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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 RABI ALAWWAL 3, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

MoI mulls hiking visit Min 07º Max 20º visa charges to KD 100 High Tide 00:50 & 14:57 Low Tide 50% rise in iqama fees eyed • Ministry firm on updating passport info 08:25 & 20:22 40 PAGES NO: 16383 150 FILS

KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s assistant undersecretary for citizenship and residency affairs Maj General Sheikh IS downs jet, captures Jordanian pilot Mazen Al-Jarrah said that a special committee had been formed to study increasing family, commercial and BEIRUT: The Islamic State group captured a Jordanian tourist visit visa fees to KD 100, as well as increasing resi- pilot yesterday after his warplane from the US-led dency fees. The Interior Ministry is also firm on collecting coalition was reportedly shot down while on a mis- fines from expats who failed to update their passport sion against the jihadists over northern Syria. A senior data, as various embassies are trying to reach compro- Jordanian military official confirmed the pilot was mises to delay the procedure for a while. seized, saying his plane went down in Syria’s Raqqa High-ranking security sources said the special com- region, a militant stronghold, early yesterday. “The mittee will review the residency law and fix it by activat- pilot was taken hostage by the IS terrorist organiza- ing all resolutions that had been previously ignored. “The tion,” official news agency Petra quoted the official as committee will directly report to Sheikh Mazen,” stressed saying. the sources. The sources highlighted that the bill under Jordan did not say why the plane crashed, but both study would review all regulations concerning residency, the jihadists and the Syrian Observatory for Human labor and dependant visas, as well as the fees that have Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said it was not been amended in over 40 years and “do not reflect shot with an anti-aircraft missile. It was the first coali- the present”, taking into consideration setting some tion warplane lost since air strikes on IS began in Syria ‘humanitarian’ exceptions that will be currently needed. in September. Coalition warplanes have carried out The sources explained that according to the new bill, regular strikes around Raqa, which IS has used as the fees would be increased by 30-50 percent, “which is fair” headquarters for its self-declared “caliphate” after seiz- as they put it, noting that some proposals would be ing control of large parts of Syria and Iraq. made concerning expats who do not meet the depen- The IS branch in Raqa published photographs on dant visa salary conditions but have children while resid- jihadist websites purporting to show its fighters hold- ing in Kuwait, and will be referred to the security leader- ing the captured pilot. One showed the pilot, wearing ship for approval. only a white shirt, being carried from a body of water Commenting on the fines being imposed on expats by four men. Another showed him on land, surround- who fail to update their passport information as per a ed by almost a dozen armed men. A photograph was decision linking residency to passport validity, the also released of the pilot’s military identification card, sources stressed that the decision was final and that showing his name as Muath Safi Yousef Al-Kaseasbeh, there would be no laxity in “collecting state funds from his birth date as May 29, 1988, and his rank of first violators”. They added that according to law number lieutenant. The jihadists claimed to have shot down 17/1959, expats will not get residency in Kuwait unless the warplane with a heat-seeking missile. RAQQA, Syria: A Jordanian pilot (center) is captured by Islamic State fighters after they shot down a war- they hold valid passports and their passport information Continued on Page 13 plane from the US-led coalition with an anti-aircraft missile. — AFP is documented in the interior ministry’s database. Continued on Page 13 KNPC commissions new gas plant

Qatari, Egyptian officials discuss reconciliation CAIRO: Egyptian and Qatari intelligence officials have met in Cairo to discuss reconciliation as part of Saudi- brokered efforts to end an 18-month standoff over Doha’s support of the Muslim Brotherhood, security and diplomatic sources said. The sources said Qatar’s intelligence chief - Ahmed Nasser Bin Jassim Al-Thani - was present at the talks where a possible meeting BETHLEHEM: Clergymen walk in Manger Square outside the Church of the between the Egyptian and Qatari heads of state early Nativity as Christians gather for Christmas celebrations in this West Bank city next year in Riyadh or Cairo was discussed. yesterday. — AFP Gulf states agreed in November to end a dispute with Qatar over its promotion of “Arab Spring” revolts. Christmas pilgrims Saudi Arabia, which has showered Egypt with billions of dollars in aid, has pushed for a similar rapproche- ment between Qatar and Egypt. Qatar was a backer gather in Bethlehem of elected Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi of the KUWAIT: Kuwait National Petroleum Company employees work on the com- Muslim Brotherhood. Ties between the two countries pany’s new LPG TRAIN-4 Project at the Ahmadi refinery plant complex yes- BETHLEHEM: Pilgrims from across the scouts marched past a giant green deteriorated after then-army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi terday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat world descended on Jesus’s birthplace in Christmas tree decorated with red, black overthrew Morsi last year and cracked down on the Bethlehem yesterday to begin the global and silver baubles - the colours of the KUWAIT: Kuwait has commissioned a Kuwait already has three smaller plants Brotherhood. new natural gas plant that will raise the with a total capacity of 1.5 billion cu ft, the celebration of Christmas after a violence- Palestinian flag. But for many faithful Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates plagued year brought suffering to many across the region, the festivities will be state’s production capacity to more than 2 majority of which is associated gas pro- consider the Brotherhood a threat to their ruling sys- billion cubic feet a day, officials said yes- duced along with crude oil. All of Kuwait’s Middle Eastern Christians. The not-so-lit- tinged with sadness following a year of tems. To Egypt’s irritation, Qatar has sheltered exiled tle West Bank town was bustling with bloodshed marked by a surge in the per- terday. The new liquefied petroleum gas gas goes to petrochemical manufacturing Brotherhood leaders. Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and plant will be capable of processing 805 and to fuel power plants, Azemi said. activity ahead of the biggest night of the secution of Christians that has drawn Bahrain, Egypt withdrew its ambassador to Qatar this year which will culminate in midnight international condemnation. “For many million cu ft (22.8 million cu m) of gas and Although it has plentiful domestic year. While the others agreed to normalise ties under 106,000 barrels of other gas products dai- reserves, Kuwait has to import gas in sum- mass at the Nativity Church built over of you, the music of your Christmas the November deal, Cairo has yet to follow. Evidence the spot where Mary gave birth to Jesus. hymns will also be accompanied by tears ly, the deputy CEO of national refiner mer to meet an increased demand from has mounted in recent days that Saudi mediation Kuwait National Petroleum Co, Mutlaq Al- power stations. Azemi added that Kuwait In Manger Square outside the church, and sighs,” Pope Francis wrote in a long could reach fruition. On Saturday, Sisi - now president a man dressed as Father Christmas was letter addressed to Christians in the Azemi, said. The plant, known as LPG planned to increase production of natural - met a special envoy of Qatar’s emir. Then on Train-4, was constructed by Daelim, a gas in the near future, he said, raising its handing out sweets and the wail of bag- Middle East. Monday, Qatari-owned Al Jazeera television - which pipes rang out as troops of Palestinian Continued on Page 13 South Korean firm, at a cost of $900 mil- daily output to 4 billion cubic feet by denies Egypt’s charges of being a Brotherhood lion. Azemi said Train-4 would be one of 2030. The state has signed a technical mouthpiece - suspended broadcast of its Egypt- the Gulf’s largest LPG plants and would service contract with petrochemical giant focused channel. also produce propane, butane and other Shell to boost production from a number Medevac chopper in Continued on Page 13 products. of gas fields in its northern region. — AFP action for first time Oman promises ‘true’ Arabia

MUSCAT: From desert camping to luxury gy to be unveiled next year. water into a modern state. In 2011, Oman was hotels, turtle-watching, and even the Arabian Western tourists like 46-year-old Marc Jost, caught up in the Arab Spring protest move- Peninsula’s first Italian-style opera house, who has made five trips to Oman, need no ment which touched much of the region. Oman is hoping to carve out a place on the convincing. “I can’t get enough,” the Swiss visi- Several civilians died in demonstrations that global tourist track. Heavily reliant on energy tor told AFP as he strolled in the Mutrah Souk, shook the government, leading Qaboos to exports, the tiny Gulf sultanate is keen to a historic covered market in the capital implement a series of reforms and to arrest diversify its economy, especially as the drop in Muscat. “The weather is always good. People scores of activists. global oil prices begins to bite. But despite its are very nice.” Bordering Saudi Arabia, the One of the biggest challenges facing the natural beauty and rich culture, Oman’s United Arab Emirates and violence-wracked country now is its reliance on oil which tourism industry has a long way to go. “Oman Yemen, Oman has been an island of stability accounts for 75 percent of state revenues - reflects the true Arabian history and culture,” under Sultan Qaboos, who has ruled since after the price of crude nearly halved since said Amina Al-Balushi, an assistant director overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup in June. The drop has put pressure on the gov- KUWAIT: The Chest Hospital carried out a mock evacuation with the partici- with the tourism ministry. “We really need to 1970. ernment, which needs a higher oil price than pation of the air ambulance for the first time yesterday. — Photo by Hanan capitalise on this,” she said, adding that the Qaboos, now 74, has won praise at home most other Gulf states to balance its budget. Al-Saadoun (See Page 4) ministry is preparing a 25-year tourism strate- and abroad for transforming a former back- Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Zain holds leadership workshop to support future direction

Dr Babis Mainemelis inspires Zain executives to be more innovative

KUWAIT: Zain Group, the leading telecom innovator across the Middle East and Africa, announces the successful hosting of a Creative Leadership Workshop, which was held in Kuwait under the patronage of Zain Vice-Chairman Bader Al Kharafi , Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer, Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al Omar and attended by senior management from Zain Group and its eight operations. Such workshops are in line with one of Zain Group’s strategic pillars to develop its people, availing the foremost thought leaders and learning materials to staff throughout their careers with the compa- ny. In this case, the workshop was run by creativity scholar Dr Babis Mainemelis, who is Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at ALBA Graduate Business School at The American College of Greece and a visiting Professor to London Business School and Porto Business School as well as being an Editorial Board Member of the (From left) Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al Omar, Zain Group CEO Scott Academy of Management Review. Gegenheimer, Dr Babis Mainemelis and Zain Vice-Chairman Bader Al The workshop blended cutting-edge Kharafi. research on creativity in organizational set- careers, and the workshop he led for Zain this will enhance performance and drive tings with numerous concrete examples of Group senior management touched on the shareholder value.” creativity and innovation practices in a areas of Creative Capabilities, Creative On his part Scott Gegenheimer noted, wide range of organizations and industries. Leadership, Innovation and Ambidexterity, “Dr Mainemelis is a world-renowned The format of the delivery was highly inter- and Creative Work Environments. expert in the field of creative leadership active, emphasizing discussion, questions, Commenting on the successful comple- and we consider ourselves fortunate for and some brief experiential exercises. tion of the workshop, Bader Al Kharafi said, him to have come and shared new insights Dr Mainemelis’ early research examined “At the board level, we make no secret at and management style ideas with us. As the role of time and timelessness in the Zain that our number one asset is our peo- senior management, we will also continue creative process and the role of play in ple. We are keen to continue investing in to strive to be better leaders, which will in individual and social creative functioning. them, exposing them to latest in leader- turn create a better Zain and support our His more recent research explores creative ship creativity and allowing them to reach future strategy of being a leading digital deviance, creative leadership, and creative their full potential. By doing so, we believe innovator.” Kuwait, Bahrain ink MoUs, educational program MANAMA: Kuwait and Bahrain signed yesterday three memos of understanding for bilateral cooperation in the fields of youth, sports, social security and higher education. The signing took place at the wrapping-up of the Kuwaiti-Bahraini joint committee meeting. The MoUs were signed by Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa. The two sides also inked an educational executive program for 2015-2017 and the minute of the meeting which tackled cooperation in political, economic, trade, social and judicial fields. Kuwait and Bahrain are tied with 36 deals and memos of understanding pertinent to bilateral cooperation in various domains, with two-way trade exchange having edged up to $260 million over the last 10 years. Kuwaiti investments in Bahrain are estimated at KD 665 million ($2.2 billion). Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also met with Prince Salman bin MANAMA: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, as Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin well as Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Mohammad Al Khalifa exchange the agreements after sign- Khalifa. — KUNA ing them in the Kingdom’s capital yesterday. — KUNA

MANSOORI

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 LOCAL Newspaper fined for slandering Speaker

KUWAIT: Sabah newspaper’s editor-in- the citizen has CCTV surveillance cameras chief and caricaturist Hassan Al-Mahmeezi covering the house and that he saw the was fined KD 5,001 for slandering Assembly suspect trespass on video. The suspect is Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem through sev- currently being subjected to further inves- eral articles and cartoons he published. tigations.

Cop offended Company theft A traffic policeman reported that an A citizen reported that one of his Indian expat and his wife insulted him after he employees fled the country taking KD fined the husband for parking in a no-park- 4,000 he had given him to finish some com- ing zone in Hawally, said security sources. A pany transactions, said security sources. case was filed. DUI Shabu possession A 49-year-old citizen was arrested for A 29-year old stateless person was driving while heavily intoxicated with alco- arrested in Adailiya with shabu (meth), said hol in Sharq, said security sources. Case security sources. Case papers indicate that papers indicate that a police patrol noticed a routine checkpoint suspected a man, and that the suspect drove his vehicle on and on stopping and searching him, they off the pavement and kept changing lanes found two packs of meth. A case was filed at very high speed. On stopping him, and the suspect was referred to relevant policemen found out that the man was authorities. heavily drunk and he ended up at Sharq police station. Meanwhile, a motorcyclist Intruder caught was arrested along King Fahd Highway A 34-year-old Iraqi recently arrested by when a police patrol suspected the way he border guards while trying to infiltrate into rode his bike and found him ‘high’, said Saudi Arabia through Kuwait, said security security sources, noting that two bars of sources. Case papers indicate that a border hashish were found with the suspect. A patrol spotted the suspect near the Azmiya case was filed. border center, and on arresting him, he con- fessed that he was trying to get into Saudi Fugitive nabbed Arabia. The suspect was referred to state A citizen who had been wanted for sev- security police for further investigations. eral crimes was arrested in Salmiya with heroin while his companion managed to Bank employee offended escape arrest, said security sources. Case A bank teller in Hitteen reported that papers indicate that a police patrol sus- one of the bank’s clients, who was fed up pected the suspects’ vehicle at 4:00 am in a with waiting, insulted him when he tried to Salmiya street and on switching on the Air ambulance introduced calm him down and convince him that he patrol’s flasher light and siren, the suspects would be served when his turn comes, said drove off until they came to a small alley security sources. A case was filed and fur- where they stepped out and ran. One of ther investigations are in progress. the suspects was arrested while the other at evacuation drill managed to escape. A search is on for the Motorist robbed suspect who is still at large. By Hanan Al-Saadoun the cooperatives heart hospital in Sabah A citizen reported that an unidentified Specialized Zone, adding that the evacuation robber smashed his car’s windshield and Thief arrested with drugs KUWAIT: The Health Ministry has reaffirmed its began with a call to the medical emergencies stole KD 2,500 in cash from it while it was A stateless person was recently arrested commitment to the implementation of the emer- operations about faulty wiring and a fire in a hos- parked outside the Hawally MSAL offices, for car robbery and possession of heroin, said gency plan and hospitals’ readiness to evacuate pital ward. Four ambulances in addition to an ICU said security sources. A case was filed and security sources, noting that on stopping the and receive patients and the injured, as well as vehicle and the air ambulance took part in the further investigations are in progress. suspect and checking on him, policemen train medical and administrative team to make training operations to evacuate patients. He said found that the vehicle he was driving had sure they are ready to face any emergency. Health the ward was evacuated, and 13 patients and Ex-husband questioned been reported stolen. The suspect also admit- Ministry Assistant Undersecretary Dr Jamal Al- injured persons were transported to the backup A citizen reported that his daughter’s ex- ted to stealing two other vehicles and dispos- Harby said the Chest Hospital carried out a mock hospital (Sabah Hospital). Chest Diseases Hospital husband sneaked into his house while he ing of them after using them for a while. evacuation in cooperation with medical emer- Director Dr Nader Al-Awadhi said this exercise is was out, said security sources, noting that —Al-Rai/ Al-Watan/Al-Anbaa gencies, civil defence, fire departments and the the third in the past three years, and this time the interior ministry with the participation of the air air ambulance was used. He said the hospital is ambulance for the first time. keen on holding such exercises as part of the 4 KG of drugs busted He said injured people were transported from work culture. at Abdali border

KUWAIT: Four kilograms of narcotics were narcotics through its borders; however, the confiscated at the Abdali border point, said majority of such attempts were thwarted Kuwait General Administration for Customs by the watchful eyes of customs’ adminis- in a statement yesterday. Director General tration personnel. The customs administra- of the Administration Khaled Al-Saif told tion will step up its efforts to protect the KUNA that the country had recently been country against narcotics smuggling, Saif “bombarded” with attempts to smuggle said. —KUNA Kuwait bans birds imports from UK KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Public Authority for (H5N2) in the United Kingdom, a statement Agriculture and Fish Resources (PAAFR) by PAAFR Chairperson and Director- announced yesterday a ban on imports of General Nabila Al-Khalil said. More measures to all birds, eggs and chicks from the United The PAAFR asserted that all imports of Kingdom. The ban was due to a report from birds from the UK should be subject to reg- the World Organization for Animal Health ulations issued by the Animal Health (OIE) indicating the outbreak of bird flu Department at the authority. —KUNA fight fake companies Liquor smuggling Appeal court seconds decision on Fayrouz citizenship attempt foiled By A Saleh GPA welcomes By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The director of the Public Manpower Authority Jamal Al-Doussary issued a decision on forming a joint com- Saudi initiative KUWAIT: Customs inspectors recently mittee with the residency detectives department to review the mechanism of inspecting various facilities and set new foiled an attempt to smuggle in a large KUWAIT: The Gulf Press Association (GPA) wel- shipment of whiskey from Singapore at measures to help combat fake companies. Shuwaikh Port in the name of a Kuwaiti comed the practical steps taken to activate the ini- company, said security sources. The ship- Activist’s citizenship tiative made by the Custodian of the Two Holy ment contained over 13,000 bottles, the The administrative court of appeal seconded the Interior Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to bridge sources noted. A case was filed and further Ministry’s decision to abstain from executing a previous court the gaps between Egypt and Qatar. GPA Chairman investigations are in progress. order on issuing citizenship to Abdullah Fayrouz, who had sued the ministry to get it. According to the MoI, Fayrouz is Torki Bin Abdullah Al-Sudairi noted in a statement 3 kgs marijuana an Egyptian who forged some IDs to pretend being the son that the initiative would help boost Arab consoli- Drugs Control General Department of a Kuwaiti citizen. Notably, Fayrouz is currently doing time dation and face dangerous challenges. Torki Al-Sudairi operations arrested an expat with three for slandering HH the Amir, calling for a revolution and slan- kilograms of marijuana. The arrest was dering the regime, after which he will be deported. made after receiving tips from a source about the suspect having marijuana with Ranch acquisition violations intention to trade. He was arrested near a A parliamentary committee entrusted with investigating co-op society, and nine joints were found violations in Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish with him. The remaining drugs were found Resources (PAAAFR) met PAAAFR acting chairperson and inside his house where detectives went to director Nabila Al-Khalil to discuss all violations detected in search it after he said he stored the mari- ranch and farm acquisitions that have allegedly been allocat- The suspect with the drugs juana there. ed to certain people for illegal profiteering, said informed sources, noting that Khalil promised to respond to all inquiries in a coming meeting.

PAAAFR chairperson MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan meanwhile urged Oil Minister and Minister of State for Assembly Affairs Ali Al-Omair to use his constitutional right in appointing a chairperson of PAAAFR, even if Nabila Al- Khalil is the best choice he has so far. Duwaisan slammed his colleagues’ interference in the minis- ter’s liabilities, reminding them of article 50 of the constitu- tion that calls for separation between powers and stressing that lawmakers’ job was to monitor the minister’s perform- ance and correct him if he commits a mistake. Notably, some MPs have been calling on Omair not to rush into deciding on appointing a PAAAFR chairperson.

Military retirement MP Saleh Ashour described the decision to stop the incen- tives of military personnel as a ‘stupid one’ that would vacu- um out middle leaderships in both the police and the army, leaving in service older commanders who ought to retire. “Instead of facing the problem and frankly asking senior KUWAIT: Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) announced an agreement commanders to retire, younger ones are being lured into with Turkish Airlines, which allows KJA members and their families to take retiring, leaving those who have already ‘expired’ in service!” advantage of 15 percent discounts on Turkish Airlines tickets for flights to Part of the liquor bottles confiscated at Shuwaikh Port he said. Turkey or any other place around the world. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 LOCAL ‘Stop phubbing!!’ Leading activist warns smart phone users

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti female activist Sheikha Intisar heavy usage may cause insomnia, frustration Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah is sounding the alarm and depression, “thus we have launched Al- bell: smart phones and gadgets’ users in Kuwait Nowair in an effort to counter this phenome- are being dragged into the prevailing and non,” she said. expanding global wave, ‘phubbing,’ a newly cre- “You may end up, while being with friends, ated term that refers to persons who have talking to yourself because the others are busy turned drastically aloof from society and have with their phones,” she said indicating this mod- chosen to be engrossed in the devices’ usage. ern-time behavior may be harmful to social Sheikha Intisar’s rhetorical warning is being interaction and persons and turns contacts coupled with action. Her anti-phubbing cam- among peoples icy. paign is demonstrated at Kuwait’s top landmark She sarcastically regretted that “friends at mall, the Avenues, called ‘Al-Nowair campaign,’ gatherings may appear like strangers getting scheduled to proceed till December 28th. together; each overwhelmed in his (her) own A truck loaded with waste gathered during the cleaning campaign. Since emergence of the smart phones in world,” portraying a situation seen almost 2005, peoples throughout the world have everywhere nowadays. become much more connected, however, some Sheikha Intisar revealed that Al-Nowair has people who depend heavily on these devices manufactured the “phumbing,” a small piece of have lost face-to-face conversation and com- cloth to cover the thumb “and remind you not munication skills, Sheikha Intisar said in a state- to phub.” She urged the people of Kuwait to ment, underlining some motives that have restore to the tech-free, warm connections with nudged her to launch “Al-Nowair campaign,” each others, and pocket these gadgets during aimed at discouraging smart phone users from social interactions. — KUNA Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah snubbing their friends, associates and loved ones. “Now the problem has become widely spread; being preoccupied with our phones, MNH’s sponsorship of Horeca ignoring people around us,” said Sheikha Intisar, the mastermind of the campaign, explaining boosts its expansion plans that in English, the term phubbing has been KUWAIT: Preparations for the Horeca Kuwait the significance of maintaining high level of pro- created to imply snubbing, which may be 2015 exhibition are steadily progressing and fessionalism in all what it does in order to cope viewed as tantamount to rudeness. attracting more companies to take part in it as with the rapid changes in local, regional and “The phones has become the most impor- an event providing a golden international markets. He also tant thing in many peoples’ lives. It should be opportunity to scientifically noted that MNH is always keen on the eating table, being carried while min- exchange expertise that matches on excelling in serving both its gling with friends, at work, at social gatherings the local market’s needs and customers and suppliers. and even during car driving,” she said, affirming future expansion plans. The exhi- “Taking part in Horeca exhibi- how the smart devices have become predomi- bition is organized by Leaders tions is a wonderful opportunity nant in peoples’ lives, affecting daily behaviors Group in collaboration with to meet with business peers as and undermining the warmth of direct contacts. Hospitality Services Co at Badriya well display MNH’s latest prod- Ballroom, Messila Jumeriah Hotel ucts,” he underlined, pointing Kuwait Dive Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhil holds a fish before releasing it into the Texting addiction in the period of Jan 19-21, 2015. out that as usual, MNH would waters. Texting may develop into a form of addiction Mohammed Nasser Al-Hajri & display its basic exclusive brands that is very difficult to treat, she said, noting Sons Ltd (MNH) Company of coffee, tea, ice cream and Seif Palace seafront that some users spend up to seven hours per announced joining the exhibi- Italian coffee machines in addi- day chatting by writing words on the smart tion’s sponsors, which is a tion to inviting various hotels, phones. resumption of its participation in Gabriel Faraon restaurants and cafes to a con- cleaning concludes These mobile phones and the smart technol- it since its inception. Commenting test to prepare coffee and tea ogy may shorten peoples’ lives due to limited on his company’s participation, MNH Executive using their brands. “Winners will get valuable Manager Gabriel Faraon stressed MNH realizes prizes,” he concluded. KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti joint governmental also affect navigation. technology-free contacts among people. Their voluntary team completed the cleaning Separately, a group of school girls of the seafront near the Ministry of recently released 25 farmed finned black Foreign Affairs and Seif Palace, removing seabream fish presented by Kuwait nine tons of waste in three days. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) in Municipality, Kuwait Dive Team and the Kuwait Bay. The step comes in continua- Amiri Guards all cooperated in cleaning tion of beach cleaning operations con- the area, said Waleed Al-Fadhil, Head of ducted by the EVF in collaboration with the Kuwait Dive Team under the the Ministry of Education, the EVF Environmental Voluntary Foundation announced in a statement. (EVF). “The campaign will continue in order Among the waste lifted were plastic to enhance students’ environmental objects, buoys, wood and ropes driven awareness and the significance of pro- by wind and water currents, Fadhil said, tecting coastal environment and marine adding that these objects pose danger life forms,” said Noura Al-San’ousi, the on the maritime environment and could campaign’s supervisor. VIVA launches campers’ safety campaign in cooperation with KFSD KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing the environment and promoting preven- and most developed telecom operator, tion measure and awareness among launched a national campaign campers during this season. VIVA is also ‘Awareness Instructions for Campers’ involved in the local community and Safety’ in collaboration with Kuwait Fire youth welfare as it continues to raise Service Directorate (KFSD), whereby VIVA awareness, encourage collaboration will send educational messages about among various segments of society, as fire hazards and how to react in a fire well as responsibility towards others. emergency via SMSs about the aware- VIVA will continue to raise awareness ness boards in camps that guide and adhere to its core principles by sup- campers. porting and developing educational pro- The campaign seeks to promote grams while increasing its social involve- awareness among desert campers of fire ment to serve various groups of society. hazards that could occur in tents, and To learn more about VIVA’s Corporate how to prevent such accidents from hap- Social Responsibility initiative, please vis- pening during vacations and camping it the company’s CSR focused portal season. https://www.viva.com.kw/csr . It offers a VIVA’s initiative to raise awareness of description of each CSR initiative that fire hazards and prevention stems from VIVA has supported, or adopted since its its belief in the importance of protecting inception.

Sager Al-Bader Entertainment City offer

KUWAIT: Touristic Enterprises Co’s acting PR and marketing manager Sager Al-Bader announced a new TEC offer where two visitors to the Entertainment City would admitted on one ticket (in any ticket category) from Dec 25 till Jan 3, 2015 during the usual working hours. Sager also announced that the Entertainment City would be open for visitors from 10:00 am till 10:00 pm on Jan 1. He added that the Entertainment City’s winter operation hours during weekdays from are from 4:00 pm to midnight and from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, taking into consideration that Mondays always remain allocated for women only. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 LOCAL

In my view World’s fight The railway project against terrorism

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

n international forum on combating ter- rorism was held recently in Marrakech, Awhich discussed the ‘Western terrorists’ phenomenon. Around 40 countries and interna- tional organizations participated in this impor- tant gathering to properly diagnose and then provide the cure for what has become a global disease. The officials agreed that the ‘Western terrorists’ phenomenon is not new, yet it has seen improve- ment in recent years that allowed terrorist organ- izations to obtain considerable financial assets, advanced artillery and large numbers of multina- tional fighters. Furthermore, discussions reached the conclusion that terrorist organizations have shown transformation in their goals, as they have announced establishment of states, seizing large areas of land and controlling large numbers of population which threatens the national security of several countries around the world. Al-Jarida The Netherlands pointed out meanwhile that this kuwait digest phenomenon started in Iraq in early 2000, and has Why hurt expats?

reached a very concerning By Dr Shamlan Al-Essa dimension in current con- ll countries around the world seek to please is to link expats’ iqamas with the validity of their pass- May be there are embassies who accept renewal flict zones. expatriates by providing psychological com- ports - an expat whose passport is valid for one year of the passport a week or three days before it expires, Afort and security stability to them by present- gets an iqama of one year, and those with a passport but the passport is not renewed before one year of Morocco called meanwhile for supporting ing services so that they present better services to valid for two years will be given a two-year iqama, expiry. Maj Gen Jarrah said “Kuwaiti sponsors are not effort to provide developing countries, especially the country they live in. We in Kuwait alone take and those whose passport is valid for a year and a excused for not renewing iqamas of domestic help, in Africa, with necessary capabilities to be able to unfair decisions and procedures towards expatriates half will be given a one-year iqama, because we are and the phrase ‘I forgot to renew the domestic tackle developmental challenges and end pover- who work in our country despite the fact that they not dealing with fractions in iqamas. Those whose helper’s passport or I did not know that his passport ty. This is a very responsible and realistic call, form a majority, as their numbers are three times the is expired’ is something we do not accept, and the especially that it counters efforts by some states number of citizens, as citizens make 30 percent of the sponsor must know the validity of the passport of his to support terrorism in order to serve their eco- population and the percentage of citizens in the mar- We once again ask Maj Gen helper if he wants to renew his iqama in the future”. nomic and geostrategic goals. ketplace is no more than 15 percent of total workers. Jarrah: Why is the iqama is not This means that the undersecretary knows very The Netherlands pointed out meanwhile that In other words, they are the backbone of Kuwait’s well what the problem is and it is linked to the spon- this phenomenon started in Iraq in early 2000, economy. Without them Kuwait would not have renewed as long as the pass- sor or the company that sponsors the worker, whose and has reached a very concerning dimension in flourished as they comprise of doctors, engineers, port is valid according to the passport is in its custody, so why do we blame the current conflict zones. The Dutch ambassador said lawyers, judges, professors, teachers and all techni- victims among Kuwait’s guests who work with us? at the forum that fighting terrorism goes through cians, as well as those working in other productive country that issued it? My dear Why do we not punish the citizen by making him pay coordinated international efforts to identify net- sectors. a fine or refuse to provide him any domestic help works that recruit fighters and eliminate them, as We depend on these foreign and Arab competen- brother, the iqama law says transactions, as this is logical? It is not right either by well as destroying the source of terrorists in con- cies for everything, and some of them have spent that if the passport expires. law or humanity to blame the poor domestic help flict zones. I personally agree with this analysis, as their life serving Kuwait and so have their children. because of the citizen’s negligence and laziness. I believe that a joint international effort is The question: Why does the interior ministry issue We once again ask Maj Gen Jarrah: Why is the iqa- required to fight the problem of religious extrem- illogical and inhumane rules such as linking driving passports are valid for less than one year, the iqama ma not renewed as long as the passport is valid ism and global terrorism that affect the safety of licenses with iqamas, although the driving license will not be renewed until the passport is renewed. according to the country that issued it? My dear countries worldwide. does not have anything to do with nationality or iqa- The question is how can more than three million brother, the iqama law says that if the passport The forum saw participation of major countries ma. It is a humanitarian right countries give to those expats in the country know about the new measure expires, the iqama will be considered null and void, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, who wish to drive a car after going through the of the interior ministry, especially that the govern- then why was this malicious decision issued? Finally, France, Germany and Italy, as well as China, Japan, required tests. I still keep my American driving license ment procedures regarding labor are continually we believe that the honoring of HH the Amir as a Canada, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, India, the though I do not reside there. changing? Does the ministry know if foreign and humanitarian leader should not be destroyed with United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. I The latest action by Assistant Undersecretary for Arab embassies in Kuwait are ready to renew pass- such laws that contradict logic and human rights. Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Watan personally hope that gatherings of such a signifi- Nationality and Iqama Affaris Sheikh Mazen Al-Jarrah ports one year before they expire? — cant number of global powers would result in measures to prevent dragging other countries in sectarian or religious wars, and instead help trou- kuwait digest bled nations overcome their woes and take the path towards freedom and democracy. Teach them camel riding

By Hassan Al-Essa kuwait digest ithin a generation, we have gone wonderful form of full understanding and integra- paying half of it for rent and companies owning When rivers from riding camels to driving tion amongst GCC states!). So, until the Iranian gas huge commercial malls in terms of the subsidies “WCadillacs. I am afraid a day will arrives, various Kuwaiti power and desalination consumers benefit from, knowing that if only the flowed in Kuwait come when the next generation will have to ride plants will go on burning oil at an extremely high state lifts such subsidies, it will be able to save 60 camels again if we keep squandering funds the cost! percent of its budget, but it apparently seems that By Salah Al-Sayer same way”. What will we ever have left if we no longer it does not wish to do so. The above statement was said by the late King become oil-exporting countries? Will these coun- This might be because the authority wishes to cientists believe that clouds that nowadays rain Faisal bin Abdulaziz and quoted by Saudi Arabia’s tries remain with the same strategic significance keep the owners of major shopping complexes on Europe contributing to its everlasting green- former oil minister Ahmed Zaki Yamani in an inter- that calls for continuing keeping them under US’ and factories satisfied because they ‘produce com- ery and cold climate used to skip the snow-cov- S view with The Observer published in 2000. The puter chips from our Silicon Valley in the ered continent thousands of years ago, cross the late king did not live long enough to see us brag- Debdebah desert’, or maybe the government is Mediterranean and reach our region where they ging of empty richness all over GCC streets and This quote came to mind afraid of angering citizens who might find the showered heavy rain on the Arabian Peninsula, form- some European capitals and demonstrating igno- government’s administrative and financial corrup- ing lots or rivers, fertile lands, thick jungles and fruitful because of an article recent- rance at its best by showing off in our Maseratis, tion everywhere in the absence of justice and trees. The climate was different then before the sky Porches and Ferraris! ly published in Foreign transparency as motives to go back to the streets stopped pouring its water, droughts began, desertifi- This quote came to mind because of an article for demonstrations! cation expanded, rivers disappeared, underground recently published in Foreign Affairs magazine Affairs magazine under the Well, let leave our brotherly GCC states alone water subsided, oases disappeared under tons of sand under the title of ‘Gluttony in The Gulf: Monarchies because the e-publication laws and soon enough dunes and many natural changes forced people to title of ‘Gluttony in The Gulf: Facing Danger from Within’. Our GCC states that the GCC security agreement and Assembly projects move in search of food and water after their veins went through lots of hardships before discovering Monarchies Facing Danger allow enough margins for criticism. Let us stick to dried up with thirst. oil are wasting and squandering both funds and Kuwait where my generation keeps on living in Researcher Yaqoub Al-Ghunaim once told some from Within’. energy without being prepared for such a day ‘nostalgia’ of the 1970s and ‘60s, and let us ask our stories about an old river that used to flow from Basra when the danger does not lie in the drop in oil distinguished sheikhs: What will we do for the to Qatif through Kuwait. Satellite images even show prices. It rather lies in domestic consumption of it protective umbrella? Such fears are actually devel- future? What will you have to tell us except your the route of an old, great 5-kilometer-wide river run- as well. For instance, by 2020, Saudi daily domestic oping. The world’s cheapest petrol is in Saudi hollow official speeches about how strong, stable ning from Hejaz to Kuwait over a distance of 850 km. consumption of oil will be 8 million barrels. So Arabia followed by Kuwait, I guess. Qatar provides and infinite our sovereignty funds and foreign Experts have even found some Hejaz mountain rocks what will be left to export, assuming that produc- its citizens with electricity free of charge while investments are? You are so deluded! What are in Kuwait and the only explanation of their presence tion rates will remain the same in Saudi Arabia and consumers in Kuwait pay fifteen times less than your plans for the very near foreseeable future? At here - so far from their origin - is that they had been other GCC states? We are already hearing news what others pay in the US per kilowatt of electrici- least you should teach our youth how to ride washed away by that giant river that flowed from Translated by Kuwait Times about Kuwait’s negotiations to import gas from ty consumption. Our government does not distin- camels so that they can be prepared for the future! West to East in the past! — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida from Al-Anbaa Iran after it failed to import it from Qatar (What a guish between employees getting KD 1,000 and — THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Israel strikes Gaza, New York protesters reject plea for hiatus kills Hamas militant Page 9 Page 8 Missouri cops kill black teen

BERKELEY, Missouri: Violent protests broke suspect by a white police officer in the St out in suburban St Louis after another black Louis area since Brown was killed. Kajaime 18-year-old was fatally shot by a white police Powell, 25, was killed Aug 9 after approaching officer. St Louis County Police Chief Jon St Louis officers with a knife. Vonderrit Myers Belmar said the officer was questioning the Jr, 18, was fatally shot Oct 8 after allegedly 18-year-old and another man about a theft shooting at a St Louis officer. Each shooting late Tuesday at a convenience store in has been met by protests, and a crowd quick- Berkeley when the young man pulled a 9mm ly gathered late Tuesday and early yesterday handgun on him. The officer stumbled back- in Berkeley. The demonstration involving up ward but fired three shots, one of which to 300 people turned violent. struck the victim, Belmar said. More than 50 police officers, some in riot Berkeley is just a few miles from Ferguson, gear, responded. Video showed some Missouri, where a white police officer fatally wrestling with protesters. Belmar said officers shot Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18- used pepper spray but not tear gas. Four peo- year-old, on Aug 9. Brown’s death sparked ple were arrested on charges of assaulting weeks of sometimes violent demonstrations officers. Belmar said three explosive devices, and a grand jury’s decision to not charge possibly fireworks, were tossed near gas Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting has pumps. Some protesters threw rocks and spurred a nationwide movement to protest bricks. One officer was hit by a brick and treat- police brutality. ed for facial cuts. Another was treated for a Belmar declined to name the 18-year-old leg injury sustained as he tried to get away killed in Berkeley, but a woman at the scene from one of the explosives. told reporters she was his mother and identi- The protest spilled to a neighboring con- fied him as Antonio Martin. Belmar said he venience store where a man in a hoodie set a was 18 years old and black. The 34-year-old fire inside the store. The fire was quickly put white police officer, a six-year veteran of the out, but the glass door was shattered. Berkeley Police Department, is on administra- Orlando Brown, 36, of nearby St Charles was tive leave pending an investigation, Belmar among the protesters. “I understand police said. “He will carry the weight of this for the officers have a job and have an obligation to rest of his life, certainly for the rest of his go home to their families at the end of the career,” Belmar said. “So there are no winners night,” he said. “But do you have to treat every here.” situation with lethal force? ... It’s not a racial Police released surveillance video from the issue, or black or white. It’s wrong or right.” parking lot outside the store. The nearly two- Brown said he was pepper-sprayed during the minute clip shows two young men leaving protest and that his friend was arrested for the store at about the time a police car rolls failing to disperse. up. The officer gets out and speaks with them. Toni Martin, Antonio Martin’s mother, told About a minute-and-a-half later, the video the S. Louis Post-Dispatch that her son was BERKELEY, Missouri: Police try to control a crowd yesterday on the lot of a gas station following a shooting Tuesday. -— AP appears to show one of the men raising his with his girlfriend at the time of the shoot- use of a weapon. board cameras. The officer wasn’t wearing his After Brown died in August, the fact that his arm, though what he is holding is difficult to ing. The video did not appear to show a The chief said some protesters questioned body camera, Belmar said. The dashboard body remained on the street for more than see because they were several feet from the female with the two young men. Belmar said why the officer couldn’t use pepper spray or a camera activates when the red lights are on, four hours drew widespread criticism. Belmar camera. Belmar said it was a 9mm handgun. the 18-year-old had a considerable criminal stun gun. “Frankly, that’s unreasonable,” and they were not on at the convenience said two hours is fairly typical as police gather The other man ran away, and police are record in the less than two years since he Belmar said. “When we had somebody point- store. evidence, and he said interference from pro- searching for him. turned 17, with three assault charges, armed ing a gun at a police officer, there’s not a lot of Belmar said the body of the young man testers may have prolonged the situation in It was the third fatal shooting of a black robbery, armed criminal action and unlawful time.” Berkeley has body cameras and dash- remained on the scene for about two hours. Berkeley. — AP Court date for Saudi activists RIYADH: Two women’s rights activists held for more than officers stopped her. three weeks in Saudi Arabia are to appear in court today, Alamoudi has 131,000 followers and has also hosted a activists said. Loujain Hathloul has been detained since program on YouTube discussing the driving issue. The December 1 after she tried to drive into the kingdom court hearings are to take place in Al-Ahsa, in the king- from neighbouring United Arab Emirates in defiance of a dom’s Eastern Province, activists said. In early December ban. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world which Saudi authorities blocked the website of a regional does not allow women to drive. Maysaa Alamoudi, a UAE- human rights group, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights, based Saudi journalist, arrived at the border to support which reported the women’s case. Reporters Without Hathloul and was also arrested. Borders, a watchdog, this year named Saudi Arabia as one Activists did not have complete details of allegations of 19 countries where government agencies are “enemies against the pair but said the focus of investigators of the Internet” for their censorship and surveillance. seemed to be on their social media activities rather than During October, dozens of women drove in the king- their driving. “They can’t make a charge against them for dom and posted images of themselves doing so as part driving, because they used their car in another country,” of an online campaign supporting the right to drive. In the UAE, one activist said. The Ministry of Interior referred response, the Ministry of Interior said it would “strictly enquiries to Saudi Arabia’s prosecution service. Hathloul implement” measures against anyone undermining “the has 228,000 followers on Twitter. Before her arrest she social cohesion”. Activists say women’s driving is not actu- tweeted, sometimes with humour, details of the 24 hours ally illegal but the ban is linked to tradition and custom in she spent waiting to cross into Saudi Arabia after border the kingdom. — AFP Former US president Bush, 90, in hospital

WASHINGTON: Former US president day last June, to make an assisted January of this year. George H W Bush, 90, has been admit- parachute jump out of a helicopter A moderate Republican, George H ted to a Texas hospital suffering short- near his family retreat in W Bush was in the White House from ness of breath, a family spokesman Kennebunkport, Maine. That tandem 1989 to 1993 and sent US forces into said Tuesday. “President Bush was tak- skydive jump was Bush’s eighth, with Iraq in the first Gulf war after Saddam en by ambulance to the Houston the first on Sept 2, 1944 - when he was Hussein’s forces invaded Kuwait. The Methodist Hospital as a precaution shot down over the Pacific island Chi Massachusetts-born son of a senator, after experiencing a shortness of Chi Jima as a pilot in World War II. Bush is the patriarch of one of breath earlier this evening,” his Bush was previously treated at America’s most prominent political spokesman Jim McGrath said. “The for- Houston Methodist in November 2012 dynasties. Prior to being elected presi- mer president, age 90, will be held for for bronchitis, and ended up spending dent, he served two terms as vice pres- observation, again as a precaution.” nearly two months as a patient there. ident to Republican icon Ronald The 41st US president and the old- The former president’s wife, Barbara Reagan. est of the four living former US presi- Bush, nearly one year ago was admit- During his long and varied career in dents, Bush has seemed frail in recent ted to the same Houston hospital public service, Bush also served as a public appearances, and is often seen where he is being treated. Suffering US congressman, Washington’s UN in a wheelchair. He was well enough, from pneumonia, the former first lady ambassador, US liason to China, and however, to celebrate his 90th birth- was released from the hospital in director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The decorated World War II aviator, who has earned widespread praise for his “Points of Light” volun- tarism program, in private life made a fortune as a Texas oilman. Bush is father to six children, including his eld- est, the 43rd US president, George W Bush, who earlier this year wrote what he described as a “personal biography” of his father that arrived in book stores just last month. Another son, Jeb, just last week announced that he was lay- ing the foundation for a 2016 White House bid. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded the senior Bush the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian honor. Obama praised Bush’s “humility and decen- cy” and praised his diplomatic and foreign policy acumen in helping during his presidency to bring about WASHINGTON: In this May 11, 1989, file photo, US President George H W an end to the Cold War without firing Bush briefs reporters at the White House. — AP a shot. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 From riches to rags: Russia’s only independent TV channel

