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Established 1961 Friday ISSUE NO: 17661 SAFAR 10, 1440 AH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018
Canadian-Indian designer recalls US merges diplomatic office for Davis scores 32 as Pelicans 4 his designs for Kuwaiti stamps 13 Palestinians into Jerusalem embassy 44 rout Rockets in season opener
Fans greet Harry and Meghan ‘Down Under’ See Page 21 2 Friday Local Friday, October 19, 2018
PHOTO OF THE DAY Water is safe
Local Spotlight
By Muna Al-Fuzai [email protected]
ongratulations to Kuwait and all its residents for bag- ging the first place in the Arab world in terms of the Chigh quality of drinking water. Nothing is more important to any human than knowing that the water he consumes is safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has placed Kuwait as the top Arab coun- try in the quality of its drinking water and treated waste- water, followed by Bahrain, Jordan, Tunisia, Oman, Morocco and Lebanon, according to WHO standards. The undersecretary of the ministry of electricity and water said in a press statement that Kuwait’s acquisition of this classification is important for Arab countries because it reflects the efforts of all engineers and technicians who are working at water distillation stations and chemical laborato- ries to achieve the best standards in the quality of water KUWAIT: Ice cream sellers stroll their karts on a street in Kuwait City. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat through accurate and continuous tests. Kuwait is a dry country with poor water resources, while per capita consumption of water here is the highest global- ly. The cost of electricity and water production is high, with consumption of about 350,000 barrels of oil per day for this purpose. The cost of producing one kilowatt of elec- Seeking arthouse cinema in Kuwait tricity costs the state about 28 fils, but is sold to the con- sumer for only 2 fils. In these cases, the risk lies wholly on the cinema house The undersecretary also added WHO is continuously monitoring and evaluating the quality of freshwater in IN MY VIEW themselves. They still pay the movie studio to show the film countries around the world and its suitability for human use but for a smaller amount and only for a limited amount of in accordance with the requirements of the environmental By Aakash Bakaya time. This plus the fact that the halls they are screened in and public health committees in terms of physical and are half the size of the regular ones either makes these films chemical aspects to ensure their conformity with the stan- [email protected] successful enough for them to run for another week or dards that are set for safe drinking water. they simply fade away into obscurity with little attendance It is a great achievement indeed, because freshwater is a want to get something out of the way before I begin. to show for it. It’s a tricky situation for both the cinemas human right that should not be disputed. In fact, water is at Films that are described as ‘Arthouse cinema’ should who want to diversify their movie-listings and the the heart of sustainable development and is essential for Inot be considered great automatically. They might be cinephiles desperately trying to cleanse their palettes after socioeconomic development, energy, food production and different, unique or in a genre you might have never seen the most recent superhero movie. human survival. As the world’s population increases, there is before but the qualities of what makes a film good or bad My own experience with arthouse cinema in Kuwait has a growing need to maintain and preserve water resources still come to an individual’s preference. been a mixed-bag. Dragging a group of friends for ‘It to enable communities to obtain adequate water. With that out of the way, let’s get to the heart of the Comes at Night’ was immensely fun. The harrowing, brutal But water cannot be viewed in isolation from sanitation. matter - seeking out ‘arthouse’ or ‘independent’ movies in nature of the story created this uneasy feeling when exiting Together, they are vital to reducing the global burden of dis- Kuwait. The most straight-forward response would be - the cinema and we ended up discussing the story and its eases, as well as their role in improving health, education check your local movie listing in a movie chain near you. If climax for hours afterwards. On the other hand, the show- and economic productivity of the population. I believe that you scroll past the usual array of the latest blockbusters, ing of ‘Ex-Machina’ had crucial scenes and discussions corrupt economies, war, civil conflicts and poor infrastruc- Bollywood tripe and the occasional mediocre animation censored and this left the film feeling confusing and pretty ture lead millions of people, especially children, to death you can actually find a few films that have done great in much pointless. But my worst was the time I had gone all every year from diseases associated with insufficient water International film festival circuits or are picking up traction the way to 360 Mall to catch Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Wind supplies. Some studies have estimated that 783 million peo- for the award season. Rises’. It just happened to be on a Monday (the usual day ple do not have access to clean water. This is a large number. Recently ‘Mandy’, a grindhouse-inspired thriller, was The United Nations General Assembly recently approved for half-day prices for tickets) but I went simply because it running in a few cinemas and even for Kuwait that was was the last day I could possibly go. When I reached, the the right of a human to adequate water for personal and quite surprising. I’ve seen a good amount of indie films in domestic use (50 to 100 liters per person per day), provided ticket counter told me that they don’t show limited releases Kuwait but to see something from upcoming visionary that the water is safe, affordable and available in time and on Mondays as this was their busiest day. I am not sure if place. Every year, the world celebrates World Water Day on director Panos Cosmatos on the big screen was an outing they still follow that same procedure but it showcased the March 22. The International Decade for Action on Water for at the cinema I eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately, I could dismal attitude cinema chains hold towards smaller films. I Sustainable Development will continue its work from the not catch it in the cinemas as the timings of the shows and never ended up watching what is supposed to be International Water Day in 2018 until 2028. The aim of this the short 6 day duration of its run made it difficult to Miyazaki’s final film in a cinema and the disappointment of global campaign is to urge accelerated efforts to address all attend. This is an issue that affects the indie movie scene that night lingers. challenges related to water, including access to safe water both in Kuwait and around the world. There are other ways to catch indie films in Kuwait and sanitation, increased pressure on water resources and Cinemas pay the movie’s distributer (usually the pro- however. Film clubs and sometimes just individuals them- increased risk of drought and floods. ducer or the studio partner) to screen a movie. Big block- selves promote outdoor film screenings and even I believe that the ability of Kuwait to achieve an excel- busters are guaranteed money-makers for all parties embassies arrange showcases of their nation’s films. These lent rank in water quality should not stop efforts to rational- involved so opening weekend audiences and front-loading may not be every one’s cup of tea but the options still exist. ize water consumption. Production of freshwater in Kuwait these features are vital. Even then, not every screen can be Arthouse films don’t show up on cinema listings weeks in uses more than 500 million imperial gallons per day, so used to show only the most popular movies of the week. advance, sometimes they show up the week or even the wastage of water must stop, and all government agencies Scarcity, whether natural or man-made, increases demands day before its release. So if you’re interested, checkout the must act to achieve rationalization of consumption through even though these scenarios may lead you to get a really movies being shown on Thursday as that’s the day new ongoing awareness campaigns and punishment of those bad seat near the front. So where does this leave the releases are first screened. Who knows, you just may end who waste water. screening of those smaller, lesser known films? up having a cinematic experience you won’t soon forget.
4 Friday Local Friday, October 19, 2018
Canadian-Indian designer recalls his designs for Kuwaiti stamps
Interview by Ben Garcia are a lot more creative freedoms and creative opportunities for my kind of work. The people of Canada are super friendly, KUWAIT: Stamps, the price paid to send a letter, were often and I now consider it my home. I’m now a Canadian citizen - utilized not only as a revenue source for the postal service but I’ve lived in Toronto for 15 years. I have a wife, a 7-year-old also as a way to commemorate a country’s milestones or son, 3-month-old daughter and a dog. achievements. Designing those commemorative stamps are an important part of the process and often involve artists from KT: What do you miss most about Kuwait? all over the world. Denny: I have very fond memories of Kuwait - especially One such designer is Denny Varghese Kurien, who won a growing up in Hawally and attending the New English School contest to design stamps for Kuwait in 1998. Now based in (class of 96). I miss my parents and extended family (most of Toronto, Kurien cannot forget his childhood memories of my cousins are still living and working there). Friends I went Kuwait and the iconic buildings he grew up seeing. to school with at NES are now all over the world, and I still make it a point to keep in touch with them via Facebook or KT: Tell us more about yourself. WhatsApp. Denny: My name is Denny Varghese Kurien. My job title is Creative Director & Co-Founder of Rayvn Design KT: Describe your favorite place/s in Kuwait when you (www.rayvn.io). It’s a creative design studio based out of were here and why? Toronto and Boston that does logo identity design, website Denny: I miss the food - Naif Chicken shawarma and eat- design and digital and social media marketing. ing at Mais Alghanim - these were popular hangout spots for me and my friends from high school. They don’t have very KT: How long have you been working in Canada? good shawarma here in Canada. I also miss the KFC Spicy Denny: I’ve been in Canada since 2002. I’m currently re- Zinger burger, Hardees roast beef sandwich and Caesar’s siding and working in Toronto. I spent my childhood in Kuwait mini-pizzas -we don’t have those too here in Canada. (from 1979 to 1996) before heading to the US to do my un- dergraduate degree. After that I returned back to Kuwait, KT: When was your last visit to Kuwait? worked for three years, then immigrated to Canada. Denny: The last time we visited Kuwait was in 2011. My parents and much of my extended family are still in Kuwait. KT: How do you compare Canada and Kuwait? My parents come to visit us in Canada every other summer. KUWAIT - Photo shows the two winning Denny: Weather-wise, it’s the exact opposite of Kuwait. It In January 2019, I’ll visit Kuwait with my family for a couple of designs by Denny Kurien, based on gets super cold and sometimes goes down to -40 C. Job-wise, days. iconic Kuwaiti landmarks, parliament I worked in Kuwait for three years (1999 to 2002) - this was building (purple stamp) and the Grand right after I graduated from university. I worked in the market- KT: Tell us about your entry in the stamp competition. Mosque (blue stamp). ing department of an IT company called Path Solutions, as Where did you see the ad? What were the inspiration and — Photo courtesy Denny Kurien well at the Commercial Bank of Kuwait in their marketing de- the reason behind the design? partment. Since I work in the creative sector, I think working Denny: It was in 1998, when I was attending University of in Canada and the US is a lot more beneficial for me - there Denver (studying graphic design). I had come home to Kuwait Friday 5 Local Friday, October 19, 2018
during the summer vacation, and my younger brother Benny “glow filter” had to be done manually. saw an ad in a local newspaper calling for entries to design Kuwait’s 8th Liberation Day anniversary stamp. He con- KT: How long did it take to make the designs? vinced me that I should design something. This was during Denny: It took me three days to design them - I submitted the early days of Adobe Photoshop. The concept and inspi- three design options. ration for my design were based on two particular landmarks in Kuwait - the Kuwait parliament building (purple stamp) KT: What did you gain by winning? and the Kuwait Grand Mosque (blue stamp). Both these il- Denny: An interview on KTV, reports published in the lustrations were hand-drawn. After I submitted my designs, newspaper and recognition from the Kuwaiti government. I got a call from my dad saying that the Kuwaiti government Designing a postage stamp is like designing currency - there had selected my design. This became my claim to fame. is an archive of the collection. I even had stamp collectors from all over the world come to see me, interview me, get KT: Why from so many iconic places in Kuwait did autographs and take pictures with me for designing the you select these particular buildings? stamp. Denny: My initial postage stamp design was an illustra- tion of the Kuwait Towers. But then I got a request to explore KT: How much prize money did you get? other landmarks so that they could create different denom- Denny: KD 250, but the fame and recognition was much inations of the stamp. So I drew the Assembly building, the more. The news even spread to my extended family and Grand Mosque and the old Kuwaiti gates. I grew up around friends in Kerala (where I was born). A report was published these iconic landmarks, so it was only natural I chose them in Malayalam Manorama (an Indian newspaper). I was the as my design inspiration (this was before the telecommuni- first Indian to design a Kuwaiti stamp. cation tower was completed). KT: What year the stamp was released and how long KT: Tell us about the challenges you faced while was it in circulation? drawing? Denny: The stamp was released in 1999 on Kuwait’s 8th Denny: Back then I didn’t really consider myself an artist Liberation Day anniversary. - it was me experimenting with traditional drawing media, and then bringing it to the computer and adding CGI ele- ments to it. Like I mentioned, this was during the early days of Adobe Photoshop - there were no layer tools, and the Snail mail memories
By Ben Garcia The mailbox was not the virtual drop box we use now via the Internet - it was a literal box placed outside the efore the onset of smart and digital communica- gate of establishments. The receptionists sorted letters tions, snail mail was the most popular tool of from the mailbox so that porters could deliver them to communication. Many of us still remember the their respective addresses. That was the way we worked postage stamps we used during that period. before the advent of digital communications. I still re- SomeB people also collect stamps as a hobby. I started member receiving 20 to 50 letters thrice a week related my career in the information and broadcast industry in to my broadcast program on Radio Kuwait’s Filipino Kuwait in 2000 with Radio Kuwait. Back then, the only service. The sample letters are pictured to showcase the way to communicate with us was by calling the tele- stamps used at that time. phone landlines at the information ministry or sending mail through our mailbox. 6 Friday Local Friday, October 19, 2018 Jet ski crackdown ‘Youth under 18 no longer able to ride jet skis’
By Nawara Fattahova violators, said the law should have been issued earlier. we can ram him with our boat to stop him. In serious “The number of jet ski accidents increased during the cases, such as near the borders, we are even allowed to iding a jet ski without a license is now a violation past two years, especially by youngsters. So this law shoot if they don’t stop and surrender. This usually hap- that may lead to the seizure of the jet ski. should limit these accidents as it forbids kids from riding pens in regional waters, especially in the north,” he RRepeated accidents caused by jet skis and the jet skis. I consider the jet ski even more dangerous than explained. increasing number of complaints by families swimming vehicles, as it doesn’t have brakes. Moreover, children Salah, 34, owns a jet ski and agrees with this new on the beach of the reckless behavior of jet ski users are not allowed to drive cars or ride motorcycles,” he decree. “I haven’t obtained a license yet, but definitely was behind issuing a new law regulating its use. The told Kuwait Times. will do so soon. I won’t be driving my jet ski without a ministry of communications’ decree no 63/2018 regard- A violator who rides a jet ski without a license will license as I respect the law. I think the new law will ing issuing a sea skipper (nokhatha al-bahri) license sets risk losing the jet ski. “We cruise around the coast dur- increase responsibility, as previously violators broke the new rules for riding jet skis and small boats. According ing the daytime to ensure safety. We used to stop jet ski law and sped away without being sanctioned. The jet ski to this law, it’s not allowed to drive a marine motor vehi- riders not wearing lifejackets or if they were nearer than rental firms are responsible for most of the violations, cle without a license. the permitted distance from the shore. But now we stop especially in the chalets area in Khairan and Zour. So The license is valid for a period of five years, and can any jet ski to check for the license. If the rider doesn’t even if the coastguards don’t stop the jet ski, they may be issued to Kuwaiti citizens, GCC nationals, bedoons have a license, we seize the jet ski by towing it with our issue the fine to the jet ski rental agency for renting it and expats with valid residency in Kuwait. Visitors and boat and taking the rider with us in the boat,” added without a license,” he pointed out. tourists are not included in this list, which means that Fouzan. The new law is issued by the ministry of communica- they won’t be able to rent a jet ski or even ride one of If the violator ignores the coastguard’s warning to tions, but the coastguard, under the ministry of interior, their friends’. stop, then they may take serious action. “We have the is charged with enforcement and issuing fines. The law Fahd Al-Fouzan from the coastguard department, authority to stop any jet ski for checks, even by force. doesn’t mention the value of the fine, but the interior which is in charge of applying the law and sanctioning So if we ask him by the bullhorn to stop and he refuses, ministry said it will be set soon.
8 Friday
Local Friday, October 19, 2018 MP proposes major changes to employ Kuwaitis in public, private sectors Ministry lifts age restrictions for expats to bring parents on visit visas By B Izzak eign labor should be given exclusively to the ministry of KUWAIT: MP Askar Al-Enezi yesterday made a social affairs and labor comprehensive proposal to create a large number which should accelerate Kuwait applies anti money- of jobs in the public and private sector enough to such recruitment only when employ Kuwaitis seeking jobs. The lawmaker called there are no Kuwaitis to take for major changes to existing legislation and proce- up the job. laundering strategy: Judge dures in addition to conducting comprehensive sur- VIENNA: The State of Kuwait is cur- veys in the two sectors to make it easier for Age restrictions MP Askar Al-Enezi rently enforcing a national all-out strategy unemployed nationals to find suitable jobs. In the meantime, the inte- to fight money-laundering and terror fi- Enezi called on authorities to survey all Kuwaiti rior ministry has lifted age nance, a Kuwaiti judge said yesterday. job seekers based on their qualifications and expe- restrictions for expatriates to bring their parents on The strategy in question aims at the pro- rience besides the jobs they visit visas. The department motion of international cooperation effi- want. After that, authorities of residency was not issuing ciency, Secretary of Kuwait’s Court of must conduct a compulsory such visas for parents above Appeal Justice Nasr Al-Haid said at the survey on expatriates em- KD 10,000 fine 60 years of age. But now, ninth session of the Conference of the ployed in public sector jobs expatriates can obtain visit Parties to the UN Convention against and conditions and experi- proposed visas for their parents re- Transnational Organized Crime. ence needed for such jobs, for housing gardless of their age after Kuwait appreciates the effective shar- he said. This should be fol- authorities began collecting ing of knowledge, expertise and practices lowed by procedures to em- bachelors medical charges for the among the states with a view to propping Justice Nasr Al-Haid ploy Kuwaitis in place of treatment of the parents. The up international coordination in this re- expatriates based on expe- department said that the gard, he added. Kuwait, represented by rience and education, the visas will be for one month the Ministry of Justice, has worked out a cooperation, the Kuwaiti judge remarked. lawmaker proposed. that can be renewed by directors of departments in national piece of legislation meant to offer A Kuwaiti delegation, led by Kuwait’s Enezi then said the authorities should turn to the various governorates. legal help, he said, noting that relevant Ambassador in Austria and Permanent private sector and survey the types of jobs that are In a related development, a Kuwait Municipality procedures were underway to adopt the Representative at International Organiza- available and can be filled by Kuwaitis. He said that committee yesterday discussed raising the financial bill. It is also playing a role in regional co- tions in Vienna, is partaking in the ninth in the process, the labor law in the private sector penalty for allowing expatriate bachelors to live in operation by means of working with other session of the Conference of the Parties and other related legislation must be revised to cre- the so-called model areas to up to KD 10,000. countries in the region to set the initial to the UN Convention against Transna- ate a better competitive environment for Kuwaitis Committee members said that the number of expa- formula of a set of relevant agreements tional Organized Crime, which winds up to work in the private sector. triate singles has swelled to around 1.2 million, or and laws pertinent to legal and judicial today. — KUNA The lawmaker said that the recruitment of for- around 35 percent of expatriate population.
in confronting a proposal by some coun- News in brief Amir congratulates MP tries regarding ‘gay rights’, which was “an issue against all sacred religions and ethics,” stressing the importance of re- Amir sends condolence Hashem on IPU post win jecting discussions on similar issues. Regarding the Arab urgent resolution, cable to Sudan’s President KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Ghanem said that the number of votes Al-Sabah sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to MP Safaa Al- garnered by the resolution was satisfying, KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Hashem on being named as deputy head of the Inter-Parliamentary expressing he appreciation to all whom Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences to Union’s (IPU) Standing Committee for UN Affairs. His Highness the supported it. He stressed on the impor- Sudan’s President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir yesterday over Amir said that the win, which occurred on the sideline of the IPU’s tance of continuing to push on the pro- the death of Sudan’s former president Marshal Abdel 139th conference in Geneva, reflected the global community’s trust posed-resolution due to it being Rahman Suwar Al-Dahab, expressing his deepest sorrow in Kuwaiti lawmakers. His Highness Sheikh Sabah affirmed that representing the point of view of Arabs MP Safaa Al-Hashem and grief. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Kuwait was proud of Hashem’s achievement, wishing her the best in Muslims. The Speaker said that bilateral Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime her future endeavors. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf meetings with several parliaments on the Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister sidelines of the conference “had a significant role in delivering our also sent similar cables to President Bashir. — KUNA Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent cables of alike message as a Kuwaiti parliament and our important issues, rallying sentiment to MP Hashem. Winning the post was the fruit of strenuous support for stronger and better steps in the future.” “I cannot talk efforts made by Kuwait’s National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- about the details at this time, but certainly we are preparing for more Tunisia floods Ghanem and others members of the Kuwaiti delegation to the 139th advanced steps in the future,” Ghanem added conference of IPU, Hashem said in a press statement following the KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- win. Kuwait managed to get this very important position at the stand- ‘Successful’ participation Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah cabled Tunisian President Beji ing committee tasked with the UN affairs, she added. Hashem prom- The Kuwaiti participation in the conference was successful thanks Caid Essebsi, expressing heartfelt solace on demise of ised to continue her role in tackling and solving problems during her to the efforts of the head of the delegation and Speaker Ghanem, said Tunisians in the floods that swept some Tunisian regions, membership in the committee. a lawmaker yesterday. In a press release after the conclusion of the inflicting casualties and demolishing properties. His High- IPU conference, Kuwaiti MP Nayef Al-Mardas Al-Ajmi said that his ness the Amir wished heavenly mercy for souls of the de- Positive achievements country’s delegation focused on positively contributing to the various ceased, wished the injured quick recovery and for Meanwhile, Ghanem praised yesterday the efforts exerted by the meetings held on the sideline and during the course of the event. empowering the Tunisian leaders to cope with the catas- Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation during the 139th IPU conference The Kuwaiti delegation contributed to the success of the Kuwait- trophe. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- and the positive achievements the delegation made through coordi- Jordan urgent proposal in support of UNRWA operations for the native meetings with Arab, Islamic, and Asian groups. Ghanem made Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Palestinian people, said MP Ajmi, adding that Kuwait had a hand in these remarks in a press release on the conclusion of the conference. Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah halting a proposal aimed at promoting ‘LGBT rights’. Meanwhile, MP Ghanem noted that bilateral committee meetings made very good addressed cables of identical content to the Tunisian Ajmi lauded the participation of a delegation consisting of members results on many critical issues pertaining to the Arab and Islamic president. —KUNA of Kuwait’s ‘students’ parliament’, affirming that the delegation the worlds. Ghanem added that Arab and Islamic coordination resulted country’s possible legislative future. — KUNA Friday 9 Local Friday, October 19, 2018 Kuwait drops to second place regionally in Food Security Index Explosives needed to push housing project works forward By A Saleh and Meshaal Al-Enezi around the world. adding that she noticed a tangible positive re- KD 15 million sponse from the company. The company had The Public Authority for Sports (PAS) has KUWAIT: Kuwait dropped to second place Housing project struggled in removing solid soil at the site, paid over KD 15 million to plaintiffs as per in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) State Minister for which required con- court verdicts made from 2011 to July 2018. region in the 2018 Global Food Security Services and Housing tacting the interior min- Minister of Information and State Minister for Index, which was issued recently by the Econ- Affairs Dr Jenan istry to provide 40 tons Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri said PAS omist Intelligence Unit. Qatar came in first Boushehri said that one PAS pays KD of explosives in order incurred over KD 10 million due to five rulings place in the region and 22 internationally, fol- of the companies to pave way for the forcing it to pay in exchange of the financial lowed by Kuwait which placed 28 internation- working on the infra- 15 million in works to move forward; support to sports clubs decided by law ally. Oman came third regionally and 29th structure of Al-Mutlaa penalties a process that caused 7/2007. Jabri added that the largest compen- internationally. The Global Food Security housing project is fac- the aforementioned sation went to the sea club at KD 3.279 mil- Index aims at identifying countries that are ing difficulties, adding delay, the minister ex- lion. He said PAS paid KD 4.85 million in 12 less likely to face food security risks. The that officials at the plained. Boushehri has court rulings for several clubs that sued it for index is a dynamic model for qualitative and housing affairs ministry are working hard in informed company officials that work should failure to pay allocations required by the law quantitative measurement in 113 countries order to help complete delayed operations, be completed before April 2019. to help them sign athletes to pro deals.
Man injured KD 675,000 in Hawally transformers building fire stolen from 135 wells By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water began emergency operation of several ground water wells in Shiqaya KUWAIT: Hawally firemen led by Lt while they wait for a solution after thieves stole power trans- Colonel Jassim Al-Saqaai tackled a blaze formers from 135 wells. Each transformer costs KD 5,000, reported in a 10-floor building in the area setting the total value of the stolen transformers at KD yesterday. Firemen evacuated the building KUWAIT: The scene inside the kitchen of a Hawally apartment after firefighters tack- 675,000. Meanwhile, informed sources said the ministry is then fought the fire which had erupted in- led a blaze there. preparing a tender to buy new transformers to replace the side the kitchen of a seventh floor apart- stolen ones which are necessary to operate the wells, adding ment. A man sustained burns on his hand that workers were able to operate 10 wells through 11 kilovolt and was taken to hospital by paramedics. power lines. The wells are used to mix distilled and brackish Investigations are underway to find out the water to supply several areas with irrigation water for gardens cause of fire. and to wash cars and homes, the sources added.
