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MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 RABI ALAWWAL 7, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Expat labor US, NATO end Rescuers race to Chelsea and shelter safe 13-year Afghan save passengers Man City haven for war, but from burning suffer festive abused3 maids insurgency8 boils Italian10 ferry slumps20 Union leader slams expat Min 10º Max 24º curbs, blames govt failure High Tide 04:29 & 17:38 Low Tide Deportation for beach BBQ • No update, no travel • No fuel price hike 11:18 40 PAGES NO: 16387 150 FILS AirAsia plane By Hanan Al-Saadoun and Agencies KUWAIT: The head of the expatriate labor office at the Kuwait Trade Union Abdelrahman Al-Ghanem con- goes missing demned provocative statements made by several senior state officials, especially “those dealing with expatriates JAKARTA: Indonesia suspended until first light the as if they are aliens and not partners in work, success and search for an AirAsia plane that went missing yesterday development unlike other countries”. He said the raft of in the Java Sea with 162 people on board after the crew new rules and regulations “will not yield any benefit, have requested a change of flight plan due to stormy weath- negative effects, damage brotherly relations and inflame er. The Airbus A320-200 disappeared en route from the feelings of people of brotherly countries”. Surabaya in Indonesia’s east Java to Singapore, in the Ghanem accused government officials of being third crisis for a Malaysian “experts in escaping responsibility and facing failure, carrier this year. Around 11 which is the result of their actions, but blame the weak of hours later, the search halt- the country for it”. He said the fines the Interior Ministry is ed with no sign of the plane now collecting from expats who are in violation of the and was set to resume at 7 law that links the validity of the passport with the iqama am today - or earlier if the is no different than the “inventions of the government weather allows, Indonesian every now and then to divert people’s attention from the transport ministry official failures of its officials”. Hadi Mustofa told AFP. Ghanem said any official who wants to become the AirAsia said 155 of those “talk of the town” comes up with the “deportation slogan, on board Flight QZ8501 which is one of the tools of trading in humans”. He said were Indonesians, with following the interior ministry, the municipality came up three South Koreans and with the issue of barbequing at beaches, and wondered, one person each from Singapore, Malaysia, Britain and “Do not you have a new word other than this?” France. The Frenchman was the co-pilot. With hard Ghanem was referring to a statement by Director details few and far between, panicked relatives gath- General of Kuwait Municipality Ahmad Al-Subaih, who ered at Singapore’s Changi airport and in Surabaya hun- warned people grilling at beaches and public parks of a dreds of Indonesians thronged the terminal. BAGHDAD: Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah (left) shakes hands with his Iraqi KD 300 fine all the way to deportation. Continued on Page 13 counterpart Ibrahim Al-Jaafari following a meeting yesterday in the Iraqi capital. — AFP (See Page 2) Continued on Page 13 LOCAL MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari (left) greets Kuwaiti BAGHDAD: Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari (right) listens to BAGHDAD: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah upon his arrival at Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah speaking dur- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah during his meeting with Iraqi Prime Baghdad Airport yesterday. — AFP photos ing a press conference following a meeting yesterday. Minister Haider Al-Abadi. — KUNA Kuwait, Iraq ink deals on security, maritime movement Fourth joint committee meeting held in Baghdad

BAGHDAD: Kuwait and Iraq have signed a he was received by Ambassador Ghassan Al- number of agreements and memos of under- Zawawi and staff members. standing for bilateral cooperation in various domains, with Kuwait to open two consulates Key issues in Basra and Irbil soon. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled’s visit comes a The deals were signed by Kuwait’s First week after the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Haidar Al-Abadi to Kuwait on December 21st, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah where he met with His Highness the Amir and Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the wrapping-up of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi joint His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser committee meeting in Baghdad yesterday. The Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. agreements are primarily intended to serve In the joint committee’s previous meeting, the interests of the Kuwaiti and Iraqi people in the Kuwaiti side agreed to postpone the final diverse cooperative realms. Iraqi compensation payment to Kuwait for one Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled reaffirmed Kuwait’s year. The sum, worth $6.4 billion, was imposed support for Iraq’s fight against terrorist attacks by the UNSC as part of the compensations designed to impede this Arab country’s ongo- owed to Kuwait by Iraq for material damages ing efforts to restore its regional and interna- during the invasion in 1990. tional presence. The Kuwaiti-Iraqi committee was estab- Speaking at a joint news conference with lished in 2011 as part of the two countries’ rec- his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, Sheikh onciliation plan which focuses on addressing Sabah Al-Khaled said: “We have signed agree- BAGHDAD: (From left) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry and Acting Minister of Finance Abdulmohsen Al- pending issues as well as finding means to ments and memos of understanding with the Mudej, and First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah during their meeting with Iraqi President develop relations on all possible domains. Iraqi side with a view to promoting bilateral Fuad Masum. — KUNA Since 2011, a number of key issues on the security cooperation.” ister hailed existing cooperation between try’s support for Iraq’s efforts to restore securi- and memos of understanding, together with improvement of Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations were He said Kuwait is willing to cooperate with both countries to resolve any possible prob- ty and stability. “Based on the principles of the agreements inked yesterday. discussed by the senior officials of both coun- Iraq in all fields, adding that he had met with lem in this regard, adding that the Kuwaiti side brotherliness and values of neighborliness, tries. Accords concerning the coordination of Iraqi President Fuad Masum and Prime had called for broadening cooperation in the we’d like to reiterate ultimate support for Iraq’s Fresh horizons maritime efforts in Khor Abdallah waterway, Minister Haider Al-Abadi on bilateral relations. field of fishing. efforts to build a safer and more stable present The Kuwaiti foreign minister cited intensive customs cooperation and investments were He said both sides had signed yesterday three Kuwait and Iraq are looking forward to pro- and a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said. mutual visits between Kuwaiti and Iraqi offi- amongst the most important deals struck dur- agreements for bilateral cooperation in vari- moting and developing bilateral cooperation “We are confident that the present dark cials as a clear-cut sign of mutual willingness ing the committee’s meetings. ous areas, bringing the total of agreements not only in investment but in sports, arts and clouds would vanish soon, and that under the to promote and upgrade close relations to and memos of understanding signed by both education as well, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled extraordinary circumstances facing Iraq while fresh horizons. The fact that two-way trade High level visits sides up to 45 deals. noted. For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister seeking to establish security, democracy and exchange hit $2.5 billion last year and the Also since the launch of the committee, Two-way trade exchange amounted to $2.5 Ibrahim Al-Jaafari stressed the significance of freedom in face of forces of delusion and intel- number of mutual direct flights has gone up high-level visits by Kuwaiti and Iraqi officials billion last year, the Kuwaiti foreign minister Kuwait’s backing to Iraq for boosting its securi- lectual backwardness designed to impede since they were resumed over a couple of occurred. In 2012, His Highness the Amir said, adding that Kuwait will open two con- ty capabilities, and appreciated its recent deci- Iraq’s recent pivotal and significant watershed, years ago reflects both nations’ desire to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah led sulates in Basra and Irbil in the coming few sion to defer Iraq’s payment of compensation everybody should fully interact and take nec- upgrade ‘distinguished’ relations based on Kuwait’s delegation to the Arab summit which days. “Kuwait and Iraq have also agreed to to Kuwait, thus alleviating the burdens of the essary measures to combat such brutal brotherliness and mutual interest to the level was held in Baghdad cementing Kuwait’s facilitate the entry of Iraqi diplomatic passport financial crisis Iraq is facing. He highly com- attacks,” he added. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled of strategic partnership in all fields, he added. efforts to reconcile with Iraq. Conversely, a holders and travelers to the State of Kuwait,” mended Kuwait’s help to Iraq in face of terror- also stressed Kuwait’s commitment to UNSC Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also met during his high-level delegation led by then Foreign he said. ist organizations and groups, mainly the resolutions 2170 and 2178 regarding the fight visit to Iraq with Iraqi President Fuad Masum Minister Hoshyar Zebari visited Kuwait in 2013. Islamic State (IS) which poses a threat to the against terrorism, while welcoming the and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. The visit resulted in the signing of two memos Maritime movement entire region. regional and international role played by Iraq Discussions with both officials focused on the within the framework of the border control Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also reiterated his The Iraqi minister lauded relations with the at present to fight terrorist organizations in latest developments on both regional and and development. country’s willingness to coordinate with Iraq in State of Kuwait, pointing to his country’s will- spite of all obstacles it is facing. international arenas, as well as bilateral coop- Though diplomatic relations were officially order to facilitate the maritime movement in ingness to bolster and beef up bilateral coop- Thanking Iraq for warm welcome and hos- erative relations and how to further cement consummated in 2008 with the mutual open- the region. On joint oil fields and wells, he eration in order to serve the interests of their pitality, he spoke highly of its involvement in and consolidate them in various domains. ing of Kuwaiti and Iraqi embassies in the capi- said: “They are part of dossiers put on table at countries and peoples. regional and international meetings and gath- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of tals of both countries, the strongest gesture of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi joint meetings.” But, he said, erings in this regard. He called for more efforts Commerce and Industry and Acting Minister reconciliation came when an aircraft belong- both sides need a joint committee to monitor Safer Iraq to monitor the implementation of the out- of Finance Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej, attended ing to the Iraqi airways landed at Kuwait air- and organize traffic at Khor Abdullah port. During the joint committee meeting, comes of the joint committee meetings, the meetings. The foreign minister also paid a port on February 27, 2013, ushering a new era On the issue of fishermen, the Kuwaiti min- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled reaffirmed his coun- including 43 previously signed agreements visit to Kuwait’s embassy in Baghdad, where in Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations. — KUNA Sisi applauds Amir’s expenditure mediation between reaches Egypt, Qatar KD 23.2 bn

KUWAIT: The state expenditure is expected Speaker meets to amount to KD 23.2 billion in the fiscal year Egyptian President of 2014/2015, said Chairman of the National Assembly’s State Budget Committee MP CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi Adnan Abdualsamad. The Kuwaiti lawmaker acclaimed Saturday the efforts exerted by His made this remark during a lecture that was Highness the Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- organized and held at Kuwait University’s Jaber Al-Sabah to mend inter-GCC fences as well as his College of Law. He pointed out that the mediation between Egypt and Qatar. expenditure is distributed to five chapters in During his reception of Kuwaiti National Assembly the state budget: salaries, commodity and Speaker and Head of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary service requirements, transport, construc- Union (AIPU) Marzouq Al-Ghanem, President Al-Sisi tion projects and various expenses. appreciated HH the Amir’s contributions to the Public spending on salaries is estimated strengthening of the Arab unity. at KD 5.5 billion; commodity and services KD The meeting tackled various means to bolster bilat- 3.9 billion; transport KD 290 million; con- eral relations, the Egyptian Presidential Spokesman struction KD 2.1 billion and various expenses Ambassador Alaa Yousef said in a press release. The KD 11.3 billion, the MP explained. The budg- Kuwaiti top lawmaker conveyed to President Al-Sisi the et dependency on oil revenues is more than greetings of HH the Amir and HH the Crown Prince KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Khaled Al-Jarallah met visiting Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular 90 percent, an estimation of KD 19 billion, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Affairs Amr Muawad and his accompanying delegation. Both sides conversed on ways of enhancing bilateral relations. They based on a hypothetical crude price of $75 a spokesman said. also tackled international and regional developments of common interest. The meeting was attended by Kuwaiti Ambassador barrel, he added. He pointed out that the President Al-Sisi expressed pleasure to visit Kuwait to Egypt Salem Al-Zamanan and Director of the Undersecretary Bureau, Ayham Abdullatif Al-Omar. — KUNA development plan has only cost the country to thank its top leadership and people on their sup- KD 10 billion. portive stance with Egypt. He said he is looking for- Abdulsamad added that political stability ward to strong Kuwaiti participation in the internation- KD 8 billion developmental is key to improving any country’s economic al economic conference to be held at the Egyptian status, hence, corruption and self-interests resort of Sharm El-Sheikh next March. He affirmed his should be avoided at all cost in order to government keenness on creating investment attrac- projects for 2015 achieve progress in the country’s develop- tive environment and urged Kuwaiti investors to bene- ment plan. He stressed the importance of fit from the investment opportunities in Egypt. conducting analytical studies for the budget President Al-Sisi welcomed the AIPU participation Zour power plant to start production mid year and appointing financial monitors at the in monitoring the upcoming Egyptian parliamentary State’s Audit Bureau to avoid any violations elections, Yousef added. For his part, Ghanem under- or breaches in the country’s projects and KUWAIT: The cost associated with the dented manner in Kuwait and reached a lined Kuwait’s eagerness to effectively contribute to practices. The fiscal year for the state of development plan projects stands at eight completion rate of 70 percent in a year and Egypt’s international economic conference. — KUNA Kuwait starts in the beginning of April every billion Kuwaiti dinars for the next year, a half. He unveiled that the year 2014 saw a year and ends of the 31st of March the fol- Adel Al-Roumi, head of the technical appa- number of achievements, including the lowing year. — KUNA ratus for the study of developmental proj- beginning of construction work of Jaber ects and initiatives, said yesterday. bridge which will connect the north of Roumi said in an interview with the dai- Kuwait with its south by sea. ly Annahar newspaper published yester- Roumi said that the drop in oil prices day that there are large projects which associated with market price fluctuations have added value to the economy of will not affect the development projects Kuwait included in the apparatus’ plan for carried out through tenders, noting that 2015, chiefly the solid waste project, which this decline poses a new strategic option is the largest project of this kind in the that is to activate the participation of the Middle East, an ambitious project that pro- private sector in development. vides a permanent solution to the prob- He added that the priority for his appa- lems of the environment. ratus is to provide projects in which the He stated that there is also Um Al- Adel Al-Roumi private sector could highly contribute and CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi dur- Haiman liquid waste project with a total He pointed out that Al-Zour plant proj- be economically feasible such as power value of KD 350 million to be floated ect will start producing electricity middle generation and waste recycling, noting ing his meeting with Kuwaiti Parliament Speaker KUWAIT: MP Adnan Abdualsamad speaks Marzouq Al-Ghanem. — KUNA through next year, in addition to Al-Zour of next year, pointing out that the project that fast delivery is the standard of success and Al-Khairan power generation projects. was accomplished rapidly in an unprece- for the private sector. — KUNA during the lecture yesterday. — KUNA MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 LOCAL

Director of the Shelter Hadi Al-Anezi KUWAIT: The shelter’s building. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Expat labor shelter safe haven for abused maids Lawyers provided to protect workers’ rights By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: Runaway and abused maids now have a safe place to stay until they leave the country or find a new sponsor, after an ‘expat labor shelter’ was opened last week by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. The shelter in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh is in a building that was originally a school that was refurbished by the ministry. The shel- ter can accommodate up to 700 maids, and currently about 160 maids are staying there. “Currently this shelter is for women only, but we are planning to open one for men soon. The shelter provides them with food, accommodation and personal neces- sities. The government is paying all the expenses,” Hadi Al-Anezi, Director of the shelter, told Kuwait Times.

Stay duration There is no fixed period for harboring the maids, and depends on each case. The shelter’s clinic. An employee watches surveillance cameras’ feeds. “Some maids stay for one week, others for months. It all depends on the procedures in each case. This shelter is a permanent one, so we accept any case at any time 24 hours a day. In the past when it was a tem- porary shelter, we only accepted maids brought by their embassy or the ministry of interior. But now even if they come on their own, we will harbor them,” he said. The maids go through a certain proce- dure when they enter the shelter. “When a maid first arrives, she has to go through a medical checkup at the shelter’s clinic. We also take her fingerprints, and write a report about her case, which I pass to the Director of the Public Authority for Manpower. If the maid doesn’t have an ID, we contact her sponsor and ask him to bring her passport. If he refuses, we ask the Ministry of Interior, who arranges this,” said Anezi.

Maids’ rights The dining room. The foreign ministry’s office. The shelter is provided with lawyers to Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and es from Sri Lanka, Philippines, Uganda, their passport or if it is lost, the embassy salaries or ill-treatment from the sponsor. protect the rights of the maids. “Even if the cooperates with the Ministry of Health, Madagascar, Congo, Ethiopia and others. will issue a temporary travel document to But we also know that not all are sponsor says that the maid absconded Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign For those nationals who don’t have an let them go back home,” Anezi pointed oppressed or telling the truth, yet we have without any reason or that she is lying, still Affairs,” he explained. embassy in Kuwait, we cooperate with the out. to harbor them until we investigate and we will never force her to go back to him. United Nations’ office in Kuwait, which study their cases. In both cases, if the maid We have a legal advisor to ensure that Multinational workers arranges issuing them a special travel doc- Various problems wants to go back home, we help her leave, none of the runaways are oppressed. The The women at the shelter are from ument to go back to their country. And “The maids here complain of various otherwise we find a new sponsor for her if shelter works under the umbrella of the many different nationalities. “We have cas- those whose sponsors don’t give them problems, mainly not receiving their it is possible,” concluded Anezi.

A view inside one of the rooms The prayer room.

A playground inside the shelter A lounge inside the shelter. MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 LOCAL Crime Report

Suspicious car owner arrested with drugs

KUWAIT: Police in Jahra received a call about a vehicle with two different license plates in Qasr. When police were checking the car and the plates, its bedoon owner came and was arrested. When the car was searched, hashish and narcotic tablets were found. The suspect and the drugs were sent to the Drugs Control General Department.

Shooting suspect caught Taima police arrested a citizen for firing at a person following a dispute thought to be drugs related. Police arrested the suspect following strong resistance, and he was sent to Jahra detectives. KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Fareed Emadi An employee undergoes a medical examination before donating blood. donates his blood. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Family assaulted Three men accompanied with three women stormed the house of a citizen’s mother in Adan and beat him along Awqaf ministry officials, with his mother because of a previous dispute. A security source said the citizen came to the police station accompa- nied by his mother and sister armed with medical reports. staff donate blood They said the attackers did not allow them to call police. By Faten Omar sion. We organized a health campaign to Investigations are ongoing. donate blood for workers in the mosques’ KUWAIT: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic sector with the slogan “A Drop Means a Lot Workers gathering dispersed Affairs organized a blood donation cam- “under the auspices of the Minister of paign under the patronage of Minister of Justice and Awqaf Yaqoub Al-Sane’a in Capital police dispersed a gathering of 400 expatri- Justice and Awqaf Yaqoub Al-Sane’a in col- cooperation and coordination with the ates who work for a company in front of their resi- laboration with the blood bank. The minis- Central Blood Bank and the health promo- dence near Doha power station. The workers attempt- ter said he is keen to support volunteerism tion department at the Ministry of Health ed to attack the company public relations director and humanitarian work, as the campaign in order to promote health awareness and because he did not allow them to cook inside their boosts the national spirit of the ministry the importance of spreading the culture of rooms. Police went to the scene and found the public staff, a number of whom donated their blood donation and provide humanitarian relations director taking refuge in a police patrol car. blood along with some visitors. services through this campaign.” He said that he was inspecting the workers’ residence, Earlier, Munif Al-Hajri, director of the Hajri added that he has been coordinat- and was surprised that they were cooking inside the mosques’ performance sector at the ing the campaign in an integrated manner rooms using highly combustible materials, so he took Ministry of Awqaf, said: “Believing in the with the competent authorities that are the combustible material from them because of its role of mosques in the community and the interested in the achievement of the cam- hazards, which made them angry and they attempted concept of social responsibility is an inte- paign’s slogan, which aims to save the lives to attack him. The workers said that the company does gral part of the ministry’s vision and mis- of others. not give them suitable food, so they were forced to Ministry staff take part in the campaign. cook inside the rooms. Arab international arbitration conference underway Road rage A policeman told Bayan police that when he was driving CAIRO: Kuwaiti Minister of Justice and Awqaf and Islamic Arbitration has contributed much to developing the Arab in Mishref, he had a dispute with another motorist over the Affairs Yaacoub Al-Sane’a stressed the significance of legal thinking amid absence of arbitration culture in Egypt right of way, so the other driver pulled a firearm and made achieving pan-Arab cooperation in all fields, especially in and many other Arab countries. New codes for an obscene gesture before escaping. The policeman pro- international arbitration. vided authorities with the car’s license plate numbers. Addressing the opening session of the First Arab Combating terrorism Detectives are working on the case. Conference on International Arbitration that kicked off in On Saturday, Sane’a said that consolidated efforts US army labor Cairo yesterday, Sane’a said Kuwait is eager to effectively among Arab states are a must for combating extremism By A Saleh participate in Arab events and gatherings. and terrorism in the region. The Arab region faces massive ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ is the main theme of the challenges, Sane’a stated to KUNA following his meeting Firearm possession KUWAIT: The manager of the government contracts two-day event organized by the Arab Lawyers Union (ALU), with Egyptian Public Prosecutor Hesham Barakat. He high- Police arrested a citizen for possession of a firearm department at the Manpower Public Authority Nasser Al- and ammunition. Southern roads patrols saw the man Arab Federation For International Arbitration and the lighted the importance of coordination between Kuwait Suhail said that an agreement had been made with the in his car behaving suspiciously, so they stopped and International Arbitration Center. and Egypt in countering these challenges. US army to label the transactions of civilian laborers searched him and found the weapon. Police found the It will highlight the alternatives to settle disputes out- He commended as significant the legacy of Egypt’s legal working with it with a special code to prevent forgery and citizen is an ex-convict over drugs cases. He was sent side the typical courtroom, through system, noting that his meeting with Barakat manipulating the contracts’ validity and number of work- to criminal detectives. mediation and reconciliation, in addi- aimed to review the signed agreements and ers. Suhail added that the total number of expats working tion to the traditional and modern protocols between the two countries, and in government projects was 330,000 with a total insur- theories and on the relation between find ways to implement them within a cor- Former cop leads mugging gang ance value of KD 80 million. judiciary and arbitration as well as the rect framework. Moreover, Suhail stressed that laborers working for Jahra police arrested a gang led by a former officer at issue from an Islamic view. Discussions The meeting also addressed ways to government projects who entered Kuwait after June 29, the DCGD. The gang includes two bedoons who special- will cover the International Centre for increase cooperation and expertise 2014 would not be allowed to transfer visas to the private ized in stopping citizens and robbing them using a car with Settlement of Investment Disputes exchange between judicial institutions in sector and that they would only be allowed to transfer to a flashlight on it and wearing vests of criminal detectives. A (ICSID) both countries, the Kuwaiti Minister said, another government project executed by the same security source said that Jahra security director learned There is dire need for developing affirming depth of historic Kuwaiti-Egyptian employer. that three persons in a detective’s car attack citizens and ‘Arab arbitration’ to settle Arab-Arab ties in various fields. Sanea also pointed out rob them, so he formed a team that identified the vehicle. disputes and conflicts, Al-Sane’a said. that the majority of the non-Kuwaiti judicial Ashour’s brother sentenced Detectives saw the driver stop the car, put on a blue flash- He pointed to the enormous chal- body members are from Egypt, calling for The criminal court yesterday sentenced Hussein light and stop an expat, so police arrested him along with lenges in the region, prompting syner- setting up a mechanism to develop joint leg- Ashour, MP Saleh Ashour’s brother, to two years with two others all wearing criminal detective vests. The gang gy to preserve Arab interests. The Minister of Justice and islations between the two countries. labor with the option of paying KD 2,000 bail to suspend leader is an ex-DCGD employee who was kicked out of Minister called for opening up fresh Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Meanwhile, Barakat commended the signifi- executing the verdict. Notably, Ashour had been prose- service because of armed thefts while working for the prospects for pan-Arab cooperation in Yaacoub Al-Sane’a cant cooperation between judicial institu- cuted for posting his photos on social media networks department. The three will be sent to concerned authori- the field trough exchange of expert- tions in both countries, mentioning the holding and trying out some weapons. Ashour said that ties. —Al-Rai ise, urging the Arab League to adopt the idea. meeting has also addressed ways to benefit from judicial the photos were taken in Iraq and that he had a license For his part, head of the Egyptian Bar Association, ALU abilities and qualities between his country and Kuwait to for the weapons. and Arab Federation for International Arbitration Sameh face terrorist crimes, organized crimes, and money laun- Ashour, lauded Kuwait’s support to joint Arab action, hop- dering. Fuel prices increase Man arrested for ing the country would host the second Arab conference on The Egyptian Public Prosecutor also stressed impor- Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh international arbitration. Ashour called for collaboration tance of signed cooperation agreements and protocols Mohammed Al-Abdullah stressed that the Cabinet has torching 22 cars among the Arab countries to seek amendments to some between the two countries, particularly between Egyptian not so far received any study about increasing fuel prices. rules of international arbitration. Since it was established and Kuwaiti public prosecution regarding judicial assis- He added that once the study was ready, the issue would almost 10 years ago, the Arab Federation for International tance and substitution. — KUNA be reviewed to come out with suitable prices. By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Two expats caught a bedoon who torched 22 cars. A security source said that two Egyptians caught a man who set the cars of an Egyptian and an Iraqi ablaze. KFSD conducts ‘largest’ fire drill Police arrested the man in Khaitan with flammable materi- al. The suspect, who lives in Mahboula, said he burned 22 cars in Jleeb and Khaitan. He said that he does not target By Hanan Al-Saadoun exercise was sponsored by Bahra Company. Five fire cen- fire centers - Mubarak Al-Kabeer, hazardous material, certain people - rather he goes to expat areas and practices ters took part in addition to operations and backup cen- Jleeb, technical rescue, south Salmiya and Mangaf centers his hobby of burning cars. Meanwhile a Sri Lankan told KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) carried ters, health and occupational health units and public rela- were dispatched to the area. Fifteen fire engines were Surra police that two unknowns robbed KD 3,120 from him out the largest exercise of its kind (Shamel 1) yesterday in tions departments. The exercise was about a collision and used in addition to National Guard fire engines. Police while waiting at a bus stop. He said one of the suspects cooperation with the Interior Ministry, National Guard, fire in a tanker that contained petroleum, which led to the closed off the area, and ambulances along choppers were had a pistol. medical emergencies, Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) collision of 20 vehicles and a bus, resulting in seven deaths used. State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad and Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation (KNPC). The and 51 injuries including eight in critical condition. Five Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah attended the exercise. Expats’ muggers caught Jahra police arrested a gang specialized in robbing expats, and found various stolen items. The arrest was made when police suspected a car with two persons inside. When the car was searched, phones and other material were found in addition to narcotic tablets and hashish joints. The two said that they had formed a gang along with a citizen. Several victims are being summoned to identify the suspects.

Material found with one of the muggers. LOCAL MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014

KUWAIT: Minister Hind Al-Subaih listens to a fireman’s presentation at the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate’s booth. (Right) Al-Subaih drops by the International Organization for Migration’s booth. — Photos by Yasser Al- Zayyat Development plan projects showcased at Achievements Forum Two-day event opened at Salwa Al-Sabah Ballroom

By Nawara Fattahova Success leads to even more success. “Difficulties ing the role of Kuwait in the field of human rights. In tive role of labor unions and NGOs in the com- Mohammed Al-Otaibi, Director of the and obstacles shouldn’t lead to disappointment and addition, the ministry held various training courses on munity. “This year we celebrate 50 years of Training and Developing Center at the Kuwait KUWAIT: The two-day Achievements Forum at the giving up. We should always keep working to achieve human rights for its employees, and issued publica- establishing the first labor union in Kuwait - the Society for Human Rights (KSHR), assured the Salwa Al-Sabah Ballroom includes symposiums, work- our goals. In addition, the media also plays an impor- tions on this matter,” he pointed out. Health, Municipality and Fire Department Labor importance of a partnership between the NGOs shops and exhibitions, and is open to the public. Many tant role in highlighting the positive performance of The main goal of the forum is to build a positive Union that was established in 1964. The decision and the government and spoke about the role public institutions and ministries are participating in the institutions working on the development plan as vision about public institutions and highlight the role maker should listen to the labor unions and they of KSHR. “The society has submitted various the event organized by the Vision Group. The forum is well as their negative performance to correct their of the media and social media in affecting people’s life. talk on behalf of the workers and employees. suggestions for laws and regulations. For showcasing models and experiences of the achieve- mistakes. I hope this forum will achieve its national “The media usually criticize public institutions, and Today we are talking about a new concept of instance, we proposed the idea of a labor law ments of various institutions. goals,” added Subaih. constructive criticizing is useful for these institutions partnership between the unions and the gov- for domestic workers and many others. Both the “The forum shows the role of each institution in to find their mistakes and correct them to improve ernment to realize development. It’s easier to government and parliament should cooperate realizing the development plan and executing the Hard work their work. But destructive criticism that aims to spoil explain an opinion to 50 representatives of with the NGOs, especially when issuing laws projects and needs of this plan. There are many exam- Naser Abalkhail, Second Secretary and Deputy of the reputation of the institutions and persons is nega- unions than address 300,000 workers, as these related to certain professions and workers, as ples of excellent achievements of the participating the Permanent Committee for the Development Plan tive. Through this forum, we aim to highlight the role representatives will deliver and explain the mes- they are those on which this law will be applied,” ministries, which reflects their awareness of the devel- at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the min- of these institutions in the development process,” said sage to the workers,” he stated. he noted. opment plan and its execution,” stressed Hind Al- istry is participating in this forum to express its hard Khamees Al-Ajmi, Executive Director of Vision Group. Subaih, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and work during the past four years on the development During the first symposium held yesterday on the Planning and Development, during the launch of the plan through adopting many development plans. role of NGOs in achieving development, Dr Fadghosh forum yesterday. “Among the most important projects was strengthen- Al-Ajmi, Head of the KOC union, highlighted the posi- EQUATE sponsors Industrial Entrepreneurs project

KUWAIT: EQUATE Petrochemical Company, economy for overall sustainability throughout Kuwait’s first international petrochemical joint-ven- Kuwait.” ture, announced its sponsorship of the Industrial Benali added, “This sponsorship is an extension Entrepreneurs project organized by Kuwait of the strategic partnership between EQUATE and Industries Union (KIU). KIU in administrative, industrial, economic and oth- EQUATE Vice President for Technical Services er fields. For all that and more, I would like to take and head of its Corporate Social Responsibility this opportunity to express my gratitude and (CSR) Team Mohammad Al-Benali said, “Such an ini- appreciation to KIU Chairman Hussain Al-Kharafi, as tiative for Industrial Entrepreneurs by KIU is a criti- well as the union’s entire management and all cal step that represents the principles and stan- employees for their notable role in supporting dards of partnership that EQUATE aspires to imple- national industries.” ment in all relevant fields to embody its tagline of The Industrial Entrepreneurs project includes a ‘Partners in Success.’ This project manifests one of number of phases to evaluate, select and sponsor EQUATE’s strategic objectives as a national industri- individuals with innovative added-value industrial al organization, especially that petrochemical ideas falling within small-to-medium enterprises to industries are a main component of Kuwait’s indus- launch their own projects to be managed based on trial sector and form the second main source of systematic and professional guidelines, in addition income, not only in Kuwait, but as a whole in all to forming partnership with relevant organizations. Gulf countries. Through this sponsorship, EQUATE The project will include the participation of several aims at extending all support, cooperation and experts in industrial, economic, academic and tech- encouragement to participants in this project nical sectors to evaluate the projects and the Al-Kout on the cover of Maritime Reporter and through their small-to-medium enterprises that prospective entrepreneurs to select the best ideas Engineering News magazine. have significant value in supporting the national and individuals. Kuwaiti tankers named world’s best in 2014

KUWAIT: Two Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) ves- sels have been named the world’s top tankers for 2014, the company announced yesterday. Al-Kout was termed as the most ‘environmental, piracy protected and proven’ in the world by the Maritime Reporter and Engineering News magazine, while Marinelog chose Al-Dasma as the top ‘environ- mentally friendly crude oil tanker.’ Not only does the choice reflect full commitment KIU sponsors in a group photo. to the highest levels of safety and security on board KOTC tankers, but also the company’s dedication to its responsibilities as a national and a strategic carrier, CEO Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah told KUNA. This is realized through firm operational proce- dures and adoption of the highest quality in terms of security and safety, Sheikh Talal added, congratulat- ing the company’s staff for their sincere efforts and hard work raising it to the rank of the world’s leading firms in the field. Meanwhile, KOTC said that it had received the giant Al-Kout, built in South Korea, last October, with a length of 333 meters and width of 60 meters. It is fully equipped with the latest relevant systems and technology which secured it the rank of the world’s most efficient vessel regarding loading and unloading as well as the most environment- friendly, it added. The 249-meter long and 32-meter wide Al-Dasma was also built in South Korea, the company said. — KUNA MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 LOCAL

In my view A clean environment Controls ...

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

he 34th meeting of undersecretaries responsi- ble for environmental affairs in Gulf Free doms TCooperation Council countries was held recently, featuring the Environment Public Authority (EPA) as Kuwait’s representative. During the meeting, the EPA underlined the importance of exerting efforts to continue cooperation in protect- ing the environment of the Arabian Gulf region. I strongly support this issue, because maintaining environmental sustainability is key to achieving the GCC’s mutual goal of sustainable development. GCC countries are required to allocate a consider- able amount of their enormous financial resources to achieve improvement in the environmental field, and it seems that the first steps on this road were taken during the recent meeting. The officials agreed on a project to establish a GCC environmen- tal observatory center and a GCC e-environmental portal - two encouraging and highlight significant steps that help in early prediction of emergency cases. These steps still need to be followed by other measures, such as establishing cooperation and strategic partnership with countries and organiza- Al-Jarida tions, both in the region and around the world. Achieving a clean environment is the duty of all citi- zens of GCC countries and everyone living there. All kuwait digest of us share the duty of protecting our environment from pollutions and keeping it safe and clean for us and the future generations. Let us take this as a goal Who’ll be affected by increasing power, water prices? to work for as we prepare to welcome the new year.

By Dr Bader Al-Daihani

kuwait digest e-pricing oil and energy derivatives will not are very significant. It goes way beyond that. independent and effective and national fortunes be useful to the whole society and truly fair Rationalizing power is not an end in itself - it is should be fairly distributed because the funds or The ones you know Runless it is made as an integral part of a rather a means of protecting the environment, revenues to be collected after increasing fees will comprehensive radical financial, economic and stop public fund squander, rationalize using eventually go to a small group, the way much of about, of course! political reform process that would result in national resources and subsidize the state budget the previous surpluses have gone. widening public participation in policy and deci- to achieve comprehensive sustainable develop- In addition, the consumption category system By Hassan Al-Essa sion-making and eventually achieve social justice. ment from which everybody can equally benefit. will lead to reducing necessary social subsidies As stated by the finance minster a few days and overburdening those with medium and small he Sabah Al-Ahmed Center for kidney urinary ago, the government wants to increase electricity incomes alone with the state’s budget’s deficit by tract diseases gives a bright image of Kuwait in and water tariffs after reducing government sub- The system currently increasing the cost of living, because private com- Tterms of the quality medical services patients sidies and dividing tariffs into categories accord- used is unfair because panies and retailers will add the extra cost on get there. It has a civilized management style in fol- ing to consumption rates, which might help them, especially in view of a lack of proper moni- lowing up cases and organizing their OPD appoint- rationalize consumption, stop waste, support the the subsidies given to toring and the dominance of all forms of corrup- ments. The building overlooking the beach brings joy state’s budget and be nominally accepted if those tion. to patients as long as the windows are closed to avoid with limited income were exempted and low-cost private residences are Accordingly, re-pricing oil and energy deriva- smelling the terrible odors from the tons of contami- consumption rates were raised for private resi- less than those given to tives will not be useful to the whole society and nated sewage water that have been dumped in our dences to distinguish it from investment resi- truly fair unless it was made as an integral part of poor sea for long decades of negligence and indiffer- dences and agricultural, industrial and commer- other sectors. a comprehensive radical financial, economic and ence. Nevertheless, the center remains a shining light cial sectors. political reform process that would result in in state-provided healthcare. The system currently used is unfair because the Therefore, unless we have a democratic good widening public participation in policy and deci- This state -of-the-art building has been designed, subsidies given to private residences are less than management that allows wider, more effective sion-making and eventually achieve social justice built, furnished and equipped with up-to-date facili- those given to other sectors. Nevertheless, the public participation in transparently setting poli- as well as fixing the national economy and gener- ties in such a short period that makes one wish that problem does not lie in conserving hydrocarbons, cies and decision-making in terms of financial al budget imbalances! all projects can approached the same way. The reason water and electricity consumption, though they administration. Monitoring bodies should also be —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida behind this exception is that, like some other proj- ects, the center was built by the Amiri Diwan, and not by MPW with all its complicated contracting and end- less tendering procedures, that in most case, are cus- tom-tailored to fit some of ‘the ones you know about’. kuwait digest kuwait digest We dream that MPW and the Municipality, with its endless corruption, would dissolved and that all state MoI between law and spirit of law! We have no projects including long-forgotten hospitals whose freedom of opinion tenders were cancelled without even suing those By Thaar Al-Rasheedi responsible for it because they belong to ‘the ones By Abdullatif Al-Duaij you know about’ and many other delayed projects aw enforcement is very essential. Laws were only set the department’s officials, who all of a sudden started would be handed over to the Amiri Diwan to end this to be imposed as an integral part of regulating or squeezing money out of people’s pockets for a fault they headache. hen debate about freedom of opinion is raised, I Lorganizing public concerns. However, to pass a law themselves have committed by delaying the law’s enforce- believe the problem here is that we do not differenti- Just stop it! There is nothing wrong in this. In many and issue it in 1979 and only put it into practice this year ment for over 35 years. East Asian countries, many advanced modern indus- Wate at all between opinion, which the constitution after 35 years in a most shocking and unexpected way is Your Excellency the deputy PM and minister of interior - describes as ‘expressing one’s thoughts’, and verbal assault with trial states have been built and states modernized in something that calls for a stand. I am talking about the for- expats, companies and sponsors are being held accountable intention to insult. Unfortunately, ‘criticism’ here is regarded as record times compared to other states simply eigners’ residency law that was passed in 1979, particularly for a mistake committed by MoI’s citizenship and passports an insult, despite the fact that criticism is actually an evaluation because leaderships of those countries were decisive article 9 of the law which mandates all residents to notify department. You are a man of law enforcement who realizes that can lead to praising the evaluated person. The bigger and there was no pressure from competitors or profi- the Interior Ministry after renewing and extending their the importance of warnings and notifications before the dilemma is that we have protection and glorification of every- passport validity within a maximum of 60 days after which government starts imposing or activating any law. The sud- teering groups found in many countries that have thing. Religion and all religious figures and texts are protected. they would be fined KD 2 per day, with a maximum of KD den enforcement of this particular article after more three adopted democracy. Those countries’ leaderships Furthermore, the sanctification expands to include parents, 600. This law was kept inactive in MoI’s drawers for 35 years, and a half decades of delay is a severe mistake on the min- were naturally authoritarian like China, Vietnam and senior citizens, leaders, officials, teachers, or any person in and all of a sudden, the ministry’s citizenship and passports istry’s side. Mr Minister, people went to bed and woke up Singapore, for instance. There were no obstacles authority. Therefore, no one under our customs and traditions department suddenly decides the following day to find out delaying the vast development leaps forward like can express his opinion freely. Expression of an opinion is a activating it without prior they were indebted to your min- those found in some Latin American countries like The second mistake the crime unless it is in praise of the subject of the said opinion. It is Mexico or Argentina, which are also authoritarian, but notice, warning or even granti- istry by tens of millions. Why? ng violators a grace period! This happened not because impossible to express a different opinion without expressing a with exemptions. East Asian countries usually pro- department committed Doing so, the department has they were criminals or law viola- clear opposition of the old one, therefore reducing its status. It duce very dedicated leaders, and loops through actually committed two legal was not issuing a single tors. It merely happened is also impossible to criticize the backward reality without which some corrupt figures may find their way mistakes or violations. The first because your ministry officials, affecting those who resist change. through, like those in corrupt electoral systems or one is activating an article warning about its intention namely those in the citizenship That is why any form of expression of opinion is considered corrupt totalitarian regimes like those in many Arab nobody knows ever existed or and passports section, decided a crime here. Expressing an opinion is meant to address the and African countries, are very limited. even knew it was necessary. It is to activate that particular to activate a law they them- need to change and break away from heritage. However, most I would have gone forever speaking about the as if the department suddenly selves had not known ever exist- of us, or those in control, are committed to protecting the said magic wand the Amiri Diwan can have if it replaced decided to punish expatriates article of the law. ed! Your Excellency, the solution heritage. If you describe a person as a conservative, it would be the MPW, but I was awakened by a story told by an and companies for the mistake is very simple. First, you have to acceptable, and sometimes considered a praise in the sense acquaintance. He said that he won an agricultural it had been making for over 35 years. The citizenship and temporarily halt activating article 9 for six months and I that this person would be considered devout in general. But if land plot in Wafra by lottery and he was very happy passports sector is actually blaming expatriates for its own believe this will not be hard for you since you had not used you describe him as he is - being unable to keep up with civi- because it overlooked a main street, according to mistake in not putting the law into practice! it in over 35 years. So, what’s six more months? Secondly, lization - this would be considered an insult that you can face blueprints. Yet, later on, he found that his land plot The second mistake the department committed was not grant violators a grace period to legalize their statuses, and criminal charges for! This means that forces in power socially and that of his neighbor did not overlook the street issuing a single warning about its intention to activate that thirdly, launch a wide-scale awareness campaign in the and politically remain in control, and they alone determine the because the area between them and the street was particular article of the law. I mean that MoI is legally man- media about intentions to enforce the law. difference between freedom of opinion and insult. And of allocated to the Amiri Diwan to be later on distrib- dated to put signs warning motorists that the roads they Your Excellency, a law has two sides - the text and the course, for these forces, every opinion expressed in contradic- tion to their beliefs is considered an insult whose speaker uted to ‘the ones you know about’! drive on are monitored by speed cameras and radars, and so spirit, and spirit should overrule. So your decision to tem- needs to be punished. My acquaintance’s story reminded me of many it should have warned expatriates, companies and sponsors porarily halt this article will show that you are in favor of that it would activate article 9 of the foreigners’ residency law’s spirit, which our country has always been keen on. Freedom of opinion here, as head of the Supreme Judicial similar stories about some Kuwaiti investors who had law and grant them a grace period so that violators could Finally, by simple calculations, do you realize how much the Council said, is not absolute - rather it is subject to controls bought land plots overlooking the sea in a brotherly legalize their statuses. interior ministry has cost the state budget by not activating such as avoiding defying anyone! How can you express an state and later found out that the beach their lands What the department did was suddenly noticing that the article 9 of the foreigners’ residency law since 1979? I can opinion without defying the opinions and beliefs of others? overlooked had been and reclaimed for the benefit of article existed and decided activating it without prior notice, simply say that the wasted public funds are not less than a Your opinion in this case does not matter, because you are ‘the ones you know about’! though the interior ministry’s prime duty is to boost public quarter billion dinars. Who is going to be held accountable seen as an ‘offender’ who needs to be punished and ‘advised’ to Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida — awareness of such legalities, which was not done by any of for such a loss? —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa follow the right path!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 Flamboyant AirAsia boss confronts first In US-Cuba prisoner swap, mystery over unnamed 53 major crisis Page 9 Page 12

KABUL: US General John Campbell (second left) opens the flag of Resolute Support (RC) during a ceremony marking the end of ISAF’s combat mission in Afghanistan at the ISAF headquarters yesterday. — AFP US, NATO end 13-year Afghan war Flag lowered on conflict, but insurgency boils