MOSCOW: Against a backdrop of flickering news Protect Journalists said last month, bestowing its images, bathed in cool white light, the anchor of International Press Freedom award to Dozhd’s editor-in- Russia’s only independent TV channel Dozhd asks an chief Mikhail Zygar. analyst what the fall of the ruble means for ordinary The official scrutiny to which Dozhd is subjected Russians. The set looks state-of-the-art but if the cam- contrasts with the disregard shown towards heavily era zoomed out viewers would see that Maria Makeyeva biased or fabricated stories on state media. Months is sitting in a living room crisscrossed by wires and that after running a report claiming Ukrainian troops had the lights are stuck to the wall with masking tape. Such crucified a little boy, state-run Channel One admitted it are the conditions of independent television in today’s did “not have proof” of the alleged atrocity but argued it Russia, where questioning the official Kremlin line can was nonetheless a valid illustration of other children’s spell death for a news outfit. deaths in the country. “It seems that, right now, absolute For the privately owned Dozhd, it has meant having unanimity is needed” by the Kremlin, said free speech to move out of a trendy loft across the river from the campaigner Alexei Simonov, calling the pressure on Kremlin to a cramped flat belonging to one of the staff. Dozhd “the last stage” in a state-orchestrated purge of “Our universe has shrunk... and mostly to just news,” said the media. Makeyeva, who is also the deputy editor of the channel. This year that process included the overhaul of the Dozhd’s riches-to-rags transformation began in January, state-owned RIA-Novosti agency, the ousting of editors when it lost 80 percent of its 15-million-strong audience from at least two independent news websites, and pas- after major cable providers dropped the station from sage of a law that severely limits foreign ownership of their packages, nixing most of its advertising revenue. media outlets. The focus of pro-government channels The ostensible reason for the move was a poll on the on “ideological warfare and state propaganda” led the channel’s website asking whether Leningrad (now Saint simple act of reporting the news to be considered as “an Petersburg) should have surrendered to German forces MOSCOW: A news presenter and a cameraman work at the studio of Russia’s only independent TV act of sabotage”, Makeyeva complained. She hopes during World War II rather than holding out under siege channel Dozhd in a living room on Dec 17, 2014. — AFP Dozhd will eventually be able to decamp from its cur- for 872 days, during which more than 800,000 people across the border. In March, the owner of Dozhd’s studio main goal, as I see it, is to make our demise look like it rent home, where staff have to squeeze past an antique died of hunger. space ordered the channel to move out by the end of was brought on by economic factors, so that no political piano, reports are frequently interrupted by the din of the year, a deadline that was later brought forward to factors are evident,” Makeyeva said. traffic and suspicious men loiter outside. “The flat is ‘Crossed the Line’ October. Dozhd moved to an adjacent space rented being watched,” she said. Officials branded the poll unpatriotic, with President from a magazine owned by billionaire Mikhail ‘Absolute Unanimity’ Those watching Dozhd could be fooled, however, Vladimir Putin’s spokesman declaring that the network - Prokhorov but was asked again to leave after just two Dozhd’s influence is relatively small but observers into thinking all is well. Dozhd journalists attended which apologised for the poll - had “crossed the line”. months. At the same time as the walls were closing in say its existence challenges the staple diet of militant, Putin’s annual press conference this week, Zygar inter- Many observers agree, however, the channel is being on the network its funding sources were drying up after pro-government fare served up by state media since viewed Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and former punished for going boldly where pro-Kremlin channels Russian lawmakers passed a law banning cable chan- the start of the crisis in Ukraine. “Dozhd has provided an finance minister Alexei Kudrin came by the studio to be fear to tread, by, for example, giving a voice to Putin’s nels from using commercials. alternative to Kremlin-controlled federal TV channels by interviewed. With that kind of access to people in power opponents and interviewing Russian soldiers captured Dozhd launched a campaign to boost its subscriber focusing on news content and giving a platform to it is hard to convince Russians that Dozhd is struggling. in Ukraine after Moscow had denied sending troops base, amassing eight million viewers in the effort. “Their opposition voices,” the New York-based Committee to “On air you can’t really tell,” Makeyeva admitted. — AFP As US soldiers return to Iraq, contractors follow

WASHINGTON: The US government is slightly, by less than 5 percent, since June, a preparing to boost the number of private State Department spokesman said. contractors in Iraq as part of President Barack Obama’s growing effort to beat back Controversial Presence Islamic State militants threatening the For example, in July, the State Baghdad government, a senior US official Department boosted from 39 to 57 the said. How many contractors will deploy to number of personnel protecting the US Iraq - beyond the roughly 1,800 now work- consulate in Erbil that came under threat ing there for the US State Department - will from Islamic State forces during its June depend in part, the official said, on how offensive. That team is provided by Triple widely dispersed US troops advising Iraqi Canopy, part of the Constellis Group con- security forces are, and how far they are glomerate, which is the State Department’s from US diplomatic facilities. largest security contractor. Constellis did Still, the preparations to increase the not respond to a phone call seeking com- number of contractors - who can be respon- ment. The presence of contractors in Iraq, sible for everything from security to vehicle particularly private security firms, has been repair and food service - underscores controversial since a series of violent inci- Obama’s growing commitment in Iraq. dents during the US occupation, culminat- When US troops and diplomats venture into ing in the September 2007 killing of 14 war zones, contractors tend to follow, doing unarmed Iraqis by guards from Blackwater jobs once handled by the military itself. “It is security firm. Three former guards were certain that there will have to be some convicted in October of voluntary number of contractors brought in for addi- manslaughter charges and a fourth of mur- tional support,” said the senior US official, der in the case, which prompted reforms in speaking on condition of anonymity. US government oversight of contractors. US After Islamic State seized large swaths of troops in Iraq are not using private contrac- Iraqi territory and the major city of Mosul in tors to provide them additional security, a June, Obama ordered US troops back to second US official said. GAZA: Palestinian mourners carry the body of Hamas militant Tayseer Al-Ismary during his funeral in the town of Khan Younis in the southern Iraq. Last month, he authorized roughly Virtually all the US government contrac- Gaza Strip yesterday. — AP doubling the number of troops, who will be tors now in Iraq work for the State in non-combat roles, to 3,100, but is keen Department. The withdrawal of US combat not to let the troop commitment grow too troops from Iraq in 2011 left it little choice much. There are now about 1,750 US troops but to hire a small army of contractors to Israel strikes Gaza, in Iraq, and US Defense Secretary Chuck help protect diplomatic facilities, and pro- Hagel last week ordered deployment of an vide other services like food and logistics. additional 1,300. The number of Pentagon contractors, which The US military’s reliance on civilians was in late 2008 reached over 163,000 - rivaling kills Hamas militant on display during Hagel’s trip to Baghdad the number of US troops on the ground at this month, when he and his delegation the time - has fallen sharply with reduced were flown over the Iraqi capital in helicop- US military presence. ters operated by State Department contrac- Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright said Sniper attack wounds Israeli soldier tors. The problem, the senior US official said, there is only a handful left now and they is that as US troops continue flowing into report to the State Department. In late Iraq, the State Department’s contractor 2013, the Pentagon still had 6,000 contrac- GAZA CITY: Israel launched an air strike in Palestinian medical sources said Tayseer Al- to call into question calm in the south (of Israel) ranks will no longer be able to support the tors in Iraq, mostly supporting US weapon southern Gaza yesterday and killed a Hamas mil- Ismary, 33, was killed “as a result of gunfire and following Operation Protective Edge”, referring needs of both diplomats and troops. After sales to the Baghdad government, Wright itant after a sniper attack on a patrol seriously shrapnel from a tank shell” in the incident east of to the July-August military offensive against declining since late 2011, State Department said. But there are signs that trend will be wounded a soldier, the army and medics said. It the southern city of Khan Yunis. Hamas sources rocket-firing militants in the Gaza Strip. contractor numbers in Iraq have risen reversed. —Reuters was only the second time Israel had struck Gaza said he was a member of its military wing, the On Saturday, after a rocket struck southern since a 50-day war ended with a truce on Aug Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. Israeli army Israel, the air force hit Gaza for the first time 26, after witnesses reported a first strike early on spokesman Peter Lerner denounced the attack. since the truce took hold. Since then, three rock- Saturday. The Israeli military said it acted after its “Hamas sniper attack is an outrageous act of ets have hit the Israeli south. A month ago Israeli troops came under fire from a sniper while they aggression. IDF will continue to protect its forces troops killed a Palestinian near the border fence were on the Israeli side of the border fence. and the border area,” he wrote on Twitter, noting in northern Gaza in the first deadly shooting “As a result of the attack, an IDF combat sol- the military had instructed Gazan farmers to since the truce. Yesterday’s shooting was the sec- dier from the Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion keep away from the border area “for their own ond such fatal incident. The exchanges have suffered a severe chest injury,” an army state- safety”. Hamas blamed Israel. “The Israeli occupa- raised concerns there could be a new flare up of ment said. “In response to the firing at our forces, tion is responsible for the tension east of Khan violence in and around the tiny Palestinian who were east of the fence in the southern Gaza Yunis. They tried to cross the border, provoking a enclave, which is home to 1.8 million people. Strip, we carried out immediate attacks against response from Hamas,” spokesman Sami Abu Nearly 2,200 Palestinians were killed during the the relevant targets. There was an air strike and Zuhri said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu July-August war, mostly civilians, and 73 on the one by a tank,” it said. warned Israel would “react firmly to any attempt Israeli side, most of them soldiers. — AFP Turkey EU bid suffers heavy, not fatal blow

ANKARA: Turkey’s long-running bid to join the European Union has suffered a tough blow amid an acrimonious dispute over a crackdown on opposition media, but analysts say there still remains hope its candidacy is not yet dead in ARBIL, Iraq: An Iraqi Christian boy who fled the violence in the northern Iraqi city of the water. Recent police raids on media outlets Mosul poses for a photo wearing a Father Christmas hat in the grounds of Mar Elia affiliated with tough-talking President Recep Chaldean Catholic Church, where many displaced Christians have erected tents, in Tayyip Erdogan’s top foe, the US-based cleric the capital of the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq yesterday. — AFP Fethullah Gulen, sparked an angry exchange with Brussels, which said the arrests undermined media freedom. Erdogan showed no fear on US charges 5 over gun cranking up the dispute further, telling the 28- nation bloc to “mind their own business”, and “not to give a democracy lesson to Turkey”. smuggling conspiracy Meanwhile EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir said he did not care if Turkey was admitted, NEW YORK: Five Americans have been able by up to 25 years. A fifth man, Delta prompting jokes on Twitter questioning the charged in connection with a plot to sell ramp agent Eugene Harvey, 31, was arrest- point of his ministry. The rebukes astonished 153 guns and smuggle them into New York ed in Georgia and arraigned in court on in carry-on bags on 17 commercial flights, Monday, they added. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, prosecutors said Tuesday. The airline securi- Chief culprit Henry was denied bail for who had visited Turkey only this month along with two commissioners just after taking office, ty breach put hundreds of travelers at risk his alleged role in the conspiracy to sell ANKARA: Family members of security officers who were fired after they conducted a massive in a sign of the new team’s willingness to kick- and was allegedly aided by a Delta Airlines assault weapons, 9mm handguns and corruption investigation that led to the resignations of four cabinet ministers last year hold start Ankara’s bid. “Turkish-EU relations are not agent in Atlanta, who carried the weapons Glock pistols to an undercover NYPD detec- national flags as they demonstrate outside the constitutional court yesterday. The placards in terminal decline, but going through very past security checks, officials said. Former tive in Brooklyn. Prosecutors say Henry read in Turkish: “No to partisan policeman.” — AFP Delta employee Mark Henry, 45, carried bought 10-20 guns at a time, mostly rough storms at present,” Felix Schmidt of bags full of guns and ammunition on 17 through a website, picked them up from German think-tank the Friedrich Ebert but there will be ups again,” the diplomat added. sought to become an EU member in 1987 but flights from Atlanta to New York from May sellers in Georgia and then flew to New York Foundation told AFP. Turkey’s efforts to join the EU had already stalled did not launch formal accession talks until 2005 - to December, said the Brooklyn district with the guns stashed in his luggage. He in recent years at several stumbling blocks, the same time as Croatia, which became EU attorney’s office. allegedly boarded the two-hour flights at ‘More Problematic Than Ever’ including its human rights record and objections member in May 2013. Only one new chapter has He and three other defendants have nominal cost by using his mother’s privi- A Western diplomat told AFP that while the from some EU states to the principle of admit- been opened in Turkish-EU talks since 2010, been charged in a 591-count indictment in leges as a retired Delta employee. Henry current rhetoric was severe “there will always be ting an overwhelmingly Muslim country. bringing the number of policy areas under Brooklyn that includes first-degree criminal was himself a former Delta employee from ups and downs in Turkish-EU ties”. “If you simply Turkey, an associate member of the old negotiation to 14 out of the 35 that need to be possession of a weapon, which is punish- 2007 to 2010. —AFP look at the rhetoric, it might be down for now European Economic Community since 1963, first completed. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 New York protesters reject plea for hiatus

NEW YORK: Mayor Bill de Blasio’s attempts to Sergeants Benevolent Association, said in a tele- soothe a city dismayed by the slaying of two phone interview. officers were further rebuffed on Tuesday as pro- Answer Coalition, organizers of the march on testers defied his call to suspend what have 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan, called the become regular demonstrations over excessive mayor’s demand to suspend protests an police force. De Blasio led a moment of silence at attempt to “chill” their speech. “We’re showing City Hall in the afternoon three days after the that we are not going to allow other people con- attack on the officers before asking his staff to trol the narrative,” Eugene Puryear, a protest hug those nearby “as a symbol of our belief that organizer, shouted through a megaphone. we will move forward together”. Hours later, Protesters marched behind a large banner say- about 200 protesters began marching through ing “Stop Racist Police Terror” as they passed by the drizzle and traffic in the center of Manhattan, Christmas shoppers and the luxurious shop win- enraged by the mayor’s demand that they sus- dow displays. pend their rallies until after the funerals of police Saturday’s attack has left police forces officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. US Vice around the United States on edge. Police in President Joe Biden will travel to New York City Chicopee, Massachusetts, on Tuesday said they to attend the funeral service for Ramos on would seek to bring criminal charges against a Saturday, a White House spokesman said. man for posting the words “put wings on pigs” The shooting of the officers in their patrol car on his Facebook page, a phrase similar to the shocked a city that has seen largely peaceful one used by the man who shot the officers in demonstrations after decisions by grand juries in New York City. The gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, New York and Missouri not to indict white police who was black, in a social media posting linked officers in the killings of unarmed black men. his plans to the July chokehold death of Eric The killings have also intensified friction Garner, 43, in New York’s Staten Island borough between City Hall, the police department and and the August shooting of Michael Brown, 18, reformers who voted for de Blasio, a liberal in Ferguson, Missouri. Brinsley, who was Democrat, last year. Protests against the use of described by de Blasio as “emotionally troubled” excessive force by police have been held across and a “career criminal”, shot and killed himself the United States, reigniting a bitter debate after slaying the officers. HAVANA: People wearing costumes of Santa give out leaflets promoting a restaurant in the streets of Havana on Tuesday. — AFP about how American police forces treat non- De Blasio, who campaigned on a promise to white citizens that has drawn in President Barack repair relations between police and minority Obama and his attorney general, Eric Holder. communities, has been criticized by the city’s Cuba prepares for Christmas Since Saturday, de Blasio’s attempts at unity in largest police union, The Patrolmen’s Benevolent New York have been rebuffed by both sides, Association, for being insufficiently supportive police unions and protesters. of police. The mayor angrily rebutted those After saying de Blasio, who has reservedly claims on Monday, saying there was no conflict with early gift from Obama sympathized with the protesters, had “blood on between opposing police violence and support- his hands” for the officers’ death, police unions ing police officers. Emerald Garner, a daughter of disputed on Tuesday the claims by City Hall that Eric Garner, left a wreath at an impromptu road- Historic rapprochement with US adds cheer they had agreed to a request to suspend their side memorial swelling with flowers and candles rhetoric. “I never had a conversation about that marks the spot where Ramos and Liu were HAVANA: Cubans prepared yesterday to celebrate mini Christmas trees. Less playful decorations this is totally new,” a Latin American diplomat silence,” Ed Mullins, the president of the killed.—Reuters Christmas, a resurgent holiday banned for 38 years adorn the gates and courtyards of foreign told AFP. by the communist government, with an early gift embassies and the US interests section, set to from US President Barack Obama: a historic rap- regain its status as an embassy under last week’s Communist Christmas prochement. Across the island, houses, restau- watershed announcement by Obama and Cuban New Year’s was long celebrated as the main holi- rants, supermarkets, hotels and state-run stores President Raul Castro, who took over from his big day in Cuba, bolstered by the revolutionary signifi- have put up Christmas decorations, embracing a brother Fidel in 2006. The thawing of the two cance of the date: January 1, 1959, is the day holiday eliminated by Fidel Castro soon after he countries’ Cold War animosity has raised many Castro’s forces ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista. came to power in the Cuban Revolution in 1959 Cubans’ hopes for an economic revival in a coun- Starting in 1960, Dec 25 was declared a working and declared Cuba an atheist state. “El try scarred by the “special period” of hunger and day. Christians celebrated in secret, hoping to Comandante” restored Christmas in 1998 after a shortages in the 1990s after the collapse of the evade detection by the Revolutionary Defense landmark visit by pope John Paul II. Soviet Union. This year, Perez said, “everything Committees (CDRs) deployed across the country. After an initially hesitant revival, the Christmas the two presidents announced is giving people Even after the holiday was restored, Christmas cele- spirit is once again booming on the island. hope that their lives will get better and there will brations were muted until Fidel handed over power “Christmas was a very deep-rooted tradition in be greater understanding.” amid a health crisis. In 2010 the Cuban government Cuba. It was interrupted for 38 years, which is no In this country where Catholicism has long co- opened talks with the Church, which led to the small thing, and yet it made a comeback,” said the existed with local traditions that draw on both release of 130 political prisoners and the return of secretary of Cuba’s Conference of Bishops, Jose Christianity and African religions, state-run stores Church buildings confiscated in the 1960s. Later Felix Perez. In Havana’s old city, Santas brave the are brimming with Christmas gift baskets and that year the main architect of the detente, Cardinal Caribbean heat in bushy white beards and red suits restaurants and hotels are offering sumptuous Jaime Ortega, celebrated Cuba’s first Christmas to hand out restaurant flyers alongside Mrs Clauses Christmas dinners. At the Ambos Mundos, where mass since 1959 inside a prison. Today, Cuban bish- wearing decidedly skimpier red outfits - a scene the great American writer Ernest Hemingway ops broadcast Christmas messages on television. In that would have been unthinkable under Fidel. once lived, the four-course meal costs $40 - twice a further goodwill gesture toward the Church, Raul NEW YORK: Anti-NYPD protesters march through midtown Manhattan on Tuesday On the streets of the capital, the dashboards the average monthly salary of around $20. Castro also restored Good Friday as a holiday when despite calls from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to curb protests. — AFP of cars are decked out with Santas, wreaths and “Before there were no Christmas decorations. All pope Benedict XVI visited the island in 2012. — AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

N Ireland parties break deadlock with wide-ranging deal

LONDON: Rival parties in Northern Ireland finally issues of parades by the once warring Protestant now defunct IRA paramilitary group, still wants the the people of Northern Ireland can look to that reached agreement yesterday over government and Catholic communities and the use of the Irish province to become part of Ireland. brighter future together, with hope and confi- reforms and dealing with the province’s violent and British flags, although mainly through setting Wrangling over how to implement budget cuts dence”. past, after months of talks that at times had threat- out further consultations. imposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron’s US President Barack Obama welcomed the ened to topple the fragile unity government. It promised further services and rights for fami- government in London had further deepened the agreement, saying it “enables further progress on Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) First Minister lies of the victims of The Troubles, including a new divide. dealing with the issues of the past”. Peter Robinson said the deal was a “monumental organisation to investigate unsolved killings dur- Cameron hailed the “historic” agreement, “I congratulate all the leaders involved who, step forward”, while his deputy Martin McGuinness, ing the three decades of civil unrest that left 3,500 secured after a marathon negotiating session that once again, have shown that when there is a will from the rival Sinn Fein, said it was a “remarkable people dead. capped 12 weeks of talks involving representatives and the courage to overcome the issues that have achievement”. The 1998 Good Friday peace accords brought of both the British and Irish governments. divided the people of Northern Ireland, there is a Five parties agreed to a programme addressing an end to most of the violence and paved the way “The parties can now genuinely begin to over- way to succeed for the benefit of all.” immediate budgetary issues as well as longer term for a devolved executive in Belfast, where both come the key outstanding issues which have been The agreement also paves the way for the reforms of welfare and the public sector, under- sides in the conflict now share power. unresolved since the Belfast Agreement” in 1998, British government to hand Belfast greater power pinned by an extra £2 billion ($3.1 billion, 2.5 bil- But the DUP remains strongly committed to said Cameron. over corporation tax to allow it to better compete lion euros) promised by the British government. keeping Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, Irish leader Enda Kenny hailed the “courage” of with its neighbour, Ireland, which has the lowest The deal also addressed the highly contentious while socialist Sinn Fein, the political arm of the all the parties involved in deal that “will mean that rate in the European Union. —AFP Russia, Ukraine set for peace talks Kiev step towards NATO

KIEV: Fragile peace talks aimed at And Prime Minister Dmitry plans to enlist Ukraine in a new Wednesday’s delicate talks, agreed ending the separatist war between Medvedev said even more bluntly bloc he was forging in order to by Poroshenko and Putin on Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels are that “in essence, an application for counterbalance NATO and the Monday. due to resume yesterday, a day NATO membership will turn European Union. And Moscow had after Kiev angered Moscow by tak- Ukraine into a potential military set Kiev’s exclusion from all mili- Rebels head to Minsk ing a historic step towards NATO. opponent for Russia”. tary unions as a condition for any The last two rounds of Minsk The talks in the Belarussian capi- President Petro Poroshenko had deal on ending the pro-Russian consultations in September pro- tal Minsk are expected to bring vowed to put Ukraine under uprising that has killed 4,700 in duced a truce and the outlines of a together envoys from Ukraine, Western military protection after the eastern Ukrainian rustbelt in broader peace agreement that Russia, pro-Moscow separatists and winning an election following the the past eight months. gave the two separatist regions DRESDEN: A picture taken on December 15, 2014 shows supporters of the the Organization for Security and ouster of Ukraine’s then Moscow- Putin’s view of NATO as modern partial self-rule for three years with- PEGIDA movement, “Patriotische Europaeer gegen die Islamisierung es Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). backed president in February. Russia’s biggest threat has only in a united Ukraine. Abendlandes,” which translates to “Patriotic Europeans Against the But the deals were followed by Islamification of the Occident,” taking part in a rally in Dresden, eastern more fighting that killed at least Germany. Big business, the political class and average Germans are pushing 1,300 people. The insurgents’ deci- sion to stage their own leadership back against a growing anti-immigrant movement, saying it threatens the val- polls in violation of the Minsk rules ues and image the country fought hard to establish since the war. —AFP effectively ended political talks between the two sides. A new meeting in Belarus had Resistance to German been hampered by Kiev’s refusal to discuss lifting last month’s suspen- anti-immigrant sion of social security and other benefit payments to the rebel-run districts. movement mounts Ukraine’s leaders suspect the money is being stolen by militias in BERLIN: Business leaders, the political class western cities, but they only drew up to 200 the Russian-speaking Lugansk and and average Germans are pushing back followers each and were all vastly outnum- Donetsk regions and used to against a growing anti-immigrant movement, bered by counter-protests that drew 20,000 finance their war. saying it threatens the values and image the nationwide. A Kiev-based representative for country fought hard to establish since the war. The management of Dresden’s renowned the Organization for Security and At counter-demonstrations and on social Semperoper concert house turned the build- Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) who media, opponents have mobilised against the ing’s lights off as the PEGIDA demonstrators will attend Wednesday’s meeting far-right group which claims Germany is being gathered and flew flags outside that read: said the sides would discuss overrun by Islamic extremists. “Open your eyes”, “Open your hearts”, “Open humanitarian aid deliveries but President Joachim Gauck, who was a pro- doors” and “Human dignity is sacrosanct”, the steer clear of the payments debate. democracy pastor in communist East first line of the national constitution. The OSCE’s Heidi Tagliavini Germany, devoted his annual Christmas added that the other big points on speech to a forceful appeal for compassion ‘Refugees welcome’ the agenda included the details of and openness toward asylum seekers. The sudden rise of PEGIDA has spooked a mutual troop withdrawal and a Faced with the emergence of the group Berlin, where officials are keenly aware that prisoner exchange. “Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation images of far-right marches in Germany can But Donetsk rebel representa- of the Occident”, or PEGIDA, which has been damage its international standing. Chancellor BELARUS: News cameramen wait outside the presidential residence in Minsk yesterday, as fresh tive Andrei Purgin said his side staging weekly marches, Gauck said he was Angela Merkel last week cautioned Germans round of peace talks of the trilateral contact group with Ukraine’s pro-Russian rebels are set to would insist on raising the funding confident the majority of Germans would against falling prey to any form of xenophobic issue-should the Minsk talks go resist its call. “rabble-rousing”. take place in the Belarussian capital on December 24 and 26, to enforce a tenuous peace agree- ahead as planned. ment reached at negotiations in Belarus in September. —AFP “That we react with empathy to the plight The veteran finance minister, Wolfgang Donetsk separatist envoy “Denis around us, that most of us don’t follow those Schaeuble, yesterday blamed the political class Pushilin is on his way to Minsk. But who want to seal off Germany-that is for me a for failing to give a segment of the population Progress in the peace efforts “European and Euro-Atlantic been reinforced by this year’s dra- we still do not know if there will be truly encouraging experience of this year,” he the feeling that their interests were being had been in doubt for more than integrations-that is Ukraine’s sin- matic spike in East-West tensions negotiations tomorrow,” Purgin told said in the address to be broadcast tosday. addressed and said officials needed to “listen two weeks and Tuesday’s vote by gle course,” Poroshenko tweeted over Ukraine. AFP by telephone on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and present their arguments”. the Ukrainian parliament to drop moments after the 303-8 vote in Medvedev warned that Lugansk separatists said their welcomed anti-PEGIDA protests, which have But he told Rheinische Post newspaper that the country’s non-aligned status the government-controlled cham- Ukraine’s rejection of neutrality envoy had also departed for drawn thousands, saying most Germans at the same time, politicians must stand up for put further pressure on the deli- ber. Ukraine assumed de facto and a new Russian sanctions law Belarus for what they described as believed those fleeing civil war or persecution the values of the post-war republic, including cate process. neutrality under strong Russian that US President Barack Obama preparatory talks. should find refuge in the country. generosity toward asylum seekers. “What kind Russian Foreign Minister Sergei pressure in 2010. It had sought signed on Friday “will both have Self-declared Lugansk leader “The Germany that sympathises and helps of people would we be if we, given our pros- Lavrov reacted to the vote by NATO membership in the early very negative consequences”. Igor Plotnitsky said he would per- out is the country that is now required,” he told perity, turned away refugees?” he asked. demanding that the ex-Soviet post-Soviet era but was never “And our country will have to sonally attend a second meeting in news website Spiegel Online Tuesday. Schaeuble joined the president of the state “put an end to confrontation” viewed as a serious candidate. respond to them,” he wrote in a Belarus on Friday should the sides PEGIDA began in October in the eastern German Federation of Industry, Ulrich Grillo, in and stop adopting “absolutely The revolution in Kiev upset Facebook post. Perhaps the most agree the terms of a deal that met city of Dresden, capital of the state of Saxony, stressing how badly Europe’s top economy counterproductive” measures. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s immediate threat was to the rebels’ main demands. —AFP where just 2.2 percent of the population is of needed immigrants to remain competitive. foreign origin. In a manifesto published this Grillo, in an interview Tuesday with news month, the group calls itself a grassroots agency DPA, blasted the PEGIDA protests, call- movement that aims to protect “Judeo- ing participants “neo-Nazis and xenophobes”. Rights group urges UN to Christian values” and urges tolerance of “assim- He said Germany’s rapidly ageing popula- ilated” Muslims while opposing the “misogy- tion needed a strong influx of qualified new- nist and violent ideology” of Islamism. comers to support the economy and the social Its targets also include the “lying media”, welfare system. “Considering our demographic stop Nigerian executions “political elites” and “multiculturalism”. development, immigration ensures growth Opponents say the group uses thinly veiled and prosperity,” he said. neo-Nazi rhetoric and is whipping up xeno- Meanwhile activists on Facebook and LAGOS: A leading Nigerian human rights group is fate in ongoing courts-martial. budget and arms purchases. phobic sentiment just at a time when Twitter have mocked PEGIDA and organised asking UN rapporteurs to help try to stop the mass The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project director Adetokunbo Mumuni said they Germany has become Europe’s top haven for opposition against it. Students in Berlin set up executions of soldiers sentenced to death by firing Project said Wednesday the courts-martial held in have appealed for an intervention from five spe- asylum seekers and the world’s number two the website www.fluechtlinge-willkommen.de squad for refusing to fight Islamic militants. secret were “a mockery of justice” and ignored cial UN rapporteurs who deal with arbitrary execu- destination for migrants after the United (refugees welcome) to offer rooms in shared Fifty-four troops received death sentences last issues raised by the condemned men that “sug- tions, cruel punishment, promotion of truth and States. flats. Journalist Birte Vogel has launched a blog week, 12 were condemned in September and 45 gest lack of transparency, accountability and gen- justice and protection of human rights while They stress there is no place for racism in showcasing projects that help refugees. more soldiers, including a few officers, await their eral deficiencies” in the handling of the security countering terrorism. the country that perpetrated the Holocaust. And Berliner Ulrike Meier has started volun- “It is not right or fair to try everyone in mass PEGIDA’s first march drew just a few hun- teering at a home for about 100 asylum seek- proceedings, and that such an unfair trial should dred people but last Monday, a record 17,500 ers in the capital. She said PEGIDA was an send someone to the gallows,” Mumuni said in turned out, rallying in the city centre and “extremely populist movement” that reflected a statement. He said the mass death sentences singing Christmas carols. the thinking among some in the country but breach the International Covenant on Civil and Smaller clone groups gathered in three “certainly not all of Germany”, she said. —AFP Political Rights, which limit the circumstances in which a state can impose the death penalty. Defense attorney Femi Falana has charged the group of 54 was convicted because they embar- Somali parliament rassed Nigeria’s military by demanding weapons to fight extremists. He also said the soldiers were endorses new PM justified in not going on what he said would have been a suicidal mission. Nigerian soldiers have complained to The MOGADISHU: Somalia’s parliament yes- Sharmarke, a dual Canadian and terday endorsed a new prime minister, Somali national, replaces sacked prime Associated Press that the country’s home-grown appointed last week after the war-torn minster Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, oust- Boko Haram insurgents are better equipped than country’s president fell out with the previ- ed by parliament after just over a year they, that officers steal some of their salaries, and ous premier amid bitter infighting. in the post and following a falling out that some soldiers are colluding with the extrem- Political heavyweight Omar Abdirashid with President Hassan Sheik ists. Ali Sharmarke, 54, becomes the first per- Mohamud. This week the former chief of army staff, Lt. son to hold the post twice and was given The United Nations, United States Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, filed a lawsuit unanimous approval, parliament speaker and European Union-all key backers of against Australian hostage negotiator, Stephen Mohamed Osman Jawari said. Somalia’s fragile government-have all Davis for naming him among alleged sponsors of “There is huge task ahead of the warned that power struggles in Boko Haram. Ihejirika is demanding 100 billion endorsed prime minister including the Mogadishu were a damaging distraction naira (about $555 million) in aggravated damages. MARSEILLE: Figurines depicting Pope Francis are displayed along with other Nativity formation of a quality cabinet,” the for the country as it tries to battle Al- Davis could not immediately be reached for com- speaker added. Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels. —AFP Scene figurines at a market in Marseille on Christmas Eve yesterday. —AFP ment. —AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan to challenge bail for Mumbai attacks suspect

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani government prosecutor The bail decision triggered a furious response carnage, in which 10 gunmen attacked luxury over”. New Delhi has long said there is evidence said yesterday he would file a petition next week from New Delhi and Pakistani prosecutors swiftly hotels, a popular cafe, a train station and a Jewish that “official agencies” in Pakistan were involved in challenging an order granting bail to the alleged announced they would appeal against it. “We will centre. plotting the attack. mastermind of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. file a petition in Islamabad High Court next week,” Lakhvi remains in custody in the high-security Islamabad denies the charge but LeT’s charitable A judge in an Islamabad anti-terror court last prosecutor Mohammad Azhar Chaudhry told AFP. Adyala prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi after arm Jamaat-ud-Dawa, seen as a front for the mili- week granted bail to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Chaudhry had originally planned to file the the authorities ordered his detention under public tant group, operates openly in the country. accused over the siege in India’s commercial capital appeal on Monday, but had to delay it as he had not order laws following the bail decision. Seven Pakistani suspects have been charged that left 166 people dead and was blamed on the received a written copy of the bail ruling. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told law- with planning and financing the attacks but the fail- banned Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba Relations between nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan makers last week that the bail order came “as a ure to advance their trials has been a major obstacle (LeT). and India worsened dramatically after the Mumbai shock to all those who believe in humanity world to better ties between Pakistan and India. — AFP

EU mission condemns Pakistan return to hangings Curfew in India state ISLAMABAD: The European Union Pakistani school where 150 people mission in Islamabad yesterday con- were massacred by the Taleban in the after rebels kill 63 demned Pakistan’s decision to restart country’s deadliest ever terror attack. executions in the wake of the country’s Khan, who has Pakistani roots, trav- bloodiest-ever terror attack. Pakistan elled to the troubled country to show has hanged six prisoners since solidarity with the victims and their Women and children seek refuge in church announcing last week that a six-year families. “What has taken place in moratorium on the death penalty was Peshawar is absolutely horrific and SHAMUKJULI: Hundreds of survivors of a brutal being lifted in terror cases. sickening,” the WBC welterweight rebel attack that killed at least 63 people in northeastern India sought shelter yesterday in a The decision came amid public out- world champion told a news confer- church and school while security forces imposed rage over a Taleban massacre at a ence in Islamabad. a curfew in a bid to contain the latest bout of school in the northwestern city of “After recently becoming a father ethnic violence. Peshawar which killed 150 people, myself, I can’t imagine how the families Long-simmering land and ethnic disputes in including 134 children. of these innocent children are feeling.” Assam state erupted in bloodshed Tuesday The EU mission said in a statement A team of heavily armed Pakistani when authorities said rebels belonging to a fac- it stood by Pakistan in its grief but Taleban gunmen stormed the army- tion of an indigenous separatist group called the National Democratic Front of Bodoland attacked remained opposed to capital punish- run school in the northwestern city of tribal settlers known as Adivasi, whose ancestors ment in all circumstances. “We believe Peshawar last week, slaughtering 150 migrated to Assam more than 100 years ago. that the death penalty is not an effec- people including 134 children. Most of them worked on tea plantations. tive tool in the fight against terrorism,” The attack has shocked the world At least 100 people, mostly women and chil- it said. and 28-year-old Khan pledged to do dren, sought refuge in a church in Shamukjuli “The EU Delegation regrets the deci- what he could to help. “I am willing to village in Sonitpur district, where 26 of the vic- sion of the Government of Pakistan to offer my help to the government of tims died. Another 200 people ran to a nearby school. The Adivasis are a mix of Hindus and lift the moratorium on executions ... Pakistan and all the stakeholders, any Christians and many had been preparing for (and) We hope that the moratorium help from my side, to rebuild the dam- Christmas when the attack took place, survivors will be re-established at the earliest.” aged school and to help the fight said. Pakistani officials have said they plan against terrorism,” he said. Bodo rebels have been fighting for a separate to hang 500 convicts in coming weeks, He said he would be setting up Amir homeland for their indigenous tribe, which drawing protest from international Khan academies for young people in makes up 10 percent of Assam’s 33 million peo- human rights campaigners. selected Pakistani cities. Through his ple. They have staged attacks against both Adivasi and Muslim settlers in violence that has SONITPUR: In this Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 photo, an injured woman and her child are carried in an Despite the moratorium, which foundation, he would support left at 10,000 people dead, most of them civil- ambulance to a local hospital in Sonitpur district in India’s northeast state of Assam, India. Long- began in 2008, courts continued to Pakistani children in the health and ians, in the last three decades. simmering land and ethnic disputes erupted in bloodshed in northeastern India when rebels pass the death sentence and Amnesty education sectors. Many of the dead in Tuesday’s attacks includ- launched coordinated attacks on tribal settlers in Assam state, killing more than 50 people. — AP International estimates there are Last week Khan said he plans to ed women and children, police said. The rebels attempted to attack the officers inside, said S.N. Dozens of rebel groups have been fighting around 8,000 people on death row in auction a $45,000 pair of shorts to raise may have been provoked by heavy losses they Singh, a top police official. Police opened fire, the government and sometimes each other for Pakistan. money to help rebuild the school. suffered recently as police intensified operations killing three Adivasis, he said. years in seven states in northeast India. They EU officials indicated last year that if Khan wore the flamboyant shorts, against the group, Singh said. He also said there were incidents of Bodo demand greater regional autonomy or inde- Pakistan resumed executions, it could which included a waistband made “We are trying to ensure that ethnic violence homes being attacked, but troops managed to pendent homelands for the indigenous groups does not flare up,” he said, adding that a curfew control the situation. they represent. jeopardise a highly prized trade deal from 24-carat gold threading, during was imposed in two districts and scores of police with the bloc. his successful WBC title defence India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi con- The rebels accuse the federal government of and paramilitary forces patrolled the area. There demned the latest attacks, and the Home exploiting the region’s rich mineral resources but Meanwhile, British boxer Amir Khan against Devon Alexander in Las Vegas were concerns the violence could spill over. Ministry rushed several thousand federal para- neglecting the local people. In May, rebels from yesterday promised help to rebuild a this month. — AFP Following the attacks, angry Adivasis sur- military troops to the region, junior Home the same group shot and killed more than 30 rounded a police station in Sonitpur and Minister Kiren Rijiju said. Muslim settlers in the region. — AP

KATHMANDU: A Nepalese woman carries her baby as she walks past a girl standing with a placard during a protest in Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. Various youth groups, organizations and activists participated in the protest against the denial of citizenship rights to children if their fathers are not Nepalese citizens. — AP India awards top civilian honour to former PM

NEW DELHI: India yesterday conferred its highest civil- ian honour on former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is credited with bringing about a thaw in relations with Pakistan. The charismatic former leader from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who turns 90 on Thursday and is in ill health, was premier first in 1996 and again from 1998 to 2004. Known for his consensual approach, his nearly five decades of parliamentary experience earned him respect across the political spectrum, including from the rival Congress party. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also of the BJP, said he was “delighted” by the decision to award Vajpayee the Bharat Ratna. “A guide, inspiration & giant among giants. His contribu- tion to India is invaluable,” Modi tweeted. Pakistan and India have fought three wars and came close to a fourth in 2002 before Vajpayee extended the hand of friendship to Islamabad. The Bharat Ratna is also being conferred on the late Indian educationist Madan Mohan Malviya, who estab- lished India’s renowned Banaras Hindu University and also took part in the country’s independence move- ment. Just 43 people have been honoured with the title since its inception, including scientist C.V. Raman and star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. — AFP Former India Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Second Christmas in ruins in Philippine disaster zone

TACLOBAN: Thousands of residents of the typhoon- in the city on the central island of Leyte. government rebuilding plan. vendor Maria Fe Cajara, 37, told AFP as she planned weary city of Tacloban in the mainly Catholic “We’ve managed to put up a ramshackle shelter Pope Francis is to visit Tacloban next month dur- her family of four’s Christmas Eve dinner, the year’s Philippines prepared yesterday to mark their second out of 20 pieces of roofing sheets donated by a ing a four-day tour of the Philippines, Asia’s Catholic most eagerly awaited meal for Filipino families. Christmas in ruins following two giant storms. A huge Catholic charity, but we still don’t have a door and bastion. This month Tacloban was hit again-this time “My husband and I are planning to buy roasted streetside Christmas lantern was the sole sign of the proper beds,” the mother of three told AFP. by Typhoon Hagupit, the most powerful to hit the chicken. Last year we had relief goods to celebrate nation’s most festive holiday in the city’s Magallanes Haiyan, the strongest typhoon ever to hit land, country this year, which destroyed more houses and Christmas,” she added. In Manila President Benigno district, where shanties have replaced a community left 7,350 people dead or missing, and the coastal tents provided by aid agencies to Haiyan survivors. Aquino urged Filipinos to observe Christmas as a flattened by tsunami-like waves whipped up by Super neighbourhood of Magallanes highlights the slow However, prompt evacuation of nearly 1.7 million day of thanksgiving for the limited damage caused Typhoon Haiyan 13 months ago. pace of reconstruction. people living in vulnerable areas in several parts of by Hagupit. “Let us not forget to thank God for, Magallanes shopkeeper Aida Comendador, 46, Roughly a million people need to be moved away the country prevented more deaths. Hagupit killed although (Hagupit) caused some damage, more lined up at the nearby local social welfare office to from Magallanes and other coastal areas deemed just 33 people elsewhere in the country, according people were saved and now have the opportunity to collect up to 10,000 pesos ($224) in government vulnerable to the monster waves generated by to the Philippine Red Cross. “We already feel a lot celebrate Christmas with their loved ones,” he said in subsidies for repairs to her severely damaged house Haiyan, according to a 160-billion-peso ($3.6 billion) better compared to last year,” Magallanes vegetable a televised message. — AFP Australian charged over terror plot targeting govt