Safety violations Woman electrocuted Kuwait Fire Service Directorate A woman died by electrocution at her mother’s farm, Al- (KFSD), in cooperation with Kuwait Mu- Rai reported. The woman was walking around in the farm nicipality, carried out a campaign in when she stepped into a muddy pond, then fell unconscious Mubarakiya Market in order to remove after shaking violently. Paramedics were called and they safety violations. The campaign, which rushed the woman to Jahra hospital, where she was later pro- covered several stores, resulted in issuing nounced dead after doctors failed to resuscitate her. Police multiple citations for violations including discovered that water leaked to a power cable near the pond, random storage that obstruct pass-ways This photo taken by KFSD during a recent crackdown in Mubarakiya Market shows which caused the electrocution. The victim’s body was re- and emergency exits, which can be dan- covered by the coroner. gerous in case of fire. Municipality work- chairs and other equipment stored at a staircase, blocking emergency exits that ers removed the violations immediately, should remain clear to facilitate evacuation in case of fires. Fatal accident KFSD said. A motorist stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street, but a car hit her vehicle from behind, pushing it for- import of foodstuffs and products from Australia, Ukraine, Russia ward to hit the man and leave him with fatal injuries. The ac- Authority issues and South Korea for specific reasons, according to Secretary of cident occurred at a street in Jahra, where the female driver the supreme committee for food safety Adel Al-Suwait. called police immediately after it happened. Police and para- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decided to lift the ban medics arrived to the scene shortly after and they took the regulations on on the importation of fresh strawberry fruit from Australia and de- victim to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cided to temporarily ban the importation of all types of beef, woman, along with the male driver of the vehicle that hit hers, sheep and goats (all fresh and frozen) and their derivatives from were taken to Jahra police station for further questioning. banning, unbanning Ukraine due to the outbreak of anthrax, he added. The ministry also decided to lift the ban on the import of Wedding spoiled foodstuff imports all types of beef, sheep and goats (fresh and frozen) and their Faulty wiring briefly spoiled a wedding as guests were derivatives from the Russian Federation due to the outbreak asked out of the hall when thick smoke filled the place. Fire- of foot-and-mouth disease, he said. He also said that the min- fighters, paramedics and policemen rushed to the place in istry decided to lift the ban on the import of all kinds of beef, response to an emergency call, and discovered the source of KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) the problem, which was repaired in a short time, then guests yesterday recommended banning and unbanning the importation sheep and goats (fresh and frozen) and their derivatives from were allowed back in. — Translated by Kuwait Times from of food products from several countries. The Supreme Committee South Korea due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, Al-Rai and Al-Anbaa recommended in its 12th meeting to ban and lift the ban on the he said. —KUNA InternationalFriday FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018
Hindu hardliners block Trump threatens to close US-Mexico border over migrant ‘onslaught’ Indian temple to women Page 14 Page 16
BRISSELS: Britain’s Prime minister Theresa May answers journalists’ questions upon her arrival at the European Council in Brussels. — AFP UK PM mulls longer Brexit transition
Open letter warns British PM against Brexit surrender
BRUSSELS: European leaders insisted yester- progress from London. Arriving for the second in turn has said is not possible. A senior British EU and her own MPs, who could block the final day that Prime Minister Theresa May must do day yesterday, May noted that both sides re- official confirmed yesterday that even if the tran- accord in the House of Commons. Boris Johnson more to avoid Britain crashing out of the EU mained at odds over a “backstop” plan to avoid sition were extended, Britain remained opposed and David Davis, two former ministers who quit without a deal, even after she indicated she was frontier checks between Britain and Ireland if to the EU’s backstop plan. EU nations also ques- in July over her approach to Brexit, signed a open to extending a Brexit transition period if it and until a new trade deal to resolve the issue tioned whether the idea would change the situ- joint letter demanding Britain avoid the “purga- helped unblock negotiations. At a summit in can be signed. “A further idea that has emerged- ation. A source in the French presidency warned tory of perpetual membership of the EU’s cus- Brussels, May confirmed that she is considering and it is an idea at this stage-is to create an op- that an extension “could be part of the discus- toms union”. the extension idea floated by the EU as a possi- tion to extend the implementation period for a sion but is not an ideal solution”. On the other side of the political divide, the ble way to break the deadlock over how to keep matter of months,” she Luxembourg Prime anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats said extending the Britain’s border with Ireland open after Brexit. told reporters. Minister Xavier Bettel transition was another “embarrassing climb- But other EU nations warned this may not re- Currently a transition added that Britain’s down” for May. May did little to deflect their solve the impasse, which has raised fears of the phase is planned from The ball is in general approach re- anger by suggesting that she did not expect any potentially catastrophic scenario of Britain Brexit next March until mained a problem. “It’s extension to be used, because she expected a crashing out in March without any agreement. the end of December Britain’s court not possible that the trade deal before December 2020. The prime May’s own officials also admitted that an exten- 2020, to allow time to UK keeps all the advan- minister had made a personal plea to fellow EU sion-which has sparked outrage among eu- sign a new EU-UK trade tages from the common leaders on Wednesday to recognize the progress rosceptics at home-would not affect London’s deal. Extending this market but only under made so far and keep negotiating. position on the Irish border. Belgian Prime Min- could reduce the likeli- its own conditions,” he Over dinner afterwards, they agreed to keep ister Charles Michel repeated an earlier call from hood of having to use told reporters. talking, but upped the pressure by refusing to EU Council President Donald Tusk for the prime any “backstop” plan, thus taking the heat out of sign off on a planned special summit next month minister to act, saying: “More than ever, the ball the most contested Brexit issue. The EU sug- Embarrassing climbdown to seal the divorce. Failure to meet in November is in Britain’s court.” gests that the British province of Northern Ire- Even if May’s suggestion of an extension to could see a draft Brexit deal pushed back to a land stay aligned to its single market and the transition is unlikely to break the deadlock December summit, leaving little time for its rati- Longer transition customs union until a new trade deal is agreed. in Brussels, it energized her critics in London. fication by the British and European parliaments. This week’s Brussels summit had been set as But Britain has rejected this, proposing in- The Conservative leader has been struggling Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said EU lead- the deadline for a draft deal, but the other 27 EU stead that the whole United Kingdom temporar- since the 2016 vote for Brexit to find a compro- ers had asked the bloc’s executive “to work with leaders were left once again demanding more ily follow EU customs rules-something Brussels mise divorce deal that is acceptable to both the even more vigor on a no-deal scenario”. —AFP Friday 11 International Friday, October 19, 2018 One year after IS ‘defeat,’ Syria’s Raqa still in fear SDF struggle to stem infiltration by IS sleeper cells
RAQA, Syria: A year after a US-backed alliance earning the intersection a new name-”the round- of Syrian fighters drove the Islamic State group about of hell”. from the northern city of Raqa, traumatized civil- ians still live in fear of near-daily bombings. “Every ‘We are exhausted’ day we wake up to the sound of an explosion,” While the nightmare of jihadist rule may be said resident Khaled al-Darwish. “We’re scared gone, most of the city still lies in ruins and there to send our children to school... there’s no secu- are near daily attacks on checkpoints and military rity,” he added. The jihadists’ brutal rule in Raqa vehicles, according to the Syrian Observatory for was brought to an end in October 2017 after a Human Rights. Although a series of stinging de- months-long ground offensive by the Kurdish-led feats have cut IS’s so-called caliphate down to Syrian Democratic Forces supported by air strikes desert hideouts, the jihadists still manage to hit be- from a US-led coalition. yond the patches of But despite manning ground they overtly con- roadblocks at every street trol. Some Raqa resi- corner, the SDF and the dents say the city’s new city’s newly created Inter- security forces lack the nal Security Forces are The war has expertise to cope. struggling to stem infiltra- worn us out “We are exhausted. tion by IS sleeper cells. At Every day we don’t know Raqa’s entrance, soldiers if we will die in a bomb RAQA, Syria: A member of the Raqa civil council’s local security forces gestures to a vehicle at a checkpoint verify drivers’ identity pa- explosion or if we will go securing vehicles entering into the eastern Syrian city and former Islamic State (IS) group stronghold.—AFP pers and carefully sift home safe and sound,” through lorry cargoes. said Abu Younes, sitting in public garden, children climb up a multi-colored Nightmare Inside the city, there are regular foot patrols and his supermarket near a roundabout not far from slide and onto dilapidated swings as their mothers Ahmed Khalaf, who commands Raqa’s Inter- armored vehicles sit at strategic points. Women Paradise Square. “There is no security — (the new sit on nearby benches carefully keeping watch. nal Security Forces, defended the work of his wearing the niqab are asked to show their faces to security forces) on the roadblocks are not quali- They are set amidst an apocalyptic backdrop of men and claimed successes against the jihadists. female security members before entering public fied and there is a lot of negligence,” he com- twisted metal and splayed balconies-the remnants He said patrols are highly organized and that a buildings. plained. “There are faults that enable IS to infiltrate of buildings torn apart by US-led coalition air raids. “joint operation cell” had recently been estab- “If there wasn’t fear about a return of IS, there the city easily and carry out attacks.” Nearby, Ahmed al-Mohammed pauses as he lis- lished with coalition forces to monitor the city’s wouldn’t be this increased military presence,” said But despite the continued attacks, a semblance tens to music on his phone. Like others, he does not security. “Recently we arrested four (jihadists) Darwish, a father of two, speaking near the infa- of normal life has returned to the city. Shops have hide his disquiet. “We’re scared because of the pres- — it was a cell that took part in attacks that ter- mous Paradise Square. It was here that IS carried reopened and traffic has returned to major roads- ence of IS members in the city,” the 28-year-old rorized the city,” said Khalaf, sporting plain out decapitations and other brutal punishments, albeit choked by the impromptu checkpoints. In a said. “The security forces need to tighten their grip.” green fatigues. —AFP
sparked repeated clashes with the army. More than 200 Palestinians Hamas pledges Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire, while one Israeli soldier has been shot dead. Wednesday’s rocket fire triggered retaliatory Israeli air strikes that killed one suspected militant and raised fears of a new escalation. rocket fire probe as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a meeting of the Lebanon govt to be security cabinet lasting several hours on Wednesday evening. But no statement was released afterwards and Israeli media re- formed very soon calm returns ported that ministers had failed to agree on how to respond to the rocket fire and the persistent protests. The mass circulation Yediot GAZA CITY: Gaza’s Islamist rulers Hamas pledged an investigation BEIRUT: Lebanon’s president said yesterday a government Aharonot newspaper said the swift action of the mother in Beersheba yesterday into rocket fire at Israel the previous day in an apparent would be formed very soon as political parties intensified to protect her family had probably prevented a new war. “If the rocket bid to calm fears of a new war. Israeli children returned to schools negotiations to break a deadlock more than five months after attack had resulted in casualties, the political echelon’s manoeuvring near the border which had been closed on Wednesday after the pre- elections. Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri has been room would have been reduced to zero, and Israel would have dawn rocket fire from Gaza badly damaged a family home in the negotiating with Lebanon’s rival parties since a parliamen- launched, just like it did four years ago, a military operation that it nei- southern city of Beersheba. But the risk of a new war, whether tary election in May to form a new power-sharing cabinet, ther wants nor which it believes will be effective.” through miscalculation or design, remained. but they have so far been unable to reach consensus. The family of three children had a narrow escape after the mother Hamas seized control of Gaza from loyalists of Palestinian president Asked by reporters yesterday if a government would Mahmud Abbas in a near civil war in 2007 and the split has made moved them into the safe room, as much of the rest of the house was be agreed on, President Michel Aoun replied: “Yes, the peace negotiations with Israel harder. Egypt and the UN have been destroyed, the army said. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for a decade, government will be very soon or sooner.” The major par- issued a joint statement with its ally Islamic Jihad publicly disavowing seeking to broker an agreement that would see Israel relax its block- ade of Gaza in exchange for a prolonged period of calm from Hamas. ties have jostled over the number of cabinet seats they the rocket fire. But Israel rejected their denial, saying they were the should get and over the apportionment of the most pow- only groups armed with rockets of a range sufficient to reach Beer- Abbas’s Fatah movement opposes any such deal, saying it amounts to a recognition of Islamist control in Gaza. erful ministries. In recent days stepped-up talks be- sheba — 40 kilometers — and the sea off Tel Aviv — 70 kilometers. tween leaders have increased optimism that the Israel in any case holds Hamas responsible, as Gaza’s de factor ruler, Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel was expected in Gaza yesterday for his first visit since taking up the post in January, fuelling deadlock may soon be broken. for all fire from the territory regardless of who launches it. “There are se- “Forming the government is taking longer than ex- curity service investigations in Gaza to uncover who is behind the rocket talk of a deal. Egypt is one of only two Arab states to have official re- pected but we will get there,” Hariri said on Tuesday. Par- fire and there will be harsh measures against those (found guilty),” senior lations with Israel and plays a key role in indirect negotiations between Hamas official Bassem Naim said. He said the rocket fire “aimed to sab- the Jewish state and Hamas. The visit had been expected on Wednes- liament Speaker Nabih Berri is expected to return to otage Egyptian efforts” to broker a long-term truce between Hamas and day, but Hamas official Naim said the minister was forced to postpone Lebanon from a trip abroad today. The delay has in- Israel, which have fought three wars since 2008. A video published by it due to timetabling clashes. creased concern over the threat of an economic crisis in Hamas’s military wing on Thursday showed militants preparing rockets Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a political analyst in Gaza, said those who the heavily-indebted country. Lebanon has the third for launch, with the caption: “Read us correctly, a mistake would not ben- fired the rockets wanted to prevent the visit and “stop reconciliation largest debt-to-GDP ratio in the world at more than 150 efit,” written in Hebrew. and a truce.” Fringe Islamist groups opposed to Hamas have previ- percent, and a new government is expected to start Near daily protests along the border since March 30 against Is- ously fired rockets. Suspicion could also fall on factions within Hamas moves towards bringing down the deficit.—Reuters rael’s crippling 11-year blockade of the impoverished enclave have and Islamic Jihad opposed to a truce deal. —AFP 12 Friday International Friday, October 19, 2018 Crimea teen gunman spoke of bullying revenge; investigators seek motive Crimea mourns after fatal college attack
KERCH: A teenage gunman who killed 20 people in around him,” she said, adding that he “didn’t want to a Crimean college had spoken of taking revenge for live” because of it. bullying, a girl claiming to be his ex-girlfriend said The girl, who broke up with Roslyakov at an un- yesterday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin specified time before the killing, said he was a shoot- said the massacre was influenced by American ing enthusiast. “I’m sorry for the people he shot and shootings. Putin said at a forum in the southern city I’m very sorry that he killed himself. He was a very of Sochi that the killing was the “result of globalisa- good friend,” she said. tion” and the continuation of a trend that had begun in the US. Horrific injuries “We do not create enough good (online) content Russia’s health ministry put the latest death toll at for young people. This 20. A few hours earlier, city leads to this kind of authorities published a list tragedy,” said the presi- of 19 of the victims-nine of dent, whose government them under the age of 18. A has in recent years in- He didn’t 15-year-old boy, Sergei creased its control on the Stepanenko, was the internet. Putin’s remarks want to live youngest to die in the came as investigators shooting. One of the girls sought to establish what who died, 16-year-old prompted 18-year-old Darya Chegerest, “tried to SIMFEROPOL, Crimea: A woman cries during a church service for the victims of the Kerch’s college in Simfer- Vladislav Roslyakov to help others” as the attack opol, Crimea. —AFP open fire on fellow students at a technical college in unfolded but was killed, her fellow first-year student Kerch, a city in the Moscow-annexed Crimean Viktoria Voiko told AFP. an experienced special forces fighter, first threw a not understand,” Crimean leader Sergei Aksyonov peninsula, before killing himself. More than 40 others home-made grenade before going to shoot people,” told journalists. According to Kommersant, the were injured. Russia’s Columbine Russian daily Kommersant wrote. It called the shoot- teenager “grew up in a rather poor family” with a In an interview with state media, a girl claiming to Many of those hospitalized were injured by an ing an “unprecedented crime in Russia”, which has disabled father. be his ex-girlfriend described him as a “kind and explosion that blasted metal ball bearings and other strict gun controls. Several media outlets made a The paper said Roslyakov’s mother is a Jehovah’s considerate” person who had complained of bullying. items into their bodies, ripping into organs. Health comparison with the 1999 Columbine High School Witness-a Christian organisation considered “ex- “He would say that he lost trust in people when his minister Veronika Skvortsova told journalists that shooting in the US, which left 13 people dead. tremist” and banned in Russia. Russian television re- classmates began humiliating him for not being like most of those who died suffered gunshot wounds. They described photographs circulating on the ported she works as an orderly at one of the hospitals everyone else,” a 15-year-old named as Zlata told the She said the explosion made “mincemeat” of the vic- internet showing Roslyakov wearing a similar T- that treated victims. According to the RIA Novosti Kremlin-funded RT outlet. “Vladislav was always tims and several had limbs amputated. shirt to Eric Harris, one of the Columbine killers. agency, security forces raided Roslyakov’s family telling me about his frequent fights with people The gunman “moved from room to room and, like “On paper, he had an ideal character. We simply do home following the killings. —AFP
icher, a former White House cybersecurity pol- Facebook icy director for the National Security Council who is now heading Facebook’s cybersecurity nual multilateral peace conference. launches ‘war policy. “We work to find and remove these ac- World leaders to Earlier in November, Macron will spend a tors.” Facebook has been racing to get meas- week touring the country’s WWI battlefields, ures in place and began operating this nerve attend Paris WWI including Verdun, scene of the longest-lasting room’ to combat center-with a hastily taped “WAR ROOM” sign battle which left at least 700,000 dead on both on the glass door-for the first round of the presidential vote in Brazil on October 7. sides. “The idea is to commemorate our ‘poilus’ It didn’t take long to find false information commemorations (hairy) ancestors,” the presidency said, using manipulation and rumors being spread which could have a nickname for French WWI rank-and-file PARIS: More than 60 world leaders, includ- MENLO PARK: In Facebook’s “War Room,” a had an impact on voters in Brazil. “On election troops. Macron will also “pay homage to the ing US President Donald Trump and Russian nondescript space adorned with American and day, we saw a spike in voter suppression (mes- French people’s extraordinary capacity-which counterpart Vladimir Putin, will travel to Brazilian flags, a team of 20 people monitors sages) saying the election was delayed due to has never failed-to rebuild and start anew after Paris next month for commemorations of the computer screens for signs of suspicious ac- protests. That was not a true story,” said a war,” the presidency said. end of World War I a century ago, French of- tivity. The freshly launched unit at Facebook’s Samidh Chakrabarti, Facebook’s head of civic A special cabinet meeting will be held in ficials said yesterday. On November 10 — a Menlo Park headquarters in California is the engagement. Chakrabarti said Facebook was Charleville-Mezieres, in the Ardennes, an area day before the commemorations in Paris- nerve center for the fight against misinforma- able to remove these posts in a couple of which saw much destruction during the war French President Emmanuel Macron and hours before they went viral. “It could have and which today suffers from de-industrializa- tion and manipulation of the largest social net- German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also taken days.” tion and high unemployment. German Presi- work by foreign actors trying to influence attend a ceremony near Compiegne, north- dent Frank-Walter Steinmeier will also attend elections in the United States and elsewhere. ern France, where the armistice ending the Humans and machines a Franco-German friendship concert on No- Inside, the walls have clocks showing the war was signed on November 11, 1918, time in various regions of the US and Brazil, At the unveiling of the war room for a small vember 4 in the eastern city of Strasbourg, Macron’s office said. maps and TV screens showing CNN, Fox group of journalists including AFP this week, part of the Alsace region which was returned The main ceremony will take place at the News and Twitter, and other monitors showing a man in a gray pork pie hat kept his eyes to France in 1918 after being seized by Prussia Arc de Triomphe war monument in Paris at 11 graphs of Facebook activity in real time. Face- glued to his screen where a Brazilian flag was in 1870. a.m. on November 11 — marking the time when book, which has been blamed for doing too lit- attached. He said nothing but his mission was Only countries which “sent troops or work- guns finally fell silent after four years of trench tle to prevent misinformation efforts by Russia obvious-watching for any hints of interference ers to the European theatres of war” have been warfare and general European slaughter. Later and others in the 2016 US election, now wants with the second round of voting in Brazil on invited to the Paris ceremonies, the presidential in the day, guests will be invited to participate the world to know it is taking aggressive steps October 28. The war room, which will ramp up office, said when asked to explain the absence in a Peace Forum, to be opened by Merkel, an with initiatives like the war room. activity for the November 6 midterm US elec- of countries such as Saudi Arabia.—AFP event which France wants to turn into an an- “Our job is to detect ... anyone trying to ma- tions, is the most concrete sign of Facebook’s nipulate the public debate,” said Nathaniel Gle- efforts to weed out misinformation. —AFP Friday 13 International Friday, October 19, 2018 US to merge Jerusalem consulate into embassy ‘This decision will improve efficiency of our operations’ WASHINGTON: The United States will merge the US Consulate General, which serves Palestinians, with its new embassy into a single diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, Secretary of State Mike Pom- EU-Arab summit peo said yesterday. “This decision is driven by our global efforts to improve the effi- set for February ciency and effectiveness of our opera- tions,” Pompeo said in a statement. “It does not signal a change of US policy on 24-25 in Egypt Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza BRUSSELS: EU and Arab leaders will meet in Egypt in late Strip.” The consulate-general in Jerusalem February for their first summit as part of efforts to forge a new is the top mission for Palestinians, who European-African alliance and fight migrant smuggling, EU of- want East Jerusalem for their capital. ficials said yesterday. European Union leaders first mentioned “We will continue to conduct a full the summit in Austria last month as they vowed to intensify range of reporting, outreach, and pro- talks with Egypt and other north African countries to curb il- gramming in the West Bank and Gaza as legal migration. “The European Council welcomes the holding well as with Palestinians in Jerusalem JERUSALEM: In this file photo, a woman poses for a picture next to an inauguration of the forthcoming first summit between the 28 EU Member through a new Palestinian Affairs Unit in- plaque during the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem. — AFP States and the League of Arab States, hosted by Egypt on 24- side US Embassy Jerusalem,” Pompeo 25 February 2019,” the council of EU leaders said after a sum- said. He said the Trump administration was mit in Brussels. committed to a peace effort between Israel thorniest disputes between Israel and the gards all of the city, including the eastern The Cairo-based Arab League includes North African coun- and the Palestinians. US President Donald Palestinians and Palestinian leaders ac- sector it captured in the 1967 Middle East tries Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco as well as Trump outraged the Arab world and cused Trump of sowing instability by over- war and annexed, as its “eternal and indi- those in the Middle East and Gulf. EU officials said the summit stoked international concern by recogniz- turning decades of US policy. Palestinians, visible capital,” but that is not recognized was part of a broader push to build closer ties with Africa out- ing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Decem- with broad international backing, seek internationally. The Trump administration lined by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ber and moving the US Embassy from Tel East Jerusalem as the capital of a state has avoided that description, and noted in September. “It is now much more than about migration and Aviv to Jerusalem in May. they want to establish in the occupied that the city’s final borders should be de- fighting traffickers,” an EU official told reporters. —AFP The status of Jerusalem is one of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel re- cided by the parties. — Reuters 14 Friday
International Friday, October 19, 2018 Trump threatens to close US-Mexico border over migrant ‘onslaught’ Trump to send National Guard troops to border WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump length of the 1,954-mile border a keystone of his threatened yesterday to send the military to close presidency, but his animus toward Mexico had its southern border if Mexico fails to stem the cooled since Obrador’s election in July. “onslaught” of migrants from Central America, in a series of tweets that blamed Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. The attack comes with Trump’s Republicans fighting to retain control of Trump gives Congress in the November 6 vote, and as thou- sands of migrants from impoverished Honduras FBI a week were marching north through Guatemala toward the United States. to investigate “I am watching the Democrat Party led (be- cause they want Open Borders and existing weak laws) assault on our country by Guatemala, Hon- duras and El Salvador, whose leaders are doing Despite their sharp differences, the US and little to stop this large flow of people, INCLUD- Mexico have made progress on several issues, in- ING MANY CRIMINALS,” Trump said. “In ad- cluding the signing of an updated transcontinen- dition to stopping all payments to these tal trade pact, the US-Mexico-Canada countries, which seem to have almost no control Agreement (USMCA). But, possibly with an eye over their population, I must, in the strongest of on November 6 polls that will determine whether SANTA TERESA: In this file photo workers replace an old section of the wall between the terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if Republicans retain control of Congress, Trump US and Mexico in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, close to Ciudad Juarez in Mexico’s Chi- unable to do so I will call up the US Military and returned to the fiery rhetoric that has marked his huahua State. —AFP CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!” past relations with Mexico. “The assault on our The tweets came as Secretary of State Mike country at our Southern Border, including the Pompeo prepared to embark on a tour of the re- Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far itary deployment Trump had in mind. The presi- separate migrant children from their parents, gion that will see him visit Mexico ahead of its more important to me, as President, than Trade dent announced plans in April to send thousands since discontinued. December inauguration of President-elect An- or the USMCA,” he said. of National Guard troops to the border, where Exhausted after tramping in the sun and rain, dres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as well as Panama. they could remain until his promised wall is con- an advance group of the Honduran migrants on Trump has made cracking down on illegal immi- Caravan presses on structed. At least five US states later refused to Wednesday took refuge in a church-sponsored gration and building a wall that stretches the It was not immediately clear what form of mil- send the troops amid an outcry over a policy to shelter in the center of Guatemala City. —AFP Italy, Austria at Political newbies odds over S jump into US Tyrol dual electoral fray citizenship
WASHINGTON: Hundreds of everyday Americans with zero BOLZANO, Italy: A diplomatic row threat- political experience are jumping into the fray for the mid-term ens to disrupt Italy’s Alpine province of congressional elections in a country that has become ever South Tyrol: over the question of national more polarized since Donald Trump was elected president in identity and whether some of its inhabi- 2016. AFP has spoken to a dozen or so of these people who tants should have the right to Austrian cit- have moved past the party-primary stage and will fight for a seat in Congress on November 6, when all 435 seats in the izenship. Italy’s wealthiest province elects BOLZANO, Italy: A man passes by election posters in Bolzano, Italy. — AFP House of Representatives and a third of the 100-member Sen- its new autonomous parliament on Sunday ate are up for grabs, as are myriad local positions. as Vienna and Rome lock horns over a pro- “We have people in Congress right now who ... don’t know posal by Austrian Chancellor Sebastian groups. And a furious Italian government belonging to our Austrian homeland,” he what it’s like” to be without food or proper health care, said Kurz to offer Austrian passports to South sees Kurz’s proposal as an attack on its said. Part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Deb Haaland, 57, a Democrat running for a House seat and Tyroleans. But the offer extends to speak- sovereignty. “You can’t give away pass- for over five centuries, South Tyrol was the distinction of becoming the first Native American woman ers of German or the regional language ports without our consent,” Interior Min- ceded to Italy after World War I, but to serve in Congress. Haaland has been active in local poli- Ladin-not to those who only speak Italian. ister Matteo Salvini said at the weekend. awarded autonomous status. tics in her native New Mexico. But she says it was Trump’s While the passport issue isn’t on the “A dual passport is out of the question.” Subjected to forced “Italianization” by surprise win that got her interested in joining politics at the ballot per se, and other issues such as im- Vienna, which has yet to draw up a con- Benito Mussolini from the 1920s, just before national level. migration have dominated the campaign, crete roadmap for its scheme, has recently World War II the province’s German speak- That sentiment is found among many new Democratic the dual-nationality question has never- sought to calm the waters, promising to ers were offered the option of “returning” hopefuls, including a record number of women, who have left theless been a hot-button topic. Propo- proceed solely with Rome’s consent. to Nazi Germany or remaining as fully their mark on the American political scene since their some- nents of dual citizenship claim it will forge ‘We have nothing to do with Italy’ fledged Italians. In 1948, the rights of the times shock victories in the primaries. A former refugee, Ilhan a stronger European identity in the face of In South Tyrol’s capital Bolzano, the three main language groups-German, Ital- Omar, 36, could become the first Somali-American woman in growing far-right and populist forces. But low-key campaign is in evidence only ian and Ladin-were enshrined in the terri- the House and one of its first Muslim women. Ayanna Press- critics fear offering Austrian nationality through a few political posters in the tory’s autonomy statute. But for many the ley, a 40-something African-American woman who is trying only to German- and Ladin-speakers town’s green spaces. For retired bank em- dream of rejoining Austria, or attaining in- to move from local politics in Boston to a seat in Washington, could prove divisive in a territory often ployee Rene, Austrian citizenship would be dependence from Italy, never faded. There promises to be “part of a movement that brings change and a dream come true. “We have nothing to was even a series of separatist bombings a new perspective to Washington.” —AFP held up as a model of peaceful cohabita- tion between the different linguistic do with Italy. It’ll give us back a feeling of during the 1950s and 1960s. —AFP Friday 15 International Friday, October 19, 2018 Trump pulling out of pact that discounted foreign postal deliveries Change to benefit US merchants, shippers, including Amazon WASHINGTON: The Trump administration will tration is prepared to rescind the notice of with- begin withdrawing from a United Nations pact drawal and remain in the UPU,” White House that offered low rates for foreign postal deliver- spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement. ies of small packages in the United States, the China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang latest move to challenge practices it sees as un- said that China regretted the US decision to pull fairly advantageous to China. White House offi- out of the UPU, adding that the pact has had a cials said on Wednesday the United States positive effect on trade and communications. would start the process of leaving the Universal China’s consistent position was to safeguard Postal Union (UPU), a Switzerland-based organ- multilateralism and it would continue to partici- ization that connects postal services worldwide. pate in and support the work of the union, he The White House said the UPU enables for- told a regular news briefing. eign postal services to take advantage of cheap UPU Director General Bishar Hussein said he shipments to the United States, creating an unfair would seek meetings with US officials to discuss cost advantage over US companies that ship the matter. “The UPU remains committed to at- goods, and hurting the US Postal Service. Shares tainment of the noble aims of international col- of internet-based mailing and shipping provider laboration by working with all its 192 member Stamps.com fell nearly 9 percent after the an- countries to ensure that the treaty best serves nouncement. Online shoppers in the United States everyone,” he said in a statement. One senior have often benefited from the arrangement, gain- White House said the treaty’s “subsidy” had fa- ing access to foreign goods at little cost. cilitated the transfer of a high level of counterfeit US President Donald Trump is distancing the goods and the narcotic and fentanyl trade. United States from international multilateral or- Another official said the system allowed for a ganizations and accompanying policies that he 40 to 70 percent discount on small packages ar- says hurt US interests. Trump has announced US riving in the United States from China compared withdrawal from the Paris agreement to mitigate to what it would cost to send them domestically, climate change and an international deal with costing $300 million. The official described it as CALIFORNIA: This file photo shows a mailbox for United States Postal Service (USPS) and Iran to curb Tehran’s nuclear program. The an economic distortion that the administration other mail outside a home in California. — Reuters White House will seek to renegotiate the terms wanted to correct. A change could benefit US of the UPU rules during the year-long with- merchants and shippers, including Amazon.com rates. Amazon declined to comment. The Na- significantly to the flood of counterfeit goods drawal process, officials said. Inc, which have called on US officials for years tional Association of Manufacturers called the and dangerous drugs that enter the country “If negotiations are successful, the adminis- to address foreign postal services’ access to low agreement “outdated” and said it “contributes from China.” — Reuters Freed Vietnam blogger ‘Mother Military men on Mushroom’ threshold regaining arrives in US power in Brazil