KABUL: NATO formally ended its war in direct fighting, but will assist the Afghan army has highlighted fears that the international repeat of Iraq, where an American-trained Abdullah Abdullah. But their “unity govern- Afghanistan yesterday, holding a low-key cere- and police in their battle against the Taliban, intervention has failed as Afghanistan faces army virtually collapsed in the face of a jihadist ment” has failed to appoint any new ministers mony in Kabul after 13 years of conflict that who ruled from 1996 until 2001. When num- spiralling violence. The United Nations says onslaught. “Our sons and daughters of ANSF three months after taking power. Ghani hopes have left the country in the grip of worsening bers peaked in 2011, about 130,000 troops that civilian casualties hit a record high in (Afghan National Security Forces) are in the to bring peace to Afghanistan after decades of insurgent violence. The event was arranged in from 50 nations were part of the NATO military 2014, jumping by 19 percent with 3,188 civil- lead, fighting to protect security interests. God conflict, saying he is open to talks with any secret due to the threat of Taleban strikes in alliance. ians killed by the end of November. Afghan’s willing, they will prevail,” national security insurgent group. Hamid Karzai, president from the Afghan capital, which has been hit by “I hope you take great pride in the positive police and army have also suffered a grim adviser Mohmmad Hanif Atmar said at the cer- 2001 until 2014, opened preliminary contacts repeated suicide bombings and gun attacks impact you’ve made and will continue to make death toll, with fatalities soaring to more than emony. with the Taliban but they collapsed acrimo- over recent years. “Together... we have lifted upon the Afghan people,” Campbell said in a 4,600 in the first 10 months of 2014 - far high- Since 2001, billions of dollars of aid have niously last year. the Afghan people out of the darkness of speech released by ISAF on Twitter as live er than all ISAF deaths since 2001. been spent in Afghanistan on new schools, The US will continue to provide some air despair and given them hope for the future,” broadcasts were banned for security reasons. hospitals, roads and promoting women’s support for the Afghan military, and may NATO commander US General John Campbell Campbell folded up the ISAF flag and unveiled Taleban Strength rights, but corruption has been endemic and extend operations if required to prevent rap- told assembled soldiers. “You’ve made the flag of the new mission, named Resolute “The US and NATO mission was an absolute progress limited even in the cities. This year’s id Taleban advances. “In just a few days, our Afghanistan stronger and our countries safer.” Support. Yesterday’s ceremony - held in a failure as today’s ceremony shows,” Taleban presidential election, which was meant to be combat mission in Afghanistan will be over,” On Jan 1, the US-led International Security sports hall at NATO headquarters - completed spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP. “They the keystone legacy of the development US President Barack Obama said in his Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission, which the gradual handover of responsiblity to the are fleeing from Afghanistan. They have not effort, was marred by fraud and a prolonged Christmas Day address. “Our longest war will has suffered 3,485 military deaths since 2001, 350,000-strong Afghan forces, who have been reached their goals in defeating the Afghan stand-off between the two poll rivals that come to a responsible end.” Recent insurgent will be replaced by a NATO “training and sup- in charge of nationwide security since last mujahideen.” US and Afghan commanders fanned further unrest. targets in Kabul have included foreign guest- port” mission. About 12,500 foreign troops year. But recent bloodshed has undermined insist the national security forces can hold the Ashraf Ghani eventually emerged as the houses, diplomatic convoys and Afghan staying in Afghanistan will not be involved in claims that the insurgency is weakening and line against the Taleban despite concerns of a new president in a power-sharing deal with army buses. —AFP Hamas bars Gaza kids Bahrain police grill Shiite oppn chief from visiting Israel DUBAI: Police in Bahrain grilled the head of the banned Shiite opposition movement Al-Wefaq yesterday over “vio- ISRAEL-GAZA BORDER: Hamas authorities Aviv beach and a nearby safari. The sched- lations” of the law ahead of prosecuting him, an interior in the Gaza Strip prevented yesterday a ule also included a meeting with Abbas in ministry statement said. Sheikh Ali Salman was summoned group of Palestinian children who lost par- Ramallah. to the criminal investigation department yesterday morn- ents in the July-August war with Israel from Goodwill visits to Israel from Gaza are ing and questioned about “violating certain aspects of the making a rare goodwill visit to the Jewish rare given ongoing hostility with Islamist law”, the statement said. It added that steps were being state, organisers of the trip said. Gaza’s Hamas, though Palestinian patients from taken to “refer him to the prosecution” service, but provid- Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry, citing the impoverished enclave are regularly ed no further details. the children’s “suspicious” itinerary, con- admitted for pressing medical treatment. Salman’s lawyer, Abdullah Al-Shamlan, tweeted that firmed they were barred from crossing the Eyad Al-Bozom, spokesman for the Interior “Sheikh Ali is on his way to the prosecutor’s office” and that border. Israeli peace activists said they had Ministry in Gaza, said the children had he had been prevented from defending his client. Salman, secured permission from the military to been stopped from crossing into Israel “to 49, secured a new four-year term as Al-Wefaq chief at its admit the 37 children and five accompany- preserve the culture and tradition of our general congress on Friday. The same day thousands of ing adults for a week-long tour of Israel and people” and because they were slated to Shiites protested along a road linking two of their villages the occupied West Bank, seat of Palestinian visit “suspicious” sites. He did not elaborate. near Manama to call for the dismissal of parliament and President Mahmoud Abbas’s government. Malek Freij, director of the charity the government. Yoel Marshak, an activist named on the Candle for Peace which was also named on In July, the justice ministry sued Al-Wefaq, demanding permit, said the group included children of the children’s Israeli military-issued entry that it rectify its “illegal status following the annulment of Hamas fighters killed in the 50-day war, permit, said he and fellow organisers had four general assemblies for lack of a quorum and the non- which according to the Gaza Health sent 40 truckloads of aid into Gaza during commitment to the public and transparency requirements Ministry claimed more than 2,100 the war and had previously hosted a small for holding them”. The Manama administrative court Palestinian lives, most of them non-com- number of Palestinian orphans. He said slapped Al-Wefaq with the ban on Oct 28 and gave it three batants. Israel put the number of its dead that this time, advance Israeli media months to hold an assembly to elect its leadership. The rul- at 67 troops and 6 civilians. During their reports of the children’s planned visit ing came after Al-Wefaq announced it was boycotting a visit, Marshak said, the children were to apparently led Hamas to cancel it. “They parliamentary election in November, the first in the Gulf have toured Arab towns in Israel as well as (Gaza authorities) thought that Israel wants state since Sunni authorities crushed Shiite-led pro- southern areas that had been under threat to exploit these children, and that’s a mis- democracy protests in 2011. Al-Wefaq, which withdrew its of Gaza rockets. They were also scheduled take,” Freij told Reuters next to the empty GAZA: Palestinian children wait on a bus at Erez crossing in Beit Hanun in the north lawmakers from parliament in protest, denounced the vote to attend a performance by a Jewish-Arab bus awaiting the group on the Israeli side of the Gaza Strip yesterday before being prevented by Hamas from entering Israeli as a “farce”. It has called for an elected prime minister who band and visit a mixed-race school, the Tel of the Gaza border.—Reuters territory in a pre-arranged weeklong trip, organisers and officials said. — AFP is independent from the ruling royal family.—AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Lehava a dilemma

JERUSALEM: A far-right Israeli group that against Lehava activists on possible agitates against Arabs in the name of reli- charges of inciting racist attacks would be gion and national security is forcing the harder. Jewish state into a legal and political bal- “Their public statements have been ancing act as it tries to contain sectarian less unequivocal,” said the official, who violence. Among their activities, Lehava spoke on condition of anonymity. “It is a activists yelling “Death to the Arabs” pick- complex matter, especially as we do not eted the wedding in August of a Muslim want to intrude on legal rights to freedom to a Jewish woman who converted to of expression.” Incitement to violence on Islam. Now three members have been racial or religious grounds carries a 5-year charged with an arson attack on a cross- prison sentence in Israel, 20 percent of faith school in Jerusalem last month. whose citizens are Arabs. When felonies Communal tension has been rising fol- are committed as a result of such incite- lowing last summer’s Gaza war, in which ment, hate-crime legislation empowers more than 2,000 Palestinians died, and judges to double the standard penalties. feuding over access to Jerusalem’s holiest site. This has spilled over into Palestinian Hard Core Views street attacks on Jews, including the Lehava’s core cause is discouraging killing of four rabbis and a Druze police- romances between Jews and gentiles, say- man at a synagogue. Illustrating the risk of ing it is campaigning to preserve Judaism. sectarian violence, a Palestinian youth was While such relationships are rare in Israel, burned to death in July by Israeli the group has disseminated names and assailants in alleged revenge for the killing pictures of Arabs suspected of courting HAVANA: A man using a bicycle taxi carries pink balloons to a birthday party on Saturday. — AP of three Jewish teens by militants in the Jewish women, and critics accuse it of West Bank. using vigilantes to threaten the men with The authorities are under pressure to violence. Lehava has also urged Israeli In US-Cuba prisoner swap, deal with anyone encouraging Jewish businesses not to employ Palestinians retaliation against Israeli Arabs and from the occupied West Bank and East Palestinians. Efforts to tackle Lehava, how- Jerusalem, branding them as “tomorrow’s ever, may be complicated by guarantees terrorists”. mystery over unnamed 53 of free speech and sympathy for the Gopshtein was a disciple of the late group among a minority of Israelis. Meir Kahane, a US-born rabbi who advo- Lehava, whose name means “flame” but is cated the expulsion of Arabs from Israel Dissidents concerned and frustrated also a Hebrew acronym for “Preventing and the Palestinian territories. Gopshtein, Assimilation in the Holy Land”, denies 45, said he had previously had run-ins HAVANA: Cuba’s most prominent dissidents say ed to their political activities, but declined to so far, none of the 53 have been named and no wrongdoing and says it is the target of a with the police for disorderly conduct they have been kept in the dark by US officials answer further questions. one has been freed since the deal was announced. political witch-hunt. while active with Kahane’s movement over a list of 53 political prisoners who will be Neither the US nor the Cuban governments Reuters spoke with five of the most influential dis- Police rounded up 21 Lehava mem- Kach, which was banned from Israeli poli- released from jail as part of a deal to end have said when the prisoners would be released. sident leaders in Cuba - Sanchez and Soler as well bers, including its leader Benzion tics as racist in 1988. Asked whether decades of hostility between the United States Cuba declined to comment on why more details as Jose Daniel Ferrer, Martha Beatriz Roque and Gopshtein, after the attack on the school Lehava might similarly be outlawed, the and Cuba. For years, dissident leaders have told have not been publicly released. The dissident Guillermo Farinas. All said US officials have been in where Jewish and Arab children study Israeli official said: “That possibility will be the United States which opponents of Cuba’s Cuban Commission on Human Rights and contact with them but have given them no infor- together. The raids suggest a crackdown examined.” communist government were being jailed or National Reconciliation, which keeps track of mation about the 53 prisoners. on Lehava, and maybe a ban, is in the Mainstream Israeli leaders have con- harassed, but they say they were not consulted activists in the different opposition groups, works. The three men charged with the demned the arson attack and other racist when the list of prisoners to be freed was drawn counted in June a total of 114 political prisoners, Desperate for Answers arson attack have yet to enter a plea, incidents. The arrests were led by a police up or even told who is on it. although it includes 12 who are on parole after Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba while Gopshtein argues he is being target- taskforce set up last year to tackle violent The lack of information has stoked concern being released from jail plus several others who (UNPACU) dissident group, told Reuters he has ed for what he says, not what he does. “I’m far-right Jews. Tamar Hermann, a sociolo- and frustration among the dissidents, who worry have since been released. been in close contact with deeply concerned rel- being investigated for public comments I gist and pollster with the Israel Democracy that the secret list is flawed and that genuine The group’s veteran leader Elizondo Sanchez, atives and that some inmates have called from made about co-existence, even though I Institute (IDI), said state action against political prisoners who should be on it will be who also spoke with Reuters, says at least 80 prison to see if they are likely to be released. The never advocated violence,” he told Reuters Lehava had only followed repeated com- left to languish. “We’re concerned because we peaceful dissidents are on that list, including some wife of one prisoner called Ferrer late on Friday. after being released from police custody. plaints by left-leaning petitions and media don’t agree with the silence, because we have a whose only crime was to demonstrate or scribble “She asked me if I thought her husband would Lehava’s policy was to stay within the law, commentators. Such pressure on police, right to know who they are. Who are they?” said anti-government graffiti. Others include soldiers be among those to be freed, and I told her the he said, but he declined to condemn the Herman added, may be offset by the grow- Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White dissi- who deserted with their weapons, former govern- same thing I told other families: We don’t have school attack. ing ranks of Israelis who sympathise with dent group, which marches in Havana on ment officials, people who tried to hijack an air- any certainty and no clues to reach a conclusion Gopshtein, who put the number of Lehava. An IDI poll to be published next Sundays to demand the release of prisoners. plane to the United States and eight militants about who they are,” Ferrer said. Lehava members at 5,000, said the author- month found 21 percent of Israeli Jews “There are not just 53 political prisoners, jailed for entering Cuba from the United States UNPACU describes 42 of its activists as politi- ities “are bothered that we have such identify themselves as “religious national- there are more, and we are concerned that the and trying to start insurrections. US President cal prisoners. Cuba says it has no political prison- broad support, which is why they’re carry- ists”, she said, while about three percent US list might have common criminals on it,” she Barack Obama announced a new era in US-Cuba ers but, announcing the deal with the United ing out arrests”. An Israeli official described hold “hard-core” views against gentiles. told Reuters in Havana. US officials have so far relations on Dec 17, saying they would restore States, President Raul Castro said his govern- the Lehava arrests as part of a drive to “The rise of extreme religiosity that we are been tight-lipped about how the list of 53 was diplomatic ties broken more than five decades ment would be releasing some inmates who stamp out hate speech. Among those fac- seeing in the Middle East, and even in assembled and who was consulted inside Cuba. ago and he would begin to unravel economic were of interest to the United States. It has said ing charges are eight Palestinians from Europe and the United States, is happen- It also is not clear if some prisoners were kept off sanctions that were aimed at forcing the commu- nothing else about them since. Cuba denounces East Jerusalem accused of encouraging ing in Israel, too, and I don’t see it as mere- the list because the Cuban government refused nists from power. the dissidents as mercenaries working for the attacks on Israelis over social media. But ly a counter-reaction to Arab hostility,” to release them. A US official said on Saturday US officials said that Cuba agreed as part of the United States in a campaign against Cuba, and the official said securing convictions Hermann said. — Reuters that Washington had asked Cuba to release a deal to release 53 people that Washington consid- the opposition groups have limited popular sup- specific group of people jailed on charges relat- ered political prisoners. Some dissidents say that, port. — Reuters p10 2_Layout 1 12/28/14 9:35 PM Page 1

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Greek MPs hold crunch presidential vote to avert snap polls

ATHENS: Lawmakers in debt-laden to 180 votes, but even this seems a tall clear majority to form a government on privatisation of state assets-key ele- safely into port,” he said, repeating his Greece will today try for a third and final order. Most newspapers predict the gov- its own if polls were held now. ments of reforms demanded by credi- offer to bring elections forward to late time to elect a new president and avoid ernment will face a tough time getting tors. 2015 if a new president is elected. a snap general election that could its candidate elected. If no president is ‘Save society and Greece’ The looming political stalemate, as Syriza’s leader Alexis Tsipras was undermine the country’s international chosen, a general election will automati- Greece recently secured a two-month well as Syriza’s political agenda, prompt- already crowing victory over the week- bailout. cally be triggered. extension from its EU-IMF creditors to ed German Finance Minister Wolfgang end and renewed a pledge to unravel The definitive round of voting to European Union and International conclude an ongoing fiscal audit that Schaeuble to warn that any new govern- the tough belt-tightening measures. choose a successor to President Karolos Monetary Fund officials fear an early poll will determine the release of some 7.0 ment must respect commitments made “Syriza’s victory in elections will Papoulias comes during last-ditch would be won by the anti-austerity, radi- billion euros ($8.6 billion) in loans. This by its predecessor. jumpstart a massive national effort to efforts by Prime Minister Antonis cal leftist Syriza party and could undo extension expires in February. “We will continue to help Greece save society and restore Greece,” Tsipras Samaras to get the government’s candi- many of Greece’s ongoing fiscal reforms. The reforms required by the along the path of difficult reforms,” said in an article in Avgi newspaper. date elected and avert early polls. Recent opinion polls show Samaras’s European Union and International Schaeuble said in an interview with “Our first step will be to carry out our “The Greek people don’t want early ruling coalition trailing Syriza, which Monetary Fund have improved the gov- Germany’s Bild newspaper on Saturday. programme to address the humanitarian elections. The Greek people understand wants to renegotiate the conditions of ernment’s finances, but have taken a But if Greece “decides to take another crisis. This won’t create new loans, nor where this adventure could lead,” the bailout and roll back unpopular aus- heavy toll on Greeks as unemployment path, that will be more difficult,” the con- will it be a subject of negotiations,” he Samaras said late Saturday in an inter- terity measures imposed by the credi- has soared above 27 percent and many servative minister warned. said. Greece’s dire finances nearly view on Nerit public television. tors. people have had wages and benefits Although Greece is scheduled to hold destroyed the euro in 2012 and, despite The government’s candidate, EU Syriza’s lead has narrowed to 3.3 per- cut. its next elections in 2016, Samaras on two bailouts worth 240 billion euros and Environment Commissioner Stavros cent from 3.6 percent in early December, Syriza, which has declined to vote in Saturday already appeared to be bracing most of the debt held by private Dimas, fell 32 votes short of the required according to a survey by the Alco polling the presidential election in order to for snap polls. investors being wiped out, the economy 200 in the second round held tomorrow. institute for Proto Thema newspaper, force snap polls, wants to raise salaries “Even though elections would be has only begun to recover after six years Today’s final vote will see the target fall indicating the party would not have a and pensions, halt layoffs and freeze the convenient for me, I want to see the ship of contraction. — AFP Sweden can’t avoid immigration debate

STOCKHOLM: Sweden may have narrowly cuss the consequences of their immigration avoided snap elections that would have been laws. “We have to talk more about immigra- dominated by a debate on immigration, but tion and integration. No one talks about it with asylum seekers arriving in record num- and that gives the protest parties more room bers the issue is unlikely to stay off the agen- because they are willing to address the issue,” da for long, analysts say. said Jakob, a 35-year-old IT consultant, who The Sweden Democrats, a far-right party declined to give his last name. holding the balance of power in parliament, Critics argue politicians like former prime had said they wanted the polls to serve as a minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who says Sweden “referendum on immigration”-and they can handle many more immigrants, are out of almost succeeded. tune with the reality on the ground. “If we had ended up with snap elections, They say integration has generally been we would have talked a lot about immigra- much less successful than claimed by the tion and it would have been on the Sweden political establishment and a lack of open Democrats’ terms,” said Camilla Sandstroem, a debate has made the situation worse. political scientist at Umeaa University in A series of riots last year by stone-throw- northern Sweden. ing and car-burning youths in several immi- The Sweden Democrats, who came third grant-heavy neighbourhoods, mainly in the in September parliamentary polls, this month Stockholm area, has added to the controver- pushed Prime Minister Stefan Loefven to call sy. Elin Wihlborg, a social scientist at early elections after they refused to back his Linkoeping University near Stockholm, said a budget to signal discontent with his gener- conversation on immigration is bound to ous immigration policies. happen before the next election, slated for But on Saturday, Loefven, a Social late 2018. Democrat, announced a surprise deal with “Most people in Sweden agree that we are the centre-right opposition that enables him an open nation and we want to welcome asy- to stay in the job without seeking a new man- lum seekers for a period of time, but the big date from voters. problem at the moment is how we actually ALBANIA: Italian Navy ship the “San Giorgio” leaves the port of Brindisi to take part in the rescue operations of the burning ferry “Norman He unveiled a wide-ranging agreement treat people who have arrived here,” she said. Atlantica” adrift off Albania, yesterday. Desperate passengers pleaded by mobile phone live on TV to be saved from a burning ferry adrift off that aims to ensure political stability until She added that Swedish municipalities, Albania yesterday as rescuers battled gale-force winds and billowing smoke to get to them. — AFP 2022 by allowing the traditional parties to who often complain about housing short- govern without asking for support from the ages, could end up triggering a public debate Sweden Democrats. on immigration. “It’s very much the responsi- But one word was absent from the accord: bility of the local governments to manage One dead, hundreds stranded immigration. “It’s a bit surprising that the asylum seekers, and I think the national gov- immigration issue is not part of the deal,” said ernment has to take that issue more seriously Sandstroem. “We urgently need to discuss it.” because the local politicians in the municipal- in Greek ferry disaster Sweden, with a population of 9.6 million ities can’t really cope,” said Wihlborg. people, has one of Europe’s most liberal Anders Widfeldt, an expert on Swedish immigration policies and is expected to politics at the University of Aberdeen in receive up to 105,000 asylum seekers next Scotland, said Swedes were having the Passengers plead to be saved from burning ferry year, according to official estimates. This debate already. “There is talk about unem- record number is partly due to a sweeping ployment. There is talk about integration. ATHENS: A fire erupted on a ferry carrying 478 flames. Nine of the rescued were flown to the Albania, Italy and several other countries, includ- gesture announced last year to grant perma- There is talk about crime,” he said. “What on people from Greece to Italy yesterday, leaving southern Italian city of Lecce and the rest taken ing Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and France. nent residency to all Syrian refugees who Earth is it that is not being debated? It’s just one person dead and trapping hundreds on top to nearby ships, said Greek Merchant Marine Many of the crew included Italians. make it to Sweden. that it’s being debated on different terms.” decks as gale-force winds and choppy seas ham- spokesman Nikos Lagadianos. Lagadianos said a lifeboat carrying about 150 What Swedes really want to avoid is a pered evacuation. Passengers described scenes of terror and passengers had been lowered into the water, Tolerant, and proud of it debate that opens up “negative, stereotyping, The Italian Navy said that the victim and an chaos. “They called first on women and children and hours later some of them were apparently Most Swedes are proud of the openness stigmatising feelings about people that come injured person were transported by helicopter to to be evacuated from the ship,” Vassiliki still in the lifeboat. Italian rescue workers started and tolerance associated with their country. from other countries and have fled for their the southern Italian city of Brindisi on Sunday Tavrizelou, who was rescued along with her 2- transporting passengers from the lifeboat by However, many also insist on the need to dis- lives,” he said. —AFP evening. Greek and Italian rescue helicopters year-old daughter, told The Associated Press. helicopter - two at a time - to the nearby Cruise and vessels struggled to reach the crippled ferry, “Ships could not approach us because of the Europa ship. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras battered by 90 kilometer per hour (55 mph) rain and winds,” Tavrizelou said in a telephone was in contact with his Italian counterpart, Croatians vote for president winds that pushed it toward the Albanian coast. interview from a hospital in Lecce. “We were at Matteo Renzi, to coordinate the operation. Nearby merchant ships lined up to form a least four hours on the deck, in the cold and Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis under cloud of economic crisis barrier to protect the ferry from towering waves rain.” Varvitsiotis said the Coast Guard was in constant and facilitate rescue. As darkness fell, Italian She recalled the ship alarm going off and see- contact with Italian authorities and the Greek ZAGREB: Croatians cast ballots yesterday to 2013 hoping membership would revive its Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti said rescue ing fire from her cabin. “Then we heard explo- armed forces. “We are committed to rescuing elect a president under the cloud of a deep flagging economy. operations would continue throughout the sions,” she said. It was not immediately clear everyone on the ship, and are trying to ensure economic crisis, with incumbent Ivo Josipovic But the tourism-reliant economy of the night. The fire broke out on the car deck of the what the explosions were, and the cause of the that nobody will be left unaided,” he said. seen as the frontrunner as he sought a sec- small Adriatic nation of 4.2 million remains Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic, traveling from fire has yet to be determined. Greek authorities said they had sent five heli- ond term leading the EU’s newest member one of the EU’s weakest after six years of the western Greek port of Patras to the Italian Passenger Giorgos Stiliaras told Greek Mega copters and a military transport plane to the state. Surveys ahead of the vote showed that recession. Unemployment is close to 20 per- port of Ancona on the Adriatic, with 422 passen- TV that passengers were having trouble breath- area to assist in the operation. of the four candidates vying for the largely cent, half of the country’s youth are jobless gers and 56 crew members on board. The ship ing with all the smoke. “We are outside, we are Italian Coast Guard and naval vessels were ceremonial post, the 57-year-old centre-left and public debt is close to 80 percent of gross was stricken about 42 nautical miles (48 miles, very cold, the ship is full of smoke,” he said by involved in the rescue operation, as were heli- leader had only one serious rival: Kolinda domestic product (GDP). 78 kilometers) northwest of the Greek island of telephone. “The boat is still burning, the floors copters from the Italian Navy and Air Force. Grabar-Kitarovic of the main opposition con- Corfu. are boiling.” He recalled “the smell of burning Lagadianos said two Greek Coast Guard tug- servative HDZ. With none of the candidates ‘He shares the blame’ Some 11 hours after pre-dawn blaze erupted plastic” waking people up. boats and two firefighting vessels were also expected to win more than 50 percent out- The centre-left government has been as passengers slept, only 149 people had been The ship, which was run by a Greek ferry com- heading toward the ship. A Greek frigate was right, a run-off round on January 11 is likely. accused of failing to carry out the necessary rescued from the ferry, and the blaze was still pany, was packed with holidaymakers and truck being sent to the area, as well as Italian Navy Social Democrat Prime Minister Zoran reforms to address the country’s huge and burning, the Greek Merchant Marine Ministry drivers making the popular transport run ships that are much closer. Flying overhead were Milanovic, who voted in downtown Zagreb, inefficient public sector or improve the said. Heavy gray smoke enveloped the top between Greece and Italy. Of those on board, a C-130 military transport plane, five helicopters voiced hope that bad weather and snow that investment climate. decks as dusk approached, while tugboats 234 passengers and 34 crew are Greek, said and a Super Puma helicopter, the spokesman hit most of the country Sunday overnight Weighed down by the SDP-led govern- sprayed water in a battle to extinguish the Lagadianos. Other passengers are from Turkey, said. —AP would not affect turnout. ment’s unpopularity and accused by critics of At 1030 GMT, four and a half hours after not taking a clear stance on major issues, polling stations opened, turnout was 13.19 Josipovic has taken firmer attitudes in the percent, the electoral commission said. It was months leading up to the vote. Russian magazine editor faces 15 days in jail some two percent more than at the same On the economic front, he has pledged a time five years ago. “better economy with jobs for every young The soft-spoken Josipovic-the popular person”. Mario Rozankovic, a voter from MOSCOW: The editor-in-chief of Russia’s top policeman. while a minority disagrees with his policies, third president of the former Yugoslav repub- Zagreb in his 30s, said he supported Josipovic opposition magazine, The New Times, has been The channel, which has been behind a num- claiming the country is hurtling towards politi- lic since independence in 1991 — is a mem- because he viewed him as “honest, accused of disobeying traffic police and faces ber of smear campaigns against anti-Kremlin cal and economic catastrophe. ber of Milanovic’s Social Democratic Party respectable, intelligent and capable”. up to 15 days in jail amid ever-shrinking toler- figures, said that Albats was returning from a The raging tensions with Ukraine and the (SDP), the main partner in the ruling coalition. Though the president has limited powers- ance for dissent. “party at a Georgian restaurant”. West has left Russian society hugely polarised, A former law professor who won office on an running the country is primarily left to the Writing on Twitter, Yevgenia Albats said a NTV said she initially refused to pull over and with critics accusing the Kremlin of using anti-corruption ticket, Josipovic famously government-yesterday’s election is seen as a court would hear her case tonorrow. “Over police were forced to give chase, adding that national television to whip up aggression and played Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” on piano key test for Croatia’s political parties ahead of what?” she said in a tweet late Saturday. “Over the editor then bickered with officers. With a rel- hatred towards dissenters. when Croatia joined the European Union in parliamentary contests in late 2015.— AFP nothing.” Reached by AFP on Sunday, Albats atively small print run, the weekly magazine Authorities are further tightening the screws declined to comment. known for its searing covers and uncompromis- against key members of the beleaguered She said earlier that traffic police had ing anti-Kremlin stance, punches above its protest movement while anti-opposition stopped her car on a busy Moscow street on weight. activists are hounding them with ever-growing Saturday and requested to see her identifica- impunity. tion. She said she had complied but had never- ‘Condom campaign’ In an episode broadcast on television, pro- theless been accused of disobeying police. Along with the opposition newspaper Kremlin activists last week distributed condoms “I have not violated a single law,” Albats said Novaya Gazeta, Internet TV channel Dozhd and featuring the images of prominent Putin critics on the popular Echo of Moscow radio where she a handful of other outlets, the magazine has including Alexei Navalny and Mikhail also hosts a show. She indicated her case may served as a safety valve of sorts, giving Kremlin Khodorkovsky. be politically motivated but declined to elabo- critics a platform to air their views. In an eyebrow-raising statement that made rate. Albats would be represented in court by Tensions are mounting in Russia as interna- many cringe, Putin in 2011 compared the white her lawyer, she said. A spokesman for Moscow tional isolation is growing and the country is ribbons opposition supporters pinned to their police confirmed to AFP that Albats had com- sliding into a full-blown crisis under the pres- lapels as a symbol of protest to condoms. mitted an administrative offence but declined sure from falling oil prices and Western sanc- Prosecutors this month called for Navalny to to provide further details. Disobeying police or tions over Ukraine. be sentenced to 10 years in prison for alleged other representatives of the Russian authorities The patriotic euphoria triggered by the fraud in a case he and his supporters say is polit- is punishable by a fine or up to 15 days in jail. seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March is ically motivated. State-controlled television channel NTV ebbing as concerns over shrinking salaries and Thousands pledged to take to the streets of VATICAN: Children wave ribbons and take photos as Pope Francis (C) arrives for an aired what it said was “exclusive” footage show- savings take centre stage. Moscow on January 15, the day of the opposi- audience with families at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican yesterday. — AFP ing the journalist’s exchange with a traffic Polls shows that most Russians support Putin tion leader’s verdict. — AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

German-Turkish group warns against ‘dialogue’ with far-right

BERLIN: A Turkish community leader in Germany per Tagesspiegel reported. “Just as after World War Two millions of refugees “Those looking for the culprits like to blame the warned yesterday against proposals by mainstream “What kind of dialogue are we talking about?” he and expellees and later guest workers helped us euro and the neighbours.” Former interior minister politicians for “dialogue” with a far-right populist said about the movement which drew a record rebuild our country, so we also need immigration Hans-Peter Friedrich, of Bavaria state’s conservative movement that has drawn thousands to anti-Islamic 17,500 marchers in the eastern city of Dresden last today,” he told the Bild daily. CSU party, meanwhile accused Chancellor Angela street protests. Monday. “Should we tell the demonstrators that German central bank chief Jens Weidmann, in Merkel of having drifted too far to the political cen- Several ministers and lawmakers have argued the Muslims are human beings too?” comments to the newspaper Frankfurter tre, opening a space on the right that was now being government must listen to the fears about immigra- The rise of the group since October has sparked Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, blamed the rise of filled by anti-immigration and eurosceptic groups. tion voiced by the so-called “Patriotic Europeans counter-protests and much soul-searching in nationalism and anti-foreigner sentiment in part on Speaking to news weekly Spiegel, Friedrich Against the Islamisation of the Occident” or PEGIDA. Germany, where expressions of racism are especially the eurozone crisis. argued that this had been “a devastating mistake” The chairman of the Turkish Community in troubling given the country’s Nazi past. “The eurozone crisis has certainly shaken confi- and that the conservative coalition of Merkel’s party Germany, Safter Cinar, warned that seeking to Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said dence in the economic system,” he said, pointing to and the CSU had “not considered properly ques- understand PEGIDA was dangerous and that xeno- Saturday that Germany, a fast ageing country with a the rise of the eurosceptic AfD party, some of whose tions about the identity of our people and our phobia and racism must remain taboo, the newspa- low birthrate, needs immigration. leaders have voiced sympathy for PEGIDA. nation”. —AFP Afghanistan’s police lead insurgent fight at high cost Police lost 3,200 men this year

KABUL: When brothers Amir and the fight is done by the police,” he “I lost my brother. I am proud of the police are ill-equipped to repel Mosha Jan joined Afghanistan’s said. him for sacrificing his life for this them and where women and chil- police two years ago they believed Gen Joseph Anderson, second country, I hope I can do the same,” dren are increasingly caught in the that their patriotic duty was more in command of the NATO combat said Amir, who has since left the crossfire. important than obeying their mission until it officially ended police and joined the army. “I Roghe said the deterioration in father, who did not want his only earlier this month, described the know the government is doing security since the Afghans took sons joining the ranks of a police Afghan losses as “unsustainable.” less for the police (than for the the lead had been expected and force on the front lines of the war Afghanistan has 157,000 police in army) but I don’t want to blame will continue for some years. “ISAF COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauf Hakeem speaks during a against the Taleban. a force created, trained and fund- them because they are also not in drawing down and the Afghans press conference in Colombo yesterday. Hakeem announced his resignation The father’s worst fears came ed by the European Union. Almost a good position.” more exposed - this will create as justice minister and said he would now work for the victory of Maithripala true earlier this year, when gun- every day, Afghan authorities Many in the impoverished some space for the insurgency,” he Sirisena, the opposition candidate in the January 8 election. —AFP men on a motorcycle opened fire report the deaths of policemen in country join the police out of des- said. on the two brothers as they Taleban assaults on checkpoints peration. A policeman earns $200 Nevertheless, he said the force patrolled the streets of the one- around rural towns and on the a month, and the family continues was sustainable. “We don’t see that S Lanka’s Muslim time Taleban capital Kandahar. outskirts of larger cities. The police to receive that amount if he is they are going to be overrun, we “Two Taleban on a motorcycle started firing at us,” Amir, 25, said. party leaves govt “My brother was shot dead on the spot.” Mosha was 23 years old. As US and international combat COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s largest Muslim politi- that they could no longer stand with troops leave Afghanistan after cal party yesterday defected from President Rajapaksa and that they would throw their more than 13 years fighting the Mahinda Rajapaksa’s camp to support the support behind his rival Maithripala Sirisena. Taleban, Afghan policemen are opposition candidate in next month’s presi- An attack on Muslims in June that was dying in record numbers as they dential election. provoked by a Sri Lankan Buddhist ultrana- perform dangerous tasks usually With Sunday’s announcement Sri Lanka tionalist and left three dead and dozens reserved for the military, according Muslim Congress became the latest partner injured exacerbated ethnic tensions in the to the head of the European-fund- of Rajapaksa’s ruling coalition to withdraw aftermath of a decades-long civil war against ed mission to train the police support, dealing a major blow to his cam- Tamil Tiger rebels that ended in 2009. force. paign for a third term in office, with more Rajapaksa’s government had come under Afghanistan’s war is as hot as it than 20 lawmakers and ministers already heavy criticism in recent years for backing has been since the US-led invasion defecting to the opposition. extremist Buddhist groups and turning a following the Sept 11 attacks over- Party leader and Justice Minister Rauf blind eye to the recent anti-Muslim violence. threw the Taleban. The interna- Hakeem also resigned from the Cabinet. Bodu Bala Sena or Buddhist Power Force tional combat mission ends on Ameer Faaiz, an official of the party that rep- accused of instigating the violence has Dec. 31, leaving the Afghan securi- resents minority Muslims in overwhelmingly announced its support to Rajapaksa in the ty forces in charge after leading Buddhist Sri Lanka, cited the Rajapaksa election. the fight since the middle of last administration’s “intolerance toward reli- Sirisena is a former health minister who year. gious minorities” and disagreement with his split from Rajapaksa last month to run for Some 5,000 members of style of rule. president in the biggest challenge for the Afghanistan’s security forces - He said the party consulted its support- incumbent since he was first elected in army, police and armed rural ers, who were of the overwhelming opinion 2005. —AP defense units - have died this year fighting the Taleban, according to Karl Ake Roghe, the outgoing head of EUPOL, the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan. HEART: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (C) gestures as he addresses a press conference in Herat “The police have lost some- late Saturday. Ghani, who came to power in September, has vowed to bring peace to Afghanistan thing like 3,200 this year, so most after decades of conflict, saying he is open to talks with any insurgent group. Afghan officials have of the casualties belong to the expressed alarm over the challenge facing the local security forces who must increasingly tackle Afghan National Police,” Roghe, the insurgents without NATO military assistance. Afghan soldiers and police have suffered soaring who has led the mission for two casualties, with more than 4,600 killed in the first 10 months of this year. —AFP and a half years, told The Associated Press. By comparison, receive little backup from the army killed in the line of duty, as well as don’t think we will see here in some 3,500 foreign forces, includ- and do not have air support, med- a one-time compensation pay- Afghanistan what we have seen in ing at least 2,210 American sol- ical evacuation or dedicated hospi- ment of three times that amount. Iraq,” he said, referring to the light- diers, have been killed in the 13 tals that could help reduce deaths, Officers get around $300 a month. ning advance of the Islamic State years since the war began. Roghe said. extremist group across much of “They are doing this totally Crossfire northern and western Iraq earlier ‘Unsustainable’ alone and of course they are not But it’s an increasingly risky this year. “This is the main problem for properly equipped for this task,” he gambit. As international forces “The Afghan security forces are Afghanistan - how they are divid- said. Amir and his brother were have left, they have taken with much more stable. But the cost ing the responsibilities for fighting aware of the dangers when they them air support - helicopters and will be enormous and it will take a NEW DELHI: An Indian Sikh boy displays his martial art skills during a reli- the insurgency. This should be a joined the police force, “but we jets - that allowed ground troops long time, the next five years, until gious procession to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the task for the Afghan National Army, thought if we don’t stand up for to take the fight to the Taleban. In they will be more efficient and tenth Sikh guru, in New Delhi, India, yesterday. —AP not the police. Currently it belongs our country then who will?” he response, the insurgents have better equipped so they can do to the police and the main part of said. swept into populated areas, where the fight with less cost.” —AP Nepal’s thirsty capital loses ancient taps to construction News KATHMANDU: From early morning, housewives average of 2.5 metres (98 inches) per year, The spouts, adorned with carvings of Hindu Kathmandu’s first malls, blocking the under- in brief carrying buckets and brass pots queue in the according to government figures. and Buddhist deities, were often built near the ground channels that fed the tap. back streets of Nepal’s capital for the free water “Unplanned urbanisation and over-extrac- myriad of temples, and continue to play a key “Low-income communities depend most Blast rocks Indian tech capital, 2 hurt pumped from a network of ancient stone tion of groundwater is crushing the ancient sup- role in religious rituals today. on the spouts because the water is free. When NEW DELHI: A blast rattled the southern Indian city of Bengaluru yes- spouts. A lifeline in a city with erratic govern- ply system of the spouts,” says NGOFUWS secre- “Water from the spouts is considered very the tap dries up, it directly affects the poor,” terday, injuring two people, a police official said. It was not immediate- ment supplies and expensive private alterna- tary Anil Sthapit. pure... daily rituals in many temples begin with NGOFUWS campaigner Sthapit told AFP. “The ly clear what had caused the low-intensity explosion outside a restau- tives, Kathmandu’s intricately carved communal an offering of water to the gods,” says Sandhya rich have alternatives, the poor don’t.” rant in a commercial part of the city, formerly known as Bangalore. A spouts have survived invasions and earth- Religious ritual Khanal, who is currently pursuing a PhD focused police bomb squad was at the scene. “There has been an explosion quakes. The spouts dotted throughout Kathmandu on the history of the stone taps. No alternatives outside a popular restaurant. No one has been killed,” Prashant Rao, a But the centuries-old water taps are now suf- NGOFUWS is attempting to raise ground- police officer in the emergency control room, told Reuters. Rao said fering from a much more modern threat, the water levels and revive worn-out taps by pro- officials of the anti-terrorism National Investigation Agency had rapid development of the chaotic capital, to the moting rainwater harvesting and running reached the site and the blast site was cordoned off. At least 13 people despair of thousands of Kathmandu’s residents public awareness programmes to keep the were wounded in a powerful blast in Bengaluru in 2013. who depend on them. “We don’t have the luxu- spouts clean. ry of buying water for everyday use... I don’t But Sthapit said the government has done know what I will do if this stone spout dries up,” little to preserve the still functioning ones. Gunmen kill Pakistani mother-of-three Namita Maharjan, 34, said as “We are doing what we can, but enforcing ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani police officer says unknown gunmen she waited to collect water near her home. building construction rules so that under- have shot dead a young man from a targeted religious minori- The population of sprawling Kathmandu has ground canals aren’t destroyed...is beyond our ty community in eastern Pakistan. Rifaqat Hussain says gun- expanded by 60 percent in a decade, according jurisdiction,” he said. In the past, communal men killed Luqman Shahzad yesterday as he walked to an agri- to Nepal’s 2011 census, with some 2.5 million governing bodies called “guthis” supervised culture field near his village in the Gujranwala district of people requiring 350 million litres of water per maintenance of the spouts, but most are no Punjab. A spokesman for the Ahmedi community says Shahzad day. long active today, leaving the government in is the 11th member of the community killed in Pakistan this But the struggling city’s government is only charge. year. The spokesman, Saleemud Din, says Pakistani religious able to meet about half that demand and pri- The government itself has placed the leaders and media continue to incite hatred against Ahmedis. vate companies charge up to $11 for 1000 litres blame back on residents, while bemoaning its Ahmedis are followers of Ghulam Ahmed, an Indian religious (264 gallons) — an unaffordable price for many own lack of resources. “Stone spouts are leader who died in 1908. Although their beliefs overlap with residents-making the free taps a critical part of important cultural sites that need to be con- Islam in many ways, they are considered heretics by many con- Kathmandu’s infrastructure. served,” said Shriju Pradhan, chief of the gov- servative Muslims. A 1974 Pakistani law officially declared For Maharjan, whose husband earns just ernment’s heritage division. Ahmedis to be non-Muslim. $150-200 a month, the threat of losing her KATHMANDU: In this photograph taken on December 9, 2014, shows a view “The local community is not pro-active in neighbourhood spout-which she describes as a of The Sundhara Spout (known as the “golden spout” in Nepali) part of a protecting the spouts...and unfortunately we Monkey gives first aid to friend “blessing”-is terrifying. dried up ancient water system in Kathmandu. Nepal’s communal stone don’t have enough resources or the expertise Already more than half of the valley’s 389 to conserve them,” Pradhan told AFP. NEW DELHI: Onlookers at a train station in northern India spouts have fallen into disrepair, according to a spouts, dating back to 550 AD, serve as the main water source for many of Housewives Shanti Nakarmi and Pramila watched in awe as a monkey came to the rescue of an injured 2006 survey by the Kathmandu-based NGO, the capital’s poor, who lack access to piped supplies. However, rapid urbani- Lama have little sympathy, as they fret over friend - resuscitating another monkey that had been electrocut- Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation (NGO- sation and depleted ground water tables mean the spouts have run dry, their local spout on the fringes of the city’s ed and knocked unconscious. The injured monkey had fallen FUWS). leaving millions without a reliable water supply. —AFP iconic Durbar Square, which is offering less between the tracks, apparently after touching high-tension wires More are expected to dry up as unregulated and less water each month. at the train station in the north Indian city of Kanpur. His com- construction blocks underground water chan- date back to the sixth century when the city, “Despite this, they are allowed to disap- “We sweep the courtyard occasionally and panion came to the rescue and was captured on camera lifting nels, which has prompted some residents to dig now a traffic-clogged concrete jungle, was pear.” Once the heart of the neighbourhood, try to keep it clean. What more can we the friend’s motionless body, shaking it, dipping it into a mud their own tube wells indiscriminately. home to hundreds of temples. where women gathered to gossip, the last tap do...(when) we don’t know where the water puddle and biting its head and skin - working until the hurt mon- Hotels, construction firms and private indus- A prince belonging to the Licchavi dynasty built in Kathmandu, the gold-plated Sundhara, source or channels are,” Nakarmi told AFP. key regained consciousness. The first monkey, completely cov- tries are also digging their own wells, which has built the taps, known as “dhunge dhara” in or “golden spout”, was cherished by the poor. Lama added: “If the government cannot ered in mud, opened its eyes and began moving again. Crowds caused an alarming dip in the groundwater Nepali, in a bid to provide clean drinking water But it began to run dry in 2003 soon after give us water, the least it can do is save what of travelers watched the Sunday scene in amazement, filming table. Between 1995 and 2013, levels fell by an to citizens. builders dug the foundations for one of our ancestors left us.” —AFP and snapping pictures. MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Taiwan’s ex-VP goes on hunger strike seeking parole for Chen

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s former vice-president appeals. Chen was transferred to a he has been diagnosed with various dis- physical and mental condition. ties with China, whereas the started a hunger strike yesterday as part prison hospital in April last year after eases and is growing thin. He is in a criti- Chen and his family were accused of Kuomintang has advocated a closer of a growing campaign for the release being diagnosed with severe depres- cal condition,” Lu told reporters. laundering millions of dollars by send- relationship in recent years. China from prison of ailing ex-leader Chen sion, suspected Parkinson’s disease and “Since 2011, the justice ministry has ing political donations and secret diplo- claims sovereignty over Taiwan even Shui-bian. other conditions. repeatedly denied the applications for matic funds abroad, and of taking kick- though the island has ruled itself since Chen, now 63, who led the opposi- He attempted suicide in June last his medical parole, a move which has backs on government contracts. their split in 1949 at the end of a civil tion Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) year, trying to hang himself with a towel violated the prison law despite his dete- The ex-leader insists that the charges war. to power in 2000 after 50 years of in a bathroom of the prison hospital. riorating health condition.” against him are part of a politically Taiwan has never formally proclaimed Kuomintang rule, is serving a 20-year Since then his supporters have stepped Lu was joined by around 30 friends motivated vendetta by the current independence. As public fears grow over sentence for corruption. up their campaign for his early release. and politicians at her tent outside a Kuomintang government, in retaliation Chinese influence on the island, the He was convicted of money-launder- His former deputy, Annette Lu, 70, start- national museum while dozens of pro- for his eight years in power when he Kuomintang was routed in the island’s ing and bribery related to his eight-year ed her hunger strike Sunday in a tent in independence activists chanted slo- promoted the idea of Taiwan declaring biggest ever local elections in presidency and was sentenced to life in central Taipei. “Chen had served more gans. A medical team assigned by legal its independence from China. November-seen as a key barometer prison in 2009, a term reduced after than six years (of his sentence) and now authorities will Monday evaluate Chen’s The DPP is sceptical about warmer before the 2016 presidential race. — AFP S Korean nuke reactor safe from cyberattack