SYDNEY: An Australian man was charged land, unveiling an Islamic flag. He was killed yesterday with possessing documents con- as armed police stormed the eatery after 16 nected to a planned terrorist attack on gov- hours. Two hostages also died-mother-of- ernment targets in Sydney, but police insist- three Katrina Dawson, 38, and 34-year-old ed people should not be afraid. Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson-while sever- Sulayman Khalid, 20, who also goes by al were injured. “A briefing from the security the name Abu Bakr, was arrested following agencies today indicated that there has been raids last week which uncovered a large a heightened level of terrorist chatter in the number of documents, a rifle, and two shot- aftermath of the Martin Place siege,” Abbott guns. He was charged with being in “posses- said Tuesday. “That’s why it’s important that sion of documents designed to facilitate a people remain alert and aware as well as terrorist attack”, while a 21-year-old, who reassured that our police and security agen- cannot be named for legal reasons, was cies are doing everything they humanly can accused of breaching a control order that to keep us safe.” prohibited him making phone calls. Their arrests come on the back of a series Ideology linked to IS of pre-dawn raids across Sydney and Australia has not officially branded the Brisbane in September as concern mounts Sydney siege a terrorist attack and Abbott about the flow of people to Iraq and Syria to declined to speculate on any potential new join the Islamic State group and other threat. Phelan said police had been monitor- jihadists. After that operation, police said ing a particular group of between 15 and 20 they had foiled a plot to “commit violent acts” people with 11 of them charged since the in Australia, including a plan to behead a September raids, some for “serious terrorism member of the public.More than 70 offences”. Australians are currently fighting for Islamic “It is a group of people here in Sydney militants overseas. At least 20 have died and that we’ve been actively monitoring for a there are fears that increasing numbers of long period of time now and any action they youths are being radicalised and could take we want to try to get ahead of them,” he mount attacks at home. “Certainly the docu- said. Asked if they had a name, he replied: ments talked a little bit about potential gov- “No. Certainly their ideology is linked to IS ernment targets,” said Australian Federal overseas.” Phelan added that they had no Police Deputy Commissioner for National direct link with Monis but “certainly since the TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (C) waves to journalists upon his arrival at his official residence in Tokyo after being re-elected as Security Michael Phelan. tragic events of last week, this group had prime minister at parliament yesterday. Japan’s parliament yesterday confirmed Abe for another term as prime minister after his election tri- He said the targets were in Sydney, but ongoing conversations and activity”. umph, but the return to power stirred warnings from China over a bid to change the pacifist constitution. — AFP did not go into detail. “I am confident that Australia raised its threat level to high in we’ve disrupted the activity that they were September, which means an attack is likely. planning. And that is all I’m prepared to say New South Wales Police Deputy at this particular point.” Khalid and the sec- Commissioner Catherine Burn stressed peo- Shinzo Abe re-elected as ond man were both remanded in custody ple should not be afraid. “This should not dis- and will face court again in February. rupt our way of life in any measure at all,” she The arrests follow warnings on Tuesday by said. “We’re clearly vigilant and everybody Prime Minister Tony Abbott of heightened should be vigilant. However, I think that the Japanese prime minister “terrorist chatter” in the aftermath of a fatal activity that we have undertaken has put us cafe siege in Sydney’s financial hub last week. in a very, very good position.” Following the Iranian-born gunman Man Haron Monis, who cafe siege, security across Sydney was had a history of extremism and violence, stepped up with hundreds more officers on PM to appoint Gen Nakatani as new defence minister took 17 hostages in the city’s financial heart- the streets. — AFP TOKYO: Japan’s parliament yesterday re-elected himself will decide on personnel matters”. Japan’s highly regulated economy-has sent the Shinzo Abe as prime minister with an over- Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition yen sharply lower and boosted stocks. whelming majority following the conservative swept the ballot, winning a two-thirds majority But Abe’s failure to implement some of the leader’s mid-December election triumph. The in the lower house election. The upper chamber tough changes economists say are needed-re- powerful lower house voted for the 60-year-old is also controlled by his ruling bloc. imagining the labour market and tackling an Abe with 328 votes against 73 for acting opposi- The conservative leader billed the election as inefficient agricultural sector-has left the pre- tion leader Katsuya Okada. a referendum on his Abenomics growth plan, mier open to the charge that he is pursuing style The vote was followed by an upper house and pledged to concentrate on resurrecting the over substance. Analysts say the election victory poll that officially confirmed Abe’s reappoint- economy, calling it his “top priority”. was less a resounding endorsement of Abe and ment as premier. Abe’s incumbent cabinet Japan had appeared on track for recovery his policies than a symptom of a weak and frag- resigned en masse yesterday morning, following after Abe swept to power in late 2012, but an mented opposition offering few credible alter- the ruling coalition’s victory in December 14 April sales tax rise slammed the brakes on natives. According to a post-election opinion polls billed as a referendum on the pro-business growth and plunged the economy into reces- poll conducted by the Yomiuri, just seven per- Abe’s economic growth blitz, dubbed sion. “We heard people’s voices calling for me to cent of respondents thought his economic Abenomics. push on with Abenomics,” he told a news confer- measures were the reason for the victory, while He will announce his new cabinet later, which ence following the election. “I will carry out eco- 55 percent said the LDP should have won fewer local media said would be largely unchanged, nomic measures powerfully and boldly.” seats. In addition to the economy, Abe has also and include deputy premier and finance minis- vowed to pursue a nationalist agenda, including ter Taro Aso as well as foreign minister Fumio Style over substance trying to persuade a sceptical public of the need Kishida. The premier will appoint security expert As a first step, Abe is expected to announce to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution. Gen Nakatani as his new defence minister, fresh measures later this week, partially financed Abe’s desire to water down Japan’s constitu- replacing Akinori Eto who declined to be re- by a supplementary budget worth some 3.0 tril- tion, imposed by the US after the end of World appointed to the post in the midst of a political lion yen ($25 billion) to counter the post tax-rise War II, has proved divisive at home and strained funding scandal, Japanese media said. downturn. already tense relations with China. Nakatani, 57, is seen as a safe pair of hands The new measures will feature housing loan Relations, however, have begun to thaw after after heading the defence agency in 2001-2002, subsidies and tuition support for students, a more than two-year chill, which Beijing which was later upgraded to ministry level. Chief Japan’s leading Yomiuri newspaper and other blamed on Abe’s provocative nationalism, Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the govern- media reported. including a visit to a controversial war shrine and ment’s top spokesman, declined to confirm the Abenomics-a blend of big government equivocations on Japan’s wartime record of reports yesterday, saying “the prime minister spending, monetary easing and reforms to enslaving women for sex. — AFP Arrest warrant Japan indicts artist sought for S Korea ‘nut on obscenity charges rage’ heiress TOKYO: Japanese prosecutors yesterday lated or behind black spots. If convicted of dis- SYDNEY: Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan speaks to the charged a feminist artist who makes objects tributing or possessing obscene materials for media that two Sydney men have been arrested by the Joint Counter Terrorism team in shaped like her own vagina with distributing the purpose of selling, Igarashi could face up to Sydney, Australia, yesterday. Phelan said there was no specific terrorist threat and the SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors applied yes- terday for an arrest warrant for Korean Air “obscene” data, according to her lawyer, in a two years in jail and/or a fine of as much as 2.5 arrests were related to an ongoing counterterrorism operation that led to a series of raids case that has sparked accusations that authori- million yen ($21,000). — AFP in Sydney in September. — AP heiress Cho Hyun-Ah, who delayed a flight with a tantrum over snacks in a “nut rage” incident ties are out of touch. that caused a national uproar. The charges follow Megumi Igarashi’s arrest China regrets death in The prosecutors’ office said the 40-year-old this month after she raised funds online to pay daughter of the airline’s boss faced charges for a genital-shaped kayak which she made on a including violation of the aviation safety law, 3D printer. “We don’t agree with the prosecu- Myanmar mine protest coercion and interference in the execution of tors’ contention at all,” Takeshi Sumi, one of duty. “Our office has sent a request for the court Igarashi’s lawyers, told AFP yesterday. BEIJING: China expressed regret yesterday Myanmar’s military junta while it was under to issue an arrest warrant,” the office said. Cho “We will continue pleading not guilty on after a woman protesting against a contro- Western sanctions, but President Thein Sein was accused of forcing the chief purser off a behalf of Igarashi, who argues her works are not versial Chinese-backed copper mine in has increased ties with other countries December 5 New York-Seoul flight and of com- anything obscene,” Sumi said. Igarashi, 42, was Myanmar was shot dead. The woman, including the United States since launching pelling the taxiing plane to return to the gate so first arrested in July, but was freed after several believed to be in her 50s, was gunned political reforms in 2011. Protests against he could disembark. days following a legal appeal and after thou- down Monday when police opened fire on the huge $3.6-billion Chinese-backed She took exception to being served sands of people signed a petition demanding local protesters, in the latest dispute involv- Myitsone Dam led Thein Sein to suspend macadamia nuts she had not asked for-and in a her release. ing a Chinese project in the country. “We the project in 2012, sparking anger in bag, not a bowl. A government investigation But Tokyo police arrested her again this express concern and regret about the casu- Beijing. found that she had screamed and hurled abuse month-along with sex shop owner Minori at a flight attendant and the chief purser, Park alty,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wanbao said it had completed two Watanabe, 44, also a writer and feminist activist, Chang-Jin. An arrest warrant is also being Hua Chunying told a regular press confer- major consultations this year in a process of for “displaying (Igarashi’s) obscene goods in her sought for an unidentified company executive shop window”. ence. “We encourage Chinese companies to “reconciliation” with local people while the on charges of destroying evidence from the Watanabe, whose boutique is aimed at abide by local laws,” she added. project remains on hold. In November 2012 incident. A court will hold a hearing early next women, was later freed after prosecutors failed The mine has triggered fierce opposition a botched police raid using phosphorus on week to review the warrant application. Cho to persuade a judge to sanction extended ques- from local villagers due to alleged land a protest at the mine left dozens of people, has insisted that she did not physically assault tioning. But the Japanese court approved TOKYO: This file picture taken on July 24, 2014 grabs and environmental damage. It has including monks, with burn injuries. That the chief purser, but prosecutors said she had Igarashi’s detention, as prosecutors said they shows Japanese artist Megumi Igarashi, who pushed the flight attendant, based on the testi- raised questions about Myanmar’s reliance crackdown, the harshest since the end of feared she would destroy evidence if released, calls herself Rokude Nashiko, showing a small on investment from neighbouring China- outright army rule in 2011, sparked fury in mony of passengers and other flight atten- according to Sumi. The present charges relate to dants. Park has claimed that Cho pushed him mascot, shaped like a vagina called “Manko- which gave crucial political support to the the Buddhist-majority country. Earlier this three counts of distributing “obscene” data chan”, at a news conference in Tokyo. Japanese former junta. China’s Wanbao, a govern- year two Chinese workers were kidnapped at into the cockpit door and jabbed him with a namely CD-ROMs containing computer code service manual. Cho-one of three children of prosecutors yesterday charged the feminist ment owned firm which runs the project as the site by activists, though they were later for a 3D printer that would allow users to make Korean Air (KAL) boss Cho Yang-Ho, the patri- artist who makes objects shaped like her own part of a joint venture with a major released unharmed. Myanmar state media copies of the vagina-shaped kayak. Japan’s mul- arch of business conglomerate Hanjin Group- vagina with distributing “obscene” data, Myanmar military conglomerate, said the reported Monday that nine protesters and has publicly apologised and resigned from all ti-billion-dollar pornography industry is large according to her lawyer, in a case that has woman’s “senseless death” was “painful and 11 police officers had also been injured dur- her posts in the organisation. —AFP and varied, but obscenity laws still ban pictures sparked accusations that authorities are out of poignant”. Beijing was a key backer of ing the protest. — AFP of actual genitalia, which normally appear pixel- touch. — AFP NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

MoI mulls hiking visit visa charges... Continued from Page 1 However, a source later said there were no instructions to exempt any nationality from the fines. “Making excuses that the law was not put into practice Meanwhile, Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Abdul previously is useless, and it was only delayed because all Kareem Suleiman said that the embassy has been con- relevant bodies were not linked in a system in the past,” tacting Kuwait’s foreign and interior ministries and hoped the sources stressed, pointing out that tens of thousands a way out would be sorted out soon, especially since a of dinars had so far been collected from expats and that special committee from the Egyptian foreign ministry collecting the KD 2 fine per day would continue for those would be arriving soon to discuss the issue with the who exceed the grace period of two months. However, Kuwaiti side. Lebanese Ambassador Khodor Halawi said taking into consideration the difficult situation Syrians in that along with other concerned embassies, diplomats Kuwait are going through, the sources said the ministry is were in constant contact with Kuwaiti official bodies to considering exempting them from the new procedure. solve the problem. — Al-Rai/ Al-Watan/ Al-Anbaa/Al-Aan Christmas pilgrims gather in Bethlehem Continued from Page 1 Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq, as well as by the Yazidi and members of other religious and ethnic communities, Even in the Palestinian territories, Christmas will be a demands that all religious leaders clearly speak out to con- deliberately low-key affair after a July-August war with Israel demn these crimes unanimously and unambiguously, and which left nearly 2,200 Gazans dead and the tiny enclave in to denounce the practice of invoking religion in order to jus- ruins in the third such conflict in six years. Cars carrying for- tify them,” he wrote. eign pilgrims could be seen passing through the festooned In Syria, Christians in the wartorn city of Homs were streets of Bethlehem early yesterday, while small groups enjoying their first Christmas in three years in the Hamidiyeh could be seen gathering in Manger Square ahead of the neighbourhood, with a brightly coloured tree and a manger midnight mass. In Rome, Francis will celebrate the Christmas made from rubble set up in the middle of the ruins. “Our joy Vigil mass in St Peter’s Basilica from 2030 GMT before deliv- is indescribable,” said Taghrid Naanaa while picking out tree ering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. decorations at a local shop in the district, which was recap- Ahead of the celebrations, the Argentine pontiff voiced tured from rebels by the Syrian army earlier this year. concern about the growing persecution of Christians, some Elsewhere around the world, Cuba, where Christmas fes- of whom he said had been “brutally driven out” of areas tivities have been long banned by the regime, will be cele- where they have lived since New Testament times. In a clear brating an anticipated gift - rapprochement with the United MUSCAT: People walk past market stalls on Dec 19, 2014 in Mutrah Souk in the Omani capital. — AFP illusion to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, he spoke of States. But in France, the busy Christmas period has been “the work of a newer and disturbing terrorist organisation, of marred by a series of attacks, including one linked to Islamic previously unimaginable dimensions, which has perpetrated extremism, which killed one person and left another 25 Oman promises ‘true’ Arabia all kinds of abuses and inhuman acts.” wounded. And in Sierra Leone, all public Christmas celebra- In Baghdad, Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako told AFP that tions were cancelled as a result of the Ebola crisis, with sol- Continued from Page 1 ty” and “ancient soul”. But Oman has suffered from a around 150,000 Christians had been displaced by an offen- diers deployed on the streets over the holiday season to pre- lack of tourism infrastructure and the belief among sive spearheaded by IS, which has targeted Christians and vent spontaneous street celebrations, officials said. Oman does not have financial reserves as vast as its many tourists that the entire Middle East is off-limits other minorities, with dozens leaving Iraq each day. Iraq’s Ahead of the midnight mass in Bethlehem, which will be neighbours. “The government of course is aiming to because of unrest. Officials are hoping to change that, displaced Christians “still live in a tragic situation and there attended by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch Fuad Twal, the top diversify the economy through developing tourism as both with continued investments and efforts to put are no quick solutions for them,” Sako told AFP, saying that Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, Palestinian president particularly this Christmas, they needed signs to reassure Mahmud Abbas laid out his own Christmas wishlist. “This an important sector,” Balushi said. forward the country’s stability. “We are trying to pro- them that they “are not left alone and not forgotten.” Christmas we deliver a very special message to the world: All Oman attracted roughly 2.1 million visitors in 2013, mote... that Oman is separate, Oman is safe,” said Francis also deplored the situation in Iraq and said that I want for Christmas is justice,” he said as the Palestinians up about 50 percent over the previous two years, Haitham Al-Ghassani of the tourism ministry’s promo- dialogue between different faiths was the only answer to press a major diplomatic push at the United Nations to seek according to the tourism ministry. More than 37 per- tion department. religious extremism. “The tragic situation faced by our an end to Israel’s decades-long occupation. — AFP cent of visitors last year came from Gulf countries, For years, Oman said that by 2020 it aimed to although Oman is also attracting a growing number of attract 12 million tourists annually-more than double tourists from Britain, Germany, the United States and the number that visited Jordan last year. But Balushi other Western nations, tourism ministry data show. said when the ministry releases its 25-year strategy Qatari, Egyptian officials discuss... The country also invested more than $660 million last next year it will probably set an easier goal. “We are year in new hotels and other tourism assets, according not looking for mass tourism,” Ghassani said. “We are Continued from Page 1 might pardon Greste, Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed to the World Travel and Tourism Council, an industry more selective.” He admitted the country’s lack of infra- Fahmy, and Egyptian Baher Mohamed. body. structure was a problem, making hotel room rates in The diplomatic flurry raised expectations that Egypt A diplomatic source in the Gulf told Reuters the talks Still, tourism’s direct contribution to gross domestic Oman “very expensive” because of the lack of supply. might free three Al Jazeera journalists in prison on also covered Qatari involvement in Libya, where two gov- product (GDP) reached only three percent, or about Oman has already won over tourists like Markus charges related to supporting the Brotherhood. It was ernments vie for legitimacy and threaten to destabilise $2.5 billion, last year. This “looks like beans,” said Fabio Roloff, who hopes the government steers develop- unclear if the journalists’ case was discussed in the intelli- neighbours. The source said Egyptian intelligence was Scacciavillani, chief economist at the Oman ment carefully. The 47-year-old German made the first gence officials’ talks, which took place on Tuesday. But the checking Qatar had ceased alleged funding of Islamist Investment Fund, the country’s sovereign wealth vehi- of his seven trips to Oman in 1990. “It’s just a beautiful Australian foreign minister said yesterday the case of groups in Egypt before any reconciliation. “Egyptian cle. “These figures do not portray a thriving situation,” country and I’m impressed by what the sultan did after Australian Peter Greste was “under consideration” by high authorities understand that not all their demands will be Scacciavillani told a tourism conference in Muscat. 1970, how the country developed,” he said. Over the levels of the Egyptian government and she hoped for his met right away ... but they have to make sure Qatar is “That’s strange, because Oman can probably live off past two decades, Roloff has watched the tourist scene release by the end of the year. Sisi has been reluctant to serious and not just making a few cosmetic changes,” he tourism. If Oman didn’t have oil, it would most likely transform from a smattering of visitors to crowds pour- interfere in judicial cases but suggested last month he said. -— Reuters be an economy based on tourism.” ing off cruise ships. He worries that if too many discov- Tourism guidebooks have lauded the country, with er Oman, its quiet charms may be lost. “I think that Lonely Planet praising its “abundance of natural beau- tourism will change the country,” Roloff said. — AFP IS downs jet, captures Jordanian pilot Continued from Page 1 under its control, including mass executions and public beheadings. In Iraq, a suicide bomber yesterday attacked Images distributed by IS supporters of the alleged Sunni fighters opposed to IS as they gathered to receive aftermath of the crash appeared to show the distinctive salaries south of Baghdad, killing at least 26 people and canopy of an F-16 fighter jet. Experts said the missile used wounding dozens more, officials said. And in the northern might have been taken from Syrian rebels or from among city of Kirkuk, a gunman killed the head of the provincial weapons captured from Syrian and Iraqi troops. Eliot counter-terrorism forces, Colonel Dhargham Khairallah, Higgins, who posts detailed analyses of weapons in Syria according to an officer and a doctor. The coalition first and other conflicts on his blog, said IS is known to have launched strikes against IS in August in Iraq, where the several kinds of anti-aircraft weapons including Chinese- jihadists overran the country’s Sunni heartland weeks ear- made and Soviet-era missiles. lier in a major offensive. The pilot’s father Yousef was quoted by Jordanian news The coalition announced it had carried out 10 strikes website Saraya as saying the family had been informed by yesterday in Syria, including one near Raqa, where the the air force of his capture. He said the military promised it Jordanian jet crashed, and seven in Iraq. Iraqi security was “working to save his life” and that Jordan’s ruler, King forces, backed by the strikes, Kurdish forces, Shiite mili- Abdullah II, was following events. Jordan is among a num- tias, and Sunni tribesmen, have retaken some areas, but ber of countries that have joined the US-led alliance carry- have been facing stiff resistance from the entrenched IS ing out air strikes against IS. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab militants. Some Sunni militiamen have joined the fight Emirates, Jordan and Bahrain are taking part in the air against IS and yesterday’s attack near a military base in Palestinian surfers gather on the beach of Gaza City on Tuesday. Despite a long Mediterranean coastline, strikes in Syria alongside the United States. The Sunni the Madain area targeted Sunni fighters known as Gaza only has about two dozen surfers who, according to Gaza Surf Club, pursue the sport to forget about extremist IS has committed widespread atrocities in areas Sahwa. — Agencies the hardships of living in Gaza. — AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Focus Off-duty black police feel threat from fellow cops

By Michelle Conlin

rom the dingy donut shops of Manhattan to the cloistered police watering holes in Brooklyn, a number of black NYPD Fofficers say they have experienced the same racial profiling that cost Eric Garner his life. Garner, a 43-year-old black man suspect- ed of illegally peddling loose cigarettes, died in July after a white offi- cer put him in a chokehold. His death, and that of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, has sparked a slew of nationwide protests against police tactics. On Saturday, those tensions escalated after a black gunman, who wrote of avenging the black deaths on social media, shot dead two New York policemen. The protests and the ambush of the uniformed officers pose a major challenge for New York Mayor Bill De Blasio. The mayor must Jinnah and the national anthem try to ease damaged relations with a police force that feels he hasn’t fully supported them, while at the same time bridging a chasm with By Zeeba Rafiq communities who say the police unfairly target them. What’s emerg- ing now is that, within the thin blue line of the NYPD, there is anoth- ne of the greatest debates over er divide - between black and white officers. Mohammed Ali Jinnah is what his Reuters interviewed 25 African American male officers on the Ovision for Pakistan was. It is a con- NYPD, 15 of whom are retired and 10 of whom are still serving. All but stant battle of views and assertions based one said that, when off duty and out of uniform, they had been vic- on a fundamental misconception; while tims of racial profiling, which refers to using race or ethnicity as some assert he pressed for a strictly Islamic grounds for suspecting someone of having committed a crime. The state, others believe him to be more of a officers said this included being pulled over for no reason, having their secularist. This piece declares that he was heads slammed against their cars, getting guns brandished in their neither - instead he resided somewhere in faces, being thrown into prison vans and experiencing stop and frisks between. while shopping. The majority of the officers said they had been pulled It is true that Jinnah was a devout over multiple times while driving. Five had had guns pulled on them. Muslim; however, it is his view of Islam that Desmond Blaize, who retired two years ago as a sergeant in the 41st discounts the aforementioned viewpoint. Precinct in the Bronx, said he once got stopped while taking a jog In his view, Islam encourages generosity, through Brooklyn’s upmarket Prospect Park. “I had my ID on me so it tolerance towards others and, above all, the didn’t escalate,” said Blaize, who has sued the department alleging he protection of human rights. Jinnah consid- was racially harassed on the job. “But what’s suspicious about a jog- ered Islam to be the first step to democracy ger? In jogging clothes?” The NYPD and the Patrolmen’s Benevolent as it stands for values such as equality, jus- Association, the police officers’ union, declined requests for comment. tice and cooperation. Jinnah stated that, However, defenders of the NYPD credit its policing methods with “Democracy is in the blood of Musalmans transforming New York from the former murder capital of the world [Muslims] who look upon complete equali- into the safest big city in the United States. “It makes good headlines ty of manhood and believe in fraternity and to say this is occurring, but I don’t think you can validate it until you liberty. Brotherhood, equality and fraternity Zeeba Rafiq Mohammed Ali Jinnah look into the circumstances they were stopped in,” said Bernard Parks, of man - these are all the basic points of our Leads the way to progress and perfection the former chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, who is African secular or secularism. This implies he had wanted. In his broadcast speech on Nov 13, religion, culture and civilization.” Interpreter of our past, glory of our present American. “Now if you want to get into the essence of why certain no preference for secularism. 1939, Jinnah said, “Man has indeed been Islam discourages retaliation and Inspiration of our future groups are stopped more than others, then you only need to go to Jinnah was not the kind of person to use called God’s caliph in the Quran and if that revenge and instead provides protection Islam to reach his objectives. Logically, if description of man is to be of significance, Symbol of the Almighty’s protection the crime reports and see which ethnic groups are listed more as sus- for minorities. In this sense, Jinnah rejected pects. That’s the crime data the officers are living with.” one were to follow this train of thought, it imposes upon us a duty to follow the the idea of a theocracy. Pakistan could not they would reach the conclusion that after Quran, to behave towards others as God The first few verses follow a content have been ruled by priests with a divine Racial profiling the creation of Pakistan, Jinnah would have behaves towards His mankind. In the based structure, where an ideal is displayed mission as it was a land open to non- discarded culture, tradition and religious widest sense of the word, this duty is to followed by its counterpart based in reality. Blacks made up 73 percent of the shooting perpetrators in New Muslims, home to equal rights and equal ways of life as Ataturk did in Turkey, but love and to forbear.” When utilizing phrases such as “citadel of York in 2011 and were 23 percent of the population. A number of affairs. He associated theocracies with academics believe those statistics are potentially skewed because Jinnah did not. Jinnah loved Islam and This is a time honored belief held by faith” and “symbol of high resolve”, the intolerance, discrimination and inequality. believed in its application and value. This is Iqbal to Jinnah. Those of whom who are police over-focus on black communities, while ignoring crime in This leads to the second misconception author is alluding to the Kaaba in an other areas. They also note that being stopped as a suspect does not what Jinnah wanted to infuse into Pakistan. fighting today for radical shifts cloak this attempt to remind audiences of their faith. stated above; Jinnah envisioned a secular What some would say were traditionally beautiful legacy. Nothing illustrates the automatically equate to criminality. Nearly 90 percent of blacks Pakistan. This claim is based upon the Herein lays the message of the piece; our stopped by the NYPD, for example, are found not to be engaged in Western ideals, Jinnah found through his ideals held by the fathers’ of Pakistan more faith unites us. assertions made by Jinnah in his presiden- love and study of the Quran. He based his any crime. The black officers interviewed said they had been racially than the national anthem itself authored However, Pakistan is not the “citadel of tial address to the Constituent Assembly on ideas of coexistence and freedom of creed by Hafez Jhalendry, a student of Allama profiled by white officers exclusively, and about one third said they Aug 11, 1947: “You are free; you are free to faith” - it simply follows in its footsteps. This made some form of complaint to a supervisor. All but one said their on Islamic values. To him, an “Islamic state” Mohammed Iqbal. go to your temples, you are free to go to Blessed be the sacred Land is what we should be reminded of; we must supervisors either dismissed the complaints or retaliated against would have gone against the teachings of your mosques or to any other place of wor- Happy be the bounteous realm coexist with peoples of all creeds and all them by denying them overtime, choice assignments or promo- Islam. ship in this state of Pakistan. You may Symbol of high resolve ethnicities in order to live up to “the goal of tions. The remaining officers who made no complaints said they Furthermore, he could not have been a belong to any religion or cast or creed - Land of Pakistan our ambition” and “inspiration of our refrained from doing so either because they feared retribution or secularist as he based his political actions that has nothing to do with the business.” Blessed be thou citadel of faith future”. Finally, what best communicates because they saw racial profiling as part of the system. In declining on his dearly held philosophies. Instead, he Jinnah is known for his wonderful orato- The order of this sacred land Jinnah’s approach are the lines “This flag of to comment to Reuters, the NYPD did not respond to a specific resided in the middle, a fusion of Islam and ry skills and his ability to speak with the Is the might of the brotherhood of the people the crescent and star leads the way to request for data showing the racial breakdown of officers who made what we would consider liberalism. In clos- voice of his heart, not his political strategy. May the nation, the country, and the state progress and perfection”, the ideals of Islam complaints and how such cases were handled. ing, we must look to the Great Leader as an Based on this, we can assume that if he had Shine in glory everlasting (tolerance, equality and etc) is what will White officers were not the only ones accused of wrongdoing. example. In that, to live a virtuous life we wanted a secular Pakistan, he would have Blessed be the goal of our ambition better the nation and its diverse array of Civilian complaints against police officers are in direct proportion to must find the virtue in others; only then are said it openly. But he never used the word This Flag of the crescent and star citizens. their demographic makeup on the force, according to the NYPD’s we living in the light that Allah would have Civilian Complaint Review Board. Indeed, some of the officers Reuters interviewed acknowledged that they themselves had been defendants in lawsuits, with allegations ranging from making a false Fear, retribution in Xi graft purge arrest to use of excessive force. Such claims against police are not uncommon in New York, say veterans. Still, social psychologists from Stanford and Yale universities and John Jay College of Criminal By David Lague , Benjamin Kang Lim and Charlie Zhu material on multiple earlier missions Chen led to Hong Kong and rampant corruption in the military, two sources with ties to the Justice have conducted research - including the 2004 study “Seeing overseas, were frank about their intention: to paint the then-gover- leadership in Beijing said. General Liu, one of Xi’s closest confi- Black: Race, Crime and Visual Processing” - showing there is an hen Zhenggao, a member of the Communist Party’s elite nor as a profligate spender and put him in the sights of corruption dantes, has received death threats for exposing senior officers who implicit racial bias in the American psyche that correlates black male- Central Committee, clearly has enemies. While Chen was visit- investigators who are hunting officials all over China on Xi’s orders. were selling promotions to top posts, the sources said. Reuters ness with crime. John Jay professor Delores Jones-Brown cited a Cing Hong Kong last year, his adversaries were preparing a As part of his crackdown on graft, Xi is demanding that senior offi- could not independently confirm the death threats. 2010 New York State Task Force report on police-on-police shootings detailed dossier on his travel and entertainment spending. Soon cials halt lavish travel and entertainment. If Xi is worried, it doesn’t show. In public, whether it’s reviewing a - the first such inquiry of its kind - that found that in the previous 15 after the visit, mainland businessmen passed the documents to The detailed nature of the documents purportedly describing parade, meeting a foreign leader or hosting a business delegation, years, officers of color had suffered the highest fatalities in encoun- Reuters. Among the materials was video surveillance footage of the Chen’s visit illustrate the lengths some in China are prepared to go he’s always smiling, relaxed and seemingly self-assured. It is an ters with police officers who mistook them for criminals. powerful politician, then the governor of China’s Liaoning province, to in an effort to exploit the crackdown. Xi’s graft busters are urging image the mainland state-run media and pro-Beijing newspapers in There’s evidence that aggressive policing in the NYPD is intensi- stepping out of the plush Conrad Hotel in Hong Kong on the whistle-blowers to denounce officials as well as managers of state- Hong Kong are keen to propagate. “People making threats say we fying, according to data from the New York City Comptroller. Police evening of April 24, 2013. owned companies in a campaign that is taking on some of the fren- should wait and see what is in store for us but I simply say, who is misconduct claims - including lawsuits against police for using the Chen was leading a large delegation of Liaoning officials seeking zy of the mass political movements of the Party’s early years. The afraid of who?” Xi was quoted as telling a closed-door meeting of kind of excessive force that killed Garner - have risen 214 percent to drum up investment. A surveillance team in a car outside the crackdown is providing a rare opportunity to bring down the high the Politburo on June 26 this year, in reference to critics of his anti- since 2000, while the amount the city paid out has risen 75 percent hotel filmed him setting off for a stroll in the direction of nearby and mighty in what is normally a tightly hierarchical party. “In terms corruption campaign. The July 25 report was carried on the website in the same period, to $64.4 million in fiscal year 2012, the last year Hong Kong Park and returning about 20 minutes later. Chen was of its breadth and depth, this anti-corruption campaign is unparal- of the Hong Kong-based Ta Kung Pao newspaper. for which data is available. —Ruters also under surveillance inside the hotel’s function rooms. Footage of leled in New China’s history,” a person with ties to the Chinese lead- him entering a suite with aides hovering around appears to have ership said, referring to the period since the 1949 revolution when Eliminating Rivals been shot with a concealed camera. Material in the dossier shows the Communists won a civil war and swept to power. In his speeches and commentaries, Xi argues that cleaning up that his delegation stayed at the Conrad and two other posh Hong the 86 million-strong Communist Party is essential if it is to retain Kong hotels, the Island Shangri-La and the Four Seasons. On the Death Threats power. To date, 59 officials who held a rank equivalent to vice cabi- All articles appearing on these same evening Chen was filmed taking a stroll, documents show that One item in the Chen dossier speaks to the zeal for naming net minister or above have been investigated for graft since Xi took pages are the personal opinion of the delegation hosted a banquet for about 30 guests at the Island names: dozens of photographs taken of attendees’ name plates on power in late 2012, according to lists compiled by the state-run the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Shangri-La. The elaborate menu included whole suckling pig and hotel banquet tables. Chen did not respond to emailed questions media. The bosses of state-owned enterprises are also under other Chinese delicacies costing more than $9,000, according to sent to his office about the surveillance, the size of the delegation intense scrutiny: the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection responsibility for views expressed copies of a menu and the bill in the dossier. he brought to Hong Kong or the cost to taxpayers. Telephone calls (CCDI), the party’s internal watchdog, said on December 16 that 74 therein. Kuwait Times invites read- There is nothing in the footage or the documents to suggest to his office were not answered. Spokespeople for the Conrad, senior executives from these firms are now under investigation for ers to voice their opinions. Please that Chen, who was born in 1952, did anything illegal. Reports in Shangri-La and Four Seasons all declined to answer questions about corruption. In addition to cleaning up the party, Xi is also cementing the official Chinese press confirm that he was in Hong Kong at the Chen’s visit, citing the hotels’ privacy policy. Xi has not put a ceiling his leadership and eliminating dangerous rivals. His most senior vic- send submissions via email to: opin- time. They also said that his delegations have secured substantial on the number of arrests or set a timetable for the crackdown to tim is former internal security chief, Zhou Yongkang. Zhou, born in [email protected] or via snail investment in Liaoning, a northeastern province where the econo- end. As the purge continues, it is tearing down once untouchable December 1942, was a member of China’s most powerful decision- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. my has expanded faster than China’s overall growth rate in recent Party, military and business leaders and rolling up their powerful making body, the Politburo Standing Committee, until his retire- years. networks of relatives and allies. ment in 2012. He is now almost certain to become the most senior The editor reserves the right to edit The dossier provides rare insight into the vast purge now con- In this climate of fear and retribution, the leadership is not tak- Chinese leader to be prosecuted for corruption since 1949. As is rou- any submission as necessary. vulsing the Chinese Communist Party under President Xi Jinping. ing chances. Security has been stepped up for Xi, his top graft tine in Chinese corruption cases, Zhou couldn’t be reached for com- The mainland businessmen who provided the dossier, along with buster, Wang Qishan, and General Liu Yuan who blew the whistle on ment. It is not known if he has a lawyer. — Reuters THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 SPORTS

Song out of Nations Cup Rangers suffer new blow Khedira eyes Real contract CAMEROON: Cameroon have left in-form West Ham United midfielder Alex Song GLASGOW: Fallen Scottish giants Rangers suffered a fresh blow yesterday with MADRID: Germany midfielder Sami Khedira has indicated he out of their 23-man squad for next month’s African Nations Cup finals in Equatorial the announcement by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) it has refused a would be happy to extend his contract with Real Madrid beyond Guinea which was named on Tuesday. request from the club to permit Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to increase June 2015 if an agreement can be reached. Song had asked the English Premier League club to be released for the tourna- his shareholding. Khedira, whose season has been disrupted by injuries, is not a ment despite fears over the Ebola virus but is not in the plans of coach Volker Finke, The SFA held the talks on Tuesday-over Ashley wishing to raise his permitted first-choice starter under coach Carlo Ancelotti, with Germany who has ignored the 27-year-old since this year’s World Cup in Brazil. stake from the limit of 10% he apparently agreed with the SFA originally to just team mate Toni Kroos, Croatia international Luka Modric and Song was sent off for elbowing Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic in a 4-0 group under 30% — despite the Newcastle chief and Rangers facing a total of five dis- ciplinary charges over his recent moves to strengthen his influence at the club. Spain playmaker Isco all ahead in the pecking order. stage World Cup defeat and handed a three-match ban from competitive interna- Media reports have speculated Khedira could move to Bayern tionals by FIFA. Song’s omission will be a relief for West Ham manager Sam That hearing is due to take place on January 27. The SFA said its board had Munich and that several English clubs including Arsenal, where Allardyce, who is expected to lose defensive duo Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou “unanimously” rejected the application to raise the stake. “The Scottish FA board Kouyate for the tournament, with Senegal’s squad scheduled to be convened on Tuesday, 23rd December to hear a submission from the board of his close friend Mesut Ozil plays, are also interested in secur- announced on Friday. Finke has retained just eight players from the Rangers Football Club,” read a statement from the SFA released on Wednesday. ing his services. Khedira, who joined Real from VfB squad that crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage without “This meeting was arranged in respect of a request set out in an application to Stuttgart in 2010, told Germany’s Stuttgarter earning a point and having scored one goal while conceding nine. consent to an increase in MASH Holdings Limited’s shareholding in Rangers Nachrichten he was back to a good level of fitness The Nations Cup team is likely to be captained by Sevilla mid- International Football Club to a maximum of 29.9 per cent of the issued share and hopeful he would see more playing time. fielder Stephane Mbia. The Indomitable Lions were among the capital. “If we can find a solution I am happy,” he said most impressive qualifiers for the Jan. 17-Feb. 8 finals, thrashing “The board has now carefully considered the application and has decided, about his contract situation. “I am a friend of Ivory Coast 4-1 in September, as Finke brought in younger unanimously, that the application should not be granted. strong competition. He (Kroos) is doing players. Cameroon have been drawn in Group D at the “The board, under article 13 of the Scottish FA articles of association, is things outstandingly well and after six tournament along with Ivory Coast, Guinea and Mali, and required to have due regard to the need to promote and safeguard the interests months is already a focal point of our open their campaign against the latter on Jan. 20 in and public profile of association football, its players, spectators and others play.”— Reuters Malabo. —Reuters involved with the game.” —AFP Lightning snap losing streak

TAMPA: Tyler Johnson scored three goals and the Tampa Bay Lightning snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 4-3 win Tuesday night. Tampa Bay, 3-5-1 in the last nine games, also got a goal and two assists from Nikita Kucherov. Ondrej Palat had three assists in the Lightning’s first win over Pittsburgh since Nov. 17, 2011. Johnson scored twice in the first and extended the Lightning’s lead to 4-0 at 2:37 of the second with a 2-on-1 goal against Jeff Zatkoff, who replaced Marc-Andre Fleury earli- er in the period. Patric Hornqvist, Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang scored for the Eastern Conference-leading Penguins, who have 13 players out due to illness or injury. It was Pittsburgh’s first regulation loss to an Atlantic Division team (16-1-5) since a 5-1 defeat Jan. 20 against Florida.

RANGERS 4, CAPITALS 2 Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis each scored twice, Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves and New York extended its winning streak to seven games with a victory over Washington. The game matched two of the NHL’s hottest teams in their final outing before the Christmas break. Washington had won three in a row, picking up points in nine straight games (7-0-2). Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard had two assists apiece for the Rangers. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin scored for the Capitals in the first meeting of the season between the Metropolitan Division NASHVILLE: Kevan Miller No. 86 of the Boston Bruins checks Craig Smith No. 15 of the rivals. SUNRISE: Patric Hornqvist No. 72 of the Pittsburgh Penguins shoots during a game in this Nashville Predators. — AFP file photo. — AFP BRUINS 5, PREDATORS 3 beat Schneider with a forehand. Khudobin is since Dec. 7. Tatar’s second goal came in the Loui Eriksson and Brad Marchand scored 1-8-2 in 11 starts. final minutes. Stephen Weiss, Danny DeKeyser Grebe kicks Navy to two goals apiece and Patrice Bergeron had and Henrik Zetterberg also scored for Detroit, three assists for Boston in a win over Nashville. FLYERS 5, WILD 2 which got 10 saves from Petr Mrazek. Nicolas David Krejci also scored for the Bruins, who Wayne Simmonds scored the go-ahead Deslauriers, Chris Stewart and Andre Benoit Poinsettia Bowl win held the Predators to 10 shots through the goal late in the second period, lifting had goals for the banged-up Sabres, who were first two periods. Tuukka Rask made 22 saves Philadelphia over Minnesota for its third missing eight regulars due to injuries or ill- for Boston. Calle Jarnkrok and Taylor Beck each straight win. ness. Michal Neuvirth returned from an illness SAN DIEGO: Pardon coach Ken Niumatalolo defense gave us a chance. We put our had a goal and an assist for Nashville. Beck’s for being perhaps a bit befuddled amid the defense in some bad spots with turnovers on Vincent Lecavalier, Claude Giroux, Sean and had 33 saves. goal 6:48 into the third period pulled the Couturier and Michael Raffl also scored for the euphoria of Navy’s 17-16 Poinsettia Bowl vic- offense, but they didn’t flinch. They played Predators to 4-3, but Rask didn’t let anything tory against San Diego State on Tuesday phenomenal. “We pride ourselves in trying Flyers, who have won the first three games of COYOTES 5, OILERS 1 else by him as Boston won for the third time in an eight-game road trip that spans 15 days. Sam Gagner had two goals and two assists night. “I have no idea how we won the game,” not to turn the ball over and not make penal- four games. Niumatalolo said.The Midshipmen won it by ties,” he said. “To our kids’ credit they just kept Marco Scandella and Charlie Coyle scored against his former team as Arizona handed not being the last team to make a critical mis- battling. Things looked ugly there. We put our for Minnesota, losers of four in a row. Edmonton its eighth consecutive defeat and CANADIENS 3, ISLANDERS 1 Simmonds broke a 2-all tie with his team-lead- 19th in 20 games. take in a game full of them. Navy’s Austin defense in some bad spots but they didn’t Carey Price made 37 saves, and Andrei Grebe kicked a go-ahead, 24-yard field goal flinch. They made some big plays to keep ing 15th of the season at 15:22 of the second Martin Erat, Keith Yandle and Brandon Markov and Brendan Gallagher scored sec- period, beating goalie Darcy Kuemper high Gormley also scored for the Coyotes, who won with 1 minute, 27 seconds left. them out of the end zone.” ond-period goals as Montreal cooled off New The Midshipmen won it after Donny Reynolds ran for two touchdowns, extend- after teammate Brayden Schenn battled along for the third time in their last 13 games - with York. Markov, in his 800th NHL game, and the boards to secure the puck. The Flyers are all three victories coming against Edmonton. Hageman was wide right on a 34-yard field ing his own NCAA record for scores by a quar- Gallagher beat backup goalie Chad Johnson goal attempt with 20 seconds left. Hageman terback to 64. He scored on a 1-yard keeper 6-1-3 in their last 10 games. Arizona (12-18-4) swept the five-game season 5:17 apart to erase a 1-0 deficit. Montreal has series. The Coyotes extended their point streak had made his first three field goal attempts for for the game’s first score and then somersault- won five of six, with Price allowing two goals the Aztecs. The winning drive was set up ed into the end zone at the end of a 6-yard MAPLE LEAFS 4, STARS 0 against Edmonton to 18 games, the longest in or fewer in each game during that span. David Jonathan Bernier made 43 saves for his sec- franchise history against one opponent. Their when Navy’s Chris Johnson forced and recov- run to give Navy a 14-13 lead midway through Desharnais scored with 1:11 left to make it 3-1 ered a fumble by Donnel Pumphrey, who ear- the third quarter. ond shutout of the season as Toronto beat last loss in regulation to the Oilers came on for the Canadiens, who mustered only 21 Dallas. James van Riemsdyk had a goal and Jan. 25, 2011. lier set San Diego State’s single-season rush- “It wasn’t pretty but we were able to pull it shots. Kyle Okposo scored in the first period ing record. out,” Reynolds said. “That’s football. A win is a two assists for the Maple Leafs, who snapped a Justin Schultz had a goal for the plummet- for the Islanders. Johnson made 18 saves as three-game losing streak. ing Oilers (7-21-7), who fell to 1-17-6 against Fullback Chris Swain converted on a win. “Our defense came up huge for us,” he No. 1 goalie Jaroslav Halak took a mainte- fourth-and-1 and Ryan Williams-Jenkins took said. “Hats off to those guys. If they didn’t play The Stars’ four-game winning streak ended Western Conference opponents. nance day and didn’t dress for the game. New when they were shut out for the first time a pitch and ran 28 yards to help set up the as well as they did we wouldn’t have had a York, which had won four straight overall, fell game-winner by Grebe. chance.” since Jan. 9 at New Jersey. Nazem Kadri AVALANCHE 5, BLUES 0 to 13-4 at home and 10-2 in its last 12 at opened the scoring with a goal 55 seconds Semyon Varlamov returned from an injury “Honestly, I wasn’t thinking I was going to The Midshipmen won their fourth straight Nassau Coliseum. have to kick it because whenever we get that and for the sixth time in seven games. They’ve into the game, and assisted when van and stopped 26 shots in his second shutout of close, Keenan scores,” Grebe said, referring to won consecutive bowl games for the second Riemsdyk scored at 6:21 of the second period. the season, leading Colorado past slumping JETS 5, BLACKHAWKS 1 Phil Kessel had two assists, the second on St. Louis. Jarome Iginla, Alex Tanguay and quarterback Keenan Reynolds. “I was just glad time in history. They were playing just 10 days Mathieu Perreault scored two goals while to make it and send our seniors out on a posi- after beating Army for the 13th straight time. Tyler Bozak’s power-play goal at 10:30 of the Ryan O’Reilly each had a goal and an assist for extending his point streak to eight games, and second. Mike Santorelli finished the scoring Colorado, which has won three in a row and is tive note.” Leading 16-14, SDSU went for it on fourth- Winnipeg routed the listless Chicago San Diego State then got to the Navy 17 and-5 from the Navy 12 but Quinn Kaehler’s with an empty-net goal.Bernier’s save total 4-0-2 in its last six games. The Avalanche (13- Blackhawks. was one short of his season high. He has nine 13-8) reached .500 for the first time this sea- before Hageman missed. Hageman earlier pass to Mikah Holder was incomplete. Bryan Little also had his team-best 13th made field goals of 43, 37 and 30 yards. His “If we score points down there then it career shutouts. son. Varlamov, who had missed six straight goal as Winnipeg stopped Chicago’s eight- games with a groin injury, faced only seven third field goal gave SDSU a 16-14 lead late in doesn’t come down to a field goal,” SDSU game home winning streak. The Jets are the third quarter. coach Rocky Long said. “You’ve got to give RED WINGS 6, SABRES 3 shots in the first period and eight halfway responsible for two of the Blackhawks’ four Tomas Tatar had a pair of power-play goals through the game. He made 12 saves in the Pumphrey gained 112 yards on 21 carries Navy a lot of credit. We had so many opportu- regulation home losses, also winning 1-0 at to set SDSU’s single-season rushing record nities in the red zone.” Navy punted on its next in the third period and Detroit ended a six- third to earn his 15th career shutout. Jake the United Center on Nov. 2 in their first meet- game slide with a victory over Buffalo. Allen allowed five goals on 31 shots before with 1,867 yards. The old record was 1,842 possession but got the ball back after ing of the season. yards by George Jones in 1995. Pumphrey fumbled. The Midshipmen rushed Tatar’s 13th goal of the season gave the being replaced by Martin Brodeur to start the Winnipeg (18-10-7), one of the NHL’s Red Wings the lead for good with 8:20 to play. third period for the Blues, who have lost three “It’s great but we didn’t get the win,” he for 254 yards, led by Swain with 72 yards on biggest surprises, won for the third time in said. Navy (8-5) lost four fumbles. SDSU (7-6) eight carries. Navy improved to 2-2 in the Johan Franzen scored a few minutes later to straight. Erik Johnson and fellow defenseman four games, bouncing back from an overtime pad the lead for Detroit, which hadn’t won Zach Redmond also scored for Colorado. — AP had three turnovers. “We played really, really Poinsettia Bowl. It avenged a 35-14 loss to loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. well on defense,” Niumatalolo said. “Our SDSU here in 2010. — AP It was the Blackhawks’ worst loss of the sea- son; they have only three losses by more than NHL results/standings one goal. Chicago (23-10-2) had won 14 of 17 overall. Marian Hossa scored his seventh goal in the Boston 5, Nashville 3; Carolina 2, New Jersey 1 (So); Montreal 3, NY Islanders 1; NY Rangers 4, second period, but the Blackhawks struggled Washington 2; Philadelphia 5, Minnesota 2; Toronto 4, Dallas 0; Detroit 6, Buffalo 3; Tampa to generate quality chances. Jets goalie Bay 4, Pittsburgh 3; Arizona 5, Edmonton 1; Colorado 5, St. Louis 0; Winnipeg 5, Chicago 1. Michael Hutchinson finished with 38 saves. Western Conference Eastern Conference Pacific Division Atlantic Division HURRICANES 2, DEVILS 1 WL OTLGFGAPTS Montreal 22 11 2 95 84 46 Chris Terry scored the only goal of the Tampa Bay 21 11 4 117 96 46 shootout and Anton Khudobin came up big Anaheim 23 8 5 104 98 51 Detroit 18 8 9 100 87 45 late in winning for the first time this season as San Jose 19 11 5 99 90 43 Toronto 20 12 3 118 102 43 the goal-starved Carolina Hurricanes defeated Vancouver 20 11 2 99 91 42 Boston 18 14 3 91 91 39 New Jersey. Los Angeles 17 11 7 97 88 41 Florida 15 9 8 73 82 38 Ottawa 14 14 6 90 94 34 Ron Hainsey scored in the third period to Calgary 18 15 3 104 98 39 Buffalo 13 19 3 69 115 29 tie the game for Carolina, which won for only Arizona 12 18 4 80 112 28 Metropolitan Division the second time in 10 games (2-7-1). The Edmonton 7 21 7 75 121 21 Pittsburgh 22 7 5 108 80 49 Hurricanes have just 13 goals during that Central Division NY Islanders 23 11 0 105 94 46 NY Rangers 18 10 4 97 83 40 stretch and Hainsey’s appeared to go in off his Chicago 23 10 2 107 72 48 leg on a night when Carolina fired 33 shots at Washington 17 11 6 99 90 40 Nashville 22 9 2 95 70 46 Cory Schneider. Philadelphia 14 14 6 97 101 34 Stephen Gionta scored for the Devils, who St. Louis 21 10 3 100 86 45 Columbus 14 16 3 80 107 31 Winnipeg 18 10 7 88 81 43 New Jersey 12 17 7 78 104 31 are 3-8-5 in their last 16 games. Schneider Carolina 10 20 4 70 93 24 made 32 saves. Khudobin, who had 18 saves, Minnesota 16 13 3 93 89 35 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one SAN DIEGO: State Rashaad Penny returns a kick against Navy during the first half of stopped Scott Gomez, Mike Cammalleri and Colorado 13 13 8 90 101 34 point in the standings and are not included in the Poinsettia Bowl NCAA college football game. — AP Adam Henrique in the shootout before Terry Dallas 14 14 5 95 113 33 the loss column (L). THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 SPORTS Sports deaths of the year