CHICAGO: A dissident Vietnamese blogger RIO DE JANEIRO: More than three decades after the end of known by her pen name ‘Mother Mush- military dictatorship, army men look to be on the threshold of room’ has arrived in the United States after TEXAS: In this handout photo, Vietnam dissident blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu returning to power in Brazil, this time through elections in a her surprise release from prison, telling a Quynh, center, is surrounded by well-wishers as she arrives at Houston crime-ridden country whose official motto is “Order and large crowd of supporters she will “never George Bush airport in Houston, Texas. — AFP Progress.” The comfortable favorite in an October 28 presi- keep silent” in her fight for democracy in dential run-off is Jair Bolsonaro, a former army captain who the one-party state. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu has chosen a newly retired general, Hamilton Mourao, as his Quynh, 39, was quietly freed from a jail on the chaotic scene on Facebook, at Houston’s She was sentenced to 10 years in jail vice president if he wins. Wednesday in Vietnam and put on a plane George Bush airport where she arrived just last year, a heavy ruling that drew swift re- At least four others with military backgrounds are tipped to with her elderly mother and two young before midnight on Wednesday. She said it buke from the US, the EU and UN. Earlier enter government under a president Bolsonaro. The 63-year- children who were seen smiling and hug- was not an easy move leaving her country this year police moved her to a prison hun- old candidate has vowed to rule “with authority, but without ging her in images shared on social media. but vowed to “never keep silent” in her fight dreds of kilometres from her hometown authoritarianism”-though his nostalgic talk of the 1964-1985 Her unexpected release after two years for rights issues back home. Nha Trang in central Vietnam, which she dictatorship he served, his promises to arm “good” citizens, and behind bars came as US defense chief Jim “I will continue to raise my voice until said had taken a toll on her family who his talk in favor of torture have chilled many voters. Mattis visited Vietnam as part of warming there is human rights in Vietnam, real were exhausted by the travel. “It was time In Brazil, a 1979 amnesty gave immunity to those responsi- human rights,” she told AFP by phone be- for me to think of my family, I made this ties between the former foes, who are eager ble for the 434 murders and the torture of thousands during fore getting into a car with her family. final decision (to leave) for the future of my to counter China’s rising influence in Asia. the dictatorship, counted by a national truth commission. A de- Quynh has been behind bars since her ar- two kids,” she said. The US embassy in Neither the Pentagon nor the Vietnamese classified CIA report revealed that the elimination of oppo- rest in 2016 when she was arrested while Hanoi said Quynh had requested to go to government commented on the timing of nents was ordered at the highest levels of the government at visiting a fellow activist in prison. She was the US if released and urged Vietnam to Quynh’s release, though the US embassy in the time. In many democracies, evoking such brutal rule posi- later convicted for “anti-state propa- free other activists. “We will continue to Hanoi said they welcomed the move. tively in a campaign would be anathema. But in Brazil today, The outspoken blogger, whose name ganda” for publishing damning Facebook call on the government of Vietnam to im- with more than 62,000 murders annually and a constant fear comes from her daughter’s nickname “mush- posts about deaths in police custody, a mediately and unconditionally release all of armed robberies, the law and order evoked by past military room”, smiled and spoke to a large crowd of toxic spill in central Vietnam and the criti- prisoners of conscience,” embassy spokes- times has lent it support among younger voters. — AFP friends and supporters, many livestreaming cisms of the ruling communist party. woman Karen Tang said. —AFP 16 Friday International Friday, October 19, 2018 Hindu hardliners step up campaign to block Indian temple to women Local Hindu groups declare 12-hour shutdown
NILACKAL, India: Hindu hardliners blocked in- count corroborated by other drivers. “No one will tersections, threatened drivers, threw stones at get to the temple today because all the drivers are buses and ordered a 12-hour strike yesterday as scared for the safety of their cars,” one hotel re- they stepped up their campaign to bar women ceptionist said. Shops, businesses and schools in from one of India’s holiest temples. The Lord the area were shut. State authorities have insisted Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in the southern that they will ensure access, imposing restrictions state of Kerala was meant to allow women from on public gatherings of more than five people that Wednesday following an order by India’s highest came into force from midnight, and laying on court last month. But hundreds of traditionalists, buses for devotees. throwing stones at baton-wielding police, defied Kerala police, who have drafted in hundreds of the order-surrounding and shouting at any woman extra officers, many with helmets and body armor attempting to make it to the hilltop site. over their khaki uniforms, provided escorts to Angry young men also some buses. Police also surrounded and smashed patrolled through the the car windows of fe- night and reinforced their male television reporters presence at Nilackal, the and threatened others, in- Female base camp below the cluding an AFP reporter. correspondent temple. Press reports said Another female corre- around 40 people were spondent was kicked. The was kicked arrested. But groups of NILACKAL, India: Indian police take a Hindu activist into custody as protesters rallied against a Supreme Court activists blocked the path between 50 and 100 verdict revoking a ban on women’s entry to a Hindu temple, in Nilackal in southern Kerala state. —AFP and shouted at another young men gathered at female journalist yester- intersections yesterday, Impure The restriction reflected an old but still preva- day. Overnight local Hindu groups declared a 12- checking vehicles. Last month India’s Supreme Court overturned lent belief that menstruating women are impure, hour shutdown of local businesses, telling drivers “Traditions that have existed since before a ban on females of menstruating age-judged be- and the fact that the deity Ayyappa was reputed that their vehicles would be attacked if they took courts cannot be tampered with,” Krishna Kumar, tween 10 and 50 — entering and praying at the to have been celibate. The Supreme Court ruling anyone towards the temple. “Some men came to a tall muscular man in his 20s at one crossroads in hilltop temple, reached by an tough uphill trek. enraged traditionalists, including supporters of the parking lot early yesterday and warned taxi the town of Kozhencherry, said. In some areas, Women are permitted to enter most Hindu temples Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationalist drivers against defying the shutdown call,” taxi protesters threw stones at the buses. The situation but female devotees are still barred from some. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Biju S. Pillai, a local driver Praveen, in the town of Pathanamthitta, said. at the actual temple was calm, meanwhile, with the The entry of women at Sabarimala was long taboo, man in his 30s, was one of those opposed to the “They warned drivers at several nearby park- first pilgrims arriving. But none of them were with a ban formalized by the Kerala High Court in court ruling, telling AFP that he returned from ing lots and hotels. Anyone who defies it will be women older than 10 or younger than 50, an AFP 1991. But last month India’s Supreme Court over- working in Dubai to “protect the sanctity of the risking damage to his vehicle,” he added in an ac- photographer said. turned the ruling. temple”. —AFP Bhutan seeks movement in India gained traction in recent weeks. happiness in India looks to Akbar has denied wrongdoing and said he was stepping down so that he could fight the allegations in court. A Delhi court began proceedings on new govt tighten sexual Thursday in a defamation suit filed by Akbar against one of the women who leveled accusations THIMPHU, Bhutan: The Himalayan kingdom of against him. The next hearing will be on Oct 31. Bhutan, wedged between India and China, harassment laws The previous government passed a workplace voted in a national election yesterday guaran- harassment act and an act to amend criminal law in teed to usher in a new ruling party which must THIMPU, Bhutan: A Bhutanese voter casts his ballot at a NEW DELHI: India is considering tightening sex- 2013. The latter made sexual harassment, stalking boost the economy without compromising the polling station in Thimpu. —AFP ual harassment laws, government officials said yes- and voyeurism crimes. But women’s groups say a country’s fierce independent streak. The coun- terday, after an avalanche of complaints of abuse requirement that accusations be made to a work- try of 800,000 people, famed for its Gross Na- lodged by women in recent weeks thrust the issue place complaints committee within three months is tional Happiness index, is holding only its third which won Bhutan’s first election in 2008, on to the forefront of politics. Changes to the laws are unfair as some women cannot quickly muster the democratic election since the ending of the ab- 90,020. Harvard-educated prime minister being considered as the government weighs differ- courage to take that step. The government should solute monarchy in 2008. Tshering Tobgay conceded defeat after his rul- ent proposals to tackle harassment, one of the of- review certain provisions of the sexual harassment The capital’s streets were mainly empty as ing party slumped to third place. ficials said. “The official announcement could come prevention law, said Rebecca John, a lawyer who is authorities declared a holiday for the election. The rivals have vowed to bolster the econ- next week,” said the official, who works in the prime defending the woman against whom Akbhar has Many voters looked forward to seeing a new omy and health system and improve govern- minister’s office. filed a defamation suit. government tackling problems including ment transparency. Corruption, rural poverty, The officials declined to give any details about “The provision of filing a complaint within Bhutan’s large foreign debt, mainly owed to youth unemployment and criminal gangs are all possible changes. The government focus on the law three months should be made more flexible,” she India. “We expect a new broom to sweep well,” problems for the “Land of the Thunder has come after women’s rights groups complained said. In the case of many of the recent complaints said engineer Gopal Chettri after voting in the Dragon.” The key will be making money from that the existing laws do not go far enough to ad- against journalists, actors and other public figures, capital Thimphu. “It is a country with a limited the country’s hydro-electric power, which is dress the widespread problem of sexual harass- many of which were made under the #MeToo budget so what can you say. Whatever party mainly exported to India. The DPT wants more ment. A junior government minister resigned on hashtag on social media, the accusations related wins has to cope with it.” hydro-power construction while the DNT is Wednesday after he faced sexual harassment ac- to incidents that happened years ago. Women’s Results of the runoff vote-to be announced more wary of increasing Bhutan’s foreign debt. cusations from more than a dozen women. groups also say that the law doesn’t make clear Friday-could see a government formed by a Hydropower financing-which comes to more The allegations related to when the junior for- who in a workplace is in charge of ensuring com- party only registered in 2013. Druk Nyamrup than $1.5 billion-accounts for more than 80 per- eign minister, M J Akbar, was a top newspaper ed- pliance and is therefore responsible if its provi- Tshogpa (DNT) narrowly led the first round of cent of Bhutan’s foreign debt. Most is owed to itor. He is the biggest casualty since the #MeToo sions are not followed. —Reuters voting on September 15 with 92,722 votes, just India, which has financed four out of five of the ahead of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), kingdom’s new hydro-electric projects. —AFP Friday 17 International Friday, October 19, 2018 Afghan Taleban issues fresh call to boycott foreign plot of elections Thousands of police deployed across to ensure security
KABUL: The Taleban issued a fresh call for rity but already nine candidates have been as- Afghans to boycott this week’s parliamentary sassinated and hundreds of people have been elections yesterday, denouncing the vote as a killed and wounded in election-related attacks. foreign-imposed process that went against Although the Taleban say they will not delib- both Islam and Afghan culture. The statement erately target civilians, security officials say at- was the third such call and followed a similar tacks are likely on Saturday morning to deter message on Wednesday telling teachers not to voters from going to polling stations. The Tale- participate as election workers in polling sta- ban’s strong opposition to the vote comes tions, many of which are located in schools. It against a backdrop of contacts with US offi- said the elections “have no Islamic or Afghan cials over possible talks to end the 17-year war essence but are a for- in Afghanistan, with eign plot to prolong both sides attempting to occupation” and said it secure the upper hand was the duty of every before any formal nego- Afghan and Muslim to Elections have tiations begin. oppose them. no Islamic or The elections, which “Consequently, have been repeatedly preachers and prayer Afghan essence delayed, are seen as a leaders must inform key credibility test for their constituency, Afghanistan’s demo- while tribal leaders and cratic institutions but influential figures must with two days left until prevent participation by the public,” the state- the vote, officials were still rushing to complete ment said. The elections for the lower house of preparations. Untested biometric voter regis- KANDAHAR: Afghan policemen stand guard at a checkpoint ahead of parliamentary election in Kandahar. —AFP parliament are due to take place on Saturday tration equipment introduced at the last minute but preparations have been dogged by chaotic at the demand of political parties was still fraudulently recorded and the real number of tions in April next year. District council elec- organization and allegations of widespread being sent out and set up in remote provincial likely voters is unknown. The lower house of tions, which were due to be held alongside the fraud as well as worries that polling stations voting centers and it was unclear whether it parliament, with 249 seats and an extra seat parliamentary elections, have been abandoned will be attacked. would be ready in time. reserved for the small Sikh community, has lit- and in Ghazni province voting will be delayed Thousands of police and soldiers have been Some 8.8 million names have been regis- tle power but the elections are seen as a vital because of arguments over the representation deployed across the country to ensure secu- tered but millions of these are believed to be step before more important presidential elec- of different ethnic groups. —Reuters Tunisia flash province,” the ministry said in a statement. The floods leave Czech soldiers five soldiers were injured when a civilian vehicle loaded with explosives was blown up near an armored vehicle which then rolled over, it added. five dead wounded in One soldier with serious injuries underwent sur- gery and his life is no longer in danger. TUNIS: Flash flooding in Tunisia has Another with light injuries remained in hos- killed at least five people while a further Afghan attack pital while the other three were released, the two are unaccounted for, the interior min- ministry said. On August 5, three Czech soldiers istry said yesterday. Two died in the Kef PRAGUE: Five Czech soldiers have been injured were killed in a suicide bombing while on patrol region in the northwest and another in in an attack in Afghanistan only two months after in the eastern Parwan province alongside a US Grombalia in the north, ministry three others were killed, the Czech defense min- soldier and two Afghan soldiers, who were spokesperson Sofiene Zaag said. On istry said yesterday. “The attack on the Czech wounded. The Taleban claimed responsibility for Wednesday a six-year-old child drowned patrol occurred on Wednesday around 1220 the attack. It was the deadliest assault on NATO TUNIS: People drive through a street flooded by torrential GMT near the Bagram base in the Parwan soldiers in many months. —AFP in Sidi Bouzid in central Tunisia and a 40- rains in the Tunisian capital Tunis. —AFP year-old man was swept away by a sea- sonal river in the neighboring province of the governor’s bodyguard opened fire and hit Kasserine, the ministry said. they navigated flooded routes to work Top Afghan Razeq in the back as soon as officials came out of One person has been missing since in the capital. the meeting. The governor and the local head of Wednesday in Kasserine and another in Schools also remained closed in the NDS intelligence service were wounded. Zaghouan in northeastern Tunisia, Zaag Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid and several other official killed Several Afghan and international security of- added. The drownings come less than a affected areas. The interior ministry ficials said Razeq, one of Afghanistan’s most month after torrential rains killed at least urged drivers to take care, as numerous in shooting powerful commanders with a fearsome reputa- five people in the northeastern region of roads across the country are impassa- tion as an enemy of the Taleban, had been killed. Cap Bon. Water levels have risen in sev- ble. People have lashed out at the au- KANDAHAR: The top US commander in Miller, who had been attending a meeting with eral cities, including Tunis and its out- thorities for failing to maintain drainage Afghanistan, General Scott Miller escaped unhurt security officials ahead of parliamentary elec- skirts, where most schools were closed systems or clear rubbish from seasonal after a burst of gunfire in the governor’s com- tions on Saturday, was not injured but two Amer- yesterday. Some commuters parked riverbeds, despite frequent heavy rains pound in Kandahar province yesterday but the icans were wounded in the crossfire and had been evacuated, NATO spokesman Colonel Knut their cars and took off their shoes as in the autumn.—AFP powerful police chief General Abdul Razeq was killed, officials said. A senior security official said Peters said. —Reuters 18 Friday International Friday, October 19, 2018 Pope gets invite to North Korea, indicates will consider visit South Korea’s Moon speaks of peace hopes VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis yesterday re- fice quoted the pope as responding to Moon: ceived an invitation to visit North Korea and the “your message is already sufficient but it would pontiff indicated that he would consider making be good for him to send a formal invitation.” “I what would be a landmark trip to the hermit na- will definitely answer if I get the invitation, and tion, according to South Korean officials. South I can go,” the president’s office quoted the Korean President Moon Jae-in relayed the invi- pope as saying. tation from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the pope verbally during a 35-minute meeting Reconciliation in the Vatican. The pope is expected to be in Asia during a Any visit would be the first by a pope to the trip to Japan next year. A Vatican statement reclusive state which made no mention of the does not allow priests to verbal invitation from be permanently sta- Kim. It spoke only of “the tioned there. There is lit- promotion of dialogue tle information on how Do not stop, and reconciliation be- many of its citizens are tween Koreans” and “the Catholic, or how they move forward common commitment to practice their faith. Kim fostering all useful initia- told Moon, a Catholic, of tives to overcome the his wish to meet the tensions that still exist in VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, center, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, left, and his wife Kim Jung- pontiff during a meeting the Korean Peninsula, in sook (R) pose during a private audience at the Vatican. — AFP last month and the South order to usher in a new Korean leader announced before the trip that he season of peace and development.” would be relaying a message. The two Koreas have held three summits this antees freedom of religion as long as it does not in the hope that the situation could improve. According to the president’s office, Francis year. Kim also held an unprecedented summit undermine the state. But beyond a handful of Church officials estimate that North Korea expressed his strong support for efforts to with US President Donald Trump in Singapore state-controlled places of worship, no open re- had a Catholic community of about 55,000 bring peace to the Korean peninsula. Moon’s in June, and promised to work toward denu- ligious activity is allowed. just before the 1950-53 Korean War. Reli- office quoted the pope as telling Moon: “Do not clearization of the Korean peninsula. Any trip to Aides close to the pope have said he is gious agencies have estimated the number re- stop, move forward. Do not be afraid.” Asked if the North, however brief, could be contentious open to taking what they call first steps in maining from the few hundreds to about Kim should send a formal invitation, Moon’s of- for the pope. North Korea’s constitution guar- places where the Church has been persecuted 4,000. —Reuters
Desperate times for Australian Australian state govt as crunch legalizes abortion SYDNEY: Queensland lawmakers have voted to legalize election looms abortion, overturning a century-old “morality” law and capping SYDNEY: Australia’s embattled centre- a 50-year campaign in Australia’s most conservative state. The right government faces a make-or-break state parliament approved 50-41 late Wednesday the law al- test this weekend, with by-election voters in lowing women to terminate pregnancies at up to 22 weeks, and Sydney’s wealthy beachside suburbs appar- later with the approval of two doctors. The legislation also cre- ently poised to wipe out Prime Minister ates 150-metre “safe access” zones around clinics offering Scott Morrison’s slender parliamentary ma- abortions where protests are banned, and it requires doctors jority. Polls show the government losing in who refuse to perform abortions to refer women elsewhere. SYDNEY: An election poster of independent candidate Kerryn Phelps is seen on a street in Pro-choice campaigners had been seeking since the 1970s Wentworth on Saturday and with it their the seat of Wentworth in Sydney. — AFP one-seat parliamentary majority, in what has to overturn an 1899 criminal code adopted from British law that been described as the most consequential criminalized abortion as an “offence against morality”. Abor- by-election in modern Australian history. tions were rarely prosecuted in the state, but pro-choice cam- loss and a minority government would derail issues that they were strong on they’ve lost paigners had until now been unable to overturn the criminal Defeat in the once safe Liberal seat the Liberals’ legislative agenda, make Mor- their way on,” said Economou. would be a huge embarrassment for Morri- code. This week’s vote come at a time when women hold po- rison a virtual lame duck prime minister and Morrison has invested heavily in the sitions of influence in Queensland politics. The state govern- son-whose two-month tenure as prime min- perhaps even trigger a vote of no confi- vote, appearing multiple times on the stump ister has been marked by crisis and party ment is headed by two-term Labor Premier Annastacia dence in his premiership. with Liberal candidate Dave Sharma and Palaszczuk, whose deputy, Jackie Trad, is a long-time pro- infighting-and would send him limping into upending decades of Australian foreign pol- next year’s general election. The sprawling choice campaigner. Crumbling before our eyes icy in a desperate bid to woo Wentworth’s Queensland’s main conservative opposition Liberal National constituency takes in the famous Bondi The by-election was triggered by the Jewish voters. Morrison floated the idea of Beach and the haunts of stars like Russell Party (LNP) is also led by a woman, Deb Frecklington. The LNP resignation of Malcolm Turnbull as an MP moving the Australian embassy in Israel remains officially opposed to abortion, but Frecklington al- Crowe and Hugh Jackman. after he was turfed out of the prime minis- from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that “It could not come at a worse time for lowed its lawmakers to vote their conscience, helping push the tership in a party coup, despite calls for him prompted Palestinian anger and infuriated measure through. “History has been made,” Palaszczuk tweeted Scott Morrison because sometimes even to stay on and not jeopardize the coalition’s Australia’s Muslim-majority neighbor In- winning a by-election might not be enough after the vote. “Women will no longer have the fear of commit- hold on power. “Since the Turnbull demise, donesia. Opinion polls show Sharma, a for- ting a crime when making the deeply personal decisions over for a new leader-you have to win it convinc- they have really been crumbling before our mer Australian ambassador to Israel, trailing ingly,” politics expert Nick Economou of their own bodies.” Anti-abortion campaigners vowed to pursue eyes. They are abandoning policies left, right independent candidate Kerryn Phelps by their efforts. —AFP Monash University said. Analysts believe a and centre, a reshuffle has left them all at sea, around ten points. —AFP Friday
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018 www.kuwaittimes.net
A model presents a creation from the fashion brand ‘TOKUKO 1er VOL’ for the 2019 Spring/Summer collection at Tokyo Fashion Week in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP
Myanmar Buddhist temple now a nirvana for snakes See Page 22 20 Friday
Friday, October 19, 2018 Lifestyle | Features Russian director Serebrennikov set for trial over fraud case
he trial of Russian stage and screen director Kirill late last year. The production was itself mired in controversy and its Serebrennikov started yesterday, more than a year after opening was delayed by six months. Management cited an under- The was placed under house arrest in a controversial rehearsed cast but others said the ballet’s explicit homosexual embezzlement probe. Prosecutors say Serebrennikov embezzled themes or the criminal case against its director were the real cause. over $2 million of state funding for a theatre project. He has dis- In 2012 Serebrennikov was appointed to oversee a failing, state- missed the charges against him as “absurd” and insists the mon- run theatre now known as the Gogol Centre. ey went on mounting productions. Supporters see the probe as Under his management it became one of Moscow’s best the- part of a crackdown on artistic independence under President atres and a hotspot for the capital’s liberal intelligentsia. But his Vladimir Putin. appointment and experimental work there-frequently featuring The closed hearing at Moscow’s Meshchansky court at 10am nudity and strong language-angered cultural conservatives. (0700 GMT) will allow the sides to present their arguments before “There was a battle against him ever since he took over the a judge. A date will also be set for further hearings on the sub- Gogol Centre,” John Freedman, a Moscow-based expert on con- stance of the case. The 49-year-old has been held under a repeat- temporary Russian theatre, told AFP. Four months after he was edly extended house arrest since August 2017. A number of his placed under house arrest, a court seized his assets, including his collaborators were detained and are facing charges. apartment and car. Dozens of prominent figures in Russia and Serebrennikov’s movie “Leto” (Summer), based on the story of a international stars, including Cate Blanchett and Ian McKellen cult late-Soviet rock group, was screened in competition at the have called for Serebrennikov to be freed without charge. Since Cannes film festival this year in his absence. the criminal case against him Serebrennikov has become the most Russian stage and screen director Kirill Serebrennikov He was unable to attend the premiere of his ballet based on the recognizable face of Moscow theatre, with calls for his release at enters a courtyard in Moscow yesterday. — AFP life of Russian dance legend Rudolf Nureyev at the Bolshoi Theatre premieres and curtain calls in the capital. — AFP
Wilson to reprise role alongside Elba in talks to Melissa McCarthy wormed her way into new movie Farmiga in Annabelle 3 join Cats cast elissa McCarthy “wormed her way in” to her atrick Wilson is to reprise his role alongside new film ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ The Vera Farmiga in the ‘Conjuring’ franchise to star M48-year-old actress usually opts for comedy Pin the third ‘Annabelle’ movie. The 45-year-old roles but wanted to take a part in the new biopic after actor and Vera, 45 - who play Ed and Lorraine Warren her husband Ben Falcone was cast in the movie. She in the film series - appeared in the earlier films in the said: “He was cast first, and then I wormed my way in. franchise, and are set to play supporting roles in the That’s what he gets for showing me the script! ... I felt untitled ‘Annabelle’ project, Deadline reports. The a little disappointed in myself that I didn’t know who third ‘Annabelle’ movie will open with the Warrens she was. I lived in New York during this time period, bringing the Annabelle doll to their Artifacts Room, and I thought, ‘I should have known her.’ Then to find assuming it will stop the doll from creating chaos. But out the FBI got involved and she was convicted ... I in actual fact, Annabelle awakens the room’s evil and was like, ‘Why don’t I know the story?’” Melissa plays then targets Judy, the Warrens’ ten-year-old daughter. real-life author Lee Israel. Mckenna Grace will play the role of Judy in the In a bid to prop up her failing writing career, she Gary Dauberman-directed movie. Meanwhile, James forged letters from famous artists to make money and Wan previously revealed he always had ambitions to was later caught out and pleaded guilty to conspiracy turn ‘The Conjuring’ into something bigger. The direc- to transport stolen property, serving six months under dris Elba is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to star in tor - who helmed the first movie in the movie-spinning house arrest. Speaking about being able to show off Tom Hooper’s adaptation of ‘Cats’. The London-born franchise - discussed his long-term ambitions for the her dramatic skills, she added to Good Morning actor is being eyed to appear alongside the likes of Sir series prior to the release of ‘The Nun’, which was a I America: “It was fantastic. I know that it is tonally Ian McKellen, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, and Taylor spin-off of ‘The Conjuring 2’. — Bang Showbiz something that I’m not really known for.. but for me it’s Swift in the much-anticipated adaptation of Andrew Lloyd like, I still fall in love with the character, I fall in love Webber’s money-spinning musical, Variety reports. Idris, 46, with the story. — BangShowbiz has already played a feline role in his career, starring as Shere Khan in 2016’s ‘The Jungle Book’. The ‘Cats’ movie is to be produced by Tom, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Debra Hayward, while Steven Spielberg will be one of the executive producers of the project. The adaptation has been in the works for years, with Tom - who directed ‘Les Miserables’ - previously teasing the ambition back in 2016. In recent years, Idris has also been repeatedly linked with the role of James Bond. Speculation has frequently suggest- ed that the ‘Luther’ star could replace Daniel Craig as the next 007, but an insider recently claimed that the coveted role is set to be handed to Richard Madden instead. A source said: “It’s seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job.” Barbara Broccoli, the executive producer at Eon Productions, is likely to have the final say on who will become the next Bond. — BangShowbiz Friday 21 Lifestyle | Feature Friday, October 19, 2018
Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex shake hands with local schoolchildren as they take a ride on a tram in Melbourne.