SEOUL: South Korea’s nuclear power Cho apologised for concerns that had operator said yesterday that cyberattacks been raised by the cyberattack and data on non-critical operations at the compa- leaks but said the nuclear plants them- ny’s headquarters are continuing but the selves had not been affected. South country’s nuclear power plants are oper- Korea has 23 nuclear reactors which sup- ating safely and are secure from attack. ply one-third of its electricity. Three are Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co Ltd currently offline for routine maintenance has been intensifying its cyber security, or awaiting a licence extension. President and CEO Cho Seok said. He The operator and the government gave no details of the continued cyberat- since last Wednesday have been running tacks or the company’s response, citing emergency teams on stand-by until the security reasons. end of the year as a precaution in case of “We cannot let cyberattacks stop any attempted cyberattacks on nuclear nuclear power operation,” Cho told a plants, after a hacker demanded the news briefing. He added that a closed shutdown of three reactors by last network used for reactor operations was Thursday and in Twitter messages threat- inaccessible from external communica- ened “destruction” if the demand was not tion lines and impervious to cyberat- met. South Korean prosecutors are also tacks. seeking the cooperation of Chinese “We will continue operating nuclear authorities in an investigation into the plants safely against any attempted foul cyberattack, after tracing multiple play, including cyberattacks,” Cho said. Internet addresses to a Chinese city near “Cyberattacks on KHNP’s (headquar- North Korea. They have not ruled out ters) operations and administration are possible involvement of North Korea in still continuing now,” he added. the attack. KHNP, part of state-run utility Korea Pyongyang denied any role in the Electric Power Corp , said last Monday cyberattacks, calling such suggestions that its computer systems had been part of a “smear campaign” by unpopular KOTA BHARU: A man pushes his bicycle through floodwaters in Kota Bharu yesterday. Rescuers struggled to get help to the tens of thousands hacked but only non-critical data had South Korean leaders. North Korea of people affected by Malaysia’s worst flooding in decades as angry victims accused the government of being slow in its response. —AFP been stolen and reactor operations were remains technically at war with the not at risk. South. —Reuters Flamboyant AirAsia boss Floods in Malaysia, confronts first major crisis

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian mogul Tony He bought the airline, its two aircraft, Thailand kill 24 Fernandes, who transformed a flounder- and 40 million ringgit ($13.4 million) in ing carrier into Asia’s biggest budget air- debt for the token sum of one ringgit, line, faces his first major crisis after an mortgaging his house to pour money Malaysia pledges more flood aid AirAsia plane went missing Sunday with into the carrier. 162 people on board. But with his motto “Now everyone can KUALA LUMPUR: The worst flooding in Malaysia Pahang regions has been worst hit by the del- ages as many petrol stations have been sub- AirAsia is credited with starting a rev- fly”, he turned it into a growing force in in more than a decade has killed 10 people and uge. Eight people have reportedly been killed so merged while at relief centres, workers are strug- olution in the skies of Southeast Asia and the aviation industry, with profits mount- forced nearly 160,000 from their homes and far by the torrential monsoon rains, and fears are gling to cope without enough clean water and has seen spectacular growth under ing and its route system expanding more rain is expected, authorities said yesterday. mounting that the toll could rise as communities in the face of unsanitary conditions. Fernandes’ low-cost, low-overheads worldwide. Among the casualties, five were in the worst- have been left stranded without food or medi- Prime Minister Najib has faced a storm of crit- model despite intense competition. Fernandes, who is of Indian- hit state of Kelantan, in northeastern peninsular cine. icism after being pictured playing golf with US The ebullient tycoon is one of Asia’s Portuguese descent and married with Malaysia. Over the border in southern Thailand, “The country is in desperate need of more President Barack Obama during the storms. most visible entrepreneurs, carving out two children, struck a deal with F1 boss 14 people have been killed in the floods that helicopters,” deputy transport minister Aziz The premier on Sunday defended his “golf an image that has seen him frequently Bernie Ecclestone in 2011 for a majority began in mid-December. Kaprawi said on Sunday, as rescue agencies diplomacy”, with the Sunday Star newspaper compared to colourful Virgin Group stake in Premiership football team Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak toured warned that shortages of fuel and clean water quoting him as saying “it is hard for me to turn... chairman Richard Branson. Queens Park Rangers. some of the worst-hit areas this weekend, fol- were hampering search efforts. down” a personal invitation by the US head of Fernandes maintained an image of lowing his return from a vacation in Hawaii on The worst flooding in 30 years has devastated state. The government has since stepped up its calm Sunday even as his company Entrepreneurial spirit Friday. much of northern Malaysia, with some 8,000 response to the crisis, pledging the extra 500 plunged into its first major crisis after an Endau Analytics aviation analyst Najib was criticised for his absence during the people thought to have been left stranded million ringgit to help cope with the crisis on top AirAsia passenger jet went missing in Shukor Yusof said his entrepreneurial calamity, after being photographed playing golf across the impoverished Kelantan state, where of 50 million ringgit already allocated. bad weather en route from Indonesia to spirit would survive yesterday’s apparent with President Barack Obama. 17 areas have been cut off by the rising waters. But victims of the flooding said that still Singapore. tragedy. Northeastern Malaysia and southern Thailand From the air, state capital Kota Bharu wouldn’t be enough. “I don’t think Najib’s 500 “Thank you for all your thoughts and “This incident will not dampen are regularly hit by flooding during the annual appeared like a vast, muddy lake and left largely million ringgit money is enough. There are just prayers. We must stay strong,” he tweeted Fernandes’ business spirit. This is such an northeast monsoon but this year the rain has without power. Locals said many people had too many victims,” 58-year-old Tuan Sri as he left for Surabaya, where most of the unfortunate incident. AirAsia remains a been particularly heavy. turned to looting because of a lack of fresh food Kuning told AFP. passengers are from. “My only thought strong budget carrier. I think the people The Malaysian government said rain in and water supplies. “The conditions in the relief centre are very Kelantan and southern Thailand would last for at Weather forecasters yesterday warned that dirty with rubbish not collected, and it is infest- (sic) are with the passengers and my will rally behind AirAsia,” he told AFP. least another week. An official in the southern much of Malaysia will see more storms in the ed with mosquitoes. We have limited drinking crew.” The airline, which now has more than Thai border town of Sungai Kolok said it would next three days. “We expect another surge in water.” Some people have started flying their sick This incident caps a disastrous year for 120 A320s and is one of the biggest cus- take up to two days for water levels to drop and heavy rain followed by strong winds brought by parents out of the state themselves. Malaysian aviation which saw belea- tomers for the European aircraft maker for the border to be reopened. the seasonal northeast monsoon, which usually “Our home is totally submerged,” said Ahmad guered rival Malaysia Airlines suffer two Airbus, is expecting nearly 360 new air- Meanwhile, Malaysia yesterday pledged more continues till March,” a meteorological depart- Wajih Saifullah, a 25-year-old engineer who air tragedies in rapid succession. craft to be delivered by 2026. funds to help over 160,000 people hit by the ment official told AFP. “It is going to take time for returned to Kelantan to evacuate his elderly and AirAsia, which has some of the lowest country’s worst flooding in decades, as forecast- the flood waters to subside.” sick parents back to the Malaysian capital Kuala Defying naysayers unit costs in the world, has raked in busi- ers warned fresh rain could hamper efforts to Lumpur. “My mother has high blood pressure A former record industry executive ness awards and accolades over the relieve thousands left stranded by the waters. ‘Not enough’ and diabetes. She lost all medicine when they who acquired the then-failing airline in years, while expanding aggressively. Prime Minister Najib Razak announced an Anger has been mounting across Malaysia at had to abandon their homes quickly due to fast 2001, Fernandes is ranked 28th on the In 2013 it was ranked as Asia and the additional 500 million ringgit ($143 million) after what is seen as the government’s slow response rising waters. “I went to pharmacy shops and Forbes list of Malaysia’s richest with an world’s best low-cost airline for the fifth touring parts of Kelantan state Saturday, which to the crisis. hospitals but was told that there were no one to estimated net worth of $650 million. time in a row. After Sunday’s apparent along with northeastern Terengganu and Truck drivers are complaining of diesel short- disburse the medicine.” — Agencies The tycoon, a flamboyant spirit in disaster, AirAsia swiftly replaced its dis- Asia’s staid business world who favours tinctive bright red logo on its social blue jeans and caps over power suits, has media pages with a grey background. made a habit of defying naysayers. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disap- Japan plans law to speed up He took over loss-making AirAsia peared on a regular flight from Kuala shortly after the September 11 attacks in Lumpur to Beijing in March with 239 pas- overseas deployment of troops the United States sent the global aviation sengers and crew, and in July, MH17 was industry into a tailspin, and was given lit- shot down over troubled Ukraine killing TOKYO: Japan plans to draw up a enact such a law, the Nikkei and tle chance of succeeding. all 298 on board. — AFP law to speed the deployment of Kyodo News said. troops overseas for peacekeeping Abe, fresh from a parliamentary operations and to support allies, re-election this month, is seeking to reports said yesterday, in a move expand the role of Japan’s powerful that could strain relations with military under the country’s post- neighbours wary about Japan’s war US-imposed pacifist constitu- wartime history. tion. He wants the military to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s gov- the power to come to the aid of ernment and his Liberal Democratic allies such as the United States if US Party (LDP) plan to draw bills early forces are attacked. Abe and the next year aimed at facilitating LDP even want to amend the consti- administrative processes to deploy tution, but their efforts have proved Japanese troops abroad, the leading divisive at home and strained business daily Nikkei and other already tense relations with China, media reported. which regularly accuses Japan of The move would overwrite the failing to face up to its history of past practice of ad-hoc legislation aggression in Asia. each time Japanese Self-Defense Tokyo enacted temporary bills in Forces were deployed abroad, the early 2000s which enabled its except in UN peacekeeping opera- navy to refuel multinational forces tions and in emergencies in Japan’s engaged in the war in Afghanistan neighbourhood-cases for which and that deployed its troops in rela- Japan already has permanent laws. tively safe southern Iraq on a non- The bills would govern the dis- combat reconstruction mission. patch of Japanese troops overseas The gradual expansion of the in logistical support of multination- role of Japanese forces in global al forces or key ally the United affairs came partly from US pres- SURABAYA: Director of Air Asia Tony Fernandez (C), President Director Air Asia States. But the LDP still needs to sure. Japan has made limited mili- Indonesia Sunu Widiatmoko (R) and the head of Surabaya search and rescue agency convince its junior coalition partner tary contributions in war-zones, cit- MANILA: Kites fly beside Christmas lanterns at Manila’s Rizal Park, Hernanto (L), speak during a press conference in Surabaya, East Java, yesterday, Komeito party to support the plan ing constraints under its pacifist Philippines yesterday. Many Filipino families troop to public parks after Malaysia aircraft Air Asia flight QZ8501 went missing. — AFP as Komeito remains reluctant to constitution.— AFP during the holidays.— AP NEWS MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014

A couple walk in Richmond Park as the sun rises in west London yesterday. — AFP

Union leader slams expat curbs, blames... AirAsia plane goes missing

Continued from Page 1 ates and sponsors to keep an eye on passport and resi- Continued from Page 1 He said three ships and three planes from Malaysia would dency visa expiry dates so that they could update the join the search today. A Singaporean C130 plane joined yes- Subaih spoke of a plan to have a link with the interior information or transfer the residencies to new passports An anguished 45-year-old woman said she had six family terday’s operation, and two Singaporean planes would be ministry to implement deportation orders against expa- to avoid fines. He added that all concerned parties members on the plane. “They were going to Singapore for a deployed today with Australia also offering help. France’s air triates who violate municipal rules and laws including should check with their relevant residency affairs depart- holiday,” she told AFP in Surabaya. “They have always flown accident investigation authority, the BEA, said two safety with AirAsia and there was no problem. I am very worried investigators, accompanied by two Airbus technical advisors, barbequing in public areas. He said the municipality has ment and stressed that a two-month grace period is giv- that the plane might have crashed.” would leave for Jakarta. designated certain locations where grilling can be done en after the old passport’s expiry to avoid the fine. Indonesian Louis Sidartha, 25, told reporters in Singapore The aircraft was operated by AirAsia Indonesia, a unit of and banned it elsewhere, but many picnickers do not Hashash explained that those who renew their pass- that her fiance was on board the flight. They had taken sepa- Malaysian-based AirAsia which dominates Southeast Asia’s comply with the law and rules. The head of the Hawally ports abroad would have to check with the immigration rate flights from Surabaya to Singapore. She only found out booming low-cost airline market. AirAsia’s flamboyant boss emergency team Riyadh Al-Rabae said that more that department within one month to transfer the residency about the missing aircraft upon arriving in Singapore on a lat- Tony Fernandes, a former record industry executive who 400 citations were issued last year, adding that the to the new passport and avoid fines, while those who er flight. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the twin- acquired the then-failing airline in 2001, arrived in Surabaya, Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) spends around KD renew their passports at their embassies in Kuwait would engine aircraft around an hour after it left Surabaya’s Juanda where most of the passengers are from. “Obviously this is a 30,000 to restore damaged areas. be given a two-month grace period to transfer their iqa- international airport at about 5:20 am yesterday. massive shock to us and we are devastated by what has hap- Ghanem also asked about the number of iqama mas. Moreover, Hashash noted that expats would be Shortly before disappearing, the pilot asked to ascend by pened. It’s unbelievable,” he told a press conference. “We traders who were held to account by the social affairs fined KD 2 per day with a maximum of KD 600, and in 6,000 feet to 38,000 feet to avoid heavy clouds, according to don’t want to speculate. We don’t know what’s happened yet and labor ministry or arrested by the interior ministry, case both the passport and the residency have expired, an Indonesian transport ministry official. “The plane request- so we’ll wait for the accident investigation... Our concern “because they are the ones who flooded the country the higher fine would be collected. ed to air traffic control to fly to the left side, which was right now is for the relatives and the next of kin.” with simple laborers who left their families behind and Separately, Kuwait National Petroleum Co (KNPC) approved,” Djoko Murjatmodjo told a press conference. “But Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo said his nation was sold all what they had to search for better opportuni- spokesman Khalid Al-Asousi said the company has no their request to fly to 38,000 feet from 32,000 feet could not “praying for the safety” of those onboard. His country, a vast ties in our country”. Ghanem urged officials to treat intention of raising fuel prices. KNPC is conducting a be approved at that time due to traffic, there was a flight archipelago with poor land transport infrastructure, has seen them with “brotherly feelings” and not as enemies, study to determine the right fuel pricing in the country, above, and five minutes later the flight disappeared from explosive growth in low-cost air travel over recent years. But radar. According to our climate radar, the weather was not the air industry has been blighted by poor safety standards in “because they have not committed crimes that deserve Asousi, also Deputy CEO for Support Services, told KUNA good. There was enough cumulonimbus (cloud) there,” said an area that also experiences extreme weather. AirAsia, which this attack”. yesterday, adding that the current fuel prices cost Kuwait Murjatmodjo. has never suffered a fatal accident, said the missing jet last Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry’s PR and moral guid- a huge amount of money. He said Indonesia had deployed seven aircraft, four navy underwent maintenance on Nov 16. ance manager and the acting director of the security As for the privatization of the rest of the company’s ships and six boats from the search and rescue agency. The Climbing to dodge large rain clouds is a standard proce- media department Brig Adel Ahmed Al-Hashash warned fuel stations, Asousi said KNPC is following a specific search focused on waters around the islands of Bangka and dure for aircraft in these conditions. “What happens after that that those who have not updated their passport informa- strategy, noting that it had transferred two groups of Belitung in the Java Sea, across from Kalimantan on Borneo is a question mark,” according to Indonesian-based aviation tion will have difficulty in departing the country through stations to be run by Al-Oula and Al-Sour companies, island. But Murjatmodjo said the transport ministry had also analyst Dudi Sudibyo. Former French pilot and aviation any exit and would be prevented from leaving Kuwait. and will monitor and study the benefits of the process asked the army to carry out ground searches, including in expert Gerard Feldzer said the movement performed by the Hashash stressed that the recently imposed fines for before progressing with its third group. The Supreme mountainous areas. “We have focused all our strength, from aircraft at the time it disappeared could be tricky. “It’s possi- delays in updating passport information are integral Petroleum Council has approved KNPC’s request to build the search and rescue agency, the military, police and help ble that it lacked speed,” he said. “When one is not far from parts of a law that already exists and that “there is noth- an additional 100 fuel stations to face the increasing from the community as well as the fishermen,” said rescue the maximal altitude of the plane the margin for manouevre ing new about it”. Hashash accordingly urged all expatri- demand, he added. agency chief F H B Soelistyo. is very limited and it can going down.” — AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Focus After turbulent year, 2015 may be no calmer

By Peter Apps

rom financial crisis in Russia to cyber warfare with North Korea, 2014 has generated new flashpoints Fright into its final days, setting 2015 up to be just as turbulent. Almost all of the major confrontations, such as the battle with Islamic State militants, the West’s stand-off with Russia over Ukraine and the fight against Ebola, will rumble on. Others could erupt at short notice. “Normally after a year like this you might expect things to calm down,” said John Bassett, former senior official with British signals intelligence agency GCHQ now an associate at Oxford University. “But none of these problems have been Comrade Capitalism resolved and the drivers of them are not going away.” The causes are varied - a global shift of economic pow- er from the West, new technologies, regional rivalries and As sanctions bite, Putin ally gets into apples anger over rising wealth gaps. In June, a report by the Institute for Economics and Peace showed world peace declining for the seventh consecutive year since 2007, By Elizabeth Piper Forbes. In March, the US Treasury alleged that Putin “may not get sold. At some point, it will have to be destroyed.” He reversing a trend of improvement over decades. The same have access” to Gunvor funds; Putin and Gunvor have said believes that some of Poland’s former export market will be group said in November deaths from militant attacks s US and European sanctions piled pressure on the Russian leader has no connection to the company. permanently lost as Russian growers take over. leapt 60 percent to an all-time high, primarily in Iraq, Syria, Russia earlier this year, the Kremlin hit back with an For many years Timchenko denied being close to Putin. In Russia, a group of self-described “Food Patriots”, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, this at a time when the Aunusual weapon: Apples. From Aug 7 Russia banned More recently, he has been less coy. In an interview with formed in February, has been encouraging consumers West’s ability to respond militarily is constrained as imports of fruit from various countries that supported sanc- Russia’s TASS news agency in August, he said he had known outside supermarkets across the country to exchange Washington and its European allies cut defense budgets. tions, including Poland, which has been a strong critic of Putin for 20 years, and confirmed that his Labrador dog had what they describe as “harmful” Western products for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The ban had real impact: Poland been given to him by Putin. It was a puppy from a litter by Russian alternatives. “Every one of us is a consumer and RUSSIAN ENIGMA is the world’s biggest exporter of apples and last year sent Putin’s own Labrador. As East-West relations turned arctic can vote with our roubles against products of our ideolog- While Western policymakers hope Russia’s economic more than $380 million worth to Russia, according to earlier this year over the turmoil in Ukraine, Russians oper- ical enemies,” the group said on its page on Russia’s crisis will curb Vladimir Putin’s ambitions, others worry it International Trade Centre figures. ating in Europe faced a dilemma over where their loyalties biggest social networking site, VKontakte. could make him more unpredictable. “It’s not necessarily While Poland’s apple growers are suffering, the ban has lay: with their European business interests or with Russia. The Communist Party has proposed imposing a new going to make Russia any better behaved,” says also been an opportunity for an old friend of Russian Timchenko made his allegiance clear. Even before he was tax on foreign producers of sugary drinks, naming Coca- Christopher Harmer, a former US navy pilot now senior President Vladimir Putin. A day after Russia decreed Polish sanctioned, he told TASS, he quit his luxury home in Geneva Cola directly. The agriculture minister sparked controversy fellow at the Institute for Study of War. NATO officials say apples forbidden, Gennady Timchenko, who made a for- with its underground tennis court, left his family in Europe late last month when he was quoted by TASS as saying the alliance would treat any aggression, even covert, in tune from oil trading during Putin’s years in power, applied and returned to Russia. “I felt it was about time,” he said. that PepsiCo and French producer Danone, two of Russia’s NATO member Baltic states as an act of war. to buy a large stake in one of Russia’s biggest apple produc- Then on March 19, Timchenko sold his near-50 percent biggest foreign investors, used cheap ingredients in their China is building up its military might. It lays claim to ers. Through his investment company Volga Group, he now stake in Gunvor to his partner, the Swedish billionaire dairy products. The ministry has since said the minister did almost all the South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil owns 40 percent of Alma Holding, which has orchards in Torbjorn Tornqvist. It was timely: The next day, Timchenko not name the companies but simply referred to “transna- and gas. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and the Krasnodar region, southern Russia. was sanctioned by the United States, a move that would tional companies”. At the time Danone said it was out- Taiwan also have claims. In the East China Sea, a string of For Timchenko, 62, it is a chance both to profit from a have complicated or even prevented Gunvor’s business raged and accused the minister of defamation. A spokes- islets claimed by both China and Japan have strained ties market suddenly in need of homegrown apples and to sup- with American companies. With the sale of his stake in woman for Danone told Reuters the company had subse- severely. Some officials and analysts say Western over- port Russia in the face of Western sanctions. He portrays Gunvor, he is now intent on building up new businesses in quently had a “conciliatory meeting” with government offi- stretch means a confrontation in one part of the world the investment as a patriotic act, a show of support for Russia. cials which confirmed there were no complaints over the can encourage potential adversaries elsewhere to try their Putin, whom he has known since the 1990s, and of defiance Volga Group said it began discussions on buying a stake quality of its products. “Overall, we are satisfied with the luck, a potential factor in North Korea’s increased against US and European sanctions imposed on Russia over in apple company Alma in 2013, well before any sign of a result,” said the spokeswoman. assertiveness. its meddling in Ukraine. “This is our first asset in agriculture. ban on Polish apples, and that negotiations had “intensified A spokeswoman for PepsiCo said: “We produce dairy Washington has accused Pyongyang of launching a I am sure ... it will complement Volga’s portfolio of initiatives in early 2014.” After applying in August for permission to products of high quality in full compliance with Russian cyber attack on Sony Pictures after its film on the fictional to strengthen food security,” Timchenko said in a statement take a stake in Alma, Timchenko received approval on Sept legislation.” Coca-Cola has said that the proposed legisla- assassination of leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea has in October. “For me it is not just business, it is part of the 4 and completed the deal on Oct 17, according to the tion to tax sugary drinks would only harm Russia’s econo- rejected the charge. “The recent hack on Sony has high- social mission of my group.” Federal Antimonopoly Service. Apples might not have the my. In a televised address to the nation on Dec 18, Putin lighted the vulnerability of the West to the growing threat The deal also affords a chance for personal payback. In glamour or riches of the oil industry; Alma Holding made a said Russia’s economy would rebound from its current posed by cyber attack,” said Alastair Newton, senior politi- March, as part of its measures to punish Moscow over net profit of just $77,000 in 2013, according to corporate woes. Taking questions from the audience, he used one cal analyst at Nomura. Ukraine, the US Treasury put Timchenko on a list of individ- records. But the company is growing and the investment about a traditional Russian beverage made from ferment- uals sanctioned as “members of the Russian leadership’s provides Timchenko with possibilities beyond simply sup- ed rye bread to imply that Coca-Cola was an unhealthy MIDDLE EAST MAELSTROM inner circle.” Timchenko did not respond to a request for an plying fruit for eating. He also owns a mineral water and drink, and to make the case for homegrown products. “I Washington’s adversaries are becoming more adept at interview. Volga Group told Reuters: “Apples are the num- juice company, Aquanika, in Nizhny Novgorod. Arlandes, don’t want to offend Coca-Cola,” Putin said. “But we have “ambiguous warfare”, using deniable tactics or proxy ber one fruit for Russian consumers. Russia is the biggest the technical director at Alma, said the apple producer aims our own national non-alcoholic drinks ... and they need to forces such as the “little green men” in unmarked uniforms importer of apples in the world, and less than 50 percent of to double output next year. It needs to increase its storage be pushed forward.” and vehicles the West says Russia deployed in Ukraine. demand is produced in Russia ... We see good opportunities facilities, he said, and may build its own juice factory in Covert tactics may no longer be enough to satisfy Israel it to increase the company’s business.” Abinsk. Self-Sufficiency? can slow Iran’s nuclear program. With a mid-year deadline The investment suggests Putin’s circle may be benefiting Timchenko is not the only one who sees opportunities for a deal, some analysts believe Israel’s government from the very sanctions that the West hoped would spur ‘Food Patriots’ in a subsidised industry where some international compe- might launch a military strike to knock it back. them to persuade the Kremlin to change tack over Ukraine. Agricultural produce has become a proxy battleground tition has been banned. One of his business associates is “If Iran agrees a deal, and that remains a big “if”, that While external investors have taken fright as the value of oil in East-West tensions. In Poland, apple growers face a sur- Shamalov, who has also known Putin for about 20 years. could constitute a trigger for such an event,” said Nigel and the rouble have plunged, allies of Putin such as plus of fruit they cannot sell and orchards that are now Shamalov is a shareholder, along with Timchenko, in Bank Inkster, former deputy chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Timchenko are cash-rich and willing to strengthen their redundant. The Russian ban “has hit us very hard” said Jacek Rossiya, which the US Treasury has described as the “per- Service (MI6) and now head of transnational threats at hold on Russia’s economy. Nikolai Shamalov, another long- Pruszkowski, an apple producer from Grojec near Warsaw. sonal bank for senior officials of the Russian Federation.” London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies. He standing associate of Putin, has also recently invested in Polish growers “still have 1 mil- In July, Shamalov became the sole shareholder of a said much would depend on whether Israeli Prime agriculture. lion tonnes in stor- company in Karelia, northeast Russia, whose purpose is Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wins March elections and Vladimir Milov, a former deputy energy minister and age. “We now listed in corporate documents as crop research and animal how hardline a coalition results. now opposition figure, said allies of Putin were adept at know that breeding. A newspaper in St. Petersburg reported that On one threat, most of the world’s powers are coalesc- exploiting “niches” created by the government. “If you take this will Shamalov was investing about 1 billion roubles ($16 mil- ing. Pushing back Islamic State in Iraq and Syria is a high a look at the pattern of guys like Timchenko they have lion) in beef production. Reuters was unable to confirm priority for western states, Gulf powers and Turkey, Russia always been moving in a similar way,” he said. Timchenko the report. Shamalov did not respond to requests for and China. Whether they can bridge differences on the has previously denied that Putin ever helped him with his comment. fate of Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad, however, businesses, and Putin has said that Timchenko did not need Dmitry Steinsapir, managing partner at AVG Capital remains unclear. Already some worry the anti-IS opera- his help. Partners in Moscow, is a private equity investor with tion initially to safeguard minority refugees in northern Alma’s general director declined to discuss Timchenko’s more than $200 million invested in agriculture proj- Iraq is suffering “mission creep” as US elections hove into apple plans. But staff at Alma’s orchards in Abinsk, the com- ects. He says he has been surprised by the surge of view. pany’s base in Krasnodar, told Reuters the company was interest in investing in agriculture. Before the ban, he More than 1,000 members of the 82nd Airborne poised to expand. Alma now has 800 hectares of land, and saw only a trickle of people pass through his doors Division will deploy to Iraq in the New Year to help train may buy 500 hectares more, said Christophe Arlandes, the looking to invest in the sector. “Now everyone Iraqi forces. The first months of 2015 will also be key in technical director. “There is a lot of land available here,” seems to be asking us, ‘Guys, can I invest some tackling a very different foe: Ebola. A major US military said Arlandes. “There is good potential in the Russian mar- money?’” he said. His company is currently in talks deployment to build treatment centers in Liberia is cred- ket.” with between six and 10 private Russian investors ited with helping slow new cases there but the virus con- China, Serbia and Azerbaijan have increased exports to each looking to put $5 million or more into agricul- tinues to spread in Sierra Leone and Guinea. “It really is an Russia to fill the gap caused by Putin’s ban on food ture and related logistics, he said. “What we see is unusually broad range of challenges,” said Kathleen imports from countries supporting sanctions against that local investors want to protect their savings ... Hicks, US Principal Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Moscow. But Russian farmers and investors still see a and it is difficult for Russian money to be invested from 2012-13 and now with the Center for Strategic and chance to exploit one of the few buoyant industries as abroad. People want to invest their money into indus- International Studies. —Reuters the country’s economy falters. They can do so with the tries which have the potential to grow.” Kremlin’s help. When the ban on foreign fruit and various Russia’s Agriculture Ministry has said the industry other foods was imposed, the Russian government needs an additional $8.1 billion from the state budget announced it would increase spending on agriculture to to meet Putin’s demand for the country to become self- help reduce the country’s dependence on imports. It is sufficient and reduce its dependence on what the gov- All articles appearing on these considering a proposal to boost state support for agri- ernment sees as an increasingly hostile West. “We believe pages are the personal opinion of culture by 30 percent to 1.76 trillion roubles ($25.8 bil- that we have the resources to replace imports with the writers. Kuwait Times takes no lion) over five years. domestic production 100 percent,” said Anatoly Kutsenko, responsibility for views expressed director of the economics department at the ministry. He The Multi-Billionaire said the effects should be felt by consumers in two to therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Timchenko has known Putin since at least the 1990s, three years. ers to voice their opinions. Please when Putin was a local government official in St Petersburg. In this volatile stew of politics, food and drink, the ben- send submissions via email to: opin- The Russian leader is honorary president of a judo club that eficiaries could include Timchenko’s businesses in apple Timchenko co-financed in the city. The bulk of Timchenko’s growing and fruit juices. His investment company, Volga [email protected] or via snail wealth comes from Gunvor, an oil trading business he co- Group, was circumspect when asked about the possibility mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. founded that grew rapidly after Putin became president in of it obtaining state aid for apple-growing. Arlandes, the The editor reserves the right to edit 2000. Gunvor became one of the largest commodity traders technical director at Alma, was more forthcoming. in the world, and Timchenko has amassed a personal for- Looking out over the orchards in Abinsk, he said: any submission as necessary. tune of $10 billion, according to the current estimate of “We’re hoping for government support.” —Reuters MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 SPORTS

Lemina refuses Gabon’s call Oman name Asian Schumacher faces ‘long fight’ PARIS: Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina has rejected his country of birth Gabon’s call after Cup squad PARIS: Michael Schumacher faces a “long fight” for recovery as the first anniversary being named yesterday in their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. “I’m not going to the CAN,” of his skiing accident approaches, the former Formula One driver’s manager said Lemina announced on his Twitter page. “Everything that’s being said at the moment is only OMAN: Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi will lead Oman’s 23-man yesterday. Her comments cast doubts over a newspaper report that said he was rumours, I’m sorry but there’s been no agreement between Gabon and me,” added Lemina squad at next month’s Asian Cup as they bid to advance making cognitive progress. “We need a long time. It’s going to be a long time and a who was born in Gabon but who has represented France at youth level. Lemina was part of the to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first hard fight,” Sabine Kehm told Reuters by telephone. “He is making progress appro- French side that became Under-20 world champions. “For the moment my wish to to play for time. Coach Paul Le Guen and the squad will reach their priate to the severity of the situation,” she added, reiterating a statement she made a the France team,” he told French radio station RMC last month. “But at the same time I haven’t Canberra base late yesterday and play warm-ups against said no to Gabon. It depends on a lot of things...on my family, but for the time being I’m giving month ago. Qatar and China before starting their campaign for con- Schumacher suffered severe head injuries in a ski accident in Meribel in the everything to France.” tinental glory in Group A against South Korea on Jan. 10. Gabon squad French Alps on Dec. 29 2013. He emerged from an induced coma in June, and left Goalkeepers: Didier Ovono (Ostende/BEL), Anthony Mfa Mezui (Metz/FRA), The ‘Red Warriors’, who were unbeaten through qual- hospital in September. In an interview with Le Parisien yesterday, Philippe Streiff, StÈphane Bitseki (CF Mounana). Defenders : Lloyd Palun (Nice/FRA), Yrondu ifying, will have a tough task to make it to the knockout another former F1 driver, said Schumacher “had yet to recover the Musavu King (Caen/FRA), Benjamin ZÈ Ondo (ES SÈtif/ALG), Bruno Ecuele stage with Australia and Kuwait the other members of power of speech” but was “nevertheless starting to recognise those Manga (Cardiff/ENG), Henri Junior Ndong (Auxerre/FRA), Aaron Appindangoye the group. close to him”. Streiff, described by the newspaper as a long-time (CF Mounana), Johan Obiang (Chateauroux/FRA), Junior Randal Oto’o Zue Squad: Goalkeepers: Ali Al Habsi, Mazin Al Kasbi, friend, said he had gleaned the information from contact with the (Sporting Braga/POR). Mohannad Al Zaabi. Defenders: Abdul Salam Amir, German-born driver’s wife, Corinne, and with his surgeon, Gerard Midfielders: AndrÈ Biyogo Poko (Bordeaux/FRA), Didier Ibrahim Ndong (CS Mohammed Mussallami, Saad Suhail, Jaber Owaisi, Saillant, whom he knows as a result of his own racing accident in Sfaxien/TUN), Samson Mbingui (MC Alger/ALG), Mario Lemina (Marseille/FRA), Ahmed Saleem, Nasr Al Shimli, Ali Al Busaidi. LÈvy Madinda (Celta Vigo/ESP), Kanga Guelor (FC Rostov/RUS), Alexander 1989. He said Schumacher, who will be 46 on Jan. 3, had “very limit- Midfielders: Ahmed Mubarak, Eid Al Farsi, Ali Saleem, ed” movement but was working on sitting upright, and that “long N’Doumbou (Marseille/FRA) Raeed Ibrahim, Ali Al Jabri, Hassan Mudhafar, Mohsin Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund/GER), term... he could hope one day to walk with crutches.” Kehm said Malick Evouna (WAC Casablanca/MAR), FrÈdÈric Bulot (Charlton Johar. Forwards: Imad Al Hosni, Abdulaziz Muqbali, Streiff was not a close friend of Schumacher and that his claims to Athletic/ENG), Romaric RogombÈ (AC Leopards/RDC), Johan Saeed Al Razaiqi, Mohammed Al Siyabi, Yakoob have had contact with the two people named were “factually Lengoualama (Difaa/MAR). — AFP Abdulkarim, Qasim Saeed.—Reuters wrong”. — Reuters Rangers spoil Devils debut

NEW YORK: Derek Stepan scored a pair of spe- cial-teams goals and completed a hat trick into an empty net, Henrik Lundqvist made 19 saves in his 600th NHL contest, and the New York Rangers won their eighth consecutive game, 3- 1, spoiling the debut of the New Jersey Devils’ revamped coaching staff on Saturday night. Stepan netted an unassisted short-handed goal in the first period, and a power-play tally in the second for the Rangers (19-10-4), who have won 12 of 14 and earned at least one point in 22 of 29 (18-7-4). Stepan’s empty-netter with 54.6 seconds left clinched the victory and his third NHL hat trick. Lundqvist, second to Mike Richter (666) in goalie games played with the Rangers, has a franchise record 325 wins. He tied his personal best winning streak of seven games and became the ninth NHL goalie to play 600 games with one team.

BLUE JACKETS 6, BRUINS 2 Kevin Connauton had a goal and two assists and the Blue Jackets scored four times in the second period for a win against the Bruins. Scott Hartnell, in his first game back after miss- ing five games with a broken finger, scored the Blue Jackets’ first two goals for a 2-1 lead early in the second. Nick Foligno and Connauton made it 4-1 before Craig Cunningham scored for the Bruins (18-15-3). Matt Calvert regained the three-goal lead with 51 seconds left in the second. Jeremy Morin added a goal for Columbus in the third. Patrice Bergeron scored in the first period for the Bruins, 20 seconds after Hartnell had given the Blue Jackets (15-16-3) a 1-0 advantage. Columbus backup goalie Curtis McElhinney made 26 saves. NEW YORK: New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) watches a puck shot by New York Rangers’ Derek Stepan for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game. — AP

SABRES 4, ISLANDERS 3 twice, and Nick Leddy added a goal for the LIGHTNING 2, HURRICANES 1 PREDATORS 4, FLYERS 1 Michalek also scored for Arizona, which has Tyler Ennis scored in a shootout in the Islanders. Poulin was recalled from Bridgeport Ben Bishop made 25 saves in his return from Colin Wilson scored two goals to lead the won consecutive games for the first time since Sabres’ victory over the Islanders. The Sabres of the American Hockey League on Tuesday an injury and the Lightning beat the Predators to a win over the Flyers. Filip Forsberg beating Vancouver and Edmonton on Nov. 14 overcame a 3-0 deficit, with Nicolas after Jaroslav Halak sustained a lower-body Hurricanes. Bishop, who had missed the previ- and Mike Fisher also scored for Nashville, win- and 16. Andersen stopped 28 shots and Rene Deslauriers, Zemgus Girgensons and Chris injury. The Sabres snapped a four-game losing ous four games due to a lower body injury, lost ners of four of their last five. Bourque scored for Ducks, who are 17-0-6 in Stewart scoring in the third period to spoil streak in sending New York to its second con- his bid for his second shutout this season and Philadelphia captain Claude Giroux had the one-goal games this season. Kevin Poulin’s shutout bid. John Tavares scored secutive loss. 10th overall with 5:56 to play on Andrej lone goal for the Flyers, who had their three- Sekera’s goal. The goalie is 5-0 with two game winning streak snapped. Forsberg scored FLAMES 4, OILERS 1 shutouts against Carolina. the game’s first goal at 9:41 of the opening peri- Rookie Johnny Gaudreau continued his tor- Tampa Bay got goals from Nikita Kucherov od. With Nashville on a power play, Forsberg’s rid scoring Saturday night with two goals to Sara, Ganong win and Alex Killorn. Bishop made a post to post wrist shot beat Philadelphia goaltender Ray lead Calgary over Edmonton. Gaudreau’s goals pad save on John-Michael Liles’ in-close shot Emery on the glove side. Nashville is 12-1-1 came 16 seconds apart early in the first period skiing races with 7 minutes left in the first. when scoring first this season. Giroux tied the as the Flames blew the game open with three Cam Ward stopped 36 shots for the game at 6:50 of the second with a wrist shot goals in less than two minutes. Coming off a SANTA CATERINA: Sweden’s Sara Hector Second-placed Fenninger finished 0.09 Hurricanes, who are 2-8-1 in their last 11 from the right circle with the Flyers on a 2-on-1 natural hat trick in Tuesday’s comeback victory and American Travis Ganong treated them- seconds behind while Shiffrin’s podium games. Carolina, with just 71 goals in 35 games break. Fisher and Wilson scored power-play over Los Angeles, the 21-year-old has six goals selves to belated Christmas presents with placing, 0.18 adrift, was a morale-booster this season, has dropped nine of its last 10 goals 38 seconds apart late in the second. in his last three games and eight in his last 10. their first World Cup wins in a women’s after a disappointing start to the season. games against the Lightning. Gaudreau is second in rookie scoring with 29 giant slalom and men’s downhill respective- The American will be favourite in Monday’s STARS 4, BLUES 3 points, five behind the leader, Nashville’s Filip ly yesterday. final slalom of the season on the same RED WINGS 3, SENATORS 2 The Stars seized control with power-play Forsberg. Joe Colborne and Curtis Glencross Hector, 22, won a rescheduled race in course. In Santa Caterina, Ganong finally Gustav Nyquist scored at 4:12 of overtime goals from Trevor Daley and Jason Demers in also scored for Calgary (19-15-3), which has the Austrian resort of Kuehtai, narrowly earned the downhill victory everyone has to lift the Red Wings to a win over the Senators. the second period and held on to beat the won consecutive games after ending an eight- beating local World Cup holder Anna been expecting from one of the fastest men Nyquist circled the Senators’ net, carrying the Blues. The Stars (15-14-5) have won five of their game winless skid. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Fenninger and slalom Olympic champion on the circuit. puck around their zone for 10-12 seconds last six. Dallas had a four-game win streak scored the lone goal for Edmonton (7-22-7), Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States. Pushed by Steven Nyman and Bode before launching a shot from the slot for the snapped with a loss to Toronto on Tuesday. which is winless in their last nine (0-7-2). Hector’s combined time of two minutes Miller in a fast improving U.S. speed team, game winner. The Blues (21-11-3) have lost four straight and 17.61 seconds confirmed the strength the 26-year-old Californian beat poor visibil- The Red Wings (19-8-9) got their other goals games. They lost in Los Angeles, San Jose and KINGS 3, SHARKS 1 of a Swedish women’s team that celebrated ity, bumpy terrain and early morning winds from Justin Abdelkader and Henrik Zetterberg, Colorado during a recent three-game road trip. Anze Kopitar and Jake Muzzin scored power- Maria Pietilae-Holmner’s slalom win on to triumph in one minute and 32.42 sec- but it was the work of netminder Jimmy play goals, Jonathan Quick made 21 saves and home snow in Are earlier this month. “I’m onds on a shortened course. Howard and his 31 saves that avoided a Detroit COYOTES 2, DUCKS 1 Los Angeles returned from the holiday break very lucky to be part of a great team. No “I felt I was having strong run while cruis- loss in regulation. He stopped Ottawa’s Erik Shane Doan scored the only goal in the with a victory over San Jose. one lets the others down, we take care of ing down the course, yet I didn’t really Karlsson on a breakaway early in the overtime shootout with a broken stick, Devan Dubnyk Tyler Toffoli also scored in the defending each other and we have great fun, which I expect to win today, it’s a great way to end period to help keep the game tied. Mike stopped 36 shots and the Coyotes beat the Stanley Cup champions’ third victory in four believe is the key,” said the Swede, a giant the year for me,” he said. Hoffman and Clarke MacArthur scored in regu- Ducks. Arizona played well in its own end games. The Kings gave a dominant defensive slalom junior world champion in 2011. “It’s for sure a great feeling to have finally lation for the Senators (14-14-7) while Craig against one of the NHL’s most explosive teams effort in their NHL lead-tying 14th home win, The all-rounder had her World Cup reached that goal,” said Ganong, whose Anderson turned aside 24 shots. and Dubnyk made some big saves when avenging a 4-0 loss to the Sharks on opening debut hampered by a crash and facial Canadian girlfriend Marie-Michele ‘Mich’ Anaheim picked up the pressure in the third night that dampened their championship ban- injuries in 2012 that affected her confidence Gagnon enjoyed her first World Cup win a JETS 4, WILD 3 period. After both teams failed to score in the ner-raising ceremony. in speed events last season, with the skier year ago in a super-combined in Altenmark. Andrew Ladd scored a fluky goal in over- first three rounds of the shootout, Doan broke Joe Pavelski scored his 17th goal and Antti ending a Crans-Montana downhill in tears. Olympic champion Matthias Mayer also time and the Jets beat the Wild. Bryan Little, his stick while shooting on Frederik Andersen, Niemi stopped 26 shots for the Sharks, who lost This season she decided to focus on techni- finished the year on a high note with sec- Adam Lowry and Blake Wheeler also scored for sending the puck trickling toward the right in regulation for just the second time since Nov. cal events and the move paid off. ond place, 0.09 behind, only two months the Jets, winners in four of five, and are 4-1-1 in post. Thrown off by the stick and slow-moving 26. Los Angeles pulled even with its upstate “It was going well this season but this is after tearing a knee ligament in training. their past six and 7-1-3 in the past 11. puck, Andersen couldn’t react in time to stop rivals into second place in the Pacific Division a huge step forward,” she said, adding she Italy’s Dominik Paris, the most consistent Michael Hutchinson made 22 saves. Mikael the puck from sneaking over the line. Zbynek standings. — AP could return to downhill and super-G racing speed specialist this winter, was third and Granlund, Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek later in her career. 0.21 off the pace. —Reuters scored for Minnesota, which has lost five straight and is 1-3-3 in its past seven. NHL results/standings CAPITALS 3, PENGUINS 0 Goaltender Braden Holtby stopped 31 shots Columbus 6, Boston 2; Winnipeg 4, Minnesota 3 (OT); Buffalo 4, NY Islanders 3 (SO); Detroit and Eric Fehr scored two goals as the Capitals 3, Ottawa 2 (OT); Tampa Bay 2, Carolina 1; NY Rangers 3, New Jersey 1; Washington 3, defeated the Penguins. Fehr, who scored twice Pittsburgh 0; Dallas 4, St. Louis 3; Nashville 4, Philadelphia 1; Arizona 2, Anaheim 1 (SO); during the Capitals’ win in the 2011 Winter Chicago 5, Colorado 2; Calgary 4, Edmonton 1; Los Angeles 3, San Jose 1. Classic at Pittsburgh, did it again on Saturday Western Conference Eastern Conference with his eighth and ninth goals of the year. Pacific Division Atlantic Division Marcus Johansson got his 10th for the Capitals, WL OTLGFGAPTS Tampa Bay 22 11 4 119 97 48 who won for the fifth time in seven games. Detroit 19 8 9 103 89 47 Anaheim 23 8 6 105 100 52 Montreal 22 11 2 95 84 46 Washington also defeated Pittsburgh for the Los Angeles 18 11 7 100 89 43 first time since January 22, 2012, a span of nine Toronto 20 12 3 118 102 43 San Jose 19 12 5 100 93 43 Boston 18 15 3 93 97 39 games. Vancouver 20 11 2 99 91 42 Florida 15 9 8 73 82 38 Ottawa 14 14 7 92 97 35 BLACKHAWKS 5, AVALANCHE 2 Calgary 19 15 3 108 99 41 Buffalo 14 19 3 73 118 31 Patrick Kane scored twice and Corey Arizona 13 18 4 82 113 30 Metropolitan Division Crawford stopped 23 shots, leading the Central Edmonton 7 22 7 76 125 21 Pittsburgh 22 8 5 108 83 49 Central Division NY Islanders 23 11 1 108 98 47 Division-leading Blackhawks to a win over the NY Rangers 19 10 4 100 84 42 Avalanche. Brandon Saad and Brent Seabrook Chicago 24 10 2 112 74 50 Washington 18 11 6 102 90 42 also scored for the Blackhawks, while Patrick Nashville 23 9 2 99 71 48 Philadelphia 14 15 6 98 105 34 Sharp celebrated his 33rd birthday with a St. Louis 21 11 3 103 90 45 Columbus 15 16 3 86 109 33 game-sealing goal in the third period. Kane Winnipeg 19 10 7 92 84 45 New Jersey 12 18 7 79 107 31 Carolina 10 21 4 71 95 24 added an empty-net goal with 5.4 seconds Minnesota 16 13 4 96 93 36 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one ITALY: Travis Ganong speeds down the course on his way to win an alpine ski, men’s remaining. Nathan MacKinnon and Erik Dallas 15 14 5 99 116 35 point in the standings and are not included World Cup downhill, in Santa Caterina Valfurva. — AP Johnson had goals for the Avalanche as their Colorado 13 14 8 92 106 34 in the loss column (L). three-game win streak was snapped. MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 SPORTS

