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TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 JAMADA ALTHANI 13, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Cabinet Syrian govt Clinton launches Khawaja leads deplores rules out another attack Aussies to Istanbul talks on on Trump in victory over bombing3 Assad fate8 her10 speech Bangladesh17 Obama, Castro hold Min 18º Max 32º historic talks in Cuba High Tide 11:20 & 23:00 Two countries take another stride away from Cold War-era enmity Low Tide 05:05 & 17:20 40 PAGES NO: 16821 150 FILS HAVANA: US President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro held historic talks in Havana yesterday, dis- UN-led Yemeni cussing enduring disagreements over Cuba’s human rights record and Washington’s trade embargo as the peace talks in two countries took another stride away from Cold War- era animosity. Obama arrived in Cuba on Sunday for the first visit by Kuwait likely a US president in almost 90 years, achieving a goal for his final year in office that became possible after secret talks led to a 2014 agreement to normalize relations. DUBAI: A new round of UN-brokered Yemeni peace talks could be held by the end of this month in The opening ended decades of US efforts to force Cuba Kuwait, a government official said yesterday. The to change through isolation. But Obama is under pres- sure from critics at home to push Castro’s government talks would be accompanied by a ceasefire, much- to allow political dissent and to further open its Soviet- needed in the war-torn country where a Saudi-led style state-run economy. coalition launched a military campaign in support Obama began his first full day in the symbolic heart of the internationally-recognized government one of Cuba’s Communist system, starting in Revolution year ago, said the Yemeni official who requested Square, where for decades Raul Castro’s brother, Fidel anonymity. Yemen’s warring parties who met with Castro, led million-strong rallies against the evils of US UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed last week have “imperialism.” agreed on “the principle of holding a new round of Obama laid a wreath at the memorial to independ- talks in late March in Kuwait,” the official told AFP. ence hero Jose Marti, overlooked by a huge metal por- The UN envoy wrote on his Facebook page late trait of legendary rebel fighter Ernesto “Che” Guevara. “It on Sunday that he held “positive and constructive is a great honor to pay tribute to Jose Marti, who gave talks” in rebel-held Sanaa with the Iran-backed his life for independence of his homeland. His passion Houthis and their allies-supporters of former presi- for liberty, freedom, and self-determination lives on in dent Ali Abdullah Saleh. “Preparations are ongoing the Cuban people today,” Obama wrote in a guest book for the next round of peace talks on Yemen,” he there. Marti was a 19th century poet and writer whose wrote, without giving a specific date or location for activism helped spur Cuba’s freedom from Spain and the awaited negotiations. whose legacy was later adopted by Fidel Castro’s revolu- Continued on Page 13 HAVANA: President Barack Obama holds talks with Cuban President Raul Castro during a meeting at the tionaries as a symbol of anti-imperialism. Palace of the Revolution yesterday in Havana. —AP Continued on Page 13 Kuwait deports 14 for Hezbollah links 11 Lebanese and 3 Iraqis expelled

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti authorities have deported the 14 people had been expelled at the Riyadh last month halted a $3 billion pro- 11 Lebanese and three Iraqis for alleged links request of the state security service. The gram for military aid to Beirut in protest with Hezbollah, the movement classified by Interior Ministry was not immediately avail- against Hezbollah, which is a key political Gulf monarchies as a “terrorist” group, a local able for comment. The Gulf Cooperation force in Lebanon and has lawmakers in its newspaper said yesterday. The 14 were Council (GCC) named Hezbollah, an Iranian- parliament. recently expelled at the request of Kuwaiti allied Islamist political movement that is fight- The daily said Kuwait’s state security security services after they were found to ing for President Bashar Al-Assad in Syria’s civil body had prepared a list of “unwanted” belong to Hezbollah, daily Al-Qabas reported, war, a terrorist group on March 2. Lebanese and Iraqis, including advisers to without providing further details. The Arab League declared Hezbollah a “ter- major companies, for deportation “in the The newspaper quoted a security official rorist” group on March 11, after Gulf monar- public interest”. At the time of the GCC saying that a list had been prepared of chies did the same earlier this month over the decision, Secretary-General Abdullatif Al- Lebanese and Iraqi citizens, some in top cor- movement’s support for Assad’s regime in Zayani accused Hezbollah of recruiting porate positions, “who are unwelcome and Syria’s war. Last week, Bahrain deported an young men to carry out terrorist attacks in should be deported” from Kuwait. The depor- unspecified number of Lebanese residents for Gulf states, smuggling in weapons and CUPERTINO: Apple CEO Tim Cook, speaks at an event to announce new products tations came amid an increasing crackdown alleged links to Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia explosives, and inciting chaos, violence and and an update to the Apple Watch at Apple headquarters yesterday in by Gulf states on foreign citizens with alleged warned that it will punish citizens and resi- political unrest. Hezbollah called the GCC Cupertino, California. — AP (See Also Page 27) links to Iran-backed Hezbollah. dents who “support or demonstrate belong- decision “reckless and hostile” and blamed it Apple cuts price for new, Al-Qabas cited a security source as saying ing” to the group. on Saudi Arabia. — Agencies more compact iPhone Kuwait urges

CUPERTINO: Apple yesterday unveiled a Cupertino, California. “Some people asked reconsidered new iPhone with a four-inch screen, aiming us, pleaded with us to keep the four-inch to reach consumers looking for a handset iPhone in our lineup.” The iPhone SE will be talks with IOC that is more affordable and compact than aimed at first-time Apple buyers and those its flagship models. The new device-called who want to upgrade from the iPhone 5S KUWAIT: The head of the Kuwaiti government the iPhone SE-will debut at $399 for US and 5C, which have not been updated in negotiation delegation for roadmap meeting with customers without a contract subsidy, in a over two years. the International Olympic Committee (IOC) yester- significant cut from the price of its larger The iPhone 6S, the lowest-cost handset in day called for reconsidering the current way of iPhones. the large-screen family, starts at $649. Apple negotiations between Kuwait and the IOC over the Apple vice president Greg Joswiak said will be taking orders Thursday for the new “unfair” Olympic suspension of Kuwaiti sports. many consumers prefer smaller handsets, phone in the United States, Britain, Australia, Dr Mohammad Alfili said the Kuwaiti move came which accounted for 30 million units sold in Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, following recent claims by IOC Deputy Director 2015. “They want the most compact iPhone Japan, New Zealand and Singapore, with General for Relations Pere Miro that the Kuwaiti design,” he told an Apple event in more markets to come online in April. — AFP government had twice approved a draft deal with BRUSSELS: In this image provided by the Belgian Federal Police yesterday, a the IOC that was formulated during a Geneva meet- combo photograph shows Najim Laachraoui, who was previously identified in a ing last January. false passport as Soufiane Kayal by Belgium Federal Police, during a money Qatar offshore rig He voiced regret at the issuance of such “false transfer on Nov 17, 2015 in a Western Union bank in the Brussels region of claims and baseless statements” against Kuwait and Belgium. — AP its negotiation team, confirming that the IOC’s team catches fire, 6 hurt was not serious about finding a solution to lift the Paris attacks ‘accomplice’ suspension of Kuwaiti sports. The IOC’s suspension decision was based on misleading information DUBAI: Fire broke out on an offshore rig run the company and its affiliate rang unan- DNA found on explosives by the subsidiary of a Qatar-based drilling swered yesterday afternoon and officials did claiming that Kuwaiti sports laws are not in compli- company, injuring six workers, the firm said not immediately respond to email queries ance with the Olympic Charter and international BRUSSELS: Police have found the DNA of a vivor of the 10 Paris attackers. Laachraoui is yesterday, in the second disruption within a about the fire. The state-run Qatar News sports regulations, he said. It was built on “side newly-identified suspect on explosives also believed to have travelled to Syria in year aboard one its platforms. Gulf Agency reported the blaze yesterday, with- issues and questions as the IOC insisted during the used in last year’s Paris attacks, a French February 2013. International Services, partly owned by out offering any additional details. negotiations on putting on table the extension of source revealed yesterday, but Belgium’s Traces of DNA from the 24-year-old, state-run Qatar Petroleum, announced the Shares in GIS dropped 2 percent yester- the deal between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) prosecutor admitted they are “far from solv- who is still at large, were found on the fire at its GDI-3 rig in a statement published day on the Qatar Stock Exchange to close at and the Kuwaiti government which had recently ing the puzzle” of the massacre. Belgian and explosives used in the gun and suicide on the Qatar Stock Exchange. It said workers 37.45 Qatari riyals ($10.28). This is the sec- severed its relationship with the OCA. French prosecutors met in Brussels to dis- attacks in Paris, a source close to the French had been preparing to move the Gulf ond major incident to strike a GIS rig. In July “Raising this issue pushes us to believe that the cuss the probe into the November carnage investigation said. “We have not a bad suspension decision whose reasons were Drilling International rig to a new location 2015, the newly built Qatari offshore rig following Friday’s dramatic arrest of prime amount of pieces of the puzzle and in the announced officially, was not, in fact, due to the and later repaired it. Rumailah suffered what the company suspect Salah Abdeslam in the Belgian capi- last few days several pieces have found problem of sports laws, since it reflected a deliber- “Injured personnel consisting of six GDI described as a “punch-through incident” tal after four months on the run. their place,” Frederic Van Leeuw told a news ate attempt to raise side issues and questions that employees were immediately transported while in the Al-Shaheen oil field off Qatar’s Belgian investigators named a suspect- conference in Brussels, flanked by Paris have nothing to do whatsoever with the decision to nearby hospitals and most of them (were) northeastern coast. Norway’s Aftenbladet ed accomplice in the deadly November 13 prosecutor Francois Molins. itself,” Alfili lamented. discharged after having received treatment,” newspaper published pictures purporting attacks as Najim Laachraoui, who was pre- “But... we are still, far from solving the Asked if the Kuwaiti government negotiation the statement said. to show the accommodation unit listing and viously known by the false name of puzzle.” Van Leeuw also admitted they team would continue its task, he said the team can The statement did not say when the fire partially submerged after it collapsed into Soufiane Kayal. Laachraoui used the false “don’t have the full timeline” for what do nothing but only to present recommendations started, where the rig was or how much it the water, its legs bent at an angle and small name to travel to Hungary in September Abdeslam did between November 14, cost to repair it. Phone numbers listed for orange boats at its side. —AP Continued on Page 13 with Abdeslam, who is the last known sur- Continued on Page 13 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 LOCAL Francophone countries, Kuwait share values: Sheikh Nasser

KUWAIT: His Highness Sheikh Nasser begin from Kuwait. He cited the establish- Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said ment of the French Language and Sunday French-speaking countries and Literature Department at the Faculty of Art Kuwait share common values like freedom, in Kuwait University (KU) in cooperation equality, fraternity and tolerance which with the Sorbonne, and welcomed the would contribute to further boost their imminent opening of a branch of the mutual relations. Sorbonne in Kuwait, a matter that would Celebrating the International Francophonie further develop relations between Kuwait Day is not only a celebration of the French lan- and France. guage “but about the culture built by this lan- His Highness Sheikh Nasser expressed guage, the culture of freedom, equality and admiration in the francophonie, which was fraternity, values of tolerance,” His Highness boosting dialogue and diversification Sheikh Nasser said. among cultures. He noted that language “This culture is not different than ours, was a social necessity and the most impor- which was established years ago in Kuwait tant tools of expression and thoughts. which made our society open to other cul- His Highness Sheikh Nasser said the KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah tures,” His Highness Sheikh Nasser said in French language was world third largest in Jaber Al-Sabah receives credentials of the newly-appointed receives credentials of the newly-appointed Ambassador of an event to mark the International terms of vocabularies, with around 274 mil- Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait. —Amiri Diwan photos Montenegro to Kuwait. Francophonie Day, held at the residency of lion people spoke the language around the the French Ambassador to Kuwait. world. Kuwait hosted 10 days ago cultural The event was held under the auspices celebrations that would accompany the of His Highness Sheikh Nasser. He said that International Francophonie Day. The cele- the forefathers of Kuwait travelled to ports brations were co-held by the French in the Indian Ocean and through deserts Embassy and the National Council of which got them acquainted with other cul- Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). tures, ways of thinking and languages. “We The celebrations were to highlight rich- inherited tolerance, accepting and recog- ness of French language and culture as well nizing the others which makes Kuwait eligi- as the French language presence and ble to be a vital and active cultural center in spread in Kuwaiti educational and intellec- the region,” he added. tual domains. The International Francophonie Day is observed within the Cultural investment International Organization of La His Highness Sheikh Nasser called on Francophonie’s 77 member states on March the Francophone countries to embark on 20 to celebrate the French language and cultural investment in the region and to Francophone culture. —KUNA

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with members of the Islamic Center in Canada. Amir receives credentials of newly-appointed ambassadors

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- extolled the center’s philan- Sabah yesterday received, at Bayan thropic and humanitarian efforts, Palace, credentials of newly-appoint- while wishing the center contin- ed ambassadors of Pakistan, the ued success and prosperity. Republic of Azerbaijan, Lesotho, His Highness the Crown Prince Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Slovenia Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber KUWAIT: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Montenegro. Al-Sabah also received Sheikh addresses the audience at a ceremony to celebrate the International The ceremony was attended by Awrad and the rest of the Islamic Francophonie Day. —KUNA First Deputy Prime Minister and Center in Canada members. He Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- extolled the center’s philanthrop- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Amiri ic and humanitarian efforts, which Diwan Advisor Lieutenant General help showcase the bright, gen- Kuwaiti women enjoy Khaled Abdullah Bodai, Undersecretary uine image of the Islamic faith. of the Amiri Diwan Ibrahim Al-Shatti, Also yesterday, His Highness constitutional rights: MP Director of the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince received the Amir Ambassador Ahmad Fahad Deputy Chief of the Ruling Al-Fahad, Amiri Diwan Adviser Family Board Sheikh Dr Ibrahim LUSAKA: A Kuwaiti member of parliament al other issues that seriously affect sustain- Mohammad Abulhassan, chief of Amiri Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Chief of said yesterday that Kuwaiti women enjoy able development and economy. Protocol Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah, assis- Kuwait’s National Security constitutional rights, primarily effective The Kuwaiti parliamentarian listed such tant foreign minister for protocol affairs His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Bureau Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah political involvement, and religious and main issues as conflicts, wars, growing ter- Ambassador Dhari Al-Ajran and Chief Al-Salem Al-Sabah, as well as legal protection. Speaking to reporters rorism and climate change worldwide. Sabah meets with the outgoing Cambodian Ambassador after attending an International However, he emphasized that there are of the Amiri Guards, Staff Brigadier Sman Manan. head of the Municipal Council Fahad Al-Zaid. Mhalhal Nasser Al-Khaled, who Parliamentary Union (IPU) democracy com- other reasons that could destroy cultural His Highness also received the Meanwhile, His Highness the Nouri charity Jamal Al-Nouri and presented him with a copy of a mittee meeting in the Zambian capital of heritage, chiefly globalization that has outgoing Cambodian Ambassador Amir received Sheikha Awrad Supervisor of the Islamic Center book that chronicles recent Lusaka, MP Awda Al-Rowaie said Kuwait much influence on cultural particularities. Sman Manan, on the occasion of the Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in Canada Mohammad Municipal Council accomplish- has enabled women to practice their politi- Abdullah underlined that resolutions bear- end of the Ambassador’s tenure. Chairman of Sheikh Abdullah Al- Abushahada. ments. —KUNA cal rights thanks to religious legislations ing on globalization and global economic and historical practices. integration should envision effective safe- He stressed that Kuwaiti women have guards that could protect and maintain never been subject to any form of intimida- people’s cultures and civilizations. tion and violence in the country. He opined that the issue of women’s empowerment War on terror regarding effective political participation MP Hamdan had stated on Sunday that sharing responsibility with men is occa- Kuwait is on the front-line of the interna- sionally put on table owing to cultural and tional war on terror. “Kuwait stands on the historical differences among people. front line in the war on terror,” MP Hamdan “However, belief in women’s political rights said in his speech at a meeting of the and empowerment differs from one person Standing International Peace and Security to another,” the Kuwaiti MP argued. Committee held on the sidelines of the IPU Rowaie is a member of the Kuwaiti dele- meeting. gation, headed by National Assembly He reiterated Kuwait’s commitment to Speaker and Chairman of the Arab Inter- work hand in hand with regional and inter- Parliamentary Union Marzouq Al-Ghanem, national partners to uproot terrorism LUSAKA: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem delivers his speech to the 134th meeting of the IPU and meet- scourge. He recalled His Highness the Amir at the 134th meeting of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU). —KUNA ings of the standing committees of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s International Peace and Security, announcement that “terrorism has no reli- Sustainable Development, Finance and gion,” and his firm support to regional and Israel uses ‘formal’ democracy Trade, Democracy and Human Rights and international efforts to defeat it. UN Affairs. The delegation also includes In this regard, Hamdan noted that the to repress Palestinians: Ghanem KUWAIT: Envoy of His Highness the Amir Sheikh MPs Humoud Al-Hamdan, Faisal Al-Shaya, Kuwaiti government has rushed to sign the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Hamdan Al-Azmi, Khalil Abdullah, and International Convention on the LUSAKA: National Assembly Speaker and freedom. The Kuwaiti chief parliamen- Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad National Assembly Secretary General Allam Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism Marzouq Al-Ghanem yesterday said the tarian referred to the daily scenes of perils Al-Kandari. and the Arab Anti-Money Laundering and world cannot accept entities like Israel that and killing against the Palestinian people, Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah delivered a letter to Combating of the Terrorism Finance. He practices all forms of repression, harass- running against the essence of the “rights” UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Globalization pointed out that the international statistics ment and exclusion against people under concept of democracy. that touched on bilateral ties. The letter also dis- Meanwhile, MP Abdullah said that it is show that over 48,000 terror attacks were “formal” democracy. Ghanem made the An Israeli soldier kills a Palestinian cussed common issues that bond the two coun- necessary to fend off any influence by carried out in the past 14 years and claimed statement in his address at the 134th meet- young man who uses a knife or a stone to tries together. The letter was handed over to UAE globalization on cultural particularities of the lives of over 107,000 people. ing of the International Parliamentary defend his house, garden or school against Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme different nations. Speaking at a debate of Hamdan stressed the crucial role of the Union (IPU), held in Zambia under the heavily armed occupation forces. The sol- Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh the IPU committee on sustainable develop- parliaments in taking pre-emptive meas- theme ‘Rejuvenating democracy, giving dier’s act is legitimized through an elected Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. —KUNA ment, Khalil Abdullah said the committee ures to dry up the resources of the terrorist voice to youth.’ parliament, the Knesset, while the “victim” had discussed a draft resolution on perma- groups and combat the spread of their What is really worrying is the collective is designated as a terrorist. This is the order nent protection for cultural, material and destructive ideologies as well as to address perception that as long as there is a firm of the day in the Palestinian territories. Is non-material heritage, together with sever- the root causes of extremism. —KUNA form of democratic ruling, then all practices there a more absurd image or equation? of a certain institution is accepted to live He wondered. with and legalized, even if this entity con- The young man does not have a fire tradicts all concepts of democracy, he said. arm, but the international community Here lies the enigma and the paradox as tends to forget the fact that he is armed such institutions were created to reinforce with the genuine right to defend his prop- the essence of democratic ruling and its erty and his people, and with the UN philosophy - based on tolerance, equality Security Council and General Assembly res- and justice - as well as maintaining human olutions, issued decades ago, in addition to rights. Once they deviate from the right statements from the UNRWA, the FAO, the path to achieve these goals, they pose a UNICEF as well as all international conven- greater threat, he added. tions that are supposed to preserve his nat- According to Ghanem, it is hurtful and ural right to live in peace on his land, causes despair that all calls for democracy Ghanem said. rejuvenation are quashed once the ordeal Traditional terrorism, and the state ter- and daily events against the Palestinians in rorism Israeli practices, are two faces of the their occupied territories come to mind. It same coin, each using the other to make up is injustice that has been running over sev- flimsy excuses and justifications to “legit- en decades, he said. imize terrorism,” Ghanem said. He conclud- ed by reviewing a multitude of Israel’s Concept of rights rights violations endorsed by the Knesset. KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait spon- Ghanem stressed that the concept Ghanem held the international community sored Kuwait National English School’s annual behind democracy is first and last one of ethically responsible for countering and charity day which was organized recently featur- LUSAKA: MP Awda Al-Rowaie (left) participates in the IPU’s democracy com- “rights,” closely related to justice, equality ending these violations. —KUNA ing several activities. mittee meeting. —KUNA TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 LOCAL Cabinet deplores Barrak finishes medical Istanbul bombing KUWAIT: The cabinet yesterday condemned a tests, taken back to prison recent suicide explosion that targeted a shopping mall in Turkey’s Istanbul City and left scores of peo- ple dead or injured, billing it as a “terrorist act.” Five people were killed and at least 38 others wounded Municipal Council agenda Co-ops censured for prices in a suicide attack that took place in central Istanbul • on Saturday. The cabinet denounced in a statement issued fol- By Meshaal Al-Enezi weekly meeting which lasted for five hours lowing its routine weekly meeting such terrorist acts and was headed by chairman Muhalhal Al- that violate all international conventions and human KUWAIT: Former MP Musallam Al-Barrak Khaled. Speaking on the occasion, the values and norms, and prayed to Allah the Almighty yesterday finished undergoing medical council member and head of the legal and to bless the victims’ souls with mercy and those tests at the Chest Hospital in the Sabah financial affairs committee, Mane’ Al-Ajmi injured swift recovery. medical area in Shuwaikh and was returned wondered about who was responsible for to prison. Results of the tests have yet to be closing down Al-Qurain markets, especially Yemeni President released. The firebrand populist ex -law- when the municipality lost some related The cabinet was also informed about the out- maker is currently serving a two year jail cases. He also expected that officials comes of a recent visit to Kuwait by Yemeni sentence for insulting His Highness the responsible for what he described as a President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi and his talks Amir. Two photos of Al-Barrak walking ‘financial crisis’ would be prosecuted. with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad through the hospital after the tests showed Discussing the telecom towers issue, Al- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, which had focused on the latest him surrounded by special forces. He was Ajmi stressed that the committee totally political and military developments in Yemen and escorted to the hospital in handcuffs. rejects installing them on co-ops and in bilateral cooperation in all domains. MP Hamdan Al-Azmi said that the trans- residential areas because of health-related Afterwards, the cabinet listened to a presentation fer of Al-Barrak in such a high profile way concerns expressed by the health ministry. by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister with so much State Security was akin to the The council also agreed to removing piles Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on treatment of prisoners in the Guantanamo of used tires from Mina Abdullah to the outcomes of his recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Bay prison and that the government was Erhayyia area within a month. Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, during which he delivered being provocative. Azmi described the Further, the council rejected a proposal letters from His Highness the Amir to their leaders measures as ‘stricter than those followed to name the area to the north east of on Gulf unity, cooperation, regional peace and sta- with Gitmo detainees’. “The government Suliabikhat ‘Al-Kout’. It also refused chang- bility and the latest regional and international devel- has been proving on a daily basis that it is ing the locations allotted for a power gen- opments. incapable of being up to responsibilities eration and water distillation plant in At the onset of the meeting, the cabinet was and only shows off by ‘bullying’ the Kuwaiti Nuwaiseeb to avoid violating the border apprised of a letter sent to His Highness the Amir by people,” he said, noting that the current security barriers in the south. Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann on the government had taken its full opportunity In addition, the council approved a pro- occasion of the 50th anniversary of forging diplo- and that it was time it stepped down posal to name the main road in the diplo- matic relations between Kuwait and Switzerland. because Kuwait needs a stronger one capa- matic area in Mishref after the late Saudi In his letter, the Swiss president hailed historical ble of handling and solving the country’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Al Saud. The council problems. also approved a request made by the indus- relations between both nations and accepted an try authority to increase the heights of the invitation from His Highness the Amir to former Municipal Council weekly meeting hotels being built in the fourth phase of the Swiss president Simonetta Sommaruga to visit The Municipal Council yesterday held its Avenues project in Al-Rai by 50 percent, Kuwait. The cabinet was also briefed on a letter sent to His Highness the Amir from Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on existing ties between both friendly countries and ways of developing them in various fields.

