SUBSCRIPTION

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 RABI ALAWWAL 30, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

See Page 7 Kandari whisked off to Min 07º Max 16º hospital, meets family High Tide 13:12 & 23:35 Low Tide Last Kuwaiti at Gitmo held 14 years without charge 06:38 & 17:27 40 PAGES NO: 16751 150 FILS KUWAIT: The last Kuwaiti prisoner in the US conspiracy theories Guantanamo Bay prison returned home yesterday to a family reception after 14 years of detention, the head of a detainee group said. Fayez Mohammed Ahmed Al- A real conspiracy Kandari was the last of 12 Kuwaitis held for long terms in the prison as the United States prepares to close the theory facility. “He looked tired but his morale was very high. He was welcomed at the airport by his father, two brothers and uncle,” Khalid Al-Odah, head of the society of families of Kuwaiti prisoners in Guantanamo, who was also present, told AFP. Kandari was immediately taken to a military hospital for medical examination where dozens of relatives led By Badrya Darwish by his mother were allowed to greet and talk to him freely, Odah said. The former prisoner was brought back to the Gulf state aboard a private jet which flew from Guantanamo to the state via Casablanca, Morocco. He had been held without trial in the Caribbean detention [email protected] center since 2002, and his return to Kuwait now means the facility has a population of 104. US President Barack Obama pledged to shut Guantanamo when he took he most bizarre news I heard recently was office in 2009, but his efforts have been repeatedly reports about organized attacks targeting thwarted by Congress. Twomen during New Year festivities in various Odah said Kandari will remain in hospital for some cities in Germany. Honestly, when I heard the time and only his close family members will be allowed news, my first thought was, “Oh God, I hope they to visit him. He will then be taken to a rehabilitation don’t pin it on the poor refugees”. It took only half center for more than six months after which prosecu- a second before the news confirmed my fear. tors will interrogate him and decide whether to pursue legal action, Odah said. Odah thanked the efforts of HH What happened was that gangs of hundreds of KUWAIT: Fayez Al-Kandari (second right), the last Kuwaiti inmate held at the Guantanamo Bay prison, is wel- young men - described as North African or Arab in the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and other comed by his father (second left), brother (left) and Khaled Al-Oudah (right), President of the Committee of authorities in securing the return of Kandari. appearance - surrounded women near the places Families of Kuwaiti Detainees in Guantanamo, at a military hospital yesterday. — AFP where yearend celebrations were taking place and Continued on Page 15 harassed, robbed and in at least two cases, raped them. Now there are big demonstrations demand- ing the expulsion of the recent influx of Syrian GCC condemns Iranian interference refugees. The police have noted that the attacks were clearly organized and even repeated across Cologne, Hamburg and Stuttgart - all big cities. How come three cities so far away from each Saudi Arabia may take more measures against Tehran other experienced the same type of attacks, same behavior, same pattern, same modus operandi...as RIYADH: Foreign ministers of the Gulf in Saudi Arabian affairs” over its denuncia- if someone masterminded this and is trying to pin Cooperation Council expressed their tion of Nimr Al-Nimr’s execution a week it on the refugees. I doubt that they were refugees “total support” yesterday for Saudi Arabia ago. It said Tehran’s criticism had “directly with the way it happened - so well organized and in its diplomatic row with predominantly incited the aggressions targeting Saudi orchestrated. I’m not saying that all refugees are Shiite Iran. The GCC “forcefully condemns diplomatic missions”. The GCC “totally sup- saints. But I very much doubt that a Syrian fleeing the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions ports decisions taken by Saudi Arabia to his country with his family and waiting in camps in in Iran”, said a statement, referring to the combat terrorism” and “has total confi- Germany to be resettled would come up with such sacking of Riyadh’s embassy and con- dence in the independence and integrity horrendous actions. sulate by demonstrators angered over its of Saudi justice”. Nimr was a cleric in Saudi It’s impossible. Someone is benefitting from execution of a prominent Shiite cleric Arabia’s Shiite community who was behind these attacks with the intention of spoiling the and dissident. demonstrations calling for better treat- reputation of refugees - especially Arab and The statement, following an extraordi- ment of the minority, but he was executed Muslim ones. Now when any murder takes place nary ministerial meeting of the six-mem- for terrorism. anywhere on earth, someone will witness that he ber group, criticized “Iranian interference Continued on Page 15 heard the assailant say Allahu Akbar! Why has it taken the police so long to identify these gangs of criminals? Whatever else they are, D&G unveils designs we definitely know they are criminals and gangs and the police in every city know the gangsters for Muslim women there. Are there not any CCTV cameras anywhere ROME: Dolce and Gabbana, designers with a collection of abayas and hijabs. in Germany? Why hasn’t anyone used these cam- MEXICO CITY: Drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman is escorted to a hel- eras to identify and arrest those involved? Tell us if best known for womenswear inspired The Abaya line, which conforms with by the sultry sensualism of southern the modesty requirements of most ver- icopter at the airport on Friday following his recapture during an intense they are Syrian refugees or not? Because I’m sure military operation in Los Mochis in Sinaloa State. — AFP they have the photo of every Syrian refugee who Italy, are attacking the booming sions of Islam, was launched last week has entered Germany. Middle Eastern market for high fashion Continued on Page 15 I would bet that there are few Syrian refugees right now who are interested or willing to do any- Mexican drug lord thing that would give a bad name to their commu- nity. This was a deliberate and organized series of attacks to do exactly that. And in the future we will sent back to prison probably see worse. MEXICO CITY: Betrayed by his desire On July 11, after just 17 months at to make a biopic, Mexican drug king- Altiplano, Guzman slipped through a pin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was hole in his cell’s shower, climbed on a US releases Iran back yesterday in the prison he motorcycle mounted on rails, and trav- escaped from six months ago, amid eled 1.5 km through a tunnel to free- rocket fire video calls to extradite him to the US. The dom. But six months later, Guzman was world’s most wanted drug baron was back in the prison after authorities DUBAI: The US Navy yesterday released footage it said arrested in a military raid early Friday located him, in part because the king- showed Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels firing rock- that left five suspects dead in Los pin wanted to make a biographical film ets near warships and commercial traffic in the strategic Mochis, a coastal city in his native about himself, according to Attorney Strait of Hormuz late last month, a move raising tensions northwestern state of Sinaloa. Hours General Arely Gomez. Gomez said an between the two nations despite the recent nuclear later, the Sinaloa cartel kingpin was “important aspect that allowed us to deal. The Navy said it released the footage in response to flown in a military helicopter from locate him was that we discovered a Freedom of Information Act request, though it also Mexico City to the Altiplano maximum- Guzman’s intention to make a biogra- comes as US ally Saudi Arabia has cut ties to the Islamic ROME: Images show models wearing creations of Dolce & Gabbana’s Abaya security prison, the scene of his daring phical film, for which he established Republic following attacks on diplomatic posts there line, a collection of abayas and hijabs billed as capturing the “allure of the July 11 escape some 90 km west of the contact with actresses and producers”. after the kingdom’s execution of a Shiite cleric. Middle East”. — AFP capital. Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 15

Ministry seeks Officer, soldier ‘Perfect’ Djokovic ‘Unique’ Messi to prevent price killed near Cairo, thrashes Nadal masterclass increases after hotel attack to win puts Barca subsidies3 lifted victims 8stable Qatar18 Open back20 on top LOCAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

In Brief Speaker returns after Session to discuss GCC supports UN Cairo, Geneva tour audit’s remarks efforts on Yemen KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- By A Saleh RIYADH: GCC Secretary General Abdulatif Al-Zayani Ghanem returned home yesterday after a tour that saw KUWAIT: Rapporteur of the parliament’s priorities commit- yesterday re-affirmed support for the diplomatic him visit Cairo and Geneva. On arrival, Ghanem was efforts exerted by the UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh received by Minister of Justice and Awqaf and Islamic tee MP Ahmad Lari said that the parliament plans to allo- cate a session by the end of this month to discuss the gov- Ahmad to “push forward the political process” for Affairs Yaacoub Al-Sane, National Assembly Secretary ernment’s report concerning the State Audit Bureau’s Yemen, aimed at resolving the crisis in this country. General Allam Al-Kandari, Egyptian ambassador to remarks. Lari added that the parliament is still waiting for Zayani reiterated backing for the UN efforts during a Kuwait Yasser Atef, Assistant Secretary General for the government’s study on handling the falling oil prices meeting with the envoy of Yemen, held in Riyadh, National Assembly Security Guard Affairs Major General and rationalizing subsidies. In addition, Lari stressed that Saudi Arabia yesterday. He stressed on necessity of Khaled Al-Waqeet and Assistant Secretary-General of the the current term is expected to witness passing 23 priori- implementing the UN Security Council resolution National Assembly for Public Relations and Organizations ties including public tenders, the payroll strategic alterna- 2216, which imposed an arms embargo on the Mahdi Al-Mutairat. — KUNA tive, the judiciary independence and senior posts. Houthis and their allies. —KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Birds and tree branches, captured on a winter day in Kuwait. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Red Crescent reaches refugees in mountains IICO delivers aid to refugees in Jordan

BEIRUT/AMMAN: Teams of Kuwait Red Syrians, many live in shanty towns in remote Jordanian government, mainly includes food- Crescent Society delivered food and other and border regions. stuff, blankets and detergents, a Kuwaiti necessities to Syrian refugees in Iqlim Al- KRCS officials have vowed to do every- diplomat said. Kharroub, a mountainous region located thing possible to help the refugees no matter It is part of Kuwait’s planned 40-ton relief southeast of the Lebanese capital. Three hun- how hard the weather conditions may be. aid campaign, launched by this Gulf nation’s dred and fifty food rations and 700 bed- Lebanon has been hit with a snow storm that International Islamic Charitable Organization clothes were given to refugee families in the has rendered color of much of the mountain- (IICO), in order to ease out the woes of Syrian region, part of the Mount Lebanon province, ous region white, with some villages being refugees, especially in winter, the acting said Menhel Al-Enezi, a member of the field isolated due to the piling snow. The society is Charge d’affaires of the Kuwaiti embassy in team. The Kuwaiti teams also provided identi- celebrating its golden jubilee today, boasting Jordan Abdulraheem Al-Zaabi said. cal materials, sweets and toys to the refugees a long record of relief and humanitarian mis- He stressed the significance of humanitari- and their children in Shebaa, a town in south- sions worldwide. an aid to Syrian refugees in light of bad eastern Lebanon. weather conditions in Jordan, noting that Meanwhile, Yousef Boutros, operations’ Military plane Kuwait’s aid also aims to help in the allevia- coordinator at the Lebanese Red Cross, Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti military plane has tion of the financial burdens shouldered by affirmed that the ongoing Kuwaiti aid deliver- arrived at Marka Military Airport in Amman, the Jordanian government due to hosting 1.4 ies to the refugees will certainly help them Jordan, carrying around 19 tons of humani- million Syrian refugees. Kuwait’s humanitarian cope with the hard winter conditions, lauding tarian aid to Syrian refugees at refugee aid to Syrian refugees in host countries comes the volunteers for braving heavy snow and camps in Jordan. Kuwait’s fresh aid, which will at the behest of His Highness the Amir Sheikh rains for securing the aid to the impoverished be distributed in collaboration with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.— KUNA

BEIRUT: Teams of Kuwait Red Crescent Society deliver food and other Officials oversee the process of unloading aid to be delivered to Syrian AMMAN: A Kuwaiti military plane delivers 19 tons of aid to Syrian refugees necessities to Syrian refuges. refugees in Jordan. in Jordan. —KUNA SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 LOCAL Ministry acts to prevent price increase when subsidies lifted ‘No threat to aviation safety’ at airport

By A Saleh been discussed with relation to fuel way will reopen next month once prices and that it was proposed to the current periodic maintenance KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and increase prices in three stages until operations are over. “The eastern Industry Yousuf Al-Ali reviewed his 2018-2019. runway will immediately be main- ministry’s plan with the ministerial tained then,” he underlined. economic committee to control Airport’s runway prices if subsidies are lifted and fuel Acting Director of the Directorate Kuwait Airways prices are increased. Ali stressed that General of Civil Aviation Emad Al- The government referred a bill to strict measures would be taken to Jlowi said the eastern runway at the parliament asking permission to prevent any unjustified price Kuwait International Airport had take KD 600 million from state increases and that special inspection been built in 1984 and was too old reserves to pay the balance of teams would be deployed in various and needed refurbishment. “Recent Kuwait Airways’ capital. markets and outlets to monitor rain slightly affected the runway,” he prices. In a related development, said, denying that the runway’s con- Road development informed sources said that the min- dition posed any threat to aviation The Ministry of Public Works’ isterial economic committee was safety. “We have cleaned the runway (MPW) assistant undersecretary for Firemen use a rope to get on board of a boat that was damaged near Ouha island. currently considering rationalizing of all gravel,” he added, underlining planning and development and the electricity, gas and water subsidies that the department was very keen ministry’s official spokesperson because they consume 70 percent on achieving the highest levels of Abdul Mohsen Al-Enezi stressed that Drugged man smashes of the total subsidies provided by safety on the runway and was con- the ministry has a plan to develop the government. The sources added stantly removing all gravel from it. Morocco, Fahaheel and Nuwaiseeb cars in Sharq Minister Yousuf Al-Ali that four different scenarios had Jlowi added that the western run- expressways. By Hanan Al-Saadoun release the woman and send her to hospi- tal for treatment. KUWAIT: Responding to a video circulated over social media showing a man smashing Fallen tree the windows of a vehicle passing by in Farwaniya firemen were dispatched to Sharq industrial area, the Ministry of Rabiya where a huge tree had fallen out- Interior’s Relations and Security Media side a house, blocking the road. The tree Department explained that a police patrol was removed and no casualties were was immediately dispatched to the scene reported. and arrested the man. He was identified as a 57-year-old citizen, and was captured while behaving erratically. The department said that the man also had some illicit pills, which suggests he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack.

Boats damaged A wooden boat sustained an engine problem and water leakage near Ouha island, said security sources, noting that Salmiya rescue forces and Failaka firefight- ers were dispatched to evacuate the peo- ple on board and pump the water out of the boat until the engine was fixed. No casualties were reported. The same hap- pened with an Iranian boat near the island of Miskan, and Salmiya rescue forces were dispatched to evacuate the sailors on board. No casualties were reported.

No injuries in fire A fire broke out in a 16 square meter warehouse located on a Wafra farm, said security sources, noting that the ware- house was used to store blankets and rugs. The fire was contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the farm.

Motorist hurt in crash A female citizen suffered serious injures when she was trapped inside her vehicle’s wreckage after a collision near Sabah Al- By Meshaal Al-Enezi launched a wide-scale inspection campaign in the garbage from Surra, Bayan and Mishref, removing Nasser, said security sources, noting that early hours of yesterday. The campaign resulted in construction material waste, cleaning various firemen from Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh were dis- KUWAIT: The suspect pictured in this KUWAIT: Hawally municipality inspectors removing 15 abandoned trucks, 11 truckloads of roads and replacing some old garbage containers. patched to the scene, who managed to handout photo.

KUWAIT: The exotic orient is famous for ‘Alatarah’ markets which display various types of spices, as well as aromatic herbs used for cooking, popular and alternative medicines. —KUNA Spice bazaars, a distinguished oriental scene SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 LOCAL FSRI, KSSS host workshop on women’s health physiotherapy

KUWAIT: The Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation cialized course on orthopedic physiothera- Institute (FSRI), under the sponsorship of py, which took place at FSRI’s Children’s the Kuwait Society for Student Support Evaluation and Rehabilitation Centre. (KSSS), hosted an educational workshop on The third and final workshop under the women’s health physiotherapy as part of umbrella of this program is set to take the non-profit Institute’s efforts to promote place in May of next year, and will focus on healthcare education across the Kuwaiti educating healthcare providers on the medical community. treatment of neurological conditions, in The two-day workshop featured interna- both children and the elderly. tional female health physiotherapy special- ist, Michelle Lyons, and was attended by Supporting education local physicians and healthcare providers Talal Alarab, Chairman of the Kuwait from both the public and private sector. Society for Student Support said: “We at The comprehensive workshop provided KSSS are always looking to partner with participants with general theoretical institutions and organizations that support knowledge, as well as practical skills train- education, and whose goals and values are Ooredoo donates $5,000 for ing, to help them develop treatment strate- in line with our own goals and policies. We gies for a wide range of issues affecting had begun working with FSRI in 2013, due women including incontinence, pelvic to their being a non-profit institution that Fight Against Rheumatoid pain, and menopause. supports education and actively partici- pates in many educational initiatives. Clinical practice Originally, the collaboration had been limit- Gala dinner held at Ooredoo’s headquarter Dr Elham Al-Hamdan, President and ed to a number of small initiatives. Medical Director of FSRI, commented at the However, due to our belief in FSRI’s mission workshop: “At FSRI, we believe that contin- and the need for more continuous and seri- KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the funds for 150 patients on their waiting lists, in an organization such as the Patients Helping Fund uing professional education is critical for ous support, the partnership soon blos- international Ooredoo Group, hosted a gala din- effort to make the necessary treatment available Society for this event, and we look forward to improving clinical practice in all fields of somed into something more long-term and ner in coordination with the Patient Helping to all in need. taking part in more events that contribute to the healthcare. Workshops like this one help we decided to sponsor this specialized Fund Society recently as part of a fundraising Commenting on the company’s contribution, society”. practitioners garner advanced therapeutic three-part educational program focusing campaign entitled “Join the Fight Against Mijbil Alayoub, Director of Corporate Ooredoo’s support to this cause comes in line knowledge and insights, as well as develop on important clinical care topics.” Rheumatoid.” Communications at Ooredoo Kuwait said: “We with the company’s Corporate Social and hone practical skillsets to provide an Dr Al-Hamdan further added: “FSRI has During the gala, Ooredoo Kuwait donated always believed in the importance of playing an Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses a even higher level of care to patients.” had a long and fruitful partnership with $5,000 for the event’s organizer, the Patients active role in participating to help others. We are great deal on supporting health initiative and She further added: “Women’s health in KSSS. In addition to the many educational Helping Fund Society, which are aimed to raise honoured to be working with an esteemed promoting a healthier Kuwait. particular is a very important topic; one workshops and courses we have organized that is often not given a great deal of atten- with their support over the years, KSSS has tion in Kuwait. Our goal here has been to played an instrumental role in furthering help broaden the knowledge of the local the education and training of our own staff medical community about this specialized - most recently supporting our resident area, and enable them to help female speech therapist Dr Mohammed Al-Ameer patients live a happy, healthy and pain-free in his pursuit of a doctorate degree from life.” the United Kingdom. We look forward to The workshop comes as the second in a building upon our successful partnership series of workshops taking place as part of with them and are thankful to their con- a year-long educational program organized stant support in assisting us in our cause of by FSRI and sponsored by KSSS. The pro- promoting healthcare education in the gram kicked off earlier this year with a spe- country.”

KUWAIT: (From left) Ahmed Al-Shayji, Secretary General of the Kuwait Society Ooredoo’s Qout Market for Student Support, Dr Elham Al-Hamdan, President and Medical Director of FSRI, and Talal Alarab, Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Student Support opens doors for visitors Exceptional packages on iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of the 64GB. In addition to a Macbook laptop, Jawbone The ‘Qout Market’ is taking place at Murooj - a international Ooredoo Group, welcomed visitors UP3 fitness tracker and a free 4G router at KD 60 Sahara Club project - and will include local of the Qout’s fifth market for this season, held a month. farm produce, artisanal food products and crafts, yesterday at Murooj complex. Ooredoo team would like to encourage peo- ‘street food’ section aiming at highlighting the Welcoming all guests, Ooredoo offer Qout ple of Kuwait to take part in this event and shar- culinary diversity of Kuwait’s local food commu- Market visitors a unique package on the iPhone ing the excitement with the entrepreneurs that nity and a section dedicated for children’s activi- 6s and iPhone 6s Plus that enable subscribers to will be displaying their own works of art and to ties. This market’s season kicked off in November (From left) Dr Elham Al-Hamdan, President and Medical Director of FSRI, and get unlimited local minutes and SMS, 500 GB pay a visit to the primary located Ooredoo 2015 and will continue be held twice a month Talal Alarab, Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Student Support 4G+ internet subscription and an iPhone 6s booth to check out the exclusive offers. until April 2016.

NUKS-USA honors Gulf Bank for Platinum Sponsorship of 32nd Annual Conference

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank was recently and Tareq Al-Saleh, Assistant events to help empower the next focusing on: a post-graduate honored by the National Union of General Manager for Investments, generation of Kuwaitis. As part of issues; gender diversity in the Kuwaiti Students - USA (NUKS-USA) received the commemorative our continuous recruitment strate- workplace; and career options in in recognition of its participation plaque in recognition of the Bank’s gy, a number of students were the investment industry. The event and platinum sponsorship of the role and on-going support of interviewed during the confer- opened with a speech by Hajjaj 32nd annual conference that took NUKS USA. ence. We look forward to future discussing the emphasis Gulf Bank place in San Diego from 26-28 Hajjaj said: “We congratulate investments in support of our places on training and nurturing November 2015, under the patron- NUKS-USA on another successful youth and will continue to liaise talented Kuwaitis. Saleh also par- age and attendance of HE the conference. Gulf Bank is proud to with NUKS to keep our youth ticipated as judge in the business Minster of Education and Minster of have been a sponsor of the NUKS- recruitment momentum going.” startup idea competition. Higher Education Dr. Bader Al-Essa. USA conference for the third con- Gulf Bank played an important Additionally, the Bank held its KUWAIT: Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager, Human Resources and Tareq Al- Salma Al-Hajjaj, General secutive year. The Bank strongly role during the conference. Gulf popular raffle prize draw during Saleh, Assistant General Management, Investments at Gulf bank receiving Manager of Human Resources, believes in supporting youth Bank conducted three workshops the conference. the recognition award from the NUKS team. SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 LOCAL Banks offer scholarships Philippine Airlines relaunches for MS-level studies abroad Kuwait - Manila - Kuwait route KUWAIT: Governor of the Central Bank of between the CBK and the banks, he said, Kuwait (CBK) Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel said also noting the approach to up bring the CBK along with Kuwaiti banks offered for national cadres, capable of contributing to By Ben Garcia the second consecutive year scholarships for Kuwait development. Practically, the CBK, MS studies at top universities abroad. The conventional and Islamic banks have KUWAIT: Philippine Airlines Incorporated offered higher studies include financing, eco- formed a panel tasked with drawing up the (PAL) will relaunch direct flights between nomics, auditing studies’ program. The IBS is charged with Kuwait and Manila from Jan 18, 2016. “We are and business follow-up and implementation. Regulations ready and very happy to be back in Kuwait. administration, said and terms of the program are posted on For some reasons we stopped the route many Hashel, who dou- the institute website. years back, but we are now ready to do busi- bles as Chairman of Interested Kuwaiti university graduates ness and serve our fellow Filipinos and other the Institute of can apply effective Sunday January 10th till nationals desiring better services. We are here to fulfill their dreams,” said Orty Liscano, Area Banking Studies Wednesday June 1st. MS holders benefiting Manager Kuwait, reminding that Philippine (IBS), in a state- from the scholarships will be free to work at Airlines is among the earliest commercial air- ment. any public or private bank or establish- lines in Asia. Liscano urged travel agencies The initiative is ment. The freedom of choice is provided and media representative to assist them in part of the ongo- with aim of boosting the national human spreading the news and awareness about the Dr Mohammad ing cooperation resources, in tandem with the socio-eco- entry of the flag carrier and its offerings. Al-Hashel at the social level nomic development strategy. —KUNA Al-Sawan Company is the local Philippine KUWAIT: ’ Ambassador Renato Orty Liscano, Area Manager, Philippine Airlines partner in charge of Kuwait opera- Villa speaks at the event. Airlines speaks. Excellence, creativity award tions, and assured its full support and cooper- ation to the travelling public and passengers. attracts Kuwaiti youth: Official The announcement was made at a launch event at Holiday Inn Downtown, and repre- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Award for Youth Excellence Mutairi stressed that the Kuwaiti youth sentatives of various travel and tour agencies and Creativity, launched last November, has seen have a spirit of entrepreneurship and cre- were in attendance. Reservations can be huge turnout by Kuwaiti youth, a Ministry of ativity, and once they are offered a favorable made online or by visiting its Kuwait City State for Youth Affairs official said yesterday. environment, they can make achievements offices. More than 250 to enrich their society. The higher organizing Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Kuwaiti young men committee of the Award includes institu- Pedro Villa lauded Philippine Airlines for the and women have tions like the Kuwait University and the inaugural launch scheduled for next week. submitted their Ministries of Information, Education, Awqaf “We are very happy to welcome this new works in the ten cat- and Islamic Affairs, and health, besides the development, especially for our ‘kababayans’ egories of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (fellow Filipinos), who will now have several Award, Assistant (NACCL), the Public Authority for Youth options for their travel plans to Manila. I am Undersecretary for (PAS), the Kuwait Foundation for the hoping that the launch of Philippine Airlines Youth Development Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), the Kuwait boosts relations not just economically in the Abdulrahman Voluntary Work Center (KVWC) and the between two friendly countries, but most Al-Mutairi said in a National Fund for Small and Medium importantly our tourism destinations back Abdulrahman press statement. Enterprises (SMEs). Al-Mutairi home. We hope to convince more Kuwaitis These include The Award boasts significant support and other nationals to visit and enjoy the entrepreneurship, education, media, cul- from Minister of Information and Minister of most scenic and world-class destinations ture and arts, voluntary work, sciences and State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah throughout the country. We pray for more technology, sports, boosting health, archi- Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, who also business, safe journeys and commercial tecture, urban planning and, housing, and chairs the higher organizing committee, exchanges,” he added. sharia sciences. Only Kuwaitis aged 14 to Mutairi said. Launching the excellence and Flights will be four times a week: Monday, 34 are eligible to apply for the award, creativity award reflects the state’s keenness Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Philippine launched last November as the first of its on supporting youth and their projects, giv- Airlines was founded in 1941 and is the first kind in the Arab World. Deadline for appli- ing their ambitions a priority in the govern- and oldest commercial airline operating cation is January 14. ment work, he said. —KUNA under its original name. Officials pose with Ambassador Villa.

In my view Local spotlight Oil price International up by Mediation is useless security and peace $1.21

KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went up by $1.21 in Friday’s transac- tions to reach $25.33 By Labeed Abdal By Muna Al-Fuzai per barrel in contrast to $24.12 pb Thursday, said Kuwait Oil Corporation (KPC) yesterday. On the world level, the price of [email protected] [email protected] the Brent mix went up Friday by 2.3 percent to ope Francis condemned in his speech on nternational mediation rarely works, but the important ques- reach $34.72 per barrel, Christmas Day the “brutal terrorist activities” tion is why does it fail? These days, the media are covering a an increase over $2.00 and “destroying entire peoples’ legacies and Inumber of reconciliation attempts being undertaken by some P from its lowest rate in cultural heritage” as well as the massacres com- countries, such as Kuwait for example, between an Arab and non- mitted in various countries worldwide. He also Arab country, such as Egypt and Turkey on one hand and Saudi 2004 which was at called for bridging dangerous gaps and abandon- Arabia and Iran on the other. $32.16 pb. —KUNA The main objective of mediation of course is to contain con- ing violence and expressed his full support to the flicts and alleviate tension in the Middle East. It is well known that efforts exerted by the UN and hoped they would such steps rarely succeed to end raging disputes between states. be fruitful and lead to peaceful solutions in Again, we keep wondering why we would seek reconciliation? Palestine and Syria. What are the implications of the possible continuation of differ- Maintaining the current situations will eventu- ences and strife? Who pays the price? And who wins? ally lead to same consequences, especially since The Middle East these days is in a deplorable situation at all many means of media have been using the same fronts. The security, financial, social and political levels are all under messages about some Muslim youth, that had pressure, and the continuation of this situation means that we are been alienated for many decades and deprived embarking on humanitarian disasters that will claim the lives of justice in many parts of the Arab and Muslim millions of people here. world, and thus became easy targets for terrorists In a previous article, I wrote about the possibility of a new offering them job opportunities. world war, and I remember some of the comments that I received The pope said there is war and hatred every- about exaggerating the threat. But today we are seeing some signs of a humanitarian war. In fact, the continued decline in oil prices where nowadays. “What is left?” he exclaimed, not- will have serious implications economically, socially and thus secu- ing that destruction was everywhere and that chil- rity-wise and politically for Gulf states. For example, states that had dren were left without education, that so many been supplying several Middle Eastern countries with generous donations from oil money may now no longer be able to continue Partnership is an important doing so, because they have their own expenses, like paying salaries to citizens. Moreover, the Gulf states are consumer coun- base of public-private sector tries and not agricultural or industrial states. relations (PPP). It also has Let’s not disregard the fact that Gulf states are also partners in the war in Yemen, which is expensive and may continue for years. a great role in building All Arab countries are facing the threat of terrorist militias like IS and sectarian extremism at home, keeping them in a state of antici- international relations. pation, stress and anxiety. So it is like being in an open war on sev- eral fronts, from Yemen to Syria to Iraq and all the way to Libya. This innocent lives had been lost with the result of put- imposes tension and fear of the future. It is normal for Gulf states to worry and call for peace. ting more money in weapon merchants’ pockets. Mediation between Arab countries these days seems impossi- Well, these are painful unavoidable facts. All finan- ble not because the parties involved do not want peace and securi- cial and commercial bodies must be partners in ty, but because peace in some cases will entail certain concessions creating peace and fighting poverty, lack of edu- or terms that cannot be accepted at all. For example, when some cation, hunger and conflicts. call for mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, they ignore the In case of contradiction of interest, the tasks fact that this is not the first time relations between Saudi Arabia performed by such bodies, companies as well as and Iran have been severed. It happened before in 1941 and 1987. international organizations must be all combined Today, the sectarian dimension is becoming dominant and the and work together to achieve international peace conflict has transferred from the official level to the public one and security if we wish to make the presence of without logic and considerations of international agreements of the UN worthwhile. History has recorded many non-interference and respect for the affairs of other sovereign weapons and arms companies that have con- states. The same applies to the Egypt-Turkey situation. This is why I tributed to starting wars everywhere and this calls think international mediation rarely works. I believe that only international reconciliation can be accepted for more disciplinary measures, otherwise those or worthy, because regional conflicts cannot be negotiated. I can companies and manufacturers will continue shap- understand totally the Saudi position as well as Egypt’s, and don’t ing international borders and wasting internation- accept Iran or Turkey interfering in the affairs of Arab neighbors. al peace efforts. These interventions divide the people and citizens on a sectarian Partnership is an important base of public-pri- basis and spread hatred between members of one nation. vate sector relations (PPP). It also has a great role We must be aware that blatant intervention in the private in building international relations. Mega compa- affairs of states and the lack of respect for their sovereignty is dan- nies do not only contribute in forming ruling insti- gerous. It requires us, as journalists and peace activists, to call for tutions, but they can also pave the way towards awareness and support conditional mediation but without conces- achieving international security and peace. sions to protect our countries and ourselves from sectarian extrem- ism that may drag us into a global war and humanitarian disaster. SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 FROM THE ARABIC PRESS

Al-Anbaa Al-Anbaa Inspirations Truth behind from Makkah the question By Dr Nermin Al-Houti By Salah Al-Sayer very year when I go to Makkah to perform umrah, I find inspirations that are relaxing and pleasing to the eferring to a press conference held by the Saudi Eeye. This year the holy mosque’s gesture is mobile ministry of interior’s spokesperson, fellow writer chairs. Everybody knows that many of the elderly or some RTareq Al-Hameed of the Asharq Alawsat newspa- of the sick who cannot carry out umrah or hajj rituals use per pointed that most of the questions asked by jour- wheelchairs and pay those who push them to perform the nalists focused on reactions on social media networks. rituals. Today, we find those responsible for serving visitors He added, with great dissatisfaction, that it seems as if of the holy mosque carrying out a new and beautiful idea Saudi Arabia is only found on Twitter or that real Saudi by making part of the mosque a waqf for those who want public opinion was only echoed on social media net- to borrow a mobile chair for free. works. This idea was there before, but the new thing is that What a good point and severe burning criticism to they gave the opportunity for those financially able to ‘responsible’ journalism that has become enslaved by contribute to that waqf through having the individual buy whatever he can from those chairs and hand them to the Fighting special part of that waqf. This is Islam, participating in Journalists are now starting goodwill, the help of the rich to the poor and how beauti- corruption ful it is to help those who go to the holy mosque and are to ask questions based on unable, and have his Muslim brother help him compen- sate his inability. Al-Jarida hypothetical or false information This is Islam, love and giving, and that is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, leading the change and development for the hypothetical, unknown and irresponsible press. the service of visitors of the holy mosque. Out of this Instead of looking up and getting information through approach and out of what I saw with my eyes and felt with real tangible sources, journalists are now starting to ask my heart, I had an idea that complements the waqf idea questions based on hypothetical or false information (wheelchairs), which is the establishment of a waqf center and opinions, which indicates a great deal of laziness, that holds courses for those who wish to help the handi- incompetence or lack of understanding. Real life is capped, elderly and the sick. The courses should train both much deeper and richer than what we see on genders, provided that they have general secondary cer- Al-Anbaa Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. tificates. Public opinion polls or surveys cannot be measured The course will educate the trainee on hajj and umrah or probed in this fake way because one person can rituals, then first aid for cases that ask for wheelchairs, then Compassion in the old days actually make hundreds of accounts on various social after completing the courses and getting their certificates media networks that have already become a ‘hotbed’ by the center and the holy mosque, they should be given By Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi for various countries’ intelligence to wage their e-wars a permit to work in this waqf center. When the hajj or against other countries. The internet has become the umrah performer asks for a wheelchair, the new service n the beginnings of the 1930s, Kuwait went through a given them the loans in the first place. I recall that one of most perfect haven to spread rumors and lies in addi- will be a companion of the sick, elderly and the handi- great recession with the fall in pearl prices when the houses was sold to the late Ali Abdul Wahab Al- tion to fake information about countries, companies, capped from the center free of charge. Someone may ask: Japan started producing cultured one. As a result, so Mutawa, one of Kuwait’s most prominent benevolent organizations and even individuals far beyond any cen- Who will pay the salaries of those companions? I sorship or monitoring from outside or from within con- many sailors fell in great debt to and charitable persons. Going Out of what I have seen in many people who buy those sciences! pearling ship captains who used to the house to redeem owner- — Translated by Kuwait Times wheelchairs and donate them as waqf to the holy mosque, to give them pre-voyage loans Abdul Wahab kept the family ship, he found a mother and her salaries can be paid to those working in it from the dona- to leave back for their families children crying and weeping tions and charity, and in this way we would remove a bur- on condition of paying the debt in the house and registered because their house was being den from those who cannot pay those who are hired to back once the pearling season sold to pay off the debt of the push a sick or elderly person. This is an idea that material- was over and they were paid. its deed in their name to sole breadwinner, the father, Crime ized in my column today, so maybe there are those who This made many captains and who was a sailor and pearl diver. Report will adopt it in the future and find it next year, and write ship owners seize many Kuwaitis’ end their suffering Seeing the miserable state of about it through the inspirations of the holy mosque. homes to pay off the debts, the family, Abdul Wahab kept A final word: Omar bin Abdulaziz said: “Spread the which created a great deal of discontent amongst the family in the house and registered its deed in their Seven arrested for running wheat on top of the mountains, so that it will not be said Kuwaitis. name to end their suffering. This is how compassionate fake domestic labor office that a bird went hungry in Muslim countries.” On their part, captains and ship owners justified this Kuwaitis used to be with each other in good old Kuwait! – Translated by Kuwait Times — Translated by Kuwait Times action by having to pay back the merchants who had KUWAIT: Seven Africans, including five women, were arrested for running a fake domestic labor office that defrauded citizens desiring to hire domestic labor, said Municipality directors excluded 11 million passengers security sources. from embezzlement probe: Report used airport in 2015 Rape charges

KUWAIT: Directors of governorates’ department began reaching leads to adding that the municipality has KUWAIT: Acting Civil Aviation Department Manager An Indian woman reported that a Sri Lankan man branches at Kuwait Municipality are the existence of an organized gang more than 40,000 bank guarantees, Emad Jlowi said that there was a considerable raped her at his apartment in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, reportedly being excluded from that has machines and tools to forge and they are all being reviewed. increase in aviation traffic through Kuwait where he took her to supposedly fill a job application investigations in a corruption case guarantees without involving banks. He said that there is an integrated International Airport during 2015. Jlowi explained form, said security sources. The woman said that as that was discovered recently, a local A high ranking source at the and organized gang that has that over 11 million passengers had used the airport soon as they arrived at his place, the man attacked her, daily reported yesterday quoting municipality said State Minister for machines and tools to forge bank during 2015. — Al-Qabas ripping her clothes off and raping her. She added that sources. Municipality Affairs and guarantees without the need to go to once he was done, he asked her to work for him as a A recent report claimed that a case Communications Essa Al-Kandari sent banks, adding that this gang negoti- ‘prostitute,’ but she refused, which made him beat her. was discovered involving the embez- several forged bank guarantees to the ates with companies on how to 30% replacement at MSAL A case was filed and the suspect is being sought. zlement of the municipality’s rev- public prosecution after Deputy release the guarantees in exchange of enues during the period between Director General for Financial and a cut that may reach 10 percent. He KUWAIT: Well-informed sources said the Ministry of Social Sexual harassment 2011 and 2015. Al-Rai reported yester- Administrative Affairs Waleed Al- said the banks provided the munici- Affairs and Labor’s (MSAL) administrative affairs department day that there have been attempts to Jassim discovered forgeries in the pality with official letters stating that had addressed all ministry departments, requesting lists of 30 An Egyptian saleswoman reported that a compatriot col- keep directors of governorates’ stamps and signatures of banks and they did not issue guarantees to some percent of their expat employees who could be laid off and league suddenly charged at her, kissing and fondling her branches out of the investigations, some municipality officials estimated companies, which confirms that they replaced by citizens by the beginning of the fiscal year 2016- while saying “I had been longing for this for long,” said despite the fact that the municipali- in the millions, adding that the latest do not have any link with any data, 2017. The sources added that if concerned departments fail to security sources, noting that the woman resisted him and ty’s Administrative Development and referral to the prosecution was the signatures or stamps that belong to send the lists in time, the administrative department would rushed to Salmiya police station to file a case. The suspect Training Department had indicated release of a KD 40,000 guarantee on them. He said the majority of forged itself decide whom to lay off in order to meet the govern- is being summoned for further investigations. Separately, a they are responsible for collecting Dec 28, 2015. bank guarantees have accumulated ment’s plans to appoint more citizens and reduce the numbers female citizen reported that an Asian man sexually and sending the revenues to the He added that the municipality fol- over many years and not just over the of citizens awaiting appointment as per CSC records. harassed her in a popular shopping mall’s parking lot and municipality’s fund. lows a mechanism that refers any past two years as it has been rumored. The sources highlighted that MSAL has 80 percent Kuwaiti fled the scene when she reached out for her mobile to Al-Rai had also reported last week forged guarantee directly to the pros- He said that there is unlimited staff and that 30 percent of the remaining 20 percent non- report the matter. In a similar report, a girl reported that an that Kuwait Municipality placed ecution to avoid any delays in the cooperation with the Audit Bureau to Kuwaiti staff would be laid off except those irreplaceable in unidentified person forcefully hugged and kissed her in 40,000 bank guarantees under scruti- investigation, especially since the expose events related to guarantees, technical positions. “This will not be done abusively and expats Surra co-op’s parking lot before he fled the scene. ny after discovering actions that led financial and administrative depart- as the municipality prepared a will get all their dues and have a chance to transfer their visas to the release of several of them using ment asks for canceling the guarantee detailed report on it, according to its to the private sector,” the sources concluded. — Al-Anbaa forged documents, as the financial from records in case of its release, latest report. — Al-Rai Accidents

A citizen was instantly killed when an ATV he was riding rolled over in a camping area, said security sources, adding that another young citizen was rushed to ICU when he lost control over his bike and had an accident along King Fahd highway. Meanwhile, two US citizens were injured when four vehicles, including two belonging to a cleaning com- pany they worked for, collided in Leyyah.

Teen injured

An unidentified teenager was rushed to Jahra Hospital with a bullet in his abdomen, said security sources, noting that the boy was rushed for surgery to remove the bullet. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress.

Minister Bader Al-Essa Family disputes

Replacing expat A citizen accused three of his cousins of assaulting him teachers with at their house when he showed up to pick up his wife after a family dispute, said security sources, noting that bedoons to be the citizen went to Riqqa police station with a medical report of his injuries. A case was filed and the cousins done gradually are being summoned for further investigations.

