street of Linfen, in Chinaís Shanxi province, regarded as one of the cities with the worst air pollution in the world. — AFP JAKARTA: Environmental group Greenpeace said yes- Almansyah, who like many Indonesians goes by one terday it had suspended cooperation with paper giant name said. He said that the seven alleged perpetrators Asia Pulp and Paper after an Indonesian farmer was fled and police were hunting for them. Maitar said sup- New film on pollution allegedly beaten to death by guards linked to the com- port for APP would be suspended until the case was pany. The green group had once been one of the “settled in a transparent and fair manner. “They have strongest critics of APP, accusing it of destroying vast declared themselves to be a responsible company. If sparks debate in China swathes of carbon-rich forests that are home to endan- APP doesn’t take this seriously, it will cost them their gered species such as Sumatran orangutans and tiger. reputation.” Greenpeace added in statement that they But following APP’s announcement two years ago that were “deeply saddened by the news of the brutal it would stop using any logs from Indonesia’s natural death”, and called for the company to launch a full Air pollution levels trigger ‘airpocalypse’ fears forests, Greenpeace had been supporting the compa- investigation of its security procedures and contractors ny’s efforts. to ensure no such incident is repeated. SHANGHAI: Could “Under the Dome”, Chinese clearing China’s skies are daunting. The country online home electronics shop owned by However, Bustar Maitar, the head of Greenpeace’s APP said in a statement that it had ordered journalist Chai Jing’s new documentary about is heavily reliant on coal and car ownership is Internet giant Alibaba, more than doubled Indonesia forest campaign, told AFP that the group Wirakarya Sakti to suspend all personnel allegedly pollution, become China’s “Silent Spring”, the growing fast. the day after the documentary was released. was temporarily withdrawing support for the compa- involved in the incident. “We condemn violence and 1962 book that spurred the development of State-owned enterprises, which dominate Wang Zhen, a public relations executive in ny’s initiatives on forest conservation after a farmer was we support Greenpeace’s decision to focus its efforts the US environmental movement? Since it was heavy industry, can at times be more power- Shanghai, said the documentary finally con- beaten to death on western Sumatra island last week. on this issue,” it said, adding that efforts would be released online on Saturday, the film has been ful than their regulators. The film might prove vinced her to buy an air purifier. “I really need Police said the farmer, Indra Pelani, was allegedly killed made “to ensure that justice is done”. APP’s pledge to viewed more than 150 million times and has a boon to other industries. Sales of air puri- to protect my family, that’s the main bottom Friday near an acacia plantation in Jambi province by stop using logs from Indonesia’s natural forests fol- sparked a national debate on environmental fiers at the Blue Air store on 3c.tmall.com, an line,” she said. — Reuters guards hired by a security firm contracted by Wirakarya lowed years of campaigning by green groups, which problems. “Under the Dome”, which explains air Sakti, a pulp wood supplier owned by APP. “Indra was had led to the company losing packaging contracts pollution in personal, straight-forward terms, found dead with injuries on his body near the compa- with big brands such as foodmaker Kraft and Barbie’s was well-timed: this week China’s National ny’s concession on Saturday,” local police spokesman Mattel. — AFP People’s Congress, the country’s parliament, US parents increasingly ask holds its annual meeting. China’s environment minister, Chen Jining, drew parallels between doctors to delay vaccines Chai’s film and “Silent Spring”, the ground- breaking book by American journalist Rachel CHICAGO: Parents have increasingly pres- the practice puts kids at risk for getting Carson. sured doctors to delay vaccines for young vaccine-preventable diseases and might “This is a remarkable milestone,” Li Yan, children, making their kids and others vul- lead to disease outbreaks, but most also Beijing-based climate and energy campaign nerable to preventable diseases, a study said they at least sometimes agreed to the manager for environmental group Greenpeace, suggests. The findings are in a national delays. Only 3 percent said they often or said of the film. Chai was a well-known journal- survey of pediatricians and family doctors always tell parents who insist on vaccine ist on state-run television before making the asked about parents wanting to postpone delays to seek care from another doctor. documentary. Environmental awareness has some of the many shots recommended for been increasing in China, especially since air children younger than age 2. Nearly all The concerns pollution levels in Beijing hit record highs in doctors said that at least some parents The potential repercussions are worri- January 2013, a phenomenon dubbed the “air- had requested vaccine delays in a typical some and are happening “right now with pocalypse”. The documentary has touched a month; and 1 in 4 said those numbers had the measles outbreak,” said Dr Allison national nerve. “The difference is in the deliv- increased since the previous year. More Kempe, a University of Colorado ery,” said Peggy Liu, chairwoman of Shanghai- about the survey in Monday’s Pediatrics researcher and a member of the federal based environmental advocacy group JUCCCE, and delaying childhood vaccines: Centers for Disease Control and noting Chai’s storytelling abilities. “It’s not that Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee. people aren’t expressing these messages The study More than 150 people in several states already.” The researchers surveyed 534 doctors have been infected with measles, includ- The film begins with Chai Jing’s experience by email or regular mail in 2012. ing infants too young to be vaccinated. as a pregnant woman and then a mother of a Participants were doctors who are mem- Most cases are tied to an outbreak at child born with a benign tumor, which had to bers of the American Academy of Disneyland in California, which likely be removed. It looks at China’s pollution, how it Pediatrics and the American Academy of began with a traveler who brought it in, as affects health, and what can be done about it. Family Physicians - the two leading groups has been the case in other US outbreaks. JAKARTA: In this file photo, Indonesian chairman of the world’s third-largest paper producer Asia Pulp Greenpeace’s Li Yan said Chai’s documentary of doctors who treat young children. One The exact source of the Disneyland-linked and Paper (APP), Teguh Ganda Wijaya (left), Greenpeace’s head of the Global Forest Network for and the public debate it has generated could in 5 doctors said at least 10 percent of par- cases is not known. Doctors are concerned Indonesia, Bustar Maitar (right) and former minister of forestry Zulkifli Hasan stand together for a pho- help the environmental ministry garner the ents had requested vaccine delays by about unvaccinated or under-vaccinated tograph during a ceremony in Jakarta launching APP forest conservation policy. Environmental group resources it needs to implement a new, spreading them out over more months children becoming ill and spreading dis- Greenpeace said yesterday it had suspended cooperation with paper giant Asia Pulp and Paper after an tougher environmental protection law that than is recommended. Most doctors said ease to others.—AP Indonesian farmer was allegedly beaten to death by guards linked to the company. — AFP raises penalties for polluters. But obstacles to Deadly bacteria released from US high-security lab

WASHINGTON: US officials in Louisiana are investigating how and animals through contact with contaminated soil and the bacterium prior to her visit, as she had a history of interna- expert from Rutgers University in New Jersey, told the news- a dangerous and often deadly bacteria got out of a high-secu- water. It is classified as a potential bioterror agent. The release tional travel. The research center did not immediately return a paper. The research facility said the monkeys appeared to rity laboratory at a research facility, USA Today reported possibly came in November or earlier at the center, which was call seeking comment. “There continues to be no known threat have become infected while being treated at the complex’s Sunday. Authorities told the newspaper there was no risk to working to develop a vaccine against the bacteria. to the public,” a press release dated February 24 read. “There are veterinary hospital. Research center director Andrew Lackner the public, though the extent of the contamination remains Officials say the pathogen has not been detected at the facili- no known human or non-human primates currently ill as a result said tests of 39 soil and 13 water samples from the facility’s unknown after the safety breach at the Tulane National ty’s outdoor grounds, though four rhesus monkeys kept in out- of possible exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei.” grounds did not find the bacteria. But USA Today said that too Primate Research Center. The bacterium in question is called door pens became sick, and two were euthanized, USA Today USA Today, however, said some officials were pressing for few samples had been taken to look for what is sometimes a Burkholderia pseudomallei. Primarily found in Southeast Asia said. Additionally, a federal inspector became sick after visiting more action. “The fact that they can’t identify how this release hard-to-detect bacterium. The center is located in Covington, and northern Australia, the microbe can spread to humans the facility, though it was not clear if she had been exposed to occurred is very concerning,” Richard Ebright, a biosafety about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of New Orleans.— AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 China’s latest survey finds increase in wild giant pandas

BEIJING: Wild giant pandas in China are strates the effectiveness of nature reserves doing well. The latest census by China’s State in boosting wild giant panda numbers,” said Forestry Administration shows the panda Xiaohai Liu, executive program director for population has grown by 268 to a total of WWF-China. 1,864 since the last survey ending in 2003. But the survey also points to economic Nearly three quarters of the pandas live in development as a main threat to the rare the southwestern province of Sichuan. The animal. It says 319 hydropower stations and remaining pandas have been found in the 1,339 kilometers (832 miles) of roads have neighboring Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. been built in the giant panda’s habitat. WWF “The rise in the population of wild giant said it is the first time that large-scale infra- pandas is a victory for conservation and def- structure projects such as mining and rail- initely one to celebrate,” said Ginette roads get referenced in the survey. Hemley, senior vice president of wildlife con- Traditional threats such as poaching are on servation for World Wildlife Fund. the decline, WWF noted. China began sur- Hemley credited efforts by the Chinese veying its giant pandas in the 1970s. The lat- government for the increase. The survey est census began in 2011 and took three shows 1,246 wild giant pandas live within years to complete. The number of giant pan- nature reserves. There are 67 panda das in captivity grew by 211, more than dou- reserves in China, an increase of 27 since ble the previous survey figure, according to FOPING COUNTY: Giant panda Ya Ya plays at a wildness recovery training base in Foping county in northwest China’s Shaanxi province. — AP the last survey. “The survey result demon- the census released Saturday. — AP Cholera kills 41 in Mozambique Ebola drug tests offer new ‘hope’