Anti-corruption In light of Law 2/2016 regarding the anti-corrup- KUWAIT: Former MP Musallam Al-Barrak is being escorted out of the Chest Hospital tion authority, the cabinet approved a draft decree under tightened security after he underwent medical tests. appointing the body’s chairman and deputy chair- noting that the project had become a major of social affairs and labor. man, and referred it to His Highness the Amir. The touristic attraction in Kuwait. Speaking at the sidelines of an inspec- cabinet also approved two draft decrees pertinent tion he led at Hatteen Co-op, Munayyekh to an agreement between Kuwait and New Zealand Violating co-ops may lose boards called for granting UCCS inspectors wider on air services and a memo of understanding The head of the prices committee at the powers. He also said that Hatteen co0op between Kuwait and Spain on economic coopera- Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies was fined for not following the prices direc- tion. Furthermore, the cabinet appreciated Minister (UCCS), Sami Al-Munayyekh warned that tives in seven items and stressed that a of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Planning co-ops that repeatedly violated the union’s report would be accordingly submitted. and Development Hind Al-Subaih’s reply to the price-related directives might face the dis- Further, Munayyekh added that co-ops recent parliamentary grilling and commended the solution of their boards among other cen- would also be fined for reducing prices MPs’ understanding and responsibility during the sures. He also noted that his committee’s without permission from the ministry of discussions. — KUNA task in the process was to make the con- commerce the way they do during promo- cerned reports and refer them to ministry tional sales. Commerce minister rejects criticism

Assembly news • New pharmacies law

By A Saleh

KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Yousuf Al-Ali rejected criticisms that he had failed to respond to a lawmaker’s request for information in a timely manner. Ali said that he would never ignore any parliamentary inquiry and that he always transparently responded to inquiries providing all needed information regardless of the time and effort. Ali said he would check to find out why his office had not asked for a longer grace period to prepare responses to questions sent by MP Ahmed Al- Qudhiabi. The lawmaker has warned that he would grill the minister for failing to respond to his inquiries within the official period as stipulat- ed by National Assembly regulations. The sub- ject of the Qudhaibi’s query was not revealed.

Lawmaker slams Dashti MP Dr Abdullah Maayouf strongly slammed recent statements made by his colleague MP Commerce Minister Yousuf Al-Ali Abdul Hameed Dashti and accused him of insist- to launch a special fund to grant divorced ing on embarrassing both the government and women loans to help them until they received a the parliament as well as slandering Gulf final court order on mandating their divorce and Cooperation Council states. Maayouf criticized a marital expenses. “It is unacceptable to leave a statement made by the controversial MP Dashti divorced women facing problems alone or tak- regarding Bashar Al-Assad. Maayouf also called ing loans from other bodies,” he said, noting that for measures to be taken against Dashti, such as a special committee had been formed to pres- withdrawing his citizenship. ent simple loans that would be paid back to the fund once beneficiary women received their Mousa rejects criticism over grilling expenses through court verdicts. Vehicles impounded during a crackdown at Abdullah Port stables, targeting reckless drivers. MP Majed Moussa strongly denied criticism that he had changed his position on the grilling Pharmacies law of Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al- The parliamentary health affairs committee Subaih and stressed that he did sign the no con- finished discussing amendments to law number Man arrested for selling fidence motion. “Reports claiming that I with- 23/1996 pertaining organizing pharmaceutical drew my signature from the no confidence practices. In this regard, committee chairman motion are untrue and everybody knows that Talal Al-Jallal stressed that the suggested forged work permits lack of quorum was the reason behind not amendments would have positive impact on declaring the names of the motion supporters,” medicine prices and would restrict pharmacy he explained noting that some leaks had used licenses to Kuwaitis, private hospitals (with over By Hanan Al-Saadoun to a person in Egypt to authenticate the work mitting suicide, telling his father that he will leave. his name for unknown reasons. Moussa also 50 beds) and co-ops, provided that the pharma- permit and criminal record, because he is not fit warned that he would expose and refute such cists working in co-op pharmacies are Kuwaiti KUWAIT: Police arrested an employer’s repre- health wise. The man said that he paid 5,000 Suicide allegations and attempts to defame him. nationals. The amendments also included allow- sentative for selling forged work permits. Egyptian pounds to receive the forged visa. A Pakistani barber committed suicide by ing co-ops that have more than a supermarket Investigations went underway after an immigra- hanging on the rooftop of his house in Divorced women’s fund to open more than one pharmacy provided issu- tion department employee became suspicious Vehicles impounded Sulaibikhat yesterday. Police found the body Minister of Justice, Minister of Awqaf and ing a license for each and appointing Kuwaiti when he received a transaction to issue a work Twelve vehicles were impounded during a hanging from a wooden ladder, and summoned Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane announced plans pharmacists in them. permit for a farm that already had 60 registered crackdown carried out yesterday at Abdullah paramedics who pronounced him dead on the workers. Detectives eventually discovered that Port stables, targeting reckless drivers. In addi- scene. Investigations are underway to determine the representative who worked for the farm’s tion, police impounded 10 all-terrain vehicles the man’s motives being committing suicide. EPA conducts campaign owner would forge transactions and issue work (ATV), and arrested three persons with expired permits behind his employer’s back. Moreover, it visas, four without valid IDs and one person for a Sorcery at Subhan industrial area was discovered that the suspect is wanted to money-related crime. Ahmadi detectives arrested an Egyptian man authorities to serve a three-year jail sentence for for importing sorcery tools into Kuwait. KUWAIT: The Environment Public The violations are related to engineer- forgery. Police questioned a number of workers Burnt victim identified Detectives learned that he imports sorcery Authority (EPA) carried out an unsched- ing-related terms of factories like storage registered on the farm, and they said that each Police managed to identify a person whose material, and practices witchcraft in exchange of uled campaign at the Subhan industrial capacity, safety of workers, ventilation, dan- has paid nearly KD 500 to receive their work per- charred body was found behind a gas station in KD 300 - KD 500 per client. Detectives sent an area to make sure that factories are com- gerous wastes and liquid wastes, he added. mits. The Indian man was subsequently arrested Sabah Al-Salem recently. A statement by the agent under cover, then arrested the man red- mitted to environment standards. It is the The violators may face heavy penalties like and referred to the relevant authorities for fur- Interior Ministry’s Relations and Security Media handed. The suspect confessed that he had fifth campaign launched by the authority a three-year jail sentence and a fine from ther action. Department identified the victim as Mokhtar been practicing sorcery for years, and receives against factories which violate the law, Dr KD 5,000 to 50,000, he said, adding that Meanwhile, detectives arrested an Egyptian Ahmad, Indian national. Meanwhile, the case was up to KD 1,000 per client based on request. Meshaal Al-Ibrahim, head of EPA’s depart- they are given a grace period of 15 days to man who entered Kuwait with a forged visa. The filed as suicide, according to investigations which Further investigations revealed that the man ment of industrial environment, told pay the fine. He underlined the necessity of man had first gone to the foreign ministry for a indicate that the man soaked himself with gaso- used to smuggle the sorcery items by hiding reporters on Sunday during the tour that abiding by the terms and standards of the transaction, but an employee there discovered line before setting himself ablaze. The man them in stuffed chicken that he brought with they registered some violations commit- environment so as to avoid risks, indicating that the visa was forged and referred him to worked as a driver and lived with his father in him back to Kuwait whenever he traveled. He is ted by three factories which did not abide that the authority continues launching detectives. The suspect said he gave his papers Farwaniya. He left a message at home before com- currently held pending deportation. by the law of environment. such campaigns to apply the law. — KUNA LOCAL TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

In Brief

Crown Prince patronizes Australian official lauds Tanzania extols students’ graduation economic ties with GCC Kuwaiti charity KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh CANBERRA: Australian Minister for Trade and KUWAIT: Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will patron- Investment Steven Ciobo yesterday stressed on his Majaliwa yesterday praised the Kuwaiti charity ize and attend Kuwait University’s (KU) annual country’s keenness on developing cooperation societies for their efforts to help the needy in his graduation ceremony for the academic year, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, country. During a meeting with Director General 2014-2015. The graduation ceremony is sched- particularly in trade and investment. This came of the Kuwaiti Direct Aid Society Abdullah Al- uled today at the KU sports stadium in during talks between Minister Ciobo and GCC Sumait, Majaliwa pointed to the prime impor- Shuwaikh district, starting at 6:00 pm. — KUNA ambassadors to Australia, held in the capital tance of the projects carried out by these societies Canberra. The two parties, during the meeting, in the East African country. — KUNA tackled bilateral relations and ways of developing the ties, Kuwait Embassy in Australia said in a state- ment. — KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: The Palace of Justice is seen through the window of a building in Kuwait City.— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Handicapped goes globetrotting KISR hosts regional workshop on management to spread message of safe driving By Sajeev K Peter around 90,000 kilometers in a bicycle that was so far covered Dubai, Qatar, Saudi and of protected areas designed by himself. “I undertook the journey Bahrain. Then I had to go back to India on KUWAIT: In his handicap motorbike, Indian in order to create awareness among young- some emergency,” he said. From India, KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait national B V Narayan set off from the city of sters about the importance of road safety so Narayan went back to Bahrain and reached Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) Dr Bangalore in February 2015 on a single-mind- that we can help reduce the number of handi- Kuwait. From Kuwait, Narayan plans to take a Samira Omar on Sunday highlighted the ed, globetrotting mission to create awareness capped people in the world,” he said. ferry to Iran as he is not permitted to travel importance of conserving the ecosys- about safe driving. An ex-cyclist and handi- “During my first journey when I travelled through Iraq by road. From Iraq, he will visit tem particularly at nature reserves. “KISR capped, he arrived in Kuwait from Bahrain on across the world, things were much easier. Turkey and then to Europe on way to the US plays an important role in drawing up the national strategy for environment March 6 as part of his expedition to cover 25 There were not many problems in the world and Canada. On his return, he plans to cover protection and conservation of nature,” countries. as we see today. I used to get visa within 15 African countries. she said in an inaugural speech to a “I want to tell all parents not to give two- minutes or maximum by a day. I could cover regional workshop on “conservation and wheelers to young children. Never use cell all the Gulf countries by road. Now, on a Inspiration management of protected areas.” phones while driving and walking on roads. motorbike, I take more time because of visa Narayan, a 10th grade dropout, got inspi- The event is co-organized by KISR Never drink and drive ,” Narayan said, caution- restrictions,” he recalled. That time Narayan ration from his father, who was a mechanical and the West Asia Commission on ing people about the common, but often visited most of the African and European engineer. He started designing special vehicle Ecosystem Management (CEM) of the ignored rules about road safety. countries, South American states, the United for the handicapped during his young age International Union for Conservation of Sitting in the library of the Indian Embassy States and Canada. and used to support the handicapped people Nature (IUCN). “This function reflected in Kuwait, he spoke to Kuwait Times briefly as to become self-sufficient in travel. the KISR commitment to upgrading the to why he has undertaken the mission to go Experience Narayan also designed a unique wheel- management of protected areas and around the world on his motorbike. He also Recalling his experience, Narayan said he chair for the disabled which is fully equipped conserving the biodiversity and ecosys- seeks to encourage the handicapped people himself became a minor handicapped after he with a protection guard and alarm safety tem,” Dr Omar pointed out. not to get disheartened or feel helpless was hit by a college student while he was measures. It is self-propelled unlike usual KISR is working out solutions and because they are physically challenged. walking on the road in Bangalore. He came to wheelchairs. “In this wheelchair, the user can programs for protecting the wildlife know that he became a victim of a reckless sleep, eat, read and even use a laptop,” he based on the latest standards and pre- 90,000 kilometers bike race organized by college students. said. Narayan is expected to get his visa to venting the depletion of natural KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait As a young cyclist, Narayan set out on a During the second expedition, Narayan Iran in another one week’s time. In the mean- resources, thus contributing to the eco- Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) cycle expedition across the world in 1980s in covered almost all states of India by time, he will be available for people or associ- nomic development, she noted. Dr Samira Omar speaks during the order to spread the message of road safety. September 2015 and continued his next leg ations for consultations or holding sessions workshop. —KUNA Then he completed 59 countries covering of the journey through the GCC states. “I have on road safety. Impact of climate change, pollutants nance of use of natural resources. She On the agenda of the event, she said pointed out that KISR is assessing the it includes debates on management of impacts of the oil pollutants and human protected areas, the far-reaching activities, including the urban expan- impacts of the climate change and pol- sions, on environment and developed lutants on wildlife, and surveillance of programs for rehabilitating the dam- the ecosystem. aged areas. Meanwhile, Fayza Al-Yamani, execu- tive director of KISR environment Kuwait’s nature preserves research center, said the workshop gath- KISR designated Kabad as the first ered environment experts from the protected area which turned later into IUCN West Asia member countries and an environment research station. Sabah beyond to review the latest techniques Al-Ahmad area became the second for protecting land and marine wildlife. nature reserve in the country, Al-Yamani “The discussions will focus on the said. KISR suggests established other best practices for protecting the endan- nature reserves in Boubyan Island and gered species and challenges facing the the northern area, and including them environmentally sustainable develop- in the list of protected areas of the ment due to urban expansion,” she dis- Convention on Wetlands of International closed. Importance (known as the Ramsar “The State of Kuwait and other coun- Convention on Wetlands), she added. tries in the region face an accelerated Adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar depletion of the wildlife which consti- in 1971 and came into force in 1975, the tutes a treasure of natural resources, Convention provides the framework for including the flora and fauna life and the conservation and wise use of wet- mineral resources,” she went on. lands and their resources. IUCN West Al-Yamani citied the IUCN studies as Asia member countries are Kuwait, showing that the cause of the degener- Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, ating ecosystem within and beyond the Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, KUWAIT: B V Narayan, who arrived in Kuwait on March 6 as part of his region lies in ineffective and poor gover- Yemen, Iraq and Iran.— KUNA expedition to cover 25 countries, sits in the library of the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. A motorbike designed by Narayan for the handicapped. TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 LOCAL Cultural days introduce audience to beauty of Tajikistan: Envoy ‘Kuwaiti investors can come to Tajikistan without visa’

