JAMADA ALAWWAL 10, 1440 AH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Max 23º 28 Pages Min 13º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 17734 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Kuwait to invest $20 billion to ‘Not your habibti’: Palestinian Joy, anger as ICC acquits Late winner as Australia 221develop civil aviation: DGCA designer empowering women 24 Ivory Coast ex-strongman 28 down Syria to go through

Kuwait mulling cancellation of kafala system for expats Govt to mandate appointing citizens in administrative positions in private sector

By A Saleh sponsorship system in a bid to fight visa traf- The sources explained that Kuwait will fol- ficking after previous attempts failed. The low Saudi Arabia’s experience in this regard Amir attends international KUWAIT: Well-informed sources said sources also noted that cancelling expats’ and mandate the appointment of citizens in Minister of State for Economic Development sponsorship will improve Kuwait’s ranking on administrative positions in the private sector Mariam Al-Aqeel will soon head a ministerial the lists of international organizations such as and that companies which do not comply will anti-corruption conference meeting to discuss cancelling the kafala the International Labour Organization and have to pay special taxes. (sponsorship) system for expats as part of human rights groups. Different forms of kafala systems are in measures to be taken by the government to The sources stressed that the new system force in the all Gulf states and some other resolve the demographic and labor market after cancelling the kafala system will be Arab countries. The system is highly criti- imbalances. Kuwaiti rights groups have long closely related to the policies of replacing cized by activists and human rights group called on the government to abolish its kafala expats with Kuwaitis, namely in administrative for exploiting workers and denying them system for expats, which has long been criti- positions in the private sector, which reflects basic rights, such as the ability to travel or cized as a form of bonded labor. the government’s measures to replace all change jobs. Employers often confiscate The sources added that the government is expats in the public sector with citizens with- workers’ passports, although this is illegal in fully convinced of the need to cancel the in five years. most countries.

Blast, gunfire rock Nairobi hotel complex

NAIROBI: A huge blast followed by a gun bat- tle rocked an upmarket hotel and office com- plex in Nairobi yesterday in an attack claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab Islamist group. The explosion at the DusitD2 compound, which includes a 101-room hotel, restaurant and office buildings housing local and international companies, was heard from AFP’s bureau some five kilometersaway. Al-Shabaab, which carried out a notorious assault on a Nairobi shopping KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attends an inter- mall in 2013, claimed responsibility, according to national anti-corruption conference yesterday. His Highness the Crown Prince the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is seen at right. — KUNA (See Page 3) NAIROBI: Special forces protect people at the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in militant activities. Nairobi’s Westlands suburb yesterday. — AFP Continued on Page 24 Saudi teen refugee Kuwaiti prof flees to Cottoning on: wants to fight US, claims asylum Chinese seed for other women sprouts on moon By A Saleh TORONTO: A Saudi teen who caused an international KUWAIT: Former Kuwait sensation by defying her family and seeking asylum University law professor abroad yesterday vowed to fight for women’s freedoms Dr Fatima Al-Matar yes- BEIJING: A small green shoot is growing on the terday announced she has moon in an out-of-this-world first after a cotton- in her first public address since she was taken in by Canada. Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun captured the moved to the US along seed germinated on board a Chinese lunar lander, with her daughter and scientists said yesterday. The sprout has emerged world’s attention with a trail of tweets from her hotel room at Bangkok’s airport, where she holed up after has applied for asylum from a lattice-like structure inside a canister since there. “I am so happy Thai authorities initially barred her from travelling on to the Chang’e-4 lander set down earlier this month, that I will start a new life according to a series of photos released by the Australia. in a beautiful and superb Advanced Technology Research Institute at Her emotional social media posts ignited a country that believes in Fatima Al-Matar #SaveRahaf movement as she fled what she said was TORONTO: Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun addresses the Chongqing University. “This is the first time media during a press conference yesterday. — AFP the values of human dig- humans have done biological growth experiments physical and psychological abuse from her family - and nity. God Bless America,” on the lunar surface,” said Xie Gengxin, who led prompted quick action. She was granted refugee status Matar said on her Twitter account. She said she has the design of the experiment. and was welcomed by Canada’s Foreign Minister change their reality,” she said through a translator. been referred to the public prosecution on blasphe- The Chang’e-4 probe - named after a Chinese Chrystia Freeland after landing in Toronto on Saturday. Her family has denied the abuse allegations. my charges and that she could no longer bear living moon goddess - made the world’s first soft landing “Today and for years to come, I will work in support Reflecting on her own experience, she said: “I was not in “this society”. on the moon’s “dark side” on Jan 3, a major step in of freedom for women around the world, the same free- treated respectfully by my family and not allowed to be In further tweets, Matar explained she had left for China’s ambitions to become a space superpower. dom that I experienced on the first day I arrived in myself and who I want to be. In Saudi Arabia, this is the the US with her daughter and claimed asylum there. Scientists from Chongqing University - who Canada,” she told a press conference, reading from a case for all Saudi women except for those that have “We were placed in a refugee center for two weeks and were treated with utmost respect, except for designed the “mini lunar biosphere” experiment - prepared statement in Arabic. Standing in front of a understanding parents. They can’t be independent and having no access to mobile phones or laptops until a sent an 18-cm bucket-like container holding air, large Canadian flag at the Toronto offices of refugee need approval of their male guardian for everything.” decision was made. A lawyer was also appointed for water and soil. resettling agency Costi, Qunun said: “I am one of the Rights groups have said she has renounced Islam, risk- lucky ones.” “I know there are unlucky women that dis- me free of charge,” she said, adding she is very hap- Inside are cotton, potato, and arabidopsis seeds - ing prosecution in her home country. py that her daughter will have a better life. a plant of the mustard family - as well as fruit fly eggs appeared after escaping and could not do anything to Continued on Page 24 and yeast. Images sent back by the probe show a cotton sprout has grown well, but so far none of the other plants has taken, the university said. —AFP sity players to celebrate their national Trump foots championship win. “I think they’d like it better than anything we could give,” said Trump, after landing back at the White bill for fast House following a day trip to New Orleans. “We have pizzas, we have 300 ham- food feast burgers, many, many French fries, all of our favorite foods - I want to see what’s here WASHINGTON: With White House resi- when we leave, because I don’t think it’s dence staff among those hit by the US going to be much,” the president mused. government shutdown, Donald Trump Asked to name his own favorite fast food - personally ordered in an “all American” as he stood smiling behind the gargantuan feast of burgers and pizza on Monday for spread - Trump demurred, insisting: “I like a visiting football team. “Because of the them all.” “If it’s American, I like it. It’s all This handout photograph shows a cotton sprout grow- shutdown, as you know... we went out and American stuff. The reason we did this is ing in a lattice-structured container inside the Chang’e- we ordered American fast food paid for because of the shutdown,” he added. “We WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump speaks alongside fast food he purchased 4 moon probe on the far side of the moon. — AFP by me,” the president quipped, as he pre- want to make sure that everything is right, in the State Dining Room of the White House on Monday. — AFP pared to host the Clemson Tigers univer- so we sent out, we got this.”—AFP 2 Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Local Amir, Crown Prince receive visiting Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie Kuwait National Guard, Turkish Gendarmerie discuss boosting cooperation

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with the visiting Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie General His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Arif Cetin and his accompanying delegation. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets meets with Director-General of OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) meets with Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie General Arif Cetin. with His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Abdulhamid Al-Khalifa.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad of Turkish Gendarmerie and his delegation. The meeting Jamal Mohammad Theyab attended the meeting. His Highness the Prime Minister received Director-General Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Bayan Palace the was attended by Head of Protocols at the Diwan of His In the meantime, Lt Gen Rifaie held a meeting with of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) visiting Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie General Arif Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mubarak Sabah Al- General Cetin at Kuwait National Guard’s headquarters, Abdulwahab Al-Bader, accompanied by visiting Director- Cetin and his accompanying delegation. The receptions Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and Lt Gen Rifaie. during which they discussed ways of boosting security General of OPEC Fund for International Development were attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Furthermore, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber and military cooperation, in addition to coordination in the (OFID) Abdulhamid Al-Khalifa and his accompanying del- Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met with the visiting training field. egation. In the meantime, His Highness the Prime Minister National Guard Lieutenant General Hashim Al-Rifaie. Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie and his accompany- Also yesterday, His Highness the Amir and His Highness received Municipal Council Chairman Osama Al-Otaibi, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- ing delegation. Lt Gen Rifaie and Director of the Diwan of the Crown Prince separately received His Highness Sheikh who submitted to His Highness a copy of a publication on Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also received the Commander Deputy Chief of the Kuwait National Guard Maj Gen Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Meanwhile, the Municipal Council’s minutes since 1932. — KUNA

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti National Guard Lieutenant General Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with the vis- Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with Municipal Council Hashim Al-Rifaie and Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie General Arif iting Commander of Turkish Gendarmerie General Arif Cetin and his accompanying delegation. Chairman Osama Al-Otaibi. Cetin attend a meeting in Kuwait yesterday.

Indian Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu The summit, co-hosted by the Indian MPs Mubarak Al-Herayyes and Ali Al- Kuwait to invest $20 opened the inaugural session, which was attended Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Airports Assembly Degbasi, Parliament’s Secretary General by Kuwait Ambassador to India Jassem Al-Najm Authority and the FICCI, aims to provide a plat- Allam Al-Kandiri, and Charge d’Affaires at and senior officials from Kuwait, in the presence form to exchange experience in innovations and Mexico’s Embassy in Kuwait. Ghanem held a billion to develop Speaker holds of a number of foreign ministers and industry offi- latest developments in air travel and discuss the lunch banquet following the meeting, in hon- cials as well as President of Federation of Indian challenges facing the aviation sector. Leaders or of Barron and her accompanying delega- civil aviation: Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). from airlines, manufacturers, investors, vendors, talks with tion, with a number of MPs attending. The summit is discussing latest developments in cargo, space industry, banking institutions and Meanwhile, Ghanem gratefully DGCA chief the air transport industry and ways to enhance skill development agencies are also represented IPU President acknowledged the support of the IPU, say- joint cooperation in civil aviation. in the summit. — KUNA ing its president has always stood up for Arab interests. The IPU chief is “fully coor- NEW DELHI: An investment of $20 billion is dinating” with the Kuwaiti parliament over KUWAIT: Speaker of the National expected to be made in the next 10 years to matters that concern the wider Arab Assembly Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem held develop and modernize civil aviation sector in region, Ghanem told the press. He com- yesterday official talks with visiting Kuwait, a senior Kuwaiti official said. President President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union mended Cuevas Barron for her profound of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Gabriela Cuevas Barron, and her accompa- concern over the latest happenings in the (DGCA) Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- nying delegation. They tackled many issues region, “warmly welcoming” her amid her Humoud Al-Sabah made that statement as he to be discussed during the upcoming Inter- visit to Kuwait as part of an extensive tour presented a paper in a ministerial session titled Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference to be of the Middle East. Ghanem went on to ‘Connecting the World’ featured at the Global held in Qatar, as Barron stressed the impor- wish the global parliamentary bloc success Aviation Summit - 2019. Kuwait is participating tance of working to uniting positions to bet- ahead of major meetings later this year. in the event, which is being held in the Indian ter serve and solve those issues. The talks The IPU President and her accompanying financial capital of Mumbai to share best expe- were attended by head of the accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait on Sunday on riences in the field and discuss ways of mission of honor MP Safa Al-Hashim, and a four-day official visit. — KUNA enhanced cooperation in civil aviation. Sheikh Salman also said that in order to increase the capacity of Kuwait International Airport and to improve services provided to passengers, a new passenger Terminal 4 (T4) was opened. The T4 can accommodate 4.5 mil- lion passengers annually. The new passenger Terminal 5, with a capacity of 2.2 million passen- gers annually, has also been opened. He added that Kuwait International Airport is currently undergoing a number of development projects, including the construction of a new passenger Terminal 2, which can accommodate 25 million KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem and IPU President Gabriela passengers annually and the construction of a Cuevas Barron are pictured inside the National Assembly yesterday. — KUNA NEW DELHI: Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah speaks during a ses- new third runway and a new observation tower sion held as part of the Global Aviation Summit - 2019 in Mumbai, India. — KUNA in addition to the shipping city. 3 Local Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Fighting graft integral for seeking a better future for Kuwait: Minister Amir attends, patronizes Kuwait international anti-corruption conference

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other state officials attend the inauguration of the Kuwait international anti-corruption conference at Bayan Palace’s theater yesterday. — Amiri Diwan photos

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber A group photo featuring His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Al-Sabah arrives to the venue. and other officials during the ceremony.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad The strategy focuses on the boosting rule of law, bol- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attended and patronized at Bayan stering transparency, questioning violators and spreading Palace’s theater yesterday the Kuwait international anti- citizens’ trust in the government, said Nemash, affirming corruption conference ‘Integrity for Development.’ His that Nazaha would contribute to the cause to help the Highness the Amir was received at the venue by Minister state both locally and internationally. of Justice and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Fahad Al-Afasi and head of Kuwait Anti- Corruption’s cost Corruption Authority (Nazaha) Abdurrahman Al-Nemash. Meanwhile, Director of the United Nations The conference was attended by His Highness the Crown Development Program (UNDP) Regional Hub for the Arab Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, States Khaled Abdelshafi commended the State of Kuwait Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem, for its initiative to host the international conference. He His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak stressed anti-corruption policies were very important and Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, President of the Supreme Judicial sought by various governments around the world. Council, President of the Constitutional Court and Head of Corruption comes at a cost, said Abdelshafi, revealing that the Cassation Court Justice Youssef Al-Mutawa’a, GCC the annual cost for corruption worldwide reached $2.6 tril- Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani and other state lion, around five percent of the world’s national income. officials and dignitaries. The cost in the Arab region in particular is about $90 bil-

Amir’s involvement Delivering his speech, Minister Afasi lauded His Highness the Amir’s keenness on attending the conference $2.6 trillion and supporting the cause of anti-corruption, an integral part of seeking a better future for Kuwait. The minister worldwide cost commended His Highness the Amir’s involvement in the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah signs a document to launch the national campaign and establishment of Nazaha, saying that the entity was work- of corruption strategy to combat corruption, as His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah looks on. ing vigilantly in bolstering transparency and fairness in Kuwait. A corruption-free society will focus its compass on attaining development; therefore, it should be the goal for all sectors of society, said Afasi. Corruption is one of the main reasons that plans for development worldwide faces numerous challenges, stated Afasi who called for lion annually, he indicated. The UNDP regional official said more efforts to eradicate such social ailment. Through the that corruption also took its toll on other sectors, saying backing of His Highness the Amir and his clear vision for that economy was not the only victim. He added that to development, Kuwait will reach its goals of welfare, securi- combat corruption the rule of law on all must be estab- ty, and justice for all, affirmed Al-Afasi who commended lished no matter what the cost. The official shared with the the organizing of such important event in Kuwait, which conferees his belief that technology must be used to com- will contribute to the state’s Vision 2035. bat corruption, saying that new tools must be operated in Similarly, in his speech, Nemash lauded His Highness corruption risk management at government entities to the Amir for hosting the international conference at Bayan encourage behavioral economics, which would lead to the Palace, saying that it reflected the leadership’s keenness on promotion of transparency. supporting local and international efforts against corrup- Developing human resources and boosting finances tion. Nemash argued that if left unnoticed, corruption to combat corruption are other methods to rid the would bring down any state or organization no matter how world from this aliment, said Abdelshafi who affirmed highly developed such entity is. Whether it was on an indi- that the UN maintained its stance on encouraging the vidual or state levels, all resources must be utilized to world to fight corruption in all of its forums. While combat corruption in all of its forms, said Nemash who there are 186 countries who are members in the United affirmed that through cooperation and coordination every- Nations Convention against Corruption, it is very thing would be possible. important to know that efforts against corruption was In regards to Nazaha’s efforts, the official said that the within the 17-point Sustainable Development Goals for authority’s main objective was to protect public wealth 2030. Goal 16 calls for peace, justice and strong insti- from exploiters and wrongdoers. He attributed the success tutions around the world. of Nazaha’s cause to the efforts of the government, which The UNDP official took the chance to congratulate should always focus on protecting society from corruption. Kuwait on setting a national strategy to combat corrup- The official commended His Highness the Amir’s national tion and also establishing Nazaha. He affirmed that campaign and strategy to combat corruption to prevent it Kuwait through its efforts to combat corruption will from spreading its negative effects socially, politically and surely reach it goals for development exemplified by Members of the audience watch a presentation made during the ceremony. economically. Vision 2035. — KUNA

Minister of Justice and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Head of Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) Abdurrahman Al- Director of the UNDP Regional Hub for the Arab States Khaled Abdelshafi Fahad Al-Afasi delivers his speech. Nemash addresses the audience. speaks during the event. 4 Local Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Photo of the Day

KUWAIT: A woman takes a picture of a statue depicting ‘Hemarat Al-Gayla’ by Kuwaiti artist Bader Al-Mansour at a gallery in Kuwait City on January 14, 2019. ‘Hemarat Al-Gayla’ (afternoon’s donkey) is a mythical creature from the Kuwaiti folklore, said to follow children who leave their houses alone during the day. Fearing for their safety, parents used this creature’s story to intimidate their children against going outside especially during the blazing-hot summer afternoons when streets used to be almost empty. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Cultural Office in Bahrain organizes 4th Arab Culture Attaches Forum Sheikh Jaber Cultural Center to host late Saudi King Fahad gallery MANAMA: The Cultural Office of Kuwait in Bahrain organ- Ambassador of Kuwait to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah Abdullah Al-Kandari. A number of ambassadors accredit- organizing committee Prince Turki bin Mohammad bin ized the Fourth Cultural Forum for Arab Cultural Attaches expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Hamar for ed to Bahrain attended the opening of the forum. Fahad said in a press statement on Monday. He noted that under the patronage and presence of the Advisor of the sponsoring this forum, which is an opportunity to the exhibition would also highlight the main stages of late Bahraini King for Media Affairs Nabil Al-Hamar. In a press exchange views and ideas among the participants. The Photo gallery King Fahad’s life in a professional and chronological order, statement on the sidelines of the forum, Hamar thanked Ambassador stressed the keenness of Bahrain to support In other news, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural using the latest display technologies. Prince Turki said that Kuwait Cultural Office for organizing this forum to be all cultural and literary activities and seminars, and Center announced that it plans to host a special photo the gallery would allocate a special section for the history attended by a group of poets and writers from various Arab expressed his hope to hold the fifth forum with the partici- gallery about the life and achievements of late Saudi King of the Kuwaiti-Saudi relations. This section would include countries. He also praised the great efforts to make this pation of all writers and artists from different Arab coun- Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud during the period of 11-23 a number of rare photos of the former Saudi and Kuwaiti forum a success, including artistic performances and poetry tries. “Cultural cooperation between Arab embassies in February. The gallery would shed light on the whole life of leaders, he said. He expressed great appreciation to evenings, pointing out that it is an ‘excellent’ initiative. Bahrain is evident of its leadership in the Arab cultural late King Fahad and his national, regional and international Kuwait’s leaders and official for their cordial welcome and Meanwhile, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps field,” said the head of the Kuwaiti Cultural Office Dr achievements, Saudi Minister of State and head of the support to the planned event. — KUNA

officials said, pointing to some main expected projects to Kuwaiti students develop the area. They have commended the Kuwait- It will improve connectivity and accessibility to Tajikistan relations in all domains, expressing gratitude to KFAED offers places of work and social services for the inhabitants visit ski resort the Kuwaiti delegation for visiting the resort. of the various towns and settlements located along Meanwhile, some Kuwaiti students expressed their $6 million the road path, and will enhance access to touristic impression over the tour. They said that were admired by attractions including the Caracol Archaeological in Tajikistan the visit during which they watched several charming Reserve, which is located at the southern end of the views in Tajikistan. Hamed Ashkenani, a high-school stu- loan to Belize road, it added. The project also includes works on 15 dent, said he was admired by mountains, touring in the bridges, where 14 bridges will be new reinforced DUSHABNE: Kuwait’s outstanding students on Monday resort and good organization of the resort’s officials. concrete construction replacing the old structures KUWAIT: A loan agreement was signed in Belize paid a visit to Safed-Dara ski resort in Tajikistan. The visit Ahmad Al-Kandari, another student, also voiced his and one bridge will need rehabilitation works, yesterday by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic is part of a trip organized by the Kuwait Fund for Arab delight at the tour in the resort, which included an enter- according to the statement. Development (KFAED) and Belize, whereby the for- Economic Development (KFAED) in collaboration with the tainment program, amid charming places and views. The By signing this agreement, the loan will be the 6th mer will offer a loan worth 6 million ($20.4 million to Education Ministry. The program of the trip continues until Safed-Dara ski resort is located in the Varzob district, 70 loan extended by the Fund to Belize considering that bankroll the Caracol Road Project. The project is tomorrow. Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, some kilometers north of Dushanbe. It was officially opened in the Fund had already extended to Belize 5 loans meant to promote economic and social development Tajikistan’s officials responsible for the resort told KUNA 1976. The journey program was launched in 2010 upon an within the Transport Sector, the amount totaling KD in Belize by providing reliable year-round land trans- that there are several potentials, which can contribute to initiative by the KFAED and in cooperation with the 12.8 million. The KFAED had also extended to Belize portation in a subtropical forest region, which is developing and expanding tourism in the society. Some Ministry of Education. Under the program, two trips are 3 Technical Assistance facilitates to finance feasibility located in Cayo District in the west-central part of specialized trainers take charge of preparing people organized for two overseas countries per year for out- studies in the transportation sector for a total amount Belize, the bank said in a statement. through an organized program on skating and mountain standing high-school students; one for 12 females and of KD 478,000 ($ 1.5 million). — KUNA climbing in Tajikistan, they noted. Varzob district attracts another for a dozen of males. The aim of KFAED’s trip is to many tourists during ski season, as local residents rent reward the outstanding students and encourage them for their homes to tourists and sell handcrafts to them, the more success and excellence. — KUNA chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Government Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. This policy, they explained, was prepared in collaboration with youth institutes to be in harmony with UN Sustainable debates National Development Goals (SDGs), the development plan and the government program. Youth Policy The cabinet, said Saleh, assigned the government’s educational, health and youth committee to prepare executive mechanisms for the National Youth Policy KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth within two weeks. Meanwhile, the cabinet discussed a Mohammad Al-Jabri and his office staff briefed the report by the Ministry of Electricity and Water over cabinet Monday about a National Youth Policy which collections of electricity and water bills. Deputy aimed at investing in human resources in compliance Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled with Kuwait’s 2035 vision. Jabri, also Minister of Al-Hamad Al-Sabah briefed the cabinet about out- Information, and his staff said the policy reflected gov- come of a recent visit by Oman’s foreign minister ernment’s commitment towards development, empow- Yusuf bin Alawi, during which they discussed support- ering youth and preparing them to achieve objectives ing the GCC march, as well as regional and interna- of the vision, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of tional issues of mutual interest. State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh said. The government, on the other hand, expressed They said the National Youth Policy would cover regret over the human casualties caused by an explo- important fields like education, innovation, health, sion in a bakery in Paris, France, and snow storms in labor, culture, social responsibility and citizenship, Algeria and the US, as well as a collapse of a coal DUSHABNE: Kuwaiti students pose for a group picture during their visit to a ski resort in Tajikistan. — KUNA Saleh said in a statement following a cabinet meeting, mine in China. — KUNA Established 1961 5 Local Wednesday, January 16, 2019 2019-2020 development plan referred to National Assembly

Jleeb crimes dropped by 27 percent in Dec 2018

By Meshaal Al-Enezi and A Saleh in the area by 27 percent in Dec 2018 compared to the same period the previous year. In this regard, KUWAIT: Minister of State for Economic security sources said that the campaigns resulted in Development Mariam Al-Aqeel yesterday referred the arresting 500 people and referring them to relevant 2019-2020 development plan to the National Assembly authorities, closing down scores of violating stores, after it was reviewed by the Cabinet as part of the removing tons of violating goods and half a ton of 2015-2016/2019-2020 second development plan, said waste, tracking down street vendors and removing the Secretary General of the violations on public property. Supreme Council for The sources added only 841 Development and Planning felonies were filed in Dec Khaled Mahdi. Speaking at a 2018 compared to 1,044 in press conference, Mahdi Manpower the same period of 2017, and explained the plan includes that crimes filed were only 135 projects, 32 programs and authority to 292 compared to 380 in Dec 66 indexes, in addition to 238 2017. policies with investment cost limit paperwork of KD 3,539,000,000. Automated services Mahdi added that the proj- The Public Authority for ects are based on a diversified Manpower’s deputy director economy and focus on Hassan Al-Khodor stressed improving the business environment, financial sustain- that the authority constantly reviews its decisions to ability, developing tourism, privatization and developing make sure they match public interest and the labor mar- the oil sector. He added that the projects also focus on ket needs. Khodor added that the authority is taking developing human resources, improving the quality of confident steps towards automating all its services and The National Assembly. education, youth empowerment, resolving local market getting rid of paper documentation. He added that the imbalances, integrating citizens with special needs in authority is currently reconsidering the fee paid for its the employment system, improving senior citizens’ services, noting that they are the lowest in GCC states. ministry to expand a mosque in Mubarak Al-Kabeer. an international operator to operate Terminal 2 (T2). services and enhancing social solidarity. In its report, the council called for further studies, not- Convoy headquarters Terminal 2 ing that contracting an international operator and Jleeb crimes Kuwait Municipality’s acting director Abdullah With fears that the operator would monopolize the management would marginalize DGCA with all its Combined efforts exerted by various government Emadi rejected a request made by the Hajj Convoy terminal, the Supreme Council for Planning and technical, human, financial and administrative skills. bodies in launching inspection campaigns in Jleeb Al- Owners Union to license headquarters in residential Development urged the Directorate General of Civil The report also called for studying regional and GCC Shuyoukh helped enforce the law and reduce crimes areas. Emadi approved a request made by the awqaf Aviation (DGCA) to take its time before contracting experiences in this regard.

seedlings (69.766 kg); cocaine: 1.249 kg; qat: Interior Ministry 41.040 kg; chemical (synthetic marijuana): 24.618 kg; psychoactive drugs: 26,220,489 million tablets; highlights drug liquor: 49,074 bottles. Camp robbed fighting efforts Detectives arrested a citizen who stole a complete camp and erected it somewhere else. A citizen told police that his camp was removed completely, so KUWAIT: The criminal security sector at the detectives were asked to work on the case. They then Interior Ministry lauded the support of Deputy found a camp pitched nearby, and after the com- Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid Al- plainant told them about the camp’s description, they Jarrah Al-Sabah and follow-up by Ministry entered the camp and the victim found all his belong- Undersecretary Lt Gen Essam Al-Naham of drug ings. The man who was found inside told them the fighting programs, which achieved good results in camp belongs to a friend who had gone to bring some foiling attempts to get drugs through Kuwait’s bor- goods. When he returned, police arrested him and he ders, according to statistics issued by the sector confessed to stealing the camp. about drugs cases last year. The sector said that all security systems are Thieves caught exerting efforts to improve work on programs to Four citizens who formed a gang to steal and store fight drugs and psychoactive drugs. It said joint the loot in a Rahaya farm were arrested by detectives, relation with international organizations to who found three stolen cars, drugs, drugs parapherna- improve current elements to implement the law. lia and power generators. Coordination was done with Statistics of the criminal security department for Kuwait Municipality to remove the farm. The arrests 2018: shabu (methamphetamine): 61.149 kg; opium: were made following attempts by the suspects to 1.979 kg; heroin: 27.449 kg; marijuana: 35 escape. — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Rai

KUWAIT: A road roller flipped over on the Seventh Ring Road, killing its operator. Firemen from the Kabd fire station rushed to the scene shortly after the accident was reported. They recovered the Asian man’s body, which was transferred to the coroner. An investigation was opened. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun

Oil price between $55-$65 pb in first half of 2019: Analyst KUWAIT: In the first half of 2019, the price of oil is expected to reach $55 to $65 per barrel (pb) with Kuwaiti oil at around $50 to $60 pb, said an analyst yesterday. Mohammad Al-Shatti, an oil analyst, said that it was too early to have a concrete idea of where the prices will be going this year due to numerous vari- ables and challenges. With that being said, the analyst forecasted the price of the Brent crude for the second half of the year to reach $70 to $80 pb, and equivalent of $65 to $75 pb in Kuwaiti oil. He indicated that prices insight of a serious intention to stabilize prices for both will vary according to forthcoming developments, not- producers and consumers. ing that the continuous decrease in Iranian oil produc- Meanwhile, there are still fears of the global econo- tion to around three million bpd, the continuing of the my entering a phase of regression as a result of various agreement to cut-down on production by the OPEC happenings including the US China trade war, which and non-OPEC coalition, the status quo of the US- occurred late in 2018, stated the official. He added that Chinese trade war will play huge part roles in deter- there was still hope for a positive outlook with news mining the stability of prices. regarding negotiations between the US and China, Other factors will also have an impact, affirmed which will hopefully have some positive impact on Shatti who indicated that the Brent crude price will global economy and the price of oil. The analyst probably be less than the price in 2018 by $5 to $10 pb. touched on the status of Shale oil, saying that the only When and if the crude price goes up, it would be way to monitor the price of this type of oil was through important to analyze the causes, said Shatti who added the prices of other types and the status quo of the mar- that it would be interesting to see how the decrease of ket. The US, Russia, and Saudi Arabia are the biggest supplies in the light of the Saudi 400,000 barrel per produces in the world with a combined 11 million bpd, day (bpd) production decrease will play in the interna- said Shatti who affirmed that the market was in need of tional market. He said that the decrease of Iranian oil crude oil at a reasonable production level and stable production by 800,000 bpd and the and the OPEC and price. The coalition of oil producers had achieved great non-OPEC intention to decrease production by 1.2 mil- milestones in 2017-18 and hopefully such things will lion bpd for the first six months of 2019 provided an continue this year, he said. — KUNA InternationalWEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 Zimbabwe police fires tear gas as Lindsey Graham: Bidding for the elusive ‘Trump whisperer’ status Page 9 crackdown tightens Page 8

TORONTO: Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun, 18, addressed the media during a press conference in Toronto at the offices of COSTI, a refugee resettling agency yesterday. —AFP Trudeau notches a win with Saudi refugee ‘We believe very strongly that women’s rights are human rights’ MONTREAL: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau notched from her family in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia. Mail newspaper opinion piece. The diplomatic risks, himself a political win ahead of Canadian legislative Rights groups also said she had renounced Islam, she says, are minimal. “Our bilateral relationship with elections by granting asylum to the teenage Saudi girl risking prosecution in her homeland. Qunun’s family has Saudi Arabia is already at an all-time low, so there may fleeing her parents, experts here say. Trudeau sent denied the abuse allegations. The publicity thwarted an be no lower place to go,” she said. By harnessing the Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland to greet 18-year- attempt to deport the teen to Saudi Arabia after she power of social media to garner global attention, old Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun as the young woman arrived in Bangkok on a flight from Kuwait. Thai Qunun “has opened a Pandora’s box that only Saudi Palestinians go landed in Toronto on Saturday. authorities instead turning her over to the UN’s refugee Arabia can close,” Momani wrote. As Freeland clutched Qunun’s arm in the presence agency. On Friday Trudeau made the surprise As of early Monday Saudi authorities had no official on strike against of reporters from across the globe she reminded announcement that Canada would grant her asylum. reaction on the affair. De Kerckhove predicted that the everyone that human rights were Canada’s priorities Saudis will stay “rather quiet.” “My only concern,” he under Trudeau — especially the rights of women in Opening Pandora’s Box said, “is that the Saudis will take revenge” on jailed social security law countries like Saudi Arabia. By granting Qunun asylum, “At a time when Saudi Arabia’s global image is tar- blogger Badawi. However he hoped that the global RAMALLAH: Thousands of Palestinians in the Canada was “standing up for human rights around the nished by assassination of critics, I cannot imagine that outcry following the murder of journalist Jamal occupied West Bank joined a strike yesterday world, and we believe very strongly that women’s there was not mirth in the Canadian government Khashoggi case “will prevent them” from such action. rights are human rights,” Freeland said. shared by the well-meant genuine sense of wanting to Attaran told AFP that the Saudis “are learning the against their government’s proposed new social protect a refugee,” said University of Ottawa law pro- stupidity of their incendiary foreign policy.” When in security law, fearing the fund will be misman- Scoring one more point fessor Amir Attaran. But the move is certain to further mid-2018 “they burned their political, educational and aged. The strike, which saw much of Ramallah, Accepting the Saudi teen was “very good on a strain Canada’s relations with the kingdom. financial linkages with Canada, they left no leverage Hebron and other Palestinian cities closed, humanitarian level,” said Ferry de Kerckhove, a Ties soured in August 2018 over Ottawa’s criticism over which to rebuke Canada meaningfully.” Canada comes hours before president Mahmud Abbas Canadian former diplomat and current professor at the of human rights in Saudi Arabia, prompting Riyadh to holds legislative elections in October in which Trudeau is due to address the United Nations. University of Ottawa, “but it’s also a very good move expel Canada’s ambassador and sever all trade and will seek a second term in office. Even though he leads A few thousand people protested outside the for the prime minister and for Canada.” “You had to investment ties in protest. Canada also sparked fury in in the polls, Trudeau faces an emboldened opposition see Ms. Freeland’s beaming smile when she greeted the Riyadh by demanding the “immediate release” of jailed and pushback on issues such as immigration, a carbon Social Security Corporation in Ramallah, where young woman,” he told AFP. rights campaigners, including Samar Badawi, the sister tax and environmental protection. Abbas’s government is based. Under the pro- “We felt they had scored one more point” against of jailed blogger Raif Badawi, whose family lives in Also unresolved: the (Can) $15 billion sales contract posed system both private employers and their those “awful Saudis” who murdered dissident journal- Quebec. Canada is “on the right side of history” by with Saudi Arabia for light-armored vehicles, signed by employees would pay monthly into a govern- ist Jamal Khashoggi, he said. Qunun’s attempt to flee granting Qunun asylum, said University of Waterloo the previous Conservative administration of Stephen ment-managed fund, with employees receiving Saudi Arabia was embraced by rights groups as a bea- political scientist Bessma Momani. Harper. Political opponents and human rights activists a pension when they retire. The government con of defiance against repression. The Saudi teen have slammed Trudeau for failing to end the contract. captured the world’s attention with a trail of Twitter Silence from Riyadh A cancellation however would come at a steep price: at says it will provide new security for employees, posts that ignited a #SaveRahaf movement as she fled “We are demonstrating our moral leadership on the least Can $1 billion in penalties, and a loss of jobs in arguing similar systems exist in countries across what she said was physical and psychological abuse issue of gender equality,” she wrote in a Globe and Ontario province where the vehicles are built. —AFP the globe. Protesters say they do not trust the Assad and offered the warring sides a peace plan that was sad ... (to) leave Syria behind in such a bad state”. Palestinian government to manage the fund and UN envoys who supposed to start with a ceasefire and envisaged a politi- Damascus welcomed the resignation, having accused point out there are no guarantees. They also say cal transition. Brahimi of bias and interference in its internal affairs after Israel’s occupation of the West Bank means that But just six months later, on August 2, Annan resigned, he criticized its planned June 2014 presidential election as the long-term existence of the Palestinian failed in quest saying he had given it his “best” and complaining of a lack a blow to peace efforts. Authority government is far from secure. Israeli of support from major powers, implicitly referring to Russian and Chinese vetoes. “You have to understand, as De Mistura: ‘sorry’ soldiers have carried out repeated raids inside for Syria peace an envoy, I can’t want peace more than the protagonists, On July 10, 2014, veteran Italian-Swedish diplomat Ramallah in recent weeks, including near BEIRUT: New UN envoy Geir Pedersen, who arrived in more than the Security Council or the international com- Staffan de Mistura took on the role, going on to organize Abbas’s headquarters, following two deadly Damascus yesterday on his first visit since taking up post, munity for that matter,” he said. nine rounds of indirect negotiations, in Geneva and Vienna, shootings. is the fourth head of UN efforts to end Syria’s nearly which come to nothing. In December 2017, de Mistura Amer Farah, who works at Bank of Palestine eight-year-old civil war. The United Nations has had three Brahimi: ‘sad’ to leave called the penultimate round of talks a “golden opportuni- Lakhdar Brahimi, a former Algerian foreign minister and ty missed” and accused the Syrian government of not in Ramallah, said that in functioning states the previous special envoys to Syria in and all have quit as social security laws were important to protect their peace bids stalled. one of the world’s most respected peace envoys, was seeking true dialogue with the opposition. Pedersen — a seasoned Norwegian diplomat — took named to take over on August 17, 2012. The following On October 17, 2018, he announced he would step citizens’ futures. “But we are still under occupa- over on January 7 from Staffan de Mistura, who followed month he met Assad in Damascus, warning that the wors- down, citing “purely personal reasons”, but with no break- tion, and there is no contact between parts of veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi and former UN ening conflict “is a threat to the Syrian people, the region through in sight. He spent his last months in post pushing a the country,” he told AFP, alluding to the chief Kofi Annan. Here is a recap of their efforts in the face and the world”. UN plan to establish a committee to write a new constitu- He urged “all parties to unite their efforts to find a solu- tion for Syria, envisaged to provide a basis for ending the decade-long split between the West Bank and of the conflict that killed more than 360,000 people and Gaza, where Abbas’s rivals Hamas are in control. displaced millions since 2011. tion”, adding that the Syrian government needed to war. But in December 2018 he acknowledged the body assume greater responsibility for a cessation of hostilities. would not be in place by year’s end, as had been hoped. “The country is not stable, neither economically Annan: did his ‘best’ Brahimi organized in January and February 2014 the first “I deeply regret what has not been achieved, and I am nor politically. How will they implement the The late Kofi Annan, UN secretary general from 1997 face-to-face negotiations between the government and the sorry more was not possible,” he said, noting there were law?” Abbas is due to speak at the United to 2006, was on February 23, 2012 named to represent opposition in Geneva, under the leadership of the United issues with a list of participants proposed by the govern- States and Russia. ment. An op-ed in Syria’s pro-government Al-Watan Nations General Assembly later Tuesday, where both the UN and the Arab League in efforts aimed at end- he is expected to again call on world powers to ing “violence and human rights violations, and promoting a However, he came up against the regime’s refusal to newspaper underscored his tense relationship with Assad’s peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis”. He visited discuss the future of Assad and on May 13, after less than regime. “In Damascus, we will never be sorry for Staffan recognize Palestine as a state. —AFP Damascus several times to meet President Bashar Al- two years in the job, he too quit. Brahimi said he was “very de Mistura’s departure,” it said. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Hindus gather by the millions in India for world’s largest festival Expected to attract more than 100 million pilgrims

ALLAHABAD: The largest gathering of humanity on Tuesday on an endless sea of dreadlocked sadhus the planet began yesterday, with tens of millions smoking marijuana, priests offering blessings in saffron showered in rose petals and holy ash at a spectacular robes and pilgrims from every corner of India. “All the Hindu festival on India’s sacred riverbanks. The Gods descend on this sacred place during this period. Kumbh Mela is expected to attract more than 100 This is the most auspicious event for any human million pilgrims to Allahabad over the next seven being,” said Chandhans Pandey, a 60-year-old devo- weeks to bathe in waters considered among the holi- tee. “I have been planning to attend (for) many years.” est in Hinduism. Allahabad rises alongside the Ganges, Yamuna and Politics and faith mythical Saraswati, and the banks of these hallowed Nearly 30,000 police have been deployed to rivers have transformed into a riot of color for the oversee crowds for the huge undertaking, and pre- centuries-old festival. A gigantic tent city has vent stampedes that have marred previous gather- emerged near the confluence of the rivers, where ings. Patrol drones buzzed over a 45-square kilome- Hindus believe bathing during the Kumbh helps ter encampment set aside specially for pilgrims — a cleanse sins and brings salvation. Before dawn thou- temporary city three-quarters the size of Manhattan. sands of naked holy men smeared in ash, some on Restaurants, roads and marketplaces have sprung up horseback, proceeded toward the rivers’ meeting to cater to the huge influx of visitors, along with point known as “Sangam”. 122,000 toilets and 300 kilometers of road. The “naga sadhus” plunged into the chilly waters Festival veteran Ganeshanand Bharamachari, from before the sun rose, as nearby devotees chanted nearby Varanasi, said the Kumbh had grown in popu- praises to the Hindu deity Shiva. “This is the purpose larity in recent years. “People, mostly from cities, are of my life,” said Sadhu Sridhar, reapplying a grey ash becoming increasingly religious because the western to his body after emerging from the waters. life they were living has not led them anywhere,” the Throughout the day, millions of pilgrims will queue in 78-year-old told AFP. The Uttar Pradesh state gov- huge processions for their chance to plunge into the ernment, led by a firebrand Hindu priest, has heavily waters in northern Uttar Pradesh state. “I do not promoted this year’s festival, which comes as India know whether my prayers were accepted, but I am prepares for a general election due by May. ALLAHABAD: Indian Hindu Sadhus (holy men) take part in a religious procession towards the Sangam satisfied after taking a dip,” said Narendranath Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Hindu area as they cross a pontoon bridge during the “royal entry” for the Kumbh Mela. —AFP Chakraborty, a 72-year-old who travelled from nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is in power in Uttar Kolkata in India’s east. Pradesh, visited Allahabad in December to inaugu- The last major gathering in Allahabad in 2013 drew rate a high-tech command centre to manage the widely known as Allahabad, the name given by taining the nectar of immortality. During the tussle, a an astonishing 120 million people, organizers said. Kumbh. The historic city was even renamed Islamic rulers that reigned over India hundreds of few drops fell to earth at four different locations — Thirty million devotees — more than the entire popu- Prayagraj in October by the state’s conservative gov- years ago. one being Allahabad. The Kumbh, which runs until lation of Australia — are said to have bathed on a sin- ernment, stripping its centuries-old name and According to Hindu mythology, gods and demons March 4, was recognized as an intangible cultural gle auspicious day. A helicopter dropped rose petals replacing it with an ancient Hindu title. But it is still fought a war over a sacred pitcher, or kumbh, con- heritage by UNESCO in 2017. —AFP

Kanakadurga against her mother-in- Indian temple law who, she said, attacked her when she arrived home this morning at 7.15 am,” a police official in Perunthalmanna trailblazer town told AFP on condition of anonymity. A complaint had been regis- Model claiming beaten by tered against the mother-in-law for “voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous Trump secrets weapons or means” and “wrongful mother-in-law restraint”, reports said. Kanakadurga, a government to be deported THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One of employee, was admitted to a hospital in the two women who infuriated Hindu PATTAYA: A Belarusian model who claimed she the nearby city of Malappuram where had proof of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump traditionalists by entering a revered protesters had begun gathering and shrine in India was attacked by her win office was set to be deported after being con- chanting slogans. It was not known victed yesterday nearly a year after her arrest in mother-in-law yesterday as soon as she immediately how serious her injuries returned home after days on the run, Thailand for participating in a “sex training course”. were. In a recent interview with AFP Anastasia Vashukevich, known by her pen name police said. Kanakadurga, 39, had been while still in hiding, Kanakadurga said in hiding since she made history by set- Nastya Rybka, has been held with several others she had gone to Sabarimala to exercise since a police raid in the sleazy seaside resort of ting foot in the Sabarimala temple on her right as a devotee and to reinforce KOCHI: India police intervene as members of Sabarimala Karma Samithi try to dis- Pattaya last February. January 2 along with Bindu Ammini, gender equality. sparking days of unrest in the southern rupt a celebratory meeting after two women entered Sabarimala Ayyapa temple, at She had travelled to Thailand after becoming the High Court Junction. —AFP embroiled in a political scandal with Russian alu- state of Kerala. ‘Purification’ Sabarimala, set on top of a hill in a minums tycoon Oleg Deripaska, a one-time associ- She also said her family was angry ate of US President Trump’s disgraced former tiger reserve, is dedicated to the celi- al violence in the country. Last year ment known as vratha, abstaining from with her as she had not told them in campaign director Paul Manafort. She set off a bate deity Ayyappa, and followers India witnessed its own “#MeToo” sex, meat, intoxicants and even shaving. advance about her temple visit, fearing scramble for details after promising to reveal believe letting in women of menstruat- movement. The women’s entry into Only those who have observed the they would try and prevent her. After “missing puzzle pieces” regarding claims the ing age goes against his wishes. A Sabarimala sparked days of clashes vratha and carry the irrumude, a sym- Bindu and Kanakadurga entered the Kremlin aided Trump’s 2016 election victory. But September ruling by India’s Supreme involving Hindu right-wing activists, bolic offering, can enter the main court- temple, the head priest shut the temple the material never surfaced and critics dismissed it Court that all women could enter the devotees, riot police using tear gas and yard up 18 divine golden steps. doors for an hour-long “purification as a publicity stunt. temple angered devotees, including water cannon, and supporters of The sacred offerings, tied in a cloth ceremony” in line with the widespread The Pattaya Provincial Court convicted her and supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Kerala’s leftist state government — usually carried on the head or shoul- belief that menstruating women are seven co-defendants after they suddenly pleaded Modi — who was in Kerala on Tuesday which supports the entry of women. ders, include coconuts, rose water, rice impure. Sabarimala has become a new guilty to multiple charges including solicitation and — and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Mobs damaged buses, burnt effigies and pepper. The Supreme Court is due flashpoint for Indian women in their illegal assembly. “The court found them all guilty of Janata Party (BJP). and threw stones and crude bombs on to start hearing a legal challenge on its battle for social change ahead of elec- soliciting sex,” said a judge on the panel, handing After moving to more than 10 different the streets. One person was killed and ruling from January 22. Its ruling on tions in the world’s biggest democracy them three-year sentences and $6,000 fines but safe houses, Kanakadurga, who uses only hundreds arrested. Believed to be one Sabarimala was the latest to irk conser- due by May. reducing the sentences to time served. “The court one name, returned home yesterday morn- of the holiest Hindu temples, Sabarimala vatives in the deeply traditional country In 2012 the brutal gang rape and releases them today,” the judge added. ing, only to be attacked by the enraged receives millions of visitors every year. of 1.25 billion people, after it over- murder of a woman on a Delhi bus Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn said relative — reportedly with a stick. Those wishing to visit undergo a 41- turned a colonial-era ban on gay sex sparked huge protests and shone a they would be transferred to an immigration deten- “A case was registered by day period of introspection and detach- and on adultery. —AFP spotlight on the shocking level of sexu- tion centre in Bangkok and deported. “The next step, I will coordinate with the Russian government eigners. Four people, including three for their deportation, which will likely take one Taleban claim guards and one civilian, have been con- week for all the processes to complete,” Surachate firmed dead and 113 wounded, the told AFP. “They are blacklisted from Thailand per- health ministry said. An Indian national manently for conducting bad deeds.” —AFP Kabul truck bomb was among those killed, India’s foreign ministry said in a statement. Kabul attack, warn more police spokesman Basir Mujahid told AFP that most of the victims were Afghan civilians. Singapore vows to follow “Seven or eight people have been injured in every house around here to cane Briton KABUL: The Taleban yesterday including myself,” said resident claimed responsibility for a powerful Mohammad Aref. “When I came out, truck bomb in Kabul that ripped the street was full of bodies of the dead despite protest through surrounding neighborhoods, and injured.” Until recently some UN SINGAPORE: Singapore insisted yesterday it would killing at least four people including an staff had lived and worked at Green still cane a British man convicted of drug smuggling Indian national, and wounding more Village, which is heavily protected by despite a plea from London not to proceed with the than 100 in the latest assault on the cement blast walls. But interior ministry punishment. Yuen Ye Ming was sentenced by a Afghan capital. In a grim message, the spokesman Najib Danish said earlier Singapore court last year to 20 years in jail and 24 militants also vowed to carry out more the compound was now largely empty strokes of the cane after he was convicted of drug- attacks in the city in direct response to and “only a number of guards” were related offences, including trafficking, consumption the recent appointment of former spy- left. A much bigger UN compound KABUL: An Afghan woman sits next to a wounded child after receiving treatment at and possession. master and anti-Taliban veteran along with Afghanistan’s customs office Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital after a powerful truck bomb attack. —AFP Flogging with a rattan cane, a legacy of British Amrullah Saleh as interior minister. and headquarters for the Independent colonial rule, is a common punishment in Singapore Monday evening’s explosion near Election Commission are also nearby. the heavily fortified Green Village for- peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits Mohib on social media. “I strongly con- and the city-state rarely backs down in applying the the region for further meetings aimed demn this attack and promise I will law. Yuen was first arrested in August 2016 for drug- eign compound shook Kabul and ‘Sabotage’ at bringing an end to the war in seriously investigate and avenge it,” he related offences and was convicted last year but comes as diplomats ramp up efforts to It is the second Taleban-claimed Afghanistan. Khalilzad, who met added. released on bail pending sentencing, Singapore’s end the 17-year war in Afghanistan, attack on a foreign compound in Kabul Taleban representatives last month in Last month’s leaking of US President interior ministry said. While out on bail, he was which by some estimates was the in recent months. In late November a Abu Dhabi, is travelling to Afghanistan Donald Trump’s plan to slash troop arrested again for similar narcotics offences, the world’s deadliest conflict in 2018. The vehicle bomb exploded outside the as well as China, India and Pakistan on numbers in Afghanistan, however, has ministry said. force of the blast was felt across the compound of British security firm G4S, the trip lasting through January 21. threatened to derail the efforts and British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt had asked his sprawling city, initially causing confu- killing at least 10 people. Five G4S Afghan officials suggested the latest alarmed many Afghans who fear a Singaporean counterpart during a visit to the city-state sion about the exact location of the employees were among the dead. That attack appeared to be an attempt to return to oppressive Taleban rule. this month that Yuen be spared caning, a spokesman for attack. It shattered the windows of sur- was followed by a suicide and gun derail the burgeoning peace process, Diplomats in Kabul have long said any Britain’s foreign ministry said. “We strongly oppose the rounding houses and shops. attack on a government compound in vowing the bombing would not go negotiations with the militants would use of corporal punishment, such as caning, in all cases,” Taleban spokesman Zabiullah Kabul on December 24 that killed at unanswered. “As we are trying to reach likely happen as fighting continued on the spokesman said. “The Foreign Secretary personally Mujahid told journalists on WhatsApp least 43 people, making it one of the a regional consensus on peace, the the battlefield — cold comfort for raised this with the Singaporean Minister for Foreign that four attackers blew up an explo- deadliest assaults on the city last year. enemy is trying to sabotage it,” said Afghan civilians who have long borne Affairs earlier this month.” But Singapore insisted the sives-packed truck before entering The latest bombing comes as US Green Village and “killing many” for- National Security Advisor Hamdullah the brunt of the war. —AFP punishment would be carried out.—AFP 8 Wednesday, January 16, 2019 International Zimbabwe police fires tear gas as crackdown tightens Government more than doubled petrol prices at the weekend

BULAWAYO: Zimbabwe police fired tear gas to dis- a military takeover in 2017, before winning a disputed perse protesters in the second city of Bulawayo yes- election in July. terday, a day after the country was rocked by violent Currently on a tour of European countries, demonstrations against a sharp hike in fuel prices. Mnangagwa will attend the World Economic Forum at Police moved in after protesters chanted for the Davos, Switzerland, next week. Speaking in Russia on removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and as Monday, Mnangagwa said the fuel price increase looting broke out in Bulawayo, a stronghold of opposi- “was necessary and still is”. On Monday, the police tion to the ruling ZANU-PF party, an AFP reporter had dispersed hundreds of protesters who burnt witnessed. The streets of the capital, Harare, were tyres, erected barricades and looted businesses on deserted after Monday’s demonstrations when public the first day of a three-day general strike. Security anger over Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis Minister Owen Ncube said the security action caused erupted. The government more than doubled petrol “loss of life” without giving figures on the number of prices at the weekend after months of shortages when dead and wounded. drivers have been forced to queue for hours to fill up, The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human while essentials such as bread and medicines have also Rights said 13 people had sustained gunshot wounds in been scarce. and around Harare on Monday. At least 200 people In the capital Harare, most shops remained closed were arrested during the disturbances. Zimbabwe’s after Monday’s protests and minibus taxis that usually mobile phone networks and internet were partially shut transport workers from the suburbs to the city centre down, with one industry source saying the systems had were not running. In Kuwadzana suburb, police were been jammed and many users complaining of limited on patrol and forcing people off the streets. One resi- access. Yesterday morning the Twitter account of the dent, Tawanda Mataya, said he and his 17-year-old Ministry of Information said that “public order has been son had been beaten up by police. “It’s so painful,” restored”. Mataya told AFP showing swellings on his back. “I was The Zimbabwe Trade Union Confederation (ZCTU), standing at my gate to assess whether I could go to for its part, reiterated its call to strike. “Today it’s day work then this group of police who were passing by two of the Shutdown. We urge workers and citizens started beating me.”My son who heard me screaming everywhere to stay at home,” ZCTU tweeted. “Our and opened the window to see what was happening struggle is genuine and there must be economic was slapped several times.” reforms for the poor to survive.” BULAWAYO: A police officer removes tyres set by protesters during a “stay-away” demonstration Zimbabwe’s economy has been in dire straits since against the doubling of fuel prices. —AFP Pressure on president hyperinflation wiped out savings between 2007 and In a televised address late Saturday, President 2009, when the Zimbabwean dollar was abandoned in Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the fuel price hike, favor the US dollar. Zimbabweans rely on electronic former deputy — has claimed that he represented a that his colleagues had not turned up to work yester- saying it was needed to tackle severe shortages and payments as US dollar notes are in short supply. The fresh start for the country and vowed to revive the day. “Things are hard, and the protest and the protests “rampant” illegal trading. Mnangagwa took over from local “bond note” currency, introduced in 2016, is little economy by attracting foreign investment. In Bulawayo, should continue as long as they are peaceful,” said long-time ruler and autocrat Robert Mugabe following trusted and falling in value. Mnangagwa — Mugabe’s one night guard on duty outside a closed shop told AFP Nicholas Banda. —AFP