Britain’s Prince Harry (second right) and Meghan (right), Duchess of Sussex speak with surf life savers at South Melbourne beach in Melbourne, Australia yesterday. — AFP photos Fans face rain to greet Harry and Meghan on Down Under tour
housands of royal fans in Melbourne waited in the rain yesterday to get a glimpse of TPrince Harry and his pregnant wife Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Albert Park Primary School in Mel- Meghan, with some overwhelmed by the expe- bourne. rience. Clutching flowers and waving flags, the screaming crowds turned out to welcome the pair, who were delayed in traffic after flying in from Sydney on the third day of their tour Down Under. “I love everything they stand for. As a human being you have so much to look up to with them,” one young fan who had been waiting since before dawn told national broadcaster ABC. A teenage girl cried tears of joy after being greeted by the prince, while Meghan was inun- dated by gifts and flower bouquets. The Duchess was wearing a tan trench-coat, believed to be by Paris-based Australian designer Martin Grant, and holding a Gucci Sylvie clutch. After the pub- lic meet-and-greet, the couple will spend some time with the Victorian Governor Linda Dessau in an official reception at Government House, be- fore heading to a restaurant that mentors indige- nous chefs. They will then follow in the footsteps of Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth during her 2011 visit by taking a tram ride in Melbourne. The couple are due to return to Sydney later this week for the opening of the global sports cham- pionship the Invictus Games, which was set up Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, by Harry for wounded military personnel after Duchess of Sussex visit Albert Park Primary School his decade of service in the army. —AFP Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Albert Park Primary School in Mel- in Melbourne. bourne. 22 Friday Lifestyle | Features Friday, October 19, 2018
Snakes resting on a window of the Baungdawgyoke pagoda, outside A monk touching a snake resting in his room in the Baungdawgyoke A snake resting on a Buddha statue at the Baungdawgyoke pagoda, Yangon. pagoda, outside Yangon. — AFP outside Yangon. Myanmar Buddhist temple now a nirvana for snakes
rossing a bridge to the middle of a lake in Myanmar’s woman, brave enough to venture close to a python, gently ca- Yangon region, pilgrims arrive at a temple to pin their resses it. The mythical “naga”-a Sanskrit word for snake-is a com- Chopes on the pythons slinking across the temple’s floors mon figure seen in temples throughout Southeast Asia, where and draped across windows. “People come here because they Buddhist, Hindu and animist influences are intertwined. Nagas are believe that their prayers will be fulfilled when they ask for usually carved out of stone and placed at the entrances. But see- something,” said Sandar Thiri, a nun residing at the Baungdaw- ing a live snake slithering among Buddha statues is rare, and for gyoke pagoda-dubbed the “snake temple” by locals. “The rule some visitors, that serves as a draw to visit Baungdawgyoke-a is that people can only ask for one thing, not many things,” she short drive southwest of downtown Yangon. said. “Don’t be greedy.” With snakes curled up next to meditating monks, the image is In the main room of the temple is a tree with figurines of Bud- reminiscent of a story in Buddhist mythology when the Buddha dha around it. The serpents move slowly through the branches, sat under a tree to meditate. According to the legend, as it started their forked tongues darting in and out as they gaze down on the to rain, a cobra protected Buddha by fanning its hood wide over worshippers prostrating themselves. his head to act as a shelter. Nay Myo Thu, a 30-year-old farmer, Many locals regard the presence of the dozens of pythons, believes he will receive good fortune by bringing the snakes he some measuring up to two or three meters in length, as a sign of finds in his fields to the temple instead of killing them, adhering the pagoda’s power. Win Myint, 45, said he has been coming to to a Buddhist belief that all animals are sentient beings that can Baungdawgyoke since he was a child. “Now I am older and I come be reincarnated as humans. “I don’t want to bring about any mis- to give offerings, which has made some of my wishes come true.” fortune by killing a creature,” Nay Myo Thu said. “Catching and Nearby, a monk dozes on a chair with two serpents curled at donating the snakes brings me good fortune instead.”—AFP his feet, their thick bodies holding 1,000 kyat notes (worth about 60 US cents) tucked in between their coils by hopeful visitors. A The Baungdawgyoke pagoda, as seen from a lake outside Yangon.
the cancellation. The halting of “Air Strike” comes as China’s film industry faces a broader reckoning from tax Bruce Willis film authorities. Celebrity TV host Cui Yongyuan-who leaked Noel Gallagher scoops two Fan’s movie contract documents earlier this year-called “Air Strike” a “huge fraud” after the actress apologized, prizes at music Q Awards cancelled after Fan without elaborating. Xinhua has reported that authorities have declared a ritish rocker Noel Gallagher Achievement Award, Chic co- wider crackdown on the entertainment industry, with of- triumphed at the Q Awards in founder Nile Rodgers, who was Bingbing tax case fenders given an amnesty until December 31 to pay any BLondon on Wednesday, given the Q Legend honor while the taxes they owe. The tax scandal has put a spotlight on the scooping two prizes at the annual Q Icon went to Echo & The Bunny- Chinese World War II epic featuring Hollywood A- alleged use of “yin and yang” dual contracts in China, in ceremony hosted by UK music mag- men frontman Ian McCulloch. Indie listers Bruce Willis and Adrien Brody has been which people sign one document for income declared to azine Q. The former Oasis song- band Wolf Alice, who last month won Ashelved after co-star Fan Bingbing was targeted by tax authorities and a second one is kept secret. — AFP writer, who released his third album Britain’s respected Mercury Prize authorities for tax evasion, local media reported. Fan is one “Who Built the Moon?” with his for the critically-acclaimed “Visions of China’s most high-profile celebrities, and has appeared High Flying Birds band last year, won of a Life” album, took Q Best Live in blockbusters “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and the Q Best Solo Artist and Q Outstand- Act. — Reuters Chinese version of “Iron Man 3”. But the 36-year-old ing Contribution To Music at the megastar disappeared from the public eye for months this awards which were established in year, fuelling speculation that she was being investigated 1990. Singer-songwriter Paul Weller, in her home country. who came to fame with The Jam in She has since apologized and been ordered to pay the 1970s and last week played a ca- Noel Gallagher nearly $130 million in back taxes and fines, the official Xin- reer-spanning gig at London’s Royal hua news agency reported on October 3. Her latest film, Festival Hall, was named Best Act In by Chinese director Xiao Feng, was due to open next The World Today. week. But Xiao wrote on China’s Twitter-like Weibo plat- Pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma took form on Wednesday that it was “time to let go” of his latest the Q Best Album award for “I’m All feature “Air Strike” after eight years of work, though he Ears” while Q Best Breakthrough added that “letting go is not giving up”. Xiao, who apolo- Act went jointly to bands Goat Girl gized to the film’s distribution companies and fans, did not and Idles. Both categories are say if or when the movie’s debut would be rescheduled. among several voted for by readers State-run media Global Times also posted on Weibo This file picture shows Chinese actress Fan Bingbing pos- of the magazine. Other honourees on Wednesday that the movie had been “cancelled without ing as she arrives for the screening of the film “Ash is included Suede lead singer Brett An- explanation”. Beijing News and news website Sina, citing Purest White (Jiang hu er nv)” at the 71st edition of the derson, who took the Q Lifetime unnamed sources from film promotion firms, also reported Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. — AFP Friday 23 Lifestyle | Feature Friday, October 19, 2018
A pity to throw it away: Insurer stores damaged art in Germany hat happens to artworks which are too badly Wdamaged to be restored once the insurer has paid out the claim? Up to 300 of them - Costume designer Ane Crabtree attends Comic Con in New York where she was part of a panel judging costumes. — AFP scratched, torn or punctured works by well-known artists including Gerhard Richter, Christo and Giorgio de Chirico - are stored in an AXA warehouse near the western Ger- man city of Cologne. One of the world’s biggest art insur- #MeToo personal for ‘Handmaid’s ers, AXA receives claims every year for damage to paintings, sculptures and drawings. Some 80 percent of them can be restored. The rest, which either cannot be or are too expensive to be repaired come to this warehouse. “We store artworks, objects and collector items by no- Tale’ costume designer table artists for which we have compensated our cus- tomers, we take ownership of them and keep them for the rom the United States to Argentina, by way of Ireland and an artist, you are trying to express the times, aren’t you? Trying future,” said Kai Kuklinski, head of AXA Art Insurance. Poland, the red habit and white bonnet synonymous with “The to understand how to communicate and emotionally commune “The main goal is to keep this art as it is too much of a FHandmaid’s Tale” have become a powerful symbol of the with people.” pity to throw it away,” he said. AXA gives some pieces, #MeToo movement. Yet its potency has come as a shock to 54- which include paintings, collector items and antiquities, to year-old costume designer Ane Crabtree, the creator of the now ‘Normal and terrifying’ research projects. Some are auctioned for charity and iconic outfit for the runaway-hit television series based on the Her costume-which instantly evokes dread-clearly struck a others kept, in case they can be repaired later, once dystopian 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood. “It’s a very big thing. chord, even if the design cost her countless sleepless nights and restoration techniques have improved. “Otherwise, we It’s grown bigger than the purpose I designed it for,” Crabtree told lengthy periods of self-doubt. “I had great love for the story and keep things for many years, up to decades, in our ware- AFP during a recent visit to New York to be a judge at Comic Con. respect for the story,” she said. “I didn’t want to get it wrong.” But house,” said Kuklinksi. Works in the Cologne warehouse she knew she wanted “to do something different, not just do a pe- include a damaged offset print of Christo’s “Wrapped Re- riod look that nobody would relate to in 2016,” explained Crabtree. ichstag”. Another is “Black Red Gold”, a painting by Ger- “I wanted people to be afraid. I wanted it to be normal and terri- hard Richter which was damaged because of the way it fying. Sometimes the most terrifying things are the most normal was hung. One of the most unusual items is a painting by things and then you think, ‘Oh my God, it could happen-this really Giorgio de Chirico which was almost destroyed when a could be me’.” wrecking ball from next door ripped through it as it hung Crabtree’s bet paid off, but she didn’t escape unscathed. The on the wall of a house. — Reuters two seasons she spent working on “The Handmaid’s Tale” dredged up a past she had been keen to forget. “This show triggers too much of my own personal life and I didn’t realize this until this month,” she said. US President Donald Trump’s 2016 election vic- tory left her “so angry” that she threw her rage into her work and says the experience brought to the surface sexual abuse she suf- fered as a child.
‘Healing’ Women dressed as characters from the novel-turned-TV series “The “I didn’t remember anything till I was 28 and it is still buried in Handmaid’s Tale” stand in an elevator at the Hart Senate Office Building. many ways,” she said. “It was not at the forefront when I began this journey with ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ but it has absolutely highlighted The book’s success has been amplified by the wild popularity everything,” she added. The mental toll became so onerous that she of the Hulu series, which first aired in April 2017 just as liberal left the series after two seasons, despite the show’s enormous suc- Naief Abou of German art logistics company Roggendorf America started contending with the presidency of Donald Trump. cess and the boost it had given her career. “It’s so healing in the Master Packer unpacks the damaged sculpture Atwood’s nightmare of an America transformed into a totalitarian long run, it’s both very painful and beautiful at the same time... how “Waescherin” by an unknown artist during a media tour society, where women are reduced to sexual slavery, quickly be- it keeps coinciding with real life.” in a depot of German art insurer AXA Art that stores dam- came a parable to many about the political shift to the right and While she has since worked on other projects-notably a “fem- aged art in Cologne, Germany. — Reuters the national reckoning about sexual abuse. Since then, female pro- inist” film with “Mudbound” director Dee Rees and another with testers have donned the costumes worn on TV by the persecuted actress Anjelica Huston-Crabtree is happy to see her costumes take women on Gilead all over the world. on a life of their own. Reality star Kim Kardashian made a “Hand- In Washington, women who opposed the confirmation of new maid’s Tale” statement-albeit an incongruous one with a plunging Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh-in part because of sexual neckline, bulging cleavage and thigh-high slit. Lingerie website assault allegations against him-donned the habit. Others wore it at Yandy caused uproar with a “Brave Red Maiden Costume” for Hal- abortion rallies in Buenos Aires and Dublin, or at anti-Trump rallies loween-a skimpy, skin-tight minidress with long red cape and white in Warsaw. Crabtree, the daughter of a US father from Kentucky bonnet, which it was forced to withdraw in late September under and a Japanese mother from Okinawa, admits she was oblivious to a storm of controversy. Crabtree laughs it off. “Everyone is going the phenomenon at first. “For two and a half years, I was doing ‘The to dress themselves the way it fits them,” she says. “I am a purist- Handmaid’s Tale’. I did not really see the impact,” she says. any artist would want to see it the way they envisioned-but maybe Filming was intense and breaks were rare. It was only after- that’s ego and maybe we should just let people be.”— AFP wards that Crabtree, who worked in fashion in the 1990s before Employees of German art insurer AXA Art unpack the dam- moving into television, realized that her design had taken on a aged artwork ‘Fragile Identity 9r’ by Matias Putus during a life of its own. “For me, it’s brilliant news-it’s something that’s media tour. quite emotional and emotionally satisfying,” she tells AFP. “As 24 Friday Lifestyle | Features Friday, October 19, 2018 Billions lost to creatives who can’t manage, says Puttnam rilliant” entertainment businesses are “falling like flies” because creatives do “Bnot know how to manage, the legendary British film producer Lord Puttnam has claimed. The veteran Oscar-winner behind “The Killing Fields” and “Chariots of Fire”-and the only non- American ever to lead a Hollywood studio-said the problem is putting a massive brake on the This file photo shows a woman taking photographs as people sit in front of the Tourists look at the work of painters in Place du Tertre in the Montmartre multi-billon-euro industry. Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre in Paris. — AFP photos district of Paris. David Puttnam told MIPCOM, the world’s top entertainment showcase in Cannes, that creatives from film to games tend to end up ditching good businesses when they begin to grow out of their Mass tourism sparks control. “What happens is potentially brilliant businesses fall like flies once they start doing well because people did not get into this to manage, and they walk away. “The moment you dislocate bale for Montmartre’s soul yourself from the creative process and you be- come a manager is awful,” Puttnam admitted. “I hated every single day of my two years at Colum- bia Pictures. It was horrible,” he told the gathering nside a dark, low-ceilinged room once fre- cobblestoned streets. “I’m 90 years old but I’m Already a hit with the tourists, Montmartre in the French Riviera resort, which ends Thursday. quented by Picasso and Modigliani when not giving up,” he says pointing to the cabaret’s won further acclaim when its picturesque streets Ithey were still struggling artists, a group of sparse furnishings of plain wooden tables and hit the big screen in 1991 with the release of ‘Hopelessly unsuited’ tourists from Russia, Canada and Australia are benches. Its walls are decorated with copies of “Amelie”, a light-hearted romantic comedy “I was unprepared, unqualified and hopelessly listening to traditional French songs. This is the works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Toulouse- which painted a rosy, idealized version of the unsuited to being a manager. So how do you get Lapin Agile, a small house surrounded by acacia Lautrec, artists whose original paintings once neighborhood. But while the area’s unique gifted people to run nice-sized businesses that trees which is home to the last cabaret in Mont- helped pay for their meals there. charm has caught the attention of stars like Hol- are comfortable-but understand that is different martre, an iconic neighborhood perched on a Many folk singers also made their debut lywood actor Johnny Depp, locals are moving to sitting down at a drawing board doing anima- hilltop in the middle of Paris. But in recent here-among them Leo Ferre, Georges out. Thirty years ago, the cost of an apartment tion?” He said the creative industries in Britain, decades, this village-like district of steep, hills Brassens and Charles Aznavour who passed was around 1,500 euros per square meter Germany and France generate 161 billion euros and sweeping views has been transformed by away earlier this month aged 94. But these ($1,700 for 10 square feet). ($185 billion) a year and 2.2 million jobs, with rev- the arrival of mass tourism. days, the top of the hill-”la Butte”-which was Today, buyers are looking at 10,000 or even enue nearly doubling in the UK in five years. “It’s the last of the traditional cabarets,” says once a 19th-century mecca for artists, risks 20,000 euros per square meter, says Brice “The need for clear-sighted leadership has owner Yves Mathieu, grumbling about the pro- being swamped by industrial-scale interna- Moyse who heads Immopolis, an estate agency never been more critical,” said the producer and liferation of souvenir shops selling Paris mugs tional tourism. Some 12 million tourists tramp which specializes in properties in Montmartre. educator as he launched a new executive MBA and Eiffel tower key rings clogging the nearby up its slopes every year, usually to admire the With such prices, there no chance that any course for the screen industries with the Univer- white-stone Sacre Coeur basilica, the struggling writer or artist could even think of sity of Arts London (UAL). “Our sector is differ- panoramic views of Paris, or to visit the most following in the footsteps of Pissarro or Renoir ent,” argued Puttnam, who ran Britain’s National famous of the French capital’s vineyards. by moving into the district. Film and Television School for a decade and is But the Place du Tertre, a village-like square at the top, is threatening to become some sort Painters squeezed out credited with predicting pay TV as early as 1981. of “Disneyland”, says Alain Coquard, president Those artists who do work there tend to Conventional MBAs don’t work for creatives be- of the self-proclaimed “Republic of Mont- make a living by rushing off pencil sketches of cause they “teach managerialism for much bigger martre”, an association set up in 1921 to oppose tourists or more elaborate paintings of city land- companies,” he said.—AFP urban development. For now, Montmartre hasn’t scapes which they sell to visitors. But even they yet turned into Venice, he says of the historic fear being chased away. Much of the artwork in Italian city which is visited by around 24 million local tourist shops is made in China and sold at tourists annually every year. “There is still stuff bargain prices. “They are forgers, parasites!” worth saving,” says Coquard. But for long-time fumes street artist Midani M’Barki, referring to Tourists walking past painters at the Place du residents, it’s another story. “Here, at the top of the Chinese competition. M’Barki, who heads the Tertre (Tertre square) as they visit the Montmartre the Butte, it’s game over,” sighs this 76-year-old, Paris-Montmartre artists’ association, also rails hill. sitting at his usual table in a restaurant once against the way local cafes and restaurants have painted by Vincent Van Gogh. increasingly taken over the pavements, squeez- ing out painters. Property prices gone wild A recent bylaw gives street artists the right Spiralling rents have driven out ordinary to ply their trade on the pavements, but the shopkeepers, says Frederic Loup who owns a space taken by restaurant tables and chairs has pharmacy which has been serving local residents expanded. “We’re now in the gutter and the ter- since 1927. Today, it is the only local shop left in races are thriving,” says M’Barki who has the area. “The baker left. The butcher also left. worked in the area since 1970. “We should be The problem is the rents, which only the sou- given half the space,” he says angrily. “If we venir shops can afford,” he says. Once favored don’t get it, we’ll leave. And without us, there by penniless artists at the end of the 19th century won’t be any Montmartre.” — AFP for its cheap lodgings, Montmartre has seen In this file photo Lord David Puttnam poses for property prices sky-rocket over the past three photographs after winning the ‘Academy Fellow- The Villa Leandre on Junot street in the Mont- decades, with its homes snapped up by the rich ship’ award at the British Academy of Film and Tel- martre neighborhood of Paris. and famous. evision Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony.—AFP Friday 25 Lifestyle | Feature Friday, October 19, 2018
Ballet dancers perform during a rehearsal before the opening night of a Ballet production at the Municipal Theater in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. — AFP photos After long hiatus, Rio’s ballet dancers return to the stage
allet is a world conjuring images of luxury and enter- The orchestra started and finally after one year it was time. tainment, a preserve for the cultured, the elite. That may Margueritta Tostes, one of the ballerinas, said: “As soon as I be true in many cases. But in Rio de Janeiro, a city ex- stepped onto the stage I wanted to cry. We had been away for Bemplifying Brazil’s staggering divide between rich and too long. Way too long, because of injuries, or financial difficul- poor, where favelas hug the hills next to luxury apartments, the ties. I cried with relief that I was out there again, dancing with ballet venue is a stunning exception in a country in turmoil. The my colleagues.” The final curtain fell to huge applause. Back- Art Nouveau building that is Rio’s Municipal Theater rises in stage, the dancers rushed to the center from both sides, scream- the center of the coastal city. Built in the early 20th century, it ing, shouting, crying, celebrating. It looked more like the final of was inspired by Paris’s ornate Opera Garnier. It is publicly a Brazilian football match than the climax of a night of restrained funded and ordinary citizens can buy ballet tickets for as little elegance. But instead of jerseys and football boots, there were as $2. The shows are put on inside a luxurious marble interior pink ballet shoes and white tutus rushing onto the stage. Brazil- that resembles those of the world’s premier opera houses. Be- ians are known to give free rein to their emotions. And, after a hind the facade, though, the ravages of Brazil’s economic crisis year of waiting, pent-up frustration and tension were released, are plain. giving way to a wave of sheer joy. —AFP In 2017, many of the Municipal Theater Ballet company’s dancers were forced to accept food donations. Some turned to driving for Uber to make ends meet. The Ballet was hit hard. On June 23, 2018 it held its first show in a year. There was a frisson of excitement and tension as the ballet dancers came together and prepared to perform once more in their grand, historic space. Some had not seen each other for a very long time. The dancers knew the importance of this first night. They prac- ticed and trained with renewed determination, going over every minute detail. It was fraught in the dressing rooms too. They were back-and they wanted the public to know it. The curtain rose on the opening night and even the most experienced dancers took deep, nervous breaths as they peered from behind the theater’s huge curtains. This was a new kind of pressure. Had they done enough? Would they be able to perform to the level of perfection and precision expected? 26 Friday
Friday, October 19, 2018 Lifestyle | Travel
Kadikoy’s leafy Moda area 10 places to soak up the vibe of Istanbul’s Kadikoy neighborhood
rtsy, eclectic Istanbullus are flocking to the city’s once- mixed traditional instruments with psychedelic sounds in the 1960s ArtHere hosts a movie night, musical performance, artist talk, or sleepy Asian side and its lively cafes, galleries, bars, shops, and 1970s, the late singer-songwriter Baris Manco is beloved in workshop for a polyglot public audience. Aand eateries. For visitors staying near the historic sights of Turkey. (There’s even an Istanbul ferry named after him.) His music Sultanahmet, a short and scenically stunning ferry ride across is piped through his former home in the leafy Moda section of Turkish fast food with a gourmet twist at Basta continents is all it takes to join them. The central parts of the Kadikoy, now a museum (barismanco.kadikoy.bel.tr) filled with col- The two young chefs behind Basta Street Food Bar Kadikoy district are the hub of all this activity and an area that lections of his family photos, recordings, personal effects, paintings, (facebook.com/Basta-Street-Food-Bar) met while working in fine- rewards wandering, with densely packed markets, relaxed tree- gifts from fans abroad, and flamboyant stage costumes. dining restaurants in France and have now applied their culinary lined streets, and eye-catching walls filled with the large-scale training to the humble durum, a Turkish fast-food classic. But this works of Mural Istanbul (facebook.com/muralistanbul) artists as Get a caffeine boost at Montag Coffee Roasters is no ordinary grilled meat rolled up in a thin flatbread wrap. Instead well as politically tinged graffiti. Here’s where to start your explo- The worn steps next to a mobile-phone accessory shop don’t you’ll find creative combos like homemade lamb ‘chorizo’ sausage rations of Istanbul’s ‘other side’. look very enticing, but as the message written on them promises, with hummus - as well as a hearty, healthy salad of the day that’s a they lead to good coffee. Just one of a slew of ‘third-wave’ coffee welcome break from the typical tomato-cucumber-onion combo. Indulge your senses in the Kadikoy Pazar? shops sweeping the area, Montag Coffee Roasters With its vibrant displays of fresh fruit and vegetables, colorful (facebook.com/MontagCoffee) offers siphon and pour-over coffee Riffle through recent history on Antikaclar Sokag dried pepper and aubergine husks hanging from stalls, and fish- along with cappuccinos and espressos. And yes, there’s traditional Cobblestone-paved Tellalzade Sokak, near the Kadikoy Produce mongers calling out the catch of the day, the Kadikoy Produce Turkish coffee too. The cozy upstairs cafe overlooks a bustling Market, is lined with antique vendors, ranging from stuffy show- Market is a feast for the senses. Nibble your way through with square centered around a quirky Kadikoy landmark: a small statute rooms of gaudy furniture and lamps to cluttered jumbles of vintage tastes of olives, dried fruits, pickle juice, and fresh-off-the-comb of a crocodile. magazines, records, glassware, jewelry and ephemera. You can eas- honey, or sit down for a heartier repast while watching the crowds ily while away a couple of hours browsing here - and pick up some go by at Ciya Sofrasi, known for its regional Turkish cuisine, or Art and community at ArtHere old photos of Istanbul or a classic portrait of Ataturk, the revered the no-frills lahmacun and pide (flatbread topped with meat or With its long shared work tables, paintings on the walls, and founder of the Turkish Republic, for a souvenir. vegetables) shop Borsam Tasfurn (facebook.com/BorsamTasfirin- books and magazines scattered about, ArtHere may look like a typ- Lahmacun). ical cafe, but this artist-run space is that and much more. Founded Get in the collective spirit a by a Syrian photographer, it serves as gallery, studio, community t Circuit and Halka Pay tribute to a Turkish rock great at the Bar?s Manco Evi centre, and even temporary housing for Syrian artists to work with They may not draw the big-name artists and deep-pocketed col- One of the leading lights of the Anatolian rock genre, which their Turkish and international counterparts. At least once a month lectors of the swish art galleries in Beyoglu and Niantas, but the in- Friday 27
Friday, October 19, 2018 Lifestyle | Travel
Kad?koy rooftops
Goztepe Park, Kadikoy’s green sanctuary dependent arts and culture initiatives Halka Art Project (halka- artproject.net) and Circuit Istanbul (circuitistanbul.com) offer something else: the chance to engage with local artists, buy affordable works, and join in activities. Circuit is home to weekly yoga and drawing/painting classes in English, while Halka hosts artist talks by international participants in their residency programme and eco-friendly food and gardening workshops led by the Istanbul Permaculture Collective.
Unwind at the Moda Cay Bahcesi To get a million-dollar view for pocket change, head to the Moda Cay Bahcesi (Moda Tea Garden), a cluster of outdoor purveyors of tea, coffee and light snacks scattered around a promontory overlooking the Marmara Sea. It’s a simple place with plastic chairs and tables, but between the big trees cre- ating a lush canopy above and the mesmerizing sight of the sparkling water, there’s no more relaxing place in Kadikoy - or perhaps even all of Istanbul. The waterfront below is ideal for a stroll, especially with an ice-cream cone from Meshur Dondurmac Ali Usta in hand.
Eat the world at Komsu Kafe An international spirit pervades the funky little Komsu Kafe Collective (facebook.com/komsuKafeCollective), which regularly hosts communal dinners featuring different global cuisines - Syrian, Ethiopian, French, Iranian, German, Creole and more - often with a vegan/vegetarian emphasis. Other nights there might be a flamenco guitar player holding court, or an open jam session for musicians. This ‘neighbours’ cafe’ Kadikoy street art seeks to promote an alternative economy, so everything is pay-what-you-can-afford. lovers and revelers. Though Kadikoy nightlife has spilled well beyond the confines of this short strip, bar/performance Party the night away on Barlar Sokak spaces like Arkaoda, with its large back garden, and Karga, Quiet during the day, Kadife Sokak - better known as Bar- whose intimate nooks are spread throughout a rambling old lar Sokak, or ‘Bars Street’ - is hopping after dark with music- house, are still firm favorites. (www.lonelyplanet.com) Haydarpasa Railway Station is a Kadikoy landmark 28 Friday Lifestyle | Travel Friday, October 19, 2018 Once upon a time in Iceland: Epic adventures in the northwest
The scenery of northwest Iceland provides a suitably grand backdrop to the Sagas
he Icelandic Sagas, epic tales of heroes importance of getting along with your neigh- ing a ball game. Later in life he travelled widely, from death by composing another poem, Head and heroines, might have been written bors in tiny outposts set in often unkind nature offending the Norwegian king and queen in the Ransom, that so impressed the monarch that he Tcenturies ago but their legacy is alive like this. And equally easy to see how small dis- course of his voyages and only saving himself spared Egil’s life. and well today. Violence, ghosts, poetry, love putes in such claustrophobic communities triangles and family feuds are just some of the could have been blown out of proportion with themes found in the sagas, coming together to violent ends - just as they did in many of the create iconic literature that both helped docu- sagas. Here we take a journey through the ment Iceland’s history and shaped the country. northwest, from south to north, exploring some Modern Icelanders still know these stories, of the most famous sagas, visiting sites con- place names recall the colorful characters, writ- nected to their larger-than-life characters, and ers like Tolkien and George RR Martin were in- enjoying the modern-day delights on offer. fluenced by them, and landscapes and natural features are little changed from when those in- The Saga of Egil: Borgarnes trepid settlers first arrived here in the 9th and A key sight for saga enthusiasts, or anyone 10th centuries. interested in better understanding Iceland in general, is the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes. Northwest Iceland The museum is a tale of two, er, tales. One the Iceland’s northwest, particularly the West- story of the earliest settlers of Iceland, a mix of fjords region, includes some of the most beau- Norwegians fleeing turbulent times back home tiful and least visited areas of the country. It’s and captured slaves from Britain and Ireland; the oldest part of Iceland, both geologically and the other the story of Egil, one of the most fa- historically, and is where most of the original mous of the saga characters with a whole, long, settlers lived and where most of the sagas are eventful story dedicated largely to his long, set. It’s a region whose inhabitants still live in eventful life. Best described as a poet-murderer, tiny settlements located in picturesque, isolated he recited his first poem at the age of the three The Icelandic Sagas are one of the world’s most important literary works and valleys just as the pioneering settlers would and murdered his first victim at the age of a brilliant insight into early Iceland have centuries ago. It’s easy to appreciate the seven, another child who taunted him after los- Friday 29 Lifestyle | Travel Friday, October 19, 2018
Many of the places mentioned in the saga lie in and around a whole new meaning. Proud locals, dressed in period costumes, Borgarnes and can be visited today - ask at the centre. These are happy to tell more details of Erik’s and Leif’s extraordinary include Br·kin, the spot where Egil’s family’s slave jumped off a lives, while nearby, in the beautiful valley, stand the scant remains cliff to her death after saving the boy from the wrath of his father. of the original buildings. The small town of Budardalur, a few Another is Skallagrimsgarour, the burial mound of both Egil’s fa- kilometers away, is an original Saga-era port - which is fitting ther and his son: the death of the latter gave rise to another of given that it was from here that Islendingur, a replica of Leif’s his most famous poems, Son’s Loss, composed after his daughter ship, set sail in 2000 on a voyage to commemorate the 1000th cleverly brought him out of his grief. One spot you won’t find on anniversary of the explorer’s journey. The ship is now on display your saga circuit here is where the elderly and blind Egil buried in the Vikingaheimar museum in south Iceland. his silver hoard, interred somewhere in the region with the help of two slaves - who, along with the silver, were never seen again The Saga of the People (and were presumably Egil’s last victims). of Laxardal: Laugar and Dalir Romantic intrigues are common in the Icelandic Sagas but none is better known than the love triangle at the centre of the The Saga of Erik the Red: Eiriksstaoir Saga of the People of Laxardal, a story thought to have been By any normal standards, Erik the Red would be deemed written by a woman with extensive personal knowledge of the quite a man. Involved in violent retaliation after his slaves were Dalir region where most of the events take place. Gudrun, ‘the murdered by a neighboring farmer in Iceland, he was banished most beautiful woman ever to have grown up in Iceland’, is and sailed west into the unknown. Eventually reaching land, he courted by inseparable foster brothers, Kjartan and Bolli (you became the first European inhabitant of Greenland, founding a can probably see where this is going). Although in love with Kjar- settlement on the southwest corner of the island and giving it its tan, Gudrun is persuaded by Bolli to marry him while his foster name in the hope of attracting more settlers. He had several chil- brother is in Norway. A tense atmosphere following Kjartan’s re- dren, including one, Leif Erikson, whose famous exploration of turn to Iceland soon turns violent, leading to Kjartan’s death at North America, five centuries before Columbus’ trip, overshad- the hands of Bolli and a series of revenge murders, spurred on owed his father’s not-exactly-unimpressive achievements. by Gudrun. Marrying four times in total, this ‘femme fatale’ even- For a fascinating look at how Erik and his contemporaries tually became a nun, but not before seeing the ghost of her last lived, visit Eiriksstadir, a reconstruction of his longhouse, com- husband and enigmatically replying to her son, when asked which Egil’s grief at losing his son is depicted in this carving at the plete with brick walls, a turf roof and a dark, atmospheric interior of the many men in her life she had loved most, ‘He I treated worst, Settlement Centre where living in close proximity with your housemates takes on I loved best’. Scholars still debate exactly who she meant.