By Faten Omar beauty of Tajikistan to the Kuwaiti country would be in a festive Asia comes from Tajikistan,” he people. The embassy will be mood, the ambassador said. pointed out. KUWAIT: The opening of the Tajik offering a Tajik food event as well Ambassador Zubaydov reiter- cultural days in Kuwait takes as a variety of Tajik cultural, art Tourism ated that Tajikistan and Kuwait place during celebrations of and music shows, he said. The About tourism in Tajikistan, have a lot in common from Kuwait as the capital of Islamic Tajik cultural week will also cele- the ambassador said that his shared cultural affinities to shared culture in 2016. The opening cer- brate the anniversary of 25 years country has ‘amazing potential’ religious values. “This will help emony takes place on Thursday, of founding Tajikistan as an inde- when it comes to tourism, with its renew our friendship and bring KUWAIT: Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah opens the March 24th, 2016 at Abdul pendent country. historical sites and hospitable the people of the two nations ‘Architectural Modernism in Kuwait’ exhibition. —KUNA Hussain Abdul Redha Theatre in On a cultural note, Ambassador people. “Tajikistan is famous since closer together,” he remarked. Salmiya. Officials, ambassadors, Dr Zubaydov told Kuwait Times ancient times with its high moun- poets and writers who are inter- Students’ trip ested in culture are set to attend Ambassador Dr Zubaydov dis- the event. closed that a trip to Tajikistan Speaking to Kuwait Times, Dr organized by the embassy will Zubaydullo Zubaydov, Ambassador take a group of students and pro- of Tajikistan to Kuwait, said that the fessors from Kuwait University to Embassy of Tajikistan appreciates visit his country in September the existing cultural ties between and witness the beauty of the two countries. He further Tajikistan and have the chance to emphasized the importance of such write a report about it. exchanges in strengthening bilater- This will pave the way for more al relations. He underscored the fact visitors to come and see for that shared cultural affinities and themselves the facilities and nat- similar religious values helped build ural beauty his country has to relations and cement friendships on offer. “Tajikistan is a very exciting the people to people level between and peaceful country,” he added. the two countries. “Peaceful time can be spent while “Kuwait was among the first surrounded by rich nature, cul- Arab and GCC countries to estab- ture and history. It also takes you lish diplomatic relations with KUWAIT: Zubaydullo Zubaydov, Ambassador of Tajikistan three hours to be there. Kuwaitis Minister opens architectural Tajikistan in 1993 and several speaks to Kuwait Times. —Photo by Joseph Shagra can receive their visas in one day, high level exchanges have taken and investors can go there with- modernism exhibition place during these 21 years of about Nowruz, the annual feast of tains, rivers, monuments and out a visa.” The ambassador relations,” Zubaydov said. “There Tajikistan. Nowruz, meaning the beautiful landscapes,” the ambas- hoped more travelers from KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister country. has been remarkable progress in first day of spring, is celebrated as sador indicated. “It lies on the Kuwait would begin visiting his of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the relations between the two coun- the beginning of a new year, and Great Silk Road route, and is a country. Al-Sabah on Sunday highlighted the signifi- general supervisor of DAI, said the event is tries since then.” the awakening of life. Many cus- favorite place for tourists.” In conclusion, Ambassador cance of the ‘Architectural Modernism in Kuwait’ meant to shed light on the contributions of the toms, ceremonies and performanc- Furthermore, he urged investors Zubaydov thanked His Highness exhibition and the book ensuing from the founders of Kuwait’s modern architecture. She to invest in Tajikistan because of the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad event. The exhibition is being organized by Dar noted that Kuwait was able to attract the Beauty of Tajikistan es are celebrated during Nowruz. Al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) in collaboration world’s best architects in the 1960s and 1970s Zubaydov told Kuwait Times Tajikistan celebrates Nowruz on its location and nature. “More Al-Sabah and people of Kuwait with Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement to lay the groundwork for urban development that the culture week, where 35 March 21 every year with great than 90 percent of the land is for their unwavering support and of Science (KFAS). and design school, hospital and government organizations are set to partici- pomp and joy, it is declared a covered by mountains and 60 cooperation, and wish Kuwait “The event and the book helped document buildings. KFAS Director General Dr Adnan pate, is going to introduce the three-day holiday, and the whole percent of the water in Central peace and prosperity. the creative works of Kuwaiti architects that Shehab-Eddin said in his inaugural speech that contributed to Kuwait’s urban development the gathering of veteran architects aims to between 1949 and 1989,” he said after inaugu- explore the unique dimensions of the Kuwaiti Egyptian academic considers Islamic calligraphy as ritual rating the event tonight. architecture which features the cultural identity Sheikh Salman, also president of the of the country. “The designs of buildings, KUWAIT: Islamic calligraphy distinguished mar, noting that the first dictionaries were Islamic Cultural Capital. National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters homes, streets and marketplaces built in middle with Quranic and poetic verses is a form of intended to preserve the Holy Book and Ordnance and tools used in the old wars (NCCAL), attributed the success of the event to of the last century are marked by great aesthet- rites, opined a visiting Egyptian academic Dr make it easy for ordinary people to fathom were adorned with Quranic verses to ic appeal,” he added. DAI’s commitment to the principle of corporate Heba Barakat, in a lecture about Islamic art at its explicit and illicit interpretations and empower the combatant with high morale, social responsibility and the support of KFAS. He Former minister of public works Khaled Al- Kuwait University, narrated the historic story meanings. she said, noting that “La Ilaha Illallah” (There renewed NCCAL’s commitment to support the Isa, former minister of municipal affairs Dr innovative activities of DAI. He advised the Ibrahim Al-Shaheen and professor of architec- of assembling the Holy Book, the Quran, The professor was speaking at a semi- is no God but Allah) was engraved on a wide Kuwaiti architects to read the book to benefit ture at Kuwait University’s College of since times of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr Al- nar, organized by the Egyptian Cultural scale on the old arms and military pieces. from the useful information on the experiences Engineering and Petroleum Dr Mohammad Al- Seddeeq, indicating that the wording of the Office, in cooperation with the National Kuwait was proclaimed the Islamic Cultural of the old generation of architects while con- Jassar addressed at the event about their previ- holy book signaled a new stage in docu- Council of Culture, Arts and Letters, as part Capital during the seventh conference of the tributing to the urban development in the ous experiences. —KUNA menting the Arabic composition and gram- of celebrations marking Kuwait as the Islamic ministers of culture. —KUNA TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Anbaa Al-Anbaa Report ‘Sheep Spare Ambassador denies Parts for Sale’ mediating in kidnapping By Thaar Al-Rasheedi KUWAIT: Kuwait Ambassador to Iraq Ghassan Al-Zawawi denied that he was authorized to mediate in a kidnapping. e is fifty years old. He first started working as Reports suggested that Zawawi was involved in the Ha journalists for over ten years in his home exchange of the bodies of three alleged Hezbollah mem- country and specialized in feature stories, as bers for the release of several Qataris detained in Iraq. he told me. Now, he has been working as a butcher Zawawi said “What was said about my authorization is in Kuwait for over 12 years. Well, I did not wish to go totally untrue.” Saudi media reported that “kidnappers of into the details of such a shift in life that made him the Qataris in Iraq offered to exchange them with three switch careers from working in the world of journal- bodies of Hezbollah fighters, who were among nine of the ism to work in the world of slaughterhouses. From organization detained by the Islamic State (IS). Quoting an Terrorism someone holding a pen to report news and infor- unnamed Iraqi source, the Saudi-owned newspaper mation, to another person holding a cleaver and Asharq Alawsat reported that “The original kidnappers of selling sheep tongues, brains and legs. I did ask him the Qataris had handed the captives to the Iraqi-based however about how he shifted from being a jour- Hezbollah faction- which is directly affiliated with the nalist to become a butcher. “It is much better to fill Lebanon-based Hezbollah- and requested that negotia- people’s stomachs with useful food than to fill their tions be kept confidential. A measure taken for the conser- minds with harmful, incomplete and twisted infor- vancy of discretion was employing the Kuwaiti ambassador mation,” he answered. to carry out negotiations.” Honestly speaking, that answer was not convinc- ing enough for me because I do not think his ideal justification of shifting from the world of ink into Car thieves arrested the world of blood. However, I believe that he is a Relations and Security Information Department ‘media’ person because he was the only butcher in said capital detectives arrested three women who Mubarakiya meat market whose store sign read like: were caught on video tape breaking into cars parked ‘Sheep Spare Parts for Sale.’ It was a statement he in front of houses in the Jaber Al-Ahmad area. The had created, as he told me, and I believe that such a video tape was widely shared on social media across phrase can only be created by a real journalist. Kuwait. The department said the young women, The question here is; does the media really pro- whose ages were not made public, were sent to con- vide incomplete information? As a matter of fact, cerned authorities. traditional media provides daily news and, accord- ing to the theory of the Gate Guards, those respon- Fake detective robs man sible for traditional media, be that the press or TV, do sift, validate and check the credibility of news A thief stole KD 9,000 from a cigarettes company repre- before broadcasting it to recipients, which is the sentative, after claiming he was a detective and used a true technical media methodology. On the other forged ID. The man handcuffed his victim in Jleeb Al- hand, modern media ( that of the people or the Shuyoukh and then made off with the cash. A security social media) is posted by normal unspecialized source said an Indian who works for a tobacco company people who lack verification tools and skills. They do went to Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh police station while hand- not even know them nor do they know how to cuffed, and told them that while he was distributing ciga- source stories. So, their blogs are usually full of com- rettes to grocery stores, a man stopped him and tied him pletely false stories. They might even, intentionally with a plastic tie, then searched his car and found a bag or with good will, spread rumors that might terrify with KD 9,000 inside. The victim gave police the license the audience without any due cause. plate number of the suspect. Many of those working in modern media might not understand the meaning of true professional Sorcery accusations journalism, but I think that after passing the e- A citizen accused her relative of throwing sorcery crimes and e-publication laws in Kuwait, things are items in front of her house in Qurain area, to keep her back on the right track especially in terms of the sisters from getting married. A security source said the seriousness of operators or such services are com- woman lodged a complaint and told her they saw her mitted to simple publication principles. What is relatives throwing papers and sorcery items in front of important now is that those taking modern media her house. She said she thought it was because the rel- as a profession or a hobby should work on improv- ative wanted her sisters to remain spinsters. Police are ing their journalistic skills through Kuwait investigating. University’s Ongoing Educational Programs because they have become an integral part of Kuwait’s media and new media platforms. So, developing Man steals ATM card their tools will benefit them, their readers and the A Bangladeshi man accused a money exchange employ- media in general. ee of stealing his ATM card, and gave him another when he Some of modern media practitioners have over- transferred money to his country. A source said that the KFH recognized for patronizing whelming publicity and, at the same time, com- Bangladeshi went to the police station and told that after pletely observe journalistic principles in the news transferring the money, he left the shop then found out the they publish. I hope this includes them all because ATM card was not his, then when he went back to the shop GCC Traffic Week 2016 the media arena really needs new potentials shift- but the employee denied exchanging the card, then when ing from amateurs to professionals. he went and got a new card, he discovered that money was KUWAIT: On the occasion of the unified also highlighted KFH focus on perform- between KFH and the Ministry of — Translated by Kuwait Times withdrawn from his account. — Al-Rai GCC traffic week The Undersecretary - ing its social mission. Interior, underscoring the key role of Ministry of Interior Major General KFH has been participating in this policemen in minimizing traffic conges- Abdullah Al-Muhanna eulogizes Kuwait annual event for the seventh year in a tions and achieving the highest levels of PAAAFR to allow Finance House (KFH) on its efforts for row, emanating from its firm belief in traffic security. He said that all GCC KU to freeze supporting the educational security ini- the importance of synergy and concert- countries celebrate the GCC traffic conditioned BBQ in tiatives adopted by the Ministry and ed efforts of both private and public week, revealing that it is filled with other activities organized by KFH in sectors for the sake of urging drivers activities that encompass workshops, expat jobs certain parks: Hasawi cooperation with the ministry. This and pedestrians to adhere to traffic seminars, distributing leaflets and cooperation comes to reiterate the sig- rules and respect the law, which high- awareness brochures for road users in KUWAIT: Kuwait University Secretariat General has asked its administration to list 56 non Kuwaiti employees at the KUWAIT: Following repeated demands to allow pic- nificance of security in supporting eco- lights the country’s civilized face. collaboration and coordination with nomic environment. This support has Moreover, he hailed the strong ties ministries and official bodies. university in order to freeze their jobs in the next fiscal year nickers to barbeque at public parks and beaches, 2016/2017. This means that the expats on the list will lose Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish their jobs or their contracts will not be renewed and the Resources (PAAAFR) will soon allow barbequing in positions will not be reopened again for expatriates but parks according to rules and conditions that would be reserved only for Kuwaiti nationals. The secretariat said in declared following their discussion with Kuwait an official letter that the decision follows from the Civil Municipality next week. Service Commission (13/2007), in regards to the The conditions include making sure that the barbe- Kuwaitization of government jobs, and requirements to quing is done within the park, that the place is cleaned reduce non-Kuwaiti staff by 15 percent each year. afterwards, and that security and safety procedures to protect picnickers as well as trees and the plants from fire are followed, PAAAFR Director Faisal Al-Hasawi Food projects said. He added that fires and damages caused by bar- bequing in parks in the past cost the state around KD 4 dominate million annually. Kuwait Municipality had banned bar- bequing at public beaches and parks for environmen- SMEs in Kuwait tal and safety reasons. Furthermore, Hasawi said that PAAAFR is also considering allowing barbequing at KUWAIT: Eighty three percent of small and medium enter- parks located far enough from residential areas in prises (SME) in Kuwait are food-related, a parliament com- order to protect residents from smoke emitting from mittee said. During a recent study for project under the the process. He also denied intentions to collect fees National Fund for Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, the National Assembly’s budgets committee for barbequing in parks. found that 49 out of 59 projects, or 83 percent, can be cate- Meanwhile, Hasawi said that there are 54 parks that gorized under the nutrition sector. Committee chairman will be built in new cities, to be added to the total MP Adnan Abdulsamad said meanwhile that there are ten number of parks in Kuwait which currently stands at projects from Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and 148. Increasing the number of parks number comes Creativity, adding the committee recommends having a within the government’s plan to increase greenery and strategic plan to guarantee the best distribution of projects recreational facilities, he explained. — Al-Rai supported by the fund. — Al-Qabas

Official denies Zubaidi Ministry plans to extension rumors Oil sector employees’ build new co-ops KUWAIT: An official source at the Public Authority for KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor is Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) denied unions lash out at KPC preparing to establish more co-operative societies as rumors that the Zubaidi fish (silver pomphret) has part of a plan to expand this key sector, informed become endangered in Kuwaiti waters. The reduction in KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Notably, oil sector syndicates heights, dangerous drilling and sources said. Building new co-ops, especially in new Zubaidi numbers at this time of year is normal, and is Corporation (KPC) will continue have called on all members to meet operational units as well as remnant areas, helps create more fair play and competition between co-ops, thus benefiting shareholders in the not an indication that it has reached an alarming rate, with its ‘rationalization’ program today to decide on and declare explosives leftover since the Iraqi process, the sources explained. the source said. Fishing for Zubaidi is banned every year including reduction in salaries, ben- measures to reject a ‘payroll strate- invasion,” Marzouq said. As part of the plan, the ministry has already agreed from June 1 to July 15. Retailers are allowed to import efits and other incentives of staff gic alternative project’ which would Chairman of KNPC’s employees to establish new co-ops in Abu Fatira, Na’eem and Zubaidi during the ban period, provided that they despite oil workers’ unions threats threaten salaries and benefits. They syndicate Mohamed Al-Hajri obtain permission from the PAAAFR. A similar ban on Mangaf. Kuwait currently has 58 co-ops, most of which to strike. “KPC has a strategic plan worry that the conflict will reach a stressed that his syndicate would established recently, the sources said, adding that the shrimp fishing is also enforced annually from mid- ready to face any strikes,” said dead end unless the government fully cooperate with the oil employ- January until the first of September. ministry is trying hard to meet citizens’ demands by unnamed sources within the indus- interferes and discusses the prob- ees union and other syndicates to establishing new co-ops. They said the total number of Kuwait has started in recent years to ban fishing for try quoted by the Al-Anbaa Arabic lem with oil syndicates and employ- protect employees rights. He added certain species for a specific period in order to protect shareholders at those co-ops is 471,947, including daily newspaper. The sources noted ee’s unions. that today’s meeting at the union’s 274,343 male and 197,604 female shareholders. those species from overfishing. Local authorities has that the National Guards and oil Speaking on the occasion, the headquarters in Ahmadi would About dividing existing co-ops, sources said law identified Zubaidi, considered by many as the most facilities security staff would be head of the KOC employees syndi- sound a loud message against number 118/2013 mentioned conditions of establish- popular seafood item in the Kuwaiti cuisine, as a main used to run operations in case a cate, Salah Al-Marzouq urged oil attempts to undermine those rights. ing, splitting up and establishing any co-op. The condi- species that has come under threat of overfishing, and strike takes place. The sources employees in general, and those of “Employees’ responses will rock and tion indicates that a new co-op must have at least 50 therefore a ban period was necessary to protect its added that crews hired by contrac- KOC in particular, to attend a rally everybody will realize that they can- founders, all Kuwaiti and aged over 21, and none of numbers. tors and expatriate employees today to declare their absolute not be taken as scapegoats,” he them is convicted in a felony or misdemeanor related to Meanwhile, the source said that PAAAFR still plans to would also be used to do the jobs of rejection of KPC’s plan to reduce underscored accusing oil sector offi- honesty or credibility. establish the so-called ‘floating cases project’ on the Kuwaiti employees on strike. incentives. “Oil employees’ jobs are cials’ unsuccessful policies of forcing The sources said the ministry looks into applications long term, in order to help increase the fish reserves in Employees who strike will also be so dangerous. They deal with haz- competent staff to quit working for submitted by founders related to dividing or establish- Kuwait during the year. — Al-Anbaa penalized for it. ardous, toxic and lethal gases, the sector. — Al-Anbaa ment a co-op. — Al-Jarida TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

Breaking taboo, Hindu Clinton launches another attack on Trump in her AIPAC speech widows celebrate festival of colors Page 10 Page 11 Refugee deal ‘uphill effort’, says Greek PM EU’s Mogherini vows more aid for Lebanon with Syria refugees UN chief fears over DR Congo vote ‘impasse’ UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary- debate on the situation in Africa’s Great General Ban Ki-moon expressed grave Lakes region, Ban called on all parties “to concern yesterday over the fate of elec- settle their differences through dialogue tions in the Democratic Republic of and to create conditions conducive to Congo, warning of the danger of political holding timely and credible elections, in violence. The DRC is supposed to hold keeping with the constitution.” elections in November, but the chances “I am very concerned by the impasse in of them coming off has grown dimmer the organization of the next elections,” with each passing day and there are Ban said. “In the past, the political crises growing suspicions that President Joseph that have hit the Great Lakes region have Kabila plans to extend his rule after his turned into generalized violence and seri- mandate runs out at the end of the year. ous security problems. We must prevent Speaking during a Security Council this scenario from being repeated.” —AFP

ATHENS: A girl looks out of a bus window after her arrival by ferry with hundreds other migrants and refugees from the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos to the port of Elefsina, west of Athens, yesterday. — AP