MAPUTO: The death toll from a cholera epidemic in Avigan - somewhat effective Mozambique that broke out after widespread flooding has risen by almost 50 percent in two weeks to 41, TOKYO: The Japanese company behind an experimental Jiki, meaning hope in the local language-is testing the al, said it was happy to see the drug “seems to have a posi- health officials said yesterday. And the number of new Ebola treatment says it offers new hope for thousands of drug on patients with Ebola, which causes severe vomiting, tive effect for certain patients”. “But it also seems that the cholera infections has more than doubled over the past people infected with the deadly virus in west Africa, but diarrhoea and sometimes fatal bleeding. Results from only most vulnerable patients, the people that are most likely to fortnight. Ministry of Health spokesman Quinhas acknowledged it is “not a miracle drug”. In their first com- 80 people are available so far, but they show that among die from the disease, don’t benefit at all,” said the group’s Fernandes said “4,518 cases of cholera and 41 deaths ments to media since the release of early clinical trials last those who received the drug early in their illness, 15 per- medical director Bertrand Draguez. Toda and his col- have been recorded since December 25, 2014”. week, executives from Fujifilm’s drug unit Toyama Chemical cent died. However, among those who received it when leagues acknowledged the drug’s apparent limitations, but Authorities said the hardest hit region is the coal-rich said the results were a “good first step” that could lead to their viral load was high, 93 percent died, according to the said any positive results could help spread the word western Tete province, which borders Zimbabwe and larger and better-designed trials. preliminary results presented at the Conference on among the worst-hit communities and convince more Malawi. Avigan-approved for use in Japan as an influenza treat- Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Seattle, patients to sign up for clinical trials. Although Tete was not affected by recent floods, its ment-was somewhat effective at saving the lives of Ebola Washington. They hope the WHO will accelerate the use of Avigan to capital city alone has recorded more than 1,500 cases patients if given early in the illness, but not later, according deal with the Ebola crisis. “We didn’t expect it would work over the past two months, and the pace of infections is quickening there, while elsewhere it is stabilizing. to the results presented to a US conference. “They were No help for most vulnerable for all patients, or be a miracle drug, but this is a very good Mozambique regularly suffers outbreaks of cholera and better than my expectations,” Fujifilm director Yuzo Toda There are no drugs on the market to treat Ebola, which first step,” said Hiroshi Kitaguchi, general manager of the diarrhoea during its summer rainy season, which said in an interview at the company’s office in Tokyo. has ravaged west Africa and killed 9,177 of the nearly business development unit at Toyama Chemical, which stretches from October to March. This year, heavy rains “Taking this medicine as early as possible (means) the mor- 23,000 people infected since late 2013. Clinical trials of developed Avigan. “The results may not be a miracle, but and floods that hit the country between December and tality rate can be significantly reduced. That sends a very other experimental drugs are under way but are at an earli- we can say it is a miracle that we have (come) this far in January killed 158 people and affected 170,000, hasten- strong message to the patient.” Testing began late last year, er stage. The death rate from the virus in the latest out- such a short period of time.” Best known for its photo film ing the spread of cholera. Mozambique’s deadliest led by INSERM, the French Institute of Health and Medical break has ranged from 53 to 60 percent, according to the and camera business, Fujifilm started to acquire healthcare floods were in 2000, when an estimated 800 people Research, and is being funded by the European World Health Organization. firms nearly a decade ago in a bid to branch into other sec- were killed. — AFP Commission. NGO Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without tors as demand for camera film plummeted. Among them The ongoing clinical trial in hard-hit Guinea-dubbed Borders), which is among those helping to carry out the tri- was Toyama Chemical, which it bought in 2008. — AFP Emperor penguins may have suffered during ice age cold

SYDNEY: They prefer freezing conditions but Antarctica’s Celsius during the ice age. Too much sea ice could have prised by this. What we had thought was that the ice age, ‘Safe haven’ emperor penguins may have struggled with the cold dur- also reduced the locations for breeding, while a shrinking because there was so much more sea ice, which they need Emperor penguins, which can get heat stress with ing the last Ice Age when temperatures cooled, a study of the ice would have allowed them easier access to the (to breed), and because they are so cold-adapted, that this temperatures above zero, breed during the winter, with suggested yesterday. Researchers looking at how climatic open ocean to feed, she said. “We were actually really sur- would probably be a good thing for them,” she said. the males keeping the egg safe and warm during the changes have affected the highly cold-adapted penguin- cold months. “What happens occasionally is that the the tallest and heaviest of all penguin species-over the last egg will get dropped onto the ice, and these days they 30,000 years suggest that there were only three popula- can usually get the egg back and it will be alright if it tions in the last ice age. was not out too long,” Younger said. “But the tempera- But as temperatures have warmed up since then, the tures during the ice age were about 15 degrees colder species has flourished and there are now seven times more so... if the egg was dropped it would have been in of the penguins in many more locations, said joint lead pretty serious danger almost straight away. And the researcher Jane Younger. “We hadn’t really thought about same thing once the chicks have hatched out of the the fact that it would be too cold for them in the past,” egg, they need to be kept warm throughout the win- Younger, a PhD student at the University of Tasmania said. ter.” “They live through life in minus 30 degrees Celsius (-22 The researchers believe a population survived in the Fahrenheit) now so they are pretty cold adapted.” By exam- Ross Sea region because an area of ocean was always ining the genetic diversity of modern and ancient penguin kept free of sea ice by wind and currents, according to populations, scientists from the universities of Tasmania, the study published in Global Change Biology. “The Southampton and Oxford in Britain, and the Australian Ross Sea is probably really important,” said Younger of Antarctic Division were able to estimate their numbers the area on the Pacific Ocean side of Antarctica, which over time. They found that numbers began increasing over is considered the world’s most intact marine ecosys- the last 12,000 years when temperatures rose by an aver- tem. “They have survived there for at least the last age of about 15 degrees Celsius and as the amount of sea 30,000 years and even when the environment has been ice around Antarctica began to reduce. really unsuitable in a lot of other places, the Ross Sea Younger said the warmer temperatures likely gave pen- has been kind of a safe haven for them. “The Ross Sea guin chicks a better chance of surviving the winter-when ROSS SEA: This undated handout picture shows an emperor penguin walking on ice in the Ross Sea region of seems to come up time and time again as a really temperatures would have dropped to minus 45 degrees Antarctica. — AFP important part of the Antarctic ecosystem.”— AFP WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Celebrating Women of Wonder at Movenpick Hotels and Resorts

o mark International Women’s Day on Championing women’s education in Aqaba Taffileh Vocational Centre for Girls in an effort to age, by conducting courtesy visits and arrang- Professional Women’s Club, she has been instru- March 8th, Movenpick Hotels and Women’s education is a priority at promote career prospects within the hospitality ing special events. Many of these initiatives are mental in raising the profile of local women’s TResorts reflects on the special skills and Movenpick Resort and Residences Aqaba, which sector. spearheaded by Layali Nashashibi, the hotel’s causes. talents of women, and highlights the impor- supports training centres and schools for girls. This passion to support women in the local director of public relations. As President of the tant women’s causes its properties support. Recently, the hotel also hosted a field visit to the community extends to widows and those of old Jordan’s Women Forum and Business and Inspiring female leaders of the future in Celebrating women not only results in fulfilled Dubai employees, but also maintains a connection to As a female general manager, Anke the world, where women make a difference in Glaessing has made it her mission to support all walks of life. gender equality within the hotel, leading the way to ensure equality and balance. With no Supporting cooperatives in Jordan female staff member in the kitchen when she Movenpick’s five hotels in Jordan buy local- joined Movenpick Hotel Deira two years ago, ly-made handicraft from several female coop- she is especially proud of the culinary team’s eratives, thereby supporting a way for women new female chefs. to make a living through their artistic skills. On March 8th, Anke will host eight women Guests are also encouraged to visit these from leading companies and organizations inspiring centers. operating in the United Arab Emirates for lunch Near the Dead Sea, the Bani Hamida and a sharing workshop. This activity will be a Women’s Weaving Project create beautiful car- platform to share experiences and challenges pets, whilst in Aqaba, the ladies of Green faced by women today. Going forward, Anke Creations produce recycled art, jewellery and plans to host one similar session every quarter bags from salvaged paper, glass and alu- in order to support women and other related minum. Local Bedouin women at the Nabatean organizations. Ladies Cooperative in Petra make exquisite hand-made silver jewellery following tradition- Creating art and wellness in Riyadh al methods that honor the city’s art heritage. In its efforts to support female empower- ment, the soon-to-open Movenpick Hotel Getting the seal of approval at the Dead Riyadh will be featuring beautiful custom-made Sea artworks created by talented female local artists. Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea was This was facilitated through a joint venture of the first hotel in Jordan to receive the Gender good practices from The Arts of Heritage and Equity Seal from UN Women, the United the non-profit Al-Nahda Organization, whose Nations’ entity for female empowerment. objective is to empower women through train- Upholding gender equality means access to ing seminars and advocacy activities, and by jobs and equal working conditions for women, providing financial and social support. as well as professional training and participa- A global brand that has been present in the tion in decision-making processes. Middle East for over 20 years, Movenpick is com- The number of female employees at the mitted to supporting sustainable activities that resort increased from 27 in 2013 to 42 in 2014, in some small way, positively affect both the a testament to the favorable working condi- planet and its people. Many of these initiatives tions provided for them. Training programs are support the company’s aim to give back and also in place to facilitate the growth of female contribute to the prosperity of each destination employees into more senior positions. where the hotel company operates.

The Life Principles Organization celebrated the graduation of 13 trainees, who underwent a comprehensive course that lasted for six weeks.

Former Kerala minister V Surendren Pillai address- ing a get-together organized by Punalur NRI Association in Kuwait. Adv Thomas Panicker, Jacob Channapetta, Rev Sunil Joy and Ansar Kulathupuzha are present.

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Please send them to [email protected] KUWAIT: The Kuwait Science Club hosted a ceremony to celebrate Kuwait’s 54 Independence Day and 24th Liberation Day anniversaries. WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 ACK Awards Scholarships to High-Achievers

he Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) awarded scholarships to high-achieving Diploma and TDegree students with full-tuition for a single semester. ACK extends the merit scholarship award to new and existing Diploma and Degree students with outstanding academic qualifications in recognition of their hard work, efforts and perseverance. Scholarship recipients Rehab Khalaf, Emad Kebeish, Youssef Abdallah, Mohamad Al Einawi, Abdallah Masri, Maria Seraidarian and Anfel Afir obtained their award in a ceremony held at the College with the presence of ACK’s President Prof Mohamad Terro and the Dean, Dr Gad Elbeheri. In announcing the scholarship recipients, Dr Elbeheri, commented: “We are very proud to award outstanding students. The College, believing in its own duty towards society and appreciating its corporate social responsibility, is delighted to offer scholarships to advanced students with very high GPAs. This is our first academic semester in which we offer scholarships to both new and existing Diploma and Degree stu- dents; we are also opening the door now for the first time to send one of our graduate students for a Master Degree Program scholarship starting September 2015.” Each semester, the College invites high achieving students to apply for the Academic Scholarship where- by recipients are selected by the “ACK Scholarship Committee”. For more information, interested parties can find out more on the College’s website: www.ack.edu.kw.

Al-Anba newspaper hosted a ceremony at Souq Salmiya to celebrate Kuwait’s 54 Independence Day and 24th Liberation Day anniversaries. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