KUWAIT: Education Minister Bader Al- KUWAIT: The Directorate of Moral Guidance at the Kuwait National Guard hosted Dr Abdullah Al-Sharika, Essa announced that a tripartite com- Secretary of the Moderation Supreme Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Relations, who gave lec- Fugitive caught mittee comprising of elements from the tures on the principles of moderation and enhancing ethics. Ministry of Education (MoE), Civil A 25-year-old citizen, who had been wanted for a five-year prison sentence and a KD 30,000 financial claim, was arrest- Service Commission (CSC) and the ed, said security sources. Central Apparatus for Illegal Residents (bedoons) would be formed to invite bedoons to join the ministry’s teaching Drug possession staff in accordance to MoE’s needs. Essa added that MoE had so far not received Three Asians were arrested in Farwaniya with 72 illicit any instructions pertaining appointing pills, said security sources. Case papers indicate that a bedoons in non-teaching positions such police patrol suspected a vehicle and on stopping it and as accountants or legal affairs staff. Essa searching the three people inside, detectives found the confirmed earlier reports about the min- drugs. In another case, a Gulf national was arrested with istry’s intention to lay off 25 percent of two bags of meth in Sulaibiya, said security sources. expat teachers by the beginning of the next school year, those replaceable by Man found in maid’s room citizens or bedoons, especially in sub- jects like Islamic Studies and Arabic. A citizen caught an Asian man in his housemaid’s bedroom “This will be done gradually according in Salwa, said security sources. The man reported hearing to a set schedule and not all at once,” he some sounds from the maid’s room and on checking it out, said. — Al-Rai found nobody there. Searching further, he found the sus- pect hiding inside the cupboard. — Al-Rai, Al-Anbaa

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

Jeb Bush races to save Security experts fear ‘European 9/11’ presidential campaign Page 11 Page 10

HURGHADA: Egyptian police and security stand guard in front of the Bella Vista Hotel in this Red Sea resort yesterday, a day after the hotel came under attack by knife-wielding assailants. —AFP IS kills Egypt police colonel, conscript Hurghada hotel attack victims stable, witness recounts ordeal

CAIRO/HURGHADA: The Islamic State group assailants attacked a hotel in Egypt’s Red Sea chest. rant with a “fake gun” and “small knives”. But a dealt a body blow to the country’s tourism said its gunmen shot dead an Egyptian police resort town of Hurghada, wounding three for- “Then (they) said ‘down on the floor’ and worker at the restaurant, who requested industry by claiming to have downed the colonel and a conscript west of Cairo as they eign tourists. The Interior Ministry had said that we do that,” he said, adding that he told his anonymity, told AFP that one of the two men Russian airliner in October, killing all the holi- travelled to work yesterday. The colonel, a traf- one of the attackers was a student from Giza. son, who was bleeding, not to move. I get up shouted “there is no god but God” on entering, daymakers on board. The attack prompted fic police district commander, and the con- The three European holidaymakers were in two times and they stayed there with the and carried a black banner that resembled the Russia to suspend flights to and from Egypt, script, who was driving, died in their car after stable condition yesterday, as a witness guns. When I got up later on they were not Islamic State group flag. “The door opened and while Britain restricted flights to the Sharm el- coming under fire by unknown assailants, the recounted how the assailants burst into the here,” he said, speaking in English. On its there was a man holding a knife and a black Sheikh resort from where the doomed plane interior ministry had said. In a statement post- hotel and stabbed guests. An elderly Austrian Facebook page, the hotel posted pictures of cloth with the (Islamic State group) flag on it,” he had departed. After the Russian plane tragedy, ed on Twitter, the Islamic State group said its couple and a young Swedish man were hospi- the two other victims, spelled in hospital said. Another held what appeared to be a gun. some major tourist operators suspended pack- militants opened had fire on three vehicles in talized after the assault on Friday at the Bella records as Renata Weisslen and Wilhem “One of them said: ‘There is no god but God. We ages to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. the colonel’s convoy. Vista hotel in Hurghada. Egypt’s Tourism Weislan, both smiling. “They are ok now,” it will blow up this place’. The first attacked cus- The resorts, which Egypt promoted as jew- The group’s Egypt affiliate has claimed Minister Hisham Zazou said the assailants said in a post. A doctor at the hospital told AFP tomers sitting at a table, with a knife.” els of its tourism industry, had previously credit in the past for similar attacks in the capi- appeared to have been acting alone, while the they were a couple, both 72. attracted millions of holidaymakers, including tal and the Sinai Peninsula, where its insur- hotel described them as “drugged young men”. Zazou told AFP that the two attackers were Previous attacks claimed by IS Russians, Britons and Italians, and are famed gency is based. The militants have killed hun- Police shot dead one of the knife-wielding “not part of an organization”. It was “an individ- The incident further threatened efforts to for their pristine beaches and scuba diving. dreds of soldiers and policemen since the mili- attackers and wounded another, saying one of ually motivated attack. This is the initial find- repair the country’s damaged tourism indus- The country’s tourism industry was dealt sev- tary toppled Islamist president Mohamed them was also carrying a “sound gun”. A ing,” said Zazou, who was in Hurghada to visit try, coming a day after a Cairo hotel hosting eral heavy blows in 2015. In September, eight Morsi in 2013 and cracked down on his follow- Swedish man who identified himself as the the victims, adding that the investigation was Israeli tourists came under attack by men who Mexican tourists were mistakenly killed by ers. They also claimed responsibility for bomb- father of one of the victims, 27-year-old still ongoing. A video published by Egyptian hurled fireworks and fired birdshot. The Egyptian security forces in the vast Western ing a Russian airliner over Sinai, killing all 224 Sammie Olovsson, said they were sitting in the news websites appeared to show the wound- Islamic State group claimed credit for that Desert. In June, police foiled an attempted sui- people on board. hotel restaurant when the assailants burst in ed assailant receiving emergency medical attack, which they said targeted “Jewish” cide bomb attack near the famed Karnak tem- Egypt is fighting a wave of Islamist militancy and stabbed his son. “My son and me were treatment and being questioned on his identi- tourists. Police said they were Arab-Israeli ple in Luxor - one of Egypt’s most popular her- against security forces which started in the eating in the restaurant and having a discus- ty. He appears to have been shot in both legs. tourists, and the assailants had targeted itage attractions - when 600 tourists were remote regions of the Sinai, but is increasingly sion,” he told AFP in the Hurghada hospital. Zazou described the assailants as “amateurish” policemen outside the hotel and not the inside. Nine Egyptians were sentenced in spreading closer to the capital and focusing on The two men rushed into the restaurant “very and said their motive was not yet clear. tourists. November to life in prison for their involve- targets previously considered safe, such tourist fast”, he said. “They took knives and they tried On its Facebook page, the hotel said that The extremist group’s Egypt affiliate is wag- ment in the failed attack, while two others resorts on the Red Sea. On Friday two armed to get Sammie here,” he said, pointing to his “two drugged young men” attacked the restau- ing an insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula, and were jailed for seven years. —Agencies Israeli soldiers shoot Russia strike kills 39 in dead two Palestinians Syria as UN envoy visits

BEKAOT CHECKPOINT: Israeli troops BEIRUT: A Russian air strike reportedly killed dozens of people in the envoy had outlined preparations. “The Special Envoy is look- shot dead two Palestinian men at a a rebel-held town in Syria yesterday as a UN envoy visited ing forward to the active participation of relevant parties in the checkpoint in the occupied West Bank Damascus to advance preparations for peace talks planned this Geneva talks. He will be continuing his consultations in the yesterday, the Israeli military and month despite opposition misgivings. Agreement was also region,” it added. Palestinians said, but details of the inci- reached for aid to be delivered tomorrow to an opposition-held Syrian rebels and opposition politicians have expressed dent were disputed. The soldiers at town besieged by pro-government forces where United Nations doubts over whether the peace talks will begin as planned. Their Bekaot checkpoint in the northern West says there have been credible reports of people dying of starva- concerns over the diplomatic bid include the absence of any men- Bank were not injured and Israeli forces tion, sources said. Aid will be sent simultaneously to two villages tion of Assad’s fate. Earlier this week, they told de Mistura that “thwarted the attack and shot the blockaded by rebels. before negotiations the Syrian government must stop bombing assailants”, said the military. The The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 39 peo- civilian areas, release detainees and lift blockades imposed on Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the ple were killed in the air strike, which hit a court house and opposition-held areas. two men were dead. adjoining prison in the town of Maarat al-Numan in Idlib The Israeli military said the men tried province. Most of those killed were rebels imprisoned by Al- Aid Delivery Agreed for Monday to stab soldiers at the checkpoint but a Nusra Front, while other victims included prison guards and Al- “Can the international community achieve the implementa- Palestinian taxi driver, who asked not be SAIR: Mourners carry the bodies of four Palestinians, who were killed by Israeli security forces, during their funeral in this West Nusra fighters. Among the dead were five civilians, including a tion of this pre-negotiation stage in the few remaining days? If it identified, said the men did not get out of child. Russia has been staging air strikes in Syria in support of can, there is no problem. But I doubt they can,” Riyad Naasan their vehicle before the soldiers opened Bank village yesterday. —AFP President Bashar Al-Assad since September. The building was Agha, a member of the opposition council, told Reuters. Another fire. “We were three cars awaiting our turn dead on Oct 3 after killing an Israeli rabbi, lowed their bodies as they were carried struck with four missiles and the number of dead could increase opposition official said on Friday the opposition would not name to cross, the two men who were killed the spokeswoman said. In November, through the streets, according to an AFP due to the large number of wounded, the Observatory said. its negotiating team until the government did so. The outlook for were in the car ahead of mine. The soldiers Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu journalist on the scene. Mohamed Syrian officials could not immediately be reached for comment. the talks has been further clouded by increased tensions signaled to them to come forward. When vowed to expedite house demolitions in Kawazbeh, the brother of one of those The war has raged on since last month when the Security between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which back opposing sides in the they got there, they opened fire at the car,” the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which killed, described them as “four martyr Council endorsed a plan for peace talks, a rare case of US-Russian conflict. Tensions have risen since Saudi Arabia executed Shiite he said. A military spokeswoman asked he said were “one of the most efficient heroes”. “We are proud of them,” said Ziad agreement over a conflict that has killed 250,000 people. The cleric Nimr Al-Nimr. about the taxi driver’s account said the tools” in discouraging Palestinian attacks. Kawazbeh, a father of one of the victims. talks are due to begin on Jan 25 in Geneva. The Syrian govern- The aid deal agreed yesterday will result in humanitarian army was still looking into the incident. The controversial practice, which critics “You can’t have a homeland without mar- ment told UN envoy Staffan de Mistura yesterday it was ready to supplies being sent to the opposition-held town of Madaya at On Friday, an Arab Israeli citizen want- claim amounts to collective punishment, tyrs and to liberate our country we must participate but wants to know who would take part from the the Lebanese border, and to two villages in the northwestern ed for a Jan 1 gun rampage in Tel Aviv, is widely used in the West Bank and sacrifice our martyrs.” opposition, Syrian state media reported. province of Idlib that are blockade by rebels. Aid agencies have that had left three people dead, was killed resumed in east Jerusalem in November Israel often retains the bodies of Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem also said it was important warned of widespread starvation in Madaya, where some in a shootout with police after a week- after a five-year hiatus. Palestinians killed during attacks, a meas- to see a list of groups that would be classified as terrorists as part 40,000 people are at risk. The United Nations said on Thursday long manhunt. Authorities have so far Also yesterday, Israel returned the ure that has drawn criticism from rights of the new diplomatic process, flagging another potential com- that Damascus had agreed to allow access to all three areas, but said his motives were unclear. bodies of four Palestinians killed on groups as well as Palestinian president plication. Damascus views all the groups fighting to topple did not say when the delivery would take place. “Both date and Overnight, the army demolished a Thursday during two attacks in the south- Mahmoud Abbas. Since the of the Assad as terrorists, including rebels who support a political solu- time have been set. Aid will go to three towns on Monday house in the West Bank village of Surda ern West Bank. They were buried in the year it has returned the bodies of dozens tion and are represented in a recently formed opposition council morning, all at the same time,” said a source familiar with the belonging to a Palestinian who was shot West Bank village of Sair. Thousands fol- of Palestinians to their families. —Agencies tasked with overseeing the negotiations. A statement from de matter. A second, pro-Syrian government source confirmed the Mistura’s office described yesterday’s meeting as useful and said details. —Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 INTERNATIONAL After ‘Chapo’ caught, will he face US justice?

MEXICO CITY: With Joaquin “El Chapo” security facilities available, Guzman was November, arguing that the 58-year-old Marco Rubio. ship out criminals in September when it Guzman back in prison, Mexico’s govern- sent back to the Altiplano penitentiary kingpin risks the death penalty in the But Senator Miguel Barbosa, a leader extradited 13 top drug capos to the ment will likely seek to quickly extradite that he escaped from near Mexico City. United States, a punishment that doesn’t of Mexico’s leftist opposition Democratic United States. Guzman’s capture will likely the slippery drug baron to the United “The big question is not if they will exist in Mexico. Guzman is wanted on Revolution Party, said Guzman should help Pena Nieto recover in opinion polls, States rather than risk losing him again, extradite him, but when,” Alejandro Hope, drug trafficking charges in a half-dozen face trial in his homeland. “The easiest analyst said. analysts say. President Enrique Pena Nieto a security expert and former Mexican US states and the Mexican government thing would be to swiftly extradite ‘Chapo’ His popularity collapsed following the had balked at any extradition before intelligence service official, told AFP. “The said it formally received a US extradition Guzman and, once again, the Mexican escape, along with his much-criticized Guzman escaped from a top-security day that Guzman enters a Mexican prison request on June 25, two weeks before his state shows that it doesn’t have the handling of the presumed massacre of prison on July 11, promising to keep him is the day that he will begin to plan his escape. strength to punish those who commit 43 students by a police-backed gang behind bars and putting the Sinaloa drug next escape,” Hope said. “I don’t think that His jailbreak highlighted the corrup- crimes in our territory,” Barbosa said. and a scandal over his wife’s purchase of cartel kingping on trial in Mexico. the Mexican government wants to run tion problems facing Mexico’s peniten- a mansion from a government contrac- Guzman’s recapture by marines in the the risk of another escape.” tiary system, as a dozen prison and police ‘Cross Chapo Off List’ tor. “At least he can cross Chapo off the coastal city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa state, officials were detained over the jailbreak. Raul Benitez Manaut, a security expert list,” said Jose Antonio Crespo, political on Friday has helped Pena Nieto save face Timing Unclear US politicians quickly called on President at the National Autonomous University of expert at the Center for Economic midway through his six-year term, but he Government officials avoided any talk Barack Obama to pursue Guzman’s extra- Mexico, said the authorities should “break Research and Teaching. “It’s convenient won’t take the risk of losing him again. of extradition following Friday’s arrest, dition. “Given that ‘El Chapo’ has already with judicial nationalism” and extradite for Pena Nieto to extradite him, even The fear is justified, as Guzman escaped though prosecutors sought an arrest war- escaped from Mexican prison twice, this Guzman. “The government has an obliga- though it’s an admission that he can’t from two maximum-security prisons, flee- rant for his extradition in September. But third opportunity to bring him to justice tion to change opinion and favor his hold him,” Crespo said. This would allow ing in a laundry cart in 2001 and in a 1.5- any extradition could take time as cannot be squandered,” said US senator extradition,” Benitez said. Pena Nieto’s the president to “wash his hands of” km tunnel in July. And with few high- Guzman’s attorneys won an injunction in and Republican presidential candidate government showed its willingness to Guzman, he said. — AFP ‘IS sympathizer’ shoots Philadelphia policeman Cop targeted in ‘chilling’ ambush

NEW YORK: A man claiming alle- suspect obtained the firearm, which giance to the Islamic State extremist was stolen from police in Oct 2013. group shot and seriously wounded a “That is one of the things that you police officer in Philadelphia, open- absolutely regret the most, that an ing fire multiple times at point-blank officer’s gun is stolen and it is used range with a stolen police gun before against one of your own,” Ross said. he was arrested, officials said Friday. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney The apparent assassination attempt praised Hartnett’s bravery but urged comes amid heightened security - people to draw no link between the and paranoia - in the United States criminal act and Islam. “That is abhor- following last month’s assault by a rent, it’s terrible and it does not repre- radicalized Muslim couple in sent the religion in any way, shape or California that killed 14 people, and form or any of its teachings,” Kenney PENDELTON, South Carolina: Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush speaks the November terror attacks in Paris. said. “This is a criminal with a stolen during a town hall meeting at Dyar’s Diner on Friday. — AP Policeman Jesse Hartnett, 33, was gun trying to kill one of our officers. It shot three times in his left arm as he has nothing to do with being a Jeb Bush races to save sat in his patrol car late Thursday in Muslim.” the northeastern city. “I’m shot. I’m Thursday’s shooting is likely to bleeding heavily,” he yelled in a dis- raise further concerns about the presidential campaign patch call. Authorities said they were threat posed by homegrown extrem- astonished he survived. Philadelphia ists within the United States, inspired WASHINGTON: Jeb Bush’s US presidential bid is Republicans, averaging 3.3 percent in polls, his police commissioner Richard Ross to act by IS jihadists based in Iraq and boiling down to early voting New Hampshire, campaign reportedly has now cancelled televi- called the attack “absolutely chilling” Syria. Muslim community activists some associates say, while others envision his sion ads in Iowa which votes on Feb 1. Instead and described the officer’s injuries as have already decried what they call protracted battle for the Republican nomination he redeployed many staffers to New Hampshire “very, very serious”. an unprecedented anti-Muslim back- stretching deep into the spring. Either way, sup- to blanket the state until the Feb 8 primary, Stills captured from video surveil- lash in the wake of the Paris attacks. porters and analysts agree it will be difficult for members of his state leadership team said. “I’ve lance and released to the press show House Homeland Security Bush, a former Florida governor and son and now come to a recognition that New Hampshire the suspect - named by police as Committee chairman Michael brother of two presidents, to emerge as the is probably do or die for Jeb,” the donor said. “I Edward Archer, 30, a local man - McCaul told reporters: “Once again nominee given American conservatives’ current never would have thought that,” he added. “But opening fire as he walked towards we have a radicalized individual in appetite for anti-establishment candidates and he has put so many resources into New the patrol car, extending his arm into the United States trying to kill law the roiling ethno-nationalism of erratic frontrun- Hampshire, it’s like he’s pushing all the chips into the vehicle and then continuing to enforcement.” He blamed extremist ner Donald Trump. the center of the table.” fire as he flees on foot. “If that doesn’t propaganda on the Internet emanat- Bush launched his campaign as the prohibi- just make the hairs on your neck just ing from Syria. “The message is clear: tive favorite, his main hurdle being overcoming ‘Volatile’ Primaries rise when you see that, it’s scary,” Ross Kill military, attack military installa- foreign policies of his presidential brother Bush is not alone. Fellow establishment can- told reporters. The officer got out of tions and kill police officers. In my George W Bush. Jeb’s team, and a supporting didates like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie his vehicle, despite being injured, and judgment, this individual was carry- SuperPAC, a fundraising entity allowed to raise and Ohio Governor John Kasich are crowding in managed to return fire, hitting the ing out these directives, these orders an unlimited amount of money, raked in a for town-hall events as they make their stands in suspect, who was quickly arrested. if you will, coming out of Raqa, Syria stratospheric $100 million in early months. the all-important Granite State. “It certainly “He stated that he pledges his alle- from ISIS.” Today his poll numbers are in single digits and doesn’t look wonderful for Jeb Bush,” observed giance to Islamic State, follows Allah Elsewhere on Friday, two suspects other campaigns appear to count him out. He is Steffen Schmidt, an Iowa State University profes- and that is the reason he was called with alleged ties to the IS group mocked relentlessly by Trump, who tweeted sor who has analyzed presidential races for 40 upon to do this,” homicide police appeared in court in California and Friday that new figures showing his rival’s poor years. “When you were supposed to be the Captain James Clark told a news con- Texas. Aws Mohammed Younis Al- favorability were “not good news for Jeb Bush”. establishment guy and now you’re languishing ference. Police said Archer has a crim- Jayab, an Iraqi-born Palestinian who Despite his command of the issues Bush has at the bottom of the polls with Mike Huckabee inal record, but that it was unclear was arrested on Thursday, came to appeared stiff and frustrated at Republican and a bunch of other losers, it’s tough.” whether he acted alone or as part of the United States from Syria as a debates. In private, according to one major And yet Schmidt insisted a long-term path a wider conspiracy. “He doesn’t refugee in 2012. He is accused of donor and acquaintance, Bush has expressed exists for Bush beyond Iowa and New appear to be a stupid individual, just fighting in Syria for various terror exasperation at the state of the race, and how a Hampshire, provided he does not tank there. an extremely violent one,” Ross said. groups. Another Iraqi-born bullying tycoon with a tenuous grasp of foreign Wins in those early states carry huge psychologi- Ross added that he was “absolutely Palestinian, Omar Faraj Saeed Al policy has commandeered the primaries. “He’s cal boosts, but the primary race is about win- amazed” that Hartnett, an officer with Hardan, made an initial court appear- said he can’t quite understand this phenome- ning enough overall delegates to earn the nomi- four years’ experience, had survived. ance after being indicted in Texas for non,” the donor, who spoke under anonymity so nation. Schmidt notes that Republicans in sever- “This man fired at least 11 shots from providing material support to the IS he could discuss the campaign more freely, told al large states like New York, Illinois, Ohio, a nine millimeter at close range,” he group. The head of the FBI, James AFP. It has been distressing, the donor said, for Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which vote in said. Comey, told lawmakers last year that Bush “to see someone like Trump rewarded for March and April, and California and New Jersey upwards of 200 Americans have trav- so many intolerant, outrageous, false statements in June, are more moderate and less likely to PHILADELPHIA: This video still image combo obtained Friday shows a ‘Nothing to do with Islam’ eled or attempted to travel to Syria to that he says all the time.” support Trump or today’s number two candi- shooting suspect and a police car on Jan 7, 2016. — AFP Police said it was unclear how the join IS extremists. — AFP With Bush running sixth out of 12 date, conservative Senator Ted Cruz. — AFP Massive California gas Crisis looms as Haiti leak provokes anger

LOS ANGELES: For several weeks, Sam assist area residents. “Everyone in the fam- campaigning kicks off Mongeau’s three-year-old daughter Bella ily has been to the doctor or to urgent has had a lingering cough, while other care. All I want is to get out of here and members of his family have experienced get some fresh air.” PORT-AU-PRINCE: Campaigning for the work for their confidence,” Moise told who dismissed the results as a “ridicu- their jobs properly. nose bleeds, headaches and fatigue. Suna Najar, 46, said she has been get- second round of Haiti’s presidential elec- AFP. “My strategy is to go out and make lous farce”. The contested result sparked Noting that some Electoral Council Mongeau, 40, blames it all on a massive ting rashes on her neck and face, and her tion opened Friday, with the opposition contact with the population, walk with angry and sometimes violent street members have been accused of corrup- gas leak near his home in Porter Ranch, a 12-year-old daughter regularly has nose candidate refusing to participate with- it, talk with the public. “But in my opin- protests, with several opposition candi- tion, the commission added that the CEP sleepy middle-class community north- bleeds. “We are four in the family and they out sweeping reforms to the process. ion, (Celestin) is also campaigning, dates sharply criticizing the Provisional “is not listening to the Haitian people, for west of Los Angeles, where a state of are offering to relocate us to one hotel Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, because he has gone back and forth Electoral Council (CEP). Meanwhile, the whom it works”. Several hundred oppo- emergency was declared by California’s room,” she said. “You feel like this is totally has endured years of political crisis across the country,” Moise said. second-round vote was delayed from sition supporters marched Friday in Port- governor earlier this week. “Everyone’s out of your control and that you’re at aggravated by its attempt to recover December 27 to January 24. In its report au-Prince against what they said was “an been getting sick,” Mongeau, a sales man- everyone’s mercy.” from the massive January 2010 earth- ‘Electoral Coup’ commission said that electoral coup” and called for “civil dis- ager at an area auto dealership, told AFP. More than 10,000 residents have so far quake that claimed some 200,000 lives. In the October 25 first-round elec- the first round of voting was marred by obedience”. The march ended outside “It’s almost like you wake up every day been relocated by the gas company and Candidate Jude Celestin “will not launch tion, Moise drew 32.8 percent of the fraud and irregularities, and said that 60 parliament, which is scheduled to recon- from anesthesia, feeling groggy, tired.” hundreds more have asked to be moved. his campaign and will not participate in vote against 25.3 percent for Celestin, percent of poll workers could not do vene on Monday. — AFP The leak was detected on October 23 Two local elementary schools have shut the January 24 voting” until recommen- in an underground natural gas well at the down, and the students are being shut- dations that an independent electoral Southern California Gas Company’s tled to other districts. Meanwhile some commission presented earlier are fully (SoCalGas) Aliso Canyon site - one of the 1,000 people have joined a class-action implemented, his campaign spokesman largest gas facilities in the United States. suit against SoCalGas, many encouraged Augustin Jinaud told AFP. The well sits about 2,651 m underground, by well-known environmental activist Erin Celestin, the runner-up in Haiti’s first- and the leak is thought to come from a Brockovich, who works for a legal firm round vote in October, had earlier broken pipe about 500 feet below the and who has held several town meetings refused to campaign until an independ- surface. Repeated efforts to stop the leak with residents. Brockovich’s story of tak- ent electoral commission was estab- by pumping liquid and mud down the ing on corporate America was made into lished to study voting problems. That well have failed, and the gas company is a movie in 2000 that earned Julia Roberts commission issued a series of recom- now drilling a relief well to intercept and an Oscar. mendations that included an end to vot- plug the damaged well. The operation is The gas company and health officials ing in private homes and the use of expected to take until late February or say the gas leaking from the facility poses indelible ink on voter’s thumb to prevent March. not health risk. Experts however say the multiple voting. Not all of the recom- environmental impact will be significant, mended measures have been imple- ‘Get Some Fresh Air’ as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. mented. President Michel Martelly “has That timeline is not soon enough for The leak is spewing about 1,000 tons of not held elections in five years and now the area’s 30,000 residents, many of methane a day, experts say, the equivalent he urges us to join in this electoral mas- whom say they are getting sick from the to pollution produced daily by 4.5 million querade, which we cannot condone,” rotten-egg smell of the odorant put into cars. “To put this into perspective, the leak Jinaud said. the gas to help detect leaks. “I have been effectively doubles the (methane) emis- Meanwhile Celestin’s government- getting nausea and headaches,” said sion rate for the entire Los Angeles basin,” backed rival, Jovenel Moise, was out Linda Noel, 50, as she waited outside a said Stephen Conley, a scientist at the campaigning Friday in the affluent Port- center set up by the gas company to University of California in Davis. — AFP au-Prince suburb of Petionville. “An elec- PETION-VILLE, Haiti: Supporters of presidential candidate Jovenel Moise, from the PHTK tion belongs to the people and we must party, dressed as bananas, walk in the street as they campaign Friday. — AP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Security experts fear ‘European 9/11’ Islamic State recruiting and training Europeans

PARIS: Just a week into the year, France has should have stayed over there. “Before we attacks of November 13, that will change our already been rattled by an attempted attack mostly had guys returning who had made a mode of intervention. “We need to have surgi- on a police station, but counter-terrorism offi- mistake, who didn’t realise that war can be cal action, as forceful as possible and as quick- cials have far graver fears for Europe in 2016. painful. But now, we are seeing guys return ly as possible,” he said. November’s attacks in Paris, in which 130 peo- who are sticking to their chosen path.” ple were killed by Islamic State group jihadists, ‘Just a rehearsal’ showed the trauma that could be caused by a Rapid response needed Multiple, pan-European plots are not new group of men with Kalashnikov rifles, but Faced with an enemy that is happy to die and have been disrupted on several occasions, experts fear it could be just the start. and maximize civilian casualties, the challenge including one in late August 2010, said Yves “Unfortunately, I think 2015 was nothing,” a for France’s security forces is to massively Trotignon, a former analyst for France’s DGSE counter-terrorism official told AFP on condi- speed up response times. “There will always be intelligence service. “At that time, it was still Al- tion of anonymity. “We are moving towards a a delay for intervention forces that we have to Qaeda,” he said. “The teams were due to arrive European 9/11: simultaneous attacks on the reduce as much as possible,” Colonel Hubert in western Europe, recover pre-placed materi- same day in several countries, several places. A Bonneau, head of the elite GIGN police said. “In al-handguns and assault rifles. It was disrupted very coordinated thing. We know the terrorists the Bataclan, the killing of 90 people took 20 by the Americans, who carried out a series of are working on this,” he added. minutes. It stops when there is the opposition preventative drone strikes in Afghanistan and He said the Islamic State group was recruit- of security forces,” he said, referring to the Pakistan against the guys thought to be ing and training Europeans “with the goal of attack on a Paris concert hall on November 13. mounting the operation. “This type of multiple sending them back to hit their countries of ori- It took two-and-a-half hours for police to attack is part of the worst-case scenarios for gin”. “They have the necessary false docu- storm the concert hall as they tried to gather 2016,” said Trotignon. “I know that in European ments, the mastery of the language, the sites, information on the layout of the building and capitals, particularly , specialized servic- the weapons. We stop a lot of them, but it position of the jihadists. Bonneau said this es are working on this theory.” Police, military must be recognized that we are overwhelmed. new type of threat meant there were no clas- and intelligence services are constantly adapt- MONTROUGE: French President Francois Hollande looks out of the window of his Some will get through-some already have.” sic hostage situations such as in the past. ing to the shape-shifting threat, but so are the car after he honored late policewoman Clarissa Jean-Philippe in Montrouge south Recent arrests of jihadists returning from Syria “Hostages are just a buffer to slow the other side and often more quickly and effec- of Paris yesterday. Hollande is honoring 17 victims killed in Islamic extremist and Iraq have added to concerns, he said. “The progress of security forces. If we don’t inter- tively, the specialists said. “It’s not just us that attacks on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, a kosher market and police a year profiles are changing. We are seeing ultra-radi- vene as quickly as possible there will be more learn the lessons, it’s the Islamic State as well,” ago this week, unveiling plaques around Paris marking violence that ushered in a cal guys return, very battle-hardened, who victims. That’s the lesson to draw from the said the counter-terrorism official. — AFP tumultuous year. — AFP

A slew of racist comments Hundreds of French mosques expose ’s woes open their doors to the public PARIS: Hundreds of French mosques are ring to the date when millions of people participating in a major open-house took to the streets in a mass show of sol- ‘Rainbow Nation’ struggles with its demons event this weekend, offering visitors the idarity. Following the November attacks, opportunity to come in for tea and a in which jihadists killed 130 people, chat about Islam in a country shaken by France declared a state of emergency OHANNESBURG: A slew of racist comments on social jihadist attacks. Organized by the coun- which has seen police staging around 20 media in South Africa have unleashed outrage and try’s leading Muslim body, the French raids on Muslim places of worship. At exposed deep hostility in the “Rainbow Nation” as it Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), it least three have been closed on suspi- struggles with its demons 22 years after white-minori- aims to stimulate dialogue about Islam cion of radicalizing their members. ty rule ended. Irritated by rubbish left on a beach fol- and create a greater sense of “national Dubbed “a brotherly cup of tea”, the lowing New Year’s Day celebrations, Penny Sparrow, a cohesion”, a year after 17 people were initiative will take different forms with white real estate agent from the eastern coast killed in jihadist attacks in Paris targeting local mosques handing out hot drinks province of KwaZulu-Natal, wrote a savage comment satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo and a and pastries, offering guided visits, put- on Facebook. Jewish supermarket. “The objective is to ting on debates and calligraphy work- “From now I shall address the blacks of South create a space where people can be shops, and even inviting people to Africa as monkeys as I see the cute little wild monkeys together and meet normal Muslim wor- attend one of the five daily prayers. do the same-pick and drop litter,” she said, in a posting shippers and all of our fellow citizens,” Although not all of France’s 2,500 that soon went viral. The following day Chris Hart, an CFCM president Anouar Kbibech said. mosques and places of worship are tak- economic analyst often quoted in the media, came The idea is to use the anniversary of ing part, the most important ones are, under fire for comments on Twitter about a growing the January 7 attacks to “highlight the including the Grand Mosque of Paris. “sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities” real values of Islam, to set straight the The event comes after a year which saw in South Africa. He has since been suspended from his cliches about links to violence and ter- a surge in anti-Muslim acts in France, position at Standard Bank, which said there were rorism,” he said, describing the venture some of which targeted places of wor- “racist undertones” in his comments. The posts as a “gesture of openness”. “Instead of ship, although the number was much touched off a vicious cycle of hatred in a country still dwelling on these tragic acts, it seemed lower after the November bloodshed traumatized by decades of finely-tuned discrimination more useful and important to celebrate than after those that took place in between the races under apartheid rule. “I want to ‘the spirit of January 11’,” he said, refer- January. — AFP cleanse this country of all white people... We must act as Hitler did to the Jews,” Velaphi Khumalo, a local gov- ernment employee, wrote on another viral Facebook NEW YORK: South African President Jacob Zuma addressing the 70th Session of the UN message as the war of words worsened. He too has General Assembly in New York. South African President Jacob Zuma yesterday denounced since been suspended by the Gauteng provincial gov- what he called the ‘demon of racism’ following a slew of discriminatory insults on social ernment department, which condemned his “barbaric media. Speaking to a stadium of supporters at the annual birthday celebration of the ruling and racist utterances”. African National Congress, Zuma said “a tiny minority” of South Africans still longed for the days of apartheid white minority rule. — AFP Flood of insults Soon after Andrew Barnes, a white TV news sion not to pursue charges against Khumalo. long been trying to shake off its reputation as a “white anchor, was taken off air by local channel eNCA after In 2000, 72 percent of South Africans were report- party”, was left red-faced when it was revealed that mocking the pronunciation of a black government ed to believe interracial relations were improving. By Sparrow was a member. The party fought to defend minister. The flood of insults “has shone a light on the 2012, that figure had dropped to 39 percent, accord- itself, lashing out at Sparrow for “dehumanizing black amount of work that still needs to be done to bring ing to a government report. The ANC has also floated South Africans” and expelling her. true reconciliation to South Africa,” Mienke Steytler of the idea of laws criminalizing “any act that perpetu- Khumalo, too, presented his apologies, but the South Africa’s Institute of Race Relations (IRR) said. ates racism and glorifies apartheid”. But criminalizing explosion of vitriol across social media continued The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has racism is not necessarily the solution, said Nelson unabated-reflecting often-unspoken tensions within filed charges of “crimen injuria” (intentionally impair- Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang. He quoted South African society. “The weaker the economy is ing the dignity of others), against both Sparrow and the late president Mandela, saying: “In the end, recon- and the higher the unemployment figures are, the Hart-but not Khumalo. “We opened and laid charges ciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more more frustrated people are and the more they are like- against the people who originally started making than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the ly to lash out at each other,” said Steytler. South Africa these offensive statements,” party spokesman Zizi hearts and minds of people.” is battling a 25 percent unemployment rate, slow Kodwa said. “These individuals must be punished growth and a sharply weakening currency, with the because they are taking South Africa back... South Party politics risk of junk status looming on the credit horizon. “We Africa has never been so polarized as it is today racial- A clumsy attempt to apologize by Sparrow only have been living on a cosmetic rainbow nation since ly. “Khumalo reacted to an offensive comment which stoked public anger after she appeared to blame her 1994,” said Ronald Lamola, a former leader in the BORDEAUX: French imam of Bordeaux’s mosque Tareq Oubrou gives a speech was made against black people.” Steytler slammed the diabetes for her outburst. And the country’s largest ANC’s youth wing. “There will be no racial harmony yesterday in Bordeaux, western France, during the first CAPRI meeting. CAPRI is ANC for “unacceptable discrimination” over its deci- opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, which has without economic equality.” — AFP an Action and Prevention Center Against Radicalization of persons. — AFP

Migrants ‘face beatings After sexual assaults, German and abuse’ trying to city braces for far-right rally

enter Spanish territory COLOGNE: The German city of Cologne, still shaken by including two reported rapes, as proof that Chancellor the events gave a “taste of the looming collapse of cul- a spate of sexual assaults in a crowd of migrants on Angela Merkel’s liberal migrant policy-which brought ture and civilisation”. Police expect around 1,000 back- MADRID: Migrants trying to enter the the fractures they suffered were due to New Year’s Eve, braced yesterday for a rally of the xeno- 1.1 million new asylum seekers to Germany last year-is ers of PEGIDA and the local far-right group Pro NRW, as tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta in North the phobic PEGIDA movement. The Islamophobic protest driving the country into chaos. The co-founder of PEGI- well as counter-demonstrators from the group Africa from Morocco have faced beat- violence and abuse exercised on the planned from 1300 GMT in the central square where DA, short for “Patriotic Europeans Against the “Cologne against Right-wingers”, local media said. ings and other abuses from police, a part of security forces against them,” the hundreds of women last week ran a gauntlet of grop- Islamisation of the Occident”, Lutz Bachmann, posted a migrants’ rights group said yesterday. statement said. About 250 migrants ing hands, lewd insults and robberies in mob violence photo of himself on social media with the slogan “Rape Frenzied crush The Moroccan Association for the who tried to enter Ceuta at this attempt that has shocked Germany. Most of the assailants were Refugees not Welcome”. In a similar vein, a leader of the The mob violence at the start of 2016 has height- Integration of Immigrants, which is were arrested by Moroccan authorities of Arabic or North African background, according to populist right-wing Alternative for Germany party, ened popular fears of worse to come, and threatened based in Malaga in southern Spain, said and taken to cities in southern Morocco, eye-witnesses, police and media reports. which has polled at around 10 percent in surveys to tip what was long a broadly welcoming mood that six migrants had been killed since including several who were in critical Far-right groups have pointed to the assaults, ahead of several state elections this year, claimed that last September saw crowds cheering Syrian refugees December 25 trying to make the dan- condition, it added. The association said arriving by train. Details of what happened in the fren- gerous crossing. Three migrants it was “extremely worried” by the rise in zied crush remain hazy. Police have laid no charges but drowned and 19 others were hospital- the “acts of violence against migrants in pointed to more than 30 suspects, almost all of them ized on Christmas Day attempting to border areas of Ceuta” and called for an migrants and including many asylum seekers. enter the territory by swimming from investigation into the actions of security Among the suspects were nine Algerians, eight Morocco or scaling a barbed-wire fence, forces in the region. Moroccans, five Iranians, four Syrians, one Iraqi and one the rights group said in a statement. Ceuta, along with Melilla to the east, Serb, as well as two Germans and one US national, the Those hurt and killed were part of a are Spanish territories on the northern interior ministry said Friday. It was unclear how many group of over 300 migrants who were coast of Morocco that together form the offenders may be long-time migrants or from a scene trying to reach Ceuta, which is located European Union’s only land borders of drug dealers and pickpockets known to lurk around across the Strait of Gibraltar from main- with Africa. Spain fortified fences in the the central railway station, and how many may have land Spain. A total of 185 migrants man- two territories last year in response to a been newly-arrived asylum seekers. On Friday, criticism aged to enter the Spanish territory but a rise in the number of migrants trying to of the Cologne police’s failure to stop the violence, and “large group” was arrested by Moroccan jump over the barriers from Morocco. In subsequent obfuscation, claimed the scalp of police authorities and released in cities in February 2014, 15 migrants drowned in chief Wolfgang Albers, who was suspended in a bid to southern Morocco, the statement said. the Mediterranean after dozens tried to “restore public confidence” in the police force. Another three migrants drowned on enter Ceuta by swimming from a nearby Cologne police were slow to unveil the true extent Monday and about 20 were hospital- beach. Human rights groups and of the carnage, and the politically-charged fact that the ized when hundreds of migrants once migrants said the Spanish police tried to hostile crowd was made up mostly of migrants. A day again tried to cross into Ceuta from keep them from crossing into Spanish after the chaos, Cologne police had tweeted “festive Morocco, the association said. territory by firing rubber bullets and atmosphere, celebrations largely peaceful”, and the Two men and a woman are in critical spraying them with tear gas. Madrid has events did not make national headlines for four days. condition and will need surgery to since said that its guards are now On social media, where PEGIDA backers have long repair fractured bones in their legs and banned from using rubber bullets to COLOGNE: Police men walk next to a water cannon in Cologne, western Germany yesterday to railed against the “lying press”, the media has also been hands, it added. “Two of the victims said repel migrants. — AFP clear the rally of the far-right xenophobic PEGIDA movement, after protesters hurled firecrack- accused of seeking to suppress the attacks for days in ers and bottles at officers. — AFP an effort to be “politically correct”. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Taiwan candidates get theatrical in packed election race

TAIPEI: From rock concerts to yellow rub- day night. Other candidates and their ber ducks and free condoms, ’s par- campaign teams have dressed as cartoon liamentary candidates are going to great characters, or even stripped, for attention. lengths to stand out with a week to go in Liu Shu-fang, an independent candidate the island’s tightest ever race for seats. in southern Kaohsiung city, removed her The vote for president on January 16 is dress to expose a red bra at one public grabbing the biggest headlines, and yes- event. At other events, campaign teams terday sees a “super weekend” of rallies by appeared as Japanese cartoon characters, rival leadership candidates. But a record Hollywood animated movie “Minions”, 556 hopefuls are also running to become and the messaging app LINE’s famous legislators in parliamentary elections rabbit and bear. which coincide with the presidential vote, Candidates are also turning to free with just 113 seats up for grabs. gifts and memorabilia to get their mes- The embattled ruling Kuomintang sage across. Lee Yen-jong, standing for (KMT) risks losing its parliamentary major- the new Green Party-Social Democratic ity this time, with the main opposition Party Alliance, has been giving out free Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) hop- condoms in wrappers printed with her ing to reap the benefits. But 26 smaller campaign information to promote safe parties, many of them new on the politi- sex. Meanwhile, mainstream candidates cal scene, are also gunning for glory and are also trying an extra flourish. DPP can- are pulling out the stops to garner atten- didate Lai Jui-lung decked out his cam- tion. Rocker and social activist Freddy paign truck with yellow rubber ducks-a Lim of the newly formed New Power Party reminder to voters of his role in wooed thousands of supporters when he Kaohsiung city government when a giant sang on stage with his heavy metal band inflatable duck, created by Dutch artist ChthoniC in a recent free concert in Florentijn Hofman, drew four million visi- Taipei. tors to the southern city in 2013. TAIPEI: Journalists jam trucks to catch images of Eric Chu (not pictured), presidential candidate from the ruling The NPP, which grew out of the stu- “The number of contestants in this par- Kuomintang (KMT), during an election campaign in Taipei yesterday. Chu was a reluctant candidate for the leadership as dent-led Sunflower Movement that occu- liamentary election is a historic high and the KMT is widely expected to lose the presidency. — AFP pied parliament in 2014 over a trade pact some candidates are using gimmicks to with China, will enlist a theatre group to get more media exposure for their cam- also sees more niche parties trying their pigeon racing as a legitimate entertain- but has been linked to criminal activity stage short plays, including the story of paign,” said Chen Chao-chien, a commen- luck-the Peace Pigeon Union is campaign- ment” to dispel the stigma around the such as gambling, race fixing and even the Don Quixote, in a campaign rally yester- tator at Ming Chuan University. This year ing to promote “peaceful land and sea sport. Pigeon racing is popular in Taiwan kidnapping of pigeons for ransom. — AFP Landmine blast kills 2 Pakistani coastguards

QUETTA: At least two Pakistani coast- China’s western city of Kashgar to the guards were killed and three others Pakistani port of Gwadar on the wounded yesterday when their vehicle Arabian Sea. The corridor plans have hit a landmine close to the Iranian bor- been strongly criticized by New Delhi, der in southwestern Balochistan with India’s Foreign Minister Sushma province, officials said. The coast- Swaraj last year calling the project guards’ vehicle hit the explosives in “unacceptable” for crossing through Koldan town, near the Iranian border Indian-claimed territory-Pakistan’s and some 80 kilometers from Gwadar, northern Gilgit-Baltistan region which a seaport managed by Beijing. “The is attached to the disputed territory of coastguards’ vehicle was part of a con- Kashmir. Pakistan’s Balochistan voy which brings drinking water for province, of which Gwadar is a part, is them from Koldan town to the port of rife with separatist, Islamist extremist Gwadar daily,” said Muhammad Anwar, and sectarian violence. The mineral- a senior administration official in the rich province has long been targeted area. “Five guards were injured when by militants, and Islamabad accuses their vehicle hit the landmine and two New Delhi of fuelling unrest in the of them succumbed to their injuries region to hamper Pakistan’s develop- later,” he said. ment. A spokesman for the separatist Another government official con- Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said that firmed the incident and causalities. they claimed responsibility for the Gwadar port is being developed under blast. “We claim responsibility for this Beijing’s ambitious $46 billion infra- attack in Koldan. We will continue tar- structure plan called the China geting Pakistani forces,” Meerak Baloch Pakistan Economic Corridor, to link said. — AFP

HERAT: An Afghan boy pushes a wheelbarrow as he transports thorns to be used as fuel for cooking on the outskirts of Herat yesterday. — AFP Afghanistan turns disused NATO Losses mount from camp into drug treatment base Australian bushfire PERTH: The number of homes lost in Friday had not yet been located. As many as 2.4 million drug users in Afghanistan a bushfire in Western rose “We’re holding our hopes out that yesterday to 121, as officials admitted they got out early and heeded the KABUL: Afghan officials have opened a new drug drug initiatives backed by the government and its it feeds endemic corruption in the government, from treatment centre in an abandoned NATO military international partners, but it is only a very small step police officials on up. Feroz was himself attacked on the emergency was not yet over with warnings,” he said. “It’s just the fact base in Kabul, in the latest attempt to stamp out the to tackle a sprawling problem, and many remain Sunday by a dealer who tried to stab him with an three people still unaccounted for. that we are not able to account for country’s massive problem of drug abuse. skeptical. Police regularly round up addicts who shel- infected needle during an operation to collect addicts Fire tore through Yarloop, some 110 them. In the fullness of time, hopeful- Afghanistan is one of the world’s biggest sources of ter in areas such as the Pul-e Sokhta bridge in the and take them to the new centre for treatment. But kilometers south of Perth, early on ly, we will account for them.” Western opium, producing around 3,300 tons last year, despite western part of the capital, but successive govern- officials have only limited ability to curb a billion-dol- Friday, destroying scores of homes in Australia’s Premier Colin Barnett said a drop of 48 percent in output. With the economy in ments have been powerless to resolve the problem. lar industry protected by powerful regional interests the old mill town. That number rose the event had been declared a natural ruins after decades of war and unable to provide jobs In May, a US-funded report said around 1.9 million and controlled in part by warlords and Taleban mili- to 121 on Saturday after a fuller disaster, a measure which gives resi- for young Afghans, demand for the temporary relief to 2.4 million Afghan adults may be drug users, from tants who use the proceeds to fund their insurgency. assessment, as hundreds of firefight- dents access to greater financial sup- provided by drugs is high. Camp Phoenix, a former among a population of about 30 million, with drugs “Leaders of the unity government know the threat ers continued to battle the huge port. But he admitted that the dam- training camp on the edges of Kabul set up by the US found in more than 30 percent of homes. To counter illegal drugs pose to our society and they are commit- blaze which is still threatening nearby age bill was going to be a “large one”. army in 2003, will take in around 1,000 homeless drug this situation, the country has just 123 treatment cen- ted to dealing with this,” said Salamat Azimi, the areas. “It is still a cause for concern,” Bushfires are common in Australia’s addicts who will receive food, medical attention and ters, sufficient to treat just over 10 percent of opium counter narcotics minister. The failure of past efforts Fire and Emergency Services hotter months, with four deaths in treatment, said Public Health Minister Ferozuddin and heroin users. But even addicts who go through leaves many uncertain of success this time, however. Commissioner Wayne Gregson told Western Australia last November. Feroz. the centers often fall back into drug use. “I have Najibullah, an addict who, like many Afghans, goes by reporters of the blaze. “It has been a Australia’s worst firestorm in recent “We give them a proper shave, they will take a received five rounds of treatment already, but am still one name, was dubious as he saw how few addicts very challenging fire for us-it’s still a years devastated parts of the south- shower, winter clothing and treatment will follow,” he using,” said Sayed Dawod, one of the addicts at the got on the buses going to the treatment centers. challenge, (we’re) not out of the ern state of Victoria in 2009, razing said, showing reporters around the facility, which new centre. “There is no proper treatment in “This is for show,” he said. “If the government wants to woods yet.” Gregson said three peo- thousands of homes and killing 173 offers a 45-day course of treatment for homeless Afghanistan.” bring about change and treat addicts properly, they ple who were unaccounted for on people. — AFP addicts. “We will return them as normal members of Ministers say they are aware of the threat from the have to put more pressure on police to arrest those society.” The effort is the latest in a long series of anti- drug problem, not just to public health but also how who sell illegal drugs.” — Reuters Eastern Ukrainian villages change hands despite truce