ATHENS: Greece’s prime minister warned yesterday that an nel expanded refugee shelters at sites in cen- also holding talks with Foreign Minister international agreement to limit the number of refugees trav- tral and northern Greece - mostly at former Gebran Bassil. eling to Europe could not be properly implemented unless army bases - so migrants who traveled to the The EU has already granted Lebanon 1.5 smugglers on the Turkish coast are stopped. Turkey’s president, Greek islands before the agreement came billion euros ($1.7 billion) since the outbreak meanwhile, slammed European countries for their criticism of into effect could be resettled. Ferries trans- of war in neighboring Syria in 2011, she said. his country’s record on human rights and media freedoms and porting them from the islands were using the Mogherini’s visit came as Europe grapples accused them of failing to protect the rights of refugees. port of Elefsina, west of Athens, instead of the with its worst migrant crisis since World War II. The refugee agreement went into effect Sunday, under main commercial port of Piraeus, to allow But while over a million migrants reached which Greek authorities will detain newly-arrived refugees authorities to cope with the increased num- Europe’s shores in 2015 alone, Syria’s neigh- and send them back to Turkey and the European Union will bers of migrants. bours have shouldered the bulk of the settle more refugees directly from Turkey and speed up finan- refugee crisis triggered by the five-year war. cial aid to help Turkey care for the 2.7 million Syrian refugees it More aid Fragile Lebanon alone is hosting more than is hosting. Yesterday, however, the two sides were still working EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini 1.1 million refugees-a huge number for a out details of how the migrants will be sent back. pledged yesterday during a visit to Lebanon country of four million people. Mogherini’s “We have to make an uphill effort because implementation to step up assistance to the tiny visit also came as a landmark EU-Turkish deal of this agreement will not be an easy issue,” Greek Prime Mediterranean nation which is hosting over a took effect, with Brussels seeking to curb the Minister Alexis Tsipras said. Tsipras met in Athens with EU million Syrian refugees. After meeting influx to Europe. Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and asked Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam in “Our work on Syrian refugees isn’t only in the EU to increase pressure on Turkey to crack down on smug- Beirut, Mogherini told reporters the talks had Turkey but also very strong and from the very glers. Greek government figures released yesterday said the centred on “how we can help each other in beginning in Lebanon,” she said, adding that number of stranded refugees in Greece now exceed 50,000 managing the immense refugee crisis we are she would “bring the same message” on a vis- with no significant letdown in the number of daily arrivals. both facing. it to Amman today. Lebanon has since the “Unfortunately, yesterday, there was a high number of arrivals, “We agreed from the European Union side outbreak of war in Syria become home to the some 1,500,” Tsipras said. “If a reduction of (refugee) flows does to increase the support to Lebanon that has world’s highest refugee population per capi- not occur, we will not be able to evacuate the islands success- been significant so far,” she said. “We are ta. Turkey hosts 2.7 million Syrians, while over fully so that the deal can start to be implemented fully.” together in managing one of the worst if not 630,000 have sought shelter in Jordan, Four migrants died Sunday while trying to reach Greece, the worst humanitarian crisis,” she said after according to the United Nations. — Agencies two men off the island of Lesbos and two girls off the tiny islet of Ro, the coast guard said, as smugglers appeared to be opt- ing for more overnight trips and increasingly dangerous routes. Monitors from Turkey arrived Monday on the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios to help supervise the agreement and were to stay for at least one week. Greece’s conservative opposition criticized the Turkish arrivals, a controversial topic as Greece and Turkey have ongo- ing boundary disputes in the Aegean Sea. In Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey had agreed to the refugee deal with the EU to prevent Syrian refugees from being subjected to “derogatory treatment” as they piled up at closed European borders. He also criticized Western countries for rejecting Turkish proposals for the creation of a no-fly zone or other secure zones in Syria, which he said would have prevented Europe’s refugee crisis. “All those who have not accepted a no-fly zone and a zone cleared of terror in Syria, and everyone who com- plains about the refugees are two-faced and hypocritical,” the Turkish president said. On the Greek mainland, army person- TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Israel brings in 19 Yemeni Jews in final immigration push

JERUSALEM: Israel has brought in 19 The sacred manuscript’s departure Israel, founded partly as a haven for si-governmental Jewish Agency for Israel, elsewhere would be an affront to their Jews from war-ravaged Yemen in what from Yemen marked the de facto end of a survivors of the Nazi Holocaust, has Natan Sharansky, said in a statement. traditional values. immigration officials described as the last community that has lived alongside its organized waves of Jewish immigration After decades of airlifts of Yemeni Yemeni government aid to those driv- covert operation to move members of a Muslim neighbors for centuries, only to including the mass transfer of most of Jews, the latest arrivals “brought the mis- en from the north - an individual monthly dwindling Jewish community dating be driven out by a surge in fighting and Yemen’s then 40,000-strong Jewish com- sion to its conclusion”, he added. stipend of $20 - stopped about six back two millennia. political turmoil. munity in 1949. The Agency statement said around 50 months ago and the group remaining Seventeen people arrived late on Yemeni Jews have complained of Fresh fighting and political chaos has Jews had decided to stay, including at behind faces eviction from the com- Sunday, including a man who doubled increasing harassment since the rebel since driven many of the people who least 40 living in a compound near the US pound. Other operations have trans- up as the rabbi and kosher butcher in the Houthi movement - whose slogan is stayed behind out of their northern Embassy in Sanaa, under Yemeni govern- ferred Jewish populations from Ethiopia northern Yemeni town of Raydah, carried “Death to America, death to Israel, curse homelands. “This is a moment of utmost ment protection. Some members of the and, more covertly, from Arab or Muslim a 500-year-old Torah scroll, said officials. the Jews, victory to Islam” - seized control significance for the State of Israel and deeply conservative Jewish community states with which Israel has no formal Two others came in a few days earlier. of the capital Sanaa in 2014. Jewish immigration,” the head of the qua- had voiced concern that life in Israel or relations. —Reuters Syrian govt rules out talks on Assad future Army inches closer towards IS-held Palmyra

GENEVA: The fate of Syrian excluded,” he said. Little progress been “slow” despite some 800 air square miles),” he added. That would President Bashar Al-Assad is not had been made in the latest round strikes by Russia and the Syrian cut IS’s area of control from some 40 part of the negotiations with the of indirect talks, Ja’afari said. “We regime this month alone. Last week, percent of Syrian territory to 30 per- opposition, the head of the Syrian believe that a week and a half has the army recaptured a strategic hill cent, the Observatory said, adding government’s delegation said yes- been wasted without responding to at the southwestern entrance of that jihadists could then be pushed terday, insisting that counter-terror- a paper is a pretext for wasting Palmyra, four kilometres from the across the border into Iraq. ism efforts remained the priority for time. “The crisis in Syria is painful city. Damascus. and we have clear instructions from IS has fiercely resisted the Symbolic value Bashar Ja’afari, speaking to our leadership,” he added. advance, killing at least 26 pro-gov- Thomas Pierret, a Syria expert at reporters at the start of a second ernment fighters yesterday, the the University of Edinburgh, said he BAGHDAD: Supporters of Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr rest in a tent during a week of talks with UN Special Envoy Battles rage Observatory said. Aamaq, an IS- doubted that the army would be sit-in calling for governmental reform and elimination of corruption yester- Staffan de Mistura, accused the Battles raged around Palmyra linked website, claimed that 30 able to advance much further High Negotiations Committee yesterday as Syrian soldiers backed troops were killed in an attack by a beyond Palmyra, however. “Let’s not day, outside the main gates of Baghdad’s Green Zone. —AFP (HNC) of failing to respond to its by Russian warplanes sought to jihadist suicide bomber. “Meanwhile, forget that whatever its advances in Palmyra, the regime is still fighting Fears in Iraqi government, very difficult battles against IS in the desert west of Palmyra, in the east- army over Shiite militias ern parts of the provinces of Homs and Hama,” he told AFP. BAGHDAD: It was a tense confrontation elite force independent of - and better armed But recapturing Palmyra would between two forces supposed to be on the than - the military, tasked with “protecting” the still be an important regime victory. same side in Iraq. First, heavily armed police, led Shiite cleric-led power structure. It is effectively “Symbolically it would be huge, by the interior minister, waded into a Shiite mili- a state within a state, rivaling the political since it would enable the regime to tia base south of Baghdad and arrested its strength of Iran’s supreme leader. portray itself as the protector of deputy commander, accused of organizing Sunnis fear such militia power would Palmyra’s antique ruins, even if this attacks on Sunni mosques. They loaded the enforce Shiite domination of Iraq. Sunnis comes at the price of turning the man, Ali Reda, into an armored SUV. already accuse militias of targeting them with modern, inhabited part of the city Then militia reinforcements descended, sur- abuses. Hundreds of green and red Shiite ban- into rubble,” Pierret said. rounded the police and demanded Reda be ners and images of imams - historic religious Should the Syrian army retake freed. Weapons were drawn. The minister, leaders revered by the Shiites - are posted all Palmyra, that would also “help pro- Mohammed Al-Ghabban, the highest figure in over Sunni areas under militia control north and (President Bashar al-) Assad lobby- Iraq’s police force, frantically called Baghdad east of Baghdad, in a blatant challenge to sec- ing in the West, which in the medi- from inside his SUV. In the end, Ghabban sur- tarian sensitivities. um/long-term could be a game rendered his prisoner and left empty-handed, changer,” he said. Since IS captured angry and humiliated. Sectarian strife Palmyra, the city has become practi- The standoff in mid-January, described to The militias call themselves “holy” or “glori- cally deserted after most civilians The Associated Press by six different officials ous,” and often talk of their battle as a fight for took flight. and militia leaders, was a stark example of the their sect rather than Iraq. They give Shiite Images recently distributed by power that Shiite militias have accrued in Iraq names to major offensives, only for the gov- the Observatory purported to show and their boldness in wielding it. ernment to ban their use. “I joined the Hashd residential areas of the city in ruins for the imams, not for the government,” said after months of air strikes. “The Militias’ power one militiaman, Mohammed al-Azghar, in the regime has adopted a scorched These militias, many of them backed by Iran, central city of Samarra. The official agency earth policy, and is trying to mobilized in 2014 to fight Sunni extremists created to oversee the fighters, the Popular GENEVA: Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations and Head of the Government delegation advance on several sides of the city,” from the Islamic State group. However, they are Mobilization Commission, has instead said the Palmyra News Network, now showing no intention of standing down become the militias’ political lever in the Bashar Al-Jaafari (center) adjusts his glasses during a press conference following a new round of which is run by local activists. Some negotiations of peace talks on Syria at the United Nations Office in Geneva yesterday. —AFP after the battle, demanding instead to be a machinery of power. The government now families that had remained were major force shaping Iraq. That prospect worries funds the militias, but some of them refuse to now fleeing towards the Jordan bor- not only Iraq’s Sunni minority but also officials even give officials the names of their fighters, paper on basic principles and of not recapture the ancient city in what warplanes believed to be Russian der, fearing for their lives, the group in the military and the Shiite-led government, citing security concerns. engaging fully. would be a major symbolic victory struck parts of Palmyra city and its said. Global concern for Palmyra’s who fear the militias will dominate Iraq the way “People fear and trust us more than they Ja’afari, asked about the willing- over the Islamic State group. Troops surroundings in the east of Homs magnificent ancient ruins spiked in the Revolutionary Guard does Iran and the fear and trust the government,” boasted ness of the government delegation and allied militia backed by Russian province, as well as Al-Qaryatain in September 2015, when satellite guerrilla group Hezbollah does Lebanon. Ahmed Al-Assady, a Shiite lawmaker and to engage in serious talks on politi- air power have since early March the southeast,” the Observatory said. images confirmed that IS had Two top generals warned that the army spokesman for the Mobilization Commission. cal transition, and the fate of Assad, been pushing an advance around “The battle for Palmyra is decisive demolished the famed Temple of could eventually come to blows with the mili- “They fear us because we act, not just talk.” replied: “These are two separate the UNESCO World Heritage Site for the regime, as it paves the way Bel as part of its campaign to tias, known collectively as the “Hashd,” Arabic for Advisers from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issues actually. President Assad has known as the “Pearl of the Desert”. for the recapture of the desert area destroy pre-Islamic monuments it “mobilization.” and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have helped Iraq’s nothing to do with the Syria-Syria They are now just four kilome- all the way up to the eastern border considers idolatrous. The jihadists “They (the militias) have now infiltrated the militias in the battle against IS. Billboards talks. tres (2.5 miles) from the gates of the with Iraq,” Observatory director Rami have waged a sustained campaign government and are meddling in politics,” said around Baghdad announce the “martyrdom” “The (terms of) reference of our city that fell to the jihadists in May Abdel Rahman told AFP. of destruction against heritage sites Ali Omran, commander of the army’s 5th of fighters, alongside images of Iran’s talks do not give any indication last year, sending shock waves “IS would automatically lose the in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq, Infantry Division and a veteran of numerous Khamenei and Khomeini and Hezbollah whatsoever with regard to the issue around the world. According to the desert stretching from Palmyra to and in mid-August last year behead- battles against IS. “I told the Hashd people that leader Hassan Nasrallah. Militia TV channels of the President of the Syrian Arab Syrian Observatory for Human the Iraqi border-in other words, ed the city’s 82-year-old former one day I and my men may fight them.” and newspapers also accuse the government Republic. This is something already Rights monitor, the advance has 30,000 square kilometres (12,000 antiquities chief. —Agencies The more than 50 Shiite militias in Iraq have of corruption and cast the militias as the true between 60,000 and 140,000 fighters, according protectors of Iraqis. to estimates from the government and the In Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown Hashd itself. They are backed by tanks and north of Baghdad, the extent of the militias’ Erdogan rallies Turks against weapons, and have their own intelligence prestige is on display: The headquarters of a agency, operations rooms and court of law. senior militiaman, Jassim Al-Husseini, is locat- The larger militias, like Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, the ed at one of the late dictator’s opulent palaces unprecedented terror wave Hezbollah Brigades, Badr and the Peace along the Tigris River. Brigades, have been in place since soon after The chain-smoking Husseini wears a mili- ISTANBUL: Yesterday President Recep Tayyip Hurriyet daily cited intelligence sources as say- attack, which killed 103 people at a peace rally in the the 2003 ouster of Saddam Hussein. They are tary brown jacket and walks with a cane Erdogan urged Turks to stand tall against “one of ing a group of extremists, taking their cue from the capital Ankara in October, as well as another suicide linked to political parties, effectively forming because of a leg injury sustained while fight- the biggest waves of terrorism” in their history, as Paris attacks, had been planning to blow them- bombing outside Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in January armed branches for politicians. ing IS last year. He confidently spoke of the police hunt three alleged jihadists suspected of selves up among supporters at an Istanbul football that killed 12 German tourists. The other two attacks, But the ranks of the militias swelled dramati- flaws of Iraq’s government and said the mili- planning further suicide attacks. derby on Sunday between arch-rivals Galatasaray which killed a total of 65 people in Ankara, were cally after IS overran nearly a third of Iraq in the tias cannot be integrated into its security In a combative speech in Istanbul Erdogan drew and Fenerbahce. Istanbul’s governor postponed the claimed by a radical offshoot of the outlawed summer of 2014 and Grand Ayatollah Ali al- forces. “Integrating us in the security forces on the “grandeur of the Ottoman Empire” in promis- game two hours before kickoff, citing intelligence Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), against whom the Sistani, Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, called on able- and the military is not an idea that will help ing to crush the Islamic State radicals and Kurdish pointing to a “serious” threat. Turkish military is waging a bloody campaign. bodied males to fight IS. At the time, tens of build our nation,” he said. Now the militias rebels behind a string of bombings that have killed One of the men sought by police, Savas Yildiz, thousands turned out. demand to participate in a long-expected over 200 people since July. was initially suspected of being the perpetrator of ‘Not fighting democracy’ offensive to retake largely Sunni Mosul, Iraq’s “We will hit these terrorist organizations as hard Saturday’s blast on Istiklal Caddesi, a famous two- Erdogan has been accused of devoting far more Written in blood second-largest city and the main stronghold as possible,” Erdogan said, two days after a suspect- kilometer pedestrian shopping street that is usually resources to the fight against the PKK than to com- Those same militias now want to remain a of IS rule in Iraq - something the military and ed IS bomber blew himself up on a famous shop- thronged with shoppers and strollers. Interior bating IS, and has also come under fire for muzzling permanent, independent armed force and are armed Sunni groups oppose. ping street in Istanbul, killing four foreigners and Minister Efkan Ala later named Mehmet Ozturk as academics, journalists and activists who question resisting attempts to integrate them into the “The Hashd will take part in the battle to injuring dozens. “We will... quickly overcome them,” the perpetrator and said he was “linked to the ter- his policies. military or police, the AP found from interviews liberate Mosul no matter what,” said senior he pledged. His remarks came as police hunted for rorist organization Daesh”-an Arabic term for IS. “We’re not fighting democracy but terrorism, with more than 15 government officials, army Shiite politician Hadi Al-Amry, who is also three suspected members of a Turkish IS cell sus- Three Israelis and one Iranian were killed in the we’re not fighting human rights but terrorists,” said generals and militia leaders and visits to Tikrit commander of the Iranian-backed Badr mili- pected of planning further attacks in public places attack, which injured 39 people, most of them for- Turkey’s strongman leader, who has called for aca- and Samarra, Sunni-majority areas where the tia. “No one can stop us from entering Mosul.” in Istanbul and other cities, Dogan news agency eign tourists. Four people were still in critical condi- demics, journalists and activists who criticize the militias now hold power. The militias insist they reported. Photographs of the three were published tion on Monday. IS has been blamed for four of the military’s actions to be prosecuted as “terrorist have earned a special status, pointing to the In Samarra in the Turkish media. last six bombings, including Turkey’s worst-ever accomplices”. He again upbraided Europe for allow- 5,000 militiamen killed and 16,000 wounded In Samarra, Sunnis say they already experi- ing pro-PKK activists set up a tent outside EU build- fighting IS. ence what is feared could happen if the mili- ings in Brussels during last week’s EU-Turkey sum- “Those who sacrificed more are entitled to tias enter Mosul. The city has a Sunni majority mit on migration. “How can the EU, which considers more,” said Hamed al-Jazaeery, head of the al- but is home to one of the most revered Shiite this (PKK) a terrorist organization, tolerate such a sit- Khorasani Brigades militia. “What is written with shrines, blown up by Al-Qaida 10 years ago. In uation?” Erdogan thundered. “Where’s the sinceri- blood cannot be removed. It is not ink on 2014, Shiite militias successfully prevented IS ty?” he asked, accusing the EU-which has criticized paper.” from taking Samarra and have kept their grip Turkey’s worsening rights record-of “hypocrisy”. His Al-Jazaeery wears the black turban of a cleric on the city since. speech coincided with celebrations to mark Kurdish and the camouflage fatigues of a fighter. The Local dignitaries and officials air a flood of New Year that were restricted in several cities over walls of his office are adorned with photos of grievances blamed on militias, including fears of violence. the leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah killings of Sunnis, takeovers of schools and the Ruhollah Khomeini, and its current supreme forcing of Sunnis to sell property in the prime Plea for peace leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Other photos real estate area close to the shrine. To the thud Around 50,000 gathered to mark the Nevruz show al-Jazaeery posing with Iranian Gen. of artillery shelling in the distance, the city holiday in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Qassem Suleimani, the powerful Revolutionary council’s deputy chairman, Muzher Fleih, said Turkey’s biggest Kurdish majority city, which has Guard figure who helped organize the Iraqi mili- 650 Sunnis have disappeared, believed been under a military lockdown for most of the tias against IS. abducted and killed by the militias. Among past three months. “We want to be a third power in Iraq,” along- them was his brother, who disappeared last The turnout was markedly down on previous side the army and police, al-Jazaeery said. “Why year and was found dead soon after. such gatherings in the city, reflecting a sense of can’t the Hashd be like the Revolutionary Guard “The city is oppressed,” he said. Militia lead- in Iran?” ers insist any abuses are isolated incidents. ISTANBUL: Turkey is on a knife-edge after five major bombings that have killed over weariness among the population after months of curfews and street battles between the security The model of the Revolutionary Guard, often “We are not angels,” said Al-Assady, the 200 people since July, three of which have been blamed on IS while Kurdish groups forces and young PKK members, an AFP journalist cited by militia leaders, would be a dramatic Mobilization spokesman. “It is only natural have been accused of carrying out the others.—AFP in Diyarbakir reported. —AFP change for Iraq’s militias. In Iran, the Guard is an that we make mistakes.” —AP

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Pacific nations pave way Paris climate accord