MELBOURNE: India’s MS Dhoni stretches out to play a sweep against Australia on the third day of their cricket Test match. — AP Rahane, Kohli slam tons, India close on Australia

MELBOURNE: India counter-punched their way and hopefully have a bit of lead and bat and see Substitute fielder Peter Siddle made it three back into the third Test on the back of centuries where we go from there,” he said. with a dropped two-handed chance off Lokesh SCOREBOARD from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in a record The last time India put on a 250-plus stand in Rahul. But the debutant was out off Lyon’s next stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yester- an overseas Test was the 353 by Sachin ball, caught by Josh Hazlewood for three. day. Kohli savaged the Australian bowlers, par- Tendulkar and V.V.S. Laxman for the fourth wick- “I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen MELBOURNE: Scoreboard at the close on the third day of the third Test between Australia ticularly Mitchell Johnson, for his third ton of the et in Sydney in 2004. Rahane was finally out leg them be inconsistent in the field. They have very and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday: series, while Rahane hit his highest Test score of before wicket to Nathan Lyon for 147 in the high standards with slip catching and ground Australia 1st innings 530 (S. Smith 192, R. Harris 74; M. Shami 4-138) 147. The pair piled on 262 runs for the fourth 108th over. He batted for four hours and faced fielding,” Kohli said. “It might just be one of those India 1st innings (overnight 108 for 1) Extras (lb1, w1) 2 wicket, a record for the fourth wicket by any pair 171 balls with 21 fours. The pair were particular- off days.” The ragged Australian fielding was in M. Vijay c Marsh b Watson 68 Total (8 wickets; 126.2 overs) 462 at the MCG. It eclipsed Michael Clarke and ly severe on Johnson, with Kohli crunching three contrast to the morning session when Brad S. Dhawan c Smith b Harris 28 Shane Watson’s 194 against Sri Lanka two years fours off one over and Rahane repeating the Haddin took a stunning catch to dismiss C. Pujara c Haddin b Harris 25 Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Dhawan), 2-108 ago. dose in Johnson’s subsequent over. The last time Cheteshwar Pujara off the second ball of the day. V. Kohli c Haddin b Johnson 169 (Pujara), 3-147 (Vijay), 4-409 (Rahane), 5-415 Kohli was out in the last over of the day, bril- Johnson (1-133) had been punished as severely The veteran wicketkeeper, who missed a far A. Rahane lbw b Lyon 147 (Rahul), 6-430 (Dhoni), 7-434 (Ashwin), 8- liantly snapped up by Brad Haddin off Johnson was 0-104 against England at the Gabba in 2010. easier chance off Pujara late on Saturday, pulled L. Rahul c Hazlewood b Lyon 3 462 (Kohli) for 169 in 380 minutes off 272 balls with 18 Rahane raised his highest Test score with a off one of the catches of the series, flinging him- M. Dhoni c Haddin b Harris 11 Bowling: Johnson 29.2-5-133-1, Harris 25-7- fours. cross-bat four off Johnson, bettering his 118 self to his right to take a spectacular acrobatic R. Ashwin c and b Harris 0 69-4 (1w), Hazlewood 25-6-75-0, Watson 16- At the close India were 462 for eight, trailing against New Zealand in Wellington in February. catch as the batsman failed to add to his M. Shami not out 9 3-65-1, Lyon 29-3-108-2, Smith 2-0-11-0. by 68 runs with two days remaining. Their running between the wickets was overnight 25. Skipper M.S. Dhoni was out late in Mohammed Shami was nine not out. impressive as was their array and placement of the day, caught behind off Harris for 11, and the “I’m very proud of the way we played. We shots to neuter the Australian attack. India’s lion-hearted Harris took a tumbling caught and Hughes took when he was fatally struck by a sim- the ground. Johnson quickly apologised but the backed ourselves throughout. I’m not disap- cause was aided by a poor day in the field for bowled to dismiss Ravi Ashwin for a duck. ilar delivery in a domestic game last month. Vijay mood soured, with the umpires intervening to pointed at all (at getting out in the last over),” Australia, with three dropped catches. Lyon bun- There was a chilling moment as Murali Vijay batted on but was out five runs later when he ease tensions between the two. India, trailing 2- Kohli said. Australia paceman Ryan Harris said gled a regulation two-handed head-high chance on 63 turned his head to avoid a searing was caught by Shaun Marsh at first slip off 0, are striving to win the Melbourne Test to stay early wickets today’s fourth day would be cru- off his own bowling when Rahane was on 70 Johnson bouncer and took a blow on the side of Watson. Johnson was also involved in a flash alive in the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy cial. “Now that we’ve got eight wickets down the and Watson put down Kohli (88) at first slip off his helmet early in the day. It was eerily reminis- point when he hurled the ball back at Kohli, strik- series. But they have not won at the MCG for 33 quicker we get them in the morning the better, Johnson. cent of the blow Australian batsman Phillip ing the batsman on his back. Kohli collapsed to years. — AFP Brathwaite, Samuels defy South Africa

PORT ELIZABETH: Kraigg Brathwaite and cessful South African bowler, taking two wickets Marlon Samuels hit half-centuries as the West in two balls. He ended a 55-run opening part- Indies fought back on the third day of the sec- nership between Brathwaite and Devon Smith ond Test against South Africa at St George’s Park by having Smith caught at first slip, with Leon yesterday. Johnson edging the next delivery to third slip. Brathwaite made 65 not out and Samuels Bad light ended play with 16 overs remaining was unbeaten on 60 as the West Indies reached after rain delayed the start of play by an hour. 144 for two in reply to South Africa’s 417 for With most of the second day lost to rain, eight declared. Morne Morkel was the only suc- South Africa were hoping to score quick runs on Sunday morning before making inroads into a potentially fragile West Indian batting line-up. But they were frustrated on both counts. The West Indies took four wickets before lunch, including the prize scalps of Amla and AB de Villiers, who were dismissed in successive overs. Only 80 runs were scored during the morning but Dale Steyn went on the rampage after the interval, thrashing 58 off 28 balls with six fours and five sixes. Amla declared when Steyn was caught attempting another big hit off left-arm spinner Suleiman Benn. Amla hit two fours in the first over of the day, bowled by Jerome Taylor, but only added ten to his overnight score of 23 before he was trapped leg before wicket by a ball from Jason Holder which nipped back off the pitch. New cap Temba Bavuma scored a boundary off his first ball, when a defensive shot flew to NEW ZEALAND: SriLanka’s Angelo Mathews (right) plays a shot as New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling reacts during day three of the first third man off a thick edge from Holder but De Villiers was out in the next over, bowled by International Test cricket match. — AFP Taylor. De Villiers survived a failed review after a leg before appeal was turned down by umpire Boult gives New Zealand crucial break Paul Reiffel but was bowled next ball when he tried to work a full-length delivery to leg. CHRISTCHURCH: Two late wickets by Trent Boult put then a 97-run stand with Angelo Mathews. The left- his marathon knock which included 17 fours. The scoring rate slowed as Bavuma and the New Zealand back in control of the first Test against hander had been under enormous pressure after mak- Karunaratne started the day on 49 with Sri Lanka 84-0 similarly inexperienced Stiaan van Zyl, playing in Sri Lanka yesterday after a maiden Test century by ing a four-ball duck in Sri Lanka’s first innings paltry and reached his fifth half century with a single off the his second Test, could only add 21 in 10.2 overs Dimuth Karunaratne had briefly given the tourists a 138 in reply to New Zealand’s 441 and were forced to second ball. Kaushal Silva was caught behind four PORT ELIZABETH: West Indies Devon Smith before Bavuma (10) gloved a bouncer from glimmer of hope. follow on. But he easily surpassed his previous Test balls later without adding to his overnight 33 and at the wicket during the third day of the sec- Shannon Gabriel to wicketkeeper Denesh Sri Lanka were closing in on wiping out their 303- best of 85. Sri Lanka were in trouble when they lost Sangakkara followed soon after. It was a disappoint- ond cricket Test against South Africa. —AP Ramdin. —AFP run first innings deficit with seven wickets in hand two quick wickets at the start of the third day, includ- ing outcome for Sangakkara, the most prolific bats- when Boult brought their cautious progress at ing another failure by the world’s top-ranked batsman man in the world this year with 1,493 runs from 22 Christchurch’s Hagley Oval to a halt. Kumar Sangakkara, who fell for one. innings, including a fifty in each of his past nine Tests. SCOREBOARD He removed the defiant Karunaratne for 152 and But if New Zealand’s hopes were up with Sri Lanka He could only manage seven from his two innings Niroshan Dickwella for four as Sri Lanka were reduced at 94-2 and trailing by 209, Karunaratne had other and remains six runs short of becoming the fifth mem- PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: Scores at close on the third day of the second Test to 293-5 at stumps, still 10 runs from making New ideas. With survival foremost in his mind he batted for ber of the exclusive group of Test cricketers to score between South Africa and the West Indies at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth yesterday: Zealand bat again. Angelo Mathews is not out 53 with a shade over eight hours and faced 363 deliveries in more than 12,000 runs. — AFP Tharindu Kaushal on five while Boult, New Zealand’s South Africa, first innings 21-0-80-2 (4nb), Benn 28-4-102-1 (1nb), chief wicket-taker, has three for 62. Karunaratne was (Overnight 289-3) Samuels 1-1-0-0 annoyed with his dismissal which came as he was SCOREBOARD A. Petersen c Johnson b Gabriel 17 Did not bat: M. Morkel, Imran Tahir about to appeal against the fading light. D. Elgar c Ramdin b Peters 121 “The light was a bit low. Boult was bowling beauti- F. du Plessis c Ramdin b Taylor 103 West Indies, first innings fully at that time. I wanted to tell the umpires it was CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Scoreboard at stumps on the third day of the first Test between H. Amla lbw b Holder 33 K. Brathwaite not out 65 difficult to bat and just get to the dressing room,” he New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch yesterday: D. Smith c Amla b Morkel 22 A. de Villiers b Taylor 10 said. Karunaratne believed a lead of 150 was possible New Zealand 1st innings 441 (B. McCullum 195, J. Neesham 85, K. Williamson 54; A. Mathews 3- L. Johnson c Du Plessis b Morkel 0 T. Bavuma c Ramdin b Gabriel 10 for Sri Lanka and would be competitive on a turning 39, S. Lakmal 3-90) S. van Zyl c Ramdin b Peters 29 M. Samuels not out 60 Extras 0 wicket. But New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling said Sri Lanka 1st innings 138 (A. Mathews 50; T. Extras (lb19, nb1) 20 V. Philander not out 13 Boult’s late double strike kept the initiative with the Boult 3-25, N. Wagner 3-60) Total (5 wickets, 125 overs) 201 D. Steyn c Holder b Benn 58 Total (2 wkts, 44 overs) 147 Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Smith), 2-55 (Johnson) Black Caps. “To make the bang-bang tonight put us Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight 84-0) Extras (b4, lb5, nb8, w6) 23 Bowling: Steyn 9-2-36-0, Philander 11-2-30- back in the position where we look comfortable,” Total (8 wkts dec, 122 overs) 417 D. Karunaratne b Boult 152 Fall of wickets: 1-85 (Silva), 2-94 (Sangakkara), 0, Morkel 8-1-24-2, Imran Tahir 15-1-52-0, Watling said. K. Silva c Watling b Southee 33 3-181 (Thirimanne), 4-277 (Karunaratne), 5- Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Petersen), 2-226 Elgar 1-0-5-0 “They obviously fought hard and played some (Elgar), 3-274 (Du Plessis), 4-300 (Amla), 5- K. Sangakkara c Watling b Boult 1 287 (Dickwella) To bat: S. Chanderpaul, D. Ramdin, J. Holder, good cricket but, all-in-all, 200 runs and five wickets in L. Thirimanne c Watling b Neesham 25 Bowling: Boult 30-8-62-3, Southee 25-5-54-1, 304 (De Villiers), 6-325 (Bavuma), 7-348 (Van J. Taylor, S. Benn, S. Gabriel, K. Peters a day and they’re still behind us that’s a good day for A Mathews not out 53 Wagner 27-6-67-0 (1nb), Craig 34-10-67-0, Zyl), 8-417 (Steyn) Match situation: West Indies trail by 270 us.” Karunaratne’s wicket was vital for New Zealand Bowling: Taylor 30-7-114-2 (2nb, 2w), Peters runs with eight wickets remaining in the after the 26-year-old had stood in 87-run partnership N. Dickwella c Neesham b Boult 4 Neesham 7-2-20-1, McCullum 1-0-3-0, 20-7-69-2, Holder 22-7-43-1 (1nb), Gabriel first innings. with Lahiru Thirimanne (25) for the third wicket and T. Kaushal not out 5 Williamson 1-0-1-0. MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 SPORTS Toulouse gain Racing revenge

PARIS: Toulouse gained a measure of revenge on of pride and desire but they still need more maturi- closer to scoring a try than their hosts. But they had Kockott kicked 17 points for the hosts, with Teddy Racing-Metro with a turgid and try-less 15-9 victory ty because that kind of point can be important at a score from Yoan Audrin on 57 minutes ruled out Iribaren knocking over all Montpellier’s points. in the French Top 14 yesterday. the end of the season,” said Racing coach Laurent by the TMO after Alexandre Dumoulin was Bordeaux-Begles ran in seven tries as they Former New Zealand international Luke Travers. The victory crucially helped erase memo- adjudged to have knocked on when it seemed that thrashed former European champions Brive 46-10 McAlister scored four penalties with Toby Flood, ries of the record four-time European champions’ Toulouse’s Yoann Huget had in fact stripped him of to end a run of four straight league defeats and the ex-England fly-half, adding a fifth for the hosts, play-off defeat to the Parisians at their Ernest- the ball. Audrin was left frustrated again a couple move up to fifth. who moved up to sixth in the table and the final Wallon home back in May, denying Toulouse a of minutes later after he failed to gather the ball Former All Black lock Jason Eaton scored the play-off place. “It wasn’t very spectacular but with semi-final place for the first time in 20 years. when over the try line as Dambielle’s penalty came only try of the match as La Rochelle held on to beat those conditions we couldn’t do any better,” said Toulouse had already lost three times to Racing back off the woodwork. Grenoble 19-15 and move out of the relegation Flood. “Racing are a good team and the main prior- in 2014 but this success will give them confidence The Parisians also had a late chance to snatch zone. Jonathan Wisniewski, one of the revelations ity was to win.” Benjamin Dambielle, standing in at going into the new year. the victory but Toulouse flanker Yannick Nyanga, of the season, kicked five penalties for Grenoble, fly-half for injured South African Johan Goosen, The result in a forwards’ arm-wrestle played on a Racing-bound next season, won a line-out against who dropped to seventh. scored all of Racing’s points with two penalties and heavy pitch was decided by a yellow card shown to the throw five yards from the home line to clear the Oyonnax’s Argentine fly-half Ben Urdapilleta a drop goal. Racing remained fourth but missed Racing flanker Bernard Le Roux on the stroke of danger. In other matches, 2013 champions Castres out-kicked Bayonne scrum-half Christophe out on the losing bonus point after opting to kick a half-time. That also allowed former All Black climbed off the bottom of the table, ahead of Loustalot by four penalties to three in a 12-9 victo- penalty to touch late on in an attempt to win the McAlister to give the hosts the lead 12-9 going into Lyon’s clash with Clermont, with a much-needed ry that saw the hosts move above the Basques into game rather than going for the three points that the changing rooms and he added his final penalty 27-9 win over Montpellier. ninth. Later on, European champions and league would have secured the bonus. before Le Roux had rejoined the fray. Centre Thomas Combezou scored a try in each leaders Toulon face a difficult trip to Stade “You can see this is a team with a huge amount Racing will have some regrets after coming far half while South African-born France fly-half Rory Francais. — AFP

LOS ANGELES: Toronto Raptors’ Kyle Lowry (right) goes up for a basket as Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Raptors snap Clippers winning streak

LOS ANGELES: Kyle Lowry scored 25 points the final minutes. But the Grizzlies always points. Luis Scola added 13, Chris Copeland Friday in Atlanta with their 15th win in their Tony Wroten scored 20 points and Robert and the Toronto Raptors’ reserves came up had an answer, putting six players in double had 12 and Lavoy Allen chipped in 10. last 17 games. Paul Millsap finished with 17 Covington added 17 for the Sixers (4-25), big in the fourth quarter of a 110-98 victory figures and snapping a four-game losing Jarrett Jack had 22 points and Joe points and eight rebounds for Atlanta. who could not overcome a sluggish offen- over the Clippers on Saturday, ending Los streak. Dwyane Wade scored 25 points for Johnson added 18 for Brooklyn, which had Khris Middleton led Milwaukee with 21 sive performance before halftime. Angeles’ eight-game home winning streak. Miami, which fell to 6-11 at home. Danny won its previous three games. The Nets, points, which tied a season high, and O.J. The Jazz limited the Sixers to just 12-of- Jonas Valanciunas had 22 points and 11 Granger scored a season-high 18 off the who entered the night 12-2 against teams Mayo added 11. Jared Dudley, who made 40 shooting (30 percent) from the field rebounds for the defending Atlantic bench for the Heat, who got 16 from Luol with losing records, couldn’t handle the NBA history on Friday by hitting all 10 of his before halftime. Michael Carter-Williams Division champion Raptors, who entered Deng and 13 from Chris Andersen. Pacers, who improved to 11-20. Indiana’s shots, including four 4-pointers, shot just 3 particularly struggled, shooting just 1 of 13 the day with a one-game lead over Atlanta bench, third-best in the league with 39.6 of 8 for nine points. in the first two quarters. He finished the for the best record in the Eastern MAGIC 102, HORNETS 94 points entering the game, outscored its game just 2 of 20. Conference. Lowry shot 9 of 17, after aver- Nikola Vucevic had 22 points and 11 Brooklyn counterparts 52-16. JAZZ 88, 76ERS 71 aging 9.3 points and 27.5 percent from the rebounds, Tobias Harris scored 21 points Derrick Favors had 17 points, 15 KINGS 135, KNICKS 129 field over his previous four games against and Orlando overcame a career-high 42 HAWKS 90, BUCKS 85 rebounds and five blocked shots to lead DeMarcus Cousins scored nine of his sea- the Clippers. JJ Redick had 23 points and points from Kemba Walker to beat Jeff Teague scored 10 of his 25 points in Utah over Philadelphia. Trey Burke added 17 son-high 39 points in overtime in his return Blake Griffin had 22 for the Clippers, who Charlotte. Walker scored a Charlotte-record the fourth quarter, Al Horford added 20, and points, Gordon Hayward chipped in 15 and from a stomach ailment, and Sacramento lost at home for the first time since Chicago 35 in the second half and finished 15 of 30 Atlanta beat Milwaukee. The Hawks Enes Kanter finished with 10 points and 10 handed New York its seventh straight loss. beat them on Nov. 17. in the highest-scoring game of his career, avenged a 30-point loss to Milwaukee on rebounds for the Jazz (10-20). Rudy Gay scored 29 points and Darren but the Hornets could never regain the lead Collison added 27 points, 10 assists and a BULLS 107, Pelicans 100 after falling behind by 10 at halftime. Victor tiebreaking 3-pointer late in overtime for Jimmy Butler scored 33 points, Derrick Oladipo scored 13 points, Evan Fournier had NBA results/standings the slumping Kings. Sacramento had lost Rose had 19 and Chicago beat New Orleans 12, and Ben Gordon and Elfrid Payton each seven of its previous eight games, including for its sixth consecutive victory. The Bulls had 11 for the Magic (12-21). The Magic Toronto 110, LA Clippers 98; Orlando 102, Charlotte 94; Washington 101, Boston 88; Memphis four of five under interim coach Tyrone (21-9) also had three reserves score in dou- have defeated the Hornets (10-21) twice in 103, Miami 95; Chicago 107, New Orleans 100; Indiana 110, Brooklyn 85; Atlanta 90, Corbin. But a matchup with the NBA’s sec- ble figures in their ninth win in 10 games. Charlotte this season. Earlier this year they Milwaukee 85; Utah 88, Philadelphia 71; Sacramento 135, NY Knicks 129 (OT); Golden State ond-worst team helped reverse that slide. Aaron Brooks scored 13 points, and Taj erased a 23-point deficit to win. 110, Minnesota 97. Carmelo Anthony scored 36 points for Gibson added 12 points and 10 rebounds. the short-handed Knicks, who dressed only Eastern Conference Western Conference Nikola Mirotic finished with 10 points. WIZARDS 101, CELTICS 88 Atlantic Division Northwest Division nine players in losing for the 17th time in 18 Anthony Davis had 29 points, 11 Kris Humphries scored 18 points, Paul W L PCT GB Portland 24 7 .774 - games. rebounds and six blocked shots in his first Pierce had 17 and Washington beat Boston. Toronto 23 7 .767 - Oklahoma City 15 16 .484 9 NBA game in his hometown. Tyreke Evans It was the Wizards’ eighth win in their last 10 Brooklyn 13 16 .448 9.5 Denver 13 17 .433 10.5 WARRIORS 110, TIMBERWOLVES 97 scored 26 points for the Pelicans, and Jrue games, and it was decided quickly. Boston 10 18 .357 12 Utah 10 20 .333 13.5 Stephen Curry had 25 points and six Holiday had 19 points and seven assists. Washington scored 13 consecutive points to NY Knicks 5 27 .156 19 Minnesota 5 24 .172 18 assists, Klay Thompson scored 21 points and The Pelicans (15-15), who were coming take a 15-2 lead with not even 4 minutes Philadelphia 4 25 .138 18.5 Pacific Division Golden State shook off a two-game losing off a 97-90 victory over San Antonio on gone. Jeff Green scored 23 points for Central Division Golden State 24 5 .828 - streak by rolling past lowly Minnesota. Chicago 21 9 .700 - Friday night, were outrebounded 45-37 by Boston, which has lost four straight. By the LA Clippers 20 11 .645 5 Four others scored in double digits as the the Bulls. time the Celtics’ nightmare first quarter end- Cleveland 18 11 .621 2.5 NBA-leading Warriors (24-5) wore down the Milwaukee 15 16 .484 6.5 Phoenix 17 14 .548 8 ed, they were behind 30-12 and outre- Sacramento 13 17 .433 11.5 last-place Timberwolves in the second half. GRIZZLIES 103, HEAT 95 bounded by 16-6 and had eight turnovers. Indiana 11 20 .355 10.5 Golden State led by 27 points early in the Detroit 6 23 .207 14.5 LA Lakers 9 21 .300 15.5 Mike Conley scored 24 points, Marc Gasol Southwest Division fourth quarter and rested many of its regu- added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and PACERS 110, NETS 85 Southeast Division lars in the final minutes. Thaddeus Young Atlanta 22 8 .733 - Houston 21 7 .750 - Memphis never trailed on the way to beat- Rodney Stuckey scored 20 points, David Washington 21 8 .724 0.5 Memphis 22 8 .733 - finished with 17 points and six rebounds, ing Miami. Beno Udrih scored 11 for the West added 17, and Indiana overwhelmed Miami 14 17 .452 8.5 Dallas 21 10 .677 1.5 and Zach LaVine had 12 points and 14 Grizzlies, who led by 19 early in the second Brooklyn. Former Nets guard C.J. Watson, Orlando 12 21 .364 11.5 San Antonio 18 13 .581 4.5 assists in Minnesota’s eighth straight loss. half before Miami scored to get within one who played for Brooklyn during the 2012-13 Charlotte 10 21 .323 12.5 New Orleans 15 15 .500 7 The injury-ravaged Wolves (5-24) are in last or two points on 11 different occasions in season, came off the bench and scored 17 place in the Western Conference. — AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 SPORTS McDowall says sorry after Rangers thrashing

EDINBURGH: Rangers caretaker manager Kenny done during the week went up in the air after that. responsibility for the performances. It was not good tough job.” First half strikes from David Gray and McDowall said sorry to the Glasgow club’s support “Normally you get a response when there is a enough. “At the moment we’ve got to keep working Jason Cummings followed by goals from Scott after his first match in charge ended in a 4-0 thrash- change in management but that didn’t happen for away. I’ve been told to carry on so I’ll need to try Robertson and Liam Craig after the break helped ing by Hibernian. us today. and get the players up and ready for their next secure Hibernian’s biggest margin of victory over It was a painful start for former assistant boss “It was very disappointing and I’d just like to game.” The defeat, Rangers’ fifth in just 17 matches, Rangers since 1912 and closed the gap between McDowall, who was handed the reins earlier in the apologise to our support for letting them down. It’s all but ends their hopes of beating Hearts to the the clubs to four points. week after manager Ally McCoist was placed on been a very difficult day.” The hosts dominated the one automatic promotion spot back to the “I think when you are standing in this position gardening leave. It followed yet another turbulent match at Easter Road while the visitors looked Premiership, with the Jambos opening up a 15 very rarely do you talk about a complete perform- week off the pitch at the Glasgow giants, who dispirited and disjointed. point lead at the top of the table with their 1-0 ance. But I feel as if today the lads have just pro- gained approval for a new share issue to raise the McDowall said he would shoulder the blame for defeat of Livingston. It leaves Rangers in the unen- duced a complete performance,” Hibs manager Alan £8m it needs to continue trading for the next 12 the result but said the players needed to take more viable position of trying to gain promotion via the Stubbs said. “We’ve worked hard all week on where months at a stormy AGM earlier this week. responsible for their performances on the pitch. play-offs. and how we were going to hurt Rangers and it’s “I’m hugely disappointed, especially for our sup- “Obviously heads are down in there and we’ll have a “I was under no illusions that this was going to nice when everything comes together.” port who were here today. I think the best team chat on Monday and go over the game again,” the be easy. I’ve been working with Ally McCoist and Elsewhere on Saturday, Celtic increased their won and I don’t have any excuses at all,” a clearly Gers gaffer said.”They just did not look organised at Walter Smith and it’s always been tough,” McDowall lead at the top of the Premiership to five points despondent McDowall said. times. They were not where they should have been said of the task facing the Ibrox club. despite a goalless draw with bottom of the table “Obviously finding yourself 2-0 down after 12 on the park. “I will accept the responsibility for the “It’s a tough job anyway at the best of times even Ross County after nearest challengers Dundee minutes isn’t an ideal start. All the work that we result. I set the team up and the boys will accept when it’s going well so I knew it was going to be a United lost 2-1 to St Johnstone. — AFP

LONDON: West Ham United’s Cheikhou Kouyate (center) scores their first goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at Upton Park. — AP Arsenal survive West Ham test

fourth placed Southampton only on goal dif- Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny strand- left-hand post. West Ham were still in control Ham tried to respond. But just eight minutes ference. West Ham, surprise contenders for the ed, but his view was obstructed by two West with James Tomkins wasting a glorious chance into the second-half, Kouyate gave Allardyce’s West Ham 1 coveted European places, had been punching Ham players standing in an offside position. when he blazed over from a good position. men a lifeline. Tomkins found room to deliver above their weight all season but back-to-back Replays suggested the assistant referee had But the Hammers would regret not taking a cross and Kouyate rose above Arsenal right- defeats have dented their challenge heading made the right call but Song protested angrily their chances as Arsenal opened the scoring back Mathieu Debuchy to scramble his header into 2015. They were undone by two goals in following the decision. Wenger had opted to through Cazorla in the 41st minute. home. Arsenal 2 three minutes late in the first half by Santi call up French centre-back Laurent Koscielny Cazorla was tripped up by Winston Reid’s The hosts dominated possession as they Cazorla and Danny Welbeck. Senegal midfield- to help combat the aerial power of burly West trailing leg for a clear penalty which the pressed for an equaliser, but West Ham’s er Cheikhou Kouyate scored his first West Ham Ham striker Andy Carroll. Spanish midfielder calmly converted. And it Adrian was the busier goalkeeper. He kept out LONDON: Arsenal withstood a second-half goal to give the hosts renewed hope in the But Carroll shrugged off the attentions of went from bad to worse for the hosts as Cazorla’s shot and then denied Oxlade- onslaught from West Ham to boost their second half but, despite mounting pressure, Koscielny before the former Liverpool player Welbeck struck two minutes later. Chamberlain’s 74th minute header. Sanchez Champions League charge with a 2-1 victory the Gunners held on for a hard-fought win. saw his low shot scrambled clear. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross saw the and Welbeck wasted chances to give Arsenal at Upton Park yesterday. West Ham midfielder Alex Song thought he Arsenal had barely got out of their own half England striker have the simple task of slotting some precious breathing space but, despite a Arsene Wenger’s side secured their second had opened the scoring against his old club in but Alexis Sanchez sparked them into life in at the far post in the 44th minute. surviving a scare when Enner Valencia headed successive win over the festive period to move the sixth minute. when he was afforded too much room before Stewart Downing should have done better over in the final attack of the game, the visitors up to fifth in the Premier League, behind Song’s 25-yard shot through a crowd left driving a deflected shot just wide of Adrian’s than shoot wide just before the break as West held on. — AFP Chelsea confirm Newcastle sink Everton Torres move

LONDON: Spain striker Fernando Torres will join AC Milan per- manently from Chelsea in the New Year, the English Premier Newcastle 3 League leaders said Saturday. The news came several hours after Spanish media reports claimed the former Liverpool forward would be returning to his first club Atletico Madrid. Everton 2 The 30-year-old had joined Milan on a two-year loan at the beginning of this season. He won the Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup in three-and-a-half years at NEWCASTLE: Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse kept up Stamford Bridge, but never lived up to goal-scoring expecta- his impressive scoring record to inspire Newcastle tions after a £50 million (64m euros, $78m) transfer from United as they came from behind to beat Everton 3-2 in Liverpool. Torres will join Milan permanently on January 5, the Premier League yesterday. Chelsea said. Cisse’s fifth goal in six games sparked the recovery The deal does not rule out a return to Atletico in the upcom- after Arouna Kone had found the net on his full Premier ing transfer window, though. The Spanish champions have indi- League debut for Roberto Martinez’s Everton, an injury- cated they do not have the funds for a permanent deal them- ravaged 18 months after joining from Wigan Athletic. selves, but may yet sign him on another loan deal from Milan Cisse levelled before the interval and second-half goals once he has left Chelsea. from Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback enabled Alan In fact, Sports newspapers such as Marca and AS and nation- Pardew’s men to end a four-game losing streak. al daily El Pais had said earlier that Torres’s move back to Atletico Substitute Kevin Mirallas gave Everton hope by was decided after the Madrid club’s Italian player Alessio Cerci reducing the arrears in the 84th minute from Leighton agreed to move to Milan in return. Baines’s through-ball, but it was not enough to prevent A return home could be what Torres needs to reignite a Everton sliding to a third straight defeat. The Merseyside once sparkling career. The World Cup winner and double club have won just once in their last seven league European champion scored 46 goals in 172 Chelsea appear- games, losing five. ances, but only 20 of those came in 110 league outings-a poor Martinez made seven changes to the team beaten 1- return when compared with the 65 Premier League goals he 0 by Stoke City on Boxing Day, notably handing a top- scored in 102 appearances for Liverpool. flight debut to England youth defender Luke Garbutt, LONDON: Everton’s Kevin Mirallas (left) celebrates his goal past Newcastle United’s goalkeeper Jak Alnwick Torres moved to Stamford Bridge late on January transfer and saw Everton take a fifth-minute lead. (right) during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP deadline day in 2011 for a then record British fee. Initial strug- Aiden McGeady’s channel ball cut out Yoan Gouffran Cisse, who made no mistake from close range. the legs of his marker Coleman and into the bottom-left gles appeared to be a crisis of confidence, as he managed just and found Seamus Coleman making progress down the Cisse was perhaps fortunate to still be on the field at corner past a rooted Robles. one goal in 18 appearances before the end of the season. right. The Irishman sent over an inviting low cross and that point, having earlier caught Coleman in the throat Samuel Eto’o should have equalised just after the The following season he scored 11 goals, including a hat- Kone swept home confidently from six yards. It was the with a flailing arm in an off-the-ball incident that went hour, but the former Cameroon striker wasted some trick against QPR and a vital breakaway goal against Barcelona Ivory Coast international’s first goal since May 2013, his unseen by the match officials. determined approach play from Baines by firing the in the Champions League semi-final, but still looked a shadow Goodison Park career having stalled after he suffered a Pardew’s side ended the half in the ascendency, and defender’s low cross wastefully over. They were made to of his former self. serious knee injury that ruled him out for most of last it took a fine block from Sylvain Distin to deny Daryl pay with 23 minutes left as Newcastle stretched their His best season in a Chelsea shirt came in the following cam- season. Moussa Sissoko spurned a clear opening to Janmaat as the Dutch international latched onto Paul advantage through Colback’s first goal for the club. paign as he scored 22 goals across seven competitions, includ- draw Newcastle level, a heavy first touch allowing keep- Dummett’s knock-down from a Perez centre. Robles Janmaat’s ball into the Everton area should have eas- ing the winner in the Europa League final against Benfica. er Joel Robles to block as the midfielder bore down on produced a fine save low to his left to keep out a ily been cut out by Ross Barkley. But the substitute He managed only 11 goals the following season, after goal from a Cisse flick. Gouffran effort early in the second half, but Newcastle allowed the pass to reach Colback, a close-season sign- which Jose Mourinho broke up his misfiring striking trio of But the hosts drew level 11 minutes before the did not have to wait long before taking a 51st-minute ing from neighbours Sunderland, who rolled a left-foot Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba, all of whom left the club. break, as their increasing pressure finally told. lead. As with the first goal, Tiote was prominent in the shot past Robles. Cisse almost made it four soon after, Since his move to Milan he has scored just one goal in 10 Cheick Tiote swapped passes with Colback and sent build-up, finding Perez on the edge of the Everton area. only to be denied by Robles, but despite Mirallas giving appearances. — AFP over a deep cross that Mike Williamson hooked back to The Spaniard turned and threaded a low shot through the visitors hope, it was to prove immaterial. — AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 SPORTS Palace show fight in QPR stalemate

and composure in a scrappy opening and QPR striker Charlie Austin should have QPR 0 done better than shoot straight at Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni. Yannick Bolasie produced Palace’s first real moment of quality when he unleashed Crystal Palace 0 a powerful strike which Robert Green was at full stretch to keep out. The visitors went even closer in the 21st minute when Joe Ledley picked out Jason LONDON: Managerless Crystal Palace Puncheon and the Palace winger curled in responded to the sacking of boss Neil a first-time effort that beat Green but Warnock with a gritty display in a 0-0 draw rebounded to safety off the post. against fellow strugglers QPR yesterday. After failing to build any momentum in Palace chairman Steve Parish ended a drab first half, QPR went close to breaking Warnock’s five-month reign on Saturday the deadlock soon after the interval when after the south London club slumped into Leroy Fer’s volley flew just wide. the Premier League relegation zone, but Fer forced Speroni to show his athleti- caretaker manager Keith Millen convinced cism to get a hand to a powerful strike from his players to ignore the turmoil and they the Dutch midfielder as QPR finally found delivered an improved performance at some rhythm. Austin had a goalbound Loftus Road. header blocked from a corner soon after The Eagles, linked with moves for former and Puncheon’s shot was tipped over by Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood and ex- Green at the other end. Millen responded to Porto chief Vitor Pereira, remain in the bot- his side’s struggles by sending on Campbell tom three on goal difference, while QPR are for Zaha midway through the half. But Harry two points above the drop zone. Redknapp’s side went agonisingly close to Millen, in his third spell as caretaker, taking the lead in the 75th minute when made one change to the Palace team beat- Steven Caulker nodded goalwards from en by Southampton on Boxing Day, with Joey Barton’s corner, only for James Wilfried Zaha replacing Fraizer Campbell McArthur to alertly head clear from under up front as the Eagles looked to register a the crossbar. And QPR spurned one last first win in seven matches. chance when Junior Hoilett failed to hit the Both teams looked short of confidence target with a clear sight of goal. — AFP

LONDON: Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele (right) competes for the ball with Manchester United’s Michael Carrick during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Spurs curb United’s title surge

occasion. Their defensive struggles, which have brought down Michael Carrick’s chipped pass. allowed goalkeeper David de Gea to shine, gave Then, in the final minute of the half, the Tottenham 0 Tottenham grounds for pre-match optimism, France international produced an acrobatic, full- particularly with Harry Kane in such good form. stretch save to tip Young’s curling cross-shot The 21-year-old striker had scored in his four around the post. previous appearances and quickly demonstrated The goalkeeper’s heroics had kept Spurs in it Man United 0 he was capable of unsettling United’s back three and his team-mates responded after the restart of Phil Jones, Paddy McNair and Jonny Evans. by adopting a more ambitious approach. An excellent threaded pass from the recalled Townsend had been Spurs’ most dangerous Andros Townsend almost allowed Kane to get in attacking player and the England international LONDON: Manchester United’s efforts to force behind the visitors’ back-line, but McNair was became even more prominent as the game wore their way into the Premier League title race fal- alert enough to smother the danger. on, testing De Gea with a swerving 20-yard shot tered as they were held to a 0-0 draw at That, though, proved to be a rare example of that the Spaniard did well to hold. Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. the home side’s attacking threat as United The winger’s pace was troubling United and An outstanding display by Spurs goalkeeper assumed control to the extent that Tottenham he appeared to have caught out Young in the Hugo Lloris together with wasteful United finish- BIRMINGHAM: Sunderland’s John O’Shea (left) and Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke battle would have been out of the game before half- 70th minute when he got behind the wing-back ing meant Louis van van Gaal’s side were denied for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match at Villa Park. — AP time had it not been for Lloris. only to be hauled back. an eighth victory in nine games. With Antonio Valancia and Ashley Young find- Young had been booked 15 minutes earlier Had United claimed three points, they would ing space on the flanks and Juan Mata and for a foul on Nacer Chadli, but although Spurs Ten-man Villa have increased the pressure on top two Chelsea Wayne Rooney buzzing around in midfield, coach Mauricio Pochettino and his players were and Manchester City. Instead they were left to United repeatedly opened up a route to Lloris’s convinced he should have received a second reflect on a missed opportunity, but Spurs, who goal, but neither Rademal Falcao nor Robin van caution, referee Jon Moss waved play on. hold Sunderland finished the game strongly, also had cause for Persie could find a finishing touch. Moments earlier, Mata had fired over from regret after failing to enhance their own chal- Mata came closest to breaking the deadlock Rafael da Silva’s cut-back, but that proved to be Joe Cole, Ashley Westwood, Philippe lenge for a top-four finish. Van Gaal’s decision to with a 22nd-minute free-kick that struck the United’s last clear chance as the momentum of Senderos and Nathan Baker were all out name an unchanged side for the first time since post and when the ball bounced towards the the game tipped in Spurs’ favour, with Christian he took charge at Old Trafford was a clear indica- Aston Villa 0 injured. goal-line, Vlad Chiriches hacked it away from the Eriksen and Federico Fazio threatening. The home side edged possession and tion of the manager’s growing satisfaction with feet of Falcao and Van Persie. Falcao saw an Van Gaal withdrew the unconvincing Evans in attempts on goal during a scoreless first- his team’s efforts after some good recent results. angled shot parried by Lloris, moments before favor of Chris Smalling, while Luke Shaw half but Villa’s task was complicated three Results, however, have told only part of the the Spurs goalkeeper snuffed out an opportuni- replaced McNair, but although the visitors hung Sunderland 0 minutes after the restart when Fabian story, with United having failed to convince on ty for Van Persie after the striker had deftly on, it was amid a growing sense of panic. — AFP Delph was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge. Villa also made it nine matches on the BIRMINGHAM: Ten-man Aston Villa held trot in which they have conceded one goal Diouf double keeps on for a 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland or less while Sunderland extended their yesterday as the two teams inched away unbeaten streak on the road to five games. from the Premier League relegation zone. Aston Villa climb to 21 points and five Villa extended their unbeaten run above Crystal Palace in the final relegation West Brom in trouble against the Black Cats to seven games but spot while Gus Poyet’s men are now on 20 suffered from the absence of joint top scor- points. Sunderland poured forward with er Gabby Agbonlahor, who was serving a their numerical advantage and rained one match suspension for picking up five down 15 shots on target with Jordi Gomez yellow cards. Kieran Richardson was also blasting a shot off the post from just out- Stoke 2 suspended for Paul Lambert’s side while side the box in the dying moments. — AFP