PAVLOPIL: Clashes between pro- heavy weapons had entered the grey- Kominternove was “retaliation” for the Russian rebels and government forces zone village of Kominternove, some Ukrainian army’s operation in Pavlopil. in eastern Ukraine have dwindled but 20 kilometers northeast of the strate- Both sides are trying to take control of villages in the buffer zone around the gic port city of Mariupol. Separatist villages-long neglected because of frontline have been surreptitiously leaders denied they had entered the their limited strategic value-that fall changing hands, raising fears that the village, but observers from the under their respective jurisdictions tenuous ceasefire could unravel. Organization for Security and according to the Minsk agreements, Ukraine’s blue and yellow flag was Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) report- the official said. The silent incursions hoisted in December in the sleepy vil- ed having seen “multiple fresh cater- into the buffer zone come amid a lull lage of Pavlopil, which for months had pillar tracks, consistent with infantry in a conflict that has left more than remained trapped in the “grey zone” fighting vehicles and tanks” there. 9,000 people dead since April 2014. between Kiev-controlled and rebel The warring sides had reached a territory. Renewed hostilities September 1 truce agreement that The buffer-zone village had been Locals told the OSCE that armed significantly calmed deadly cut off from food and water supplies rebels had entered Kominternove on exchanges of artillery and missile fire until Ukrainian troops started distrib- December 22, leaving two days later along the buffer zone separating uting free bread, water and canned before the arrival of international rebel-run territory from the rest of meat to residents last month, local observers. “What happened in Ukraine. “In December, our forces shopkeeper Natalia Ivanivna said. This Kominternove was a clear violation of gained control of seven villages,” the 30-kilometre-wide demilitarized area, the Minsk agreement”, said Alexander security official said, saying troops which straddles the Donetsk and Hug, the OSCE’s deputy chief monitor were trying to seize the areas that Lugansk regions, was created as part in Ukraine. “The ceasefire was broken coincide with the demarcation line of a peace deal signed in Minsk last by both sides; weapons were used established in the peace accords. The February. International observers with the intent to establish control presence of Ukrainian troops and pro- have deplored recent military activity over areas where previously there was Russian rebels in the buffer zone has PAVLOPOL: A Ukrainian serviceman patrols outskirts of the village of Pavlopil, in the Donetsk in the zone by both Ukrainian troops no armed presence,” Hug added, also worried locals, who view the milita- region. — AFP and pro-Russian rebels, which they criticizing Ukrainian troop “move- rization of the area as a prelude to Shapkin, the mayor of Pavlopil and of cations”, Shapkin said as he unpacked pensioner waiting in line for wood. say undermines the prospects for ments” in Pavlopil. renewed hostilities. the neighboring town of Pyschevyk, wood briquettes supplied by the Red “This doesn’t mean that we’re not peace in the region. A high-ranking Ukrainian security “A contingent of peacekeepers where Ukrainian troops are now pres- Cross. “If shelling resumes, a single grateful to the Ukrainian military for Weeks after seizing Pavlopil, Kiev official said on condition of anonymi- should have been stationed in the ent. The absence of peacekeepers in Grad missile will be enough to destroy bringing us food,” she added. “We’re announced that rebels armed with ty that the rebel presence in buffer zone to avoid this”, said Sergiy the buffer zone could lead to “provo- all of Pyschevyk”, said Lyubov Belik, a just fed up with the war.” — AFP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 Philippine Catholics join huge parade, pray for miracles

MANILA: Barefoot men and women pray- Nazarene’s traditional home inside the ing for miracles hurled themselves above downtown Quiapo church at midnight huge crowds in the Philippines yesterday to (1600 GMT). Manila housewife Dang touch a centuries-old icon of Jesus Christ in Villacorta, sat on the grass at the park one of the world’s largest Catholic festivals. between her sleeping son and a blue beach Some of the Asian nation’s most fervent tent packed with other relatives said she scenes of devotion played out through the planned to wave a white handkerchief when narrow streets of Manila’s old quarter as the the procession crawled past. “If family mem- life-sized Black Nazarene statue was carried bers get sick we would give them sponge through a gauntlet of worshippers. baths with it. That way we wouldn’t spend “The Nazarene our Lord gave meaning money on doctors,” the 36-year-old said. to my life,” Nino Barbo, a 30-year-old high Critics say the parade amounts to idola- school dropout with an upper arm tattoo try, but Church authorities say it is a vibrant and a metal earring said. The construction expression of faith in one of the world’s worker said he gave up a day’s pay for the most fervently Catholic nations. More than sixth year in a row by skipping work to 80 million of the Asian nation’s 100 million touch the statue, which many Filipinos people consider themselves Catholics. “The believe can heal the sick and bring good people reach out to it because they have a luck. Risking life and limb, shoeless men personal relationship with God,” said and women like Barbo clambered over Monsignor Hernando Coronel, the parish each other yesterday to touch the icon with priest of Quiapo church. “They come to me white handkerchiefs or towels as others and say the Lord has performed miracles pulled on a rope to haul the metal float for them. To the devotees he is for real,” he bearing the statue forward. told reporters earlier in the week, adding The pilgrims wore yellow or maroon he expected “millions and millions” to take shirts and walked barefoot, playing the role part in the parade. of supplicants. By noon, police said 1.5 mil- Coronel said a male member of his lion people were taking part in the seven- parish told him his son regained his full kilometer parade of the icon, considered by sight after being accidentally shot in one Catholics as a representation of the Son of eye with a shotgun pellet. A woman also God. The crowd estimate could not be told him her granddaughter miraculously independently confirmed. Manila city’s civil revived after drowning. Cloaked in a defence office chief, Johnny Yu, told AFP at maroon robe, crowned with thorns and least 150 people were treated for various bearing a cross, the Nazarene statue was injuries and complaints in the first five brought to Manila by Augustinian priests in hours of the parade, including two with 1607, decades after the start of Spain’s suspected broken bones. colonial rule. It was believed to have acquired its color after being partially burnt Relationship with God when the galleon carrying it caught fire on Police say the slow-moving procession a voyage from Mexico, another Spanish from a Manila park is expected to reach the colony at the time.— AFP PAJU: North Korea’s border county of Kaepoong is seen from a South Korean observation post in Paju near the Demilitarized Zone dividing two Koreas. South Korea resumed high-decibel propaganda broadcasts into North Korea as the United States ramped up pressure on China to bring Pyongyang to heel after its latest nuclear test. — AFP North Korea cites Gaddafi, Saddam in nuclear defense Fate of leaders who forsake nuke ambitions

SEOUL: North Korea has defended its latest commentary said. Both had made the mistake, A second SLBM test was carried out off the nuclear test, citing the fate of two toppled the commentary argued, of yielding to Western southeastern port of Wonsan in November but Middle East leaders, while flexing its military pressure led by a United States bent on regime this was apparently a failure as only debris from muscle by showing TV footage of a submarine- change. Asking North Korea to give up its its casing was seen in the sea and no traces of launched missile test. A commentary published nuclear weapons was as pointless as “wishing the flight were detected. South Korean military by the official KCNA news agency late Friday to see the sky fall”, it said, adding that the entire officials say the North is continuing to actively said the fate of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and country was proud of its “H-bomb of justice”. pursue the development of SLBMs, which MANILA: Devotees join the annual procession with the religious icon of the Black Muammar Gaddafi in Libya showed what hap- would take its nuclear threat to a new level. The Nazarene (center) in Manila yesterday. — AFP pened when countries forsake their nuclear ‘Playing with fire’ defiant message and video footage came as the weapon ambitions. In addition to the KCNA commentary, the international community scrambled to respond It also warned South Korea, which resumed state Korean Central TV late Friday released to North Korea’s latest test. While UN Security Vietnam warns China high-decibel propaganda broadcasts across the video footage of a purportedly new submarine- Council members discuss possible sanctions, inter-Korean border in response to launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test. But South world leaders have sought to build a consensus Wednesday’s test, that its actions were driving Korean media suggested the footage was an on how best to penalize leader Kim Jong-Un’s over air safety threat the divided peninsula to “the brink of war”. The edited compilation of the North’s third SLBM maverick state. commentary said Pyongyang’s fourth nuclear test, conducted last month in the Sea of Japan, South Korea on Thursday took unilateral HANOI: Vietnam’s civil aviation authority ignored all the rules and norms of the ICAO test was a “great event” that provided North and a different ballistic missile test from 2014. action by switching on giant banks of speakers has accused Beijing of threatening regional by not providing any flight plans or main- Korea with a deterrent powerful enough to The undated footage shows leader Kim on the border and blasting a mix of propagan- air safety by conducting unannounced taining any radio contact with Vietnam’s air secure its borders against all hostile forces, Jong-Un, on board a military vessel in a winter da and K-pop into North Korea. The same tactic, flights through its airspace to a disputed traffic control centre,” he added. including the United States. “History proves coat and a fedora hat, looking on as a missile is employed during a dangerous flare-up in cross- reef in the South China Sea, state media In the seven days to January 8, Vietnam that powerful nuclear deterrence serves as the launched vertically from underwater and border tensions last year, had seen an infuriat- said yesterday. The Civil Aviation Authority logged 46 incidents of Chinese planes fly- strongest treasured sword for frustrating out- ignites in mid air. The video then cuts to a rock- ed Pyongyang threaten artillery strikes against of Vietnam (CAAV) warned that the unan- ing without warning through airspace mon- siders’ aggression,” it said. et flying through the clouds, suggesting the the loudspeaker units unless they were nounced flights “threaten the safety of all itored by air traffic control in the southern North Korea said the test was of a miniatur- missile was able to reach such altitudes. But switched off. At a mass rally held Friday in flights in the region,” according to a report metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, according ized hydrogen bomb-a claim largely dismissed South Korean media said the images of a rocket Pyongyang’ Kim Il-Sung square to celebrate the in the Tuoi Tre Daily newspaper. to civilian aviation authorities quoted in the by experts who argue the yield was far too low rising through the clouds were in fact taken test, senior North Korean ruling party official In quotes published in Vietnamese offi- Tuoi Tre Daily newspaper report. Chinese cial online newspaper Zing.vn late Friday, state media on Wednesday said two civilian for a full-fledged thermonuclear device. “The from footage of a SCUD missile test broadcast Kim Ki-Nam said Seoul was once again playing CAAV director Lai Xuan Thanh said a protest planes landed on an island in the Fiery Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq and the Gaddafi in 2014. North Korea first announced in May with fire. “The United States and its puppets letter about the flights had been sent to Cross reef in the contested Spratly Islands, regime in Libya could not escape the fate of that it had conducted a successful SLBM test, a have wasted no time in driving the situation on Beijing, as well as a complaint to the United which have long been at the centre of bit- destruction after being deprived of their foun- claim accompanied by pictures of Kim pointing the peninsula to the brink of war, resuming Nations’ International Civil Aviation ter wrangling between Vietnam and its dations for nuclear development and giving up at the missile as it blasted out of the water at a their psychological warfare broadcast,” Kim Organization (ICAO). “Chinese aircraft have giant neighbor. —AFP nuclear programs of their own accord,” the 45-degree angle. said.— AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Focus Players, strategies in Venezuela crisis

By Maria Isabel Sanchez

enezuela plunged into a confusing political deadlock this week, as the opposition took con- Vtrol of the country’s legislature but the socialist government vowed to block its reforms. Here is an analysis of the different players in the institutional standoff, their strategic positions, and hazards in the recession-hit, oil-producing state.

Government After 17 years in control, President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist PSUV party has lost the National Assembly legislature to the center-right opposition, which is vowing to get rid of him and reform the economy. But Maduro is seen as holding sway over the Supreme Court, where a legal battle is likely to play out. His side has applied to it to annul the assembly’s reforms. “The Washington Watch government has chosen the path of outright con- frontation, raising once again the prospect of serious political violence,” wrote Phil Gunson, an analyst with Muslim millennials’ views on religion the International Crisis Group. Meanwhile skeptics say Maduro’s appointment of socialist hardliners to eco- nomic posts in a cabinet reshuffle this week bodes ill By Dr James J Zogby Kuwait, and Egypt)-the very same societies where young but a significant number pointed to religious TV shows as for change. Muslims indicated that they felt tension between the “their most important source or guidance and direction”. t the close of 2015, Zogby Research Services (ZRS) “temptations of today’s society” and their Muslim faith. And majorities of young men and women in every coun- Military conducted face to face polling of 5,374 Muslim try agreed that there was a need for more women reli- The military could hold the key to resolving dead- Ayouth between the ages of 15 to 34 in eight Arab Key Role gious scholars and preachers. lock in a country prone to unrest. The defense minister countries: Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, When asked to identify the most important aspects of and head of the armed forces, General Vladimir Kuwait, Jordan, and Palestine. We had been commis- their faith, most frequently cited were “living by Islamic Perversion Padrino, pledged the military’s “absolute loyalty and sioned by the Tabah Foundation to explore the views of ethics and morals” and addressing the “political issues fac- What also came through quite clearly was the fact unconditional support” for Maduro. “The armed forces Arab Muslim millennials, specifically with regard to their ing Muslim societies”. And while majorities in most coun- that Muslim millennials overwhelmingly reject extremist is a complex institution and its behavior in the event attitudes toward religious identity, religious leadership, tries disagreed that religion was the source of decline in groups and movements largely identifying them as a of a political crisis of such scale is difficult to predict,” the role of the state in religious affairs, the need for the Arab World and believed that religion has a key role to “complete perversion of Islam”. And they identify “cor- said Diego Moya-Ocampos, a London-based reform, and religious extremism. The results of the study play in their country’s future, there were differing views rupt, repressive, and unrepresentative governments” and Venezuelan analyst with research group IHS Country provided fascinating insights into the views of a much about the role of the state in administering religious “extremist religious teaching” as the principal reasons Risk. “The armed forces will play a key role behind the “talked about” but not often “talked to” generation of affairs. Only in Egypt, Kuwait, and Palestine, were majori- why some of their contemporaries join these groups. scenes. Crucially they will prevent any confrontation Arabs. ties inclined to support the state’s involvement in any- The upshot of this study is that Arab Muslim millenni- between Venezuelans or between pro-government What we learned was that, in the main, Muslim millen- thing related to religion. The only areas where majorities als, like their age cohorts in other parts of the world, are and opposition groups.” nials: were committed to their faith; recognized a need in all eight countries agreed with government interven- struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world. for renewal in Muslim discourse; saw a need for a more tion were in “ensuring that religious discourse is not used They are neither a “lost generation” nor are they an amor- Opposition visible role for women in religious life; believed that reli- to promote violence, incitement, and hatred” and in ban- phous unthinking mass without definite ideas about the The opposition coalition MUD swore in a two-thirds gion would play an important part in their country’s ning movies, TV, etc, if they “breach the values of society”. future of the societies they will soon inherit. They are not majority in the assembly after winning December’s future; and rejected extremist groups as a perversion of Substantial majorities of millennials in all eight coun- to be feared, nor should their insistence that there be elections. However Maduro supporters say that “super- their faith. tries felt that the “language used to speak about Islam” change be ignored. As the Tabah Foundation noted in majority” - which is large enough to give the opposi- While there were observable differences in the atti- and the topics and issues addressed by scholars and commissioning this study “it is only by knowing this gen- tion the power to launch constitutional measures to tudes of young Arab Muslims from the different countries preachers needed to be made more relevant to today’s eration that we can address the seismic religious, cultural, oust the president - is not legitimate. Their claim is included in the study, overall we found a generation life, which is why many also claimed that Friday sermons social, and political shifts taking place in the Arab World based on the fact that the Supreme Court has sus- committed to their Muslim identity, seeing their faith as were either a “tirade”, “boring”, or “the government’s today and in the future”. pended three opposition lawmakers pending allega- more of a “private spiritual affair” than “just about beliefs voice”. NOTE: The full report will be released at an event in Abu tions of electoral fraud. “The institutional crisis and laws defining right and wrong”. It was noteworthy Muslim millennials frequently pointed to their coun- Dhabi this coming week and will be available on the between the government and the legislature will esca- that the importance of Muslim identity was more pro- try’s grand mufti or other prominent religious scholars as Foundation’s website www.tabahfoundation.org. Dr James late further as the MUD and the PSUV struggle to con- nounced in societies that were more pluralistic (like UAE, being the authorities to consult on matters of religion, J Zogby is the President of the Arab American Institute trol the Supreme Court,” said Moya-Ocampos. He said the deadlock will likely cause instability and a worsen- ing of economic hardship for ordinary Venezuelans. Captured Mexico kingpin: ‘The Lord of Tunnels’ Venezuelan People December’s vote was widely seen as punishment for the government by an electorate fed up with eco- By Laurent Thomet lives in his village of La Tuna. Mazatlan. He was found in a condo with calmly and pay everyone’s tabs before nomic chaos. “People are hoping their problems will Marines nearly captured him in his wife and their young twin daughters. leaving. be solved, but if the days go by and things go on like ith his daring underground October in a remote mountain region. He had been on the lam for 13 years after this, social tension will be exacerbated,” said Asdrubal escapes and ability to sneak nar- Authorities said Guzman injured his face escaping a first time in 2001 from another ‘Public Enemy Number One’ Oliveros, of Venezuelan research group Ecoanalitica. cotics under the US-Mexico bor- and a leg while falling in the rough terrain, prison by hiding in a laundry cart. He had Born on April 4, 1957 to a family of The plunging price of oil has hit Venezuela’s foreign W der, Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El but special forces failed to nab him. AFP spent eight years in prison following his farmers, Guzman had humble beginnings revenues. Venezuelans are having to queue for hours to buy rations of cooking oil, toilet paper and other Chapo” Guzman earned a new nickname: journalists who visited the area weeks 1993 capture in Guatemala. Guzman in a region known as a bastion of drug basics. Domestic worker Gilma Vasquez said she voted “The Lord of Tunnels”. In fact, Guzman after the operation found bullet-riddled became a legend of Mexico’s underworld, trafficking. He dropped out of primary to “end the queues.” But in the current deadlock, she made one last tunnel escape before his school to work in marijuana and opium says, “I am afraid that nothing will change.” capture on Friday, fleeing through a poppy fields as drug consumption rose in drainage system in the city of Los Mochis, the neighboring United States. He was International Community Sinaloa state, as marines hunted him recruited by Guadalajara cartel boss The United States and Venezuela’s Latin American down. He was finally caught in a stolen car. Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, the godfather neighbors are watching closely. Before the elections The man whose old nickname means of Mexico’s modern drug cartels. Guzman’s the United Nations expressed concern for jailed oppo- “Shorty” had used the money from a drug job was to contact drug traffickers in sition leaders and the independence of the judiciary. empire whose tentacles reach Europe and Colombia. Long at odds with Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Asia to dig himself out of trouble again After Felix Gallardo was arrested in Chavez, Washington has called for a “transparent” res- and again. 1989, Guzman’s Sinaloa drug cartel began olution. Maduro’s Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez rejected that as “interference”. The The bathtub in one of his houses its meteoric rise. But he had enemies. A Organization of American States called for “dialogue opened into an escape route through gunfight in 1993 at the airport of and peace.” Its leader Luis Almagro warned Maduro drainage systems that he used to flee from Guadalajara killed the western city’s arch- against “distorting the voice of the people” after the troops in early 2014, and he repeated the bishop, Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas vote. act last year from a maximum-security Ocampo, allegedly because he was mis- “The fact that the opposition was able to achieve a prison. US and Mexican authorities have taken for Guzman. His ability to sneak tons peaceful, democratic change of leadership in the regularly discovered sophisticated tunnels of cocaine, heroin and marijuana into the Venezuelan parliament may suggest there is light at with rails and electricity used to ship mari- United States made him “Public Enemy the end of the country’s tunnel,” wrote Gunson. “But juana, cocaine and other drugs into the Number One” in Chicago, a moniker that for now no one can be sure it is not the headlight of an United States, with cash and weapons had been given to US prohibition-era oncoming train.” —AFP coming the other way. mafia boss Al Capone. Guzman “easily surpassed the carnage Folk Legend A Mexican navy marine inspects an and social destruction that was caused by All articles appearing on these The 58-year-old Sinaloa drug cartel open manhole after the recapture of Capone,” the Chicago Crime Commission pages are the personal opinion of leader’s legend soared after he humiliated Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, said in Feb 2013. The mustachioed drug authorities by escaping prison in his most Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman in the city lord made Forbes magazine’s list of bil- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no ambitious tunnel yet. On July 11, 2015, of Los Mochis, Mexico on Friday. (Inset) lionaires until he was left out in 2013 responsibility for views expressed after just 17 months at the Altiplano Guzman is escorted into a helicopter at because he was believed to have spent therein. Kuwait Times invites read- prison in central Mexico, Guzman slipped Mexico City’s airport. —AP/AFP much of his wealth on protection. ers to voice their opinions. Please through a hole in his cell’s shower, climbed Guzman married an 18-year-old beauty send submissions via email to: opin- on a motorcycle mounted on rails, and queen, Emma Coronel, in 2007 and is traveled 1.5 km through the tunnel. US homes and cars. Residents said military with musicians singing his praises in folk believed to have 10 children with various [email protected] or via snail and Mexican law enforcement officials say helicopters fired on the community during ballads known as “narcocorridos”, tributes women. His family has paid dearly for his mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Guzman then flew to his home patch on the operation, prompting hundreds to to drug capos. He is said to have been life of crime. One of his brothers was killed The editor reserves the right to edit the Sinaloa-Durango state border because flee. brazen enough to walk into restaurants in in a Mexican jail in Dec 2004 and a son any submission as necessary. he is revered as a modern-day Robin Hood Guzman had been previously captured his state of Sinaloa, ask diners to hand was shot dead in a shopping center park- in the region. His octogenarian mother still on Feb 22, 2014, in the Sinaloa resort of their cell phones to his bodyguards, eat ing lot in May 2008. —AFP NEWS SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

A Syrian refugee boy plays on the beach at the Ramlet al Bayda public beach in Beirut yesterday. — AP US refugee program decried after terror arrests

LOS ANGELES: The US refugee program came under tens of thousands of Iraqi refugees have been successful- repeated the administration’s opposition to proposals Federal authorities said Jayab promised to provide fresh criticism after federal authorities revealed that two ly resettled under the program. that would impose a religious test or bar individuals from weapons training to Hardan and advised him on how he Iraqi-born men arrested on terrorism-related charges had On Thursday, federal authorities in California accused the US based on their ethnicity. “That doesn’t represent would be assigned to the battlefield once he arrived in come to America as refugees. While there was no evi- 23-year-old Aws Mohammed Younis Al-Jayab of who we are as a country and, most importantly, it’s not Syria. While authorities say Jayab fought twice in Syria, dence the men intended or planned attacks in the United Sacramento of traveling to Syria to fight and lying to US going to keep us safe,” Earnest said. including with a group eventually linked to Islamic State, States, Republican lawmakers already concerned about officials about it. Jayab had come to the United States as More than 127,000 Iraqi refugees have arrived in the there is no indication that Hardan actually traveled there. the federal government’s ability to properly vet Syrian a refugee in Oct 2012, and discussed on social media United States since Oct 2006, with the largest numbers Hardan became a legal permanent resident of the United refugees said the cases highlight weaknesses in the pro- how he fought against the regime in Syria as a teen, headed toward California, Michigan and Texas, according States in 2011 and applied in 2014 to become a US citi- gram that put Americans’ safety at risk. authorities said. In Texas, 24-year-old Omar Faraj Saeed to State Department statistics. Some Iraqis go through zen, authorities said. Jayab was interviewed by immigra- “How many ticking time bombs are we going to bring Al-Hardan of Houston was indicted on charges that he the U.N. refugee agency, while some can apply directly to tion officials in 2014 for his green card and did not dis- in in this refugee program without a proper vetting sys- tried to provide material support to the extremists. Both the refugee program in Jordan, Egypt and Iraq. close his recent travel to Syria, authorities said. tem in place?” Rep Michael McCaul and chairman of suspects are Palestinians born in Iraq, authorities said. Security screenings for immigrants and travelers have House Homeland Security Committee, said at a news The US annually accepts 70,000 refugees from around Suspicion come under increased scrutiny because of recent attacks. conference Friday. He and other GOP lawmakers urged the world, including people fleeing violence, religious Melanie Nezer, vice president for policy and advocacy Rules have been tightened for visa-free travel to the the Senate to pass legislation to block refugees from Iraq persecution and war, and has announced plans to at the Jewish refugee agency HIAS, said she worries the United States and lawmakers have vowed to look into and Syria until screening is improved. The House passed increase the number to 85,000 this year. Since the 2001 recent backlash might place law-abiding refugees under the fiancÈ visa program, which was used by the husband- a bill in November. terrorist attacks, about 785,000 refugees have arrived in suspicion. She said she has confidence in the govern- and-wife attackers in San Bernardino who killed 14 peo- The uproar comes after weeks of fervent debate in the country, and fewer than 20 have been arrested or ment’s screening measures and that these are continually ple last month. On Friday, senior White House officials Washington and on the presidential campaign trail about removed over terrorism-related concerns, according to updated by federal intelligence officials. “The vast majori- and members of the president’s national security team tighter security screens in the wake of attacks in Paris and the State Department. ty of refugees, including Iraqi refugees, have not caused traveled to Silicon Valley to seek tech industry help to San Bernardino, California. Immigrant advocates said White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Friday the any harm to our country and will not cause any harm to stop the Islamic State and other groups from radicalizing they have full confidence in the vetting process and that screening of refugees is rigorous and thorough. He our country,” she said. people online. — AP

US releases Iran rocket fire video Kandari whisked off to hospital... Continued from Page 1 attacked two Iranian oil rigs and sank or damaged six Iranian vessels, including two naval frigates, in Operation Praying Continued from Page 1 York, at the Pentagon and in the skies over Pennsylvania. The 45 seconds of black-and-white Dec 26 footage, which Mantis. That came after the near-sinking of the missile frigate In the case of Kandari, the Pentagon released virtually the Navy said was shot from a Seahawk helicopter, shows USS Samuel B Roberts by an Iranian mine. A few months later, In all, 45 of the remaining inmates have been approved no information about the detainee, as is typical with what appears to be an oil tanker passing by. A flash appears in July 1988, the USS Vincennes in the strait mistook an Iran for transfer, and the Pentagon is trying to find countries to Guantanamo inmates. According to his leaked 2008 on the left side of the video and after zooming in, it shows Air flight heading to Dubai foran attacking fighter jet, shoot- take them. Many are from Yemen and cannot go back giv- prison file, published by WikiLeaks and the New York small boats the Navy said were Iranian firing rockets. The ing down the plane and killing all 290 passengers and crew en the country’s collapse into civil war. US Defence Times, the 40-year-old was a “committed member” of Al- Navy has said the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier, the USS onboard. The shoot-down of the jet came shortly after the US Secretary Ashton Carter in December signed off on 17 of Qaeda and was an influential religious figure for the Bulkeley destroyer and a French frigate were nearby at the vessel reported coming under fire from Iranian speedboats. the 45 to be transferred as soon as this month, and offi- group’s fighters in Afghanistan. He was initially captured time, as well as commercial vessels. Tensions have persisted in the strait even into this year. cials say a further flurry of releases is expected in the com- in Dec 2001 and sent to Guantanamo in May the follow- There was no immediate reaction in Tehran to the video’s Iran sank a replica of a US aircraft carrier in February near ing weeks. Even if all 45 are released, the remaining ing year. Since 2002, a total of 779 detainees have been release. Previously, Gen Ramezan Sharif, a Revolutionary the strait and it earlier tested out so-called “suicide drones” inmates are expected to stay in indefinite detention. held at Guantanamo. Inmates are kept without recourse Guard spokesman, said his forces didn’t carry out any drills it said could crash into naval vessels. Iran seized a Marshall These include the “9/11 Five,” a group of five men accused to the regular US legal processes and some likely will die there at that time and called the American comments “psy- Islands-flagged cargo ship and later released it in May after of plotting the Sept 11, 2001 attacks that unfolded in New in prison without ever being convicted of a crime. — AFP chological warfare”. Military vessels taking part in the war its forces had earlier surrounded a US-flagged cargo ship against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria also pass transiting the strait. That caused the 5th Fleet to escort through the strait, a narrow waterway between Iran and commercial ships traveling in the Gulf for a short time. Oman. The US Navy previously said Iran gave 23-minutes Iran and world powers led by the US agreed to a landmark GCC condemns Iranian interference warning over maritime radio before opening fire with nuclear deal earlier this year to limit Tehran’s enrichment of unguided rockets. uranium in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Iran has Continued from Page 1 rent policies,” Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said The Strait of Hormuz is only about 33 km wide at its nar- always denied seeking nuclear arms. The deal reached with during a press conference after the meeting. “The esca- rowest point. Ships traversing the chokepoint have even less moderate President Hassan Rouhani’s administration has His death touched off anti-Saudi demonstrations else- lation is coming from Iran, not from Saudi Arabia or the room to maneuver. The shipping lane in either direction is been panned by Iranian hard-liners, and in the months since, where in the Shiite world, including the attacks in Iran. GCC .... We are evaluating Iran’s moves and taking steps only 3 km wide, with a 3 km buffer zone between them. The Iran has conducted missile tests criticized by the US, as well Riyadh was accused of silencing his criticism by killing him. to counter them...things will be clearer in the near US Navy’s 5th Fleet is based in nearby Bahrain, on the south- as aired footage on state television of an underground mis- The GCC groups Bahrain, Kuwait Oman, Qatar, Saudi future,” he said. Jubeir also said his country had asked ern coast of the Gulf. It conducts anti-piracy patrols in the sile base. In recent days, regional tensions have been escalat- Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, of which Iran is greater Gulf and serves as a regional counterbalance to Iran. ed even higher as Iran and Saudi Arabia face off after the exe- In response to the Iran incidents, Riyadh and Bahrain, a member, to convene an extraordinary meeting to dis- US and Iranian forces clashed in the Strait of Hormuz in the cution of Nimr Al-Nimr and the storming of the kingdom’s which has a Shiite majority, severed diplomatic relations cuss the aggression against its embassy. 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq war. On April 18, 1988, the US diplomatic posts in Iran. -— AP with Tehran. Kuwait recalled its ambassador, the UAE Iran has said the kingdom is to blame for the diplo- downgraded its ties, and Oman and Qatar condemned matic crisis. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General Ban the attacks. And they threatened yesterday to “take oth- Ki-moon published by Iranian news agencies earlier yes- Mexican drug lord sent back to prison er measures against Iran if it continues its aggression”, terday, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif without spelling them out. “We are looking at addition- complained about Saudi Arabia’s “provocations” Continued from Page 1 calls quickly mounted among US politicians for Mexico to ship al measures to be taken if it (Iran) continues with its cur- towards Tehran. — Agencies Guzman to the United States, where he also faces charges in “The follow-up work allowed us to document meetings half a dozen US states. The Americans had sent an extradition between attorneys of the now-detainee and these people,” request two weeks before his July escape. D&G unveils designs for Muslim women she said, adding that the matter was under investigation.The Some questioned Mexico’s ability to hold on to Guzman, manhunt led to his recapture, which featured one last under- who previously escaped from another maximum-security Continued from Page 1 Some are embellished with the bright motifs that fea- ground escape for the man who became known as “The Lord prison in 2001 by hiding in a laundry cart with inside help. tured in D&G’s main spring/summer 2016 collection: of Tunnels” for his ability to ship drugs to the US under the More than a dozen prison and federal police officials have in D&G’s boutiques throughout the Middle East, as Daisies, lemons, white dots and red roses. border and dig his way out of trouble. Guzman was nearly been arrested on charges of helping Guzman flee again last well as in Milan, Munich, Paris and London, popular Fabrics include Georgette, a type of sheer crepe, and captured in the mountain region in October, but marines year, along with several associates of the drug lord who destinations for well-heeled shopping tourists from the charmeuse, another lightweight material, with much use chasing him in a helicopter decided not to shoot because he worked from the outside on building the tunnel. “Given that region. made of lace for trim and inserts. Oversized jewellery and was accompanied by two women and a girl, Gomez said. The ‘El Chapo’ has already escaped from Mexican prison twice, this The mini collection, billed as capturing the “allure of sunglasses also give the collection D&G’s distinctive signa- months-long investigation culminated in a house in Los third opportunity to bring him to justice cannot be squan- the Middle East”, has generated a stir of interest on social ture. According to a report by management consultancy Mochis, which authorities began to stake out in December. dered,” said US senator and Republican presidential hopeful media with designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Bain, sales of personal luxury goods in the Middle East Marines were met by gunfire when they swooped in on Marco Rubio. Senator John McCain congratulated Mexico’s Dolce generally winning praise for demonstrating that totalled $8.7 billion in 2015, up nearly 28 percent from Friday, leaving five suspects dead and one marine wounded. navy for the capture, but he added: “Now let’s extradite him to Six others were detained in the operation. Guzman and his the US.” US President Barack Obama’s administration did not dressing modestly does not have to mean dressing drab. 2014. Other top fashion brands have already attempted security chief fled through the city’s drainage system, repeat- indicate whether it would press Pena Nieto to send Guzman A spokeswoman for the designers said there was no par- to boost their sales in the region with collections tailor- ing a tactic the drug kingpin successfully used in escaping across the border. ticular agenda other than catering for their customers’ made for the market, notably Oscar de la Renta, DKNY authorities in 2014 in the nearby city of Culiacan. This time US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Guzman will “now requirements. “It is not the first capsule collection Dolce and Tommy Hilfiger. however the marines expected such a move, Gomez said. The have to answer for his alleged crimes,” without indicating and Gabbana has designed and dedicated to a specific Last year saw Japanese retailer Uniqlo enlist British wanted men came out of a manhole and stole a car, but they where. The Mexican attorney general’s office secured an extra- market,” she told AFP. “In the past, they have created col- designer Hana Tajima to design a range aimed at Muslim were captured on a road and taken to a motel, where Guzman dition warrant in September, but Guzman’s attorneys sought lections for the China market, as well as Brazil, Japan and women in the run-up to the fasting month of Ramadan, was seated on a bed, wearing a dirty sleeveless shirt -an igno- an injunction that could delay the process. But a leading Mexico. So it’s a collection without any ideological or while Sweden’s H&M cast its first hijab wearing model, minious end for a kingpin whose billionaire drug business Mexican politician, Senator Miguel Barbosa of the leftist polemic attitude.” Mariah Idrissi. Idrissi said D&G’s entry to this particular reaches as far as Asia and Europe. opposition Democratic Revolution Party, is already opposing The company describes the pieces as “a reverie amidst market was “definitely a positive thing”. “I think (fashion The 58-year-old’s arrest provided a major sigh of relief for an extradition. “The easiest thing would be to swiftly extradite the desert dunes and skies of the Middle East: an enchant- houses) are realising; let’s not just do it in that one month, President Enrique Pena Nieto, whose administration was ‘Chapo’ Guzman and, once again, the Mexican state shows ing visual story about the grace and beauty of the marvel- let’s make this something to stay, because they’ve realised humiliated when Guzman broke out of prison. “Mission that it doesn’t have the strength to punish those who commit lous women of Arabia”. Ankle-length dresses come in the potential and how much Muslim women spend on accomplished: We got him,” Pena Nieto wrote on Twitter. But crimes in our territory,” Barbosa said. — AFP both subtle, sandy shades and dark, almost black, hues. fashion,” she told Britain’s Daily Telegraph. —AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 SPORTS Zain honors Powerboat racer Yousef Al Rubayan

Kuwaiti racer retires after 21 years of achievements KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecom- Zain’s sponsorship adds to its long eagerness to support Al Rubayan in his munications company in Kuwait, hon- list of Kuwaiti champions the company professional career in which he raised ored Kuwaiti Powerboat racer Yousef Al supports in local and international the Kuwaiti flag high in local and inter- Rubayan, who recently retired after 21 sporting events, as it comes in line national competitions. years of achievements in local and with Zain’s Corporate Social Al Rubayan’s Powerboat racing international competitions. Responsibility strategy towards the career saw him achieving many titles, Zain expressed its pride in Al youth and sports sectors. including the second place title of last Rubayan’s achievements, as the com- Zain’s sponsorship of Al Rubayan year’s world championship, the fifth pany was one of the main sponsors showcased its keenness to foster the place in the World’s F1 Championship who supported him during his recent further development and success of in 2013, the third place in Qatar’s participation in the UIM F1 H2O Kuwaiti athletes in the many fields of round during 2013, the second place Powerboat World Championship, in sports. Powerboat racing is increasing- in the World’s F2 Championship in which he proudly achieved the second ly becoming a well-recognized water 2010, as well as the third place in the place title. sport among Kuwaiti youth, thus Zain’s World’s Championship in 2009.

LAHAINA: Jordan Spieth plays his shot from the 13th tee during round two of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on Friday in Lahaina, Hawaii. —AFP

Spieth goes four clear at Tournament of Champions

LAHAINA: World number one Jordan Kevin Kisner (65) and Fabian Gomez (66) achieved by Woods before turning 23. “It’s nice to have no blemishes on the Spieth delivered a putting masterclass tied for second on 12-under. Spieth is Only Horton Smith, who won 14 times card,” said the Masters and U.S. Open Brooks leads SA Open on the way to a flawless nine-under-par also on track to beat the tournament from 1928-30, piled up more victories by champion. “I started slapping it around 64 that took him four shots clear at the record of 31-under set by Ernie Els in that age. (on) 16 and 17, but fortunately those after two rounds halfway stage of the Hyundai 2003, though he said the South African’s Posting his second straight bogey- saves really kept us on the go and JOHANNESBURG: England’s Daniel Brooks grabbed a Tournament of Champions. Spieth, who mark was probably safe. free round, Spieth plundered the par- allowed me to have that confidence on one-shot lead at the BMW SA Open in Johannesburg would match Tiger Woods with a sev- “I guess it’s possible but that’s asking fives, playing them in a total of five- 18. “Patience is going to be key this yesterday as the field completed a second round held enth PGA win before the age of 23 a lot,” Spieth told reporters at the under, and on the few occasions he was weekend. There’s going to be a lot of over from Friday due to bad weather. In all 78 players should he finish top of the leaderboard Kapalua Plantation course on Maui. in danger of dropping a shot his flawless birdies made. “If I can continue to ... had to return to the course to finish their first 36 holes. today, putted brilliantly on greens he “(Another) 16-under will be difficult to cross-handed putting came to the res- keep a blemish-free card, we’re going Brooks’ only previous European Tour title came at the said were the slowest he had ever duplicate. cue. He sank testing par-savers on the to be in good position.” Spieth’s put- 2014 Madeira Islands Open in a tournament which was encountered on the PGA Tour. Boosted “I don’t know if I could have scored 16th and 17th holes and then finished ting impressed former Tour player reduced to just 36 holes because of the weather. And he by a 35-foot chip-in eagle at the par-five much better these first couple of days.” his round in style, coaxing in a 13-foot Notah Begay, who told the Goldf again showed he likes the going to be tough as he ninth, the Texan added seven birdies to Should he lift the trophy on Sunday it birdie at the par-five 18th where his ball Channel: “He’s putting as well as any- claimed six birdies in 11 holes upon the resumption to post a 16-under 130 halfway total, with would be 22-year-old’s seventh victory teetered on the edge of the cup before body ever has in the history of the fire a 67 and move to nine under 135, one shot clear of first round leader Patrick Reed (69), on the PGA Tour, matching the number dropping in. game”. —Reuters South African Keith Horne who completed a 69 on Friday. “It was quite breezy yesterday afternoon and I wasn’t playing that great as well, it was nice to come in for me for a bit of a rest, it was needed,” Brooks said. “It’s going be a long day having played 11 holes this Els hoping to take a firm grip on the yips morning so I’ll just go out there and have some fun. “Last year I got off to a really slow start and only started JOHANNESBURG: Ernie Els is deter- putting game behind him by working “properly” again this year after battling The 46-year-old four-times major playing well halfway through the year so hopefully it’ll be the opposite way round this year.” mined to put struggles with his short with a changed grip and playing golf with the yips. champion has missed some crucial short Branden Grace was a further shot back after a bogey- putts over the last year and again at the bogey finish in his resumed round alongside Jbe Kruger South African Open this week, where he who completed a 70 on Friday as South African golfers duffed one from 18 inches on his way to dominated the leaderboard. missing the cut. Grace had been impressive form on Friday and held a “I’m really looking forward to playing share of the lead when he resumed on the 12th at five golf properly this year. I’m tired of being under for his round. He birdied the 14th to move ahead uncomfortable on those little puts. I on his own, but bogeys on the 17th and 18th saw him want to give this cross handed method a drop back. real go,” he said during a stint of televi- “I played some good golf and then didn’t get it going sion commentary on Saturday during the this morning,” he said. “I made a couple of good putts third round of the European Tour event and then let it slip on 15 with a three-putt on the par five and then just a couple of bad swings to follow that.” at the Glendower Golf Club. Els has tried Former US Open champion Retief Goosen was in the the grip, where the left hand is low, group on 140, but defending champion Andy Sullivan briefly before, but has struggled with the missed the cut with rounds of 75 and 72. yips, a nervous condition in which ath- Also packing his bags was tournament host Ernie Els letes suddenly lose their ability to per- who fired rounds of 73-74. — AFP form a certain skill. He still feels positive about his game even after describing 2015 as his worst year in golf as he plummeted to 191st in the world rankings. “I am really very comfortable in life, in general, I’m having a good time out there. Like Bobby Locke once said, he’s never seen a grumpy good putter. But you see a lot of grumpy bad putters,” the South African said. Els, British Open champion in 2012, said he would play in Abu Dhabi and Qatar on the European Tour this month before heading to the U.S. PGA Tour. “Depending on the weather I’m going to start my season at Pebble Beach (Feb. 11-14) or Riviera (Feb. 18-21),” he said. “I would love to have competed at the Olympics but I’m so far down the rank- ings, I’d need to win a couple of Majors to get back into contention,” he said of golf’s return to the Games in Rio de Janeiro in August. “I think it’s wonderful for our sport to LAHAINA: Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the be included in the Olympics and to meet KOTA KINABALU: This handout photo taken and released by Lagardere Sports yesterday shows Namchok Tantipokhakul of fourth tee during round two of the Hyundai posing with the championship trophy after the final round of the Warisan Harta Sabah Masters golf tournament at the the other athletes must be wonderful,” Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club in Kota Kinabalu. —AFP he added. — Reuters Kapalua Golf Club on Friday in Lahaina, Hawaii. —AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 SPORTS De Filippis - first woman F1 driver, dies aged 89

PARIS: Italy’s Maria Teresa de Filippis, aged 32, crossing the line two laps owner Jean Behra. “The director said ‘the only helmet a her compatriot Lella Lombardi who the first woman to compete in Formula behind the winner, Briton Tony Brooks “Too many friends had died,” she later woman should wear is the one at the competed in a dozen races in the 1970s. 1, has died at the age of 89, the Grand in a Vanwall. told The Observer newspaper in 2006. hairdresser’s’ - that was the only time I Aside from de Filippis, who died Prix Drivers Club announced yesterday. She then failed to finish races in The Italian reportedly became a F1 driv- was prevented from racing.” overnight in Bergamo, and Lombardi The Italian trailblazer competed in Portugal and Italy. Born on November er after a bet with her brothers over On her retirement she maintained the sport has had several female test three grand prix behind the wheel of a 11, 1926, de Filippis tried but failed to how fast she could drive. her interest in motorsport, joining the drivers, including Susie Wolff for privately-entered Maserati. qualify for the Monaco Grand Prix in In the interview with The Observer Grand Prix Drivers Club, eventually Williams and the late Maria de Villota, She finished 10th on her debut at 1958 and 1959. She retired at the end of she related only one instance of preju- becoming the retired drivers associa- who tested for Marussia until a crash in Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium in 1958 that season after the death of her team dice, recalling how at a race in France tion’s president. She paved the way for 2012. —AFP