MAJURO, Marshall Islands: Battered by said this vulnerability explained why the concrete steps to address the problem. fall in the capital Majuro for months, tap Paris agreement last month. The storm massive cyclones, El Nino-fuelled first three nations to confirm their Paris The Pacific nations, among the water is rationed to four-hour blocks hammered the island nation, leaving 44 drought and swollen king tides, fragile commitments were all from the Pacific. strongest advocates for meaningful three days a week, when residents scram- dead and about 50,000 homeless amid a Pacific island nations vulnerable to cli- “By becoming one of the first countries to action in Paris, have been swift to ratify in ble to fill storage tanks and bottles. trail of destruction. Palau-another ratifi- mate change are leading the charge in ratify the Paris agreement, we have the hope of setting an example for big- The government has sent portable cation trailblazer-is in the grip of severe implementing the landmark Paris climate shown our determination to continue to ger nations. “(It) puts us closer to the goal desalination units to remote communi- drought that has seen water rationing deal. lead this fight from the front,” she said we all set for (the) nation and ourselves ties as forecasters predict the drought introduced after levels at the main dam The Marshall Islands is the latest after parliament ratified the Paris accord to ensure that our children inherit a hab- may not ease until the second half of the servicing the capital Koror fell 90 percent. Pacific nation after Fiji and Palau to adopt Friday. itable, hospitable planet,” Palau President year. The Marshalls’ latest climate crisis These harsh climate realities have the historic deal which was agreed by The accord sets a target of limiting Tommy Remengesau said when parlia- follows extreme weather in recent years, fuelled a push to ensure the Paris accord 195 nations in December with the aim of global warming to “well below” 2.0 ment voted to ratify last month. including ferocious storms, and in 2014 becomes more than just a deal on paper. curbing carbon emissions and limiting degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) com- the highest king tides recorded in three “The Marshall Islands wants to lead by global warming. Scientists warn the low- pared to pre-industrial levels. World lead- ‘Walk the talk’ decades, which forced 1,000 to flee their walking the talk,” Heine said. She is plan- lying island nations risk being swamped ers will gather in New York on April 22 to The Marshalls’ ratification comes as homes and left more than US$2.0 million ning to implement a US$22 million solar as sea levels rise, losing coastline, arable formally sign the deal in an important the nation of about 55,000 people faces a worth of damage. project to produce renewable energy land and facing more extreme weather statement of intent. However, ratification severe drought that prompted Heine, In Fiji, the urgency of the situation was and has appointed former foreign minis- events. goes a step further, involving lawmakers elected in January, to declare a state of underlined when super-cyclone Winston ter Tony de Brum as the country’s first cli- Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine agreeing on action plans that will take disaster last month. With almost no rain- hit just days after the country ratified the mate change ambassador. —AFP Clinton launches another attack on Trump in her AIPAC speech ‘sort of a neutral guy’

WASHINGTON: Hillary Clinton pre- sparked criticism from Republican allies He’s meeting with nearly two dozen top Socially liberal Jews object to his viewed an early line of Democratic attack of the Jewish state last month when he party officials, consultants and members controversial remarks about Mexican against Donald Trump yesterday, casting vowed to be a “sort of a neutral guy” on of Congress. immigrants, women and Muslims, with the Republican front-runner as unquali- Israel. While the US is officially neutral in There were protests planned at many some drawing analogies to the fied to handle heated international con- the Middle East conflict, his statement of his stops, with a group of rabbis plan- European persecution of Jews that flicts as commander in chief in her was a marked rhetorical departure for ning to boycott his speech before AIPAC. eventually led to the Holocaust. speech before a prominent pro-Israel typically strongly pro-Israel US presiden- Clinton drew a similar parallel in advocacy organization. tial candidates. Trump plans to details his Mixed Record her remarks, referencing a famous inci- Nearly all the presidential candidates plans for a peace deal in remarks before Trump has a mixed record with dent of a ship with Jewish refugees are scheduled to address the annual poli- being turned away from the US in cy conference of the American Israel 1939. “We’ve had dark chapters in our Public Affairs Committee, which draws history before,” she said. “America top Jewish leaders from around the should be better than this, and I world. The event is a traditional stop for believe it’s our responsibility as citi- US politicians eager to demonstrate their zens to say so. If you see bigotry, BARCELONA: (Front row) Barcelona’s mayor Ada Colau (3rd L), President of foreign policy credentials. oppose it.” Catalan parliament Carme Forcadell (4th L), Catalan regional president Clinton rival Bernie Sanders, who is Clinton, who received a standing Carles Puigdemont (5th L), rector of the University of Barcelona, Didac trying to become the first Jewish candi- ovation from the group, has a long his- Ramirez (3rd R) and Spanish government delegate for Catalonia, Maria de date to win a major party’s presidential tory in the Middle East, including over- los Llanos de Luna (2nd R), observe a minute’s silence as they attend the nomination, is skipping the AIPAC meet- seeing as secretary of state the Obama tribute for the victims of Sunday’s bus fatal accident at the University of ing for campaign appearances in Utah administration’s first attempt to broker Barcelona yesterday. —AFP and Arizona, which have primary con- Israeli-Palestinian peace. Her stance tests today. against Jewish settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians has been Steady Hands criticized by some in the pro-Israel Spain: 7 of 13 bus crash Clinton, a former secretary of state, community, but she has been received used her address not only to highlight WASHINGTON: Democratic presidential candidate Hillary warmly by pro-Israel groups in the victims were Italian her decades of work in the Middle East Clinton speaks at the 2016 American Israel Public Affairs past. but also to raise questions about Trump’s Committee (AIPAC) yesterday. —AP She renewed promises to provide MADRID: The 13 students killed in a bus the students. Twenty-three of the passen- credentials and trustworthiness.”We need sophisticated defense technology to crash in northeastern Spain this weekend gers remained in hospital, including six in steady hands,” she told thousands of Israel and to quickly invite the coun- were all women from other countries, serious condition, Jane said. activists. “Not a president who says he’s the organization on Monday night. pro-Israel Republicans. He’s refused to try’s prime minister to the White including seven from Italy, a Catalan The official said the bus driver was being neutral on Monday, pro-Israel on Tuesday The billionaire businessman is using a make the perennial Republican cam- House, if elected president. And she regional government official said yesterday. investigated for possible negligent homi- and who-knows-what on Wednesday rare day in Washington to try to woo a paign promise of promising to move offered subtle criticism of the Obama The other six included two Germans, an cide. The driver was initially reported to because everything’s negotiable.” Israel’s Republican establishment that’s been the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to administration, which has had public Austrian, a French woman, a Romanian and have been uninjured but was taken into a security, she proclaimed to loud reluctant, and in some cases, determined, Jerusalem, drawing boos last year rifts with Prime Minister Benjamin an Uzbekistani, Interior department direc- hospital in the town of Tortosa late Sunday applause, “is non-negotiable.” Trump to stop his rise to the party’s nomination. from the Republican Jewish Coalition. Netanyahu. —AP tor Jordi Jane said. Jane told reporters the with lung problems. He had been due to victims were aged between 19 and 25 appear before a judge yesterday but the years. session was postponed. The bus carrying 57 university students Road conditions were good at the time crashed Sunday near Freginals, halfway of the crash. Spanish Interior Minister Champion rams fight in between the eastern coastal cities of Jorge Fernandez Diaz said Sunday that the Barcelona and Valencia. They were return- driver had passed alcohol and drug tests. ing from a firework festival in Valencia. The Jane said families of the victims began students were studying in Barcelona as part arriving in Catalonia yesterday. The Nigeria for cash, glory of the Erasmus exchange program. Erasmus program provides foreign Barcelona University planned to hold five exchange courses for students, mostly from LAGOS: Champion ram King of Oils shows no It’s exactly that innate will to battle that distin- between the hooves”. minutes of silence at noon in memory of the 28-nation European Union. —AP visible signs of stress before his semi-final fight guishes ram fighting from other animal sports, Agusto, his silver hair in a short mohawk and at the National Stadium in Lagos. The amber Folami said. With eight weight categories and ref- a thin gold chain necklace, said ram fighting is eyes of the snow-white ram barely register the erees, the Ram Lovers Association of Nigeria an escape from daily life in Nigeria, where pover- raucous crowd 50 meters away but his outward (RLAM) is working to bring ram fighting into the ty is endemic despite massive oil wealth. “They tranquility belies a tenacity deep within. mainstream by enforcing a strict set of rules to can’t go to the polo club or golf club, never mind Three and a half years ago, Dayo Folami ensure ram safety and fair play. “We brought in the boat club, so here they have an outlet to bought King of Oils for less than 50,000 naira rules and regulations of different weight cate- look forward to,” he added.

Intimidating names Hundreds of people gathered under a blazing sun to watch the rams fight on a sandy pitch, fenced off with orange and blue rope. Vendors sold popcorn and suya-a salty, spicy grilled meat served with red onions and tomatoes-while con- tortionists in striped outfits of mustard yellow and lime green performed in front of VIPs sitting in the shade under white tents. Some rams are named after historic warriors (Attila the Hun, Spartacus), while others after devastating diseases (Ebola, Malaria). The Nigerian ram fighting rules state that at the start of a tournament rams are allowed to hit 30 “blows” before the referee calls a tie. By the finals, rams can headbutt up to 100 times. GREECE: Migrants are reflected in a water puddle as they disembark a But sometimes the fight never takes place at Greek coast guard vessel, off the coast of the Greek island of Lesbos, yes- all, with unwilling rams high-tailing it to the terday. More than 1 million migrants have entered Europe this year, the safety of their owners amid laughs and jeers International Organization for Migration says. —AP from the crowd. At stake is a plethora of official prizes ranging from cars to kitchen appliances. More lucrative, however, is the gambling on the sidelines where Is the 17 millionth Dutch men bet tens of thousands of naira on rams. “After football, this is what brings people togeth- resident a migrant? LAGOS: Two men negotiate the price of a bet at a ram fighting competition held at er,” said ram judging assistant Segun Odulate. “If you come here you won’t think anything THE HAGUE: The official Dutch popula- returning Dutch person.” It added “the the National Stadium. —AFP more, you’ll concentrate on the rams and you’ll tion counter has ticked over to 17 mil- chance is bigger that it is an immigrant be happy.” Perhaps no one was as happy as lion amid speculation that the landmark than a baby” because more people are ($250). Yet today the 39-year-old businessman gories, just like in boxing,” RLAM member Basheer Folami, whose King of Oils won his semi-final may have been reached with the regis- arriving in the country than are being says the ram is “priceless”. “I’ve won a lot of mon- “Bash” Agusto said. “People expect to see fairness.” match in just 10 blows. “I was very happy, I will tration of a migrant rather than the born. ey with the power he has,” Folami, wearing a Agusto, the 68-year-old owner of champion fight in the final,” he said. In the days before birth of a child. The population counter is an esti- white T-shirt and dark jeans, said at Sunday’s ram Little Tiger-who competes in H, the lightest the ultimate match this coming weekend, Earlier this month, the Central mate tallied on the website of the gov- event. “He doesn’t give up.” What motivates King category-said the rams are “just like any other Folami says no expense will be spared on King Bureau for Statistics said the 17 mil- ernment’s official statistician. There is of Oils to dominate in the ring is a mystery, said athlete”. Once identified as a fighter “you make of Oils. “I’m going to give him special treat- lionth inhabitant “could be a baby, a no way of knowing exactly who the Folami. “There is no winning secret of rams, you sure he’s not lacking”, Agusto explained, recom- ment, special food,” he said. “I know we’re refugee from Syria, a worker from small and densely populated nation’s 17 can never force them to fight.” mending to “give him vitamins and clean going to win.” —AFP Poland, a student from China or a millionth inhabitant really is. —AP British plane spotters face jail in Kenya

NAIROBI: Four British plane spotters were the Makadara court in Nairobi found the four “Eddie and his mates are just chaps who yesterday told to pay a fine or face a year in a guilty of trespassing in a restricted area and like taking pictures of planes,” Peter Smith told Kenyan jail for photographing aircraft in the taking photographs without permission. He The Sun newspaper, describing his brother as capital Nairobi. Aeroplane enthusiasts Paul fined each man 200,000 Kenya shillings an “anorak”, a term for somebody with a com- Abbott, 47, Steve Gibson, 60, Ian Glover, 46, ($2,000 or 1,400 British pounds), warning that pulsive hobby. He told Britain’s Mail on and Eddie Swift, 47, were arrested earlier this failure to pay would result in a year in jail. Sunday that the four had been forced into month at Wilson Airport, a small but busy The four friends, all from Greater confessing to the trespass charge. “They regional hub used by bush pilots, tourists, Manchester, were on a two-week African pleaded guilty under duress,” Smith said. humanitarian agencies and cargo carriers, plane-spotting holiday that took them to British plane spotters abroad have fre- NAIROBI: British nationals, (from-LtoR) - Eddie Swift, Ian Glover, Paul Abbot after snapping pictures while sitting in an air- Ethiopia and then Kenya, posting snaps of quently found themselves in court, arrested (hidden), and Steve Gibson, talk with a lawyer from holding cell at a magis- port bar. planes on their Facebook pages, according to on suspicion of espionage or terrorism, but trates court yesterday. —AFP Yesterday chief magistrate Heston Nyaga at British newspaper reports. the cases rarely result in jail time. —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Indian city bans gatherings over water riot fears

NEW DELHI: Authorities in western India because of water scarcity. Last year around have banned groups of people from gath- 1,400 farmers committed suicide in the ering near water sources in a drought-rid- region over crop failure from a lack of den city following violent skirmishes water and an inability to meet loan pay- between increasingly desperate residents, ments. officials said yesterday. And officials fear the worst this year as Dnyaneshwar Chavan, the police chief most of Marathwada’s lakes and reservoirs of Latur, in Maharashtra state, said no more lie empty months before the annual mon- than five people were allowed at wells and soon is expected to arrive. public storage tanks at any one time over “The reservoir has completely dried up. growing fears of water riots. “There have We are trying to get water from other been incidents of violence,” Chavan said. sources to cater to the demand,” local offi- Latur, about 400 kilometres east of cial Pandurang Pole said. He said water Mumbai, lies deep in the heart of India’s was only being supplied to households arid central belt and its half-a-million resi- through main’s taps once a month, and dents are reeling from years of below-par that some of the 200 water tankers sent to monsoon rains. make up the shortfall had been looted. Latur is part of Maharashtra’s drought- There have been daily altercations at hit Marathwada region. Several media water-filling points, leading local officials reports say thousands of people, mostly to issue a ban on gatherings for two poor farmers, have left the area recently months, he added. —AFP

NEW DELHI: Indian Hindu widows throw flower petals during Holi celebrations at the Gopinath temple yesterday. —AP Breaking taboo, Hindu widows celebrate festival of colors ‘I am happy, very happy’ KOLKATA: An Ambassador taxi makes its way through a busy street of Burrabazar wholesale market in Kolkata, India, yesterday. The maker of the VRINDAVAN: Aruna Samaddar threw fistfuls of social conditioning proved hard to break. needs and gives them a stipend of 2,000 iconic Ambassador halted production on 2014 and gradually is replaced by of colored powder into the air. Blue and red They applied only tiny dots of color to each rupees ($30) to buy essentials. They are newer models forcing its disappearance from Indian roads. —AP and green, the cheerful colors settled on her other’s foreheads. taught to make incense sticks and garlands to white sari and all over other women nearby. “Their participation in Holi symbolizes a ensure that they can earn a small amount of In most of India, widows like Samaddar break from tradition, which forbids a widow money on their own. But for most part, the Nepal quake reconstruction have no place in this joyful celebration of from wearing a colored sari, among many women spend the day singing hymns to Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. The coun- other things,” said Bindeshwar Pathak, the Krishna, for which they earn 10 rupees (15 chief faces graft investigation try’s millions of observant Hindu widows are head of Sulabh International. cents). expected to live out their days in quiet wor- ship, dressed only in white. They are typically KATHMANDU: The head of Nepal’s earth- our system and procedure,” said Pushkar. barred from all religious festivities because quake reconstruction authority is being He said there were also concerns at the their very presence is considered inauspi- investigated following complaints of cor- slow pace of reconstruction and relief cious. ruption and other irregularities, an anti- efforts. Gyewali, who is accompanying So for Samaddar, Monday’s celebration was graft official said yesterday. Nepal’s prime minister on an official visit to a joy long denied. “I am so happy. I am playing Sushil Gyewali was in December China, was not immediately available for Holi after 12 years. I am happy, very happy,” appointed chief of the National comment. His spokesman also declined to said Samaddar, who appeared to be in her Reconstruction Authority (NRA), charged comment. early 30s. The powder made her white sari with spending $4.1 billion in funds raised The government vowed last June to set and those of the widows around her shimmer after the quake which killed nearly 9,000 up the NRA to oversee rebuilding and in myriad colors. So deep is the ostracization people and destroyed more than half a mil- ensure that all aid went to victims, as part of widows that they’re often shunned by their lion homes last April. of its bid to attract funding from skeptical families and forced to seek shelter in temples. Spokesman Krishna Hari Pushkar said foreign donors. But political bickering over The holy city of Vrindavan, in India’s Uttar the Commission for the Investigation of the leadership of the body held up its forma- Pradesh state, is known as the City of Widows Abuse of Authority had received com- tion until December. because it has given so many women shelter. plaints about Gyewali’s handling of deci- With tens of thousands of the April 25 And in recent years, widows have found a bit sions in his previous job as executive direc- quake victims still living in tents, the gov- of color and joy here as well. tor of the Town Development Fund, as well ernment has been strongly criticized for Aid group Sulabh International has been as in his current role. delays in disbursing aid pledged by donors. organizing regular Holi celebrations in “Several complaints have been filed Corruption is rife throughout Nepal, Vrindavan since 2013. Samaddar and more against him that allege he is colluding with ranked 126th out of 175 countries in than 1,000 other widows gathered in the NGOs and INGOs (international non-govern- watchdog Transparency International’s courtyard of one of the city’s oldest temples - mental organizations) in a way that is against global corruption perception index.—AFP devoted to Krishna, the most playful of the Hindu gods. The festival of Holi falls on Thursday this year, but in Vrindavan and many NEW DELHI: An Indian Hindu widow lies on a bed of flower petals during Holi cele- other parts of the country, the playing of col- brations at the Gopinath temple. —AP ors begins a week ahead. Hindu priests chanted religious verses as Sulabh was asked to oversee the lives of The women range in age from 22 to 100. hundreds of widows splashed colored pow- widows of the city by India’s Supreme Court Some were abandoned by their families ders and played with water pistols filled with following news reports of the widows being decades ago. While some women were not colored water. Showers of flower petals filled forced to beg for food and into prostitution. comfortable joining in the celebration of col- the air. While there are tens of thousands of widows ors Samaddar was determined to have at least As loud music blasted, the younger women in Vrindavan, the group has been appointed one day of cheer.”We have got just one day to jostled with each other as they played with caretaker for about 1,500. celebrate life,” she said as she tossed the col- the colors. For dozens of older women, years The organization looks after their basic ors joyfully. “Let’s do it to the hilt.” —AP Bangladesh bans ships in rare dolphin sanctuaries