AMERICAN FOOTBALL tionals. The 1975 World Cup was his finest poverty in the then Portuguese colony of Ralph Wilson moment as he took six wickets for 14 runs in Mozambique and went on to score 733 Owner of the Buffalo Bills since founding the semi-final victory over England and goals in 745 matches. It was at Portuguese them in 1960 and a driving force behind then five for 48 in the final against the vic- giants Benfica he established his reputation. what became the Super Bowl died aged 95 tors West Indies. Never the healthiest of In 1962 he scored the crucial goals in a 5-3 on March 25. Bought the Bills for $25000 in men he had a liver transplant in 2005. Also victory over Real Madrid in the European 1959, they were valued by Forbes magazine lost a son Clint to a brain tumour aged just Cup final and in 1965 he was awarded the last year at $870 million. He was elected to 33. “He was at the front of the queue when Ballon d’Or. “I was the best player in the the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. His they were handing out talent, but unfortu- world, top scorer in the world and Europe. I greatest impact was in bringing together nately he was right at the back of the queue did everything, except win a World Cup,” the flashy upstart AFL and the NFL to create when they handed out health and good Eusebio said in 2011, recalling his tears after the Super Bowl and usher in the modern luck,” said his captain Ian Chappell, who led Portugal’s loss in the 1966 World Cup semi- gridiron era, helping guide the league’s rise the fundraising for the liver transplant, after final to England. Tens of thousands of into America’s most popular sports league. his death. Portuguese lined the streets of Lisbon Sadly for him his vision was not rewarded despite the driving rain to watch his funeral with the trophy itself despite his hugely-tal- Phillip Hughes cortege pass by while it was also broadcast ented but temperamentally suspect Bills Australian batsman who died on live on television. reaching four successive Super Bowls in the November 27 just days away from his 26th 1990’s and losing on every occasion-the birthday and provoked an outpouring of Tom Finney only team ever to do so on both counts. grief in a country where those who earn the A dashing player for Preston North End right to wear the green baggy cap are and England and regarded as the equal of ATHLETICS idolised. Hughes died from a head injury his contemporary, Stanley Matthews died Chris Chataway inflicted when a bouncer by Sean Abbott aged 91 on February 14. Nicknamed the British athletics great best known for struck him in the neck. In all he played 26 ‘Preston Plumber’ because his father insist- being one of the pacemakers for Roger tests with his most memorable his second ed he finish his apprenticeship, he served in Bannister’s landmark four-minute mile run against South Africa in 2009 scoring a cen- World War II in the Desert and Italy. On Ralph Wilson in 1954, died aged 82 on January 19. tury in each innings to become at the age of returning from duty he scored 210 goals in think there can be any other figure in the RUGBY UNION Chataway, who was knighted by Queen 20 years and 96 days the youngest player to 473 appearances for Preston. He also repre- history of professional team sports who bet- Jackie Kyle Elizabeth II for his services to the aviation achieve such a feat. Australian Prime sented his country on 76 occasions, includ- ter exemplifies the word ‘winner.” Outstanding fly-half who in 1948 inspired industry, had a stellar year in 1954 when he Minister Tony Abbott led the many tributes. ing at three World Cup finals, scoring 30 Ireland to their only ever Five Nations Grand also broke the 5,000 metres world record. “Phillip Hughes was a young man living out goals. Apart from a Second Division (now RACING Slam died aged 88 on November 27. Capped For that achievement and for his role in his dreams. His death is a very sad day for the Championship) title, Finney never won Toby Balding 46 times, he also played six times for the Bannister’s remarkable effort it was he and cricket and a heartbreaking day for his fami- one of football’s major honours, ending up Ebullient trainer died aged 78 on British and Irish Lions, the Ulster legend was not Bannister who was named the first-ever ly. What happened has touched millions of on the losing side in an FA Cup final and September 25. Became the youngest trainer voted in 2002 Ireland’s greatest ever rugby BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Later Australians. For a young life to be cut short twice runners-up in the First Division (now in Britain when he took over his late father’s player, though, this was before Brian O’Driscoll became successful journalist and was also a playing our national game seems a shock- the Premier League). The late Bill Shankly, stables aged just 20. Went on to train the win- reached his peak. Conservative MP and achieved ministerial ing aberration.” the legendary Liverpool manager who ner of the Grand National and Champion Was present in Cardiff when O’Driscoll led office twice. played with Finney at Preston, said of him: Hurdle twice and the ‘blue riband’ of steeple- Ireland to the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009. FOOTBALL “Tom Finney would have been great in any chasing the Cheltenham Gold Cup once. Was A modest man despite his achievements after Mbulaeni Mulaudzi Alfredo di Stefano team, in any match and in any age... even if also adept at spotting riding talent principally retiring he devoted 30 years working as a sur- Outstanding South African 800 metres Real Madrid legend considered one of he had been wearing an overcoat.” 19-times champion jumps jockey Tony McCoy geon in Zambia before returning to live in runner whose crowning glory came with the greatest footballers ever, died aged 88 who he lured from Ireland at a young age. “I Northern Ireland. “I was with Jack at a dinner the world outdoor title in Berlin in 2009. on July 7 after lapsing into a coma following Klas Ingesson cried when I heard the news my old boss and when he was named as the best player ever Died in a car crash aged 34 on October 24. a heart attack. Nicknamed the ‘Blonde Robust former Swedish international friend Toby Balding had died. We had great produced by Ireland and he felt embarrassed Described as a true hero by South African Arrow’ he played for both his native midfielder died aged just 46 on October 29 times together, he was my ultimate mentor,” by it, he felt humbled by it-but that was the president Jacob Zuma among many other Argentina and then his adopted country after a five year battle with multiple myelo- said the normally unemotional McCoy. nature of the man,” recalled another Irish leg- ma, a cancer of the white blood cells. Most end Mike Gibson. memorable moment came when Sweden Terry Biddlecombe surprised many and reached the 1994 World Three-time British National Hunt champi- TENNIS Cup semi-finals where his physical ball-win- on jockey nicknamed the ‘Blonde Bomber’ Elena Baltacha ning skills were pivotal to their success. In died aged 72 on January 5. Lived life to the Former British women’s tennis number all he played 57 times for the national side, full both on and off the course his favourite one died of liver cancer aged 30 on May 4. scoring 13 goals, and numbered PSV tipple being brandy mixed with babycham. Born in Ukraine-her father was Soviet Union Eindhoven, Bologna, Marseille and Sheffield He won the 1967 Cheltenham Gold Cup on international footballer Sergei who played Wednesday among his clubs. Woodland Victory, only able to ride thanks to in the 1988 European Championships final- a painkilling injection because he had badly and brought up in Scotland, she was ranked Senzo Meyiwa injured knee ligaments the day before. a career high 49 and won 11 titles despite South African and Orlando captain and Conquered alcoholism and then with his being diagnosed with primary sclerosing goalkeeper aged 27 shot dead by intruders third wife trainer Henrietta Knight combined cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which at his pop singer girlfriend’s house in a brilliantly to produce triple Gold Cup winner compromises the immune system, aged 19. township near Johannesburg on October Best Mate (2002/03/04). The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) paid trib- 26. Irvin Khoza, the chairman of the Orlando ute to a “tireless fighter”. Pirates, for whom Meyiwa played, said: “This Dessie Hughes is a sad loss to Senzo’s family especially his Top Irish jockey and a leading trainer who Dorothy “Dodo” Cheney children, to Orlando Pirates & the nation.” both rode and subsequently trained a winner The first American woman to win Meyiwa had been in outstanding form for of the Champion Hurdle died aged 71 on what is now known as the Australian club and country, starring for the latter in November 16. After an inauspicious start to Open, died aged 98 on November 23. the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers his riding career, he was disqualified and Cheney won the 1938 Australian where he kept four successive clean sheets placed last, he rode Davy Lad to victory in the Championships and reached the semi- to set up Bafana Bafana nicely to eventually 1977 Cheltenham Gold Cup and then finals of the other three Grand Slam qualify after his death. Monksfield to the 1979 Champion Hurdle. events in her career, Wimbledon and the Replacement goalkeeper Darren Keet Tito Vilanova Trained Hardy Eustace to win the 2004 and French Open in 1946 and the US Open sported a moving, handwritten quote from 2005 Champion Hurdles. Father of British semi-finals in 1937, 1938, 1943 and The Bible on his gloves for the qualification- champion jockey Richard and his daughter 1944. She played tennis into her 90’s clinching victory over Sudan in Durban: Sandra who took on his licence and trained and was inducted into the Hall of Fame “There is no greater love than to lay down her first winner a few weeks after he died. in 2004, joining her mother May Sutton one’s life for one’s friend.” “There’s gentlemen and then there was Bundy in the sporting shrine, and intro- Dessie Hughes,” commented Hardy Eustace’s duced at the induction ceremony by fel- Tito Vilanova rider Conor O’Dwyer. low Hall of Famer John McEnroe. — AFP Former Barcelona coach and assistant to Pep Guardiola where they amassed 14 tro- phies in four seasons. Died after a three year battle with cancer aged 45 on April 25. Vilanova succeeded Guardiola when he stepped down at the end of the 2011/12 season and presided over the best first half of a league season in the club’s history. However, he had to then take two months out undergoing chemotherapy in New York but Barca held on to win the title with a record 100 points. He had wanted to stay on after that but the cancer returned. “To lose is not a drama. What has happened to Tito Vilanova is,” said Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal in tribute.

FORMULA ONE Jack Brabham Only man to win world title driving a car Toby Balding he built himself died of cancer aged 88 on May 19. The Australian won three world medals he won Olympic silver in 2004 Spain but like another superstar George titles in all (1959, 60 with Cooper Racing where he was also given the honour of Best never got to play on the biggest global and 1966 in his own Brabham car) after being the flagbearer. He had barely had stage the World Cup finals. However, on the serving in the Royal Australian Air Force in time to enjoy retirement having hung up his club front it was a different matter playing World War II. Nicknamed ‘Black Jack’-for the spikes in 2013. “Just lost a brother, a friend, a for Real Madrid for 11 seasons between colour of his hair and his propensity for very good friend,” tweeted Caster Semenya, 1953 and 1964, winning five European Cups maintaining a shadowy silence-in 1959 he who completed a double for South Africa in and being named European player of the famously ran out of fuel at the United States the 800m in Berlin by winning the women’s year on two occasions (1957 and ‘59). Grand Prix and pushed his car across the fin- title. “May your soul rest in peace. I love you “Alfredo Di Stefano changed the history of ish line to take fourth place and become man, will always love you CHAMP.” this club and he changed the history of Australia’s first Formula One world champi- football,” said Real’s chairman Florentino on. “I eventually stopped about 100 yards Miloslava Rezkova Perez. from the finishing line, and I started push- Surprise Czechoslovakian winner of the ing. If anybody assisted me, I’d be disquali- women’s high jump Olympic gold in 1968 Albert Ebosse fied,” he said. First driver to be knighted for died at the age of 64 on October 19. She Algeria-based Cameroon striker died his services to motorsport, the trophy for also won European gold in 1969, and mar- aged 24 on August 23 as result of injuries the Australian Grand Prix has been named ried her coach Rudolf Hubner a year later. received during or after a game for his club in his honor. Rezkova, also declined a marriage proposal JC Kabylie for whom he was leading scorer from a Greek millionaire, who offered her an the preceding season. While the official ICE HOCKEY island in the Aegean Sea as a wedding pres- Algerian version is that he died from being Jean Beliveau ent. struck on the head by a piece of slate Legendary player who won 10 Stanley thrown from the stands a Cameroon pathol- Cups died aged 83 after a long illness on CRICKET ogist, paid for by the family, has alleged he December 2. Played for 20 seasons with the Gary Gilmour died as a result of a beating he took in the Montreal Canadiens accruing all his titles Colorful character nicknamed ‘Gus’ changing rooms. with them and was inducted into the Hall of enjoyed a limited international cricket Fame in 1972 a year after retiring. His haul career for Australia despite being a very tal- Eusebio of Stanley Cups is one short of the record ented all rounder. Died aged 62 on June 10. Portugal’s greatest player and an inspira- held by former team-mate Henri Richard. Played 15 tests-though Don Bradman tion to many including Cristiano Ronaldo. Another legend, four time Stanley Cup win- remarked to him ‘that if I was a selector Died aged 71 from cardio-pulmonary arrest ner Wayne Gretzky summed up the awe you’d never play for Australia. You eat too on January 5. Revered as the ‘Black Panther’ with which Beliveau was held in the fore- many potatoes’-and five one day interna- for his remarkable skills he was born into word to the latter’s autobiography: “I don’t Chris Chataway THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 SPORTS

BOSTON: In this April 21, 2014, file photo, Meb Keflezighi, of San Diego celebrates his victory in the 118th Boston Marathon in Boston. An Eritrean by birth, Keflezighi came to the United States to escape war and poverty in his African homeland. He did more than that: A year after the terrorist attacks shattered a scene of so much joy, Keflezighi became the first American man to win the world’s most prestigious marathon in more than three decades. — AP

Conti seeks to emulate Kauto

LONDON: Silviniaco Conti is favorite to emu- from the all-cnquering Willie Mullins stable. was delivered by See More Business in around. “While he missed the rest of the sea- Smaller boats late former stablemate Kauto Star and land The seven-year-old earned his ticket to 1997.”It seems like an eternity ago,” Nicholls son and he’s been only fourth in his two runs successive editions of the King George VI Kempton with an impressive win in heavy recalled in The Daily Telegraph this week. this year, I’m convinced he’s still as good as Chase at Kempton tomorrow. ground at Clonmel. “It was our first, really big winner so it was ever,” he said. to get boost Paul Nicholl’s stable star underlined his However, Mullins, who won the race with a magic moment and the start of some really “His run in the Betfair last time out was wellbeing for the Boxing Day showcase Florida Pearl in 2001, travels having been good things for us. I love the race.” Britain’s disappointing, but he blew for a long time in Hobart race when winning Haydock’s Betfair Chase last served a dose of reality on his horse’s champion jumps trainer is not unduly afterwards which suggests we had left him month. In fourth that day was Cue Card, chances of becoming the first Irish winner unconcerned about the drying ground for short. He has really started to blossom over SYDNEY: Smaller boats appear favored for this Colin Tizzard’s eight-year-old who is seeking since two-time winner Kicking King won his Silviniaco Conti. the last three weeks and I have him spot-on year’s Sydney to Hobart race handicap honors to go one better after taking second 12 second one in 2005. “Someone did (a news- “If it could be softer, that would be better for the King George. He’ll definitely run a due to forecast weather which makes a line hon- months ago. While Cue Card has yet to show paper article) on the King George and gave for him, but that’s only because it would massive race.” ors race record seem unlikely. his best this term, Nicholls’ runner is evident- 11 parameters and said you want to pass emphasise his stamina. He’s versatile as to While Nicholls’ is seeking a ninth King Cruising Yacht Club officials in Sydney, where ly as good as ever, and tops bookmaker’s seven or eight of them to win a King George,” ground, he’s won on good going many a George, Philip Hobbs is hoping either the race begins Friday, said Wednesday that the ante-post lists at a best priced 5-2. Mullins told The Guardian. time. “A bit of frost, a bit of drizzle and it’ll be Menorah or Wishfull Thinking will deliver his 117-boat fleet will be sailing into strong souther- Nicholls is also represented by Al Ferof, “Our fellow qualified on three.” Other testing enough. They always go a good gal- first. Menorah capitalised on a ring-rusty lies up to 30 knots (55kph/35mph) on the first last year’s third who tuned up with a Grade 2 notable entries include last month’s Paddy lop in the King George anyway. You have to Silviniaco Conti when beating him on his night. Skippers of the five 100-foot super maxis, win at Ascot on his first run of the season a Power runner-up Johns Spirit (25-1) and deal with the ground you’re served in these debut at Wetherby, but was subsequently including new American entry Comanche and month ago, and outsider Wonderful Charm. Dynaste (8-1) who was fifth in last year’s race. big races.” Tizzard is full of hope Cue Card can despatched with ease when the pair met defending champion Wild Oats XI, must judge Ireland’s sole raider is Champagne Fever The first of Nicholls’ eight King George wins turn the tables on Silviniaco Conti this time again in the Betfair. — AFP how hard they can push their yachts and crews in the tough conditions. Winds forecast for later in the race are expect- ed to give the smaller, trailing boats a push up the fleet. Wild Oats won line honors for the seventh time last year, finishing the 628-nautical-mile race in 2 days, 6 hours, 7 minutes. The yacht also holds the race record of 1 day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds set in 2012. The race begins in Sydney Harbor, heads south along the coast of New South Wales state and across Bass Strait to the island state of Tasmania and its capital city Hobart. “It’s certainly not a forecast for a record,” Wild Oats skipper Mark Richards said yesterday. “The record will get smashed one year, but I don’t think this will be the year.” Comanche skipper Ken Read says his recently- launched super maxi remains untested in the anticipated rough conditions. “The weather report is what you expect when you come here to the Hobart race,” Read said. “It is no surprise and we will all work our hardest to keep our Christmas dinners down, one would imagine, on that first night. But this is what we expect. “We will try and keep it in one piece. This is a completely untested boat at this stage. I am as curious as anybody as to how she will react.” In 1998, six sailors died and five yachts sank in a storm that hit the fleet early in the race. — AP Silviniaco Conti favorite for the King George VI Chase tomorrow. Christmas a rite of passage for Wizards, Pierce

MIAMI: For the third straight year, Paul Pierce will 30 years, are led by a point guard likely worthy of Gasol with the Bulls. And for the league’s biggest watch Michael Jordan on Christmas, Magic Johnson, awaken to play on Christmas in New York. The feel- some MVP buzz in John Wall, have no one among stars, playing is as annual a rite as caroling and egg all your favorite players, all the key matchups,” Pierce ing never gets old. Playing on Christmas Day — the the league’s top 25 scorers yet have six players aver- nog. If he plays Thursday, Kobe Bryant of the Los said. “And now being a part of it six, seven, eight traditional start of the NBA’s national broadcast aging double figures. And now for the first time Angeles Lakers will be taking the court on Christmas times, you’re kind of used to it, you kind of embrace schedule, and when fans seem to begin paying since 2008, the Wizards get to play on the league’s for the 16th time — just 17 points shy of getting to it, but you’re still up for it.” more attention to basketball as football winds down showcase day. 400 on the holiday. Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade Moreover, it’s a chance for fans to see a — is still a big deal to players. Pierce is trying to “A lot of times, I’m opening presents with my kids is No. 2 on the active Christmas-scoring list, with 227 Washington team that they might see in April, May make sure that the Washington Wizards understand the day before because I’m gone on Christmas,” said points in nine appearances. and possibly beyond. Entering this week, only four the significance. Of the 14 players currently on the Pierce, who visited New York for a game against Wade insists that playing on Christmas is still a NBA teams had better records than the Wizards. Washington roster, eight have never played in a Brooklyn (when he was still with Boston) on Dec. 25 very big deal. “It’s the game you grew up watching,” Barring an all-out collapse, Washington will be put- Christmas game. Pierce has played in five, not in 2012, and was part of a home game with Brooklyn Wade said. “Christmas, it’s the game that you ting together a string of consecutive playoff appear- including two others that he missed because of on the holiday last year. “I think out of six or seven watched every year and dreamed about being in ances for the second time since the 1980s. It’s a team injury. “By Christmas, you should know what type of Christmas games, I think I’ve played at home one one day, the day that you knew everybody was with a mix of young talent and veteran savvy, which team you are,” Pierce said. “You should have an iden- time. We’ve been on the road pretty much the whole watching whatever game was on.” is exactly what Pierce envisioned months ago. tity. Around Christmas, this is the time you should be time. “Sometimes you get to be there and open This year, the Wizards — who visit the Knicks in Sure, there will be plenty of presents to open showing everybody, ‘This is who we are.’ You’re in it presents with your kids and enjoy the day with the start of the Christmas quintuple header — are today. Pierce thinks the biggest gifts for the Wizards or you’re out of it. This the time for the rest of the them. But they get to watch Daddy on TV and know the game that’s on, or one of them, anyway. are yet to come. “I knew I was coming to a team that league, the rest of the world to find out, this is who I’ll be coming home that night, so it’s fun.” Pierce will Wall has never played on Christmas, nor has was hungry, wants to win and wants to take the next we are.” Here’s who the Wizards are: A contender in actually be in New York for the fourth straight Washington’s other young guard, Bradley Beal. And step,” Pierce said. “A lot of these guys, they’ve the Eastern Conference. Christmas — he didn’t play when Boston visited the while every game on the NBA schedule is televised exceeded expectations ... and from the outside look- Off to a 19-7 start, the Wizards are proving Pierce Knicks in 2011, but was on the trip. Other players somewhere, Pierce knows that the exposure his ing in, you can say ‘Man, they look hungry.’ But you made the right decision when he raised eyebrows who also changed addresses this past offseason will young backcourt teammates will get on Thursday don’t know how much until you see them every day. this past summer by deciding to move to also be playing on Christmas, including LeBron might be like none other they’ve experienced. They don’t want to be good. They want to be Washington. They’re on pace for their best season in James and Kevin Love with the Cavaliers and Pau “You remember as a kid, oh, man, we get to great.”—AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 SPORTS Relief, satisfaction as new test venue opens

WELLINGTON: Canterbury Cricket chief Lee Germon be a huge sense of satisfaction,” Germon, a former New ing to take the capacity to 20,000. Canterbury Cricket had to fight an expensive battle has run the gamut of emotions in the last three years as Zealand wicketkeeper and captain, told Reuters in a The ground will host three pool matches in the Feb. at New Zealand’s Environment Court with a protest he fought to bring international cricket back to earth- telephone interview. “To me, this is a true test match 14-March 29 tournament, including the opener group, who were against what they saw as the possible quake ravaged Christchurch, though quiet satisfaction ground,” he added of the venue, which sold out its between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. commercialisation of the public green space in the is what he will feel tomorrow. 8,000-capacity for the first day. “When I walked out While the earthquake destroyed the main interna- devastated city. New Zealand and Sri Lanka open their two-test there, as a past player, it made me feel like playing the tional rugby and cricket venue at Lancaster Park, Germon, however, said once the court granted series tomorrow at the country’s newest test venue, game. “The feedback we have seen from guys who Germon had been looking for a new site for test match- them consent to develop the ground last year and the Hagley Oval, a purpose-built ground on the vast green have seen grounds all around the world, has been es in line with the move to boutique-sized venues in work began, opponents began to come around. “The space of Hagley Park on the western edges of hugely positive. “To me that’s really satisfying.” New Zealand. They settled on redeveloping a site on biggest positive has been the way the ground has been Christchurch’s central city. It will be the first interna- After the test, the ground will be switched to one- the southern side of Hagley Park, which is dotted with embraced by cricketers and the public,” he said. “The tional cricket match in New Zealand’s second-largest day mode with New Zealand playing Sri Lanka on Jan. sporting fields and facilities, tree-lined walking trails best thing for me is that we have had a number of peo- city since the Feb. 22, 2011 earthquake that devastated 11, when its facilities and match-day logistics and serv- and bike paths and the city’s Botanic Gardens and ple come and say that it looks like it has been there for Christchurch and killed almost 200 people. “To get that ices will be tested before it is handed over to Cricket where cricket had been played for more than 150 years, years, it fits nicely into the ground, it makes sense and first ball bowled on the first day of the test match will World Cup organisers, who will build temporary seat- before they ran into opposition. we’re really pleased we have got it.” — Reuters World Cup preparations West Indies look to fight loom over Test series WELLINGTON: Final preparations for the solidify an already strong tail, who are expert- back on friendlier pitch World Cup loom large over the upcoming ly guided by wicketkeeper BJ Watling. Their test series between New Zealand and Sri new ball duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult Lanka, which starts at the Hagley Oval tomor- have also matured in the last two years, with PORT ELIZABETH: West Indies can look forward row, with seven one-day games to follow the the pair’s ability to exploit New Zealand con- to more favorable batting conditions for the sec- two matches in Christchurch and Wellington. ditions and get the ball to swing and seam. ond test in Port Elizabeth tomorrow as they look Both sides will be fine tuning their World Sri Lanka coach Marvan Atapattu has to overcome the mental scars of collapsing on Cup selections, with final squads needed for already said his side are partly using the tests Pretoria’s seamer-friendly strip. Jan. 8, the day after the second test ends, but to get used to New Zealand conditions, par- The tourists were outplayed in the innings New Zealand will also be seeking to build on ticularly at Hagley Oval where they face the and 220-run defeat and will be particularly dis- their recent resurgence in the test arena. hosts in the opening match of the World Cup appointed with the way they crumbled with the After winning both home series last summer, on Feb. 14. bat to score just 332 runs in the match in a little beating West Indies away, then drawing with However, he is more concerned with more than 100 overs. However, Shivnarine Pakistan after being hammered in the first finalising his World Cup options, especially in Chanderpaul, who has been through good and test in the UAE, New Zealand enter the series finding an opening partner for Tillakaratne bad times before with the side in his 20-year playing at a level that would not justify their Dilshan. “We’ll stick to our plans in finding international career, believes there is no cause ranking of seventh. The team has been gala- the 15 that we want for the World Cup,” vanised under the captaincy of Brendon Atapattu told cricket website cricinfo.com for alarm. McCullum, with the only concern in the top before a warm-up match in Queenstown. “We’re disappointed after Centurion. I think five the opening partnership, with Hamish “We have passed the stage where we’ve tried we’re a better team than that,” Chanderpaul told Rutherford given another opportunity to everybody and we have pruned our squad reporters. “We just have to put it behind us and prove his credentials alongside impressive down to 30. “In the 30 we know whom we take it as a learning experience and do better in rookie Tom Latham. want in our 15 except for one or two places this next match. “The guys we have here are the Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will be which we hope to fill during the test series.” best in the Caribbean, that’s the reason why expected to provide the majority of runs with He also has the added problem of finding they’re here. They’ve all scored runs in the past, the 24-year-old Williamson coming of age someone to fill the hole left by Mahela scored a lot of hundreds in regional cricket.” this year, having scored 844 test runs, includ- Jayawardene’s retirement from test cricket, West Indies can at least take heart from their ing four centuries, at 60.28. while left arm spinner Rangana Herath will last visit to St George’s Park where they won in a Shivnarine Chanderpaul McCullum’s move back to the middle miss the first, and possibly the second, test 2-1 series defeat in 2007, their only away victory will be more even conditions,” Proteas batsman also wary of a backlash from the tourists. “The order from his role as a temporary opener will with a leg injury. —Reuters against a major test playing nation since beating Faf du Plessis said. West Indies, as everyone knows, are a hot and England in Birmingham in 2000. The Port “Centurion was seaming and if our bowlers cold team. We know and we expect that the Elizabeth pitch is expected to be less seamer- get a wicket like that they are dangerous. The PE West Indies, after a performance like that, will try friendly, harder and drier, taking some of the wicket is a lot slower and spin does play more of to go the other way and be brilliant.” bite out of the top-ranked South African pace a role so I think their bowling attack will be a lot South Africa are almost certain to play leg- attack that wreaked havoc in Pretoria. happier. “Their batting unit will also be happier, spinner Imran Tahir and could also hand a debut the ball will probably not be as quick and won’t to batsman Temba Bavuma after wicketkeeper HAPPIER ATTACK seam around, it will be a normal PE wicket, so it Quinton de Kock was ruled out of the series with “I think conditions like this will probably will suit their style of play.” an ankle injury. AB de Villiers will continue to bring them (West Indies) more into the game, it Du Plessis added that the home side were keep wicket. — Reuters Pakistan WCup hopeful Shah inspired by Warne

KARACHI: Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah is He is confident of playing well in Australia, determined to make an impact at next year’s where he says the extra bounce in the pitches World Cup in Australia and New Zealand hav- will help him a lot. “The first thing I want to ing been inspired by the great Shane Warne. do on reaching Australia is to go and spend “I started playing cricket because I idolised time in the nets with Warne. Shane Warne. He has been my role model I have read that he wants to see me bowl and I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can and give me tips. It would be great,” Shah make the World Cup squad,” Shah told said. Shah is the latest quality leg spinner Reuters. Warne, who finished with 708 test produced by Pakistan following in the foot- and 293 ODI wickets, is rated as the greatest steps of Intikhab Alam, Mushtaq Muhammad, leg spinner in cricket history. Abdul Qadir, Mushtaq Ahmed and Danish “Warne transformed cricket with his Kaneria, who had to quit the game after get- approach and aggression as a spinner. I want ting a life ban for spot fixing in 2012. “I have a to emulate him and it would be a dream come good leg spinner and I modeled my flipper true if I can leave an impact in Australia,” Shah, on Warne’s style. 28, said. But I know I need to make my Googly a Shah is in Pakistan’s 30-man preliminary wicket-taking delivery to be successful in the World Cup squad and, with experienced off- World Cup,” Shah said. spinners Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez He played one ODI and two T20 matches suspended from bowling in international against Zimbabwe in September 2011 with- cricket, is in line to spearhead Pakistan’s spin out shining but he made a big impact when attack at the tournament. Chief selector Moin he returned to the national squad for tests Khan has already reassured Shah about his against Australia and New Zealand recently in prospects of making the squad, saying: the UAE, taking 27 wickets. “Certainly after his superb performances in Although the selectors called him up for the tests against Australia and New Zealand the final three ODIs against New Zealand, he is in our World Cup plan.” Shah did not get a chance to play. He said Shah, who hails from the small town of that bowlers need to adapt to the three dif- Swabi in Khyber Pakthunkhawa province, has ferent formats of the sport but that he would been busy studying footage of Warne as he love to follow the philosophy of Warne to prepares himself for a bigger role in one-day dominate the batsmen. cricket. “I have watched his videos and espe- “If my captain and coaches want I am cially how he used to bowl on Australian ready to play the role of attacking spinner in pitches. I am working very hard on disguising the World Cup. ABU DHABI: NewZealand’s bowler Mitchell McClenaghan delivers the ball in this my Googly and making it more effective,” I want to take wickets for my team not just file photo. — AFP Shah said. contain,” added Shah. — Reuters Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah

DAYTONA BEACH: In this Feb. 23, 2014, file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the DETROIT: In this July 1, 2014, file photo, United States fans cheer while watching before the start of the 2014 NASCAR Daytona 500 Sprint Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, the track where his father died. World Cup soccer match between the United States and Belgium at a public viewing party in Detroit. — AP photos THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 SPORTS Saints sign Dutch winger Elia on loan

LONDON: Southampton have agreed to sign Werder ster Koeman’s front three. “The winger will officially join Saints on Saturday is a good option.” Bremen’s Dutch international winger Eljero Elia on The 27-year-old will initially join Saints on loan 3rd January, initially on loan until the end of the sea- Elia, who is known for his blistering pace and loan until the end of the season. when the transfer window opens next month, with son with a view to a permanent transfer next sum- direct forward runs, established himself as one of the Ronald Koeman’s side are short of attacking the option of then making his switch from the mer.” Koeman had admitted his interest in Elia earlier brightest young talents in Europe at FC Twente and options with Jay Rodriguez’s recovery from a cruci- Bundesliga outfit permanent at the end of the cur- in the day, saying: “He is one of the players on our list was named Dutch Football Talent of the Year in 2009. ate ligament injury taking longer than expected and rent campaign. “Southampton Football Club is to bring in January. The 27-year-old struggled to fulfil his early promise Senegal’s Sadio Mane due to leave for the African delighted to announce that it has reached an agree- “We need at least one more player up front during subsequent moves to Hamburg and Juventus Nations Cup next month. Elia, who has played 28 ment over the signing of Eljero Elia,” a statement on because we lose Sadio Mane in January for the Africa but has enjoyed more stability at Bremen, where he times for Holland, is seen as the perfect man to bol- Southampton’s website confirmed. Cup. We need another player for that position and he made 33 league appearances last season. — AFP Chelsea aim to deny rivals City festive cheer

LONDON: The omens are good for a Chelsea side heading into Christmas top of the Premier League tree but manager Jose Mourinho does not want to give title rivals Manchester City any reason to cheer over the festive season. Having beaten Stoke City 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium on Monday, the London club ensured they went into a busy fixture schedule leading the table with 42 points from 17 matches. The last three times Chelsea have been top on Christmas Day they have gone on to win the title, but with in-form City hot on their heels three points behind, Mourinho is taking nothing for granted with testing matches to come. Sam Allardyce’s fourth-placed West Ham Mario Balatoli United travel to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground on Friday before Mourinho’s men head to Southampton on Sunday and then make the Rodgers: Balotelli not short trip across London to face Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day. suited to Liverpool’s style “Now we have to focus on the three matches we still have until the end of this period,” LONDON: Mario Balotelli will return to “But you try to make the best out of the Mourinho told reporters after the victory at Liverpool’s squad for the festive programme players you have, and the qualities that they Stoke. “Playing against Big Sam is a hard job for but manager Brendan Rodgers was hardly have. That’s something we will focus on. “The us, we have to cope with it. The three-point lead effusive in his praise of the Italy’s striker’s cre- most important thing is that he’s now avail- we have is a little advantage, it is a little pillow dentials yesterday. able after his ban. It adds another player to we have to protect us. The 24-year-old Balotelli has struggled to our squad, which is important especially with “We have been top of the league since day make an impact at Anfield since his 16 million Fabio (Borini) now suspended.” one and we are there because we are playing pounds ($24.88 million) move from AC Milan really well. Our Christmas fixtures are more diffi- in August, managing two goals in 15 games. THE VERVE cult than any other one (club).” His off-field antics have also made the Liverpool are 10th and though they got Second-placed City travel to West Bromwich headlines and he was fined 25,000 pounds one point in their last two games-a defeat at Albion in search of a seventh straight league win and banned for last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United and a home draw with but they are still without injured strikers Stevan Arsenal after posting an offensive message Arsenal-they are starting to recapture the Jovetic, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. on social media. verve of last season when they were pipped Captain Vincent Kompany is also missing for At his pre-match news conference to the title by Manchester City. Manuel Pellegrini’s side but midfielder David Rodgers welcomed mercurial Balotelli’a Holiday fixtures against Burnley, Rodgers’ Silva, having scored twice in City’s 3-0 home win return for a busy holiday programme, starting former club Swansea City and struggling over Crystal Palace last weekend, is ready to with a trip to lowly Burnley on Friday, but Leicester City, offer Liverpool the chance to strike against struggling West Brom. suggested the former Manchester City player start making up lost ground. “I like to play in the middle, even though I can is not suited to Liverpool’s style. “We’ve tried to find the solution to get play on both wings,” Silva said. “When I play in “We’ve seen that it is not really his game, back that intensity and that tempo, and I the middle I get chances to score. That is why I Rodgers said, referring to the high-pressing think we’ve seen that,” Rodgers said. “It’s key scored the two goals. But I will be happy to help approach that worked so well with Luis for us, that aggressive pressure at the top end the team when the strikers are back.” Suarez and Daniel Sturridge in tandem last of the field. It gives us the platform to go on Elsewhere tomorrow, third-placed season. and dominate the ball. “We have to try to Manchester United, whose progress up the “Working with Mario, we’ve seen that he is maximise the players that we have to make league was slowed with a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa someone who is better in and around the sure our game is as close as possible to the last weekend, host Newcastle United while box. That level of pressing and intensity is not level we want. The last three games has been Arsenal welcome London rivals Queens Park part of his game. a lot closer.” — Reuters Rangers to the Emirates. —Reuters LONDON: Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas in action in this file photo. — AP Kuwait, Oman to vie in final

By: Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: The Seventh Gulf Handicapped Basketball Tournament will see its final match between Kuwait and Oman, as tournament patron Handicapped Sports Club Honorary President Al-Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdulla will be present. The tournament lasted one week with the partici- pation of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. Kuwait National Handicapped Basketball team came much closer to winning the gulf tournament for the sev- enth consecutive time as it defeated Saudi Arabia 47-43 during the match that was held on Tuesday. Kuwait players won a very strong match between the two teams who made a very strong defense display and Kuwait maintained its winning streak without a loss, while Saudi Arabia suf- fered its first loss. Kuwait must win today to claim the gulf title, and this seems to be easy due to the wide gap in tech- nical level between the two teams especially that the Omanis did not win any match during the tournament. In another match, UAE had its second win against Bahrain with the result of 62-55, in a balanced match between the two teams, but the UAE player’s experience enabled them to end the match in their favor in its final minutes. KHSC Secretary General Abdulla Al-Quraini said this year’s tournament is distinguished with high technical lev- el as reflected by the close scores of most matches between competing teams for the title, namely Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE, while Bahrain and Oman showed good potential. He said the tournament plays an important role in the development of the Gulf player’s level and this, the seventh tournament witnessed the emergence of sev- eral skilled players who helped their national teams. Lightning snap Chelsea aim to losing streak deny rivals City 15 festive19 cheer THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Pakistan WCup hopeful Shah inspired by Warne Page 18

CLEVELAND: Cavaliers’ Kevin Love (second from right) shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves’ Thaddeus Young (33) and Gorgui Dieng (5), as Cavaliers’ Anderson Varejao moves in (left) during the first half of an NBA bas- ketball game. —AP Cavaliers tame ‘Wolves’, Lakers win

CLEVELAND: Kevin Love scored 20 points in his first 18 as Chicago won its fourth straight. After and Robert Covington each had 11 for Philadelphia. added 19 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, and game against Minnesota, Kyrie Irving added 29 and Washington scored 12 straight - 10 by John Wall - to Dwyane Wade scored 17 of his 23 points in the Brooklyn rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Denver. the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away in the second take an 87-86 lead with 3:44 remaining, Chicago first half for Miami, which was outscored 49-30 after Jarrett Jack, who started in place of injured point half for a 125-104 victory over the Timberwolves on steadied and scored eight straight, six by Rose, to halftime and plays host to LeBron James and guard Deron Williams, had 17 points and eight Tuesday night. Love’s reunion with the team he spent lead 94-87 with 1:48 to play. Wall led the Wizards with Cleveland on Thursday in a Christmas Day show- assists. Sergey Karasev added 12 points for the Nets, six frustrating seasons with before a summer block- 18 points. The Bulls outrebounded Washington 52-41. down. who won their second straight game and improved buster trade was overshadowed by an injury to It was the first meeting of the teams this season. to 11-2 against sub-.500 teams. Cleveland center Anderson Varejao, who had to be Washington defeated Chicago in the first round of SUNS 124, MAVERICKS 115 Ty Lawson led Denver with 29 points and had nine helped off the floor in the third quarter. Varejao was last year’s playoffs, 4-1. Eric Bledsoe got his second career triple-double assists. Kenneth Faried chipped in 20 points and 14 unable to put any weight on his left leg as he was and Phoenix won its fourth in a row in its highest- boards for the Nuggets, who lost their second assisted to the locker room. HAWKS 107, CLIPPERS 104 scoring game of the season. straight game and have dropped nine of 12. LeBron James added 24 points for the Cavs, now DeMarre Carroll scored a career-high 25 points and Bledsoe had 16 points and 11 assists, then Nets center Brook Lopez, who had missed his last 12-3 since opening 5-7. Rookie Andrew Wiggins Atlanta rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat Los grabbed his 10th rebound away from teammate eight games due to a lower back strain, played eight scored 27 against the team that drafted him for the Angeles for its fifth straight victory. Goran Dragic with 31 seconds to play. minutes and had six points and four rebounds in a Timberwolves, who dropped their sixth straight and Al Horford had 20 points for Southeast Division- Dragic scored 25 and Gerald Green 22 for the Suns, reserve role. have lost 12 of 13. leading Atlanta, which has won 14 of 15. Blake Griffin coming off a 3-0 trip to the East. Alex Len added 17, had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers. Chris two shy of his career high. Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson MAGIC 100, CELTICS 95 LAKERS 115, WARRIORS 105 Paul scored 19 points. Chandler scored 22 apiece for the Mavericks, losers at Tobias Harris scored 19 points and Orlando hung Carlos Boozer scored 18 points in his new role off home to Atlanta the previous night. on to beat Boston. Nik Vucevic and Kyle O’Quinn each the bench, and Los Angeles shocked league-leading 76ERS 91, HEAT 87 Rajon Rondo had 13 points, eight assists and six added 18 points as Orlando ended a four-game los- Golden State without Kobe Bryant. Michael Carter-Williams scored 20 points, Luc rebounds before fouling out with 1:37 to play in his ing streak. The NBA’s No. 3 career scorer sat out for the first Mbah a Moute added 19 and Philadelphia erased a third game since coming to Dallas from Boston. Orlando looked to be in control in the second half time this season to rest his tired legs, a decision 23-point, second-half deficit. and led by as many as 27 points. But that advantage made by coach Byron Scott. KJ McDaniels scored 13 for the 76ers, who’ve won NETS 102, NUGGETS 96 was trimmed all the way down to three points in the The 36-year-old shooting guard, averaging 35.5 two straight for the first time all season. Jerami Grant Joe Johnson scored 27 points, Mason Plumlee closing minutes. The Magic were outscored 35-15 in minutes through the first 27 games of his 19th NBA the fourth quarter, but never trailed. Tyler Zeller led season and shooting just 37.2 percent, was 3 for 15 in a one-point loss to Oklahoma City last Friday and 8 NBA results/standings the Celtics with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Avery for 30 with nine turnovers in a seven-point defeat at Bradley added 20 points, and Kelly Olynyk 14. Sacramento on Sunday. Stephen Curry had 22 points Cleveland 125, Minnesota 104; Indiana 96, New Orleans 84; Orlando 100, Boston 95; Chicago 99, Washington 91; Atlanta 107, and six assists for the Warriors, who lost for only the LA Clippers 104; Brooklyn 102, Denver 96; Philadelphia 91, Miami 87; Charlotte 108, Milwaukee 101; Portland 115, Oklahoma PACERS 96, PELICANS 84 fourth time in their first 27 games. City 111 (OT); Phoenix 124, Dallas 115; LA Lakers 115, Golden State 105. George Hill scored 15 points in 21 minutes after Eastern Conference Charlotte 10 19 .345 11.5 missing the first 28 games with a left knee injury, TRAIL BLAZERS 115, THUNDER 111 Atlantic Division Western Conference leaving Indiana over New Orleans. Damian Lillard scored 40 points, making a tying 3- W L PCT GB Northwest Division A more crisp offense, thanks in large part to Hill’s pointer with three seconds left in regulation, and W L PCT GB Portland 23 7 .767 - control of the offense, helped Indiana finish with six Portland rallied from a 13-point, fourth-quarter Toronto 22 7 .759 - Oklahoma City 13 16 .448 9.5 players scoring in double figures. deficit to beat Oklahoma City. Brooklyn 12 15 .444 9 Denver 12 17 .414 10.5 Anthony Davis scored 21 points and grabbed nine Lillard’s 40-point outing was his second in Boston 10 16 .385 10.5 Utah 9 20 .310 13.5 rebounds for the Pelicans. Tyreke Evans finished with Portland’s last four games, following a 43-point out- NY Knicks 5 25 .167 17.5 Minnesota 5 22 .185 16.5 14 points and one rebound. Jrue Holiday also had 16 burst against San Antonio on Friday. He also had 11 Philadelphia 4 23 .148 17 Pacific Division points. assists. Central Division Golden State 23 4 .852 - Lillard went 8 of 12 from 3-point range, including Chicago 19 9 .679 - LA Clippers 19 10 .655 5 HORNETS 108, BUCKS 101 one with 2:07 left in overtime to put Portland up 111- Cleveland 17 10 .630 1.5 Kemba Walker scored 27 points and Gerald 106. Lillard had seven points in the extra period. Phoenix 16 14 .533 8.5 Milwaukee 14 15 .483 5.5 Sacramento 12 16 .429 11.5 Henderson added 16 as Charlotte held off Milwaukee Russell Westbrook scored a season-high 40 points Indiana 10 19 .345 9.5 for its season-high fourth straight victory. and added 10 rebounds and six assists for Oklahoma LA Lakers 9 19 .321 14.5 Detroit 5 23 .179 14 Brandon Knight had a season-high 34 points for City before fouling out with 1:39 left in overtime. Southwest Division Southeast Division the Bucks, who were prevented from matching last Oklahoma City played for a third straight game with- Memphis 21 7 .750 - Atlanta 21 7 .750 - Houston 20 7 .741 0.5 season’s victory total of 15. Knight pulled the Bucks out NBA MVP Kevin Durant, who has a sprained right Washington 19 8 .704 1.5 ankle. Dallas 20 10 .667 2 within 103-99 on a 3-pointer with 25 seconds remain- Miami 13 16 .448 8.5 San Antonio 18 11 .621 3.5 ing, but the Hornets held on with five free throws Orlando 11 20 .355 11.5 BULLS 99, WIZARDS 91 New Orleans 14 14 .500 7 down the stretch as the Bucks fell to 4-12 when Derrick Rose scored 25 points and Pau Gasol had allowing 100 or more points. — AP Gulf markets rise ahead of Saudi budget