Vatrano’s goal leads Bruins past banged-up Devils, 4-1

NEWARK: Rookie Frank Vatrano scored early, Jonas Gustavsson made 19 saves LIGHTNING 3, OILERS 2 and the struggling Boston Bruins beat Victor Hedman had a goal and two the banged up New Jersey Devils 4-1 on assists and Steven Stamkos capped Friday night for the 3,000th win in fran- Tampa Bay’s three-goal, third-period rally chise history. Ryan Spooner, Jimmy to beat Edmonton. Nikita Kucherov also Hayes and Colin Miller also scored as the scored for the Lightning, who benefited Bruins snapped a two-game losing streak from some luck as each of their three and won for only the second time in sev- goals deflected in off an Edmonton en games. Bobby Farnham scored for the skater. Justin Schultz and Benoit Pouliot Devils, who have dropped three straight scored for the Oilers, who led 2-0 after games in regulation for the first time two periods. since the start of the season. Cory Schneider finished with 27 saves. The AVALANCHE 5, PREDATORS 3 game was the start of a five-game road Tyson Barrie put Colorado ahead mid- trip for the Bruins, and that might be the way through the third period and the best place for them now. They are now Avalanche beat Nashville. Ryan Johansen 12-3-2 on the road and 9-11-2 at home. had a goal and an assist in his first game Boston has won its last five against New with the Predators since they traded for Jersey and 17 of 20. him Wednesday. Barrie beat goalie Pekka Rinne with a shot from the top of the slot DUCKS 4, BLUES 3, SO with 9 minutes left. It was his third goal Ryan Kesler tied it on a power play in three games. Jarome Iginla, Cody with his second goal of the game early in McLeod, Gabriel Landeskog and Jack the third period, Ryan Getzlaf got the Skille also scored and Semyon Varlamov deciding goal in the fourth round of the made 19 saves to help Colorado tie shootout and Anaheim beat St. Louis. Nashville in the Western Conference Corey Perry also scored for the Ducks standings with 45 points. The Predators and John Gibson made 25 saves. Ryan have played one fewer game. Ryan Ellis Reaves, Troy Brouwer and Robby Fabbri and Filip Forsberg also scored for scored for the Blues, who have lost five in Nashville and Rinne made 22 saves. a row (0-2-3) for the first time since drop- ping their final six of the 2013-14 season. HURRICANES 4, BLUE JACKETS 1 They were coming off back-to-back over- Elias Lindholm scored twice, Cam time losses to Ottawa and Colorado in Ward made 35 saves and Carolina beat which they squandered two-goal leads Columbus. Lindholm put Carolina ahead in both games - and did it again against 2-1 on a slap shot with 5:25 left in the the Ducks. The Blues have lost 10 straight second period, then added an empty- ALTENMARKT-ZAUCHENSEE: Lindsey Vonn, of the United States, right, is flanked on the podium by second placed Larisa Yurkiw, of Canada, games in Anaheim since Oct. 17, 2009. net goal with 1:01 remaining. Jordan after winning an alpine ski, women’s World Cup downhill, in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Austria, yesterday. — AP Staal and Chris Terry also scored for the BLACKHAWKS 3, SABRES 1 Hurricanes, and Kris Versteeg had two Phillip Danault scored his first NHL assists, giving him 299 NHL points. goal, Corey Crawford made 28 saves and Brandon Dubinsky scored for Columbus, Vonn equals record with Chicago beat Buffalo for its sixth consec- and Anton Forsberg made 25 saves. utive victory. Niklas Hjalmarsson and Defenseman Seth Jones made his first Jonathan Toews also scored for Chicago, appearance with Columbus since a trade 36th WCup downhill win and Crawford remained perfect in seven from Nashville on Wednesday and career starts against Buffalo. The played in his 100th NHL game. Blackhawks have won nine in a row Columbus’ Nick Foligno left early in the ALTENMARKT-ZAUCHENSEE: Watched by was sick in the end,” she said. “I went home and I for me.” It was the first women’s downhill in 14 against the Sabres. Ryan O’Reilly had third after a hard hit from the Hurricanes’ Austrian great Annemarie Moser Proell, whose felt much better. So far I like the new year.” years to be contested over two runs. Organizers Buffalo’s only goal in the Sabres’ sixth Brad Malone. This was the opener of a many World Cup records she has been breaking Vonn, who held a comfortable lead after the had to lower the start because of insufficient consecutive loss. Chad Johnson had 42 back-to-back, and the teams will play in one by one, Lindsey Vonn cemented her status first run, finished in an aggregate time of 2 min- snow conditions in the upper part, shortening stops in a terrific performance. Columbus. — AP as the world’s best downhill skier yesterday. utes, 11.17 seconds, one second ahead of Larisa the course from its usual 3 kilometers to 1,875 With her 36th victory in the discipline, the Yurkiw of Canada, who earned her third career meters. American matched the record set by Moser- podium. “It was hard to stay relaxed,” Vonn said about Proell in January 1980. The 62-year-old Austrian Cornelia Huetter of Austria was 1.66 behind her final run. “It was tough with lots of bumps. I was among the first to congratulate Vonn, who in third. Despite building big leads over her knew many girls had problems so I chose to ski leaned backward and spread both arms in cele- competitors, Vonn said she “wasn’t trying to do a rounder line.” After the first leg, Vonn led bration right after finishing a full second ahead anything special. I just tried to ski a solid run.” Yurkiw by 0.91, and Tina Weirather by 0.92. The of the competition in an unusual two-run for- Overall leader Lara Gut of Switzerland failed skier from Liechtenstein lost balance in her final mat downhill. to finish the opening run and didn’t score run as her left ski was airborne. She remained “She is so kind,” said Vonn, who broke Moser- points. Gut remains in the lead, 58 points clear upright but missed a gate. Proell’s overall record of 62 victories a year ago of Vonn, going into Sunday’s super-G. Gut lost Yurkiw returned to the resort where she in Italy. “I am so glad she’s here today as she balance halfway down her run and just avoided made her World Cup debut nine years ago, fin- couldn’t be in Cortina last year. It means a lot to falling but missed the next gate. “It took me too ishing 58th in a downhill. “Today after the first me. She is a true legend of our sport.” long to react. But physically I am OK,” Gut said. run I thought this is my chance to show what Vonn, who now has 72 World Cup wins “It’s become rougher, there are some bumps in I’ve learned’,” said the Canadian, who is traveling across all Alpine disciplines, already held the it. It’s dark so you don’t see the bumps.” the World Cup circuit with her own team. record for most super-G victories with 25. That With her third downhill win of the season, Yurkiw called racing against Vonn “a constant discipline was introduced in the 1980s after Vonn extended her lead in the discipline stand- challenge. She is a good competitor though she Moser-Proell had retired. ings. She has 300 points, followed by Heutter on is not unbeatable. But today she was.” The Austrian holds one more record that will 250 and Swiss skier Fabienne Suter, who is out The first run was interrupted for 15 minutes take even Vonn some time to beat - Moser-Proell injured for an indefinite time, on 200. when Lotte Smiseth Sejersted crashed and had won six overall titles compared to Vonn’s four. “I Despite being Vonn’s closest competitor in to be airlifted off the course with suspected am very happy,” said Vonn, competing in her first the discipline, Huetter said winning the season’s knee injuries. The Norwegian skier fell and both race of 2016 after taking a break with friends downhill title “would be an unreasonable goal.” her skis came off before she slid into the safety and family in the United States last week. “All I wanted for this season is to improve in netting. “I just had a bad feeling after (not finishing downhill,” the Austrian said. “Lindsey always Sejersted returned from injury this year after last month’s downhill in) Val d’Isere, I lost the keeps a perfect balance between risking and a crash in Val d’Isere in Dec. 2014 had ended her momentum, I was tired, my knees hurt, and I skiing smoothly. There is still a lot of work to do season prematurely. — AP

NEWARK: Adam Henrique #14 of the New Jersey Devils is checked by Torey Krug #47 Farah second of the Boston Bruins during the third period at the Prudential Center on Friday in Newark, New Jersey. The Bruins defeated the Devils 4-1.— AFP in first race of 2016 Racing nab bonus point LONDON: Britain’s double Olympic champion Mo Farah lost out to in Glasgow thrashing American Garrett Heath at the Great Edinburgh International cross-coun- BORDEAUX: Racing 92 pummelled weighing in at 134kg (21 stone), crashed try race on Saturday as he started Glasgow in a bonus-point 34-10 victory over from short range. Carter, the record 2016 with a runners-up finish. yesterday to put themselves firmly in the points scorer in international rugby with The 32-year-old, who will defend driving seat of Pool 3 of the European 1,598 points from 112 caps, kicked the his 5,000 and 10,000 metres titles at Champions Cup. The Parisian club proved conversion and a second penalty shortly the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro later far too powerful up front for the Scottish before half-time. Racing opened the sec- this year, finished two seconds side, scoring four converted pushover ond period in complete control, skipper behind Heath, who completed the tries. and hooker Dimitri Szarzewski driven over eight-kilometre course in 25 min- Victory at home to already-eliminated for the Parisian club’s second try, Carter utes and 29 seconds. Scarlets next weekend will secure Racing’s making no mistake with the extras. On a bitterly cold afternoon in progress into the knock-out stages. “The More forward power saw prop Eddy the Scottish capital, Farah was in first objective was to win the match, put Ben Arous crash over as all three front-row contention for victory until the clos- on a great performance and take the five forwards got on the scoresheet. Glasgow’s ing stages, but Heath made light of points if we could,” said Racing coach outstanding Fijian lock Leone Nakawara muddy conditions to outpace him in Laurent Labit. “In this European Cup we’ve claimed a try back after a smart lineout a sprint finish. had three bonus-point victories and a play following a rare foray into Racing ter- “You don’t want to lose the race, draw away from home in four matches, it’s ritory, Russell kicking the conversion. but it’s better to lose now than later a competition that suits us. “Now we have But Racing refocused and had the last in the year,” Farah told the BBC. a last match here against Scarlets to go to laugh when Argentina lock Manuel Heath, who has now won the make sure of qualification.” Carizza was driven over the line for a race three times, said: “I kept waiting Glasgow’s Finn Russell missed his first bonus-point fourth try that leaves the for Mo to kick past me in the home penalty effort at a wind-swept Stade Yves- Parisians top of the pool on 17 points, stretch, because I could hear people du-Manoir, but the fly-half was on target with just two games left, at home to shouting.” with his second attempt to hand the visi- Scarlets on January 17 and away to Farah now heads to Ethiopia for a tors an unlikely lead after a quarter of an Glasgow on January 23. Racing’s cross- training camp before returning to hour. Racing’s star man Dan Carter drew city rivals Stade Francais host Munster in for the Glasgow Indoor the scores level 10 minutes later with his other game, in a round of matches Grand Prix on February 20. The own penalty and the one-way traffic con- rearranged in the wake of terror attacks in EDINBURGH: (L-R) Second place finisher Britain’s Mo Farah, winner US runner Garrett Heath and third women’s 6km race was won by 24- tinued when former Chiefs prop and one- the French capital in November that left placed US runner Scott Fauble pose on the podium after finishing the men’s race in the Great Edinburgh year-old Briton Kate Avery. — AFP time All Black hopeful Ben Tameifuna, 130 people dead. — AFP Cross Country run in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh yesterday. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 SPORTS Wawrinka sails into Chennai Open final

CHENNAI: Defending champion Stan sets, 6-3 6-4, at the Nungambakkam time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka is before the Australian Open kicks off on Meanwhile, eighth seeded Coric Wawrinka sailed into the ATP Chennai Tennis Stadium, setting up a title clash seeking to get his name on the January 18 in Melbourne. Two years reached the final after beating Open final yesterday after defeating with Borna Coric of Croatia. Chennai Open trophy for the fourth ago the Swiss clinched his first Slam Britain’s Aljaz Bedene in the nearly France’s Benoit Paire, inching closer to “I’m happy with what I have done so time in the $480,000 tournament, after when he won the Australian Open just three hour-long second semi-final. a third consecutive title in southern far. I’m feeling great. But you know, the earning victories in 2011, 2014 and weeks after triumphing in Chennai. The Croatian fought off a spirited India. The world number four took just season is really on... Hopefully, I can 2015. Last year, Wawrinka followed up victory challenge from Bedene before win- one hour and five minutes to beat stay fit and ready for a long season,” the A victory in India will help keep top in the southern city by taking home ning 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 6-3. The final number three seed Paire in straight 30-year-old said after winning. Two- seed Wawrinka in prime condition the trophy at Roland Garros in June. takes place today.—AFP

Spurs edge NY Knicks to maintain home win streak

SAN ANTONIO: Kawhi Leonard had 19 first lead since early in the first quarter. But points and 12 rebounds and the San Henson later blocked his pass and it Antonio Spurs held off Kristaps Porzingis deflected to Middleton, who raced down and the New York Knicks 100-99 on Friday the court and scored. Deron Williams night to remain undefeated at home. San missed at the buzzer for Dallas. Antonio won its franchise-record 22nd straight home game to open the season HEAT 103, SUNS 95 and is tied for the franchise’s best start after Dwyane Wade scored 27 points and 38 games at 32-6. This was its most difficult Miami beat Phoenix for the 11th straight home victory yet, though. Porzingis had 28 time. Former Suns guard Goran Dragic points and 11 rebounds but was on the added 22 points and Gerald Green, also a bench when the Knicks started a 14 4 run former Sun, had 21. They were returning to to pull within 96-94 with 1:27 remaining. Phoenix for the first time as opposing play- Jose Calderon missed a contested 3-pointer ers. A 3-pointer from Green with 4:35 to from the left corner for New York that play gave Miami the lead for good, and would have won it. Chris Bosh’s 3 with 1:57 left put the game out of reach at 98-91. Green’s night includ- THUNDER 117, LAKERS 113 ed a third-quarter dunk, after which he ran Russell Westbrook had 36 points, 12 past Suns majority owner Robert Sarver, rebounds and seven assists, and Oklahoma who applauded him, and a 3-pointer after City barely survived Lou Williams’ 44-point which he cast a glare at the Suns’ bench. performance. Kevin Durant scored 24 Brandon Knight scored 26 points in the points in the Thunder’s 15th victory in 18 Suns’ 10th loss in 11 games. games and their seventh straight win over the lowly Lakers, but Williams put an GRIZZLIES 91, NUGGETS 84 extraordinary scare into them. Williams Zach Randolph scored 16 of his 24 scored 23 of his career-high output in the points in the second half and Mario fourth quarter for the Lakers, who avoided Chalmers made a pair of 3-pointers in the a third straight blowout loss to the Thunder final 1:30 to lead Memphis over Denver. in three weeks. Williams had all but five of Chalmers scored 12 points in the game, the Lakers’ points during a frenetic fourth with eight in the last 90 seconds to keep DOHA: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates with his winning trophy after beating Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final of the Qatar Open tennis quarter. Kobe Bryant had 19 points while the Nuggets at bay. Jeff Green finished with tournament yesterday, in Doha. — AFP playing in back-to-back games despite an 16 points, Matt Barnes scored 15 and Marc ailing right shoulder, but missed a potential Gasol had 12 points and five steals. Tony tying shot over Durant with 4 seconds to Allen had 10 points, nine rebounds and play. three steals as Memphis won its fourth in ‘Perfect’ Djokovic thrashes the last six. Danilo Gallinari had 29 points CAVALIERS 125, TIMBERWOLVES 99 for Denver, while Darrell Arthur finished J.R. Smith scored a season-high 27 with 12 points, all in the second half. Gary Nadal to win Qatar Open points and Kevin Love had 20 points, nine Harris scored 11 points as the Nuggets lost rebounds and four assists in his return to for the 10th time in the last 12 games. Minnesota to help Cleveland to its sixth DOHA: Novak Djokovic won his first title of send a message to the rest of the tennis world game. Any hope of a typical comeback from straight win. LeBron James added 13 PACERS 91, PELICANS 86 2016 yesterday, playing “perfect” tennis to thrash that he aims to dominate exactly as he did in Nadal was fully extinguished in the fifth game points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, Iman Ian Mahinmi had 17 points and 10 arch-rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets during a 2015. He hit 30 winners, forced seven break when Djokovic broke a second time to go 4-1 Shumpert had 23 points and the Cavaliers rebounds, and Indiana beat a reeling New breathtaking performance at the Qatar Open points and faced only one himself, which, pre- ahead. outscored the Timberwolves 22-5 in transi- Orleans team that lost Anthony Davis to a final. dictably, he saved. It was the 16th consecutive final for Djokovic tion to win for the 12th time in 14 games. lower back bruise early in the game. Davis A near faultless world number one cruised to Throughout the week in Qatar he did not who last lost a tournament in August last year in Smith made 5 of 6 3-pointers in just 19 was hurt diving into the stands to stop a victory 6-1, 6-2 in a match lasting just one hour drop a set and his victory means he won the the US. What the defeat will do for Nadal’s confi- minutes and Cleveland was 13 of 27 from ball from going out of bounds on the 13 minutes. The win not only secured the 60th only tournament in which he didn’t make the dence though, desperate to return to his Grand- long range to cruise to the win. Andrew defensive end. He went to the locker room career title for the Serb but also means he is final in 2015. Slam winning form, is anyone’s guess. Wiggins scored 35 points, Shabazz soon after and never returned. C.J. Miles leading for the first time in his head-to-head bat- Watched by a full house-where spectators Rarely can the current world number five Muhammad had 22 and Karl-Anthony scored 15, hitting a running hook inside the tle with Nadal, winning 24 of the 47 matches included players and officials from Bayern have been beaten so easily and he cut a forlorn Towns added 22 for the Timberwolves, who final 2 minutes to help Indiana hold on, they have now played against each other. Munich as well as -bound coach figure after the match as he waited for the pres- have lost five in a row and nine of their last while Paul George added 13 points and “I played pretty much perfect tennis today Pep Guardiola-the result was never in doubt. entation ceremony. 10. Monta Ellis 10. Tyreke Evans scored 27 for from the very beginning I managed to get every Djokovic broke Nadal’s serve twice in each set He tried to remain upbeat immediately after New Orleans, which has lost four out of shot the way I wanted,” said Djokovic afterwards. and was in control throughout. Nadal took until the defeat saying he had made “a positive start WARRIORS 128, TRAIL BLAZERS 108 five. Ryan Anderson scored 21 points and “The way I played today gives me great satisfac- the fourth game to get on the scoreboard but it to the season” before adding that Djokovic had Klay Thompson scored 36 points, mak- Jrue Holiday 15. tion.” proved only a brief respite as Djokovic breezed played “at a level rarely difficult to imagine”. ing seven 3-pointers, and Golden State He added that he was playing the best tennis through the first set in 30 minutes. Djokovic won a first prize of $201,165 beat Portland for its fifth straight victory. RAPTORS 97, WIZARDS 88 of his career. Djokovic was brilliant throughout He immediately took control of the second, (184,124 euros) while Nadal, playing in his 99th Reigning league MVP Stephen Curry added DeMar DeRozan scored 21 of his season- and his victory was so comprehensive it will breaking the Spaniard’s serve in the very first final, took home $105,940 (96,965 euros). — AFP 26 points and nine assists in three quarters high 35 points in the second half, Kyle for the Warriors (34-2), who led by as many Lowry had 21 points and 10 assists, and as 25 points and made 18 3-pointers. Toronto beat Washington. The Raptors Draymond Green finished with 11 points, overcame a season-high 23 turnovers, tak- Azarenka 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his eighth ing control with an 18-4 run that gave triple-double of the season. Curry started them a 69-59 lead with 2:40 to play in the despite continued soreness from a bruised third quarter. John Wall scored 21 points as storms to left shin that kept him out of a pair of Washington (15-19) lost for the fifth time in games late last month. He aggravated the six games and matched a season worst at injury again when he crashed into Roy four games under .500. Washington, which Brisbane title Hibbert on Tuesday night and sat out the swept a four-game playoff series between fourth quarter of Golden State’s 109-98 vic- the teams last spring, has lost six consecu- BRISBANE: Former world number one Victoria tory at the Los Angeles Lakers. Damian tive regular-season meetings to the Azarenka stormed to her second Brisbane Lillard had a season-high 40 points and 10 Raptors. International title when she downed Germany’s assists for Portland, which dropped its third Angelique Kerber in straight sets yesterday. straight. MAGIC 83, NETS 77 Azarenka, who won her maiden WTA title in Victor Oladipo and Nikola Vucevic each Brisbane in 2009, overwhelmed the fourth-seeded BUCKS 96, MAVERICKS 95 scored 20 points to lead Orlando over Kerber, winning 6-3, 6-1 in 73 minutes, her sixth win Khris Middleton’s driving layup with less , which has lost nine straight home over the German in six meetings. It was Azarenka’s than 10 seconds to play carried Milwaukee games. Aaron Gordon added 14 points and first title since she won in Cincinnati in August, 2013. over Dallas. Middleton scored 27 points, Evan Fournier had 13 for the Magic, who John Henson 16 and Michael Carter- snapped a four game losing streak. Brook She sustained a foot injury in 2014 and only Williams added 15 points and a season- Lopez led the Nets with 17 points. Joe played nine tournaments. In 2015, she suffered a high 12 rebounds as Milwaukee snapped Johnson finished with 13. Brooklyn hasn’t thigh strain that saw her slip down the world rank- Dallas’ six-game winning streak against won at home since a 100-91 victory over ings. Azarenka admitted that she hadn’t played at them. Dirk Nowitzki scored 20 points and the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 10. The Nets’ 100 per cent fitness during 2015. Devin Harris came off the bench for a sea- team record is 14 straight home losses set in “I was hurt the whole year-there was not a son-high 19 for Dallas. Nowitzki made two 2009-10, when they finished 12-70 while moment where I felt good and had no pain,” she said. free throws with 38 seconds left for Dallas’ playing in New Jersey. —AP “It was a constant battle with pain, with my own fear. Like is it going to hurt again? I don’t want to go through that.” NBA Results/Standings The two-time Australian Open champion steadily improved in each round in Brisbane and showed in LA Lakers 113, Oklahoma City 117; Phoenix 95, Miami 103; San Antonio 100, New York the final she will be a serious contender in 99; Brooklyn 77, Orlando 83; Portland 108, Golden State 128; Memphis 91, Denver 84; Melbourne. “The focus is still there on Melbourne,” Minnesota 99, Cleveland 125; New Orleans 86, Indiana 91; Milwaukee 96, Dallas 95; said Azarenka, who brought a young fan on court to Washington 88, Toronto 97. join her victory celebration. Eastern Conference Western Conference “I’m going to do everything I can next week to Atlantic Division Northwest Division prepare and feel the most comfortable to start the tournament. I can’t wait to be in Melbourne.” W L PCT GB Oklahoma City26 11 .703 — Both women started the final in superb touch, Toronto 23 15 .605 — Utah 15 20 .429 10 playing with power and placement and looking Boston 19 17 .528 3 Portland 15 24 .385 12 untroubled on serve. But in the fifth game Kerber fal- New York 18 20 .474 5 Denver 13 24 .351 13 tered and Azarenka broke the German to move Brooklyn 10 26 .278 12 Minnesota 12 25 .324 14 ahead 3-2. Philadelphia 4 34 .105 19 Kerber broke straight back but she was unable to Pacific Division Central Division keep the pressure on and lost her next two service Golden State34 2 .944 — Cleveland 25 9 .735 — games, handing Azarenka the set with a double LA Clippers 23 13 .639 11 fault. Chicago 22 12 .647 3 Sacramento 15 21 .417 19 Kerber had her chances at the start of the second Indiana 21 15 .583 5 Phoenix 13 26 .333 22.5 set and had three break points. However, Azarenka Detroit 20 16 .556 6 saved them all and broke Kerber, and from that point LA Lakers 8 30 .211 27 Milwaukee 15 23 .395 12 the Belarusian never looked like losing. Southeast Division Southwest Division Kerber said the first set and the start of the sec- Miami 22 14 .611 — San Antonio 32 6 .842 — ond were close but she conceded she made too Atlanta 22 15 .595 0.5 Dallas 21 16 .568 10.5 many mistakes. “I think the first set was-we played both on the really high level,” she said. Orlando 20 17 .541 2.5 Memphis 20 18 .526 12 “But I think I made a few more mistakes than over Houston 18 19 .486 13.5 BRISBANE: Victoria Azarenka of Belarus lifts her winning trophy after defeating Charlotte 17 18 .486 4.5 the last few days, and she was playing very aggres- Washington 15 19 .441 6 New Orleans11 24 .314 19.5 Angelique Kerber of Germany in the women’s final match on the seventh day of the sively. She was going for it,” Kerber added. —AFP Brisbane International tennis tournament yesterday.— AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 SPORTS Blatter, Platini now free to appeal bans: FIFA

GENEVA: FIFA’s ethics tribunal said yes- In December, the ethics tribunal 2011. The tribunal did not provide fur- angrily vowed to fight the bans, which cating myself to my defence.” FIFA has terday it had provided Sepp Blatter and banned the FIFA president and vice pres- ther details Saturday of the reasoning started immediately. The tribunal deci- since last May be rocked to its core by a Michel Platini with the reasons for its ident from football for eight years, say- behind its decision. Instead it stressed it sion promises to end 79-year-old cascade of corruption charges and decision to ban them from football for ing they had abused their positions over had now “fulfilled its commitment to Blatter’s four decades with FIFA in dis- arrests that culminated with the implica- eight years, clearing the way for them to a $2 million payment made to Platini in provide the grounds for the respective grace. It also dealt a devastating blow to tion of the two long considered world appeal against the decision. 2011 for work carried out between 1999 decisions to Mr Blatter and Mr Platini 60-year-old Platini’s hopes of taking over football’s most powerful men. “The adjudicatory chamber of the and 2002. within the first half of January 2016.” as head of FIFA in an election on The US justice department has independent Ethics Committee ... has Blatter, who has headed FIFA since “After receiving the grounds for the February 26. The UEFA president pulled charged 39 individuals and two compa- notified Mr Joseph S. Blatter and Mr 1998, was also fined 50,000 Swiss francs decisions, both officials may lodge an out of the race earlier this week, saying nies over graft within world football Michel Platini of the grounds for the ($50,000/46,300 euros) while Platini, the appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee,” the ban has made it impossible for him going back decades, in a sweeping pros- decisions passed in December 2015,” the head of UEFA, Europe’s governing body, the statement said. If that appeal is to put together a campaign to take on ecution that has sparked an unprece- body said in a statement. was fined 80,000 Swiss francs. At the rejected, the two men can appeal fur- the sport’s most powerful job. dented crisis at FIFA. Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales said time of the verdict, which heightened ther to the Court of Arbitration for Sport He told French sports newspaper A total of nine FIFA officials were the UEFA president had indeed received further the crisis rocking football’s scan- (CAS), the highest tribunal in sports. L’Equipe that he no longer had “the time arrested during two raids at the five-star the reasons behind the ban. “We’ll read dal-plagued world body, the court insist- nor the means to go to the voters, to Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich, on May 27 them, analyse them and launch an ed there was “no legal basis” for the pay- VOWED TO FIGHT meet people, to fight against the other and December 3, by Swiss police acting appeal on Monday,” D’Ales said. ment that Blatter authorised for Platini in At the time of the verdict, both men candidates. “In withdrawing, I am dedi- on US warrants.— AFP

Liverpool survive Exeter scare to spare Bogdan’s blushes

EXETER: Liverpool were forced to come from before the half-time whistle, an excellent behind twice to draw 2-2 at fourth tier Exeter cross from Holmes was met by full-back City in the FA Cup third round after an horren- Ribeiro who should have done better than dous error by goalkeeper Adam Bogdan send a bouncing header wide from the penal- almost gifted the minnows a shock victory on ty spot. A goal down on the restart, it took Friday. Tom Nichols opened the scoring for Liverpool just five minutes to finally provide Exeter, seeking a place in the fourth round for service to Benteke, and it almost brought an the first time in 35 years, and after Jerome equaliser as Cameron Brannagan’s left-wing Sinclair’s equaliser, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp centre picked out the Belgian international, saw Bogdan’s blunder allow Lee Holmes’ cor- whose close-range header looked destined ner to go straight into the net. for the back of the net until Olejnik produced Australia international Brad Smith eventu- a stunning reflex block to keep it out. ally ensured Exeter had to settle for the con- After 56 minutes, neat footwork from Alex solation of a lucrative replay at Anfield when Nicholls and Reid almost set up Nichols for he equalised for Liverpool in the closing another shooting chance, while Ribeiro was stages. “It’s obvious what we have to learn in wide with another header, again following an the future. We have to be more robust,” Klopp excellent cross from Holmes. Nichols threat- said. “It was a difficult pitch. Exeter did really ened with a couple more shots and substi- well. Maybe they know which part of the tute Arron Davies just missed the target from pitch you can play football. 20 yards with his first touch before Liverpool “The first goal was unlucky for us, it was equalised for the second time, against the their first attack. I won’t say anything about run of play, after 73 minutes. Substitute the second goal. “It was really difficult for us. Sheyi Oji probed down the left touchline and On one-on-one situations they were more his cross was cleared, poorly, by Jordan robust than our guys.” Moore-Taylor, directly to Smith who drilled The fact that the opening effort came the ball into the back of the net from a dozen from the League Two hosts was not particu- yards. —AFP larly surprising given the starting line-up selected by Klopp, a consequence of his team’s current lengthy injury list and his desire to rest players for forthcoming Premier Matches on TV League and League Cup fixtures. It took just (Local Timings) nine minutes for Exeter to delight the roman- tics keen for a memorable Cup upset as Jamie Spanish League NORWICH: Norwich City’s English defender Andre Wisdom (R) challenges City’s Serbian defender Aleksandar Kolarov during the FA Reid sped down the right and crossed for Levante v Rayo Vallecano 0:05 Cup third-round football match between Norwich City and Manchester City at Carrow Road in Norwich, eastern England yesterday. Manchester Nichols to sprint ahead of veteran defender beIN SPORTS 7 HD City won the match 3-0. — AFP Jose Enrique and slide home the opening Villarreal v Gijon 14:00 goal. But, despite that poor defensive effort, beIN SPORTS Klopp’s incredibly inexperienced line-up, fea- Real Sociedad v Valencia 18:00 turing three debutants and just two players- beIN SPORTS Enrique and Christian Benteke-with more Las Palmas v Malaga 20:15 Aguero shines as slick than four appearances for the club, had start- beIN SPORTS SD Eibar v RCD Espanyol 20:15 ed relatively confidently and required just beIN SPORTS three minutes to equalise. The goal owed Celta de Vigo v Atletico 22:30 much to poor Exeter defending, notably by beIN SPORTS City dispatch Norwich Jordan Tillson, which failed to deal with Ryan Kent’s pass into the feet of Benteke in the Italian Calcio League NORWICH: Sergio Aguero kept Manchester City ing just twice. Instead, this was Norwich’s fourth defending. Centre-back Ryan Bennett handed home area and, after the loose ball broke Inter v Sassuolo Calcio 14:30 firmly in the hunt for silverware on four fronts third round exit in the last six seasons and they Aguero far too much room from a long ball on kindly for Sinclair, the 19-year-old made no beIN SPORTS Atalanta v Genoa 17:00 with a sparkling strike in their 3-0 victory over could have few complaints. 31 minutes, and the forward coasted to the edge mistake from 10 yards. beIN SPORTS Norwich in the FA Cup third round yesterday. Neil had little to cheer about in the FA Cup of the box before teeing up Iheanacho, who slot- Bologna v Chievo Verona 17:00 Aguero waltzed through the Canaries’ during his modest career as a player in English ted past Ruddy. INEXPLICABLY beIN SPORTS defence to open the scoring at Carrow Road and football, and his first game as a manager in the Those goals appeared to kill the game as a However, in first half stoppage-time, those Torino v Empoli 17:00 then set up City’s second for Kelechi Iheanacho. competition offered little better. Norwich made contest, as well as nullifying Norwich’s five-man errors were forgotten by the home support- beIN SPORTS Kevin de Bruyne added City’s third in the clos- the brighter start but the visitors always looked defensive line-a system that had gone close to ers as Hungarian goalkeeper Bogdan inexpli- Hellas Verona v Citta 17:00 ing stages as Manuel Pellegrini’s side moved into the greater threat. earning a point at Eastlands in the Premier cably allowed Holmes’ right-wing corner kick beIN SPORTS the fourth round draw and maintained their bid Iheanacho forced John Ruddy into the game’s League earlier in the season. to soar over his head and directly into the Frosinone v SSC Napoli 17:00 beIN SPORTS to win a quadruple of the Premier League, first meaningful save following a sloppy error Norwich chased the game sporadically after roof of the goal. Sampdoria v Juventus 22:45 Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. from Sebastien Bassong and they did not have the break and did manage to have the ball in the Exeter, 76 places below their visitors in the beIN SPORTS The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup to wait much longer for their 16th minute break- net through Cameron Jerome after Jonny Football League pyramid, were equal to the was back in 1981, when Norwich lost 6-0 at through. Howson’s good work, only for the offside flag to task, however, and narrowly missed claiming French League Maine Road, and there were times when it end their celebrations. a second goal from the best remaining Nantes v Saint Etienne 16:00 looked like Pellegrini’s men could hand their MOMENT OF MAGIC Only a superb Bennett tackle on the edge of chances of the half. beIN SPORTS hosts a similar thrashing. It was Aguero who picked up the ball 25 the six-yard box denied Iheanacho his second After 29 minutes, Christian Ribeiro’s cross Lille OSC v OGC Nice 19:00 Both sides made seven changes to their start- yards from goal following Raheem Sterling’s goal of the afternoon. found David Noble dead in front of goal who beIN SPORTS Olympique v Guingamp 23:00 ing line-ups and left their current first-choice back-heel, and the Argentine striker burst past Pellegrini even had the luxury of withdrawing hurried over his shot from 10 yards under beIN SPORTS goalkeepers on the bench. But those proved Graham Dorrans and Bassong, jinked away from Aguero 20 minutes from the end, with the inspi- pressure from Liverpool defenders and, just minor details, as Aguero led City to only a sec- Russell Martin and slotted past Ruddy with ease. rational Argentine’s departure drawing applause ond away win in their last eight attempts. It was a moment of magic that said every- from visiting and home fans alike. As for Norwich, there were only occasional thing about Aguero’s importance to City. There was still time for substitute de Bruyne signs of Alex Neil’s in-form Premier League outfit The striker had already forced another save to skip through on goal and slot home between that had won three of their last four games and from Ruddy with a low volley, before making Ruddy’s legs from a tight angle to provide the been unbeaten in five at Carrow Road, conced- City’s second thanks to Norwich’s generous polish to a dominant display. —AFP Richards in heated debate with Villa fans after draw

LONDON: Aston Villa captain Micah Richards visiting fans turning particularly on their struggling Westwood’s clash with Matt Bloomfield and suf- became embroiled in a heated pitchside debate striker Rudy Gestede as he trudged back to the fered more agony when Gestede’s late deflected with disgruntled fans yesterday as the Premier dressing-room. Yet Villa can think themselves a shot struck the bar. League strugglers’ desperate season unravelled mite unfortunate that they did not successfully It could not stop the chants of “We want our further with a 1-1 draw at fourth-tier Wycombe negotiate what had always looked a tricky hurdle. Villa back” from the travelling support nor the Wanderers in the FA Cup. They had a strong claim for a penalty turned chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” Villa’s travelling fans, dismayed to see a 10th down in the first half, saw referee Michael Oliver aimed towards Garde after he substituted the successive winless game under coach Remi Garde, award Wycombe a dubious penalty for Ashley impressive Carles Gil in the second half.—Reuters poured out their growing frustration in an impas- sioned discussion with defender Richards after his substitution in the dying minutes. Richards stepped in to talk to a dozen fans next to the dugout after they expressed their anger about the result against the League Two side which left Villa without a victory in their last 16 matches. One supporter, in the confrontation with Richards filmed by BT Sport, demanded to know LIVERPOOL: Everton’s Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles attempts to coax a cat off of the where the players’ passion was, leaving the captain pitch during the FA Cup third-round football match between Everton and Dagenham & to protest to him: “We’re trying!”. Redbridge at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England yesterday. — AFP Richards’ interaction with the fans brought praise from his beleaguered manager. “It was brave of him to do that,” Garde told reporters. “As profes- Everton feline fine sionals, we have to face our responsibilities-not only Micah, me and all the players. in FA Cup victory “To be fair, I didn’t see the incident, but I’ve been told about it. “I understand that the fans LIVERPOOL: A four-legged pitch invader After giving Everton goalkeeper Joel could be angry. We have to accept that. “Everybody stole the show in Everton’s 2-0 FA Cup win Robles the runaround, it was picked up by has to keep calm, face their responsibilities, look in over Dagenham and Redbridge yesterday a member of the Goodison Park security the mirror and ask themselves what they can do to when a cat scrambled onto the pitch. staff and taken away, allowing the game to get out of this difficult situation.” Richards had Kevin Mirallas had just scored Everton’s resume. been one of Villa’s better performers before coming HIGH WYCOMBE: Wycombe Wanderers’ Jason McCarthy (L) vies with Aston Villa’s English mid- second goal in the third-round tie with an Asked if it might prove a good omen, off with injury, having scored their 22nd-minute fielder Riccardo Calder during the FA Cup third-round football match between Wycombe 85th-minute penalty when a black and Everton manager Roberto Martinez replied: opener before equalised from the Wanderers and Aston Villa at the stadium in High Wycombe, west of London yes- white cat crept onto the pitch in the ìHopefully. I thought he had great style and penalty spot just after halftime. Other players were terday. — AFP Everton penalty area. movement.’ — AFP let off much less lightly with some of Villa’s 2,500 Vonn equals record ‘Perfect’ Djokovic with 36th WCup thrashes Nadal to downhill17 win win18 Qatar Open SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

Blatter, Platini now free to appeal bans: FIFA Page 19

TRAFFORD: Sheffield United’s English midfielder Dean Hammond (2L) tries to block as Manchester United’s German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (R) slices a shot wide during the English FA Cup third-round football match between Manchester United and SheffieldUnited at Old Trafford in north west England yesterday. — AFP Rooney saves Man Utd in FA Cup

LONDON: Wayne Rooney’s stoppage-time United’s fans made their feelings plain in on Depay. pass from Georginio Wijnaldum to give narrowly escaped succumbing to the day’s penalty spared Manchester United from an with mocking applause whenever their The United winger reacted with an exag- Watford a 1-0 home victory over Newcastle. biggest shock as Darren Pratley’s scrappy embarrassing goalless draw as they edged team registered an effort at goal and Van gerated dive, but there had been contact West Bromwich Albion had James Morrison 87th-minute goal earned them a 1-1 draw third-tier Sheffield United 1-0 in the FA Cup Gaal was being loudly goaded by Sheffield and Rooney made no mistake by sending to thank for an equaliser in the fifth minute at fifth-tier Eastleigh. The lowest-ranked third round yesterday. Holders Arsenal and United’s fans until the late drama. Long the wrong way from the spot. of stoppage time that prevented his side team left in the tournament, Eastleigh had Manchester City both had little trouble reach- His side seemed to have turned a corner from losing at home to second-tier Bristol gone ahead in the 51st minute via an own ing round four, but United looked destined last weekend when they beat Swansea City MORRISON RESCUES WEST BROM City. goal by Bolton’s French defender Dorian for an unwanted replay until Rooney struck in 2-1 to end an eight-game winning run, but Southampton and Newcastle United After substitute Saido Berahino gave Dervite. “It’s quite emotional. The players the 93rd minute after a foul on substitute they looked desperately short of ideas on both fell at the first hurdle, but could at West Brom a 67th-minute lead, goals from have put in an unbelievable performance Memphis Depay. It was only the second shot their return to Old Trafford. least console themselves that they were Jonathan Kodjia and Kieran Agard put and we probably deserved to win the on target that United had mustered, against a It took them 69 minutes to hit the target, beaten by fellow Premier League teams. Bristol City in charge, only for Morrison to game,” Eastleigh manager Chris Todd told team 47 places below them in the English Matteo Darmian shooting tamely at George Wilfried Zaha’s 68th-minute goal gave secure a 2-2 draw at the death. the BBC. league system, and it is unlikely to save man- Long, but with injury time ebbing away, Crystal Palace a 2-1 win at Southampton, Bolton Wanderers, bottom of the “But we’re still in the draw for the fourth ager Louis van Gaal from criticism. Dean Hammond was penalised for lunging while Troy Deeney punished a loose back- Championship and at risk of bankruptcy, round, so we’re happy overall.” — AFP

Ramsey and Giroud get Messi treble lifts Barca Arsenal going in FA Cup to the top of La Liga LONDON: Holders Arsenal came attack with menace and were from behind to beat Sunderland 3-1 rewarded with an opening goal from BARCELONA: Lionel Messi warmed up “He is a unique and unrepeatable Lens in the 17th minute that was also yesterday, maintaining manager for his anticipated fifth World Player of player,” said Enrique, who won’t attend Arsene Wenger’s record of having a personal disaster for Arsenal the Year crown by scoring his first hat- never been eliminated from the FA defender Laurent Koscielny. Monday’s ceremony in Zurich despite Cup in the third round. The France international allowed trick of the season to move Barcelona being nominated himself for coach of Second-half goals by substitute himself to be dispossessed by the back to the top of La Liga by cruising the year. Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud Dutchman on the edge of the area past Granada 4-0 yesterday. “It is evident there is the collective proved decisive at the Emirates after Gibbs had played the ball back Messi effectively ended the contest objective that attracts him, motivates Stadium after Joel Campbell had to him, allowing Lens to fire home. within the first 15 minutes with two him and continues to motivate him replied to an early Sunderland open- Teenager Alex Iwobi, making a rare easy finishes before completing his year after year. er from Jeremain Lens. start for Arsenal, saw an effort hat-trick after the break to take his tal- “Then there is the particular individ- Both sides had made wholesale blocked, but in the 25th minute Theo ly to 12 goals in 10 games since return- ual objective these type of players changes with Arsenal, the Premier Walcott cut the ball back from the left ing from knee ligament damage in have to continue beating records and League leaders, making five and for Campbell to calmly stroke in the November, while Neymar completed continue being the best.” Sunderland, who occupy one of the equaliser. the rout late on. Arda Turan made his first league top-flight relegation slots, seven. Arsenal were energised and The European champions lead start for the hosts after Barca’s year- Wenger, with one eye on Pickford soon had to beat out Atletico Madrid, who travel to Celta long ban from registering new players Wednesday’s trip to Liverpool, rested Walcott’s long-ranger, but Vigo today, by a point and are now five was lifted earlier in the week, and the Mesut Ozil and Ramsey, among oth- Sunderland negotiated their way to clear of Real Madrid. Real begin a new Turkish international provided his first ers, although Petr Cech continued in half-time without further alarm. The era under Zinedine Zidane later yester- assist for the club with a lovely goal as David Ospina, who was to Gunners lacked a spark in the LONDON: Arsenal’s Spanish defender Hector Bellerin (front) vies with day when they host Deportivo la through ball for Messi to slot home have played, was ruled out by a thigh absence of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, Sunderland’s English striker Duncan Watmore (back) during the Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu. after just eight minutes. complaint. who is still not fully fit, but Campbell English FA Cup third-round football match between Arsenal and Messi is expected to beat off team- Barca’s all-star front three combined Sunderland manager Sam and Iwobi were keen to get on the Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. — AFP mate Neymar and current holder Allardyce had already voiced his dis- ball and Pickford punched away a to perfection six minutes later as pleasure at Wednesday’s trip to free-kick from the former. rebound over. in the 72nd minute. Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d’Or on Neymar’s cross was helped first time Swansea City being scheduled so Campbell almost fashioned a Campbell, the man who had to Hector Bellerin did the leg work Monday after leading Barca to a sec- by Suarez into the path of Messi to roll close to this cup tie and left main breakthrough, but DeAndre Yedlin wait three years for his Arsenal debut, down the right with a one-two that ond treble of La Liga, Champions past the helpless Andres Fernandez. goal threat on the booted the ball away from the goal- was his side’s most impressive per- culminated in him crossing for the League and Copa del Rey in six years The hosts should have been much bench as a result. mouth before anyone could pounce former and he forced Pickford into Wales star to score from close range. last season. further clear by half-time than 2-0 as Sunderland, in lurid green, began on the Costa Rican’s pass. another good save following a one- Bellerin was also the man who set And despite the fine form of Suarez inexplicably fired wide with the with a shot from Lens that clipped a Arsenal came close to a second two with Walcott. up Giroud for the third three minutes Neymar and Luis Suarez in his two- goal at his mercy after a neat one-two post after Duncan Watmore had set goal when Alex Oxlade- Wenger sent on Ramsey and the later, with Yedlin unable to cut out his month absence, Messi again demon- with Neymar. him up. But the visitors soon required Chamberlain’s shot hit a post and fit-again Mikel Arteta for Iwobi and cross, allowing the Frenchman to fin- strated he is Barca’s main man as Luis Fernandez also produced a fine debutant goalkeeper Jordan Pickford Walcott put the rebound narrowly Calum Chambers with just over 20 ish first time. Arsenal were convinced Enrique’s men bounced back from save to temporarily deny Messi his hat- to prevent Kieran Gibbs, played in by wide. Sunderland responded with a minutes remaining. Pickford contin- Yedlin had brought Giroud down in drawing three of their last four La Liga trick before Neymar drilled a volley Giroud, from opening the scoring at similar chance, however, which saw ued to prove hard to beat and denied the box from their next attack, but games. into the side-netting. — AFP the other end with a brave parry. Steven Fletcher head Yedlin’s cross Walcott after Gibbs had picked him referee Martin Atkinson ruled other- Sunderland continued to counter- against the bar and Watmore lash the out, but Ramsey gave him no chance wise. — AFP Egypt president launches loan program for SMEs Page 22

Business Puerto Rico ‘sued’ after debt default SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 Page 23 Gulf Bank announces winners in its ‘Mega How to customize your CV for a marketing position Trio Draw Event’ Page 25 Page 26

BEIJING: An investor looks at screens showing stock market movements at a securities company in Beijing. — AFP 3 reasons for concern about China economy Pessimists fear devaluation signals desperation