DHAKA: Yesterday Bangladesh the Shela river must be open cern,” Ahmed said. “The effect of human and industrial encroach- banned boats from sailing for cargo vessels to ensure the oil spillage from the ship could ment and poaching by gangs of through a key southwestern smooth supply of industrial also be damaging.”Spread over sophisticated pirates. river after a ship loaded with goods and food-grains to the 10,000 square kilometers the This month thousands of KATHMANDU: Displaced Nepalese residents queue to receive food and coal capsized, threatening the southwestern region. Sundarbans is the world’s Bangladeshi environmental goods at a relief camp for survivors of the Nepal earthquake. —AFP sanctuaries of rare dolphins in Officials said the hull of the largest mangrove forest and the activists joined a 250-kilometer the world’s largest mangrove vessel, which sank carrying core part of it is a UNESCO-listed long-march to the country’s forest. more than 1,200 metric tons of World Heritage Site. southwest to protest the con- The authorities imposed the coal and is yet to be salvaged, The forest is home to scores struction of two coal-fired pow- ban after the ship sank in the was cracked. “The sunken coal of endangered Bengal tigers, er plants near the Sundarbans. India gets ‘first’ gay Shela river on Saturday carry- could pose grave threat to the spotted deers, fresh-water croc- Experts fear the industrial ing over a thousand tons of aquatic biodiversity of the odiles and rare dolphins. waste of the 1,320-megawatt marriage bureau coal, raising fears for two sanc- Sundarbans,” forest conservator The pristine mangrove forest, plant, a $1.7 billion joint ven- tuaries of endangered Zahir Uddin Ahmed told AFP. said to be the South Asian ture of India and Bangladesh, Irrawaddy and Ganges river “If the coal contains too much nation’s largest protection and another one by a private AHMEDABAD: An Indian entrepre- Indian origin wanted an arranged mar- dolphins and the delicate ecol- sulphur and if it dissolves into against tsunamis and cyclones, company would destroy the for- neur has set up what is claimed to be riage and were looking for partners ogy of the Sundarbans forest. the water, then it is a dire con- is already facing unprecedented est. —AFP the country’s first gay marriage from India,” he said. “We have decided to ban all bureau, seeking to arrange matches “We already got over 200 enquiries types of naval movement at the for homosexual couples. and nearly two dozen people have Shela river indefinitely,” ship- Rampaging elephants kill Benhur Samson, who previously enrolled with us. “We are now in the ping secretary Ashok Madhob helped foreign gay couples use surro- process of identifying the right match Roy told AFP, saying the ships gacy services, said he founded the for them.” would be rerouted to another five villagers in India agency in response to interest from Enrolment costs $5,000, an unthink- channel on the edge of the for- clients. “I was surprised to see the ably high sum for most Indians, est. KOLKATA: Five people have been killed by wild ele- quillizer dart fired by forestry officials summoned to response from the gay people whom I although the fee is refundable if no Bangladesh suspended car- phants that went on the rampage, triggering panic help, and the other three-a female and two calves- came in touch with while counseling match is found. The agency conducts go boat transport through the in a village in eastern India, a local official said yes- ran away, Burman said. them on surrogacy issue,” he told AFP. background checks, visits prospective same river in 2014 after a cata- terday. Wildlife experts say encounters between humans “This is how I came upon the idea of a partners at home and at work and pro- strophic oil spill that damaged Another man was critically injured by the four ele- and elephants are increasing in India’s rural areas marriage bureau for gay men and vides counseling, Samson said. the Sundarbans and triggered phants, who entered the village of Bhatar in West due to the destruction of the animals’ habitat. women who want to settle down with “I have not heard about such gay concerns for the forest’s dol- Bengal state on Sunday morning after apparently Last month a wild elephant went on an hours- a partner.” marriage bureau anywhere else (in phins and other endangered straying from their herd. long rampage in a town in eastern India, damaging Samson, who lives in the United India),” said Gohil, who is also a gay animals including Bengal West Bengal forest minister Benoy Krishna about 100 homes, shops and other buildings. States, has enlisted the help of rights activist. Gay marriage and gay tigers. Burman said the victims were trampled after anger- Photos showed the bewildered animal wandering Manvendrasingh Gohil, an openly gay sex are both illegal in the conservative But the suspension was lift- ing the elephants by throwing stones to try to scare around Siliguri, about 577 kilometers north of them off. Kolkata, crashing into structures, as people scurried Indian prince, to help sort out immi- country and homosexuality has long ed under pressure from local The male elephant died when it was hit by a tran- out of the way. —AFP gration issues. “Several gay people of been a taboo subject. —AFP trade groups, who have said INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 China says US-Philippines base deal raises questions

BEIJING: China said yesterday that agree- The United States and its regional about the so-called militarization of the claims. The United States says it takes no require, as it is necessary in accordance to ments like the one reached last week by allies have expressed concern that China South China Sea,” Hua told a daily news sides in the disputes but wants to ensure international law,” Australian Defense the United States and the Philippines is militarizing the South China Sea with conference. “Can they then explain, isn’t free navigation through the sea. It has said Minister Marise Payne said after meeting allowing for a US military presence at five moves to build airfields and other military this kind of continued strengthening of it will increase what it calls freedom-of- her counterpart in Malaysia. Philippine bases raised questions about facilities on the islands it occupies. Asked military deployments in the South China navigation operations by its navy ships Malaysian Defense Minister militarization in the South China Sea. about the base deal, Chinese Foreign Sea and areas surrounding it considered through the waters. US allies Malaysia and Hishammuddin Hussein said that free The United States is keen to boost the Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying militarization?” Australia both reiterated yesterday’s calls movement in the air and waters should military capabilities of East Asian coun- said that US-Philippine cooperation China claims most of the energy-rich for freedom of navigation through the continue. China has never interfered with tries and its own regional presence in the should not be targeted at any third party waters through which about $5 trillion in South China Sea. “We’ve been extremely freedom of navigation and has stressed face of China’s assertive pursuit of territo- nor harm other nations’ sovereignty or ship-borne trade passes every year. consistent in saying that our activities will that some of the equipment it is installing rial claims in the South China Sea, one of security interests. “I also want to point out Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the continue, that we will send our ships and on small islands and reefs will facilitate the world’s busiest trade routes. that recently the US military likes to talk Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have our planes to that part of the world as we navigation. — Reuters Gambia sides with China after rejecting Taiwan ‘diplomatic war with Taiwan’ BEIJING: The small African nation of Party against “provoking the mainland,” but Gambia has established formal diplomatic said the diplomatic truce still held. ties with China after turning its back on rival Beijing’s relations with Gambia Taiwan, amid speculation over possible “shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign that the retaliation by Beijing following the election mainland will restart a ‘diplomatic war’ with of a new independence-leaning govern- Taiwan,” the paper said. “It is unnecessary for ment in Taipei. the mainland to flex its muscles toward The signing of a Chinese-Gambian diplo- Taiwan in this way. Otherwise, the matic communique in Beijing on Thursday Taiwanese will feel oppressed.” marks the latest development in the ongoing diplomatic rivalry between Taiwan and China, ‘Strong dissatisfaction’ which claims the self-governing island Gambia severed relations with Taiwan in democracy is Chinese territory with no right November 2013 in hopes of forging ties to diplomatic recognition. The move follows with China. It has pledged “not to establish the election in January of Tsai Ing-wen as any official relations or engage in any offi- Taiwan’s next president despite Beijing’s warn- cial contacts with Taiwan,” according to the ings of possible disruptions in relations. Tsai text of the communique posted on the has refused to meet Beijing’s demand that she Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website. endorse China’s claim that the two are part of China frequently woos Taiwan’s allies a single Chinese nation and observers are with extensive promises of development watching closely at how China will respond in aid, although Chinese Foreign Ministry the run-up to her May 20 inauguration. spokesman Lu Kang said only that China Renewing diplomatic pressure after an would discuss “friendly and reciprocal coop- informal seven-year truce under current eration” following the resumption of ties. China-friendly Taiwanese President Ma With just 2 million people and little in the Ying-jeou is considered one way Beijing way of natural resources, Gambia is one of might try to influence public opinion on the Africa’s smallest and poorest nations. island of 23 million. Taiwan has just 22 On a visit to diplomatic Belize, Taiwanese SEOUL: A man watches a TV screen showing a file footage of the missile launch conducted by North Korea, at Seoul Railway Station diplomatic allies, mostly small nations in President Ma expressed “strong dissatisfac- yesterday.— AP Africa, the Pacific, Central America and the tion” over the Chinese-Gambian move and Caribbean. On Friday, China’s Communist said Taiwan’s diplomatic installations Party newspaper Global Times warned Tsai’s around the world were on guard over pro-independence Democratic Progressive attempts to downgrade relations. — AP Seoul: North Korea fires 5 short-range projectiles Pyongyang sees South-US military drills a provocation

SEOUL: North Korea fired five short-range projec- tiles into the sea yesterday, Seoul officials said, in a continuation of weapon launches it has carried out in an apparent response to ongoing South Korea- US military drills it sees as a provocation. The projectiles launched from a site near the northeastern city of Hamhung flew about 200 kilo- meters before landing in waters off North Korea’s east coast, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The South Korean military was attempting to determine whether the projectiles were missiles, artillery or rockets. The firings came three days after Seoul said North Korea launched its first medium-range ballistic missile into the sea since early 2014, ignoring U.N. resolutions against such tests. The firings appear to be North Korea’s response to annual springtime US-South Korean military exercises that it says are a rehearsal for an invasion. In the past two weeks North Korea has BEIJING: Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao, right, meets with Gambian Foreign fired several short-range missiles and artillery shells Minister Neneh MacDouall-Gaye last Thursday. — AP into the sea and threatened pre-emptive nuclear strikes against Washington and Seoul. This year’s drills are the largest ever, and come Japan provides USD 5m after North Korea conducted a nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch earlier this year, leading SEOUL: US State Department’s Special Representative for North Korea Policy Ambassador Sung Kim, the U.N. Security Council to impose its toughest right, answers a reporter’s question as Coordinator for Sanctions Policy Ambassador Daniel Fried, left, aid for the Syrian people sanctions on the country in two decades. listens after finishing the high level sanctions meeting at the Foreign Ministry yesterday. — AP The US special representative for North Korean TOKYO: Japan will extend USD five million Action Service of the Department of policy, Sung Kim, who is visiting Seoul, said yester- and there was no way to verify the authenticity of technologies North Korea must master to develop in emergency grant aid for supporting peo- Peacekeeping Operations, it added. day that North Korea “should refrain from all the photos. long-range missiles equipped with nuclear ple in mainly hard-to-reach areas in Syria, Major powers have recently ham- provocative actions, including missile tests, which Last week, state media said Kim ordered tests of weapons capable of reaching the US mainland. the Foreign Ministry announced yesterday. mered out a truce to halt hostilities in are clearly in violation of Security Council resolu- a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of Analysts in South Korea said the medium-range “The aid is to provide support such as Syria. However, it has been repeatedly tions.” On Sunday, North Korean state TV broadcast carrying such warheads. He issued the orders while missile launch last Friday may have been a test of providing food and non-food items, breached. Thousands of Syrian civilians photos showing leader Kim Jong Un supervising overseeing what state media called a successful the re-entry technology. North Korean state media improving water, sanitation, health and have fallen victims of the five-year bloody landing and defensive drills. The photos showed simulated test of a re-entry vehicle aimed at return- have not commented on the reported launch. medical care, as well as implementing risk conflict that has claimed more than artillery blazing, navy ships landing as shells fell ing a nuclear warhead to the atmosphere from South Korean defense officials say North Korea education and clearance activities of 250,000 lives and left around nine million nearby, and soldiers running with the national flag. space so it could hit its intended target. The re- doesn’t yet have functioning intercontinental bal- explosive remnants of war in besieged Syrians either homeless, relocated or North Korea has a history of photo manipulation entry vehicle is considered one of the last major listic missiles. — AP areas in Syria, where urgent assistance is refugees in neighboring and European needed,” the ministry said in a press countries. The internationally mediated release. The money will be provided truce is also intended to secure delivery through the International Committee of of relief supplies to civilians on Syrian ter- Indonesian taxi drivers to rally the Red Cross and United Nations Mine ritories. — KUNA for ban on online taxi apps China urges Indonesia to JAKARTA: Thousands of Indonesian taxi drivers market share. The two privately held companies Group, one of three investment companies that free crew as sea row escalates will take to the streets of the capital today for a declined to provide details on pricing and their have together provided more than $200 million protest rally to demand the government pro- financial performances. in funding to Go-Jek. “Perhaps Grab is hoping it ‘I want China to show goodwill’ hibits ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber, as a “A price war is not unusual for the introduc- can squeeze us. The reality is that because we price war intensifies. tion of a businesses like this ... as promotions are offer multiple services and products our drivers JAKARTA: China called on Indonesia yester- Sun Weide-who was summoned by both the The proliferation of cheap taxis using ride- huge to seize market share,” said Patrick Walujo, generate more revenues, and our investors day to release the crew of a Chinese fishing foreign ministry and fisheries ministry yester- sharing apps Go-Jek, Grab and Uber has made co-founder of private equity firm Northstar understand that.” — Reuters boat detained during a maritime confronta- day to hear protests-called for the release of the traditional pick-up and drop-off taxi services tion, as Jakarta lodged a furious protest in the the crew. But Indonesian Fisheries Minister unprofitable, threatening the business models of escalating row. Susi Pudjiastuti, who is leading a tough cam- the country’s top taxi firms PT Blue Bird and The incident happened Saturday as paign against illegal fishing in the vast archi- Express Transindo Utama. Indonesian surveillance vessels tried to detain pelago, said the eight would face justice in “Online transport apps have destroyed some the trawler suspected of operating illegally Indonesia and dismissed as “baseless” Beijing’s local taxis, mainly the small players,” said Andre near Indonesian islands in the South China claim that the boat was operating in Chinese Djokosoetono, director of Blue Bird, the country’s Sea. After stopping the boat and removing fishing grounds. largest taxi operator. “We are fighting to make eight crew members, the Indonesians were sure everyone is treated fairly and there aren’t towing the vessel to shore when the Chinese ‘Peace efforts sabotaged’ any players disadvantaged by these apps.” The coastguard appeared and rammed into the “I want China to show goodwill and return Transportation Ministry has asked that the taxi- detained boat, helping to release it. However, the boat, which has broken the law by carry- hailing apps be banned since they are not regis- Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua ing out illegal fishing,” said Pudjiastuti, adding tered as public transport. Chunying insisted yesterday that the area near that authorities were considering filing a case But the Communications Ministry, which over- Indonesia’s Natuna Islands was a “traditional to an international tribunal over the incident. sees the app operators, has said the firms can go Chinese fishing ground”, and that the Chinese “With what took place yesterday, we feel on operating. Nasihin, a taxi driver for Express, boat had to be rescued by coastguards after our years-long efforts and work to promote said he used to earn about 250,000 rupiah ($20) a facing harassment from an Indonesian vessel. peace in the South China Sea were interrupt- day in salary before the arrival of the ride-hailing The two nations normally enjoy good rela- ed and sabotaged.”Indonesia has in the past apps. Now he struggles to bring home a steady tions and the flare-up in tensions is rare. acted as a mediator in the region’s disputes. income. “Tomorrow, I have to go to the protest Indonesia does not have overlapping territori- Earlier, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi lodged because what they are doing is illegal,” he said. al claims with China in the South China Sea, a strong protest with “Taxi drivers are getting very angry.” unlike other Asian nations. But it objects to Chinese embassy representatives, saying The mobile apps have shaken up the market, China’s “nine-dash line” defining its claims there had been a “violation by the Chinese sparking a cut-throat price war and forcing diver- since this overlaps Indonesia’s exclusive eco- coastguard of Indonesia’s sovereign rights” sification away from unprofitable taxis into CHENGDU: China’s transport minister warned online taxi-hailing companies on March 14 over nomic zone around the Natunas. and that Jakarta was seeking clarification motorcycle taxis. Go-Jek and Grab drivers say subsidies leading to “unfair” competition, as US giant Uber and homegrown rival Didi spend China’s acting charge d’affaires in Jakarta, about the incident. —AFP they regularly offer rides at below cost to grab billions in their battle for market share. — AFP NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 Kuwait urges reconsidered talks with IOC

Continued from Page 1 despite the fact that the Kuwait Government clearly explained and clarified the situation in an executive regula- and overtures to the Kuwaiti government in this regard. tion issued by the public authority of sports board of direc- “It is the Kuwaiti government which can decide whether or tors.” not the negotiation team can pursue its mission as the IOC’s Furthermore, the United Nation also witnessed Kuwait’s delegation was neither serious nor honest during the nego- refusal of the IOC’s proposal to amend the Kuwaiti laws as tiations,” he added. they are in compliance with the Olympic charter and inter- However, Alfili underlined the Kuwaiti delegation’s keen- national sports regulations, Alfili noted. ness on the confidentiality of negotiations with the IOC’s The Kuwaiti Government has never signed any agree- team out of the former’s commitment to moral and legal ment, so Miro’s claims that it approved a draft deal is cate- rules, given that the UN participated in negotiations. gorically untrue, he said, asking Miro to come up with any Miro was not a member of the IOC negotiation team dur- signed document, if found. “As Mr Miro has revealed pieces ing the meeting with the UN. Thus, it is shocking that he of the negotiation, we must respond and let the internation- confidently gives statements pretending that he was part of al world of sport know the entire situation. the negotiations, he said. To clarify, the Kuwaiti delegation The IOC invited the Kuwaiti Government to the negoti- sat with three representatives from the IOC, none of whom ating table under the assumption of the autonomy of were Miro. Either the IOC is intentionally delivering wrong sport, but in fact it used this bargaining chip in order to messages to the world, or Miro has taken it upon himself to have the Olympic Council of Asia agreement renewed and deliberately make false claims, he noted. have the legal cases against the IOC withdrawn in order to He reiterated that the negotiation delegation had lift the suspension on the Kuwait Olympic Committee,” he refused the proposed roadmap from the IOC because they said. “Kuwait has always stood ready to discuss with the requested that the Kuwaiti delegation give approval for IOC and solve any misunderstandings, but we do not changing the laws of Kuwait. appreciate when an IOC representative openly misrepre- “Kuwait is a democratic country with due process to fol- sents the facts of a meeting and tries to discredit our team low - should a law need amending it must be voted on at to the international sport world,” he added. the Parliament. Therefore, no delegation from our country “Out of respect for the mediation of the United Nations, has the right to approve such requests,” the team head elab- we agreed to meet with the IOC in Geneva on January 22 as orated. well as to keep what happened in the Road Map meeting It was clear that the IOC suspended the Kuwait Olympic out of the media. However, as the IOC has not kept its word, Committee on misleading information, which was clearly they have left us no choice but to explain our position and if BELGRADE: Policemen stand guard near a bakery where a man blew himself up in the centre of the Serbian meant by the latest amendments to the sports legislations. needed provide the correct documentation of the events in capital Belgrade yesterday. — AFP He went on to say: “At the end of our meeting, repre- the meeting,” Alfili affirmed. sentatives from the IOC said that they understood our posi- On October 27th, the Public Authority for Sports had tion, but at the same time they could not lose face in front rejected the IOC’s decision suspending the Kuwait Olympic Man blows himself up of the international sport community. This is why the word Committee due to allegations that Kuwait’s local laws con- ‘amendment’ had to be included in the roadmap proposal, tradict the Olympic Charter. — KUNA in Belgrade bakery Obama, Castro hold historic talks in Cuba