10:30 Invent It Rich 14:00 Expedition Wild 11:20 Brave New World 15:00 Prehistoric Predators 12:10 How Do They Do It? 16:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 12:35 How Do They Do It? 17:00 Air Crash Investigation 13:00 Weird Connections 18:00 Breakout 00:00 Guns, Girls And Gambling-18 00:50 Jaws Strikes Back 13:25 How Tech Works 00:05 Chopped 19:00 Prehistoric Predators 01:45 The Wild Life Of Tim 02:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 13:50 Man-Made Marvels China 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 04:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 Faulkner 14:40 Food Factory 01:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 21:00 Air Crash Investigation 02:15 The Wild Life Of Tim 06:00 Police Story-PG15 15:05 How It’s Made Basics 22:00 Breakout 08:00 Stolen-PG15 Faulkner 15:30 Invent It Rich 02:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 23:00 Mad Scientists 02:40 Tanked 10:00 Breakout-PG15 16:20 Brave New World Basics 23:30 Mad Scientists 12:00 Hunt To Kill-PG15 03:35 Africa’s Super Seven 17:10 How Do They Do It? 02:35 Jenny Morris Cooks The 04:25 The Wild Life Of Tim 14:00 Police Story-PG15 17:35 How Do They Do It? Riviera 16:00 Stash House-PG15 Faulkner 18:00 Through The Wormhole With 03:00 Jenny Morris Cooks The 04:50 The Wild Life Of Tim 18:00 Breakout-PG15 Morgan Freeman Riviera 19:30 Man Of Steel-PG15 Faulkner 18:50 How It’s Made 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 22:00 Enemies Closer-PG15 05:15 Treehouse Masters 19:15 How It’s Made 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 19:40 Food Factory 04:40 Reza, Spice Prince Of 06:25 Call Of The Wildman Stewart 20:05 Food Factory Thailand 01:00 Last Week Tonight With John 06:49 Africa’s Super Seven 20:30 Game Changers 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 07:36 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Oliver 20:55 Game Changers 05:30 Reza Spice Prince Of 01:30 Girls Warriors 21:20 Brave New World Vietnam 00:00 The Parole Officer-18 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 02:00 Curb Your Enthusiasm 22:10 How Do They Do It? 05:50 Siba’s Table 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 02:00 Vamps-PG15 Warriors 22:35 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Sweet Genius 04:00 Men At Work-PG15 08:25 Too Cute! 03:30 Melissa & Joey 23:00 Game Changers 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:00 Back In The Game 06:00 Stand Off-PG15 09:15 Africa’s Super Seven 23:25 Game Changers 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:00 Austenland-PG15 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 23:50 Brave New World 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Jimmy Fallon 10:00 Men At Work-PG15 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 08:15 Chopped 05:30 My Name Is Earl 12:00 Stand Off-PG15 11:05 Gator Boys 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 06:00 Welcome To The Family 14:00 Jesus Henry Christ-PG15 12:00 Too Cute! Basics 06:30 Dads 16:00 Austenland-PG15 12:55 Africa’s Super Seven 09:30 Farm Kings 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 Seeking A Friend For The 13:50 Treehouse Masters 10:20 Recipes That Rock 08:00 Back In The Game End Of The World-PG15 14:45 The Wild Life Of Tim 20:00 Ride Along-PG15 00:00 Violetta 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of 08:30 My Name Is Earl Faulkner Thailand 09:00 Hot In Cleveland 22:00 Pineapple Express-18 15:15 The Wild Life Of Tim 00:45 The Hive 00:50 Art Attack 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 09:30 Two And A Half Men Faulkner 10:00 Two And A Half Men 01:15 Art Attack 11:35 The Big Eat... 15:40 Tanked 10:30 Dads 01:40 Jungle Junction 12:00 Chopped 16:35 Africa’s Super Seven 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 01:50 Jungle Junction 12:50 Siba’s Table 17:30 Rogue Nature With Dave 13:15 Guy’s Big Bite Jimmy Fallon Salmoni 02:05 Jungle Junction 01:00 Emperor-PG15 13:40 Mystery Diners 12:00 Welcome To The Family 03:00 Citizen Gangster-PG15 18:25 Treehouse Masters 02:15 Jungle Junction 12:30 Back In The Game 02:30 Violetta 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 05:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 19:20 Secret Life Of Pets 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 13:00 My Name Is Earl 19:50 Secret Life Of Pets 03:10 The Hive 07:00 Special Forces-PG15 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:30 Dads 09:00 Inescapable-PG15 20:15 Tanked 03:20 Art Attack 14:00 Melissa & Joey 03:45 Art Attack 15:45 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 11:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 21:10 Africa’s Outsiders Cook Off 14:30 Two And A Half Men 22:05 Treehouse Masters 04:10 Jungle Junction 13:00 The Good Witch’s Wedding 16:35 Chopped 15:00 Two And A Half Men 15:00 The Wicked Within-PG15 23:00 Secret Life Of Pets 04:25 Jungle Junction 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 04:35 Jungle Junction 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 17:00 Inescapable-PG15 23:30 Secret Life Of Pets Riviera Stewart 23:55 Spawn Of Jaws: The Birth 04:45 Jungle Junction 19:00 Suspension Of Disbelief 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 16:30 Welcome To The Family 21:00 White Bird In A Blizzard 05:00 Art Attack 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:25 Art Attack 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 Maniac-R 18:40 Siba’s Table 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 05:50 Mouk 18:30 Melissa & Joey 06:00 Kim Possible 19:05 The Big Eat... 19:30 Chopped 19:00 The Simpsons 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 19:30 Marry Me 06:50 Girl Meets World 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 21:10 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Beat My Build 07:40 Jessie Cook Off 00:30 Tar-PG15 00:50 Valentine Warner Eats 22:00 Reza Spice Prince Of 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon MAN OF STEEL ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place Stewart 02:00 Jagged Edge-18 Scandinavia 08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place Vietnam 04:00 Dead Poets Society-PG15 01:15 Come Dine With Me 08:55 Hannah Montana 22:25 Reza Spice Prince Of 06:15 My Piece Of The Pie-PG15 17:40 Sister Wives 01:15 Julius Jr. 02:05 Masterchef: The 09:20 Hannah Montana Vietnam 08:15 Yellow Rock-PG15 18:30 Craft Wars 01:25 Calimero Professionals 22:50 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 09:45 Suite Life On Deck 10:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 02:35 Nigel Slater’s Simple 23:40 Burger Land 11:45 Up Close And Personal-PG 10:10 Suite Life On Deck 00:30 World Match Racing Tour Bridesmaids 01:50 Zou Suppers 00:00 Crisis 14:00 Dead Poets Society-PG15 02:05 Mouk 10:35 Good Luck Charlie 07:00 Golfing World 19:45 Curvy Brides 03:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 Good Luck Charlie 01:00 Bates Motel 16:15 Robot & Frank-PG15 02:15 Jungle Junction 13:00 World Match Racing Tour 20:10 World’s Worst Mum 03:50 Come Dine With Me 11:25 American Dragon 02:00 Banshee 17:45 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 02:25 Art Attack 18:00 Golfing World 04:15 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 11:50 American Dragon 03:00 The Assets 19:30 All Things To All Men-PG15 21:00 Bizarre ER 02:50 Julius Jr. Living 12:15 Kim Possible 04:00 Revenge 21:00 Buried-PG15 19:00 World Match Racing Tour 21:25 Bizarre ER 03:00 Calimero 04:40 Beat My Build 12:40 Kim Possible 00:40 Ade In Britain 05:00 Bones 23:00 True Confessions-18 21:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival 21:50 What Have I Got 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Crisis 05:30 Valentine Warner Eats 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 22:15 What Have I Got 03:25 Zou 08:00 Franklin & Bash Scandinavia 13:30 Dog With A Blog 02:00 Emmerdale 03:40 Mouk 09:00 Bones 22:40 Extreme Couponing 05:55 Come Dine With Me 13:55 Dog With A Blog 02:25 Emmerdale 03:50 Jungle Junction 10:00 Revenge 23:05 Mob Wives 06:40 Masterchef: The 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 02:55 Coronation Street 04:00 Art Attack 12:00 Emmerdale 23:55 Bizarre ER Professionals 03:25 Get Your Act Together 01:00 Last Passenger-PG15 04:00 Live WWE Raw 04:25 Julius Jr. 14:55 Liv And Maddie 12:30 Coronation Street 07:10 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 04:25 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 03:00 A Family Reunion-PG15 07:00 World Match Racing Tour 04:35 Calimero 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Living 15:45 Girl Meets World Of Dogs 05:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 09:00 Golfing World 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 07:35 Valentine Warner Eats 14:00 Franklin & Bash 16:10 Violetta 04:50 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 07:00 The Hot Flashes-PG15 15:00 WWE Raw 05:00 Zou Scandinavia 15:00 Crisis 09:00 The Sapphires-PG15 05:15 Mouk 17:00 Gravity Falls Of Dogs 16:00 Emmerdale 20:00 WWE Raw 08:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 05:25 Jungle Junction 17:25 Hank Zipzer 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 16:30 Coronation Street 23:00 Golfing World 08:50 Come Dine With Me 13:00 Last Passenger-PG15 05:35 Art Attack 17:50 Binny And The Ghost 06:10 Take On The Twisters 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:15 Beat My Build 15:00 Red Sky-PG15 06:00 Julius Jr. 18:15 Jessie 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 18:00 Franklin & Bash 10:05 Bargain Hunt 18:40 Dog With A Blog 07:30 Get Your Act Together 17:00 The Sapphires-PG15 06:10 Calimero 10:50 Come Dine With Me 19:00 Criminal Minds 19:05 Dog With A Blog 08:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 19:00 Upside Down-PG15 00:40 Dates From Hell 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 11:40 Masterchef: The 20:00 Bones 21:00 AmeriQua-PG15 19:30 Violetta Of Dogs 21:00 The Voice 01:05 Dates From Hell 06:35 Zou Professionals 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 08:55 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 23:00 Riddick-18 05:30 ICC World Cup H/L: PAK v ZIM 06:50 Mouk 12:10 Nigel Slater’s Simple 23:00 True Detective 01:30 Deadly Affairs 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water Of Dogs 06:30 Live ICC World Cup: IRE v SA 02:20 American Greed 07:00 Jungle Junction Suppers 21:10 Austin & Ally 09:20 The Chase 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 07:10 Art Attack 12:35 Antiques Roadshow 03:10 Blood Relatives 21:35 Jessie 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 18:30 ICC World Cup H/L: IRE v SA 04:00 Extreme Forensics 07:35 Julius Jr. 13:25 Come Dine With Me 22:00 Gravity Falls 11:10 Emmerdale 07:45 Calimero 13:50 Beat My Build 22:30 ICC Cricket 360 04:45 Dates From Hell 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 11:35 Emmerdale 05:07 Dates From Hell 08:00 Jungle Junction 14:40 Bargain Hunt Teenage Witch 12:00 Coronation Street 08:10 Zou 15:25 Come Dine With Me 05:30 Deadly Affairs 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 12:30 Ade In Britain 01:00 The Happy Cricket 2 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 16:15 Masterchef: The 01:00 Good Morning America 06:20 True CSI Teenage Witch 13:25 Take On The Twisters 02:45 Barbie As The Island 07:10 American Greed 08:35 Julius Jr. Professionals 03:00 Supernatural 23:10 Wolfblood 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland Princess 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 08:50 Mouk 16:45 Nigel Slater’s Simple 04:00 Sons Of Anarchy 23:35 Wolfblood 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 04:30 Tristan And Isolde 08:50 Fatal Encounters 09:00 Calimero Suppers 05:00 Good Morning America 15:35 The Chase 06:00 A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s 09:40 Murder Shift 09:15 Jake And The Never Land 17:10 Antiques Roadshow 07:00 Emmerdale 16:30 The Chase: Celebrity Escape From Paradise 00:45 Alaskan Women Looking For 10:30 I Was Murdered Pirates 18:00 Come Dine With Me 07:30 Coronation Street Specials 08:00 Scooby-Doo! Adventures: 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 09:40 Doc McStuffins 18:25 Beat My Build 09:00 Switched At Birth Love 17:15 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night The Mystery Map! Watching 10:05 Art Attack 19:15 Beat My Build 10:00 Emmerdale 01:35 Extreme Couponing Takeaway 10:00 Escape From Planet Earth 11:20 Forensic Detectives 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 00:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 10:30 Coronation Street 02:00 Mob Wives 11:00 Sofia The First 18:20 Take On The Twisters 11:30 Luke And Lucy: The Texas 12:10 American Greed Taylor 00:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 19:10 Coronation Street Rangers 13:00 Disappeared 20:35 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 00:55 The Soup 12:00 Intelligence 03:15 Little People, Big World 11:50 Calimero 19:35 The Chase 13:00 Barbie As The Island 13:50 On The Case With Paula 21:00 Vacation Vacation Vacation 01:25 Keeping Up With The 13:00 Downton Abbey 12:05 Jake And The Never Land 20:30 The Chase: Celebrity Princess 03:40 Craft Wars Zahn 21:25 Masterchef: The Kardashians Specials 14:00 Switched At Birth Pirates 14:30 The Legend Of Sasquatch 04:30 Cake Boss 14:40 Who On Earth... Professionals 02:20 E! News 21:15 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 15:00 Live Good Morning America 12:30 Julius Jr. 16:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker 05:00 Sister Wives 15:05 Who On Earth... 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 03:15 Escape Club Takeaway 17:00 Intelligence 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 Escape From Planet Earth 05:30 Sister Wives 15:30 American Greed 23:10 Come Dine With Me 04:10 THS 22:20 Coronation Street 18:00 Downton Abbey 12:55 Handy Manny 23:35 Baking Mad With Eric 20:00 Knight Rusty 06:00 18 Kids And Counting 16:20 I Was Murdered 05:05 THS 22:50 Emmerdale 19:00 Switched At Birth 13:05 Justin Time Lanlard 22:00 The Legend Of Sasquatch 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s 06:00 Keeping Up With The 23:15 Emmerdale 20:00 Intelligence 06:25 World’s Worst Mum 13:20 Sofia The First 23:30 Barbie In The Nutcracker Watching Kardashians 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries 21:00 Downton Abbey 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 17:10 Murder Shift 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 06:55 Keeping Up With The 22:00 Supernatural 07:40 Little People, Big World 18:00 Disappeared 14:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West Kardashians 23:00 Sons Of Anarchy 08:05 Cake Boss 18:50 Fatal Encounters 14:35 Julius Jr. 07:50 Style Star 08:30 Cake Boss 19:40 Forensic Detectives 14:45 Jake And The Never Land 08:20 E! News 08:55 Bakery Boss 20:30 On The Case With Paula Pirates 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 15:15 Doc McStuffins 09:45 Cake Boss Zahn 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 00:00 Outback Wrangler 00:00 Planes-PG 15:40 Henry Hugglemonster 01:10 Gold Rush 02:00 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 10:10 Sister Wives 21:20 The Will 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 01:00 Animal Intervention 22:10 Who On Earth... 15:55 Zou 02:00 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 04:00 Last Passenger-PG15 10:35 Sister Wives 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:00 Mega Breakdown 00:00 Broken City 22:35 Who On Earth... 16:05 Justin Time 02:50 Alaska: The Last Frontier 12:05 E! News 03:00 Car SOS 05:45 Badges Of Fury-PG15 11:00 Craft Wars 16:20 Sofia The First 03:40 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 02:00 Guns, Girls And Gambling 23:00 Devil In The Details 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 04:00 Hunter Hunted 04:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms 07:30 Ender’s Game-PG15 11:50 Bakery Boss 23:50 Deadly Sins 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Edition 13:35 Beyond Candid With 05:00 Alaska Wing Men 17:15 Lilo & Stitch 04:05 The Liquidator 06:00 Shanghai Knights 09:30 Monsters University-PG 12:40 World’s Worst Mum Giuliana 06:00 Perilous Journeys 11:30 Last Passenger-PG15 13:30 Oprah’s Next Chapter 17:40 Adventures Of The 04:30 Baggage Battles 14:30 Style Star 08:00 Police Story 07:00 Wild Sri Lanka 13:15 Chinese Zodiac-PG15 14:20 Oprah Presents: Master Gummi Bears 05:00 How It’s Made 15:00 Keeping Up With The 08:00 Outback Wrangler 10:00 Stolen 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue Class 05:30 How It’s Made Kardashians 09:00 Animal Intervention 12:00 Breakout 15:30 Ender’s Game-PG15 Rangers 06:00 Railroad Alaska 16:00 Keeping Up With The 10:00 Mega Breakdown 14:00 Hunt To Kill 17:30 Pacific Rim-PG15 15:10 Cake Boss 18:30 Ducktales 06:50 Highway To Sell Kardashians 20:00 Malavita-PG15 15:35 Little People, Big World 11:00 Mad Scientists 16:00 Police Story 00:10 Zou 19:00 Art Attack 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 11:30 Mad Scientists 22:00 Paranormal Activity: The 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 19:25 Sofia The First 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 18:00 Stash House 00:25 Mouk 18:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 12:00 Secret Shark Pits 20:00 Breakout Marked Ones-18 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 19:55 Calimero Edition 18:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 00:35 Jungle Junction 13:00 Rescue Ink 21:30 Man Of Steel 23:30 The Art Of The Steal-PG15 17:15 18 Kids And Counting 00:50 Art Attack 20:10 Doc McStuffins 08:55 The Liquidator 20:25 Jake And The Never Land 09:20 Baggage Battles Pirates 09:45 How It’s Made 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 10:10 How It’s Made 21:25 Sofia The First 10:35 Gold Rush 21:50 Adventures Of The 11:25 Gold Divers: Under The Ice Gummi Bears 12:15 Alaska: The Last Frontier 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop Rangers Edition 22:45 Ducktales 13:30 The Liquidator 23:15 Art Attack 13:55 Baggage Battles 14:20 Yukon Men 15:10 Fifth Gear 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 16:50 How It’s Made 17:15 How It’s Made 17:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 18:30 The Island With Bear Grylls 00:00 Programmes Start At 19:20 When Fish Attack 7:00am KSA 20:10 The Liquidator 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 20:35 Baggage Battles 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 21:00 The Island With Bear Grylls 07:50 Supa Strikas 21:50 Survive That! 08:15 The 7D 22:40 Rival Survival 08:40 Ultimate Spider-Man 23:30 Alaska: The Last Frontier 09:05 Lab Rats 09:30 Kickin’ It 09:55 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors 10:20 Phineas And Ferb 10:45 Zeke & Luther 11:10 I’m In The Band 00:40 How It’s Made 11:35 Camp Lakebottom 01:05 How It’s Made 12:00 Mighty Med 01:30 Deadliest Space Weather 12:30 Lab Rats 01:55 Close Encounters 12:55 Marvel Avengers 02:20 Through The Wormhole With Assemble Morgan Freeman 13:20 Phineas And Ferb 03:10 How Do They Do It? 13:40 Japaneezi Going Going 03:35 How Do They Do It? Gong 04:00 Food Factory 14:05 Zeke & Luther 04:24 Food Factory 14:30 Pair Of Kings 04:48 Invent It Rich 14:55 Randy Cunningham: 9th 05:36 Brave New World Grade Ninja 06:24 Weird Connections 15:20 Ultimate Spider-Man 06:48 How Tech Works 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 07:12 Food Factory 16:10 Supa Strikas 07:36 How Do They Do It? 16:35 Pair Of Kings 08:00 Weird Connections 17:00 Lab Rats 08:25 How Tech Works 17:30 Mighty Med 08:50 Man-Made Marvels China 18:00 Kickin’ It 09:40 Food Factory 18:25 Kickin’ It 10:05 How It’s Made RIDDICK ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds

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ACCOMMODATION No: 16448 Room for rent, near Bouhamra Clinic, China Zone Restaurant, Al- Muzaini Exchange, Maidan Hawally, Filipino/Indian only please Call 65020905 2-3-2015

MATRIMONIAL

Inviting proposals for Hindu Ezhava, girl age 29 working in Kuwait, seeking proposals from Ezhava boys in Kuwait, GCC or India. Email: [email protected] (C 4935) 2-3-2015

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (26/02/2015 TO 04/03/2015)

SHARQIA-1 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 6:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM FOCUS 1:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 8:45 PM SERENA 3:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 10:45 PM FANAR-5 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 5:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 12:45 AM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:15 PM FOCUS 7:00 PM THU+SAT SERENA 9:00 PM MUHALAB-3 SERENA 12:45 PM FOCUS 11:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:30 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED FOCUS 1:15 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:45 PM SERENA 3:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:00 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 5:15 PM SHARQIA-2 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:15 PM SERENA 7:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 11:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:30 PM SERENA 9:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM FANAR-1 MARINA-1 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM FOCUS 12:00 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 12:15 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM FOCUS 2:00 PM THU+SAT YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 AM FOCUS 4:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 12:15 PM FOCUS 6:00 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED SHARQIA-3 FOCUS 8:00 PM SERENA 2:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:30 AM FOCUS 10:00 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 4:30 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:30 PM FOCUS 12:05 AM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 6:30 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 1:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 8:15 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED FANAR-2 SERENA 10:15 PM TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 3:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:45 AM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 12:30 AM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 5:00 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 1:45 PM DRAGON BLADE 7:15 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 3:45 PM MARINA-2 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 9:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 5:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:30 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 7:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 2:45 PM KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 9:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 5:15 PM MUHALAB-1 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 11:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 7:30 PM FOCUS 12:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 9:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 2:00 PM FANAR-3 YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:05 AM Prayer timings SERENA 3:45 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 12:15 PM FOCUS 6:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 2:00 PM MARINA-3 Fajr: 04:53 SERENA 8:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 4:30 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D)1:00 PM FOCUS 10:15 PM DRAGON BLADE 6:30 PM FOCUS 3:00 PM Shorook 06:12 FOCUS 12:15 AM DRAGON BLADE 9:00 PM THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (3D)5:00 PM DRAGON BLADE 11:30 PM FOCUS 7:00 PM MUHALAB-2 FOCUS 9:00 PM Duhr: 12:00 TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 1:00 PM FANAR-4 FOCUS 11:00 PM THU+SAT YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 1:30 PM FOCUS 1:00 AM Asr: 15:20 KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN 1:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM SUN+MON+TUE+WED YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:00 PM Maghrib: 17:48 THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER 3:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:15 PM AVENUES-1 TOM LITTLE AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 4:45 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 12:45 PM Isha: 19:05

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 3/3/2015 MEA 406 Beirut 14:15 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 FDB 8064 Dubai 13:05 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 328 Al Najaf 13:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Tuesday 3/3/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 SVA 9325 Jeddah 14:35 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 GFA 2531 Bahrain 14:10 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 FDB 8055 Dubai 14:40 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 KAC 8020 Kuwait 14:45 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 JZR 324 Al Najaf 14:25 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 MSR 3002 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 FDB 8061 Dubai 15:20 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:15 MEA 407 Beirut 15:15 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 KKK 714 Bursa 02:30 THY 5410 Istanbul 15:30 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KKK 715 Istanbul 03:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 327 Al Najaf 16:05 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 FDB 8056 Dubai 15:50 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 MSR 3003 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 FDB 8062 Dubai 16:00 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 329 Al Najaf 16:40 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 SVA 2225 Jeddah 16:05 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 552 Alexandria 16:10 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 THY 6776 Istanbul 05:05 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 THY 5411 Istanbul 16:30 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 FDB 8053 Dubai 17:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 JZR 325 Al Najaf 17:50 THY 6776 Istanbul 06:35 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 KAC 416 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 06:45 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 560 Sohag 07:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 18:05 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 ETH 3718 LGG 18:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 JZR 330 Al Najaf 08:25 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 FDB 8054 Dubai 18:30 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 513 Tehran 08:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JZR 332 Al Najaf 09:00 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 KKK 716 AYT 09:00 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 FDB 8051 Dubai 09:00 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 19:25 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KKK 712 ADA 09:15 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 8052 Dubai 09:50 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 ABY 912 Sharjah 09:30 KAC 104 London 19:55 KKK 717 Istanbul 10:00 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 ABY 913 Sharjah 10:10 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 ABY 129 Sharjah 09:45 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KKK 713 Istanbul 10:15 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 SVA 9377 Jeddah 10:15 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 IRA 675 Lar 10:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ABY 120 Sharjah 10:30 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 GFA 047 Bahrain 20:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 IRM 1188 Mashhad 10:55 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 KAC 8020 Kuwait 10:45 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 GFA 047 Istanbul 21:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 IRA 674 Lar 11:40 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 JZR 331 Al Najaf 11:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 SVA 2277 Jeddah 11:45 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 ABY 901 Sharjah 12:20 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 FDB 8063 Dubai 12:25 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 IRM 1189 Mashhad 12:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 JZR 333 Al Najaf 12:25 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:15 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 12:20 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KAC 203 Lahore 22:20 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 GFA 2521 Bahrain 13:25 PIA 239 Sialkot 22:35 JZR 326 Al Najaf 12:40 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 561 Sohag 13:45 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 ETH 3718 Addis Ababa 22:30 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 JZR 553 Alexandria 23:25 ABY 902 Sharjah 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 CROSSWORD 830 STAR TRACK