Page 22 Business Russia pressures exporters to prop up sagging ruble THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Page 23 The new BMW X3 Supreme dynamics and India hikes insurance investment cap impressive display! Page 25 Page 26

NEW YORK: New York City Ballet dancers from this year’s production of The Nutcracker ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange yesterday. The market opened above 18,000 points for the first time in its history. — AFP Wall St inches up after 5-day run Initial jobless claims fall for fourth straight week

NEW YORK: US stocks edged higher yesterday, extending a they have been on in quite some time.” commitment by the US Federal Reserve last week to take a make an offer for British medical device maker Smith & five-day winning streak that pushed the Dow and S&P 500 to The Dow closed above 18,000 for the first time ever on “patient” approach toward raising interest rates amid solid Nephew Plc that may come within weeks, Bloomberg report- new closing records and on the latest piece of economic data Tuesday and the S&P 500 ended at its 51st record of the year economic data. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 38.42 ed, citing sources. US-listed shares of Smith & Nephew were indicating the US economy is strengthening. after an unexpectedly strong report on US economic growth. points, or 0.21 percent, to 18,062.59, the S&P 500 gained 2.78 down 2.5 percent to $37.10 while Stryker edged up 0.2 per- Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped The 51 new closing highs are the most since 1995 and fourth points, or 0.13 percent, to 2,084.95 and the Nasdaq cent to $96.63. 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 280,000, its fourth straight best in history. Composite added 9.72 points, or 0.2 percent, to 4,775.15. Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the week of declines, and below the forecast of 290,000. Equity markets will operate on a shortened trading sched- Adamas Pharmaceuticals Inc jumped 22.6 percent to NYSE by 1,429 to 1,232, for a 1.16-to-1 ratio on the upside. On “Economic data has been consistently positive,” said Peter ule yesterday, closing at 1 p.m. EST (1800 GMT) ahead of the $17.96 after the US Food and Drug Administration approved the Nasdaq, 1,203 issues rose and 976 fell for a 1.23-to-1 ratio Kenny, chief market strategist at Clearpool Group in New Christmas Day holiday on Thursday. Volume is expected to be a drug developed with Actavis Plc to treat dementia in favoring advancers. York. “We are positioned well into the close of the year and light, which could exacerbate volatility. Alzheimer’s patients. Actavis shares rose 0.3 percent to The benchmark S&P 500 index posted 59 new 52-week we have all sorts of validation that the economy, the corpo- The benchmark S&P index has risen 5.5 percent in its lat- $256.67. highs and 5 new lows. The Nasdaq Composite recorded 36 rate earnings story and markets are on the most solid footing est rally, the best 5-day run since December 2011, fueled by a US surgical implant maker Stryker Corp is planning to new highs and 9 new lows. — Reuters China offers fresh support for outbound investment

BEIJING: China will simplify currency rules and step up with more bank support for major equipment makers, credit support for firms investing overseas, the cabinet the cabinet said, calling for “diversified use of foreign said yesterday. exchange reserves”. It was the government’s latest move to encourage Increased outbound investment helps China to use of excess factory capacity at home and help local export surplus capacity and makes Chinese products, firms grow globally. The government will allow firms especially equipment products, more competitive investing abroad to exchange money directly at banks internationally, the cabinet said. The government has without first registering with the authorities. been encouraging firms to invest abroad to help slow It will also help firms to “go out” to expand abroad down the rapid build-up of foreign exchange reserves and help local firms become more competitive interna- tionally. The government will simplify its approval procedure for banks to set up branches overseas, and for firms to list shares abroad and pursue mergers and acquisitions, it said. The geographical limit on issuing yuan-denominat- ed bonds by domestic firms and banks in overseas mar- kets will be abolished. In September, the Ministry of Commerce simplified rules to make it easier for domestic companies to invest overseas. China’s outbound investment by non-finan- cial firms hit $89.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2014, up l1.9 percent from a year earlier. China drew $106.2 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first 11 months. At the meeting, the cabinet also pledged to “revi- talise” fiscal funds to support the slowing economy. It aimed to channel some leftover money into public facilities and infrastructure projects, the cabinet said. But it pledged to crack down on “special fiscal accounts” that local governments have used to contain off-budget funds that are out of the central govern- MUMBAI: US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (C) poses with the bronze bull statue during her visit to the Bombay BEIJING: A balloon vendor waits for customers outside a Stock Exchange (BSE) in Mumbai yesterday. Gabbard is in India on an eight-day visit. — AFP shop yesterday. — AFP ment’s reach. — Reuters THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 BUSINESS Gulf markets rise ahead of Saudi budget Real estate stocks boost Dubai, other markets

DUBAI: Gulf stock markets resumed rising yes- added that he was particularly bullish on com- property market, but for now at least, investors terday ahead of the release of Saudi Arabia’s panies highly exposed to domestic demand in seem to view rapid US growth as positive for 2015 state budget, which is expected to be GCC countries, since “the recent correction has global demand for Dubai real estate. announced today and show the government been brutal and has not differentiated between The Abu Dhabi market rose 1.4 percent, also keeping spending at high levels despite the stocks based on company fundamentals.” led by property stocks; Eshraq Properties, the plunge of oil prices. The main Saudi index climbed 1.8 percent to most heavily traded company, rocketed its 15 Regional bourses collapsed in early 8,700 points, ending on top of chart resistance percent daily limit. Qatar climbed 1.4 percent December because of fears that reduced oil formed by its downtrend line from September. A with Barwa Real Estate , the most heavily traded export revenues would prompt Gulf govern- further rise on Thursday would break the resist- stock, up 6.7 percent. ments to scale back economic development ance and be technically bullish. But Islamic Holding, an investment company, projects, hurting corporate profits. The rise was broad-based; property develop- again plunged its daily 10 percent limit to 98.10 But it has become clear in the past week that er Dar Al Arkan climbed 2.2 percent while the riyals; it has tumbled from 222.70 riyals on Dec. sharp cut-backs are unlikely, with the possible biggest bank, National Commercial Bank, gained 11 as a bubble in the stock price has apparently exception of the two smallest and fiscally weak- 1.1 percent. burst. The stock is still up 113 percent year-to- est countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Saudi British Bank surged 7.2 percent after its date and its trailing price/earnings ratio is about Bahrain and Oman. board said it was recommending a bonus share 30 times, according to Thomson Reuters data, The Saudi finance minister ruled out major issue to boost capital by 50 percent, funding it compared to under 20 for comparable stocks in spending cuts, and the country’s Al-Madina with retained earnings and reserves, and a cash the investment banking and brokerage space. newspaper, quoting unnamed sources, reported dividend of 1.05 riyals per share for 2014, up that the 2015 budget would actually contain a from 1.0 riyal in 2013. WEDNESDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS marginal rise in spending, with the government Beaten-down insurance stocks remained a DUBAI using its huge fiscal reserves to cover a deficit. major theme, with Malath Cooperative The index rose 3.0 percent to 3,833 points. So stock market sentiment has improved con- Insurance and Reinsurance jumping its 10 per- ABU DHABI siderably in recent days, also helped by the at cent daily limit. The index gained 1.4 percent to 4,534 points. least temporary stabilisation of the Brent crude SAUDI ARABIA oil price above $60 a barrel. DUBAI The index climbed 1.8 percent to 8,700 As the panic has eased, attention has Dubai’s main index surged 3.0 percent, points. returned to valuations, which look much more though trading volume dropped by a third to a QATAR attractive in the wake of the markets’ plunge and moderate level, indicating some investors were The index rose 1.4 percent to 12,358 points. are now close to or in line with those in other withdrawing from the market for year-end holi- EGYPT emerging markets, fund managers say. days. The index gained 0.6 percent to 8,766 points. “The recent market correction brought down Property stocks again dominated trading, OMAN valuations of a number of well-managed compa- with Deyaar gaining 6.4 percent and Emaar The index rose 2.5 percent to 6,377 points. nies to attractive levels, especially considering Properties up 2.9 percent. KUWAIT underlying earnings growth,” Sachin Mohindra, Very strong US gross domestic product data The index edged up 0.7 percent to 6,547 portfolio manager at Abu Dhabi’s Invest AD, said announced on Tuesday may bring forward the points. in a note. time when US interest rates start to rise next BAHRAIN “This makes us optimistic about the year, forcing Gulf central banks with their curren- The index inched up 0.4 percent to 1,407 prospects of GCC equity markets in 2015.” He cy pegs to follow suit; this could dampen Dubai’s points. —Reuters Four KD 5,000 winners in NBK’s Al Jawhara draw

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announces the four lucky winners in Al Jawhara weekly draws during the month of December. NBK has re-launched Al Jawhara account by offering customers more chances to win bigger prizes; KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 monthly and a grand prize of KD 250,000 quarterly. Farqad Hashem Ali Taher, Musafa Mahmoud Ibrahim Al Khatib, Fatma Jassim Mohammed Al Karawi and Zainab Mohammad Hussain Ali Aryan each won KD 5,000. The winners expressed their grat- itude and thanked LOS ANGELES: In this Oct. 27, 2014 file photo, a realty sign hangs in front of NBK for its great a home for sale in Los Angeles. Freddie Mac reports on average US mort- services and promo- gage rates for the week yesterday. —AP tions. Al Jawhara is one of Kuwait’s leading Oil drops below $61 on cash prize accounts offering numerous supply glut, strong dollar benefits to its cus- tomers. Not only is it LONDON: Brent oil fell by more than $1 towards showed. A supply glut in the United States and an interest-free $60 per barrel yesterday, weighed down by strong elsewhere has helped push oil down some 46 per- account with regular supply in the United States and a rising dollar. cent since it reached this year’s peak above $115 deposit and with- Brent for February delivery dropped $1.04 to per barrel in June. drawal privileges, it $60.65 by 1132 GMT after gaining $1.58 on “There was a large build in the API data and also entitles account Tuesday. there are high stocks for now, although strong US holders to enter the weekly, monthly and quarterly Al US crude fell $1.02 to $56.12 a barrel, after clos- GDP growth should help demand,” said Olivier Jawhara draws. Each KD 50 in an Al Jawhara account ing $1.86 higher in the previous session. Trade was Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland. entitles the customer to one chance in any of the draws. thin as many in the European and US market were The dollar index stayed close to its highest off for the Christmas break. since April 2006 after a revised third-quarter US All prizes are automatically credited to the winners’ Data from the American Petroleum Institute gross domestic product report surprised with the accounts the day after the draw. (API), an industry group, showed U.S. crude stocks fastest growth in 11 years. The more money held in Al Jawhara account, the rose by 5.4 million barrels in the week ended Dec. A strong dollar makes commodities priced in greater the chances of winning. Al Jawhara account is 19. Analysts had expected a drop of 2.3 million the greenback more expensive for holders of other available to both Kuwaitis and expats and can be barrels. currencies. Investors were awaiting official US oil opened at any of NBK’s branches in Kuwait. For further In Europe, gasoline stocks reached their high- inventory data to be released by the US govern- information visit www.nbk.com , or call Hala Watani at est in five months in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam- ment’s Energy Information Administration yester- 1801801. Antwerp oil hub, data from PJK International day. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Singapore Dollar 0.219092 0.225092 South African Rand 0.019298 0.027798 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 2.443 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001879 0.002459 Indian Rupees 4.647 Australian Dollar 231.71 228.71 Thai Bhat 9.885 Taiwan 0.009190 0.009370 Canadian Dollar 256.71 257.71 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 Turkish Lira 131.225 Thai Baht 0.008577 0.009127 Srilankan Rupees 2.222 Swiss Franc 302.93 300.93 Nepali Rupees 2.904 Euro 362.08 363.08 Arab Singapore Dollar 222.740 US Dollar 293.55 296.55 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.771657 0.779657 Hongkong Dollar 37.817 Sterling Pound 461.65 464.65 Egyptian Pound 0.039499 0.042599 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Bangladesh Taka 3.751 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Philippine Peso 6.573 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 4.031 Iraqi Dinar 0.000194 0.000254 Indian Rupee 4.636 4.936 Thai Baht 8.927 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.409685 0.417185 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Belgian Franc 0.007640 0.008640 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Nepali Rupee 2.893 3.428 British Pound 0.450212 0.459212 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 Pakistani Rupee 2.918 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004995 0.016995 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024041 0.048041 UAE Dirhams 79.77 80.23 Danish Krone 0.044117 0.049117 GCC COUNTRIES Nigerian Naira 0.001191 0.001826 Bahraini Dinar 779.11 781.18 Euro 0.352911 0.360911 Saudi Riyal 78.258 Omani Riyal 0.755926 0.761606 Qatari Riyal 80.624 Egyptian Pound 40.93 41.53 Norwegian Krone 0.035465 0.040665 Qatar Riyal 0.079865 0.081078 Omani Riyal 762.540 Jordanian Dinar 417.10 422.75 Romanian Leu 0.084143 0.084143 Saudi Riyal 0.077590 0.078290 Bahraini Dinar 779.460 Omani Riyal 761.26 768.56 Slovakia 0.008586 0.018586 UAE Dirham 79.921 Qatari Riyal 80.83 81.38 Swedish Krona 0.033592 0.038592 Syrian Pound 0.001739 0.001959 Saudi Riyal 78.19 78.59 Swiss Franc 0.291378 0.301578 Tunisian Dinar 0.154049 0.162049 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.124739 0.131739 Turkish Lira 0.124739 0.131739 Egyptian Pound - Cash 43.950 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd UAE Dirhams 0.078887 0.080036 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.943 Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001324 0.001404 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.370 Australian Dollar 0.229603 0.241103 Tunisian Dinar 157.500 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.220365 0.229865 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 414.160 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.969 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.247089 0.255589 Syrian Lira 2.092 Sterling Pound 456.630 US Dollars 0.2892850 0.293950 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 33.035 Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.289750 0.293950 US Dollar 292.750 Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 360.650 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Asia Pound Sterlng 458.300 US Dollar Transfer 292.350 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Bangladesh Taka 0.003436 0.004036 Canadian Dollar 254.150 Euro 359.940 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Chinese Yuan 0.046241 0.049741 Indian Rupee 4.635 Sterling Pound 458.800 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035737 0.038487 Egyptian Pound 40.925 Canadian dollar 253.320 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indian Rupee 0.004441 0.004842 Turkish lira 126.800 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.219 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Bangladesh Taka 3.733 Swiss Franc 299.340 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Japanese Yen 0.002359 0.002539 Australian Dollar 239.370 Philippines Peso 6.558 Indian Rupees 4.716 Kenyan Shilling 0.003278 0.003278 Pakistan Rupee 2.916 US Dollar Buying 292.150 Korean Won 0.000256 0.000271 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Bahraini Dinar 779.550 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Malaysian Ringgit 0.080826 0.086826 GOLD UAE Dirham 79.700 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Nepalese Rupee 0.002998 0.003168 20 gram 238.100 Saudi Riyal 78.150 Pakistan Rupee 0.002748 0.003028 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 715.865 Philippine Peso 0.006494 0.006774 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 BUSINESS

US minimum wage hikes to impact 1,400-plus Walmart stores

CHICAGO: Minimum wage increases the changes to “ensure our stores in the 21 Wal-Mart will also combine its lowest tle, forcing some to seek government company is “a meritocracy, an opportunity across the United States will prompt Wal- states comply with the law.” For Wal-Mart, three pay grades, which include cashiers, assistance that effectively provides the for people to do more.” Mart Stores Inc to adjust base salaries at the biggest private employer in the cart pushers and maintenance, into one company with an indirect taxpayer sub- The state minimum wage changes 1,434 stores, impacting about a third of its United States with 1.3 million workers, base rate. The changes appear in part to sidy. Labor groups have been calling for range from a 17 percent increase in South US locations, according to an internal minimum wage legislation is not a small be an effort to offset the anticipated Wal-Mart, other retailers and fast-food Dakota to $8.50 to a modest rise of 2 per- memo reviewed by Reuters. thing. Its operating model is built on keep- upswing in labor costs, according to a chains to pay at least $15 an hour. cent to $8.05 in Arizona. They will also The memo, which was sent to store ing costs under close control as it attracts manager who was implementing the Wal-Mart has indicated it may make impact many of Wal-Mart’s big retail rivals, managers earlier this month, offers insight consumers with low prices and operates changes at his store. more changes to its compensation struc- such as Target Corp, and fast-food chains into the impact of minimum wage hikes in on tight margins. “Essentially that wage compression at ture in 2015. Chief Executive Doug like McDonald’s Corp. 21 states due to come into effect on or In recent years, it has been struggling the upper level of the hourly associate is McMillon recently said the company A Target spokeswoman said she could around Jan. 1, 2015. These are adjust- to grow sales after many lower-income going to help absorb that cost of the would improve opportunities for workers, not provide details on how many employ- ments that Wal-Mart and other employers Americans lost jobs or income in the wage increase at the lower level,” said the including getting the roughly 6,000 peo- ees might be impacted by the changes on have to make each year, but growing financial crisis. The Wal-Mart memo shows manager, who spoke on condition of ple who make the federal minimum wage Jan. 1. McDonald’s could not be immedi- attention to the issue has expanded the that there will be changes to its pay struc- anonymity. of $7.25 an hour at its stores off that rate. ately reached for comment. scope of the change. Thirteen U.S. states ture, including a narrowing of the gap in “In the world there is a debate over Wal-Mart estimates its average full- lifted the minimum wage in 2014, up from the minimum premium paid to those in More change to come? inequity, and sometimes we get caught time hourly wage is $12.92, and says that 10 in 2013 and 8 in 2012. higher skilled positions, such as deli asso- Wal-Mart’s critics - including a group of up in that,” he told TV presenter Charlie it pays competitive wages and offers its Wal-Mart spokeswoman Brooke ciates and department supervisors, over its workers backed by labor unions - say Rose in an interview this month. McMillon employees ample opportunity for Buchanan said the company was making lower grade jobs. the retailer pays its hourly workers too lit- said he would take steps to ensure the advancement. —Reuters Russia pressures exporters to prop up sagging ruble ‘We need to battle together to save the ruble’

MOSCOW: The Russian govern- central bank. Some supermarkets returned to Depositors panic ment has ordered state-controlled “We need to battle together to the practice during the hyperinfla- But after the fall of the ruble, exporters to sell part of their for- save the ruble as there are forces tion of the 1990s of not marking the rise in interest rates, and the eign currency holdings, a move working against it,” Rosneft Vice price in rubles. plunge in the global oil price which could marshall some $50 President Mikhail Leontyev was But the stability could come at which is key for government rev- billion to support the sagging quoted as saying by TASS news a steep price. enues, certain economists see the ruble. agency. The central bank jacking up its Russian economy contracting by After touching record lows last The ruble has now recovered its main interest rate from 10.5 to 17 5 percent next year. week the Russian currency has losses from last week and more. In percent And while the ruble is for the rebounded, a development which afternoon trading on Tuesday it helped support the ruble, but moment being propped up by analysts explain by Russian export stood at 54.69 to the dollar, far off be a shock to economic activity as the government, there remains giants intervening in the market the record of over 80 to the green- the cost of credit becomes much the risk it could be hit again as PARIS: This file photo taken on December 10, 2013 shows Travis Kalanick, co- alongside the central bank and back it hit last week. Against the more expensive for businesses and nervous Russians are withdraw- founder and CEO of Uber, a mobile application connecting passengers with finance ministry supporting the euro it was trading at 66.77 rubles, consumers. ing their money from banks en ruble. compared to over 100 last week. “The economic situation masse. drivers of vehicles for hire, speaking during a session of the LeWeb 2013 Revealed by the business daily event in Saint-Denis near Paris. South Korean prosecutors brought charges Kommersant, the government yesterday against Kalanick, the US founder and CEO of smartphone cab published later on Tuesday a service Uber, and his Korean partner for operating an illegal taxi service, the decree ordering gas company latest poor publicity for the firm. —AFP Gazprom, oil firms Rosneft and Zarubezhneft, and diamond exporters Alrosa and Kristall to Uber hits roadblock as reduce their holdings of foreign currencies. Foreign exchange market insid- CEO charged in S Korea ers cited by Kommersant estimat- ed that the move could free up SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors brought ate with Uber, with a one million won reward $40 to $50 billion (33 to 41 billion charges yesterday against the founder and offered for those who reported the compa- euros), or about $1 billion per day CEO of controversial smartphone taxi app ny’s activities. in sales to the market through a Uber for operating an illegal cab service, the But Uber has vowed to continue its busi- March 1 deadline set by the gov- latest roadblock for the California-based firm. ness regardless of the crackdown. South ernment. The charges, which carry a maximum Korea’s online community was split over the The foreign currency sales by the companies follow near daily penalty of two years in jail or a 20 million indictment, with some users describing Uber won ($18,150) fine, came with the company interventions by the central bank, as illegal and supporting the crackdown on which has spent more than $10 facing criticism and bad publicity around the its service in order to protect domestic taxi billion this month to support the world despite its high levels of popularity. drivers. ruble. The finance ministry Travis Kalanick and Uber’s Korean partner “Uber is illegal and endangers the liveli- announced last week it was also MK Korea, a local rental car service operator, hood of our taxi drivers,” one user wrote on using $7 billion to support the bat- were indicted for violating a law on passen- the popular Internet portal Naver.com. tered currency, which crashed by ger transport services. Neither was detained, However, another user named SungNoChoi 20 percent during trading one day, and it was not immediately clear whether wrote: “Uber is providing a service catering leaving the ruble at less than half Kalanick would visit Seoul for trial. Last year to our clients. Its fate should be decided by the value at which its started the he showed up at a police station in Seoul for year against the dollar and euro. consumers.” MOSCOW: People walk along the Boulevard Ring in downtown Moscow, Russia, yesterday with a questioning. The central bank said Tuesday it Uber is the most prominent of several currency exchange office sign on a wall. Russia’s central bank made another move yesterday to In South Korea, rental car service opera- plans to hold talks with exporters smartphone apps that are shaking up the shore up the battered ruble, offering hard currency loans to companies and banks to help them tors are barred from conducting passenger in order “to develop an optimal traditional taxi landscape in cities around the plan of action” for the currency transport business using their cars. Uber said service their debts. —AP world. sales. “Regular sales of currency in a statement it would fully cooperate with It has already faced significant resistance earned from sales throughout the VTB24 bank analyst Alexey requires extremely precise meas- “It is a real panic,” said Mikhail the investigation and it is “confident” the from regulators in several countries, who year is advantageous both for Mikheyev said the main reason for ures, Prime Minister Dmitry Zadornov, the head of the coun- court would make a fair and sensible judg- accuse it of unfair competition and a lack of ensuring stability on the foreign the rebound is “a ruble deficit on Medvedev said Tuesday. try’s second largest bank, VTB24. ment. standards. Uber has also sparked angry currency market and for export the market” due to tighter mone- “If we set targets that are too “People are also withdrawing “We firmly believe that our service, which companies as it protects them tary conditions imposed by the modest we risk falling in a deeper their deposits in foreign curren- protests by cab drivers in France and other connects drivers and riders via an applica- from risks from swings in the central bank. recession” than necessary, he was cies” and not just rubles to con- tion, is not only legal in Korea, but that it is countries who fear it is chipping away at exchange rate,” the Bank of Russia The ruble’s rebound comes as a quoted as saying by Russian media vert into dollars or euros, he told being welcomed and supported by con- their client base. said in a statement to AFP. relief for the government follow- during a meeting of the ruling the daily Vedomosti. sumers,” the statement said. It made headlines this month when an ing last week’s panic, which also United Russia party. Russians are no strangers to Uber, which operates in more than 50 Uber driver allegedly raped a passenger in Battle of the ruble saw Russians rushing to shops to The government had been fore- bank failures since the collapse of countries, started its service in Seoul in 2013. New Delhi. Also yesterday the company A Rosneft official welcomed the buy imported goods before stores casting that after eking out 0.6 the Soviet Union, and the central Last year the company launched Uber Black, apologised for raising prices as frightened fact that the decree didn’t order raised prices. percent growth this year the econ- bank on Monday rushed to bail sales of specific amounts, with Numerous retailers halted sales omy would slump by 0.8 percent out the country’s 15th largest which links users with limousines and, in people fled an armed cafe siege in the actions to be coordinated by the while others quickly hiked prices. in 2015. bank by deposits. —AFP October this year, it unveiled UberX, which Australian city of Sydney last week. connects passengers with drivers of non-lux- The firm reportedly charged customers ury vehicles. four times the regular fare to leave the area-a The Seoul city government, however, filed move that sparked outrage. Greek parliament fails to elect president again complaints with prosecutors, saying Uber’s Globally Uber has defended surge pricing, operations raised passenger safety issues arguing it effectively matches supply with ATHENS: Greece moved closer to early elections International Monetary Fund officials fear an early after six years of contracting. The reforms required and threatened the livelihoods of licensed demand by encouraging drivers to move to that could undermine its international bailout and election would be won by radical leftist party Syriza by the EU and IMF have improved the govern- rekindle a eurozone crisis after lawmakers failed for and could undo many of Greece’s ongoing fiscal ment’s finances, but have taken a terrible toll on taxi drivers. areas where there are shortfalls. a second time to elect a president. reforms. Financial analysts said given Tuesday’s Greeks as unemployment soared above 27 percent It has, however, had to concede to cap The government candidate, EU Environment showing, the government would be ultimately and many people have had wages and benefits cut. One million won reward surge pricing throughout the United States Commissioner Stavros Dimas, fell 32 votes short of unable to turn the contest to its advantage. Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras-who has pledged to City regulators have launched a crack- during national emergencies after reaching the required 200 votes, meaning a third and final “It appears that the ruling coalition has defini- raise wages and pensions and stall privatisations- down on drivers and rental cars that cooper- an agreement with regulators. —AFP vote will be held on December 29. tively lost,” Natixis analyst Jesus Castillo said. insisted that the country is heading for early elec- Prime Minister Antonis Samaras warned after “Greece is very likely (facing) early legislative tions which his party would win. the vote that early general elections, which could elections...a very uncertain political climate should “With the new year, our country will turn the Russia’s central bank to be held as soon as January 25, constituted a thus create a high degree of volatility in the coming page,” Tsipras told reporters. However, an analyst at “national danger” that must be avoided. weeks,” he said. Greece’s dire finances nearly Hamburg-based Berenberg bank argued that Syriza “Every lawmaker stands before their responsibil- destroyed the euro in 2012, and despite two would find governing Greece a mixed blessing help companies meet debts ity...as regards the consequences of their vote on bailouts worth 240 billion euros ($290 billion) and once talks with the creditors began. “Simply giving stability, normality and the future of the homeland,” most of the debt held by private investors being in to an anti-reform government proclaiming to ‘call MOSCOW: Russia’s central bank has made more hard currency. On Tuesday, it formal- Samaras told reporters. European Union and wiped out, the economy has only begun to recover Europe’s bluff’ would not be the precedent Europe another move to shore up the ruble, offer- ly instructed five of the country’s biggest would contemplate,” Holger Schmieding told AFP in ing hard currency loans to help companies state-controlled exporters to reduce their an email. and banks service their debts. The bank foreign currency assets to October levels said Wednesday it would accept foreign and to not raise them again until March. ‘Potent risk’ for Greece currency debt obligations as collateral Though the ruble has lost about half of And he added that a Greek crisis had once again against the loans. The hope is that it will its value this year, there are signs that it has become a “potent risk”, but mostly for Greece itself. provide relief to those who can’t tap for- recovered its poise over the past few trad- “The eurozone now has a well-oiled machinery eign capital markets to refinance loans ing sessions. Having fallen to a historic low to deal with crises,” Schmieding said. The Greek because of Western sanctions. of around 80 to the dollar last week, it has stock exchange lost over 2.0 percent at the time of The move is the latest in a series of rebounded to the 55 mark. the vote and later settled to a loss of 1.69 percent. efforts by the Central Bank to ease the sell- However the ruble performs over the A total of 180 lawmakers are required in the ing pressure on the ruble, which has been coming days and weeks, the Russian econ- third and final vote at midday on December 29. one of the world’s worst-performing cur- omy is predicted to fall into recession next In a bid to sway independent MPs, Samaras on rencies this year as a result of the fall in oil year. Some, like ex-Finance Minister Alexei Sunday offered to hold early elections in late 2015, prices and the sanctions imposed on Kudrin, are warning of a full-blown crisis. provided that a president is elected and that tough Russia for its involvement in the crisis in On Tuesday, credit rating agency talks with the country’s EU-IMF creditors are con- Ukraine. Standard & Poor’s put the country on cluded first. In the first vote on December 17, the Other measures taken include an notice that it may face a downgrade follow- government candidate had picked up 160 votes. increase in the Central Bank’s main interest ing “a rapid deterioration of Russia’s mone- After Samaras’ offer, Dimas won another eight rate to a whopping 17 percent in the hope tary flexibility and the impact of the weak- lawmakers to his side on Tuesday, including two that it makes holding rubles more attrac- ening economy on its financial system.” former lawmakers of neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn. tive for traders. S&P said it plans to make an announce- SYDNEY: Photo taken early on December 23, 2014 shows customers buying cooked The presidential vote has been tainted by allega- And in a bid to boost hard currency ment by mid-January. Any cut from the prawns at the Sydney Fish Market in Sydney. The Sydney Fish Markets opened for its tions from a small nationalist party that people offering at the markets, the government current BBB- would push Russia’s debt rat- annual 36 hour seafood marathon where trading goes non-stop from 5am December close to the government were trying to bribe its has encouraged major companies to sell ing into so-called “junk” status. —AP 23 to 5pm yesterday in what is the markets’ busiest period of trade. — AFP lawmakers into voting for Dimas.—AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Anger against water tax shakes up Ireland

DUBLIN: Mass protests against new water taxes “If we’re in recovery, then why are they con- on average between 2014 and 2016. The government has been forced into between 60 and 160 euros per household, set to be introduced in Ireland from January 1 tinuing to implement austerity measures and “People are fed up with austerity,” said Alan an embarrassing climbdown rushed depending on the size, but opposition have shown up deep wells of resentment after taxes?” Tens of thousands of people have taken Lawes, 51, who took part in the most recent through parliament this month, slashing remains. years of austerity, even as the economy to the streets in recent months, echoing some of major protest outside the parliament building in costs and abandoning metered charges in “Water is a very emotive issue because rebounds. the angry protests seen in other crisis-hit euro- Dublin. “We want the water charges scrapped. response to some of the protesters’ we need it to survive, but it hasn’t been Unease about the charges, agreed as a condi- zone economies that have failed to rebound as We want the whole issue of austerity chal- demands. sold very well either,” said Gary Murphy, a tion for Ireland’s EU-IMF bailout, is threatening quickly as Ireland. lenged,” he told AFP. “We had almost complete quiet for six political scientist at Dublin City University. the current coalition government which came to Their anger comes as the government is pre- years so this explosion of public anger on “It’s probably an austerity tax too far power at the height of the financial crisis in dicting strong growth this year after Ireland ‘Explosion of public anger’ this issue certainly took the government by that the government could have done with 2011. became the first eurozone country to exit its The water tax is the main reason support for surprise,” said Gerard Howlin, a political putting on the back-burner.” Opposition “These new charges are coming at a time bailout programme. the ruling centre-right Fine Gael party and its commentator. has come from all sectors of society. when the government is continually saying This month ratings agency Standard and centre-left junior coalition partner, Labour, has “They have lost a swathe of political Campaigners against the charges are now we’re in a recovery,” socialist lawmaker Ruth Poor’s raised the country’s credit rating to “A,” slipped despite Ireland exiting the bailout last capital, a lot of which they are simply not calling for a mass boycott of the first bills, Coppinger told AFP. from “A-,” forecasting it would grow 3.7 percent December. going to regain.” which are due to arrive in April after the The water charges are one of the final first quarter. “The best way to get this abol- pieces of almost 30 billion euros ($36.5 bil- ished is to have massive non-payment,” lion) in spending cuts and tax hikes since Coppinger said. 2008 that have left many Irish disgruntled. Should the government fail to rebound Domestic water charges have existed from the water protests, commentators before in Ireland, but were scrapped in believe the Irish political landscape could 1997 when they folded into general taxa- be dramatically changed after the next tion by local authorities. general election, scheduled for 2016. The reform not only brings back water Political observers say there could even bills, but shifts operation of services from be lasting damage to the parties in power local authorities to semi-state company similar to the demise of Fianna Fail after it Irish Water. agreed to Ireland’s bailout. :HGQHVGD\'HFHPEHU Revelations of massive consultancy fees “The political architecture that was pre- ,QGH[ &KDQJH &ORVLQJ /DVW&ORVLQJ +LJK /RZ and staff bonuses at the new utility and dictable and predominant will simply no concern about its future privatisation have longer exist,” Howlin said. “If there is a con- 3ULFHLQGH[ Ÿ      9ROXPH  added to public anger. tinuation of that process in the next elec- :HLJKWHG,QGH[ Ÿ     9DOXH .:'  tion, the result will effectively be the com- .6; Ÿ      1XPEHURI7UDGHV  ‘Complete political meltdown’ plete meltdown of a political system that Following last month’s government U- operated since the foundation of the state turn, water charges have been capped at in 1922.” — AFP 7UDGHV 7UDGHV

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Ÿ  ,.$586       Ÿ  .5(       Ÿ  ,3*      ŷ  85&       Ÿ  1$3(6&2       ŷ  15(       ź  (1(5*<+       ŷ  65(       ŷ  *3,      Ÿ  3($5/       ź  $%$5     ŷ  7$0       ŷ  2LO *DV     Ÿ  $5((&       ź  0$66$/(+       Ÿ  .)28&       Ÿ  $5$%5(&       Ÿ  %3&&       ź  85(&     ŷ  $/.287       ŷ  (5(6&2       ŷ  $/485$,1       Ÿ  0$%$1((       Ÿ  %DVLF0DWHULDOV     Ÿ  ,1-$==$7       Ÿ  ,19(67256       Ÿ  .&(0       Ÿ  ,5&       Ÿ  5()5,       ź  $/7,-$5,$       Ÿ  &$%/(      Ÿ  6$1$0       Ÿ  6+,3       Ÿ  $$<$15(       ŷ  3&(0       ŷ  $4$5       ŷ  3$3(5      ŷ  $/$4$5,$       ź  05&       ź  0$=$<$       Ÿ  $&,&2       ŷ  $'1&       Ÿ  **0&       Ÿ  7+(0$5       ŷ  +&&       ŷ  7,-$5$       ŷ  OTOPENI: A picture taken on Dec. 7, 2014 shows a porcelain piggybank representing .3$.      ŷ  7$$0((5       ź  communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, next to legendary ancient and medieval .%00&     ŷ  $5.$1       ŷ  kings representations on sale in the duty free shop of the Henri Coanda international 1,&%0       ŷ  $5*$1       ŷ  airport in Otopeni, Romania. — AP (48,30(17       ź  $%<$$5       Ÿ  1&&,       ŷ  0816+$$7       ŷ  *<3680       ŷ  ),567'8%$,       Ÿ  6$/%22.+       Ÿ  .%7       Ÿ  Struggling Romanian $*/7<       Ÿ  5($0     ŷ  ('8       ŷ  0(1$       Ÿ  &/($1,1*       Ÿ  $/08'21       Ÿ  city symbolises &,7<*5283     ź  0$5$.(=       Ÿ  .*/       Ÿ  5(0$/       Ÿ  .&3&       ŷ  0$6+$(5       ź  post-communist era +80$162)7       ŷ  5HDO(VWDWH     Ÿ  1$)$,6       Ÿ  ZIMNICEA: On the 25th anniversary of the erate InterAgro is omnipresent in Zimnicea 6$):$1     ŷ  .,19       ź  execution of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, and many here work for him, mostly earning *)&       ź  )$&,/       ź  life in the small Romanian port town of the minimum wage of 200 euros ($240) per 0$<$'((1       Ÿ  ,)$       Ÿ  Zimnicea is defined by poverty, corruption month. &*&       ź  1,19       ź  and, remarkably, a yearning for communist 07&&       Ÿ  .352-      ŷ  83$&       ŷ  &2$67       Ÿ  days. The godfather $/$)&2       Ÿ  6(&+       ź  This industrial city of 15,000 symbolises Niculae, who is the godfather of the may- 08%$55$'       Ÿ  6*&       Ÿ  the fortunes of the EU’s second poorest coun- or’s daughter, acquired two old factories in /2*,67,&6       Ÿ  $5=$1       Ÿ  try as it has tried to rebuild since Ceausescu town for a pittance, according to his detrac- 6&(0       ŷ  0$5.$=       ź  was killed by a firing squad on December 25, tors. Meanwhile, prosecutors are investigat- *&(0      ź  .0(),&       ź  1989, after a popular rebellion pushed him ing him on suspicion of money-laundering, 4&(0       ź  $/$0$1       Ÿ  from power. echoing other recent high-profile cases )&(0      Ÿ  $/2/$     ŷ  5.:&       ŷ  $/0$/       Ÿ  Though the revolution that ousted the including a graft probe against ex-president 63(&       ŷ  *,+       Ÿ  dictator and claimed 1,000 Romanian lives Traian Basescu’s brother. ,QGXVWULDOV     Ÿ  $$<$1       Ÿ  ended more than four decades of brutal and If the investigation of Niculae leads to a %$<$1,19       Ÿ  repressive rule it also ushered in an era of conviction it will be more bad news for .6+    ŷ  2628/       ŷ  mass economic suffering. Zimnicea. “Yes, the city depends to a large 16+       ŷ  .),&       ź  “Nineteen-ninety marked the beginning of degree on Mr Niculae,” admitted Parvu, the 3$3&2     ŷ  .$0&2       ŷ  a national tragedy, with many workers left mayor. “But it’s a good thing, because his &$77/      Ÿ  1,+       ŷ  unemployed and factories shut down,” the group pays taxes.” '$1$+       Ÿ  ,6.$1     ŷ  328/7       Ÿ  0$'$5       Ÿ  town’s Social Democrat Mayor Petrica Parvu The town certainly needs the money, as it )22'       ŷ  $/'((5$       Ÿ  told AFP. is still rebuilding from a devastating 1977 &RQVXPHU*RRGV     Ÿ  $/6$/$0       Ÿ  Zimnicea once bustled with 8,000 workers earthquake that was made even worse by the (.77,7$%       Ÿ  in its factories, but now only 3,500 people deceit of a communist official. The local first 0+&       ŷ  485$,1+/'       Ÿ  have jobs. “Under communism people had secretary had exaggerated the extent of the $7&   ŷ  $/0$',1$       Ÿ  jobs and earned enough money,” 56-year-old quake damage, garnering a generous rebuild- <,$&2       Ÿ  1225       ź  babysitter Elena Bolboroc told AFP, echoing ing grant from the government. +HDOWK&DUH     Ÿ  7$0,19       ŷ  (;&+       ŷ  other nostalgic residents. Ahead of a visit to the town by Ceausescu, .&,1       ź  7$,%$     ŷ  That changed after Ceausescu’s regime the official sent in bulldozers to knock down .+27       Ÿ  .6+&       ŷ  fell. homes that had survived the quake in order 68/7$1       Ÿ  675$7(*,$     ŷ  “The industrial zone was destroyed: the to make his claims appear true, according to &$%/(79       Ÿ  .&,&       ŷ  pipe and ribbon factories, the information that emerged after the regime (<$6     ŷ  0$1$)$(     ŷ  sugar refinery,” said Viorica Ghicea, a 69- fell. ,)$+5       ź  *1$+&       ŷ  year-old pensioner. “Before 1989 people got Yet to this day the reconstruction of 28/$)8(/       Ÿ  $0:$/       ŷ  0817$=$+$7       ŷ  $/,07,$=       Ÿ  paid every two weeks, students got free Zimnicea’s city centre has never been totally -$=((5$       ź  0$1$=(/       ŷ  books.” completed. For stay-at-home mother 6225       ź  1,1'       Ÿ  Like other Romanian cities, Zimnicea was Mariana, who did not provide her full name, )8785(.,'       ŷ  8,&       ź  the victim of “irrational development” before one of the town centre’s unfinished buildings $/1$:$',       ź  %,,+&       ŷ  1989, said economist Otilia Nutu. Dependent is home. $/5$,       Ÿ  6(1(5*<       ź  on government subsidies, the town’s compa- In the apartment she shares with her hus- =,0$+       ŷ  $*+&      ŷ  nies were “doomed to bankruptcy after the band and son there is no hot water and they 8),*       ŷ  .33&       Ÿ  fall of the regime,” she added. heat their home with an improvised wood- .287)22'       ŷ  7$+66,/$7      ź  &RQVXPHU6HUYLFHV     ź  -((5$1+       Ÿ  Today the economic future of the city is in burning stove. (.+2/',1*       Ÿ  the hands of Ioan Niculae, the richest man in “Life is hard, but other families are even =$,1      ŷ  *)+       ź  Romania and a native son of Zimnicea who is poorer,” she said, holding some rags her hus- 225('22       ŷ  ,129(67       Ÿ  dogged by allegations of shady dealings. band had picked up in the street “hoping +,767(/(&       Ÿ  )LQDQFLDO6HUYLFHV    Ÿ  The billionaire’s agro-industrial conglom- they could be used for something”. — AFP 9,9$       ŷ  7HOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV     Ÿ  ,QYHVWPHQW,QVWUXPHQWV     ŷ 

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Economic reforms stalled as India’s parliament closes