BELGRADE: A man blew himself up in a bakery in the An AFP reporter at the scene said the windows Continued from Page 1 His administration hopes changes might also come at a centre of the Serbian capital Belgrade yesterday, were still intact at the Petkovic bakery. “It was a not a Communist Party congress next month, but doubts any police said, adding that the blast did not appear to be strong blast, the sound was like two cars crashing. We Obama then moved on to the adjacent Palace of the political opening will be forthcoming. Cuban police backed terror-related. Noone else was hurt in the blast after didn’t even understand what was going on until we Revolution, where the Castros have led Cuba’s resistance to by hundreds of shouting pro-government demonstrators the 50-year-old man asked everyone inside to leave, heard the police,” said a local shopkeeper, Ljubica, who US pressure going back decades. A US presidential visit to broke up a Ladies in White march on Sunday, detaining while damage to the surrounding area was minor, gave only her first name. The website of daily newspa- the inner sanctum of Cuban power was unthinkable before dozens of people just hours before Obama landed. police said. “An unknown man was killed today at per Kurir, citing calls from readers, said the man went Obama and Raul Castro’s rapprochement in December Obama has urged Congress to rescind the 54-year-old around 12:38 pm (1138 GMT) on Ilije Garasanina into the bakery, “forced everyone out of it, lay down on 2014. Obama and Castro have met three times before, but embargo but has been rejected by the Republican leader- street after he activated an explosive device in a cake the bomb and blew himself up”. yesterday’s meeting was set to be the most substantial as ship. He now has both Democratic and Republican elected shop,” a police statement said. The shop is is reportedly owned by Bratislav Petkovic, the two men move on from last year’s restoration of diplo- officials with him on his Cuba trip and hopes Congress may “Interior ministry officials are probing all the facts a former culture minister and former adviser to matic ties and attempt to rebuild the bilateral relationship. act after the Nov 8 presidential election. Asked about the and circumstances of the event.” A later police state- President Tomislav Nikolic. Police have previously said Inside the palace, Castro and Obama stood shoulder to potential for US companies to lose out to other countries in ment said the probe so far “shows that this was not a there could be several hundred thousand unregistered shoulder while a military band played the Cuban national the Cuban market, Obama told ABC: “There’s no doubt that terrorist attack, because before the activation of the weapons in Serbia, including guns and grenades, anthem and then the US anthem, and then they walked we still have some work to do, and part of that is bringing an device the man asked two employees and one shopper remaining from the 1990s Balkan wars. Last year, the past a military honor guard. end to the embargo that is currently in place.” While it may to leave”. Police sealed off the street after the incident, interior ministry urged citizens to hand over grenades Castro was all smiles as he greeted Obama. But he has not happen during his final year in office given the US presi- said Cuba will not waver from its 57-year-old revolution. which occurred a few hundred metres from an open rather than leave them in garbage cans as it sought to dential election, “it is inevitable,” he added. Thwarted by Government officials say the United States needs to end its Congress on the embargo, Obama has instead used his market, a high school and a sports centre. cut down on illegal arms. — AFP economic embargo and return the Guantanamo Bay naval executive authority to take a series of steps loosening base to Cuba before the two countries can enjoy normal restrictions on trade and travel with the Caribbean island. Paris attacks ‘accomplice’ DNA found... relations. Yesterday’s formal ceremony contrasted with Cuba has praised those measures but Castro will likely use Obama’s lower key arrival on Air Force One in Havana on Monday’s meeting to press Obama to go further. Continued from Page 1 der” and belonging to a terrorist group-had already told Sunday. Castro did not meet the plane and there were no “We think the US government can take more steps to investigators he was planning some sort of new attack in military honors. send clear and direct signals in this direction,” Foreign Trade when he evaded three French police checks and Brussels. Minister Rodrigo Malmierca told reporters on Sunday. The escaped to Brussels, and his arrest. INTERNET, POLITICAL DISSENT US Treasury Department on Sunday granted hotel group Investigators hope Abdeslam’s arrest on Friday, in which False name Critics of Obama have accused him of rewarding Havana Marriott permission to do business in Cuba, adding to the he was slightly wounded in the leg, will generate new Abdeslam’s lawyer Sven Mary said his client was speak- prematurely. “Freedom can come to Cuba, but it cannot list of US companies allowed to sidestep the embargo. leads in the probe of the attacks which were claimed by ing to authorities and was “worth gold”. happen by enriching and empowering the dictatorship,” Marriott said it wants to build a hotel on the island but does the Islamic State jihadist group. Mary has vowed to take legal action against French Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz, a Cuban- not yet have a deal. Belgian authorities have been embarrassed by the reve- prosecutor Molins for allegedly breaching the confidential- American US senator from Texas, said in a tweet. Obama and Castro met for half an hour during a regional lation that Abdeslam was found just around the corner ity of the investigation by revealing details of Abdeslam’s Obama is expected to encourage more economic reforms summit in Panama last April and they also had a brief from his family home in the gritty Brussels neighborhood statements. He also blasted what he called political med- and greater access to the Internet for Cubans during the encounter at Nelson Mandela’s funeral in 2013 and at talks. Ahead of his meeting with Castro, Obama announced a longer meeting at the UN General Assembly last of Molenbeek, and may have been aided by friends and dling by the Belgian foreign minister. The lawyer told deal that Google has reached with the island. “One of the September. Besides meeting Castro, Obama also plans to family. Molins, the French prosecutor, meanwhile said that Belgian Flemish-speaking daily De Standaard that France things that we’ll be announcing here is that Google has a visit a state-owned micro brewery and attend a state dinner France expected Abdeslam to be extradited to face trial “has nothing to teach us” and should not criticise the deal to start setting up more Wi-Fi and broadband access on yesterday. On Tuesday, he will deliver a speech on live over the attacks, despite his lawyer saying that he would Belgian justice system. Laachraoui is one of two suspects the island,” Obama told ABC News in an interview that aired Cuban television and attend an exhibition game between fight the process. still wanted over the Paris attacks, along with Mohamed on Monday. He gave no other details, and representatives for Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays and Cuba’s nation- “There is a strong expectation from the French justice Abrini who became friends with Abdeslam when they Google could not be immediately reached. al team. — Reuters authorities and particularly from the families of the victims were teenagers. that Salah Abdeslam comes to explain himself,” Molins said. Prosecutors said Laachraoui’s DNA had been found at French President Francois Hollande, who has said he wants an apartment used by the attackers in Auvelais, near the UN-led Yemeni peace talks in Kuwait likely Abdeslam extradited as quickly as possible, was due to central Belgian city of Namur, which he had rented under a hold his first formal meeting with relatives of the 130 Paris false name. Traces were also found at another suspected Continued from Page 1 that the alliance was at “the end of the major combat victims yesterday afternoon. hideout in Schaarbeek, a district of Brussels.He used the phase”, raising hopes of a possible relaunch of peace “The president, in light of recent events, will update same false name at the border between Austria and A resumption of talks must be accompanied by a talks. Kuwait is a member of the nine-nation coalition. them on what is happening,” the presidential palace said. Hungary on September 9 when he was travelling with “week-long truce that could be renewed if respected,” Previous UN-sponsored negotiations between rebels Molins said at the weekend that Abdeslam played a “cen- Abdeslam and Mohamed Belkaid. Belkaid, a 35-year-old he said, adding that discussions should focus on the and government officials failed to reach a break- tral role” in the attacks and originally planned to “blow Algerian, was shot dead on Tuesday during another police implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2216. through, and the most recent round ended in acrimony himself up” at the Stade de France stadium but changed raid in the Forest district of Brussels. Abdeslam spent his The resolution states that the rebels must withdraw in December. The World Health Organization says fight- his mind. second night in solitary confinement in a high-security from seized territories and disarm, before peace talks ing in Yemen has killed almost 6,300 people over the Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said Sunday prison in Bruges, the historic mediaeval tourist town about can progress. On Wednesday, the Arab coalition past year and the United Nations has warned of an that Abdeslam-who has been charged with “terrorist mur- an hour’s drive north of Brussels. — AFP spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Assiri told AFP unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. — AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Issues Southern Libya could be new frontier for IS

By Herve Bar

potentially critical conflict has gone largely unnoticed in southern Libya yet could open up Aa gateway to sub-Saharan Africa for the Islamic State group, analysts say. IS has consolidated its hold along Libya’s northern coast, and experts are con- cerned the jihadists may now be pushing into the remote desert region of Fezzan in the southwest of the country. Sitting on the crossroads between Algeria, Niger and Chad, Fezzan offers lucrative sources of income from smuggling and already acts as a hideout for Al- Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) and other jihadist groups. It is one of Africa’s main drug routes, Obama-Castro summit a key test for detente traversed by migrants from sub-Saharan Africa hoping to get to Europe as well as by foreign mercenaries, By Josh Lederman and Michael Weissenstein greater numbers, closer ties have yet to bring about the offices. After a series of meetings, the two leaders planned mostly African, heading to join IS at their Sirte strong- degree of change that many Cubans hoped would follow to address reporters. The White House’s attempts to get hold in northeastern Libya. rushing past profound differences, President Barack after Obama and Castro moved to normalize relations 15 Castro to agree to a joint news conference appeared Penetrating south through Fezzan could ultimately Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro sat down months ago. Since taking power in 2008, Castro has unsuccessful, and it was unclear whether they’d answer help IS link up with its brutal Nigerian sister organisa- Bat Havana’s Palace of the Revolution for a historic orchestrated economic and social reforms with lasting any questions. Castro appears to be closely and intensely tion, Boko Haram, as well as providing a rear base in meeting, offering critical clues about whether Obama’s and broad-based impact, though to many Cubans and managing what constitutes the most important change in case of any international assault on its positions along sharp U-turn in policy will be fully reciprocated. foreigners they appear slow to materialize. Not only are Cuban foreign policy since the Cold War. Though Obama’s the Mediterranean coast, analysts say. For Obama, there’s no better place than Havana to hundreds of thousands of Cubans now able to pursue free aides have downplayed expectations for the meeting, However, the desert region remains something of show that engagement can do more than isolation to enterprise, but restrictions on cellphones and Internet Castro’s remarks alongside Obama will be closely parsed an intelligence black hole and the extent of IS’s intru- bring about tangible change in the tiny communist have been eased and citizens feel more comfortable dis- for indications of whether he’ll respond to Obama’s open- sion is unclear. For now, the group’s priority is holding nation. Yet for the Cubans, the glaring question is whether cussing Cuba’s problems. ing with major new domestic changes. on to its northern strongholds, said Jerome Tubiana, a their own government is ready to prove the ambitious Obama also planned an event with US and Cuban researcher with the Small Arms Survey think-tank. “That said, going down towards Niger, forming ties diplomatic opening is more than just talk. Obama opened Empowering Cubans entrepreneurs aimed at championing Cuba’s fledgling pri- with Boko Haram-the IS arm in west Africa-and com- the first presidential visit to Cuba in nearly 90 years on Yet Castro has given little ground when it comes to vate sector. He was to be feted in the evening at a state peting with AQMI could obviously be tempting for IS,” Sunday when Air Force One touched down in Havana. changing Cuba’s single-party system or easing strict limits dinner, an honor illustrating just how far the US and Cuba he said. Strolling through the grand cobblestoned plazas of Old on media, assembly and political dissent. His government have come despite their deep ideological differences. Havana with his wife, Michelle, and daughters Sasha and has also repeatedly chided Obama for saying he wanted His visit was to continue today with a major speech Tribes, criminals, extremists Malia, Obama created an indelible image for both Cubans to empower Cubans. that Cuban officials said would be carried on TV. Before Jihadist groups are able to exploit a complex rash and Americans of the peacemaking that he and Castro None of that has dissuaded Obama, who insists that departing for Argentina, Obama planned to meet with of local rivalries in Libya’s southern desert region. have cautiously but doggedly pursued. any intransigence by Cuba’s government only proves why political dissidents and attend a game between Major Since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime dicta- “The time is right,” Obama said in an ABC interview, Cubans will be better off when they’re intimately exposed League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays and Cuba’s beloved tor Moamer Kadhafi, Fezzan has been embroiled in when asked why he was proceeding now with the Cuba to American values. “Let God will that this is good for all national team. conflict involving the ethnic Tubus and Tuaregs, as initiative. “Obviously our intention has always been to get Cubans,” said Odilia Collazo, a 79-year-old Havana resi- In his first few hours on the island, Obama created well as two Arab tribes, the Zuwaya and the Awlad a ball rolling,” he said, “knowing that change wasn’t going dent, as she watched Obama’s arrival on state television. indelible images of a new US-Cuba relationship as he Suleiman. to happen overnight.” Obama acknowledged in the inter- “It seems to me that Obama wants to do something good walked the rain-soaked streets of Havana and dined at a “Military authority (in Fezzan) lies mainly with trib- view with anchor David Muir that “we still have significant before he leaves.” privately-owned restaurant in a bustling, working-class al, criminal and extremist groups,” said a UN report differences around human rights and civil liberties” but To that end, Obama came to Havana hoping his visit neighborhood. Jubilant crowds surged toward his heavily this month. The Tubus are currently in the ascendant argued that making the trip at this time “would maximize would spur Castro to offer gestures of good faith and fortified motorcade, reminders of the Cuban people’s in Fezzan after helping to overthrow Kadhafi. Having our ability to prompt more change.” He conceded that meaningful change, which would undermine critics who deep affection for Americans despite decades of enmity been marginalized under the former regime, they Cuba under President Rau l Castro “is still a one-party accuse Obama of kowtowing to an authoritarian govern- between their governments. now control much of the region’s resources, including state” that exerts tight control over its people and stifles ment. Though Cuba approved US hotel chains Starwood Yet in a pointed reminder that Obama’s aspirations for recently discovered gold mines spread across the dissent. and Marriott to operate here and moved to lift fees on improved human rights in Cuba have yet to be fulfilled, a three-way border between Libya, Chad and Niger. Obama also revealed he plans to announce while visit- converting US dollars, those steps pale in comparison to group of anti-government protesters were arrested while “With the fall of Kadhafi, the Tubus... took control of ing here that Google has made arrangements to upgrade sweeping changes Obama has enacted to lift decades-old Air Force One was flying to Cuba, a scene that plays out the borders between these three countries and Internet access on the island. Indeed, the US and Cuba are US restrictions. weekly in Havana. Members of the Ladies in White group, between Libya and Sudan,” said Tubiana. That has giv- working more closely together now than at any time On his first full day in Cuba, Obama was to lay a wreath one of Cuba’s most prominent opposition groups, were en them control over much of the local smuggling since relations took a nose dive amid Cuba’s 1959 revolu- yesterday at the memorial to Jose Marti, a Cuban inde- expected to attend Obama’s meeting with Cuban dissi- and trade, and they are fighting for control of oil and tion. Yet while Americans are now flocking to Cuba in pendence hero, before heading to Castro’s presidential dents. —AP petrol stations, he told AFP. “Their militias have set up checkpoints on the main cross-Saharan roads... transporting food and manu- factured goods from Libya and importing livestock Beirut buses provide rare bridge to IS turf from the Sahel,” Tubiana said, adding that contraband such as cigarettes and cocaine also pass through the By Rouba El Husseini jihadists’ grip, often with no more than passengers are Syrians going home to (IS fighters) can’t be sure it’s halal even if region. three passengers on board. In cities like towns and cities that have fallen to IS, tak- the packaging says it is”. aqa! Manbij! Al-Bab!” drivers Raqa, the IS de facto capital in northern ing with them food, clothes, medicine and Regional rivalry call out at a bus station in the Syria, and Al-Bab to the west, residents cash for their families. No Kurds, Christians For the Islamic State group, this presents opportu- “Rheart of bustling Beirut look- are banned from smoking or wearing The drivers also act as delivery men, On this frightening journey to nities as well as challenges. The many local militias ing for passengers to make the perilous clothes deemed inappropriate under the taking with them goods that are no jihadist-held turf, religious diversity is no means there are plenty of groups who would be hos- journey to Islamic State group strong- jihadists’ interpretation of sharia law. longer available in parts of war-torn longer welcome. “Before, our company tile to a potential IS takeover. French soldiers sta- holds in Syria. “Just before we reach the “Women passengers always carry with Syria. “We take coffee, Nescafe, toys and would take members of the Assyrian, tioned in the Sahel desert are also lying in wait, first Daesh checkpoint, everyone throws them a full-face veil and they put it on clothes for the children,” said Syriac, Kurdish and Christian communi- Tubiana said. So far, IS has carried out few attacks in out their cigarettes,” said Abu Ali, a bus before we reach the first IS checkpoint,” Mohammed, a driver just back in Beirut ties. Today, none of them can come on the region, though analysts say this may be because it driver in his 40s, using a derogatory located on the highway linking Dmeir from Manbij. board,” Jawad said. Marwan Zouro, a 55- wishes to avoid reprisals from the many regional Arabic name for IS. near Damascus to the ancient city of Abu Ali says the drivers also carry year-old Kurdish labourer, said he would actors who take a close interest in Fezzan. The Tubus “And we spray perfume in the bus so Palmyra, Abu Ali said. Men must roll up with them packets of sugar, which has have to go to Damascus first, and then enjoy the backing of the internationally recognized that they can’t smell the tobacco, other- their trousers to bare their ankles, also in become very expensive. But “mortadella take a flight to his home city, Qamishli, government based in Libya’s eastern city of Tobruk, (cold cuts) is strictly forbidden, because in northeastern Syria. The journey is also while their Tuareg and Arab rivals have the support of wise we’ll be whipped!” he said with line with IS rules on dress. Most of the the Islamist coalition that rules from Tripoli. concern etched into his expression, as made life-threatening by frequent fight- Regional powers have also been sucked into the he prepared to travel up to Manbij in ing and air raids by the regime, Russia conflict in southern Libya, with the Tubus’ natural ally northern Syria. The jihadists, who apply and the US-led coalition on areas along Chad finding itself in a proxy war with Qatar. In turn, their own extreme interpretation of the way. that has dragged in more Middle Eastern govern- Islam in areas of Syria and Iraq that they “Before the war, it took us four hours ments: the United Arab Emirates and Egypt side with have seized since 2013, do more than to make this journey; now, the route is Chad, while Qatar is supported by Turkey and Sudan. just inspect the bus for cigarettes. 24 hours long,” Abu Ali said. The buses IS “could be concerned about follow-up foreign inter- “They even smell our hands to make leave from Beirut and pass through vention (air raids) that could weaken the position in sure we haven’t smoked,” said Jawad, Damascus and Dmeir before reaching the northern regions,” said the TRACterrorism think- another bus driver, also using a pseudo- Palmyra in eastern Syria, in IS hands tank. —AFP nym for fear of retribution. Standing near since spring last year. his bus at the Charles Helou station near The vehicles then head northwest the Lebanese capital’s harbor, another towards Raqa, Manbij, Maskana and Al- driver begged AFP journalists not to film Bab near Turkey. All articles appearing on these either his face or his number plate. “When the fighting is fierce, the pages are the personal opinion of “These people, they’re dangerous, regime doesn’t let us through and we the writers. Kuwait Times takes no and they can recognize the bus even are forced to spend one or two nights on from the most minor detail,” said the ter- the road before we can continue on our responsibility for views expressed rified man. The buses, which leave from journey,” Abu Ali explained. therein. Kuwait Times invites read- a bus station located in one of Beirut’s Yet on one of the world’s most dan- ers to voice their opinions. Please busiest districts, are a rare link between gerous routes, neither drivers nor pas- send submissions via email to: opin- IS-held turf in Syria and the outside sengers can ever be sure they’ll make it world. to their destinations alive. “My colleague [email protected] or via snail was heading back several days ago on mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. ‘Nescafe, toys, sugar’ BEIRUT: People walk past a kiosk selling tickets to various areas in Syria at the the Palmyra road, when fighting broke The editor reserves the right to edit Since IS began conquering swathes of Charles Helou bus station in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The buses, which leave out,” Mohammed said. “I recognized his any submission as necessary. Syria in 2013, the buses have made two from a bus station located in one of Beirut’s busiest districts, are a rare link bus, its front was completely smashed journeys a week to areas under the between IS-held turf in Syria and the outside world. —AFP in. He didn’t make it.” —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 SPORTS