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

Take it easy on yourself and others this day-the changes that need to be made You should enjoy great success through your profession. Self-awareness is a very around the workplace, house or garden do not have to be made in one day. These changes positive attribute. Today is a time to make sure you do not become self-absorbed. Keep your eye could involve a new computer, painting or any little repair jobs. A little humor will see you on the goal, not necessarily whether or not it is achieved a certain way. You are empowered with through any rough spots as you learn. Your mind is quick and sharp and you have insight into the zest and enthusiasm to accomplish many things. Working with close associates should prove your feelings with great flexibility. Saying and writing with style counts for a lot today. You will favorable. Many compliments come your way now. Fondness and appreciation for the past and enjoy being with your friends or loved ones, especially later this afternoon. Most of this is because for your roots in life take on greater importance for you. Visiting with family and relating with old everyone may have decided to pitch in money together so that all can share the food for dinner chums is easy and extremely pleasant. This is one of your best overall days this month. Later this later tonight. Neighbors or brothers and sisters will likely bring all kinds of good experiences your evening you will find opportunities to enjoy a loved one’s company. way.

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

You may achieve a lot more today if you are able to work by yourself. There could By this afternoon you will see some long-time project come to an end. This could be lots of interruptions. Be especially careful to keep communications clear where your associates mean you have secured an assignment or a new customer or even a long-awaited merger. Your are concerned. You are especially sympathetic to the feelings of others and you may be sought work as a whole may come under scrutiny and you definitely have that feeling that higher-ups after for your advice and counsel regarding very personal or emotional issues. You will be able to are encouraged by your professional goals. You could be commended or recognized for your be understanding and handle this sensitive material. You are able to cut through the red tape and hard work. At day’s end you will be feeling both carefree and easygoing. Being more involved get at what is beneath and behind. Energy and resistance may be low at this time, so take care of with neighbors or siblings satisfies a deep emotional need. Interaction with friends and family this your health and avoid overindulging. Try to go home early and greet your loved one with the will- evening is free of complication-much good can come about through spending time with the ingness to lend a helpful hand. This is a good time to share with a loved one. people that support you the most. You should work hard during this time to keep close relatives just that, close.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Congeniality and understanding encompass this day. Co-workers and others have Any leadership, sales or teaching position just now should show off your best abili- meetings and lectures that would benefit from your presence, though you may ties. Your communication abilities are in full swing. This is an excellent time to sway others to your prefer to just dig your heels in and get to work. Interacting one-on-one, leading a group towards a ACROSS the wing and the halter of a two-winged fly. way of thinking. You may find yourself involved in some interesting philosophical discussions. common goal, convincing others in a sales or public-relations effort will show off your skills and 1. Brief episode in which the brain gets 4. Any thick messy substance. Listen and learn something new. Your fulfillment this month is in the area of moneymaking tech- set the focus for the future. Some sort of sales or public relations involvement could be in your insufficient blood supply. 5. A trivalent metallic element of the rare niques. There is also an opportunity to build the family financial security. The small amount of future. Knowledge is power; consider more education as a future possibility, even if it only means 4. Largest city in Scotland. earth group. stress today is invigorating and encourages you toward constant improvements. This is a busy but a few night classes for fun. Close relationships take on emotional depth, power and importance. easy day with everything running proficiently. Ideas and interaction with authority figures or older The lack of close relationships is too uncomfortable for you-you work to keep your loved ones 11. Strike sharply. 6. Essential oil or perfume obtained from people may be in the forecast. Working with-rather than against-the flow should be easy. 15. The sign language used in the United flowers. close. States. 7. (trademark) A tinned luncheon meat 16. Surpass in speed. made largely from pork. 17. A British peer ranking below a Marquess 8. United States film actress (born in ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) and above a Viscount. Sweden) known for her reclusiveness Cancer (June 21-July 22 18. A mountain peak in the Andes in (1905-1990). You will find yourself energized and ready to get much accomplished. Everything Today you would rather switch than fight. You are just a pushover. Ego, energy and Argentina (20,997 feet high). 9. The cardinal number that is the sum of points to your taking the initiative in some unfinished project this afternoon. You could feel great self-assertiveness are low, so if there is some issue brewing where you really should stand up for 20. United States writer noted for his stories seven and one. support from your co-workers, especially as you work to build a larger clientele base. You take your your rights, save it for another day. Instead, socializing and love interests are favored. So is about life during the California gold rush 10. (used informally) Very small. work more seriously than usual as you schedule people and organize your month. You may feel overindulgence-avoid the smorgasbord table and watch the calories. This afternoon, your friends (1836-1902). 11. Of or relating to the Quechua people or that when one thing is out of order everything else goes berserk. You are dedicated to getting your might find you helping at the nearest hospital, nursing home, etc. You have a natural sense of what the people around you need. Clear decisions affecting others could be made now; at least 21. Make reference to. their language. work tightened up and secure. You feel healthy and natural. Changing your surroundings later today, you are well disposed towards friends and family. Companionship with others is also most you would know when to lend a listening ear. By helping others, you gain a focus into your future 22. Bushy plant of Old World salt marshes 12. Sole genus of the family Naiadaceae. rewarding. Comfortable conversations with friends in the evening are relaxing. progress. This could all be of short duration and should be considered in the future. and sea beaches having prickly leaves. 13. Showily imitative of art or artists. 25. Escape or flee. 14. Humble request for help. 27. Unequivocally detestable. 19. English theoretical physicist who 29. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike applied relativity theory to quantum Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) part of an organism. mechanics and predicted the existence of In the workplace today, you will need to think through the important matters that You are at your mental best with your quick thinking and keen ideas. Do not worry 31. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). are up for discussion. Clear communication is important. You could find that you are valued for too much about how others think of you or your abilities. This is an excellent time to make decisions, ed with the World Bank. 23. Large brownish-green New Zealand your ability to get things accomplished. There is comfort and ease in routine matters just now. You take care of any mental work and get many things done. This afternoon you may find yourself being 34. Repetition to gain special emphasis or parrot. take your work seriously and enjoy the opportunity to be a bit more relaxed with these routine put to good use by your friends. All of this should go rather smoothly. Communal activities that take extend meaning. 24. A member of an aboriginal people liv- matters. You are good at getting work organized. The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. place now should be both well-attended and successful. You will be pleased to find that you are 40. Uncastrated adult male sheep. ing in the hills in southeastern India. Your goodwill is felt by others and will be reflected back to you this evening. There will be oppor- appreciated and people may look to you as a mentor. You want to improve the world. Relationships 41. Slender bristlelike appendage found on 26. Give pleasure to. tunities to be with your family members in a positive gathering tonight. Perhaps an evening out with loved ones are excellent at this time. This is a great time to reflect and understand your own sit- for dinner is in the making. Have some fun in acknowledging the good in others. uation. Relations with others are congenial and upbeat this evening. the bracts of grasses. 28. Being one more than two. 43. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot 30. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity. palm used in India for writing paper. 32. With considerable certainty. 33. The upper house of the parliament of 44. A large number or amount. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 46. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) the Republic of Ireland. that was responsible for research into 35. A very attractive or seductive looking Any task you take on today should be completed swiftly and successfully. You are This is the day you will remember for a very long time. Wonderful new memories atomic energy and its peacetime uses in woman. a self-starter. Energy and confidence combine to produce leadership and any help you may recruit are created and profitable opportunities open up for you. A new deal is in the making that will help the United States. 36. An organization of countries formed in will get their direction and enthusiasm from you. Today you will be able to tackle tasks that require you make lots of money; listen carefully and seek advice. Dealing with professional people now 49. The wife of a duke or a woman holding 1961 to agree on a common policy for the real discipline. You find yourself in a very practical mood, working with, instead of against yourself. may call for using both sides of the brain-facts and imagination. Use your imagination in making ducal title in her own right. sale of petroleum. You may have some serious or contemplative moments. Cooperation in redistributing domestic your presentation. Deal with the facts only and you will rise above any problem situation you responsibilities among family members builds a tighter family group and everyone will learn to encounter at this time. Winning the hearts of others is a challenge you are eager to accept. This 51. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB 37. Squash bugs. work together-group effort. Trading jobs promotes understanding. Emotional security and a sense afternoon you may find yourself receiving calls from several different people you have not seen in gun. 38. The syllable naming the fourth (sub- of belonging are issues that are felt instinctively now. A music box has been repaired. some time. Take some time to celebrate-enjoy yourself. 52. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. dominant) note of the diatonic scale in 53. Forbidden to profane use especially in solmization. South Pacific islands. 39. Ratio of the adjacent to the opposite 56. Used of mouth or eyes. side. Yesterday’s Solution 58. A member of the Himalayan people liv- 42. Being ten more than one hundred nine- ing in Nepal and Tibet who are famous for ty. their skill as mountaineers. 45. Confused movement. 62. (Babylonian) Father of the gods. 47. A unit of resistance equal to a billionth 64. Of or relating to or supporting Islamism. of an ohm. 65. A slight wetness. 48. A genus of Sterninae. 69. (folklore) Fairies that are somewhat mis- 50. Enduring strength and energy. chievous. 54. A soft silvery metallic element of the 70. (Old Testament) The 2nd son of Jacob alkali earth group. and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel. 55. A seducer who ruins a woman. 73. American professional baseball player 57. Tropical American shrub or small tree who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth having huge deeply palmately cleft leaves (born in 1934). and large oblong yellow fruit. 74. Of or relating to a member of the 59. Characteristic of humanity. Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong 60. A city in southern Finland. river in Laos and Thailand. 61. Small genus of variable annual Eurasian 75. Subject to change or variation especial- vines. ly in behavior. 63. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 77. A plant hormone promoting elongation 66. A member of an Iroquoian people for- of stems and roots. merly living on the south shore of Lake Erie 78. United States musician (born in Japan) in northern Ohio and northwest who married John Lennon and collaborat- Pennsylvania and western New York. ed with him on recordings (born in 1933). 67. The process of becoming softened and 79. A great raja. saturated as a consequence of being 80. A graphical recording of the cardiac immersed in water (or other liquid). cycle produced by an electrocardiograph. 68. An unforeseen obstacle. 71. A hormone secreted by the anterior DOWN pituitary gland that controls the degree of 1. A discussion intended to produce an pigmentation in melanocytes. agreement. 72. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. 2. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. 76. A person who announces and plays 3. Scale-like structure between the base of popular recorded music.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 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 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Gossip Leonard Nimoy laid to rest he 83-year-old actor, who is best known for playing the character Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ TV series and films for more 40 years, passed Taway at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles on Friday (27.02.15) and his funeral took place yesterday. The actor - who died of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - was laid to rest during a tradi- tional Jewish ceremony in a private service attended by just close friends and family, including wife Susan, children Adam and Julie and his step- son Aaron Bay Schuck. The service took place close to Leonard’s home, but his representative refused to confirm reports it was held at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary. Leonard’s friend and co-star William Shatner sparked a Twitter backlash after announcing he would be unable to attend the service due to charity commitments in Florida. He tweeted on Saturday (28.02.15): “I am currently in FL as I agreed to appear at the Red Cross Ball tonight. Leonard’s funeral is tomorrow. I can’t make it back in time. “I feel really awful. Here I am doing charity work and one of my dearest friends is being buried. “I chose to honor a commitment I made months ago to appear at a charitable fundraiser. A lot of money was raised. So here I am; tell me off.” He was then deluged with angry comments from fans, but responded to them to say: “One of the other misconceptions seems to be that folks think flights to LAX occur all night long. “Walking out on a major fundraiser wouldn’t have you calling me a jerk for leaving a charity high & dry? Hmm?” In an attempt to make amends, the 83-year-old actor - whose daughters Melanie and Lisabeth attended the funeral - staged a Twitter Q and A about his memories of his pal yesterday instead.