Leicester grab lifeline West Brom 0 from outside the box was a worthy winner as it flashed into the bottom left corner. STOKE-ON-TRENT: Senegal’s Mame Biram Hull 0 The strike sent the small away support wild, as they smelled the possibility of only a third Premier Diouf scored twice as Stoke City sharpened the League win all season for the cash-strapped newly focus on West Bromwich Albion manager Alan promoted side. The win leaves Leicester City on a Irvine with a 2-0 win in the Premier League meagre 13 points, but lifts them to within just yesterday. Leicester 1 three of safety with Hull, Crystal Palace and Former Manchester United striker Diouf Burnley all level on 16 points above the, It was a struck twice in 15 second-half minutes at the happy return to Hull for former player Nigel Britannia Stadium to give Stoke back-to-back Pearson, now the Leicester coach, but his oppo- wins for the first time this season after Friday’s HULL: Leicester City claimed their first win in 14 site number Steve Bruce is coming under increas- 1-0 success at Everton. It was a third defeat in a Premier League matches to give their survival ing pressure in his own hot-seat as the Tigers slide row for West Brom, who have won only once in hopes a boost with a 1-0 success at Hull City yes- down the table. Both sides actually ended a bad terday. The Foxes were crafty enough to win a tempered game with ten men, Leicester’s Paul nine games, and follows Irvine’s admission that game in which they were thoroughly dominated, Konchesky getting sent off for a violent tackle on he feared for his job at the Hawthorns. bagging the winner just after the half-hour 87 minutes while already on a yellow card, while The defeat saw Irvine’s side fall one place to through Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez. It was a Hull’s Stephen Quinn was sent off in stoppage 16th and left them just a point above the rele- timely boost for the 23-year-old who went out to time for a deliberate hand ball. And if Leicester gation zone ahead of a trip to high-flying West Brazil with Algeria this summer, playing once, will have something to smile about, Bruce and his Ham United on New Year’s Day. have one eye on the African Cup of Nations finals men will be left to reflect on their poor finishing, While Stoke manager Mark Hughes made starting in mid-January. With his hair slicked back having managed 18 attempts on goal compared only one change, replacing Jonathan Walters and sporting black gloves, his left-footed stinger to Leicester’s two. — AFP with Peter Crouch, Irvine drafted Brown Ideye, Chris Brunt, Graham Dorrans and Chris Baird into his starting XI. The visitors enjoyed the best of the first half but it was Stoke who went closest to breaking the deadlock, with Bojan Krkic fizzing a shot narrowly wide in the 14th minute. Bojan has been one of Stoke’s most impres- sive performers in recent weeks and he was the catalyst for the home side’s opening goal in the 51st minute. The former Barcelona forward sprayed a pass wide to Erik Pieters on the Stoke left and the Dutch full-back’s low cross was in turned in by Diouf via a slight deflection off Joleon Lescott. Irvine responded with a double change, sending on Saido Berahino and Silvestre Varela, and saw his side hit the wood- work when Gareth McAuley stabbed a shot against the post following a goal-mouth scramble. But in the 66th minute Diouf claimed his second goal when he fortuitously deflected a LONDON: Hull City’s Ahmed Elmohamady (left) grimaces after he is tackled by shot from Marko Arnautovic past Ben Foster to Leicester City’s Jeff Schlupp (below) during their English Premier League soccer LONDON: Stoke City’s Peter Crouch (left) controls the ball ahead of West Bromwich Albion’s match. —AP leave Irvine cursing his luck once again. —AFP Gareth McAuley during their English Premier League soccer match. — AP Rahane, Kohli Spurs curb slam tons, United’s title India close on surge Australia

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 201416 19 Raptors snap Clippers winning streak Page 17

LONDON: Manchester City’s Fernando (right) in aerial action against Burnley’s Ashley Barnes during the English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium. — AP Barnes thunderbolt keeps City trailing

to a solitary point. Trippier’s cross into the box was just missed on the edge of their own area, allowing down moments later as he attempted to car- But with influential City midfielder Yaya by Danny Ings, Dean Marney shot straight at Samir Nasri to move the ball along to ry Barnes’s through ball towards goal, Man City 2 Toure absent, presumably rested, goals from Joe Hart and Ings was guilty of a wasteful Fernandinho. Burnley might have claimed an equaliser George Boyd and Barnes earned Burnley an 22-yard attempt when there were better With time and space, the Brazil midfielder even earlier. improbable draw and denied Pellegrini’s options available. switched the ball to his right foot and Instead, Heaton was required to keep his side a club-record 10th consecutive win. The It was not difficult to see why Burnley had deposited a magnificent shot in off the team in the contest with a one-handed save Burnley 2 supposed gulf in class between the sides scored just 12 goals in their previous 18 underside of the crossbar from a step out- at the foot of his right-hand post from Nasri. was highlighted by the manner of City’s league games and the contest looked likely side the 18-yard box. Unmoved, Shackell headed just over and opening goal in the 23rd minute, as Silva fin- to follow the form book despite City starting With leaders Chelsea having earlier drawn Ings shot narrowly wide for the visitors, ished clinically to register his fourth goal in without an orthodox forward. 1-1 at Southampton, this appeared a perfect prompting Pellegrini to bring on Stevan MANCHESTER: Ashley Barnes’s dramatic the last three games. The stand-in ‘false nine’ James Milner shot opportunity for City to close the gap and Jovetic and Frank Lampard. 81st-minute equaliser earned struggling It came from a darting run down the right over from six yards, Martin Demichelis had improve their goal difference. Neither move improved matters greatly Burnley a 2-2 draw at Manchester City yes- by the energetic Jesus Navas, who reached an effort blocked by Jason Shackell from But City were hugely disappointing, and and Scott Arfield wasted a glorious chance terday, preventing the defending champions the dead-ball line and pulled the ball back similar distance and Navas’s angled drive Burnley much improved almost immediately to equalise after 78 minutes when his shot from closing on Premier League leaders for Silva. rose over the bar before the opening goal. from kick-off in the second half. Pablo was blocked by Demichelis from only six Chelsea. The former Valencia player switched feet Once again without the predatory Sergio Zabaleta failed to tackle Ings and the for- yards. No matter for Burnley. Within two First-half goals from David Silva and neatly, swivelled and sent an unstoppable Aguero in their side, City turned to an ward’s low, driven shot was glanced into the minutes, Shackell’s long free-kick into the Fernandinho had apparently put Manuel finish past Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal. unlikely source for their second goal in the goal by Boyd, despite replays suggesting the City area was poorly defended and the ball Pellegrini’s side well in control as they Yet the goal followed a promising flurry of 33rd minute. Scotland international did so from an offside rebounded kindly for Barnes to lash a deadly attempted to close the gap behind Chelsea attacking activity from the visitors. Kieran The visiting defence stood off the hosts position. Had Ings’s first touch not let him 12-yard shot into the top-left corner. — AFP

EPL results/standings Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0; Hull 0 Leicester 1 Goal-shy Chelsea stumble (Mahrez 32); Manchester City 2 (Silva 23, Fernandinho 33) Burnley 2 (Boyd 47, Barnes 81); Ryan Bertrand was ineligible to face his under Matthew Targett’s challenge. to defend bravely and in numbers. Newcastle 3 (Cisse 34, Perez 51, Colback 68) Everton former club and fellow full-back Nathaniel The official ruled it had been a dive and They were fortunate, too, with Costa 2 (Kone 5, Mirallas 84); QPR 0 Crystal Palace 0; Southampton 1 Clyne was unavailable due to injury. booked the Spaniard, much to Fabregas’s losing his footing in the box after a mis- Southampton 1 (Mane 17) Chelsea 1 (Hazard 45+1); The hosts were fortunate early on consternation. Hazard fired across goal placed pass from substitute James Ward- when goalkeeper Fraser Forster failed to and narrowly wide after chesting down a Prowse put him in on goal. The home Stoke 2 (Diouf 51, 66) West Brom 0; Tottenham 0 collect a corner, but John Terry, scorer of pass as Chelsea began to take control of team had to see out the final two minutes Manchester United 0; West Ham 1 (Kouyate 54) the opening goal in Chelsea’s two previ- the game. a man down when Schneiderlin, previous- Arsenal 2 (Cazorla 41-pen, Welbeck 44). Chelsea 1 ous matches, could not direct his header Stout defending blocked Diego Costa’s ly booked for a foul on Hazard, hacked on target. Forster was second to the ball shot and he was joined up front by Didier Fabregas down and received another yel- Playing today again when Schurrle burst into the box on Drogba for the final 15 minutes, with low card. This they managed despite Liverpool v Swansea SOUTHAMPTON: Chelsea’s five-match the left, but the German could only poke defensive midfielder Mikel the man to Drogba twice threatening to finish off winning streak came to an end in a 1-1 wide from a tight angle. make way. balls into the six-yard box, while Forster English Premier League table after yesterday’s draw at Southampton yesterday, Southampton almost took the lead Southampton had hardly threatened had to react sharply after a clearance matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals although the point was enough to keep when Schneiderlin and then Mane con- all half, such was Chelsea’s domination of struck one of his team-mates and against, points): them at the Premier League summit. nected with a corner, only for Terry to pre- possession, but the home side continued rebounded towards him. — AFP vent Fonte from tapping in at the back Chelsea 19 14 4 1 41 14 46 Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the post. Man City 19 13 4 2 41 17 43 hosts, who impressed in the first half but did little but defend for the second period But Chelsea’s defence was caught out Man Utd 19 10 6 3 33 19 36 as Chelsea, who levelled through Eden by the next Saints attack as Mane, put Southampton 19 10 3 6 32 15 33 Hazard just before half-time, launched through by Dusan Tadic, kept calm and Arsenal 19 9 6 4 34 23 33 attack after attack. flicked his shot past goalkeeper Thibaut West Ham 19 9 4 6 30 23 31 Southampton midfielder Morgan Courtois as if it were a training exercise. Tottenham 19 9 4 6 24 24 31 Schneiderlin was sent off in the closing Chelsea’s response was a run from Cesc Swansea 18 8 4 6 23 19 28 stages, but the hosts held on. The final Fabregas, but Schurrle, right in front of Newcastle 19 7 5 7 22 28 26 whistle was greeted joyously by the home goal, could not get on the end of the for- Liverpool 18 7 4 7 22 24 25 fans, who have seen Southampton pros- mer Arsenal captain’s deflected cross. Chelsea levelled in first-half stoppage Stoke 19 7 4 8 21 23 25 per under new head coach Ronald Koeman, who previously worked along- time when Hazard out-paced Maya Everton 19 5 6 8 29 31 21 Yoshida on the left and cut inside to beat Aston Villa 19 5 6 8 11 22 21 side Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Barcelona. another defender before curling past Sunderland 19 3 11 5 16 27 20 Chelsea made three changes to the Forster to convert his side’s first shot of QPR 19 5 3 11 21 34 18 side that beat West Ham United 2-0 at the afternoon. Mourinho made a change West Brom 19 4 5 10 18 28 17 Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, with at the break, with Willian replacing the Hull 19 3 7 9 18 26 16 Filipe Luis, John Mikel Obi and Andre ineffective Schurrle. Crystal Palace 19 3 7 9 20 30 16 Schurrle coming in for Cesar Azpilicueta, The newcomer saw two shots blocked Burnley 19 3 7 9 14 29 16 Willian and Oscar. Jose Fonte returned in quick succession before referee Leicester 19 3 4 12 17 31 13 from suspension for Southampton, 3-1 Anthony Taylor had a decision to make SOUTHAMPTON: Chelsea’s Diego Costa (centre) is surrounded by Southampton winners at Crystal Palace that day, but when Fabregas went down in the box players during the English Premier League soccer match at St Mary’s Stadium. — AP US dollar maintains currency market dominance Page 23 Business No escape for those stuck in Malaysian ‘forced labour’ MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 Page 25 Missouri first to see Mitsubishi Outlander 2015 has arrived gas price below $2 Page 26 Page 24

MOSCOW: A protester holds a banner reading “Foreign currency mortgages - SOS” during a rally against the banks and the growth of the dollar in central Moscow yesterday. With Russia’s mortgage industry still in its formative phase, taking out a loan to buy a home is considered risky business. Even before the crisis, interest rates of 10 to 12 percent on foreign currency loans — and 12 to 14 percent on ruble-denominated mortgages — mean many Russians will wind up paying double to triple the principal borrowed on 15- to 20-year loans. — AFP Saudi 2015 budget based on oil price Finance minister indicates it’s close to current levels

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s 2015 state budget assumes an oil for next year’s revenues. If Brent crude averages more than close to current levels in its latest budget. reduced for the first time since 2009, both Jadwa and NCB price close to current levels of around $60 a barrel for Brent $60 next year, Saudi oil revenues will probably be larger “We were realistic in our estimates for next year’s rev- said. Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi crude, a shift from past budgets which were based on than projected; if Brent is below $60, revenues will be enues in light of current and expected developments in Commercial Bank, said the budget seemed to be assuming prices well below market levels, analysts say. smaller. Oil prices have plunged almost 50 percent since the oil market. Maybe over the past years I agree we were a Saudi oil price of $55 and output at 9.5 million bpd. The kingdom doesn’t reveal the oil prices which it uses June, pressuring the finances of producer countries such conservative, but this year we were realistic,” he said. Emad Mostaque, strategist at Ecstrat, an emerging markets to calculate its annual budgets. So analysts estimate them, as Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter. consultancy, estimated $63. making assumptions about several other variables such as Its 2015 budget plan projects record spending of Estimates Mostaque noted that non-oil revenues this year were planned oil exports and production for the following year. $229.3 billion, up 0.6 percent from the 2014 budget, while Leading Saudi investment bank Jadwa Investment said $30.7 billion; assuming the same amount next year implies For the 2015 budget, announced on Thursday, four ana- total revenues are projected to drop to $190.7 billion-leav- the 2015 budget was consistent with an average Saudi the government projects oil revenues of $160 billion in lysts’ oil price estimates are in a range of $55 to $63. That ing a $38.6 billion deficit. export crude price of $56 a barrel next year, equivalent to a 2015, or $438 million a day. does not mean Saudi Arabia necessarily expects such In past years, Saudi budgets commonly based their cal- Brent crude price of roughly $60, and oil production at 9.6 Saudi Arabia heavily subsidises its domestic fuel sales prices next year-Finance Minister Ibrahim Alassaf said on culations on oil prices far below current levels. For exam- million barrels per day (bpd), in line with the current level. so Mostaque based his oil revenue assumptions on crude Thursday there was a great difference of opinion over ple, the 2014 budget assumed an oil price below $70; Analysts at National Commercial Bank (NCB), the king- exports, which he thinks will be equivalent to 6.9 million when prices would start rebounding, with some people when the budget plan was announced, Brent crude was dom’s biggest bank, made a slightly different calculation, bpd next year, in line with current exports. While actual predicting the second half of next year and others 2016. trading at $111. In an interview with Al Arabiya television saying they believed the budget was based on a Saudi oil exports may drop next year, this would be offset by higher Instead, the budgeted oil price is an accounting on Thursday, Alassaf confirmed his ministry had departed price of $61. revenues from new Saudi refinery operations that have assumption which the government uses to set a baseline from past practice and assumed an average 2015 oil price The oil price assumption in Saudi Arabia’s budget was just come on line. — Reuters Gulf markets rise, Dubai’s Marka soars

DUBAI: Gulf stock markets rose yesterday despite oil’s weakness as ducers. Saudi Arabia’s plan to maintain government spending at a high lev- “It seems to me that the spending will continue in the el boosted investor confidence. Gulf...There are plenty of stocks in the Gulf and neighbouring The Saudi government released a 2015 state budget last regions offering huge dividend returns that will likely be the stars Thursday that provides for a 0.6 percent increase in spending from of next year in (hopefully) a less volatile manner,” said Emad this year’s plan. That cheered the retail investors who dominate Mostaque, strategist at Ecstrat, an emerging markets consultancy. Gulf stock markets; they had feared falling oil revenues would trig- He added, “Governments will look to deploy their assets more ger spending cuts across the region. aggressively to increase yields rather than hold them in T-bills, The new mood of optimism in the Gulf helped investors largely which predictably will be in real estate initially, which should sup- ignore the fresh decline in the price of Brent crude oil, which closed port the UAE market in particular.” below $60 a barrel on Friday. Dubai’s index jumped 2.6 percent to 3,987 points as most stocks The main Saudi index rose 1.2 percent in active trade as most gained. The benchmark rose briefly above the psychologically sectors gained. Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma’aden) surged 7.8 per- important 4,000 point mark but then gave up some of its gains. cent to 33.10 riyals, continuing the leg up which started late last Shares in retail start-up Marka surged 12.0 percent after it said it week when Riyad Capital lifted its price target for the stock to 49.00 had agreed to buy sporting goods retail firm Retailcorp from Dubai riyals from 46.00 riyals. World for over 220 million dirhams ($60 million). The move will But National Commercial Bank, the kingdom’s biggest lender, make Marka, which listed this year, operationally profitable in 2015, lost 1.2 percent after proposing a dividend of 0.65 riyal per share it said. for the second half of 2014, its first since listing last month. Abu Dhabi’s index rose 1.3 percent on the back of blue chips Takween Advanced Industries rose 1.5 percent after saying it such as National Bank of Abu Dhabu and First Gulf Bank, up 1.1 and was in final talks with food maker Savola Group on buying Savola’s 2.1 percent respectively. packaging unit. Shares in Savola added 2.1 percent. Qatar’s bourse rose 1.5 percent. Property firm Ezdan Holding was the main support, surging 6.0 percent, while conglomerate UAE Industries Qatar added 1.5 percent. The early-December panicked sell-off in the Gulf made valua- Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s bourse moved little as key stocks were tions across the region more attractive, and analysts expect prof- mixed and Commercial International Bank , the biggest listed enti- DEARBORN: In this Nov. 11, 2014 file photo, 2015 Ford F-150s move along the pro- itability at most companies to be just fine next year even if oil ty, was flat. Trading volume remained low compared to levels seen duction line at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich. Auto sales are on track to prices stay low, with the possible exception of petrochemical pro- in the last few months. — Reuters increase 6 percent this year with 16.5 million new vehicles on the road, according to Cars.com. — AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 BUSINESS Insurers dogged by claims of slanted Sandy reports

NEW YORK: Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast, a partial foundation collapse in the flood. But flood insurance companies working for the those findings were rejected by a supervisor at his Federal Emergency Management Agency dis- engineering firm, Louisiana-based US Forensic. patched an army of structural engineers to do The manager then rewrote the report with a some detective work. reverse conclusion, that the home’s sloping floors Their assignment: Find out how much damage and tilted walls were the result of long-term set- to policyholders’ homes was caused by surging tling, not flooding. As a result, the bulk of the seawater and how much predated the storm. insurance claim was denied. Now, two years later, lawyers representing The family complained so loudly that their about 1,500 homeowners are trying to prove that insurer, Wright Flood, asked US Forensic to do a some engineering firms hired to inspect the second inspection. When the engineer returned, damage issued bogus reports to give skeptical he was carrying his first draft of the report, which insurers ammunition to deny claims. the family read and photographed. Broken foundations, the lawyers say, were US Forensic stood by its work, saying the report falsely blamed on poor construction or long-term was changed because the original draft contained settling of the soil. Cracked and warped walls were gross errors and unsupported assumptions. But written off as being due to old age. after conducting hearings, Brown ruled Nov. 7 So far, there’s been a little proof available pub- that the revisions, made by an engineer who licly. Some engineers who worked the coast after hadn’t actually visited the property, were “base- the storm say a lot of homeowners were simply less.” The judge also said some details within the unaware of long-standing, but hidden problems report appeared to have been invented to cover exposed by the storm. up shortcomings of the initial inspection. He But the issue got the attention of a federal accused US Forensic of engaging in “reprehensible judge in New York after a Long Island family gamesmanship” and ordered all insurance compa- uncovered evidence that an engineer who exam- nies in Sandy-related litigation in New York to dis- ined their property had been instructed by a close any similar draft reports. supervisor to reverse his initial finding that the Since then, a Texas lawyer, Steve Mostyn, has flood caused irreparable structural damage. filed additional lawsuits accusing another engi- US Magistrate Judge Gary Brown ordered neering firm of misconduct. The suits said a man- insurers to produce reams of additional records ager at HiRise Engineering, of Uniondale, New that could help reveal whether engineering con- York, completely rewrote two reports submitted tractors edited damage reports in ways that by a freelancing Brooklyn engineer, Harold improperly minimized payouts to hundreds or Weinberg, then affixed his signature without his even thousands of storm victims. “These unprinci- consent. In one of those reports, Weinberg had pled practices may be widespread,” Brown wrote in written that “the entire cellar, including the slab JACKSON CENTRE: In this Oct. 22, 2014 photo, Airstream travel trailers line the factory floor as they are assembled at the his Nov. 7 order. and the foundation walls” of a Brooklyn home Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. Not only are the Airstream trailers still being built by hand at the same western Ohio New York’s attorney general has opened a “were damaged extensively” by the flood. That was site that has produced them for the past 60 years, but the company also can’t roll them out of there fast enough to meet the probe. FEMA has asked its inspector general to replaced by a conclusion that “there were no struc- demand these days. —AP investigate. Homeowners made similar claims tural damages observed that were caused by about doctored engineering reports after flooding.” The final report blamed cracks in the Hurricane Katrina, when some insurers were house on regular building settlement over many accused of trying to shift blame from the 2005 years. Flying high: Airstream storm’s winds to its monster flood, which wasn’t covered by homeowner policies. Underpayments This time, though, there is no wind-versus- HiRise did not respond to a request for com- water fight, and it isn’t clear why any insurance ment. Lawyers for most of the suing homeowners can’t keep up with demand company would have a motive to cheat. Most said they have been getting additional documents were merely processing claims for FEMA; none of over the past few weeks and are reviewing them, their own money was at stake. The government but have yet to receive the bulk of the paperwork. JACKSON CENTER: Bob Wheeler still gets Dayton that eventually will increase produc- more maintenance to keep the outside look- pays insurers marginally more to approve a claim At the urging of members of Congress, FEMA than to deny one. Administrator Craig Fugate wrote to insurance the question sometimes when people find tion capacity by 50 percent. ing nice. She compares Airstream owners “There is simply no incentive ... to try to guide contractors Dec. 5 saying he was “deeply con- out he runs the company that builds those The RV industry was dealt a body blow by with Harley-Davidson riders who baby their the engineer to an opinion, or to try to find no cerned” about allegations of underpayments and shiny aluminum campers: “Airstreams? They the Great Recession but has rebounded with bikes. coverage,” said Henry Neal Conolly, president “disreputable engineering practices.” still make those?” gusto. Shipments in 2014 are expected to be of Wright Flood, the nation’s largest flood insur- “We must do better,” he wrote. Fugate also Not only are the retro-looking “silver bul- up more than 8 percent, following the best “It’s that labor of love,” she says. ance company. He wrote in an email to The expressed concern about criticism that insurance let” travel-trailers still being built by hand at October in the industry in nearly 40 years. Baby Boomers are still the heart of the Associated Press that he was “not sure at all what company lawyers might be on track to spend the same western Ohio site that has pro- Production next year is expected to return to demographic, but the company is actively the alleged conspiracy is or could be not to pay more to litigate claims than it would cost to settle duced them for 60 years, but the company levels seen before the economy tanked. reaching out to younger people, using social claims.” them. Lawyers for flood victims have suggested that On Dec. 2, a panel of magistrate judges said also can’t roll them out of there fast enough media to show them how an Airstream could fighting claims is so deeply ingrained in the insur- some industry lawyers were unreasonably delay- to meet the demand these days. Big bubble fit their lifestyles. It’s also testing less-expen- ance industry’s DNA that it is applying the same ing settlements and unnecessarily inflating legal The instantly recognizable silver bubble Airstream — owned by the larger Indiana- sive, lighter and easier-to-tow designs that bare-knuckle tactics to the National Flood costs for both sides. So far, FEMA has spent $12.4 design — inspired by airplane fuselages — based RV maker Thor Industries — is riding Wheeler says might be “less intimidating” to Insurance Program out of force of habit. Others million on litigation related to Sandy flood insur- hasn’t been tweaked much since the first the wave, surging with three record years in younger buyers. say the industry knows the program is under ance. Airstreams took to the open road in the a row. Wheeler says shipments now are Airstream got an injection of hip recently financial strain and is trying to help preserve it so After Sandy, engineering firms working for the 1930s on the way to becoming an American about twice what they were during the best when it collaborated with the Columbus they can continue to collect fees for selling and insurance industry relied heavily on independent serving policies. subcontractors with varying levels of experience icon. The polished campers have cameoed in days before the recession. College of Art and Design to plan and build a to investigate damage. Hollywood movies and even quarantined the Besides a better economy, Airstream is camper with a workspace and living area Penalties The job included a close examination to look Apollo 11 astronauts when they got back benefiting from a big bubble of Baby aimed at people in their 20s and 30s whose Insurers can also be penalized by FEMA if they for signs that the damage was there before the from the moon. They have also inspired a Boomers, many now choosing not to wait jobs allow them to work from anywhere. The pay a claim later determined to be invalid, though flood. In dozens of reports reviewed by the AP, legion of devotees who socialize with one until their 60s to buy one, and a new wave of company says the design elements — in recent years those sanctions have been rare and engineers wrote that they ruled out flood damage another at Airstream caravans and rallies all desire for the classic designs of America’s including a rear hatch that opens the con- light. From 2011 to 2014, FEMA imposed just after noticing previous repair attempts, like shims over the world — including an annual Ohio yesteryear — even if they command top dol- vertible work area to the great outdoors — $742,000 in penalties on flood insurance contrac- placed beneath sagging support beams or layers tors that were found to have overpaid claims, of patching material built up over a crack. jamboree known as “Alumapalooza.” lar. New Airstreams run $42,000 to $140,000. will be incorporated into future production according to agency figures. That’s a trifling Engineering experts told the AP that it isn’t “Any time we’ve seen an Airstream, it’s like “For us, the Airstream just represented models. amount compared to the $8.1 billion in flood always easy to say for sure what caused damage. the clouds part and an angelic choir starts this beautiful piece of machinery, this beauti- Meggin Hurlburt, a 34-year-old paralegal insurance payouts made to 132,000 Sandy victims. Nevertheless, engineers were told not to hedge singing,” says Cliff Garinn, a 49-year-old col- ful design that other trailers and RVs don’t from San Diego, says the Airstream purchase To homeowners who feel shortchanged, their findings or express uncertainty. “It is critical lege career counselor from Dallas. He and his give you,” says 46-year-old Kate Gilbert. She was an investment in her family. She’s married motive doesn’t matter. “I can’t say why it’s happen- that you provide conclusive and unambiguous husband bought a new one in April and are and her husband, Iain, sold their house in with a 6-year-old son. She says the vintage ing, but it’s definitely happening,” said Chris opinions as to causation,” said instruction materials already trading up to a larger model for fre- San Diego this year and now live full time in look and the reputation for durability drew Gerold, an attorney representing some of the that HiRise provided to at least one inspector. roughly 1,500 homeowners in New York and New “Weakly worded conclusions using words such as quent weekend camping trips and summer their 27-foot solar panel-equipped them in, even with the $70,000-plus price tag. Jersey who are suing over what they say are ‘appears,’ ‘may have,’ ‘likely,’ etc. will be rejected by vacation. Airstream, traveling the country. “We didn’t want to wait until we were improperly denied flood insurance payments. our clients.” Airstream builds 50 travel-trailers every Tara Cox, a 40-year-old magazine editor retired because we wanted to enjoy it now,” The scrutiny of engineering firms began after a Several independent engineers who inspected week at the plant in Jackson Center, all who wrote a book called “Airstream: The she says. “It’s not like the white box trailer New York couple, Deborah Ramey and Robert homes in Sandy’s aftermath told the AP they were gleaming and aerodynamic and riveted by Silver RV,” notes the fandom bordering on that’s going to fall apart in 10 years. We Kaible, raised questions about damage reports occasionally challenged by supervisors who felt hand. The backlog is about three months, fanaticism that the trailers inspire, besides bought this knowing we can give it to our son, prepared on a badly flooded investment property findings were unsupported by the evidence or and ground has already been broken on a the fact that they cost more than other RVs, and maybe he can give it to his children.” they owned in Long Beach. could have been worded differently. But those The engineer who visited the house in engineers said they only changed their reports if major expansion at the factory north of usually have less storage space and require —Agencies December 2012 initially concluded that it suffered they agreed with the suggested alterations. —AP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Singapore Dollar 0.218818 0.224816 South African Rand 0.019295 0.027795 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 2.443 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001880 0.002460 Indian Rupees 4.622 Australian Dollar 231.71 228.71 Thai Bhat 9.885 Taiwan 0.009160 0.009340 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 Canadian Dollar 256.71 257.71 Turkish Lira 131.225 Thai Baht 0.008589 0.009139 Srilankan Rupees 2.223 Swiss Franc 302.93 300.93 Nepali Rupees 2.892 Euro 362.08 363.08 Arab Singapore Dollar 223.990 US Dollar 293.55 296.55 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.772055 0.780055 Hongkong Dollar 37.846 Sterling Pound 461.65 464.65 Egyptian Pound 0.039520 0.042620 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Bangladesh Taka 3.755 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Philippine Peso 6.581 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 4.031 Iraqi Dinar 0.000194 0.000254 Indian Rupee 4.636 4.936 Thai Baht 8.938 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.409898 0.417398 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007640 0.008644 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Nepali Rupee 2.893 3.428 British Pound 0.450768 0.459768 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 Pakistani Rupee 2.918 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004921 0.016921 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023926 0.047928 UAE Dirhams 79.77 80.23 Danish Krone 0.044110 0.049110 GCC COUNTRIES Nigerian Naira 0.001192 0.001827 Bahraini Dinar 779.11 781.18 Euro 0.352802 0.360802 Saudi Riyal 78.338 Omani Riyal 0.756316 0.761996 Qatari Riyal 80.706 Egyptian Pound 40.93 41.53 Norwegian Krone 0.035456 0.040656 Qatar Riyal 0.079906 0.081118 Omani Riyal 763.320 Jordanian Dinar 417.10 422.75 Romanian Leu 0.084186 0.084186 Saudi Riyal 0.077630 0.078330 Bahraini Dinar 780.260 Omani Riyal 761.26 768.56 Slovakia 0.008593 0.018593 UAE Dirham 80.003 Qatari Riyal 80.83 81.38 Swedish Krona 0.033606 0.038608 Syrian Pound 0.001740 0.001960 Saudi Riyal 78.19 78.59 Swiss Franc 0.291108 0.301308 Tunisian Dinar 0.154130 0.162130 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.124804 0.131804 Turkish Lira 0.124804 0.131804 Egyptian Pound - Cash 44.950 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd UAE Dirhams 0.078928 0.080077 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.985 Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001325 0.001405 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.371 Australian Dollar 0.230339 0.241839 Tunisian Dinar 158.820 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.222091 0.231591 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 414.580 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.971 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.247414 0.255914 Syrian Lira 2.094 Sterling Pound 456.630 US Dollars 0.289400 0.294100 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 33.069 Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.289900 0.294100 US Dollar 293.000 Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 360.650 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Asia Pound Sterlng 459.800 US Dollar Transfer 293.650 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Bangladesh Taka 0.003438 0.004038 Canadian Dollar 254.850 Euro 360.220 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Chinese Yuan 0.046110 0.049610 Indian Rupee 4.615 Sterling Pound 458.390 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035758 0.038508 Egyptian Pound 40.965 Canadian dollar 255.130 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indian Rupee 0.004399 0.004800 Turkish lira 126.570 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Bangladesh Taka 3.740 Swiss Franc 301.800 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Japanese Yen 0.002358 0.002538 Australian Dollar 239.620 Philippines Peso 6.555 Indian Rupees 4.716 Kenyan Shilling 0.003284 0.003284 Pakistan Rupee 2.914 US Dollar Buying 292.450 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 780.250 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Malaysian Ringgit 0.080747 0.086747 GOLD UAE Dirham 79.850 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Nepalese Rupee 0.003000 0.003170 20 gram 238.100 Saudi Riyal 78.300 Pakistan Rupee 0.002749 0.003029 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 715.865 Philippine Peso 0.006483 0.006763 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 BUSINESS US dollar maintains currency market dominance

NBK’S WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

KUWAIT: The US dollar traded near its momentum this year in residential real highest point in almost nine years estate. Sales dropped 1.6% to a 438,000 against the major currenciesamid a annualized pace last month following a string of upbeat US economic reports 445,000 rate in October that was weak- sparking further optimism over the er than previously estimated. strength of the country’s recovery, Expectations in the market were for a fuelling expectations of rate hike earlier 460,000 pace for November. Strict bank than anticipated. That combined with a lending standards and rising property lack of figures from other major prices have curbed the industry this economies due to the holidays helped year following a pickup in 2013. Further support the Dollar higher further. growth in employment opportunities The Euro opened the week at 1.2219 and persistently low borrowing costs and surged to a high of 1.2272. may help provide a spark for the hous- However, the up move in the single cur- ing market in 2015.Similarly, existing rency quickly reversed as positive US home sales fell 6.1% to a 4.93 million GDP data fuelled investors to buy the annual rate last month, the weakest greenback. The Euro dropped to a low since May, from a 5.25 million pace in of 1.2164 and closed the week at October. Meanwhile prices continued to 1.2175. rise, with the median value increasing Sterling dropped across the board 5% from a year earlier to $205,300 last last week, hitting its lowest level since month, which might make it more diffi- September-2013 after a series of weak cult for low-income buyers to enter the economic data that pushed investors to market despite mortgage rates being at sell the currency. The pound opened their lowest since May 2013. the week at 1.5624 and dropped dra- matically as data showed that the coun- US durable goods fall try’s current account deficit widened. Orders for US durable goods unex- The currency reached a low of 1.5484 pectedly declined in November as cor- and closed the week at 1.5554. porate investment stagnated and Incentive to buy the Japanese Yen demand weakened for military equip- has been declining in recent weeks, as ment. Bookings for goods meant to last investors are taking note of the the sig- at least three years decreased 0.7%, the nificant improvements in the US econo- third decline in four months. my which is driving up the appeal of the Meanwhile, economists expected a 3% GDP increased 4.6% in the second quar- Unemployment claims ing smoothly. Similarly, Manufacturing US dollar. Additionally, Japan’s econom- increase in October. ter, after decreasing 2.1% in the first. The number of Americans filing new dropped 0.6% on-month in November, ic data has been closely watched for claims for unemployment benefits versus forecasts of a 0.8% rise and indications on whether Prime Minister US GDP strongest in 11-years Consumer Spending Exceeding unexpectedly fell last week, highlight- October’s 0.4% rise.Meanwhile, Japan’s Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics”, has seen any US gross domestic product, the Expectatons ing the economy’s sustained strength. core inflation, which includes energy success. Declining inflation has raised broadest measure of goods and services Consumer spending exceeded Initial claims dropped 9,000 to a season- but not fresh food, rose 2.7%annually in skepticism over the Bank of Japan’s abil- produced across the economy, grew at a expectations in November as incomes ally adjusted 280,000 for the week end- November, in line with expectations, ity to achieve its inflation target of 2%. seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.0% increased and gasoline prices dropped, ed Dec. 20. It was the lowest reading but recorded the fourth consecutive The USDJPY opened the week at 119.53 in the third quarter, the fastest pace in indicating the biggest part of the US since Nov. 1 and marked the fourth decline. and reached a high of 120.82 amid posi- 11 years, according to the Commerce economy is strengthening as the year straight week of declines. Japan’s economic data have been tive GDP figures. Finally the Yen closed Department’s third and final estimate ends. Household purchases climbed closely watched for indications on the week at 120.39. Tuesday. The final revision surpassed 0.6%, the most in three months, after a Japan industrial production declines whether Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economists’initial expectations for the 0.3% October gain that was larger than Japan’s industrial output posted a plan to kick start the long declining New home sales at 4-month low economy to grow at a 4.3% annual pace. previously estimated. Meanwhile, the surprise drop in November, while infla- economy, has seen any success. Purchases of new US homes unex- The upward revision compared with a market expected a 0.5% rise. Incomes tion continued to slow, offering fresh Declining inflation has raised skepticism pectedly declined in November to a first estimate of 3.5% in October and a advanced 0.4%, the most since June, signs that efforts to kickstart the coun- over the Bank of Japan’s ability to four-month low, underscoring a lack of second estimate of 3.9% last month. and the savings rate dropped. try’s stalled economy are not proceed- achieve its inflation target of 2%.

Cheap oil is a fuel 5 things to know for bull markets By Hayder Tawfik financial markets. The last period to see about US economy falling oil prices and a strengthening or years oil has been one the main dollar was the late 1990s. That saw a US anchors for the global financial equity bull market melt up into a full- WASHINGTON: Few issues in a presidential cam- for their own finances and the nation’s finances the majority saying things are staying the same markets. Its price movement is blown bubble, while emerging markets F paign come close to being as meaningful as the in the coming year. In the new poll, 34 percent has held over two years of AP-GfK polls, with one monitored suffered a succession of crises. A economy. The latest Associated Press-GfK poll say they expect their household’s financial situa- exception during the partial government shut- around the stronger dollar made it harder to pay offers a look at how the public feels about this tion to improve over the next 12 months, better down in October 2013 when the share saying world by most off their dollar-denominated debt. issue, which touches nearly every aspect of than the 27 percent saying so in October. And 38 things got worse spiked to 45 percent. people with all Anyone who has US$ debts will suffer American life. As the 2016 candidates get set to percent think the overall economic situation in different back- greatly if oil price continuous to fall. kick off their campaigns, here are five things to the country will improve in the coming year, up FAITH IN WASHINGTON TO IMPROVE THINGS know about public opinion on the U.S. economy. from 31 percent in October. On both measures, Who can turn things around? Very few think grounds. In the What happens to the world financial the share saying things would worsen dropped it’s Washington. Two-thirds of Americans say it’s last few weeks markets if oil price either does not rise ECONOMY ISN’T A MONOLITH significantly. Still, 48 percent see stagnation unlikely that the newly elected Republican Opec has decid- from here or could fall significantly fur- The economy, writ large, has been America’s ahead for themselves and 42 percent see slug- majority in Congress will be able to improve the ed to raise its oil ther? Since oil price started falling two top policy priority for the entirety of Barack anchor. No one clear indicators have been established. Obama’s presidency, despite the slowly building knows if this The first one is the selloff in the emerg- recovery and the recent skyrocketing stock mar- ket. But focusing on this overall concern masks a new strategic shift is temporary or could ing markets and the record closing of distinction that matters to many Americans. last for a long time. The consequences the US equity markets. The US overall Though negative perceptions of the economy could be quite great, and go far beyond will benefit hugely from the fall in oil overall are down compared with four years ago the power game between the tradition- price more than any other nation. The (57 percent describe it as “poor” compared with 83 al oil producers in the Middle East and chance of a melt up in the US equity percent who did in November 2010), Americans’ the new generation of shale producers markets is directly helped by the big ratings of their own finances are actually a bit in North America and elsewhere in the correction in oil price. At the margin, worse than they were back then (38 percent describe their household’s finances as poor, up world. cheaper oil provides a boost to the from 30 percent in 2010). Young Americans, under How important oil is for the world economy. The greatest boost goes to age 30, have an exceptionally negative take on today than before? the consumers. Consumers related sec- their finances, with nearly half describing them as May be it is far less important than tors should benefit the most. poor. what people think. The continuous The fall in oil price should work as a Along the same lines, while a majority of improvement in technology and the cap on inflation. This reduces the pres- Americans say the stock market and big business- es have mostly recovered from the Great use of alternative energy to oil has ren- sure on central banks to raise rates, and Recession, just 16 percent think small businesses dered the developed economies less signals that monetary policy can stay have, 27 percent say the job market where they “oil-intense”, and less vulnerable to a lower for longer. Also a stronger US$ is live is mostly recovered and only 34 percent say repeat of the 1970s, when oil price itself a tightening measure making it their family is largely back to normal. spikes twice led to severe recessions. less necessary for the Federal Reserve Since the discovery of oil at the to act. A strong US$ will tend to attract INCOME LINKED TO IMPRESSION OF ECONOMY For some in America, the economy is humming beginning of the last century, it has funds towards the US. Also, future infla- along. Majorities of college graduates, urban resi- PROVIDENCE: This May 25, 2014, file photo shows Brown University graduates of the played a major role in world economic tion expectation has been downgraded dents and people with incomes of $100,000 or class of 2014 passing through the Van Wickle Gates, in Providence, R.I. Few issues in a and industrial development. For some continuously. So if Opec will not act to more say the economy is in good shape. By con- presidential campaign come close to being as meaningful as the economy. The latest oil producing countries oil has replaced keep a floor under the oil price, this cer- trast, just 28 percent of rural residents, 35 percent Associated Press-GfK poll offers a look at how the public feels about this issue, which gold as a store of value and the creation tainly stokes the risk that the current without college degrees and 35 percent with touches nearly every aspect of American life. —AP of wealth. Since the early 1970’s OPEC rally in the US stock markets carries on incomes under $50,000 say it’s in good shape. Half of those with incomes under $50,000 and 42 per- gishness for the economy more broadly. economy in the next two years, and 6 in 10 say played an important rule in adjusting until it boils over into a bubble. cent of rural residents say they and their families Obama won’t be able to either. Three in 10 say supply to limit oil’s volatility, that suc- Similar arguments apply to some haven’t yet recovered from the Great Recession. INCHING TOWARD RECOVERY they don’t even trust either party to handle the ceeded ever since. other economies. Japan is one good Rural residents feel the labor and real estate That expectation of stagnation may be economy. There is a tight inverse relationship example. It dependents on oil imports. markets in their area have been particularly hard because that’s what most Americans think the But Americans don’t completely discount that between oil price and the value of the As cheaper oil reduces inflation, which hit: 45 percent say their local real estate market economy is doing now. Asked how the economy Washington can help: 52 percent say the govern- US$. When oil rises, so the dollar tends the Bank of Japan wants to force has only recovered a little or not at all, while 53 had changed in the last month, 60 percent said it ment generally did a decent job helping the percent say the same about their local job market. stayed about the same. Nearly a quarter think it country recover from the Great Recession. A to depreciate against other currencies. upwards, the chance of cheaper money improved, while 14 percent say it’s gotten worse. scant 10 percent, however, say that Washington Typically oil exporters receive payment in Japan only increases. Some emerging EXPECTATIONS ARE SOMEWHAT BETTER Those figures are slightly rosier than in October, did a “very good” job lifting the economy out of in dollars and then sell them, meaning markets are less vulnerable to currency The poll finds an uptick in Americans’ hopes when 24 percent said things had worsened. But recession. —AP that higher oil prices lead to a lower crises now, as they have built reserves dollar. The dollar depreciated signifi- and (mostly) allowed their currencies to Algeria calls for OPEC to cut production cantly in the years leading up to the float. This is not the case with Russia and 2008 financial crisis, and its nadir over- Brazil. Countries that benefit signifi- ALGIERS: Algeria’s oil minister yes- defend the income of its member made vague promises of cost-cut- an extensive welfare state. lapped closely with a speculative bub- cantly from exporting oil stand to lose. terday called on OPEC to cut pro- states,” Yousfi said in remarks carried ting. The first of such austerity Subsidies, which amount to 21 ble in oil. Now, it is strengthening signif- Above all, that means Russia, whose duction and raise the price of oil, by the state news agency. measures came Saturday when percent of the country’s annual eco- icantly. rouble has now dropped 53 per cent which has plunged dramatically in While Algeria has some $200 bil- Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal nomic output, cover electricity and This clear correlation between oil against the dollar since its 2008 peak. the last six months. The call by lion foreign reserves, enough to said there would be a freeze on many foodstuffs. Gasoline is the price and the US$ always lead to a sec- A melt up in US equity markets is Youcef Yousfi to the Organization of cover imports for the next several public sector hiring in 2015. Some cheapest in North Africa. ond and important correlation, with very much likely but this will be helped Petroleum Exporting Countries, of years, it is heavily dependent on its 60 percent of the jobs in the coun- The government also subsidizes the emerging financial markets. They by strong economic growth and greatly which Algeria is a member, comes oil revenue which provides 97 per- try come from the government. education and provides housing. tend to outperform when the dollar is improved profit margins. I do not as the country is struggling to deal cent of its hard currency income Major infrastructure projects, such Social unrest, even before the scat- weakening and to underperform when expect a repeat of the bubbles of the with a halving of oil prices from and 60 percent of the budget. as public transportation in Algiers tered protests of the Arab Spring, the dollar grows stronger. The clear late 1990’s. But the comparison is there $120 barrel to $60 a barrel. In a cabinet meeting Tuesday, and highways in the countryside are was effectively bought off with explanation for this is seen in the out- and there is a possibility of a bubble to “For us, OPEC has to intervene to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for also expected to be put on hold. higher wages and promises of flow of money into the US$ and the US be created in the coming months. correct the imbalance and cut pro- the first time expressed concern Long flush with money from its housing - all funded by the bounti- duction to bring up prices and over the “worrisome” situation and gas and oil exports, Algeria operates ful oil receipts. —AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29 2014 BUSINESS Burgan Bank announces daily lucky winners of Yawmi account

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced today the Quarterly Draw with more chances to win to maximize their chances to becoming a win- names of the lucky winners of its Yawmi higher rewards, entitling one lucky customer ner. The more customers deposit, the higher account draw, each taking home a prize of KD to win KD 125,000 every three months. The the chances they receive of winning. 5,000. Yawmi Account now offers Daily and quarterly For more information on opening a Yawmi The lucky winners for the daily draws took Draws, the Quarterly Draw requires customers account or about the new quarterly draw, cus- home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 each, and they to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in tomers are urged to visit their nearest Burgan are: their account for 2 months prior to draw date. Bank branch and receive all the details, or sim- 1. Awatef Sulaiman Alwohaib Additionally, every KD 10 in the account, will ply call the bank’s Call Center at 1804080 2. Osamah Fahad Aljarallah entitle customers to one chance of winning. If where customer service representatives will 3. Athbi Khaled Aldhuwaihi the account balance is KD 500 and above, the be delighted to assist with any questions on 4. Husam Abdulrahman Albassam account holder will be qualified for both the the Yawmi account or any of the bank’s prod- 5. Samah Alsayed Alsayed quarterly and daily draws. ucts and services. Customers can also log on To further add to the anticipation of Yawmi Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open to Burgan Bank’s www.burgan.com for further account customers, Burgan Bank now offers a a Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit information.