Allgemeine Zeitung. In a symbolic gesture Merkel’s suggesting a departure from Merkel’s years, AKK is also using a different office at the CDU’s headquarters from that of ‘crown princess’ her predecessor. Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, National security was elevated to the “crown princess” seeks to chart position after Merkel tapped her to be the under scrutiny party’s number two as general secretary early last year. own path Following Merkel’s announcement that at Nigeria vote she would not run for another term as CDU BERLIN: Dismissed by some as a mini- chair after 18 years in the job, Kramp- LAGOS: In Nigeria, where religious and ethnic iden- Angela Merkel, the new leader of tity often determines support for a candidate, Mudi Karrenbauer won a party election in early Germany’s centre-right CDU party and December to take over the post. Merkel Bawa might well have been expected to vote for likely next chancellor has marked the turn Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Both are northern has also said that she would step down as of the year by underlining a change in tone chancellor at the end of her mandate in Muslims. But the fisherman had another reason to from her mentor. Annegret Kramp- choose Buhari: the hope he could help him return to 2021, meaning that the new chairwoman of Karrenbauer, known in Germany as AKK the CDU stands a real chance of succeed- the home he had to flee when Boko Haram attacked. after her initials, raised eyebrows yester- “There was tremendous improvement in security ing her as Germany’s leader. Kramp- day when she said her party will hold a Karrenbauer’s win in December marked when Buhari became president,” said Bawa, from critical session on February 11 on Baga, in the northeastern state of Borno. “But unfor- not only a victory for herself, but also one POTSDAM: Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp- Germany’s immigration policies. against an anti-Merkel rival, Friedrich tunately, in the last few months Boko Haram have “By reviewing the policies with regards Karrenbauer (L) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel wait at the beginning of resurfaced... The security situation has deteriorated,” Merz, who had championed a more con- a two-day meeting of the Christian Democrat’s Union (CDU) leadership. —AFP to refugees since 2015, the new boss of the servative tone. he told AFP. Few but the hardest of hardline presi- CDU shows that she’s not a younger ver- dential supporters would disagree with Bawa’s sion of Angela Merkel,” the Sueddeutsche for those with foreign origins. The devout May, followed by three state elections in assessment, as the country once again prepares to go ‘So much unity’ Zeitung newspaper said. “She is position- Catholic has for long said she was opposed the autumn in eastern Germany, a strong- to the polls. Her narrow win raised questions about ing herself clearly against Merkel”, whose to gay marriage. With one fell swoop, she hold of the far-right. In opposition, Buhari benefited politically from the whether she would be able to get Merz’s decision in 2015 to keep Germany’s bor- has not only placated Merz’s followers for Even if the CDU-CSU alliance were to fall-out of the conflict, which saw the jihadists cap- followers to fall in line. Since then however, ders open to refugees has deeply divided now, but also introduced a detente with the hold its ground in the elections, poor ture swathes of territory and declare a caliphate. the markedly more conservative line pur- the country. AKK’s planned debate on the Bavarian sister party Christian Social scores for its junior coalition partner the President Goodluck Jonathan was lambasted for his sued by AKK has repositioned the party decision to let in more than a million asy- Union, which has for years been sniping at Social Democrats (SPD) could prompt the government’s response to the threat, and particularly on a slew of issues where Merkel’s critics lum seekers was a way to openly contra- Merkel’s heels. centre-left party to quit the bloc. And his reaction to the high-profile kidnapping of 219 had accused her of being too moderate. dict Merkel, who has always said debate “There has not been so much unity in Kramp-Karrenbauer’s repositioning of the schoolgirls. Buhari, the former army general who Beyond migration, AKK on Sunday took an about the past would amount to “frittering the Union in a long time,” noted national party towards more conservative policies once headed a military government in the 1980s, was environmental NGO to task over its anti- away” time. news agency DPA. The strategy appeared could lead to clashes with the SPD, making seen as a better bet to restore order. diesel campaign and pledged that she “A month after her closely-run elec- would not endanger thousands of jobs in to be paying off for now, with the CDU- life more difficult for Merkel. The SPD, tion, Kramp-Karrenbauer has started to CSU polling at just above 30 percent and which is struggling in the polls, is already Persistent attacks the automobile sector. orientate the CDU her way, setting its holding the far-right at 14 percent. A key bristling at Kramp-Karrenbauer’s call to He made a strong start, recognizing the need to On social issues, she has raised the work program,” wrote the Frankfurter test will come during European elections in slash taxes. —AFP re-energize the moribund regional force and rally the question of reexamining dual nationality international community for support against extrem- ism. Lost ground was recovered; the threat to sover- eignty diminished; soldiers’ morale improved as more attacks that killed 130 people and wounded equipment was provided. Thousands of hostages Brussels hundreds more. Abaaoud was killed in a were rescued or released, including 107 of the 219 police shootout days after those attacks. kidnapped Chibok girls; many internally displaced The calls took place in January 2014, when people began to return home. —AFP museum gunman Nemmouche had just left Syria and was preparing to travel to southeast Asia via is linked to Turkey. His trip would take in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. The two men are believed to have fought Police raid Barcelona other jihadists together in Syria in 2013. cell suspected of BRUSSELS: The Frenchman accused of Salah Abdeslam murdering four people at the Jewish muse- When the Brussels suicide bombings um of Belgium had links with other killed 32 people and wounded hundreds on plotting attack jihadists, including those behind the March 22, 2016, both Nemmouche and Brussels and Paris attacks, investigators Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam were BARCELONA: Spanish police launched a counter- say. At least one lawyer wants to see if in the same prison in the Belgian city of terrorism operation in Barcelona and a nearby city defendant Mehdi Nemmouche sheds more Bruges. Abdeslam had been arrested in yesterday against a cell suspected of plotting an light on such links during his trial that Brussels just days before after being on the attack, a police spokesman said. Two people had opened last Thursday for the May 24, 2014 run since the Paris massacre several months been arrested in Barcelona and Igualada, 60 kilome- museum shooting spree. earlier. Belgian investigators in the prison ters west of the Catalan capital, as part of the raid, The first opportunity may come on on the day of the bombings heard the two BRUSSELS: Defense lawyers Henri Laquay (L) is seen prior to a hearing of the the spokesman for Catalonia’s police force, the Tuesday when Nemmouche begins testify- men talk to each other with voices raised as trial regarding the terrorist attack at the Jewish Museum. —AFP Mossos d’Esquadra, told AFP. Further arrests were ing in his defense in a Brussels criminal their cells were not next to each other. expected, he added. court. Guillaume Lys, the lawyer for the Nemmouche told Abdeslam that a among their jailers after they were kidnapped the end of 2017. France’s Le Monde news- “The goal (of the cell) was to attack but we are still French Association of Victims of Terrorism “Brahim” and a “Sofian” had died in the in Syria in June 2013 and released on April 18, paper said he had duties that were more investigating which places may have been targeted,” (AFVT), hopes his cross-examination may bombings at Zaventem Airport, the main 2014. Investigators also found an audio file important than those of Nemmouche as he the spokesman said. Over 100 officers were taking part yield more detail about the November 13, international airport outside Brussels. For attributed to Laachraoui from a computer was suspected of having played a key role in the “counter-terrorism operation” launched by the 2015 Paris attacks. “Our goal is to be able investigators, these first names correspond seized near an alleged hideout of the Brussels in dispatching jihadists from France. In Catalan police force at six am (0500 GMT), the to have more information about the links to those of the airport suicide bombers bombers. It was believed he recorded it in France, Benghalem gravitated toward the Mossos said on Twitter. Police stormed five properties between these people and others whom we Ibrahim El Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui, February or March 2016. The Belgian jihadist “Buttes-Chaumont” jihadist network, in Barcelona and a sixth in Igualada as part of the know and who committed other acts,” said also known as Soufiane Kayal. This infor- was heard suggesting kidnapping celebrities named after a park in Paris. There he operation. Lys, who represents a civil party in the trial. mation suggested to investigators that the in order to exchange them for “brothers” in reportedly met the Kouachi brothers, who Armed officers, wearing black ski masks, stood The following links have already been pair knew the attackers. prison, including Nemmouche. carried out the January 7, 2015 attack guard outside a building in central Barcelona as boxes established by investigators: and bags were removed from a flat, according to an against the satirical newspaper Charlie Najim Laachraoui Salim Benghalem Hebdo, killing 12 people. He also met AFP reporter on the scene. The operation was ordered Abdelhamid Abaaoud Nemmouche shared other links with Najim The kidnapped French journalists also Amedy Coulibaly, the man who the next by Spain’s High Court, which is charged with terrorism Weeks before the Jewish museum Laachraoui, who was also believed to be one identified as another of their jailers Salim day murdered a female police officer investigations, and it is focused on “the crimes of ter- attack, Nemmouche was in regular tele- of the bomb makers for the Paris attacks. Four Benghalem, a French jihadist leader who before killing four people at a Kosher rorism, public health offences and organized crime”, phone contact with Abdelhamid Abaaoud, French journalists have identified the two as was believed to have been killed in Syria at supermarket in Paris on January 9. —AFP the Mossos said. —AFP the presumed mastermind of the Paris 9 International Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Lindsey Graham: Bidding for the elusive ‘Trump whisperer’ status The Republican lawmaker has emerged as a crucial Trump collaborator WASHINGTON: Senator Lindsey Graham ernment agencies to re-open while a debate Trump for his bombastic tweets, and he criti- once said Donald Trump should “go to hell.” proceeds over border security and immigra- cized the president’s weak response to a vio- Trump called him a “nut job.” Today, they are tion. “That was the suggestion that Lindsey lent white supremacist rally in Virginia. But he unlikely political allies, with the powerful made, but I did reject it,” Trump told reporters also insisted Trump was growing into the job. South Carolinian influencing the president on at the White House. They played golf, dined at the White House multiple fronts. While they got off on the and spoke often by phone. wrong foot, the Republican lawmaker has ‘This is hell’ emerged as a crucial Trump collaborator, When Graham’s gavel bangs, it will cement Congressional confidante even if they remain at odds on some promi- his role as a Capitol Hill power player. The As a national security hawk, Graham oper- nent issues. senator has said he wants a respectful hearing, ated in lockstep with his best friend in the On immigration, tensions with Saudi after Democrats expressed worry about Barr’s Senate, the late John McCain, on major issues Arabia, criminal justice and the partial govern- criticism of the accusations of collusion like Iraq and campaign finance reform. ment shutdown now in its fourth week, between Trump and Russia. Graham’s fiery McCain never warmed to Trump, and clashed Graham has repeatedly weighed in, not just in indignation against Democrats in another bitterly with him on issues like health care, public fora but behind closed doors with forum last year — Supreme Court nominee awkwardly putting Graham on the opposite Trump. And as the Senate Judiciary Brett Kavanaugh’s hearing — made him a side of key votes. But with McCain away from Committee’s new chairman, the often auda- conservative rock star. “This is not a job inter- Washington for much of 2018 due to illness — cious Republican will be able to again show- view. This is hell,” Graham thundered after he died in late August — Graham inched clos- case his support for Trump’s nominees on losing patience with Democrats who grilled er to Trump’s orbit. Tuesday, when his panel begins hearings on Kavanaugh about sexual assault allegations “If you know anything about me, I want to Bill Barr, the president’s nominee to become from decades ago. “You all want power. God, I be relevant,” Graham told CNN days after attorney general. But is the straight-talking, hope you never get it,” he seethed, pointing McCain’s death. “I want to make sure that this critic-turned-ally also a so-called “Trump his finger at stone-faced Democrats. president, Donald Trump, who I didn’t vote whisperer” who can help the president navi- Kavanaugh was eventually confirmed to for, ran against, is successful.” Eventually he WASHINGTON DC: US Sen Lindsey Graham arrives at the office of Senate Majority gate Washington’s pitfalls? the high court, a huge victory for the White became a congressional confidante, and was Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell for a meeting January 10, 2019 at the Capitol. — AFP “That’s what I think of whenever I think of House, which sang Graham’s praises. Graham’s looked to multiple times to broker deals on Lindsey,” Republican Senator Mike Rounds performance may have had a political calcula- immigration. Those deals have yet to bear told AFP about the moniker, which has circu- tion. He is up for re-election in 2020, and fruit, but Graham remains at the center of the US troops out of Syria. Republican colleagues “relationship with the White House helped” lated ever since Graham started golfing with should he appear too centrist or if Trump negotiations. He has also publicly pushed back nevertheless sound pleased with the relation- bring about a major reform of the criminal jus- Trump in 2017 despite their differences. “He’s turns against him, he could face a difficult pri- against the president on foreign policy. ship. “It’s been a positive,” Senator Marco tice system. Graham has been in Congress one of the guys who can go in and sit down mary challenge from the right. In December he severely criticized Saudi Rubio said. Graham and Trump do not see eye since 1995, often showing a self-deprecating and have a frank discussion with the presi- Graham, whose own 2016 presidential Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman to eye on everything, Rubio added, “but I’m humor. As a single male, he has faced rumors dent.” Those discussions do not always go campaign was short-lived, spit venom at over the murder of a US-based journalist in glad Lindsey’s talking to him about things.” about his sexuality. Last October he told Graham’s way. On Monday, Trump dismissed Trump during the race, calling him a “kook” the Saudi consulate in Turkey. And he bluntly On the Democratic side, Senator Cory celebrity website TMZ: “To the extent that it the senator’s effort to allow closed-down gov- unfit for office. In 2017 he would savage urged Trump to reconsider his decision to pull Booker said he was happy that Graham’s matters, I’m not gay.” — AFP

US extends troop House Republicans censure deployment at colleague for racist remarks Mexico border WASHINGTON: US House Republican Iowa conservative “unwelcome and leaders delivered an extraordinary rebuke unworthy of his elected position.” WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said Monday it would extend until Monday to an Iowa congressman from Others like Senator Mitt Romney went September 30 the deployment of active-duty soldiers and Coast Guard their party over his recent remarks further, urging King to resign and leave members at the US-Mexico border, while expanding the mission to deemed as racist, with some calling for his the party. Amid the uproar, President include surveillance and detection. Lengthening the troops’ mission past resignation. Steve King, whose comments Donald Trump told reporters asking about a January 31 deadline, the Pentagon said it was “transitioning its support last week about white supremacy sparked his reaction to King, “I really haven’t been at the southwestern border from hardening ports of entry to mobile sur- bipartisan outrage, will be stripped of all following it.” King has used explosive veillance and detection, as well as concertina wire emplacement committee assignments, House Minority racial language for years, often without between ports of entry.” CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico: A police officer closes the door on a van outside Leader Kevin McCarthy’s office said. consequences. In 2018 he declared that “DoD will continue to provide aviation support,” the statement the Casa del Migrante facility as they help bring people trying to immigrate “Steve’s remarks are beneath the dig- “we can’t restore our civilization with oth- added, referring to the Department of Defense. The Pentagon already into the United States to a port of entry to turn themselves in to the US nity of the Party of Lincoln and the United er people’s babies.” The House speaker at has about 2,350 active-duty troops stationed along the boundary, Customs and Border Protection personnel for asylum consideration. — AFP States of America,” McCarthy said. “His the time, Paul Ryan, said he hoped King deployed under a controversial order President Donald Trump gave last comments call into question whether he “misspoke.” year before midterm elections in November as several thousand Central legislators and a partial government shutdown that is entering its fourth will treat all Americans equally, without With pressure mounting Monday, American migrants made their way to the border to seek asylum from week. The president only recently backed away from talk of an emer- regard for race and ethnicity.” King, a McCarthy took action. His move, approved violence and poverty in their own countries. gency declaration that would have freed up Department of Defense strong supporter of President Donald by the House Republican Steering Critics decried Trump’s order as a costly political stunt to galvanize funds for a border barrier, after pressing it for days as a way out of the Trump, is an opponent of illegal immigra- Committee, effectively prevents King from supporters ahead of the vote, in which his Republicans lost control of continuing budget standoff. tion and unabashed defender of white putting his stamp on legislation, other than the House of Representatives. Trump spoke of a “national emergency” The troop deployment was one of several issues on which Trump and culture. In an interview last week with The through a vote on the House floor. King and an “invasion” — initially suggesting US troops could shoot migrants former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis disagreed before he resigned in New York Times, the 69-year-old asked called McCarthy’s castigation an “unprece- if they threw stones at the US border. The US military is not allowed in December after the leader’s shock decision to pull troops from Syria. how certain terms had become insulting dented assault on my freedom of speech.” almost any case to get involved in domestic law enforcement and the Mattis said front-line border troops would only carry batons. In or inappropriate. King was re-elected in November for a border mission has put the supposedly non-political military in an November visited troops on the border and reiterated that their job in “White nationalist, white supremacist, ninth term despite caustic rhetoric about uncomfortable spotlight. About 2,200 National Guardsmen were sup- the short term was to assist under-resourced Customs and Border Western civilization — how did that lan- what he called efforts to supplant porting border operations even before Trump sent the active-duty Protection agents and put up physical obstacles. But “longer term, it’s guage become offensive?” said King in his Europe’s white Christian majority with troops. The unusual deployment was supposed to end in mid-December, somewhat to be determined,” he said at the time. latest in a long list of similar comments. minorities. Some Democrats mocked but the Department of Homeland Security asked that it be extended until Some rank-and-file troops initially grumbled about the purpose of The outcry was comprehensive, with the Republicans for their sudden outrage. January, a date which is now further prolonged. the mission to US media before they were placed under strict instruc- Senate’s lone black Republican, Tim Scott, “GOP leaders finally acknowledge Steve tions not to voice personal opinions to the press. Several soldiers AFP delivering a withering attack on King and King as the blatant racist he is,” congress- Some troops grumbled spoke to say their time on the border provided valuable real-world the “silence” within the Republican Party man Earl Blumenauer tweeted. “The ques- The troops’ role had primarily been to erect miles of concertina-wire training, albeit without the risks of combat. Twice since November, US when such remarks are made. Top Senate tion is...what took them so long? He has fencing along popular crossing points. Trump is unwavering in his Border Patrol agents have fired tear gas during attempted mass migrant Republican Mitch McConnell called the been spewing hate for years.” — AFP demand for a border barrier, which has triggered a major impasse with crossings in the San Diego area. — AFP 10

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Analysis

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Why a Republican won’t beat Trump in 2020

By Lincoln Mitchell

wo days before being sworn in to the US Senate, Mitt Romney wrote an opinion piece in the TWashington Post outlining his concerns about President Donald Trump “not rising to the mantle of the office.” Romney, the Republican presidential nominee in 2012, did not exactly break new ground. His column most- In this file photo taken on July 16, 2018, interpreter Marina Gross is seen as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump attend a meeting in Helsinki ly rehashed concerns that many Republicans have long on July 16, 2018. — AFP held about Trump’s temperament and international rela- tionships while stopping short of an active commitment to addressing the many problems Romney sees in the Trump administration. The op-ed also includes the kind of language that was standard from pre-Trump presidential candidates: “I remain optimistic about our future. In an innovation age, Interpreters demand to stay out of spotlight Americans excel. More importantly, noble instincts live in the hearts of Americans.” Romney has since said that he xplosive allegations that US President Donald Putin’s summit with newly elected US president George W taking thorough notes. Laura Burian, dean of the won’t run against Trump, but that he won’t necessarily Trump concealed conversations with Russia have Bush in 2001. “It’s the same thing when you go to a doctor. Graduate School of Translation, Interpretation and support him either. It is difficult to read Romney’s column Ethrown an unwelcome spotlight on interpreters, You don’t expect the doctor to meet you on the street and Language Education at the Middlebury Institute of and not think that he won’t at least be part of any conver- whose quick wit is vital to diplomacy and who stay say, ‘How is that cancer?’” International Studies, said it was doubtful that an inter- sation about which Republican might be able to take on scrupulously in the shadows. Interpreters, whether they preter’s notebooks would even convey much. Trump for the Republican nomination. are working at high-stakes international summits or in Private meetings highly rare Interpreters rely on powerful short-term memory, seek- The notion that a Republican will challenge Trump is low-level court hearings, abide by a code of ethics not to Trump - whose presidential campaign’s relationship ing to remember and translate speaker’s thoughts for not new. The idea of a primary against Trump is very divulge anything they hear. Trump fueled suspicions about with Russia is the focus of a probe by special counsel only a matter of seconds or minutes. appealing to many centrists, as well as whatever remaining his ties with Russia when, in a sharp break with standard Robert Mueller - has denied secrecy about the summit and When jotting down notes, interpreters might only write conservative critics of the president still exist. A success- diplomatic practice, he dismissed top aides for two hours declared Monday on the snowy grounds of the White down numbers or proper nouns that need to be precise, ful primary would also help bring an end to the Trump of talks with President Vladimir Putin during their first House, “I never worked for Russia.” But even if Trump’s Burian said. “Looking back at it months or even a day later, experiment while limiting lasting damage to America’s formal summit in July. motivation was solely to build a chummy rapport with it wouldn’t reflect everything that was said in the room,” political system and perhaps even diverting the Only one American remained in the room in Helsinki - Putin, US presidents virtually never meet alone with for- she added. She also said interpreters have been concerned Republican Party from the direction it has taken under Marina Gross, an interpreter provided by the State eign leaders, especially ones regarded as adversaries. An over the latest developments, although government- Trump. These are developments that many in the political Department. House Democrats last year unsuccessfully aide - generally a senior staff member of the National employed interpreters such as Gross have security clear- class, including many of the pundits and political analysts sought to force Gross to testify about the summit, saying Security Council or, in some cases, the secretary of state ances that could protect them. “Since World War II when calling for a primary challenge to Trump, would like to see. Trump’s extraordinary actions required extraordinary or secretary of defense - is normally taking extensive the use of interpreters became more codified, you’ve just The problem with this scenario is that it overlooks the measures in turn. Reviving concerns, The Washington Post notes, said Michael Glennon, a professor of international assumed that the interpreter will never be asked to speak,” extent to which the Republican Party has been remade to reported that Trump snatched her notes after an earlier law at The Fletcher school of Tufts University. Burian said. look like Trump, meaning that any primary challenger to encounter with Putin in 2017 on the sidelines of a Group of “The intelligence community is frequently interested in The United States is not the only country where inter- Trump would likely get drubbed and therefore only 20 summit in Hamburg and instructed Gross not to discuss subtleties in the phraseology and insights of the other preters have faced calls to testify. The International strengthen Trump’s hold on the GOP. Trump himself has the conversation even with other administration officials. head of state,” said Glennon, former legal counsel at the Association of Conference Interpreters voiced alarm last been extremely popular among his party. According to “It’s actually unprecedented that we are in the spotlight Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Diplomats are also month after authorities in Poland summoned an inter- Gallup, his job approval rating among those who identi- as much as we are now,” said Uros Peterc, president of the looking closely for any potential openings, “all things that preter to learn about a conversation, also with Putin, by fied themselves as Republicans has not dropped below Geneva-based International Association of Conference might be lost on a president speaking or listening by him- EU President Donald Tusk when he was the country’s 77 percent at any point in his presidency. In 2018, that Interpreters. Peterc, who quipped that his was the world’s self,” Glennon said. “It would be extremely unusual for a prime minister. The row on Trump has parallels to 1998, number never dipped below 81 percent and most weeks second-oldest profession, said that non-disclosure of con- president to cut off all other members of his administration when independent counsel Ken Starr forced testimony was much higher than that. (By contrast, his overall versations was the paramount principle of interpreters. from the substance of what is said.” from Secret Service agents guarding then president Bill national approval rating has averaged 39 percent since he “It’s been clear since forever that an interpreter is some- Clinton to see if he had a dalliance with intern Monica took office.) body the principal has full and total trust in,” said Peterc, Deciphering interpreters’ notes? Lewinsky, an unprecedented step that the Supreme Court Unseating an incumbent president in a primary is diffi- who was part of the interpretation team in Slovenia for Even more rare would be for the interpreter to be refused to stop. — AFP cult enough - in recent decades the only candidate to do so was Senator Eugene McCarthy, who almost beat Democratic President Lyndon Johnson in the 1968 New pillars embossed with decorative flowers and Hampshire primary, spurring Johnson to drop out of the paving stones lie in wait, some more than 30 Turkestan Islamic Party, a group domi- race. Beating a president who is beloved by the base in Rising unease years old. While the dispute over Ayodhya nated by Uighur fighters, according to his own party in a primary challenge is almost impossible. Qaeda shadow dates back several decades, the mass move- the Syrian Observatory for Human Trump’s popularity among Republicans also demon- over divisive ment to build a “Ram Mandir” picked up Rights, a British-based monitor. Hurras strates the gap between how Republican voters and some steam in the early 1990s, helping propel the still hangs over al-Deen fought alongside HTS when it Republican elites think about the president. There are a BJP onto the national stage when it was still a took control of Idlib from other rebel lot of Republicans who are critical of Trump on television temple as India nascent political outfit. groups backed by Turkey. and popular political websites, but that is about the only Syria’s Idlib After the destruction of the mosque in place they can be found. election looms 1992, the site was sealed off as Hindu and ‘Staged’ separation Beyond public opinion data, Republican primaries Muslim groups fought in court for its control. he jihadist group now controlling HTS claims more than 25,000 fight- since 2016 have generally been won by pro-Trump Idlib province in northwest Syria oung and unemployed, Som Shekhar In 2010 a court ruled the site should be ers, according to the Syrian Republicans while Republicans in Congress often have claims to have broken with Al- pines less for a job than the construc- divided - two-thirds controlled by Hindus T Observatory for Human Rights. For had to cater to their pro-Trump Republican electorates in Qaeda, but analysts say that despite tion of a controversial Hindu temple - and the remainder by Muslims. But the deci- Jean-Pierre Filiu, a professor at the order to stay in office. Even Jeff Flake, Trump’s most out- Y several rebrandings there’s no sign it Sciences Po university in Paris, “Al- sion was contested by both parties, and the spoken Senate Republican critic, conceded that if he had and, as India’s election approaches, says he case has stalled in the Supreme Court ever has changed its stripes. Hayat Tahrir al- Qaeda remains a centralized organiza- been running for reelection he would not have taken will vote for the only man he believes can since. It was again adjourned without Sham (HTS) sealed its hold on Idlib last tion, with a strong top-to-bottom line some positions that rankled the president. Policies around deliver it. “Only a Hindu government can progress last week. A verdict would prove week after signing a ceasefire with what of command.” “There are a number of trade and foreign policy where Trump differs from realise the temple dream,” said Shekhar, incendiary, and is unlikely before hundreds of was left of rival factions in the region. indications suggesting that HTS has Republican orthodoxy still polarize Republican leaders, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi millions of Indians cast ballots in the world’s Over time, HTS has changed both only staged its ‘break’ from Al-Qaeda,” but these are not the kinds of issues that will swing large and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata largest election in April and May. But critics names and leaders, and statements Filiu said. “That’s one of the main rea- number of voters in a Republican primary. Party (BJP) that stormed to power in 2014. posted on the internet suggest it had fear Modi could nonetheless stoke the tem- sons Turkey failed in Idlib, as it had Last month, in the kind of move that does not draw Modi is asking Indians for a second term and severed ties with Al-Qaeda, the Sunni ple issue to appease Hindu voters, and dis- hoped the so-called ‘Syrian’ faction of headlines, the Trump reelection campaign and the Shekhar’s “temple dream” - the construction Islamist terror group founded by of a Hindu shrine in the flashpoint city of tract from his administration’s shortcomings. HTS would help neutralize the jihadist Republican National Committee (RNC) began to create a Osama bin Laden. elements,” he added. structure that will essentially combine the two entities Ayodhya - could muscle its way onto the But many experts dismiss such Dangerous distraction Jabhat al-Nusra might have sought into one for the 2020 race. The plan, according to a election campaign as it gets under way in claims as smoke and mirrors, saying the “The Ayodhya issue has always been a to distance itself from Al-Qaeda since report in Politico, is for the campaign and the RNC to coming weeks. organization is simply attempting to Hardliners have been agitating for the poll gimmick, but it has become more so this an association would put its fighters in merge their field and fundraising organizations into a sin- muddy the waters and confuse intelli- the crosshairs for US airstrikes. “While shrine for decades but it is a deeply polariz- time,” said Zafaryab Jilani, a lawyer repre- gle, more streamlined unit. That all but ensures Trump will gence agencies. Jabhat al-Nusra, the HTS proclaims that it is an independent ing project, one that has aggravated deadly senting Muslim groups in the long-running control the RNC, making it even less plausible that any- rebel faction which gave birth to HTS, entity not affiliated with Al-Qaeda, the fissures between India’s Hindu majority and dispute. “They are unable to explain rural one can mount a successful, or even relevant, primary announced in July 2016 it had broken organization grew out of Al-Qaeda’s its sizeable Muslim minority. Temple devo- poverty, lack of jobs so they are hoping this against him. Given this, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel’s with Al-Qaeda. But this was just Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra, follow- tees want a grandiose structure built on the will lead to polarization of Hindu votes.” But Twitter response calling Romney’s opinion piece “disap- “rebranding while maintaining a secret ing a series of strategic rebrandings,” ruins of a medieval mosque that was razed by Hindu hardliners are impatient. Some feel pointing and unproductive” is no surprise. pledge of allegiance,” said Hassan the Soufan think tank also said. Hindu zealots in 1992 - sparking religious Modi has not done enough to raise the While it is perhaps possible that Trump will face a pri- Hassan, who specializes in jihadist “Throughout its numerous iterations, riots that left 2,000 dead across India. Those shrine and are urging him to use his majority mary campaign to become the party’s nominee, whoever movements at the Washington-based HTS has not altered its ideology and is who tore down the Babri Mosque contend in parliament to bypass the courts with leg- runs against Trump is likely not only to lose badly, but to fail Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. still widely thought to maintain links the Hindu god Ram was born on the same islation and get construction moving. “We “Throughout its numerous iterations, in any attempt to move the party away from him. This is why have waited for too long for this,” said with Al-Qaeda,” said the research and the Republicans most frequently cited as potential chal- patch of earth, and accuse India’s erstwhile HTS has not altered its ideology and is advisory group, set up by former FBI Muslim rulers of desecrating the site. Shekhar, as he admired a wooden miniature still widely thought to maintain links lengers, like Arizona’s Flake and former Ohio Governor John of the proposed temple. anti-jihadist agent Ali Soufan. Kasich, are in the later stages of their careers. Republicans with Al-Qaeda,” the US-based Soufan HTS has extended its administrative Growing agitation Many in India fear fresh calls for a tem- with futures in the party, like Senators Ted Cruz of Texas think tank said Monday. “HTS main- hold on Idlib under its so-called A quarter century later the temple’s ple could turn ugly. Those who witnessed tained links with Al-Qaeda’s loyalists in or Marco Rubio of Florida, who disagree with Trump on the violence in 1992 want no repeat of the “Salvation Government” after years of champions want to lay a foundation stone northern Syria and even allocated areas cultivating grass-roots ties with local many key issues and have previously indicated concern arson and lynchings that pitted India’s two and see an opportunity in the 2019 election. and resources for its supposed rivals,” residents. On Monday, Syria’s National about his conduct and ethics, are not entertaining the idea largest communities against one another. Conservative Hindu groups have staged mas- Hassan said for his part. Coalition, the leading exiled opposition of running against Trump and thus damaging their stand- For Mohammed Shahzad, a Muslim butcher sive rallies - some hundreds of thousands A number of jihadist groups in Idlib group, branded the HTS a “terrorist ing in the party. Over the last two years, the Republican from Ayodhya whose home was reduced to strong - in recent weeks to pressure Modi, still officially pay allegiance to Al- organization,” a designation applied by Party has become Trump’s. Highfalutin opinion pieces in ash, the signs are ominous. “Political par- appealing to his “saffron” credentials and Qaeda, led by Ayman Al-Zawahiri, an the US embassy in Damascus since major media outlets are not going to change that. ties want to make electoral gains through Hindu political identity. For some voters, no Egyptian, since Bin Laden’s death. May 2017. “The core of HTS is Nusra, NOTE: Lincoln Mitchell teaches in Columbia this temple-mosque issue,” he told AFP. other issue matters. “I agree that jobs are These include Hurras al-Deen, a faction a designated terrorist organization. University’s Political Science Department and is the “The temple and the mosque should be tough to come by. But the temple is a ques- comprising a few thousand jihadists This designation applies regardless author of several books, most recently “Baseball built side by side, as there is only one tion of Hindu faith and it should be placed including Syrians and foreign veterans of what name it uses or what groups Goes West: the Dodgers, the Giants and the Shaping supreme power. Hindus and Muslims must above everything else,” 24-year-old Shekhar of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The merge into it,” the embassy said in a of the Major Leagues.” The opinions expressed here live together in peace. That is the only told AFP in Ayodhya. group also includes members of the tweet at the time. — AFP are his own. — Reuters Not far from the contested site, gigantic lasting solution for this country.” — AFP Established 1961

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 Hundreds of flights axed as fresh VW and Ford confirmBusiness alliance to Turkish Airlines reached 80.2% 12strike hits German airports 13 build commercial vans, pickups 14 load factor in December 2018

Millionaire Faisal Tareq Habib Arab and his father with Gulf Bank CEO and team Gulf Bank receives new Al-Danah millionaire

KUWAIT: The Gulf Bank recently received the winner chances of winning with of the KD 1 million Al-Danah prize Faisal Tareq Habib Al-Danah by depositing Arab and his father at the bank’s headquarters. They more into their Gulf Bank were received at the bank by Tony Maher and the accounts using the new bank’s management team and presented him the prize. ePay (Self-Pay) service, The winner’s name was declared during a raffle draw which is available on Gulf and a special ceremony that was held on January 10 at Bank’s online and mobile the Avenues. banking services. Speaking on the occasion, Arab, who works for the Al-Danah offers a Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) said that he number of unique servic- was still young when his father opened the Al-Danah es to customers, including Ahmad Al-Amir account in his name. He said he continued saving money the Al-Danah Deposit in the account when he started his career but had never Only ATM card, which dreamt of winning one million dinars. allows account holders to deposit money into their Gulf Bank’s Deputy Director for Foreign accounts at their convenience. Account holders can Communications, Ahmed Al-Amir said the bank con- also calculate their chances of winning the draws gratulates the winner and welcomes his visit. “Arab through the ‘Al-Danah Chances’ calculator available on is the 13th winner of this grand prize that had been the Gulf Bank website and app. given away for the last 11 years now to make more Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open to Kuwaiti millionaires. and non-Kuwaiti residents of Kuwait. Customers Gulf Bank held its weekly draw on 13th January 2019 require a minimum of KD 200 to open an account and announcing the names of its winners for the week from the same amount should be maintained for customers the 6th January till the 10th January 2019, in which five to be eligible for the upcoming Al-Danah draws. If the winners received KD 1,000 each, every week. customer’s account balance falls below KD 200 at any The winners this week are: given time, a KD 2 fee will be charged to their account • Turki Maiah Ali Saleh monthly until the minimum balance is met. Customers • Ebtehal Abdullah Ahmad Alramadhan who open an account and/or deposit more will enter • Abbas Fakhr Aldin Tawala the weekly draw within two days. To take part in the • Ghalyh Qasi Ahmed Aldrwesh Al-Danah 2019 upcoming quarterly and yearly draws, • Mohammad Abdulredha Hussain Aaleem customers must meet the required hold period for Gulf Bank encourages customers to increase their each draw.