NEW DELHI: India’s parliament ended its winter ses- nal market. which begins in February. There were 37 bills sched- would have the numbers to control parliament and sion after protests over religious conversions stalled The insurance bill involves hiking the sector’s for- uled for debate and clearance during the session that ensure the smooth passage of legislation. passage of the new right-wing government’s eco- eign direct investment cap to 49 percent from 26 per- began on November 24, but lawmakers in both hous- But the BJP lacks a majority in the upper house, nomic reforms agenda. cent-seen as paving the way for billions of dollars to es managed to pass only 10, according to PRS where protests have regularly dogged sessions. The Angry lawmakers disrupted parliament’s upper flow into the industry, with India’s 1.2-billion popula- Legislative Research, a New Delhi-based think-tank. latest have seen the opposition demand Modi make a house, accusing Hindu hardline groups linked to tion badly under-insured. The lower house spent nearly 130 hours conduct- statement regarding poor Muslims being coerced into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party of forcing The long-awaited goods-and-services tax (GST) ing business and passed 17 bills while the upper converted to India’s majority religion. Modi has made or enticing religious minorities to convert to would end India’s patchwork of taxes under which house cleared only 10 in 75 hours, PRS said. no comment on religious issues since becoming pre- Hinduism, leading to it shutting down daily over the each state can tax different commodities at different Regular suspension of parliamentary proceedings mier. last fortnight. rates. The move would stop rival states competing for is common in the world’s largest democracy, where He was himself accused of failing to curb 2002 Shouting matches, unruly behaviour and general business through taxes. opposition lawmakers often resort to obstruction to anti-Muslim riots that claimed at least 1,000 lives uproar prevented headway on key long-pending leg- Another important bill lined up for clearance in the denounce government policies and scandals. when he was chief minister of Gujarat. He has always islation that included a bill to open the insurance sec- upper house aimed to overhaul the coal sector. Many Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the rejected the accusations and India’s Supreme Court tor to foreign players and a tax to create a single inter- of the bills have been put over to the next session biggest mandate in 30 years in May, raising hopes it found no evidence to prosecute him. — AFP

Takata’s president steps down over airbag scandal TOKYO: The president of embattled handling of the airbag recall problem and Japanese auto parts maker Takata stepped to accelerate and strengthen the decision- down yesterday over an airbag scandal making”, it said in a statement. linked to at least five deaths that has Takata’s chairman, whose grandfather sparked the recall of millions of vehicles. started the company, will take a 50 percent pay cut while Stocker’s salary will be reduced by 30 percent, both for four months, the company said. Three other board members will see their pay temporarily reduced by 20-per- cent, it added. Temporary pay cuts are a common show of contrition among under- fire Japanese executives. “The company sincerely apologises to those whose lives were lost, their family members and people who were injured due to the company’s defective airbags,” it said in a separate statement issued yesterday. WASHINGTON: In this Dec 3, 2014, file Takata’s top quality official has faced a photo, Hiroshi Shimizu, senior vice presi- grilling in US congressional hearings, its dent of global quality assurance at Tokyo-listed shares have plunged, and it’s Takata, testifies before the House facing civil lawsuits and criminal investiga- Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade tions over the problems. subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Millions of vehicles made by some of Washington. — AP the world’s biggest automakers, including The company also announced pay cuts Honda, Toyota and General Motors, have BEIJING: A woman (L) wearing a Santa Claus hat walks out from a shop in Beijing yesterday. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) turned out to be 3.4 percent larger last year than originally announced, the government said on December 19, after a national survey — a revision equal to about the size for top executives, who have faced a bar- already been recalled due to the risk their of Malaysia’s economy. — AFP rage of criticism for remaining largely silent airbags could deploy with excessive explo- on the brewing crisis, amid claims that the sive power, spraying potentially-fatal firm hid evidence of the defects for years. shrapnel into the cars. Stefan Stocker resigned from his post Police reportedly investigated one driv- Asian shares cheered but will stay on the company’s board, while er death as a murder due to the grisly Chairman Shigehisa Takada will take on the injuries, before turning their focus to the Swiss executive’s role, in addition to his cur- car’s airbag. The bulk of the recalls-report- rent job. The apparent demotion of Stocker, edly topping 20 million vehicles-are in the by Wall Street rally who only joined the company last year, was United States as defective airbags were designed to “further unify the company’s mostly made in Mexico. — AFP Tokyo stocks close 1.24% higher

HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly rose yester- an ounce, compared with $1,175.75 late Tuesday. Manila was closed for a public holiday. day, after stellar growth figures from the world’s Mumbai fell 1.08 percent, or 297.85 points, to top economy powered US shares to record In other markets end at 27,208.61 points. Bharat Heavy Electricals highs. Tokyo led gains, adding 1.24 percent, or Bangkok edged down 0.40 percent, or 6.11 fell 2.62 percent to 254.95 rupees, while Sesa 219.09 points, to close at 17,854.23. Seoul put on points, to 1,525.06. Coal producer Banpu fell 1.90 Sterlite gained 0.59 percent to 205.35 rupees. 0.39 percent, or 7.59 points, to end at 1,946.61. percent, or 0.50 baht, to 25.75 while Bangkok Singapore gained 0.40 percent, or 13.40 Australia and Hong Kong both ended slightly Bank slipped 0.25 percent, or 0.50 baht, to points, to 3,345.91, in a holiday-shortened trad- higher after thin trading in holiday-shortened 196.00. ing session. Oil rig maker Keppel Corp rose 1.26 sessions. Sydney rose 0.25 percent, or 13.6 Jakarta ended up 0.54 percent, or 27.92 percent to Sg$8.87 while Oversea-Chinese points, to close at 5,394.5 while Hong Kong points, at 5,166.98. Hero Supermarket rose 2.04 Banking Corporation was up 0.38 percent to inched up 0.08 percent, or 17.54 points, to percent to 2,500 rupiah, while food producer Sg$10.45. 23,351.23. Indofood Sukses Makmur fell 0.38 percent to Taipei rose 0.97 percent, or 88.47 points, to But Shanghai fell 1.98 percent, or 60.08 6,600 rupiah. 9,186.18. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing points, to end at 2,972.53, adding to one of its Ryman Healthcare added 0.48 percent to Co. rose 0.36 percent to Tw$138.0, while smart- biggest percentage falls of the year on Tuesday. NZ$8.45 while Air New Zealand dipped 0.38 per- phone maker HTC fell 1.11 percent to Tw$133.5. Figures showing US gross domestic product cent to NZ$2.59. Wellington rose 0.10 percent, or 5.32 points, grew at 5.0 percent year-on-year in the third Kuala Lumpur gained 0.69 points, or 0.04 to 5,557.42 points. quarter-up from the previous estimate of 3.9 percent, to close at 1,749.74. Malayan Banking Financial markets in Hong Kong, Australia, percent and well above analyst predictions of 4.3 rose 0.56 percent to 9.01 ringgit, while AMMB Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, percent-lit a fire under world equity markets. Holdings went up 1.86 percent to 6.58. British India, the Philippines and Indonesia will be Wall Street hit fresh records on Tuesday after American Tobacco fell 3.03 percent to 63.90. closed Thursday for a public holiday. — AFP last week’s “Santa Claus rally”, with the Dow clos- ing above 18,000 for the first time ever and the S&P also setting a new high. The data also supported the dollar, which India hikes insurance advanced on renewed hopes the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before other investment cap leading central banks in mid-2015. “It was another stellar day for US equities with NEW DELHI: India’s cabinet yesterday to flow into the sector in coming years. a much better than expected revised GDP read- approved an executive decree to hike foreign The traditionally fractious parliament has ing triggering the gains,” said Stan Shamu at investment in the funds-starved insurance sec- been stalled by rows over alleged “forced” reli- NEW DELHI: An Indian roadside tailor repairs a piece of cloth by interweaving yarn with a trading house IG Markets. tor, bypassing squabbling lawmakers to push gious conversions of Christians and Muslims needle in the old quarters of New Delhi yesterday. India has been stuck in the longest “The GDP reading also underpinned the ahead with economic reforms. by Hindu hardliners, many of them close to the spell of below-five-percent growth in a quarter-century, hit by high interest rates, an greenback as it rallied against the Aussie, euro, The ordinance, a rarely used measure, raises ruling Bharatiya Janata Party which took pow- investment slowdown and flagging consumer confidence. — AFP yen and sterling.” Yesterday the greenback the foreign direct investment cap in insurance er in May. The issue of religious conversions is bought 120.33 yen, slipping from 120.71 yen in companies to 49 percent from 26 percent but particularly sensitive in the majority-Hindu New York but still up from 120.13 yen in Asian must be approved by both houses of parlia- country where religious freedom is a constitu- Turkey holds interest rates trade on Tuesday. ment within six months to take permanent tional right. The row also meant the right-wing effect. government left much undone on its ‘to-do steady, awaiting inflation fall Shares slide list’ in the last session of parliament which The euro was mixed at $1.2178 and 146.60 wrapped up Tuesday. ISTANBUL: The Turkish central bank before leaving them on hold in the fol- yen, from $1.2171 and 146.94 yen in US trade. In The insurance decree, one of the govern- kept interest rates on hold yesterday lowing three months. China, shares continued to slide, giving up gains ment’s big-ticket reforms, “announces to the despite a recent fall in inflation expecta- Central Bank Governor Erdem Basci sparked by a surge of foreign buying that fol- world and investors this country can no longer tions and said it would keep policy tight said on Dec. 10 lower oil prices could lowed a surprise interest-rate cut last month. wait” for reforms, said Jaitley, who presents his until there is a clear improvement in the help inflation fall close to the bank’s 5 Shares had jumped more than 20 percent first full budget next February. outlook for prices. percent medium-term target next year, since Beijing lowered its key rate, rising above The decree followed a vow by Jaitley last The bank, which is battling to bring with a strong fall possible in the first four the 3,000 mark for the first time in three and a weekend not to allow parliamentary protests down inflation even as the economy months. half years. to block economic reforms, saying “either we slows and fighting drags on in neigh- That reinforced expectations the bank In Hong Kong shares in China-based shop- reform or we miss the bus once again.” bouring countries, left its one-week repo would have more room to lower interest ping mall developer Dalian Wanda surged 4.06 The cabinet also cleared an ordinance rate at 8.25 percent as forecast by 17 of rates in the coming months, with growth percent to HK$48.65 after falling on its first day NEW DELHI: In this photograph taken on August renewing approval for the long-awaited auc- 18 economists polled by Reuters. One slowing and parliamentary elections due of trading following a record-breaking IPO. 30, 2014, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tion of coal mining licences in India, which is economist had expected a rate cut to in June. In Japan stocks closed 1.24 percent higher talks at a press conference in New Delhi. India’s heavily dependent on the resource for gener- 8.00 percent. Growth slowed to 1.7 percent year- yesterday, boosted by record-setting gains on cabinet approved December 24, 2014 an execu- ating electricity. The central bank has been helped on on-year in the third quarter, well below a Wall Street and a weak yen in thin post-holiday tive decree to hike foreign investment in the The sale by auction is aimed at making the price front by the recent tumble in oil Reuters forecast of 3 percent, making the trade. funds-starved insurance sector, bypassing transactions more transparent after previous and commodity prices. government’s 4 percent full-year target Shares in struggling Skymark Airlines rose squabbling lawmakers, to push ahead with eco- allocations were dogged by illegalities. But it has also had to contend with a look optimistic. 2.50 percent to 327.0 yen, after diving more than nomic reforms. — AFP The government, led by Prime Minister renewed fall in the lira amid an emerging Both government ministers and 16 percent on news Airbus was moving closer to Narendra Modi, has been seeking to step up market sell-off and investor caution after Erdogan have repeatedly called for lower filing a lawsuit over a failed $2.2 billion jet order. “The ordinance demonstrates the firm the pace of reforms to revive the stuttering media arrests in the latest move against rates to support growth. The ruling AK Sony was up 3.98 percent at 2,568.5 yen after determination of the government for reforms,” economy after criticism from business it was what President Tayyip Erdogan calls a Party has built its reputation partly on its Hollywood studio said it would screen North Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters in not moving swiftly enough. India has been terrorist network conspiring to topple rapid economic development. Korea parody “The Interview” in some US cine- New Delhi. stuck in the longest spell of below-five-percent him. The central bank kept its overnight mas on Christmas Day. The launch was originally Foreign investors have been long eyeing growth in a quarter-century, hit by high inter- The lira, which hit a record low against lending rate at 11.25 percent, its primary cancelled following a crippling cyber attack. the lucrative sector, which analysts say has est rates, an investment slowdown and flag- the dollar last week, was virtually dealers’ overnight borrowing rate at Oil prices edged lower in thin pre-holiday huge potential thanks to a fast-expanding ging consumer confidence. Economic growth unchanged from before the data, trading 10.75 percent and its overnight borrow- trade but analysts said losses were curbed by middle-class and the fact that only around in the last financial year to March 2014 was at 2.3227 as of 1214 GMT. The 10-year ing rate at 7.50 percent. upbeat sentiment over the robust US economic four percent of the 1.25-billion population has 4.7 percent after falling to 4.5 percent the benchmark bond was unchanged at 8.01 The average forecast for year-end data. insurance cover, according to industry figures. previous year, half the boom rates rate of a percent. inflation fell to 9.02 percent this US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for “Large investment is waiting to come,” few years ago. This year, the government After hiking rates sharply in January to month from November’s 9.22 percent, February delivery fell 46 cents to $56.66, while Jaitley said, while government officials say hopes growth will accelerate to 5.5 percent halt a slide in the lira, the central bank a central bank survey showed on Dec. Brent crude for February eased 49 cents to they expect billions of dollars in foreign funds and cross six percent next year. — AFP cut rates in May, June, July and August 19. — Reuters $61.20 in afternoon trade. Gold was at $1,179.80 BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

NBK announces 165 fils as Fair Share Value of Al-Mazaya Holdings shares

KUWAIT: Following a thorough study based on the ties and loans reflecting an overall favorable to 52% available to other real-estate companies. re-evaluation methodologies that other companies Stock Option Trading Platform (SOTP) System and impact and strategic future vision while Al-Mazaya Most importantly, the NBK report elaborated on commonly follow. That is, Al-Mazaya real-estate Scrutiny of Cash Flow Statements, finalized for the enjoys considerable solvency and a solid financial the operational performance of the company stat- assets are conservatively being re-evaluated with- under-construction real-estate investments, in statement. The NBK study further introduced a ing that several semi-completed projects in Dubai out considerably allocating gross assets and addition to the real-estate currently available for straight forward plan that Al-Mazaya had prepared have already sold and the recently finalized 100% income. sale; a report issued from the National Bank of for the forthcoming cash flows and presented the occupied portfolio of projects reveals dynamic The report concludes with the following limited Kuwait (NBK) recommends the purchase of Al- workable methodology that the company adopts future cash flows are to be expected. Moreover, the risk factors Al-Mazaya may encounter: Mazaya Holdings shares. to distribute risk and successfully overcome risk. report states that the financial data disseminated is • The expansion of areas commercially allocated in The reports assures the Fair Share Value of Al- This is accomplished by wisely selecting varied based on current and concluded projects, exclud- Kuwait which may adversely affect the lease Mazaya Holdings shares equaling 165 fils, that is project sites and a well-studied distribution of ing projects yet to come. returns yielding to the company. 56% higher than last weeks’ exchange value simul- company returns yielded from rewarding real- The NBK report also brings forward the balance • The growing number of projects introduced in taneous to the release of the report when Al- estate projects available for sale. sheet of Al-Mazaya which reflects the solid finan- Dubai may impose fine tuning of price rates Mazaya share was traded at 106 fils. The report pointed to the limited borrowing cial status of the company; owning a variety of therein. The report contains a full study on Al-Mazaya ratio Al-Mazaya holds compared to equivalent real- real-states and a well-distributed investment port- Any increase on bank interest rates may assets, affiliate companies, investment amounts, estate companies 00explicitly stating Al-Mazaya folio among many geographic locations without adversely affect the borrowing appetite of Al- revenues, current and future projects, gross liabili- borrowing ratio to assets amount is 25% compared necessitating the company to rely on classic assets Mazaya as well as other clients and investors.

ABK announces winner of second SMS banking draw

KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait banking, more so from a security conducted their second weekly viewpoint, it’s a safe means of draw on their SMS banking promo- keeping track of their transactions. tion, in the Head Office, in the pres- This service allows customers to ence and supervision of the access their account, check account Ministry of Commerce and Industry and credit card balance as well as representatives. ABK’s fabulous currency exchange rates, which offer addresses subscribers of SMS implies that customers remain banking; they go into a draw and a informed of their banking transac- winner of the iPhone 6 Plus is tions at all times.” declared, every week. The duration Lockie added, “The promotion is of this promotion is from the 1st to ongoing up to the 31st of the 31st December. This second December, and we have 2 draws week winner was Mohammed remaining. To get a chance to Ishteyaq Ghulam from Sharq acquire an iPhone 6 Plus, all you Branch. have to do is subscribe to SMS Stewart Lockie, GM, Retail banking during the period of the Banking stated, “ABK encourages its promotion, to give yourself an customers to subscribe to SMS opportunity to win.” The new BMW X3... Supreme dynamics and impressive display!

KUWAIT: Over a decade ago, BMW founded the new colours and five types of alloy wheel designs are able for The superb dynamic qualities of the new BMW X3 can mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the more individuality. be showcased to even greater effect by specifying the launch of the X3. Racking up sales of over one million optional Sport package, with the aerodynamic package units since its 2003 inception, the third generation of the High level of quality in the interior and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim max- BMW X3 is poised to continue the legacy of sporty The new BMW X3 leads the way in its segment in imising the car’s sporty presence on the road. In addi- dynamics, premium ambience and robust agility, cou- terms of both interior spaciousness and rear load capaci- tion, customers can choose from six exterior paint pled with low fuel consumption. ty (550-1,600 litres). Understated chrome finishes, the colours including Carbon Black metallic and exclusive With a new sporty design, excellent driving dynamics centre console with automatic climate control system in light-alloy wheel options in 18 and 19-inch. and spacious interior, the new BMW X3 has showcased high-gloss black-panel look, and wood panelling with an SAV that will carry out everyday tasks with consum- pearl-effect chrome highlights contribute further to the BMW ConnectedDrive: driver mate ease and do so while delivering unbeatable driving high-quality surroundings. The modern, high quality assistance and connectivity pleasure. “The X3 delivers the sportiness and refinement interior design also includes new trims, high-quality The new BMW X3 advances the company’s commit- you expect from the brand in a compact but rather ver- materials with an outstanding level of spaciousness and ment to link the driver and vehicle with outside world, satile package.” said Yousuf Al Qatami, General Manager comfortable seating for five people. an area in which BMW is an undisputed leader. Among of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive. “Its sophisticated the outstanding new features from BMW and stylish character has been the catalyst for success of xLine and Sport packages offer ConnectedDrive on board the BMW X3 are the iDrive this unique model. Overall, the BMW X3 shines as a very boundless individualisation Controller with integrated touchpad (for text input using well-rounded model in the segment of sport activity The new BMW X3 has two additional individualisa- finger movements). The other optional features includes vehicles as a compelling choice for customers who want tion options: the xLine package features matt aluminium Parking Assistant, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, a luxurious family crossover that’s also a blast to drive.” inserts in the bumpers, aluminium satiated side cladding the anti-dazzle function and High Beam Assistant for Making almost every adventure seem like child’s play, and bars in the air intakes. It also allows customers to improved visibility in the dark and Driving Assistant Plus, Agility GIL CEO Essa Al-Saleh the new BMW X3 inspires its driver as it accelerates. Its choose from additional cloth or leather upholstery in a including Lane Departure Warning that detects vehicles sporting character is revealed by an extremely dynamic variety of different colours with contrasting stitching. In in the driver’s blind spot. Active Cruise Control with Stop inducted into Supply driving experience that comes with a simultaneously addition, there are two exclusive 18 and 19-inch light- & Go function and surround view (360∞) for optimal visi- impressive efficiency powered by xDrive28i four-cylinder alloy U-spoke wheel options. bility when manoeuvring in tight spaces. Chain Asia Hall of Fame engine with 180 kW/245 hp and the xDrive35i top-of- the-range engine with 225 kW/306 hp that goes from 0 KUWAIT: Essa Al-Saleh, President Receiving the award from S. to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. and CEO of Agility Global Iswaran, Minister, Singapore Prime As the driver decides where the road goes: the new Integrated Logistics (GIL), was Minister’s Office and Second BMW X3 knows how to assert itself where there is no inducted into the prestigious Minister for Trade & Industry and fixed route. The four-wheel drive BMW xDrive system Supply Chain Asia Hall of Fame at a Home Affairs, Al-Saleh said, “It is a ensures greater traction and safety on every surface, ceremony held in Singapore on personal honor to be selected to making every journey an unforgettable experience - no Nov. 20. join the Hall of Fame with the pio- matter how far from the city you venture. The Hall of Fame award is given neers and innovators in the logis- Significantly, its fascinating design emphasises the out by Supply Chain Asia, a leading tics industry. I would like to share athletic character of the BMW X3 and captivates anyone professional group for the logistics this award with all Agility employ- who sees it. and supply chain industry. It hon- ees who have worked so hard to ors outstanding individuals from build the company into a global Dynamic appearance and exclusive ambience the industry who have demonstrat- market leader in the logistics sec- Major design upgrades include a redesigned kidney ed entrepreneurial and innovative tor.” grille, modified twin headlights and new front and rear thinking in achieving global suc- In the Asia Pacific region, Agility bumper that make the car look more sporty, dynamic cess. Previous winners have includ- is represented in more than 20 and powerful. In addition, four new exterior paint ed Ram Menen, Captain Wei, Luo countries and with more than 7,000 Kaifo, and John Meredith. employees who serve customers Al-Saleh was nominated for his across a range of industries. Royal Enfield enters Kuwait with vision and direction in helping Supply Chain Asia is a Agility grow from its origins as a Singapore-based not-for-profit local company in Kuwait to a global organization that brings profes- supply chain leader today. His con- sionals from the logistics and sup- the Classic and Rumbler models tributions to the industry, which ply chain industry together to have come through sharing knowl- share knowledge and create Kuwait Automotive Imports Co appointed distributors edge and insights at industry opportunities for collaboration. events, demonstrate his passion for The award judges included aca- KUWAIT: Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycling Kuwait, Royal Enfield is introducing the retro street - Built to the need of the long distance rider, the Royal the logistics community and his demic and industry leaders from company in continuous production, entered Kuwait and Classic 500 motorcycle and the definitive cruiser, the Enfield Rumbler 500 gives a new definition to highway desire to raise the profile of the across the Asia Pacific region, introduced the Classic and the Rumbler motorcycles. Rumbler 500. cruising. The motorcycle is set to provide comfort, style organization, along with his inter- including Japan, South Korea, Royal Enfield has appointed Kuwait Automotive Imports The design of the Royal Enfield Classic 500 is a tribute and enhance the pleasure of leisure motorcycling est in expanding Agility’s footprint Singapore, Malaysia, Singapore, Co WLL (Al Shaya & Al Sagar) - KAICO, a leading automo- to the retro look of British motorcycles in the post World amongst the touring enthusiasts. Combining distinctive and presence in Asia. Hong Kong and the Philippines. tive and auto products distributor in Kuwait, as the distrib- War II era. The motorcycle is powered by fuel injected “black” styling with a 500cc Unit Construction Engine utors for the brand in the region. Going forward KAICO 500cc, 4 stroke, spark ignition, air cooled, OHV unit con- delivering 27.2 bhp being fed through an electronic fuel will be responsible for supplying, marketing, reselling, dis- struction engine. The front & rear mudguards, the head- injection system and 41.3 Nm torque, the Rumbler 500 tribution and servicing of Royal Enfield products in Kuwait light casing, the fuel tank, the oval tool box, the exhaust is set to make a distinct statement in Kuwait. The An iconic motorcycle brand with British origin is a part fins, the speedometer dials, the single-seat spring saddle, Rumbler 500 is extremely suitable for long distance rid- of the India based Eicher Motors Ltd. The motorcycles are tail light assembly and the headlamp cap, all these con- ing with its range, ergonomics, looks, excellent braking, manufactured from two of its facilities based in Chennai form to the timeless imagery of British motorcycles from night riding visibility and luggage carriage capability. (Madras). post war era. The Classic 500 will be available in Kuwait in The Rumbler 500 will be available in shades of Stone Speaking on the development Arun Gopal, Head - the Tan, Black, Silver, Chrome Black and Chrome Maroon (matte black), Marine (metallic blue), Lightning (metallic International Business, Royal Enfield said “At Royal Enfield colours. silver grey). we believe that the leisure motorcycling across the world has gone extreme. Our unique form of motorcycling is centred on the idea of an absolute connect between the rider, his machine and the terrain he rides through. We call this ‘Pure Motorcycling’. Our motorcycles are evocative, unintimidating and fun in real world riding conditions” Commenting on Royal Enfield’s launch in Kuwait, Gopal said, “With a view to become leaders in the global mid-sized motorcycling segment, Royal Enfield is entering Kuwait as we see immense opportunities. We are extremely excited to work with KAICO and they have proven expertise and experience that synergize well with Royal Enfield’s brand experience. With the introduction of the Classic 500 and the Rumbler 500 motorcycles, Royal Enfield will re-ignite the mid-sized (250cc-750cc) leisure motorcycling space in the region” Ashish Tandon, General Manager KAICO said “We are extremely proud to be a partner of Royal Enfield and with leisure riding becoming a popular trend, the Royal Enfield Classic 500 and the Rumbler 500 motorcycles will offer a unique choice to motorcycling enthusiasts in the region” Royal Enfield has differentiated offering of evocative Essa Al Saleh motorcycles in the mid-sized motorcycle space. In THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 technology Sony tries to save face with ‘Interview’ flip-flop ATLANTA: Sony’s flip-flop on releasing “The Interview” them,” he said. “It’s not for me to decide. It’s for the cus- shows the studio is working furiously to try to chart tomer to decide. If they want to come, they’ll spend the right course through political and public-opinion their money. If they don’t, that’s their choice. It should minefields. not be the choice of somebody from North Korea or Although analysts don’t believe the decision will China or anywhere else.” have any effect on Sony’s image, it will at least give the Atlanta Police spokesman Sgt. Greg Lyon said movie-going public a chance to vote with their wallets police will monitor the location for potential threats, and send North Korea a protest message. but he wouldn’t discuss specifics. Furlinger said the Last week, Sony canceled the Christmas Day theater will take some precautions, though he said he release of “The Interview” in the wake of an extensive wasn’t worried about the threats. hacking attack and release of confidential emails by a If anything, the controversy has raised awareness group linked with North Korea. The movie stars Seth about the movie. Although fewer theaters are show- Rogen and James Franco as journalists tasked by the ing it, those theaters might be more packed than they CIA with killing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The would have been otherwise. hackers threatened violence if Sony didn’t pull the Anthony LoRusso, 54, of Atlanta, thought the movie. Sony did so after major theater chains decided premise of the movie was “silly” and initially planned not to screen it. to wait for the DVD. Now, he plans to see it at The But the company then wavered in the face of pub- Plaza. lic outcry and criticism from President Barack Obama. Colby Cohen, 29, of Atlanta said he probably would On Tuesday, Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton have seen it anyway, but the brief cancellation made said Seth Rogen’s North Korea farce “will be in a num- him want to see it more. ber of theaters on Christmas Day.” “I’m going to get to fight terrorism on Christmas The film is set to open in over 200 theaters, down Day now,” he said. Because Sony has been wavering on from an original release planned in 3,000. Atlanta’s its release of “The Interview” since last week, deciding Plaza Theater and 16 theaters that are part of the to release it after all should not have a major effect on HOUSTON: A large poster advertising the movie The Interview hangs on the back wall of the Alamo Alamo Drafthouse chain in Texas are among those its image. Laura Ries, president of Atlanta-based Drafthouse Cinema in Houston. Sony Pictures Entertainment announced Tuesday a limited theatri- that plan to show it. branding consulting company Ries & Ries, said most cal release of “The Interview” beginning today, putting back into the theaters the comedy that Lynton said Sony also is continuing its efforts to moviegoers don’t tie movies with the studio that prompted an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its cancelled release. — AP release the movie in more theaters and through more makes them in the first place. platforms - namely digital channels, such as Internet If Sony ends up expanding the theatrical release agement,” said Jonathan Bernstein, president of Los rights violations and all of the dreaded things around streaming or video on demand on cable systems. But and sells the movie through digital channels, it could Angeles-based crisis management company Bernstein the world is to take them with a grain of salt,” he said. Sony isn’t offering specifics. Starz, which has first pay end up recouping some of its box offices losses. Doug Crisis Management. The studio is making decisions “If you don’t, it’s going to just be sadness.” The Alamo TV and streaming rights to Sony releases, didn’t Stone, president of film industry newsletter Box Office too quickly and could face more embarrassment if Drafthouse said many showtimes across the chain respond to requests for comment. Streaming service Analyst, had estimated domestic box office for the hackers leak additional documents and emails in retal- were selling out for Christmas Day, but the company Netflix declined comment, while YouTube didn’t movie would be $75 million to $100 million, of which iation for showing the movie, he said. He said Sony did not provide specifics. respond to requests. Sony keeps about 55 percent. But the release is too should have waited until it is sure it can protect itself. Once James Wallace, the Richardson theater’s cre- Plaza Theater owner Michael Furlinger said he was limited so far to give Sony much of a financial bump. Still, moviegoers seemed enthusiastic Tuesday. ative manager, received word Tuesday morning that thrilled to be showing the movie. He canceled plans to Furthermore, costly damage from the email leaks to Isaac Sokol, a 21-year-old university student in the the movie was back on, the theater got to work fly to Long Island, New York, to see his parents for the relationships and future projects cannot be recouped, Dallas suburb of Richardson, bought two tickets for a preparing for several shows. Among other touches, holidays. and there is a threat of more leaks as Sony plans on Christmas night show at the Alamo Drafthouse the- the theater will offer a patriotic menu featuring burg- “We play a lot of controversial pictures, things I releasing the film now. ater in Richardson. ers, “freedom fries” and apple pie. “You better believe don’t necessarily agree with, but I will never censor “Panic-based decisions are not sound crisis man- “The only way to tackle world conflicts and human it’s going to be all-American,” Wallace said. —AP Japan, wary of North Korea, works to secure infrastructure Japanese firms have poor cybersecurity ratings TOKYO: Japan, fearing it could be a soft target US soil. In addition to bringing down the com- backing Washington and keeping talks on track for possible North Korean cyberattacks in the puter network at Sony Pictures Entertainment, it with Pyongyang about Japanese citizens escalating row over the Sony Pictures hack, has also prompted the leak of embarrassing emails abducted decades ago. begun working to ensure basic infrastructure is and sensitive employee data. Sony executives in “Japan is maintaining close contact with the safe and to formulate its diplomatic response, Tokyo have declined to comment on the hack- United States and supporting their handling of officials said. ing, but a company source, speaking on condi- this case,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide The hacking of the US unit of Tokyo-based tion of anonymity, said officials at headquarters Suga said on Monday, adding that Tokyo is shar- Sony Corp has been seen in Japan largely as an were bracing for further attacks prompted by ing information with Washington. American problem, but the officials said the gov- the decision to release the “The Interview”. Suga said he saw no effect on Tokyo’s talks ernment is now moving actively to confront the Sony Pictures originally decided to pull the with North Korea over the abductees. issue after President Barack Obama blamed comedy portraying a fictional plot to assassinate Pyongyang has denied any role in the Sony North Korea and vowed to respond “in a place North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as major the- hack. Japanese officials have acknowledged the and time and manner that we choose.” atre chains cancelled plans to show it after hack- government cannot keep up with the proliferat- Cyberdefence experts, diplomats and policy- ers made unspecified threats. Sony on Tuesday ing threat of attacks on computer networks from makers worked through the weekend at Prime reversed its decision, announcing a limited private or state-sponsored hackers. Minister Shinzo Abe’s office to launch the effort, release in more than 200 U.S. cinemas. The par- Japan’s companies are also vulnerable, with said one official involved in the process. ent company was “bolstering communication” an overall security rating of just 58.5 out of 100, The government is working to ensure that in among Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai, Sony according to a survey this year by cybersecurity response to any threat, its basic functions could Pictures Entertainment Chief Executive Michael firm Trend Micro. PORTLAND: In this Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 photo, a cat rests on the throne bed in the continue in the face of any cyberattack, while Lynton, Nicole Seligman, who is president of Only IT firms and Internet providers got pass- King Tut-theme cat playroom at the Oregon Humane Society. Modern-day cats have maintaining such essential services as the power Sony Corporation of America, and Chief ing marks of 72 or better, while welfare services, not yet become associated with deities as they were in ancient Egypt, but the grid, gas supplies and transport networks, he Information Security Officer John Scimone, the medical facilities and transportation and infra- Internet has gotten them a little closer. — AP said. He declined to offer details. The govern- company source said. structure networks were notably weak. ment’s National Information Security “There is no way you can guarantee that Center,working through various ministries, is DIPLOMACY COMPLICATED hackers won’t gain access,” said Itsuro Nishimoto, pressing companies to improve their security Japanese diplomacy has been complicated chief technology officer at LAC Co, a cybersecuri- from cyberattacks, the officials said. The attack by the accusations made by its ally, the United ty firm that works with Japanese police and Feline fame in on Sony by a group calling itself “Guardians of States, that Pyongyang was behind the cyberat- companies. “The only way you can do that Peace” was the biggest hacking of a company on tack. Abe may be forced to choose between would be to shut down the Internet.”— Reuters cyberspace GPS used to track some immigrants at border

PORTLAND: Modern-day cats aren’t this good news stems from the Internet, WASHINGTON: The Homeland Security associated with deities like they were in but many online campaigns have seen Department is experimenting with a new way ancient Egypt, but the Internet has got- successes. to track immigrant families caught crossing the ten them a little closer. A year ago, just before Christmas, the border illegally and then released into the US: We adore Nora the piano-playing cat. Dumb Friends League in Denver posted GPS-enabled ankle bracelets. Immigration and We chuckle as a comical feline named a photo and story on Facebook of an 11- Customs Enforcement earlier this month Maru leaps into cardboard boxes. We rev- year-old cat that had been in its shelter launched a program to give GPS devices to el in Grumpy Cat’s permanently sour for nearly eight months. Older cats like some parents caught crossing the Mexican expression. And with millions watching Ripley are often overlooked by potential border illegally with their children in Texas’ Rio videos of other kitties getting tongue adopters. Grande Valley. baths from horses and playing peekaboo For her online appearance, Ripley They were given the devices after being with their owners, cats have become donned a tiny Santa suit. The posting got released from custody with notices to report online stars. hundreds of shares and “likes” and netted back to immigration officials, according to a For feline fans, it’s a sea change. In the her a new home, said Megan Rees, confidential ICE document obtained by The affections of Americans, cats often get spokeswoman for the organization. Associated Press. short shrift compared with dogs. Some The organization has increased its In September, the Homeland Security see cats as aloof, poor companions and adoption rate of adult cats by 13 percent Department confided to a group of immigrant indifferent to attention that dogs enjoy. over the past year, with help from its advocates during a confidential meeting that But with cats’ celebrity expanding, website, Facebook and Twitter. about 70 percent of immigrants traveling as experts say cyberspace is aiding their The Oregon Humane Society also families failed to report back to ICE as ordered plight. “Social media has put pets front turns to Facebook to help get pets after they were released at the border. The AP and center,” said Christie Keith, social adopted over the holidays. The organiza- obtained an audio recording of the meeting media consultant for Maddie’s Fund, a tion’s page, with the headline “Home For and interviewed participants. The ICE official California-based foundation that works The Holidays,” shows four homeless ani- on the recording was not identified. to save pets’ lives. Social media, she said, mals wearing Santa hats: a cat, a dog, a The high no-show rate and a lack of jail “is revolutionizing how we help animals.” rabbit and a parrot. space for immigrant family members prompt- The Internet has created a vast audience It also has seen social media users ed the Obama administration to open a tem- porary family jail at the Border Patrol’s training TEXAS: In this June 25, 2014, file photo, a group of immigrants from Honduras and El of potential adopters. To save pets’ lives, share the group’s photos of adoptable Salvador, who crossed the US-Mexico border illegally, are stopped in Granjeno, Texas. The animal welfare organizations are reach- pets. On average, kittens featured on the academy in rural New Mexico and convert a men’s jail in Texas to one that could house fam- Homeland Security Department is experimenting with a new way to track immigrant families ing out to an audience addicted to cat organization’s website find new homes caught crossing into the US illegally then released: GPS-enabled ankle bracelets. — AP videos. Shelters use social media to pro- within half a day of appearing online. It ilies. Immigration advocates have been critical mote everything from adoption cam- takes about seven days for adult cats of the Obama administration for jailing families ple to report. If the program proves successful government to keep tabs on immigrants while paigns to free vaccinations, spaying and after they are posted online. - mostly mothers with young children - and for in getting immigrants to report back to ICE, it their cases make their way through immigra- neutering. Despite the successes, too many cats poor conditions in the jails. may be expanded. tion court. The process can take several years. Although there are no comprehensive and other pets still get dumped at shel- The ICE official told advocates during that An ICE spokeswoman, Jennifer Elzea, said More than 429,000 cases are pending in nationwide statistics, recent studies of ters because the owner doesn’t like the September meeting that the agency was look- immigrants are screened on a case-by-case federal immigration court. Thousands of those targeted communities and available data animal’s personality or can’t afford to ing for alternatives to jailing families and wel- basis to decide who should be detained or immigrants are enrolled in the ICE reporting indicate increases in animal shelters keep it. comed suggestions for how to get more immi- released. Those who don’t pose a threat to program, which varies from reporting periodi- releasing cats to owners or agencies such But as viewers keep returning to grants to report back to ICE. public safety are considered for monitoring cally via telephone to being outfitted with a as rescues that guarantee adoption. videos of Nora pawing the ivories and ICE said this week that the pilot program, programs such as this one, she said. GPS tracking device. According to the ICE doc- In one of the studies, conducted by Maru running and sliding into cardboard known as “RGV 250,” started Dec. 1 and will During the 2014 budget year that ended in ument, ICE will be able to monitor about the American Society for the Prevention boxes, they are strengthening their bond eventually track 250 “heads of household” September, Border Patrol agents arrested more 29,000 immigrants with GPS devices in the of Cruelty to Animals, shelters and rescue with the feline species. caught traveling with their families in the Rio than 68,000 immigrants traveling as families coming year. The Alternatives to Detention organizations in six areas from Florida to “There’s something quite fascinating Grande Valley and released into the interior of along the Mexican border. More than 61,000 of Program is a cheaper alternative to jailing Washington state supplied data from and fun about cat videos,” said Dr. Emily the US Once those immigrants arrive and those people were from Honduras, El Salvador immigrants. ICE said the RGV 250 reporting 2007 to 2011. Overall, the rates for dogs Weiss, senior director of research and report as ordered, ICE may remove the tracking and Guatemala and could not be sent home program will cost about $3.50 a day per immi- and cats released to people or agencies development for the ASPCA. “What’s device. immediately. The majority of those people grant after a $19.50 enrollment fee while other rose from 41 percent to 65 percent. Cats more compelling than some random The document says the GPS devices will were released with orders to report back to ICE reporting programs cost about $4.28 a day. ICE showed a whopping 111 percent boost. compilation of cats doing stuff like allow ICE to track the rate of immigrants and enroll in a monitoring program called spends roughly $119 a day to jail an immi- It’s difficult to pinpoint how much of knocking things over?” — AP reporting back to the agency as ordered and Alternatives to Detention, which allows the grant. — AP the average length of time it takes those peo- HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

GHANA: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (second left) speaks with President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama GHANA: Dr Moustapha Aly (left), Senior UNMEER Medical Officer, demonstrates to United Nations (left) on December 18, 2014 at the house-office of the president in Accra, southern Ghana, during a meeting with Director- Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon how to properly sterilize his hands, before a meeting at the house- General of the World Health Organization Margaret Chan (third right), UN Senior Advisers David Nabarro (second right) and office of the president in Accra. Anthony Banbury. — AFP Medical detective work is next phase in Ebola fight

ACCRA: Medical detective work will be the next big Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan. ed person or corpse, so family members who care for and community leaders. Illustrating the scale of the phase in the fight against Ebola when the United “You chase the virus. You hunt the virus. The virus lives patients or people who prepare victims for burial are at challenge, 25 percent of new cases in Liberia are com- Nations deploys hundreds of health workers to identify in an infected person so you chase every case, isolate risk. As a result, people often know how they fell ill. ing from new sources, Aylward said. By contrast, officials chains of infection as the virus passes from person to them and then all the people who come into contact Patients who say they do not know are a concern in Guinea said in November all the cases in the capital person, top UN health workers said. The health teams with the infected person,” Chan told Reuters on a visit to because their cases can signify chains of transmission stemmed from just four chains of transmission. will travel to each district and region of Guinea, Sierra West Africa. yet to be identified, Chan said. “You don’t have control The overall cost of the Ebola response could rise to Leone and Liberia, the three countries at the centre of She was accompanying UN Secretary General Ban Ki- of Ebola until you know where all your transmission around $4.1 billion, said UN Special Envoy on Ebola the epidemic, to trace who each infected person has moon on a four-country tour to encourage health work- chains are and until your cases are coming from known David Nabarro. To accomplish Phase Two, the UN health potentially contacted. ers and focus global attention on the fight against the contact lists,” said Bruce Aylward, WHO’s head of Ebola agency will mobilize 900 epidemiologists, triple the The effort will run in parallel with measures to mini- epidemic. The world’s worst Ebola outbreak has killed response. number currently available, he said. Around half will be mize the spread of infection, such as treating all Ebola 7,518 of 19,340 confirmed cases, according to WHO fig- “You always hear about disease detective work and foreigners. The aim is to get teams in place by the end patients in specialized centers and burying all victims ures on Monday, though the number of new cases is that is what Ebola is about now,” he said. Contact-trac- of January, following a separate plan to get all patients safely. But Phase Two of the plan is to contain the virus slowing in most places. ing involves visiting households to pick up signs of ill- treated and all victims safely buried by the end of this by understanding its lines of transmission; said World The disease spreads through contact with an infect- ness, and requires cooperation from local authorities month. — Reuters Ebola crisis could last through 2015 as marks year since outbreak