Go back in time to the Saga Age in the reconstruction of Erik the Red’s longhouse 30 Friday Lifestyle | Travel Friday, October 19, 2018
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable Gisli impersonator at Haukadalur
For a relaxing space to ponder the quote yourself, Just travelling around the spectacular Westfjords re- take a dip in Gudr˙narlaug, a hot pot pool favored by gion gives an idea of the difficulties Gisli would have Gudrun. Few other tangible ruins remain, but the land- faced while on the run. High mountains and wide fjords scapes across Dalir region are largely unchanged and that draw gasps of delight from visitors today would names like Hjardarholt, the farm in which Kjartan and have been obstacles to a man needing to constantly stay Bolli grew up together, remind visitors of the lasting im- ahead of those out to get him. Beautiful Dyrafjordur is pact of the sagas and the original settlers. the centre of much of the action in the saga, and its main ‘town’, pingeyri (population 281) has the excellent The Saga of Gisli: fiingeryi Skallin Viking Centre where you can get your inner and Haukadalur Norse on, dressing up in costumes, making bread and More family feuding runs through the Saga of Gisli. drinking beer (all with a ‘Viking’ prefix) while hearing Brothers and brothers-in-law come to blows after how the earliest settlers lived in this harsh environment. blood oaths are not fulfilled and wives fantasise about They also sell handmade, top-quality Icelandic men other than their husbands. Gisli himself murders sweaters. If you’re here in late June/early July you can one of the saga’s main characters and is then outlawed, enjoy the Dyrafjardardagar Viking Festival, and also living on the run in the Westfjords for 13 years. Aided head a few kilometres northwest to even tinier by his loving wife, Aud, who refuses to give up his Haukadalur, site of Gisli’s farm. Here an enthusiastic whereabouts despite being plied with silver, fate finally local saga sage and his friends perform an abridged catches up with him and he is killed, valiantly fighting version of the tale in a small theatre, dressed in 10th- his assailants, his wife at his side until the end, ‘his last century outfits, and lead tours round the area, pointing A hot pot with history, Gudrun’s pool in Dalir blow no weaker than his first’ (though not before, in true out its many Gisli connections. (www.lonelyplanet.com) Saga style, reciting a quick poem). Friday 31
Comic Friday, October 19, 2018
81. Hard yellowish to brownish wax from 33. Move with or as if with a rushing Word Search Crossword 2038 leaves of the carnauba palm used es- sound. pecially in floor waxes and polishes. 34. Worn away or tattered along the 82. The longer of the two telegraphic edges. signals used in Morse code. 36. Largest crested screamer. 37. A small pellet fired from an air rifle DOWN or BB gun. 1. A fastener for a door or lid. 38. An imaginary elephant that appears 2. Title for a civil or military leader (es- in a series of French books for chil- pecially in Turkey). dren. 3. A woody climbing usually tropical 40. A silvery soft waxy metallic element plant. of the alkali metal group. 4. A doughnut-shaped chamber used in 41. Worn or shabby from overuse or (of fusion research. pages) from having corners turned 5. Before noon. down. 6. Owing or owed feudal allegiance and 43. A river in north central Switzerland service. that runs northeast into the Rhine. 7. A former copper coin of Pakistan. 44. Unknown god. 8. An authoritative direction or instruc- 47. A blind god. tion to do something. 49. (medieval Europe) A person who is 9. A radioactive element of the actinide bound to the land and owned by the series. feudal lord. 10. A chain of coral and volcanic islands 52. An oleoresin used in varnishes and in Micronesia halfway between New ointments. Guinea and Japan. 54. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- 11. A loose sleeveless outer garment alling). made from aba cloth. 55. 8th and most important avatar of 12. A member of a seafaring group of Vishnu. North American Indians who lived on 58. A prehistoric megalith typically hav- the Pacific coast of British Columbia ing two upright stones and a cap- and southwestern Alaska. stone. 13. Other than what is under considera- 61. Of or relating to or measured in tion or implied. ohms. 14. A member of the Siouan people for- 63. Being ten more than one hundred merly living in the Missouri river val- ninety. ACROSS 46. A member of the Siouan people for- ley in NE Nebraska. 65. Characteristic of false pride. 1. Disabled in the feet or legs. merly living in the Missouri river val- 19. Fast-growing herbaceous evergreen 66. An unfledged or nestling hawk. 5. A state in the southeastern United ley in NE Nebraska. tree of South America having a broad 67. A former communist country in east- States on the Gulf of Mexico. 48. South African term for `boss'. trunk with high water content and ern Europe and northern Asia. 12. Lap that forms a cloth border dou- 50. Showily imitative of art or artists. dark green oval leaves. 69. The (prehensile) extremity of the su- 51. The largest of the Balearic Islands. bled back and stitched down v 1. 22. Something considered choice to eat. perior limb. 53. The basic unit of money in Equato- 15. A fee charged for exchanging cur- 24. Being nine more than forty. 70. The United Nations agency con- rencies. rial Guinea. 25. In bed. 56. Cry plaintively. cerned with atomic energy. 16. (British) A minicar used as a taxicab. 30. Conforming with or constituting a 71. United States writer (born in Poland) 17. A flat wing-shaped process or wing- 57. Someone who places an order to norm or standard or level or type or buy. who wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). like part of an organism. social norm. 59. A doctor's degree in education. 74. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish 18. Tall hat. 32. Type genus of the Alcidae compris- 60. The act of hopping (jumping upward gods. 20. Either extremity of something that ing solely the razorbill. 75. God of war and sky. has length. or forward (especially on one foot)). 21. Marked by smartness in dress and 62. A federally sponsored corporation manners. that insures accounts in national 23. Low stingless nettle of Central and banks and other qualified institu- Yesterday’s Solution South America having velvety tions. 64. Periodic maintenance on a car or brownish-green toothed leaves and machine. clusters of small green flowers. 68. A volcanic island (part of Campania) 26. The content of cognition. in the Tyrrhenian Sea at the north Yesterday’s Solution 27. A leisurely walk (usually in some end of the Bay of Naples. public place). 72. A column of light (as from a beacon). 28. An indehiscent fruit derived from a 73. Match badly. single ovary having one or many 76. An associate degree in applied sci- seeds within a fleshy wall or peri- ence. carp. 77. An independent agency of the 29. Half the width of an em. United States government responsi- 31. A soft yellow malleable ductile (triva- ble for collecting and coordinating lent and univalent) metallic element. intelligence and counterintelligence 35. Make small marks into the surface activities abroad in the national in- of. terest. 39. A male ballet dancer who is the part- 78. Of or relating to or in the manner of ner of a ballerina. the playwright Henrik Ibsen. 42. Hormone released by the hypothala- 79. An acute inflammatory disease oc- mus that controls the release of thy- curring in the intestines of premature roid-stimulating hormone from the infants. anterior pituitary. 80. The part of the nervous system of 45. The world's largest desert vertebrates that controls involuntary (3,500,000 square miles) in North actions of the smooth muscles and Africa. heart and glands. Daily SuDoku
Yesterday’s Solution 32 Friday
TV Listings Friday, October 19, 2018
03:20 It Takes A Killer 02:10 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 07:45 K.C. Undercover 13:50 Paprika 05:00 Guardians Of The Galaxy 03:45 The First 48 03:00 Tanked 08:10 Bunk’d 14:00 Claude 05:29 Marvel’s Avengers Assemble 04:30 Crimes That Shook Australia 03:50 Biggest And Baddest 08:35 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 14:20 Claude 06:00 Marvel’s Spider-Man 05:15 Homicide Hunter 04:40 Weather Gone Viral bug... 14:35 PJ Masks 06:29 Big Hero 6 The Series 06:00 Robbie Coltrane’s Critical 05:30 NASA’s Unexplained Files 09:00 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 14:40 Trulli Tales 07:00 Milo Murphy’s Law 00:35 Cold Zone Evidence 06:20 How It’s Made bug... 14:55 Trulli Tales 07:29 Big City Greens 02:15 XXX: Return Of Xander 07:00 It Takes A Killer 06:40 How It’s Made 09:25 Tangled 15:10 Paprika 08:00 Milo Murphy’s Law Cage 07:20 The First 48 07:00 Destroyed In Seconds 09:50 Tangled 15:20 Paprika 09:00 Phineas And Ferb 04:15 Killer App 08:05 Cold Case Files 07:25 Kids Do The Craziest Things 10:15 Bizaardvark 15:30 Vampirina 09:29 Phineas And Ferb 05:55 Term Life 08:50 Homicide Hunter 07:50 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 10:40 Bizaardvark 15:50 Vampirina 10:00 Kickin’ It 07:35 The Northlander 09:35 Homicide: Hours To Kill 08:40 How It’s Made 11:05 Liv And Maddie 16:05 Vampirina 10:29 Kickin’ It 09:20 Sacrifice 10:30 Robbie Coltrane’s Critical 09:05 How It’s Made 11:30 Liv And Maddie 16:25 Muppet Babies 11:00 Big Hero 6 The Series 11:00 XXX: Return Of Xander Evidence 09:30 Tanked 11:55 K.C. Undercover 16:40 Paprika 11:30 Big Hero 6 The Series Cage 11:25 Crimes That Shook Britain 10:20 Biggest And Baddest 12:20 K.C. Undercover 16:50 Paprika 12:00 Lab Rats 12:55 Patriot Games 12:20 Cold Case Files 11:10 Destroyed In Seconds 12:45 Hotel Transylvania: The Se- 17:00 Claude 12:29 Lab Rats 15:00 The Saint 13:15 It Takes A Killer 11:35 Kids Do The Craziest Things ries 17:15 Claude 13:00 Phineas And Ferb 17:05 Go With Me 13:45 It Takes A Killer 12:00 How It’s Made 13:10 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 17:31 Puppy Dog Pals 13:29 Furiki Wheels 18:35 Gridlocked 14:10 The First 48 12:25 How It’s Made bug... 18:00 Mickey And The Roadster 14:00 Disney 11 20:30 Runner Runner 15:05 Crimes That Shook Australia 12:50 Weather Gone Viral 13:35 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- Racers 14:29 Marvel’s Spider-Man 22:05 Chosen 16:00 Homicide Hunter 13:40 NASA’s Unexplained Files bug... 18:15 Mickey And The Roadster 16:29 Supa Strikas 23:55 Enter The Warrior’s Gate 17:00 The Menendez Murders: Erik 14:30 The Food Inspectors 14:00 Hotel Transylvania: The Se- Racers 17:00 Big City Greens Tells All 15:20 Rip Off Food ries 18:30 Vampirina 17:29 Right Now Kapow 21:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 16:10 Country House Rescue 14:15 Bunk’d 18:45 Vampirina 18:00 Disney 11 22:00 It Takes A Killer 17:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 14:40 K.C. Undercover 19:00 PJ Masks 18:29 Lab Rats 22:30 It Takes A Killer 17:50 Tanked 15:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 19:15 PJ Masks 19:00 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 23:00 The First 48 18:40 Destroyed In Seconds 15:10 A.N.T. Farm 19:30 The Lion Guard Much Everything 19:05 Kids Do The Craziest Things 15:35 Bizaardvark 20:00 Sofia The First 19:29 Kickin’ It 00:45 North Woods Law 19:30 Ultimate Ninja Challenge 16:00 Tangled 20:25 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 20:00 Lab Rats: Crush, Chop & 01:40 Expedition Mungo 20:20 The Carbonaro Effect 16:25 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 20:30 Elena Of Avalor Burn 02:35 Devoured: Man-Eating 20:45 The Carbonaro Effect bug... 21:00 Puppy Dog Pals 21:00 Marvel’s Spider-Man Super Snake Returns 21:10 How It’s Made 16:50 Raven’s Home 21:30 Mickey And The Roadster 21:29 Star Wars Rebels 03:25 Whale Wars 00:10 Tosh.0 21:35 How It’s Made 17:15 Stuck In The Middle Racers 22:00 Phineas And Ferb 04:15 North Woods Law 00:32 Key And Peele 22:00 Biggest And Baddest 17:40 Bunk’d 21:45 Mickey And The Roadster 22:25 Phineas And Ferb 05:02 Mutant Planet 00:55 The Daily Show With Trevor 22:50 Ultimate Ninja Challenge 18:05 K.C. Undercover Racers 22:50 Dude That’s My Ghost 05:49 Pit Bulls & Parolees Noah 23:40 The Carbonaro Effect 18:30 Bunk’d 22:01 Vampirina 23:15 Dude That’s My Ghost 06:36 Animal Battlegrounds 01:20 Another Period 18:55 Descendants Wicked World 22:20 Vampirina 23:40 Randy Cunningham: 9th 07:00 Animal Battlegrounds 01:45 Russell Howard’s Stand Up 19:00 Raven’s Home 22:40 PJ Masks Grade Ninja 07:25 Rugged Justice Central 19:25 Liv And Maddie 22:55 PJ Masks 08:15 Animal Cops Houston 02:10 Tosh.0 19:50 K.C. Undercover 23:15 The Lion Guard 09:10 Whale Wars 02:35 Key And Peele 20:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:45 Sofia The First 10:05 North Woods Law 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 20:20 A.N.T. Farm 11:00 Mutant Planet Noah 00:45 Twisted Sisters 20:45 Bizaardvark 11:55 Pit Bulls & Parolees 03:25 Tosh.0 01:40 Evil Lives Here 21:10 Hotel Transylvania: The Se- 00:05 Model Squad 12:50 Devoured: Man-Eating 03:50 Tosh.0 02:35 The Killer Beside Me ries 00:55 Model Squad Super Snake Returns 04:15 Sweat Inc. 03:30 Murder Comes To Town 21:35 Stuck In The Middle 01:50 E! News 13:45 Animal ER 05:05 House Of Food 04:25 Killer Instinct With Chris 22:00 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 00:15 Street Outlaws 02:50 WAGs 14:40 North Woods Law 05:55 Disaster Date Hansen bug... 01:05 Salvage Hunters 03:40 Botched 15:35 Expedition Mungo 06:20 Disaster Date 05:20 Forbidden: Dying For Love 22:25 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 01:50 Running Wild With Bear 04:35 Botched 16:30 Rugged Justice 06:45 Workaholics 06:10 I Almost Got Away With It bug... Grylls 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 17:25 Animal Cops Houston 07:10 Lip Sync Battle UK 07:00 California Investigator 22:50 Lolirock 02:35 Guy Martin: Wall Of Death 06:00 Mariah’s World 18:20 The Beauty Of Snakes 07:35 Lip Sync Battle UK 07:25 Grave Secrets 23:10 Sabrina Secrets Of A 03:20 Street Outlaws 06:55 E! News Middle East 19:15 Extinct Or Alive 08:00 Lip Sync Battle 08:15 Disappeared Teenage Witch 04:05 Alaska: The Last Frontier 07:10 Mariah’s World 20:10 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 08:25 Lip Sync Battle 09:10 A Crime To Remember 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 04:50 Dirty Jobs 08:10 E! News: Daily Pop 21:05 Mutant Planet 08:50 Sweat Inc. 10:05 Forbidden: Dying For Love 05:35 Storage Hunters 09:10 Hollywood Medium With 22:00 Expedition Mungo 09:35 Snack Off 11:00 Murder Calls 06:00 Auction Kings Tyler Henry 22:55 Pit Bulls & Parolees 10:00 Snack Off 11:55 Grave Secrets 06:23 Container Wars 10:05 Hollywood Medium With 23:50 Extinct Or Alive 10:25 House Of Food 12:50 I Almost Got Away With It 06:45 Storage Hunters Tyler Henry 11:15 Lip Sync Battle 13:45 Killer Instinct With Chris 07:10 How Do They Do It? 12:00 E! News Middle East 11:40 Lip Sync Battle Hansen 00:10 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 07:35 Alaska: The Last Frontier 12:15 Keeping Up With The Kar- 12:05 Friends 14:40 Forbidden: Dying For Love 00:15 Zou 08:20 Auction Kings dashians 12:30 Friends 15:35 Murder Comes To Town 00:30 Henry Hugglemonster 08:45 Container Wars 15:00 E! News Middle East 13:05 Friends 16:30 Grave Secrets 01:00 PJ Masks 09:10 Impossible Engineering 15:15 E! News: Daily Pop 13:30 Kroll Show 17:25 Disappeared 01:25 PJ Masks 09:55 Alaska: The Last Frontier 16:15 Model Squad 00:10 Friday Night Dinner 13:55 Kroll Show 18:20 I Almost Got Away With It 01:50 The Hive 10:45 Dirty Jobs 19:00 E! News 00:35 Mum 14:20 Impractical Jokers 19:15 Killer Instinct With Chris 02:00 Zou 11:30 Street Outlaws 20:00 Ashlee+evan 01:05 Back 14:45 Impractical Jokers Hansen 02:15 Zou 12:20 Auction Kings 22:00 Life Of Kylie 01:30 Holby City 15:10 Disaster Date 20:10 Forbidden: Dying For Love 02:30 Henry Hugglemonster 12:43 Container Wars 22:30 Life Of Kylie 02:25 Friday Night Dinner 15:35 Disaster Date 21:05 Evil Online 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 13:05 Storage Hunters 23:00 E! News Middle East 02:50 Mum 16:00 Workaholics 22:00 Murder Among Friends 03:20 The Hive 13:30 How Do They Do It? 23:15 Hollywood Medium With 03:20 Death In Paradise 16:25 Martha And Snoop Potluck 22:55 Murder By Numbers 03:30 The Hive 13:55 Impossible Engineering Tyler Henry 04:15 Father Brown Dinner Party 23:50 Twisted Sisters 03:40 Zou 14:40 Street Outlaws 05:00 Hold The Sunset 16:50 Martha And Snoop Potluck 03:55 Zou 15:30 Salvage Hunters 05:30 Hold The Sunset Dinner Party 04:10 Zou 16:15 Running Wild With Bear 06:00 Doctors 17:15 Martha And Snoop Potluck 04:25 The Hive Grylls 06:30 EastEnders Dinner Party 04:35 The Hive 17:05 Guy Martin: Wall Of Death 07:00 Holby City 17:40 Real Husbands Of Holly- 04:45 Henry Hugglemonster 17:50 Abandoned Engineering 00:10 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 08:00 Casualty wood 05:10 Henry Hugglemonster 18:40 Impossible Engineering 01:00 Emmerdale 08:50 Father Brown 18:00 Real Husbands Of Holly- 00:00 Hank Zipzer 05:35 The Hive 19:25 Street Outlaws 01:30 Coronation Street 09:40 Death In Paradise wood 00:25 Alex & Co. 05:45 PJ Masks 20:15 Street Outlaws 02:00 Coronation Street 10:35 Casualty 18:20 Real Husbands Of Holly- 00:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:00 PJ Masks 21:00 Diesel Brothers 02:30 Don’t Tell The Bride 11:30 Casualty wood 00:50 Evermoor Chronicles 06:15 PJ Masks 21:50 Street Outlaws: No Prep 03:25 This Time Next Year 12:25 Holby City 18:45 Lip Sync Battle 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 06:30 PJ Masks Kings (Special) 04:20 Cannonball 13:20 Father Brown 19:10 Lip Sync Battle Teenage Witch 07:00 Muppet Babies 22:40 Street Outlaws: No Prep 05:15 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 14:10 Death In Paradise 19:35 Friends 01:40 Sabrina Secrets Of A 07:20 Puppy Dog Pals Kings 06:15 Masterpiece With Alan Titch- 15:05 Casualty 20:00 Friends Teenage Witch 07:35 PJ Masks 23:30 Gold Rush marsh 16:00 Doctors 20:35 Friends 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 07:55 Mickey And The Roadster 07:10 Don’t Tell The Bride 18:30 Shakespeare And Hathaway: 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 02:30 Binny And The Ghost Racers 08:05 This Time Next Year Private Investigators Noah 02:55 Hank Zipzer 08:10 Mickey And The Roadster 09:00 Cannonball 19:20 Shakespeare And Hathaway: 21:30 Natasha Leggero: Live From 03:15 Disney Mickey Mouse Racers 09:55 Who’s Doing The Dishes? Private Investigators Bimbos 03:20 Hank Zipzer 08:29 Vampirina 10:55 Masterpiece With Alan Titch- 20:05 Line Of Duty 22:25 Martha And Snoop Potluck 03:45 Alex & Co. 08:45 Vampirina 00:05 Randy Cunningham: 9th marsh 21:10 The Witness For The Prose- Dinner Party 04:10 Alex & Co. 09:00 Sofia The First Grade Ninja 11:50 Don’t Tell The Bride cution 22:50 Tosh.0 04:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A 09:30 Elena Of Avalor 00:30 Boyster 12:45 Emmerdale 22:10 The Last Post 23:15 Tosh.0 Teenage Witch 10:00 Puppy Dog Pals 00:55 Boyster 13:15 Coronation Street 23:10 Father Brown 23:40 John Oliver’s New York 05:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A 10:20 Puppy Dog Pals 01:20 Counterfeit Cat 13:45 Coronation Street 23:50 Doctors Stand Up Show Teenage Witch 10:40 Puppy Dog Pals 01:45 Counterfeit Cat 14:15 Masterpiece With Alan Titch- 05:25 Binny And The Ghost 11:00 Muppet Babies 02:10 Randy Cunningham: 9th marsh 05:45 Disney Mickey Mouse 11:20 Paprika Grade Ninja 15:10 Don’t Tell The Bride 05:50 Rolling With The Ronks 11:30 Paprika 02:35 Randy Cunningham: 9th 16:00 The Voice UK 2018 06:00 Miraculous Tales Of Lady- 11:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Grade Ninja 17:25 Culinary Genius USA bug... 12:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:00 Boyster 17:50 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 00:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill 00:30 Destroyed In Seconds 06:25 Raven’s Home 12:40 PJ Masks 03:20 Boyster 18:50 Emmerdale 01:00 Homicide: Hours To Kill 00:55 Kids Do The Craziest Things 06:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 13:00 PJ Masks 03:45 Dude That’s My Ghost 19:15 Coronation Street 01:55 The Killing Season 01:20 How It’s Made 06:55 Tangled 13:20 PJ Masks 04:10 Dude That’s My Ghost 19:45 Coronation Street 02:50 It Takes A Killer 01:45 How It’s Made 07:20 Bizaardvark 13:40 Paprika 04:35 Counterfeit Cat 20:10 Don’t Tell The Bride Friday 33 Stars Friday, October 19, 2018
Country Codes Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)
Afghanistan 0093 Jordan 00962 You are greatly admired as a go getter. Today you may be fo- Albania 00355 Kazakhstan 007 cused on deep rooted and lasting relationships. Maybe the sense of loneli- Have you ever wanted to just click your heels and be someone or Algeria 00213 Kenya 00254 ness has you focused on this. Go ahead and make that date or apply for that somewhere else? Today may find you craving just that. An adventure Andorra 00376 Kiribati 00686 job. Make sure your presence is known today, Aries. Fight through any frus- is in order. Keep an open mind if you find yourself in discussions con- Angola 00244 Kuwait 00965 Anguilla 001264 tration you are feeling, or any obstacles placed in your way. You have suc- cerning politics or religion. You always can walk away from an expe- Kyrgyzstan 00996 Antiga 001268 Laos 00856 cessfully turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones in the past and these rience with new knowledge. Keep your calm and approach any emotionally charged drama that comes your way with a kind heart and Argentina 0054 Latvia 00371 will be no exception. Your heart is filled with love, share it. Today is a great Armenia 00374 Lebanon 00961 a listening ear. You never know. You just may learn something new. day to sit down and have that long talk with a loved one. You may find your- Australia 0061 Liberia 00231 selves communicating at a much deeper level than usual. Austria 0043 Libya 00218 Bahamas 001242 Lithuania 00370 Bahrain 00973 Luxembourg 00352 Bangladesh 00880 Macau 00853 Barbados 001246 Macedonia 00389 Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Belarus 00375 Madagascar 00261 Taurus (April 20-May 20) Belgium 0032 Majorca 0034 Belize 00501 Malawi 00265 Benin 00229 Malaysia 0060 You seem to be entering a time in your life where control is a main Out with the old and in with the new. You are ready for a change. This Bermuda 001441 Maldives 00960 focus. Whether this is healthy or not is all up to you. In a sense you are learning is a time you are high energy and feel as if you have the world in the Bhutan 00975 Mali 00223 and focusing more on manipulation. You tend to tell others what they want to palm of your hand. Ambition is overflowing. You seek freedom from all Bolivia 00591 Malta 00356 hear in order to get your way. Stop and take note of your words. Remeber habits and challenges that have been present in your past. You are Bosnia 00387 Marshall Islands 00692 there is a fine line between stretching the truth and becoming a out right liar. ready to pave new roads and find your way to all that is new. This ex- Botswana 00267 Martinique 00596 Make sure you are being honest with yourself and others. Dishonesty can bring cites you. You are ready to take on the world. Brazil 0055 Mauritania 00222 tormoil into your life. Sometimes the reward is far from worth the risk. Brunei 00673 Mauritius 00230 Bulgaria 00359 Mayotte 00269 Burkina 00226 Mexico 0052 Burundi 00257 Micronesia 00691 Cambodia 00855 Moldova 00373 Cameroon 00237 Monaco 00377 Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Canada 001 Mongolia 00976 Cape Verde 00238 Montserrat 001664 Cayman Islands 001345 Morocco 00212 You may feel as if you are encountering negativity and not Central African Republic 00236 Mozambique 00258 everyone is supportive when it comes to very sensitive issues you are Chad 00235 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 dealing with in your life. These issues are very personal, and you may Things may seem too good to be true. In an almost magical sense it seems Chile 0056 Namibia 00264 just be sharing with the wrong people. You will find someone close to that all of your dreams are coming true. Goals seem attainable now. Every- China 0086 Nepal 00977 you who will serve as a confidant who is extremely understanding and thing seems to be falling in your lap. You are being smiled upon and you have Colombia 0057 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 supportive of all that makes you unique. Gemini, now is a great time to a new love for life. This is the result of your hard work and dedication. You Comoros 00269 Netherlands Antilles 00599 think outside of the box and follow that new path or project that is call- may find that karma has a way of repaying your good deeds and there seems Congo 00242 New Caledonia 00687 ing your name. You may reap great reward from trying something new. to be no other explanation for this vast array of good fortune. This is a great Cook Islands 00682 New Zealand 0064 time to get all of your affairs in order and continue to dream big. Costa Rica 00506 Nicaragua 00505 Croatia 00385 Nigar 00227 Cuba 0053 Nigeria 00234 Cyprus 00357 Niue 00683 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Norfolk Island 00672 Cancer (June 21-July 22) Czech Republic 00420 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Denmark 0045 North Korea 00850 Diego Garcia 00246 Norway 0047 Djibouti 00253 Oman 00968 Seems as if all is well in your world. You should be experiencing much Dominica 001767 Pakistan 0092 love and support from those around you. You are able to sense and re- Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? This seems to be Dominican Republic 001809 Palau 00680 Ecuador 00593 Panama 00507 spond to the needs of others. This is a quality that draws many to you. your attitude today and you may be creating a stressful situation that Egypt 0020 Papua New Guinea 00675 You are the friend others not only want to have but also wish they could can be avoided. Get in gear. Snap out of your dreamy state and take be. You are extremely sympathetic and understanding to others and El Salvador 00503 Paraguay 00595 care of business. You may find others becoming frustrated with your England (UK) 0044 Peru 0051 this is a trait that finds you surrounded with many friends. This may be lack of ambition today. Take a walk and a few deep breaths. Refresh a very spiritual time in your life and you could find yourself going above Equatorial Guinea 00240 Philippines 0063 and restart. There is no time like the present to get your focus back Eritrea 00291 Poland 0048 and beyond for someone very close to you. Count your blessings and and get things done. Great reward will come from your hard work continue to bring blessing to the lives of those around you. Estonia 00372 Portugal 00351 today. Ethiopia 00251 Puerto Rico 001787 Falkland Islands 00500 Qatar 00974 Faroe Islands 00298 Romania 0040 Fiji 00679 Russian Federation 007 Finland 00358 Rwanda 00250 France 0033 Saint Helena 00290 Leo (July 23-August 22) French Guiana 00594 Saint Kitts 001869 Aquarius (January 20- February 18) French Polynesia 00689 Saint Lucia 001758 Your dedication and devotion to your career could bring up Gabon 00241 Saint Pierre 00508 Gambia 00220 Saint Vincent 001784 some issues in your personal life. Someone close to you may feel as if they Georgia 00995 Samoa US 00684 are no longer a priority in your life. They may feel ignored and left out. It You may be feeling drawn and even turned on by that which is taboo. Germany 0049 Samoa West 00685 is a sticky situation for you as the drive to climb to the ladder will be very Sex, power, and the pursuit of wealth are beginning to be a driving Ghana 00233 San Marino 00378 rewarding in the end. The question weighing on your mind is will it be force behind your emotions. You are fascinated by people. What Gibraltar 00350 Sao Tone 00239 worth the risk of losing someone close to you. You are able to realize this makes the do the things they do? What makes them tick? You desire Greece 0030 Saudi Arabia 00966 is just temporary but unable to convince those around you who are not a fresh start in your life and major changes. You know this may only Greenland 00299 Scotland (UK) 0044 fond of the amount of focus and time you have placed on your career. It is be accomplished by turning your back on all you believed and start- Grenada 001473 Senegal 00221 a time to learn to juggle your focus and time so not only does your career ing over with an open mind and a new outlook on life in general. Guadeloupe 00590 Seychelles 00284 prosper but also your personal relationships with others. Leo, use caution Guam 001671 Sierra Leone 00232 as you begin to perform this juggling act. Guatemala 00502 Singapore 0065 Guinea 00224 Slovakia 00421 Guyana 00592 Slovenia 00386 Haiti 00509 Solomon Islands 00677 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Somalia 00252 Pisces (February 19-March 20) Honduras 00504 South Africa 0027 Virgo (August 23-September 22) Hong Kong 00852 South Korea 0082 Hungary 0036 Spain 0034 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sri Lanka 0094 Iceland 00354 Sudan 00249 Your peers are appreciative of your ability to be able to make You may have discovered you are giving more than you are receiving. India 0091 Suriname 00597 constructive suggestions or to help them with practical decisions, which re- You have a tendency to give too much of yourself to others. This is a time you may need to turn your focus on you. Get serious about your Indian Ocean 00873 Swaziland 00268 late to group issues. Knowing exactly what the public wants at this time is Indonesia 0062 Sweden 0046 yet another feather in your hat. Your name and reputation are spreading health and mental well-being. Remember taking care of you is a ne- cessity. You tend to see this as being selfish. Remember if you do not Iran 0098 Switzerland 0041 quickly. Expect an upgrade soon in your job identity and pay. The idea of Iraq 00964 Syria 00963 value or a greater appreciation for things of value is fun to comprehend this take care of you, you will not be able to continue the constant care you give to others. Feed your soul, spoil yourself, but most of all, learn Ireland 00353 Taiwan 00886 afternoon. It is most assuredly a time when tangible things have a great deal Italy 0039 Tanzania 00255 to relax. Today is the day to take a deep breath, grab a quick nap, and of importance. Your emotions or the feelings of those around you should be Ivory Coast 00225 Thailand 0066 quite clear, making it a great time to reflect and truly understand individual face the world with a new refreshed attitude, Pisces. Learn to put your- Jamaica 001876 Toga 00228 family members and your connection in the family. self first. Japan 0081 Tonga 00676 34 Friday Health Friday, October 19, 2018 Climate change batters US cities WASHINGTON: When flash floods tore the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. “But then properties and moving populations. “Politically change, which are increasingly hard to ignore. through Ellicott City, Maryland, this spring, if you talk to a room full of people or politi- it just isn’t acceptable to a lot of citizens,” “We have not begun any kinds of discus- Governor Larry Hogan called it a “once- cians, nobody wants to step out there and say Berginnis said. sions about managed retreat, but I’ve met with every-1,000-year” event - even though it was we need to sell, to make a change.” Nonetheless, some municipal governments all of the major investors and sat down with the second such catastrophe within two years. About 300,000 coastal homes, valued at are coming up with creative responses. In the maps so I can start that conversation,” said Speaking to reporters in May, Hogan was almost $118 billion, are at risk of chronic flood- Ellicott City, that meant a strategy to abandon Nancy Shaver, mayor of St. Augustine, Florida. channeling the bewilderment of many commu- ing by 2045, according to advocacy group the a flood-prone section of the historic town, The city is expected to face a sea level rise nities in the United States at the existential Union of Concerned Scientists, which predict- which sits in a valley and is crisscrossed by of two feet (61 cm) by 2030. But even so, threat posed by the impacts of climate change. ed in June that the figure would rise to $1 tril- three rivers. The county council this month Shaver said the discussion is fraught with Floods and mega-storms - including two that lion by the end of the century. approved a five-year flood-mitigation plan, political pitfalls, as many residents are reluc- hit the US East Coast in the past month - are Inland, about 41 million Americans are which includes the purchase and demolition of tant to abandon their homes. increasingly battering the country, and recov- threatened by river flooding - three times the 19 commercial and residential buildings and “We’ll do this at the neighborhood level,” ery costs are spiraling upwards. government’s current estimate - according to a the expansion of a waterway. she said. “We’ll have to do it very carefully, Yet, the federal government has no overar- report earlier this year by researchers from the Kelly McMillan, who owns two buildings in and we’re not there yet.” ching plan to deal with a crisis that is likely to University of Bristol. the city’s downtown, including one where she While relocating communities may be render many communities unsustainable, with “We have seen escalating flood damage lives, said she supports the plan. safer and less expensive in the long run, the some experts already calling for a “managed every decade from the 1980s until now, to the “It’s impossible to see how it would be safe short term question is: Who pays for it? retreat” to safer areas away from coasts and point that it almost seems to be doubling every to rebuild properties built over a stream in an While the federal government has long rivers. decade,” said Chad Berginnis, executive direc- area that had two deadly floods in two years,” funded post-disaster home buyouts, little Privately, many people are “resigned to the tor of the Association of State Floodplain said McMillan. That approach is becoming money has been earmarked for pre-disaster fact that they’re on borrowed time in their Managers. Despite the rising threat, he said, it more common as communities are forced to programs - although there are signs that (waterfront) properties,” said Amy Cotter of remains difficult to discuss the idea of buying grapple directly with the effects of climate may be changing. — Reuters