Millionaire and his father with Gulf Bank team

Winner with Mohammed Al-Qattan The millionaire and his father 12 Established 1961 Business Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Germany at risk of recession but economists keep faith Europe’s top economy shrank by 0.2% in Q3 2018

FRANKFURT: Germany will find out if Europe’s top even if there are unresolved problems in international economy ended 2018 in a technical recession, with trade with Brexit and the United States,” Peter fears over slowing momentum fuelling calls for Berlin Altmaier told Handelsblatt last week. to use its fiscal leeway to bolster growth. Europe’s powerhouse “has a strong reputation Federal statistics office Destatis will publish a pre- globally, the mood is good among businesses and liminary estimate of Germany’s fourth quarter and full- many order books are full”, he said. Altmaier, of year gross domestic product figures for 2018, data Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right CDU, how- closely watched across the eurozone for signs of a ever acknowledged the government could do more to wider slump. The German economy shrank by 0.2 per- give businesses “a tailwind” at a time of sluggish cent in the third quarter, its first contraction in more global expansion. “It makes sense right now to set than three years. incentives for growth,” he said, including through “tax The setback was mainly blamed on carmakers’ relief for companies”. struggles to get ready for tough new EU emissions That puts him on a collision course with Finance tests, which caused production bottlenecks across the Minister Olaf Scholz of the centre-left Social vital sector, and low water levels in the Rhine that Democrats, who has said he sees no need for corpo- hampered shipments of chemicals and raw materials. rate tax cuts and recently warned that “the fat years Disappointing industrial data since then has sug- are over” when it comes to Germany’s run of tax rev- gested the aftershocks of both stretched into the final enues overshooting expectations. months of 2018, raising the prospect that Germany’s output shrank for a second consecutive quarter-the Loosening the purse strings definition of a technical recession. Destatis was due to put a number on Germany’s Uncertainty about Brexit and weaker Chinese public finances for 2018 yesterday, expected to show a growth as a result of US-led trade tensions have fur- sizeable surplus for the fifth year in a row. ther rattled nerves in export-reliant Germany. In 2017 federal, regional and municipal governments But many economists have been quick to stress that took in 36.6 billion euros ($42 billion) more than they Germany’s underlying fundamentals remain strong, spent, helped by record-low unemployment, high LONDON: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars German CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos poses with a Rolls-Royce Dawn (left) and Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge (right) cars in a showroom in central London. Rolls-Royce powered by healthy domestic demand. wages and the European Central Bank’s ultra-low announced its highest ever annual sales with 4,107 cars delivered to customers in over 50 countries “Even if it happens a technical recession should not interest rates. around the world in 2018. —AFP leave any marks on the labor market but should be the Germany, which also boasts a massive trade surplus very final wake-up call to step up investments and with the rest of the world, frequently faces calls from structural reforms,” said ING Diba bank analyst abroad to spend more of the proceeds of its wealth to stick to its cherished “black zero” policy of a maintain- And Altmaier has mooted public investments in Carsten Brzeski. encourage consumption at home-which would indi- ing a balanced federal budget, but also pledged bil- electric car battery production and European projects Economy Minister Peter Altmaier, who expects rectly benefit trading partners. Among the loudest crit- lions of extra euros in social spending, including on on artificial intelligence. But Berlin remains a laggard German growth of around 1.5 percent for 2018 com- ics is US President Donald Trump, who regularly rails childcare, education and pensions reforms. on military spending, only committing to raising pared with 2017’s 2.2 percent, has also rebuffed the against Germany’s “unfair” trade imbalance and chas- The government also vowed to invest in the coun- expenditure from 1.24 percent of GDP last year to 1.5 doomsayers. tises Berlin for not spending enough on defense. try’s creaking internet infrastructure amid criticism it is by 2024 — well short of the 2.0 percent promise “Germany is not at the beginning of a recession, Merkel’s coalition government agreed last year to failing to prepare the nation for the digital future. Trump wants upheld. —AFP

different airport to catch a flight to the Hundreds of Turkish resort of Antalya. “I should have flown direct from Frankfurt to Antalya, now I have to make UK business braces flights axed as my way to Stuttgart,” she said. At Munich airport, Germany’s second for Brexit vote fresh strike hits largest, a spokeswoman said around 100, mainly domestic, flights were cancelled. LONDON: Eleventh-hour warnings on the financial The coordinated industrial action fallout of a no-deal Brexit and a cap on trading in German airports marks a major escalation in Verdi’s dis- pounds-British business yesterday braced itself for pute with employers, following walkouts the UK parliament’s vital vote. FRANKFURT: Hundreds of flights were at Berlin’s airports last Monday and in “As MPs prepare to vote on the government’s cancelled at eight German airports yes- Stuttgart, Cologne/Bonn and Brexit deal, we urge them to remember they hold terday, including at the nation’s busiest Duesseldorf last Thursday. Germany’s the future of the British automotive industry-and travel hub Frankfurt, as security staff flagship carrier Lufthansa accused Verdi the hundreds and thousands of jobs it supports-in walked off the job in a deepening row of ramping up tensions “to an unaccept- their hands,” said the Mike Hawes, chief executive over pay. able extent” while the ADV association of UK car industry body the SMMT. Germany’s powerful Verdi union said blasted the wave of strikes as “irrespon- “Brexit is already causing us damage-in output, the strike would last from 02:00 am until sible”. costs and jobs, but this does not compare with the 8:00 pm (0100-1900 GMT) at Frankfurt “Verdi is unjustifiably carrying out catastrophic consequences of being cut adrift airport, with walkouts in Munich, these strikes on the backs of travellers, from our biggest trading partner overnight,” he Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Leipzig, airlines and airports,” ADV head Ralph HAMBURG: Security staff members wearing vests with the logo of German union added in a statement. “Both government and par- Dresden and Erfurt following roughly the Beisel said in a statement. verdi stage a strike at the airport in Hamburg, northern Germany, yesterday. —AFP liament have a responsibility to take no-deal off same schedule. At least 220,000 trav- ellers would be hit by cancellations and ‘No response’ the table or risk destroying this vital UK industry,” ports. Rates currently vary nationwide, worst-hit by the strikes, said Verdi “has delays, the ADV airport association said, Verdi, which represents some 23,000 Hawes urged. with staff in some airports in eastern no interest in making its contribution to in a calculation that includes knock-on aviation security workers, said it was Few expect the deal to pass, but the scale of Germany earning around 14 euros improving Germany as an aviation loca- effects at other airports. forced to step up pressure because talks Prime Minister Theresa May’s expected defeat in hourly, compared with just over 17 euros tion”. Frankfurt airport operator Fraport, with the BDLS employers’ association parliament Tuesday could determine whether she for their peers in the capital and western “We already have the lowest quality which axed 617 out of around 1,200 were deadlocked. “Employers did not tries again, loses office, delays Brexit-or if Britain parts of the country. security checks at the highest costs, scheduled flights, urged passengers not respond to last week’s warning strikes at even leaves the EU at all. With just over two months “Security is not worth less in the east, compared to Europe and other countries to come to Europe’s fourth-busiest air- all, they haven’t come up with an to go until the scheduled Brexit date of March 29, a and the employees are not worth less,” around the world,” said Lufthansa board port during the strike. improved offer,” Verdi board member bitterly divided Britain is in limbo and the world said Kittel. member Detlef Kayser. “Security doesn’t come free,” read a Ute Kittel told public broadcaster ZDF. awaits to see what will happen next. The BDLS has baulked at the pro- The dispute is the latest upheaval for banner held aloft by Verdi members The union wants to see wages raised Elsewhere yesterday, the president of the CBI, posed wage hike, instead offering pay air travellers in Germany, after a series of demonstrating at the airport, clad in yel- to 20 euros ($23) per hour for workers Britain’s largest business lobby group, said the increases of up to 6.4 percent. strikes by Ryanair cabin and cockpit low high-visibility jackets. German pas- carrying out passenger, freight, person- “vast majority” of UK business would like to see The next round of talks is slated for crew in the second of half of 2018 senger Brigitte Inhof told AFP that she nel and goods checks at all German air- the Brexit deal passed. January 23. Lufthansa, among the airlines caused huge disruption. —AFP Talking on BBC radio, John Allan said that even was going to have to travel by bus to a though it “looks extremely unlikely” that parliament will back the deal, the government must be immedi- yuan in special bonds largely used to fund ately ready to preside over a no-deal Brexit. China signals more key projects. This is “a time for very, very, clear leadership Most, however, expect the fresh stimu- from the government and the time to bring people stimulus as economic lus will take months to start feeding together”, Allan said. “This will be a situation of through the world’s second-largest econo- national emergency. We are only 70-plus days from slowdown deepens my, with a turnaround not expected till crashing out of the EU.” —AFP BEIJING: China yesterday signalled more spring or summer. stimulus measures in the near term as a tar- China’s growth slowed in 2018 as a iff war with the United States took a heavy years-long campaign to reduce a mountain toll on its trade sector and raised the risk of of debt and crackdown on riskier lending JPMorgan earnings a sharper economic slowdown. practices pushed up borrowing costs, The world’s second-largest economy dampening investment and hurting domes- will aim to achieve “a good start” in the first tic demand. surge despite some quarter, the National Development and As the trade war with the United States Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a escalated last year and hit exports, global trading weakness statement, indicating the government is financial markets went into a tailspin on ready to counter rising pressure. Central worries about a sharper China slowdown, NEW YORK: Earnings at JPMorgan Chase jumped in bank and finance ministry officials gave though many analysts believe an economic the fourth quarter, but not as much as expected due to similar assurances. hard landing is unlikely. weak trading activity and increased technology spend- Surprising contractions in China’s Premier Li Keqiang said China achieved HANGZHOU: A man plugging in an electric vehicle at a Sinopec service station in ing, according to results released yesterday. December trade and factory activity have its key 2018 economic targets, which were Hangzhou, in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. The service station is one of the first Net income surged 67 percent to $7.1 billion, with stirred speculation over whether Beijing “hard-won”, and seeks a strong start in the in the country to offer petrol, compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric car charging the year-ago period hit by one-time accounting costs needs to switch to more forceful stimulus first quarter to help meet this year’s goals, service. —AFP from US tax reform. Revenues rose four percent to measures, though most analysts believe the according to state television on Monday. $26.8 billion. government is wary of steps that could Sources told Reuters last week that Beijing that commercial banks need to set aside for face of faltering sales. Earnings got a lift from higher net interest income heighten debt risks and weaken the yuan. was planning to lower its growth target to the fifth time in a year to spur lending, par- Stabilising employment is the govern- following Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, with the Data yesterday showed credit growth 6-6.5 percent this year after an expected ticularly to small and medium-sized firms. ment’s top priority, NDRC Vice Chairman bank generating higher income from credit cards and remains stubbornly weak, with several key 6.6 percent in 2018, the slowest pace in 28 Beijing has also cut taxes and fees, and Lian Weiliang said at a news conference auto leases. The bank also notched an increase in over- gauges hovering around record lows years. The proposed target, to be unveiled stepped up infrastructure investment to yesterday, briefing reporters on the meas- all loans. But earnings were dented somewhat by despite months of policy easing. at the annual parliamentary session in shore up the economy. ures that are in the works following increased spending on technology and marketing, as “Further economic stimulus measures March, was endorsed by top leaders at the This year, China will step up fiscal December’s economic work conference. well as the setting aside of more funds for bad loans. will be needed. The authorities seem to be annual closed-door Central Economic expenditure and implement larger tax and JPMorgan also suffered a drop in some of its trading taking their time to deliver this, perhaps Work Conference in mid-December, the fee cuts. The cuts will focus on reducing No flood of stimulus businesses, especially fixed income trading, which saw chastened by the overkill of their stimulus sources told Reuters. burdens for small firms and manufacturers, China will speed up investment proj- low activity amid market volatility in December. Rival in the financial crisis,” ING economists said Annual growth of about 6.2 percent is the finance ministry said in a statement ects and local government bond issuance, bank Citigroup also cited this factor in earnings on in a note to client. “The eventual package needed this year and in 2020 to meet the yesterday. But government efforts to chan- but will not resort to “flood-like” stimu- Monday. Chief Executive Jamie Dimon termed 2018 may be very substantial.” ruling Communist Party’s longstanding goal nel more funds to the struggling private lus, Lian said. The central bank, in a sepa- “another strong year” and called on political leaders to Some analysts believe China could of doubling gross domestic product and sector are facing big hurdles: banks are rate statement issued at the press confer- work together, implicitly acknowledging a government deliver 2 trillion yuan ($296.21 billion) incomes in the decade to 2020, and to turn wary of more bad debts amid the long reg- ence, said it will maintain prudent mone- shutdown now in its fourth week amid fighting in worth of cuts in taxes and fees, and allow China into a “modestly prosperous” nation. ulatory crackdown; and, many business are tary policy with “appropriate tightness and Washington. —AFP local governments to issue another 2 trillion China has lowered the level of reserves in no mood to make new investments in the looseness.” —Reuters Established 1961 13 Business Wednesday, January 16, 2019 VW and Ford confirm alliance to build commercial vans, pickups Toyota, Mazda plan to open a joint factory in US

DETROIT: A 1964 VW Beetle is on display in the VW area during day two of the 2019 The North American DUESSELDORF: In this file photo, the logos of car makers Ford (left) and Volkswagen (VW) are seen at International Auto Show yesterday at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. —AFP the expo “Caravan Salon Duesseldorf” at the fairgrounds in Duesseldorf, Germany. —AFP

DETROIT: Volkswagen and Ford announced yesterday The deal reached between the American and German The alliance follows in the footsteps of others formed than six months over a partnership to develop self-dri- that the automakers had agreed to an alliance to jointly automakers to develop commercial vans and medium- in the auto industry. Honda in October invested $2.5 bil- ving and electric technologies. But a source close to the develop commercial vans and pickups starting in 2022 in sized pickups as early as 2022 does not involve cross- lion in Cruise, GM’s proprietary technology subsidiary, in talks told AFP that they had so far only produced a deal a bid to reduce costs. ownership, according to a joint statement. VW CEO exchange for a 5.7 percent stake. over commercial vehicles. The announcement came after more than six months Herbert Diess said the alliance “will be a cornerstone for Toyota and Mazda plan to open a joint factory in the A highly-anticipated announcement at the US’s pre- of talks between the car giants which has also included our drive to improve competitiveness.” Under the alliance, southern US city of Huntsville, Alabama in 2021. miere auto show in the Motor City was called off late discussions around autonomous and electrification tech- to be governed by a joint committee headed by the chief The Detroit auto show was abuzz over what Ford and Monday, and the two sides planned a conference call nologies. The companies said they had agreed to “inves- executives of both companies, Ford will engineer and Volkswagen would announce yesterday, after the car with reporters instead for the following morning. tigate collaboration on autonomous vehicles, mobility build medium-sized pickups for both companies. giants called off a joint appearance during which they “We don’t have enough details yet to go out in front services and electric vehicles and have started to explore Ford will also build large commercial vans for were widely expected to announce an alliance. of more than 500 journalists, so we decided to call it those opportunities.” European customers and VW will develop a city van. The two car giants have been in discussions for more off,” Ford spokesman Mark Truby said. —AFP

three years. GM in November said it would end production Take the Chevrolet Malibu. The sedan averages 29 miles US car buyers of six models: the Cadillac CT6 and XTS, as well as the per gallon in the city-practically identical to the larger Chevrolet Impala, Cruze, Volt, and the Buick LaCrosse. Ford Chevy Equinox SUV’s 28 miles per gallon. The SUV also joined the fray. By 2020, it will no longer sell the Fusion, costs just $2,000 more. swerve away Taurus, or Focus in the United States. Aside from the “Frankly, it’s about usable space,” said Ford Chairman Bill Mustang sports car, it will only offer pickup trucks and SUVs. Ford. “It’s very clear that our customers are saying to us: we from compact “Ford loses an estimated $800 million a year selling cars want more usable space, we want, in many cases, three-row in North America,” said Bob Shanks, the group’s CFO. seating and those kinds of things.” For consumers, one of the main draws of small cars and He argues, however, that if there is renewed love for com- cars and sedans sedans used to be efficiency and cost. But that has changed. pact cars, “we can adapt very quickly.” —AFP DETROIT: A persistent question shadowed all of the shiny new vehicles and highly-produced, glitzy debuts at the Detroit auto show this week: Where are the sedans? Volkswagen was among the few to trumpet a new sedan- those compact and mid-sized cars that shuttled generations DETROIT: Infiniti concept cars on display during day two of American children to school in the morning and soccer of the 2019 The North American International Auto Show practice in the afternoon. But despite its ubiquity in the sub- yesterday. —AFP urban driveways and garages of the past, the vehicle seg- ment’s future is anything but certain. The middle-class sedan-as opposed to luxury brands and high-performance sports cars-is hard to find this week on became more and more luxurious and comfortable and the Detroit auto show’s floor, eclipsed by row upon row of increasingly gas efficient. giant trucks and SUVs. “Car companies are acknowledging that the crossover, ‘Badly produced’ sport utility vehicle boom is continuing,” said analyst SUV sales rose 87 percent since 2013. The “sports” utility Michelle Krebs of AutoTrader. vehicle-now more likely to be used as the family car-is Detroit’s Big Three automakers-Ford, General Motors expected to account for about 40 percent of the North and Fiat Chrysler-have gradually abandoned production American vehicle market by 2025, according to LMC of sedans for lack of profitability and lack of interest from Automotive. consumers. Meanwhile, once popular sedans such as the Toyota Sales of traditional cars are expected to plummet to 21.5 Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima saw percent of the US auto market by 2025, according to LMC their sales dip in 2018 by double digits. And analysts predict Automotive. Last year, sedans and small cars accounted for the worst is yet to come. 31.2 percent of new-vehicle sales-down from half only six To reduce overcapacity in the production of small cars years ago. and sedans, America’s Big Three automakers downsized. Fiat The abrupt tumble coincided with the revival of the US Chrysler’s late CEO Sergio Marchionne in 2016 was the first auto industry, a drop in gas prices and a decade of economic to give up on the vehicle segment-ending production of the recovery in the United States. Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 to focus on Jeeps and RAM Consumers flocked to larger SUVs and trucks, which pickups. The company’s stock price more than doubled in

and entrepreneur. “The model does not benefit Not cheap or cheerful: hawkers,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation yesterday. Singapore’s National Environment Agency Singapore hawker (NEA), which oversees hawker centers, did not respond to e-mails seeking comment. The NEA has centers struggle with said that despite the problems, the social enter- prise model is “here to stay”, and that it benefits hawkers, cleaners and patrons. It is “one of the new business model ways we are trying to address the many challenges of the hawker trade such as renewal and manpower SINGAPORE: A social enterprise model for some of constraints,” Amy Khor, senior minister of state for Singapore’s hawker centers has been criticized over environment, told parliament in November. high costs and poor management, as the wealthy The model lets hawkers try new ideas to “bring nation tries to revitalize its popular food stalls. vibrancy” to the trade, while ensuring that The hawker centers, which offer local and Singaporeans “continue to have access to afford- regional foods for just a couple of dollars, are an able food in clean environments, and that our ever-present part of Singapore life and a source of hawkers can earn a decent living”, she said. pride, with two stalls having won a Michelin star in Cashless payments, automated tray returns and 2016 - the first street food stalls to do so. The gov- centralized dishwashing have all helped cut costs ernment, which manages the hawker centres, sees for hawkers under this model, said Khor. Singapore them as vital in providing jobs for the less privi- last year topped the Economist Intelligence Unit’s leged, ensuring cheap meals for low-income resi- dents and attracting tourists. Global Food Security Index of 113 countries for the But the trade is struggling with competition and first time, scoring high on measures such as afford- a failure to lure younger talent. ability and availability. Seeking solutions, the government handed man- The cheap meals in its hawker centers are a vital agement of 13 of the city’s 114 hawker centres to part of this, and the city is also boosting local agri- social enterprises, which do good while also earn- cultural production. The government said in 2011 ing a profit. that it would build 10 new hawker centers, the first But some of the new centres that are man- to be built in decades. It is also pushing for a world aged by social enterprises have been criticized heritage tag for them this year from the United over poor management, high rentals and strict Nations cultural agency. conditions imposed on hawkers, many of whom If the social enterprise model is to continue, are elderly. Singapore should allow an independent team to check “The intention is good, but they’ve turned some- that they deliver on the promise “to make the hawker thing that is meant for public good into something food culture viable, affordable and sustainable”, wrote for private good,” said Jack Sim, a social worker KF Seetoh, a popular food blogger. —Reuters 14 Established 1961 Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Business Turkish Airlines reached 80.2% load factor in December 2018 Total number of passengers went up by 1% reaching 5.5 million

KUWAIT: Turkish Airlines, who has recently N. America with 33 percent, Africa with 33 percent, announced its passenger and cargo traffic results for Far East with 17 percent, and Europe with 17 percent December 2018, reached 80.2 percent load factor in increase. that month. Growth in the number of passengers, rev- l In December 2018, Africa showed load factor enue per kilometer and load factor, is an important growth of 2,5 points, while N. America, Far East and indicator of the continued growing interest in Turkey the Middle East showed load factor growth of 1 point. and Turkish Airlines at the end of the year as well. According to the January-December 2018 According to the December 2018 traffic results; traffic results; l Total number of passengers carried went up by 1 l During January-December 2018, increase in percent reaching 5.5 million passengers, and the load demand and total number of passengers was 10 per- factor went up to 80.2 percent. cent, over the same period of last year. Total number l In December 2018, total load factor improved by of passengers reached to 75,2 million. 0,5 points, while international load factor increased by l During January-December 2018, total load factor 0,5 points to 80 percent, domestic load factor improved by 3 points up to 82 percent. While interna- reached to 84 percent. tional load factor increased by 3 points reaching 81 l International-to-international transfer passengers percent, and domestic load factor went up by 1 point (transit passengers) went up by 3 percent approxi- reaching 85 percent. mately, while the number of international passengers - l Excluding international-to-international transfer excluding international-to-international transfer pas- passengers (transit passengers), the number of inter- sengers (transit passengers)- went up by 8 percent. national passengers went up significantly by 12 per- l In December 2018, cargo/mail volume continued cent. the double digit growth trend and increased by 20 l When compared to 2017, cargo/mail carried dur- percent, compared to the same period of 2017. Main ing the year 2018 increased by 25 percent and reach- contributors to this growth in cargo/mail volume are ing to 1.4 million tons.