WASHINGTON: A scary sell-off in Chinese stocks is magni- nals from the market: The yuan, closely linked to a surging China’s economic slowdown is partly deliberate. The confidence in the economic management skills of Chinese fying concerns about the health of the world’s second- U.S. dollar, had risen too high. After the August devalua- country’s super-charged growth of the past quarter-centu- policymakers, coupled with rising concerns about the biggest economy. The Shanghai Composite Index on tion, the yuan stabilized for three months. Then it started ry was built largely on massive investment in real estate state of the economy,” says Eswar Prasad, professor of Thursday tumbled 7 percent in 30 minutes before trading sinking again. It’s dropped more than 4 percent against the and factories, much of it increasingly wasteful and ineffi- trade policy at Cornell University. The government’s was suspended. The damage quickly rolled around the dollar since the end of October. On Thursday, the yuan hit cient. The government is trying to guide the economy heavy-handed attempts to stop a freefall in the Shanghai world: Stocks plunged in Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and its lowest level against the dollar since 2011. The Chinese toward slower but more sustainable growth built on stock market dismayed those who had hoped China was New York. The Dow Jones industrial average finished economy has been “weakening for years,” says Derek spending by Chinese consumers. It’s also nudging the moving toward a more open financial system. Chinese Thursday down a steep 2 percent. On Friday, the Shanghai Scissors, resident scholar at the conservative American country away from overdependence on manufacturing authorities banned investors from betting against stocks, Index closed up 2 percent. China’s stock markets have little Enterprise Institute. “That hasn’t changed. What has toward more reliance on services industries. suspended trading in hundreds of companies and poured connection to the rest of its economy. A big reason changed is they pushed the yuan down. Overhauling a sprawling and enormously complex money into the market. At first, the desperation measures Chinese shares are sinking is that Beijing is trying to undo economy was always going to be daunting. And a report seemed to work. Yet stocks plunged again once the gov- some of the measures it took to prop up stock prices after A tough transition Wednesday, seized on by global investors, suggested that ernment began to back away. the Shanghai market collapsed in June. Yet China watchers “There’s a heightened risk that the Chinese are going to the transition might not be going so well, at least not yet: What’s more, the authorities have repeatedly confused say there are reasons to worry about the Chinese economy. be more aggressively predatory on trade,” he said. The Caixin China General Services Index fell last month to investors about their policy toward the yuan, thereby Among them: “Everybody who competes with China - their profits are its second-lowest level in records dating to 2005. The index unnerving the markets. “You have to explain what you’re now in jeopardy.” Scissors says he thinks the Chinese showed that far from picking up the slack from faltering doing,” Huang says. “The Chinese economic managers are A weakening currency authorities are actually just catching up with reality, not manufacturers, Chinese services businesses are barely not good communicators.” The uncertainty coincides with The Chinese government alarmed world markets in trying to give their companies an unfair edge. The yuan, he growing. Moreover, the report noted that services firms persistent doubts about China’s economic statistics. Even August by suddenly pushing down its currency, the yuan, says, is still overvalued. “If you left it alone, it would proba- weren’t hiring fast enough to offset factory layoffs. Premier Li Keqiang has conceded that Chinese figures for by about 2 percent. Pessimists feared that the devaluation bly fall another 5, 6, 7, 8 percent,” says Yukon Huang, senior economic growth are “man-made.” Officially, the Chinese signaled desperation: Maybe Beijing had grown so worried associate at the Carnegie Asia Program. Chinese authorities Economic mismanagement economy grew about 7 percent last year. Some economists about the country’s economic prospects that it had decid- want to keep the yuan from going into free-fall. But Chinese policymakers, long admired for their steward- suspect the actual growth rate might be 6 percent or lower. ed to give its exporters more help by lowering the yuan’s investors who fear that the currency has further to fall are ship of a fast-growing economy, have worsened things by “I wouldn’t be surprised to see it decelerate to the 4 per- value, which makes Chinese products more affordable in likely to sell investments that are denominated in yuan, communicating poorly, meddling clumsily in the markets cent range this year,” says Daniel Meckstroth, chief econo- foreign markets. thereby putting further downward pressure on China’s cur- and backsliding on reforms. “The ongoing rout in China’s mist at the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and The government said it was merely responding to sig- rency and stocks. stock and currency markets reflects a sharp erosion of Innovation. — AP

Sri Lankan seeks $300 million IMF Lagarde’s calls for a rare blue star sapphire for more clarity from COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan gem trader who owns China on policy the world’s largest blue star sapphire has decid- ed to sell the dazzling stone, with a dizzying ask- YAOUNDE: IMF chief Christine Lagarde economy. ing price of $300 million. The rare, egg-shaped has called for more clarity from China on Analysts have said the Chinese cen- stone weighs 1,404.49 carats and has been its economic policies as the easing of its tral bank needs to better communicate authenticated as the biggest of its kind at the exchange rate and plunging stocks sent its intentions concerning the yuan. Their Gemological Institute of Colombo (GIC), a pri- shockwaves through global markets. handling of the stock market this week vate laboratory in the Sri Lankan capital.”Looking “China is embarking on a historic rebal- also dented confidence in the ability of at the reserve price of other very famous gems, I ancing of its growth model, and activity Chinese officials to manage the econo- have now valued this at over $300 million,” the is moderating to more sustainable lev- my. New “circuit breakers” brought into owner, who wants to remain anonymous for fear els,” Lagarde said during a visit to force this week meant to decrease trad- the stone might be stolen said. Unlike blue sap- Cameroon. “Nonetheless, this rebalanc- ing volatility backfired. Trading was halt- phires which have complete clarity of colour, ing is a bumpy process whose effects are ed on Monday and Thursday as share blue star sapphires, a form of corundum, are being felt worldwide-which reinforces prices plunged the daily maximum of 7 opaque-but when placed under light reveal a the need for more clarity on policies, percent, prompting regulators to rescind six-line star. especially exchange rate policy,” she the rule. Industry experts said the stone was so rare it added. “As I underlined several times in the was impossible to give a valuation. “We can’t put This week the Chinese central bank past weeks, this transition will certainly a price on something like this. It is so rare and guided the yuan currency down, setting be far from easy, and is also feeding into unlike other (smaller) sapphires, this is not a its daily fix lower for eight sessions, cut- lower demand for commodities,” she stone that can be replaced,” Ashan Amarasinghe, ting its value by 1.4 percent to its lowest said. China is a major consumer of com- COLOMBO: The world’s biggest blue star sapphire, the Lankan Star of Adam, is shown by its leading gemologist with the GIC said. “This is level since March 2011, before a slight modities, and its slowing growth has owner in Colombo. A Sri Lankan gem trader who owns the world’s largest blue star sapphire something only collectors or museums can reversal on Friday. Although many econ- hammered prices of resources, with the has decided to sell the dazzling stone, with a dizzying asking price of $300 million. — AFP afford,” he said. The owner said he based his ask- omists say a gradual lowering of the val- price of oil falling by over two thirds in ing price on the Black Star of Queensland, a star Both sapphires were found in ’s cen- more blessed,” he said. “This (find) has not ue of the yuan was to be expected after the past year and a half. While lower sapphire which was reportedly sold for $100 mil- tral region of Ratnapura which is known as the changed my lifestyle. But, I feel thrilled to be the other major economies weakened their prices have been a boon for consumers, lion in 2002, although details were not publicly island’s gem capital, industry officials said. The man owning this gem. It is good for the ego.” Sri currencies in recent years, the move they have hurt commodity exporting disclosed. The gem, named Lankan Star of Adam owner said he bought it for an undisclosed price Lanka is known for its blue sapphires, one of spooked markets worried about the gov- nations across the globe. Lagarde said by its owner, beat the previous record for the in September before realising the rarity of his which was used in the engagement ring of ernment’s ability to manage the gradual the “fragility” of the global economy biggest stone of its kind-also held by a Sri find-which he has kept a closely guarded secret. Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, slowdown of growth in the Chinese would persist in 2016. — AFP Lankan businessman-by about nine carats. “I have lived in affluence, but now I feel even and formerly owned by Princess Diana. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 BUSINESS Facing US storm, VW set for easier ride in Europe Private litigation could be bigger threat in Europe

BRUSSELS: Volkswagen is unlikely to face US- Commission wanted to impose penalties on VW, members of the European Parliament and envi- style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal its powers are curbed. The EU executive can ronment campaigners want an independent because of a softer regulatory regime and its directly only impose financial sanctions on trade EU-wide regulator, along the lines of the EPA. home country Germany’s determination to pro- and competition issues. Lucas Bergkamp, a part- European Commission spokeswoman Lucia tect its car industry, EU sources and legal ner at law firm Hunton and Williams in Brussels, Caudet did not entirely rule out establishing experts say. The carmaker has been embroiled said any change to that “would be a huge step”. such a body, but said there were other ways to in crisis since last September, when it admitted “In general when companies are already in great improve oversight. it had cheated US emissions tests using soft- difficulties due to some crisis, European govern- “All options are on the table, but greater ware known as “defeat devices”. The US Justice ments tend to be understanding and will not nec- oversight can be achieved without the need for Department is suing the German company for essarily seek the imposition of all possible penal- another EU agency,” she said, adding it was too up to $46 billion for allegedly violating environ- ties,” he said, adding he could not comment on VW soon to give detail of a proposal expected “in Lulu Group to invest $150 mental laws - though some legal experts expect specifically. VW also declined to comment on any- the coming weeks”. The International Council the final settlement to be far lower. thing pertaining to possible fines in Europe. on Clean Transportation (ICCT), which alerted Other countries have also acted - Brazil and the EPA to Volkswagen’s use of defeat devices million in Uttar Pradesh South Korea, for example, have both imposed Lawsuit threat to trick regulators, has said mandatory, inde- fines of well over $10 million on VW for cheating Britain has said it could prosecute a vehicle pendent testing of cars once they are in use is KUWAIT: Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of LuLu ing in our food processing companies. I on emissions. But although VW says 8.5 million manufacturer if there were proof it knew or was crucial to good regulation. Group, on Monday announced his compa- was offered a doctorate by different univer- of the 11 million vehicles world-wide that con- reckless when supplying false information, for ny’s intent to invest Rs 1,000 crore in Uttar sities of the world, but the only one I tain banned software are in Europe, no which there is an unlimited fine on conviction. EU plan Pradesh’s state capital Lucknow, where he accepted was from Aligarh Muslim European national authority has ordered any But proving recklessness is a high hurdle - it EU sources said the European Commission plans to build a convention centre, shop- University in UP. After receiving the doctor- proposal was expected to ensure greater inde- ping mall and a five star hotel. With a net ate there I mentioned the need for sports pendence of the private firms that test car worth of $ 3.4 Billion, the Gulf-based retail- and for students to have sports complex to emissions in the bloc, which typically have er was ranked 24th on Forbes’ list of India’s promote health. I donated US$ 2 million for worked very closely with the national regula- richest 100, in 2015. Ali also hit the head- both boys and girls sports complex. tors. The proposal, which would then face lines for the $170 million purchase of the Announcing on Monday that the invest- iconic Scotland Yard building in London, in ment in UP will create an employment for around 18 months of vetting from the July last year. 3000 people, Ali added, “I don’t believe in European Parliament and member states Addressing the crowds at the maiden declarations, we believe in work. If every- before it can become law, could also hand pow- UP PravasiDiwas, Ali said, “As a business- thing is ready, we promise to begin our ers to the European Commission to verify that man I travel to many countries. But construction.” cars on the market conform with standards and whether I go to Europe, Asia or Far East, or The chief minister said the PravasiDiwas to exact clear penalties if they do not. in the Gulf countries, I find NRIs from Uttar was a positive start to the state govern- The sources said the plan from the EU execu- Pradesh and the state of Kerala. When I ment’s efforts to reach out to its non-resi- tive would be viewed as far too ambitious by went to Kenya, my friends in the business dents and for the state machinery to facili- some member states and not ambitious said “Humara tan Africa meinhai, tate their connection with roots. “I welcome enough by members of the European Humaradhan London meinhai, lekinhu- Ali’s promise to invest in Uttar Pradesh. The Parliament. The parliament has set up an mara man Hindustan meinhai”.” Ali’s government will make every effort to inquiry into whether the European Commission announcement, which drew loud cheers ensure that land and any other assistance is has done enough to police the car industry, but from the crowds, and an appreciative clap provided to him so that he can begin work.” the Commission also faces counter-pressure from chief minister AkhileshYadav, also Akhilesh also said he was hopeful that the from the industry and member states. Even at drew on his own connection with UP. Ali more such proposals for investment are the height of the VW scandal, in October last said, “I have a very close association with announced over the next day of delibera- year Germany led the dilution of separate new Uttar Pradesh. tions - the second and last day of business rules to restrict how much pollutants cars are Nearly 2,000 persons from UP are work- at the UP PravasiDiwas. allowed to emit above official limits, EU sources said. WOLFSBURG: A VW Golf car is pictured inside the so-called car towers of car manu- The sources said that Germany was support- facturer Volkswagen AG (VW) at the company’s assembly plant in Wolfsburg, central ed by Britain, which is unwilling to hand extra Germany. —AFP powers to Brussels; Prime Minister David Cameron, whose party includes several penalties so far. EU sources and lawyers say it remains unclear who at Volkswagen knew what Eurosceptic lawmakers, is seeking to renegoti- would be surprise if the firm received any signif- and when, while the company itself has blamed ate Britain’s relationship with the EU ahead of a icant fines in the European Union. a small cadre of employees. Lawyers say a big- referendum on membership of the bloc. The While the bloc outlawed defeat devices in ger financial threat to VW than any EU regulato- difference in the tone struck by US and 2007, there are no defined penalties for using ry fines is likely to come from private litigation. European authorities was underlined this week; such software to mask emissions. Under US law, Lawyers are gathering investors for group even as the United States announced its legal by contrast, carmakers must identify and actions in Europe and hundreds of lawsuits on action, the European Commission said it was describe any emissions control devices, mean- behalf of enraged drivers have been filed in the giving VW an extra month - until the end of ing they can be pursued for omission or wrong- United States. January - to explain why carbon dioxide levels ful declaration, widening the scope for punitive The VW scandal has exposed the weakness- emitted by cars were higher than stated. action. EU states are also reluctant to mete out es of the regulatory system in Europe, where For breach of carbon dioxide limits, there tough financial penalties, because of an unwrit- there is no EU-wide authority with oversight of are clear penalties that so far have never need- ten rule in the 28-member club that some car testing - like the US Environmental ed to be enforced because EU cars - even national interests are sacred, according to the Protection Agency (EPA) - but instead a patch- allowing for Volkswagen’s discrepancies - have EU sources - and Germany’s car industry has tra- work of 28 national agencies with varying stan- as an average across the EU fleet been well ditionally been one of them. dards. A vehicle approved in one country can below the legal limit of 130 grams per kilome- Egypt president launches VW, Europe’s biggest motor manufacturer, be sold across the bloc, which environmental ter. But the target becomes more challenging employs more than 750,000 people in Germany, campaigners say allows carmakers to take their in 2021 when a 95 g/km limit takes effect and loan program for SMEs and has been a symbol of the nation’s engineer- pick from national regulators. the penalty for breaking that law will be 95 ing prowess. VW, Daimler and BMW, Germany’s However European Commission proposals, euros for every gram above the limit. “When CAIRO: Egypt’s banking sector will inject Sisi had pledged to reduce jobless- big three German carmakers, hauled in revenues expected over the coming weeks, will add we get to the 95 gram target, things (fines) 200 billion Egyptian pounds ($25 billion) ness to 10 percent over the next five of 413 billion euros in 2014, far bigger than the some teeth to the EU regulatory regime and could get more interesting,” said Julia to support small and medium business- years. The unemployment level reached German federal budget, which stood at just penalties for excessive emissions could start to Poliscanova, policy officer at campaign group es, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said 12.8 percent in December. “The biggest under 300 billion. Even if the European bite around the start of the next decade. Some Transport & Environment. —Reuters yesterday, the latest bid to support hurdle for young entrepreneurs is the Egypt’s battered economy and create financing and if that issue is resolved jobs. “I have assigned the central bank to there will be more businesses and more make the most of the banking sector to jobs created”, one banker said, adding New Visa Dubai Shopping Festival implement a comprehensive program to that with the new program banks will support small and medium businesses,” bear the burden on their profit margins. Sisi said, adding that loans for small and Egypt’s economy grew about 4.2 percent promotion for ABK cardholders medium businesses over the next four last fiscal year and the government fore- years will not be less than 20 percent of casts growth of about 5 percent in KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently International, presents customers with exclusive receiving the ‘Impossible Offer’ daily alert, which is all loans issued. Egypt’s economy has 2015/16. In November, Egypt’s urban announced the all new ‘Visa Dubai Shopping offers and discounts that reach up to 80% when running until 1st February, 2016. For more informa- been struggling to recover since a popu- consumer inflation jumped to its highest Festival (DSF) 2016’ promotion available to ABK’s using their cards to pay for electronics, travel, tion on Ahli Bank of Kuwait please visit lar uprising in 2011 drove foreign level since June, propelled by the rising Visa cardholders, which entails a variety of entertainment, luxury goods and even cars. To www.eahli.com or contact an ABK representative investors and tourists away. The uprising cost of food. Prices rose 11.1 percent in unprecedented offers for customers to enjoy when enjoy these special offers, customers are required via ‘Ahli Chat’ or by contacting a customer service was partly fueled by anger over the lack November, up from 9.7 percent in visiting the DSF. The promotion, designed by Visa to sign up via www.visamiddleeast.com/dsf to start agent via ‘AhlanAhli’ at 1899899. of job prospects for young Egyptians. October. —Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.960 US Dollars Mint 0.300950 0.304950 20 Gram 216.710 Jordanian Dinar 429.370 Asia CURRENCY BUY SELL 10 Gram 111.050 Egyptian Pound 38.814 ASIAN COUNTRIES 5 Gram 56.210 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.123 Bangladesh Taka 0.003480 0.004080 Japanese Yen 2.573 Indian Rupees 4.563 Chinese Yuan 0.044678 0.048178 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037194 0.039944 Indian Rupees 4.570 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Pakistani Rupees 2.902 Pakistani Rupees 2.908 Bangladesh Taka 3.877 Indian Rupee 0.004212 0.004602 Srilankan Rupees 2.121 Philippines Pesso 6.470 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Nepali Rupees 2.876 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 580.550 Japanese Yen 0.002508 0.002688 Dollar 213.445 Australian Dollar 213.03 Japanese Yen 3.595 Kenyan Shilling 0.003165 0.003165 Canadian Dollar 223.33 Hongkong Dollar 39.323 Syrian Pound 2.380 Korean Won 0.000244 0.000259 Swiss Franc 308.51 Bangladesh Taka 3.883 Nepalese Rupees 3.850 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066336 0.072336 Euro 333.77 Philippine Peso 6.489 Malaysian Ringgit 69.735 Nepalese Rupee 0.002887 0.003057 Thai Baht 8.435 US Dollar 304.65 Pakistan Rupee 0.002641 0.002921 Sterling Pound 451.93 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.740 Thai Bhat 9.355 Philippine Peso 0.006378 0.006658 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.57 Turkish Lira 101.100 Sierra Leone 0.000068 0.000074 Saudi Riyal 81.323 Bangladesh Taka 3.884 Singapore Dollar 0.208742 0.214742 Qatari Riyal 83.771 Indian Rupee 4.577 South African Rand 0.013077 0.021577 Omani Riyal 792.100 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.120 Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001768 0.002348 Bahraini Dinar 809.984 Nepali Rupee 2.862 Taiwan 0.009080 0.009260 UAE Dirham 83.029 Pakistani Rupee 2.904 Thai Baht 0.008108 0.008658 UAE Dirhams 0.08290 CURRENCY BUY SELL Europe ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 0.8096 British Pound 0.436709 0.445709 Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.300 Egyptian Pound 0.03881 Czech Korune 0.004299 0.016299 Bahraini Dinar 0.800934 0.808934 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.993 Jordanian Dinar 0.4333 Danish Krone 0.040537 0.045537 Egyptian Pound 0.035183 0.038309 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.423 Omani Riyal 0.7911 Euro 0.327868 0.335868 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Tunisian Dinar 149.411 Qatari Riyal 0.08400 Norwegian Krone 0.030283 0.035483 Iraqi Dinar 0.000201 0.000261 Jordanian Dinar 429.689 Saudi Riyal 0.08120 Romanian Leu 0.087363 0.087363 Jordanian Dinar 0.425555 0.433055 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.032 Slovakia 0.009106 0.019106 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.173 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swedish Krona 0.031928 0.036928 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Morocco Dirham 30.944 Swiss Franc 0.300146 0.310346 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021575 0.045575 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.096852 0.107152 Nigerian Naira 0.001260 0.001895 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 304.800 US Dollar 304.800 Omani Riyal 0.784618 0.790298 Australasia Euro 329.488 Canadian Dollar 216.885 Qatar Riyal 0.082941 0.084154 Australian Dollar 0.204695 0.216195 Sterling Pound 448.513 Sterling Pound 443.575 Saudi Riyal 0.080327 0.081277 New Zealand Dollar 0.193781 0.203281 Canadian dollar 217.869 Euro 334.510 Syrian Pound 0.001291 0.001511 Turkish lira 101.674 Swiss Frank 304.295 Tunisian Dinar 0.146735 0.154735 Swiss Franc 303.736 Bahrain Dinar 806.370 America Turkish Lira 0.096852 0.107152 Australian Dollar 218.389 UAE Dirhams 83.225 Canadian Dollar 0.210039 0.218539 UAE Dirhams 0.081937 0.083086 US Dollar Buying 303.600 Qatari Riyals 84.445 US Dollars 0.300450 0.304950 Yemeni Riyal 0.001377 0.001457 SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 BUSINESS Got a startup to get people moving? ‘Ford-Backed Techstars Mobility’ DUBAI: Ford-sponsored Techstars Mobility, ence; Information technology and data analyt- Each has contributed program funding and driven by Detroit is accepting applications ics; Multimodal trip integration, and Flexible mentorship. The 2015 class included 10 start- from startups interested in developing future ownership and user experience. Applicants ups, which have raised more than $3 million mobility solutions. Up to 12 startups will can apply atwww.techstars/apply. Deadline since completing the program. Seven of the receive $120,000 funding and three months of for submissions is March 22. Participants will companies are establishing a presence in development training to develop ideas and kick off June 13, with project support culmi- metro Detroit to advance their innovations, solutions aligned with Ford Smart Mobility, nating Sept 8. Techstars Mobility, a mentor- including: the plan to take Ford to the next level in con- ship-driven accelerator program, launched in nectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the 2015 to focus on next-generation mobility Cosmos customer experience as well as data and ana- and transportation solutions. It is an offshoot A pay-as-you-go mobile platform. Now in lytics. of the Techstars global program, which testing, the plan would give mobile phone “Working together, Techstars Mobility and launched in 2007 and has developed 660 customers the option to pay per day or per Ford are supporting smart, ambitious inven- companies that have raised $5 billion. use for phone data - eliminating the need for tors who are creating innovative solutions to Techstars Mobility’sfocus on Ford Smart pricey contracts. change the way the world moves,” said Ken Mobilitystems from the vision of company Washington, Ford vice president, Research Executive Chairman Bill Ford, who has led the Elegus Technologies and Advanced Engineering. “Some of today’s charge to bring attention to the potential A battery technology that would increase most innovative thinking is coming from start- long-term consequences of growing gridlock the energy density and safety of traditional first year exceeded all expectations, with 10 Techstars Mobility. “This was all brought ups, and we’re excited to bring this new think- worldwide. The Techstars Mobility consortium batteries, enabling batteries to become small- amazing companies, a worldwide response, together by the automotive dominance and ing to Detroit and the auto industry.” alsoincludes severalother global corporations, er and hold more power. Developed during a more than 300 participating mentors across entrepreneurial resurgence in Detroit. We’re This startup class is asked to focus on inno- including Magna International, Verizon, Dana, four-year period, the team is testing the tech- Detroit and eight active corporate entities,” excited to grow this program in 2016 and vations in four key areas: Consumer experi- Honda, McDonald’s, Munich Re and Michelin. nology for production in the near future. “The said Ted Serbinski, managing director, beyond.”

Stop alarmism over Venezuela’s crisis, new economy czar warns

CARACAS: Venezuela’s new economic vice presi- gins. Salas’ appointment appears to signal a dent has called for an end to what he termed break with the Socialist Party’s promises for some alarmism over the OPEC country’s finances and market-friendly reforms last year, which ended in said it had enough experience to emerge from its aborted efforts to liberalize cumbersome curren- current crisis. Venezuelans are reeling from annu- cy controls. “We have to leave ‘catastrophism’ al inflation thought to be in triple digits, a deep aside,” Salas said. “This is not the worst economic economic recession and shortages of basic crisis Venezuela has gone through. The worst one goods, which have been aggravated by the tum- was the prolonged crisis during the 1980s and ble in oil prices. President Nicolas Maduro, who 1990s.” blames the woes on an “economic war” he claims In the mid-1990s, inflation peaked at more businessmen are waging against his socialist than 100 percent. Maduro last year said inflation government, appointed Luis Salas, 39, a hard-line would be near 100 percent in 2015 but the cen- sociologist, to lead the economy on Wednesday. tral bank has not published monthly figures for a “In Venezuela we have the background and accu- year. Opposition lawmakers want to pressure the mulated experience to overcome this situation,” bank into revealing data on inflation and gross Salas said in an interview with regional broad- domestic product, which has also not been pub- caster Telesur. lished for a year. Two-time presidential candidate In the past Salas has argued against the idea Henrique Capriles said on Friday that annual that excessive printing of money causes inflation inflation in 2015 reached 270 percent. He did not - an almost universally accepted tenet of macro- cite a source for his figure but in the past has fre- economics. He insists prices rise primarily quently cited central bank statisticians on infla- because corporations seek excessive profit mar- tion. — Reuters Puerto Rico ‘sued’ after debt default RIO DE JANEIRO: People march during a protest against bus fare hikes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The march, which is also taking place in other Brazilian capitals, began peacefully in downtown Rio de Janeiro but turned violent. — AP WASHINGTON: Puerto Rico warned Friday fiscal year 2016, the commonwealth forecasts that a lawsuit by insurers of its defaulted debt approximately $9.0 billion of available would plunge the US territory into a “litigation resources, which vastly exceeds debt service Brazil inflation hits 13-yr crisis”, exacerbating its deep economic and on the public debt of approximately $1.85 bil- financial problems. Three days after it default- lion.” ed on a small part of its $70 billion in borrow- Puerto Rico missed $37 million in payments ings and warned of further defaults in the on debt from small state-controlled units on high amid political crisis coming months, the heavily indebted Monday. It also “clawed back” some $163 mil- Caribbean island was sued by bond insurer lion of reserved funds, using the money to Ambac Financial Group. make another nearly $1 billion in payments Clashes at Brazil protests over fare hikes Ambac said in the suit, filed Thursday in the that were due January 4, including $328.7 mil- US district court in Puerto Rico, that the Puerto lion in GO bonds. Ambac said those defaults RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s inflation rate hit a 13-year al currency, the real, down one-third against the dollar Clashes, protests Rican government had illegally “clawed back” had forced it to pay out $10 million in claims to high in 2015, in what analysts called payback for years in 2015. Last year’s inflation figure, while high, was still Meanwhile, Brazilian riot police clashed with masked or diverted revenues reserved for certain bond bond investors. Instead of negotiating with of economic mismanagement, worsened by a politi- slightly below market expectations of 10.72 percent protesters on Friday in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro dur- payments to be used to pay the government’s creditors, Puerto Rico “has committed itself to a cal crisis in Latin America’s biggest economy. Brazil, and the central bank’s last forecast of 10.8 percent. ing angry demonstrations against higher transport general obligation (GO) bonds. Ambac argued ‘scorched earth’ strategy of blaming its fiscal which hosts the summer Olympic Games in August, is “Prices were artificially held down, but prices for fares, officials and witnesses said. A hike in fares was one that such a move is only permitted if the gov- and structural problems on lenders, Congress struggling through a deep recession and political services have risen by nearly nine percent over the of the main drivers of the mass demonstrations that ernment does not have other resources for the and others,” said Ambac chief executive Nader instability after impeachment proceedings were past two months,” said analyst Andre Leite of financial roiled Brazil in 2013, in one of the most serious threats GO bonds. However, it said in a statement: “For Tavakoli in a statement. — AFP launched against President Dilma Rousseff. Annual group TAG Investimentos. “That shows that a lack of to President Dilma Rousseff, who is under renewed inflation reached 10.67 percent in 2015, the govern- budgetary control by the government has ended up pressure over a badly faltering economy and a billion- ment said Friday, the highest rate since 2002 and influencing the market.” Rousseff admitted Thursday dollar corruption scandal. more than double the government’s 4.5 percent tar- her government underestimated the magnitude of Friday’s protest in Sao Paulo, which drew about get. “An adjustment was necessary after certain tariffs the economic crisis over recent years. “The biggest 1,000 people, started peacefully and remained so for were frozen over recent years. But non-regulated mistake was failing to see that the crisis was so big in the duration of the rally. But it descended into violence prices such as those for services have also risen, even 2014, failing to gauge the magnitude of the economic when some of the young demonstrators threw stones in a recession,” said economist Silvio Campos Neto. slowdown due to internal and external problems,” she and lit makeshift barricades made of trash and wood, an “That shows that the policies of the past six years said, as quoted by the Estado de Sao Paulo newspa- AFP photographer said. Police responded by firing a have been wrong, and have been made worse by a per. noxious gas. However, that failed to deter protesters, bad political climate which is actually making con- She cited economic uncertainty in China and who vandalized newsstands and a bank, Sao Paulo mili- sumption fall.” In recession since the second quarter of severe drought in Brazil in explaining the slowdown in tary police said on Twitter, adding that officers were last year, Brazil is suffering rising unemployment and a her own country, the world’s seventh biggest econo- injured although it did not say how many. In Sao Paulo drop in investor confidence fueled by the impeach- my. Rousseff’s approval rating has slipped to single the price of a fare on public transport will rise Saturday ment proceedings against Rousseff and by a scandal digits as she faces calls for impeachment over a public from 3.50 reais to 3.80 reais ($0.87 to $0.94). Officials in state oil firm Petrobras. The IMF expects Brazil will financing scandal. She said her top priority this year have defended the increase, saying it is below the rate of stay in recession in 2016. The World Bank on would be to rein in inflation and bring Brazil back to a inflation. Similar scenes unfolded in Rio, where the hike is Wednesday forecast a 2.5 percent contraction this budget surplus. Touching on the delicate issue of slightly steeper. The rally there was also mostly peaceful year. public spending reforms, she said changes to the pen- until towards the end, when demonstrators clashed with sions system should be considered as life expectancy police. A protest in the city of Belo Horizonte went off Mistakes in crisis is rising. Leite said the country’s deficit was to blame peacefully. The huge demonstrations in 2013, which The government has revised its 2016 budget tar- for soaring inflation, which has prompted the central drew millions to the streets all over the country, began SAN JUAN: Photo shows the Puerto Rico and US flags in the Old Town district in San gets five times. It is now expected to post a $31 billion bank to raise interest rates. “But the government with disquiet over transport fare hikes and escalated into Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico warned that a lawsuit by insurers of its defaulted debt deficit. The political chaos swirling around Rousseff should also cut spending on its mafia of public broader protests over corruption and the cost of staging would plunge the US territory into a ‘litigation crisis’, exacerbating its deep econom- has added to Brazil’s economic woes, with the nation- employees, and it is not doing so,” the analyst said. the 2014 football World Cup.— Agencies ic and financial problems. — AFP Tax error complicates financial help for some with Obamacare

WASHINGTON: About 1.4 million health care in history. But they also in advance if they qualify. But when they assistance, health insurance premiums that we can improve our processes and ally all Americans are required to carry households that got financial help for spliced together two really complicated file taxes the following year, they must are unaffordable for many low- and mod- enhance the support we provide in the insurance and the uninsured face fines if health insurance under President Barack areas for consumers: health insurance account for the subsidies on their tax erate-income people. IRS said the more future.” Friday night, a Treasury spokes- they can afford coverage. Treasury said Obama’s law failed to properly account and taxes. Confusion has been the result returns. People who fail to do that cannot than 1.4 million households that have woman said that for this year, the IRS will that compliance was simple for about for it on their tax returns last year, put- for many. get subsidies paid to them in advance failed to properly account for their 2014 only flag people who do not file a return three-fourths of taxpayers: All they had ting their subsidies at risk if they want to Consumers can receive the tax credits the following year. Without financial tax credits include: at all to have their tax credits turned off. to do was check a box. But nearly 8 mil- keep coverage. The preliminary figures About 316,000 households that got Nonetheless, the spokeswoman said it is lion uninsured individuals and families were released by the IRS late Friday tax credits paid to them in advance but important for all individuals to file the paid penalties averaging about $210 afternoon, a time when the government did not file any return at all last year. proper tax paperwork. Starting early last each. Of those about 313,000 were low- often reports unfavorable develop- Before the health care law, many low- summer, the IRS launched a large-scale income people legally exempt from the ments. A spokeswoman for the income people were not required to file effort to reach taxpayers who had coverage requirement. They will be able Department of Health and Human taxes. Now they must do so if they got a potential health law issues. Results have to get their money refunded by filing an Services doubted there will be a major subsidy. But if taxpayers don’t realize it, been mixed. Under the health law, virtu- amended return. — AP impact. HHS believes most of the people that can create mix-ups. Some 976,000 affected no longer have health law cov- households that got tax credits and filed erage. 2014 returns, but omitted a new form Burgan Bank to announce Still, it’s a potential complication as that is the key to accounting for their the new Al Thuraya Salary the Obama administration strives to subsidies. Called Form 8962, it was intro- increase enrollment for 2016 in the face duced for the 2015 tax filing season. account winner of rising premiums and skeptical con- About 147,000 households that had sumers. Tax issues highlight the difficul- requested extensions to file their 2014 KUWAIT: Burgan Bank will conduct the account is a chance for customers to ties of the health law for the very people taxes, but never followed through. Al Thuraya salary Account draw very enter the much anticipated draw every it’s intended to serve. The law provides The consumers with tax issues repre- soon in which the winner will be grant- quarter. Customers’ wishing to open an tax credits to help people pay premiums sent about 30 percent of the 4.6 million ed a luxurious Audi R8 car. Al Thuraya is Al Thuraya account can do so by simply for private insurance. Nationally, that aid households that had tax credits provided the only salary account in Kuwait offer- visiting the nearest Burgan Bank is averaging around $290 a month, on their behalf. “We expect that taxpay- ing a quarterly draw for a chance to win branch and obtain all the necessary roughly three-fourths of the typical pre- ers will continue to better understand 4 new Audi R8 cars in a year. Burgan details, or simply call the bank’s Call mium. By funneling financial assistance Health care tax forms 8962, 1095-A, and 8965, are seen in Washington. The this process as it becomes routine,” IRS Bank’s Al Thuraya Account is a salary Center 1804080. For further informa- through the income tax system, Obama administration says it’s giving employers who need more time a lim- Commissioner John Koskinen said Friday account that provides multiple fea- tion, customers can also visit the bank’s Democrats were able to call the overhaul ited extension for critical reporting requirements next year under the feder- in a letter to Congress. “We are commit- tures. Every KD 10 available in the website on www.burgan.com. the largest middle-class tax cut for al health care law. — AP ted to learning from this experience so SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 BUSINESS

Kuwait records a substantial drop in revenues

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Finance prices below US$ 30 per barrel in the issued the monthly follow-up report last month of the year, and the con- ALSHALL WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT for the State’s Financial tinued escalated violence curve in Administration Accounts until the region. November 2015 (published on its Adopting the same measure- website), the Ministry of Finance ment tool, ie following up the share indicates a substantial drop in rev- of the top 30 companies in trading enues. Until 30/11/2015, eight value, we note a noticeable reduc- months of the current fiscal year tion in liquidity deviation despite its 2015/2016, total collected revenues unjustifiable continuity. Those com- amounted to approximately KD panies captured 72%, KD 2.851 bil- 10.420 billion, about 85.3% of the lion, of market liquidity, representing total estimated revenues for the about 67.3% of its total market capi- entire current fiscal year in the talization value. The number of spec- amount of approximately KD ulative companies within the sample 12.2106 billion, with a noticeable was 16 companies, which captured decline by -45.2% below the total about 32.2% of total market trading collected revenues during the same value, about KD 1.277 billion where- period of last fiscal year 2014/2015 in as their market value scored only the oil market, the doubt in their performance and mostly negative in the amount of KD 19.027 billion. 10.5% of total market capitalization capability to confront the require- the current year. Nevertheless, there In detail, the bulletin estimates value compared with 17 speculative ments of fundamental reform this is probable positive performance if actual oil revenues until 30/11/2015 companies which captured 3.4% of time, and the fear from a disturbed geopolitical conditions get relaxed and Iran, UAE remains the important their markets into negative in last by about KD 9.681 billion, i.e. 90% of market capitalization value and 23% geopolitical environment which is through a political conciliation destination for trade and entertain- December when the French mar- estimated oil revenues for the entire of 2014 market liquidity. getting hotter. among main traditional oil produc- ment tourism. UAE represents the ket lost -6.5% in one month, the current fiscal year in the amount of This drop in concentration on Forecasting performance of a ers. main destination for Iran’s capital German -5.6%, and the Japanese - KD 10.7575 billion, or about 92.9% of speculation companies in 2015 forthcoming year is extremely diffi- exports, the headquarters for some 3.6%. total collected revenues. The collect- extended to their share turnover cult. Partial changes in each country The Weekly Performance private Iranian institutions and some In the negative zone where the 7 ed amounts from oil revenues during rates though they remained high. are no longer dominant but to total The performance of Kuwait Stock Iranian businessmen. Therefore, the GCC markets are, the Saudi market the first eight months of the current While the turnover average of all changes at a global or regional level Exchange (KSE) for the last week (4 trade and service relations weapon, achieved the highest loss by losing - fiscal year -at an average price of market companies continued weak whose direction is difficult to know working days due to New Year without the UAE, remains psycholog- 17.1% in 2015. Dubai market came Kuwaiti oil at US$ 49.9 per barrel- at about 15.1% and weak even to such as the likely performance of the Holiday) was mixed compared to the ical and political only and not mate- second in losses by -16.5%, Qatar by were less by KD 8.268 billion, -46.1%, the 30-companies sample with the oil market after the battle has previous one, where the indices of rial. UAE enjoys a huge surplus in its -15.1%. Three other markets than its counterpart value last fis- highest liquidity at 16.2%, it scored become one of bone-breaking the trade volume, the number of commodities and service trade with achieved close results: Muscat and among traditional producers, the transactions index and the general

cal year. KD 739.3 million was col- about 46.5% to the 16 companies. It Iran; therefore, it is unexpected to lected from non-oil revenues during scored about 1508.8% for the high- impose a sanction and pays for it. the same period, a monthly average est company, 1171.1% for the sec- The above figures are obtained from at KD 92.413 million while the total ond highest and 938.1% for the third one source and are subject to verifi- estimated amount for the entire fis- highest. Despite their high rates, cation and review. We are prepared cal year was about KD 1.453 billion. they remain lower than the turnover to correct them if we get another This means the realized amount will rate of this sample of companies (30- source that provides different figures be less for the entire fiscal year by companies) in 2014 which was though we do not believe that the about KD 344 million than the esti- 21.9%. bottom line would differ. Indirect consequences of mated amount. violent hot conflicts, both direct and index, show a decrease, while the increased tension in the region are Bahrain markets lost -14.8% each Expenditures allocations for the Development of events with Iran the ones by proxy. If last December’s trade value index shows an increase. more serious. After the late political and Kuwait’s weighted index lost - current fiscal year were estimated at After the attack on the Saudi performance fits to be index for the AlShall Index (value index) closed at confrontation, the likelihood of 13%. Only Abu Dhabi achieved less about KD 19.171 billion, of which an Embassy in Tehran and the Saudi early months of the current year, 356 points at the closing of last increased struggle pace and area is loss by -4.9% and came 6th among amount of KD 6.645 billion was actu- Consulate in Mashhad, Iran, KSA sev- contrary to the norm, the perform- Thursday, showing a decrease of greater. On the one hand, it means the sample markets. The weak per- ally spent -according to the bulletin- ered diplomatic relations with Iran ance of 12 markets out of 14 in the about 9.9 points or about 2.7% com- allocating more resources, which formance of the regional markets is until 30/11/2015, a monthly spend- and so did Bahrain. UAE, Kuwait and sample was negative in December. pared with its level last week (end of have become scarce, to finance the due to the accelerated weakness of ing average at KD 830.635 million. Qatar downgraded their diplomatic This means that indexes imply weak 2015). We, however, do not recommend representation in Iran by summon- security and military conflict. On the relying on this figure because there ing their ambassadors there. Though other, it means fewer prospects for are expenses which have become we are not concerned with the politi- compromise and coordination to due but have not been actually paid. cal side, the stability of the region reduce the surplus of traditional oil Spending in the last month of the fis- serves the region’s people. In addi- supplies which in turn means contin- cal year will be higher when settle- tion to severing diplomatic relations ued weak oil prices. Both factors ments are made and then in the final with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have far reaching negative impacts account. also suspended trade dealing with on the stability of the region and all

Although the bulletin concludes Iran. It is unlikely that the other 4 its individual states in the medium to that the budget surplus in end of the GCC states will follow suit neither is long terms. first eight months of the current fis- it likely for Oman to downgrade its cal year scored about KD 3.775 bil- diplomatic representation. Comparative Performance lion, we publish it without recom- Excluding the UAE, the commodi- 2015 ended and was character- mending its endorsement as we ty trade dealing between Iran and ized by weak performance of capital believe that the surplus figure will GCC states does not seem substan- markets within the sample. Out of 14 change into deficit in the end of the tial or influential. According to the markets only 4 markets achieved these eight months, and until the fis- official site of Tehran Chamber of positive performance, less than 10%, cal year end, and with the issuance Commerce, Industries, Mines and and 10 remained in the negative of the final account. Agriculture (TCCIM) for the Persian zone. During the year, sorting per- In fact, the current fiscal year will year 1393 (March 2014-March 2015), formance in favor of mature and witness a fundamental and negative total trade scored about US$ 16.6 bil- emerging markets continued while difference with the budget deficit lion. In details, GCC states exported the Gulf markets’ performance scoring about KD 4 billion. The US$ 11.735 billion worth of goods to lagged and 6 Gulf markets occupied deficit figure will be affected posi- Iran and imported what is worth US$ the bottom of negative performance tively, i.e. will increase, if oil prices 4.848 billion, with a trade balance with 2-digit losses. The Indian mar- continue their decline but will be surplus in favor of the GCC states by ket joined them as No. 7 in losses. affected negatively i.e. will decrease, about US$ 6.887 billion. These fig- The German market took the lead by the amount of actual saving in ures do not carry a big significance if in winning markets by adding 9.6% the expenses by less than the esti- we exclude the UAE whose share out in a full year. The Chinese market mated. of total exports scored about US$ with 9.4% came second due to the 11.208 billion, about 95.5%, of total artificial support from the Chinese KSE Liquidity Features GCC exports to Iran. On the other authorities after the huge losses in By the end of 2015, KSE added to hand, UAE imported about US$ the beginning of summer. And so its liquidity in December 2015 -trad- 4.064 billion, 83.8%, of total GCC did the Japanese and French mar- ing value- about KD 241.7 million, imports from Iran. These figures do kets by 9.1% and 8.5% gains respec- about 6.5% of its total liquidity in the not include the huge figures of UAE tively. Though the four markets ben- preceding eleven months of the year re-exports to Iran. efit from the extreme weakness of 2015, and brought the total of the Figures of service trade are not the oil market, the drop in the year 2015 market liquidity to KD available such as religious trade, and Chinese growth rates -the biggest 3.962 billion. This means that 2015 entertainment tourism. We do not global trade partner- the weak per- liquidity dropped by -35.2% com- know if the boycott would include formance of the European economy pared with 2014. The drop in the liq- them if we exclude the pilgrimage due to the sovereign debt problems uidity was caused by weak confi- season. While religious tourism is and the late influx of immigration dence in the market, the drop in oil common between other GCC states which threatens its solidarity, turned the performance of the majority of SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 BUSINESS Robust US payrolls brighten economic outlook Report eases concerns about economy’s health