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I, A.SUDHAGAR (HINDU), S/o: CHANGE OF NAME Arunachalam, Passport No. J5548581, Civil ID No. I, Kamrudin Kazi S/o Abdul 280031007474, date of birth Razak Kazi, holder of Indian 10.3.1980, No. 2/98, Passport No. P6324092 & Civil Mariyamman Koil Street, ID No. 273041904798 has Palaiya Kunjaram, Villupuram - changed my name from 607201, has converted Hindu Kamrudin Kazi to Kamrudin to Islam with the name of Khaji hereinafter in all my MOHAMED JAFEER dealings and documents, I will ARUNACHALAM (ISLAM). be known by name of (C 5428) 16-10-2018 Kamrudin Khaji. (C 5429)
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018 Business Oil prices ease as supply Lack of Italy debt contagion US weekly jobless claims drop; 38 outlook improves: Analyst 40 explodes euro periphery myth 41 Labor market conditions tighten
iPhone XR arrives at Zain on 26 Oct Customers can preorder iPhone XR beginning today KUWAIT: Zain, the leading digital service provider in Kuwait, yesterday announced it will offer iPhone XR, bringing the latest iPhone innovations to more people. Customers will be Despite Trump able to pre-order iPhone XR beginning today (19 October) at kw.zain.com and Zain branches, criticism, Fed and will be available in stores starting Friday (26 October). For complete pricing details, please visit kw.zain.com. sees need for iPhone XR integrates breakthrough tech- nologies from iPhone XS in all-screen glass and more rate hikes aluminum design featuring a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, the most advanced LCD in a NEW YORK: Federal Reserve policy- smartphone, with wide color support and True makers are largely united on the need to Tone for a more natural viewing experience. raise borrowing costs further, minutes Jerome Powell iPhone XR brings the smartest and most pow- from their most recent policy meeting erful chip in a smartphone with A12 Bionic, a show, despite US President Donald the central bank is his “biggest threat,” and next-generation Neural Engine built for Trump’s view that interest rate hikes have last week calling the Fed “crazy,” “loco,” advanced machine learning in everything from already gone too far. “ridiculous,” and “too cute.” photography to augmented reality, the Every Fed policymaker backed the Though the minutes did not refer to any TrueDepth camera system, faster Face ID, an central bank’s September decision to of Trump’s criticism, its message of further advanced camera system that creates dramatic raise the target policy rate to between 2 rate increases suggests that policymakers portraits using a single camera lens, long all- percent and 2.25 percent, according to are not fazed by it. “For now, the Fed has day battery life and six beautiful finishes; white, minutes of the Sept. 25-26 meeting, pub- made it clear that they are focused on their black, blue, yellow, coral and (PRODUCT)RED. dard 60529 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 lished Wednesday. agenda despite rising presidential pres- This new design is splash and water resistant minutes). Splash, water and dust resistance are Participants in the Fed’s rate-setting sure on their rate decisions,” said Mike with a rating of IP67 and protects against not permanent conditions, and resistance might committee also “generally anticipated that Loewengart, vice president of investment everyday spills including coffee, tea and soda.* decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not further gradual increases” in short-term strategy at E*Trade. iPhone XR also brings Dual SIM to iPhone attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user borrowing costs “would most likely be The broadly united front could bolster through the use of digital eSIM.** guide for cleaning and drying instructions. consistent” with the kind of continued expectations the central bank will raise For more details on pricing and data plans, Liquid damage not covered under warranty. economic expansion, labor market rates a fourth time this year in December, please visit kw.zain.com. For more details on ** Dual SIM support will be available via a strength, and firm inflation that most of but the minutes also show the committee iPhone please visit www.apple.com. free software update later this fall. Use of Dual them are anticipating, the minutes showed. remains split on how much further to raise *iPhone XR is splash-, water- and dust-resis- SIM requires two wireless service plans (which “This gradual approach would balance the rates next year. A few participants expect- tant, and was tested under controlled laboratory may include restrictions on roaming). Certain risk of tightening monetary policy too ed rates would need to rise enough to conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC stan- restrictions apply to use. quickly, which could lead to an abrupt modestly restrain economic growth, even slowing in the economy and inflation mov- as two others “indicated that they would effectively syphoning off taxpayers’ money ing below the Committee’s objective, not favor adopting a restrictive policy into investors’ pockets. So far estimates of Huge tax scam against the risk of moving too slowly, stance in the absence of clear signs of an the damage had ranged from 5.3 billion euros which could engender inflation persistently overheating economy and rising inflation.” according to the German finance ministry to above the objective and possibly con- Fed officials overall expect rates to cost Europe 30 billion, according to press reports. tribute to a buildup of financial imbal- rise to 3.1 percent next year and 3.4 per- But a joint investigation by European ances,” the minutes said. cent in 2020, just above their 3 percent media outlets has concluded that at least 55bn euros US stocks closed slightly lower and US estimate for the long-run “neutral” rate at 55.2 billion euros were stolen from 11 coun- Treasury yields gained a bit as traders which borrowing costs are neither brak- FRANKFURT: A gigantic years-long tax tries: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the continued to bet on further rate hikes ing nor stimulating economic growth. scam saw banks drain 55 billion euros ($63 Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, ahead. The benchmark 10-year Treasury Traders of futures contracts tied to the billion) from national treasuries in Europe, a Finland, Norway and Switzerland. yield ticked up 3 basis points to 3.184 per- Fed’s policy rate see rates topping out at far larger sum than previously thought, media Reportedly conceived by well-known cent. The dollar also rose. about 3 percent. from across the continent reported yesterday. German lawyer Hanno Berger, the cum-ex Trump told Reuters in August he was In the minutes, policymakers said esti- The so-called “cum-ex” deals relied on method relies on several investors buying “not thrilled” with Fed Chair Jerome Powell mates of the neutral rate would only be complex tax trickery that allowed owners of and reselling shares in a company amongst for raising interest rates, and has since “one among many” factors going into shares to claim several times over refunds for themselves around the day when the firm escalated his criticism, this week saying monetary policy decisions. — Reuters tax paid only once on dividend payouts — pays out its dividend. — Reuters 38 Friday Business Friday, October 19, 2018 Crude prices ease as supply outlook for 2019 improves Traders become more confident about supplies
LONDON: Oil prices and calendar spreads now predicting a significant acceleration in futures and options linked to Brent prices have softened significantly this month as non-OPEC oil supplies in 2019 as well as equivalent to 21 million barrels in the two traders became more confident about the slower growth in consumption, shifting the weeks ending on Oct. 9, after buying 172 mil- availability of supplies towards the end of the outlook from one of continuing deficits back lion barrels over the previous five weeks. year and into early 2019. towards a surplus. Portfolio managers have also sold contracts Iran’s exports have not declined as much as In part, the improved supply picture has linked to WTI prices equivalent to 90 million predicted a couple of months ago and it is now come about because the surge in oil prices barrels over the last five weeks, according to clear they will not fall to zero, even after US during August and September forced both the position records published by regulators and sanctions are re-imposed next month. White House and Saudi Arabia to adapt their exchanges. Total hedge fund long positions in Refiners in Turkey, India and possibly China positions. The United States has softened its crude have fallen to 865 million barrels, from a are reportedly negotiating with US officials insistence on forcing Iran’s exports towards recent high of 908 million in late September, over waivers to enable them to continue pur- zero, while Saudi Arabia has ramped up its own while short positions have risen to 93 million fallen much more heavily than contracts with chasing at least some Iranian oil after Nov 4. exports in October and November to alleviate barrels from 65 million. longer to run before expiry, shifting the entire At the same time, Saudi Arabia and other fears about a possible shortage. In effect, the As hedge-fund buying has turned into sell- futures curve from a steep backwardation Gulf producers have boosted their exports in oil market found the pain threshold for the US ing, spot prices have come under pressure, closer to flat. response to the earlier rise in prices and pres- administration, which lies at around $80 per with front-month Brent futures retreating from Brent’s six-month calendar spread has eased sure from the United States to cool the market. barrel for Brent, and pushed prices high a four-year high of $86 on Oct. 3 to just over from a backwardation of more than $2 per barrel Traders, meanwhile, have become more cau- enough to enforce a partial course correction $80 on Wednesday and below that so far yes- at the start of the month to just over $1 on tious about the consumption outlook for the from policymakers. terday. As hedge fund managers tend to con- Wednesday. In the past, the Brent calendar rest of 2018/19, with most indicators pointing As the supply outlook has improved, traders centrate their holdings in contracts close to spread has been a reliable indicator of the sup- to a loss of economic momentum outside the have begun to scale back bets on a crude expiry, which are more liquid, selling pressure ply-demand balance, and the recent softening of United States. crunch occurring towards the end of the year. has been most pronounced at the front end of the spread is consistent with an improved near- As a result, most major forecasters are Hedge funds and other money managers sold the futures curve. Nearby futures prices have term outlook for global oil supplies. —Reuters
Vietnam to ratify Pacific trade pact next month HANOI: Vietnam said yesterday it will ratify a sprawling Pacific trade pact that US President Donald Trump pulled out of last year, calling the deal a “disgrace” for American jobs. The 11 remaining countries agreed to push ahead with a wa- tered-down version without the world’s largest economy, re- branding the pact as the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership). Vietnam, an export-based manufacturing economy that stood to gain enormously from unfettered access to the US market, said law- makers would ratify the deal next month. KARACHI: A Pakistani artist applies art work on a fiber fishing boat in Karachi yesterday. —AFP He said the “important deal” would help Vietnam respond to global economic trends that have been “complicated with the rise of protectionism in major economies,” in a veiled reference to the US. Vietnam and Japan-which has lobbied hard to keep that are sometimes voiced by individual Africans, but rarely the deal alive-last month urged the United States to re-join the Is Africa starting to their governments. sprawling trade pact, whose original signatories would have “We need Chinese development, but not at the expense of covered 40 percent of the global economy. our unborn children who will be paying the debts,” said Hassan The remaining economies of the CPTPP make up only choke on China’s Dumbuya, a taxi driver using a partly-completed Chinese-built 13.5 percent. toll road between Freetown and Masiaka. The terms of the CPTPP leave the door open for Washington to re-join and could also allow non-Pacific countries to sign on. lending glut? No revolt Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said this month he would FREETOWN: It was a time for smiles and handshakes as the So is Sierra Leone’s U-turn on the airport the dawn of an welcome Britain “with open arms” to join the pact as the Euro- delegations from Sierra Leone and China Exim Bank sealed a African revolt against Chinese-funded projects? Not so fast, pean nation steps toward finalising Brexit. loan to provide the impoverished West African state with a say analysts. “It’s not a revolt because African countries cannot Four of the original Trans-Pacific Partnership signatories- new airport. revolt-they are seeking finance,” said Ivorian political analyst Australia, Mexico, Japan and Singapore-have already ratified Just months later, the much-trumpeted Mamamah Interna- Jean Alabro in Abidjan. the deal, which can only come into effect once all members have tional Airport scheme, estimated to cost $400 million (347 mil- Michael Kottoh, managing partner at Konfidants, an inter- done so. lion euros), has gone up in smoke. Sierra Leone’s new national consultancy firm, explained that the airport cancella- Pulling out of the TPP, a deal spearheaded by Trump’s pred- government has scrapped the contract, bluntly declaring it “un- tion had a limited, local, context. True, it could be seen as “yet ecessor Barack Obama, was one of the American leader’s first economical”. Instead it will use an existing, underused airport more evidence that many African governments are rushing to post-election announcements as he made good on campaign and improve access to it. The decision coincides with concern grab Chinese deals without seeking serious transaction advice pledges to protect US jobs. —Reuters internationally about Africa’s mounting debts with China-fears to guide their negotiations,” he said. —AFP Friday 39 Business Friday, October 19, 2018 Postman, shopper, builder: In Japan, there’s a robot for that At World Robot Summit in Tokyo, the focus was on down-to-earth robots
TOKYO: Forget the flashy humanoids with nected screen for a head. Japan’s manpower their gymnastics skills: at the World Robot shortage is felt especially keenly in the retail Summit in Tokyo, the focus was on down-to- and construction sectors and firms at the sum- earth robots that can deliver post, do the shop- mit were keen to demonstrate their latest so- ping and build a house. lutions. Omron showcased a robot that can be Introducing CarriRo, a delivery robot programmed to glide around a supermarket shaped a bit like a toy London bus with bright, and place various items into a basket. Possibly friendly “eyes” on its front that can zip around useful for a lazy-or infirm-shopper but more the streets delivering packages at 6km/h (4 likely to be put to use in a logistics warehouse. miles per hour). Japan also has difficulty finding staff to CarriRo “is designed to roll along the pave- stack shelves at its 55,000 convenience stores ments and direct itself via GPS to an address open 24/7 and here too, robots can fill the gap. within a two-kilometre radius,” explained Chio Ishikawa, from Sumitomo Corp, which is pro- HRP-5P moting the robot. With buildings going up at breakneck pace The lucky recipient of the package is sent a as Tokyo prepares to welcome the world for code to a smartphone allowing him or her to the 2020 Olympics, there are construction sites access CarriRo’s innards and retrieve whatever all over the city but not always enough people TOKYO: A woman speaks with the android robot ‘totto’, which replicates Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, one of the coun- is inside-post, medicine or a take-away. to work them. Enter HRP-5P. The snappily try’s top TV stars, at the World Robot Summit in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP Services like this are especially needed in named, humanoid-shaped machine certainly ageing Japan. With nearly 28 percent of the has the look of a brawny builder, at 182cm tall population over 65, mobility is increasingly and weighing in at 101 kilograms. And HRP-5P est in talking robots, which are becoming in- ese robotics master Hiroshi Ishiguro, the robot limited and the country is struggling for work- is designed to carry out the same construction creasingly “intelligent” in their responses. replicates the 85-year-old’s facial expressions ing-age employees. tasks that humans currently perform-even Sharp’s Robohon, a cute-as-pie humanoid almost perfectly but conversation with the ma- Toyota’s HSR (Human Support Robot) may when left to its own devices. robot standing only 20 centimetres tall, has chine hardly flows. not be an oil painting to look at-standing a HRP-5P “can use the same tools as a man, been employed since last month to recount to “The difficulty is being able to create fluid metre tall, it looks like a bin with arms-but it which is why we gave it the shape of a human- tourists the history of the ancient Imperial cap- conversations with different people,” said Junji can provide vital help for the aged or handi- two legs, two arms and a head,” explained one ital of Kyoto-in English, Japanese or Chinese. Tomita, engineer at telecoms giant NTT which capped at home. of its creators, Kenji Kaneko from the National And very popular among Japanese visitors is also involved in the project. Capable of handling and manoeuvring a va- Advanced Industrial Science and Technology to the World Robot Summit was a robot replica “The number of possible responses to an riety of objects, it also provides a key interface research facility. of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, one of the country’s top open question is so vast that it is very compli- with the outside world via its internet-con- Manufacturers were also promoting the lat- TV stars. Created in collaboration with Japan- cated,” admitted Tomita. —AFP
“The taxi industry will be long gone at the Thousands of end,” he added. On Tuesday, Kakao Mobility, a unit of chat app operator Kakao Corp, started re- Seoul taxi-drivers cruiting drivers for its service, after having ac- US-based Venture Global LNG will provide quired domestic carpool startup Luxi from Poland opts for Poland with up to two million tonnes of liquefied Hyundai Motor and other investors in February. natural gas per year, a PGNiG company state- rally against plans Kakao, which wants to use its dominant posi- ment said. tion to jumpstart the service matching up drivers LNG from US to Once regasified, it is the equivalent of 2.7 bil- for carpool service with people seeking a ride in the same direction, lion cubic metres of natural gas. The deal with said it would run the service only during com- ease reliance the US firm is due to take full effect in 2022, just SEOUL: Tens of thousands of South Korean taxi- muting hours to offset a shortage of taxis. Trans- as Warsaw’s current contract with Gazprom for drivers held a rally yesterday in Seoul, the capital, port law bans the use of personal vehicles for 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year is saying a carpooling service planned by the op- commercial purposes, but allows carpooling dur- on Russia set to end. Poland currently relies on the Russian erator of the country’s top chat app would ing “commuting hours”. giant for about two-thirds of its gas, with do- mestic supplies accounting for around a quarter threaten their livelihoods and jobs. Kakao, which previously said it planned to WARSAW: Poland’s state-run gas firm PGNiG of its market. It was the latest challenge to ride-sharing launch the service by year-end, on Thursday said said on Wednesday that it had sealed an un- Warsaw is also eyeing imports from Nor- services in South Korea, which has one of the the timing had not been decided. “We will con- precedented 20-year deal for liquefied natural way and Qatar. A value for the Venture Global world’s highest smartphone penetration rates, tinue discussions with the taxi industry, related gas (LNG) deliveries from the United States in organizations and users before the service a bid to ease its heavy dependence on Russian LNG contract, initially agreed in June, was not with nearly half its population of about 51 million provided. living in the Seoul metropolitan area. Backlash launch,” it said in a statement. supplies. “Today we can fulfil our efforts to im- prove the sovereignty, security and competitive- Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kupriyanov from taxi-drivers and government regulations in The taxi drivers’ protest worsens the dilemma ness of our gas sector,” Poland’s Prime Minister told Russia’s TASS on Wednesday that the Asia’s fourth-biggest economy have hampered of South Korea’s labor-friendly government, Mateusz Morawiecki told reporters in Warsaw company’s “supplies to Poland, amid all the new transport services launched by US-based grappling with unemployment that hit an eight- on Wednesday, adding that the deal will help re- rhetoric against Russian gas, grew by almost Uber Technologies and domestic startups. year high in August. South Korea had about 270,000 taxi drivers on June 30. As the economy duce Poland’s reliance on Kremlin-backed Russ- 10 percent this year.” Protesters wearing red headbands chanted ian energy giant Gazprom. Russia’s deputy energy minister Anatoly slogans, waved flags and held up placards with loses steam, the government has also pledged to promote new industries to cut reliance on big US ambassador to Poland Georgette Mos- Yanovsky also told TASS that no one can slogans such as, “Let’s crush the carpooling in- beat the price of Russian gas on the Euro- conglomerates, such as Hyundai and Samsung. bacher told reporters the contract was part of dustry which ignores the taxi industry,” and “Il- pean market. “The government is in a bind,” said Ko Tae- a drive by the Trump administration to establish legal business carpool app out.” “Our commodity is a single option. Neither bong, research head at Hi Investment & Securi- the United States as the “world’s largest LNG A carpooling service would put his job at risk, the US, nor Qatar, nor Norway, nor Africa can ties. “If they keep dragging their feet over exporter”. said one driver, Lee Sun-joo, who has 30 years supply such volumes for a low price like that,” regulatory changes, South Korea will be left be- The deal concluded by the Polish Oil and Gas of experience but works 12-hour days to earn just Company (PGNiG) with two subsidiaries of the he told TASS. —AFP 2 million won ($1,762) every month. hind the global ride-sharing market.” —Reuters 40 Friday Business Friday, October 19, 2018 Lack of Italy debt contagion explodes euro periphery myth Investors breaking 8-year habit of lumping together bonds
LONDON: The striking lack of financial conta- spective for the first time in a while a major euro strong concerns were over the banking system gion across the eurozone from Italy’s bond-mar- zone bond market incident is not being seen as in the periphery, we are in a very different place ket blowout this year shows investors are a threat to the euro system,” said Frederik now,” he said. breaking an eight-year habit of lumping together Ducrozet, a global strategist at Pictet Wealth Spain has led the eurozone economic recov- the bonds of Italy, Spain and Portugal. In an ap- Management. ery in 2016 and 2017, growing more than 3 per- parent vindication of European Central Bank ef- One reason is that the budget concerns are cent a year and earning multiple credit ratings forts to reduce spillover across the bloc each so far confined to Italy. But idiosyncratic risks upgrades to Baa1 from Moody’s and A- from time one of the southern European economies have in the past spread across southern Euro- both S&P Global and Fitch. Portugal, not long gets into trouble, the market has so far treated pean bond markets too-one example being the ago rated junk by all three major agencies, last the Italian budget dispute as a domestic storm. approach to the Catalan independence referen- week was restored to full investment-grade sta- For years after the 2010-2012 euro zone debt dum last year. tus after a Moody’s upgrade. Its economy grew crisis, Italy, Spain and Portugal - collectively re- Confidence is higher this time that the Italian 2.7 percent in 2017, outperforming the eurozone. ferred to as the “periphery” by bond investors - debt problem will not threaten the country’s Both countries have benefited from their saw their bonds track each other. euro membership. The country’s anti-establish- share of the ECB’s 2.6 trillion-euro ($3 trillion) Anything that risked a repeat of the euro ment coalition government has been at pains to stimulus program. But even countries partly or zone’s existential angst six years ago tarred all stress it has no interest in exiting the zone. fully outside the ECB program have felt its effect. the weaker credits with the same brush. Yet six Contagion would return only if the euro’s Cyprus recorded stellar growth of 3.9 percent years after ECB chief Mario Draghi pledged to future is in danger, said Arnaud-Guilhem last year and Greece exited its bailout program NUSA DUA: European Commissioner for Economic Affairs do “whatever it takes” to save the eurozone, the Lamy, a portfolio manager at BNP Paribas in August. This week, Greece said it achieved a Pierre Moscovici talks to AFP on the sidelines of the Inter- correlation is fading. Asset Management. primary budget surplus well above target for the national Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meet- An uproar over Italy’s budget deficit and Iain Stealey, a fixed income portfolio manager year so far. ings in Nusa Dua on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. —AFP risks of a clash between Rome and European at JPMorgan Asset Management, said the fund “The type of investors invested in Spain and Union authorities have barely touched Por- he oversees has been buying Spanish govern- Portugal is not the same as it was before,” said tuguese and Spanish debt. Such has been the ment debt through the recent Italian ruckus. BBVA rates trading strategist Jaime Costero ter shape, thanks to authorities’ success in tack- divergence that the premium demanded by in- “If you’re a fund manager and you don’t want Denche. “We have seen new investors such as ling bad loans-a road Italy embarked on only re- vestors to hold Italian risk over Spain’s hit its to own Italy, Spain and Portugal are the only re- Scandinavian accounts and Middle East and cently. Portuguese banks have mostly returned widest in over 20 years. alistic alternatives,” he told Reuters. Asian investors who didn’t want to buy periph- to profit. In June, Moody’s lifted its outlook for “We are very close to record low levels in “Spain has been the poster child for Euro- eral debt in the past.” Spain’s banking system to positive. It cited ro- terms of correlation between peripheral coun- pean growth in recent years - if you think about A major factor limiting contagion from Italy bust economic growth and improved asset qual- tries, and it’s very clear that from the market per- 2012, where unemployment rates were, how is that Portuguese and Spanish banks are in bet- ity after disposals of troubled assets. —Reuters