Australia and New Zealand banned its Huawei founder gear last year and a top British operator moved to remove its existing equipment, while concerns grow in Canada, Japan, Panasonic makes denies spying France, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries. cutting, blending for China in Last month Canada arrested Ren’s daughter Meng on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions viola- effortless with rare interview tions. Ren said he missed his daughter very much and denied any regular con- MX-S401 BEIJING: Huawei’s reclusive founder tact with the Chinese government, Ren Zhengfei stepped out of the shad- according to the Financial Times. KUWAIT: Panasonic’s latest kitchen essential is ows yesterday to give a rare media inter- Some analysts say Beijing’s fero- sure to make home cooking effortless and fun - the view, forcefully denying accusations that cious response to her arrest points to MX-S401 Hand Blender. Powered by an 800-watt his firm engaged in espionage on behalf the high-level connections that motor, the MX-S401 boasts an innovative four- of the Chinese government. The compa- Washington alleges. blade blending system, which effectively cuts and ny he founded more than 20 years ago Chinese authorities detained two churns the toughest ingredients, thus easily taking has been under fire in recent months Canadian citizens-a former diplomat and the hassle out of preparing a wide variety of dishes, with the arrest of Ren’s daughter and a business consultant-on suspicion of including nutritious baby food. Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, endangering national security soon after Using Panasonic’s advanced blade technology, the arrest of an employee on spying Meng’s arrest in a move widely seen as LAS VEGAS: The Huawei booth is seen during CES 2019 consumer electronics the MX-S401’s four-blade system delivers out- charges in Poland, and a worldwide cam- retaliation. Then authorities revisited the show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. —AFP standing results at all times with its ability to finely paign by Washington to blacklist it. little-known case of Canadian Robert A former Chinese army engineer, Ren cut ingredients. Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to massively cut taxes, which will benefit The firm swiftly sacked the employ- denied that Huawei passed information The durable, stainless-steel blender wand can to 15 years in prison in November for business,” Ren said at the roundtable ee Wang Weijing, who led Huawei’s along to the Chinese government. easily reach into deep bowls, pots and jars - safe drug offences. with reporters. “Huawei is only a sesame sales team in Poland, and said “his “I love my country, I support the for hot or cold food and beverages. Designed with On Monday he was sentenced to seed in the trade conflict between China alleged actions have no relation to the Communist Party. But I will not do any- safety and comfort in mind, the wand can be death in a hastily arranged retrial-China and the US,” he said, according to company”. thing to harm the world,” Ren told a immersed directly into the pot or pitcher for savory, has denied any of the cases are connect- Bloomberg. Ren said he was not worried about group of foreign reporters, according to creamy soups and even velvety smoothies. ed to Meng’s situation. In December Ren told reporters Huawei would the bans by some countries and forecast Bloomberg News. Katsuki Nishimura - Manager, PMMAF said, President Donald Trump said he could deny any request from Beijing to share Huawei’s revenue would grow to $125 “I don’t see a close connection “The MX-S401, with its unique four-blade blending intervene in the US case against Meng if sensitive information from its clients. billion in 2019. between my personal political beliefs system and handy attachments, is a must-have it helped seal a trade deal with China-a Huawei has long rejected such Western “Huawei is not a public company, we and the businesses of Huawei,” he said. kitchen tool designed to help busy consumers in statement that displeased Canada, which accusations, saying there was “no evi- don’t need a beautiful earnings report,” Huawei faces unprecedented challenges Kuwait reconnect with the joys of home cooking. has denied politics played a role in dence” it poses a threat to the national he said. “If they don’t want Huawei to be to its business amid a global campaign From soups, snacks, and salads to entrees, side Meng’s arrest. security of any country. in some markets, we can scale down a by Washington to push nations to recon- dishes, desserts and even baby food, preparing But this month Poland arrested a bit. As long as we can survive and feed sider using the telecom giant’s equip- multi-course meal is now possible with just a single ‘Trump a great president’ Huawei employee suspected of spying our employees, there’s a future for us,” ment in their cellular networks over appliance.” “Trump is a great president. He dares for China. he said, according to Bloomberg. —AFP “Panasonic has always been known for kitchen security concerns. appliances with high-quality Japanese craftsman- ship and the MX-S401 is a great addition to the brand’s product range. It is a brilliant combination Trump defends trade diately and that he could have told us about of elegant design and powerful functionality with it today,” Illinois grain farmer Robert its innovative features,” commented Omar Massouh policies to farmers, Klemm said at the convention in New - Director, Corporate Marketing & Public Relations Orleans. at Easa Husain Al-Yousifi Company. vows fair deal China bought about $12 billion worth of Built for high-performance and reliable blending, US soy in 2017, but mostly shifted purchas- the MX-S401 carries other top-notch features, with China es to Brazil last year because of the trade among them: Handy Attachments - The Chopper dispute. “With China, every year for many attachment easily cuts vegetables and minces meat years we’re losing $375 billion. We’re NEW ORLEANS: US President Donald working on that very strong. You see what’s while the Whisk is perfect for whipping cream, cake Trump on Monday defended his tough batter and more. There is also the Cutter Holder, going on. Doing very well,” Trump said at trade policies in front of thousands of the convention, without providing specific which serves as a cover when the blender is not in farmers who have suffered because of his use, and as a holder while cooking. details on the negotiations. trade war with China, disappointing some “We’re turning all of that around with l Easy Speed Control - Choose the ideal speed who had hoped to hear a plan for a swift fair trade deals that put American farmers, setting - High, Pulse or Low - to match the recipe resolution. and the ingredients. ranchers, and in fact America, first,” he said. Trump dedicated much of his speech to Trump spoke as a partial government shut- l Child Lock and 2-Step Switch - These func- explaining why he believes the United down dragged into its 24th day. The shut- tions prevent accidental operation when not in use, States needs a wall on its southern border, or when mounting or removing an attachment. down has led to the closure of US in his second consecutive visit to the Department of Agriculture offices and l Double Motor Protection Devices - For maxi- American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual In this file photo, foie gras on toast is seen during a pro-foie gras demonstration delayed farmers’ applications for federal by activists from the farmers’ union “Coordination rurale” in Agen, southwestern mum safety, the blender is equipped with a circuit convention. He also said his trade policies loans and an aid package meant to ease the France. The US Supreme Court upheld California’s foie gras ban, ending a long breaker, and it will be activated when it is over- would deliver long-term benefits for the loaded. The built-in Thermostat also stops the pain caused by the trade war. legal battle between animal rights activists and defenders of the delicacy. —AFP American heartland. US farmers, numbering Trump did not address the delays in aid appliance’s operation when excessive heat is some 3.2 million, have been reliable Trump detected due to continuous usage. payments but praised how farmers supporters, despite struggling financially remained loyal to him. struggling because of plummeting prices, a said Brian Duncan, an Illinois crop and live- l Dishwasher-safe - The stainless-steel shaft, since Beijing imposed a tariff on imports of US House Speaker, Democrat Nancy tough farm economy and the damage of the stock producer and vice president of the beaker, chopper bowl and whisk are all dishwasher- US soybeans in July in retaliation for administration’s trade brinkmanship, but Illinois Farm Bureau. A landmark 11-country safe so they can be easily washed, at the same time Pelosi, said in a statement that Trump Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. China has should “restore certainty” to farmers’ lives President Trump refuses to re-open the trade deal, a revamped version of the keep them constantly clean and hygienic. also implemented duties on other US farm Department of Agriculture,” Pelosi said. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), came into The Panasonic MX-S401 Hand Blender is now by signing legislation to fully reopen the goods, including pork and grain sorghum. USDA. Farmers and others involved with Kept his promise force in December without the United available in Kuwait at all Best Al-Yousifi Electronics “I would like to have known that there The United States needs to strike deals States after Trump pulled out of negotia- showrooms and authorized distributors. agriculture “are not doing better than ever was a fix that was going to be done imme- - despite the president’s claim. They are with trading partners soon to help farmers, tions in 2017. —Reuters

PSA sold 3.88 million vehicles, up 6.8 per- pending operations in Iran, where it would totalled 11 billion crowns ($1.7 billion) in 2017, Opel helps cent from 2017 when it acquired the Opel have expected sales of 300,000 vehicles. In Hard Brexit to hit are set to drop by around 24 percent should business which includes British-based China, PSA said sales plunged more than 34 Britain exit the European Union without a Vauxhall. PSA said that without the Opel con- percent in an overall market down nearly six Danish bacon, deal, leaving goods subject to World Trade France’s PSA tribution, 2018 sales would have been down percent. Total sales in China and Southeast Organization tariffs, the OECD said. Britain’s 12 percent despite a strong showing in Asia fell for a fourth consecutive year to butter exports parliament is widely expected to vote against buck China, Iran Europe. Ranked second in Europe after 262,600. PSA and its Chinese partner and Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal yes- Germany’s Volkswagen, PSA said it did well major shareholder Dongfeng, sold 740,000 terday, opening up outcomes ranging from a last year to increase overall sales “for a fifth vehicles in China in 2014 and had targeted to Britain: OECD disorderly divorce to a reversal of Brexit. auto downturn consecutive year... against a background of one million for last year. Britain is Denmark’s fourth largest export adverse economic and geopolitical winds.” The company said early last year that it COPENHAGEN: The flow of Danish butter market absorbing 7.8 percent of total exports in PARIS: French auto giant Groupe PSA, which The company failed, however, to hit the hoped that new SUV models and upgrading and bacon to Britons’ breakfast tables is 2017. Denmark is the main supplier of Britain’s makes the Citroen and Peugeot brands, overall target of four million vehicles it had its distribution network would boost sales in expected to fall by around a quarter in case imported pork. Denmark’s overall exports to reported record vehicle sales yesterday as set, largely due to the impact of fresh sanc- China. In Europe, PSA said sales jumped 30.6 of a hard Brexit, the Organization for Britain could drop by 17 percent in the event of the acquisition of General Motors’ Opel unit tions imposed on Iran by US President percent to 3.1 million vehicles, accounting for Economic Co-operation and Development a no-deal Brexit, resulting in a 1.3 percent helped offset a sharp downturn in key mar- Donald Trump and a slump in China. 80 percent of the total compared with 65 (OECD) said yesterday. decline in GDP in the medium term, the OECD kets China and Iran. PSA announced in June that it was sus- percent in 2017. —AFP Denmark’s food exports to Britain, which said in a country report yesterday. —Reuters 15 Health & Technology Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Scientists in Hong Kong claim antiviral breakthrough Chemical could slow spread of deadly viral illnesses HONG KONG: Hong Kong scientists claim time they are produced the virus may have expert on viruses at Texas A&M University- they have made a potential breakthrough dis- mutated. The HKU team tested their chemical Texarkana who has published his own studies covery in the fight against infectious diseases- “AM580” on mice in a two-year study and on starving viruses of lipids. a chemical that could slow the spread of found it stopped the replication of a host of flu “Viruses are totally dependent on supplies deadly viral illnesses. A team from the strains-including H1N1, H5N1 and H7N9 — as stolen from their hosts, and a number of University of Hong Kong described the newly well as the viruses that cause SARS and MERS. recent studies have shown that treatments discovered chemical as “highly potent in inter- It also stopped the replication of the mos- that interrupt the steady flow of lipids in an rupting the life cycle of diverse viruses” in a quito-borne Zika virus and Enterovirus 71 infected cell are highly effective at blocking a study published this month in the journal which causes hand, foot and mouth wide range of viruses,” he told AFP. The next Nature Communications. disease.”This is what we call a broad-spectrum step is to test the drug on a wider variety of The scientists told AFP Monday that it antiviral drug, which means it can kill a number animals, including pigs and primates, before could one day be used as a broad-spectrum of viruses,” microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung, pushing to clinical trials, a process Yuen said antiviral for a host of infectious diseases-and who led the team, told AFP. “This is quite could take up to eight years. even for viruses that have yet to emerge-if it important in the early control of an epidemic.” The HKU team have applied for a patent in passes clinical trials. The spread in recent the United States. A derivative of AM580 is decades of sometimes deadly bird flu strains, Starving the virus already being used in Japan to treat cancer, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome The study is part of a growing body of raising hopes that it will show low toxicity for (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory research by virologists to find drugs that humans. But Neuman warns there are draw- Syndrome (SARS) have underscored the need avoid targeting a virus directly-something backs. Like many chemotherapy methods used for new drugs that can work more quickly which could lead to resistance. Instead they to fight cancer, antivirals such as AM580 dam- than vaccines. look for compounds that interrupt the way age a person’s cells to starve a virus. While Broad-spectrum antivirals are seen as the viruses use crucial fatty acids, known as lipids, cells can heal, much research still needs to be holy grail because they can be used against within a host’s cells to replicate.”This study is done on how and when to use such techniques. be very worrying,” he said. Densely populated died from SARS and the city’s densely packed multiple pathogens. In contrast, vaccines usual- science in progress-an early step in an excit- “Unless the treatment is targeted very Hong Kong has first-hand experience of dead- apartment blocks are considered hugely vul- ly only protect against one strain, and by the ing new direction,” said Benjamin Neuman, an carefully, the potential for side effects would ly viral outbreaks. In 2003, nearly 300 people nerable to future outbreaks. —AFP

Researchers discovered that from 1979 to 1990, Antarctica Antarctica ice loss shed an average of 40 billion tons of ice mass annually. bending around the edges of the Earth,” explained By the years 2009 to 2017, the ice loss had increased Total lunar eclipse Walter Freeman, an assistant teaching professor at more than sixfold, to 252 billion tons per year. Even more Syracuse University’s physics department. increases six fold worrying, researchers found that areas that were once con- “This small amount of red light still illuminates sidered “stable and immune to change” in East Antarctica, on Jan 20-21 will the Moon enough for us to see it. Instead of being since 1979 are shedding quite a lot of ice, too, said the study. “The bright and white, the Moon will be very dim and Wilkes Land sector of East Antarctica has, overall, always be last until 2022 red, 10,000 or so times dimmer than usual.” been an important participant in the mass loss, even as far Although total lunar eclipses happen, on average, TAMPA: Global warming is melting ice in Antarctica faster back as the 1980s, as our research has shown,” Rignot said. about one to three times per year, after this one than ever before-about six times more per year now than 40 “This region is probably more sensitive to climate than WASHINGTON: People in North and South there will be a gap of three years until another is years ago-leading to increasingly high sea levels worldwide, has traditionally been assumed, and that’s important to America, a large part of Europe and Africa may get visible. “It’s the last chance for a little while to see a scientists warned Monday. Already, Antarctic melting has know, because it holds even more ice than West Antarctica a glimpse of a total lunar eclipse overnight from total lunar eclipse,” said Bruce Betts, chief scientist raised global sea levels more than half an inch (1.4 centime- and the Antarctic Peninsula together.” January 20 to 21, the last such event until 2022. For at The Planetary Society. ters) between 1979 and 2017, said the report in the those in Europe and Africa, the total eclipse will The next total eclipse will be visible from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Ice loss unfold shortly before sunrise. For those in North Europe on May 16, 2022. Some partial lunar a peer-reviewed US journal. The total amount of ice in the Antarctic, if it all melted, and South America, the eclipse can be viewed at eclipses will happen in the meantime. Total And the pace of melting is expected to lead to disastrous would be enough to raise sea level 187 feet. By far, the most the beginning or in the middle of the night. The full eclipses happen only when the Earth moves pre- sea level rise in the years to come, according to lead author ice in Antarctica is concentrated in the east, where there is Moon will be in the Earth’s shadow from 03:34 cisely between the Sun and Moon. Cloudy weath- Eric Rignot, chair of Earth system science at the University enough sea ice to drove 170 feet of sea level rise, compared to GMT to 06:51 GMT. When the eclipse begins, a er can interfere with viewing, but experts say that of California, Irvine. “As the Antarctic ice sheet continues to about 17 feet in the entire West Antarctic ice sheet. The East shadow will move in from the left, as if taking a bite unlike in the case of a solar eclipse, there is no melt away, we expect multi-meter sea level rise from Antarctic Ice Sheet is the world’s largest, containing roughly out of the Moon. need for special eyewear to step outside and view Antarctica in the coming centuries,” Rignot said. A rise of half of Earth’s freshwater. Until now, most research has shown The total eclipse will last about an hour, begin- a lunar eclipse. 1.8 meters by 2100, as some scientists forecast in worst- that the majority of melting is happening in the West. A land- ning at 0441 GMT according to NASA. During the That’s because the Moon does not produce light case scenarios, would flood many coastal cities that are mark study published in Nature in June last year found that eclipse, the Moon will still be visible, but in a shade of its own, but only reflects the Sun’s light. “The home to millions of people around the world, previous Antarctic ice melt had tripled since 1992, but did not show sig- of red. That’s why a lunar eclipse is often called a Moon is never bright enough to hurt our eyes like research has shown. For the current study, researchers nificant melting in the east. However, a subsequent study pub- “blood Moon.” The red color is due to the same the Sun is,” said Freeman. “A blood Moon is one of embarked on the longest-ever assessment of ice mass in the lished in Nature in September 2018 analyzed layers of sedi- phenomenon that causes sunsets to appear pink, the few opportunities we have to see both the Antarctic, across 18 geographic regions. Data came from ment from the ocean floor deposited the last time the Wilkes orange or red. “A little bit of sunlight is refracted by Moon and the stars in the sky at the same time, high-resolution aerial photographs taken by NASA planes, Subglacial Basin, part of the Eastern Antarctic due south of the Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the Moon, since the Moon is usually too bright.” —AFP along with satellite radar from multiple space agencies. Australia, melted around 125,000 years ago. — AFP 16 Wednesday, January 16, 2019

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Tel.:TTeel.: 2222693692269369 - Fax:Fax: 2226936822269368 Al-Jabriya - Block 1A - St.1 - Mazaya Building - 15th Floor - Clinic B email: [email protected] Tel.: 965 22269411/ Mob.: 965 99212228 Jabriya, 4th Ring Rood,Block 1A Floor 9 -Clover Center Mazaya Building Established 1961 17 What’s On Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Marina Hotel holds ‘bohemian’ themed annual staff party arina Hotel recently organized its annual staff party at Salwa said: “I would like to send my gratitude to all Marina Hotel employees Award, Supervisor of the 4th Quarter and Supervisor of the Year. Sabah Al-Ahmad Hall which aimed to bring the employees for their outstanding efforts during 2018 and the hard work which has Additional rewards were also distributed during the evening which Mtogether to celebrate their individual and company success and played a big role in the hotel’s development. I highly encouraged every- included Honesty, Sustainability, Productivity, Best Team Player and their continuous dedications and contribution towards success and one to aim higher and work better through constant commitment always Dedication. The Bohemian -themed event included various entertain- achieving impressive results. The event was attended by the hotel’s striving for excellence.” ment activities that engaged the audience, including live shows and management and employees. The fun filled event included distributing awards in various cate- competitions where many gifts were distributed to participants and On this occasion, Nabil Hammoud, Marina Hotel General Manager, gories for Employee of the Month, Employee of the Year, Long Service ended with a buffet dinner.

diplomats from foreign embassies in Kuwait. Horeca Kuwait Leaders group statement added that at the sidelines of the second day activities, and in col- laboration with La Maison du Fromage, the 2019 witnesses French ambassador in Kuwait, Marie Masdupuy organized a special cheese tasting various activities event at the embassy premises in Jabriya which was attended Leaders Group manager, Nabila Al-Anjery, Hospitality Services manager, on second day Joumana Dammous, Horeca executive manager, Mohammed Najia, diplomats and heads of the he activities of Horeca Kuwait 2019 companies sponsoring Horeca Kuwait 2019. continued yesterday in hall number The first day of the exhibition witnessed a Teight at the International Fair Grounds seminar on “The rise of local restaurants in Mishref where huge numbers of specialized trending in Kuwait” where speakers included visitors showed up. Aside from the number of Amer Zeltoun, Managing Partner at Maki visitors to various hospitality, food industries Group, Chef Faisal AI Nashmi, Director of and hotel equipment company booths and Culinary Development- AI Makan United sections, the second day of the exhibition wit- Company and co-owner -Street AI Makan, nessed new activities including competitions Table Otto, Pam+ cow and Street Cafe, Chef for the best desert, the best food collection, Samaan HilaI, Managing Partner - Brainsteam, the best burger and ice arts. Lebanon, Jad Alameddine, Director of Food The competitions were followed by a work- and Beverage -Mohamed Naser AI-Hajery & shop presented by Chef Nicolas Paterson from Sons Ltd. (MNH), Amr AIRefal , Founder & Cordon Blue, London on the latest technolo- CEO - Solo Co and the moderator Nada gies in using candy to make carved and deco- Alamuddine, Managing Partner -Hodema rated deserts. In this regard, Leaders Group Consulting Services. The seminar discussed Company for Consultancies and development, the secrets of success of Kuwaiti restaurants which organizes the exhibition jointly with the and trademarks amidst fierce competition, Lebanese Hospitality Services Co., said that especially with the presence of over 100,000 this cycle of the exhibition attracted a lot of cafes and restaurants in Kuwait. 18 Established 1961 Stars Wednesday, January 16, 2019

CROSSWORD 2111 STAR TRACK

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

Today finds you ready to let loose and have some fun. Plan an outing or Are you happy? If not ask yourself what is missing. What needs to plan a party. Just get up and get out. You will find happiness and satisfaction by sur- change to bring happiness into your world? Make a plan and set the wheels in rounding yourself with friends. Choose your company wisely. Good times will only motion. There comes a time we all need to assess our situation and make necessary come when you surround yourself with those who truly have your best interest at changes. This is a great time for you to do some soul-searching. Make sure your heart. People tend to be takers. You are a giver and will forever be the target of this feet are planted firmly on the ground. Reach out to those you respect the most and type. Listen to your gut when comes to others. If something just doesn’t seem right, surround yourself with those who possess the wisdom and knowledge necessary to trust. Once you see someone’s true colors believe it. Live, love, and laugh today. point you in the right direction. Set your goals and make it happen, Libra.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You may be putting a great emphasis on your sex life. A desire for intimacy and a partner are strong on your mind. It is a great time for you to reflect Just because something is easy doesn’t mean it is the right thing to and discover how you truly feel about yourself and what is driving your focus. do or the right way to handle a situation. You may find yourself involved in a situ- Today will be a nice day for you. you may be tempted to be too strict on yourself. ation you need to put great thought into before you act. Actions have conse- Loosen up a bit and enjoy what this world has to offer. You may find yourself in quences. Be sure you are ready to face them. Hard work and determination will the company of someone who eager to follow your lead. Do not hesitate to take help you acquire your goal. Remember, avoid taking the easy way out. control. Your ambition will be your driving force today, Taurus.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) You may be facing a very emotional issue in your life today. It may seem your desire to be respected by others is very strong. You may find yourself even Forgiveness and understanding are two awesome qualities to pos- demanding this from others today. You may find yourself becoming very organized and sess. You are able to put both of these to great use today. Both mending fences structured. A strong will takes hold. You may discover you may not only have a knack for and repairing relationships are on the top of your priority list. You seem to be organizing things, but you have one for organizing people as well. This makes you a focused not only on the past but also on the future. You know to move forward ACROSS DOWN great leader and this quality could be acknowledged in the workplace today. Your ability and be at peace you need to let by gones be by gones. This will be a very emo- 1. Syndrome resulting from a serious acute 1. Excluded from use or mention. to work with haste and little emotion makes you a natural in a position of leadership or tional but empowering time in your life. The decisions you make today will have management. You may find that you are not as appreciative of those around you. (sometimes fatal) infection associated 2. Rock star and drummer for the Beatles lasting effects on your life. You seem to really be in touch with a psychic ability with the presence of staphylococcus. (born in 1940). you possess today. You are able to read the reaction of the people you 4. Meat that has been barbecued or grilled 3. (often followed by `of') A large number approach. Love and luck are in your favor today. in a highly seasoned sauce. or amount or extent. 12. A sign of assent or salutation or com- 4. An especially luminous meteor (some- Capricorn (December 22-January 19) mand. times exploding). 15. A nucleotide derived from adenosine 5. Long-legged web-footed black-and- Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today spending time really getting to know those around you could that occurs in muscle tissue. white shorebird with slender upward- be very beneficial to you. You are longing for deep personal relationships and 16. Too busy. curving bill. this could be a great way to progress toward the development of just that. You 17. A federal agency established to coordi- 6. Make anew. Today may find you in a very serious mood dismissing all that you find find yourself being very sensitive when it comes to the needs of others. You may trivial in this world. You have a no-nonsense attitude and a strong desire to succeed. nate programs aimed at reducing pol- 7. Take something or somebody with one- find yourself being very understanding today and find it very easy to communi- You may find yourself in an extremely strict and disciplined mode and very ambitious. cate your ideas and feelings to those around you, Capricorn. This is a time of lution and protecting the environment. self somewhere. You are driven and passionate about your career and this is being noticed in the 18. The cry made by sheep. 8. The compass point that is one point growth for you in many ways. You are well on your way to a new and improved workplace to the point you may be approached to take on a special project. You are version of you. A sense of pride comes over you today. 19. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug north of due east. an excellent manager of yourself and your time and this may lead to an opportunity (trade name Lodine). 9. The French-speaking capital of the to excel as a manager of others. Cancer, you are on a prosperous and successful path. 20. To fix or set securely or deeply. province of Quebec. 22. A now obsolete picture pickup tube in 10. North American republic containing 50 Aquarius (January 20- February 18) a television camera. states - 48 conterminous states in 24. A bachelor's degree in religion. North America plus Alaska in north- Leo (July 23-August 22) You long for emotional security. A deeper connection with the one 26. A former copper coin of Pakistan. west North America and the Hawaiian you love is priority in your world today. Begin by treating your significant other 27. Alloy of copper and tin and zinc. Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The sky is the limit for you today. You are optimistic and can accom- just as you desire to be treated. If you feel as if the daily stress life brings your 28. A laminated metamorphic rock similar 11. The organ of sight (`peeper' is an infor- plish anything you set your mind to. You have faith and are willing to take way has driven a wedge between the two of you then it is time to regroup and to granite. mal term for `eye'). chances on an emotional level that may bring great reward and happiness your rekindle the fire. Begin by taking time to breathe and relax. Clear your mind and 30. A network of intersecting blood ves- 12. The compass point that is one point way. You may be deep within your feelings and have a desire to experience set your focus on the what your heart desires. Leave work at work. You may be sels or intersecting nerves or inter- north of northeast. something new. An emotional wanderlust, if you will, is the desire of your heart. surprised how quickly they will respond once you make them, and not your daily secting lymph vessels. 13. Affording unobstructed entrance and Today you are all about you. Your wants, needs, and desires, take over and all stresses, the center of your world. To receive, you must first give. Make sure your 32. A musical instrument consisting of exit. you can do is pursue what your heart wants. This is a very productive day for loved one knows just what they mean to you. Learn to love life again. graduated steel plates that are struck 14. An informal term for a father. you physically and emotionally. You will find peace and happiness in accom- plishing the goals you have set for yourself today. by hammers activated by a keyboard. 21. The capital of Lesotho. 36. An inflammatory disease involving the 23. Having services engaged for a fee. Pisces (February 19-March 20) sebaceous glands of the skin. 25. Small cubes with 1 to 6 spots on the 39. An affirmative. faces. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 41. Protective covering made of metal and 29. Pile of waste matter from coal mining You may find you deeply desire to be respected. This may not only be in the workplace but also concerning your home life. This is an excellent to time for you used in combat. etc. to organize your affairs and your surroundings. You may find yourself much more pro- 42. A heavy dull sound (as made by impact 31. Flemish painter who was a founder of You may find that you are putting much more focus on family at this ductive when all around you is in order. This could lead to greater accomplishments of heavy objects). the Flemish school of painting and to time rather than other areas of your life. Keep it there! The seeds you sow today will and you may find yourself receiving the respect you desire. You are always able to act 44. A member of a North American Indian have pioneered modern techniques of last a lifetime. It is all about love and support from your love ones for you. You may and accomplish any task put before you quickly. You may find you are not only gain people of southern California. oil painting (1390-1441). be feeling a strong need to be needed and appreciated. This need will be satisfied recognition from this ability you may find yourself being praised for it today. You may 46. A broad flat muscle on either side of 33. Small cold-water silvery fish. by keeping your focus on your home life and love ones. You have a strong desire for find today is a great day to surround yourself with friends and find someone younger stability in your home life and as long as you continue to feed it, it will grow. the back. 34. A solution containing chemicals that has a great sense of admiration for you and looks to you as a role model. 47. A Loloish language. can change the color of a photograph- 48. A gonadotropic hormone that is ic print. secreted by the anterior pituitary. 35. Any property detected by the olfacto- Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 49. A spacecraft that carries astronauts ry system. from the command module to the sur- 37. A soft whitish calcite. face of the moon and back. 38. Having the flavor of nuts. 50. Double star 15.7 light years from Earth. 40. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. 53. A public place in ancient Greece or 43. Found along western Atlantic coast. Rome devoted to the training of 45. (Norse mythology) Goddess of old age wrestlers and other athletes. who defeated Thor in a wrestling 56. United States space station. match. 58. United States physicist (born in 51. First in order of importance. Austria) who proposed the exclusion 52. A plant hormone promoting elongation principle (thus providing a theoretical of stems and roots. basis for the periodic table) (1900- 54. A colorless and odorless inert gas. 1958). 55. Be going to. 60. A kind of heavy jacket (`windcheater' 57. Plaything consisting of a container is a British term). filled with toys and candy. 64. Not only so, but. 59. (Scotland) A landowner. 67. Squash bugs. 61. A long noosed rope used to catch ani- 70. Plant having a large slender white bulb mals. and flat overlapping dark green leaves. 62. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked 71. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising on a skewer usually with vegetables. solely the razorbill. 63. Jordan's port. 73. West Indian tree having racemes of 65. English essayist (1775-1834). fragrant white flowers and yielding a 66. Type genus of the Aceraceae. durable timber and resinous juice. 68. An independent ruler or chieftain 75. A statement that deviates from or per- (especially in Africa or Arabia). verts the truth. 69. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 78. The bill in a restaurant. 72. Relating to or characteristic of or 79. The sense organ for hearing and equi- occurring on the sea or ships. librium. 74. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 80. Freetail bats. part of an organism. 81. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 76. A state in New England. from aba cloth. 77. Being one more than one hundred.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution Established 1961 Lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani (center) poses with models following the presentation of the Men’s Fall/Winter 2019/20 fashion collection he designed for Emporio Armani on January 14, 2019 in Milan. — AFP Afghan talent show Israeli museum under fire over singer finds fame as Justin ‘McJesus’ exhibit fast-food clown nailed to a cross has united its Finnish creator with Holy Land Christians Trudeau’s double Abdul Salam Maftoon (left) poses for a picture at the Kaboora Ademanding the artwork’s removal from an Production studio in Kabul.— AFP photos exhibition at an Israeli museum. The controversy involves “McJesus”, a statue of a crucified Ronald n Afghan talent show contestant’s striking ‘Next Justin Bieber’ McDonald by Jani Leinonen on display at the Haifa resemblance to Canadian Prime Minister Maftoon has a good chance.The performer is among Museum of Art. It, along with a figurine represent- Justin Trudeau has turned him into an unlikely eight contestants to make it through to the next elimi- ing Jesus as a smiling crucified Ken doll, has raised celebrity in the war-torn country-and poten- nation round on Thursday. The final will be held on the ire of members of the local Christian communi- tiallyA given him the winning edge. Abdul Salam March 21, the Persian new year’s eve.So far Maftoon’s ty. The works are part of “Sacred Goods”, an exhi- Maftoon, a wedding singer from a village in the remote repertoire of romantic folk songs, which he sings in bition about consumerism running in the northern and impoverished northeastern province of both of Afghanistan’s official languages Dari and coastal city’s museum since August. Badakhshan, had never even heard of his more famous Pashto, and his looks have impressed viewers, whose Images of the exhibits began circulating on doppelganger until a judge on the popular television votes decide which performer is kicked off the show social media last week, and in a Friday demonstra- music contest Afghan Star pointed out the uncanny each week. tion outside the museum protestors wounded three likeness. Slightly built with a long face and dark brown He has also caught the attention of the official police officers with stones. Two molotov cocktails hair and eyes, Maftoon, 29, hopes the flattering com- judges. “He looks like my prime minister,” said Afghan- also hit the museum in recent days, police said. parison to the politician widely rated as one of the sexi- born Canadian musician Qais Ulfat, one of the four After a series of meetings with Christian leaders, est leaders in the world will bring him more votes on judges who first pointed out Maftoon’s resemblance to This combo shows a file photo taken of Canada’s Prime the museum resolved to install signs warning of Afghanistan’s version of American Idol. Trudeau. “His voice is very satisfying. He has that god- Minister Justin Trudeau (left) speaking at the end of the 17th “offensive content” at the exhibition’s entrance, a “People have forgotten my name and now they just gifted vocal ability. “This guy could be the next Justin Francophone countries summit in the Armenian city of Yerevan; spokeswoman for the institution said Monday. The call me ‘Justin Trudeau’,” Maftoon told AFP, his self- Bieber.” and an image of Abdul Salam Maftoon (right), an Afghan singer proposed solution, however, did not satisfy conscious smile revealing two gold-plated front teeth. Until now Maftoon has relied on singing and playing and contestant of the television music competition ‘Afghan Christian leaders, who petitioned the Haifa district “I didn’t know anything about Justin Trudeau until I instruments at wedding and birthday parties to support Star’, speaking during an interview with AFP in Kabul. court to order the museum and municipality to saw the photos on social media. “The resemblance his wife and four children. But he is confident that his remove “McJesus” and “Ken Jesus Christ” from has boosted my chances of winning the competition new-found fame will boost demand for his entertain- public display. by 50 percent.” ment services. “When I go back to my hometown peo- The works are part of an exhibition dealing with Composite photos of the pair-Maftoon wearing a ple will definitely call me,” Maftoon said, his trademark religion and faith in the culture of consumerism, the hat favored by men in northern Afghanistan and hat perched on the back of his head as he practiced spokeswoman said. “McJesus”, created by a Trudeau in Western-style clothing-have drawn scores vocals with Ulfat in a recording studio at local televi- Christian artist, has been displayed “in many of comments on Facebook. And a video of an Afghan sion station Tolo. European museums,” and “is about the cynical use Star panel discussion about their physical similarities While Maftoon has little chance of going to Canada of religious symbols by giant corporations,” she has been viewed tens of thousands of times. “Trudeau’s anytime soon, he holds hopes of one day meeting his added. It shows how Ronald McDonald “has lost twin,” wrote Neila Abdulzadah on Facebook. Canadian double. “I want to meet him if he wants to become a symbol of popular culture, reaching the Fowzia Zereh posted: “I think their story is like a because he is a global personality and I am a poor man level of religious worship”. Bollywood movie-they were separated at birth and he from a remote part of Afghanistan,” he said. “We will But while “McJesus” might be taken primarily as found his lost twin brother.” Another said: “This is truly see what happens.” — AFP a critique of capitalism in other parts of the world, the copy of Trudeau. I’d love to see our Trudeau win Abdul Salam Maftoon rehearses next to competition judge in the Middle East such visual imagery was blas- this year’s Afghan Star. Qais Ulfat (right) at the Kaboora Production studio in Kabul. phemous, said Wadie Abunassar, advisor to church leaders in the Holy Land. “We’re not in Europe, we’re in Israel,” said Abunassar. “To us, as Arabs and Christians, this is an affront to our symbols, and we demand their removal.”