Sofia Vergara doesn’t mind if women look at her fiance he ‘Modern Family’ star - who got engaged to Joe Manganiello in December last year - reportedly Twasn’t worried about female admirers lusting after her husband-to-be when the pair dined with pals at Zuma restaurant in Miami, Florida. An onlooker told PEOPLE magazine: “At one point, Joe got up to use the restroom and every woman turned to watch him with mouths wide open... “She saw this happen and laughed in appreciation.” Harry Styles is building Meanwhile, the couple have been forced to postpone their summer wedding because the 38-year-old actor will be busy promoting his “male stripper movie”, ‘Magic Mike XXL’. He said: “I would love to get married this summer, but I’m going to be too busy promoting my male stripper movie!” an art gallery in his home Whilst Sofia added: “We wanted to get married this sum- mer, but Joe will be busy working and promoting ‘Magic he One Direction singer has an will love you until the cold runs hot.” He Mike 2’. “We want to get married at a time when we can get impressive collection of paintings and also splurged £10,000 on a lamp designed away and make time for a honeymoon. So the wedding Tgun sculptures so wants to put them by his jewellery designer pal Dominic Jones will probably be later this year.” The couple’s wedding plans on display in his London home, and is even and artists Thomas Campbell and Joe may have been wrecked by Joe’s work schedules but the hoping one of his favourite street artists Armitage - whose pieces are priced pair are certainly keen on having children. Sofia - who will personalise the room with a mural. A between $1,600 and $16,000 - in a bid to already has 22-year-old Manolo from a previous relation- source told the Daily Star newspaper: “He keep up with his fashionable friends includ- ship - said: “He’s younger than me and he’s never had kids, wants Bambi or Banksy to paint frescoes ing Kate Moss. A source previously said: so of course if we can do it, why not? “It needs a lot of plan- along one of the walls. “An entire wall “Harry’s got a real eye for style and takes ning, but we have to leave it to God to see if it happens.” painted by Bambi would run into a five-fig- decorating his pad very seriously. He might ure sum, but that wouldn’t faze Harry - and be away a lot with the band, but he wants he knows how precious art is as an invest- to make sure his home is really classy. “He ment. “The problem is that Bambi or wants to show off his art to family and Banksy won’t reveal their identities to any- friends and is proud of his collection.” He’s one, and going to Harry’s house in person also said to be a fan of taxidermy and has would compromise everything for Bambi.” some of Rory Dobner’s work proudly dis- The 21-year-old singer has been investing played in his home. his fortune in art for some time and his col- lection is worth over £200,000. Last year, he splashed out £20,000 on a series of raunchy prints emblazoned with sayings including “I

Jennifer Lopez’s children always cheer her up

he ‘Booty’ hitmaker has revealed she counts on her kids - seven-year- actress recently admitted to hiring a “manny” for her son because he had old twins Max and Emme, whom she has with ex-husband Marc started to get a bit rougher with her as he got older. She said “The poor TAnthony - to keep her positive if she ever feels down. When asked boy is surrounded by women 24 hours a day. One day I’m looking at him what makes her smile, she told Radio Disney: “My babies. I realise that and he like jumps on me and hurts my neck. “He’s so aggressive, he’s six when it comes to love, they don’t have to love you back. The joy is in that I and he’s killing me. I’m like, ‘What the? Baby, no’. And then the nanny is get to love them as much as I want to. “I know they love me back, but like, ‘Ouch, OK Max.’ He wants to roughhouse. “He has this thing and I go, that’s what I realised I look forward to, why I want to be with them, ‘This poor kid he’s just surrounded by women all day’. I was just thinking of because I get to give to them. It’s a great feeling to give; being able to do my child and I got a manny, a nice guy to come in and like hang out with that with them is the greatest joy of my life.” Meanwhile, the singer and him and have fun.” Ludacris and his wife Debbie Harry’s ‘instincts’ are expecting a baby he ‘Act A Fool’ hitmaker has announced he is expecting a child saved her from disaster with Eudoxie Agnan. Posting a photograph of the couple on a he 69-year-old singer-songwriter, who’s the lead singer of the new wave Tbeach where he is kissing her stomach, she captioned it: and punk rock band Blondie, has revealed she narrowly avoided personal “Beautiful day on the beach.” The 37-year-old rapper got married to Ttragedy before she found fame. She recalled: “It was two or three in the Eudoxie in a secret ceremony on the same day he announced his morning and I couldn’t find a cab. A car kept coming round and offering me a engagement on Instagram. A source said that the ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ ride, so I accepted. Once in the car I noticed there were no door handles on the star proposed on a private jet, before taking his new-wife to dinner inside, which made me wary. “I don’t know how, but I managed to put my hand in Georgia. When they returned back home, Eudoxie found a wed- through the window and open the door from the outside.” Harry said the driver ding dress - which was picked by her mother - draped over a piece swerved to stop her escaping from the vehicle but that gave her the momentum of furniture, gossip website TMZ reported at the time. Ludacris - to hurl herself from the moving car. The entertainer was shaken by the incident, whose real name is Christopher Brian Bridges - started dating but didn’t think a massive amount about it after getting over the initial shock of Eudoxie in 2009 and confirmed he had tied the knot by sharing a being attacked. Years later, however, she saw the driver on the news - and it was photograph of the pair on their wedding day. He captioned it: “Why Ted Bundy, the serial killer who confessed to murdering at least 30 women. She wait? Did the thing before 2015. #mrandmrsrbridges” The singer told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper: “I always say my instincts saved me.” already has two daughters - Karma, 13, and Cai Bella, 14 months - from previous relationships. lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 Gossip

Nicole Scherzinger cut ties with Lewis Hamilton he ‘Poison’ hitmaker - who split from the Formula One racing driver last month after seven years together on and off - has reportedly been advised by her pals that it wasn‘t “healthy” for the pair to keep in touch. A source said: T“The split has been devastating for Nicole. She feels the only way she can move on is by putting distance between her and Lewis. “While their split was amicable, she and those around her feel it’s not healthy for them to remain friends.” The 36-year-old singer has been throwing herself into her work in a bid to distract her from the heartbreak. The insider added: “Nicole has been throwing herself into work, and having these trips in place has meant that she has been get- ting physical distance from the whole situation.” Following the news of the couple’s split, Nicole travelled to India for a performance at a £15 million wedding before heading to the Philippines with Unicef. She is currently working in Venice but took time to enjoy the beautiful Italian city. Sharing a picture of her travels on Instagram, she captioned it: “Our view from #SanMarcoCampanile #belltower #Venice #GodisGood #soblessed.” Taylor Swift has enemies

he ‘Shake It Off’ hitmaker may be known for her good nature but she has admitted she finds it “annoying” Tbeing nice all the time. When asked if she’s always nice, she said: “No, because that’s annoying, too. And it’s not real if someone appears to never have any issues with anyone. I have my friends, I have enemies. “I have bad days when I don’t want to go to a photo shoot, but I’m not going to show up four hours late, I’m going to be there on time. “I’m not nice all the time but I try not to be carelessly rude to people who don’t deserve it. When I’m with my friends, we don’t say glowing things about everybody. We’re not sitting around going ‘You know who’s really special and wonderful?’ That’s not what we talk about - we’re normal girlfriends.” Despite being criticised in the past for writing “boy-bashing songs”, the 25-year-old singer - who has previously dated Jake Gyllenhaal, Harry Styles and John Mayer - believes it is “cruel” to make light of the heartbreak she has felt. She told The Daily Telegraph: “There was a bit of a reputation for having a lot of boy-bashing songs. Which is a sexist way of saying heartbreak songs. To trivialise someone who’s heartbroken is really cruel... “I’m in a different place in my life, where love isn’t really a priority. I haven’t dated anyone in years so there’s less chatter about the serial dater thing. I’m just really excited at an awards show when they don’t make some weird joke about my dating life.” Johnny Depp rocked out with Marilyn Manson

he ‘Mortdecai’ star made a surprise appearance at the ‘Personal Jesus’ singer’s concert at The Tivoli in Brisbane, Australia on Friday night. Introducing his friend, Marilyn said: “If Tyou don’t recognise my personal friend... my personal saviour, my personal guitar hero...Johnny Depp.” The 51-year-old actor - who recently tied the knot with Amber Heard - is currently in Australia filming the fifth instalment of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series, ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’. Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Johnny would be forming a supergroup with Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. A message on the ‘Poison’ hitmaker’s website read: “Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp have been partners for a while and now with Joe Perry also on Hollywood Vampires, they will ‘rock it out’ yet once again.” The Hollywood hunk, though, has previously admitted he finds it embarrassing when actors move into the music industry. He said: “I’ve been very lucky to play on friends’ records and it’s still going. Music is still part of my life, but you won’t be hearing The Johnny Depp Band. That won’t ever exist. “I hate the idea, ‘Come see me play the guitar because you’ve seen me in 12 movies’.”