LONDON: The Ebola crisis in West Africa iting, diarrhea and bleeding, is spread by that claimed its first victim exactly a year contact with bodily fluids of the sick and it ago is likely to last until the end of 2015, has no known cure. according to a scientist who helped to discover the virus. Two-year-old Emile Natural hosts Ouamouno died in the remote village of Scientists studying Ebola since its dis- Meliandou in southern Guinea on Dec 28 covery in Zaire - now Democratic Republic last year after suffering from a fever, of Congo - in 1976 have long suspected headache and diarrhea. His 3-year-old sis- fruit bats as being the natural hosts. Piot, ter, mother and grandmother died days who has just returned from Sierra Leone, later. These deaths went unnoticed and said the virus had peaked in Liberia where the disease smouldered undetected, it has claimed about 3,376 lives, according according to the World Health to WHO figures. He said it was likely to peak Organization (WHO). It was not until in Sierra Leone in the next few weeks March that health officials in Guinea start- where the virus has claimed 2,556 lives so ed to realize something worrisome was far. Sierra Leone has almost half of con- happening. firmed cases. Ebola had never struck in West Africa Simple treatments such as intravenous and it took a while to recognize the start of fluids and antibiotics had driven mortality what has become the world’s worst out- rates in Sierra Leone to as low as one in European rock ants lean left, study finds break of the virus that has killed more than three compared to about 70 percent previ- 7,500 people and infected nearly 19,500 in ously, he said. “Treatment centers have now PARIS: European rock ants at a crossroads will thought to be linked to the different specializa- conclusive but we think this is good evidence Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. By been established across the country with most often turn left, a group trait that may tion of the two lobes of the brain, and to allow for a left-turning bias by usual statistical stan- August, the WHO declared the epidemic to British help. You don’t see any longer the boost survival, a study said yesterday. Many them to carry out two tasks simultaneously. dards,” study co-author Edmund Hunt of the be a “public health emergency of interna- scenes where people are dying in the creatures, including humans, show a prefer- A team from the universities of Bristol and University of Bristol told AFP. tional concern”. streets,” said Piot who has previously criti- ence for one side over the other in movement Oxford decided to test whether European rock And the observed bias was strong enough Peter Piot, director of the London cized the WHO’s slow response to the out- or the senses. Ninety percent of humans, for ants (Temnothorax albipennis) showed any lat- to be “significant at the population level”, the School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine break. example, are right-handed, while the eral bias. In one experiment, scouting ants study paper said. The authors theorized that and part of a team to discover Ebola in He said developing a vaccine was essen- European honeybee relies predominantly on from eight colonies were observed while such lateral preference would reduce the pre- 1976, said progress was being made in try- tial “so that when there is another epidemic its right eye for detecting objects, said the exploring a brand new nest. Groups of scouts dation risk of individuals, resulting in most ing to stop the virus spreading but it would or maybe when this epidemic drags on for study in the journal Biology Letters of the turned left in 35 cases after entering the nest, members of the colony herding together in take time to develop vaccines. “This will be a long time, that we have that vaccine British Royal Society. and right in 19. the same place. “The ants may be using their an epidemic with a very long tail, and a available”. This week the US Department of When it comes to behavior, the common The second test involved a maze with lanes left eye to detect predators and their right to bumpy tail ... we need to be ready for a Health and Human Services awarded con- American cockroach has a bias for turning right that branched out into two-pronged forks. navigate,” Hunt added. “Also, their world is long effort, a sustained effort probably the tracts to NewLink Genetics Corp and in a Y-shaped tube, and giant water bugs main- From the second fork onwards, the ants opted maze-like, and consistently turning one way is rest of 2015,” Piot told the BBC yesterday. GlaxoSmithKline Plc for faster development ly opt left in underwater T mazes. In animals left more often — 50 times compared with 30 a very good strategy to search and exit The hemorrhagic fever, which causes vom- of vaccines. — Reuters with spines, like humans, such asymmetry is right turns. “No scientific experiment is ever mazes.” — AFP Kansas says new Officials cite progress on EPA coal ash standards virus found after a setback for resident’s death health care enrollment environmental groups TOPEKA: A new virus thought to be carried WASHINGTON: The second sign-up season is the position that is correct and accurate,” by ticks or other insects has been discovered under President Barack Obama’s health care she said. More than 8 in 10 customers in the NEW YORK: Six years ago, there was a mas- Plant, releasing more than 5 million cubic following the death of a southeast Kansas res- law is off to a good start but has a way to go insurance markets receive subsidies. Without sive spill of coal ash sludge in Tennessee. yards of ash from a storage pond. The sludge ident during the summer, public health offi- to make it a success, administration officials them millions would be unable to afford their Three years later, tons of coal ash swept into flowed into a river and spoiled hundreds of Lake Michigan. Last February, there was acres in a riverside community 35 miles west cials said Monday. The new virus is called said Tuesday. Health and Human Services premiums. If the court’s ruling goes against Bourbon virus, after Bourbon County, home another spill and gray sludge spewed into of Knoxville. Secretary Sylvia M Burwell said 1.9 million the administration, it’s unclear if there would the Dan River in North Carolina. A couple of dozen families used to live on of the patient who died. The Kansas new customers have picked a plan as of Dec be a grace period while officials pursue a leg- Department of Health and Environment said With each disaster, environmentalists a peninsula near the plant, but now the sole 19 through the federal insurance market that islative fix or other solutions. Burwell said sounded alarms and called for the byproduct resident is Tommy Charles and his wife. the patient’s symptoms, including fever and serves 37 states. Another 4.5 million have Congress intended to offer consumers subsi- fatigue, were similar to symptoms from other of burning coal to be treated as hazardous Charles said on the night of the rupture, he renewed existing coverage, with most auto- dies regardless of where they live. Florida, for waste. On Friday, US Environmental was awakened by a phone call from a friend tick-borne diseases. matically re-enrolled. The numbers don’t example, did not set up its own market. But The Kansas health department said testing Protection Agency released the first stan- who was checking on them. include states running their own insurance more than 900,000 Floridians enrolled for dards for the coal-burning waste, but they by the federal Centers for Disease Control and exchanges, including California and New coverage through the federal exchange, were hardly what environmental groups Power plant Prevention confirmed that the patient had a York. The administration will release a full 50- which was created under the law as a back- were hoping for. The EPA ruled that the ash He took a flashlight and went outside. “I virus not previously identified. Health depart- state report next week, Burwell said. stop. can be treated like regular garbage, meaning didn’t know what I was seeing,” he said Friday. ment spokeswoman Aimee Rosenow said it’s “We still have a lot of work to do,” she said. With the HealthCare.gov website running regulating the stuff will be left up to states “It was just a mess of goo.” The Tennessee still not clear how much the Bourbon virus “But this is an encouraging start.”At her year- much better this year, Burwell has set a target and watchful citizens. “We had to go to court Valley Authority is spending $1.2 billion to contributed to the patient’s death. “This was end news conference, Burwell dodged ques- of 9.1 million customers signed up and pay- to force EPA to issue this first-ever coal ash clean up the mess. Since the December 2008 the first known instance and the only con- tions about a Supreme Court case seen as the ing premiums in 2015. Independent analysts rule, and unfortunately, we will be back in disaster, the EPA has documented 132 cases firmed case,” Rosenow said. “This is a new most serious threat left to Obama’s law. The believe the administration can meet or sur- court to force coal plants to clean up their ash in which coal-fired power plant waste dam- virus, and we are still learning.” dumps and start disposing of their toxic aged rivers, streams and lakes, and 123 where The health department declined to identify case, King v. Burwell, will be argued in early pass that goal through a combination of March. The health care law provides taxpayer- returning customers and people signing up waste safely,” said EarthJustice attorney Lisa it has tainted underground water sources, in the victim of the virus or provide details about Evans. Added Scott Slesinger of the Natural many cases legally. The EPA said the steps the case, saying it was protecting the privacy subsidized private insurance to people who for the first time. The law prohibits insurers don’t have access to coverage through their from turning people down because of health Resources Defense Council: “Unlike the they were taking would protect communities of the patient and family members. The majority of environmental standards - which from the risks associated with coal ash waste jobs. Plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case reasons. Virtually all Americans must have department said there’s no specific vaccine or are backstopped by federal enforcement - sites and hold the companies operating them argue that the law, as written, only allows coverage or face fines. treatment for the disease from the Bourbon this rule all but leaves people who live near accountable. “It does what we hoped to virus but described the risk as “minimal” during subsidies in states that have established their This year, as the law’s coverage expansion coal ash dumps to fend for themselves.” accomplish ... in a very aggressive but reason- the winter, given health officials’ belief that it is own insurance markets. Supporters of the law went into full swing, the number of uninsured The coal industry supported the less strict able and pragmatic way,” EPA Administrator transmitted through tick or insect bites. The say that while the text may be confusing, people fell by more than 10 million. In addi- classification, arguing that the ash wasn’t Gina McCarthy said. The rules will increase health agency also suggested the same pre- Congress clearly intended to subsidize cover- tion to subsidized private insurance for the dangerous, and that a hazardous label would monitoring for leaks and control blowing cautions outdoors for avoiding other tick- and age in all 50 states. middle class, the law offers an expanded hinder the ash recycling market. About 40 dust, and require companies to make testing insect-borne illnesses. Those include using Burwell wouldn’t outline any contingency Medicaid program for low-income people in percent of coal ash is reused, in products results public. They also set standards for insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and plans in the event the court rules against the states that agree to it. Open enrollment ends such as cement. In Tennessee, the spill hap- closing waste sites, and require those that are pants, and avoiding wooded and busy areas administration. “We believe that our position Feb 15. — AP pened when a containment dike burst at the structurally deficient or tainting waterways to with high grass or leaf litter. — AP Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston Fossil close.—AP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Hepatitis patients often ‘fall off’ the treatment path

NEW YORK: Many people with hepatitis C end up not receiving adequate treatment, because they lose their way through the medical system during the early stages of their care, researchers say. In Philadelphia, only about 2 percent of patients thought to be infected with the hepati- tis C virus end up receiving treatment, health department officials there estimated. “It’s a serious problem,” said the study’s lead author Kendra Viner. “There are actions that need to be taken at every level to move people through the continuum.” Viner is the coordinator for the Hepatitis C Surveillance Program at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. PENNSYLVANIA: In this July 19, 2010 file photo, blood is collected during a UNITED STATES: (FILES) This April 2, 2003 file photo shows a Red Cross worker as she At least one percent of Americans are chroni- blood drive at Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie. — AP prepares to take blood from an unidentified male donor in Escondido. — AFP cally infected with the hepatitis C virus, accord- ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hepatitis C infects the liver and is typically transmitted by exposure to infected FDA to ease ban on blood blood. If left untreated, it can lead to liver dam- age, liver failure and cancer, according to the CDC. Hepatitis C is one of the major reasons why people get liver transplants. donations by gay men By pairing data from Philadelphia’s compre- hensive hepatitis C monitoring program with national data, the researchers estimated that WASHINGTON: Federal officials have moved closer to said current research does not support reducing the Campaign, the largest US gay rights group. The US roughly 47,000 individuals - or about 3 percent of overturning a decades-old ban on blood donations donation ban below the one-year mark, though the blood banking system already bars donations from peo- Philadelphia’s 1.6 million residents - are infected from gay and bisexual men, but activists say the pro- agency may consider changing the timeframe. ple who have had sex with a prostitute or an intra- with hepatitis C. posed alternative would continue to stigmatize men “We’re committed to re-evaluating the blood donor venous drug user in the past 12 months. While the city - like most - requires that hepa- who have sex with men. The Food and Drug deferral policy in the future as new scientific evidence The FDA implemented the lifetime ban on donations titis C cases be reported to the health depart- Administration said Tuesday it will recommend lifting becomes available, but at this time we simply don’t from men who have sex with men in 1983, when health ment, it only received positive test results from the lifetime ban early next year, replacing it with a poli- have the evidence,” Marks said in a teleconference with officials were first recognizing the risk of contracting 13,596. Of those, only about half went on to have cy barring donations from men who have had sex with reporters. According to government figures, men who AIDS via blood transfusions. Under the policy, blood their infection confirmed with another test. Of another man in the previous 12 months. The change have had sex with other men represent about 2 percent donations are barred from any man who has had sex those who received the confirmation test, less would overturn a 31-year-old policy that many medical of the US population, yet account for at least 62 percent with another man at any time since 1977 - the start of than a third were in care, but only about 15 per- groups and gay activists say is no longer justified, given of all new HIV infections in the US the AIDS epidemic in the US. cent - less than 1,000 people - were receiving advances in HIV testing. The push for a new policy gained momentum in treatment. “It just gets more and more sparse,” But activists questioned whether requiring a year of Lifetime ban 2006, when the Red Cross, the American Association of Viner said. celibacy from gay men amounted to a significant policy The American Red Cross estimates the risk of getting Blood Banks, and America’s Blood Centers called the shift. “Some may believe this is a step forward, but in an HIV-positive blood donation is one in 1.5 million. ban “medically and scientifically unwarranted.” Last year Blood sample reality, requiring celibacy for a year is a de facto lifetime About 15.7 million blood donations are collected in the the American Medical Association voted to oppose the Her team’s results, first released online in the ban,” Gay Men’s Health Crisis, a New York-based non- US each year. Despite the shift in approach from the policy. Patient groups that rely on a safe blood supply, journal Hepatology in late October, will be pub- profit that supports AIDS prevention and care, said after federal government, gay advocates said Tuesday that including the National Hemophilia Foundation, have lished in an upcoming print issue of the journal. the announcement. requiring a year of abstinence from gay and bisexual also voiced support for dropping the ban. The switch in Viner said there are ways to increase the number The blanket ban dates from the early years of the men was unrealistic and not supported by science. policy could increase the US blood supply by 2 to 4 per- of people receiving care, including doctors test- AIDS crisis and was intended to protect the blood sup- “This new policy cannot be justified in light of cur- cent by making 2 million additional men eligible to ing the right people for the virus. ply from what was a then little-understood disease. But rent scientific research and updated blood screening donate, according to researchers at UCLA’s Williams The government-backed US Preventive many medical groups, including the American Medical technology,” said David Stacy of Human Rights Institute.-AP Services Task Force recommends that adults at Association, say the policy is no longer supported by increased risk for infection, such as injection drug science. Australia, Japan, the UK and many other coun- users, should be tested. Also, adults born tries previously moved to a one-year period. The agency between 1945 and 1965 should be tested once. will recommend the switch in draft guidelines early Argentine prosthetic arm 1st in Also, Viner said, doctors should order a specific next year and move to finalize them after taking com- test that only requires one blood sample to do ments from the public, FDA officials told reporters. FDA Aregion to read muscle impulses both the initial and confirmation testing. Deputy Director Dr Peter “Then it’s also improving surveillance across ARGENTINA: A laboratory in the Argentine farm capital Santa Fe. “The impulse is sent to a micro- the board of this disease,” she said. New drugs, Blood supply province of Santa Fe has developed what it calls controller that relays the signal to a motor that which are much more effective at knocking out Marks declined to give a timeframe for completing the first prosthetic arm in Latin America to use moves the hand,” Vicario added. the virus without severe side effects, may also the process but said, “We commit to working as quickly sensors to respond to nerve impulses at a price He said the price of the prosthetic, scheduled to help in the long run, Viner said. “I think the treat- as possible on this issue.” Marks said some of the most that could radically expand the use of such hit the market next year, will be about $22,000, ments are fantastic,” she said. “As long as we get compelling evidence for changing the policy comes devices. The bionic skeleton of the prosthetic has a versus the average $47,000 fetched by similar people to that stage in the cascade, the outlook from Australia, which put in place a one-year ban on flexible claw-like hand consisting of a thumb, devices already on the market. Bioparx hopes the is very good.” donations over a decade ago. Recently published stud- index and middle finger. It is covered with a lifelike relatively low cost will induce insurance compa- Past research suggests that advances in treat- ies showed no change in the safety of the blood supply glove that can sport rings, bracelets, nail polish, nies to include the device in their coverage plans. ment and increased screening may reduce the after making the switch. anything to lend a normal look while allowing After years using a clunky mechanical prosthet- burden of hepatitis C from about one in 100 Additionally, studies conducted by the US govern- wearers to perform such tasks as writing and ic that allowed little dexterity, 53-year-old Stella Americans to about one in 1,500 by 2036. Viner ment suggest gay and bisexual men are actually more washing dishes. Azambullo, who lost her right arm in an industrial said Philadelphia is currently using this data to likely to abide by donation guidelines under a 12- “It detects electrical signals that are generated accident, has been testing the device over the last look at the burden of the virus in specific area month prohibition period. All blood donors take a ques- by the muscles at the point of contact between two years. “It’s nice to be able to do things that I within the city. “We can use that to work with our tionnaire about their health and sexual behavior, but the arm and the prosthetic,” said engineer have not been able to, mainly stuff around the prevention team here to coordinate education some gay men reportedly answer inaccurately to Sebastian Vicario, who is working on the project house,” she told Reuters. “I can finally move freely. efforts and additional screening campaigns,” she donate blood. All US blood donations are screened for for Bioparx Health Technology, based in provincial Not 100 percent, but mostly.”— Reuters said. — Reuters HIV but the testing only detects the virus after it’s been in the bloodstream about 10 days. Still, FDA officials WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Prizes awarded in ongoing ‘Joyalukkas Festival of A Million’ promotion

he mega winning opportunity at prizes where distributed to winners on 18 ‘Joyalukkas Festival of a Million’ has December. Treceived an overwhelming response from “It’s a pleasure to see such an overwhelming customers across GCC, Singapore and Malaysia. response for Joyalukkas Festival of a Million. It’s The second set of winners, of the 60-day cam- the season of giving and in addition to our spe- paign, was announced recently. cial designs for the festive spirit we are also The Joyalukkas Festival of a Million is offer- offering a bouquet of winnings and exciting ing shoppers the chance to win AED One mil- offers to reward our customers. We have lion in gift vouchers and 100,000 gold coins planned a big mix of offers so that there is against every purchase worth KD50 at any something for all types of jewelry buyers,” said Joyalukkas Jewellery showrooms. In addition to Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group. this some attractive offers are being offered to John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, customers at Joyalukkas such as, exchange old Joyalukkas Group congratulating the winners gold jewelry for new and 10 percent cash back on this occasion said, “During the 60-day dura- on every purchase of diamond and polki jewel- tion of the Joyalukkas Festival of A Million in ry. The lucky winners were picked by Ahmed Al addition to getting the big win opportunity, Mohammed from the Ministry of Commerce, shoppers can also avail an attractive exchange Kuwait in the presence of Joyalukkas officials of old gold jewelry for new and 10 percent cash and various customers at Panasonic Tower, back on every purchase of diamond and polki Kuwait Main branch on 14 December, and the jewelry.”

Lulu further boosts presence in Saudi Arabia 112th hypermarket opened in Riyadh

iddle East retail major Lulu Group located in Khurais Road in Riyadh. one roof. Lulu’s winning formula of value for opened its newest hypermarket at The 240,000 square feet hypermarket will money quality shopping will be a matter of MExit-30 Khurais road, further boost- showcase a fresh food section comprising delight for the residents of Riyadh who will ing its retail presence in the Kingdom. fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish cherish the pleasurable shopping experience The 112th Lulu Hypermarket was inaugu- and hot and cold ready-to-eat food, it also and the economy it offers. rated by Prince Saud Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul has a huge area dedicated to department The hypermarket also houses Sparkys, the Aziz in the presence of H E Hamid Ali Rao, store items such as electronics, IT products, Family Entertainment , Darbar Restaurant - India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom, Prince home appliances, sports, stationery, furnish- Authentic Indian Fine Dining, Coffee Shops, Bandar Bin Khalid Al Saud, Yusuff Ali MA, ings and furniture and fashion brands for Accessories, Arabic, Oud, Perfumes, Watches, Managing Director of Lulu Group, Kamel S Al ladies, gents and kids, and 40 cash counters Mobiles, Gifts & Accessories apart from ATM’s, Munajjed, Chairman Saudi-India Joint to ensure hassle- free shopping experience Money Exchange and Pharmacy. Business Council, Saifee T Rupawala, CEO, for shoppers. “We are very clear in our approach to Asharaf Ali MA, Executive Director and This hypermarket is expected to become expansion I am very confident about the eco- Shehim Mohammed Regional Director of the shopping destination of choice for resi- nomic situation of Saudi Arabia and have full Lulu Group. dents of Riyadh. In addition, and in true tradi- trust in the visions of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Prominent businessmen, government and tion of Lulu stores across the Gulf, the hyper- Aziz and we are fully committed to continue municipality officials and other dignitaries market will feature the widest choice of world our forwards march”, said Yusuff Ali MA after were also present on the occasion. A large class brands at the fairest prices and also the inauguration. Lulu will open eight more number of local and expat crowd also wit- offers a whole world of shopping with a good hypermarkets in different parts of the nessed the opening event. The new store is selection of brands and product lines under Kingdom in the next 24 months, he added.

Cancer Aware Nation (CAN) held the closing ceremony of the breast cancer campaign for 2014 earlier in the week in cooperation with the Education Ministry. The ceremony was under the patronage Sheikha Hussa Saad Al-Abdallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. The slogan of the campaign was “you deserve our care”. Kala (Art) office bearers aison Joseph is new Kala president, Babu Safvat and Johny Kalamchal Vice Presidents. Ragesh PD General Secretary and JMustafa K Joint Secretary. A Mohanan treasurer, Sunil Kumar Social & Cultural Secretary, Vibin Kalabhavan Arts Secretary, Santhosh OM Sports Secretary, Aneesh Varghese Literary Secretary, K Hassan Koya Media Coordinator, Mukesh V P for Web & News, Samkutty Thomas for Public Relation. Executive members Sameer P P, K Aboobacker. Rathidas K. V., Suresh Alzoor, Tasleena Najeeb, P. K. Sivakumar, Shaji K. V., Aneecha Shyjith. Bharathan E. C. and Rijo K. S. as Auditors. Advisory Board Members Bhaskaran, K. Sadik, Renuka Bhaskaran & Santhosh Joseph.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On AG Church Kuwait releases souvenir should be minimum 200dpi. ssemblies of God Church Kuwait Released a Souvenir in mem- Welcome speech was given by Jiju Koshy and the Vote of thanks Articles must be in plain text and ory of their 40 years completion in Kuwait during the was given by K C David. AAthmamari 2014 conventions, which was conducted from A special seminar for women was conducted on December 13 should include name and phone December 10 to 13 at the NECK Kuwait City. The conventions were Saturday in GTJ hall Abbassiya, This meeting was coordinated by V C numbers. Articles and photos that inaugurated by Rev. Warren Reeve and it was presided by Rev K P John and Thankamma John, Getzial Mohan was the guest speaker Cherian. The National Evangelical Church Common Council President for this meeting. fail to meet these requirements will Rev Ammanuel Ghraeb released the Souvenir which contains the 40 Several church leaders from Kuwait attended the Athmamari not be published. years history of the church. Rev. David Mohan who is the 2014 conventions which was conducted in remembrance of 40 Superintendent of AG India and the Vice President of World AG years completion of AG church service in Kuwait. Our worship service Please send them to Fellowship was the chief guest speaker. is held every Friday at 09:45 am to 12:15 noon in hall of Peace N.E.C.K. During the convention, a memento was given to honor Rev You are invited to come and be blessed. For more Information you [email protected] Emmanuel Ghareb, Rev Warren Reeve, Rev D Mohan, Rev K P may call- 97586988,66570758 or E-mail: Cherian, K P Koshy, M Mathews, Philly Koshy and Getzial Mohan. [email protected], www.agchurchkuwait.com WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Ooredoo joins International Women Group to plant in Yarmouk Park Kuwait’s first eco-friendly park

n continuing its efforts in the field of environ- wives of diplomats as well activists and digni- the UN Habitat Program in opening Yarmouk kind gesture to be their partner in celebrating inside the park. The event was also attended by ment activism, Ooredoo gave a guided tour taries. Attending on behalf of Ooredoo, Senior Eco-Friendly Park, the first of its kind in Kuwait. World Cities Day last November, which was the primary school students from Badr Al-Refai Ito a delegation from the International Manager of Brand in the Group Al-Mukhaizeem stressed that such an activity is same day the park was inaugurated. School and Zahra Al-Bahar School, who partici- Women Group in Yarmouk Park as part of a day Communications Division Fatima Al- aligned with the company’s vision of working to The visiting delegation last week planted pated in planting in the park and gave a brief out hosted by the Mayor of Yamrouk, Abdulaziz Mukhaizeem briefed the audience on the efforts enrich the community.She noted that the com- trees that represent their cultures, tagging presentation on the importance of gardens in Al-Meshari. The event was also attended by the of Ooredoo with the Governorate of Asmah and pany was selected by UN Habitatin a first-of-its- them with their names in a designated corner suburbs.

Al Corniche Fitness Convention At the convention

Speakers with the General Manager A speaker at the Convention Registration desk Fitness Convention event held for the 7th year at Al Corniche Club

l Corniche Club was host to international health and These presenters included: Frank Furness (International Delegates at the conference came from many different Medical Center. Al Corniche Club General Manager, Gerard fitness experts for the seventh consecutive year. The Motivational Speaker, Sales Trainer and Best Selling Author), health clubs in Kuwait including Marina Hotel, BFit Club, Oliver, was pleased with the success of the conference. “We Afour speakers delivered seminars to a wide range of Paul Bedford (Retention Guru & regular speaker at IHRSA, Golds Gym, Radisson SAS, Spark Athletic, Sheraton, Costa are privileged to have benefitted from such excellent speak- Kuwait’s health and fitness professionals and major players LIW and FIA Flame Conferences), Bridget Rosser Del Sol, Challenge Health Club, Gust University, Private ers with expertise gained worldwide - their knowledge will in the industry on how to improve the awareness of health (Management Consultant in the UK & Certified DISC Trainer) Trainers, Al Corniche Members and Al Corniche Team. The help us to build the fitness industry here in Kuwait. It was and wellness in Kuwait and offer valuable insights of how to and Duncan Green (Managing Director and Principal event was sponsored by Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbhani also a great opportunity to network with managers and build on their expertise and advance their businesses. Consultant for MomentumBD Ltd). Motors Co. and co-sponsored by Oredoo and Yiaco Apollo trainers from other Clubs.”

he 3rd stage of Senthamizhkalaimandram Jayaparvathi which was continued by a superb intro- tional speech for the audience in title karuthanakad- and Ila Karthikeyan. The crowd was filled with joy Geetha, Brahadheeswaran won the prize. Parents of Kuwait was celebrated on 5/12/2014 Friday at ductory speech about the special guest ayabalan by haiketpom. Divyaraju gave beauty tips and Kavitha when the talent Thiramaikku Oru Medai started. The SKM member Jayaraj was felicitated by the SKM TMangaf. The Program started with Deputy secretary Rameshkumar and the guest was gave medical tips as a part of Mangayarulagam. young genius Boys and Girls sparkled the stage with admin Finally the audience was heart filled with joy by Thamizhthaivaazhthu. Welcome address was given by garlanded with shawl by secretary for communication A kaviarangam was conducted in honour of songs, speech and fired with dances. the wonderful performance by the singers of SKM. enugopalaswamy. Vice president Murugesan com- Gunara mesh. Umadevi briefly elaborated about Bharathiyar as his Birthday special which was headed Vijalakshmi greeted the members of SKM celebrat- The Program came to end with vote of thanks by sec- pared the programme in a excellent way. thirukural in her speech in a simple way which was by Sivasankaran and participated by SKM Treasurer ing birthday and Their Wedding Anniversary this retary Surajkumar followed with a delicious buffet Senthamizhmandram theme song was sung by selvi enjoyed by childrens also. Rajasundari gave a inspira- Poets Subramanain, poets Virudhaipari, Kavisekaran month. Kelvi lnge Bathil Yengye was conducted by lunch. TV PROGRAMS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

02:55 Coronation Street 06:30 NFL Gameday 18:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 03:50 The Royal Variety 07:00 Super Rugby Final Highlights 18:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales Performance 2014 07:30 Currie Cup Final Highlights 19:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 06:10 The Chase 08:00 ITM Cup Final Highlights 19:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 00:20 Magic Of Science 00:05 Chopped 07:05 The Royal Variety 08:30 Super League Final 20:00 ICC Cricket 360 00:45 Magic Of Science 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes Performance 2014 Highlights 20:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 01:10 Close-Up Kings 01:45 Chopped SA 09:20 Breathless 09:00 NRL Final Highlights 22:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 02:35 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 10:15 Four Weddings UK 09:30 Rugby League Final 23:00 Big Bash League T20 02:50 Storage Hunters 03:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 11:10 Emmerdale Highlights Highlights 03:15 Container Wars 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 12:00 Coronation Street 10:00 Women’s Rugby World Cup 03:40 Dukes Of Haggle 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 12:30 The Hungry Sailors Highlights 04:05 How It’s Made 04:40 All You Can Meat 13:25 The Chase 10:30 PDC World Darts 04:30 How It’s Made 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 14:20 Holiday: Heaven On Earth Championship 05:00 Treehouse Masters 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 14:45 Four Weddings UK 15:30 Ryder Cup Official Film 05:50 Siba’s Table 15:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 17:00 NFL Gameday 06:00 Wheeler Dealers 00:45 I Spy 06:10 Sweet Genius 16:30 Tricked 17:30 Super Rugby Final Highlights 06:50 Robson Green’s Extreme 02:30 Pearl Harbor 07:00 Cooking Christmas With Matt 17:25 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 18:00 Currie Cup Final Highlights Fishing Challenge 05:30 Speak-U And Lisa Dogs... 18:30 ITM Cup Final Highlights 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 07:00 The Juror 07:25 Cooking Christmas With Matt 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:00 Women’s Rugby World Cup 08:30 Storage Hunters 09:00 Fun With Dick And Jane And Lisa 19:10 Coronation Street Highlights 08:55 Container Wars 10:30 The Nightmare Before 07:50 Cooking Christmas With Matt 19:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:30 Super League Final 09:20 Dukes Of Haggle Christmas-PG And Lisa 20:30 Tricked Highlights 09:45 How It’s Made 11:45 The Horse Whisperer 08:15 Cooking Christmas With Matt 21:25 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 20:00 NRL Final Highlights 10:10 How It’s Made 14:30 What Women Want-PG And Lisa Dogs... 20:30 Rugby League Final 10:35 Troy 16:45 The Haunted Mansion 08:40 Cooking Christmas With Matt 22:20 Coronation Street Highlights 11:25 Magic Of Science 18:15 Speak-U And Lisa 22:50 Emmerdale 21:00 NHL 11:50 Magic Of Science 20:00 Up-PG 09:05 Food Network’s Christmas 23:45 Four Weddings UK 23:00 NFL Gameday 12:15 Close-Up Kings 21:45 Stepmom 13:05 Storage Hunters Kitchen 23:30 European Senior Tour 13:30 Container Wars 09:30 Food Network’s Christmas Highlights 13:55 Dukes Of Haggle Kitchen 14:20 Robson Green’s Extreme 09:55 Jeni Barnett’s Christmas Fishing Challenge Hamper 00:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 10:20 Jodie Prenger’s Christmas Odyssey 00:00 ITM Cup Final Highlights 16:00 Fast N’ Loud Cracker 00:00 According To Jim 01:00 The Known Universe 00:30 Super League Final 16:50 How It’s Made 10:45 Spicy Christmas With 00:30 Castle 02:00 Mega Factories: Supercars Highlights 17:15 How It’s Made Thomasina Miers 01:30 Grey’s Anatomy 03:00 Diggers 01:00 NRL Final Highlights 17:40 Treehouse Masters 11:10 Siba’s Festive Table 02:30 Army Wives 03:30 Diggers 01:30 Rugby League 4Nations Final 18:30 Airplane Repo 11:35 Jodie Prenger’s Christmas 03:30 MasterChef Australia 04:00 Doomsday Preppers Highlights 19:20 Street Outlaws Feast 04:30 Bones 05:00 Beyond Magic With Dmc 02:00 Futbol Mundial 20:10 Container Wars 12:00 Jonathan Phang’s Caribbean 05:30 How I Met Your Mother 06:00 Naked Science 02:30 NFL Gameday 20:35 Dukes Of Haggle Christmas 05:55 How I Met Your Mother 07:00 The Truth Behind 03:00 Live NFL 21:00 Airplane Repo 12:25 Rosemary Shrager’s Classic 06:30 Dirty Sexy Money 08:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime 06:00 Trans world Sport 21:50 Street Outlaws Christmas 07:30 The Walking Dead Odyssey 07:00 V8 Supercars Highlights 22:40 The Fighters 12:50 Giada’s Family Christmas 08:30 Castle 09:00 The Known Universe 08:00 V8 Supercars Highlights 23:30 Airplane Repo 13:40 John & Edd’s Christmas Bakes 09:30 According To Jim 14:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 10:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 09:00 WWE Vintage 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy Basics 11:00 Ancient Megastructures 10:00 WWE Experience 11:00 Army Wives 14:30 Cooking Christmas With Matt 12:00 Ape Man 11:00 WWE Afterburn 12:00 MasterChef Australia And Lisa 13:00 Jurassic C.S.I. 12:00 WWE Superstars 13:00 Bones 14:55 Cooking Christmas With Matt 14:00 Predator CSI 13:00 WWE Smackdown! 14:00 How I Met Your Mother And Lisa 15:00 Situation Critical 15:00 WWE Vintage 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 16:00 Light At The Edge Of The 16:00 NHL 15:00 Dirty Sexy Money 00:00 Untold With Maria 15:20 Cooking Christmas With Matt World 18:00 WWE Bottomline 16:00 The Walking Dead Menounos And Lisa AFTER EARTH ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 17:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 19:00 WWE NXT 17:00 Grey’s Anatomy 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 15:45 Cooking Christmas With Matt 18:00 Hard Time 20:00 WWE Main Event 18:00 Army Wives 01:25 Keeping Up With The And Lisa 14:30 Melissa & Joey 04:15 Vehicle 19-PG15 11:00 Saving Santa-PG 19:00 Situation Critical 21:00 Champions Tour Year in 19:00 MasterChef Australia Kardashians 16:10 Cooking Christmas With Matt 15:00 Baby Daddy 06:00 Recoil-PG15 13:00 Epic-PG 20:00 Light At The Edge Of The Review 20:00 Private Practice 02:20 E! News And Lisa 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 08:00 Ghostbusters II-PG 15:00 The Legend Of Hercules- World 22:00 WWE Bottomline 21:00 According To Jim 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 16:35 Food Network’s Christmas Stewart 10:00 Into The Blue-PG15 PG15 21:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 23:00 WWE NXT 21:25 According To Jim 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Kitchen 16:00 The Colbert Report 12:00 Chain Reaction-PG15 17:00 Frozen-PG 22:00 Hard Time 22:00 No Ordinary Family 04:10 THS 17:00 Food Network’s Christmas 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 19:00 The Internship-PG15 23:00 Ancient Megastructures 23:00 The Walking Dead 05:05 Pop Innovators Kitchen 18:00 The Neighbors 16:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 21:00 The Best Man Holiday-PG15 06:00 Keeping Up With The 17:25 Jeni Barnett’s Christmas 18:30 Last Man Standing 18:00 Recoil-PG15 23:00 Flight-18 Kardashians Hamper 19:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 20:00 Escape From L.A.-PG15 06:55 Keeping Up With The 17:50 Jodie Prenger’s Christmas 19:30 Young & Hungry 22:00 After Earth-PG15 Cracker 00:30 Australia v South Africa T20I Kardashians 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 00:00 American Pickers 18:15 Spicy Christmas With 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Highlights 07:50 Style Star Jimmy Fallon 01:00 American Pickers Thomasina Miers Stewart 01:00 Kong Return To The Jungle 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 08:20 E! News 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 02:00 Duck Dynasty 18:40 Siba’s Festive Table 01:00 The Colbert Report 02:45 Barbie In A Christmas Carol 02:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 09:15 Giuliana & Bill Stewart 00:00 Shrek The Third-FAM 03:00 American Pickers 19:05 Jodie Prenger’s Christmas 01:30 Brickleberry 04:30 Legend Of Frosty The Highlights 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:30 The Colbert Report 02:00 Free Samples-PG15 04:00 American Pickers Feast 02:00 The League Snowman 03:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 11:10 Untold With Maria 22:00 Family Guy 04:00 12 Wishes Of Christmas-PG15 05:00 American Pickers 19:30 Jonathan Phang’s Caribbean 02:30 Mixology 06:00 Little Gobie Highlights Menounos 22:30 The League 06:00 All American Christmas 06:00 American Pickers Christmas 03:00 Raising Hope 08:00 Dragon Hunters 04:00 Australia v South Africa ODI 12:05 E! News 23:00 Mixology Carol-PG15 07:00 American Pickers 19:55 Rosemary Shrager’s Classic 03:30 About A Boy 10:00 Christmas Is Here Again Highlights 13:05 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 08:00 Storage Wars Christmas 04:00 Growing Up Fisher 11:30 Santa’s Magic Crystal 05:00 Australia v South Africa ODI Hamptons 10:00 Home Alone-PG 08:30 Storage Wars 20:20 Giada’s Family Christmas 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 13:00 Barbie In A Christmas Carol Highlights 14:05 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 12:00 12 Wishes Of Christmas-PG15 09:00 Storage Wars 21:10 John & Edd’s Christmas Bakes Jimmy Fallon 14:30 Khumba 06:00 Australia v South Africa ODI Hamptons 14:00 Something New-PG15 10:00 Storage Wars 21:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 05:30 Better Off Ted 00:00 Rake 16:00 The Elf Who Stole Christmas Highlights 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 16:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 10:30 Storage War Basics 06:30 My Name Is Earl 01:00 Switched At Birth 18:00 Christmas Is Here Again 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 Hamptons 18:00 The New Guy-PG15 14:30 Storage Wars 22:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 03:00 Supernatural 20:00 Niko 2: Little Brother, Big 07:30 LG ICC Awards 2014 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 20:00 Surviving Christmas-PG15 15:00 Storage Wars 22:50 Siba’s Table 08:00 Growing Up Fisher 05:00 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Trouble 08:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales Hamptons 22:00 Identity Thief-PG15 15:30 Storage Wars 23:15 Siba’s Table 08:30 Better Off Ted 06:00 Rake 22:00 Khumba 09:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 17:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 16:00 Storage Wars 23:40 Burger Land 09:00 Raising Hope 08:00 Bones 23:30 The Elf Who Stole Christmas 09:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales Hamptons 16:30 Storage Wars 09:30 Melissa & Joey 09:00 Switched At Birth 10:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 18:00 E! News 17:00 Storage Wars 10:00 Baby Daddy 11:00 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 19:00 E!ES 17:30 Storage Wars 10:30 My Name Is Earl 12:00 Emmerdale 11:00 Big Bash League T20 20:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 18:00 Storage Wars 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 12:30 Coronation Street Highlights Hamptons 01:30 European Senior Tour 18:30 Storage Wars Jimmy Fallon 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 01:00 Arthur Newman-18 12:00 Story of the World Cup 1992 21:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Highlights 19:00 Storage Wars 12:30 Growing Up Fisher 14:00 Bones 03:00 Stolen Child-PG15 13:30 Big Bash League T20 Hamptons 02:30 European Senior Tour 20:00 Storage Wars 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 13:00 Better Off Ted 15:00 Rake 05:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 Highlights 22:00 E! News Highlights 20:30 Storage Wars 01:30 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 13:30 My Name Is Earl 16:00 Emmerdale 07:00 Nebraska-PG15 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 23:00 Fashion Bloggers 03:30 European Senior Tour 21:00 Storage Wars 02:00 Emmerdale 14:00 About A Boy 16:30 Coronation Street 09:00 Phantom-PG15 15:00 Big Bash League T20 23:30 Fashion Bloggers Highlights 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 Lost Christmas-PG15 Highlights 22:00 Storage Wars 04:30 Fedex Cup Playoffs Official 18:00 Bones 13:00 Nebraska-PG15 16:00 LG ICC Awards 2014 22:30 Storage Wars Film 19:00 Switched At Birth 15:00 The Fifth Estate-PG15 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 23:00 Storage Wars 05:30 PGA Tour Highlights 20:00 The Flash 17:15 Phantom-PG15 17:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 23:30 Storage Wars 22:00 Survivor: San Juan Del Sur 19:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 23:00 Supernatural Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 21:00 The Invisible Woman-PG15 23:00 Drive-18

00:00 Franklin & Bash 00:15 Side Effects-18 01:00 Good Morning America 02:30 Before And After-PG15 03:00 Grimm 04:30 The Missing-PG15 04:00 The Knick 07:00 Hitchcock-PG15 05:00 Good Morning America 09:00 Cheerful Weather For The 07:00 Emmerdale Wedding-PG15 07:30 Coronation Street 11:00 Before And After-PG15 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 Blackfish-PG15 09:00 24 14:30 Citizen Gangster-PG15 10:00 Emmerdale 16:30 Cheerful Weather For The 10:30 Coronation Street Wedding-PG15 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:30 Goal II: Living The Dream- 12:00 Burn Notice PG15 13:00 Franklin & Bash 20:30 The Count Of Monte Cristo- 14:00 24 PG15 15:00 Live Good Morning America 23:00 Raging Bull-PG15 17:00 Burn Notice 18:00 Franklin & Bash 19:00 24 20:00 Burn Notice 21:00 Franklin & Bash 22:00 Grimm 00:00 Sinister-18 23:00 The Knick 02:00 The Pretty One-PG15 04:00 Lovestruck: The Musical- PG15 06:00 Legendary Amazons-PG15 00:00 Shooter 08:00 Peace, Love & 02:15 Road House Misunderstanding-PG15 04:15 Olympus Has Fallen 10:00 Blades Of Glory-PG15 06:15 Vehicle 19 11:45 42-PG15 08:00 Recoil 14:00 The Smurfs 2-PG 10:00 Ghostbusters II 16:00 Peace, Love & 12:00 Into The Blue Misunderstanding-PG15 14:00 Chain Reaction 18:00 Safe-PG15 16:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 20:00 Snitch-PG15 18:00 Vehicle 19 22:00 The Numbers Station-PG15 20:00 Recoil 22:00 Escape From L.A.

01:15 Age Of Heroes-PG15 03:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 05:00 The Butler-PG15 00:15 Road House-18 07:15 The Nut Job-FAM VEHICLE 19 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 02:15 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 09:00 Frozen-PG HOME ALONE ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD Classifieds

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Kuwait

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

SHARQIA-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM ANNIE 4:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM FANAR-1 ANNIE 9:45 PM ANNIE 11:30 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM ANNIE 2:00 PM ANNIE 4:30 PM SHARQIA-2 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM ANNIE 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM FANAR-2 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM SHARQIA-3 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:30 PM PADDINGTON 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM PADDINGTON 1:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM PADDINGTON 3:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM PADDINGTON 5:30 PM PADDINGTON 7:45 PM FANAR-3 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 10:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 11:30 AM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:45 AM PADDINGTON 1:45 PM PADDINGTON 3:45 PM MUHALAB-1 THE WATER DIVINER 5:45 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM PADDINGTON 8:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME ACCOMMODATION ANNIE 1:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:15 PM ANNIE 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM I, Utukuru Rama Gubbaiah, C/A room available from No: 16383 ANNIE 4:45 PM holder of Indian Passport Jan 25, 2015 for a decent MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:15 PM FANAR-4 No. J2020031 hereby couple or single lady in ANNIE 7:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM changed changed my Farwaniya beside Kabayan name to Utukuru Rama ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM supermarket for Filipinos Subba Reddy. Upparapalli ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM only. Call 66152130. Konduru Penagalur, 22-12-2104 INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM Kadapa, A.P. (C 4891) MUHALAB-2 INTO THE WOODS 9:45 PM 22-12-2014 INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM Prayer timings INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM I, Harsh Mehta, holder of INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM Indian Passport No. Fajr: 05:14 INTO THE WOODS 7:30 PM F3832096, resident of MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM FANAR-5 2559B, Gali No. 3, Rampura Shorook 06:39 INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM PADDINGTON 11:30 AM Mohalla, Hisar, Haryana, Duhr: 11:47 NO THU+FRI ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 1:30 PM India, have changed my INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM PADDINGTON 1:30 PM name from Harsh Mehta to Asr: 14:37 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 4:00 PM Harsh Ahuja. In future, I will be known as Harsh Ahuja. Maghrib: 16:55 MUHALAB-3 CHINNADANA NEE KOSAM -Telugu 3:30 PM (C 4892) Isha: 18:17 PADDINGTON 12:15 PM CHINNADANA NEE KOSAM -Telugu 6:30 PM 25-11-2014 PADDINGTON 2:15 PM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM PADDINGTON 4:15 PM CHINNADANA NEE KOSAM -Telugu 9:30 PM PADDINGTON 6:15 PM P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:15 PM 112

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 25/12/2014 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 KAC 502 Beirut 00:05 MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 Departure Flights on Thursday 25/12/2014 QTR 8647 Doha 15:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 THY 767 Istanbul 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 JZR 175 Dubai 15:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 NCR 630 OAI 16:00 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 JZR 156 Dubai 17:35 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 TSY 170 Bahrain 05:40 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 118 New York 18:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 QTR 1073 Doha 18:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:50 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 NCR 601 Dubai 19:00 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:55 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:50 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 104 London 19:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 JZR 174 Dubai 10:45 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 TBZ 5483 Mashhad 11:50 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 TSY 171 Bahrain 21:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 12:15 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 157 Dubai 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 QTR 8646 Doha 13:35 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 12:50 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 TAR 327 Tunis 13:05 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 THY 766 Istanbul 14:20 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 QTR 1072 Doha 14:20 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

CROSSWORD 765 STAR TRACK

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

You appreciate what is aboveboard and straightforward and have a par- This morning you enjoy a quiet morning. There is a little time to catch ticular distaste for anything that is secretive. You may be a bit stressed to up on your personal e-mail and to tend to some unfinished business complete and clear away some work this morning but as the day progresses you are as well. You may decide to take some time to clean out a few drawers and put your able to relax and see that much is accomplished. Before you leave your work you take desk or work space in top condition so that when you come back to work after a a great opportunity to talk to someone in the workplace that may seem to have some few days away, you will see all clean and a like new work space. There may be a few misunderstandings or problems with your work ideas. There is an opportunity to clear things that gain your attention but on the whole, you are feeling quite accom- the air of any problems or misunderstanding. You enjoy comfort and you enjoy keep- plished. After the work is done, all may gather for some social time. You are an ing a clean home-do allow yourself room to mess up a little now and then. You are excellent negotiator. You might send out for pizza and have a rap session in the coming into a more creative phase in your life and will enjoy spending time with a fun board room. Learn how people feel about certain programs or guidelines and ask craft project. for ways to improve the workplace.