percent - 5 percent range, an improvement in Ice cream underlying operating margin and strong cash flow,” Polman added. Modest growth in Europe ment elections next spring, when the ECB boosts Unilever was “mainly driven by strong ice cream sales Germany should job is expected to be decided in a package that were helped by both innovations and good that also includes the heads of the EU Com- weather in Northern Europe”, particularly in mission and Council. sales despite Germany and the Netherlands, Unilever said. push Weidmann Despite the political sensitivity of the Much of Europe basked in a heatwave over race, Weidmann has been outspoken in crit- the northern hemisphere summer. Across the icising the fiscal plans of Italy, the euro HQ meltdown world “ice cream delivered strong growth led as ECB chief, zone’s third biggest economy. He said on by innovations including the new Kinder ice Wednesday that monetary policy normaliza- THE HAGUE: Unilever saw underlying sales ac- cream and the new Magnum Praline variant”. says Nowotny tion will place an increasing burden on celerate due partly to heatwave-driven ice In Latin America, sales increased by 10 percent highly indebted countries so there is no cream consumption, the Anglo-Dutch consumer in Brazil after the end of a truckers strike, al- VIENNA: Germany should push Bundes- place for leniency with Rome on European giant said yesterday, as it tries to recover from though the figure strips out Argentina which bank chief Jens Weidmann as a successor to fiscal rules. axing a move of its headquarters. Unilever said was now experiencing “hyperin- European Central Bank President Mario His repeated spats with Italy over fiscal The firm behind Ben and Jerry’s and Mag- flationary” conditions. Draghi and the government is making a prudence has irritated political circles in num as well as household brands like Knorr Despite the figures, the shadow of the aban- grave mistake in not pushing harder, ECB Rome, making opposition to Weidmann’s and Dove said however that third-quarter doned London-Rotterdam move still hangs over policymaker Ewald Nowotny said yesterday. candidacy almost certain. turnover however dropped 4.8 percent to 12.5 Unilever’s chief exec. Draghi’s job will become available at the Weidmann, a top notch economist, has billion euros ($14.4 billion) due mainly to cur- Unilever originally unveiled the planned end of next October. By that time Nowotny also come under fire for his persistent op- rency exchange issues. switch in March in a symbolic decision that was - the head of the Austrian National Bank and position to the ECB’s 2.6 trillion euro asset The huge multinational made no mention in largely interpreted by analysts as a blow to a moderate policy hawk who has often sided purchase program. its statement of the decision on October 5 to post-Brexit Britain. It also followed a failed hos- with Weidmann - will have left his post too. Unveiled during a period of crisis, the ditch a plan to move its main corporate base tile bid by US rival Kraft Heinz last year, which “I would have welcomed a candidacy of program is credited with reviving growth, from London to Rotterdam after a share- analysts said played a key role in Unilever’s de- Weidmann very much,” Nowotny told the and some argue that Weidmann would holder revolt. cision as the Netherlands has stronger rules to Oberoesterreichische Nachrichten newspa- struggle to unite the Governing Council “Growth accelerated in the third quarter protect companies against takeovers. per.” I personally believe it is a grave polit- after having opposed its hallmark policy across all divisions,” said chief executive But Unilever faced mounting opposition from ical mistake by (German Chancellor) Angela program for so long. “It would be good if Paul Polman, whose own position was called key shareholders angry that the plan would have Merkel that she is no longer pursuing Wei- someone from the biggest economy in the into question by the backtrack on the head- ended its dual stock exchange listing in London dmann’s candidacy further.” euro area stood at the top of the ECB,” quarters shift. and Amsterdam, meaning that many would have Bank of France Governor Francois Nowotny told the paper, adding that an ECB Unilever, which also makes yeast spread had to sell shares in Britain. Unilever said when Villeroy de Galhau is now considered the president needs political sensitivity and Marmite, Persil washing powder and PG Tips it announced the decision to ditch the move that frontrunner in the race but no real discus- practical experience as well as being a good tea, said underlying sales growth was 3.8 per- it would “consider its next steps” and still be- sion is likely until after the European Parlia- economist. —Reuters cent for the three months to October. “We con- lieved simplifying the firm’s structure would be tinue to expect underlying sales growth in the 3 in its best interests. —AFP Friday 41 Business Friday, October 19, 2018 US weekly jobless claims drop; Labor market conditions tighten Continuing claims decline 13,000 to 1.64 million WASHINGTON: New applications for US un- covered the survey period for the nonfarm pay- employment benefits dropped last week and the rolls component of October’s employment report. number of Americans on jobless rolls fell back to While the four-week moving average of claims levels last seen in 1973, suggesting a further rose 5,750 between the September and October tightening in labor market conditions. A strong survey periods, that will probably not change ex- labor market and robust economy likely keep the pectations for a rebound in job growth this month Federal Reserve on course to increase interest after Florence depressed restaurant and retail rates again in December. The US central bank payrolls in September. The economy created raised rates in September for the third time this 134,000 jobs in September, the fewest in a year. year and removed the reference to monetary The labor market is viewed as being near or at full policy remaining “accommodative.” employment with the unemployment rate close to Initial claims for state unemployment benefits a 49-year low of 3.7 percent. There are a record decreased 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 7.14 million open jobs. Minutes of the Fed’s Sept. 210,000 for the week ended Oct. 13, the Labor 25-26 meeting published on Wednesday showed Department said yesterday. Claims fell to policymakers “generally agreed that (labor mar- 202,000 during the week ended Sept. 15, which ket) conditions continued to strengthen.” was the lowest level since November 1969. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast US financial markets claims slipping to 212,000 in the latest week. The were little moved by the data. NEW YORK: New applications for US unemployment benefits dropped last week and the number Labor Department said claims for South and Yesterday’s claims report also showed the of Americans on jobless rolls fell back to levels last seen in 1973, suggesting a further tight- North Carolina continued to be affected by Hur- number of people receiving benefits after an ini- ening in labor market conditions. ricane Florence, which drenched the region in tial week of aid fell 13,000 to 1.64 million for the mid-September. Claims for Florida were im- week ended Oct. 6, the lowest level since August pacted by Hurricane Michael. 1973. The four-week moving average of the so- mid-Atlantic region slipped to a reading of 22.2 had increased payrolls. The survey’s employment The four-week moving average of initial called continuing claims dipped 1,250 to 1.65 in October from 22.9 in September amid a drop index rose 2 points to a reading of 19.5 this month claims, considered a better measure of labor mar- million, also the lowest level since August 1973. in new orders. The survey showed higher em- and firms also reported increasing hours for ket trends as it irons out week-to-week volatility, A separate survey from the Philadelphia Fed ployment at factories in the region, with more workers. The workweek index jumped to a read- rose 2,000 to 211,750 last week. The claims data showed its business conditions index for the than 30 percent of responding firms saying they ing of 20.8 from 14.6 in September. — Reuters
Ericsson turns first profit in Tax byte: Africans fear trend two years, towards levies on data, services KAMPALA/JOHANNESBURG: The brisk a string of countries hurt their revenues and shares climb business Julius Kirya did from his cash trans- threaten much-needed investment in infra- fer kiosk in the Ugandan capital has slowed structure. Levies on social media usage right down with a new tax on mobile money. brought in by Uganda and Benin and a pro- STOCKHOLM: Shares in Swedish telecoms firm STOCKHOLM: CEO of Swedish telecom giant Er- Many of his customers have returned to send- posed tax on internet calls in Zambia have Ericsson shot up by five percent in early trades icsson Borje Ekholm presents the company’s ing banknotes by hand, in some cases via mo- taken the shine off a fast-growing market and yesterday after it posted better-than-expected third quarter results during a press conference torbike taxi. have all sparked protests. third quarter earnings, turning its first net profit in Stockholm yesterday. — AFP How to tax digital revenues, from fintech to Officials say the taxes are needed to pre- in more than two years. By noon (1000 GMT), social media, is a puzzle authorities around the serve state revenues as technologies evolve. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the share price was still up by 4.72 percent on roll-out of 5G. “There is strong momentum in the world are working on. A solution catching on the Stockholm stock exchange in an overall mar- in Africa - levies on usage - has obvious ap- which has long pressed African states to im- global 5G market with lead markets moving for- prove tax collection, urges caution. “You want ket trading 0.6 percent higher. peal to indebted governments but a big im- ward,” said Ekholm, who has headed Ericsson to make sure you don’t introduce taxes that Ericsson’s net profit soared to 2.7 billion kronor pact on people like Kirya, who saw the tech since January 2017. “The global radio access mar- are stifling innovation and curtailing activity ($301 million, 261 million euros) during the period revolution as a way out of poverty. “I had a ket is recovering from several years of negative dream of steadily growing to middle income in the sector,” Abebe Selassie, the IMF’s top July-September, compared to a net loss of 3.6 bil- growth and our investments in R&D have posi- official for Africa, told Reuters this month. “So lion a year ago. Analysts had expected a loss of status,” he said from his tiny cubicle attached tioned us well to benefit from this development,” to a Kampala petrol station, one of thousands striking that balance will be important.” 167 million kronor. “We see improvements across he added. Sales during the third quarter rose by across the country that serve the millions of The communications sector is evolving our businesses,” chief executive Borje Ekholm said 8.9 percent to 53.8 billion. Gross margin, excluding people without access to bank accounts. fast in Africa, where the convenience and in the report. Once a market leader in the mobile restructuring costs, meanwhile skyrocketed to He was making three times the average lower communication costs of “over-the-top” phone industry, Ericsson saw its earnings slump 36.9 percent, up from 28.5 percent a year ago. Er- salary before the tax, was introduced in July. (OTT) services via the internet have particu- year after year following the meteoric rise of icsson’s networks division, its core operations, saw Now his income has slid to half that. “With this lar appeal. Data revenues in most African smartphone giants in the United States and Asia. sales rose by five percent and its gross margin tax I have no chance,” he said. markets are increasing at a much faster rate But it has fought on against the odds, adapting to climb to 41.5 percent, up 6.7 points in one year. It is not just Kirya and his customers who than SMS and voice revenues are declining, a the rapidly shifting market by focusing its attention Ekholm warned that “more work remains, are losing out. Mobile communications have Reuters analysis of telecom company finances on research and development of new technologies however, to get all parts of the business to a revolutionized life in Africa where telecom showed. Kenya’s Safaricom - part owned by for telecoms equipment. satisfactory performance level. We remain con- company reports show calls and texts are giv- Vodafone - reported its customer base The company launched a major 10 billion kro- fident in reaching our long-term target of at ing way to data services like Facebook-owned jumped nearly 12 percent last year but voice nor restructuring drive in July 2017 that has seen least 12 percent operating margin beyond WhatsApp, Skype , Viber and WeChat owned revenues grew just 2.9 percent while SMS 20,500 jobs cut. Ericsson is now finally able to see 2020.” In the third quarter, Ericsson’s operating by China’s Tencent. The telecom companies revenues shrank nearly 4 percent and data the light at the end of the tunnel, with good op- margin was six percent, compared to -7.4 per- say taxes on mobile payments introduced by revenue rose 38.5 percent. — Reuters portunities ahead as operators prepare for the cent a year ago. — Reuters 42 Friday Sports Friday, October 19, 2018 Red Sox push World champions Astros to brink of elimination Red Sox took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series LOS ANGELES: The Boston Red Sox are one into the right field seats for a two-run homer that win away from a World Series berth after a wild put Boston up 6-5. 8-6 victory over the reigning champion Houston The Red Sox wouldn’t trail again, adding runs Astros Wednesday in the American League in the seventh and eighth before the Astros Championship Series. The Red Sox took a 3-1 lead notched their sixth in the bottom of the eighth. in the best-of-seven series, pushing last season’s Houston threatened in the ninth, but Red Sox left winners to the brink of elimination in Houston in a fielder Andrew Benintendi made a diving catch game marked by a controversial denial of what with the bases loaded for the final out. Game five might have been an Astros homer and yet another is in Houston, where the Astros send ace Justin monster homer from Boston’s Jackie Bradley Jr. Verlander to the mound in a bid to keep their Boston seized the early initiative in the see-saw season alive. The winner of the series will face ei- battle with two runs in the top of the first inning. ther the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee In the bottom of the frame, Houston’s Jose Altuve Brewers in Major League Baseball’s champi- belted what looked to be a game-tying two-run onship showcase. homer to right field off Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello. Outfielder Mookie Betts leapt at the ‘Huge’ Dodgers victory wall but officials ruled that fans in the stands The Dodgers, beaten in seven games by the reached out and interfered with the play — a rul- Astros in last year’s World Series, were one win ing that was upheld on review. Astros manager AJ away from a return trip after a 5-2 victory over Hinch clearly thought it was a dubious call, but in- the Brewers in Los Angeles on Wednesday. sisted it wasn’t the key to Houston’s defeat. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who endured the “It’s convenient to think of it that way, but there shortest post-season outing of his career Los HOUSTON: A fan interferes with Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox as he attempts to catch a was a lot of game left,” Hinch said. “”There was a Angeles’ game one loss at Milwaukee last week, ball hit by Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros (not pictured) in the first inning during Game Four lot of action in that game. I’m not going to go there. bounced back with seven stellar innings. He gave of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park. — AFP It would have been nice to tie the game there, but up one run on three hits, striking out nine and it’s not the difference.” Betts thought the call was walking two and said heading back to Milwaukee spot-on, and he’d have made the catch if not for with a 3-2 lead in the National League Champi- when the Brewers scored their only run, but with homers, drove in all but one of their runs with sin- interference from the fan. “He got it right,” Betts onship Series was “huge”. the bases loaded he struck out Jesus Aguilar in an gles. After getting their first hit in the fourth inning, said. “I thought it was going in my glove for sure.” “It’s a tough place to play,” he said of the Brew- eight pitch at bat to end the frame and retired the the Dodgers put up their first run in the fifth, when The Red Sox trailed 4-5 after a string of lead ers’ roofed stadium. “It’s a great team. And it’s been next 12 batters he faced. “Anytime you can work Chris Taylor got things rolling with a leadoff single, changes heading into the sixth when Bradley a battle every single game we’ve played them so yourself out of situations like that that’s going to reached second on a throwing error and stole struck again for Boston, lasering a two-out, first- far, and we don’t expect anything different when make or break the game,” Kershaw said. The third. He scored on a base hit by Austin Barnes pitch changeup from Houston pitcher Josh James we go back.” Kershaw was in trouble in the third, Dodgers, who led the National League with 235 past a drawn-in outfield. — AFP
three of the 11 medal sports on offer — sitting Afghan war volleyball, powerlifting and indoor rowing. At a recent training session, double amputee Abdul Hanan Fehrdus lay on a bench as he veterans prepare pressed more than 55 kilograms to build Former USA Gymnastics president strength for the powerlifting event. A soldier held for battle at down his leg stumps to prevent him falling on the floor. “Each of us dreams of bringing back a arrested for alleged tampering medal from Sydney,” Fehrdus said. “I do not Invictus Games want a bronze or silver medal, but a gold medal LOS ANGELES: President Steve Penny, who vestigation by the Texas Rangers and the for my country.” resigned from his post last year, was arrested Walker County Sheriff’s Office, several Wednesday in connection with the Larry sources reported that Penny ordered the re- KABUL: Discarding their prosthetic legs and Daily struggle Nassar molestation scandal, US media re- moval of the documents from the ranch after wheelchairs, Afghan war veterans disfigured by Fehrdus said he wallowed in despair for ported. The arrest came after Penny was in- learning that an investigation was underway,” Taleban bombs and bullets begin pumping iron months after losing his legs during a mine clear- dicted three weeks ago by a grand jury on the Item quoted Walker County district attor- in preparation for their next battle: the Invictus ance operation in the northern province of Kun- felony charges of allegedly tampering with ev- ney David Weeks saying. Games. The eight-member Afghan team meets duz in 2012. Sport helped him to recover. As well idence in the sexual assault investigation of The documents in question were from the at a military gym in Kabul to train for the inter- as winning medals in Sydney, Fehrdus hopes to former gymnastics doctor Nassar, the Korolyi Ranch, the base for the gold-medal national sports championship for wounded, dis- meet Harry, who is in Australia as part of a Pacific Huntsville Item newspaper reported. Penny winning US Olympic teams. It is also the loca- abled and sick military personnel and veterans. trip with his expectant wife Meghan. Fehrdus was arrested by a police task force in Gatlin- tion where several athletes say Nassar mo- The event — the brainchild of Prince Harry who “greatly respects” the British royal for serving burg, Tennessee and is awaiting extradition to lested them. In February, Nassar was will attend the fourth edition in Sydney starting two tours of duty in Afghanistan during his Texas, prosecutors said in a press release sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after he Saturday — brings together 500 competitors decade in the British army. Wednesday night. pled guilty to molesting 10 girls. Penny could from 18 countries. “I have prepared an Afghan flag that I will According to the indictment, Penny is al- be facing between two to 10 years in jail on a “In Afghanistan they call you a hero so long give him as a gift,” he said. Tens of thousands of leged to have tampered with evidence during third degree felony charge. “Deputy US Mar- as you have a rifle on your shoulder. As soon as Afghan soldiers have been killed or maimed the investigation of Nassar by ordering the re- shals and task force officers from the Southern you are wounded, they take you to the military since the bloody conflict began in 2001 with the moval of documents from the Karolyi Ranch District of Texas and the Eastern District Ten- hospital and say ‘goodbye’,” said Sohail Naseri, US-led invasion that toppled the Taleban regime. in Walker County, Texas that were related to nessee worked tirelessly to locate Penny,” US whose legs were blown off by a landmine in the Despite the camaraderie from training for the In- the activities of Nassar at the ranch. The in- Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee southern province of Helmand in 2012. In that victus Games, life is a daily struggle for the vet- dictment alleges the removal of the documents David Jolley said in a news release. “Good po- moment, the 31-year-old said, he became an “old erans as they try to support their families — and was done to destroy or hide the documents lice work ensured that Penny was swiftly and man”. Naseri and his team mates will compete in retain their dignity. —AFP and impair the investigation. “During the in- safely apprehended. —AFP Friday 43 Sports Friday, October 19, 2018 ‘A league of our own’: T20 tournament adds glamour to Afghanistan cricket ‘It’s a very proud moment for the entire nation’ SHARJAH: Afghanistan defied decades of con- the APL in Afghanistan, but Stanikzai said: “I am flict to join cricket’s elite club of Test nations, but sure this league, like in other countries, will fur- now they have added a dash of glamour with ther lift standards of our players and our overall their inaugural Twenty20 league in the United cricket.” He added: “There were challenges Arab Emirates. Ten years after India’s IPL aplenty, they still exist but we have overcome changed the face of cricket with music, fireworks those, received tremendous support from our and cheerleaders, the Afghanistan Premier government, the people of Afghanistan and from League has joined the growing list of T20 tour- the International Cricket Council.” naments worldwide. The pyrotechnics weren’t long coming, as 20- ‘Unity and love’ year-old Hazratullah Zazai’s extraordinary six West Indies big-hitter Chris Gayle and India’s sixes in one over, part of a record-equaling 12- Yuvraj Singh are among the headliners, along ball half-century, immediately drew attention with New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and from around the globe. “It’s a very proud mo- Shahid Afridi of Pakistan. But the APL also pro- ment for the entire nation to have a league of our vides a stage for Afghanistan’s own stars includ- own which gives our players chance to showcase ing Rashid Khan, teenage spinner Mujeeb Ur their talent and rub the shoulders with some for- Rahman and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who eign stars,” Afghanistan Cricket Board chief ex- all featured in this year’s IPL. Rashid, 20, is the ecutive Shafiq Stanikzai told AFP. world’s top-ranked bowler for T20 internation- Despite its turbulent history, with most play- als, and this year he became the fastest player to ers learning cricket in refugee camps in Pakistan, reach 100 ODI wickets, in 44 games. “Now is the Afghanistan rose to become one of only 12 Test time for the youngsters from Afghanistan to nations earlier this year. Stanikzai knows the come forward and show their ability, like players dangers of Afghan cricket more than most: his have done in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and SHARJAH: This picture taken on October 13, 2018 shows Paktia Panthers’ batsman Mohammad Yamin playing career was flourishing until it was cut Australia,” said Rashid. Ahmadzai bowling during the Afghanistan Premier League T20 cricket match between the Balkh short by a Taliban bullet in his right shoulder. In Rashid took 10 wickets at last month’s Asia Legends and the Paktia Panthers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. —AFP September last year, a suicide attack outside Cup in UAE, making him the joint most successful Kabul’s main cricket stadium left three people bowler as Afghanistan upset Sri Lanka and dead, while eight were killed and several injured Bangladesh and tied a match with India, the tour- at next year’s one-day World Cup in England and tion,” said Stanikzai. “We want to send a message in an attack at a cricket match in Jalalabad. nament’s eventual winners. The performances Wales, after they made their debut in the com- of unity and love and cricket has been a tool Such conditions made it impossible to hold suggest that Afghanistan could prove a handful petition in 2015. “We don’t believe in fragmenta- through which we send this message.” — AFP
viction. Now 37, Kaneria remains Pakistan’s leading Pakistan’s Kaneria spinner with 261 Test wickets. ‘Forgiveness’ admits fixing guilt He last played for Pakistan in the Trent Bridge Test of 2010, and has not appeared in any first-class game Masters champ Willett in since March 2012, with all major boards upholding the at last: Report ECB ban under International Cricket Council guidance. “I want to ask people’s forgiveness,” said Kaneria. early hunt in S Korea LONDON: Pakistan’s Danish Kaneria has finally ad- “Cricket has given me so much in my life and I want to JEJU: Former Masters champion Danny Willett got into the hunt early at the CJ mitted his role in a fixing scandal that led to the impris- give something back.”If the ECB and ICC and other Cup in South Korea yesterday. The Englishman has not won a tournament since onment of former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield bodies would give me a second chance I can help to his shock 2016 success at Augusta National, but was joint second with a three- after six years of denials, Britain’s Daily Mail reported educate young people in cricket, teach them that if you under 69 in the first round of the US$9.5 million US PGA tournament. Chez late Wednesday. do wrong you are finished like me.” Reavie of the US was in front by one shot after a chilly and blustery day at the Kaneria, who was given a life ban by English cricket Kaneria said the fear of embarrassing his father, who Club at Nine Bridges on the tourist island of Jeju, with South Korea’s Kim Si- chiefs that effectively applied worldwide, said in an in- died in 2013 and had been suffering from cancer, ex- Woo tied with Willett. Willett hit every fairway and missed just one green, taking terview for an Al Jazeera television documentary plained part of the reason behind his repeated denials 31 putts on his round. “It’s nice to get a score like that on a day where it’s easy to quoted by the Mail: “My name is Danish Kaneria and I of wrongdoing. “His health was getting worse and get on the wrong side of the par and kind of let things get to you,” said the 31- admit that I was guilty of the two charges brought worse,” he recalled. “I didn’t have the courage to face year-old. “In these conditions, it’s as good as you can ask for.” During his pro- against me by the England and Wales Cricket Board in him and tell him that I was wrong. He was a very, very longed dry spell Willett has gone through several coaching and caddie changes. 2012.” Leg-spinner Kaneria, who insisted he was re- proud guy. Very, very proud of me and what I did, rep- “It’d be nice to get a win but it’s also satisfying working as hard as you can and pentant as he called for his life ban to be overturned, resenting Pakistan, representing my country. “I want to seeing the results, even just day to day,” he said. added: “I want to apologise to Mervyn Westfield, my apologize to my father, who has always been a role Reavie said he focussed on avoiding errors, with his only blemish a dropped Essex team-mates, my Essex cricket club, my Essex model for me.” shot at the par-3 14th. “It’s definitely a day where you’re just trying not to make cricket fans. I say sorry to Pakistan.” Meanwhile Westfield told the Mail he accepted bogeys,” he said. “If you make a couple of birdies, great. But the more pars you Westfield spent two months at Belmarsh prison in Kaneria’s apology, saying: “This whole chapter of can make, the better.” Kim made a double bogey at only the second hole, but re- south-east London after pleading guilty to accepting spot-fixing changed my life, but I have never blamed covered with six birdies over the rest of his round, with just one more bogey. De- £6,000 ($7,862) from an illegal bookmaker, Anu Bhatt, anyone for the terrible mistake I made. “However, fending champion Justin Thomas — who beat Marc Leishman in a playoff last to concede 12 runs in his first over of an English county opening up about my wrongdoing and telling the truth year — was tied for 33rd and five shots off the lead after a 73. 40-over game against Durham in 2009. He conceded allowed me to move on,” added Westfield, now 30, And US PGA Tour Player of the Year Brooks Koepka — whose wayward tee only 10, but still took the money. Kaneria was the “mid- who was banned from professional cricket for five shot at the Ryder Cup last month left a spectator blinded in one eye — was dle-man” in the scam, having introduced Westfield to years after being released from jail but has since among eight players on 71. “I hit some good shots but missed a couple of putts Bhatt, but avoided criminal charges when English legal played club and minor county matches. “I hope that early,” said Koepka. “It was a difficult day. Anything under par is a good score authorities decided they lacked the evidence for a con- Danish finds peace and closure by doing this, and I out there. I am pleased with it.” — AFP wish him all the best for the future.” — AFP 44 Friday Sports Friday, October 19, 2018 DeRozan leads Spurs past Wolves, Pelicans rout Rockets in opener