Jamie Dornan is ‘committed’ to a ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ sequel he 32-year-old actor reportedly wants to continue his role as Christian Grey in the erotic film because it “benefits” his family. A source shared: “It’s quite the opposite Tand they (him and Dakota Johnson) are both committed to the project because of the benefits to the family.” The Hollywood hunk was believed to have quit the role because his wife Amelia with whom he has 15-month-old daughter Dulcie - was unhappy with him taking part in the films. But an insider has claimed that the rumours have come from the Naomi Watts doesn’t want to time when, in a bid to ensure E. L. James - the writer of the novel on which the film is based “loosens her grip”, Jamie hinted he may exit if director Sam Taylor-Johnson was to go. The be held ‘hostage’ by paparazzi source added to The Sunday Times newspaper: “Jamie has made it known that doubts could be in place if Taylor-Johnson exits, but it’s just a ploy designed to put pressure on he ‘King Kong’ actress has admitted she finds it “tough” having photographers follow her every move but insists it won’t James and push her to loosen her grip. “The truth is that Jamie plans to do all three and “change” how she goes about her daily life. She said: “It’s tough. The whole paparazzi thing is a big downer. I wish they weren’t very much with the backing of his family.” Meanwhile, Sam recently hinted that Jamie had Taround so often. “I probably should care more about the way I look and how I go out. But I can’t - I’m a mom. I have to get out contractually signed up for all three movies, if they were to go ahead, after talking candidly the door quickly. Some days I’ve got it under control, but some days I don’t. “I just wish they weren’t around so often capturing those about Charlie Hunnam’s departure from the film. She said previously: “Charlie and I were awful moments. Because let’s face it: Everyone has their good days and bad days. But whatever it’s not going to make me change working really well together. But signing up for one film is very different from signing up my life. I’m not going to be held hostage.” The 46-year-old actress - who has Samuel, six, and Alexander, seven, with her partner Liev for a trilogy. As the process got bigger, I started to sense his fear. “On the day he called me Schreiber - also worries how being papped affects her children. She told Rhapsody magazine: “Of course it’s a concern. Everything’s to say that he just couldn’t do it, I knew it was coming, but it was very sad. But then, I truly a concern as a parent. You worry about your kids whether you’re famous or not. You think about everything, in every possible way. believe Jamie was meant to be Christian Grey - so, things work out for a reason.” You become very analytical: the pros and cons, the do’s and don’ts. “But the fact that there are two famous people as their parents is definitely something we think about and are conscious of. We can’t pretend it’s not. At the same time, we can do our best to show a completely normal side as well - to do things in the way any other family would.” Leonardo DiCaprio renting out his NYC apartment

he ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ star - who bought the flat in the Greenwich Village area of the city for T$10 million last year - is reportedly set to earn a hefty $300,000 a year by leasing his property, the New York Post’s Page Six column reports. The apart- ment, which is in the Green Delos building on East 11th Street, is currently occupied by Leonardo’s ten- ant, Jonathan Orszag, a former economic policy advisor for President Clinton. Homes within the building boast a whole host of luxury facilities including a circulated aromatherapy air supply, showers infused with vitamin C and reflexology flooring. Owners can also take advantage of a special lighting design, known as a “dawn simulator”. Meanwhile, the 40-year-old actor - who also owns an eco-friendly house in Battery Park City - is believed to be “burning” himself out with his hectic work schedule. A source said previously: “Leo has been working like a demon over the past three years - and it’s now starting to come back and haunt him. “He’s pretty burned out at the moment and suffering from insomnia from pushing himself so hard. “Everybody is begging Leo to slow down but he’s just very focused on making a lot of money right now - to the exclusion of almost everything else.” lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

This Jan. 19, 2015, photo, shows Mogul Queen Mumtaz Mahal’s first resting place after death in Burhanpur, India. Photo, shows Mogul Queen Mumtaz Mahal’s first resting place after death in Burhanpur, India. Mahal’s husband, Emperor Shah Jahan, had originally planned to build the Taj Mahal in Burhanpur, but abandoned the plan after six months. — AP photos Taj Mahal endures, but its birthplace slowly crumbles

t is no secret that the Taj Mahal is a monument magnificent Islamic monuments dating back to pillars and walls, some art work on them still visi- interlocking blocks of finely carved stone, and the of love, built by a Mogul emperor as the final 15th century. Once an important trading and mili- ble. Its ceiling is no more. outer walls of temples dense with sculptures of Iresting place for his beloved queen who died tary outpost, Burhanpur slipped into margins of For about six months, Mumtaz’s body remained Hindu gods and goddesses, scenes of court life, giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. history in less than two centuries and is now in the pavilion while Shah Jahan made plans to and a profusion of graphic erotic sculptures What’s less known is that the white-marbled nowhere to be found in any tourist advertisement. build the Taj Mahal on the banks of the nearby inspired by the Kama Sutra, depicting all kinds of tomb was not her first resting place after death. On a recent trip, we found in Burhanpur the River Tapti. But unfortunately Burhanpur’s geogra- sexual acts. — AP Queen Mumtaz Mahal in fact died some 900 ruins of a riverside palace; airy pavilions with intri- phy, geology and hydrology conspired against his kilometers (555 miles) away in central India’s cately carved pillars; grand stone mausoleums with plans. Burhanpur town and was buried there, in a rose- latticed windows that throw filtered beams of tinted sandstone pavilion in her favorite deer park. dusty light on the graves inside; a royal bath house Perfect choice The once opulent and richly decorated pavilion is with cheerful paintings of birds and flowers; aus- According to historians, Shah Jahan wanted the now a sad, crumbling ruin, thanks to neglect and tere and imposing mosques with incredibly fine monument to be of white marble, which was only calligraphy, and a fort on a cliff with a mind-bog- available in the faraway Makrana, making trans- gling view of the undulating plains below. portation difficult. River Tapti’s breadth was a little Each one of the town’s treasures is a reminder of narrow where he envisaged the mausoleum-mean- India’s rich multicultural history and the contribu- ing it would not be reflected fully in the water on tion that about 800 years of Muslim rule made to moonlit nights. Finally, the rock-bed just wasn’t the predominantly Hindu country’s heritage. right to hold up a building of that mass. As it turned out, Agra on the banks of majestically wide Faruqi dynasty River Yamuna and not too far from Makrana, was Many of the monuments in the town are in utter the perfect choice. neglect. Infrastructure as basic as toilets and roads Mumtaz’s body was disinterred and taken to to the sites is missing. Open drains run along some Agra, then the imperial capital of the Mogul empire important tombs, which are ravaged by overgrown that ruled India from 15th to 19th centuries. And so shrubs. Mountains of garbage greet visitors. “Every Burhanpur faded away. monument here tells a story. Every stone here says One of the most beautiful monuments in ‘come to me and listen to what I have to say’ but Burhanpur is the tomb of Bilquis Jahan, the wife of there is nobody to listen or to take care of them,” Shah Jahan’s son. It is known as the Kharboozi lamented Hoshang Havaldar, 60, who has lived all Gumbaz, or Melon Dome, because of its distinctive his life in Burhanpur, and runs one of only two dome and bulging walls that look like the fruit. An decent hotels in the town. unimposing structure, it nevertheless stands out Burhanpur was ruled by the founding Faruqi because of its shape and stunning interior-every dynasty from 1400 to 1599 and by the fabled corner of its walls and roof is decorated with Moguls from 1600, when Emperor Akbar con- murals in floral pattern, its colors as fresh as they quered it. His grandson, Emperor Shah Jahan, ran were centuries ago. his military campaigns against southern kingdoms But to get there we had to walk through a from Burhanpur, accompanied by his wife Mumtaz. graveyard, where a horse lay dying in a ditch while She died while giving birth to their 14th child little boys played nearby. Burhanpur, located in and was buried in a pavilion facing a small palace Madhya Pradesh state, was the reason for our trip, in a deer park. Today, the Ahukhana, as the park but not the destination. Our 10-day trip cut an arc was called, and its two buildings are one of the through the vast state, stopping at four other Photo, shows rubble inside apathy by authorities and Burhanpur’s own most dilapidated among Burhanpur’s treasures. places of Islamic and Hindu culture that carried in One of the temples built in the 10-11th century at the ruins of a palace fre- 200,000 residents. The sprawling park is locked up with no caretak- their stone monuments stories of love, valor, devo- the UNESCO World Heritage site, in Khajuraho, quently visited by Mogul And it’s not the only gem in the treasure chest er. Its rusty metal gates are tied by a chain loose tion and sex. Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple’s distinctive Queen Mumtaz Mahal. of this town, which even most Indians could not enough to leave enough space for humans or ani- The last stop was the 10-11th century Khajuraho steeple domes are made of interlocking blocks of identify on a map. mals to slip through. The grounds are overgrown group of Hindu and Jain temples, a UNESCO World finely carved stone, and the outer wall is dense Behind its dirty, unpaved streets and open with shrubs and weeds. Wild goats and cows roam Heritage site. with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, garbage dumps, Burhanpur hides an abundance of freely. All that remain of the one-story pavilion are Their distinctive steeple domes are made of scenes of court life, and erotic sculpture.

OSN joins CBS Guinness World Stolen Nyong’o Record for ‘World CSI Day’ gown found SN will join a colossal Guinness World Record the world. Viewers can look forward to the brand new white dress that strongly resembles the custom attempt to celebrate 15 years of the spectacular season of CSI this July and also the new show, ‘CSI: Cyber’ gown taken from Lupita Nyong’o’s hotel room earli- OCSI franchise by broadcasting the CSI Season 14 which will premiere exclusively on OSN First HD in Oct Aer this week turned up Friday under a bathroom sink Episode 21 on March 5, 2015 (12:00 GMT / 03:00 KSA), 2015”. in the same hotel, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s official scheduled to air in more than 150 countries worldwide CSI: Crime Scene Investigation premiered in the fall of said. simultaneously. 2000 with big ratings, ground-breaking production val- The dress found at a West Hollywood hotel “greatly CBS has declared Wednesday, March 4 ‘Word CSI Day’, ues and a storytelling form that influenced a generation resembles” the pearl-adorned Calvin Klein Collection by and along with OSN and countless TV broadcasters they of crime dramas. The series ranked as television’s #1 dra- Francisco Costa dress the actress wore to Sunday’s will embark on a global effort for CSI to break the ma for seven seasons and became a global phenomenon, Academy Awards, sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida Guinness World Records achievement for the “Largest earning the title of the “most-watched show in the world” said. Ever TV Drama Simulcast.” This simulcast by OSN rein- on six separate occasions, most recently in 2012. CSI has Detectives were trying to verify whether the recovered forces its ‘See it First’ proposition with yet another ‘same also developed into a major franchise for CBS, spanning dress is the same one Nyong’o wore, she said. One of the time as U.S’ telecast. three television spin-offs, books, video games and “CSI: actress’ representatives reported the dress was stolen from The global event will feature a worldwide simulcast of The Experience,” an interactive educational exhibit about her room at the London Hotel late Wednesday. the CSI episode “Kitty”, which saw the introduction of the forensic science that travels around the world. Authorities placed its value at $150,000, although Cyber Crime Division and Special Agent Avery Ryan “When CSI premiered, I had no idea it would become experts say it could have fetched more on the black mar- played by Academy award winner Patricia Arquette. The the sensational global franchise it is today,” said Anthony ket. Women’s Wear Daily reported that the dress was made episode features her heading FBI’s Cyber Crime Division, a Zuiker, creator of the CSI franchise. of 6,000 crystal pearls on silk lame and that its value was unit at the forefront of solving illegal activities that start “The CSI franchise has been a centre piece of televi- undetermined. in the mind, live online, and play out in the real world. sion schedules around the world for the past 15 years,” In a statement to Women’s Wear Daily, Costa said every- The episode will air at 03:00 KSA, March 5, 2015, exclu- said Armando Nuvez, President and Chief Executive one at Calvin Klein was thrilled to learn that the dress may sively on OSN First HD. Officer, CBS Global Distribution Group. “We are thrilled to have been found. Khulud Abu Homos, OSN’s Executive Vice President for celebrate this anniversary through a global simulcast “Once it’s returned to us, we will be able to have the programming said: “We are excited to be part of such a event, supported by the licensees who have made the dress restored and archived, as it now represents an impor- remarkable global phenomenon. By committing to bring- original series such a powerful brand in their markets.” tant moment for the brand,” Costa said in his statement. ing our viewers the latest content, they will now be able The recovery of the dress was first reported by to join in on the record attempt by watching the episode TMZ.com, which said that a person claiming to have taken along with the hundreds of thousands of viewers across the gown gave the celebrity website information about where to find the dress. Detectives found it in a black garment bag stashed underneath the bathroom counter. Nyong’o won an Oscar in 2014 for her role in “Twelve Years a Slave” and was a pre- senter at Sunday’s ceremony. “I’m happy that it has been potentially recovered,” Nyong’o said in the statement to Women’s Wear Daily. “It’s a timeless and priceless piece of art.” The 31-year-old actress has become a darling of Hollywood’s red carpets in the past two years, with commenters and fans praising her fashion choices. She accessorized the dress with Chopard diamond earrings and diamond rings. “There are a lot of collectors out there who are very pri- vate and have private collections of stolen merchandise,” said style expert and fashion commentator Mary Alice File photo, actress Lupita Nyong’o arrives at the Oscars Stephenson. “Some of these dresses have global fame as wearing a dress made of pearls at the Dolby Theatre in Los big as any Van Gogh.” — AP Angeles. Los Angeles sheriff’s detectives are investigating the theft of the $150,000 custom Calvin Klein dress worn by Nyong’o at the 2015 Academy Awards. The dress was reported stolen from Nyong’o’s West Hollywood hotel room late on Feb 25, 2015. — AP lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015