Missouri first to see gas price below $2

KANSAS CITYL: Missouri became the first lower than they were a year ago, and AAA state to have an average statewide gas estimates consumers nationwide are sav- price fall below $2 per gallon since 2009, ing more than $450 million per day on while Oklahoma’s average was expected to gasoline compared with the highs of spring drop below that threshold sometime over and summer this year. the weekend, according to AAA. The slide is expected to continue in the The national average gas price was at short term. $2.32 per gallon Friday, which AAA “Consumers could ring in the New Year spokesman Michael Green said was the with gas prices about 5 to 10 cents per gal- lowest since May 2009. That average has lon less than today, which would make for dropped for 92 days in a row, he said, the lowest New Year’s gas prices since which is the longest streak since AAA start- 2008,” Green said. ed keeping daily records in January 2000. A government report earlier this week Gas prices have fallen every day since said the economy has been benefiting from Sept. 25, for a total of $1.02 per gallon, sinking energy prices, and that cheaper gas Green said. has freed up money for Americans to “The steady decline in gas prices this spend on other items, such as cars, clothes autumn is unlike anything we have previ- and appliances. ously tracked,” he said. It’s uncertain how long those prices will Missouri’s average on Friday morning continue their descent before rising again was $1.98, according to AAA. Oklahoma due to typical season trends, Green said. had the second-lowest average at $2.01 Refinery maintenance and decreased refin- and “is likely to drop below that price point ery production could push prices upward this weekend,” Green said. within a month. Kansas had the third-lowest statewide “Of course, if the slide in crude oil con- average at $2.06 per gallon, while Texas tinues, then we may see gas prices drop and Indiana each averaged $2.09, Green even further,” he said. “But at this point, no said. one knows when the oil market will reach a Gas prices are about 94 cents a gallon bottom.” — AP

SACRAMENTO: File photo shows, Lydia Holland replaces the gas nozzle after filling up at a gas station in Sacramento, Calif. The Energy Department again slashed its prediction for next year’s average price of gasoline across the US, this time to $2.60 a gallon. That’s 23 percent below the projected average for this year and the lowest since 2009. — AP Europe ‘not doing so badly’ BERLIN: Europe’s economy is not doing as eurozone, albeit at a restrained pace.” badly as some people think, Germany’s He reiterated his opposition to plans by central bank chief Jens Weidmann said yes- the European Central Bank to purchase terday as he gave an upbeat prediction for government bonds from eurozone coun- Germany, its biggest component. tries to promote growth, saying that cur- On Germany’s outlook for 2015, he said: rent cheap oil prices already amounted to a “As things are right now, and if oil prices virtual stimulus programme. stay this low, inflation will be lower than “We have been handed a stimulus pack- expected, but growth will also be better.” age for free, so why add to it with monetary The central bank, or Bundesbank, early policy?” he asked. this month cut its growth forecasts for “It irritates me that in the public debate Germany to 1.4 percent for this year and 1.0 lately there has been just one question: percent for 2015. When will you finally buy?” He added that Weidmann said that “Europe is not the ECB should not be swayed by pressure doing as badly as some people believe,” from financial markets. speaking to the newspaper Frankfurter “Losses from these purchases will be the Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. joint liability of central banks in the euro- “The forecasts assume a recovery in the zone and, in the end, of taxpayers.” —AFP

MANILA: A worker (Centre L) arranges watermelons at a market in Manila yesterday. Filipinos believe that displaying 12 different round-shaped fruits - one representing each month of the year - at home before New Year’s Day welcomes prosperity. —AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 BUSINESS Kuwait’s real estate sector records profit KAMCO RESEARCH REPORT

KUWAIT: Listed companies in the real estate shed 6.9% since the beginning of 2014 result- market in Kuwait primarily consists of proper- sector in Kuwait have seen a profitability turn- ing in market capitalization decline of KWD ties under the government housing program around starting 2012 with cumulative net prof- 245 million to reach KWD 2.41 billion by known as, the Public Authority for Housing its of KWD 397 million recorded during 2012, December 25th, 2014. On the other hand, KSE Welfare (PAHW), thereby, making the 2013 and 9M-2014 supported by increase in Weighted index declined by 2.5% during the Residential segment the largest and the most operational revenues and lower levels of same period to lose around KWD 1.16 billion important in this sector. booked provisions and impairments. This posi- for its market capitalization. Residential property sales grew at a 4-year tive performance came after a streak of losses CAGR of 14.2% to reach KWD 1.87 billion in reported by a majority of the real estate com- Economic indicators 2014 compared to KWD 1.1 billion in 2010. panies during 2009, 2010 and 2011, with the Kuwait is the 4th largest economy in the Despite the increase in sales of the residen- exception of a few operationally strong com- GCC region with a GDP of KWD 49.8 billion as tial properties, this segment has seen a decline panies, post the financial crisis led by a steep of 2013 that is expected to reach KWD 50.6 bil- in its market share during the last 5 years which decline in overall business activity. The sector lion in 2014. In real terms, GDP growth still decreased from 54.5% in 2010 to reach a low of recorded cumulative losses of KWD 362 million remains subdued owing to the sluggish eco- 43.9% in 2014. This decline in market share during 2009-2011, mainly due to the drop in nomic conditions across the globe. mainly emanated from the significant increase revenues generated from core real estate activ- Credit facilities extended by Kuwaiti banks in sales witnessed in the Investment Properties ity that declined to its lowest level of KWD during the first 10 months of 2014 continued segment during the same period which grew at 228.4 million in 2009. This was in addition to with the upward momentum seen during 2013 a 4-year CAGR of 27.5% to reach KWD 1.72 bil- provisions and impairments booked against as it increased by 4.9% to reach KWD 30.38 bil- lion in 2014 as compared to KWD 0.65 billion investment in securities and projects under lion at the end of October-2014. registered in 2010. As a result, the market share construction that further pushed the sector Personal facilities and credit to the real of investment property sales increased from into losses. estate sector and the construction sector 32.3% in 2010 to 40.4% of the total real estate Financial leverage for the sector stood at increased by 2.7% to reach KWD 9.78 billion at sales. 0.69x by the end of September-2014 which we the end of October 2014 as compared to KWD Total sales figure for the Commercial proper- consider to be at a healthy level compared to 9.61 billion level at the end of December 2013. ties segment grew at a 4-year CAGR of 25.4% to other sectors in the Kuwaiti market. During During the same period in 2013, credit facil- reach KWD 566 million in 2014 compared to cash and honor debt obligations. Many of the massive amount of provisions and impairments 9M-2014, total debt for the sector registered ities to real estate and construction sector saw KWD 229 million in 2010. More recently, this real estate companies have been forced to liq- followed a period of high speculations when an increase of 11.3%, or KWD 179 million, to a higher growth rate of 7.1%. Given the slow- segment has seen increased focus resulting in uidate part of their investment properties and real estate prices soared and became very reach KWD 1.76 billion by the end of down in local property market and the chal- increasing number of commercial buildings equity investments to finance their operations attractive (speculative) to investors. September 2014. lenging operating environment faced by Real and new malls, hotels and resorts. in the midst of the current tight credit condi- Starting 2012, the Real Estate Sector turned On the Real Estate activity, due to higher Estate companies and contractors in Kuwait, tions where many real estate companies have its bottom line to show a positive numbers to average real estate prices in Kuwait seen dur- local banks’ exposure to this sector (32.2% of Fundamental Analysis no access to the local and regional credit mar- record a cumulative profits of KWD 397 million ing the last 5 years, the average transaction banks’ loan portfolios) indicates that further Coverage in the fundamental analysis sec- kets. during the 2012, 2013 and 9M-2014 supported size reached KWD 0.553 million in 2014 com- correction in the property market might tion includes only the 38 Real Estate companies The asset structure for the real estate sector by the increase in the operational revenues and pared to KWD 0.298 million in 2010, an expose local banks to additional credit risk. which were listed on the Kuwait Stock in Kuwait can be divided into two major parts, lower levels of booked provisions and impair- increase of 85.3% over the same period. Despite the conservative lending policies Exchange by the end of December 2014. real estate assets and equity investment assets. ments. and low appetite by banks to extend credit, During the first 9 months of 2014, the total The structure remain at the same levels for During 2013, the sector’s income of real Real estate sector along with the restructuring of corporate debt assets base of the real estate sector jumped each segment during the last 5 years, non-core estate activities increased by 30.7%, or KWD 98 The Real Estate Sector in Kuwait was one of and the ongoing delay in implementing a from KWD 5.09 billion to KWD 5.44 billion at activities equity investments for the sector con- million KWD compared to the FY 2012, while in the most severely affected sectors since the dozen of infrastructure and economic projects, the end of September 2014, representing an tributing about 27.4% or KWD 1.4 billion, while comparison with last 5 years the income from onset of the financial crisis in 2008. the credit market has witnessed signs of recov- increase of 6.8%. the core real estate assets contributed 59% or real estate activities increased by 80%, or KWD Retrenchment and restructuring became the ery in 2013 and H1-14. The effects of the financial crisis were evi- KWD 3.0 billion at the end of Dec-2013. 185 million compared to income registered theme during the post-crisis period as real Inflation represented by housing services dent on the Real Estate Sector, where it during FY 2009, indicating a pickup in the prop- estate developers were looking at ways to miti- index recorded the highest inflation rate during declined from its high levels in 2009 when it Debt and financial leverage erty market. Provisions for the impairments of gate potential losses and boost liquidity. the last 4 years (2010-Oct 2014) to reach 5.1% reached KWD 5.63 billion to its lowest levels of The level of borrowings for the real estate investments which amounted to KWD 24 mil- Meanwhile, banks tried to stabilize their during the first 10 months of 2014 compared to KWD 5.09 billion seen at the end of December sector has been declining since 2009 till 2013 lion and KWD 55 million in 2012 and 2013, loan portfolio to avoid further provisions that a lower rate of 3.9% registered in 2013. On the 2013. During 2009-2013, the Real Estate sector primarily due to the tight credit conditions in albeit lower than those booked in 2009, 2010 reached unprecedented levels in 2008 and other hand, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) witnessed a decline of 9.6% in total assets, the local and international credit markets and and 2011, continued to add pressure on the 2009. Also, a number of listed real estate com- increased to 3.6% during the first 10 months equivalent to a decrease of KWD 540 million, to the fragile operating environment which is Sector’s bottom line which reported a net profit panies started to focus on core operations compared to lowest level seen during the last 5 record KWD 5.09 billion by the end of 2013 in affecting the financial standing of the sector. of KWD 94.1 million in 2012 and KWD 185 mil- (during 2010-2014) and diversify away from years of 2.7% witnessed in 2013. comparison with KWD 5.63 billion by the end Some companies are facing difficulties in pay- lion in 2013. over reliance on investment income which of 2009; this is due mainly to the drop in value ing off their debt obligations due to the lack of became a major threat given the sharp of investment properties and equity invest- robust sources of income as well as the over- Investment thesis increase in volatility and the massive losses Real estate segment analysis ments triggered by the correction in the local supply of properties and the scarcity of We are initiating coverage on Mabanee Co. incurred by the local and international bours- property market and the sharp losses that hit demand. During the same period total debt with an Outperform rating and a price target of es. The financial and credit turmoil had dried Comprising of three major segments; the local & international capital markets. declined by 18.7%, or KWD 364 million to KWD 1.183 per share representing an upside of up a large portion of the revenue stream, espe- Residential, Investment and Commercial Investment properties witnessed the largest reach KWD 1.58 million by the end of Dec-2013. 22.0% on the stock. The company’s topline cially those earned from equity investments in Properties; the Real Estate Sector’s total annual drop of KWD 303 million to record KWD 3.0 bil- During the 9M-2014, total debt for the sec- grew at a 4-years CAGR of 25.8% (2009-2013) addition to the sharp reduction in real estate sales has seen a significant increase since 2010 lion at the end of 2013 down from KWD 3.3 bil- tor registered an increase of 11.3%, or KWD 179 supported by the new phases going live at the activity, fall in property prices, and the decline after being severely hit by the financial crisis in lion in 2009. This decline was in large part due million, to reach KWD 1.76 billion by the end of avenues mall, the single largest revenue driver in rent. Amid all this chaos, real estate compa- 2008 and 2009. Total real estate sales almost to the depreciation in the value of Real Estate September 2014. On the other hand, the sec- of the company. nies adjusted their strategies to focus on cost doubled in 2014 to reach KWD 4.27 billion as properties, delay in implementing projects due tor’s shareholders’ equity base remained robust For the forecast period 2014-2018, we cutting as new development projects were compared to KWD 2.02 billion recorded in to shortage in liquidity and the efforts of many ranging between KWD 2.4 billion and KWD 2.65 expect rental revenue and other revenue to completed and launched in the market. 2010, representing an increase of 111.2% over Real Estate companies to divest part of their billion level over the past 5 years. As a result, increase at a CAGR of 8%. We expect average Growth during the last 5 years witnessed in the financial leverage for the Real Estate sector revenue growth of 5% during 2014e-2017e, till the Kuwaiti Real Estate sector was affected registered 0.69x by the end of September-2014 the time the company prepares to launch the adversely by the depreciation in the value of which is considered an acceptable and healthy final phase of the Avenues mall. Thereafter, for properties across different segments as well as ratio compared to other sectors in the Kuwaiti year 2018e we expect a revenue growth of the tight credit market conditions. In addition, market. Given the slowdown in local property 21.7% on the back of increase in rental income there has been a drop in new real estate proj- market and the challenging operating environ- from the final phase. ects due to the lack of resources to fund such ment faced by Real Estate companies and con- We expect that the company will continue projects as well as the risk aversion attitude tractors in Kuwait, local banks’ exposure to this to borrow in order to cover the cost of con- adopted by most developers especially when it sector (32.2% of banks’ loan portfolios) indi- struction related to the expansion of the phase came to participating in BOT projects. cates that further correction in the property IV of the Avenues Mall, as well as any future Overall, the financial standing of the Real market might expose local banks to additional plans of expansion in the GCC, without risking Estate Sector (listed companies) remains credit risk. neither the company’s current operations nor healthy despite the lack of primary income its healthy capital structure. Historically the sources and unfavorable business environ- Sector’s profitability company managed to borrow a total amount ment. On the other hand, the sector remains With the exception of a few strong opera- of KWD 230.3 million during the last 5 years exposed to equity investments in securities tional companies, the Real Estate sector has (2009-2013) and additional KWD 84.3 million and associated companies which will keep the been posting losses after the financial crisis during 9M-2014. During the corresponding overall risk relatively high especially with which was struggling during 2009, 2010 and period the company successfully repaid a total renewed fears from further deterioration in 2011 to improve its profitability. The sector amount of KWD 250 million, highlighting the asset prices and its impact on the performance recorded a three years cumulative losses of company’s strong cash generating ability to of the sector. KWD 362 million during 2009-2011, mainly due meet its debt obligations and ongoing expan- to the drop in revenues generated from real sion plans. Market performance estate activities that declined in 2009 to its low- Mabanee’s net profit declined by 6.5% dur- In line with the overall stock market per- est level of KWD 230.7 million in addition to ing the 9M-14 at KWD 36.26 million compared formance and of the sectors on KSE, the Real provisions and impairments booked against to KWD 38.78 million reported during the same Estate Sector saw steep decline during the last investment in securities and projects under period in 2013. The key reason for lower profits quarter of 2014 as market sentiments turned the same period. real estate portfolios in order to raise cash for construction also weighed down on the is attributed to the decline in arrangement fees bearish due to the ongoing slide in oil prices On the other hand, due to higher real estate paying off debt obligations and finance their Sectors’ profitability. During 9M-2014, listed from investors which declined from KWD 12.0 that shaped the sector’s and the Kuwait prices during the last 5 years the average trans- operations. Real Estate companies announced their finan- million to KWD 2.17 million which weighed exchange’s performance during the 2nd half of action size reached KWD 0.553 million in 2014 The value of equity investments (Investment cial results with net profit dropping 16.9% to down the overall income from investment 2014. Since the beginning of October 2014 compared to KWD 0.298 million in 2010 record- Portfolios) dropped KWD 207 million to KWD KWD 117.0 million down from KWD 140.8 mil- properties. On the other hand, revenues from until December 25, 2014, the Real Estate Sector ing an increase of 85.3% over the same period. 1.4 billion by the end of 2013 as compared to lion reported during the same period in 2013. investment properties reached around KD 51.8 Index declined by 8.0% while the KSE The highest average transactions size regis- KWD 1.60 billion in 2009. This decline is mainly Provisions and impairments booked by Real million during the first nine month of 2014 Weighted index dropped by 10.7% over the tered by the commercial property segment attributed to the sharp losses in regional and Estate companies listed on the Kuwait Stock compared to KWD 45.2 million recorded during same period after oil prices declined to four- amounted to KWD 5.7 million compared to an international equity markets during the year Exchange reached high levels in 2009, 2010 the same period in 2013, in addition to a total year low levels at sub-USD 60/barrel. average of KWD 3.18 million seen in 2010. 2010 along with and 2011 at KWD 134.5 million, KWD 135.0 mil- of KWD 5.8 million coming from the arrange- The Real Estate Sector Weighted Index has The Residential Segment of the real estate liquidating investment portfolios to raise lion and KWD 126.0 million, respectively. This ment and advertising fees for tenants. No escape for those stuck in Malaysian ‘forced labour’

TELOK PANGLIMA GARANG: Toiling 12 hours a Dan Viederman told AFP. Nearly 36 million peo- for leave, or complaining can trigger illegal fines. boiled over, with hundreds rioting and authori- day in a Malaysian electronics factory amid bro- ple worldwide are trapped in forced labour, “I want to tell (Indonesian President Joko ties detaining dozens of workers. Fifteen were ken promises on wages and working conditions, Australia-based Walk Free Foundation said in Widodo) to build more factories and be success- sentenced to more than a year in jail, and a num- Manu dreams of returning to his poor Nepal vil- November, an issue generating increasing global ful, so that Indonesians don’t need to come and ber of others deported, a Malaysian official has lage but is restrained by invisible shackles. concern. In early December, world religious lead- work in Malaysia,” said an Indonesian worker at said. The company was cleared of wrongdoing. His passport has been illegally confiscated by ers from various faiths, including Pope Francis, the factory. The factory’s operators declined AFP his employers at the Japanese-owned plant on signed a declaration pledging efforts to end requests for comment. Interviewees asked that ‘All about the money’ Kuala Lumpur’s gritty outskirts, and he is strug- slavery and human trafficking by 2020. the factory not be identified, fearing retaliation. Malaysia’s economy is a magnet for migrants gling to pay off recruitment fees he owes them. Activists said a key exploitative factor is that from Indonesia, Myanmar and Bangladesh. An He faces additional fines if he leaves. All work, no play many workers are paid and managed by third- estimated six million foreign migrants, most of Labour activists say such abuses are rife in Manu’s ordeal began in 2009 when he paid party agents, leaving labourers in a grey area them illegal, work in factories, plantations, Malaysia’s electronics manufacturing sector, a an employment agent in Nepal around $1,300 that prevents them seeking recourse from facto- restaurants, and other jobs largely shunned by vital link in a global supply chain producing — a large sum there-to arrange work on an ry owners. Following Verite’s report, Hewlett- more-affluent Malaysians. components for major brands like Apple, assembly line for electronic capacitors used in a Packard said it would closely monitor suppliers But there are perennial reports of worker KUALA LUMPUR: This photo taken on Hewlett-Packard, Sony and Samsung. range of products. He feels it has been a litany of to ensure they directly hire workers themselves abuse and lack of protection from authorities. November 24, 2014 shows MTUC’s secre- Electronics account for one-third of the coun- deception. Manu takes home about $320 and employ no forced labour. The US State Department’s annual human-traf- tary-general Gopal Krishnan answering try’s exports. But at least one-third-possibly monthly-a figure which is one-third less than the Labour unrest is rare in Malaysia but recent ficking report demoted Malaysia in June to its questions during his interview with Agence many more-of Malaysia’s 350,000 electronics amount he says he was promised-following a incidents have sparked concern. In August, lowest rung over forced labour, leaving it open France Presse at his office in Subang, on the workers face indentured servitude similar to range of vague deductions and other costs not Nepali workers went on strike at a factory run by to possible economic sanctions. outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. — AFP “modern-day slavery,” a study released in previously disclosed. He feels pressured to work JCY HDD Technology, a Malaysian manufacturer Verite’s report was commissioned by the US September by US-based fair-labour group Verite overtime almost daily, even when sick and for US hard-drive and data-storage giants Labor Department. The electronics sector “is fac- ing grey areas in policy to ensure a cheap labour said. “When I talk to my father on the phone, I claimed supervisors direct ailing workers to a Western Digital and Seagate, among others. ing the single biggest threat to its survival,” supply. A stable electronics sector is now vital, tell him I can’t take this anymore,” said Manu, a specific clinic that refuses to authorise medical They claimed a worker had died after slow opposition lawmaker Sim Tze Tzin said recently amid warnings that falling prices of oil, a key pseudonym to protect against employer leave. “When I was very sick with high fever for and inadequate treatment for chest pains, blam- in calling for government action. Authorities Malaysian export, will clip exports and economic reprisals. Up to 60 percent of Malaysia’s electron- five days, the doctor still said I was okay to work,” ing the factory, said the Malaysian Trades Union declined repeated AFP requests for comment, growth. “It’s all about the money,” said Glorene ics workers are estimated to be vulnerable for- said Manu. The promise of free board has not Congress (MTUC), a labour advocacy group. but the trade ministry said this month Malaysia Das of labour-rights group Tenaganita. As it is for eigners from impoverished countries, and Verite materialised, and some workers live in a single Days later, 20 suspected strike leaders were opposes forced labour. It said it would investi- Manu, who dreams of going home when his cur- said 94 percent of foreign labourers it surveyed factory-arranged room with up to 15 others, and transferred to another JCY factory, where some gate the allegations and was liaising with US rent contract expires next year, but may not be had their passports seized. one toilet. claimed they were physically abused, it added. officials to “register our concern”, but also said able to. “I’m not sure. I think I have to stay and “The problems are both more severe and Some told AFP they had worked more than “It was a form of punishment (for the strike),” said Verite’s report was misleading. work here. My family has no money. I have no more numerous than we anticipated,” Verite CEO six months without rest. But quitting, applying MTUC secretary-general Gopal Krishnam. Anger But activists accuse the government of allow- choice,” he said softly. — AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 BUSINESS

Mitsubishi Outlander 2015 has arrived 120% increase in Mitsubishi Outlander sales

KUWAIT: Al Mulla Group, exclusive agents the consumption of fuel and the emana- able in many other models in the same exceptional in every way. The modern cab- easily using the QVGA screen (6.1 inches), of Mitsubishi cars in Kuwait, declared the tion of carbon dioxide and a perfect spa- category, of which the possibility to open in overwhelms you and your companions which also displays the photographs from arrival of a new star to bright in the ciousness, safety and advanced reliability. and close the back door easily. In addition, with its comfort and luxury and it trans- the hind camera. They also include a USB “Crossover” cars’ sky, the Mitsubishi The new Outlander that was trans- the effective air conditioning system may forms your long trips to fun times due to portal, a high quality CD player in the low- Outlander 2015 that offers the pleasure of formed into a new exciting design is based select two different temperature degrees the roominess of the internal cabin and its er section to allow its connection to the multi-purposes sporty cars and provides a on three important directions: the rigidity, for the driver and the front passenger and luxurious seats which have a capacity for IPOD or other sound systems for charging rigid reliability and smooth dealing on safety and simplicity and is characterized the car was provided with a remote con- seven passengers. The cabin uses high or listening to music. Outlander was pro- paved and unpaved roads with a charac- by softness and convenience for most of trol operation system without key. quality material. The Outlander cabin is vided with an advanced sound system that terized four wheel drive performance. It the driver’s requirements. The new and developed technological also highly flexible: the seats in the second allows you to enjoy great sound quality. also declared the achievement of The new design has become more flexi- properties characterizing the outlander and third rows can be easily adjusted This system was developed with the coop- Mitsubishi Outlander of an increase in ble which gave it a bigger comfort on model are: The forward collision mitigation based on the number of passengers and eration of Rockford Company. The cabin retail sales by a percentage of 120% dur- roads compared to the previous model (FCM), the warning systems upon leaving the size of the luggage. Also, all the seats has nine speakers that allow you to enjoy ing the first 9 months of the current year due to the new revolutionary design, the the lane, the air conditioning control can be folded to obtain flat surfaces that the DTS Neural Surround along with a high compared to the same year of the last year. new disks and the acoustic insulation sys- (ACC), the hill-start assistance (HAS) that are spacious for luggage. The thick capacity 8 channel 710 watt speaker. For There is no doubt that Mitsubishi tem that was used in building the car. helps the starting of the car on a severe padding and sensors in the cushions of the more enjoyment while driving, Outlander Outlander 2015 represents a quantum inclination and works on preventing the seats in the third row help increase the was equipped with sports gear conversion leap in Mitsubishi motors’ production lines Strong Performance car from moving backward upon releasing unique comfort of the passengers. The stick that allows you to change gears elec- and sets a new concept of the real mean- Outlander is available in GLS and GLX the brakes by preserving the brakes’ power seats can be bent to one of the four avail- tronically and smoothly without the need ing of the crossover cars, starting from the models and they are both four-wheel for around two seconds allowing the driv- able positions. The moving functions of to remove your hand from the steering new design obvious in the front bumper drive, with the possibility of choosing 2 er to press the pedal and drive. the second row allow easy access to the wheel. In addition, the steering wheel lamps surrounding the car’s body, the engines of 6 cylinders and a capacity of 0.3 seats in the third row. includes comfortable and easy to reach prominent front air network and the new liters by a power of 230 horses or an Four-wheel drive Great attention is given to the details in buttons for controlling sound and the fog lamps. In addition to the external body engine by a capacity of 2.4 liters by a pow- Outlander is characterized by a four- the cabin by using high quality compo- Bluetooth system in mobile phones. that is proportionate from the front to the er of 167 horses characterized by a big effi- wheel drive that is electronically con- nents. These include the leather covers of back where the back of the car was ciency in fuel consumption. It is worth trolled AWC where it provides a character- the seats or the luxurious cloth covers, the Safety Equipment redesigned also to have a more luxurious mentioning that the totally new Mitsubishi ized traction and huge balance on bumpy high quality aluminum and wood touches As for the main characteristics of the look with providing it with an elegant back Outlander car’s engine of 6 cylinders was terrains through an ideal participation that decorate the cabin and the middle new Outlander, its characteristics include wing, in addition to the strong respond equipped with the “Mitsubishi” advanced with the ASC. In addition, the drive selec- section. The Mitsubishi engineers were several developed equipment for protect- where it is characterized by a rigid reliabili- technique MIVEC advanced technique tion key allows you to choose the appro- able to enhance the sound insulation and ing its passengers: the RISE structure, the ty and smooth dealing with roads and a (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing priate drive position easily when needed: get rid of unwanted sounds that penetrate enhanced shock protection which pro- strong four-wheel performance. Electronic Control System) that is operated WD ECO4 for the best economy in fuel into the cabin. vides more protection, two front airbags Mitsubishi Motors, that pays a big atten- on increasing the fuel consumption econ- consumption or WD4 Auto for the ordinary for the driver and front passenger. All tion to comfort inside the car, to the safety omy effectiveness and has become one of driving conditions or WD lock 4 for bumpy Entertainment Systems these include SRS systems. In addition, the of passengers and eco-friendly perform- the sportiest multi-purposes SUVs of 7 terrains. As for technology and devices, they are high tension solid iron was used. It con- ance, has succeeded in achieving this per- passengers for saving fuel. numerous. These devices include the back tributes in building a strong and solid fect balance in the totally new outlander Outlander was equipped with many Quality and Luxurious Comfort vision camera and the voice screen that structure, which is light weight at the same since it combines a leading economy in characterized properties that are not avail- The internal cabin of the Outlander is allows you to control the sound system time. Al Tijari announces winners of Mercedes S400L, Najma account

KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held the Al The 3rd winner of the Mercedes S400L is tomers will be eligible for the daily draw provid- Najma Account Daily draw on 28th December Mubarak Awad Al Mansori. ed that the money is in the account one week pri- 2014. The Commercial Bank of Kuwait announces or to the daily draw or 2 months prior to the The draw was held under the supervision of the biggest daily draw in Kuwait with the launch mega draw. In addition, for each KD 25 a cus- the Ministry of Commerce & Industry represented of the new Najma account. Customers of the tomer can get one chance for winning instead of by Saguer Al Manaie. bank can now enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which KD 50. The winners of the Najma daily draw are :- is the highest in the country and another 4 mega Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this oppor- Mohamed AbdelKhalek Abdul Majeed KD 7000 prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 each on tunity to congratulate all lucky winners and also Jana Yehia Khaldiah KD 7000 different occasions: The National Day, Eid Al Fitr, extends appreciation to the Ministry of Ali Mohamed Al Fardan KD 7000 Eid Al Adha and on the 19th of June which is the Commerce and Industry for their effective super- Mian Hidayat Shah KD 7000 date of the bank’s establishment. vision of the draws which were conducted in an Mustafa Yaqoub Yousif KD 7000. With a minimum balance of KD 500, cus- orderly and organized manner.

Qatar Airways secures number one to become the most ‘liked’ global airline on facebook

DOHA: Qatar Airways reached yet anoth- ways to engage with our fans, while er milestone when it became the most increasing the level of engagement, ‘liked’ global airline on Facebook, the helps us stay at the forefront of customer world’s most popular social media net- service while keeping in touch with our working site. The airline overtook its passengers needs and constantly adapt- flydubai 2014 facts and figures nearest competitor and claimed first ing to them. And our quick rise to most position last week while reaching eight liked airline on Facebook reaffirms that million fans on its global page. our passengers support this.” DUBAI: Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO flydubai, commenting on the year 2014: Only six months ago the airline had Qatar Airways Senior Vice President “Aviation in the UAE continues to play an important role and is poised to four million fans, before quickly working Marketing and Corporate contribute 37.5% to Dubai’s GDP by 2020, as Dubai International Airport its way up to the most liked airline on Communications Ms. Salam Al Shawa, continues to cement its role as the world’s busiest airport by passenger Facebook. Qatar Airways, which was said: “We are extremely proud of this numbers. flydubai in 2014 had a record year, launching 23 new routes and creating a network of 89 destinations across the GCC, Europe, Africa and awarded Best Use of Emerging Platforms achievement and the fact that we have the Indian Subcontinent, 56 of which were previously underserved. In 2015 at the 5th Annual SimpliFlying Awards grown from 49th to 1st place in less than we will continue to support the UAE governments 2020 vision to attract 20 held in New York two months ago, has 18 months. During this time we have million tourists to Dubai by adding more routes, more frequencies and managed to increase its Facebook fan attracted more than 8,000,000 fans by more aircraft.” base by approximately 2,560% in just adapting to the ever-growing signifi- two years. cance of social media versus traditional The steady climb to most liked global media, and by keeping a sharp focus on airline has been a result of the airline’s creating quality content while actively ever-increasing online engagement with engaging with our followers.” its fans, including region specific promo- Including Pinterest, where it is also tions and its global partnership with FC ranked the number one airline, Barcelona. In addition to winning fans Instagram (ranked second) and Linkedin with its new route launches, the airline (ranked fifth), Qatar Airways uses 13 has also been closely followed as it social media outlets to assist, inform, and launched its A380 to London, Paris and engage with its passengers: Bangkok, and as it awaits the imminent www.facebook.com/qatarairways arrival of the A350 XWB for which it is the www.twitter.com/qatarairways global launch customer. www.youtube.com/qatarairways Popular online competitions including www.instagram.com/qatarairways Safarigram, FCB Join the Club and target- www.pinterest.com/qatarairways ing fans in their own language have also www.flickr.com/qatarairways helped increase fan growth and interac- http://qatarairways.tublr.com tion. http://google.com/+qatarairways Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, www.linkedin.com/company/qatar-airways His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: www.foursquare.com/qatarairways “Qatar Airways has long recognised the www.vk.com/qatarairways (Russia) importance of social media in our day- www.weibo.com/qatarairways (China) to-day business. Using new and creative www.wechat.com (China). technology MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 Elder-care challenges prompt tech execs to create startups, apps

SAN FRANCISCO: For years, Google Inc’s “The view is that health is very insular commerce chief, Stephanie Tilenius, held a and regulated,” said Krasner, who previous- demanding job and helped oversee the ly worked at Google Health. The division medical care of her parents, an experience aimed to store personal health records but that led her to leave the Internet search shut down in 2012 after it failed to gain giant in 2012 and start a company to help much traction. patients combat chronic disease. Since 2012, Google has pushed more Earlier this year, Tilenius’ company deeply into health and aging with wearable launched Vida, a mobile app that lets tracking devices. It backs a biotech initia- patients consult with a team of profession- tive called Calico to research and potential- als, including doctors, nurses and nutrition- ly combat diseases the afflict the elderly, in ists, from their smartphone. The program partnership with drugmaker AbbVie Inc. costs $15 a week and includes reminders to Apple Inc has also announced plans to take medication. Caregivers and family move into healthcare, with an initial focus members can request access to the app to on fitness and wellness. keep up to date with a patient’s progress. Tilenius said her father, who eventually EXTENDING BENEFITS died from heart disease, could not afford For engineers and entrepreneurs look- regular medical consultations that could ing for a new market to serve, caring for an have helped him lose weight and manage aging parent can open their eyes to the stress. dysfunction in healthcare, said Bryan “There was a total lack of resources on Roberts, a health-technology-focused part- my parents’ side,” Tilenius said in an inter- ner at Venrock. UTAH: This Feb. 13, 2014, file photo shows a rescue drone flown by Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office during a demonstration in view. A growing number of high-level Interest in backing such projects has Brigham City. —AP Silicon Valley executives from the “sand- grown. In June, funding for digital health wich generation” - those who are simulta- companies had reached a record $2.3 bil- neously caring for children and parents - lion, surpassing the previous total of $1.9 have left their jobs to launch mobile and billion for 2013, according to venture firm Congress likely to make digital health startups. In interviews with Rock Health. Reuters, many say they have been prompt- Tech companies are also exploring ways ed by their experience of helping aging to offer their robust health benefits to parents with one or more chronic condi- employees’ extended families, including key decisions on drones tions, and the discovery of how the U.S. parents, as a retention tool in a competitive healthcare system fails to serve them. market for hiring. Some say they are finding both customers Twitter Inc said it let employees add one WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is on the potential to transform parts of our economy. already is getting pushback from private and and partners in the large technology additional person to their health plan - typ- the verge of proposing long-awaited rules for ... It is our responsibility to take a close look.” commercial pilots who worry about possible col- employers where they once worked. ically a parent - in 2014. For the coming commercial drone operations in US skies, but One of the committee’s first priorities next lisions. The FAA receives reports nearly every day year, Twitter will cover family, dependents key decisions on how much access to grant year is writing legislation to reauthorize FAA pro- about drones sighted flying near manned air- INFLUX OF SILICON VALLEY EXECS and domestic partners, a spokesman said. drones are likely to come from Congress next grams and overhaul aviation policy. The bill is craft or airports. After a similar experience caring for an Those who extended benefits to parents in year. expected to include directions from lawmakers “As a (Boeing) 737 captain, I’ll be damned if ailing parent, fellow Google employee 2014 would be grandfathered in from the Federal Aviation Administration officials have on how to integrate drones into the nation’s avi- myself and 178 other people are taken down by Munjal Shah left the company in October previous policy. said they want to release proposed rules before ation system. The last reauthorization bill, a 12-pound or a 50-pound or a 150-pound piece 2011 to develop an app called Hi.Q, which Two sources familiar with companies’ HR the end of this month, but other government passed in 2012, directed the agency to integrate of metal coming through my windshield,” said aims to improve people’s health knowl- and benefits plans, who asked to remain and industry officials say they are likely to be drones by Sept. 30, 2015, but it’s clear the FAA Ben Berman at a recent forum hosted by the Air edge. Groupon Inc’s former product devel- anonymous, said Facebook Inc’s benefits delayed until January. Meanwhile, except for a will miss that deadline. Line Pilots Association. “There are too many near opment chief, Suneel Gupta, quit his job in team is also exploring extending health small number of companies that have received The FAA is expected to propose restricting misses occurring every day like this.” December 2012 to start a nutrition app perks to employees’ parents to include FAA exemptions, a ban on commercial drone drones weighing less than 55 pounds to flying at Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners called Rise and support people like his par- more virtual medical services than what is flights remains in place. Even after rules are pro- altitudes under 400 feet, forbid nighttime flights and Pilots Association, which represents private ents, who struggled with diabetes, cancer available on the government’s Medicare posed, it is likely to be two or three years before and require drones be kept within sight of their pilots, said online videos show that “operators and obesity. program for the elderly. regulations become final. operators. Drone operators may also be required are flying near airports, in the clouds and in con- Caring.com, a community forum and Facebook said it provides benefits for That’s too long to wait, say drone industry to get pilot’s licenses, a possibility already draw- gested airspace.” He called such actions “reckless” information provider for caregivers, was employees at all life stages. The newest officials. Every year the ban remains in place, the ing fire from critics who say the skills needed to and said they will inevitably lead to a collision. started by Andy Cohen, who said he was startups, including Vida, are gleaning busi- United States loses more than $10 billion in fly a manned aircraft are different from those FAA regulations permit recreational users to inspired to leave his job as a vice president ness and talent from the companies they potential economic benefits that drones could needed to operate a drone. Shuster indicated fly small drones as long as they stay at least 5 at SuccessFactors after his parents fell ill. left. Tilenius said large employers are inter- provide, according to the Association for he’s concerned that requiring pilot’s licenses miles away from an airport, limit flights to less SuccessFactors, which makes talent man- ested in offering her app to employees and Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, a might be burdensome and unnecessary. And than 400 feet in altitude, keep the aircraft in line agement software, was acquired by SAP SE their parents. trade group. keeping drones within sight of operators would of sight and fly only during the daytime. in 2011. Digital health startup Grand Rounds “We need some sort of process that allows be too strict and limit their usefulness, he said. Last week, drone industry trade groups The infusion of Silicon Valley entrepre- Health connects patients with medical sec- some of the low-risk operations,” said Jesse The reason for keeping drones within line of teamed up with the FAA and model aircraft hob- neurs into healthcare is already making an ond opinions. Chief Executive Officer Owen Kallman, the head of regulatory affairs for sight is that they don’t yet have the ability to byists to launch a safety campaign aimed at impact by advancing the “triple aim of bet- Tripp, a serial tech entrepreneur, cites unex- Airware, a drone technology company backed detect and avoid other aircraft. amateur drone operations. The campaign ter care at lower cost, with better service,” pected demand from benefits managers at by Google Ventures. “I think Congress under- AUVSI, the drone industry trade group, includes a website, www.knowbeforeyoufly.com said Aneesh Chopra, the former chief tech- tech companies for the service, which can stands that, and hopefully they’ll take steps in recently hired Mark Aitken, former legislative , where operators can find FAA regulations and nology officer for the United States and be extended to employees’ parents. the coming year to address that.” director to Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., as its advice on how to fly safely. The trade groups said now the co-founder of a startup called Grand Rounds and Vida declined to That appears to be what some key lawmakers government relations manager. LoBiondo is they also plan to distribute safety pamphlets at Hunch Analytics. In the past, it had been name specific customers as the deals are have in mind. “We in Congress are very interest- chairman of the House Subcommittee on industry events and are working with manufac- tough to recruit talent from the largest tech still in the works. “Employees need ways ed in UAS,” Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of Aviation, which will write the FAA reauthoriza- turers to see that safety information is enclosed companies to tackle healthcare issues, said to stay in the loop about their parents’ the House Transportation and Infrastructure tion bill. inside the package of new drones. Retailers say Missy Krasner, managing director for health care,” said Tripp. “For employers, it’s often Committee, said at a hearing this month, refer- “We’re really looking at an incremental small drones, which are indistinguishable from and life sciences for Box, a cloud comput- about keeping people in the job for ring to unmanned aerial systems, or drones. “We approach still,” Aitken said. “It’s not something today’s more sophisticated model aircraft, were ing company. longer.” —Reuters understand UAS are an exciting technology with that is going to happen overnight.” Congress popular gifts this Christmas. —AP Germany plans electric car motorway charging stations

BERLIN: Germany plans to expand sales in Germany to just 24,000 mod- Alexander Dobrindt was quoted by the network of charging stations for els out of a market of about 3 million regional newspaper Passauer Neue electric cars across the country to help cars, according to government data. Presse as saying in an interview pub- boost lacklustre demand, a Transport Germany currently only has about lished on Saturday. Ministry paper seen by Reuters 100 quick service charging points for The Transport Ministry paper said showed. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s electric cars, allowing drivers to German motorway services operator government wants to bring 1 million recharge batteries in less than an Tank & Rast GmbH was due to set up battery-powered vehicles onto the hour, and about 4,800 charging sta- quick service charging stations and roads of Europe’s largest economy by tions running on alternating current, parking spots at its 400 sites by 2017. the end of the decade. according to the Transport Ministry. The Berlin-based government will But high vehicle costs and drivers’ “We will set up quick service charg- shoulder some of the costs of installing concerns about infrastructure and ing stations along the motorways cables and related construction projects, limited battery range have held back across Germany,” Transport Minister the document showed. —Reuters

VIET NAM: In this picture taken on December 9, 2014, workers hold a sturgeon during an egg-checking session by ultrasonic imaging technology at a sturgeon farm at the Da Mi hydroelectric resovoir lake in Tanh Linh district, Vietnam’s central southern province of Binh Thuan. —AFP North Korean Internet, 3G mobile network ‘paralyzed’

SHANGHAI: North Korea’s Internet and 3G mobile net- The attack was allegedly conducted to deter Sony works were paralyzed again on Saturday evening, from showing a comedy film called “The Interview,” the China’s official Xinhua news agency reported on plot of which featured a scheme to assassinate North Saturday, with the North Korean government blaming Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and it resulted in major the United States for systemic instability in the country’s expense and embarrassment for Sony. networks. Internet connectivity had not returned to US President Barack Obama promised retaliation for normal as of 21:30 local time, Xinhua reported, citing the attack but did not specify its form. North Korea has reporters in the country that had confirmed the situa- denied responsibility for the attack on Sony. Most of tion over fixed telephone systems. North Korea’s heavily restricted internet traffic passes The report comes after the North Korean govern- through Chinese routers on its way to the outside CALIFORNIA: This file image provided May 28, 2014 by Google, shows a self-driving a two-seat prototype ment called Obama a “monkey” and blamed the United world, and some have suggested it is China - increasing- vehicle conceived and designed by Google. Google on December 22, 2014 announced that the first com- States for enduring instability in the country’s internet ly annoyed by recalcitrant North Korean behavior pleted prototype of its self-driving car is ready to be road tested. “We’re going to be spending the holi- infrastructure, after the U.S. blamed North Korea for despite the two country’s long-standing alliance - that is days zipping around our test track, and we hope to see you on the streets of Northern California in the hacking attack on Sony Studios. behind North Korea’s internet troubles. —Reuters new year,” the Internet titan’s autonomous car team said in a post at Google+ social network. —AFP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

JOHN DAY: In this photo taken on Nov 20, 2014, a loader stacks logs at the Malheur Lumber. —AP photos A worker walks through a warehouse on his way to lunch at the Malheur Lumber Co. mill. Conservationists, loggers team up on forest health ‘It worked on Malheur Lumber because we had the right people involved at the right time’