DALLAS: DeMar DeRozan scored a with James Borrego debuting as its coach. game-high 28 points in his San Antonio Antetokounmpo, who finished with 25 debut, and four of his teammates scored points, 18 rebounds and eight assists, hit in double figures as the host Spurs held two free throws with 23.7 seconds re- off the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-108 maining to give the Bucks the lead for Wednesday in one of 11 of the night’s sea- good at 113-112. The Bucks then held on as son openers. DeRozan, acquired in the Charlotte’s Kemba Walker missed a short offseason trade that sent Kawhi Leonard jumper and Nicolas Batum missed a 3- to Toronto, scored the final four points of point attempt at the buzzer. The Bucks led the game after Minnesota rallied for a by as many as 20 on several occasions in 108-108 tie on Jimmy Butler’s 3-pointer in the first half but had to come from behind the final minute. in the final minute after Walker, who LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 points scored 41 points, rallied the Hornets. He hit and a game-high 19 rebounds for the two free throws with 36.3 seconds left for Spurs, who also received 18 points from a 112-111 Charlotte lead. Rudy Gay. Butler, who was away from the team for much of the preseason after re- Knicks 126, Hawks 107 questing a trade, was in the starting lineup Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 of his and scored 23 points and grabbed seven game-high 31 points during host New rebounds in 31 minutes. Jeff Teague led the York’s 49-point second quarter in an easy Timberwolves with 27 points, and Andrew win over Atlanta. Hardaway led a whop- Wiggins added 20. ping seven players in double figures for the Knicks. Enes Kanter (16 points, 11 re- Pelicans 131, Rockets 112 bounds) and Noah Vonleh (12 points, 10 Anthony Davis had 32 points and 16 re- rebounds) had double-doubles while Trey bounds, and Elfrid Payton had a triple- Burke, Mario Hezonja and Allonzo Trier double as retooled New Orleans routed had 15 points each. Rookie first-round host Houston. Payton, one of two key off- pick Kevin Knox added 10 points on 4- season acquisitions, had 10 points, 10 as- for-16 shooting in his NBA debut. Taurean HOUSTON: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during sists and 10 rebounds, and the other key Prince led the Hawks with 21 points, Kent a game on October 17, 2018 at Toyota Center. —AFP pick-up, forward Julius Randle, had 25 Bazemore and rookie Trae Young added points off the bench. Nikola Mirotic added 14 points apiece and 41-year-old Vince Oladipo added 16 as the Pacers blew out a points, Buddy Hield chipped in 19, and 30 points, including 6 of 8 3-pointers, and Carter, the oldest player in the NBA, Grizzlies team they had struggled to sweep Nemanja Bjelica had 18. 10 rebounds, E’Twaun Moore scored 21 chipped in 12 points. Jeremy Lin, the one- in the two-game season series last year. points and Jrue Holiday had 10. Eric Gor- time Knicks phenom, scored eight points Despite missing nine of his 11 shots, Marc Suns 121, Mavericks 100 don came off the bench to lead the Hous- in his return to Madison Square Garden. Gasol led Memphis with 13 points. Devin Booker poured in 19 of his game- ton with 21 points, and PJ Tucker and high 35 points during the crucial fourth Chris Paul had 19 points each. James Pistons 103, Nets 100 Magic 104, Heat 101 quarter, including 14 in a row, as host Harden (18 points, 10 assists) fell a re- Andre Drummond totaled 24 points, 20 Aaron Gordon had 26 points and 16 re- Phoenix staved off Dallas. The new-look bound shy of a triple-double. Carmelo An- rebounds and came up with a significant bounds, leading host Orlando past Miami. Suns trailed just once in the game, 2-0. thony finished with nine points off the defensive play in the final seconds as De- With the Heat trailing by one point and Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton started his NBA bench in his Houston debut. troit held off visiting Brooklyn to make a just 2.3 seconds left, Miami’s Josh career with a double-double, notching 18 winner of new coach Dwane Casey. Richardson stepped out of bounds while points, on 8-of-11 shooting, and 10 re- Raptors 116, Cavaliers 104 Drummond produced his 52nd career 20- trying to make a baseline drive, allowing bounds while adding six assists and a Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points and 20 game, but it was his defense that gave Orlando to hold on for the win. Gordon steal. Free agent signee Trevor Ariza grabbed 12 rebounds in his Toronto debut the Pistons a win in Casey’s debut with the made 9 of 18 shots from the floor, includ- scored 21 points and drained five 3-point- in defeating visiting Cleveland. Kyle team. With 15 seconds to play, the Pistons ing 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Magic ers as the Suns hit 19 of 34 from beyond Lowry had 27 points and eight assists for held a 101-100 lead and the Nets had a backup center Mohamed Bamba, the sixth the arc. Dallas, just 10 of 33 from behind the Raptors. Fred VanVleet added 14 chance to go ahead, but Drummond player selected in the 2018 NBA Draft, the arc, was led by reserve forward points, Pascal Siakam had 13 points and forced a turnover. After Drummond’s de- had 13 points, seven rebounds and two Dwight Powell’s 16 points. His eight Danny Green chipped in with 11. Jonas fensive stand, Reggie Jackson hit two free blocks in his league debut. fourth-quarter points finally sparked the Valanciunas grabbed 12 rebounds. throws with 6.2 seconds left. The Nets’ Joe Mavs, who trailed 99-94 with five minutes Leonard and Green were acquired by Harris missed a well-contested 3-pointer Jazz 123, Kings 117 to play before getting outscored 22-6. Toronto from the Spurs in a July trade. from the top of the key, and Blake Griffin Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points Kevin Love scored 21 points and added secured the rebound. Griffin led the Pis- while Joe Ingles added 22 points on 9-of- Nuggets 107, Clippers 98 seven rebounds for the Cavaliers, and tons with 26 points while adding eight re- 12 shooting, lifting Utah to a victory at Nikola Jokic scored 21 points, including Cedi Osman had 17 points and 10 re- bounds and six assists, while Brooklyn’s Sacramento. Rudy Gobert added 19 a tiebreaking put-back with 1:24 left, and bounds. George Hill and Jordan Clarkson Caris LeVert led all scorers with 27. points, 15 rebounds and three blocks for Denver rallied to win at Los Angeles. Gary each added 15 points, and Rodney Hood the Jazz. Derrick Favors chipped in 18 Harris had 20 points, and Will Barton scored 12. Pacers 111, Grizzlies 83 points and nine rebounds. Utah overcame scored 19 for the Nuggets, who scored Indiana held Memphis to 18 points in a 16-point first-half deficit behind 39 eight straight points in the final 90 sec- Bucks 113, Hornets 112 the first 17 minutes of its season, running bench points — 13 apiece for Alec Burks, onds to pull away for the victory. Tobias Giannis Antetokounmpo came within off to a big lead and coasting to victory in Dante Exum and Jae Crowder — and 48.1 Harris led the Clippers with 19 points and two assists of a triple-double as Milwau- Indianapolis. Bojan Bogdanovic hit his first percent shooting from beyond the 3-point 10 rebounds, Boban Marjanovic scored 18 kee, in Mike Budenholzer’s first game as six shots, including a pair of 3-pointers, en arc. Willie Cauley-Stein scored 23 points points, and Danilo Gallinari finished with coach, held on to defeat host Charlotte, route to a team-high 19 points, and Victor to lead the Kings. De’Aaron Fox added 21 16 points before fouling out. —Reuters Friday 45 Sports Friday, October 19, 2018 Hamilton poised to join Schumacher, Juan Fangio as five-time champion A hot favorite to win again and wrap up the title fight AUSTIN: Lewis Hamilton stands on the verge of and when former Mercedes team-mate Nico history this week as he needs to out-score Se- Rosberg beat him in 2016, Hamilton can draw on bastian Vettel by eight points at the United bitter experience to drive himself toward his ob- States Grand Prix to become only the third five- jectives. “It’s one thing dreaming it and one thing time Formula One world champion. If he does, executing it,” he said. “We knew we would have the 33-year-old Briton will join Juan Manuel a tough battle this year — you saw the ups and Fangio, champion in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 and downs at the beginning of the season. 1957 and Michael Schumacher, the title-winner in 1994 and 1995 who delivered five more for ‘Class act’ Ferrari from 2000 to 2004, in an exclusive hall “It was such an unknown. I always do plan on of sporting fame. coming back stronger in the second half of the Having won five of the previous six American season and the preparations I went through in races held at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, in my break were spot-on — and allowed me to Texas, Hamilton is a hot favorite to win again and perform better.” Hamilton can afford to be con- wrap up the title fight, but he is distancing him- servative in his racing and still take the title if self from that narrative. Instead, despite luxuri- Vettel and Ferrari are unable to beat him or win ating in a 67-point lead after a streak of six wins the race. But if he wins, the German must finish in seven outings, including the last four in suc- second to keep his hopes alive, albeit only math- cession, the Mercedes racer has done his utmost ematically. Third behind a victorious Hamilton to warn against any sign of complacency. would not be enough. “That part is easy for me because I’m very, Aware that it was Kimi Raikkonen, in a Fer- very strict on not being complacent with our po- rari, who took the 2007 title when Hamilton lost sition and still there are 100 points available,” he momentum in the final races, and that the only said. “I know we still have to continue doing the other winner in Austin has been Vettel, with Red SUZUKA: Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton gets inside his car during a practice session job we’re doing now right until the last flag. Bull in 2013, Hamilton himself knows he cannot for the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. — AFP That’s the goal — knowing from past experience relax. “There’s still 100 points available and any- that so much can happen. “I’ll focus on amend- thing can happen,” he said, ignoring the siren call highlighted when he described him a “class act” results in Austin will “have no impact” this week- ments I’d like them to focus on making for next of his easy enjoyment of America, where he feels and a driver who is “more complete than ever end. “Everyone knows that we cannot take any- year’s car, but also how we can also continue to so much at home as he showed while fulfilling before”. Wolff also pointed out that Hamilton’s thing for granted, so we will be as diligent as extract from this car because there’s still areas media duties in New York. level of performance was challenging the entire ever, keep our heads down and work hard to get we can improve.” Having tasted title defeats in That focus and tenacity are among the qual- team to perform at higher levels. He added that a good result in Texas,” said Wolff, adding that the past, notably in his maiden F1 season in 2007 ities that his Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff this title scrap is “far from over” and that past Ferrari will push until the final corner. — AFP
skipper Dylan Hartley. “We’ve got two good ‘Third-choice’ 10s there,” Jones told a Twickenham news finitive mandate to sell Wembley”. The UK’s conference. “It’s tough on Danny. He’s our Collapse of largest sports charity, the Football Foundation, third-choice at the moment but George and would have been the vehicle the FA used to pick, Cipriani Owen are our first-two choices.” “I’ve had dis- manage and fund the projects, as it currently cussions with him (Cipriani). He’s worked on Wembley sale does with the funding it receives from the FA, overlooked by some areas...but there are areas he (still) needs Premier League and government. “News that Mr to work on,” added Jones without elaborating ‘a blow for Khan has decided to withdraw his offer to buy England on what those areas were. Wembley should come as a huge disappoint- As for splitting the captaincy, former Aus- grassroots game’ ment to community footballers everywhere,” it TWICKENHAM: Danny Cipriani was labeled tralia and Japan coach Jones said: “I think to said in a statement. England’s “third-choice fly-half” by coach me it almost became a no-brainer. “Having “Football participation in this country is huge. Eddie Jones as he explained why he had left watched Dylan captain the side for so many LONDON: The collapse of the proposed deal to Unfortunately, those who play the game, simply the in-form playmaker out of his squad for the tests and then watching Owen in South Africa, sell Wembley stadium has been described as a for the love of doing so and for the health bene- November internationals at Twickenham. the combination of those two together is just “huge disappointment” and a missed opportu- fits, are having to put up with a stock of com- Cipriani has impressed for Gloucester this a great fit. “Whatever team I’ve coached nity by two of the biggest sponsors of grass- munity football facilities that is in a shameful season, and was named Premiership player of where we’ve had success youíve always had roots facilities. Fulham owner Shahid Khan had state. “This would have been a once-in-a- the month for September. two at the top and traditionally they’ve been offered the English Football Association £600 lifetime opportunity to make considerable in- But that was not enough to persuade Jones called a captain and a vice-captain, but I see million ($787 million) for the national stadium, as roads into probably the most pressing issue to include him in a 36-man squad announced the role as being co-captains. “Dylan will han- well as letting it keep the Club Wembley hospi- facing football in this country.” yesterday for next month’s home Tests against dle certain things on the field, Owen will han- tality business, worth around £300 million. But Nick Bitel, the chairman of Sport England, the South Africa, New Zealand, 2019 World Cup dle certain things, the things that come natural the American businessman withdrew his contro- government agency that funds grassroots sport, hosts Japan and Australia. Despite being Eng- to him, and then off the field we’ve got a great versial offer on Wednesday. also expressed his disappointment. “We agree land’s starting No 10 in their most recent game combination because Dylan’s a bit older, FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive with the view that the Wembley Stadium offer against South Africa in June and producing an Owen’s younger.” Martin Glenn were both strongly in favour of the was a huge opportunity to boost funding into excellent opening to the season at his new deal and wanted to use the money to fix Eng- the development and maintenance of artificial club, Jones left him out of an initial training ‘Hold hands’ land’s dilapidated changing rooms, waterlogged and grass pitches up and down the country,” he squad and the Australian stuck with his deci- Jones also said the role of the media in pitches and stretched 3G facilities. They hoped said. “Now that this deal is off the table, we hope sion yesterday. English rugby union had influenced his deci- Khan’s £600 million could be the catalyst for a the football family will now consider other ways sion to split the captaincy between Hartley and total investment in community facilities over the the much-needed additional funds for grassroots ‘Tough on Danny’ Farrell. “In England the job of the captain is next 20 years of £3.3 billion. But in separate facilities can be generated.” Former FA chief ex- Instead George Ford and Owen Farrell, probably the biggest job in the world in terms statements, Glenn admitted the proposed sale ecutive Mark Palios described the collapse of who can also play at inside centre, are Eng- of rugby so they can share that responsibility had been “more divisive than anticipated”, while the sale as a “massive concern” for the grass- land’s preferred fly-halves. Farrell has also which will help the players in their own prepa- Khan said it had become clear “there is no de- roots game. — AFP been named as a co-captain alongside regular ration,” he explained. — AFP 46 Friday Sports Friday, October 19, 2018 Sevilla takes aim at stuttering Barcelona in top-of-table clash Barca are in the midst of their worst league run since 2016
BARCELONA: Sevilla have taken La Liga by The addition of Portuguese forward Andre storm this season by rising to the top of the Silva, on loan from AC Milan, has proved par- table while the usual suspects have floundered ticularly shrewd. Silva was a flop in Italy, scor- and the Andalusians can underline their title ing two Serie A goals after a 38-million-euro ambitions on Saturday when they visit cham- ($44 million) move from Porto, but he has pros- pions Barcelona. Barca are in the midst of their pered in Spain. After netting a hat-trick on his worst league run since 2016, having lost one league debut against Rayo Vallecano, he lies and drawn three of their last four outings al- second in the list of La Liga top scorers this though they remain undefeated at home in any season with seven goals. competition in over two years. Sevilla have only a one-point lead over Sevilla have not won a league match at the Barca and midfielder Aleix Vidal is under no il- Nou Camp since 2002 but this time they head lusions about the challenge that awaits his side. to Barcelona in the unfamiliar position of being “We’re going to a very difficult ground where league leaders after winning their last four La 90 minutes can seem like a very long time if Liga outings. During that winning run, they you are not fully concentrated,” Vidal told have scored 14 goals and also thrashed Real Sevilla’s official radio station. “They have play- Madrid 3-0. ers who can kill a game off very quickly even if they are not performing very well in a game Shrewd move or are having a difficult moment in the season.” After going through three coaches last sea- With strikers Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez son and scraping a European place by clinch- both resting in Catalonia during the interna- ing seventh, the club hedged their bets on tional break and midfielder Sergi Roberto set to talented Spanish tactician Pablo Machin, who return, Barca will be confident of turning around had turned Girona from second division strug- their recent mediocre form. The Catalans are VALENCIA: Barcelona’s Argentinean forward Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a goal during the Spanish league glers into an established top flight side. Machin short staffed in defence, however, with Samuel football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium. —AFP has harnessed a highly attacking side built on Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen both out injured. the creativity of Argentine veteran Ever Triple European champions Real Madrid Banega and Spaniard Pablo Sarabia, while up are having an even tougher time than Barca, without scoring since 1985. Even though pick up a victory at home to Levante on Sat- front Wissam Ben Yedder and Andre Silva have having failed to score in their last four games Real are two points behind Sevilla in fourth, urday. Third-placed Atletico Madrid visit scored a combined 12 league goals. in all competitions, their longest stretch coach Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to Villarreal. —Reuters
tract, Bolt is not eligible for selection. Club Sprint king Bolt chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said this week the Jamaican “will continue his indefinite Rafinha said. His club needs him desperately to training period ... until any further notice”. Bayern seek plug a porous backline that has let in more than a rejects Malta Reports suggest the Mariners are waiting goal per game, an unusually bad record for the for governing body Football Federation Aus- win to stay in Munich club. But Kovac, under mounting pressure football offer tralia to decide whether it will contribute to a with each failure to win, has received vocal support potential Aus$3 million (US$2.1 million) offer from colleagues at several Bundesliga clubs, in- SYDNEY: Sprint superstar Usain Bolt has to the 100m world record holder. Sydney’s touch with leaders cluding Wolfsburg. turned down a contract from Maltese champi- Daily Telegraph yesterday reported Bolt and ons Valletta and will remain in Australia to pur- Mielekamp sat down for a coffee in the wake BERLIN: Bayern Munich’s trip to VfL Wolfsburg Now or never sue his dream of becoming a professional of the Malta offer for clarity on his future. this weekend could represent one of the last “A couple of weeks ago Bayern were in a class footballer, his agent said yesterday. The eight- It said the 32-year-old, who regards Aus- chances for under-fire coach Niko Kovac to turn of their own and Kovac was seen as a coach who time Olympic champion has been on trial with tralia as a second home, might consider ac- things around for the German champions, who have can walk on water,” Wolfsburg sporting director A-League club the Central Coast Mariners cepting less money if it means locking in a failed to win any of their previous three Bundesliga Joerg Schmadtke said. “Three weeks later, Kovac since arriving Down Under in August. contract. Coach Mike Mulvey was reluctant matches. A low-key appointment who took over at is suddenly not in a position to give his team a plan He scored two goals in a pre-season yesterday to talk about Bolt, saying he was not the start of the campaign, Kovac has so far failed and Bayern will shut down? That’s just not right.” friendly last Friday but is yet to be offered a involved in contract negotiations. “I’m really to make an impact, his team currently on a run of However, Schmadtke’s team is in just as much need deal, with cashed-up Valletta dangling a two- not interested in it (contract speculation) to four straight games without a win in all competi- for points to climb up the table and the timing of year trial-free contract to entice him away tell you the truth,” he told reporters. “He’s been tions, including the Champions League. their meeting against a struggling Bayern side earlier this week. But Bolt’s agent Ricky Simms great among the guys and I was very happy The Bavarians, who have won the last six league could not be any better. said he had opted against a move to the Mal- for him last week with the two goals he scored, titles, sit in sixth place on 13 points, four adrift of “When Bayern have a phase like the one, peo- tese Premier League team, which is backed by but we move on.” leaders Borussia Dortmund. They also travel to ple say ‘it is now or never when it comes to beating a group of investors from the Sanban Group Mariners captain Matt Simon dismissed AEK Athens for a Champions League group game them’,” Wolfsburg forward Daniel Ginczek said. in the United Arab Emirates. suggestions the chronicles of Bolt were dis- next week. A German Cup winner with Eintracht “Let us not forget they have brutal quality and ar- “There is a lot of interest in Usain playing tracting the squad ahead of their A-League Frankfurt last season, Kovac has struggled to get guably the best squad in the league. But we will football,” he told ESPN. “We regularly receive opener. “He’s been here for a couple of months the best out of his squad, with club president Uli analyse them and exploit their weaknesses. At similar approaches. I can confirm Usain does now, so everywhere we go with Usain, every- home, we have earned points against big teams this Hoeness showing concern over their current form not wish to pursue this opportunity in Malta.” one’s talking about him,” Simon said. “We’ve season so why not against Bayern?” Dortmund, top when he watched training from his office window Valletta chief executive Ghasston Slimen told just been down to business, concentrating on on 17 points, hope to make it four wins in a row on Wednesday. the broadcaster: “We wish Usain Bolt all the the season and putting into practice what when they travel to bottom side VfB Stuttgart. By Kovac has had some good news, though, with best with his football career. The Valletta FC we’ve been doing at training for the last 12 far the most exciting team to watch this season, Leon Goretzka, Jerome Boateng and Rafinha all weeks.” Bolt, who retired from athletics last Dortmund have scored 23 goals in seven matches, offer is always on the table.” back in training following injuries and available for Australia’s domestic A-League season starts year, has previously tried out with clubs in Saturday’s match. “I am fit again and I am an option almost double Bayern’s tally, to stake an early claim for this season’s title. —Reuters this weekend, with the Mariners in action on Germany, South Africa and Norway to no for the coach on Saturday,” Brazilian fullback Sunday away to Brisbane Roar. With no con- avail. —AFP Friday 47 Sports Friday, October 19, 2018 Higuain delighted with Milan despite trading with Ronaldo ‘I immediately felt great love from Milan’
MILAN: AC Milan striker Gonzalo Higuain said coach. “Everyone has had problems with him and yesterday he was not bitter despite being “kicked people insult others. I have nothing negative to say out” by Juventus after superstar Cristiano about the Napoli fans, those were three beautiful Ronaldo’s arrival last summer. Juventus signed years. “They loved me and now they hate me. One Higuain from Napoli for 90 million euros ($103 day I’ll say what I think, but right now I can’t.” million) in 2016, but after the surprise arrival of Ronaldo from Real Madrid for 100 million euros China blacklists former ($115m) this summer, the Italian giants could not The former Chinese owner of AC Milan has afford to keep the Argentine. been added to China’s blacklist of untrustworthy Higuain — loaned to AC Milan with a 36-mil- individuals over millions of dollars in unpaid debt, lion-euro option to buy — said he knew something according to a local court, which ordered that his was afoot when he was left on the bench for the passport be confiscated. Li Yonghong emerged Italian Cup final against AC Milan in May. “That day, from obscurity to purchase one of Europe’s most I had the feeling inside me that maybe something high-profile and decorated football clubs from had broken down. And then they signed Ronaldo,” former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi in Higuain said in an interview with Gazzetto dello 2017. He was one of dozens of wealthy Chinese Sport. “The decision to leave was not mine. I gave investing in or simply buying up some of the everything for Juventus, I won several titles, after sport’s biggest clubs after President Xi Jinping which Cristiano arrived. “The club wanted to make declared he wanted to turn China into a football a leap in quality and they told me that I could not superpower. But Li’s control of AC Milan was stay and that they were trying to find a solution. The plagued from the start and this summer a creditor best solution was Milan.” But Higuain said that he took over the club. felt no thoughts of revenge against his old club The order from the Jingmen City Intermediate MILAN: AC Milan’s Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu gestures during the Italian Serie A football match be- where he won two Serie A and Italian Cup trophies. People’s Court in central China this autumn, made tween AC Milan and Chievo Verona on October 7, 2018 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. —AFP “No, not at all. I only feel affection because they public in October, is the latest indication of Li’s de- treated me very well,” said the 30-year-old. “My clining fortunes. Li was on the hook for 60 million teammates and the fans treated me really well, but I yuan ($8.7 million) in unpaid debt to a Hubei never asked to leave. Basically, as everyone says, province investment company, and a 12 million yuan excluded from participating in the next UEFA they kicked me out. “I immediately felt great love ($1.7 million) penalty, according to the court. But Rubin Kazan club competition for which it would otherwise from Milan and they convinced me.” Higuain — who the court found no assets to seize and repay the qualify in the next two seasons,” UEFA said. will take part in his first derby against city rivals Inter creditor as Li had no bank deposits or cars regis- The ban will come into effect if Rubin qualify Milan on Sunday — has scored four goals for Milan tered in his name. handed one-year for either the Champions League or Europa to bring his tally to 115 since his arrival in Serie A in Instead, Li’s name was added to China’s national League in 2019/20 or 2020/21. Currently fifth 2013 from Real Madrid. blacklist of untrustworthy individuals, which re- UEFA ban for in the Russian Premier League, Rubin did not “Milan have given me something more after a stricts people from travel by high-speed train and qualify for Europe this season. UEFA’s finan- World Cup which wasn’t great,” he said. “I’ve found airplane, staying in pricey hotels, or getting a credit cial fair play rules stipulate that a club cannot what I was looking for.” Higuain joined Napoli in card. As a Hong Kong resident, Li’s passport was over-spending 2013 after six years with Real Madrid where he won ordered confiscated and he was prohibited from spend more than their generated revenue. three La Liga titles. But he blamed Napoli president entering or exiting China, though his current where- PARIS: Russian side Rubin Kazan have been French league giants Paris Saint-Germain are Aurelio De Laurentiis for leaving the club on bad abouts are unknown. The $740 million deal for AC suspended from European competition for in the midst of a UEFA FFP probe after terms. “(Ezequiel) Lavezzi left on bad terms, (Edin- Milan faced payment problems, with Li’s bid se- one season after breaking UEFA’s financial spending more than 400m euros in the 2017 son) Cavani the same. With (coach Maurizio) Sarri cured only by a last minute, high-interest loan from fair play (FFP) regulations, European foot- summer transfer market to buy Neymar and on the bench he was already contacting another a US hedge fund. —AFP ball’s ruling body said yesterday. “The club is Kylian Mbappe. —AFP
the bench and I have nothing to say but are on a three-match winning run in Spurs’ Eriksen about the comments from the Denmark the Premier League to sit fifth with 18 Matches on TV coach,” Pochettino told a news confer- points from eight matches. Pochettino (Local Timings) fit for West ence. Tottenham’s Belgium international hailed the club’s performances despite a Mousa Dembele has also started training number of England internationals in his SPANISH LEAGUE PRIMERA after shaking off a thigh problem while squad enduring a gruelling World Cup Ham clash England midfielder Dele Alli, who has campaign in Russia earlier this year Celta de Vigo v Deportivo Alaves 22:00 been suffering with a hamstring prob- where they helped the national team to LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur play- lem, is expected to be back next week. reach the semi-finals. beIN SPORTS HD 3 maker Christian Eriksen has returned to Pochettino welcomed the return of his “I’ve to remind everyone this is our the squad for tomorrow’s Premier key players ahead of an important run of best start after eight games. The percep- League trip to lowly West Ham United fixtures including games against Dutch tion changed when we lost to Inter Milan GERMAN BUNDESLIGA after recovering from a stomach injury, side PSV Eindhoven in the Champions and Barcelona in the Champions League manager Mauricio Pochettino said yes- League and Premier League champions but we have one more point (in the Pre- Eintracht Frankfurt v Fortuna D¸sseldorf 21:30 terday. The Denmark playmaker has not Manchester City later this month. “It will mier League) than last season,” Pochet- beIN SPORTS featured for the club since a 2-1 victory be a tough month of competition for us. tino said. “I am not happy with that at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sept 22, There are a lot of games ahead and it’s because we are fifth in the table and the leading his national team manager Age so important to have nearly all the squad ambition is to be on the top but, at the Hareide to claim the 26-year-old might fit to compete and play and to give op- same time, we are realistic and with all the FRENCH LEAGUE have a chronic abdominal condition. tions to rotate and share the games,” circumstances we suffered in the summer Olympique Lyonnais v Nimes Olympique 21:45 “Christian is ready again to compete Pochettino added. with the World Cup and everything. “But and to play. We will decide on Saturday Tottenham have lost to Inter Milan we keep fighting and we are very close to beIN SPORTS HD 6 if he will play from the beginning or from and Barcelona in the Champions League the top of the table. —Reuters Established 1961 h i il i h bi lf
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HOUSTON: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game on October 17, 2018 at Toyota Center. — AFP
Pelicans pummel Rockets in opener See Page 44