‘Would be taboo’ There are approximately 130,000-140,000 Christians in Israel, according to Abunassar, most of them Arabs, making them a minority within the minority of the overall Arab popula- tion. “In Israel such displays against Muslims and Jews would be taboo, but against Christians they’re allowed,” he said. Another person demanding the removal of “McJesus” was the artist who created it. The attention the Christian campaign drew to the exhibition sur- prised Leinonen, who said he had in September demanded the museum remove it “as a protest against Israel’s human rights violations”. —AFP

Abdul Salam Maftoon takes part in an interview with AFP in Kabul. Abdul Salam Maftoon poses at the Kaboora Production studio in Kabul. 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Fashion Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani (center) poses with models following the presentation of the Men’s Fall/Winter 2019/20 fashion collection he designed for Emporio Armani in Milan. — AFP photos

Emporio Armani goes primitive in Milan Fashion Week

mporio Armani tapped primitive instincts while parkas glowed down the runway, eliciting a spontaneous maintaining a balance between formality and sport round of applause mid-show in the Armani group’s line for younger fashion-for- Beyond the classic black and winter white, the color Eward men. Designer Giorgio Armani wrapped men palette was icy, recalling Nordic lands where the designer in shaggy synthetic fur and lined coats with warm lamb- said one might live a more tranquil life. “It is difficult to skin, an interpretation of another era’s animal fur capes he find a place to live well. Today, one lives badly everywhere. says was inspired by the natural world. A bomb goes off, the yellow vests protest, there are armored vehicles. Where can you live tranquilly?” the designer said backstage. Not even an island - that gets submerged by the sea, which is all a consequence of our activity and our way of influencing nature.” Armani skipped showing his main Giorgio Armani line at the January shows and instead plans to have a combined menswear and womenswear show next month at his Silos museum in Milan. — AP

Models present creations for The collection was a display of richness, from big over- fashion house Emporio Armani sized furry sweaters and velvet coats over double-breast- during its Men’s Fall/Winter ed suits to synthetic fur neck wraps. Stand-out pieces 2019/20 fashion show in Milan. included shaggy overcoats and the similarly inspired shag- gy fur boots that were paired with sportier attire. Both formal and casual trousers were cinched at the ankle with either a snap or elastic. And when the occasion demands, the Emporio Armani man is not so primitive he won’t wear a tie now and then - a rarity on Milan menswear runways. A series of pure white activewear trousers with matching Established 1961 21

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Lifestyle Fashion

Palestinian fashion designer Yasmeen Mjalli speaks while standing in her clothing shop where her label collection “BabyFist” carrying Palestinian fashion designer Yasmeen Mjalli speaks while standing in her clothing shop. anti-sexual harassment slogans is showcased. — AFP photos ‘Not your habibti’: Palestinian designer seeks to empower women

t’s only three words on a T-shirt or embroidered on a ed to the #MeToo movement. “I don’t think it’s related said. “It’s a constant battle.” She says that around 40 denim jacket in Palestinian designer Yasmeen Mjalli’s even though it happened at the same time,” she said, percent of her sales are made in the Ramallah store and Icollection, but they carry a powerful message: “Not though acknowledging that the movement gave her own 60 percent online, mostly to the Palestinian and broader your habibti”, or darling. She sees the clothes as helping efforts a boost. “It’s a very American and it’s a very white Arab diaspora. empower Palestinian women facing unwelcome male feminism, and it’s not what we are doing here.” All Palestinian fashion designer and label founder Yasmeen Mjalli attention in public. “When a woman is exposed to so BabyFist garments are made in the Palestinian territories. Opposition (left), along with her creative director Amira Khader, pose for a much harassment on the street, she begins to dress to Jackets are sewn in Hassan Shehada’s Gaza workshop. Not everyone, however, is a fan. Mjalli has come picture with one of their label “BabyFist’s” canvas bags. protect herself, to hide herself as opposed to expressing Among the sewing machines humming under florescent under fire from conservatives, who say she draws atten- herself,” the 22-year-old art history graduate says, lean- lights, Shehada shows a denim jacket embroidered with tion to women’s bodies by designing clothes that carry ing against the counter of her shop in Ramallah in the “Not your habibti”. “I am proud that women wear the provocative messages. Her criticism of some aspects of occupied West Bank. fruits of my labors and I am also very proud that they are Palestinian society has also raised the hackles of those On fabrics of muted colors and on canvas bags from labeled ‘Made in Palestine’,” he says. who believe that the struggle against Israeli occupation her BabyFist label, she places messages in English and Arabic inside drawings of flowers and other designs. “Every rose has its revolution,” one says. Mjalli grew up in the United States, where she lived with her Palestinian parents. She started painting slogans on her own clothes when the family relocated to the West Bank and she found herself facing a different reality. “I have experienced things like comments, really uncomfortable stares, the kind that make you feel very violated,” she said. “I have been assaulted in the streets, people touching me,” she adds, catching one tattooed arm in her other hand to mimic This picture shows clothing from the Palestinian feminist fashion being grabbed. In August 2017, she launched her first col- label “BabyFist” on display at a shop in Ramallah in the occupied lection and a few months later opened the Ramallah shop West Bank. to complement her existing online sales.

Made in Palestine “It’s not like the T-shirt is going to stop harassment,” she says. But it’s “a reminder that you are part of some- A Palestinian man browses for clothing at the feminist “BabyFist” This picture shows clothing from the Palestinian feminist fashion thing bigger that is working to empower women and to collection shop in Ramallah. label “BabyFist” on display at a shop in Ramallah in the occupied give back in some way and that is trying to have this con- West Bank. versation that challenges all of these structures which we Fight against occupation are victims of too”, she adds. The goal, Mjalli says, is to In the past three months, he has made 1,500 items for is the only legitimate public campaign. For her, the fight create a community. Using Instagram, free workshops in BabyFist. It was a breath of fresh air for Shehada’s busi- for Palestinian independence and campaigning for her shop and public places where she sometimes installs ness in the Gaza Strip, under an Israeli blockade for more women’s rights are intertwined. “The occupation robs herself with a typewriter, she offers Palestinian women the than a decade and with endemic high unemployment. men in our society of any sense of control, any sense of freedom to express their feelings and tell stories they can- “Working with BabyFist has given me back hope,” he says, masculinity which in turn affects women’s rights,” she not share elsewhere. adding that it has fulfilled a dream of exporting to Europe. says. For Mjalli, there have been “already two or three She donates around 10 percent of her fashion earn- But manufacturing in Gaza comes at a cost. generations of women that have had to suffer while we ings to a local women’s group. One project she funds Israeli restrictions mean jackets have been held up say: ‘OK, you can wait.’”— AFP Palestinian fashion designer Yasmeen Mjalli speaks while stand- sent a doctor and volunteers into schools to teach for weeks when the land crossing through Israel was ing in her clothing shop where her label collection “BabyFist” Palestinian girls about menstruation, a subject still largely closed due to mass Palestinian protests and clashes carrying anti-sexual harassment slogans is showcased, in taboo. While defining herself as a feminist, Mjalli says along the fence, Mjalli said. “The border was closed in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. that her fight against harassment of women is unconnect- definitively and we couldn’t get anything in or out,” she Age no barrier for China’s senior catwalk models

earing a bright floral ensemble with added: “Handsome young men, even with their Wher short hair dyed blonde, Chinese good bodies, cannot convey maturity.” Liu only model Ma Yinhong struts a Shanghai began modeling two months ago and does it as catwalk with a style and swagger that belie her a hobby. The owner of two listed companies, he This photo shows 56-year-old Chinese model Ma Yinhong 56 years. She made her modeling debut just typically appears in adverts as a successful (right) talking to her friends at a cafe in central Shanghai. two years ago and is already in demand, work- businessman. ing for leading fashion brands such as Dolce & “The market for senior models in China is Gabbana. Ma is one of a growing number of not huge yet but it is growing,” said Michelle older models sought after by Chinese and Chien, a modeling agent with ESEE Model international labels trying to court the coun- Management, one of the city’s largest agencies. try’s growing faction of “silver spenders”. This echoes a trend now well established in Western markets, where brands have been keen to tap the pockets of the affluent baby Chinese model Ma Yinhong during a visit to a salon boomer generation. In the past five years, cat- in Shanghai. walks globally have seen greater age diversity healthcare ads, today glamourous Chinese sen- and models such as Jacky O’Shaughnessy, Jan iors are in demand for high fashion. “They save de Villeneuve, and Elon Musk’s mother Maye me as ‘best for last’ in fashion shows after Musk, making names for themselves as fashion young models, so I am quite visible,” Ma said. stars in their 60s and 70s. By 2050, one in three people in China, or 487 In her youth, Ma had hoped for a career in million people, will be over the age of 60 — fashion design. She moved to Japan to study in more than the population of the United States- the 1980s but did not graduate as she could This photo shows 56-year-old Chinese model Ma Yinhong according to the official Xinhua news agency. not afford the fashion fees. But she did not walking along a street in downtown Shanghai. This greying population, combined with ris- start modeling until getting her first gig two ing incomes and living standards, means an years ago after sending her photo to a explosion in consumption by China’s elderly is Shanghai fashion house. Despite fashion forecast in coming decades. Once expected to brands embracing the grey hair and wrinkles selflessly stay home and mind the grandchil- that come with older models, Ma said it was dren, seniors-particularly women-have become still important to stay stylish and in shape. She a coveted market for products like clothing, gets her hair done every three weeks, and fashion accessories, cosmetics and travel, stays fit with daily breathing exercises and Chinese model Ma according to consumer research firm Mintel. regular workouts at the gym. Ma explained: Yinhong during a visit to She seems to embody this target market of “Keeping in good health keeps me on the cat- a salon in Shanghai. older Chinese who are spending more on Silver spenders walk. There is no age limit in fashion, so hope- themselves. “I never go out without dressing Portraying older models in active, youthful fully my dream can continue.”— AFP up and getting made up. I never let myself look lifestyles sells well in a culture with a strong like an old granny,” Ma told AFP at a recent tradition of respect and deference toward eld- show for Uooyaa, which used a mix of younger ers, part-time model Liu Wei said. “A sense of Chinese and foreign models, as well as seniors. sophistication can show in the facial expres- This photo shows 56-year-old Chinese model Ma Yinhong Once confined largely to life insurance and sions of seniors,” explained the 52-year-old. He posing for a portrait in downtown Shanghai. — AFP photos 22 Established 1961 Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Lifestyle Features A good yarn: Russia’s Insta-grannies take knitting skills online

lderly women across Russia are often seen selling Etheir hand-knitted wares on pavement corners for a few rubles to supplement meagre pensions. Now a new Instagram project aims to change the public percep- tion of their homely skills by promoting “granny chic” and help the women sell their knitted mittens, socks and other items online. Grandmother and participant Nina Lozhkova said she’d long wanted to sell her knits. “But it’s a bit humiliating to sell things by the metro. Here, I feel like I am a creator and not a poor person,” the 58-year- old said of the Instagram initiative, Granny’s. Lozhkova, who has a six-year-old grandson, is one of around 40 retirees to have so far joined Granny’s, which is based in the northwestern city of Saint Petersburg. More than 5,000 people follow the project’s Instagram account, @russiangrannies, which displays a sleek selec- tion of stylish photos of adults and children in knitted clothing. “By buying our wares you are supporting someone’s grandmother,” it says, revealing, too, some heart-warming details about the knitters themselves, their lives, families and past careers. Aged between 55 and 87, its enterprising pensioners Yelena Tretyakova, 56, a participant of Granny’s Instagram project, presents her knits to Nina Lozhkova presents her knits to the founder of the project, Yulia Aliyeva, 27, in Saint can earn between $450 and $1,000 (390 and 870 euros) the founder of the project, Yulia Aliyeva, 27, in Saint Petersburg. — AFP photos Petersburg. a month. An average monthly pension in Russia is about $200. Behind the Instagram account is Yulia Aliyeva, a a huge outburst of public anger by opting to gradually a “huge” amount for her, by knitting jumpers and other orders placed by customers, in which case Aliyeva sets 27-year-old who recently quit a job working for the city raise the state pension age by five years, to 60 for often expensive items. the price, buys the necessary wool and takes 10 percent administration to launch Granny’s. “Of course, the fact women and 65 for men. Yelena Tretyakova, the first pen- commission. that grandmothers can make money online smashes sioner to join Granny’s, is already retired so the state ‘Sacred role’ of grannies Besides helping the elderly women, Aliyeva said she stereotypes,” said Aliyeva, whose 85-year-old grand- pension age changes will not affect her. But she said that As word spreads, new women have joined the project wanted to draw public attention to the “sacred role of mother is one of the knitters. “All of them say that if it the knitting project was still crucial to keeping her afloat. from regions as far away as the Urals and northern the Russian grandmother.” “Traditionally in Russia, was not for the project, they would not be able to do this “If you are retired it is nearly impossible to find a job,” Russia. The site offers a range of clothing and acces- grandmothers play an important role-they babysit by themselves,” she told AFP. said the 56-year-old, who helps her daughter raise a 14- sories, some priced as little as a few dollars, while other grandchildren, make tasty food and knit socks,” she year-old disabled son. more luxurious items sell for up to around $180. The said. “But their pensions are small, their post-work Keeping afloat “And my situation is even more complicated-I can most expensive are usually made of merino or Peruvian social life is pretty much over and it is very hard for Many Russians have to work past the state pension only work from home,” said Tretyakova, whose monthly wool. Sometimes the women use the online site to direct- them to find a job.”— AFP age to afford living costs, or rely on financial help from pension is around 150 euros. With the help of Instagram, ly sell the knitwear they have already created, charging a their children. Last year, President Vladimir Putin sparked she said she earns up to 70,000 rubles ($1,005) a month, price they themselves have set. Others knit the specific El Chapo Guzman wanted New ‘West Side Story’ Maria revealed to direct film of life story 17-year-old high school student has finally been modern take on Romeo and Juliet and follows the picked to play Maria in Steven Spielberg’s romance between a pair of teenagers linked to two or years, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman worked on plans Aremake of the iconic musical “West Side Story.” warring New York City gangs. Filming for the new fea- for a book and film about his life story that he wanted Rachel Zegler, of New Jersey, was picked among ture is scheduled to begin this summer. Screenwriter F 30,000 Latino actors who submitted video auditions Tony Kushner has said that the new movie will take its to direct himself, the Mexican drug lord’s ex-right hand man testified Monday. Alex Cifuentes, who lived and for the highly sought-after role played by Natalie cues from the original 1957 Broadway musical, rather worked with Guzman in Mexico’s Sinaloa mountains Wood in the 1961 classic. “I am so thrilled to be playing than the film, and that all of the classic songs will be between 2007 and 2009, said the idea for a movie came the iconic role of Maria alongside this amazing cast,” included. — AFP from his first wife Angie. El Chapo “loved the idea,” buying Zegler told the Hollywood Reporter. “West Side Story into the argument that if he made the movie himself he was the first musical I encountered with a Latina lead could pocket all the money from its box office success, said character. As a Colombian-American, I am humbled by Cifuentes. He recounted Guzman’s Hollywood dreams in the opportunity to play a role that means so much to testimony during the former Sinaloa cartel chief’s trial on the Hispanic community.” ‘Upside’ in surprise US drug trafficking charges. Guzman faces a possible life Three months ago, it was announced that actor sentence if convicted. Ansel Elgort (“Baby Driver”) would play Tony, the male number one spot at Guzman was still working on the movie project when This evidence undated photo released by the US Department lead in the remake of the film that won 10 Oscars in Cifuentes was arrested in 2013, the former lieutenant said. of Justice shows Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” 1962. Spielberg has also cast Broadway actress Ariana N American box office He said Guzman hired a Colombian producer named Javier Guzman (left), according to the department. — AFP DeBose as Anita and David Alvarez as Bernardo. Rey to help him with the script, and he and his relatives pro- Theatre performer Josh Andres Rivera has been cast as vided Rey with information about his life. A draft screenplay According to Cifuentes, Guzman did not hesitate to use Chino. “When we began this process a year ago, we he Upside,” a Hollywood remake of a was delivered to a nephew of the kingpin, and another draft violence when he decided it was needed. Upon learning announced that we would cast the roles of Maria, Anita, “TFrench smash hit, was a surprising box was sent “to Joaquin’s lawyers,” the witness said. that his communications chief, Colombian Christian Bernardo, Chino and the Sharks with Latina and Latino office hit over the weekend, raking in Guzman was arrested in Sinaloa on January 8, 2016, Rodriguez, was collaborating with the FBI, he asked Alex actors,” Spielberg was quoted as saying in US media. more than $20 million-double industry expecta- shortly after a secret meeting with Mexican-American Cifuentes to find him and kill him And Memin, a young “I’m so happy that we’ve assembled a cast that reflects tions-as it opened in North American theaters. actress Kate del Castillo and American actor Sean Penn. Mexican employee who stole money to secretly buy a the astonishing depth of talent in America’s multifac- The feel good movie, about a wealthy quadriple- Penn interviewed him for Rolling Stone magazine. Six Mercedes Benz in Honduras, was given a beating that left eted Hispanic community. gic played by Bryan Cranston and his caretaker, months earlier, he had made a spectacular escape from a his hands and feet in casts. — AFP “I am in awe of the sheer force of the talent of these played by Kevin Hart, took in $20.4 million, end- Mexican prison and was one of the world’s most wanted young performers, and I believe they’ll bring a new and ing the three-week reign of “Aquaman,” which fugitive when he met del Castillo and Penn. Guzman wanted electrifying energy to a magnificent musical that’s more earned $17.4 million, industry watcher Exhibitor del Castillo to advise him on his film and to act in it, accord- relevant than ever,” he added. “West Side Story” is a Relations said. “The Upside” was one of the last ing to the Mexican government’s investigation. films made by Harvey Weinstein before sexual abuse allegations brought his Hollywood career crashing down. After premiering in 2017 at the Toronto film festival, it was shelved as allegations against Weinstein multiplied. The mini-budget studio STX and Lantern Capital then bought its rights and re-edited it for a broader audience. While Warner Bros.’s “Aquaman” slipped to second place, it has surged past the $1 billion mark worldwide, the first DC comic-book film to do so since 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” The week- end was good news for Nicole Kidman, who co- stars in both of the top two movies. In third place was Sony’s new release “A Dog’s Way Home,” which took in $11.3 million. Bryce Dallas Howard voices the title pooch who has a series of adventures after being separated from her owner. Ashley Judd and Edward James Olmos co-star. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” also from Sony, continued to perform well, taking in $9.1 million in its fifth week out to place fourth at the box office. It won the Best Animated Movie award at the recent Golden Globe cere- People set up for a film projection next to the beach as part of the Festival “Les Lumieres Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cisse (center) answers students’ questions after a screen- mony. Yet another Sony film, “Escape Room,” du Sud - Rencontres Cinematographiques de Jacmel” in Jacmel, southern Haiti. ing at the local Dessaix-Baptiste music school in Jacmel, southern Haiti. — AFP photos scored $8.9 million to garner the fifth spot. The film stars Logan Miller and Taylor Russell as part of a group facing deadly consequences when No theaters, no money: Haiti labors to keep cinema alive sent into an escape room. Rounding out the weekend’s top 10 were: n the Haitian port city of Jacmel, watching a film is found themselves refused when they asked to use the ven- are not part of the movement to revive cinema in their “Mary Poppins Returns” ($7.7 million) something of a labor of love. At one recent seaside ue. Instead, only the occasional government conference home country. “A producer in Miami who wanted a film “Bumblebee” ($7.2 million) I “On the Basis of Sex” ($6.1 million) showing, the shadow of a palm tree fluttered in the cor- has taken place at the Triomphe. called me and said, ‘Do what you want, I have $5,000, give ner of the screen and the crashing waves could be heard me something I can put on DVD in three weeks’,” Senecal “The Mule” ($5.7 million) during the quieter parts of the movie. But with no theaters Standards said bitterly. “That’s a one-day shoot, and there are people “Vice” ($3.2 million)—AFP to speak of in town, it was the best-case scenario-and Logistical difficulties have not discouraged those in the willing to do it. Tasteless films like that flood the DVD mar- better than nothing. Jacmel is hardly alone in its struggle homegrown film industry, who wrack their brains to come ket, and kill it for those of us who are more demanding in to keep movies alive: due to the widespread availability of up with creative places for screenings of both their work terms of quality.” pirated films, Haiti has been crossed off the list for film dis- and foreign films. One of those sites was the mega seaside Malian director Souleymane Cisse, the guest of honor tribution for more than a decade. “Copies of major screen in Jacmel, where director Guetty Felin staged the at the festival in Jacmel, said he experienced similar fund- Hollywood studio films used to take three months to get opening events for the “Southern Lights” festival, which ing dramas in his country, and came to Haiti to plead his here,” explains Haitian director Richard Senecal. this year was dedicated to African film. “The lack of the- case. “In Mali, when we pitched film ideas, embassies told “By then, television networks had time to pirate the aters is not the problem: the industry needs to have stan- us, ‘No, we have other priorities.’ But supporting culture films, broadcast them and even show re-runs. The film was dards. We don’t have a lot of money but why remain helps countries develop,” Cisse said. “When culture is cut dead on arrival in cinemas.” After that, Senecal recounts, mediocre?” said Felin. off at the knees, you effectively keep countries in poverty,” “piracy reached the masses: Haitian films were available on “That is the challenge we are taking up with the added the 78-year-old filmmaker, who screened his movie DVDs in the streets before their official premieres.” Then Southern Lights event: screening quality films for people “Yeelen (Brightness),” which won the jury prize at the came the devastating earthquake of January 2010. Most of who are thirsty for cinema.” Felin may be onto something: Cannes Film Festival in 1987. The handful of Haitian film- the remaining theaters in the impoverished Caribbean several dozen chairs were set up for the festival’s opening makers gathered in Jacmel, conscious of the dire situation country, concentrated in the capital Port-au-Prince, were night in Jacmel, but the crowd far exceeded expectations, their industry is in, refuse to throw in the towel and say destroyed. with many standing to watch the Zambian and Ivorian they will keep fighting the good fight. “You have to be a Access to the basics-clean water and power-were not films on offer. bit bonkers to take on a challenge like the one we are fac- guaranteed, and films were an afterthought. It was the ing, but I don’t have a choice,” said Felin. “The Southern death knell for any talk of revival of Haiti’s movie houses. ‘One-day shoot’ Lights festival is my way of getting involved.” — AFP In 2015 there was a glimmer of hope when the storied Without government subsidies or any real system of Triomphe theater-cinema, which had closed in 1987, private sponsorship, producing a film in Haiti is a painful, reopened thanks to $7 million in aid from the state. But pricey experience that few complete. Haitian filmmakers that hope was quickly dashed when the country’s directors living abroad have more access to funding, but oddly, they ClassifiedsWednesday, January 16, 2019