Italian designer Giorgio Armani poses with models at the end of his show during the women Fall / Winter 2015/16 Milan’s Fashion Week yesterday. — AFP Designer to the stars dresses disabled catwalk in Milan

rom outfits for Lady Gaga and Beyonce to disabled fashion: someone is missing an arm or a leg it makes little difference on Antonio Urzi, a long-time collaborator with Armani, is an artistic level, I can still create a sculpture,” he said, before Ftrying to revolutionise Milan fashion week with rushing off to organise the so-called “static-dynamic” cat- creations designed for amputees. walk, where models sporting futuristic body suits and large Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Britney Spears have hooped shoulder pads posed on stands. all worn his masterpieces, but Urzi’s latest face is FTL Moda, which promotes ‘Made in Italy’, presented hunky British amputee Jack Eyers, the star of a radi- “Loving You” on Sunday after a stop at New York’s fash- cally different catwalk show which mixes able-bod- ion week, where it took to the runway in collaboration ied and disabled models. with Italy’s Fondazione Vertical, a spinal cord injuries “My life’s changed dramatically, it’s a full-on research foundation. rollercoaster ride,” said Eyers, who was born with a FTL president Ilaria Niccolini says she believes “we’re rare condition which meant his right leg failed to grow ready for this.” properly, leading him to decide to have it amputated “This presentation wants to show the world that the when he was 16. most prestigious places for fashion are becoming open to Now 25, the personal trainer-turned-model disability,” she told AFP in English. “Our top maisons are has got two years of work in the fashion really trying to find the new look for the runway. industry under his belt, and is clearly We’ve seen so much in the fashion world thrilled to be in Milan, sporting a already, sometimes we tend to go loud, large silver suit-of-armour type scandalise, confront-while we just need outfit designed especially for him. to look around” to find diversity. “It actually blends into the leg,” he tells AFP, showing off his pros- ‘Every runway in the world’ thetic limb, which Urzi has incorpo- Eyers admits it’s not easy to per- rated into the quirky, gladiatorial suade designers to use disabled models. design. “A lot have said they are afraid to use us for a number of reasons, they don’t ‘Disability as accessory’ want to do something that would “He’s using my leg and disability offend us or the public. as an accessory as part of his fash- “They’re scared, they don’t know ion clothes. I think that’s great,” he how to use us, how their clothes says with a grin. would fit on a wheelchair model or Urzi, who did not go to an amputee-also they don’t want design school but honed his art the attention to be on the model during a job as a dancer in night- rather than the clothes,” he said. clubs-where he made his own But since appearing in the special-effects outfits-specialises London 2012 Paralympics’ open- in rigid materials such as alu- ing ceremony and going on to minium and plexiglass. star in a number of advertise- This year has been his first ments, he says he has overcome venture into disabled fashion the lack of confidence he suf- and he created the collection fered as a child and believes for free, to draw awareness to a fashion can do the same gap in the luxury clothes line. for others. “The big players, the “If you feel like important maisons (fashion you look good houses), should start think- then you feel great. ing differently and con- Getting more dis- tribute because the world is abled people in full of disabled people... fashion is going to who want to look good just help with their like us,” he said, slamming heads,” he said. the industry as “snob- As models bish” and from New York’s “squalid.” Global Disability “If Inclusion and London’s Models of Diversity take up their places among their able-bodied col- leagues under the bright lights, Niccolini says she will not be deterred. “Brands, actors, per- formers in general are endorsing this concept and I hope this will be absolutely normal, let’s say, in two years.” By then, she says, you will get disabled models “included in every single runway in the world.” — AFP

Models wear a creation for Giorgio Armani women’s Fall-Winter 2015-16 collection, part of Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy, yesterday. — AP Vilebrequin launch unique collection for ME

ilebrequin launched a limited edition of its horizons on the sand dunes and an endless chain unknown lands. Whether it was riding on a camel first ever special collection for the GCC of stone mountains. The person feels great when or sailing on a boat, I’m always attached to my Vregion. This collection was inspired form the walking for hours and realizing that the valleys full vacations in Oman, to spread life in my illusion and nights of Arab region with its architecture, the of water is near. To mix the entertainment with to live my oriental adventures to maximum”. Arabic calligraphy, and the Safari desert tours. challenge and adventure, I don’t carry anything Founded in Saint-Tropez in the 1970s, The launch of this limited edition in Kuwait was else that a bottle of water and Vilebrequin special Vilebrequin has become an inventor of upscale set for March upon the request of the Vilebrequin outfits for the Gulf region. The Moroccan motifs of swimwear. It boasts a level of quality and fantasy lovers. The French leading group Vilebrequin the swimsuits perfectly merges with turtles, the distilled today in the creation of the “GCC” capsule announced that the new collection will be unveiled special logo of this designing house from Saint - collection, a first for the Middle-East. The most in Kuwait in a new innovative way that suits its cus- Tropez. The Riviera is considered the slogan of dis- beautiful desert landscapes and Moorish motifs tomers’ and lovers’ expectations. tancing from life’s troubles, and swimming there come printed on two swimsuits and an embroi- “Relaxing in my net swing, I was dreaming of an renews activity and vitality. As well as the Sinbad, I dered t-shirt, ready to be discovered without delay. oasis. I was attracted by the sunset while drawing love to cross seas and oceans and discover Oasis Les Bains Collection are available in stores. Stolen Nyong’o gown found

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 38

The Nuestra Belleza Latina beauties greeted the talented Thalia at the NBL Mansion as she introduced their next challenge in Miami, Florida. — AFP Rio’s 450th birthday bash is a piece of cake

io de Janeiro showed Sunday that partying really is a before bakers and local dignitaries dished out slices to delight- through to the Olympic Games that Rio is hosting in August billion overall. “Rio is undergoing much transformation. We are piece of cake, as residents tucked into a monster birth- ed locals. Rio was founded on March 1, 1565 by Portuguese 2016. Mayor Eduardo Paes had earlier attended a mass undertaking many works which will culminate in great Rday confection to mark the Brazilian city’s 450th explorer and city founder Estacio de Sa. The “Cidade presided over by the Cardinal Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, progress for the city-though we know many improvements are anniversary. Maravilhosa”-or Marvelous City-is famed the world over for its Orani Tempesta, who blessed three city relics: the image of still needed,” Pezao declared. Those adverse to carbs should look away now: the 450- beaches, stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Christ the Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Rio, the remains of Estacio de Portuguese colonizers formally founded Rio after their pred- meter (500-yard) cake was made with 2.5 tons of flour, 2.1 tons Redeemer hilltop statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched. Sa and the cornerstone of the church foundation. ecessors first discovered the spectacular Guanabara Bay and of sugar, 1.5 tons of margarine, 3,000 eggs, 1,000 liters (264 gal- “It’s an enchanting, fantastic city whose beaches and natural After symbolically receiving the keys to the city from an the city’s backdrop of tropical forest, home to indigenous peo- lons) of milk and as much again of whipped cream. landscapes inspire me and make me want to live life to the full,” actor dressed as Sa, Paes accompanied President Dilma ples. Rio served as Brazil’s capital from 1763 to 1960, when new- The enormous sweet was the centerpiece of the city’s birth- said Vilma de Lourdes, a 52-year-old cook, who was wearing a Rousseff and state Governor Luiz Fernando Pezao to oversee ly built and more central Brasilia assumed the mantle. — AFP day celebrations, and was served up on a long table reaching T-shirt bearing a motif of the famed statue. the inauguration of a 1.4-kilometer (0.9-mile) tunnel in the port down Carioca Street in the heart of the city. This year’s celebration is an extension of the just-ended Rio area. The port is undergoing extensive renovations ahead of Thousand of people stood by, singing “Happy Birthday” carnival and comprises a “cultural marathon” extending the Olympics, South America’s first, which will cost some $14

The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes (2nd R, white), the Governor of the People celebrates during the ceremony of Rio de Janeiro city’s 450th anniver- People wait along a road to receive an u-shaped 450-meter-long birthday cake state of Rio de Janeiro Luiz Fernando Pezao (3rd R) and Rio de Janeiro’s sary, on March 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. during a ceremony for Rio de Janeiro city’s 450th anniversary, in Rio de Janeiro, Archbishop Orani Tempesta (4th R) hold a statue of Saint Sebastian, the city’s Brazil, on March 1, 2015. A pastry chef told that 10 pastry chefs worked for Patron Saint, during the Rio de Janeiro city’s 450th anniversary ceremony, on three days to make the cake. March 1, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. — AFP

Lady Gaga, Vince Vaughn take charity polar plunge

ady Gaga and Vince Vaughn plunged into the icy waters himself down backward in the water. of Chicago’s Lake Michigan at a fundraiser for the Special Last year, comedian Jimmy Fallon jumped in wearing a suit LOlympics. and tie, and helped raise more than $1 million. The air temper- Special Olympics Chicago President Casey Hogan said ature was a frigid 20 degrees at the time of the plunge, Sunday that Lady Gaga made the plunge with more than according to the National Weather Service. — AP 4,500 other participants. Hogan says the singer’s appearance was “a very nice surprise.” Lady Gaga recently announced her engagement to Actor Taylor Kinney, second left, and “Chicago Fire” actor Taylor Kinney. Photos show her and a his fiancee, pop star Lady Gaga, cen- bare-chested Kinney going into the water together. ter, along with “Chicago Fire” cast Vaughn also made the plunge. The native of the Chicago take part in the Chicago Polar Plunge suburb Lake Forest was dressed in a Chicago Blackhawks jer- at North Avenue Beach on Sunday, sey and jeans. The actor went in up to his knees, then eased March 1, 2015 in Chicago. —AP