JOHN DAY: Logs are piled high in the the timber industry and environmen- that it’s the environmental communi- John Shelk, managing partner of yard of the Malheur Lumber Co. mill talists - foes since the battles over ty that saved this community, they Ochoco Lumber Co, which owns in this small town in northeastern logging that erupted in the Pacific say, ‘Oh, baloney!’” Andrews said. “But Malheur Lumber, decided in 2008 he Oregon, ready to be sawed into lum- Northwest three decades ago. The I lived it. I know it’s true.” Mills in tim- had to do something and invited ber. Steam pours out of the stacks. sides uncovered a shared goal: thin- ber country have been steadily clos- Andy Kerr, another founder of the Trucks loaded with logs roll in. John ning overgrown forests to prevent ing as fighting continues over how to Oregon Natural Resources Council, to log national forests without killing his office. By 2009, they were telling protected species like spotted owls others they had a truce. Processor operator Colton Clark works his way through a stand of timber on and salmon. Across the West, there “We agreed that there was a lot of the Malheur National Forest. are efforts to build trust among tim- (timber) to be had from ecological ber interests, environmentalists and forestry,” Kerr recalled. “And he didn’t local residents, and the US. Forest want the big trees anyway, so why Service hopes the success of John were we fighting?” Grant County Day serves as a model. Commissioner Boyd Britton, a welder There is little private timber to who lost customers when two other draw on in such towns, east of the mills shut down, came to trust and Cascades. One logging project after respect Susan Jane Brown, a lawyer another in the Malheur National for the Western Environmental Law Forest was shot down by lawsuits Center who shot down so many tim- from environmentalists. Meanwhile, ber sales. the community was demanding logs. “We were at a stalemate,” recalled Trust and respect Steve Beverlin, supervisor of the Brown said a key shift came when Malheur National Forest. environmentalists started realizing Then, Blue Mountains Forest that wildfires posed as big a threat to JOHN DAY: Mike Billman poses at a logging site on the Malheur Partners formed in 2006, a collabora- the forests as logging. And the way National Forest. tive group designed to bring togeth- to protect the forests was to work er all sides of the community - espe- with the collaborative to approve cially environmentalists and the tim- projects that thinned overgrown ber industry - to come up with proj- stands while providing enough logs ects that lawsuits wouldn’t stop. to keep the local mill running. The Workers pull rough lumber off the green chain and sort it into piles. Out of innumerable meetings and atmosphere of trust and respect had forest tours grew a few key friend- reached such a point that when ships among people who became Shelk decided Malheur Lumber had peacemakers in the timber war. to shut down in 2012, members of Among them were Mike Billman, tim- the collaborative were able to act. ber buyer for the Malheur Lumber Co They quickly signed off on delayed mill, and conservationist Tim Lillebo. forest-thinning projects and devel- “I had never met him, but I’d heard of oped logging plans that could sus- him plenty,” Billman said of Lillebo. tain the mill. Last year, they approved “He was the devil, I guess.” Lillebo was a 10-year “Stewardship Contract” a founder of the Oregon Natural awarded to a local logging company, Resources Council, now Oregon Wild. Iron Triangle. They first met at a meeting of the col- The company took a chance that laborative, and they soon found they it could do the thinning and restora- agreed on most of the issues. tion projects in the contract in return JOHN DAY: Malheur Lumber Co President Art Andrews smiles at for enough logs to make it pay. This the mill. Personal lives year, the mill hired 30 workers. And Before long, Billman and Lillebo Malheur National Forest hired 40 Day, a town of 1,700, nearly died two catastrophic wildfires. were getting together for camping people to turn out more restoration years ago. Its lifeblood, the sawmill, trips. “Early on, we talked about projects as it tries to expand the was about to close. So few logs were Demanding logs industry, ecological and collaborative efforts to the other forests in the coming off the nearby Malheur Talk to people in town and you’ll things,” Billman said. “As we became region. “Why it worked on Malheur National Forest, the mill’s owners still hear grumbling from those who better friends, our discussions Lumber when it did is because we decided it was time to shut down. don’t trust environmentalists. But not became about our personal lives, our had the right people involved at the But the mill and the town’s economy from Art Andrews, manager of families and all that.” They weren’t the right time for the right reason,” Brown Processor operator Colton Clark works his way through a stand of timber on were rescued by a detente between Malheur Lumber. “When I tell people only ones. Outside the collaborative, said. —AP the Malheur National Forest. Malaria killing thousands more than Ebola in West Africa

GUECKEDOU: West Africa’s fight to ing to statistics from the World advised health workers against test- contain Ebola has hampered the Health Organization. ing for malaria unless they have pro- campaign against malaria, a prevent- Malaria is the leading cause of tective gear. able and treatable disease that is death in children under five in The malaria initiative is doing a claiming many thousands more lives Guinea and, after AIDS, the leading national survey of health facilities than the dreaded virus. In cause of adult deaths, according to and elsewhere to try to find out Gueckedou, near the village where Nets for Life. Ebola and malaria have “what’s actually happening here ... Ebola first started killing people in many of the same symptoms, includ- where people with malaria are Guinea’s tropical southern forests a ing fever, dizziness, head and muscle going,” said Nahlen, of the US cam- GUINEA: An ambulance, part of equipment sent by GUINEA: Port dockers unload equipment from year ago, doctors say they have had aches. Malaria is caused by bites from paign. There was some positive news the EU and its member states, exits Netherlands’ Netherlands’ Royal Navy ship “Karel Doorman”. to stop pricking fingers to do blood infected mosquitoes while Ebola can in Guinea - it had just completed a Royal Navy ship “Karel Doorman”. tests for malaria. Guinea’s drop in be contracted only from the body national mosquito net campaign reported malaria cases this year by as fluids of an infected victim - hence against malaria when Ebola struck, much as 40 percent is not good doctors’ fears of drawing blood to do he said. EU aid shipment arrives news, said Dr Bernard Nahlen, deputy malaria tests. director of the US President’s Malaria Protect people Initiative. He said the decrease is like- Positive for malaria Neighboring Liberia, on the other ly because people are too scared to People suffering malaria fear hand, suspended the planned distri- in Ebola-hit West Africa go to health facilities and are not get- being quarantined in Ebola treat- bution of 2 million nets, said Nahlen. ting treated for malaria. ment centers and health centers not In Sierra Leone, the third country CONAKRY: An EU aid shipment including “It would be a major failure on the equipped to treat Ebola are turning hard-hit by Ebola, Doctors Without vehicles and medical equipment for the part of everybody involved to have a away patients with Ebola-like symp- Borders took unprecedented, pre- three west African nations hardest hit by lot of people die from malaria in the toms, doctors said. WHO figures from emptive action this month, distribut- the Ebola epidemic has arrived in Guinea, midst of the Ebola epidemic,” he said Gueckedou show that of people ing 1.5 million antimalarial drugs that officials said yesterday. The Dutch navy’s in a telephone interview. “I would be coming in with fever in October, 24 can be used to both prevent and largest ship, the Karel Doorman, arrived surprised if there were not an percent who tested positive for Ebola treat, aiming to protect people dur- in Guinea on Saturday and was due to increase in unnecessary malaria also tested positive for malaria, and ing the disease’s peak season. also stop in Sierra Leone and Liberia, a deaths in the midst of all this, and a 33 percent of those who did not have “Most people turn up at Ebola treat- statement from the EU delegation said. lot of those will be young children.” Ebola tested positive for malaria - an ment centers thinking that they have The aid delivered to Guinea included Figures are always estimates in indication of the great burden of Ebola, when actually they have malaria,” enriched flour, some 20 all-terrain vehi- Guinea, where half the 12 million malaria in Guinea. said Patrick Robataille, Doctors Without cles, ambulances and medical equip- people have no access to health cen- Malaria killed one of 38 Cuban Borders field coordinator in Freetown. ment such as masks. Details on the ship- ters and die uncounted. Some 15,000 doctors sent to Guinea to help fight “It’s a huge load on the system, as well ment’s value and total weight were not Guineans died from malaria last year, the Ebola outbreak. One private hos- as being a huge stress on patients and available. The Karel Doorman also deliv- 14,000 of them children under five, pital had a kidney dialysis machine their families.” He said a second distri- ered aid to the three countries in according to Nets for Life Africa, a that could have saved his failing bution is planned in Freetown and November, including vehicles and tons New York-based charity dedicated to organ but the clinic was shut after western areas most affected by Ebola. of hospital equipment. Ebola has killed providing insecticide-treated mos- several people died there of Ebola. Robataille said the huge delivery of more than 7,500 people over the past quito nets to put over beds. In com- The US President’s Malaria Initiative antimalarial drugs was “in proportion to year, almost all of them in Liberia, Port dockers unload equipment from Netherlands’ Royal Navy parison, about 1,600 people in ground to a halt in Guinea months the scale of the Ebola epidemic - it’s Guinea and Sierra Leone. —AFP ship “Karel Doorman” in the port of Conakry. —AFP photos Guinea have died from Ebola, accord- ago and the WHO in November massive.” —AP MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

A worker handles a live chicken at a shop in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong.

CHINA: A shop sells chickens in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong yesterday. —AFP photos Hong Kong raises bird flu alert level as woman critical Live chickens are displayed for sale at a shop in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong hospitals raised alert the city’s first since early 2014 — Hong Kong 20,000 chickens in January after the virus was levels yesterday as a woman diagnosed with the announced it was raising its response level in hos- found in poultry imported from the southern deadly H7N9 avian flu virus was in a critical condi- pitals to “serious” from “alert,” with extra precau- Chinese province of Guangdong. A four-month tion. The 68-year-old woman was hospitalized on tions implemented in hospitals from today. ban on live poultry imports from mainland China December 25 after returning from the southern The rules include limitations on visiting hours was then imposed to guard against the disease. Chinese city of Shenzhen almost two weeks earlier, and compulsory surgical masks for those visiting Ko said the new response level would not although it has not been confirmed where or how patients. There are three response levels with affect the import of poultry for the time being, as she contracted the virus. Ten people had previous- “emergency” the most serious. The Hong Kong “rapid testing” had been introduced to check ly been diagnosed with H7N9 in Hong Kong, government reduced the level from “serious” to birds for the disease. “We will closely monitor the including three who died. All had contracted the “alert” in June, after a drop in cases. situation... then decide the appropriate measures,” virus in mainland China, according to Hong Kong’s Health minister Ko Wing-man said late Saturday he said. Hong Kong is particularly alert to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). that the woman had been with two friends in spread of viruses after an outbreak of Severe The outbreak, which first emerged on the Shenzhen, where she had eaten “home-cooked Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) swept mainland in February 2013, has reignited fears chicken,” although she is not believed to have had through the city in 2003, killing 299 people and that a bird flu virus could mutate to become easi- contact with live poultry at markets. She remained infecting around 1,800. There have been 469 cas- ly transmissible between people, threatening to in a critical condition in intensive care yesterday, es of H7N9 in mainland China since 2013, accord- trigger a pandemic. In response to the new case- hospital authorities said. Hong Kong slaughtered ing to Hong Kong’s CHP. —AFP A worker sells live chickens at a shop in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. Baby ostracized by other gorillas will switch zoos

CINCINNATI: A baby gorilla raised by human keepers wearing hairy vests is ready to be placed with other gorillas and will move to the Columbus Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo said Friday. Kamina, a young, female Western lowland gorilla, was born in August at the zoo in Oklahoma City but was shunned by her mother, so she was sent to Cincinnati in September. The human surrogates taught her to act like a gorilla and then placed her with two female gorillas. When they didn’t bond with her, keepers decided Kamina’s best option was moving to Columbus. The Cincinnati Zoo’s curator of primates says the rejection was surprising but such introductions are delicate and don’t always work out. OHIO: In this December 2012, file photo, provided by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Colo, a lowland “Kamina has learned all of the behaviors she needs to know in gorilla, sits in her enclosure at the zoo in Powell. —AP order to be successful in a gorilla group,” Ron Evans, primates curator, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, neither of the adult females that we hoped would bond with her did.” Officials are Oldest of zoo gorillas working out details of her transfer to the Columbus Zoo, which has previous experience with surrogacy placements. After Kamina arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo in September, 17 turns 58 at Ohio facility volunteers, nearly all zoo workers, took turns holding the baby around the clock, teaching her how to be a gorilla. Volunteers wore hairy vests to give Kamina something to cling too, bottle- OKLAHOMA: In this Sept 21, 2014 file photo pro- COLUMBUS: The first gorilla born in a zoo is turning 58 The zoo said its website would have video of Colo fed her and crawled on their hands and knees so Kamina could vided by the Oklahoma City Zoo, Kamina, a with a celebration broadcast live to online viewers from her receiving the cake, opening presents of tomatoes and practice abdominal and back riding. They used low grunting Western Lowland gorilla who was born Aug 16 at Ohio home. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says the clementines and being serenaded by zoo staff and visitors. sounds to soothe her and coughing sounds to discourage the zoo, is pictured at the zoo. —AP female western lowland gorilla, named Colo, is celebrating Colo was born at the zoo in 1956. Officials there say she is behaviors. A previous surrogacy at Cincinnati worked out a little her birthday today with an Ohio-shaped cake made of the oldest gorilla in any zoo. Colo is a mother of three. Her better, with keepers successfully raising “Gladys,” a gorilla baby Columbus also has a long history of caring for gorillas. The first peanut butter, applesauce, honey, shredded carrots with family tree includes more than two dozen descendants liv- that came to Cincinnati in February 2013 from Brownsville, Texas, gorilla born in captivity, Colo, was born at the Columbus Zoo and Greek yogurt frosting. ing at zoos across the country. —AP and was eventually incorporated into the zoo’s gorilla troop. celebrated her 58th birthday earlier this week. —AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Media family day at Bazah Camp

By Faten Omar with 25 Social Center. The event was held on uncover new talents, as well as create a connec- on New Year’s Eve, programs for people with for guests from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The event Saturday in Mina Abdullah opposite Umm Al- tion with all press and media families. The event disabilities and the elderly and a youth fair. was full of a variety of amazing activities such nder the patronage and with the atten- Haiman with the participation of more than 30 was successful, thanks to the participants,” said Sheikh Duaij Khalifa Al-Sabah thanked the as a play by talented young men, stories and dance of Sheikh Duaij Khalifa Al-Sabah, families of media and press members. Talal Al-Fadli, the Head of the 25 Social Center. organizing committee for the ceremony led by poetry as well as competitions for all partici- UBazah Camp organized a family day for “The aim of this event is to change the daily He added that Bazah Camp will host celebra- Fadli and Hamad Al-Abdullah for their efforts in pants of all ages and a host of activities for chil- the press and media members in cooperation routine of the press and media members and tions for several companies and organizations organizing a concert. The camp opened its door dren with gifts for winners.

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Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014

NBK launched more than 165 social initiatives in 2014 Focus on education, environment, health and social programs

ational Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has more than 80 training programs including launched more than 165 social initia- NBK Academy, the Summer Internship Ntives during 2014. NBK’s corporate Program and the first of its kind in the region social responsibility (CSR) program covers a NBK Advanced Academy for high fliers. NBK range of education, environment, health, provided more than 1100 training opportuni- philanthropic, social and sports-related initia- ties as part of its specialized training program. tives. “NBK has a long tradition supporting NBK strongly supports the country’s health social and community oriented activities in care institutions. This year, NBK continued its the country,” said Manal Al-Mattar, NBK Public support to build a new state-of-the-art can- Relations Executive Manager. “We believe cer center at NBK’s Children Hospital. The new that our people are our most valuable center will expand the hospital’s ability to resource and to that end we’ve implemented treat children with cancer and blood diseases. numerous professional development and For the 20th consecutive year, NBK organ- training programs to encourage the educa- ized Iftar banquets for fasters during the Holy tion and professional development of Month of Ramadan. Throughout the year, Kuwait’s youth,” added Mattar. As part of its Manal Al-Mattar NBK also organized several social awareness commitment to providing job opportunities tion as a leader among private sector institu- programs including blood donation drives attracted thousands of participants from all initiatives - including beach cleanup, energy to new graduates, NBK actively recruited tions in Kuwait recruiting and hiring national and breast cancer awareness campaigns. ages and both genders. As an environment- saving, paper recycling and desert campsite more than 300 Kuwaitis, reaffirming its posi- manpower. During 2014, NBK has provided NBK’s Annual Walkathon in its 20th year friendly bank, NBK has launched a range of cleanup campaigns.

uwait Finance and Investment Company (KFIC) organized a blood donation campaign recently at the company’s head office in coopera- Ktion with the Central Blood Bank. Exclusive Regency Hotel discounts for Gulf Bank cardholders ulf Bank has launched an exclusive Gulf Bank is committed to providing promotion in partnership with The customers a constantly expanding selec- GRegency Hotel in Bida’a, giving the tion of new and exclusive promotions, in Bank’s credit cardholders discounts when addition to its exceptional range of finan- dining at the hotel’s restaurants. Gulf cial products and banking services. To find Bank’s credit cardholders can now enjoy out more about Gulf Bank’s promotions rathibha Kuwait, an organization of Malayalam writers and readers, held 10% off their dining bills at any of The and offers, customers are encouraged to a meeting on Friday with the visiting Malayalam writer Babu Regency Hotel’s wide range of restaurants, visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 branches, con- PKuzhimatom. Prathibha released a collection of short stories penned by including: Al Liwan, Balsamico, Regency tact the Customer Contact Center on 14 writers in Kuwait. Some of the writers were also honored. Preman Illath Gourmet and Silk Road Restaurant. This 1805805, or go to the Bank’s bilingual web- presided over the function. promotion is valid until 22 November 2015. site at www.e-gulfbank.com. MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 TV PROGRAMS

11:35 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 09:30 Dads 10:30 Top 14 Highlights 12:00 Chopped 10:00 Baby Daddy 11:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 12:50 Siba’s Table 10:30 My Name Is Earl 11:30 Super Rugby Final Highlights 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 12:00 Currie Cup Final Highlights 13:40 Mystery Diners Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Pineapple Express-18 12:30 ITM Cup Final Highlights 00:45 Alaska: The Last Frontier 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 13:00 Better Off Ted 02:00 Open Season-FAM 13:00 Super League Final 01:35 Alaska: The Last Frontier 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 13:30 My Name Is Earl 04:00 Dumb And Dumberer: When Highlights 02:25 Alaska: The Last Frontier 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:00 The Goldbergs Harry Met Lloyd-PG15 13:30 NRL Final Highlights 03:15 Alaska: The Last Frontier 15:45 Amazing Wedding Cakes 14:30 Dads 06:00 The Little Rascals Save The 14:00 Rugby League Final 04:05 Alaska: The Last Frontier 16:35 Chopped 15:00 Baby Daddy Day-PG Highlights 05:00 Troy 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 08:00 Stand Off-PG15 14:30 Trans world Sport 06:00 Wheeler Dealers 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite Stewart 10:00 The Dream Team-PG15 15:30 Live PDC World Darts 06:50 Robson Green’s Extreme 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:00 The Colbert Report 12:00 Straight Talk-PG15 Championship Fishing Challenge 18:40 Siba’s Table 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:00 Dumb And Dumberer: When 19:30 NFL 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 19:05 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 18:00 Raising Hope Harry Met Lloyd-PG15 22:00 Live PDC World Darts 08:30 Storage Hunters 19:30 Mystery Diners 19:00 Dads 16:00 Stand Off-PG15 Championship 08:55 Container Wars 19:55 Burger Land 19:30 Baby Daddy 18:00 Chalet Girl-PG15 09:20 Dukes Of Haggle 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 20:00 Friends With Better Lives 20:00 Loser-PG15 09:45 How It’s Made 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 20:30 Mystery Girls 22:00 LOL-PG15 10:10 How It’s Made 22:00 Guy’s Big Bite 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 10:35 Fast N’ Loud 00:00 Live NFL 22:25 Guy’s Big Bite Stewart 03:30 NHL 11:25 Kindig Customs 22:50 Jenny Morris Cooks The 21:30 The Colbert Report 12:15 Highway To Sell 05:30 Futbol Mundial Riviera 22:00 Web Therapy 06:00 Trans world Sport 13:05 Storage Hunters 23:15 Jenny Morris Cooks The 22:30 Web Therapy 13:30 Container Wars 01:15 Five Thirteen-PG15 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 Riviera 23:00 Mixology 07:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 13:55 Dukes Of Haggle 23:40 Burger Land 23:30 Friends With Better Lives 03:00 Maladies-PG15 14:20 Robson Green’s Extreme 05:00 Everything Must Go-PG15 08:00 PDC World Darts Fishing Challenge 07:00 Beasts Of The Southern Championship 15:10 Wheeler Dealers Wild-PG15 12:00 Afrasia Golf Masters 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 09:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 13:00 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official 16:50 How It’s Made 11:00 Everything Must Go-PG15 Film 17:15 How It’s Made 00:00 Rake 13:00 The Woman In The Fifth- 14:00 PGA Tour Year in Review 17:40 Treehouse Masters 01:00 The Killing PG15 15:00 European Senior Tour 18:30 Gold Rush 01:30 Paul O’grady For The Love 02:00 The Americans 15:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 Highlights 19:20 Gold Rush Of Dogs 03:00 Supernatural 17:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 16:00 Top 14 Highlights 20:10 Container Wars 02:00 Emmerdale 06:00 Rake 19:00 All Is Lost-PG15 16:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 20:35 Dukes Of Haggle 02:55 Coronation Street 08:00 Bones 21:00 Hateship Loveship-PG15 17:00 NHL 21:00 Gold Rush 03:25 Midsomer Murders 12:00 Emmerdale 22:45 American Hustle-PG15 19:00 WWE Experience 21:50 Gold Rush 05:15 Four Weddings UK 12:30 Coronation Street 20:00 WWE Afterburn 22:40 Alaskan Bush People 06:10 The Chase 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:00 WWE This Week 23:30 Gold Rush 07:05 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 14:00 Bones 21:30 Top 14 Highlights 07:30 Midsomer Murders 15:00 Rake 22:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 09:20 Paul O’grady: For The Love 16:00 Emmerdale 22:30 NHL Of Dogs... 16:30 Coronation Street 00:15 Night Train To Lisbon-18 10:15 Four Weddings UK 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:30 The Best Man-PG15 11:10 Emmerdale 18:00 Bones 04:30 Captain Phillips-PG15 12:00 Coronation Street 19:00 Switched At Birth 07:00 Hold Fast-PG15 12:55 Paul O’grady For The Love 20:00 Revenge 09:00 The Great Train Robbery-PG 00:00 The Soup 21:00 Outlander 11:00 A Cool Dry Place-PG15 00:00 Story of the World Cup 1992 00:30 Giuliana & Bill Of Dogs 13:25 The Chase 23:00 Supernatural 13:00 Emperor-PG15 01:30 Big Bash League T20 01:25 Giuliana & Bill 15:00 Son Of Rambow-PG Highlights 02:20 E! News 14:20 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 14:45 Four Weddings UK 17:00 The Great Train Robbery-PG 02:30 Live Australia v India 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:00 Abandon-PG15 International Test 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 15:35 Tricked 16:30 Cilla 21:00 The Happening-18 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 04:10 THS 23:00 Killing Them Softly-18 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 05:05 Pop Innovators 17:25 Paul O’grady For The Love Of Dogs 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 06:00 Keeping Up With The 15:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 Kardashians 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 00:00 Franklin & Bash 19:10 Paul O’grady For The Love 16:00 Big Bash League T20 06:55 Keeping Up With The 02:00 Good Morning America Highlights Of Dogs 01:15 47 Ronin-PG15 Kardashians 03:00 Grimm 17:00 Big Bash League T20 19:35 Tricked 03:30 Escape Plan-PG15 07:50 Style Star 04:00 The Knick 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 20:30 Cilla 05:30 Lego Batman: The Movie - 08:20 E! News 06:00 Good Morning America 21:00 Story of the World Cup 1992 21:25 Paul O’grady For The Love DC Super Heroes Unite-PG 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 Emmerdale 22:30 Big Bash League T20 Of Dogs 07:00 The Bag Man-PG15 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 07:30 Coronation Street Highlights 22:20 Coronation Street 09:00 Good Deeds-PG15 11:10 Kourtney And Khloe Take 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 23:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 The Hamptons 23:15 Emmerdale 09:00 24 11:00 Magic Journey To Africa- 12:05 E! News 10:00 Emmerdale PG15 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 10:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Lincoln-PG15 13:35 E!ES 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:30 Straight A’s-PG15 14:30 Style Star 12:00 Burn Notice 17:00 Good Deeds-PG15 13:00 Franklin & Bash 19:00 August: Osage County-PG15 15:00 Giuliana & Bill 00:00 Salvage Code Red 02:00 Pirates Of The Caribbean: 14:00 24 21:00 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 16:00 Giuliana & Bill 01:00 The Truth Behind On Stranger Tides 15:00 Live Good Morning America 23:00 The Iceman-18 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 02:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 04:30 The Four-U 17:00 Burn Notice 18:00 Giuliana & Bill 03:00 Family Guns 06:30 Marvel’s The Avengers 18:00 Franklin & Bash 19:00 Giuliana & Bill 04:00 The Living Edens (Rev) 09:00 Elvis Has Left The Building-U 19:00 24 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 05:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 10:30 Terminator III-PG Taken 2 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 20:00 Burn Notice 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 06:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 12:15 Double Team 21:00 Franklin & Bash 06:25 Ultimate Shopper 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 07:00 Britain’s Underworld 01:00 Unstable Fables: The 14:00 Cinderella Man 12:00 Storage Wars 22:00 Grimm 22:00 Giuliana & Bill 08:00 Salvage Code Red Goldilocks & The Three Bears 16:30 Up-PG 12:30 Storage Wars 07:15 Driving Me Crazy 23:00 The Knick 23:00 Giuliana & Bill 09:00 The Truth Behind 02:45 Arthur’s Missing Pal 18:15 Spy Kids 4-PG 13:00 American Pickers 08:05 World’s Worst Mum 20:00 Meet Bill 14:00 Duck Dynasty 10:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 04:30 Cinderella 08:55 Randy To The Rescue 21:45 Roger Dodger-U 00:00 White Heat-PG 15:00 Storage Wars 11:00 The Living Edens (Rev) 06:00 Wheelers 09:45 Cake Boss 12:00 Predator CSI 08:00 The Missing Lynx 23:30 Raising Helen 01:55 Julius Caesar-FAM 15:30 Storage Wars 16:00 American Pickers 10:10 17 Kids And Counting 13:00 Engineering Connections 00:00 Plunkett & Macleane 10:00 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A 03:55 White Heat-PG 17:00 American Pickers 10:35 Little People, Big World 14:00 Situation Critical 02:00 Outpost: Rise Of The Baby 05:50 TCM Presents Under...-U 07:00 Edge Of The City-PG 18:00 Pawn Stars 00:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 15:00 Battleground Brothers Spetsnaz 11:30 Shark Bait 11:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 08:25 3 Godfathers-FAM 18:30 Pawn Stars Basics 16:00 Ancient Megastructures 04:00 ATM 13:00 Arthur’s Missing Pal 11:50 Say Yes To The Dress 10:10 4 For Texas-PG 19:00 Storage Wars 00:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 17:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 06:00 The Call 14:30 Barbie In The Nutcracker 12:15 Say Yes To The Dress 00:00 According To Jim 12:05 The Bad And The Beautiful 19:30 Storage Wars Basics 18:00 Britain’s Underworld 08:00 Oblivion 16:00 Speed Racer 00:30 Castle 14:05 Les Girls-PG 20:00 American Pickers 12:40 Ultimate Shopper 00:55 Siba’s Table 19:00 Battleground Brothers 10:15 Flightplan 18:15 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A 01:30 Grey’s Anatomy 16:00 Meet Me In Las Vegas-FAM 21:00 Storage Wars 13:30 Cake Boss 01:20 Siba’s Table 20:00 Ancient Megastructures 12:00 Drop Zone Baby 02:30 Off The Map 17:50 Easter Parade-FAM 21:30 Storage Wars 01:45 Chopped 21:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 13:45 Police Story 19:45 Jelly T 13:55 Cake Boss 03:30 Off The Map 19:35 Scaramouche-FAM 22:00 Pawn Stars 02:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:00 Britain’s Underworld 15:45 Oblivion 21:15 Barbie In The Nutcracker 14:20 Bakery Boss 04:30 Castle 21:30 TCM Presents Under...-PG 22:30 Storage Wars 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 The Living Edens (Rev) 18:00 The Peacemaker 22:45 Speed Racer 15:10 Something Borrowed, 05:30 Happy Endings 22:00 Somewhere I’ll Find You-PG 23:00 Pawn Stars 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 20:15 Flightplan 05:55 Happy Endings 23:30 Pawn Stars Something New 22:00 Taken 2 23:50 Clash By Night-PG 03:50 Siba’s Table 06:30 The Bridge 15:35 Cake Boss 04:15 Siba’s Table 07:30 The Walking Dead 16:00 Driving Me Crazy 04:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 08:30 Castle 16:50 17 Kids And Counting Basics 01:45 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 09:30 According To Jim 05:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 03:45 Turbo-PG 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 17:15 Little People, Big World Basics 00:00 Mystery Girls 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 00:00 Outpost: Rise Of The 05:30 The Host-PG15 11:00 Off The Map 17:40 Toddlers & Tiaras 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India Spetsnaz-PG15 08:00 Peeples-PG15 12:00 Off The Map 01:00 Miracles Decoded 18:30 Something Borrowed, 05:50 Siba’s Table Stewart 02:00 ATM-PG15 10:00 A Christmas Wish-PG15 13:00 Castle 02:00 American Pickers 00:45 Cake Boss 06:10 Have Cake, Will Travel 01:00 The Colbert Report Something New 04:00 The Call-PG15 12:00 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 14:00 Happy Endings 03:00 Miracle Rising 06:35 Have Cake, Will Travel 01:30 Saturday Night Live 01:10 Cake Boss 18:55 Say Yes To The Dress 02:30 Mixology 06:00 Oblivion-PG15 14:00 One Direction: This Is Us-PG 14:30 Happy Endings 05:00 Miracles Decoded 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 15:00 The Bridge 01:35 Bakery Boss 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress 03:30 The Goldbergs 08:15 Flightplan-PG15 16:00 Peeples-PG15 06:00 Counting Cars 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 16:00 The Walking Dead 02:25 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 04:00 Growing Up Fisher 10:00 Drop Zone-PG15 18:00 The 7:39-PG15 06:30 Counting Cars 19:45 Ultimate Shopper 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:00 Grey’s Anatomy 02:50 Secret Eaters 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 11:45 Police Story-PG15 20:00 Labor Day-PG15 07:00 American Pickers 20:35 Cake Boss 08:15 Chopped 18:00 According To Jim 08:00 American Pickers Jimmy Fallon 13:45 Oblivion-PG15 22:00 Rush-18 03:40 Long Island Medium 21:00 The Face UK 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 18:30 The Listener 09:00 American Restoration 05:30 Better Off Ted 16:00 The Peacemaker-PG15 04:05 Say Yes To The Dress Basics 19:30 The Listener 09:30 Pawn Stars UK 21:50 Return To Amish 09:30 Chopped Canada 06:30 My Name Is Earl 18:15 Flightplan-PG15 04:30 Say Yes To The Dress 22:40 Long Island Medium 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:30 According To Jim 10:00 Storage Wars: New York 10:20 Recipes That Rock 20:00 Taken 2-PG15 21:00 Melissa & Joey 10:30 Counting Cars 05:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 23:05 Secret Eaters 10:45 All You Can Meat 08:00 Growing Up Fisher 22:00 Bullet To The Head-18 02:00 Futbol Mundial 08:30 Better Off Ted 21:25 Melissa & Joey 11:00 Pawn Stars 06:00 Something Borrowed, 23:55 Hoarding: Buried Alive 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 23:45 White House Down-PG15 02:30 Live Cricket 22:00 Dirt 11:30 Pawn Stars Something New

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (25/12/2014 TO 31/12/2014)

SHARQIA-1 PADDINGTON 1:45 PM PADDINGTON 7:30 PM 360º- 3 INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM PADDINGTON 3:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 9:45 PM MONTANA 1:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB MONTANA 3:15 PM ANNIE 4:45 PM PADDINGTON 8:15 PM MONTANA 5:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:15 PM AVENUES-5 MONTANA 7:45 PM ANNIE 9:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 PM MONTANA 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM ANNIE 2:45 PM MONTANA 12:15 AM FANAR-4 INTO THE WOODS 5:30 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM SHARQIA-2 INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM ANNIE 8:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 1:00 AM AL-KOUT.1 CHANGE OF NAME NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 9:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 2:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM INTO THE WOODS 4:30 PM I, Esmaiyel Mohammed NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM AVENUES-6 INTO THE WOODS 7:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 9:30 PM Abdul Shakur Kadiri, holder THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 1:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:05 AM of Indian Passport No. THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM MARINA-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:30 PM J2020718, hereby change PADDINGTON 12:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:45 PM my name to Abdul Shakur SHARQIA-3 PADDINGTON 4:19 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM PADDINGTON 11:30 AM ANNIE 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 Sayed. Address: 10 703 Vali PADDINGTON 1:30 PM PADDINGTON 7:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 1:00 AM PADDINGTON 11:45 AM Gab Rd., Kadiri Anantapur, PADDINGTON 3:30 PM ANNIE 9:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:45 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 1:45 PM AP. (C 4894) PADDINGTON 5:30 PM ANNIE 11:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM PADDINGTON 4:00 PM PADDINGTON 7:45 PM PADDINGTON 6:00 PM 29-12-2014 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 10:15 PM MARINA-2 AVENUES-7 PADDINGTON 8:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 AM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 10:00 PM I am Shivaji Jaivant Rajput, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 2:15 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM Indian national, Passport MUHALAB-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 4:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:05 AM Number G6775517, perma- ANNIE 1:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM nent address house no. ANNIE 2:15 PM NO WED ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM AL-KOUT.3 1126, Muslim Wada, ANNIE 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:15 PM NO WED AVENUES-8 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM Industrial Road, Bicholim, ANNIE 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 8:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM Goa, hereby changing my ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM WED THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM name to Shiva Jaiwant ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 6:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM Rajput, (C 4893) WED INTO THE WOODS 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM MUHALAB-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM 27-12-2014 INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM MARINA-3 AVENUES-9 AL-KOUT.4 I, Utukuru Rama INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM ANNIE 1:00 PM ANNIE 12:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM ANNIE 3:30 PM ANNIE 2:45 PM Gubbaiah, holder of Indian MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM ANNIE 6:00 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:15 PM Passport No. J2020031 INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:30 PM ANNIE 8:30 PM ANNIE 7:45 PM hereby changed changed NO THU+FRI INTO THE WOODS 10:15 PM ANNIE 11:00 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM my name to Utukuru Rama AVENUES-10 Subba Reddy. Upparapalli MUHALAB-3 AVENUES-1 PADDINGTON 1:15 PM BAIRAQ-1 Konduru Penagalur, PADDINGTON 12:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 PM PADDINGTON 3:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 1:00 PM Kadapa, A.P. PADDINGTON 2:15 PM P.K -HINDI 3:30 PM PADDINGTON 5:45 PM PADDINGTON 3:00 PM PADDINGTON 4:15 PM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM PADDINGTON 8:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 5:00 PM (C 4891) PADDINGTON 6:15 PM P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM PADDINGTON 10:15 PM PADDINGTON 7:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 AM PADDINGTON 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 9:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM AVENUES-2 AVENUES-11 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 9:00 PM Prayer timings THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:15 PM MONTANA 11:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM MONTANA 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM MONTANA 4:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM BAIRAQ-2 FANAR-1 MONTANA 6:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM ANNIE 11:30 AM NO THU+FRI THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES ) 9:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM ANNIE 2:00 PM MONTANA 9:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM ANNIE 4:30 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM P.K -HINDI 7:15 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:00 PM MONTANA 11:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM ANNIE 9:30 PM MONTANA 1:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:30 AM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:05 AM MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:00 PM 360º 1 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 7:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 PM BAIRAQ-3 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 3:15 PM ANNIE 11:30 AM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM INTO THE WOODS 5:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 2:00 PM AVENUES-3 INTO THE WOODS 8:15 PM ANNIE 4:15 PM FANAR-2 THE WATER DIVINER 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 6:45 PM Fajr: 05:17 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 2:30 PM MONTANA 1:15 AM ANNIE 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 AM THE WATER DIVINER 12:05 AM Shorook 06:41 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 7:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:00 PM 360º- 2 PLAZA Duhr: 11:50 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:30 AM PADDINGTON 11:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 3:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:15 PM PADDINGTON 6:15 PM Asr: 14:40 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM AVENUES-4 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 5:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 8:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 8:15 PM Maghrib: 16:58 FANAR-3 PADDINGTON 3:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 5:15 PM Isha: 18:21

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 29/12/2014 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Departure Flights on Monday 29/12/2014 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 UAL 981 IAD 00:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 KAC 118 New York 18:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 BAW 157 London 06:40 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 104 London 19:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:50 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 DLH 636 Dammam 21:35 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 103 London 12:20 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 JZR 502 Luxor 23:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 CROSSWORD 769 STAR TRACK

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

You should be feeling quite healthy and natural. Everything points to your This morning’s planetary energies indicate positive results from a new proj- taking the initiative in some project today. This could mean helping or rounding up peo- ect. Until the noon meal, your family members may find you creating an herb garden or ple to help in a soup kitchen at this time of year . . . You can do it. You may find that this learning how to play the piano. You may be thinking about comfort this afternoon–you project is for next weekend and you have this day to gather your group together. You realize that in order to be comfortable, you must find your joy. You enjoy this herb garden may feel that it would be easy to find assistance from those around you, but be flexible. or playing the piano and may not be happy to enlarge the hobby into teaching or import- With your optimism, you may feel that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. This export adventures. What you can do is to help your family learn the art of spending time with a little joy of their own making. This activity helps to squelch those feelings of restless- is a time that you will later come to look back on with pride and fondness–you may want ness. Volunteering to help others may widen your choice of joyful activities. You may won- to make this something you do every year. This evening there is time for sharing with der why you had not done the volunteering sooner. those you love. Catch up on family activities and listen to the children.

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

Giving a lecture or teaching a class is where your energies are best spent This is the time of year you seem to enjoy the most. Time just slows a bit and this sunday. A class in computer skills or some other technical education is popular. Ideas you can sit back and enjoy the lights or the quiet that comes after one holiday is complete and thoughts will have greater meaning and form as you teach. Those around you are and the next holiday is not tomorrow. Responsibilities and the urge to clean are not upper- going to find your presentation easy to understand and want to know more. Question most in your mind. The energies at this time encourage you to relax. You may find enjoy- and answer period may last much longer than you had planned so there may be more ment in a good book or movie–or just hanging out with the people you love. A holiday opportunities to teach in the future. This afternoon is a good time to read a romantic nov- entertainment, such as a play or ballet, would fit the energies at this time. You are ready, willing and able to take on new experiences. This could mark a time when your life path is el or to take in a movie. Being with others in an atmosphere of relaxation should be quite changing–you could be headed in new directions–professionally or personally. A relation- pleasant. Your life focus seems very clear at this time. ship intensifies.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) The emotions that you have just now or the way that you feel at this time There is a decision to change some habit or situation at this time; every should be very clear. You may have insight about a friend or family member detail is considered. Then, every possible path to the end result or change is and you turn the corner from confusion to empathy. You may be helpful in showing this ACROSS 3. A detailed description of design criteria detected as every step is planned. Finally, when the change is completed, you make new person a new vision. Later today a group of young people come to your attention that you 1. Thickening of tissue in the motor tracts for a piece of work. plans for the next progress and growth spurt. If you are married and these changes discover are applying to college. You make yourself available to help guide them. You seem of the lateral columns and anterior horns 4. An unglazed heavy fabric. involve home there will be much consideration toward updating your home for invest- to truly understand anything of an academic nature and can provide a question and answer of the spinal cord. 5. An expression of greeting. ment as well as comfort. There is time for shopping this afternoon and you may find your session. There are ways to check for scholarships and for living accommodations. Tonight loved one wants to come along. One of you will want to purchase an art object, antique or you may use your artistic skills to express some outstanding pleasant memory from this last 4. English poet remembered as author of 6. Corn bread wrapped in cabbage leaves holiday. Perhaps you have photographs or a scrapbook to update. and baked in hot ashes (Southern). other collectible. Money agreements are easily reached. This evening is a time of lovely the Canterbury Tales (1340-1400). togetherness. Tonight there are decisions made regarding entertainment. 11. A composition written in metrical feet 7. North American republic containing 50 forming rhythmical lines. states - 48 conterminous states in North 15. A reproach for some lapse or misdeed. America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the 16. Minced cooked meat or fish coated in ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) egg and breadcrumbs and fried in deep Pacific Ocean. Cancer (June 21-July 22 fat. 8. A republic in northwestern South It should be a breeze for you to do any kind of work that requires discipline or You may feel a strong need to be in total control of many situations that come 17. The capital of Western Samoa. America. organization. There may be some very serious or meditative moments and you to your attention. Being assertive never hurts unless you become too domineering. 18. 100 thebe equal 1 pula. 9. Submerged freshwater perennials. may find yourself in a methodical mood. Thoughtful and perceptive analysis, especially with Remember, others have their opinions too–you may need to listen to their points of view. 10. A city in western Nevada at the foot of a group or in relation to your circumstances, may be in order. Someone could be seeking 20. A compound in which the hydrogen Later today you may find an opportunity to meet someone quite charming. Areas of sensual- you out for your sidewalk psychology. Sharing information is emotionally significant to you atoms of a hydrocarbon have been the Sierra Nevada Mountains. ity could be emphasized at this time and you could be the one taking the first step toward a at this time. Interacting with your neighbors or siblings satisfies a deep emotional necessity: replaced by bromine and other halogen 11. The basic unit of money in Macao. new friendship. With company expected in the near future, you begin your list of the neces- belonging. Communicating your thoughts is easy. Do not let some unanswered questions atoms. 12. An organization of countries formed in sary preparations. Surround yourself with youthful energy this evening. Keep an eye open for about love or friendships separate you from others. A heart-to-heart talk will quickly resolve 1961 to agree on a common policy for the activities to have at your event that are of a different nature than the regular charades. You 21. A three-tone Chadic language. matters. 22. A member of the Mayan people of the sale of petroleum. may discover some new talent. Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. 13. A genus of Mustelidae. 23. Germanic barbarian leader who ended 14. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that the western Roman Empire in 476 and was formed by an explosion. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) became the first barbarian ruler of Italy 19. The rapid and continuous delivery of Leo (July 23-August 22) linguistic communication (spoken or writ- (434-493). Everyone will be talking about your attitude. Your positive viewpoint about The accent is on recreation today. If you have kids and you work, you know 25. An artificial language for international ten). things is admirable. You truly take problems as valued lessons that they rep- that it is difficult to find some fun time to spend together when they are not use that rejects rejects all existing words 24. A state in the eastern United States. resent, rather than as perceived obstacles. You feel a love of law and order and find a deep doing homework or involved in their own projects. If you are a grandparent, you may be able and is based instead on an abstract analy- 27. A ductile gray metallic element of the appreciation for responsibilities and duty. Nurturing is a larger than usual component in to help the parents a great deal by taking the kids shopping or just enjoying the kids’ compa- sis of ideas. lanthanide series. your life. Caring for others or having them return the favor gives you the feeling that all is ny. Teach them how to compare prices and how to find reasonably priced products. If you 30. A toxic alkaloid found in certain tropi- right with the world. If you can successfully fit the two together in good order, it should all are the parent, this may be a good time to visit friends and family members together. There is 26. The highest level or degree attainable. a positive accent on happiness in love. Your bond with a romantic interest will deepen. Good 28. A radioactive element of the actinide cal South American trees that is a powerful work out well. Managing and directing others is your specialty at this time, and someone in authority recognizes your talent in that area. You may be sought out as the perfect person advice and encouragement are available for you, if you need it. Tonight finds you enjoying a series. relaxant for striated muscles. new piece of music, an object of beauty or a new pet. 29. Fruit of the oak tree. 31. Port city on southern Honshu on Osaka for a new and productive job. You could be making a movie! 32. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked Bay. on a skewer usually with vegetables. 33. Any of numerous local fertility and 34. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- nature deities worshipped by ancient Virgo (August 23-September 22) cially in Turkey). Semitic peoples. Pisces (February 19-March 20) 38. The capital of Tajikistan. 35. Any monetary aid. 40. The blood group whose red cells carry 36. Greek poet whose existing works You could be looking to add some color to your life–allowing your rather An emphasis on close relationships is important to you at this time. If you both the A and B antigens. describe rural life and the genealogies of unique and unusual qualities to surface. Perhaps you will look through the newspapers to want, you could arrange a get-together of past friends and have a mini-reunion at your place the gods and the beginning of the world find a special sale, entertainment or opportunity. Ideas come to you quickly and it would be or perhaps a nearby restaurant. You will have fun gathering pictures to show off to your 41. A recurring sleep state during which wise to keep a notebook with your ideas inside–making it easier to plan. It may surprise you friends or you could have people send pictures ahead so that everyone will have some dreaming occurs. (eighth century BC). to learn that someone close to you understands you better than you thought and is sup- insight into the progress of everyone else’s life. A quiet walk in the out-of-doors this after- 42. Silver-coated candy bead for decorat- 37. A member of the Semitic speaking portive of your ideas. You could establish some new solutions or stumble onto something noon will help to increase your energy as well as afford you time for thinking and planning; ing cakes. people of northern Ethiopia. very inventive. Allowing your creative and intuitive talent to evolve can bring you many nice take a small recorder for your thoughts. Tonight you could find yourself enjoying a long con- 46. A body of (usually fresh) water sur- 39. The hair growing on the lower part of a surprises. You are not afraid to take risks and try new activities. Optimism and faith are the versation over the phone, writing a letter, or making special plans, particularly for a baby sit- rounded by land. man's face. two guiding words in your life now. ter to be on call. 47. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit 43. A wooden pin pushed or driven into a juice. surface. 49. A republic in southeastern Europe on 44. West Indian tree having racemes of fra- the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula. grant white flowers and yielding a durable WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 51. A period marked by distinctive charac- timber and resinous juice. ter or reckoned from a fixed point or event. 45. Tropical American tree producing 52. Belonging to or befitting a supreme cacao beans. ruler. 48. A nonenterprising person who is not 54. A theatrical performer. paying his way. 55. A Mid-Atlantic state. 50. African tree having an exceedingly 58. A constitutional monarchy on the thick trunk and fruit that resembles a western part of the islands of Samoa in the gourd and has an edible pulp called mon- South Pacific. key bread. 60. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- 53. A very poisonous metallic element that trict. has three allotropic forms. 62. An early form of modern jazz (originat- 56. A worker who attaches something by ing around 1940). nailing it. 64. Youngest daughter of the prophet 57. A human limb. Mohammed and wife of the fourth calif Ali. 59. A master's degree in education. 61. Eaten as mush or as a thin gruel. 68. A belief (or system of beliefs) accepted 63. A genus of temperate and arctic ever- as authoritative by some group or school. green trees (see spruce). 71. Absent without permission. 65. Distant in either space or time. 72. A Russian river. 66. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising 74. An indehiscent fruit derived from a sin- solely the razorbill. gle ovary having one or many seeds within 67. The lower house of the parliament of a fleshy wall or pericarp. the Republic of Ireland. 76. Exhibiting or restored to vigorous good 69. Someone who works (or provides health. workers) during a strike. 77. Of or relating to a pointed conical 70. A Chadic language spoken south of tooth. Lake Chad. 80. The main organ of photosynthesis and 73. The compass point that is midway transpiration in higher plants. between north and northeast. 81. Someone whose job is to dye cloth. 75. A white linen liturgical vestment with 82. Medium-sized penguins occurring in sleeves. large colonies on the Adelie coast of 78. A hard malleable ductile silvery metal- Antarctica. lic element that is resistant to corrosion. 83. A small cake leavened with yeast. 79. The branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the DOWN equipment for power generation and dis- 1. Showily imitative of art or artists. tribution and the control of machines and 2. A Loloish language. communication. Yesterday’s Solution