CHANGE OF NAME

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Arrival Flights on Wednesday 16/1/2019 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 Departure Flights on Wednesday 16/1/2019 KIS 6033 Mashhad 14:00 FEG 341 Sohag 00:05 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:20 AZQ 566 Baku 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 00:15 KAC 672 Dubai 14:25 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 102 London 00:50 KAC 286 Dhaka 14:30 JZR 407 Ahmedabad 00:05 RBG 218 Asyut 14:25 JZR 734 Cairo 00:50 KAC 364 Colombo 14:30 MSC 406 Sohag 00:30 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:50 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 14:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:00 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:00 DLH 625 Dammam 01:25 KAC 618 Doha 14:40 JZR 409 Delhi 00:50 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 01:40 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:00 FEG 242 Alexandria 01:05 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:05 UAE 853 Dubai 01:45 KNE 529 Jeddah 15:05 JAI 571 Mumbai 01:15 FDB 8066 Dubai 15:05 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 JZR 111 Doha 01:45 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 IGO 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156 London 09:10 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:50 JZR 731 Cairo 09:10 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 541 Cairo 09:30 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 JZR 106 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 561 Amman 09:40 RJA 641 Amman 20:00 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KNE 381 Taif 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 IRC 6511 Lamerd 09:50 KAC 166 Rome 20:10 KAC 101 London 09:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 JZR 410 Delhi 10:00 KAC 620 Doha 20:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:45 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:10 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 JZR 151 Mashhad 09:50 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 UAE 856 Dubai 10:00 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:55 SYR 341 Latakia 11:00 KAC 674 Dubai 20:35 JZR 301 Istanbul 10:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 20:55 JZR 702 Asyut 11:05 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:45 KAC 773 Riyadh 10:10 JZR 401 Mumbai 20:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 RBG 217 Asyut 20:50 KAC 357 Kochi 21:00 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 JZR 122 Dubai 11:20 JAV 621 Amman 21:15 JZR 723 Alexandria 21:05 QTR 1074 Doha 11:35 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:15 KAC 617 Doha 10:35 IRC 6512 Lamerd 10:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 IAW 157A Al Najaf 11:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 DLH 624 Dammam 21:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 JZR 211 Jeddah 10:40 QTR 1071 Doha 10:45 RBG 214 Sohag 21:30 AHY 119 Baku 12:05 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 MSC 415 Sohag 12:10 KAC 168 Paris 21:30 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:45 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:10 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 KAC 614 Bahrain 12:25 KAC 616 Bahrain 21:30 KAC 1543 Cairo 22:15 JZR 1154 Mashhad 12:30 UAE 859 Dubai 21:35 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 117 New York 11:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:15 JZR 714 Sohag 12:35 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JAV 622 Amman 22:15 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:50 SYR 342 Latakia 12:00 JZR 213 Jeddah 12:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KIS 6032 Mashhad 13:00 KAC 564 Amman 21:55 JZR 221 Riyadh 12:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 IRC 6552 ABD 13:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 22:00 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 KAC 383 Delhi 22:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:10 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 JZR 141 Al Najaf 12:15 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:50 QTR 1078 Doha 13:35 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 IAW 158A Al Najaf 12:55 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:55 RBG 213 Sohag 13:45 SVA 514 Riyadh 22:30 QTR 1075 Doha 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:00 KAC 774 Riyadh 14:00 SVA 502 Jeddah 22:45 AHY 120 Baku 13:05 UAE 860 Dubai 23:00 FDB 8065 Dubai 14:05 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:45 MSC 416 Sohag 13:10 JAI 573 Mumbai 23:00 RBG 553 Alexandria 14:05 JZR 128 Dubai 23:15 JZR 113 Doha 13:30 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 521 Al Najaf 13:35 QTR 1083 Doha 23:25 CLX 792 Luxembourg 14:10 JZR 123 Dubai 13:40 SVA 515 Riyadh 23:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 IRC 6553 ABD 13:55 SVA 503 Jeddah 23:45 24 Established 1961 News Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Joy, anger as ICC acquits Ivory Coast ex-strongman

THE HAGUE/ABIDJAN: The International Criminal post-election conflict, when Gbagbo refused to Court acquitted former Ivorian leader Laurent accept defeat by rival Ouattara and about 3,000 peo- Gbagbo of war crimes yesterday and ordered his ple died in violence. “How can you free someone who immediate release to the joy of dancing supporters has killed our children and our husbands?” 33-year- and frustration of victims of atrocities. His freedom old shopkeeper Salimata Cisse said, surrounded by a and possible return home may shake up the 2020 crowd of women in the Ivorian commercial capital presidential poll in francophone west Africa’s largest Abidjan who were all unhappy at the verdict. economy and the world’s biggest cocoa producer. Outside the courthouse, dozens of Gbagbo sup- President Alassane Ouattara’s camp has said he may porters, many who travelled to The Hague by bus from reconsider a decision not to run if long-time rivals Paris, broke into cheers and dancing at the verdict. Gbagbo and former president Henri Konan Bedie were “Ooh-la-la!,” said Gbagbo supporter Olivier Kipre in to stand. Abidjan, where people gathered in Gbagbo shirts to In the latest high-profile defeat for ICC prosecu- watch the proceedings on big screens. “I’m so joyful. I tors at the Hague, presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser said will become crazy today because I didn’t believe he they failed to prove accusations against Gbagbo and would be released.” Some threw themselves to the co-defendant Charles Ble Goude, a former political ground or burst into tears, while taxis passing through youth leader. Gbagbo, 73, and Goude, 46, hugged a pro-Gbagbo enclave tooted horns. when the decision was announced. Supporters started Wild scenes also erupted in Gbagbo’s home town cheering, clapping and crying in the public gallery of in the Ivory Coast, Gagnoa, with hundreds of support- the court, prompting the judge to order them to sit ers shouting “free, free” and dancing in the streets down and “behave”. “I am very, very happy. Finally after watching the decision live on television. “I’m there is some justice,” Gragbayou Yves, 45, a Gbagbo happy. He did nothing wrong yet he’s spent seven supporter from Paris, told AFP in the public gallery years in prison. It’s important that he should be free, moments after the judgment was passed. he’s our leader,” said supporter Bertin Sery. In custody for seven years after French troops Gbagbo was the first former head of state tried at flushed him out of a presidential bunker, Gbagbo the ICC. “Forces loyal to both Gbagbo and Ouattara could be freed as soon as today. “It is too soon right were responsible for shocking violence,” said Jim now to comment on the future and where he will go, Wormington, of Human Rights Watch. It was another GAGNOA, Ivory Coast: People celebrate with a portrait of former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo in his birth but you can imagine he is very attached to Ivory defeat for prosecutors, who also lost cases against town yesterday. —AFP Coast,” said defence lawyer Emmanuel Altit. In Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Congolese ex-vice president Abidjan, Assoa Adou, secretary general of Gbagbo’s released last year after his war crimes conviction was party the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), predicted the overturned, and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, how important it is that the process to select the next autocratic rule of Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Ivory Coast’s acquittal would ease political tensions rather than who had charges dropped in 2015. prosecutor yields a person of integrity and sound first post-independence president. That got him impris- exacerbate them. “We have just made a big step Prosecutors have only won three war crimes con- judgment who is highly skilled at criminal investiga- oned for two years in 1971. He took asylum in France dur- towards reconciliation,” Adou said, amid a jubilant victions over the past 15 years. This time, they failed tion,” said James A Goldston, of the Open Society ing the 1980s but came back and led protests that forced crowd at party headquarters. “Ivory Coast will soon to show Gbagbo’s speeches directly incited crime, Justice Initiative rights group. the old ruler to allow multiparty democracy in 1990 with be in peace.” judge Tarfusser said. Gambian prosecutor Fatou Gbagbo had faced four counts including murder, rape, an election that Gbagbo lost. Ten years later, Gbagbo Rights groups said the verdict denied justice to Bensouda has held the top job since 2012 but is due to persecution and other inhumane acts. He rose to promi- supporters helped oust military coup leader General victims of Ivory Coast’s December 2010-April 2011 be replaced next year. “The acquittal underscores nence as a Marxist firebrand lecturer who challenged the Robert Guei and he took the presidency. — Agencies

Initiative unveiled last year by the US internet search Facebook follows giant. Ken Paulson, a former USA Today chief editor who heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Turkey to set up Tennessee State University, said the Facebook initia- Google with funds tive was “a great move”. “Local news media have suf- fered significant collateral damage from the enmity Syria ‘security zone’ to support journalism directed at national news organizations, and yet they’re the most critical to a functioning democracy,” after Trump call Paulson said. “Every investment helps.” WASHINGTON: Facebook announced that it will invest $300 million over three years to support jour- Smoke and mirrors? ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip nalism, with an emphasis on promoting hard-hit local But Nikki Usher, a George Washington University Erdogan said yesterday that Ankara would set up a news organizations. The move, on the heels of a similar professor of media studies, said the effort “is a bit of “security zone” in northern Syria suggested by US initiative by Google last year, comes with online plat- smoke and mirrors because it’s hard to tell what’s real- President Donald Trump. Erdogan’s comments forms dominating the internet advertising ecosystem, ly local for Facebook”. Usher said the effort may end came a day after he had a telephone conversation making it harder for legacy news organizations to up aiding large regional newspapers and local TV sta- with Trump to ease tensions after the US leader make a transition to digital. “People want more local tions but may not impact the under-75,000 circula- threatened to “devastate” the Turkish economy if news, and local newsrooms are looking for more sup- tion publications which make up a large part of the Ankara attacks Kurdish forces. Turkey has wel- port,” Campbell Brown, Facebook’s vice president in news ecosystem. comed Washington’s planned withdrawal of some ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures charge of global news partnerships, said in a blog Facebook’s effort is “a lot of money in one sense but 2,000 US troops from Syria but the future of US- as he arrives to attend his party’s parliamentary group post. “That’s why today, we’re announcing an expand- in another sense it’s not that much, the equivalent of backed Kurdish militia forces labelled terrorists by meeting at the Grand National Assembly yesterday. — AFP ed effort around local news in the years ahead.” revenues of one large newspaper,” said Dan Kennedy, Ankara has poisoned ties between the NATO allies. In the US, social media has overtaken print news- a journalism professor at Northeastern University. “It’s Erdogan said he had a “quite positive” tele- papers as a news source for Americans, according to a certainly better than doing nothing, and I hope it will phone conversation with Trump late on Monday sary steps,” he said, speaking to journalists after survey released last year by the Pew Research Center. be of some help,” Kennedy said. “But nothing is going where he reaffirmed that “a 20-mile (30-km) secu- his parliamentary address. But after the discussion The survey report found 20 percent of US adults say to make that much difference unless Facebook and rity zone along the Syrian border... will be set up with Trump, Erdogan said that plan could be resur- they often get news via social media, compared with Google pay for the content they are displaying.” by us.” Trump on Sunday tweeted the United rected and the 20-mile “security zone” could be 16 percent from newspapers. Facebook, which has Matthew Ingram of the Columbia Journalism Review States would “devastate Turkey economically if extended, if needed. It could be created in cooper- been criticized for enabling manipulation of its news said both the Facebook and Google initiatives include they hit Kurds”, a threat that drew angry retorts ation with the US-backed international coalition feed, has consistently said it does not want to be con- money for previously announced projects. In from Ankara. The Turkish army has launched two fighting against IS, which Turkey is also a member sidered a media organization that makes editorial Facebook’s case, it includes spending to get media major operations in Syria dubbed “Euphrates of. “We could create such a safe zone if coalition decisions but wants to support journalism and efforts companies to produce content for its Watch video fea- Shield” in 2016 and “Olive Branch” in 2018 to com- forces especially America provide logistical and to fight misinformation. It has funded fact-checking ture. “In Google’s case, and to some extent in bat Syrian Kurdish fighters as well as Islamic State financial support,” Erdogan said. “That would also projects around the world, including one in partner- Facebook’s as well, the aid that is being given amounts militants. entirely prevent an influx (of refugees).” ship with AFP. to help in convincing newsrooms and journalists to use But the last offensive sought to roll back gains The Turkish leader however dismissed any pres- The move by Facebook follows the Google News the company’s products more,” Ingram wrote.—AFP by Syrian Kurdish fighters who have governed ence of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units parts of northern Syria since 2012. The deployment (YPG) militia in that zone. Erdogan’s spokesman of Turkish troops and their proxy forces in areas of Ibrahim Kalin said the security zone would “be northwest Syria has drawn accusations by some controlled by Turkey, with the deployment of and then some police officers rescued us,” he said. critics of a Turkish military occupation. Turkish military, intelligence activity and the Blast, gunfire Shortly after the attack began flames and plumes of “Comparing Turkey’s presence in Syria with that of involvement of the locals”. He said its modalities black smoke billowed into the sky from the parking lot any other state or power is an insult to both history were being discussed with Washington, adding the where several cars where ablaze. Police sirens echoed and our civilization,” Erdogan said. Turkish army chief General Yasar Guler was due to rock Nairobi... through the city and two helicopter buzzed overhead meet today with his US counterpart in Brussels. while ambulances with flashing lights lined up outside ‘Zone to be controlled by Turkey’ the hotel. Turkey is home to over three million Syrian ‘Trump’s tweets saddened me’ Continued from Page 1 A private security guard at the scene told AFP he refugees. Since early in the conflict, Ankara has US support for the YPG during the Syria conflict had seen four “gangsters” entering the compound. “All called for a safe area backed up by a no-fly zone has been a major source of friction between Ankara An AFP photographer saw five bodies slumped over police teams have been dispatched to the scene where on its 900-km border with Syria to protect civil- and Washington. The US regards the YPG as an tables on a restaurant terrace in the complex, while a the incident is. As at now we are treating it as anything, ians from air and ground attacks. But support for effective ground force in the fight against IS mili- police source said he had seen up to 14 dead. An including the highest attack,” police spokesman Charles the proposal has waned. The plan was mooted to tants. Ankara has however threatened to launch a unnamed eyewitness told Citizen TV he had also seen Owino said by phone. “All police teams including anti- Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama, so that a cross-border operation to eradicate Syrian Kurdish five bodies, however it was unclear if these were the terror officers are at the scene,” he said. An AFP safe structure could be provided for Syrian fighters it sees as an offshoot of the outlawed same victims. A senior police officer who was among reporter saw a bomb disposal squad blow up a car refugees on the condition that Washington pro- Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK, which the first at the scene but who asked not to be named, which they said had been used by the attackers to vide logistics and air support, while Ankara sup- has carried out a decades-long insurgency against said he had seen as many as 14 dead. “There could be arrive at the complex. ply ground security, Erdogan said. Turkish forces, is blacklisted by Turkey as well as more upstairs. There are 14 scattered at the ground Meanwhile, the vast upscale Village Market shop- “Unfortunately Obama failed to take the neces- by the United States.—AFP floor offices and restaurant lobbies. Some are lying on ping center in northern Nairobi said on Twitter that it the ground while others are leaning on the table which had closed temporarily as a “security precaution”. The is scattered with food.” attack at DusitD2 is the first in Nairobi in five years, Elite police forces evacuated terrified workers barri- when gunmen stormed the city’s Westgate shopping caded in offices after an hour of sustained gunfire as mall, killing at least 67 people. The attack and ensuing noted concerns about her safety, citing online threats they engaged the attackers. Sporadic shots were still siege lasted around four days. That assault was also Saudi teen refugee and saying guards have been posted at her temporary heard hours after the blast. “We are aware that there claimed by Somalia’s Shabaab, which have been fight- home. “She feels safe because she knows she is in a are armed criminals still holed up and our officers are ing to overthrow the internationally-backed govern- safe country. The people (here) have her best interest trying to flush them out,” said Inspector General of ment in Mogadishu since 2007. wants to fight... at heart and are trying to help her. She has seen the police Joseph Boinnet. “We regret to inform you that The Westgate attack resulted in many upscale outpouring of support,” Calla said. Qunun has admit- there have been injuries in the attack and we are in the establishments and shopping centers in the capital - ted that threats posted on social media “scare her”, he process of confirming the numbers.” including the Dusit - putting up strict security barriers Continued from Page 1 added. When she reads those posts, “her emotions go Simon Crump, who works in the complex, said terri- checking vehicles and pedestrians. The Shabaab target- back and forth.” fied workers barricaded themselves inside their offices ed Kenya after it sent its army into Somalia in Oct 2011 Upon learning of Canada’s asylum offer, Qunun said On Monday, Qunun told public broadcaster CBC after “several” explosions. “We have no idea what is to fight the group. On April 2, 2015, another Shabaab her stress “melted away”. Now, she said, she can make of her family: “My greatest fear is if they find me, I happening. Gunshots are coming from multiple direc- attack killed 148 people at the university in Garissa, her “own decisions,” including about travel and mar- would disappear and I wouldn’t know what would tions,” he told AFP. He later said that police had evacu- eastern Kenya. riage. “I would like to start living a normal life, like any happen to me after that.” She said that at home, she ated workers from the building, and it was not clear In its statement, the Shabaab noted the attack came young woman living in Canada,” she said. Shortly after was “exposed to physical violence, persecution, how many were still trapped. “A lot of people ran when exactly three years after its fighters overran a Kenyan her arrival in Toronto, Qunun went shopping for some oppression, threats to be killed. I was locked in for the first few explosions happened, there was a mad military base in Somalia. “This attack on Nairobi hotel warm clothes and connected with local acquaintances. six months”. “I felt that I could not achieve my rush for the exit,” he said. came as Kenyans and their media are commemorating Costi executive director Mario Calla said the dreams that I wanted as long as I was still living in John Maingi said there had been “a flash of lights (the) El Adde attack,” it said. The Shabaab claimed agency is helping her find long-term accommodations, Saudi Arabia,” she said. But in Canada, Qunun said, and a loud bang” at the Secret Garden restaurant more than 200 soldiers died in that assault. The gov- open a bank account, obtain Canadian documents, and she has felt “reborn, especially when I felt the love where he works. “When I peeped outside I saw a ernment has refused to give its own toll or disclose enroll in English classes, as well as showing her how to and the welcome”. “Tell Canadians that I love them,” human leg which has been cut off. We hid in the room details of the attack. — Agencies get around and teaching her “about life in Canada”. He she said. — AFP 25 Sports Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Harden (57) lights up Grizzlies, Mitchell, Jazz drive past Pistons Kings beat Blazers to extend hot home streak

HOUSTON: James Harden scored a season-high 57 points, NBA results/standings and the host Houston Rockets survived their first game without center Clint Capela, pulling away in the second half LA Clippers 117, New Orleans 121; San Antonio 93, for a 112-94 victory over the reeling Memphis Grizzlies on Charlotte 108; Brooklyn 109, Boston 102; Sacramento Monday. Harden recorded his 17th consecutive 30-point 115, Portland 107; Utah 100, Detroit 94; Houston 112, game, the longest such streak since Wilt Chamberlain had a Memphis 94. 20-game run in 1964. Kobe Bryant had a stretch of 16 straight 30-point games in 2003. Harden scored 36 points in the first half. One night after the Rockets lost Capela for Eastern Conference up to six weeks with a right thumb injury, Harden shot 17 of W L PCT GB 33 from the floor, including 6 of 15 on 3-point tries, while Toronto 33 12 0.733 - converting 17 of 18 free throws. He added nine rebounds. Milwaukee 30 12 0.714 1.5 Danuel House Jr. tallied 15 points and Gerald Green scored Indiana 28 14 0.667 3.5 14 points for Houston, which has alternated wins and losses Philadelphia 28 16 0.636 4.5 over the past seven games. Garrett Temple and Mike Boston 25 18 0.581 7 Conley scored 14 each for the Grizzlies, who have dropped Miami 21 20 0.512 10 eight of their past nine games. Brooklyn 22 23 0.489 11 Hornets 108, Spurs 93 Charlotte 20 23 0.465 12 Kemba Walker poured in 33 points and Jeremy Lamb Orlando 19 24 0.442 13 added 19 as visiting Charlotte walked past San Antonio to Detroit 18 24 0.429 13.5 snap a three-game losing streak. The game was the first in Washington 18 26 0.409 14.5 San Antonio as a member of the visiting team for Charlotte Atlanta 13 30 0.302 19 guard Tony Parker, who played for the Spurs for 17 years Chicago 10 33 0.233 22 before signing with the Hornets in the offseason as a free New York 10 33 0.233 22 agent. Parker scored eight points, all in the second half. The contest was also a return to San Antonio for Hornets Cleveland 9 35 0.205 23.5 rookie coach James Borrego, who spent the past four sea- sons as an assistant with the Spurs. LaMarcus Aldridge led HOUSTON: James Ennis III #8 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Western Conference the Spurs with 28 points while Derrick White hit for 18. Denver 29 13 0.690 - Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. — AFP Golden State 29 14 0.674 0.5 Pelicans 121, Clippers 117 Oklahoma City 26 16 0.619 3 Anthony Davis overcame a slow start and finished with Joe Ingles added 13 points and matched his season high scored 35 points for the Trail Blazers, who had won two Houston 25 18 0.581 4.5 46 points and 16 rebounds to lead New Orleans to a win at with eight assists. The Jazz earned their fourth win in a row games in a row. Portland 26 19 0.578 4.5 Los Angeles. Julius Randle scored 27 points and Jrue despite committing 17 turnovers. Blake Griffin scored 19 Holiday had 19 points and eight assists for the Pelicans, LA Clippers 24 19 0.558 5.5 points while Andre Drummond chipped in 15 points and 13 Nets 109, Celtics 102 who have won four of five. Davis recorded his 14th straight San Antonio 25 20 0.556 5.5 rebounds for the Pistons, who lost for the eighth time in 10 D’Angelo Russell scored 18 of his 34 points in the third double-double and 31st of the season. Montrezl Harrell games. Reggie Bullock added 13 points as Detroit fell to quarter as Brooklyn snapped a 10-game, head-to-head Utah 24 21 0.533 6.5 had 26 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, which has Utah for the second time this month, having dropped a losing streak to Boston by dominating the third quarter in LA Lakers 23 21 0.523 7 lost three in a row, the past two at home against teams 110-105 decision in Michigan on Jan. 5. New York. The Nets pulled away by outscoring Boston Sacramento 23 21 0.523 7 with losing records. Danilo Gallinari added 25 points and 44-21 in the third. During the period, Brooklyn shot 65.4 Minnesota 21 22 0.488 8.5 Tobias Harris had 21 for the Clippers. Kings 115, Trail Blazers 107 percent (17 of 26) and produced its widest point disparity New Orleans 21 23 0.477 9 Buddy Hield scored 19 points to pace six Sacramento in a third quarter since outscoring Boston by 24 on April 2, Dallas 20 23 0.465 9.5 Jazz 100, Pistons 94 players in double figures as the Kings earned a victory over 2005. Rookie Rodion Kurucs added 19 points for the Nets, Memphis 19 24 0.442 10.5 Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points, and Rudy Gobert visiting Portland. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 18 points off who won for the 14th time in 19 games. Jayson Tatum led contributed 18 points and a career-high-tying 25 rebounds Phoenix 11 33 0.250 19 the bench and De’Aaron Fox contributed 16 points and nine the Celtics with a career-high 34 points while Jaylen to lead Utah to a victory over Detroit in Salt Lake City. assists for the Kings, who have won four consecutive home Brown added 22. Kyrie Irving (right quad contusion) and Kyle Korver scored 19 points off the bench for Utah while games and four of five games overall. Damian Lillard Marcus Smart (illness) sat out for the Celtics. — Reuters

Halfpenny named in Wales Six Nations squad

CARDIFF: Wales’ first-choice full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been named in the country’s Six Nations squad despite a battle with concussion that has ruled him out of their opening match against France in Paris on February 1. The 30-year-old-capped 80 times-has been strug- gling with the head injury since he took a hefty late tackle playing against Australia on November 10 but has been picked for an enlarged squad that will be pruned down to a matchday 23 next Tuesday. 2018 winners Abdo Feghali Wayne Pivac, Halfpenny’s coach at his Pro14 side Scarlets, warned last week that a specialist had said he would be out for three to five weeks, which would also rule him out of Wales’ following match against Italy just Kuwait kicks off 2019 Red Bull Car Park Drift Series over a week later. This has not stopped head coach Warren Gatland from selecting him for what will be the New Zealander’s final Six Nations, as he will step down KUWAIT: Red Bull Car Park Drift is witnessthrown-thirsty drifters go head after this year’s World Cup in Japan. once again back to Kuwait! The global to head for the coveted title. With only Gatland’s Six Nations group includes plenty of his qualifiers will be kicked off from one drifter from each participating tried and trusted old guard-such as veteran lock Alun Kuwait, moving from one city to anoth- country, Turkey will welcome the 2019 Wyn Jones, 33, who will skipper the side-as well as fresh- er, with the series final hosted in Kuwait King of Drift at the Series Final er faces like Wasps flanker Thomas Young and Leicester Istanbul later this year. where he will compete to claim the back Jonah Holmes. “We have a really experienced squad Only a couple months since Lebanon Series Final thrown. of players who have been around a number of campaigns welcomed elite drifters competing for Kuwait’s drifters will face a fierce together, and we feel we are in a pretty good place going the 2018 King of Drift thrown at the challenge for the King of Drift title, into this huge year,” said Gatland in a statement issued by Red Bull Car Park Drift Series Final, competing against drifters from twelve the Wales Rugby Union (WRU). Kuwait is ready to rev-up its engines other countries that have participated “We have got a few injuries and have selected a larger for the local qualifiers of the 2019 series in the series. The 2019 series will be squad because of that.” Young, who won caps against on February 1 at Sirbb Circuit. kicked off in Kuwait on February1 and Tonga and Samoa in 2017, has been among the English In celebration of eleven years since the competition will continue with qual- Premiership’s form players this season. the first ever Red Bull Car Park Drift ifiers in Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Holmes made his Test debut earlier this campaign, and event in Lebanon, drifters will be com- Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he has been a rare shining light in what has been a tough peting to clinch the crown of the Kuwait Lebanon, Algeria, Mauritius, Tunisia, season for Leicester. Bath No 8 Taulupe Faletau would 2019 King of Drift. Having had hosted a Morocco, Turkey, Georgia, and Jordan. have made the squad a 40-man one but the 28-year-old backrow forward broke his arm on his return from a simi- successful adrenaline-filled Series Final The competition, first hosted by Red Lebanon hosted the first ever Red likeminded racers set out to beat their A in 2017, Kuwait is, no doubt, in the Bull in Lebanon, is back providing drift- lar injury on Saturday. Faletau is expected to be out for up Bull Car Park Drift event in 2008 mak- to B times by exceeding the grip limit of to eight weeks, which will likely rule him out of the whole position to impress thousands of drift- ing amateurs and professionals with the ing it possible for all underground their tires when taking sharp corners. It tournament as it reaches a climax on March 16. ing and motorsport fans alike. opportunity to highlight their skills and drifters to put their skills to the test, did not do much to help their racing Red Bull Car Park Drift is organized compete for the crown, while capturing and placed the spotlight on rally cham- times but instead evolved into an Wales squad by Basel Salem AlSabah Motor Racing the crowd’s attention. Last year’s final in pion Abdo Feghali, making him a drift- entirely different discipline. Drifting was Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Club and is sponsored by Falken Tyres, Lebanon witnessed an exciting turnout, ing legend. born, and a Red Bull manager discov- Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias Platinum Gym and Acqua Eva. with Lebanese drifter, Oliver El Kik, On a global level, the story of drifting ered the sport in 2005 and decided to (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Leon Brown (Dragons), Over 2,500 spectators will visit securing the King of Drift crownafter a goes back to the 1960s on winding spark a fire in the Middle East, a fire Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs/ENG), Samson Lee SIRBB Circuit on Friday, February 1, to stellar performance. Japanese mountain roads. A bunch of that still burns to this very day. (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones A total 10 teams participated in the tournament from bers.” This sponsorship came as part of KIB’s active (Ospreys/capt), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Josh Navidi KIB sponsors second academies accredited by the Public Authority for Sport. interest in sports and health awareness. The event was (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull Each participating academy was represented by 9 held in cooperation with several sports and health (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Thomas players over the age of 17, all of whom have spent some organizations, aiming at promoting the importance of Young (Wasps) Kuwait Amateur time in these academies amidst an unparalleled spirit of physical exercise in preventing and reducing the risk of Backs: Aled Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth sportsmanship full of challenges. diseases; thereby improving the overall quality of life in Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Northampton League tournament On this occasion, Manager of the Corporate the community. Saints/ENG), Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell Communications Unit at KIB, Nawaf Najia, said: “As a Through its leading social responsibility program, (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes leading national financial institution, KIB has always KIB is committed to participating in events that serve (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Scott Williams KUWAIT: KIB recently sponsored the 2nd Kuwait sought to promote awareness about the importance of diverse segments of the local community. (Ospreys), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors/ENG), Amateur League tournament 2018, which was organ- sports. Accordingly, we are committed to supporting Accordingly, the Bank always strives to positively Hallam Amos (Dragons), Steffan Evans (Scarlets), Leigh ized under the patronage of the Public Authority for sports-related events that have a positive impact on impact the local community, with an impressive roster Halfpenny (Scarlets), Jonah Holmes (Leicester Sport and the Health Assurance Hospitals Company people’s health and productivity, stemming from our of activities and initiatives supporting the health sec- Tigers/ENG), George North (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Dhaman) in cooperation with the Cancer Awareness belief that a community’s development is heavily tor which plays a key role in the well-being of all (Saracens/ENG). —AFP Nation (CAN). dependent on the overall health and safety of its mem- members of the community. 26 Sports Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Serena opens bid for Slam history with crushing win Osaka beats the bugs to power into Open second round