WASHINGTON: US payrolls surged in investment officer at Atlantic Trust Private growth forecasts on recent soft economic US central bank last month raised overnight lation ratio increased to 59.5 percent last December and the job count for the prior Wealth Management in Baltimore. data, had expected payrolls to increase by rates by a quarter percentage point to month, its highest level since May 2009, from two months was revised sharply higher, Slumping oil prices and slowing growth only 200,000 last month. Fourth-quarter GDP between 0.25 and 0.50 percent, the first 59.4 percent in November. Employment showing the economy on solid ground in China have cast a pall on the outlook for growth estimates currently range from as low increase in nearly a decade, and a subse- gains in December were concentrated in the despite a troubling international backdrop. the global economy. The upbeat employ- as a 0.4 percent annual rate to as high as a 1.1 quent move at its next meeting this month services sector, with mining shedding a fur- Nonfarm payrolls increased by 292,000 last ment report briefly helped staunch the percent pace. Though payroll growth was was already seen as off the table. ther 8,000 jobs. Employment in the mining month, the Labor Department said on Friday, bleeding on Wall Street, but was offset by softer last year than in 2014, with 2.65 million With the Fed focused on inflation, wage sector declined by 129,000 in 2015 and more as hiring got a boost from unseasonably further declines in oil prices. The dollar jobs created compared with 3.1 million in the growth is under scrutiny. Economists said losses are likely with oil prices at an 11-year warm weather. The unemployment rate held firmed against a basket of currencies as prior year, the job gains in 2015 were still the December’s decline in earnings could simply low. steady at a 7-1/2-year low of 5 percent even traders ramped up bets the Federal second largest since 1999. be due to a calendar-related quirk. Despite Oilfield services provider Schlumberger as more people entered the labor force, a Reserve would raise interest rates in March. that drop, the year-on-year gain moved up to last month announced another round of job sign of confidence in the job market. Prices for US government debt rose on Focus on wage growth 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent in November, cuts in addition to 20,000 layoffs already The robust employment data helped safe-haven bids. Concerns about a slow- While the labor market’s resilience could although that reflected an unusually weak reported in 2015. The company said it expect- soothe fears about the economy’s health, and down in China, the world’s second-largest spur Fed policymakers to hike rates in March, December 2014. Also being watched closely ed the slowdown in drilling activity to contin- suggested recent weakness would largely be economy after the United States, have some economists said low inflation and the is the labor force participation rate, or the ue this year. Manufacturing added 8,000 jobs contained to the manufacturing and export- spooked investors worldwide. But signs of recent turmoil in financial markets could stay share of working-age Americans who are last month and warm weather boosted con- oriented sectors, which have been hit by a stability emerged overnight after China their hand. “These figures obviously support employed or at least looking for a job. While struction payrolls, which increased by 45,000. strong dollar and anemic global demand. ditched a stock market circuit breaker and a March rate hike from the Fed, but ... it is the rate increased one-tenth of a percentage Retail payrolls rose only 4,300 as mild temper- Efforts by businesses to whittle down an guided its currency higher. developments in inflation rather than the point to 62.6 percent in December, it remains atures hurt sales of winter apparel. The inventory glut and spending cuts by energy US payrolls for October and November labor market that will determine the pace of near four-decade lows. weather also limited job gains in the leisure companies have also inflicted pain. “It gives were revised to show 50,000 more jobs creat- future rate hikes,” said Paul Ashworth, chief There are concerns persistently low partic- and hospitality sector, with employment ris- us a short-term shot in the arm and pushes ed than previously reported, adding to the US economist at Capital Markets in New York. ipation could hamper job growth as the sup- ing 29,000 after increasing by 47,000 the pri- back the idea that we are headed for a global report’s upbeat tone. The only wrinkle was a “With oil prices close to $30 a barrel now, this ply pool of workers shrinks, unless a pick-up or month. Temporary help had a gain of recession or that weakness in China will sink one cent drop in average hourly earnings. latest labor market improvement doesn’t in earnings entices more Americans to return 34,400 jobs last month and government pay- our economy,” says David Donabedian, chief Economists, who slashed fourth-quarter US necessarily guarantee a March rate hike.” The to the labor force. The employment-to-popu- rolls rose 17,000. — Reuters How to customize your CV for a Marketing Position

riting a good CV is probably the most Be specific and precise difficult part of a job search. It is the In addition to listing your responsibilities in Wpart that can make or break your each job, it is important to focus on how your chances of landing a job interview, especially work is contributing to the company’s goals. when you know that most employers will Make sure you use concrete examples when spend no more than 10 seconds reading your describing your achievements. In matter of fact, CV. A professional CV will impress employers at employers value candidates who can clearly first glance; otherwise, it’s going to get ignored. identify their accomplishments. For example, There is no perfect way to write a CV. A rule of you can say: “I played an active part in meeting thumb, however, is to tailor your CV for each the company’s projected growth rate for this position you’re applying for, because different year by generating several sales leads which roles require different skill sets and different resulted in a 20% increase in the company’s rev- competencies. Luckily for you, Bayt.com knows enue year-on-year.” the importance of a customized CV, and this is why it offers its full-fledged CV Builder which Highlight your networking skills allows you to build up to 5 CVs online. Marketing is all about networking! Make sure In this article, we’ll discuss how you can cus- you show employers that you have a large net- tomize your CV for a marketing position. work and a strong online presence by including Whether you’re currently working in the mar- links to your public profiles, online discussions keting industry, or considering a higher posi- and portfolios (if applicable). Among other skills, tion or career change, here are some tips to good communication skills (63%) emerge as the help you customize your CV for a marketing top attribute employers are looking for in a can- position, as suggested by the career experts at didate, according to the Bayt.com Middle East Bayt.com: Job Index survey, August 2015. Bayt.com People platform and Bayt.com Specialties are a great Include keywords place to start! Before you start customizing your CV, make WUHAN: Two investors look at screens showing stock market movements in a stock firm in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei province. —AFP sure you carefully read the job description of Add any relevant courses or certificates the job you are applying for and then use the A good education and added skills are keywords used by the employer. Examples of always a plus when you’re looking for a job in keywords employers use when looking for mar- marketing. So mention any training courses or China’s consumer keting candidates are “Communications Skills”, certificates or workshops you have recently “Social Media”, “SEO”, “Editing”, “Marketing Plan”, completed. You can find out about relevant “Email Marketing”, etc. You can do a quick courses, conferences, seminars, and education search on the Bayt.com Career Map to get more programs provided by the best learning information about the skills and competencies providers in the Middle East and across the ‘inflation rate up’ required by employers for marketing roles. world on Bayt.com. Bayt.com Tests is another great way to show employers that you are the Customize your work experience person with the right skill sets for the job. Using Beijing to maintain ‘prudent’ monetary policy Don’t waste yours and the employer’s time tests, recruiters can qualify candidates by testing by talking about tasks or responsibilities or proj- their expertise in a wide array of topics that ects that have nothing to do with the job you’re include IQ, personality, and other technical skills. BEIJING: China’s consumer inflation rate crept high- Overcapacity in manufacturing has been a major to cancel the mechanism after it halted trading applying for. In fact, according to the Bayt.com Bayt.com is the #1 job site in the Middle East er in December, official data showed Saturday, as the drag on China’s growth and the protracted declines twice last week. “The international and domestic ‘Modern Job Search in the Middle East’ poll, with more than 40,000 employers and over world’s second-largest economy struggles with in PPI bode ill for industrial prospects. Beijing is financial situation remains complicated and severe”, October 2013, 43% of employers prefer a short 23,000,000 registered job seekers from across the slower growth.The consumer price index (CPI) - a seeking to transition the country’s growth model the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said in a state- and concise CV that is no longer than one page. Middle East, North Africa and the globe, represent- main gauge of inflation-rose 1.6 percent last month away from reliance on exports and fixed-asset ment on its website. The bank will carry out “prudent If your job responsibilities within a specific posi- ing all industries, nationalities and career levels. from a year ago, the National Bureau of Statistics investment towards a consumer-driven economy, monetary policy” and work to ensure “reasonably tion include many different tasks, just focus on Post a job or find jobs on www.bayt.com today (NBS) said in a statement, in line with the median but the reform is proving bumpy. Growth hit a 24- abundant liquidity” in the banking system this year the ones related to marketing or to the job at and access the leading resource for job seekers and forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists. It year low of 7.3 percent in 2014 and President Xi it said. The statement came amid worries over slow- hand. employers in the region. edged up from November’s 1.5 percent, and came in Jinping said late last year that annual expansion of ing growth in the world’s second-largest economy at 1.4 percent over the course of the year, well below only 6.5 percent would be enough to meet the gov- and biggest trader in goods, which have roiled the government’s target of “around three percent”. ernment’s goals, the clearest signal yet Beijing will investors worldwide, and with pressure on its cur- Food prices, however, rose at a faster pace, increas- lower its growth targets for the coming years. rency from capital outflows. ing 2.3 percent in 2015 with particularly steep rises On Thursday, authorities lowered the yuan’s cen- in pork prices. ‘Prudent’ monetary policy tral rate against the US dollar by 0.51 percent to Moderate inflation can be a boon to consump- Meanwhile, China’s central bank pledged to carry 6.5646, the lowest since March 2011. It was the tion as it pushes buyers to act before prices go up, out “prudent” monetary policy Friday as the coun- biggest drop since August when Beijing guided the while falling prices encourage shoppers to delay try’s fumbling attempts to control its currency and unit down by nearly five percent in a week in a sur- purchases and companies to put off investment, stock market rattled investors worldwide. prise devaluation. China limits the yuan to rising or both of which can hurt growth. China is crucial to Policymakers adjusted the currency to a near five falling two percent on either side of the reference the global economy and concerns over slowing year low earlier in the week. The move may have rate, set by the PBoC. Authorities set the central rate growth and Beijing’s management of the economy exacerbated volatility in the country’s stock markets, for the yuan currency marginally higher against the sent jitters through stock markets around the world which dropped precipitously over concern Beijing greenback on Friday, ending eight days of falls. A this week. The producer price index (PPI), which would loosen restrictions on the sale of company’s lower currency should make Chinese exports cheap- measures prices of goods at the factory gate, fell 5.9 equities by major shareholders. er on world markets-a challenge for overseas com- percent year-on-year in December, unchanged from A circuit breaker intended to control stock mar- petitors-but at the cost of its imports becoming November and its 46th consecutive monthly fall. ket volatility added to the chaos, causing regulators more expensive in yuan terms. — Agencies Kuwait’s government spending

SAN FRANCISCO: Emmanuel Macron, economy minister of France (left) hugs Segolene Royal, France Minister of Ecology Sustainable Development and Energy in line with budget projections during a speech in San Francisco, Friday, Jan 8, 2016. Macron met with Silicon Valley titans as part of his effort to attract technology investment to France. — AP KUWAIT: The interim public finance figures for the France’s Economic Minister’s first eight months of fiscal year 2015/16 (FY15/16) NBK ECONOMIC UPDATE point to a decline in government spending, as the priority is private investment price of oil fell to a seven-year low. However, decline incurrent spending was driven mainly by despite the decline in overall spending, wages & the ‘miscellaneous expenditures & transfers’ chap- salaries and capital spending still rose. The latter ter, which includes military salaries and transfers to France’s economy minister government approved an economic reform bill SAN FRANCISCO: continued to reflect an accelerated pace of project PIFSS. Wages & salaries stood at KD 2.4 billion fytd, wants global investors to know that the country championed by Macron. Among other things, execution. Meanwhile, nonoil revenues remained up 9% y/y. Miscellaneous expenditures & transfers known for handcrafted cheeses, wine and luxury the law allows stores to open 12 times a year on well below their 5—year average. The government came in at KD 3.1billion fytd, down28% year-on- apparel- all of which take time to make - is ready Sunday instead of five and lets stores expand recorded a preliminary deficit of KD 1.9 billion dur- year (y/y),mainly due to a significant drop in sup- to speed up in order to embrace technology’s evening hours. France’s 35-hour workweek law ing the period before the transfer to the Reserve port to refined products and LNG. Goods & servic- startup culture. Socialist Emmanuel Macron told was unaffected. But he said Friday that French Fund for Future Generations (RFFG).We estimate es (Chapter 2) stood at KD 0.4billion fytd, down The Associated Press in an interview on Friday workers shouldn’t worry that the country will FY15/16 will close with a deficit of KD 3.9 billion or by72% y/y as spending on fuel for electricity and that his top priority in 2016 is to attract private turn into the United States, overnight or ever. 9.8% of GDP. water (MEW) declined by 88% y/y. investment to the country’s fledgling yet growing France is not the United States, nor does it want As of November, reported government spend- Capital spending rose by 11% y/y to KD 0.8bil- tech industry. To do so, he’s emphasizing to to be, he said. “At the same time, what we have to ing stood at KD 6.6billion fiscal-year-to-date (fytd); lion fytd. Capital spending is currently at34% of the investors and technology executives in the do in France is to adapt the country to globaliza- this figure was 22% lower than during the same full-year budget, compared to the five-year aver- United States that his country has relaxed some tion and we have to accelerate, because every- during the first eight months of FY15/16 and $38.2 period last year. However, at 35% of the FY15/16 age of 28%.This reflects the government’s commit- of its famously stringent workplace protections thing is about speed,” Macron said. Macron has in November. Oil prices are likely to remain sub- budget, the spending rate is slightly lower than the ment to the strategic projects of the development and will do more so that companies can restruc- spent the past two days at the annual gadget dued for the remaining months of the fiscal year; five-year November average of 37%.Actual spend- plan. Spending on projects, maintenance & land ture or lay off workers in order to be more nimble extravaganza known as the Consumer still, we expect oil revenues to reach KD 12.9 billion ing was even higher at KD 11.2 billion according to purchases(chapter 4) reached KD 740 million, up and competitive. “We have to provide more visi- Electronics Show in Las Vegas. He noted there by the end of the fiscal year, surpassing the gov- new data being published by the Ministry of by8.5% y/y. The Ministry of Electricity and Water bility, more certainty to the investors and reduce were nearly 200 French startups at the show, the ernment’s official projections by 20%. Finance on actual withdrawals made from the gov- (MEW) and Ministry of Public Works recorded the the cost of failure,” he said, speaking before a most of any European country, he said. He said Non-oil revenues were also weaker mainly ernment accounts at the Central Bank of Kuwait. highest ratios of spending to budget in Chapter 4, reception at the French Consul General’s home France creates about 1,500 startup companies due to the postponement of payments from the This accounting difference is related to delays in at 41% and 48%, respectively. near San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. each year, many in health care, energy and mobil- UN Compensation Commission (UNCC).Because reporting expenditures by some ministries. Also, Total government revenues were KD 10.4 billion Macron, 38, is an unabashed admirer of tech ity. On his lapel, he wore a small red rooster pin, of that, nonoil revenues were down32%.The the government has payments due of KD 1.14 bil- in the eight months, down 45% y/y. Both oil and innovation and competitiveness, making him a the official symbol of “La French Tech.” He met UNCC still owes Kuwait KD 1.4 billion, but pay- lion to the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) non-oil revenues witnessed significant declines, controversial figure within a party where oppo- with entrepreneurs and investors in Silicon Valley ments have been postponed until early 2017. and the Public Institute for Social Security (PIFSS). recording drops of 46% and 32% y/y, respectively. nents fear he is pushing the country toward an and San Francisco on Friday and has scheduled During FY14/2015, Kuwait received KD 1.1 billion Current spending, the bulk of total spending, Oil revenues remain low as oil prices fell to a seven- American style model that doesn’t do enough to more meetings for Saturday, before heading in UNCC payments; the latest payment was in came in at KD 5.8 billion fytd, down 25% y/y. The year low and below last year’s average. The Kuwait protect workers. In July, for example, the French home. — AP export crude (KEC) price averaged $50per barrel March 2015. SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 BUSINESS

Amazing offers on the Cadillac ATS, SRX and Escalade

KUWAIT: New years come and go, but control commands and functions. The in the segment-less than 1,542 kg-the buyers in the region, and now Cadillac 18-way power front seats are standard, luxury is timeless. Yusuf A Alghanim & screen seamlessly integrated into the top ATS’s driving dynamics are rooted in mass has elevated its line even further to with a massage function on the driver’s Sons Automotive, the sole distributor of of the central instrument panel, and a efficiency, which helps make it Cadillac’s please customers that aspire for the seat. A pair of seven-inch LCD screens, Cadillac vehicles in Kuwait, is proud to motorized fully capacitive faceplate at lightest and most agile sedan. Cadillac finest and appreciate luxury craftsman- embedded in the back of the front seat celebrate the new year of 2016 with its the bottom conceals a large storage area. proprietary computational fluid dynamics ship in its details. The Escalade headrests, supplement the overhead 9- customers by offering them spectacular (CFD) analysis techniques were used to Platinum encapsulates the pinnacle of inch screen, while a cooled center con- promotions on its award winning luxury Cadillac SRX: A Commanding Presence develop an all-new combustion system Cadillac luxury with the most premium sole compartment keeps beverages vehicles. The January-only offer presents The 2016 SRX’s design is classic with a higher compression ratio, which materials. The first- and second-row chilled. Platinum Collection models unsurpassable value on the ultimate Cadillac, with luxury that touches every also helps boost efficiency. The award- seats are wrapped in Soft Nappa also include premium floor mats and sport car, Cadillac ATS, the all-new luxury corner of the vehicle, from the high per- winning 3.6L V-6 collection is rated at 321 leather, while the dashboard, upper Platinum-branded doorsill plates. crossover, Cadillac SRX and the premium formance powertrain and technology The exterior of the Escalade Cadillac Escalade, with prices starting at drenched dashboard to the exclusive Platinum models are distinguished by KD 9,999, KD 12,999, and KD 25,995, comfort and convenience features 22-inch wheels with chrome accents, respectively. designed to surpass expectations. In Platinum exterior badging, and a Combining bold looks with unstop- addition to its roomy interior with seat- unique grille mesh design adorned by pable performance, customers will enjoy ing for five and a large cargo area, the the new, streamlined Cadillac Crest. the cars’ athletic exterior and airy cabin, new SRX is also beautifully sculpted; its Mechanically, the Escalade Platinum whose interior design combines thought- exterior design is distinguished by strik- introduces new technical upgrades that ful technology and cut-and-sewn details ing angles and refined detail while its sig- will become standard on the entire made by a professional team of designers nature shield grille offers expressive Escalade range. Such as the new 8- and engineers, all in all making their New depth and refinement. speed automatic transmission and a Year purchase that more memorable and Performance is integral in the SRX, two-speed transfer case [standard on luxurious. which is powered by a 3.6L direct-inject- four-wheel drive models]. A new This unique promotion is a testament ed V-6 engine rated at a SAE-certified 308 Surround View camera system helps to Cadillac Alghanim’s ongoing commit- horsepower (230 kW) and 359 Nm of driving ease and increases visibility ment to provide its customers with fan- torque. Lightweight features help reduce during maneuvering, and a now open tastic offers and the opportunity to own overall weight for greater efficiency and a and closing hands-free capability to the a luxurious car equipped with high-tech more favorable front-to-rear weight bal- existing electronic lift gate enhances features and safety standards. Also true ance. Examples include a composite convenience. to its commitment are Cadillac intake manifold that saves approximately Alghanim’s award-winning service center 2.5 kg over the weight of a comparable Premium Care Program and after sales benefits that cumulatively aluminum intake and an integrated cylin- Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons offer customers competitive value and der head/exhaust manifold design that Automotive showcases the company’s exceptional services. The company saves approximately 6 kg per engine. All- commitment to enhance customers’ invites luxury fans not to pass up this lim- wheel drive offered on all models. unique Cadillac experience by offering ited time offer and to test-drive the cars Radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control customers peace of mind with a com- of their dreams at any of its showrooms. and Automatic Front and Rear Braking prehensive insurance program. In addi- are also available on the SRX. Front and tion, all Cadillac owners will enjoy serv- Road Technology for Life Rear Automatic Braking relies on short- ice and maintenance for four years or All Cadillac cars are enhanced with range radar technology and ultrasonic 100,000 km, warranty for 4 years or Cadillac User Experience (CUE), a com- sensors to help the driver prevent front 100,000 km, 24-hour roadside assis- prehensive in-vehicle experience that and rear low-speed collisions via a pro- tance anywhere in the Middle East for merges intuitive design with auto indus- gression of alerts that extend to com- four years (unlimited miles) plus a cour- try-first controls while providing connec- plete braking, if necessary. Additional tesy transportation and a replacement tivity, control and convenience to the advanced safety features offered on the vehicle upon availability. Adding to the driver and passengers alike. It pairs enter- SRX’s Driver Awareness and Driver Assist luxury experience, Cadillac offers its tainment and information data from up packages horsepower and 373 Nm of torque, and door panels and center console are customers in Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, comes equipped with Magnetic Ride clad in hand-stitched and hand- the highest quality of services. The USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a Cadillac ATS: Leaves an Control, Brembo(r) Brakes and Cadillac’s wrapped leather. Customers can service center is equipped with a large vehicle infotainment system. Impressive Trail advanced crash-avoidance systems that choose between two distinct interior variety of the most advanced equip- A setup that will reduce complexity The Cadillac ATS compact luxury can pre-fill and automatically apply brak- environments, each paired with suede ment operated by a team of skilled pro- and confusion through natural voice sports sedan challenges the world’s best ing in response to potential hazards. microfiber headliner trim and unique fessionals and effective consultants commands, customized information, and premium cars with an acclaimed balance exotic wood accents. who ensure timely service. fewer buttons and larger icons. CUE is of performance and refinement, effective- Benchmark of Luxurious The Escalade Platinum Collection Visit Cadillac’s showroom in Safat operated from a vibrant 8-inch LCD touch ly wrapped in a progressive expression of Craftsmanship has an interior crafted to provide its Alghanim in Alrai today and do not screen that resembles a smart phone’s Cadillac’s Art & Science design philoso- To date, the new Escalade has res- passengers with unsurpassed comfort pass up this opportunity to take advan- screen by using large easy to see icons to phy. With one of the lowest curb weights onated strongly among luxury SUV and convenience. Heated and cooled tage of this January-only offer. FCW outlines investment & business opportunities

KUWAIT: Falconcity of Wonders LLC, the We intend to work more closely with the developers of the multipurpose mega proj- investors in Hong Kong and to strengthen ect ‘Falconcity of Wonders’ (FCW) being our communication channels by matching built in Dubai, recently hosted a delegation FCW’s offerings with the specific needs of of media representatives from Hong Kong their market, which represents one of the to outline the business and investment promising real estate audiences in the opportunities of FCW. The visit provided world today.” valuable insights into FCW’s progress, Interest in Dubai among leading regional and global investment potentials, investors from Hong Kong and China and its important role in reinforcing Dubai’s keeps on rising, a trend which FCW aims to role as a global real estate hub. leverage through strategic initiatives such The guests were given an extensive tour as its active participation in the Hong Kong of FCW’s various phases and key compo- edition of the Dubai Property Show set to nents. Alharith bin Salem Almoosa, Vice be held this January. The visit forms part of Chairman & Deputy General Manager of a series of initiatives to heighten FCW’s FCW LLC, met with the delegates and global visibility to investors. explained how the project’s various com- Covering more than 41 million square ponents complement and highlight the feet, FCW has been attracting international development’s unique ‘Wonders of the interest to its ‘World in a City’ concept World’ concept by presenting a full-scale complemented by various residential, model. He also emphasized key points tourist, entertainment and recreational related to FCW’s emergence as one of the elements that collectively form the shape most prominent and worthwhile real of a falcon in tribute of the UAE’s national estate projects in Dubai. emblem, culture and heritage. The mega Alharith bin Salem Almoosa said: “This development features the Leaning Tower visit was an excellent opportunity for us to of Dubai, Taj Arabia, the Dubai Hanging explain the major significance of our proj- Gardens of Babylon, Dueiffel Tower and ect for the real estate landscape of Dubai Dubai Great Wall, among other renowned and the region to members of the press. wonders. Gulf Bank announces winners in its ‘Mega Trio Draw Event’ Ramadan Ali Hassan Abdullah Al-Sharah wins KD 1 Million

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced would like to congratulate Ramadan SRX winner), Mehsenah Mohammed Those who already have an account the winners from its successful 3 in 1 Ali Hassan Abdullah Al-Sharah (1 Salem Al-Marri (1500 KD winner), can increase their chances of win- yearly draw event that took place Million Kuwaiti Dinars), Hassan Murooj Nadem Nahi (1000 KD win- ning by increasing their deposits. Thursday, 7 January 2016, in the Mohammed Hassan Al-Ansari ner), Ghzlaan Thaher Mohammad Al- This will also increase their chances Avenues Mall. 3 Draws took place at (KD250,000 winner) and Fadel Dhfeeri (800 KD winner), Yasmeen of winning one of the two KD1,000 the same time and location. The Al Hashem Ali Ashkanani (KD50,000 Abdulrahman Mohammed Al- prizes, which are drawn each work- Danah draw was held for cash prizes winner) winners of the Al Danah Bassam (600 KD winner), Abdullah ing day. of 1 Million Kuwaiti Dinars, KD draws. Sameer Abdullah Al-Adeelah (400 KD For further information about the 250,000 and KD 50,000, while the In addition Gulf Bank would like to winner), and Mashael Theeb Hathal Al Danah, Salary and Red accounts Salary & Red Account draws includ- congratulate the Bank’s Salary and Al-Otaibi (200 KD winner). and prize draws, visit one of Gulf ed a brand new Cadillac SRX, two Red account draw winners, which To participate in the Al Danah Bank’s 56 branches, or call Gulf draws for KD 25,000 each and cash included the following; Zainab Abbas draws, customers must have an Al Bank’s Customer Contact Center on prizes up to KD1500. The draw event Abdulaziz Abdullah (25,000 KD) and Danah account containing at least 1805805. General information about was held in the presence of a repre- Ahmed Ali Abduljabbar Al-Khashti KD 200. Customers can open a new Gulf Bank’s products and services, sentative from the Ministry of (25,000 KD) in the annual Salary draw, Al Danah account at any one of the can also be found at the Bank’s web- Commerce and Industry. Gulf Bank Sarah Ali Mahmoud Yaseen (Cadillac 56 Gulf Bank branches in Kuwait. site at www.e-gulfbank.com technology SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 Holiday shopping online spurred by mobile sales

NEW YORK: It was the year smart- comfortable with shopping on Gian Fulgoni. percent to $56.43 billion, short of ing.Mobile commerce accounted phones saved Santa. As expected, smartphones as screen sizes get Total online spending during comScore’s expectations of an 8 for 18 percent of total online numbers out Friday from research larger and shopping apps get bet- November and December rose 13 percent rise to $58.3 billion. spending, up from 13 percent last firm comScore confirmed mobile ter. percent to $69.08 billion from But mobile commerce helped year. shopping, which includes smart- “I believe that we’ve seen a para- $61.29 billion last year, slightly make up some of that shortfall. Cyber Monday, Nov. 30, was phones and tablets, jumped in digm shift in 2016 where the future short of the 14 percent rise Shopping on smartphones and once again the top spending day of November and December, spurring of retail will increasingly be defined comScore, based in Reston, Va., was tablets jumped 59 percent to the year with more than $2 billion on holiday retail sales this year. by consumers’ behavior on mobile,” expecting. $12.65 billion, well above the 47 in desktop buying for the second Online shoppers are increasingly said comScore chairman emeritus Spending on desktops rose 6 percent rise comScore was expect- year in a row. — AP

Does your battery life stink? Try high-tech workarounds

LAS VEGAS: It’s enough to make you want to of battery life, for a total of up to 13 hours, drop everything and race for the nearest thanks in part to Intel’s new chip. Among power outlet: Your workday isn’t even done, other tricks, the PC doesn’t refresh the screen and your smartphone or laptop battery is as often if the image isn’t moving. “If we can already in the red zone. solve a bunch of small problems, they can If you’re hoping that techno-progress will add up,” HP vice president Mike Nash said. dispel that depleted feeling, you may be in for Similarly, Lenovo’s new ThinkPad X1 Yoga a long wait. Battery life is constrained by limi- tablet turns off its touch screen and key- tations in chemistry, and improvements aren’t board backlight if it senses its owner is walk- keeping pace with demands from modern ing and has the screen folded back like an gadgets. open book. Vaio, the computer maker for- We’re still dependent on the venerable merly owned by Sony, says its Z Canvas lithium-ion cell, first commercialized by Sony launched in the U.S. in October benefits from in 1991; it’s light, safe and holds a lot of shrinking components and efficiently distrib- charge relative to most alternatives, but it uting heat to make more room for a bigger isn’t getting better fast enough to keep up battery. with our growing electronic demands. And Dell says it has worked with manu- So instead, manufacturers are doing their facturers to squeeze more battery capacity best to “cheat” their way around lithium-ion’s into the same space. It says its efforts recent- limitations. The CES gadget show in Las Vegas ly boosted the energy storage of its XPS 13 this week featured plenty of workarounds laptop by 7.7 percent compared to an earlier that aim to keep your screen lit longer. version of the same model . Proceed with caution, though: Manufacturer claims of battery life improve- NEW CHARGERS ment can fall short of real-world experience. Maybe it’s your phone that’s not keeping up. If so, you might check out new acces- NEW CHIPS sories designed to make it easier and faster Not that long ago, computer-chip makers to charge back up. LAS VEGAS: Newly unveiled Haier Ubot household robots are shown in a kitchen display at the CES 2016 Consumer Electronics Show yesterday competed to make their chips ever faster and Kickstarter-funded Ampy uses your in Las Vegas, Nevada. — AFP more capable, with power consumption a body’s kinetic energy to charge up a pager- secondary consideration. But the boom in sized device. Strap it to your arm or a belt energy hungry smartphones and laptops and it can recharge a smartphone in real From the high-flying to the means that companies like Intel need to put time; an hour of jogging or similar exercise much more emphasis on power efficiency yields about an hour of use. You could also these days. just throw it in your bag and get the same practical: CES 2016 in brief Intel says its sixth-generation Core chips, extra hour of gadget life after a week of walk- known as Skylake, add a little more than an ing around - not an awesome trade off, hour to battery life to laptops compared with maybe, but possibly better than nothing. LAS VEGAS: This year’s CES gadget show, like ones cost of outfitting autos with the technology to high-powered computer necessary to make it work. the previous generation, according to The wireless-charging technology Qi before it, showed off a mix of the dreamy and the around $1,000 per car from about $70,000. Facebook-owned Oculus began taking orders spokesman Scott Massey. The chips utilize a makes it possible to charge a phone without practical in technology. Gadget prototypes promised Israeli company Mobileye and German company Wednesday for delivery starting at the end of March. more compact design, hard-wired functions plugging it in. Instead, you lay it down on a us fully autonomous vehicles carrying commuters on Here announced plans to start making super- that used to be run via software and fine- special pad and let electromagnetic field the streets and in the sky, while gizmos went on sale detailed road maps based on cameras and sensors SMART HOME tuning how they ramp power use up and coupling do the work. Wireless charging has that aimed to solve daily problems like restocking that exist in cars today. Those maps will help More intelligent home appliances that can tell down. always been much slower than wired, your fridge. autonomous vehicles navigate in poor weather. people how well they’re sleeping, order more dish- although Qi’s backers say it’s speeding up. Here’s a quick summary of the highlights of CES Owned by Audi, BMW and Mercedes, Here said it washer detergent and know how much ketchup is BETTER-DESIGNED LAPTOPS But wired charging is getting faster, too, at 2016: plans to have detailed maps of the highway net- likely left in the bottle were among the gadgets on Laptop manufacturers are smartly sipping least for phones with the latest hardware- works in North America and Western Europe by display at CES. power, too. and with Qi, you still have to line up your DRONES 2018. Segway, the maker of the two-wheel transporters HP says the Spectre x360 notebook it device just right on the sometimes fussy Drones might no longer be just a toy for hobby- popular with city tour guide companies, hopes that introduced in March gains up to 72 minutes pads. — AP ists or weapons for the military. Chinese drone maker VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY by next year people might add a personal robot to Ehang Inc. unveiled what it called the world’s first Some companies showed off technology that their homes to carry the groceries home. drone capable of carrying a human passenger, a combined augmented reality - which superimposes That’s if the milk, butter and bread weren’t four-armed quadcopter with eight propellers that it digital images and text on the real world - and virtual already ordered and delivered with a touch of a but- said has been on more than 100 test flights, includ- reality - which blocks out the real world in a com- ton on a fridge door, a technology unveiled by ing some with a human passenger. pletely immersive environment using a headset and Samsung and Mastercard. The idea is to set a course and then sit back for headphones. about a 20-minute ride - assuming, of course, that HTC says it’s launching the latest version of its KIDS regulators approve, which will probably be a long Vive headset with a front-facing camera that allows Companies are hoping new parents in the not-so haul itself. users to do real-life things like take a drink or sit distant future won’t just want to share photos of Companies are making drones smaller and down without taking it off. A startup called uSens their new arrival with Grandma. They might also smarter than ever for that high-tech selfie. Many can showed off a prototype headset attached to a want to presage that with a clip of the baby’s heart- hover and shoot up to 4K video, and several compa- Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone that had forward- beat, while still in the womb. nies are working toward including a “follow me” facing infrared and optical cameras so wearers could Familial bonding now comes with plenty of function that would let drones fly along above or use their hands to manipulate virtual objects. Bluetooth. The newest baby monitors on display this behind you, shooting video all the way. Some such Google and Lenovo announced a consumer week come equipped with smile detection, in the drones are so small they fall under the minimum mobile device would go on sale this summer that case of Motorola, or senses and records the baby’s weight requiring registration by the Federal Aviation incorporates technology from its depth-sensing breathing with First Alert’s One Link system. Administration. Project Tango robotic sight technology. That could Most if not all are sold as consumer devices, steer- make it easy to do things like get turn-by-turn direc- ing clear of any medical claims requiring FDA CONNECTED CARS tions indoors or measure dimensions in a room just approval. That includes a $250 sock equipped with a Automakers and parts suppliers took further by using the device’s cameras. pulse oximetry device from Owlet. It can keep tabs steps to make autonomous driving a reality. But the biggest news was the sticker-shock of on the child’s breathing and heartbeat with the aim Quanergy, for instance, announced a low-cost ver- Oculus’ consumer version of its Rift headset, which of alerting parents via their smart phones if either LAS VEGAS: The Sol Bag solar power charger and handbag is on display at the sion of laser-based sensors called Lidar that cuts the the company priced at $599 - or $1,499 with the seems irregular. — AP Samsung booth during CES International, Friday, in Las Vegas. — AP Tech tethers dog lovers remotely to their pets Self-cleaning toilet

LAS VEGAS: Gadgets galore are letting devices powered by Apple or Android dog lovers stay connected to their pets software come free with the $95 makes splash in Vegas even when they can’t take canine com- Wonderwoof bow tie. panions with them on the go. The apps let users see if other A sea of innovations on display at the Wonderwoof-wearing dogs are out and LAS VEGAS: The demo high-tech toilets from Las Vegas. “intelligent” washlet system can be good for famously people-centric Consumer about. Wondermento plans to add fea- Japan are unabashedly right in the middle of While the toilets are not functioning ones, the environment and improve people’s experi- Electronics Show on Friday included a tures allowing those owners to connect the floor at the Consumer Electronics Show in manufacturer Toto is keen to show how its ence in the bathroom. How smart is the toilet? wave of technology aimed at those who with each other while out. “You walk up to it and it opens up, and consider pets cherished family members. “We are trying to accentuate the social when you leave it closes and flushes automati- “Everybody loves their pets,” said Mike element of walking your dog,” Morsman cally,” Toto spokeswoman Lenora Campos said. Jander of Trackimo, one of several com- told AFP. It also eliminates the need for toilet paper. panies showing off tracking devices that “Wonderwoof is also very much a talk- “It scans and delivers warm aerated water” can be affixed to collars and reveal where ing point; people stop you to ask what it to the user, she said. “It washes and then dries animals run off to. is.” you. We can be clean without paper products.” A Trackimo clip-on device, which was Wondermento describes the doggy After usage, the toilet cleans and sanitizes on display at CES, can send an alert to an device as a “fashion-forward brand with itself with electrolyzed water. And because of owner’s smartphone if a dog ventures a fun social element.” its coating of titanium dioxide and zirconium, past a geo-fence-a designated virtual The company is working on an nothing sticks to the bowl. barrier-and then track the pet’s where- enhanced indoor version that will use That means it can go for a year without abouts by satellite, according to Jander. location sensing to let people know if cleaning, avoiding the use of environmentally pets are pining at a door or making harmful chemicals, Toto says. None of this is ‘FITBIT FOR DOGS’ unusually frequent trips to water bowls. new to many Japanese or visitors to the coun- Wondermento, which has offices in The company is also developing an try-Campos said about 70 percent of Japanese the US and Britain, showed off a bow-tie- activity tracker for cats. homes use this kind of washlet system, but shaped plastic activity tracker-the that the idea is gaining ground in other coun- Wonderwoof-that chief technology offi- ‘MASSIVE MARKET’ tries. Toto has been selling the Neorest model cer Joe Morsman described as “a Fitbit for “There is a huge interest in pet wear- in the US and Europe and at in Las Vegas intro- dogs.” ables,” Morsman told AFP. duced a newer version-a wall-hung toilet “There are other pet trackers out “It is a massive market.” which takes up less space with its tank and there, but this is purely about the health,” People don’t want to feel they are drain in the wall, and is even more water-effi- Morsman said of Wonderwoof. abandoning their dogs while off at work, cient. This new model is being introduced in “This is a fun, social way to exercise he said, and technology is letting them Europe this year with plans for the US market your dog.” stay virtually tethered. in 2017. He recounted leaving his dog at a ken- A Petcube camera that links to wire- One thing that may be hard to digest for nel that promised four long walks daily, less internet in homes lets people not users is the price: a list price of $10,000 for the only to be shown by the device that the only look in on pets but play with them LAS VEGAS: The demo Toto toilet is seen on January 8, 2016 at the Consumer Electronics Show original Neorest, and possibly more for the pet got only two brief outings a day. remotely. Owners can use a smartphone in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 8, 2016. The demo high-tech toilets from Japanese manufac- new model. Toto USA president William Strang “We now do home stays with other app to make a point of laser light appear turer Toto are unabashedly right in the middle of the floor at the Consumer Electronics Show said its customers are the best promoters of dog owners,” Morsman said. and flit about in the house while a cat or in Las Vegas. While the toilets are not a functioning ones, the company is keen to show how its the intelligent toilet. Applications tailored for mobile dog pursues it. — AFP “intelligent” washlet system can be good for the environment and improve people’s experi- “Once they test-drive this, they don’t want ence in the bathroom. — AFP to go back,” he said. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE UK health officials claim alcohol linked to cancer

LONDON: British health officials say drink- than non-drinkers. Here are questions and she knew she was pregnant or during preg- days a week. It warns that the risk of cancers What’s the view down at the pub? ing alcohol regularly increases the risk of answers about the British guidelines and nancy.” In the US, the Centers for Disease of the mouth, throat and breast increases “This won’t change a thing,” said David cancer. And they’ve issued tough new their likely effect: Control and Prevention says there is no with any amount drunk on a more regular Evans, an engineer enjoying a pint at a guidelines that could prove hard to swallow known safe level of alcohol consumption for basis. “This is not a crackdown on alcohol,” north London pub. He said he regularly in a nation where having a pint is a hal- What’s new? women who are trying to get pregnant or said Dr. Niamh Fitzgerald, a lecturer in alco- exceeds the new limit of about six pints of lowed tradition. For women, the guidelines remain already in pregnancy. hol studies at the University of Stirling, who beer a week in a single day and has no Britain’s chief medical officer says in rec- unchanged, recommending no more than was not involved in drafting the govern- intention of changing his drinking habits. “A ommendations published Friday that men 14 units a week. Men, however, had previ- Will Britons go teetotal? ment guidelines. “It is about supporting lot of people will let their own body tell and women should not drink more than 14 ously been told they could drink up to 21 Almost certainly not in a nation known people to make up their own minds.” them what’s right and what’s wrong,” he units of alcohol - about six pints of beer or units a week. That now drops to the same for its ales and its pubs. Lax control of retail said. UK Independence Party leader Nigel four large glasses of wine - per week, and limit as for women. The original guidance sales and cheap alcohol has fueled a rise in What about the benefits of alcohol? Farage said the advice was “over the top” consuming below that amount still carries a was published in 1995, before many links binge-drinking, which Prime Minister David While some studies suggest that drink- and called for a mass protest against such low risk of liver disease or cancer. between alcohol and cancer were detected. Cameron once declared a national scandal. ing moderate levels of red wine is good for “nannying.” “We all know there is a big prob- Alcohol is a known carcinogen. In the Friday’s updated guidance clarifies Even the new guidance acknowledges that the heart, British officials say that applies lem with excessive alcohol consumption in United States, experts estimate about 3.5 advice to pregnant women, recommending people are unlikely to give up drinking and only to women over the age of 55, particu- this country,” he told LBC radio. “But frankly, percent of all cancer deaths are alcohol- they avoid alcohol “as a precaution.” The rec- does not call for abstinence. larly those who drink no more than about if we choose to enjoy a few drinks four or related. People who have more than about ommendations say “the risk of harm to the To help Britons avoid binge drinking, the two glasses a week. The British report said it five nights a week after a hard day at work, four drinks daily run up to triple the risk of baby is likely to be low if a woman has government recommends that people “concluded that there is no justification for whether it slightly shortens our lives or not, contracting cancers of the head and neck drunk only small amounts of alcohol before spread their drinking over at least three drinking for health reasons.” so what?” — AP New wave in tech: Hacking the brain

LAS VEGAS: The next frontier for the tech sector things,” said Looxid chief business officer Alex is the human brain. A new breed of neuro-hacker Chang. is finding ways to capture and manipulate brain- With the headset attached to a computer, waves to improve health, with potential to help “you can roll your eyes to scroll the mouse, and the severely handicapped. A number of the click on a button by blinking,” Chang said. The innovations were on display at the Consumer headset is being launched in July as a developer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where computer kit, with scope to build applications for control- scientists and biomedical experts showcased ling physical or virtual objects, communicating, ways to tap into and use brain signals. analyzing a user’s mood or mental health, or ver- The “mind control” headband unveiled by ifying their identity. “We also see this as having startup BrainCo effectively hacks into brain sig- potential in gaming because you can control nals with a range of possible applications-from things with your eye,” Chang said. “When you helping to improve attention spans, to detecting concentrate you can stop the bullets.” He added disease, controlling smart home appliances or that for neuro-marketing applications, “we can even a prosthetic device. The device “translates show someone an ad and we can see where the your brainwaves into electronic signals,” said the eyes are focused. We can scan emotions and Boston-based firm’s Zenchuan Lei. At CES, understand how someone is responding.” Other BrainCo demonstrated how a person could use exhibitors at CES demonstrated wearable the headband to manipulate a prosthetic hand-a devices that block pain signals to the brain, as an potential life-changer for those paralyzed or alternative to medications with side effects for missing limbs. “These signals can be used to con- people who suffer from debilitating pain. trol objects like a prosthetic hand,” Lei said. “You can turn the lights on or off just by focusing on Meditation aid that.” The device designed by scientists from The neuro-feedback technique is being Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of applied as a meditation aid by Canadian-based Technology employs “neuro feedback,” a means Interaxon and its Muse headband. Muse uses of allowing people to control their brain waves sensors on the forehead and behind the ears to for various purposes. It is expected to be sold lat- measure brain signals, and advise users how to er this year for less than $150. improve their meditation technique. The coach- NEW YORK: In this photo taken Jan 10, 2014, the United States side of Niagara Falls in New York has begun to thaw Lei suggested the device could also help ing app helps people achieve a level of consis- after the recent “polar vortex” that affected millions in the US and Canada. — AP people with attention deficit hyperactivity disor- tency in their meditation efforts. der because “it teaches you to enhance your “It’s like going to the gym. The muscle doesn’t focus and concentration.” A similar project on get stronger unless you do it over and over Winter’s a weird weather display from New York-based OpenBCI (which again. It’s the same with your brain,” said Muse stands for open-source brain-computer inter- marketing manager Tracy Newsom-Rosenthal at face) seeks to create a platform for applications the CES show. One startup at CES was showcas- of the technology in health care, education or ing a technique to deliver pleasure signals to the stage; Here’s the players other fields. OpenBCI uses a 3D-printed helmet brain via music, by triggering the release of neu- which captures brainwaves from various sectors rotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and of the brain. oxytocin. Climatic forces elbow each other for starring roles The hand-held device from Florida-based ‘Neuro-marketing’ potential Nervana allows users to plug in a music player WASHINGTON: Get ready for weather depend on when the wet and warm El player with a big influence over Europe’s so many warm, wet days further south, “This can be used to help people with ALS into the $299 device and get the pleasurable whiplash as powerful climatic forces Nino pushes itself back to prominence, weather. As with its Arctic cousin, the spring flowers popped up and trees (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s dis- signals delivered by its headphones. “We send a elbow each other for starring roles in a Furtado said. “We have all of these large more negative its index, the colder the bloomed in December. “It’s not surpris- ease) or quadriplegics communicate,” said signal into the vagus nerve which produces weird winter show. The spine-chilling and unusual events happening all at the continent becomes. The jet streams also ing we were 70 degrees on Christmas OpenBCI chief executive Conor Russomanno. dopamine, and that relaxes you,” CEO Ami polar vortex is taking center stage in same time and I don’t think it has ever are important to watch. These rivers of Day,” said Mike Halpert of the National The technology also offers a potential for so- Brannon told AFP on the show floor. “Some Europe and bringing persistent cold to happened before,” said Rutgers air heavily influence local weather every- Oceanic and Atmospheric called “neuro-marketing” which tests new prod- people describe the sensation as euphoric.” But much of North America - except in University climate scientist Jennifer where, carrying storms and clearing Administration’s Climate Prediction ucts and services on the basis of sensory and Brannon said the technique “is not really hack- Hollywood, where soggy El Nino won’t Francis. For a winter this dramatic, it may skies around the planet. Usually in the Center in Park, Maryland. El Nino cognitive response. South Korean startup Looxid ing the brain.” “We access the central nervous give up the spotlight. After El Nino deliv- help to consult the program: winter, the jet stream that affects most often spawns winter tornadoes in the Labs unveiled a headset that tracks both brain- system and it just tickles the nerve to remind ered a balmy Christmas Eve to the east- people in the United States and Europe southern US and they appeared on cue, waves and eye movements, claiming this pro- the brain to release dopamine,” she said. ern US and shattered national records The cast moves relatively straight from west to killing two dozen people in just four vides more accurate insights into the mind. “No “People who practice yoga or meditation can with a warm, wet and wild December, The star is El Nino, a veteran of this east. But when it weakens, it can plunge days. The heavy rain that flooded the other device that I’m aware of combines these already do this.” — AFP Minnesota may host one of the coldest stage for a few decades now. This natu- south and north and even get stuck at Mississippi River Valley isn’t usually an El NFL playoff games in history today, with ral warming of the central tropical Pacific times, creating odd extremes. Nino signature though, Cohen said. wind chills around 20 below, meteorolo- occurs every two to seven years or so, Another air pattern playing a small gists predict. and changes weather worldwide, espe- but key role is the Madden-Julian Act two “The biggest thing is this whiplash,” cially in the Americas and Asia. It is close- Oscillation, which travels in the warm The switch flipped: The Arctic said University of Oklahoma meteorolo- ly associated with heavy rain in parts of the Indian and Pacific oceans, Oscillation and its North Atlantic sidekick gy professor Jason Furtado. “It’s going to California, and general warming. It has and may have triggered changes that went negative big time. “When it’s a be a shock for people.” The center of the less effect in Europe because that’s fur- “flipped the switch” in December, negative AO, that’s when people start cold blast starts this weekend in the US ther away. With its flipside, La Nina, it is Furtado said. Still other characters may mentioning the words ‘polar vortex’,” in the upper Midwest, and then moves known as the El Nino Southern be a factor in making the jet streams Halpert said. This time, there’s cold air, to the Hudson Bay area next week, while Oscillation, and it lasts about a year. oscillate more wildly: A huge blob of but it’s mostly dry so far, despite El Nino, in Europe it starts in the east and north Playing off against El Nino is the warm water in the northern Pacific, which still spawns a series of rainstorms and then spreads, Furtado said. Europe Arctic Oscillation, and its index measures unusually low sea ice levels in the hitting California. Meteorologists say may have to get used to temperatures differences in atmospheric pressure Arctic’s Barents Kara sea area; a cool wetter weather could bring heavy snow- 20 or so degrees below normal. between the Arctic and mid-latitudes. patch of water off Greenland, likely from storms, but that’s not likely for another “Temperature will be dominated by When the AO is positive in the winter, melting ice sheets and glaciers; winter week or more, although cities along the the impact of the polar vortex,” said polar air stays trapped up north and the storm Frank that hit England; and of Great Lakes may get lake effect snow. So Judah Cohen, seasonal forecast chief for weather is relatively mild further south. course man-made climate change. far the east-moving moisture from El the private Atmospheric and When the AO is negative, the cold Arctic Nino is staying south of the Arctic Environmental Research company out- air escapes and plunges into lower lati- Act one plunge, but that may change. For now, side Boston. It will feel similar to 2013 tudes, treating the United States and This was last month. El Nino the AO is dominating in its fight with El and 2014, he said. Americans became Europe to the polar vortex - a swirling air appeared in classic form, tying 1997- Nino, especially in Europe, Cohen said. painfully familiar with the polar vortex mass that carries spine-chilling tempera- 1998 for the strongest on record. The NFL players and fans will likely brave LAS VEGAS: BrainCo CEO Bicheng Han wears the BrainCo Focus 1 to use bio feed- during those winters. This time, tures. Arctic Oscillation was very positive, trap- temperatures around one below zero in back to try concentrate on manipulate a mechanical hand using his brain during a America’s winter temperatures will The North Atlantic Oscillation is a bit ping cold air in northern latitudes. With Minneapolis. — AP press conference at the CES 2016 Consumer Electronics Show. — AFP Great white shark dies after days in aquarium Telescope protester found not