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

You should be feeling very good about yourself and enjoying your par- Someone may disagree with you profusely concerning matters of con- ticular situation, as well as support from those around you. If you are at work today, vention. Some sort of temporary obstacle could appear. This could frus- this is the time you may find you and your work mates praising one another. Set the trate you. One of the heartening things about these kinds of cycles is that they don’t challenges aside for today . . . No points are counted today. One way to be prepared last too long. Keep your faith-and this too shall pass quickly. You may have a lot of fun for a smooth return to your work is to take notes of where you stopped and what this afternoon-there is a process of storytelling-perhaps in writing for children’s books. needs to be done when you return. After work you might enjoy some time with They will be a great success if you decide to publish them! You truly desire fun and your friends and the young people you work with. Visit, relax and have a few snacks should not hesitate to get to know new people and form new acquaintances. The before heading home in the traffic. If there are any family gatherings, offer your exchange of ideas becomes a focal point in your life now. Learning and knowing a lit- assistance. All should go smoothly. Make sure there is plenty of ice and plenty of tle about a lot of things satisfies a need for mental stimulation. Your talents are recog- places to park. nized.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Someone may assist you in figuring out how to proceed with some spe- You may find yourself very bold, possibly even a little bit headstrong cial plans or decisions regarding your life strategy. You may decide that and impatient, and could even go where angels fear to tread. This is a you want to dedicate some of your time to a volunteer group. Taking food to shut-ins time when you might just sit down and update your personal employee folder. Place a and joining a food drive are just a couple of subjects you may contemplate. It may sur- record of your successes and your ability to rise from any difficulties in that folder. Make notes on your unused talents and what you really enjoy most from your work. ACROSS Brazzaville. prise and please you to find that someone you are close to really understands and is supportive of your ideas. You may find yourself serving to guide someone younger Also, create a goals list by month. You will be very pleased with the results by the end 1. A long projecting or anterior elongation of an 5. A hospital unit staffed and equipped to pro- than you in matters of importance this day and in the future. Being a tutor for those of next year. The old tried-and-true has begun to bore you; therefore, you will be seek- animal's head. vide intensive care. that cannot afford it is commendable. Listen to a child this evening-there is an idea ing out new adventures, new and fun travel experiences. Being able to understand 4. Fit to kill, especially for food. 6. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by that has become embedded in the mind that needs the parent’s attention-perhaps those around you could have you enjoying a special time with someone you love this 12. A period marked by distinctive character or the anterior pituitary. you can give some guidance. evening. reckoned from a fixed point or event. 7. The act of losing. 15. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part 8. (of persons) Highest in rank or authority or of an organism. office. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Of or resembling or characterized by ichor or 9. A person who evokes boredom. Cancer (June 21-July 22) sanies. 10. Port city on Atlantic coast. You have lots of friends and today is one of those days when the phone You learn something new from your own work project today. This is a busy day 17. Being one more than eighteen. 11. Electronic warfare undertaken under direct keeps ringing. Later, you may be sought after for your ability to help with and last-minute ideas for your customers or clients have you hopping. Some sort 18. The Sustainer. control of an operational commander to a few commonsense situations. You will be able to take some time out to think though of money clip may come to your attention later today. This could have been a gift or it could just some methods or suggestions that would be helpful to others. Your personality proves be an idea when you notice a piece of jewelry that may have made up this money clip. With your 20. Leave immediately. locate sources of radiated electromagnetic creative talents, you can produce a similar item and take orders for more. Anything that will help 21. American prizefighter who won the world energy for the purpose of immediate threat invaluable when dealing with people. Perhaps this is in a religious setting and you are in the job of helping people. Nostalgia and domesticity plays a large part in helping people to remember to hold onto money would be good. Someone makes a child smile this heavyweight championship three times recognition. you to realize the importance of security and a feeling of having roots. Knowing that afternoon and you feel grateful to enjoy the moment. This may be a child that can hear better or (born in 1942). 12. Praise, glorify, or honor. you are wanted and needed on a private, personal and intimate level is very satisfying. one that is learning new words or taking those first few steps. Whatever the case, your special 22. (Greek mythology) A Titan who was forced 13. United States poet (1849-1916). Your family, home, relatives and real property all play a bigger part in your life now. day is fun and reminds you that it is time to set some goals. Enjoy the celebrations. by Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders. 14. Of or relating to or resembling an axis of 25. Towards the side away from the wind. rotation. 26. An ugly evil-looking old woman. 19. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celes- Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 28. A metrical unit with stressed-unstressed- tial point measured westward along the Leo (July 23-August 22) unstressed syllables. celestial equator from the zenith crossing. You could find appreciation coming from others because of their sympa- Others are appreciative of your great understanding and sensitivity to 33. A wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric 23. A soft white precious univalent metallic ele- thy and understanding about your needs. They seem to understand just their needs and feelings. You are in a good place emotionally to commu- with pictorial designs. ment having the highest electrical and ther- how you feel. It could almost be a mutual admiration society, as you too are aware of oth- nicate in relation to groups and society, as well. Working with youth groups or with ers’ needs, in much the same way. It seems easy for you to communicate regarding people that have sincere needs to heal will be most beneficial to you at this time. 36. Long green edible beaked pods of the okra mal conductivity of any metal. Teaching others how to relax and how to be focused on more than one person is a dif- plant. 24. A large body of water constituting a principal groups and the public at large. Being recognized in some special way is always nice, and you can expect a small boost of some kind now-either some extra support or recognition ficult but most important goal. This may be a church group, a twelve-step group or 38. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean part of the hydrosphere. from those around you. You may feel very much in touch and in harmony with others as even a group in the workplace that is under continuous pressure. A fun and fast game (below 6000 meters). 27. A public promotion of some product or serv- the lines of communication are wide open. All of the support that you need should be of scrabble, trivia or some board game fills your evening. Later tonight you and a 42. A unit of length of thread or yarn. ice. there for you now. Early bedtime this evening helps to rebuild your energy level. friend or loved one will calculate methods of increasing the budget; good luck. There are adjustments between want and need. 43. The blood group whose red cells carry both 29. The residue that remains when something is the A and B antigens. burned. 45. A special way of doing something. 30. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali 47. Chevrotain somewhat larger than the kan- earth group. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) chil. 31. An Arabic speaking person who lives in 48. A metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syl- Arabia or North Africa. You are looking forward to a bright and interesting future. You may feel There may be a tiny lazy streak that would like to surface today. This lables. 32. An unofficial association of people or groups. that there must be some changes made in your present way of doing things in order could cause you to ignore your responsibilities and do some socializing. to reach that future. Allowing yourself to step away from the work for a short while to However, reality has a way of rearing its head and you find you can simplify and com- 50. The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet. 34. Show a response or a reaction to something. enjoy the day and the people around you pays off big time. This is a period of opti- plete tasks in no time at all. There could be a sense of accomplishment that you had 52. A workplace for the conduct of scientific 35. Tall perennial herb of tropical Asia with dark mism and emotional stability, making it a good time to evaluate and modify existing not even considered. Whatever you decide to do to busy yourself this afternoon, you research. green leaves. relationships as well as your goals. Also, there may be opportunities to mend any diffi- will feel great support from others. This could be reorganizing a room or reading a 53. Cause to be bitter or resentful. 37. The Mon-Khmer language spoken in culties with loved ones. Take care when discussing emotional things. You are good to book. There is optimism, faith and a tendency to take chances at the deepest emo- 55. A great waterfall on the border between Cambodia. keep your number one rule in mind: to stay focused. This is the way you can save a sit- tional levels; a hot air balloon ride is possible. This is a time of exploring your feelings, a kind of restlessness for new emotional experience . . . Divine wanderlust, if you will. Brazil and Paraguay. 39. Surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989). uation from becoming difficult. You enjoy peace and quiet in the family. 58. English writer (1672-1729). 40. South American armadillo with three bands 59. A ribbon used as a decoration. of bony plates. 61. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. 41. A Bantu language spoken in southern Zaire. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 63. The Mongol people living the the central and 44. (Scottish) Bluish-black or gray-blue. eastern parts of Outer Mongolia. 46. Mentally or physically infirm with age. 67. The seed of the chickpea plant. 49. Trousers ending above the knee. 73. Evergreen trees or shrubs of mountains of 51. A highly unstable radioactive element (the Australia and Tasmania. heaviest of the halogen series). 74. Cold-water fish caught in Lake Superior and 54. Visionary British poet (1757-1827). northward. 56. Not known. 77. A master's degree in business. 57. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 78. On or toward the lee. 60. Being nine more than ninety. 79. Erect shrub with small if any spines having 62. A Mid-Atlantic state. racemes of white to yellow flowers followed 64. A subsidiary proposition that is assumed to by curved pointed pods and black shiny be true in order to prove another proposi- seeds. tion. 81. An adult male person (as opposed to a 65. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a woman). skewer usually with vegetables. 82. A youth subculture that began in London in 66. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan the early 1960s. River. 83. American statesman who promoted the 68. A town in Hawaii on the island of Hawaii. Marshall Plan and helped establish NATO 69. Made agreeably cold (especially by ice). (1893-1971). 70. Large burrowing rodent of South and 84. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from Central America. aba cloth. 71. A hormone produced by the anterior pitu- itary gland that stimulates the adrenal cor- DOWN tex. 1. Connected with or belonging to or used in a 72. The United Nations agency concerned with navy. civil aviation. 2. Selected as the best. 75. Water frozen in the solid state. 3. A city in northwestern Switzerland. 76. A caustic detergent useful for removing 4. The capital of the Democratic Republic of the grease. Congo on the Congo river opposite 80. A radioactive element of the actinide series. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: INTERNATIONAL Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 LIFESTYLE36 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Music & Movies Christmas Box Office: ‘The Interview’ eyes strong ticket sales in limited release

he Christmas box office for Sony’s “The Reese Witherspoon awards contender “Wild” star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Interview” will offer a case study on offers an illustration of strong performance by Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick and Twhether all publicity is good publicity. a recent limited release. It started with Chris Pine. It also has plenty of recognition Peter Jackson’s “Hobbit” finale and Disney’s $608,000 at 21 theaters on Dec 5-7, then from Stephen Sondheim’s musical having “Into the Woods” should battle for the top slot expanded to 116 on Dec 12-14, taking $1.53 been staged for well over two decades. for the holiday weekend in the US. But the key million, and went wider to 1,061 on Dec 19-21, Universal-Legendary’s “Unbroken” is looking at question for many will be how the James pulling in $4.1 million. a four-day opening in the $17 million to $19 Franco-Seth Rogen comedy delivers in limited million range at 3,120 North American the- release at several hundred independent the- Locked down aters. Directed by Angelina Jolie, the film stars aters. Sony could possibly see four-day grosses If “The Interview” can do per-screen busi- Jack O’Connell as of about $3 million for “The Interview.” The stu- ness similar to the second weekend of “Wild”- Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” dio is probably going to be handicapped by with a solid per screen average of $13,198 — Zamperini, who passed away earlier this year at the theaters in which it’s playing, which lack and gets over 200 locations, then it could reach the age of 97. Paramount’s Mark Wahlberg dra- the capacity of the major chains, and by having around $3 million. It’s a downbeat ending for ma “The Gambler,” a remake of the 1974 James told the world on Dec 17 that it wasn’t going to 2014 for major exhibitors, who are angry over Caan movie, will not break the bank. Tracking release the comedy at all. Sony’s plans for an imminent VOD release, shows that the film, opening at approximately Still, early reports indicate strong ticket though details are not yet locked down. The 2,400 locations, should gross $10 million to $12 sales for the theaters releasing the film, which top theater chains have long opposed collaps- million for the four days. The film’s budget is is now coming into the market with a con- ing windows on releases-and studios have $25 million, so “The Gambler” could break even sumer awareness unmatched in recent history. delivered a long string of prominent releases eventually for the studio. Indeed, “The Interview” saga has the earmarks this year that failed to meet expectations, lead- The Weinstein Co is opening Tim Burton’s of a movie itself — a massive hack attack and ing to a 5% decline in US box office. The sec- “Big Eyes” in a moderate release. Amy Adams threats of a 9/11-style attack, followed by Sony ond weekend of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the and Christoph Waltz star in the 1960s-set story pulling the release, President Obama rebuking Five Armies” is likely to lead with somewhere of the Walter Keane paintings. Paramount’s the studio and a scrappy group of indies will- around $30 million to $35 million, with “Into also launching civil rights drama “Selma” at 19 ing to play the movie despite a looming VOD the Woods” coming in second in the $27 mil- locations in New York, Los Angeles, release. lion to $29 million range from 2,440 theaters. Washington, DC, and Atlanta. The film, which “The Interview,” which was initially going to “Five Armies” grossed $9 million on has become an awards season frontrunner, will play on about 3,000 U.S. screens, is coming into Monday, leaving the New Line-MGM tentpole expand nationwide on Jan 9. The film’s Rotten the market with mixed reviews. It has a 52% with $98 million after six days in the US. The Tomato score is 100%. Warner Bros has a four- Brandon Delaney, general manager of the Plaza Theatre, in Atlanta, Ga, finishes “fresh” rating on the Rotten Tomatoes aggrega- “Hobbit” finale has already grossed $269 mil- screen launch for Clint Eastwood’s “American hanging the marquis Tuesday to announce that the theatre will be showing “The tor site-but the curiosity factor has probably lion overseas and should dominate interna- Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper. The locations Interview.” —AP been elevated significantly due to the barrage tional moviegoing. “Into the Woods,” which has include ArcLight’s Cinerama Dome in of recent news coverage. Fox Searchlight’s a relatively modest $50 million budget, has a Hollywood. —Reuters Jackie Chan Burton, Bonham expresses shame over Carter’s ‘amicable’ son’s drug charge split after 13 years ong Kong action film star Jackie Chan said he feels shame for his son, who has been indicted Hby Beijing prosecutors on a drug charge and irector Tim Burton and his long-time actress partner could be jailed for up to three years. The remarks, Helena Bonham Carter have separated after 13 reported yesterday by China’s official Xinhua News Dyears together, a spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday. Agency, came two days after authorities announced the A representative for Bonham Carter, the star of the “Harry indictment against Jaycee Chan, 32, who is charged Potter” movies and Oscar-winning films including “The with sheltering others to use drugs. The scandal has King’s Speech”, said the couple had split “amicably.” “Tim been particularly embarrassing for Jackie Chan, who Burton and Helena Bonham Carter separated amicably ear- was named by Beijing as an anti-drug ambassador in lier this year and have continued to be friends and co-par- 2009. ent their children,” publicist Karon Maskill said. Jackie Chan, who sits on China’s top national political “We would ask that you respect their privacy and that of advisory panel - the Chinese People’s Political their children during this time.” Bonham Carter, 48, and Consultative Conference - told Xinhua that he did not Burton, 56, have two children together but never married. use his connections to interfere with the case and that They met when Burton, whose films include “Batman”, he hopes his singer-actor son will become an anti-drug “Edward Scissorhands” and “Charlie and the Chocolate ambassador when he is released. Beijing police Factory”, directed Carter in 2001’s “Planet of the Apes.” detained the younger Chan at his Beijing apartment in Known for their quirky sense of style, Bonham Carter August along with Taiwanese movie star Ko Kai. Police revealed in a 2010 interview with Britain’s Radio Times that said Chan and Ko both tested positive for marijuana and the couple lived in separate but conjoined properties in admitted using the drug, and that 100 grams (3.5 London. “We see as much of each other as any couple, but our relationship is enhanced by knowing we have our per- sonal space to retreat to,” Bonham Carter said. “It’s not In this Monday, Dec 15, 2014 file photo, director Tim Burton, from left, Margaret Keane, actors Amy Adams enforced intimacy. It’s chosen, which is quite flattering-if and Christoph Waltz attend the “Big Eyes” premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. —AP you can afford it.” —AFP

Review ‘Selma’ a history lesson that throbs with today In this Jan 17, 2014 file photo, Hong Kong actor and director Jackie Chan signs auto- o say Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” feels relevant is a mammoth confrontations that would draw headlines. The toxic discrimination of graphs for fans during a promotional event understatement. It’s altogether animated, propelled and Selma, though, offers King the “drama” he requires to elevate the for his latest movie “Police Story 2014” in Tenlivened by its contemporary urgency. “Selma” is a history les- cause to front pages. Selma Sheriff Jim Clark (Stan Houston) and Seoul, South Korea. —AP son that throbs with today. DuVernay, a former publicist with two Alabama Governor George Wallace (an excellent Tim Roth) supply the low-budget dramas to her name, dramatizes the events around the racist brutality that plays right into King’s mission. A central theater of ounces) of it were taken from Chan’s home. 1965 Civil Rights march through Alabama, from Selma to “Selma” isn’t just the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where marchers were Ko, whose real name is Ko Chen-tung, was released Montgomery, with a straightness of purpose befitting the famous brutally beaten by baton-wielding police - it’s in the White House. File photo shows, Helena Bonham Carter and Tim protest’s direct path. Hollywood often doesn’t nail this kind of histori- King strategy is trying to pressure President Lyndon Johnson into act- after a 14-day administrative detention for the drug use, Burton at the 33rd London Critics Circle Film but Chan - who has remained in detention since August cal drama, and such films frequently sag under the weight of their ing on voting restrictions. LBJ, played with appropriate Texan cajoling - is faced with the more serious criminal charge. State intentions. But DuVernay, working from a script by Paul Webb, stays by Tom Wilkinson, wants to focus on poverty with his Great Society. Awards at the May Fair Hotel in London. —AP broadcaster CCTV in August aired video of the police away from the Martin Luther King Jr. biopic this might have been. (White House tapes suggest a more collaborative LBJ than shown in raid on Chan’s apartment, in which Chan was shown Eluding myth-making, she instead goes for a focused realism. “Selma” the film.) identifying marijuana in his possession. Ko testified on captures a movement, from the grassroots to the White House, and camera that he had used drugs at Chan’s home. CCTV the many it takes to move history. Shameful allegiances Bradley Cooper sets also said Chan told police that he has been using drugs “Selma” would pair well with Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” another It’s the political front of a battle gathering in Selma, where activists for eight years. atmospheric telling of history that cast an expansive gaze at the not- debate, plot and rally support. There’s argument over tactics: high targets in new In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that Compromise is an essential part of the movement seen in “Selma.” illegal drugs should be wiped out and that offenders Throughout, the film is charted by FBI field reports that tracked King’s should be severely punished. The crackdown snared activities. (Dylan Backer plays J. Edgar Hoover, sneering that he’ll “dis- film ‘American Sniper’ more than 7,800 people in Beijing alone, according to mantle” King’s family.) The subtitles are a constant, ominous reminder ctor Bradley Cooper is quick to say that “American Sniper,” his film police, and celebrities were targeted because of their of the movement’s sizable foes and the nation’s sometimes shameful about Navy Seal sharpshooter Chris Kyle, is not about the Iraq influence over the public. As the only son of Jackie allegiances. King is seen both intimately with his wife Coretta (Carmen Aconflict but an intimate character study of the harrowing impact Ejogo) and publicly from the pulpit, where Oyelow’s King is fullest. He’s of war on a soldier and his family. The dual Academy Award nominee, not a savior, but a wise man exercising the reaches of his power to the who is also a producer of the film, directed by Clint Eastwood, had best of his ability. As spectacular as Oyelow’s humanizing performance planned to collaborate with Kyle to bring his story to the big screen. ‘Star Trek 3’ to is, “Selma” is not the MLK show. King is more a savvy operator, gather- But Kyle, a former rodeo rider, survivor of four tours in Iraq and the ing together the strong forces around him. Like few movies, “Selma” is most lethal sniper in Navy history, was murdered near his Texas home by peopled, teaming with the individuals that comprise a mass. By the a disgruntled veteran before the two had a chance to meet. “It is a movie open in July 2016 time the protestors have assembled on the bridge for the 50 mile about what someone like Chris, a soldier, has to go through and the march, DuVernay has put us among them, from the future dilemma and the horror of it and the battle internally and with the family,” tar Trek 3,” the latest film in the intergalactic Congressman John Lewis (Stephan James) to the Reverend Hosea In this Wednesday, Nov 12, 2014 photo, Ava Cooper said about the film that opens on limited release on Christmas franchise featuring Captain Kirk and the crew of Williams (the impeccable Wendell Pierce, whose anxious eyes look at day and nationwide on Jan 16. DuVernay, left, director of the film “Selma,” and the amassed troopers with an unforgettable mix of fear and bravery). the USS Enterprise, will open in US theaters on Although Cooper never met Kyle, his wife gave the actor access to “S cast member David Oyelowo pose together at Particularly affecting is Keith Stanfield’s Jimmie Lee Jackson, the July 8, 2016, Paramount Pictures said on Tuesday. The personal emails the couple had exchanged during his tours in Iraq and the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. —AP 26-year-old who was shot by a trooper ahead of the march. It’s a death family videos that he found invaluable in finding the essence of the man. release will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the origi- - an unarmed black man - that telescopes the 50 years between then nal “Star Trek” series starring William Shatner as Kirk and “She opened up her life. We didn’t have to create anything with our imag- always-pretty grunt work that enabled the world to change. Early in and now with tragic immediacy. There’s a stirring freshness to the cine- ination, literally nothing. All we had to do was soak in what she gave us,” Leonard Nimoy as the pointy-eared First Officer Spock. the film, King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference tries to ma of “Selma,” and it’s not just because of Bradford Young’s rich, moody Cooper, a best actor nominee for “American Hustle” and “Silver Linings “Fast and Furious” director Justin Lin is set to direct the check into a Selma hotel, and a white man extends his hand only to photography. The 1978 TV miniseries “King” is the only real attempt to Playbook,” told a news conference. The film shifts between battle scenes latest film in the Star Trek franchise. The first two movies clock King in the jaw. “This place,” says one of King’s cohorts, “is per- grapple with MLK. There are shamefully few precedents of civil rights in Iraq, flashbacks to his childhood, and difficult homecomings as the were helmed by “Lost” TV show creator J.J. Abrams, who fect.” This is the Deep South after 1964’s landmark Civil Rights Act, but tales in Hollywood to “Selma.” A change is gonna come. “Selma,” a couple try to cope with the impact of Kyle’s experiences on their family. “It rebooted the franchise, based on the popular TV show and when poll taxes, vouchers and the like kept black people away from Paramount Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture is important to show their relationship, to show the dilemma that Chris earlier film adaptations. Abrams is directing “Star Wars: The the ballot box. In an early scene, an elderly hospice nurse named Association of America for “disturbing thematic material including vio- faced. It is his story,” said Sienna Miller, who plays Kyle’s wife in the come- Force Awakens” but will be a producer on the film. Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey) tries to register to vote, only be to lence, a suggestive moment, and brief strong language.” Running time: back role. Cooper, currently winning rave reviews on Broadway in a The “Star Trek’ films have earned more than $1.2 billion be warned of “startin’ a fuss.” She’s told to name Alabama’s 67 judges. 127 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four. MPAA definition of PG- revival of “The Elephant Man,” about the life of a disfigured 19th century King’s group arrives in Selma having just waged an unsuccessful 13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate at the US box office since 1979, according to boxofficemo- Briton, bulked up for the role and trained with live ammunition to get campaign in Albany, Georgia, where the police avoided the kind of for children under 13. —AP jo.com. —Reuters into the mindset of Kyle. —Reuters LIFESTYLE37 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Features Can Mesotherapy and PRP stimulate hair growth? esotherapy is suitable for everyone, they example, try not to use much hairspray/wax/gel on ing an incision on the patient’s scalp. The PRP therapy are vitamins, which help in having health- your hair, and try to avoid tying up your hair for long journey can last up to 3-9months, but of course, year- ‘Mier hair’ hours or during your sleep, as that can lead to a pre- ly follow ups an checks are needed to maintain the Hair loss or hair thinning is something many of us ceding hairline in the future. result of the procedure. suffer from, we can notice a change in our hair vol- Hormonal imbalances, lack of Magnum and zinc, These two procedures have caused a lot of contro- stress and having a poor diet can also have an effect versy in the medical world, only because a lot of on your hair’s health, however, hair loss or patients have extremely positive reviews about the hair thinning can sometimes be hered- procedures however there aren’t any formal, scientif- itary, which in this case the individ- ic studies that actually prove that Mesotherapy and ual really doesn’t have much of a PRP can actually stimulate hair growth in the long- say for this result. These individ- run. That being said, there is a lot of conflict in uals are more good candi- whether or not it is a temporary or permanent result dates to search for better that the patients are enjoying. solutions such as Personally, it’s a matter of preference. Im not a Mesotherapy for Hair Loss, specialist in this, and I haven’t studied about the and Platelet Rich Plasma issue, but I am very interested in reading up on these (PRP) for Hair Loss. issues, and just educating myself about the options What is Mesotherapy? that people have to solve many of their health-relat- Mesotherapy is a bald- ed problems. The way I see it, Mesotherapy is suitable ness treatment that triggers hair re-growth for both men and women. It can also delay the pattern of balding in men. Some of the signs that an individual needs to recognise before seeking Mesotherapy are; hair thinning, patchy hair loss and balding. The procedure includes having tiny needles injecting a cocktail of vitamins into the scalp’s surface. The vitamin boost to your scalp allows you to have better blood circulation in your scalp and

for everyone, at the end of the day, they are vitamins, which help anyone in having healthier hair and grow more hair. I don’t think this procedure is harmful at all, even to people who aren’t suffering from hair loss or hair thinning, but as for the PRP procedure, I feel it is more suitable for people who seriously suffer from balding. The platelets in your blood are more concen- trated to stimulate hair growth so the possibility of actually growing hair is higher, as it is more specified into doing so, but I think it is more painful than the ume or health from growing older or from having it Mesotherapy. run in the family. Fortunately, advanced technology Until next week! and science have gone so far in hopes to help people Fouz xo treat their balding scalp or thinning hair for both men and women. hair follicles, which results in better hair re-growth. Of course “extreme measures” shouldn’t be consid- The average number of sessions is five over the ered unless you know for sure that there’s nothing course of four to six months, but each person differs you can do to improve the health of your hair. Some from the other. Some of the advantages of going for of us girls don’t really understand that the small this option is that it is the least painful, you won’t be things we do on a daily basis now can really have a needing time to recover from the procedure, it huge negative impact on our hair in the long-run, for improves your overall mood and health, it’s been known to make people even look and feel better and younger, and there are no age limitations. On the other hand, there is a more complex option to go for if you have noticed a huge change in your hair, which is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, PRP. This procedure involves withdrawing blood from the patient, as if it was a normal blood test, and inserting it in a special machine that will spin the blood around for 15 minutes. This will separate your blood from clear blood plasma and concentrated rich plasma, and the concentrated platelets are what will be used on the patients scalp. The insertion of the platelets can vary from injecting it into the scalp using small needles, like the Mesotherapy procedure, or by mak-

Dumond celebrates Officine Panerai reopens its historic Brazilian women Florence boutique with Patricia Urquiola fficine Panerai is reopening and enlarging its historic boutique nspired by the happiness, sensuality, determination and irreverence of Oin Florence, the city in which Brazilian women, Dumond celebrates the country’s trademark diversity in the brand was founded, having com- Iits winter collection. The collection uses these memorable Brazilian traits for missioned the architect designer elements in the brand’s shoes, bags and accessories. Patricia Urquiola to carry out the proj- Thigh high boots are the best way to spice up your winter. This global ect. Situated in the centre of Florence, trend will certainly win over Brazilian ladies on the cold days. Another trend in the Piazza San Giovanni, facing the for the season is the cut out boots with tractor soles and and eye-catching city’s impressive Duomo, Officine metals. Panerai’s historic boutique is expanding To show off Brazilian women’s allure, straps and chains are featured on from an area of 58 to 285 square metres many styles, from the classic to the more innovative. Another highlight is and from one to four large display win- the gladiator boots with strategic cut outs and high heels, which make dows. women look even more fabulous. Pointed-toe slingback heels, along with The shop extends over two floors: clogs, are making a total comeback, which means ankles will remain on the ground floor, facing onto the piaz- display during the winter. za, and the floor above, with a wide The Brazilian mixture of ethnicities is depicted in the collection through the window providing a magnificent view exquisite blend of prints, the traditional woven effects, the eye-catching of the Baptistery. Patricia Urquiola, the metals and handcrafted leather trim. celebrated Spanish designer, has rein- the future, of design and technical a material of great visual impact which We couldn’t leave out the animal print, because Brazilian women love it! terpreted the aesthetic and technical expertise, perfectly respecting the phi- creates spectacular geometric patterns. We included exotic prints, like the colorful ostrich and hand-stitched codes of the watch house, while losophy of the brand which has As a recurrent element in all the Panerai python, as well as the classic leopard and zebra. Giraffe patterns, the sea- respecting the identity of the brand endured ever since the Panerai watch- boutiques, Urquiola has chosen brass, a son’s new sensation, will also be featured. and remaining faithful to the concept makers supplied precision instruments metal which recalls the world of the sea The whole collection has a vibrant color palette made up of new tones of of a workshop, where the history of to the specialist divers of the Italian and ships; this material is used for the ruby, emerald, tourmaline, rubellite and rutile. The intense, vibrant colors will Officine Panerai was born. Navy from the 1930s to the 1950s. tables and the lights, and in the spice up even the grayest of winters. The Florence boutique is actually Florence boutique the reception desk is Available at The Mall, The Avenues. unique, compared to all the other bou- Visual impact enclosed by multiple column-shaped December de 14 tiques designed by Urquiola, while at The Florence boutique has several elements of antiqued brass. the same time remaining consistent typical and unique elements: walnut On the ground floor, in the centre with the concept developed for the wood is a recurrent factor and it is used of the boutique, there is a large sign new or renewed Panerai shops in Paris, everywhere, from the coffered ceilings reading: “Bottega d’arte e archivio Hong Kong, New York and Miami. to the watch display cases and the storico” (“Workshop and historical Urquiola has managed to respect tradi- tables. For this boutique, Urquiola archive”). The boutique will be the only tion with a look that is nonetheless decided to use another element that is one in Italy with an exhibition area for modern and up-to-date, and she has typical of Italian tradition: the marble periodically displaying instruments found the ideal blend of the past and chosen for the floor is “striato olimpico”, from the Historic Museum that tell the story of the brand, as well as having an area for a watchmaker, who is available to carry out repairs and to help clients. The upper floor is devoted to spe- cial sales: here, the floor surface is “cot- to Fiorentino”, the classic terracotta tiles of Florentine tradition, and here historic exhibits are displayed: these include two pendulum clocks, one longcase clock and two lathes. With the opening of the new shops designed by Urquiola, Officine Panerai now has 64 boutiques in the world, five of them in Italy (two in Florence, one in Venice, one in Portofino and one in Milan). lifestyle THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Features

This photo provided by Crown Publishing shows the book In this April 13, 2009 photo, veterinarian Betsy Kennon, left, introduces Scooter, a therapy cat that uses a K-9 This undated photo provided by Lifetime shows Grumpy Cat, who cover”A Letter to My Cat” by Lisa Erzpamer. cart to get around, to toddlers Ayden Hastie, center, and Kai Smith, right, at The Children’s Home & Lemieux stars in the Lifetime network’s live-action film “Grumpy Cat’s Worst Family Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. Kennon contributed a story about Scooter in the book “A letter to My Cat.” Christmas Ever.” — AP photos Cat books: Purrfect holiday gifts for feline fans he felines are fighting back - on the bookshelf. Cats out- As the cat struggled to pull himself along, one of Kennon’s and useless, but I still get a lot of pleasure out of watching them lover, but the book hardly solves the age-old pet debate. number dogs in the US, but in bookstores, dog titles reign, workers stuck a plastic bowl under his rump to help smooth the unravel.” Tthe American Pet Products Association says. Fans insist way. The cat became known as Scooter, and the bowl gave way ‘Chicken soup for the soul: the cat did what?’ felines are getting more popular as they ride the coattails of to a kitty wheelchair. In the six years since, Kennon and Scooter ‘67 reasons why cats are better than dogs’ The leader in heartwarming stories rounds up 101 anecdotes Internet sensations like Grumpy Cat, Lil Bub and Nora, the piano- have visited thousands of patients at hospitals and nursing With a few good reasons and dozens of wacky ones, this from cat owners. Contributor Jan Bono writes that a veterinarian playing cat. For the cat lovers on your holiday list, several books homes. “For him, it’s not a handicap,” Kennon said. “This is the book supposedly explains why cats are better than dogs. For told her it’s normal for cats to eat plastic but most will quickly challenge the notion that pooches get more play. Here are four way life is and people take inspiration from him.” example, did you know cats are better companions, surfers and grow out of it. After a year and a half, Bono is still waiting. gift-worthy books where cats shine: chess players? Arguments are often deliberately outrageous or Sandwich bags, plastic wrap, fake Easter grass, toothbrushes, ‘The grumpy guide to life’ puzzling. Take surfing: Pictures show a dog on a longboard and combs - if any part of it is made of plastic, her cat Simon will ‘A letter to my cat’ Leading the pack of popular cat books is one from down-in- a cat on a keyboard, showing both “surfing.” munch on much of it. Actress Rosanna Arquette, model Kathy Ireland and animal the-dumps Grumpy Cat - “The Grumpy Guide to Life.” The kitty Author Jack Shepherd of BuzzFeed also claims cats are faster, The book was published in tandem with “The Dog Did behaviorist Jackson Galaxy of “My Cat From Hell” are among the celebrity, whose permanent downturned expression is caused smarter and take the best self-portraits. But Shepherd also keeps What?” and highlights Chicken Soup for the Soul’s work with ani- celebrities who pen love notes to their cats in this collection. Dr by a medical condition, has another book, wrapped a TV movie it real, telling readers to get a dog if they want slavish devotion. mals, including donating its brand of dog food to shelters and Betsy Kennon of Pittsburgh also contributes the story of Scooter, called “Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever” and has her sad mug Cat love is genuine, he says, because it’s 10 percent devotion rescues, publisher and author Amy Newmark said. — AP who was almost killed by a car but now brings joy to people also plastered on magnets, T-shirts, calendars and a host of other and 90 percent frustration and betrayal. “So what if they break dealing with disabilities. “The kitten was never going to walk,” products. The latest book is full of Grumpy insight such as: your heart every now and then? That’s how love is supposed to Kennon said. “I can’t tell you why I didn’t put him to sleep.” “People are like balls of yarn. For the most part, they’re boring feel,” Shepherd writes. A few assertions might ring true to a cat Merry Christmas

Members of a Lebanese water ski club wearing a Santa Claus costume, one with a national flag, perform in the bay of Jounieh, north of the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik givs the final touches to his sand sculpture depicting Jesus Christ and Santa Claus on Golden Sea Beach at Puri, some 65kms from Bhubaneswar yesterday. — AP/AFP photos

Students dressed as Santa Claus participate in Christmas celebrations at a school in Jammu, India.

Workers in Santa Claus and reindeer costumes are pic- A Christmas lights display is seen on a house in Alexandria, Virginia. tured as they clean windows outside a shopping mall along Tokyo’s waterfront.

An elephant dressed in a Santa Claus costume performs for students ahead of the A diver dressed as Santa Claus waves at a child at the Indonesians dressed as Santa Clause hand out gifts to child travelers as part of Christmas festival at a school in Ayutthaya province. Creta Aquarium in the town of Hersonissos, on the Christmas celebrations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Greek island of Crete. lifestyle THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014 Features

A street side billboard displaying a painting by Tahani Al-Mahmudi during a showcase of A Saudi walks past a streetside billboard displaying a Saudi artists stand in front of paintings displayed during a showcase of Saudi art dis- Saudi art on Tahlia street in the Saudi capital Riyadh. — AFP photos painting by Fares Al-Osaimi. played on streetside billboards. First outdoor art show in conservative Saudi n highly conservative Saudi Arabia where most forms of Normally on Tahlia Street, the only things on show are idea. “It’s better than inside the building,” he said in the chilly women to drive and where they cover themselves in black entertainment are forbidden, art has taken to the streets. flashy cars cruising past the boulevard’s wide sidewalks, out- evening air as waiters served glasses of juice to invited guests from head to toe outside the home. IDozens of paintings are being displayed on outdoor adver- door cafes, and high-end restaurants serving Western cuisine. outside a French restaurant. Ahlam Nassir Al-Harbi, 23, said women are also a minority tising billboards in the capital Riyadh and other cities in what The kingdom, which practices a conservative Salafist version of among the country’s artists, making up perhaps 10 or 20 per- organizers say is the kingdom’s first public art show. “It is some- Islam, bans alcohol even in luxury hotels, does not allow cine- A powerful image cent of painters. An art student at Princess Nora bint thing new,” said Mohammed Al-Khereiji, deputy chief executive mas or theatres, and strictly separates the sexes. “The culture The paintings were chosen after a call for submissions drew Abdulrahman University for women, she said “it feels lovely” to of Al-Arabia Outdoor, the advertising firm behind the exhibi- and the society do not encourage artists and it is difficult to be 3,200 entries. Most of the colorful works are in an abstract have one of her paintings exhibited outside. The work shows tion. It opened Monday night along Riyadh’s glitzy Tahlia Street an artist in this society,” said Majed Saud Al-Mefareh, in front of style, some reminiscent of early-20th century Cubism made two female forms alongside traditional Bedouin designs. Harbi, and runs until Saturday. a billboard featuring his painting, “Story”. famous by Picasso. They include a variety of subjects including only her eyes visible under a black abaya robe, agreed the out- “For the first time, art is presented to the public,” although It is a patchwork of abstract figures and images depicting urban and rural landscapes, sports, Islam’s holiest site the door show would help elevate the low level of interest in art small indoor exhibitions have previously taken place in the Saudi life and traditions. Mefareh, 38, who holds a regular job Kaaba, a stylized camel, and a couple in traditional dress sitting among the Saudi public. It did not, however, generate much kingdom, he said. Sculptures have also been displayed in the in administration, said he has been a part-time painter for on chairs together at the seaside. The strict Wahhabi version of attention from the country’s religious police tasked with crack- open, including a permanent display along the corniche in the about two decades because he enjoys his hobby and knows Islam forbids paintings of the human form but several works in ing down on perceived moral violations. “The Islamic police Red Sea city of Jeddah, and the country has some small gal- that “some people in our society like it” too. The inaugural exhi- the exhibition clearly depict people, many of them women. passed by”, Khereiji said, and they had no problem with the leries. With about 3,400 billboards showing 80 paintings by bition should help more Saudis to appreciate the visual arts, he One painting shows a green female figure, hands on hips exhibition. — AFP Saudi artists, Khereiji called it “the biggest art gallery in the said. Sultan Al-Adwani, a curious onlooker who works at the and head held high, emerging from a cactus in a desert land- Middle East”. interior ministry, said the outdoor gallery seemed like a good scape. It is a powerful image in a country that does not allow

Egyptian 25-year-old Tamer El-Strafy takes a cigarette Italian-Venezuelan 27-year-old Orne Gil, owner of ‘Nowhere Land Tattoo Studio,’ tattoos break at ‘Nowhere Land Tattoo Studio,’ in Cairo, Egypt. 25-year-old Egyptian Tamer El-Strafy. Egypt tattoo artists meet in Cairo, aim to break taboos n Egypt, where tattoos are widely considered taboo, organ- hoped for. “It is a really small step but it’s our first step here Tattoo artist Mary Gabriel, tattoos Egyptian Banker Dina Kamel, at ‘Nowhere Land Tattoo izers have held a convention to challenge stereotypes and and maybe next year it will be better and bigger in another Studio. Ishow-off the ink designs as an art form. Enthusiasts met place,” she said. The convention was held at her studio, over the weekend in the city’s leafy upscale Zamalek neigh- Nowhere Land, which opened last March. — AP borhood to check out the latest designs and watch the pros at work at the 2014 Cairo Tattoo Expo. Organizers say they hope to showcase the artistic side of the practice, which is loosely regulated in Egypt and mostly performed by artists using licenses for beauty parlors. Timur Reda, 38, who has been tat- tooing in Cairo for seven years, says artists like him face many challenges working openly in a conservative country like Egypt. “There is a lot of ups and downs but you know the struggle that we face here, I think it motivates us to work harder,” he said. Many Muslims consider tattoos to be forbidden under Islamic law. Coptic Christians meanwhile, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population, have long had an associa- tion with the art. At the weeklong festival of Mar Girgis, or Saint George, for example, it’s common to see tattoo artists inscribing crosses on the wrists of babies or images of saints on the arms of young men. In much of Egypt’s conservative and religious society though, body art is considered a taboo and many people choose to get their tattoos in areas where they can be hidden with clothes. Only an estimated 100 people attended the weekend con- Hind Tarek, right, supports her friend Dina as she gets tattooed. vention in Cairo, fewer than what organizer Orne Gil had

A man looks at accessories at the entrance of ‘Nowhere Land Tattoo Studio.’ Photo shows sketches and notes pinned on a board at ‘Nowhere Land Tattoo Studio.’ First outdoor art show in conservative39 Saudi THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Volunteers clad in Santa Claus costumes throw their hats in the air as they gather to deliver gifts for the poor in downtown Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. — AP

No quailing as Christmas lights up ruined Chinese man eats 160 eggs to district in Syria’s Homs mark Christmas

brightly colored Christmas tree stands amid the ruins of red sign on the door, decorated with gold flowers and the Khazzam said, adding that it was fully booked for Christmas the Syrian city of Homs, restoring some hope for image of an angel. Inside hangs a more prosaic message: a Eve. In Majla Square, volunteers have manufactured a AChristians celebrating in their neighborhood for the photograph of President Bashar Al-Assad. Underneath, there Christmas crib out of rubble. They have also planted a tree first time in years. “Our joy is indescribable,” Taghrid Naanaa is an inscription: “With you, security returns”. there, its bright color jarring sharply with the ruins all around. said while picking out Christmas tree decorations at a local Christians of various denominations make up around five “When we came back to the neighborhood, everything shop. “We have decorated the streets, the doors, even the percent of Syria’s population. Fearing that if the regime falls, was black,” said Rula Al-Sufi, one of the volunteers. “We put destroyed balconies,” said the 50-year-old, proud of her efforts jihadists will impose an Islamic state in Syria, most Christians color back in to this place because we didn’t want our children to erase the battle scars that mark Syria’s third city. would like to see Assad stay in power. Like Naanaa, 50-year- to think that Homs is just about destruction,” she added. Some Her neighborhood Hamidiyeh is among areas that in May old schoolteacher Marwan Najjar cannot contain his joy as he returnees have painted the walls of their homes in bright col- fell back under army control after a deal allowing several relaxes on the sofa of his renovated home. “Christmas brings ors and decorated them with floral patterns. In the courtyard thousand rebel fighters and civilians to flee a nearly two-year the chance to think of our peaceful past, despite the destruc- of the St Mary Church of the Holy Belt, which was damaged by siege. Afterwards only a few dozen families returned home to tion and the tragedy,” said Najjar, who fled his neighborhood bombing, scouts have planted another Christmas tree deco- destroyed Hamidiyeh, where Christians and Muslims had lived in February 2012 and returned when the army reclaimed it. rated with red ribbons and a Santa Claus hat. side by side for centuries. Many others have yet to settle back “This is our first Christmas here since we returned to the dis- “Planting this tree once more in our church shows that we into their district. Naanaa spent three years living with rela- trict. We hope this is a sign of peace for all the world,” he told are attached to our roots, and that no one will be able to tear tives in another part of the war-ravaged city. “We decided not AFP. us from our land,” said Samer, a 40-year-old accountant who is to celebrate Christmas before coming back to our neighbor- now jobless and homeless after his house was destroyed. “Last hood and our house,” she said. Praying for peace Christmas, we prayed to return here. Now, we pray for peace Hamidiyeh is still mostly empty, but at the once-popular to return to Syria.” — AFP Destruction everywhere Al-Bustan restaurant, workers are busy renovating and deco- In Hamidiyeh, every alleyway, building and door is marked rating in time for Christmas Eve festivities. “This will be the first by fighting. Even before the siege, much of Homs was a war restaurant to reopen in the district,” employee Hossam zone. Today, only Waer in the southeast remains in rebel hands after the army gradually reclaimed districts. For the first This picture taken on December 23, 2014 shows time in years the shelves of a general store in Hamidiyeh are Chinese competitive eater Pan Yizhong gobbling packed with Christmas decorations. “Peace on earth,” reads a eggs at a buffet restaurant in Changsha, in central China’s Hunan province.— AFP Chinese competitive eater who marked the Christmas season by consuming 160 eggs in one Asitting said yesterday he was in good health and planned more extreme stunts. Pan Yizhong, 46, sported a red and white Santa hat as he gobbled 150 quail eggs and 10 chicken eggs in less than 40 minutes on Tuesday to promote a restaurant in central China’s Hunan province. The Chinese word for Christmas-Shengdanjie-con- tains a character which is a homophone for “egg,” and Pan said it “seemed like an appropriate time to eat eggs.” Quail eggs are significantly smaller than chickens’ eggs, and pictures showed him shoving several into his mouth simultaneously. “At the time I got to 160, I was becoming tired of the flavor so I stopped. It wasn’t because I was full,” he told AFP. Pan, the most celebrated exponent of the art of com- petitive eating in China, has previously dispatched 147 dumplings in a single sitting and once polished off 40 bowls of noodles in 15 minutes. “Now I’m back to nor- mal, I’ve had ice cream and barbequed meat since,” Pan said. “As a competitive eater, I want to test my limits eat- ing all kinds of food.” Christmas-once banned in China- has grown rapidly in recent years mainly as a shopping festival, with marketeers using everything from saxo- phones and Smurfs to steam trains to get consumers to A crib made out of rubble and a Christmas tree are set on a open their wallets. “I never tried eating so many eggs roundabout in the regime-held Hamedieh neighborhood before, and I feel I still haven’t reached my limit,” Pan in the Syrian city of Homs, as Christians around the world Added. — AFP prepare to celebrate the holy day. — AFP photos