MELBOURNE: Serena Williams denied yesterday her bid nament. She won her first service game to love then for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title was a dis- effortlessly broke Maria’s serve, blasting winners seem- traction as her Australian Open campaign launched with ingly as will as she claimed the first set 6-0 in just 18 min- a straight sets mauling of Germany’s Tatjana Maria. utes. She eased up slightly in the second set against In an ominous warning to her rivals at Melbourne someone she described as “incredibly tricky”, with Maria Park, the American dismantled Maria 6-0, 6-2 in only 49 snatching two games before succumbing to inevitable minutes, justifying her status as bookies’ favourite to defeat. It was small consolation for the German, a neigh- claim an eighth Australian title. The 37-year-old won her bour of Williams at Palm Beach, Florida, who left the 23rd major Down Under two years ago while eight weeks court in tears after the drubbing. pregnant and is now attempting to match Margaret “I’m glad that I was able to come out and do what I Court’s mark of 24 singles Slams on the Australian’s home needed to do... I feel like I’m in the right direction. We’ll soil. Williams said she was not dwelling on the bid for his- see,” she said. The win sets up an enticing second-round tory, which would confirm her status as the greatest play- clash with Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard. er of all time. “I have been going for the record what The former Wimbledon finalist is on the comeback seems like forever now, so it doesn’t feel any different,” trail after sliding down the rankings and posted a com- she said. Her 2017 triumph in Melbourne gave her the prehensive 6-2, 6-1 win over China’s Peng Shuai in the outright Open-era record for singles majors ahead of opening round. Williams has won her two previous meet- Steffi Graf’s 22, leaving only Court’s tally of 24 titles — 13 ings with Bouchard but was wary of the 24-year-old’s of which were earned in the amateur era before 1968 — fighting qualities. “She does everything well, and I really for her to chase. like that she doesn’t quit,” she said. “People write her off It was Williams’ first outing on tour since her infamous and she doesn’t let that bother her. She continues to fight meltdown at the umpire while losing the US Open final to and do what she needs to do. I think that’s really good.” Naomi Osaka in September. “I, like, literally have no com- Earlier, Japanese fourth seed Naomi Osaka overcame ment,” she responded when asked about the controversy, a nervous start and distraction from flying bugs to ease MELBOURNE: Serena Williams of the US hits a return against Germany’s Tatjana Maria during their women’s sin- which split opinion in the tennis world. into the Australian Open second round yesterday. The US gles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP She was unfailingly polite to the chair umpire at Open champion downed Magda Linette of Poland 6-4, 6- Melbourne Park and the centre court crowd greeted her 2 in just under an hour to set up a meeting with Tamara idea” she said. Osaka quickly put aside her brush with she said such concerns had not crossed her mind. “For me, warmly, cheering as she walked out. There was further Zidansek of Slovakia in the next round. Australian wildlife and sealed the match with an ace. It that’s not really my goal,” she said. “I just want to play well applause when she removed her black warm-up jacket to “I felt really nervous walking onto the court but then was one of six aces she fired down during the match, in this tournament. I’ll see how my ranking is after. Rankings reveal her outfit for the tournament-a jade-green jump- when I started playing I just felt really happy and grateful declaring herself happy with the way she was overcom- were never that much of a concern for me.” Bookies have suit matched with fishnet stockings. “It’s a Serena-tard,” that I’m able to play in front of such a great crowd,” she ing jitters about her serve at the season-opening Grand installed her as second favourite to lift the Australian title she said when asked to describe the garment. said of her experience on Rod Laver Arena. Slam. “There’s always a concern for me when I serve, and after Serena Williams, who she beat in last year’s US Open The 21-year-old said she enjoyed the warm Australian I have to fix this,” she said. “Sometimes I don’t know how final, sparking the American’s infamous meltdown at the ‘Right direction’ conditions but had to call for a ballboy’s help when a bug I’m going to feel when I step onto the line. Some days are umpire. While the controversy overshadowed Osaka’s Her demeanour was steely but calm once play began was fluttering on court as she prepared to serve for the really good, then some days are shaky.” breakthrough moment, she has appeared comfortable in and the American swatted aside her opponent with ease, match. “I’m not really that great at catching them, I’d Osaka could seal her stratospheric rise by becoming the spotlight and says she is feeling no extra pressure at making a mockery of her 16th seeding at this year’s tour- accidentally squish it maybe, so it’s probably not a good world number one with a run deep into the tournament, but Melbourne as a Grand Slam champion. — AFP

Top seed Halep cools Open expectations Emphatic Djokovic after early scare lines up Tsonga

MELBOURNE: World number one Simona Halep Aussie Open admitted she was struggling for form after narrowly surviving a first-round scare at the Australian Open yesterday, saying she had “no expectations” about how showdown far she can go at the season-opening Grand Slam. The Romanian had to dig deep for a come-from- MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic began his bid for behind win against Kaia Kanepi, the unseeded Estonian a record seventh Australian Open title in emphatic who dumped her from last year’s US Open first round. fashion yesterday, crushing 230th-ranked Halep said she was proud of the fight she showed American Mitchell Krueger to set up a showdown grinding out a 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 6-2 victory, but conceded with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. it was not the type of performance expected of the top The world number one had reached the seed and French Open champion. Australian Open second round for 13 consecutive “I’m just happy that I could win,” she said. “Nothing years and that streak was never threatened by the else matters because I’m not at the highest level of my qualifier, who caved in 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver tennis. “I’m just trying to feel good on court and to Arena. Djokovic, appearing in his 300th Grand improve day by day.” The 27-year-old showed no sign Slam match, did drop his second service game to of the back injury that ended her season prematurely go 1-2 behind in the first set but broke back imme- last year, instead she simply struggled to cope with the diately and went on to record his 259th match win Estonian’s powerful groundstrokes. “At one point I MELBOURNE: Romania’s Simona Halep hits a return against Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi during their women’s singles in a major against a gritty but outclassed oppo- didn’t know what to do anymore because the ball was match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP nent. “Playing him for the first time I didn’t know coming so strong,” she said. what to expect,” said the Serbian top seed. “He “I just thought I have to be strong on the legs, to be was very competitive and I had to work hard.” there closer to the line. If I went back, I would not have “broke me a little bit” until she claimed her own maiden So it’s just kind of taking out the pressure a little bit.” Djokovic closed out last season magnificently, a chance to return the balls.” Halep came to Melbourne Slam at Roland Garros. Halep said her relaxed attitude was partly because making an astonishing climb back from outside the Park on a five-match losing streak, equalling the worst But the back injury, poor form and an amicable split she had an extended off-season and arrived in Australia world’s top 20 in June, winning Wimbledon and the run of her career. from Australian coach Darren Cahill-who left to spend later than usual. “I had a normal life for two months, US Open on the way to reclaiming the number one Her horror show at Flushing Meadows would have more time with his family-have shaken her confidence. which is great,” she said, explaining she was “exhaust- ranking in November. been repeated if Kanepi had not undermined her own She said Melbourne Park seemed “weird and tough” ed” after last season’s breakthrough efforts. It was a stark contrast to the way he exited cause with a mammoth 62 unforced errors and five without her local mentor, although they had been in She insisted she was unconcerned about losing the Melbourne a year ago at the hands of South double faults. The Estonian outgunned Halep with 40 contact since she arrived in Australia. number one ranking if she failed to go deep in the tour- Korea’s Chung Hyeon in the last 16. He then strug- winners to 25, underlining her opponent’s recent strug- She said there was no hurry to find a replacement. nament. “It’s not in my mind,” she said. “I finished three gled as elbow surgery was followed by a string of gles. Expectations for her Australian campaign were “I’m just chilling for the moment and we will see after years at number one, the ranking doesn’t matter any- poor results. initially high after she lost an epic final to Caroline this tournament,” she said. “I have no expectations more. “I play tennis because I like it. Now my challenge “It feels great to be healthy and back on this Wozniacki last year. Halep later admitted the defeat because I’m not at the highest level. But I’m motivated. is to win every match I play.” — AFP court again,” Djokovic told reporters. “Twelve months ago it was quite a different sensation on the court with the elbow injury. Twelve months for- ward, obviously things are quite different. Japan Olympic chief “I had a tremendous success in the last six India’s Manu months. It got me to a great position. Hopefully I can follow up on this victory tonight with a good denies corruption performance.” Djokovic will take a trip down Sawhney named memory lane next when he plays old foe Tsonga in allegations the second round. new ICC chief Frenchman Tsonga was on the losing side in the 2008 Australian Open final as Djokovic won his TOKYO: The head of Japan’s Olympic Committee yester- first of 14 Grand Slams. “It’s funny, I mean, 11 years NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council day denied involvement in a suspect payment made before after our first Grand Slam final here, it feels like a yesterday named Manu Sawhney its new chief Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Games, while apologising lot has happened for both of us,” said Djokovic. executive officer to replace David Richardson, for any possible impact on the hosting of the event. Former world number four Tsonga missed seven French investigating magistrates have indicted months of 2018 after knee surgery and needed a who will step down after the World Cup in July. Tsunekazu Takeda The 52-year-old Indian will join ICC from next Tsunekazu Takeda as they probe two payments of 2.8 mil- wildcard to get into the tournament after his rank- month before formally taking over the reins later lion Singapore dollars ($2.1 million) made before the ing dropped outside the top 200. “He also strug- Japanese capital was chosen to host the Olympics. this year from Richardson, a former South Africa because the city presented the best bid,” the statement gled with injuries lately. It’s good to see him play- During a nationally televised news conference lasting added. “There are just 18 months to go until the Tokyo wicketkeeper-batsman. ing well,” said Djokovic. only seven minutes, Takeda said: “I was never involved in 2020 Games and we intend to carry on preparing for The unseeded 33-year-old, who has also Sawhney, a former chief executive of Singapore any decision-making process” over the payment. them.” Education Minister Masahiko Shibayama, whose Sports Hub and managing director of ESPN Star reached five Grand Slam semi-finals in his career, Takeda added that he had already protested his inno- ministry supervises the nation’s sports activities, called on will be a dangerous opponent, having enjoyed a Sports, is also a non-executive director and mem- cence during questioning by French authorities in Paris on Takeda to help lift suspicions by giving clear explanations. ber of the audit committee of Manchester United run to the last four in his comeback tournament at December 10. He also said the payment was not corruption “All we have to do is to go ahead with preparations so Brisbane. “Just very powerful, serve, forehand, big Limited. but “a consultancy contract signed through appropriate that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can be an event weapons,” acknowledged Djokovic. “I know what ICC chairman Shashank Manohar ratified approval procedures”. “I’m very sorry that this trouble to be celebrated,” Shibayama told a separate news confer- to expect. I’ve played him many times. I lost to him, Sawhney’s appointment after consulting with the could possibly affect the Olympic movement,” he added, ence. The case comes at a delicate time in Franco- nominations committee. “I am delighted to confirm vowing to co-operate with the authorities. Japanese relations, with the arrest and continued detention as well. In this court, as well, in Rod Laver I think Manu’s appointment today,” Manohar said in a He did not take questions from reporters after making of Renault boss Carlos Ghosn on alleged financial miscon- back in 2010. statement. his statement, which was similar to remarks he made on duct charges sparking criticism overseas of Japan’s legal “I’m going to approach it as any other match, to “He brings 22 years of outstanding commercial Friday when the charges filed last month emerged. system. A request for Ghosn to be freed on bail was be honest. Really optimistic, but also respectful, experience to the ICC and will lead the delivery of The affair comes as an unwelcome distraction for 2020 rejected on Tuesday, dashing the tycoon’s hopes of an ear- trying to do whatever I can to win it.” The super- our new global growth strategy for the game.” organisers, who have been widely praised for being ahead ly release. The 71-year-old Takeda, a former Olympic star Serb is right to be cautious. Tsonga is one of “Our search produced a host of excellent candi- of schedule with 18 months to go until the opening cere- showjumper who led Japan’s campaign to win the Games, only three players to have recorded wins against dates from around the world, but Manu stood out mony next July. In a statement, Tokyo 2020 said it had “no is also a member of the International Olympic Committee Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal while as the man to work with our Members and take means of knowing the bid committee’s activities”, which (IOC). The IOC’s ethics committee has said it will continue the they were ranked number one. The other two cricket forward.—AFP occurred before the organising committee was set up. to “watch the situation” but stressed that Takeda was are Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro. —AFP “We believe that the Games were awarded to Tokyo innocent until proven guilty.—AFP Established 1961 27 Sports Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Man City ready to pounce on any Liverpool slip-ups: Guardiola City have scored remarkable 21 goals in four home games this year

MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola said his Manchester Jesus’s opener came in the 10th minute after a magnifi- City team will be poised to pounce if Premier League cent 40-yard pass from defender Aymeric Laporte leaders Liverpool falter, following a comfortable 3-0 win exposed the Wolves defence and sent Leroy Sane sprint- over Wolves on Monday that left City four points behind ing down the left. Jurgen Klopp’s side. The German’s low cross was judged to perfection, as Two first-half goals from Gabriel Jesus, either side of a was Jesus’s run, as he slid in and steered the ball into an straight red card for Wolves’ French defender Willy Boly, open goal. Boly’s rash challenge, an out-of control, one- allowed City to demonstrate that they had banished their footed lunge at Bernardo Silva, may not have been mali- shaky December form. The City manager was in no mood cious but was deserving of a red soon after. to analyse the table and insisted he is interested only in “It was quite a bad tackle but I’m fine,” said Bernardo. his own team’s performances. “Yes, he did apologise at the end of the game. These “We cannot play the games against Liverpool, we can- things happen.” With Wolves down to 10 men, Jesus’s not do anything about them,” said Guardiola. “All we can second of the evening, from a 39th-minute penalty, made do is win our games and be there. We’ve spoken to our it hard to see Wolves forcing their way back. players about it and the fact we cannot control what they Again, referee Craig Pawson appeared to have made can do. All we can do is be there and maybe one day they the right decision as Raheem Sterling played a one-two fail. But if they don’t lose, then they’ll be champions. only to be brought down by Ryan Bennett’s clumsy chal- “We’ve done incredible numbers after last season, but lenge. Jesus took a stuttering run-up for his spot kick, but one team has done better than us so far. All we can do is there was nothing hesitant in his confident finish into the be there until the end and the results will dictate who will bottom right corner. win.” Two weeks into 2019, City have scored a remark- Kevin De Bruyne, surprisingly left on the bench after able 21 goals in four home games this year and have hit his angry reaction to being substituted in last week’s 99 in all competitions already in the current campaign. thrashing of Burton, was brought on just after the hour. Jesus had scored just three times in his 16 league games And, in a lively performance, it was his cross, following coming into the new year but his two-goal performance a 78th-minute short corner that was deflected into his against Nuno Espirito Santo’s team continued his rich own goal by Conor Coady. “I don’t have a magician’s ball vein of recent form. to discover when I’m going to lose points,” said He scored once in the seven-goal FA Cup win over Guardiola. Rotherham and hit four in last week’s 9-0 League Cup “But I said to the players, ‘don’t look at the calendar MANCHESTER: Wolverhampton Wanderers’ English defender Ryan Bennett (L) vies with Manchester City’s humiliation of Burton, and now has seven goals in his past for the Liverpool games-forget about it,’ because normal- Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and three outings, although City’s task was made easier by a ly when this happens, in my experience, you lose your Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on Monday. — AFP straight red card shown to Boly in the 19th minute. games, and after that it’s over.” — AFP

Korean coach admits concern Rivalry and over Son’s Asian Cup readiness ABU DHABI: South Korea coach Paulo year-old. “But I’m used to playing every revenge: Iran face Bento fears Tottenham forward Son three days, so hopefully it will be okay. Heung-min has played too many games I’m here to help South Korea lift the over the past month after his star play- Asian Cup.” Iraq at Asian Cup er’s arrival in the UAE for the Asian Cup. South Korea have puzzlingly failed to The Koreans take on China in Abu Dhabi scoop Asian football’s most coveted on Wednesday as they continue their prize since winning back-to-back titles DUBAI: One of football’s great rivalries takes quest to end 59 years of hurt in the com- in 1956 and 1960. They beat tournament centre-stage at the Asian Cup today when Iran petition, but Bento will take no risks with first-timers the Philippines and play Iraq still smarting from their controversial his best player despite needing a win to Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in their first two games exit four years ago. Iran played most of the clas- finish top of Group C. but were less than impressive without sic 2015 quarter-final with 10 men after “Of course we know how many star man Son. Mehrdad Pooladi’s hotly disputed first-half dis- matches and minutes he has played over But Bento promised to attack missal but when it ended 3-3 after extra-time, the past month,” the former Portugal Marcello Lippi’s Chinese side, who cur- Iraq edged the penalty shoot-out. boss said yesterday. “He’s probably nev- rently lead the group on goal difference Iran’s protest that Iraq yielded an ineligible er played as many games in a row as he after edging Kyrgyzstan 2-1 and thrash- player was dismissed as Carlos Queiroz’s three- has recently. It’s only his second day ing the Philippines 3-0. “We face a good time winners were sent packing from the tourna- with us so we will need to check his con- team with a very experienced coach,” ment in Australia. Four years on from their clash dition tomorrow before we make any said the Portuguese. in Canberra, Iran forward Saman Ghoddos said decision on him. “But we have to take risks and attack memories were still fresh as Team Melli take on “He’s a very important part of the if we are to achieve our ambition and fin- DUBAI: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur, poses for a selfie as he arrives at Iraq in their final game of Group D. team obviously,” added Bento, who took ish top of the group. With or without Dubai airport to participate in the AFC Asian CUP UAE 2019, on Monday. — AFP “Iraq are tough opponents and I think that charge of South Korea after last year’s Son, our goal doesn’t change-we will try this will be a revenge match for us,” said World Cup. “But we won’t take any risks to win.” Lippi is set to ring the changes Ghoddos, according to Iran’s Varzesh3 website. and we also have other options.” as China chase a first Asian Cup title, but him tomorrow.” China finished Asian Cup good players, which we have,” said the “I’ve been waiting for this match ever since the Son has played in 12 matches for he denied reports striker Wu Lei would runners-up in 1984 and 2004 but Lippi, 70-year-old. “You also have to have com- last Asian Cup. We will win this match for the Spurs in a little over a month and admit- be sent home with a shoulder injury. who steered his native Italy to World plete harmony in the group. You can’t people.” ted to feeling some fatigue on his arrival “He’s had a niggle but he’s getting Cup victory in 2006, backed his side to have any prima donnas. If we’re not all Football is one of the remaining points of con- in the Emirates on Monday. “I would be better,” insisted the Italian. “He isn’t make a run at the title. working for the same thing it will be very tention between the Middle East neighbours, lying if I said I wasn’t tired,” said the 26- going anywhere-but we won’t be risking “To become champions you need difficult to win this tournament.” — AFP who fought a bloody war in the 1980s in which hundreds of thousands of people died. Relations between the two countries have warmed since the removal of long-serving Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, but games between the Constantine quits two are not for the faint-hearted. Matches on TV The three-time Asian Cup winners, lead Iraq as India coach (Local Timings) on goal difference at the top of Group D, with both teams already qualified for the next round. SHARJAH: Stephen Constantine said he would be stepping Former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Queiroz, down as India’s head coach after they were knocked out of the FRENCH LEAGUE linked with a move to the Colombia national AFC Asian Cup following a 1-0 defeat by Bahrain in Sharjah EA Guingamp v Stade Rennais 21:00 team after the Asian Cup, said his prime concern yesterday. Needing a draw to progress, India finished bottom of was maintaining Iran’s perfect start. Group A after conceding an injury-time penalty which meant beIN SPORTS “In football, the most important match is Bahrain leapfrogged them into third place. “I’m stepping down AS Monaco FC v OGC Nice 21:00 always the next one and every match is like a after this game,” Constantine, who took charge of India for a final for us in the tournament,” Queiroz said. second time in 2015, told reporters after the match. beIN SPORTS “Iraq are a strong team and they are one of “My objective from day one was to qualify for the Asian Cup. the favourites to win the title. We have to be at I’ve done that and I’m exceptionally proud of the players for Nimes Olympique v FC Nantes 21:00 our best.” everything they have given. “I think my cycle has finished. I did beIN SPORTS Iran have not won the Asian title since 1976 what I was asked to and a little bit more and, after four years, it’s but they have been the most impressive so far time to leave.” Hosts United Arab Emirates topped the group Toulouse FC v Olympique Lyonnais 21:00 among the 24 teams in the newly-expanded ahead of Thailand following their 1-1 draw as both teams advanced beIN SPORTS tournament. A 5-0 thrashing of Yemen was fol- to the knockout stage while Bahrain also progressed as one of four Stephen Constantine lowing by a clinical 3-0 victory over Southeast best third-placed teams. — Reuters Saint Etienne v Olympique Marseille 23:00 Asian champions Vietnam. Iraq, meanwhile, came from behind to beat beIN SPORTS Vietnam 3-2, and then defeated Yemen 3-0. Cech joined Arsenal in 2015 and has made 129 appear- Facing Asia’s highest-ranked team will be a dif- Arsenal goalkeeper ances for the Gunners after winning multiple trophies at ferent challenge entirely, however. rivals Chelsea. SUPERCOPPA ITALIANA 2018 “You can’t compare the matches we had with Signed from Rennes by Claudio Ranieri in 2004, Vietnam and Yemen to the match against Iran,” Petr Cech to retire Cech won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Juventus FC v AC Milan 20:30 said coach Srecko Katanec, who took his native Champions League, the Europa League and three KSA Sports 1 HD Slovenia to the 2002 World Cup and joined Iraq at end of season League Cups with the Blues. Cech suffered a serious in September. head injury in 2006 following a collision with Reading’s “Vietnam played very fluid football for the LONDON: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech announced Stephen Hunt. Hunt’s knee crashed into Cech’s head, ASIAN NATIONS CUP first 45 minutes and we came out on top. Against yesterday that he will retire at the end of the season. leaving him with a fractured skull, but he returned to Yemen, we were a little complacent and maybe The 36-year-old, who won four Premier League titles action four months later wearing what became his South Korea v China 16:30 that’s why we need to play a strong team, on with Chelsea, revealed his decision on Twitter. trademark protective headgear. Cech became the first paper, like Iran.” He wrote: “This is my 20th season as a professional goalkeeper to keep 200 Premier League clean sheets in beIN SPORTS player and it is 20 years since I signed my first profes- Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Watford last season, during The build-up to the game has been closely Kyrgyzstan v Philippines 16:30 followed in both countries, with former Iraqi sional contract, so it feels like the right time to which he saved a penalty from Troy Deeney. player Imad Mohammad telling AFP that Iraqi announce that I will retire at the end of this season.” He is also the Czech Republic’s most capped player, beIN SPORTS media had played up its “political character”. The Czech, who arrived in the Premier League with making 124 appearances. Cech is no longer first choice “Iraq’s audience is looking at this match with Chelsea in 2004 and moved to Arsenal in 2015, added: at Arsenal, with Bernd Leno preferred for most of this Iran v Iraq 19:00 “Having played 15 years in the Premier League and a special lens that distinguishes it from all other season so far, but the club were quick to pay their own beIN SPORTS matches that it played so far or that it will play won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have tribute. Arsenal tweeted: “For your consummate profes- in the Asia Cup,” said Iraqi journalist Ghazi achieved everything I set out to achieve. sionalism, for being the perfect role model, for the 50 Vietnam v Yemen 19:00 Shaea. — AFP “I will continue to work hard at Arsenal to hopefully clean sheets, for your honesty, your integrity and for win one more trophy this season, then I am looking for- your inspiring work with @AFC_Foundation, we want beIN SPORTS ward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch.” to say... Thank you, @PetrCech!” — AFP Established 1961 Sport

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Harden (57) lights up Grizzlies, Serena opens bid for Slam Man City ready to pounce on any 25Mitchell, Jazz drive past Pistons 26 history with crushing win 27 Liverpool slip-ups: Guardiola

AL-AIN: Syria’s defender Omar Midani (L) fights for the ball against Australia’s forward Jamie Maclaren during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup group B football match between Australia and Syria at the Khalifa bin Zayed stadium in al-Ain yesterday. — AFP Aussies down Syria to go through

Jordan held to a goalless draw by Palestine

AL-AIN: Tom Rogic’s injury-time thunderbolt settled to get a grip on the game and Hibernian striker Jamie who was surrounded by Syrian players. playing the tournament with a broken hand, belted an Asian Cup thriller yesterday as defending champions Maclaren flashed a header just wide. There was drama Australia’s third from distance. Australia beat Syria 3-2 to reach the last 16 and knock on the half-hour when a Syrian free-kick bounced SYRIA PENALTY Meanwhile in Dubai, Jordan were held to a goalless out their war-torn rivals. The result meant the holders through a packed penalty area and into the net, but the The incident silenced the massed ranks of Syrian draw by Palestine in a fiery clash to preserve their finished second in Group B behind Jordan, whose goal was ruled out for a foul on Mark Milligan. fans but there was uproar around the stadium shortly unbeaten record and progress as Group B winners. simultaneous 0-0 draw with Palestine gave the But Australia were getting close and Awer Mabil, afterwards when their team vehemently claimed a Twice quarter-finalists, in 2004 and 2011, Jordan Palestinians hope of qualifying as one of the best third- after seeing one raking shot blocked, unleashed a fabu- penalty for a Milligan handball. Australia looked firmly stunned holders Australia in their opening game before placed teams. lous effort which curled into the top corner four min- in control and they could have had a third goal when beating Syria 2-0. But they found plucky Palestine a Syria, vocally backed by thousands of their fans in Al utes before half-time. However, the lead lasted just two substitute Apostolos Giannou saw a low shot cannon tougher nut to crack in Abu Dhabi. Abdallatif Al Bahdari Ain, twice fought back from a goal behind before Rogic minutes as Mouaiad Alajaan’s cross picked out Omar off the base of the upright. header gave Jordan a scare on the hour-mark of a slammed home the winner in the third minute of injury Khrbin, who on his 25th birthday saw his header saved But Mexican referee Cesar Ramos threw Syria a life- match that was not one for football purists. time. Injury-hit Australia, with only six outfield players by Mat Ryan but then gobbled up the rebound. line when he gave them a penalty after Omar Al Soma Jordan went close when Ahmad Ersan’s long-range on the bench, needed just a draw to go through as they On 54 minutes, Chris Ikonomidis’s shot was hooked went down in the box-and the striker stroked them lev- blast was blocked by Palestine goalkeeper Rami kicked off at the same time as Jordan against Palestine. away by Omro Al Midani-but the ball was judged to el once more with 10 minutes to go. It looked like Syria Hamada before the game petered out with both sides Syria looked an early threat before Australia started have crossed the line by the additional assistant referee, would escape with a vital point before Celtic’s Rogic, content to take a draw. — AFP

123 balls. The three-match series now goes snapped up by Usman Khawaja at mid- Dhoni, Kohli to a decider in Melbourne on Friday after wicket off Jason Behrendorff for 32 from 28 Australia won the opening game in Sydney balls in the eighth over. India were sailing steer India to by 34 runs. along before Sydney centurion Rohit “Tonight was an MS (Dhoni) classic,” Sharma on 43 top-edged Marcus Stoinis to man-of-the-match Kohli said. “He takes the deep forward square where Peter second ODI win game till the end, when only he knows Handscomb, looking into the setting sun, what’s going on in his mind, and he backs took a safe catch to break up a dangerous over Australia himself to hit those big shots at the end. 54-run partnership with Kohli. “And hats off to Dinesh (Karthik) too, he Ambati Rayudu was the third wicket to ADELAIDE: came in and took the pressure off him.” fall caught at deep mid-wicket by Stonis off Veteran wicketkeeper When Kohli holed out to Glenn Maxwell Maxwell for 24. Kohli was annoyed to get Mahendra Singh Dhoni steered India to a at deep mid-wicket to end his stellar knock out with the job unfinished and six overs six-wicket victory over Australia in the sec- of 104 off 112 balls, it was 37-year-old left but Dhoni used his vast experience to ond one-day international to level the Dhoni who took charge to pilot his side get his team safely home. Marsh hammered series in Adelaide yesterday. Former skip- home with support from Karthik with an 11 fours and three sixes, claiming his sev- per Dhoni, playing in his 334th ODI, cooly unbeaten 25. Dhoni was physically strug- enth ODI century and second against India guided India across the line with four balls gling in the hot conditions and needed as Australia made the tourists sweat in the to spare to back up a dazzling century from treatment from the team physio to finish his field in temperatures hovering around 40 captain Virat Kohli. match-winning knock and keep India alive Celsius (104F). India could have been chas- India successfully chased down a target in the series. India lost four wickets in their ing an even higher total if not for the last of 299 runs set by Australia who scored 298 chase after Australia’s total. three overs from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and ADELAIDE: Indian batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni hits the ball during the second one-day for nine with Shaun Marsh scoring 131 off Shikhar Dhawan hit out before he was Mohammed Shami. — AFP international cricket match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval yesterday. — AFP