TOKYO: A great white shark which was just after three days, the facility said yes- ern Japanese island of Okinawa on guilty after trial in Hawaiian captured and exhibited in a Japanese terday. The shark, about 3.5 meters in Tuesday. It was exhibited in the Sea of aquarium, one of only a few such sharks length, was trapped in a fisherman’s net Dangerous Sharks section at Okinawa HONOLULU: A man arrested while blocking telescope 2009-2013, 5.7 percent of the state’s residents spoke to ever be displayed in this way, has died and taken to an aquarium on the south- Churaumi Aquarium, but died on Friday, construction crews on a Hawaii mountain was acquitted Hawaiian at home. Kanuha didn’t present any witnesses or according to the facility. Friday after a trial that was conducted in Hawaiian. evidence in his defense. Instead he gave a speech in The aquarium, popular for its giant Kahookahi Kanuha was among dozens of protesters arrest- Hawaiian describing his reasons for being on the mountain tanks where it exhibits whale sharks, said ed during attempts to resume construction of the Thirty that day in June when construction crews retreated from it is investigating what caused the death Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. One of the reasons pro- the mountain after encountering hundreds of protesters of the fish-of the same species as that testers oppose the $1.4 billion project is that many Native and large boulders blocking the road. featured in Hollywood buster “Jaws”. “It is Hawaiians consider the mountain sacred. “I was there to prevent desecration and it’s a traditional very difficult to keep great white sharks,” Kanuha’s case had been postponed because he insisted and customary practice,” he said, describing his testimony. said Keiichi Sato, an expert in cartilage on defending himself in the language he’s most comfort- “I recited my genealogy...showing that I do have a fish, of the Okinawa Churashima able speaking. The trial went forward Friday with a genealogical connection to these people and that place. Foundation. Hawaiian interpreter. Judge Barbara Takase found him not My ancestors recognized and revered this place as some- Two aquariums in the United States, guilty of obstructing. County prosecutors didn’t immedi- place sacred.” Telescope construction has been on hold including Monterey Bay Aquarium in ately return phone calls seeking comment on the verdict. since April, when protesters- including Kanuha- were California, have had the species in captive The prosecution called two witnesses, a state Department arrested. The state Supreme Court invalidated the project’s for short periods in the past, he said. “It is of Land and Natural Resources official and the officer who permit to build on conservation land, ruling in December rare that the kind of shark is spotted in arrested Kanuha. Because Kanuha didn’t have an attorney that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources should the coastal waters of Okinawa in the first for the case, he cross-examined the witnesses in Hawaiian. not have issued the permit before a hearings officer place, and even if they get caught in fish- The interpreter translated the questions and the witnesses reviewed a petition by a group challenging the project’s ermen’s net they usually die immediately answered in English. Even though Hawaiian is one of the approval. The court sent the matter back for a new contest- because they must keep moving at high state’s official languages, court cases are primarily conduct- ed case hearing. Telescope officials haven’t indicated speed,” Sato said. “We have almost no ed in English, with interpreters provided for those who whether they will pursue a new hearing. Kanuha has a knowledge about (the great white’s) speak other languages. court hearing later this month for his April arrest. He has an nature, so although it died we would like attorney for that case. He said he’ll ask his lawyer to have to share what we learnt from this experi- OKINAWA: This handout picture taken by Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium on ‘Customary practice’ the charge dismissed in light of Friday’s verdict. Two other ence with researchers of the world,” he January 5, 2016 shows a great white shark swimming in a large fish tank of the According to the most recent Census data available for defendants also requested trials in Hawaiian. — AP added. — AFP Okinawa Churaumi Auqarium. — AFP SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Last bid to contact space robot Philae

PARIS: Scientists initiated Friday a last- the odds of reestablishing contact are craft orbiting the comet-will never even tively toward the end of January, when er pack was recharged as 67P drew closer chance maneuver to contact a long-silent diminishing fast as the solar-powered reach Philae. the comet and its companion hardware to the Sun on its elliptical orbit, and Philae robot-lab dropped more than a year ago probe speeds away from the Sun. “The will be some 300 million kilometers from woke up on June 13. After that, it made onto the surface of a comet hurtling last clear sign of life was received from ‘Desperate move’ the Sun. That’s when the temperature is intermittent contact, uploading data, only through our solar system. Part of the Philae on July 9, 2015,” the German Space Several further attempts will be made, likely to fall below minus 51 degrees to fall silent again on July 9. European Space Agency’s Rosetta mis- Agency said in a statement. “Since then it he added. “It’s an admittedly desperate Celsius, the threshold beyond which The ground-breaking mission was sion, the Philae probe has yielded spec- has remained silent.” move,” Philippe Gaudon of the French Philae can no longer operate. conceived to learn more about the origins tacular scientific results-and a few Scientists sent a command to the National Space Agency told AFP. “It is very The robot-probe-packed with nearly a of life on Earth. Comets are pristine left- moments of high drama-since its near fridge-sized robot to spin up its flywheel, unlikely the robot will become functional dozen instruments-landed on 67P after a overs from the Solar System’s formation crash-landing onto comet initially used to stabilize the probe when again.” Mission managers believe that one 10-year, 6.5-billion-kilometre journey pig- some 4.6 billion years ago. Many experts 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in it landed. The hope is that so doing will of the lander’s two radio transmitters, and gybacking on mothership Rosetta. It believe they smashed into our infant November 2014. “shake dust from its solar panels and bet- one of its two receivers, have both failed. bounced several times on the craggy sur- planet, providing it with water and the But it has been six months since mis- ter align it with the Sun”, explained tech- Even the remaining ones may not be fully face before ending up at an angle in deep chemical building blocks for life. Philae sion control engineers at the German nical project manager Koen Geurts. It is functional. shade, where it sent home some 60 hours has found several organic molecules, Aerospace Centre in Darmstadt have also possible, however, that the com- The window of opportunity for mak- of data before going into standby mode including four never before detected on a been in communication with Philae, and mand-routed through the Rosetta space- ing contact with Philae will close defini- on November 15, 2014. The lander’s pow- comet. — AFP

Iceman’s gut microbes shed light on human migration

MIAMI: The gut microbes of the tion, they were intrigued by their Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy analysis of the geographic history of found frozen in a European glacier in the bacterium. 1991, have shed new light on the his- “Surprisingly, a strain of bacterium tory of human migration, scientists in his gut shares ancestry with an said Thursday. Researchers thawed the Asian strain,” said the study in the US mummy of the man, also known as journal Science. “In contrast to the fact Otzi, who was killed by an arrow when that most modern Europeans harbor a he was between 40 and 50 years old strain ancestral to North African and hiking across the Otztal Alps strains.” If the stomach contents of the between modern-day Italy and Iceman are a good reflection of Austria. Europeans 5,300 years ago, the analy- When they tested the contents of sis suggests that African migration his stomach, they found a bacterium had not yet resulted in intermingling called Helicobacter pylori, an age-old with the Asian strain of the bacterium. pathogen that has evolved into differ- “This one genome has put things ent strains according to the region of into wonderful perspective for us,” said the world in which it is found. Yoshan Moodley, a researcher at the About half the people on the plan- University of Venda in South Africa. et harbor the bacterium in their stom- “We can say now that the waves of achs. It can cause ulcers or gastroin- migration that brought these African testinal distress and is typically spread Helicobacter pylori into Europe had among children when they play in the not occurred or at least not occurred dirt. While researchers cannot be sure in earnest by the time the Iceman was if the Iceman was sick due to the infec- around.” — AFP PANORAMA CITY: Cars drive on Woodman Avenue along a culvert where rainwater runoff is directed to a leach field on the side of eth street. — AP photos SpaceX to retry ocean rocket California raining: Finding landing after success on land CAPE CANAVERAL: Technology company, Blue Origin, as well as ways to fight drought entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX industry stalwart United Launch will attempt to land its next Falcon Alliance, a partnership of Lockheed 9 rocket on a barge in the Pacific Martin and Boeing. For now, SAN DIEGO: Much of the torrential rain that normal years and up to 26 billion gallons Resources Defense Council that estimated and renewed interest in developing new Ocean, seeking another milestone SpaceX is concentrating on reusing fell on Southern California this week flowed during wet years. Still, many believe more urban California could capture an additional water sources, like recycling and seawater a month after landing a booster on just the first stage of its Falcon right into the ocean, just like it did before can be done, through projects large and 630,000 acre feet of rain a year, roughly desalination. the ground in a spaceflight first, rockets, which sell for about $61 the state’s epic drought. That seemed like a small. enough for 1.2 million households. “It is California’s rainy season usually runs the company said on Friday. The million, the company’s website good idea for many years, as storm drains untapped, and it has enormous potential.” from January to early March with short but Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a NASA shows. provided a crucial defense against flooding. ‘Enormous potential Southern California imports a lion’s intense storms, creating a limited window. ocean-monitoring satellite, is slat- Of that, only about $200,000 is But with California entering what may be a “This is a source of water that has been share of its water from Northern California Parched Southern California needs the ed to blast off from Vandenberg Air for fuel, Musk said at the American fifth year of drought, water agencies are neglected for far too long,” said Peter Gleick, and the Colorado River, on aqueducts that water most, and has long had reservoirs to Force Base in California on Jan. 17. Geophysical Union conference in slowly moving to capture and store more of president of the Pacific Institute, which stretch hundreds of miles. The drought has capture some of it. But much of the water About two minutes after liftoff, San Francisco last month. “With this precious resource. authored a 2014 report with the Natural slashed water consumption across the state dumped by El Nino’s storms streamed the first stage of the rocket will reusable rockets, we can reduce “That was the 19th, 20th century think- down gutters and curbs through a concrete separate, flip around, fire engines the cost of access to space by ing: ‘Let’s get that water out of here as fast jungle, into drains that go through treat- to slow its fall, deploy landing legs probably two orders of magni- as possible,’” said Deborah Bloome, senior ment plants and finally into the Pacific. and attempt to touchdown on a tude,” or a factor of 100, Musk said director of policy at TreePeople, a nonprofit Los Angeles County captured 3.2 billion floating landing pad in the Pacific at the conference. group that is working to increase rain cap- gallons during this week’s storms as of Ocean. SpaceX has tried ocean SpaceX eventually wants to ture in the Los Angeles area. Now people Thursday afternoon, largely through 27 landings twice without success, return the rocket’s second-stage are more likely to see a rapidly disappearing holding ponds, said Steven Frasher, a but officials are optimistic after the for reuse as well. The rocket slated flood - nearly 3 inches fell on much of spokesman for the public works depart- company last month safely to launch NASA’s Jason-3 satellite is Southern California this week - as a wasted ment. Water from the Los Angeles and San returned a Falcon 9 booster to a an older version of the rocket that opportunity. Gabriel rivers flowed into fields that perco- landing pad at Cape Canaveral Air flew last month and does not have The State Water Resources Control late into aquifers for future pumping. Force Station in Florida. the power to attempt a touch- Board approved a broad plan Wednesday The Orange County Water District, Accomplishing an ocean land- down on land, SpaceX said. The for capturing more rain. The regulator is which relies on rain capture for about 10 ing will give the California-based booster that landed on Dec. 21 will launching a road show this month to percent of its supplies to 2.4 million people SpaceX flexibility to recover its be test-fired in Florida, but proba- explain how it will dole out $200 million for south of Los Angeles, collected about 3.3 boosters from a wider variety of bly not re-flown, Musk told projects to collect rain, part of a $7.5-billion billion gallons from this week’s storms as of space missions. The firm, owned reporters after the landing. He said water bond voters approved in November Thursday afternoon. The captured water and operated by Musk, wants to the company likely would attempt 2014. The city of Los Angeles expects to col- flows into the Army Corps of Engineers’ refurbish and refly its rockets, re-launch of another recovered lect 3.3 billion more gallons a year from Prado Dam and is slowly released 11 miles potentially slashing launch costs. rocket in 2016. SpaceX has more projects now under construction, and even- HOLLYWOOD: Jessica Jewell, a marketing manager for the nonprofit downstream on the Santa Ana River, to Similar efforts are underway by than 60 missions on its schedule, tually plans to capture 20 billion more gal- TreePeople, kneels in a sunken “rain garden” in the front yard of a home where ponds that seep into an aquifer. The rest fellow tech titan Jeff Bezos’ rocket worth about $8 billion. — Reuters lons than the 10 billion it collects during rain water captured in a backyard cistern may be released during dry days. goes into the ocean. — AP WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 BSK students enjoy unique production of Hamlet here was great excitement amongst students from The British School of Kuwait (BSK) at the opportunity Tto be present at the world famous Globe to Globe’s showing of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Kuwait. The production is showing in every country in the world and started more than eighteen months ago in celebration of 400 years since Shakespeare died. With a minimal theatrical set, the multitalented actors took the audience on a jour- ney, performing their roles in the play with passion and flair whilst also playing many different musical instruments. Although a tragedy, the actors managed to make the audi- ence laugh in many places, especially during the perform- ance of The Mousetrap. Many came close to tears during the tragic scenes towards the end. It was a fantastic show and the students enjoyed it enormously, developing a deeper fascination with Shakespeare and his plays. For some, this was their first Shakespeare play but other BSK students said they had seen a number of Shakespeare plays in London and America. The actors also took part in a Q and A session with the students about what it is like to perform the show throughout the world and performing the same play for two years. Amanda Wilkin, who played Ophelia on the day, said she knows all the female roles and the characters swap roles to keep it interesting. Tom Lawrence, who played two roles in the play, said Shakespeare knew how to entertain people and that even in tragedy there has to be some comic relief. The show will finish in England on 23 April, the day Shakespeare died in 1616, four hundred years ago. The play definitely is the thing the students will remember from this wonderful afternoon in Kuwait.

India International School holds Seventh Athletic Meet

he Seventh Athletic Meet of India marching in of the four houses of the school viz. speciality of this year’s sports meet was that it Shayam, Class V-Aaron John, Class VI-Aliza Abdi amidst loud cheer and applause. Shanti Niketan International School Mangaf (IISM) was Sarabhai, Shanti Nikethan, Homibhaba, and was conducted class wise with the concept that and Hesham, Class VII- Assin, Class VIII- Abdul House bagged the Championship Trophy with Theld at Fahaheel Sports Club on 21st and Nalanda led by the respective house captains no child should be denied the opportunity to Raheem, Class X- Moumina and Sahad and XI 350 points and Homibhaba house was declared 22nd December 2015 with the motto ‘Together and vice captains. The Meet was inaugurated by bring out the innate abilities. The following stu- and XII- Fareeda and Zaheer. the first runner up with 298 points. Director, Every One Achieves More.’ The Meet which com- the school Director, Mr. Malayil Moosa Koya. dents were declared individual champions at The excitement reached its pinnacle when Principal and Vice Principals congratulated the menced with the spectacular March Past led by Various competitions were held on track and the end of the second day: the trophies were given away to the first and winners and all those who toiled hard to make the School Council members followed by the field for the students of classes from III to XII. The Class III- Hadiya, Class IV-Zeefa Azeem and second place winning houses by the Director the event a grand success.

IKFS postpones competitions in public speech, calligraphy to 15th April 2016 ndo-Kuwait Friendship Society (IKFS) Secretary K Natarajan said in a press release that the competitions Iin public speech, calligraphy for the students of 10th, 11th and 12th classes have been postponed to 15th April 2016 due to 2nd semester exam for student participants instead of 8th Jan 2016. The last date of registration is set on 31st March 2016. Students are requested to register KUWAIT: As part of efforts and cooperation between the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) and the Defense Ministry, a delegation consisting of offi- thru email with the consent of their parents. Attention: cers who joined a special course on weapons of mass destruction made a field visit to Mubarak Al-Kabeer hazardous material center. The visit included a Program Convener, [email protected] lecture on how to identify hazardous material, their type and identification. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun (www.indo-kwtfriendshipsociety.com) WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

Red Crescent’s work in Lebanon ‘undeniable’

s it celebrates its 50th anniversary today, teering department at KRCS Dr Musa’ad Al- projects aimed at decreasing the suffering of The relief aid extended to the Syrian refugees needy around the global and especially in the the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Enizi said that under the guidelines set by the the impoverished. Gratitude was also reflected during their plight is also another indication of Arab region, affirming that such gesture was Acontinues to provide relief assistance to Kuwaiti leadership, the society had been able by statements on part of Lebanon officials who Kuwait’s generous helping hand, said the not unfamiliar from the generous Arab leader. the needy and misfortunate around the globe. to help the needy in Lebanon. affirmed that KRCS had been playing a pivotal Minister. He also commended the existing coopera- In Lebanon, KRCS’s humanitarian efforts had Thousands of Lebanese and Syrians affect- role in helping people in the country. General Secretary of the Lebanese Red tion between KRCS and the Lebanese Red been ongoing since the Israeli aggression on ed by numerous conflicts throughout the years Minister of Social Affairs Rashid Derrbas said Cross Society George Kettaneh also reflected Cross, affirming that the two humanitarian the country in 2006 and continued with the had been able to benefit from KRCS humani- that the generosity extended by the people of similar notions of gratitude towards Kuwait organizations have been cooperation together advent of the Syrian conflict which began in tarian work, affirmed Enizi, noting that relief Kuwait through the KRCS and other humanitar- and the KRCS. He thanked Kuwait’s Amir His on numerous occasions to help both the 2011. Speaking to KUNA on the occasion of the aid consisted of foodstuff, handouts, necessi- ian and charitable authorities is evident of the Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Lebanese and other individuals from various 50th anniversary of the society, head of volun- ties, generous sums of money, and various GCC country’s strong conviction to help others. Sabah for providing his direction to help the nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. —KUNA SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 17:40 The Chase: Celebrity 19:45 The Hulk 09:45 I Love Violetta Specials 22:15 Hummingbird 10:00 Best Friends Whenever 18:35 Coach Trip 10:25 Disney’s Descendants 19:00 The Syndicate 12:20 Liv And Maddie 19:55 Midsomer Murders 00:20 Superhuman Science 17:50 Cloud 9 21:45 Safe House 00:45 You Have Been Warned 19:30 Gravity Falls 22:45 Coronation Street 06:00 Ice Cold Gold 19:55 Dog With A Blog 23:15 Paddock To Plate 00:00 The Exorcism Of Emily 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 20:20 Mako Mermaids Rose-18 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 02:00 The Italian Job (2003)-PG15 08:30 Auction Hunters 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 04:00 The Prince-PG15 08:55 The Liquidator 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 06:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra- 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 22:00 Binny And The Ghost PG15 09:45 What Happened Next? 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 08:00 Don’t Look Back-PG15 10:10 How It’s Made Teenage Witch 09:45 The Perfect Storm-PG15 10:35 Alaskan Bush People 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 00:30 Cristela 12:00 Age Of Dinosaurs-PG15 11:25 Alaska: The Last Frontier Teenage Witch 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 14:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra 12:15 Railroad Alaska 23:10 Wolfblood Wilmore 16:00 Don’t Look Back-PG15 13:05 Auction Hunters 23:35 Wolfblood 01:30 Saturday Night Live 17:45 The Hulk-PG15 13:30 The Liquidator 02:30 The Big C 20:15 Hummingbird-PG15 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 03:00 The Muppets 22:00 Hammer Of The Gods-18 14:20 Ice Cold Gold 04:00 Men At Work 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 Fast N’ Loud Jimmy Fallon 16:50 What Happened Next? 05:30 Young & Hungry 17:15 How It’s Made 00:00 New Money 06:00 Til Death 17:40 Street Outlaws 00:30 Fashion Bloggers 06:30 New Girl 18:30 Engine Addict With Jimmy 00:55 Fashion Bloggers 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers De Ville 01:25 Stewarts And Hamiltons 08:00 Men At Work 00:00 Mystery Men 19:20 Manhunt With Joel Lambert 02:20 E! News 08:30 Young & Hungry 02:15 Date Night 20:10 The Liquidator 03:15 Eric And Jessie: Game On 09:30 Mr. Robinson 04:00 You Again 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 03:40 Eric And Jessie: Game On 10:30 New Girl 06:00 Happy Gilmore 21:00 Impossible Engineering 04:10 E! Entertainment Special 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 08:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 21:50 Impossible Engineering 05:05 E! Entertainment Special Jimmy Fallon Days 22:40 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 06:00 Keeping Up With The 12:00 Til Death 10:00 You Again 23:30 Wheeler Dealers Kardashians 12:30 Men At Work 12:00 No Clue 06:55 Keeping Up With The 13:00 Young & Hungry 14:00 Down To Earth Kardashians 13:30 New Girl 16:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 07:50 Style Star 14:30 Mr. Robinson Days 08:20 E! News 15:30 Cristela 18:00 Cuban Fury 09:15 House Of DVF 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 20:00 Save The Date 10:15 House Of DVF 22:00 Tim And Eric’s Billion Dollar 00:35 NASA’s Unexplained Files Wilmore 11:10 Fashion Bloggers Movie 01:20 How The Universe Works 16:30 Til Death 11:35 Fashion Bloggers 03:42 Mythbusters 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:05 E! News 07:37 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Last Man Standing 13:05 Keeping Up With The 08:23 Food Factory 18:30 The Goldbergs Kardashians 12:08 How It’s Made 19:00 Grandfathered 14:05 Keeping Up With The 15:57 How Do They Do It? 20:00 Bad Judge Kardashians 16:44 Mighty Ships 20:30 Weird Loners 15:00 Dash Dolls 17:31 Food Factory 21:00 Cristela 01:15 Testament Of Youth-PG15 16:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 18:18 Strip The Cosmos 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 03:30 A Walk Among The 17:00 New Money 19:05 How The Universe Works Wilmore Tombstones-PG15 17:30 New Money 19:50 NASA’s Unexplained Files 22:00 Married 05:30 The Fold-PG15 18:00 E! News 21:25 How The Universe Works 23:00 The Big C 07:00 I’ll Follow You Down-PG15 19:00 Fashion Bloggers 23:45 What Could Possibly Go 23:30 Bad Judge 09:00 Won’t Back Down-PG15 19:30 Fashion Bloggers Wrong? 11:15 The Fold-PG15 20:00 Keeping Up With The 13:00 The Dependables-PG15 Kardashians 15:00 Sunshine On Leith-PG15 21:00 Keeping Up With The 17:00 Won’t Back Down-PG15 Kardashians 19:00 The Double-PG15 22:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 00:00 Defiance 21:00 Trespass-PG15 23:00 Dash Dolls 01:00 Heroes Reborn 23:00 Clouds Of Sils Maria-18 00:40 Missing In Maui: A 02:00 The Blacklist Disappeared Special 03:00 Minority Report 01:30 Deadly Sins 04:00 Stitchers 02:20 Deadly Devotion 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 03:10 Swamp Murders 06:00 Covert Affairs 07:00 Switched At Birth 04:00 Deadly Women 01:30 The Nightmare Before 08:00 Odyssey 04:45 Missing In Maui: A Christmas 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 09:00 Stitchers Disappeared Special 03:00 Siberian Education 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:00 Covert Affairs 05:30 Deadly Sins 05:00 Late Bloomers 01:00 Chopped 11:00 Switched At Birth 06:20 The Will 06:45 The Butler 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:00 Coronation Street 07:10 The Will 09:00 Jack And The Cuckoo Clock 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:30 Coronation Street 08:00 Fatal Encounters Heart 03:00 Man v Food 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:50 Disappeared 11:00 Late Bloomers 03:30 Man v Food 14:00 Odyssey 09:40 Disappeared 13:00 The Darjeeling Limited 04:00 Food Court Wars 15:00 Covert Affairs 10:30 True Crime With Aphrodite 15:00 The Invisible Woman 05:00 Chopped 16:00 Live Good Morning America Jones 17:00 Jack And The Cuckoo Clock 06:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:20 True Crime With Aphrodite Heart 06:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 18:00 Odyssey Jones 19:00 A Beautiful Mind 07:00 Man Fire Food 19:00 Heroes Reborn 12:10 The Will 21:15 At Any Price 07:30 Man Fire Food 20:00 The Blacklist 13:00 The Will 23:00 Waking The Dead 13:50 California Investigator 08:00 Chopped 21:00 Scandal 14:15 California Investigator 09:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes 22:00 How To Get Away With 14:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner 10:00 The Kitchen Murder MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN ON OSN MOVIES HD 15:30 True Crime With Aphrodite 11:00 The Kitchen 23:00 Show Me A Hero Jones 12:00 Chopped 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 01:00 What If-PG15 PG15 03:10 Lion Man: One World African 11:00 The FBI Files 11:00 Sofia The First 16:20 True Crime With Aphrodite 03:00 Tammy-PG15 06:15 Justice League: War-PG15 Safari 12:00 Campus Nightmares 11:30 Jake And The Never Land Jones 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:00 Barefoot-PG15 08:00 The Hundred-Foot Journey- 03:35 Safari Sisters 13:00 Campus Nightmares Pirates 17:10 Disappeared 06:45 Miss Julie-PG15 PG15 04:00 Safari Sisters 14:00 Campus Nightmares 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow 18:00 Disappeared 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 09:00 Night At The Museum: Secret 10:15 Oggy & The Cockroaches: 04:25 Secret Creatures Of Jao 15:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 12:25 Aladdin 18:50 California Investigator Of The Tomb-PG The Movie-PG 04:50 Secret Creatures Of Jao 16:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 12:50 Aladdin 19:15 California Investigator 15:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 01:00 Chicago Fire 11:00 Quartet-PG15 12:00 Guardians Of The Galaxy- 05:15 Into The Dragon's Lair 17:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 13:15 Aladdin 19:40 I Almost Got Away With It 13:00 Forget And Forgive-PG15 PG15 06:02 The Lion Man 18:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 13:35 Aladdin 20:30 I Almost Got Away With It 16:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:00 Good Morning America 17:00 Chopped 03:00 Mistresses 15:00 Penthouse North-PG15 14:00 Northpole-PG 06:26 The Lion Man 19:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 14:00 Sofia The First 21:20 I Almost Got Away With It 17:00 Night At The Museum: Secret 15:45 The Hundred-Foot Journey- 06:49 Wild Things With Dominic 20:00 Forensic Squad 14:25 Sofia The First 22:10 I Almost Got Away With It 18:00 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 04:00 Grimm 18:30 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 05:00 Chicago Fire Of The Tomb-PG PG15 Monaghan 21:00 Forensic Squad 14:50 Miles From Tomorrow 23:00 True Crime With Aphrodite 19:00 Edge Of Tomorrow-PG15 18:00 The Drop-PG15 07:36 Call Of The Wildman 22:00 Forensic Squad 15:15 Jake And The Never Land Jones 19:00 Siba’s Table 06:00 Good Morning America 19:30 Siba’s Table 07:00 Coronation Street 21:00 Persecuted-PG15 20:00 St. Vincent-PG15 08:00 Call Of The Wildman 23:00 Jack The Ripper Pirates 23:50 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 23:00 Men, Women & Children-18 22:00 The Gambler-18 08:25 Bondi Vet 15:40 Jake And The Never Land Hall 20:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 07:30 Coronation Street 20:30 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:15 Africa's Trees Of Life Pirates 21:00 Chopped South Africa 09:00 Parenthood 10:10 Dog Rescuers 16:05 Pixie Hollow Games 22:00 Australian Food Adventures 10:00 Coronation Street 11:05 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 16:35 Miles From Tomorrow With Matt Moran 10:30 Coronation Street 12:00 River Monsters 17:00 Sofia The First 12:55 Snake Sheila 17:25 Aladdin 23:00 The Freshman Class 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 01:00 Blackie And Kanuto 01:05 Origins 00:25 Shadows On The Wall 13:20 Snake Sheila 17:50 Gummi Bears 23:30 The Freshman Class 12:00 C.S.I. 02:30 Charlie And The Chocolate 01:30 I Shouldn't Be Alive 02:00 Kuffs 13:50 Bahama Blue 18:15 Chip 'n' Dales Rescue 00:00 Violetta 13:00 Shark Tank Factory 02:20 I Shouldn't Be Alive 03:40 American Psycho 2 14:45 Wild Iberia Rangers 00:45 The Hive 14:00 Parenthood 04:30 Egon And Donci 03:05 Treasure Quest 05:10 Eight Men Out 15:40 North America 18:40 Jake And The Never Land 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 15:00 Chicago Fire 06:00 Moomins And The Comet 03:50 Treasure Quest 07:10 The Sharkfighters 16:35 Deadly Islands Pirates Teenage Witch 16:00 The Voice Chase 04:35 Treasure Quest 08:25 Brannigan 17:30 Wildest Africa 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 18:00 Shark Tank 07:30 Back To The Sea 05:20 Treasure Quest 10:15 Seven Years In Tibet 18:25 Wild Things With Dominic 19:30 Sofia The First Teenage Witch 19:00 Parenthood 09:30 Krazzy Planet 06:05 Treasure Quest 12:30 Lords Of Dogtown Monaghan 19:55 Doc McStuffins 01:40 Wolfblood 20:00 C.S.I. 10:45 Justin And The Knights Of 06:50 Deadliest Catch 00:20 Pick Me! 19:20 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 02:05 Wolfblood 21:00 Shark Tank The Valour 07:35 The Aviators 01:10 Pick Me! 14:10 Duplex 20:15 Africa's Trees Of Life Pirates 02:30 Violetta 22:00 Mistresses 12:30 Charlie And The Chocolate 08:00 In The Footsteps Of 02:00 Coronation Street 15:40 Futureworld 21:10 Dog Rescuers 20:45 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 03:15 The Hive 23:00 Grimm Factory Thesiger 02:30 Coronation Street 17:25 Eight Men Out 22:05 River Monsters 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 14:30 Christmas Is Here Again 08:50 The Rise And Fall Of The 03:00 Coronation Street 19:25 Earthbound 23:00 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 21:35 Sofia The First Teenage Witch 16:00 Daddy I’m A Zombie Japanese Empire 03:25 The Chase: Celebrity 21:00 Desperately Seeking Susan 23:55 Snake Sheila 22:00 Sofia The First 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 18:00 Krazzy Planet 09:40 Scandals Of Ancient Egypt Specials 22:45 Kuffs 22:25 Sofia The First Teenage Witch 20:00 Ghatothkach - Master Of 10:30 Who Was Moses? 04:15 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:55 Sofia The First 04:10 Wolfblood Magic 11:20 Collapse: When Structures 05:05 Murdoch Mysteries 23:20 Lilo And Stitch 04:35 Wolfblood 00:00 Biker Boyz 22:00 Christmas Is Here Again Fail 05:55 Murdoch Mysteries 23:45 Cars Toons 05:00 Violetta 02:00 The Exorcism Of Emily Rose 23:30 Daddy I’m A Zombie 12:10 Extreme Engineering 06:50 Vera 23:50 Zou 05:45 The Hive 08:40 Safe House 04:00 The Italian Job (2003) 13:00 Extreme Engineering 05:50 Mouk 06:00 The Prince 09:35 Churchill’s Secret 00:15 Dara O Briain: This Is The 13:50 Extreme Engineering 06:00 Lolirock 08:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra 11:20 The Jonathan Ross Show Show 14:40 Extreme Engineering 06:25 Hank Zipzer 10:00 Don’t Look Back 00:20 Snake Sheila 12:15 Grantchester 01:05 Doctor Who 15:30 Extreme Engineering 06:50 Girl Meets World 11:45 The Perfect Storm 00:50 Gator Boys 13:10 Murdoch Mysteries 00:00 Dragonheart 3: The 01:50 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 16:20 Deadliest Catch 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 14:00 Age Of Dinosaurs 01:45 Gator Boys 14:05 Murdoch Mysteries Sorcerer’s Curse-PG15 02:35 Sean Lock Live 17:10 Deadliest Catch 07:40 Wizards Of Waverly Place 16:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra 02:40 Lion Man: One World African 15:00 The Syndicate 02:00 The Single Moms Club 03:30 Last Of The Summer Wine 18:00 Deadliest Catch 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:00 Don’t Look Back Safari 00:00 Programmes Start At 15:55 Midsomer Murders 04:00 Guardians Of The Galaxy- 04:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 18:50 Deadliest Catch 7:00am KSA 04:30 Last Of The Summer Wine 19:40 Gunslingers 05:00 Teletubbies 20:30 Animal Gladiators 07:00 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 05:25 The Green Balloon Club 22:10 Gold Fever 07:25 Boyster 23:00 Animal Gladiators 05:50 Nina And The Neurons: In 07:50 Supa Strikas The Lab 08:15 Lab Rats 06:05 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 08:40 K. C. Undercover 06:25 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n 09:10 Star vs The Forces Of Evil Roll 09:35 Kirby Buckets 06:45 Doctors 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 10:00 Lab Rats 07:15 Doctors 00:20 Calimero 10:25 Kickin' It 07:45 Doctors 00:35 Zou 08:15 Doctors 00:50 Loopdidoo 10:50 Mighty Med 08:45 Eastenders 01:05 Art Attack 11:20 Supa Strikas 09:15 Eastenders 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 11:45 K. C. Undercover 09:45 Eastenders 01:45 Calimero 12:10 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 02:00 Zou 10:15 Eastenders 12:35 Annedroids 10:45 The Weakest Link 02:15 Loopdidoo 11:30 Doctor Who 02:30 Art Attack 13:00 Lab Rats 12:15 Last Of The Summer Wine 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 13:30 Lab Rats 12:45 Last Of The Summer Wine 03:05 Calimero 13:55 Lab Rats 13:15 The Weakest Link 03:20 Zou 14:20 Lab Rats 14:00 Doctor Who 03:30 Loopdidoo 14:45 Lab Rats 14:50 Daddy Daycare 03:45 Art Attack 15:35 Tough Guy Or Chicken? 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 15:15 Lab Rats 16:25 Pride And Prejudice 04:20 Calimero 15:40 Lab Rats 17:20 Pride And Prejudice 04:35 Zou 16:05 Lab Rats 18:15 Pride And Prejudice 04:45 Loopdidoo 16:30 Lab Rats 19:10 Call The Midwife 05:00 Art Attack 20:00 Crime And Punishment 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 16:55 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 21:30 Spooks 05:35 Calimero 17:25 K. C. Undercover 22:25 Spooks 05:50 Zou 17:50 Supa Strikas 23:15 Crime And Punishment 06:00 Loopdidoo 18:15 Lab Rats 06:15 Art Attack 18:40 Mighty Med 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 06:50 Calimero 19:10 Annedroids 07:00 Zou 19:35 Kickin' It 07:20 Loopdidoo 20:00 K. C. Undercover 07:35 Art Attack 20:25 Supa Strikas 00:00 Deadly Wives 08:00 Calimero 01:00 The Haunting Of... 08:10 Zou 20:55 Lab Rats 02:00 Jack The Ripper 08:25 Loopdidoo 21:20 Gamers Guide To Pretty 03:00 Deadly Wives 08:40 Jake And The Never Land Much Everything 04:00 Deadly Wives Pirates 05:00 The Haunting Of... 21:45 Kickin' It 09:05 Sofia The First 22:10 Phineas And Ferb 06:00 O.J. Speaks: The Hidden 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow Tapes 09:55 The Hive 22:40 Super Matrak 08:00 After The First 48 10:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 23:05 Super Matrak G.I. JOE- THE RISE OF COBRA ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 09:00 After The First 48 10:35 Doc McStuffins 23:30 Boyster 10:00 The FBI Files Classifieds

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

ACCOMMODATION Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Accommodation available (07/01/2016 TO 13/01/2016) for a decent non-smoking bachelor/ working lady/ couple with a couple in 2 BR C-AC in Abbassiya near SHARQIA-1 PAPARAZZI -Arabic 7:30 PM Special Show “STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” 5:30 PM Integrated school. Contact: DADDY’S HOME 12:00 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:45 PM Special Show “THE BIG SHORT” 5:30 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 12:05 AM DILWALE - Hindi 8:30 PM 66005134. (C 5111) DADDY’S HOME 4:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:45 PM 10-1-2016 DILWALE - Hindi 6:00 PM FANAR-4 DILWALE - Hindi 9:00 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 PM 360º 1 Accommodation available DADDY’S HOME 12:05 AM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:30 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM for bachelor (partition) in a THE REVENANT 3:15 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM room in Salmiya. Call: SHARQIA-2 THE REVENANT 6:15 PM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM 66711141. (C 5110) THE REVENANT 12:15 PM THE REVENANT 9:15 PM THE REVENANT 9:00 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:30 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 3:15 PM Sharing accommodation in THE REVENANT 6:15 PM FANAR-5 360º- 2 a 2 bedroom C/AC flat 1 THE REVENANT 9:15 PM DILWALE - Hindi 12:00 PM THE REVENANT 1:15 PM room separate bathroom, THE REVENANT 12:15 AM DILWALE - Hindi 3:00 PM THE REVENANT 4:30 PM new finger office WAZIR - Hindi 6:00 PM THE REVENANT 7:45 PM Farwaniya, (family only) SHARQIA-3 DILWALE - Hindi 8:30 PM THE REVENANT 11:00 PM from Jan 30. Phone: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:30 AM DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:15 PM 360º- 3 99482666. (C 5109) THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 3:00 PM MARINA-1 EXTRACTION 12:30 PM 6-1-2016 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 4:45 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:45 AM SNOWTIME! 2:45 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 6:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM EXTRACTION 5:00 PM Sharing accommodation PAPARAZZI -Arabic 8:45 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 3:15 PM EXTRACTION 7:15 PM available for a bachelor THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:00 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 5:00 PM EXTRACTION 9:30 PM with a Mangalorean THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:45 AM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 6:45 PM EXTRACTION 11:45 PM Catholic bachelor near PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:00 PM MUHALAB-1 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:15 PM AL-KOUT.1 Khaitan cinema Garnatha DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:00 AM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM bus stop. Contact: DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM 66036893. (C 5107) EXTRACTION 3:30 PM MARINA-2 THE REVENANT 5:30 PM 5-1-2016 DADDY’S HOME 5:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:45 AM THE REVENANT 8:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 7:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 1:45 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 10:30 PM POINT BREAK 3:45 PM CHANGE OF NAME EXTRACTION 12:30 AM DADDY’S HOME 6:15 PM AL-KOUT.2 EXTRACTION 8:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 12:30 PM MUHALAB-2 THE REVENANT 10:15 PM EXTRACTION 2:45 PM I, Gunasekaran R (Hindu), THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:45 AM EXTRACTION 1:15 AM DADDY’S HOME 5:00 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 7:00 PM S/o Ramalingam, DOB WAZIR - Hindi 3:15 PM MARINA-3 DADDY’S HOME 9:00 PM 02.06.1974. Passport No: PAPARAZZI -Arabic 5:30 PM THE REVENANT 12:30 PM EXTRACTION 11:00 PM F5807434, residing at No. PAPARAZZI -Arabic 7:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 1:30 PM EXTRACTION 1:00 AM 28, Pillaiyar Koil Street, PAPARAZZI -Arabic 10:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM AL-KOUT.3 SiruPuliyur THE REVENANT 8:45 PM FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 12:45 PM Eswarakandanallur, MUHALAB-3 THE REVENANT 11:45 PM FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 3:00 PM Villupuram, 607204 has THE REVENANT 11:30 AM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 5:15 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM AVENUES-1 PAPARAZZI -Arabic 7:30 PM converted to Islam with the THE REVENANT 5:30 PM GET SQUIRRELY 12:30 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:45 PM name of R. Nazir on 30th THE REVENANT 8:30 PM GET SQUIRRELY 2:45 PM FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 12:05 AM November 2015. (C 5108) THE REVENANT 11:30 PM GET SQUIRRELY 5:00 PM 6-1-2015 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 7:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 FANAR-1 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 9:15 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:30 AM DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 11:15 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:15 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 3:00 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 3:30 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 4:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 5:30 PM AVENUES-2 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 6:45 PM FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 7:30 PM EXTRACTION 1:00 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 8:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 9:45 PM EXTRACTION 3:15 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 10:45 PM THE REVENANT 11:45 PM EXTRACTION 5:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 AM CHARLIE- Malayalam 7:45 PM FANAR-2 EXTRACTION 10:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 PM EXTRACTION 12:45 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 PM 112 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 2:30 PM SNOWTIME! 1:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 4:30 PM AVENUES-3 THE REVENANT 3:15 PM EXTRACTION 6:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 AM THE REVENANT 6:15 PM PRAYER TIMINGS THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 8:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 2:30 PM THE REVENANT 9:15 PM EXTRACTION 10:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:45 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM Fajr: 05:20 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 AM DILWALE - Hindi 9:00 PM DILWALE - Hindi 12:15 AM BAIRAQ-2 Shorook 06:44 FANAR-3 EXTRACTION 12:30 PM Duhr: 11:55 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 11:45 AM AVENUES-4 THE PEANUTS MOVIE 2:30 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:45 AM DADDY’S HOME 4:30 PM Asr: 14:48 PAPARAZZI -Arabic 3:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 2:00 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 6:30 PM Maghrib: 17:07 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 5:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 8:45 PM Isha: 18:29

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 10/1/2016 AXB 393 Kozhikode 14:20 Departure Flights on Sunday 10/1/2016 AGY 683 Alexandria 12:40 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 284 Dhaka 14:45 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 KAC 791 Madinah 13:25 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 UAL 981 IAD 01:10 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:10 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 ETH 3402 Addis Ababa/Riyadh 01:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ETH 3403 Addis Ababa 03:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 JZR 555 Alexandria 02:25 KAC 381 Delhi 03:30 AXB 394 Kozhikode 15:20 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 CEB 7694 Manila 03:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 741 Dammam 15:55 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:50 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:20 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 KAC 544 Cairo 03:35 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 LMU 510 Cairo 04:05 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 LMU 511 Cairo 05:05 JZR 238 Amman 17:30 PGT 860 Istanbul 04:15 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 PGT 5620 Istanbul 04:35 KAC 792 Madinah 18:10 CEB 7695 Manila 05:20 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 UAL 982 IAD 18:15 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 PGT 5621 Istanbul 06:25 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 QTR 8511 Doha 06:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 BAW 157 London 06:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 KAC 742 Dammam 19:05 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:25 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 8512 Doha 07:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 JZR 483 Istanbul 19:35 FDB 054 Dubai 08:10 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 OMA 641 Muscat 08:00 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 JZR 174 Dubai 08:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 354 BLR 08:15 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 OMA 642 Muscat 08:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 KAC 171 Frankfurt 09:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 117 New York 09:55 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 IRC 528 Ahwaz 10:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:00 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 JZR 502 Luxor 22:00 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 SYR 341 Damascus 11:25 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:35 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AGY 682 Asyut 11:40 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:40 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 SAW 701 Damascus 12:20 KAC 172 Frankfurt 22:35 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 MSC 501 Alexandria 23:00 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 JZR 239 Amman 23:05 IRC 529 Ahwaz 11:00 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 JZR 175 Dubai 13:00 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 SYR 342 Damascus 12:25 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 KAC 382 Delhi 13:50 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 103 London 12:25 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:40 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

stars34 SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 CROSSWORD 1133 STAR TRACK

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

You have insight into your emotions and drive and you can talk about You may decide to make some changes in your appearance today. your feelings with great insight. You may be pleased at the new people entering your Perhaps you have decided to grow a mustache or get a tattoo-real or not. Whatever you life this year. This could be a new work group, religious group or hobby group. You will decide to do, you will have fun with these new beginnings. Eccentricities and a different soon find yourself inviting people into your home and receiving invitations to other manner of presenting yourself may be fun through using tools such as a wig or new hair people’s homes. You are most creative and will have an opportunity to express that color or a glue-on mustache. A friend may decide this all looks like fun and join you in this little escapade. By the time the day is over, you will have a firm idea of the changes creativeness in many ways. Becoming bored easily, you will probably have several you want to put into effect. Someone you encounter today may behave in a frustrated crafts or projects developing this year. You may have an important announcement to way. This person may see you as a sounding board. Listening and encouraging calm- make this evening. Perhaps you or someone close to you is looking forward to a wed- ness is a good thing; this frustration will pass. Listening is good therapy. ding or the birth of a child or you have scheduled a cruise-it’s a good time to travel.