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GOSSIP Knowles will front Eleven Paris’ campaign vanka Trump’s fashion collection has been influenced by motherhood. The designer - who is the daughter of businessman, Donald, and former olange Knowles has been named as the Iathlete and model, Ivana - has a three-year-old daughter, Arabella, and new face of Eleven Paris’ spring/summer 14-month-old son, Joseph, and says her family situation has encouraged Scampaign. The talented singer will front the her to make her designs more functional. When asked if having children had French label’s collection at the beginning of 2015 changed her own wardrobe, she said: “It hasn’t changed my style so much alongside the former lead singer of the indie as it has influenced the pieces we’re creating for the Ivanka Trump collec- band Girls, Christopher Owens. The duo follow in tion. Multifunctional is key.” The 33-year-old beauty - who is married to real the footsteps of supermodel Kate Moss who has estate magnate Jared Kushner - explained she wants women to feel com- previously worked with the brand on their cam- fortable wearing items from her collection in a variety of situations, whether paigns, with the work being done on top of looking after children, in an important meeting or out on a romantic date. Solange’s role as creative consultant at Puma. She told InStyle.com: “I appreciate feminine silhouettes that seamlessly Eleven Paris co-founder Dan Cohen said: “After transition from one facet of life to another. For me, it’s a great dress that I the global celebrity Kate Moss, we wanted can wear to play with the children before school, then feel comfortable in spokesmodels who would represent another on a construction site, confident in while negotiating a deal, and later feel facet of Eleven Paris, one that is constantly on the elegant in when meeting my husband for dinner.” lookout for emerging creative movements and Ivanka which has designed to the rhythm of indie music since 2003. “For me, Solange and Christopher as a inspired by motherhood pair are the perfect illustration of this.” Images already released of the stylish 28-year-old star show her wearing several different outfits includ- ing a sheer basketball-style T-shirt and long- sleeved white top, which is made to look like it has been torn. The studio snaps - taken by Kim Jakobsen - come just a month after she shocked fans in a beautiful white caped gown, and later a cleavage-baring jumpsuit at her wedding in New Orleans, Louisiana. The ‘Losing You’ hitmaker wed her long-time partner, music video director Alan Ferguson at the intimate ceremony, which was attended by her older sister Beyonce, and her husband Jay Z. Erdem Moraliolu: Customers are intelligent

rdem Moraliolu believes his customers are “intelligent”. The renowned fashion designer counts actress Anne EHathaway and ‘The Imitation Game’ star Keira Knightley among A-listers who he has dressed, but doesn’t think cus- tomers buy into the celebrity culture when purchasing his clothes. He explained: “My customer is intelligent. I’m very flat- tered that Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron are fans, but I think my customer is smart: I doubt she’ll buy a dress because someone famous has worn it.” The 37-year-old fashion- ista instead thinks people choose their outfits based on an “emotional attachment”. He continued: “The reality is, she [the customer] will buy it because she has an emotional attachment Trainor to it and looks good in it.” Despite winning the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2014 British Fashion eghan Trainor wants to make a reggae styles which she will be expressing. She contin- Awards, Erdem admitted the industry can be “daunting”, espe- album. The ‘All About That Bass’ hitmaker ued: “Because as a songwriter, I’m not just shoo- cially when working on the transition from “catwalk to reality”. will release her debut LP ‘Title’ in the UK woppy. It’s just clicked.” Expanding on the type of He said: “It’s one thing to create a collection for a show, it’s plans to make a reggae album a reggae plans to make M in January, but has already started mapping out music which she might explore next, she quipped: another to make dresses for women to buy and wear. That what she wants to achieve on subsequent releas- “I wanna be like, yo - I wanna get my reggae out moment after the show when you realise you have to make the es, on which she hopes to explore other genres. there!” However, the blonde beauty admitted she translation from the catwalk to reality is gratifying, but initially She said: “I want it to be crazy. I want it to be awe- is still a huge fan of the sound of her current very daunting.” However, although the industry can be stressful some. I want it to be different.” The 20-year-old music, and thinks it has been received so positive- at times, he is proud to be designing exciting clothing because singer - who will also release her second single ly because it is “timeless”. She said: “My favourite he believes the world would be boring without it. He told The ‘Lips Are Movin’ in the UK next month - explained part of the doo-wop style is that it’s timeless. You Times Magazine: “Fashion gives you a sense of joy. How incredi- she doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed into the can sing ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and everyone’s, bly dull the world would be without it. The same can be said if shoo-wop sound from her singles, and has other like, ‘This is my jam!’” the world didn’t have architecture.

Favreau makes no money from Elf on Favreau still hasn’t made any money from ‘Elf’. The 48-year- old actor-and-director made the festive comedy - which stars JWill Ferrell - in 2003 and despite the fact it is regularly repeated on TV around the world over the Christmas period, he insists it hasn’t been as profitable venture as much of his other work, includ- ing the ‘Iron Man’ movies. He said: “‘Elf’ which shows every year here, when I look at the paperwork, it’s not making profit yet. ‘Iron Man’, that’s a different story.” Despite an extensive filmography, Jon is most recognized for a six-episode stint in defunct sit-com ‘Friends’, in which he played Monica Geller’s boyfriend Pete Becker, but he insists he doesn’t mind the role overshadowing the rest of his work. He said: “I love it all actually, the first time I came here [to the UK] I was promoting ‘Swingers’, about 18 years ago, I did ‘Friends’ right McKellen after that, and it was always as big, if not bigger here than the States, so the six episodes I did were my calling card.” Warwick Davis: wants Middle Earth museum ir Ian McKellen wants the public to experience life in Middle Star Wars will be amazing Earth at a ‘Lord of the Rings’-themed attraction. The award-win- arwick Davis thinks ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ is going to be an Sning actor stars as Gandalf in ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five “amazing moment” for cinema. The 44-year-old actor - who starred in Armies’ and he’s called on director Peter Jackson to help create a ‘Return of the Jedi’ as Ewok Wicket - has been cast in the much-hyped sci- museum for the two film series, which are based on the books by J. R. W R. Tolkien. McKellen, 75, said: “Middle Earth actually is in our hearts. fi sequel and he’s revealed he can barely contain his excitement for its release. Warwick told BANG Showbiz: “What I’m most excited by is chance to see members But it is up there on the screen in ‘The Hobbit’. And aren’t the actors of the old cast in the poster.”I’ve been a fan of ‘Star Wars’ ever since the first film lucky to be - more than anybody else, more than the director who’s [‘Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope’] came out in 1977. This just feels like an amaz- looking at it on his video screen - we are actually there. “It is snow ing moment.” Warwick also played several parts in ‘Star Wars Episode I: The falling on our boots, it’s grass under our feet and the wind blowing in Phantom Menace’, including Greedo the Elder. He recently confirmed he will star our faces. We are actually there. And everybody else wants to be there alongside returning cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, as too and that’s why they ask questions, ‘What was it like to be there?’ well as new faces John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac, in the eagerly-await- “The next development I hope, is that Peter is going to devise not ed seventh film in the franchise. Warwick revealed the news via the official ‘Star more films but a situation that you can all go to that is as much the- Wars’ YouTube account by posting a spoof video - titled “Will Warwick Davis atrical as cinematic, a living museum where you have the experience Appear in Star Wars Episode VII?” - showing him sat by his phone waiting for a call of going into there and being there.” McKellen is very proud to have from director J.J. Abrahams. When he finally gets the call, the actor is heard saying got to play Gandalf in ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, but on the line: “Hello Warwick Davis. Yes J.J. hi. Would I like to appear in ‘Star Wars: recently admitted much of the success he has enjoyed during his Episode VII’? Let me think about it. Just got to check the diary, yep good.” career has been down to good “luck”. He said: “I have been so lucky throughout my career ... I’ve had friends right throughout my career who didn’t have work, who should have had work ... If you genuinely be honest about it all, it’s luck. John Hurt could’ve played Gandalf.” Dan Stevens worn out by armor

an Stevens was left exhausted from shooting action scenes in armor for ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’. The 32-year-old actor portrays Sir DLancelot in the comedy film and got to fight a mythical, multi-headed snake monster and a triceratops as one of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table. Stevens admits it was tough work carrying out his stunts in his metal armor. He told BANG Showbiz: “The biggest challenge was probably the armor, getting used to the weight of it specifically. It took quite a long time to get on. I rehearsed all the sword fights without the armor and got the hang of that but then doing it with the armor was very different, quite tiring. Even when you get out of it, you still feel very tired.” Dan also admitted it was tricky filming the fight scenes because the snake monster was created with CGI so when he had to shoot sequences he was swiping his sword at nothing and had to rely on director Shawn Levy’s instructions. The British star - who appears in the movie with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Rebel Wilson - explained: “You just have Shawn yelling at you, ‘It’s coming from the left. It’s coming from the right, duck!’ Sometimes there’s a guy with a tennis ball to give you direction, but other than that nothing.” lifestyle MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014

GOSSIP Ed Sheeran fears tan

ormer Pussycat Dolls singer Kimberly Wyatt was not prepared for the d Sheeran is too scared to tan. The ‘Sing’ hit- changes her body went through after having a C-section, but she’s maker is known for his pale complexion and Fon the mend now. Kimberly Wyatt was not fully prepared for the Eadmits he isn’t tempted to give himself a changes her body went through after having a Caesarean section. The 32 - bronze glow because he thinks it’d make him look year-old beauty gave birth to her baby girl Willow on December 2 and peculiar. He said: “I’ve never worn fake tan. The says there’s nothing that could have prepared her for having a C-section, patchy thing scares me and I have been pale for so though she is now on the mend. The former Pussycat Dolls singer, who long that people would notice if one day I turned married model Max Rogers in February, explained: “No one can prepare up all bronzed.” Ed, 23, even avoids travelling to you for what your body goes through after having a Caesarean. It’s a bit of exotic countries because of the effect the searing an uphill struggle. The healing process is a bit tougher than I expected, sun would have on his skin. He added: “I get burnt but I’m in a good place now.” Despite this, Kimberly said that the joy of and I don’t like feeling clammy and sweaty, which becoming a parent for the first time earlier this month has made the sore- happens. I get stressed and I would rather be too body is on the mend ness and sleeplessness nights worthwhile. She told HELLO! magazine: cold than too hot because I find it so uncomfort- “There are late nights and naps through the day, and my poor boobs have able. Find a hot country with cool shade and I’m been through it with breast-feeding. But in the moments where I feel it’s there!” Ed may be worth millions but he recently just too much, I just look over and touch her and it’s all worth it. “Being a revealed he buys his underwear from budget store parent is more lovely than I ever dreamed of. Willow is the best Christmas Primark. He said: “On a day off I’ll just watch films

after a Caesarean having present we could have ever wanted.” and eat chocolate in my underwear.” When asked what brand of briefs he’s partial to, the ‘Don’t’ hit-

Wyatt’s maker replied: “Primark. No one sees them, they’re only meant to keep your junk in.” Despite his low- key appearance, Ed - who counts Taylor Swift, Courteney Cox and Pharrell Williams among his closest friends - admitted he has been enjoying the high life since breaking America. Speaking of his time in LA, he said: “I was at parties, meeting peo- ple and thought, ‘All of this could end tomorrow, I better do it all now.’ I did everything I should’ve done - and everything I shouldn’t.”

Cotton colors hair at Christmas

earne Cotton dyes her hair pink every Christmas. The blonde presenter - who has 22-month-old son Rex with Fhusband Jesse Wood - admits she is no longer very experi- mental with her locks but can’t resist changing the color to a shocking hue when she finishes work for the festive season. She said: “I think I got to 14 and thought, ‘Right, I’m going to have a perm’. From that point for 10 years I had black hair, red hair, dodgy fringes, cropped, shaggy hair... I’ve definitely got less experimental as I’ve got older. Christmas is the exception when I dye it pink every year. “I love it. Every year, as soon as I finish Radio 1, my hairdresser comes over, we dye it pink and then it y Hunter refused help from BeyoncÈ in mar- been designed in shades of yellow and black and fades out before I go back to work.” However, last year Fearne keting his clothing line. The 42-year-old styl- prominently features a logo of four exclamation was left panicked when the color didn’t fade before she ist has worked on creating the perfect look points, all of which he says has a meaning. He T returned to work. She said: “Usually it fades out naturally but Designed declined help from Beyonce Beyonce help from for the ‘Drunk in Love’ hitmaker since she was in explained: “For me, yellow represents the rays of last year it would not come out. “I was calling my hairdresser Destiny’s Child, but didn’t want to use the star the sun. “Social media can be so negative, so I saying, ‘I’m going back to work tomorrow, it’s still pink. Help!’ “As when it came to launching his own range of wanted my clothes to be that burst of sunshine- well as changing her hair for Christmas, Fearne also gets more clothes. He said: “Having BeyoncÈ take a picture in something bright and positive. “The exclamation experimental with her make-up over the festive season. She one of my T-shirts would have been the easiest points just heighten my feelings and mood.” Now said: “I don’t usually wear red lipstick unless it’s winter or and quickest path to take.” However, the talented the range is becoming a success, the former win- Christmas and I’ll maybe even go for a little bit of glitter on the designer - who launched the unisex clothing line, dow dresser doesn’t feel shy about asking for the eye - why not?” With Passion, in collaboration with Served- Fresh - singing superstar’s advice on his own clothes, explained he wanted to market the project him- because she has such a good eye for fashion. self, but was inadvertently helped when another Speaking to the New York Post, he added: “If I famous face wore one of his pieces. He continued: asked B about a certain print, cut or style, she “But I wanted to go organic. So I prayed on it and would tell me the truth on what she really felt.” Naomi [Campbell] loved my clothes and wore one of my shirts-voluntarily.” The clothing line has

Knightley was mistaken for Hathaway eira Knightley was recently mistaken for Anne Hathaway. The 29-year-old actress admits she was approached by a fan at KToronto Airport in Canada who believed she was the 32-year- old star and accused her of being rude because she refused a pho- to. Speaking to Australia’s Daily Telegraph newspaper, Keira explained: “At the airport a woman mistook me for Anne Hathaway. “Actually I think I have to apologize to Anne Hathaway because the woman (at the airport) thought I was being really rude as Anne Hathaway not giving her a picture as Anne Hathaway but I was real- ly only saying that I promised I wasn’t Anne Hathaway-which I am not. “Actually it’s the first Anne Hathaway I have had. Generally I get a lot of Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman.” Meanwhile, the ‘Begin Again’ star recently announced she is expecting a baby with her husband James Righton, 31, whom she married in May 2013, but she insists she won’t be giving up her career to be a stay-at-home mother. She said last year: “I don’t want to deny my femininity. But would I want to be a stay-at-home mother? No. On the other hand, Stiller wants Delevingne you should be allowed to do that, as should men, without being sneered at.” The couple are expected to welcome their first child into the world in the Spring 2015.—BangShowbiz in Zoolander 2 Bieber to hold a New en Stiller “definitely” wants Cara Delevingne to appear in ‘Zoolander 2’. Talks over the sequel to the 2001 hit comedy Bfilm have been going on since 2008 and in a new interview, Year’s Eve party at home Stiller has confirmed a script for the much-anticipated movie has ustin Bieber is planning to hold a New Year’s Eve party at his home in Beverly Hills on been written - and the comedian is keen to cast the 22-year-old Wednesday. The 20-year-old pop star is keen to see 2015 in surrounded by his close model-turned-actress. Asked for an update on the project, Stiller Jfriends, including Stephen Baldwin’s 18-year-old daughter Hailey, at his new glass told MTV: “There is a script, I won’t deny there’s a script, and there’s mansion in California. A source told the HollywoodLife.com: “Justin wants to have a been a reading of the script... but it hasn’t yet been fully formulat- house party for the New Year and he definitely wants it to be with a bunch of friends, but ed.” And Stiller confirmed he “definitely would” like Delevingne - he also wants to have Hailey there. They have decided that they want to spend New Years who was linked to the movie earlier this year - to feature in the film. together, make it a little low key, but definitely spend it together.” It is not known Meanwhile, Owen Wilson, who also appeared in the original whether the ‘Baby’ hitmaker has invited his on/off girlfriend Selena Gomez, whom he ‘Zoolander’ movie and is expected to return for the sequel, has split from earlier this year after a turbulent four years of dating, to his festive bash but it is praised the quality of the script for the new film. He said: “I have highly unlikely that she’ll want to attend as she is reportedly still upset over her ex- seen the script and it seems funny.” Stiller is set to direct the come- boyfriend’s new friendship with Hailey. A source said recently: “Selena is trying very hard dy sequel from a script which has had input from Justin Theroux, to pretend that she isn’t upset about Justin and Hailey, but the truth is it’s killing her. the screenwriter for films such as ‘Tropic Thunder’ and ‘Iron Man 2’. She’s having a major breakdown. It’s putting such a dark cloud over the holidays.” Will Ferrell is rumored to be reprising his role from the original film. Wretch 32 inspired by Christmas penguin retch 32’s videos are inspired by the John Lewis’ Christmas adverts. The ‘Don’t Go’ rapper revealed Walways thinks about the department store’s annual festive commercial because of their ability to capture human emotion. However, he was disappointed by year’s effort because he didn’t feel a connection to the penguins, Monty and Mabel, that feature in the ad - which is sound- tracked by Tom Odell’s cover of John Lennon’s ‘Real Love’. He told BANG Showbiz: “I think they make the best adverts ever for Christmas, ever, but the penguin thing didn’t touch me like the human thing does. Because everything else was so real, like a dad wrapping up presents when he can’t wrap them up, there’s something so genius in that, capturing that moment. You know what’s funny, every time I go to do a video, I use that video as a reference, those adverts are incredible, so real.” The 29-year-old musician celebrated this Christmas Day with his children, eight-year-old Kyrayn Scott and three-year-old Skye-Laurell Scott, and spoiled them with plenty of gifts. Although he’s happy to receive some presents, his favorite part of the holiday is the traditional turkey dinner. He said: “What I’m looking forward to is the turkey, and seeing the kids happy. I’ve had to get a lot of stuff.” lifestyle MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES Iranian film festival kicked off in Kuwait yesterday

ranian film festival kicked off yester- on the development of film making in total blindness. Today, Iranian history- Maritime Silk Road. many awards inducing the UNESCO day aiming at promoting Iranian art Iran, pointing out that the last day of the drama feature film ‘“Maritime Silk Road”, On the 3rd and 4th day “The Painting prize at the seventh Asia Pacific Screen Iand culture in the country. Cultural festival will hold discussion on Iranians directed by Mohammad Reza Bozorgnia, Pool” directed by Maziar Miri and “A Awards (APSA). Attache at Iran’s Embassy in Kuwait Dr filmmakers methodologies and was screened. The film was awarded at Cradle for Mother” by Panah Bar Khoda “A Cradle for Mother” screens the life Abbas Khamayar said that the Iranian approaches to the art of filmmaking. the 2014 International Historical and Rezaei are planned to be screened. “The of a seminary girl student who is head- cinema has been able to win many inter- The event opened by playing “The Military Film Festival in Warsaw, Poland. Painting Pool” narrates a story about a ed to Moscow to promote religion but national awards in the past three Willow Tree” by Iranian director Majid The movie follows the adventures of the mentally retarded couple and their her mother’s illness placed her in a decades, noting that the history of cine- Majidi. The film is about a blind man first sailor Soleiman Siraf who crossed problems in the society of Iran. dilemma. The film represented Iran’s cin- ma in Iran goes back to 1904. He added who is presented with an opportunity to the Indian Ocean to China through what The film has been screened at several ema at the 35th Moscow International that the four-day film festival will focus regain his sight after over 40 years of later became to be known as the international events and has bagged Film Festival. — KUNA A charming cast anchors the dark ‘Into the Woods’ his is one Disney film that’s def- somest dolts you’re likely to meet. initely not a light fairy tale. For Tthose unfamiliar with Stephen Saving grace Sondheim and James Lapine’s 1987 The only performer who falters is Broadway musical, that fact might Disney’s own dark prince Johnny come as a surprise. Fans, meanwhile, Depp who slurs his way through the will probably be left wondering sleazy “Hello, Little Girl,” aiming for where the subversive edge has gone. what sounds like his best David Disney has chosen to take the mid- Bowie impression. Its brevity is its dle ground here, cutting, smoothing only saving grace. and refining to create something But, the most glaring issue with more palatable to the masses. “Into the Woods” is the story itself. Devotees might scoff, but director Just when you think it’s reached an Rob Marshall, his team and his appropriate conclusion, you glance REVIEW charismatic cast have created a at your watch and realize that there’s deliriously dark and engrossing still nearly half a film left. Things get spectacle that seems a worthy addi- infinitely weirder and darker and end tion to the movie musical canon - up nullifying most of what was capti- until the last 45 minutes, when it all vating in the first part. Apparently falls apart. the second half is even divisive in the “Into the Woods” brings together theater community. Some produc- the stories of Cinderella (Anna tions choose to leave it out entirely. Kendrick), Jack and the Beanstalk It’s hard to fault the Mouse House (Daniel Huttlestone), Red Riding for trying to play it a bit safe. They’ve Hood (Lilla Crawford), and Rapunzel got a story that involves a mashup of (MacKenzie Mauzy) when a witch some their most beloved fairy tale (Meryl Streep) challenges a Baker characters, and also rape, adultery, (James Corden) and his wife (Emily and a whole lot of death and cyni- Blunt) to retrieve a number of cism. It hasn’t been completely steril- objects-a red cape, blonde hair, a ized, either. The beats are still there, ‘Most Violent’ crime drama white cow, and a golden slipper. If just obscured ever so slightly. they succeed, she’ll regain her beau- So, when Red Riding Hood sings ty and bless them with a child. A that she “knows things now” follow- manic opening thrusts you into ing a dramatic run-in with the preda- explores ambition, ethics and love these disparate lives, but soon the tory wolf, it is exactly what you think. ne of this year’s hottest inde- trayal evokes a young Al Pacino quest of the bumbling Baker and his It’s hard not to get swept up in the pendent films-watched from “The Godfather.” beautiful wife takes hold and powers grand production of it all. The film closely in the Oscars race-is Morales is “a person who feels the first half of the film with a lively, looks timeless with its gothic intrica- O the gritty thriller “A Most Violent like he’s in the equivalent of a war infectious energy. cy and disinterest in being modern Year,” set in crime-ridden 1981 New zone,” Chandor said. The film has Blunt and Corden anchor the film or trendy. In 30 years, the costume York. The film, whose restrained gotten rave reviews from critics, with their humanity and humor, design is not going to date the film. style slowly builds powerful sus- with a 95 percent positive rating while Streep, sporting a ratty, Also the perpetually present wind pense amid acerbic humor, tells the on aggregator cerulean blue mane, belts her way and sweeping overhead shots of the tale of immigrant entrepreneur Abel RottenTomatoes.com. It won acco- out of “Mamma Mia” prison and into village and woods makes it feel like Morales, who aims to build an oil lades at its premier at the AFI festi- our musical goodwill, delivering you are indeed somewhere real. But empire with the help of his wife, val in Los Angeles last month. Co- some of the film’s most emotional the magic drains as the minutes played by Jessica Chastain, heiress star Chastain was nominated for moments. wear on_that’s the danger of teasing of a fallen oil tycoon. “For a long the best dramatic actress Golden Kendrick is as delightful as possi- the audience with a false ending. time I had had this idea about a hus- Globe, and the film is expected to ble as an indecisive Cinderella, too, “Into the Woods,” a Disney release band and wife working together,” get a slew of nominations at the but the biggest surprise comes from is rated PG by the Motion Picture writer director JC Chandor told AFP. upcoming Oscars. It marks Chris Pine who proves his comedic Association of America for “thematic “I wanted the hero of the film to Chandor’s third feature film, after prowess by carrying on our modern elements, fantasy action and peril, be Hispanic, because it is the most “Margin Call,” inspired by the finan- tradition of poking fun at the idea of and some suggestive material.” important recent wave of immigra- cial crisis, and “All is Lost.” “Prince Charming.” He and Rapunzel’s Running time: 124 minutes. Two and tion” in the United States, he added. In his films, Chandor puts his Prince (Billy Magnussen) steal the a half stars out of four. MPAA defini- “This movie is about ambition, and characters in crisis, with either their show with the unforgettable tion of PG: Parental guidance sug- that’s what immigration is about, survival or that of a major company- “Agony”_an ode to unrequited love gested. Some material may not be building something better than or sometimes both-in question. The and one-upmanship from the hand- suitable for children.-AP what you’ve left behind.” “A Most people must make decisions about Violent Year,” which opens in US acts against their moral code, some- theaters on December 31, takes times committed in the name of place in 1981, statistically the most survival, with some trying desper- violent year in New York’s history, ately to hold onto their ethics and with police completely over- not lose their soul. His next film will whelmed. Morales, faced with a take on one of the worst disasters to series of brutal, anonymous attacks hit the United States in recent years. against his business and employ- Starring Mark Wahlberg, ees, tries desperately to protect his “Deepwater Horizon” will explore property and family. The business- the explosion and sinking of the off- man has few scruples and only shore oil platform operated by BP, fears failure-but he does not want which sparked the worst oil spill in to break the law, while his wife and US history. It’s a “poetic tragic take his lawyer (Albert Brooks) push him about where is our relationship with to take more radical measures to in which a disturbed young man think of this idea of escalation, how oil-which is we want it, we need it stop the attacks. killed 26 people, including 20 an act of violence ripples on socie- and it’s getting harder to find,” he young children. Chandor said he ty,” he said. Morales is played by said. “We all need oil, we all use oil,” Ripples of violence lived near the Connecticut town Oscar Isaac, known for his star turn and yet “someone has to find it for Chandor was writing the script and was struck by the thought that in the Coen brothers’ “Inside Llewyn us, so we are far more guilty than just as a tragic shooting took place “it could have happened in my Davis” (2013) and who is featured in these people” who work in the oil at Sandy Hook Elementary School, daughter’s school.” “It made me the upcoming “Star Wars.” His por- industry, Chandor added. — AFP Chris Pine deeply ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ regrets not getting or those who think James Bond has gotten a little too serious forward with his plan to distribute free SIM cards programmed to in his old age, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” brings the irrev- trigger an aggressive killing frenzy worldwide, thereby solving the ‘Jack Ryan’ right Ference back to the British spy genre, offering a younger, climate change crisis by eradicating all but a hand-picked elite. streetwise variation on the 007 formula, while gleefully pushing Class plays a key role in “Kingsman,” which hinges on the fanta- hris Pine doesn’t audiences’ favorite elements sartorial taste, killer toys and cracked- sy that a kid from the projects could assimilate into London’s most think Paramount will out supervillains-to hyperbolic extremes. Based on Mark Millar and exclusive circles. Hidden behind a suit-shop storefront on Savile Cbe releasing a Dave Gibbons’ 2012 comicbook series and directed by Matthew Row, Kingsman HQ are accessed through a series of “Get Smart”- sequel to “Jack Ryan: Vaughn in much the same pop, over-the-top style as his earlier style secret doors and tunnels, while the group itself is presided Shadow Recruit” any time “Kick-Ass,” Fox’s franchise-ready one-off at first poses as a more over by an old blue blood played by Michael Caine. But these elite soon. The titular star of the teen-friendly option, before taking a hard turn into decidedly R- types have a critical weakness: They believe their own superiority, rejuvenated franchise told rated territory. which makes them no better than Valentine in the end. (In one Moviefone that the film’s For nearly three-quarters of “Kingsman’s” running time, the film throwaway gag, Jackson is seen pitching his plan at the White low box office turnout has could pass as a flip, PG-13 ertternative to the increasingly gritty House to a man clearly intended to be Obama.) likely killed its future. “No, I turn the genre has taken in the wake of Jason Bourne-a fact it Together with longtime screenwriting partner Jane Goldman, don’t think it made acknowledges outright when debonair operative Harry Hart (Colin which serves as the first of several punchy set pieces in a pic that’s Vaughn milks these class differences for maximum amusement enough money for that to Firth) and cuckoo billionaire Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. front-loaded with action scenes. Ignorant of his own potential, throughout, embracing the notion that “Kingsman” is as much a happen,” Pine said when Jackson) talk spy-movie aesthetics. “Give me a far-fetched diaboli- Eggsy grows up in a grim South London housing estate, falls in comedy as it is an action movie-just not in the corny, quippy way asked if there have been cal plot,” Jackson’s wonderfully eccentric villain says with a lisp, mid-career Bond used to be. It’s the sort of movie where the with a group of good-for-nothing thugs and risks spending his talks of further “Jack Ryan” adventures. “That’s one of “like the old Bond movies.” But the film, which is scheduled to bow remaining years behind bars. At least, that’s the way things are world’s most cultured men prefer to eat McDonald’s behind closed my deep regrets, that we didn’t totally get that right. at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan 27, also reserves the right to headed until Harry springs him from prison and offers him an doors, while its streetwise protagonist boasts a far snobbier marti- go gonzo in its final stretch, and while there’s sure to be an outcry alternative: to replace recently fallen agent Lancelot (Jack ni recipe than Bond ever did. Few on the year’s films have been so It’s a great franchise, and if it’s not me, then I hope it from some corners over the turning-point scene, no one can con- Davenport), who died in a violent yet admirably bloodless attempt openly covetous of material possessions, which sits oddly with its gets a fifth life at this point. It’s just great. I love the spy test that the pic’s last couple reels distinguish it from countless to free a kidnapped scientist (a heavily made-up Mark Hamill, the open resentment of extreme wealth. genre. I hope it’s done again and with a great story.” other spy-movie knockoffs. And let’s not forget that Vaughn effec- casting of whom plays as an inside joke for fans of the original The spy thriller earned $50.6 million in the US -not tively gave Daniel Craig a bespoke 007 audition with the slick 2004 comic, wherein it’s the missing “Star Wars” star who needs rescu- Wiped from the face of the earth even matching its already-low $60 million production crime caper “Layer Cake.” ing) — one of many prominent figures who’ve vanished as After all, Vaughn belongs to that school of directing whose budget-and a worldwide take of $135.5 million. Here, the helmer launches yet another British talent, Welsh Valentine readies his far-fetched diabolical plot. glossy, hyper-polished pics look almost like feature-length com- Director Kenneth Branagh had said that he’d be actor Taron Egerton, a compact, bulldog-like actor with square jaw mercials, where every outfit and prop is potentially for sale (the happy to helm other installments since there were so and squinched-up features who goes from scallie tough to Savile Moves forward suits, designed by Arianne Phillips, will soon be made available for many stories left to tell in the Jack Ryan world. Pine Row neat over the course of the film-a “My Fair Lady”-like transfor- And so, two elaborate yet extremely well-oiled mechanisms are online purchase via Mr Porter). But he also kicked off his career was the latest actor to take on the famous Tom Clancy mation that is hardly lost on the character himself. Egerton plays set into motion. In the first, we get young Eggsy thrust into a high- producing for Guy Ritchie, whose dynamic, rough-and-tumble atti- character, who has appeared in four other films: “The Gary “Eggsy” Unwin, whose father dies in service of an organiza- stakes boot camp to determine which of a group of new recruits tude has clearly been a key influence on his approach, most obvi- Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games,” “Clear and tion so secret, (the rest of whom are all posh prep school types) is worthy to ous in a virtuoso pub altercation where the camera varies speed as Present Danger” and “The Sum of All Fears.” — Reuters his widow and son never realize the significance of his sacrifice, become the next Kingsman. At the same time, Valentine moves it ducks and loops around the action. —Reuters lifestyle MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 FASHION Brides show more short wedding gowns elen Bradley isn’t one of those women Original fabric who fantasized about her wedding as a Emmy Mitchell, 33, of Columbus, Ohio, wore Hgirl, so when the time came to tie the custom when she went short for her 2011 wed- knot on the 10th tee of a golf course, she want- ding. She had originally planned to modify the ed to be relaxed, comfortable and economical. 75-year-old, long, ivory satin gown worn by her A short gown was just right for her September mother and grandmother, but a mishap with a nuptials, said the 27-year-old bank worker in seamstress left much of the fabric unusable. She Madison, Wisconsin. regrouped, found another seamstress and was “I had tried on a few long dresses and none able to salvage some of the original fabric for the of them felt like me. I’m a very practical person. bodice of a new gown, inspired by the strapless, My mom picked out the short dress from a sale full, Vivienne Westwood design that “Sex in the rack and it’s rare that I would like anything that City” character Carrie Bradshaw wore when Mr my mom picks out,” she said with a laugh. Once Big jilted her at the altar in the first movie based the domain of older or remarrying brides, short on the TV series. Unlike Bradley out on the golf gowns are enjoying a little more of the love, course, Mitchell wore her short gown for a from luxury brands like Monique Lhuillier, Oscar church ceremony. “Everyone asked me, ‘Aren’t de la Renta and Marchesa to more affordable you worried about the church? Is it long offerings at David’s Bridal, which has a bustling enough?’” the freelance graphic designer said. “I retail website and about 300 stores around the was, like, no, I’m not worried. We wanted it to be country. fun, but we didn’t want it to be too casual.” The short looks aren’t just stand-in dresses Mitchell’s advice for others who want to go originally intended for bridesmaids or cocktail short? “Go with your gut. Just go for it. It was the parties. Designers are offering a greater range best decision of our wedding. It made everyone of shorter styles as more brides break from tra- loosen their collars and say, ‘OK, this is a fun dition and personalize their weddings. “A lot of event. We can all cut loose tonight.’” — AP people are doing more intimate settings, so a shorter dress just feels more appropriate. If they do the big wedding, some change into a short- er dress so they can dance and have a good time,” Lhuillier said. Exactly how short is up to the bride. There are minis, high-low hemlines (high in the front and lower in the back), knee lengths, tea lengths below the knee and so-called “trans- formers,” where a long train or sheer skirt detaches to show off a short dress underneath.

This image released by Oscar de la Renta shows a short wedding dress. Exactly This May 3, 2013 photo released by Dale Janee Schroeter how short is up to the bride. shows her wearing a vintage dress on her wedding day weight and easier silhouettes,” she said. Some with husband Jakob Schroeter in Zug, Switzerland. “want a dress they can run on the beach in or travel with to their destination wedding.”

Product development At David’s Bridal, 26 of the 75 gowns launched for spring 2015 are short, said Anne In this undated image released by Acierno, executive vice president for design, David’s Bridal, a model wears a short merchandising and product development. double weave floral matalasse dress Posen creates luxury short looks but also with a bow from the White by Vera Wang includes a few in his Truly Zac Posen collection collection. at David’s Bridal. He said red-carpet trends influ- ence some brides, and these days they’re see- ing more short, fancy dresses. In this image released by David’s Bridal, a Among high-profile brides to go short model wears a strapless dress with a satin recently were fashion “it” girl Olivia Palermo and sash from the White by Vera collection. actress Cheryl Hines, who married Robert F. Kennedy Jr last August in a strapless, white, tea- Designer Zac Posen put his own sister in one of length creation by Romona Keveza. the convertibles - in red - for her 2004 wedding. Vera Wang makes short gowns too, in a “Her huge train came off to become a mini range of price points that include her White col- and she took it off to Judy Garland’s ‘Zing! Went lection for David’s Bridal. “I think you should the Strings of My Heart,’” he said. “It covered the wear what you feel most beautiful and most grandeur of the ceremony and the fun of the comfortable in, and also what is most you, most party.” Long gowns remain the clear majority of individual,” Wang said. the $2.6 billion-a-year bridal gown market, not- Shorter dresses can be less expensive - a ed Darcy Miller, editorial director for Martha huge factor for Bradley at her country club wed- Stewart’s bridal site, ding before 125 guests. The reception was in a Marthastewartweddings.com. But “more and cozy room with a big fireplace, wood floors and more brides seem to be seeking no-fuss, light- sconces all around. Her dress cost $400. She spent another $100 on a chunky glass state- ment necklace with matching earrings, and $99 for a pair of 4-inch Calvin Klein heels in dusty gold with a T-strap and side buckle. “I’m an accessory person, so I knew when I saw the dress it was a blank canvas,” Bradley said. “I could go out and pick the perfect necklace and In this Aug 2, 2014 file photo, actress the perfect shoes and you could see them.” But Cheryl Hines wears a Romona Keveza This 2013 image released by the embellished, hand-sewn, custom short gowns cocktail length dress as she walks across Monique Lhuillier fashion house shows aren’t necessarily cheaper, depending on the to the tent at her wedding to Robert F the Opal, a silk white re-embroidered materials and designer. Kennedy Jr, in Hyannis Port, Mass. lace short-sleeved mini-wedding dress.

In this Oct 5, 2014 file photo, actress Sarah Paulson, wearing a Zac Posen dress, attends the Premiere Screening of “American Horror Story: Freak Show” in Los Angeles.

This image released by Truly Zac Posen In this image released by Rivini by Rita This Friday, May 23, 2014 photo released by Missy shows a Mikado wedding dress with Vinieris, a model displays the Arielle, Miller shows Missy wearing a short dress with her hus- corset bodice from the Truly Zac Posen and Ostrich feather mini with peek-a- In this Oct 12, 2013 photo released by Stephanie Chaney Casanova shows her wear- band Adam Colman on their wedding day at Beverly Collection offered exclusively for David’s boo crystal beading dress from the ing a BHLDN short dress from Anthropologie’s bridal line at her wedding to Juan Hills Courthouse in Beverly Hills, Calif. Bridal. — AP photos Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Pablo Cortazar Casanova in Lincoln Park in Chicago. Brides show short wedding gowns more of the love

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014 39

A dog is pictured during a demonstration of members of the French anti-fur group ‘CAFT’ (The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade), dressed up as Santa Claus, on December 20, 2014, on the beach in Nice, southeastern France. — AFP Who’s on the bubble in Oscar Best Picture Race?

hile there are no sure things in the Oscar race, the Clint Eastwood’s true-life war drama. Reviews ranged from mid- main contenders for best picture seem have to settled dling to very positive, and Bradley Cooper’s transformative per- Winto place. But there are bound to be some surprises, formance as US Navy Seal Chris Kyle was universally praised. with many titles on the cusp of landing one of the potential 10 Still, it was shut out of the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. spots. As the year comes to a close, here’s a roundup of the Starting off with strong box office on Christmas Day, continued most popular dark horse candidates, along with some films that interest from moviegoers could help boost its prospects. are too close to call-and the films that once had potential but now appear to be out of the race for the top prize. Off the bubble Though Paul Thomas Anderson’s films generally get a lot of The not-so dark horse Oscar love, it’s safe to say “Inherent Vice” will be sitting out this Once a bit of a longshot, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is look- season. The same goes for Ridley Scott’s biblical epic “Exodus: ing more and more certain thanks to numerous critical awards, God and Kings.” And despite trying to sell itself as a comedy at a best picture nomination from the Golden Globes and Critics the Golden Globes, where it still failed to get a picture nomina- Choice Awards, and a nod from the SAG Awards in the crucial tion, the best shot “Big Eyes” has in the Oscar race is for its origi- ensemble category. The film is adored, but it’s a comedy and nal song. Or Amy Adams could still score a nomination, as the was released early in the year - two factors working against it. The Grand Budapest Hotel Moonrise Kingdom Academy adores her. Chris Rock’s “Top Five,” meanwhile, is a Still, it’s made more money and received better reviews than true comedy that deserved more attention, yet didn’t appeal to Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” which still scored a screenplay Globes nomination voters. There’s generally only room for one nod after being released early in the year. comedy in the best picture lineup, and looks like “Budapest” has already cornered the market. — Reuters The dark horses “Whiplash” is a sure thing for supporting actor J.K. Simmons, but could also make significant inroads in the original screen- play category and best picture. It’s also conceivable writer- director Damien Chazelle could figure into the director race, as Behn Zeitlin did with “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Similarly, “Nightcrawler” is a film with a performance getting a lot of attention that could also break into other races. While Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance has been widely heralded, the com- petition in his category is so fierce that he was far from a sure thing. Now, he’s looking like more and more of a lock thanks to SAG, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations. The strong support could translate into a director nod or, more like- Whiplash Beasts of the Southern Wild ly, an original screenplay nod for writer-director Dan Gilroy. And the film itself is proving surprisingly popular with the best film of the year by the National Board of Review, “A Academy members. Also popular, though perhaps viewed as “Chicago,” the last musical to win best picture, and it has the advantage of being the only musical in the race - sorry, “Annie.” Most Violent Year” failed to pick up many other major accolades more lighthearted, is the bigscreen adaptation of fairytale and its best shot now seems to lie in supporting actress Jessica musical “Into the Woods.” Its director Rob Marshall also helmed A SAG ensemble nomination would have helped, but it’s the only film in the comedy/musical category to provide a viable Chastain. Along the same lines, “Wild” is looking like a sure bet threat to “Birdman” at the Golden Globes. And then there’s “Mr for star Reese Witherspoon, but nothing else is certain. It would Turner.” While most of the attention has been focused on be great if the Academy recognized director Jean-Marc Vallee, Timothy Spall’s fantastic performance, never underestimate the who also directed two of last year’s Oscar-winning performanc- Academy’s love for seven-time nominee Mike Leigh. While it’s es in “Dallas Buyers Club,” but it’s looking less and less likely. been fairly quiet in precursor races, there’s an outside chance it “Gone Girl’s” shot at best picture is hard to gauge at this could pop up in picture, screenplay or even director. point - other than star Rosamund Pike, nothing is certain. The screenplay and direction have gotten a lot of buzz and the On the bubble Academy does seem to adore David Fincher, and he scored a A handful of films were never frontrunners, but continue to Globe nom for directing “Gone Girl,” yet the film itself failed to have strong support in some categories. Though it was named be recognized. Also uncertain is the fate of “American Sniper,”

Annie Gone Girl’s Into the Woods