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

Everything points to your taking the initiative today. You may feel that Teamwork is the active word today. You may find yourself involved in your opinion is not what someone needs to hear and you could decide to take a lis- some sort of group work. This could be anything, such as clearing away snow from an tening attitude for now. This may mean that young people need a bit of guidance elderly neighbor’s door, preparing the ground for a spring garden with the neighbors or through example. You could feel great support from those around you. You will find attending a planning committee of some sort. Today you encourage others to expand this time is favorable for you to take the initiative in social matters. There is a desire to their education, read a book or take a class. You are productive but at times you can break with outmoded patterns from the past. A trip to the country or an opportunity overdo when it comes to helping people. Take some time later this afternoon to put your feet up and relax with some favorite music. You enjoy making others feel at ease to use your new sports equipment is just what you have been looking forward to this but this evening a loved one may treat you as specially as you treat them. Stay flexible weekend. You may even want to change or update your personal appearance for an and give yourself time to enjoy the evening. evening away from home, dancing perhaps.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

You may find yourself reflecting on your own youth or some event from There is a new person in your life today and you may become a bit analyti- cal, perhaps psychoanalyzing a particular situation. You could be very help- the past. Perhaps a friend from your youth is visiting this weekend. You put the young ACROSS DOWN ful, but be wise and stop while you are ahead. What you perceive in others, you are people to work around your place with some fun activities. You may even have some strengthening in yourself. You may even attract people that are headstrong and confi- 1. Botfly larva. 1. Old World wild swine having a narrow body ideas about ways in which they could make some extra spending money. This could dent. Celebrate fun things with friends today. Marriage and partnerships should be lucky 4. A plane curve formed by the intersection of and prominent tusks from which most domes- mean they will be painting houses or helping to clean up the neighborhood and neigh- this year. Problems seem to have a short burn time. With forethought, money problems a right circular cone and a plane parallel to an tic swine come. bors may be willing to make a contribution for this service. Young people may come up can also be handled. Even when exercising, look forward, not backward-this attitude will with some constructive ideas own their own. Of course, if you are in a cold part of the element of the curve. 2. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm bring you many accomplishments. You will be getting some helpful information this country a bit of shoveling would probably have the best appeal for making extra mon- afternoon that will help you with health matters. 12. A syndrome that occurs in many women used in India for writing paper. ey. This evening is a good time for surrounding yourself with friends and young people. from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstru- 3. A sock with a separation for the big toe. ation. 4. Large burrowing rodent of South and 15. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm Central America. ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) used in India for writing paper. 5. One or some or every or all without specifi- Cancer (June 21-July 22 cation. 16. (meteorology) Of an air current or wind. This morning is an excellent time to sit down alone and get many things Whatever today brings, you will probably be totally involved. This could 17. Being two more than fifty. 6. A reproach for some lapse or misdeed. accomplished. A friend may join you in your exercise program. The ways in mean that you become most interested in an exhibit or speaker or arti- 18. A white linen liturgical vestment with 7. Reduce in scope while retaining essential which you involve yourself with community concerns may depend on how much power cle of some sort. Perhaps a hobby that you are interested in is gaining public interest. elements. you have. You may be held back from some of the things you want to see accomplished. You may also enjoy a bit of people watching while you move through your day. You sleeves. bounce around with the energy that others dream about having. Young people 19. Of or relating to Cyprus or its people or cul- 8. The agent to whom property involved in a Remember to continue to express your desire to help others; trust and getting to know need your attention this afternoon and you enjoy the interaction that takes place. ture. bailment is delivered. you will be the turning point. You truly desire some fun times and should not hesitate to One young person announces plans for the near future. This may call for a bit of rem- 9. A member of the Siouan people inhabiting get to know new people and form new acquaintances. Also, love is in full bloom and it is a iniscing and picture taking. 20. South American wood sorrel cultivated for good time to fully demonstrate the depth of affection to a loved one. its edible tubers. the valleys of the Platte and Missouri rivers in 21. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped Nebraska. cucumbers and spices. 10. A metric unit of capacity equal to the vol- 23. Being nine more than forty. ume of 1 kilogram of pure water at 4 degrees Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) centigrade and 760 mm of mercury (or 24. Capital of Armenia. The way things have been done in the past may not be working now. 29. A public promotion of some product or approximately 1.76 pints). A few emotional questions come to the front of your mind this morning, This may mean a budget is not working or the training of an animal or some other 11. Type genus of the Aceraceae. but you may do well to keep them to yourself. With a few hours behind you, you will have technique is not appropriate at this time. Take some time off this Sunday from trying service. the answers you need. You are appreciated for your compassion, intelligence, sharp busi- 30. Not fake or counterfeit. 12. An ancient city in southern Bulgaria. to make sense out of anything meaningful-tomorrow is another day. Cleaning ness mind and willingness to create a positive change. This afternoon finds you respond- chores, errands and other busy work should go well. You are inventive, original and 33. A desert in southern Israel. 13. Any of various minerals consisting of ing to the needs of many. This could include neighbors; it could be that someone would hydrous silicates of aluminum or potassium high-tech. You may have some great ideas for improving or updating the home 37. A sharp sound made by small birds or like to go with you to the grocery store, church or whatever errands you may need to run. front. Perhaps it would be good to write these ideas down for a discussion soon. You Your frame of mind is positive and you encourage others. The power of attraction and insects v 1. etc. that crystallize in forms that allow perfect could be entertaining a few friends this evening. Relax and forget technicalities for a cleavage into very thin leaves. desire for love is great, but you should exercise caution before entering a new relation- while. Enjoy this opportunity to relax and be with friends. 39. The branch of engineering science that ship, which may come about during this time. studies the uses of electricity and the equip- 14. A city of central China. ment for power generation and distribution 22. Type genus of the Tetraonidae. and the control of machines and communica- 25. A plant hormone promoting elongation of Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) tion. stems and roots. 26. Half the width of an em. 40. A federal agency established to coordinate Your psychic awareness is particularly strong. If you keep a logbook or 27. A condition requiring relief. A love for the unusual may have you thinking about your normal routine programs aimed at reducing pollution and this morning. Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely now. You could notebook of your visions you may be surprised at the insight you will gain from protecting the environment. 28. Pertaining to filberts or hazelnuts. be thinking about reaching beyond your normal routine. You may enjoy doing some dif- them. New energies surrounding a love relationship may bring much happiness and 41. A tube in which a body fluid circulates. 31. A Bantu language spoken by the Chaga ferent activities for a change: camping, exploring, fishing, etc. Whatever you decide to do, will take on an emotional depth. Feeling cared for and needed is comfortable; the it will be a refreshing change from your usual saturday adventures. Any activity out-of- lack of these things can cause an unconscious feeling of uneasiness. Young children 42. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean people in northern Tanzania. 32. Not accessible to view. doors is tempting, depending on the weather. Fresh air and country roads bring opportu- enjoy learning under your patient tutelage-you give them much encouragement. (below 6000 meters). nities to stretch and enjoy nature. This afternoon neighbors or friends may be having a Through teaching others, you may become more creative yourself. You are able to 44. A Russian river. 34. African tree having an exceedingly thick get-together and you are invited. This is a wonderful time to be with the people whom enjoy and value your own life situation at this time. A friend whom you have not 46. Informal terms for a mother. trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has you enjoy and who enjoy you. seen in some time may come to visit you in your home this evening. 47. The cardinal number that is the sum of sev- an edible pulp called monkey bread. en and one. 35. Large ornamental tropical American tree with bipinnate leaves and globose clusters of WORD SEARCH PUZZLE 49. A resident of Alabama. Yesterday’s Solution flowers with crimson stamens and sweet-pulp 51. One of the five major classes of seed pods eaten by cattle. immunoglobulins. 36. (Hindu) A manner of sitting (as in the prac- 52. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle tice of Yoga). where driver sits. 38. (British) A disparaging term for an 54. Obvious and dull. appointee. 55. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the 43. An established custom. alkali metal group. 45. When dried yields a hard substance used 56. Small and light boat. e.g. in golf balls. 58. The state of being decayed or destroyed. 48. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. 60. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft bread. 50. An associate degree in nursing. 62. Before noon. 53. (Scotland) A slope or hillside. 63. (usually followed by `to') Naturally dis- 57. Ill-mannered and coarse and contemptible posed toward. in behavior or appearance. 65. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. 59. A state of commotion and loud confused 68. A man who serves as a sailor. noise. 74. An Italian-speaking region of southern 61. The basic unit of money in Macao. Switzerland. 64. The back side of the neck. 75. Any of various herbaceous plants of the 66. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a genus Atriplex that thrive in deserts and salt skewer usually with vegetables. marshes. 67. The capital and largest city of Ghana with a 77. The elementary stages of any subject (usu- deep-water port. ally plural). 69. A genus of Mustelidae. 78. Studies intended to provide general 70. A book of the New Testament. knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than 71. A training program to prepare college stu- occupational or professional skills). dents to be commissioned officers. 79. A portion of something (especially money). 72. Noisy talk. 81. 4-wheeled motor vehicle. 73. Wild goose having white adult plumage. 82. A vigorous blow. 76. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic infor- 83. East Indian cereal grass whose seed yield a mation from DNA to the cytoplasm. somewhat bitter flour, a staple in the Orient. 80. An artificial language for international use 84. A loose sleeveless outer garment made that rejects rejects all existing words and is from aba cloth. based instead on an abstract analysis of ideas. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution LIFESTYLE36 SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 Gossip

Cuoco devastated after dogs died hile the ‘Big Bang Theory’ star was still mourning the loss of her pet Petey, who she has had for 14 years, she was left “in shock” when another beloved pooch, Chester, suddenly passed away. Taking to Instagram, Kaley, 30, wrote: W“It hasn’t been a great week for dogs so with a heavy heart I must tell you, sweet Chester (aka Chedder cheese) has passed away. We rescue these angels blindly and have no idea what problems they may have.. I’m still in shock but I just keep feeling blessed to have him in my life even for a small amount of time. He was such a joy- hilarious ears and followed me everywhere I went. He loved people so so much- loved being held and cuddled. Slept right on my pillow every night. I can sleep knowing that he felt extreme love towards the end of his life. Thank you @pawworks for blessing me with the big eared wonder”. Kaley adopted Chester and previously praised Petey for inspiring her interest in animal adoption. She added: “My folks gave him the greatest life and he taught us what it meant to love an adoption pup. I have since named my corpo- ration after him (peteypie inc) and he has brought a lifetime of joy and laughs to our entire family. “I know he will now enjoy doggie heaven where there will be an abundance of greenies just for him. This little guy, I will never ever forget.”

Perry, Damon and Ferrell will all present awards at the Golden Globes he trio are among the final batch of presenters announced for the upcoming ceremony, which will also see Kate Bosworth, Sophia TBush, Chris Evans, Will Ferrell, Tom Ford, Tom Hanks, Jonah Hill, John Krasinski and Andy Samberg take to the stage throughout the night. Previously announced presenters include Amy Adams, Eddie Redmayne, Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx and Amy Schumer. Meanwhile, Lamar Odom host Ricky Gervais recently admitted he plans to get drunk at the cere- mony today. The comedian is returning to host the show for the fourth time and admitted he won’t be entirely sober when he takes over pro- has left hospital ceedings at the 73rd annual awards show. Speaking to chat show host Ellen DeGeneres, he said: “If I didn’t drink, I wouldn’t be brave enough he 36-year-old basketball star has been recovering to say some of the things I’m going to say.” When Ellen asked: “So in in Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles since being what hour do you start drinking before the show?” he quipped: “Well, it Tfound unconscious in a Nevada brothel following starts very early, so I probably have a little one. So, you know, I start at a an alcohol and drugs binge in October but has now reasonable hour - I’m not a maniac - three or four or something like moved to private facility, which has been set up as a reha- that.” Ricky, 54, who previously hosted in 2010, 2011 and 2012, admit- bilitation centre. The facility is near his estranged wife ted he initially turned down the chance to return as presenter but Khloe Kardashian’s home and the move was arranged by relented when he was told he could say whatever he wanted. He Khloe, according to Us Weekly. The magazine reports that explained: “I really did say ‘no’. I was editing one film I made this year Khloe kept details of the move secret, even from Lamar’s and I was about to film another one, and I just thought, I just haven’t family, in order to help him get settled. KhloÈ, 31, put got the time, but they said all the right things. They said I could say their divorce on hold in order to continue to make med- what I want again.” ical decisions for Lamar, 36, and revealed he still has a long way to go but is confident he’ll get there with time and the right care. She said previously: “His kidneys are recovered and all of his organs are pretty much recov- ered. It’s more his brain is still affected and physically he has to learn how to walk again and he is learning how to is pregnant feed himself again. “All those normal things we take for Liv Tyler granted every day and it’s a really long road and it’s going to take a long time.” Lamar’s progress is remarkable as doctors initially believed he had only had four hours to he ‘Leftovers’ actress and her fiance Dave Gardner - who already have 11-month-old Sailor Gene Gardner - are expecting their second child live, after he was discovered unconscious at a brothel fol- together later this year. Liv wrote on Instagram: “Oh my goodness it seems the stork is visiting us again !!!! I am growing another little Tyler lowing a drugs and alcohol binge. TGardner in my belly . our family is growing!!! So grateful. @davidgardner I love you.” She added a picture of herself sporting a tiny baby bump. Liv also has 10-year-old son Milo from her marriage to musician Royston Langdon while Dave has son Grey, seven, with ex-wife Davinia Taylor. The couple currently divide their time between her home in New York City, his base in London and Austin, Texas, where she films her HBO series, but hope to be more settled in the future. The brunette beauty previously said: “We’re doing everything we can to be together, but right now because of work we’re going back and forth.” And speaking about getting married again, she said: “I had this philosophy that you should only get married once. But then, of course, that changes. I definitely believe we have lessons we learn through our relationships. You’re meant to work through and mirror each other. It’s the thing in someone that drives you the most crazy that is maybe a part of yourself somewhere.”

will is Madonna Lady Gaga says being Janet Jackson ‘fight to the end’ not suffering from cancer sexually assaulted he 49-year-old has been rumored to be undergoing tests for the disease after doctors discovered a tumor on her vocal changed her ‘forever’ Tcords while prepping her for surgery. However, Janet took to for custody of her son the Internet on Wednesday night to set the record straight, and he chart-topping singer was raped at the age of 19 and has insisted the postponement of the next leg of her ‘Unbreakable he singer’s 15-year-old son walked out of her ‘Rebel Heart’ tour in December to stay admitted that 10 years later she is still coming to terms with World Tour’ is not to do with having cancer. Janet shared a video on with his father Guy Ritchie in London and Guy is said to have hired lawyers as he what happened. She explained: “It’s something that changed Twitter, in which she reads the message: “Remember... believe it prepares to battle to retain custody of the teenager. A source told PEOPLE: “She is T when you hear it from my lips. The rumors are untrue. I do not have T me forever, and it made me question everything about what I had going to fight, fight, fight, and she is going done to be where I am today. I thought to myself, ‘Did I do some- cancer. I’m recovering. My doctors have approved my concerts as to fight to the end. “She is not happy. She is thing wrong to bring this on myself? What did I do?’ “I choose to scheduled in Europe, and as I promised, the postponed shows will an excellent mother, and people can say wear these clothes, and I choose to dress this way and sing about be rescheduled. Thank you for your prayers and love.” Janet did not whatever they want - but her children sex, and you wonder if you’re implying to people that it’s okay.” go into further details about her condition, but reassured her fans mean the world to her.” Rocco is now living Speaking about her song, ‘Til It Happens to You’, which was inspired that she’s “recovering”. In with Guy, his wife Jacqui Ainsley and their by her trauma, Gaga told The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast, announcing the postpone- three children, Rafael, four, Rivka, three, and ‘Awards Chatter’: “The person that I’m singing to is the person that ment of the tour last year, Levi, 18 months, in the UK and Madonna is wants to heal me - I’m telling them they can’t. I am so sick of people Janet - who is married to said to be worried that Rocco is missing walking in and out of my life, telling me that I’m gonna be okay, Wissam Al Mana - appealed school. Explaining he has missed some because I am still in so much pain that you can’t understand.” to her fans for prayers. She school, a source said: “He should have been said on her website: “Hey home already. “Madonna is a devoted you guys...Happy Holidays mother, and a big priority is her children’s to each and every one of education.” It was recently claimed the final you! I need you to know, I straw for the teenager was when Madonna learned today, from my - who also has children Lourdes, 19, David, doctors that I must have 10, and Mercy, nine - confiscated his surgery soon. “It breaks my mobile phone because she thought it was heart to tell you that I am interfering with his homework. A source forced to postpone the ‘Unbreakable Tour’ until the said: “Madonna is quite firm with Rocco spring. “Please pray for me, and she took his phone from him when it my family and our entire interfered with his studies. “She is stricter company during this diffi- than Guy and Rocco doesn’t like it. When cult time...There will be no she took the phone away, it pushed him further comment.” over the edge.” LIFESTYLE37 SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 Gossip Katy Perry has become the most followed person on Twitter he 31-year-old singer - who created her account in 2009 - has been crowned the queen of the social networking site Tafter she became the first person to reach 80 million fol- lowers. However, hot on her heels is ‘Sorry’ hitmaker Justin Bieber - who Katy clambered past in 2013 - with his 73 mil- lion followers, while Taylor Swift follows closely behind as she secures third position with 69 million fans on the website. And one of the reasons the brunette beau- ty thinks she’s so popular on Twitter is the fact she writes her own Tweets. She said recently: “I would say 90 per cent of my Tweets, I’ve just made them up and you can tell because many of them are misspelled and full of typos. “But the other five per cent is work related or it’s just to keep people in the know about where I’m playing or if I’m doing a show and I always get really confused.” However, the ‘Roar’ hitmaker sometimes likes to step away from her phone and just unwind without social media. Asked if she replies to her fans on Twitter, she told Mashable: “Sometimes I do, I kind of do a lot more of it when I’m in the zone mode. “Right now I’m in a relaxed, chilled vacationing zone, I’ve got my spanx on and I’m just taking a little break ... “I think I have to find that balance between Tweeting too much and plus I have so many followers that nobody really wants me to fill up their timeline.” Blanchett has likened the Golden Brie Larson Globes to a ‘mosh pit’ ‘grateful’ for he ‘Carol’ star - who is nominated in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture T(Drama) at this year’s award show - has revealed the ceremony can get “very sweaty” because everyone is sat in rejection such close proximity. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she said: “It’s like a mosh pit actually, it gets very sweaty down he ‘Room’ star - who is nominated for a Golden Globe for her there. There are tables and if there isn’t enough ketchup on portrayal of Ma in the thriller film - insists she “appreciates the your table you literally lean and get DiCaprio’s ketchup from Tdarkness” she has experienced as it makes her a better actress. the table behind. You’re all very tightly packed, it’s quite She said: “I feel grateful every day for all the times I was told no. The sweaty. “Normally you’re so stitched into those dresses that thing I appreciate the most is the darkness I’ve experienced, because I you cannot drink anything because if you have to pee it’s a wouldn’t know how to play Ma or Grace [her character in 2013’s ‘Short disaster. It’s so hard being an actress!” Meanwhile, the 46- Term 12’] if I hadn’t experienced loss or sadness; I wouldn’t know how year-old actress previously revealed she is planning on to express it. “It’s such a valuable part of our experience: to not become slowing down her career this year to focus on her family. afraid of the pitfalls, but to instead become curious about them.” The She said: “I’m not planning on working much in 2016 either 26-year-old actress also starred in the well-received comedy ... We got a phone call earlier this year and we adopted a lit- ‘Trainwreck’ and couldn’t help but gush about her co-star Amy tle girl. You’re on the list and then you get the call. You don’t Schumer for helping people to see the “ugly side of humanity”. She know anything about the child you’re going to meet. “It’s added to ELLE magazine: “Laughter is the best way to get over some- always the first time. Always. Our three biological children thing. It’s one of the things I respect most about Amy Schumer. She have been extraordinary. It’s been wonderful watching has found a way to get us closer to ourselves and see the ugly side of them become a little brood.” humanity, but not in a way that’s pointing a finger, or that’s angry. She does it in a way that makes us see the absurdity and laugh at it.” JK Rowling Spears missed the has bought Johnny People’s Choice Depp’s yacht he author of the ‘Harry Potter’ book series has put £22 million down to secure the sale of the luxury 156-foot vessel, which was Awards because Tpreviously owned by the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star. The 50- year-old writer was fascinated by the ship’s five cabins and three large decks after she took it out on a family charter trip. And the 52-year-old she was ‘sick’ actor had previously undertaken over £5 million of works done on the luxury boat, which can hold up to ten guests and nine crew, before he he ‘Toxic’ hitmaker has apologized to her fans for sold it off to a unknown buyer, The Sun newspaper reports. JK is now missing the ceremony in Los Angeles but thanked planning to spend holidays on the boat with her husband Neil Murray Tthem for voting her the winner of the Favourite and their two children 12-year-old David and ten-year-old Mackenzie Social Media Celebrity category. She shared a statement and 22-year-old daughter Jessica from a previous relationship. on her social media pages which read: “I wish I could have Meanwhile, Johnny was reportedly forced to sell off the boat by his wife been at the People’s Choice Awards tonight but I started Amber Heard as it was originally bought for his ex-wife, and the mother feeling sick. “Thank you so much for voting me Favorite of his two children, Lily-Rose, 16 and Jack, 13, Vanessa Paradis. A source Social Media Celebrity! This is dedicated to my fans, the said at the time: “Johnny loved that yacht. But he bought it for Vanessa. Britney Army - without you this would not be possible.” And Amber is still jealous of her.” The 34-year-old star also appealed to her fans to use the Internet to be “kind” and “spread love”. She added: “I love that I can share my world with you and that you are so supportive of me. Remember to be kind online and spread love. #ThankYou.” The ‘Pretty Girls’ singer beat out competition from Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Anna Kendrick - none of whom were at the ceremony - to scoop the accolade. It was Britney’s sec- ond-ever win at the annual ceremony, having scooped the Favorite Pop Artist prize in 2014. Kerr has a ‘modern family’ he 32-year-old beauty believes she is lucky to have the support Bieber vowed to change his of the father of her five-year-old son Flynn, and her ex-husband, TOrlando Bloom and has revealed the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ life after God spoke to him star thinks her new man Evan Spiegel is “great”. She said: “Flynn was two, so it was really hard to make the decision, but our son is our pri- he 21-year-old singer - who previously hit the headlines for his wild party- ority so you have to come from love. You have to be kind. “[Orlando ing, arrests for motoring offences and egging a neighbor’s house - was and I decided] that we had to know the Tfeeling “pretty lost” and though he isn’t “super religious”, his faith inspired person for six months and feel good him to take things in a different direction. He said: “I am not going to go into about them [before introducing them to detail of what I was doing and where I was at, but I was pretty lost and woke up Flynn]. Evan met Flynn, so yeah, things one day and felt like God was telling me something.” I’m not super religious or are going well. Orlando thinks he’s great. anything but I just heard a voice and was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to We’re just a modern family now!” And change my life around. I’m going to switch up some things and put some stuff Miranda also couldn’t help but gush together’. “I called my manager Scooter and said, ‘We need to fix it.’ “The ‘Sorry’ about the 25-year-old entrepreneur, hitmaker - who is dating model Hailey Baldwin - still enjoys drinking and having admitting she has the “best of both a good time and doesn’t think that is at odds with his religious beliefs. Speaking worlds”. She told Net-A-Porter’s The EDIT on radio program ‘The Bert Show’, he said: “We’ve going and celebrating all the magazine: “He’s 25, but he acts like he’s time, getting drinks. I am 21 now so I can go out with my friends and be respon- 50. He’s not out partying. He goes to sible and still have a good time. “What’s weird is I am a Christian, I am a believer, work in Venice [Beach], he comes home. and often people are too conservative and I don’t think it’s wrong. “I’m stum- “We don’t go out. We’d rather be at home bling over my words right now because I don’t want to offend anybody, but I and have dinner, go to bed early. [But] in believe you can go and have a good time, get some drinks and enjoy yourself some ways he does [feel like a younger and can be with girls. “I don’t think you need to be serious about it. “Loving God man]. I’m telling you, I’ve got the best of is a separate thing. But I don’t think you have to love God and not be able to go both worlds.” —Bangshowbiz out and enjoy yourself. “As long as it’s not provocative or intense or mean or evil. If you are living life based on loving God then just keep that in mind.” lifestyle SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

Kanye West Kanye This photo provided by courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox shows, Leonardo DiCaprio as Hugh Glass, in a scene from the film, “TheRevenant,” directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. — AP West signals new album out next month ap superstar Kanye West has hinted that his long-awaited next album “Swish” will come out next month. “Swish February 11 16,” West wrote on Twitter late RFriday without further explanation. West, who is one of the most-accoladed rappers ever with 21 Grammys, has not put out an album since 2013’s “Yeezus,” a hard-edged work inspired by Chicago’s drill music scene. ‘The Revenant’ West had since been coy about the release of his new album, repeatedly saying that he would take his time. The husband of reality television show star Kim Kardashian, West has managed to keep himself in the headlines for other activities. Likening himself to Michelangelo for his diverse interests, West has pursued fashion hunts for $35 million-plus opening design and has declared, with an unclear degree of seriousness, that he will run for president in 2020. But West has recently put out for free a number of tracks, with nderlining Leonardo DiCaprio’s star The stark drama, directed by Alejandro G story centers on an American, played by “Game Kardashian suggesting on Twitter that he planned to do so every week until “Swish” power, “The Revenant” is heading for Inarritu, has performed solidly in its limited of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer, investigating comes out. Last month Kardashian gave birth to their second child, a boy named Ua better-than-expected $35 million release, earning $1.5 million since Christmas at the disappearance of her twin sister in the leg- Saint. If the February 11 date is confirmed, West would be putting out “Swish” on a to $40 million this weekend in a potential the four sites-including the nation’s sixth-best endary Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Thursday, ignoring a music industry decision last year to make Fridays the standard showdown with box office magnet “Star Wars: per-location gross with $198,767 at the Fuji. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” set a new global release day. Headliner for Governors Ball festival - The Force Awakens.” Arclight Hollywood while “The Force Awakens” record Wednesday as the top domestic movie The signs of the imminent album came as West’s first performance of 2016 was “The Revenant” grossed an impressive $2.3 posted the top five. DiCaprio portrays fur trap- of all time by eclipsing the final total for confirmed as a headliner of the June 3-5 Governors Ball festival in New York. West million in Thursday night preview screenings per Hugh Glass, who was mauled by a bear and “Avatar.” “The Force Awakens” took in $6 mil- headlined the Glastonbury festival in England last year but has kept a comparatively as it expanded from a successful four-screen left for dead by members of his party during a lion domestically on Thursday, its 21st day of quiet performance schedule in recent months. Other headliners at Governors Ball run that began on Christmas Day to 3,371 site brutal winter expedition in 1823. The shoot release, for a total of $770.4 million and the will include The Strokes, who helped define the New York music scene, as well as the larger world of indie rock, in the 2000s with their spirited post-punk revival. on Friday. Recent expectations had been for a lasted nearly a year and stretched from Canada international gross grew by $9 million The band has played only sparingly in recent years, with lead singer Julian weekend in the $20 million range domestically to South America to capture realistic condi- Thursday to push the total to $821.3 million- Casablancas pursuing a side project, although The Strokes performed at Governors for “The Revenant,” or less than half than the tions. “The Revenant” carries plenty of awards just ahead of “Minions’” $821.2 million for the Ball in 2014. Governors Ball announced its full lineup on Friday that will also include fourth weekend of “Star Wars.” Friday estimates season credibility with a Producers Guild nomi- 10th spot. the alternative rock icon Beck, who won last year’s Grammy for Album of the Year, as showed “The Revenant” with $13 million to $15 nation announced Tuesday, American Society Paramount’s third weekend of Will Ferrell- well as Swedish electro-pop star Robyn and popular rockers The Killers and Death million on Friday, which will likely the 22nd day of Cinematographers nom unveiled Mark Wahlberg comedy “Daddy’s Home” will Cab for Cutie. of the seventh Star Wars movie. “The Force Wednesday, four Golden Globes nominations continue to perform solidly and finish in third Governors Ball was inaugurated in 2011 on Governors Island off southern Awakens” is still expected to win the weekend and a Screen Actors Guild nod for DiCaprio. place with about $16 million at 3,493 sites, lift- Manhattan before moving to larger Randalls Island. Festivals have since boomed with nearly $45 million. The film carries a $135 million price tag with ing its 17-day total by Sunday to $117 million. around the world and especially in North America, becoming a critical source of rev- “‘The Revenant’ has suddenly become the New Regency financing along with RatPac, Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” looks enue in the music industry. Governors Ball has voiced concern amid moves by major got-to-see film because of DiCaprio,” noted Alpha Pictures and Empyre. The opening of likely to finish the frame in fifth with a 50% promoter AEG, which runs Coachella in California, to create another festival in New Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst with Gramercy’s horror-thriller “The Forest” is per- decline to about $8 million at 2,938 sites. The York in 2016. In the lineup release, Governors Ball said it was “born and bred” in New Rentrak. “He may be one of the last movie stars, forming in line with expectations and heading Western has grossed about $35 million so York and last year generated $49 million for the city’s economy. -—AFP which is a rare commodity these days.” for a $10 million launch at 2,451 theaters. The far.— Reuters

Home Centre celebrates 20 years and outlines roadmap for 50-store expansion by 2020 ome Centre, the largest home retailer in the Middle East, kicked off its mile- Hstone 20th anniversary celebrations by unveiling plans to expand its regional pres- ence through the addition of over 50 new stores over the next five years. The brand has grown from a single store opened in Sharjah, UAE in 1995 into an international network of nearly 90 stores spread across 10 countries and occupying a total space of 4 million sq. feet. Attributing its leading status to the versa- tile product offering, affordable pricing and customer-centric approach that have been the cornerstones of its business strategy, MÈdÈric Payne, CEO of Home Centre announced the brand’s plans to invest more than AED 1 billion over the next five years to strengthen its presence across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Home Centre will also remodel over 40 existing stores in the region, fortify its existing supply chain and Mederic Payne, CEO of Home Centre enhance its warehouse infrastructure. While continuing to strengthen its existing include a range of innovative products, a today two decades later, customer satisfac- We have ambitious plans for Home Centre ber visits one of the brand’s stores at least market presence, Home Centre will also lifestyle range of home storage options, mod- tion continues to remain a prime focus for us. in the next five years. We will increase our three times a year. explore expansion opportunities in countries ular furniture concepts, as well as completely In our endeavor to extend an exceptional store count and retail footprint by 50%, while Home Centre has been consistently ranked such as Kazakhstan, Morocco, Kenya, Algeria new product categories. brand experience, we ensure that our product venturing into new markets. This expansion among the top 50 brands in the Middle East and Angola, both through organic growth Mederic Payne, CEO of Home Centre, said: range is aligned with global trends, while con- will fuel Home Centre’s next phase of growth.” Global Brand Simplicity Index. In addition to and new franchise operations. The brand’s “Twenty years marks a significant milestone tinuing to cater to our diverse local customer In the last two decades, Home Centre has this accolade, it maintained its Superbrand projected expansion will create around 3,000 for a home-grown brand like ours that has base as well. We also routinely reformat our invested in building strong and enduring rela- status for three consecutive years in the UAE additional job opportunities by 2020. today evolved to become the region’s pre- store design and enhance our customer serv- tionships with its customers. More than 80% (2010-12), as well as once each in Kuwait In a bid to adapt to evolving customer ferred home shopping destination. We start- ice experience in line with new technology of Home Centre customers are reported to be (2010) and in Jordan (2012). needs, Home Centre aims to introduce a ed with a vision to provide customers with and changing trends that sweep the home loyal to the brand, with studies indicating that wider offering over the next five years to high quality products at affordable prices and retail market. on an average, a Home Centre Shukran mem- lifestyle SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 FASHION

Models present the creations of designers Agi & Sam, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Rory Parnell-Mooney, Wales Bonner and Nasir Mazhar at the Autumn/Winter 2016 London Collections: Men fashion event in London. — AFP photos Seaside and Star Wars vibes as London men’s fashion week opens

eaping from the traditional to the radical, Design showcased its 1970s inspired collection the men’s edition of London fashion week marked by orange, brown and floral motifs. The Lopened on Friday with shows from coun- suits were baggy, worn with slip-on shoes and try gentleman label Barbour and young urban occasionally paired with silk bathrobes and designer Nasir Mazhar. Fashion VIPS, buyers coats. Sales in men’s fashion leapt by 22 percent and journalists gathered under the elegant arch in Britain to £13.5 billion pounds between 2009 of the Swiss church in central London to catch a to 2014, according to market researcher Mintel. glimpse of Barbour’s autumn/winter 2016 col- Following London, the male fashionista will lection, the first of dozens of shows to be held pack his bags for Milan next week, followed by before the event wraps up on Monday. Paris and then New York. — AFP An intermittent spotlight, mimicking a light- house, illuminated the stage as the soothing sound of breaking waves filled the room. “The collection is inspired by the Beacon that has stood watch at the mouth of the River Tyne in the North East of England since 1882,” the label said in a statement. Early highlights included loose-fitting jackets decorated with tartan lin- ing, mottled grey sweaters and snoods. The Barbour man will be wearing black and sienna trousers next winter-tight to the ankle- and leather boots. The label, founded in north- east England in 1894, also showcased modern twists on its classics, including its famous waxed canvas jackets. “We have taken inspira- tion from out history and archive to create strong looks that remain true to Barbour’s DNA in modern, contemporary pieces that represent what Barbour is today,” said Ian Bergin, the label’s director of menswear.

Star Wars and seventies At nearby Victoria House, but a world away in atmosphere, audacious young designer Nasir Mazhar presented his street-inspired collection. To the sound of a relentless electro beat, Mazhar promised to conjure “a club world of individual characters unified by darkness”,

London Men’s Fashion Week Fashion Men’s London delivering a confusing and provocative collec- tion mainly in black. The London-born designer set the tone with an ensemble that included an upturned black bucket gilded with strips of tissue worn on the model’s head, recalling Star Wars arch-villain Darth Vader. Mazhar said that the collection reflected the “creative freedom” of his “non- commercial, purely creative beginnings”. Alongside the macho hip-hop inspired track- suits, combat gear and heavy boots trimmed with chrome, Mazhar added a number of skimpy androgynous outfits — some modeled by women, revealing bare chests and legs. These models, “are just people of my genera- tion, of my society,” he told the press. “We see all kinds of people in London.” The opening day was rounded off with a return to the more conventional, as Topman How to do Sundance and leave a little cash for popcorn very January, the streets of the moun- ways to get in on the action and still have winning movies after the ceremony on the one of the nearby ski areas that now between Park Avenue and Main Street. tain town of Park City, Utah, light up some cash left over for popcorn. final day, Jan 31. include the new Vail-owned Park City Eas the Robert Redford-founded mega-resort, touted as one of the biggest Sundance Film Festival pulls in big names Get on the list Main street scene in the country. Think outside pc to introduce future Oscar winners and eye- While tickets to big-name releases sell If spotting movie stars during the Lodging in Park City can range into the opening documentaries. Over the years, out fast, fans can now get online to put hottest days of the festival is your thing, Fly under the radar hundreds of dollars a night and many movies screened in this one-time mining their names on wait lists and check out the think about grabbing tickets for a lower- For some free entertainment between rooms sell out quickly. Salt Lake City offers town have ranged from “The Blair Witch chances of getting in before heading into profile film in the festival’s vast selection. screenings, hunt street art left by the mys- a wider hotel selection a 40-minute drive Project” to “Little Miss Sunshine.” the cold. Park City is packed during the fes- Then scope out celebrity arrivals at the big- terious artist Banksy when the documen- away, and Sundance also holds movie Seeing buzzed-about films before the tival’s opening days, but the second half of name screenings or hit up the lively Main tary “Exit Through the Gift Shop” premiered screenings there. The city’s nightlife, rest of the world isn’t restricted to the the event is a bit more laid-back, making it Street scene after the show. Besides, you in 2010. One work that’s been framed and including two adjoining bars owned by Hollywood elite, though. Tickets for many easier for movie-lovers to score seats. And could end up discovering a cinematic gem. covered in Plexiglas is on the Java Cow “Modern Family” actor Ty Burrell, Beer Bar screenings during the festival that starts for those who stay through to the end, building at 402 Main St. The other is harder and Bar-X, is also worth checking out. —AP Jan 21 are publicly available, and there are there are additional screenings of award- Plan meals now to find, on the side of a parking garage Getting restaurant reservations in Park City is all about planning and flexibility. Call far in advance and be prepared with a backup. Many restaurants get booked for private parties, says Linda Jager with Visit Park City, the tourism agency. Off-hours are also good times to try in-demand spots like the ski-in High West Distillery and Saloon, or to sample the state’s burgeoning craft beer scene at Wasatch Brew Pub or Squatters Roadhouse Grill. For cheaper eats, try places like El Chubasco and Good Karma, or venture outside of Park City to Kimball Junction, a 15-minute drive away.

Hit the slopes Sundance’s not-so-dirty little secret? The area’s epic mountains are relatively empty during the festival as people staying to watch movies all day, says Nathan Rafferty with Ski Utah. And you never know who The Egyptian Theatre on Main Street during the first day of the 2015 Sundance Film you might be sharing a chairlift with if you Festival in Park City, Utah.— AP photos step away from the festival to check out Festival goers walk up Main Street past a design by graffiti artist Banksy. Kanye West signals new album out 38next month SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016

Children play in the surf at Kite Beach with the Burj al Arab, the Dubai Marina and a man flying a powered parachute in the background in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. — AP AFI Awards honor ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Mad Max’

he Martian” gang mixed with the potential honorees, with Rich Frank the “Star Wars” team, WB’s and Tom Pollock respectively heading “TSue Kroll chatted with Harvey the TV and film panels. For TV, the AFI Weinstein, while Cate Blanchett, Ryan panel always salutes a mix of new TV Gosling, Steven Spielberg and F Gary works and continuing series. The jury Gray accepted congrats for their work at also voted a special award to “Mad the 16th AFI Awards Friday afternoon at Men,” which concluded this year and the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. which had chalked up more AFI honors The event honored 10 films and 10 in its nine-year run than any other TV works that had been announced last series. month as being “the year’s most out- The films saluted were “The Big standing storytelling,” and as usual, the Short,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Carol,” “Inside mood was high energy yet relaxed. The Out,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “The honorees knew that they were all win- Martian,” “Room,” “Spotlight,” “Star Wars: ners, so there was no suspense, with no The Force Awakens,” and “Straight Outta acceptance speeches, minimal red-car- Compton.” On the TV side: “The pet coverage and no fashion commen- Americans,” “Better Call Saul,” “Black-ish,” tary. And a key to the buoyant mood: “Empire,” “Fargo,” “Game of Thrones,” There were no TV cameras focusing on “Homeland,” “Master of None,” “Mr. the 220 people in the room. Robot” and “Unreal.” In the two-hour luncheon, each of AFI president-CEO Bob Gazzale said, the 20 works got a film clip of a few “This is a campaign-free zone. You don’t minutes, with the biggest reactions have to thank anybody; we are here to going to “Martian,” “Mad Max: Fury thank you.” He also pointed out that the Road” and “Straight Outta Compton” on event is a showbiz rarity: An event the film side, with “Better Call Saul,” where the honorees do not have to buy “Black-ish” and a “Mad Men” montage tables, thanks to the sponsors Audi and getting the most whoops on the TV American Airlines. Robert Towne deliv- Adventurer Tracey Curtis-Taylor smiles after arriving in her vintage, open-cockpit 1942 Boeing Stearman aircraft at Sydney International airport in side. ered the annual benediction in tribute Sydney. — AFP photos The heavy-hitters in attendance to the honorees and their remarkable included Bob Iger, Jim Gianopulos, John achievements in film and television. Landgraf, David Nevins, Matt Blank, Last year, six of AFI’s best pic hon- Brad Grey, Donna Langley, Cheryl orees also scored best-picture Oscar Boone Isaacs, Ron Meyer, Ted Sarandos nominations; in the previous year, it was Female lands after epic and Chris Silberman. Film and TV cre- seven of the top 10. However, the ators on hand included Adam McKay, American Film Institute downplays its George Miller, Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, role as a harbinger of Oscar attention. Drew Goddard, Ridley Scott, Lenny Execs at the organization, including journey in 1942 aircraft Abrahamson, Tom McCarthy, Josh Gazzale, have always stressed that their Singer, JJ Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, list recognizes a community of artists, Vince Gilligan, , Ilene and is not competitive. AFI does not dventurer Tracey Curtis-Taylor yesterday Johnson’s historic 1930 solo flight from England like this, low level, halfway around the world Chaiken, Brian Grazer, , DB rank choices, only listing them alpha- completed her epic flight from Britain to to Australia, Curtis-Taylor said her journey was a seeing all the the most iconic landscapes, geolo- Weiss, Aziz Ansari, Joel Fields, Michael betically. — Reuters AAustralia, landing her vintage, open-cock- homage to female pilots of the past. She said fly- gy, vegetation... it’s just the best view in the Giacchino and Mark Johnson. pit 1942 Boeing Stearman in Sydney. “I need a ing the open cockpit biplane had given her an world. It’s the best adventure in the world.” AFI selects a jury every year to weigh drink,” she joked after finishing the final leg of “insight into something of what she (Johnson) Curtis-Taylor, who flew from Cape Town to the three-month journey which saw her contend went through getting here”. Goodwood, England in 2013, took off from with some treacherous weather in the air and “The flying has been sensational and that’s Farnborough on October 1, with a flight path logistical obstacles on the ground. why you do it,” she told reporters at Sydney air- over Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The route Modeled after pioneering aviator Amy port shortly after her arrival. “To fly something of nearly 21,000 kilometers saw her stop in places such as Vienna, Istanbul and Amman before she headed to Pakistan and India and on to Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. She crossed the Timor Sea to Australia this month. Curtis-Taylor said she struck some bad weather, mostly in Eastern Europe, as she flew the stick and rudder airplane with basic period instruments. But as the journey involved fre- quent stops because of the plane’s short range, many of her obstacles were not related to flying. “I’ve lost my rag several times dealing with people on the ground,” she said, adding that she spent seven hours trying to get fuel at one air- port. “In the end I just lay down on the tarmac and went to sleep with my head on my hand- bag.” She said that it was an experience to fly over Australia, where her stops included the out- back towns of Tennant Creek and Alice Springs and flying over the monolithic rock Uluru. Curtis- Taylor, 53, said she would love to continue the adventure and fly up north along Australia’s east coast. But instead the plane, which the aviator said “did not miss a beat” during the epic jour- ney, will be shipped to the United States. —AFP George Miller arrives at the AFI Awards at the Four Seasons Hotel on Friday, Jan 8, Tracey Curtis-Taylor (rear) comes in to land. 2016, in Los Angeles. — AP