Liriano takes pitch to head Burgess cleared of England call up keeper injury after collision LOS ANGELES: Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Rymer Liriano was stretchered off Heaton for injured Hart and taken to hospital after being struck a horrifying blow to the face while bat- SYDNEY: Dual code England international Sam Burgess has ting against Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Matt West in a pre-season game been cleared of seriously damaging his neck or spine in a LONDON: Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton was added to England’s squad Sunday. West’s pitch in the eighth inning struck Liriano flush on the left side of tackle during a National Rugby League match yesterday and for the Euro 2016 warm-up matches against world champions Germany and his face, just below the brim of his batting helmet and he crumpled to the is expected to be released from hospital in the coming days. the Netherlands after first choice Joe Hart was ruled out through injury ground, his arms and legs flailing. Team trainers and medical staff tended him A rain-soaked Sydney Cricket Ground fell silent when the today. Hart suffered a leg injury during Manchester City’s Premier League before he was immobilized then driven off the field to a waiting ambulance and South Sydney Rabbitohs forward charged head-first into a defeat by Manchester United yesterday and could be out for several weeks, taken to hospital. “Rymer Liriano suffered multiple facial fractures dur- line of defenders only to slump to the ground shouting in according to City boss Manuel Pellegrini. Heaton, uncapped at senior inter- ing today’s game and will remain in the hospital for further testing pain in the 52nd minute of yesterday’s loss to the St George national level, was called up to the England squad last summer and observation,” the Brewers wrote on their official Twitter feed Dragons. The 27-year-old, who returned to the field for the after an impressive campaign in Burnley’s one-season stay in the late Sunday. Earlier Brewers manager Craig Counsell had said that Rabbitohs earlier this month after an unsuccessful 18-month Premier League. Burnley are currently top of the Championship Liriano was conscious but added: “It’s serious.” “He got hit in the stint in English rugby union, had his neck immobilised on the (second tier). Heaton joins Stoke City’s Jack Butland and head. I can’t give you many details.” The Brewers acquired Liriano, 25, pitch by medical staff. With his mother Julie distraught in the Southampton’s Fraser Forster as manager Roy Hodgson’s options from the San Diego Padres in the off-season. A .277 hitter with 68 stands and his brothers and team mates Tom and George in goal. Hodgson said he would not be calling up a replacement home runs and 378 RBIs, he was expected to compete for the watching on anxiously, Burgess was taken from the field on a for Hart’s City colleague Raheem Sterling who also limped out of Brewers starting job and is out of minor league options. Head motorised stretcher and admitted to the nearby St Vincent’s Sunday’s derby. “Obviously it’s very disappointing for Joe and injuries are a growing area of concern in many sports. The Hospital. “Sam Burgess has been cleared of serious neck and Raheem to suffer injuries which will rule them out of our games Liriano incident comes just 16 months after Australian interna- spinal injuries following scans conducted last night,” his team against Germany and Holland,” Hodgson told the FA’s website tional cricketer Phillip Hughes died after being struck on the said in a statement today. “MRI and CT scans have shown no (www.thefa.com). “They are important players in our squad head while batting in a domestic match in Sydney. — AFP damage to the vertebrae or spinal cord. —Reuters and I wish them a speedy recovery.” —Reuters

China sweeps major titles at Kuwait table tennis tourney

By Abdellatif Sharaa tries participated. Representative of HH while on the women’s side Xiaoxia Li took score of 3-0. Deputy Chairperson of the Sheikha Naeema said the support of the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber the women’s singles title by defeating Organizing Committee Sheikha Naeema Information Minister, State Minister for KUWAIT: China’s Table Tennis players Al-Sabah Amiri Diwan advisor Sheikh Nign Dign with a score of 4-1 also. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber appreciated HH the Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al- swept the titles of Kuwait 12th Fahad Saad Al-Abdallah handed the win- Players Xin Xu and Jike Zhang took the Amir’s patronage of the tournament mak- Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and Director International Table Tennis Tournament ners their prizes. doubles title by defeating Peng Tank and ing it one of the most important sports General of Sports Public Authority Sheikh (Salwa Cup) by winning all final matches The number 2 seed in the tournament Kit Kewan Ho by a score of 3-1 while on gathering in this particular game and Ahmad Al-Mansour had a major role in yesterday, at the conclusion of the tourna- Jike Zhong, defeated his compatriot the the women’s side Ning Ding and Shiwen thanked the representative of HH the Amir making it a success. ment in which 185 players from 35 coun- number 1 seed Long Ma by a score of 4-1, Liu defeated Xiaoxia Li and Yuling Zhu by a for his attendance.

World champion Lorenzo claims Qatar triumph

DOHA: Defending world champion Jorge slipped past Dovizioso with four laps left but but my engine really helped me,” said Lorenzo began his campaign for a fourth title the Italian pulled off a spectacular pass on the Dovizioso. “We did some good testing in the by claiming victory in the season-opening penultimate lap to make sure of second spot. winter and this result continues that work.” Qatar Grand Prix yesterday. Lorenzo, who won the 2015 world title at Marquez said he was satisfied with third spot The 28-year-old Spaniard, who started on the season finale in Valencia, said his last- on a circuit which is not traditionally friendly to pole, won the floodlit race in the Gulf for a third minute decision to switch tyres from hard to Honda. “The race was faster than we expected time, with Andrea Dovizioso on a Ducati taking soft was key to victory. “This race has been one and we had a great weekend, because we got second, 2.019sec behind, and Marc Marquez on of the best of my whole career and that was 100% out of our performance at a circuit that a Honda in third at 2.287sec off the pace. why I was able to win and could make this little we find hard,” said the Spaniard. Nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi difference in the last three laps that gave me “I spent much of the race behind Dovizioso was fourth on the second factory Yamaha with the victory,” said Lorenzo. “It was a little down because I couldn’t pass him, and it was difficult whom he had signed a new two-year deal on and up with the tyres. We made the decision to to make up the ground lost with his better Saturday. For Lorenzo, it was a 62nd career win put on the soft rear tyre, because with the hard acceleration on the straight. Whenever I got and 41st in the elite class, coming at the circuit one we couldn’t be so fast. “The harder com- close, I’d lose him again.” where he made his debut in 2008. pound should become better and better, but I Switzerland’s Thomas Luthi, riding a Kalex, Lorenzo had lost first place at the end of the think what happened was the opposite. The won the Moto2 race for his 11th career tri- opening lap to Ducati’s Andrea Iannone but softer tyre should get worse and worse, but it umph. the unpredictable Italian’s race ended on the was faster and faster so this little difference Luthi, who was 125cc world champion in sixth lap when he crashed out spectacularly at was the difference between me and Dovizioso 2005, finished ahead of Spain’s Luis Salom, also turn 13 at the Losail track. and Marquez.” on a Kalex, and Italy’s Simone Corsi on board a That briefly allowed Ducati teammate Dovizioso had started at six on the grid and Speed Up machine. Dovizioso to snatch the lead but with 14 laps of gave an indication of the title-challenging Niccolo Antonelli on a Honda won the the 22-lap race to go, Lorenzo charged through qualities of Ducati who have been linked with a Moto3 category. The 20-year-old Italian came DOHA: Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo of Movistar Yamaha MotoGP crosses the finish line to to take back the lead which he never relin- move for Lorenzo next season. “It’s always hard in first just a fraction of a second ahead of win the MotoGP race of the Qatar Grand Prix yesterday at the Losail International Circuit quished. Two-time world champion Marquez to fight with Marquez at the end of the race South Africa’s Brad Binder on a KTM. —AFP in the Qatari capital Doha. — AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 SPORTS Coe promises to fight Nestle to save kids programme

PORTLAND: The IAAF will not let Nestle by former IAAF president Lamine Diack ally removing the opportunity for thou- tion at the time and he promised in the will keep talking to them.” He said he walk away from an agreement that ben- covered up organised doping and black- sands of young people, millions of Portland interview to continue to fight had spent a lot of time the past two efits millions of young people and train- mailed athletes while senior officials young people across 15 different coun- for the programme. months speaking to global partners, tak- ers without a fight, athletics chief looked the other way. Diack is under for- tries, and in the space of one year “I am still slightly bemused by the ing them through the reform agenda he Sebastian Coe told Reuters. mal investigation in France on suspicion removing the ability to coach and train decision given that their issue is about has initiated to bring trust back to the The Swiss food giant said last month of corruption and money-laundering three-four thousand coaches and train- reputation, yet at the height of the sport. “We take it very seriously and in a it would end its partnership with the linked to concealing positive drug tests, ers.” Nestle said in its February statement Lance Armstrong issue they re-signed large part, overwhelmingly in large part, International Association of Athletics in concert with Russian officials. Coe dis- that it believed the allegations against with the Tour de France. You were left they (sponsors) actually normally con- Federations (IAAF) Kids Athletics pro- puted Nestle’s move. “We saw no justifi- the IAAF “could negatively impact our being a little confused by their motives,” cluded they want to be part of the gramme because of widespread allega- cation in the way they went about their reputation and image and (we) will he said. The BBC has reported German change process,” said Coe, who became tions of corruption and bribery in the termination,” he said in an interview at therefore terminate our existing agree- sportswear company Adidas AG will also president of the IAAF in August. “I have sport. An independent commission of the IAAF world indoor championships ment with the IAAF, established in 2012.” end its sponsorship deal with the IAAF said, help us do this. You are world-class the World Anti-Doping Agency said in a that ended on Sunday. “They were not a almost four years early. businesses. You’ve had your own difficult report that “corruption was embedded” global partner,” the former British STRONG REACTION Coe told Reuters though, “Adidas is times too in your own histories, now at the IAAF. The report said a clique run Olympic champion said. “This was actu- Coe reacted strongly to the termina- staying with us through 2016 and we help us shape this.” — Reuters

Ethiopians shake off doping concerns to strike gold PORTLAND: Ethiopia, one of five countries Ethiopian-born Swede Abeba Aregawi, a under the watchful eye of the IAAF over former world indoor champion, also has concern for their drug-testing systems, been banned for a positive doping test. dominated the long races to finish second “Doping is not good news for athletes,” at the world indoor championships that said Dibaba, who outran countrywoman ended on Sunday. Meseret Defar for the 3,000m title. Yomif Led by world record holder Genzeba Kejelcha gave Ethiopia their other gold of Dibaba, the African nation swept the top the day, defeating American Ryan Hill and two spots in the women’s 3,000 metres and Kenyan Augustine Choge in the men’s claimed gold in the men’s 3,000m on 3,000m. Sunday. On Saturday, Dutch runner Sifan Hassan, The strong showing came a day after who was born in Ethiopia, led former coun- Ethiopian-born athletes took the first four trywomen Dawit Seyaum, Gudaf Tsegay places in the women’s 1,500m. and Axumawit Embaye in the women’s “I think it is the altitude and hard train- 1,500m. “It is so sad that people use that,” ing,” Dibaba told Reuters when asked why Hassan said of the Ethiopian doping prob- Ethiopian men and women are so impres- lem. sive in the distance events. Kenya, usually a powerhouse in the mid- Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Ukraine and dle distance race, won only two medals in Belarus have been identified by IAAF presi- the championships. Choge said he hoped dent Sebastian Coe as countries in need of his nation soon passed anti-doping legisla- “critical care” because of their drug-test sys- tion. “They really need to pull up their socks tems. so the corruption will be killed forever,” he “Ethiopia and Morocco-as a matter of told Reuters. urgency-need a robust testing program put More than 40 Kenyan athletes including in place,” Coe said. “Kenya, Ukraine and top marathoner Rita Jeptoo have been Belarus need to get compliant by the end banned for doping in the past three years of the year.” and three athletics officials have been sus- The countries are in no immediate dan- pended over corruption allegations. ger of being banned from athletics and “It’s a fairly corrupt time to be in the missing the Olympics, Coe said. But six sport because of everything that is going Ethiopian athletes are being investigated on but I can only control what I can do,” for doping, officials have said. said British runner Tom Farrell. — Reuters PORTLAND: United States’ Marquis Dendy, center, celebrates after he won the men’s long jump final during the World Indoor Athletics Championships, Sunday, in Portland, Ore. China’s Huang Changzhou, left, finished third, and Australia’s Fabrice Lapierre, right, finished sec- Sibling rivalry spurs ond. — AFP Dibaba toward Rio Games US dominates on final PORTLAND: Genzebe Dibaba has set her emulate her at the Olympics.” On Sunday, sights on emulating her big sister’s Olympic Dibaba’s victory was never in doubt at the exploits after making a successful defence of Oregon Convention Center. Dibaba powered her 3,000m crown at the World Indoor home around 50 meters clear of her nearest day of world indoors Championships here Sunday. rival, compatriot Meseret Defar, clocking a time The 25-year-old Ethiopian distance runner of 8min 47.43sec. Shannon Rowbury of the has become accustomed to living in the shad- United States took the bronze. It was a third PORTLAND: The United States won five gold ow of elder sibling Tirunesh, the three-time consecutive world indoors gold medal for medals as the host nation dominated the final Olympic gold medallist and five-time world Dibaba, who won the 1,500m crown in 2012 day of the World Indoor Athletics champion. and the 3,000m title two years ago in Sopot, Championships on Sunday to complete their But Dibaba said Sunday she is targeting an Poland. Dibaba said she was disappointed that best ever showing in the event. American ath- Olympic gold medal of her own in Rio in the schedule had not allowed her to attempt a letes won gold in the men’s and women’s August after another dominant indoor display. 1,500m and 3,000m double in Portland. “I’m 4x400m relays, the men’s 1,500m, the men’s long Dibaba laughed off comparisons with her sis- very happy with this performance. I ran a lot of jump and women’s high jump as the first major ter, emphasizing that her achievements so far it alone, I was feeling very strong,” she said. championships since Russia was banned from were modest in comparison. “I am a little disappointed that I was unable track and field came to a close. The four-day “I can’t say that I’m greater than her. There’s to double with the 1,500 meters because the event wrapped up before a sell-out crowd of a lot that she’s done,” Dibaba said. “I don’t have 3,000 meters ended up being a straight final, 7,191 at the Oregon Convention Center, with the any Olympic medals, and I’ve only got one and I would have liked to have tried both. I did host nation finishing on top of the medal table Outdoor World Championships medal. “I just run alone after the first kilometer, and it was with 13 golds, six silver and four bronze. have to keep working harder, and hopefully easy and I felt very comfortable.”—AFP Ethiopia-whose athletics federation was warned earlier this month they could be banned unless they improve its anti-doping regime-fin- ished second in the medal after winning two Eagles’ daughter golds on the final day. Ethiopian star Genzebe Dibaba successfully defended her 3,000m crown, a third consecutive gold medal at the Cunningham soars world indoor championships after her victories in the 1,500m in 2012 and 3,000m two years ago PORTLAND: Teenage prodigy Vashti Cunningham said she is now targeting a in Sopot, Poland. Dibaba powered home around Cunningham confirmed her emergence as place on the US Olympic team later this 50 meters clear of her nearest rival, compatriot the newest star of US track and field after year, even if she was still pinching herself at Meseret Defar, clocking a time of 8min 47.43sec, soaring to gold in the women’s high jump the win. “I did not think that I would be with Shannon Rowbury of the United States tak- at the World Indoor Championships here here right now at 18 years old,” ing bronze. Sunday. Cunningham said. “It means a lot to be the Earlier, Dibaba’s compatriot Yomif Kejelcha The 18-year-old daughter of legendary world champion this young. won the men’s 3,000m, coming home in 7:57.21 Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall “I’m very happy to add on to the medals to deny Ryan Hill of the United States, who took Cunningham only secured a place in that my team has been accepting through- silver. Kenya’s Augustine Choge won bronze. Portland at the 11th hour after being grant- out this whole meet, and that I can give ed a special invitation by the organisers. back to my country. Hopefully this is a long ‘DOPING NO GOOD’ That invitation came after Cunningham, a career for me. Dibaba meanwhile frowned when asked Las Vegas high school student, broke the “I do hope to be on the Olympic team, about the drugs scourge swirling around track US and world junior indoor record at last and I will be working as hard as I can to be and field since revelations of systemic doping in weekend’s US Indoor trials with a leap of on that medal stand.” Cunningham was Russia which led to the country’s suspension. 1.99m. pushed towards a career in track and field “Doping is not good news for our sport, dop- On Sunday the fresh-faced teenager by her famous father, who also excelled at ing is no good for athletes,” said Dibaba, before showed remarkable composure in the high jump. reflecting on her win. “I’m so happy, it’s my third biggest competition of her life, comfortably “I’m surprised at her progress on the one world indoor medal already. It was easy for me clearing her first four heights at the first hand, but I also know she has the genetics,” because the field was not that strong.” PORTLAND: In this photo made with a fish-eye lens, the United States’ 4x400-meter women’s attempt. Cunningham senior said in a recent inter- Sunday’s action also confirmed the emer- relay team of (from left) Ashley Spencer, Courtney Okolo, Quanera Hayes, and Natasha Her final clearance of 1.96m was good view with British newspaper The Guardian. gence of a rising star in track and field, with Hastings, hold flags after they won the 4x400-meters women’s relay during the World Indoor enough for gold on countback ahead of “God has really blessed her. My wife American teenager Vashti Cunningham taking Athletics Championships, Sunday, in Portland, Ore. — AP Spain’s Ruth Beitia and Poland’s Kamila Felicity was a ballet dancer so she has the gold in the women’s high jump. ahead to regain trust but this has been a pretty but it hasn’t stopped this from being a fantastic Licwinko. strength in her jumping too.” —AFP Cunningham, still only 18, won gold with a good start,” Coe told AFP. athletic experience for spectators and athletes leap of 1.96m ahead of Ruth Beitia of Spain in Reflecting on the absence of Russian athletes, alike. It shows you that the sport is still very second place and Poland’s Kamila Licwinko in Coe added: “It’s a sad moment for our sport ... strong.” —AFP third. Cunningham-the daughter of legendary Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham-only competed in Portland after ATHLETICS WORLD INDOOR MEDALS receiving a special invitation from track and field’s governing body, the International PORTLAND: Medals table from 2016 World Indoor Athletics Championships (gold, silver, bronze, Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). total) that concluded yesterday: However the high school student showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion as she United States 13 6 4 23 Great Britain 0 1 2 3 comfortably cleared the first four heights with Ethiopia 2 2 1 5 Poland 0 1 2 3 her first attempt on each. France 1 1 2 4 Romania 0 1 1 2 American distance runner Matthew Jamaica 1 1 1 3 Australia 0 1 0 1 Centrowitz, a silver medallist at the 2013 World Burundi 1 1 0 2 Championships in Moscow, drew one of the Bahamas 0 1 0 1 Netherlands 1 1 0 2 biggest cheers of the day with victory in the Spain 0 1 0 1 Czech Republic 1 1 0 2 1,500m, winning in 3:44.22 ahead of Czech Hungary 0 1 0 1 New Zealand 1 0 2 3 Jakub Holusa and Nicholas Willis of New Qatar 0 1 0 1 China 1 0 1 2 Zealand. Serbia 0 1 0 1 IAAF officials meanwhile reported a total Bahrain 1 0 0 1 attendance of 39,283 over four days of competi- Canada 1 0 0 1 Greece 0 0 2 2 tion, with several sessions selling out. IAAF Italy 1 0 0 1 Kenya 0 0 2 2 President Sebastian Coe said the attendances Venezuela 1 0 0 1 Trinidad&Tobago0 0 2 2 PORTLAND: United States’ Vashti Cunningham hold the U.S. flag after she won the showed athletics was on the road to recovery Germany 0 2 1 3 Barbados 0 0 1 1 women’s high jump final during the World Indoor Athletics Championships, Sunday, after months of scandal. Ukraine 0 2 1 3 Croatia 0 0 1 1 in Portland, Oregon. Cunningham won the event.—AP “Nobody is denying the challenges that lie TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 SPORTS

NEW DELHI: This combination photograph shows (L to R) England’s Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan bowling in nets during a training session at the Feroj Shah Kotla cricket ground in New Delhi yesterday. England will play their World T20 cricket match against Afghanistan tomorrow. — AFP Battered bowlers hoping for respite, says Ali

NEW DELHI: Spinner Moeen Ali admitted over stint against the South Africans whose and the holders Sri Lanka on Saturday. think it has been very easy for the seamers. has opened for the team but now bats at sev- England’s bowlers are hoping for some respite own star bowler, Dale Steyn, was subsequently “I think the (Delhi) wicket is going to be a The grounds have been a little bit smaller and en, has missed out in both matches and Monday as they lick their wounds after being carted around the ground. little bit slower, though I haven’t seen it so I the pitches have been beautiful to bat on,” he warned against complacency towards pummelled by South Africa and a rampant Ali was the most economic bowler against don’t expect the runs to be coming as quick as said. Afghanistan. Chris Gayle in cricket’s World Twenty20. South Africa but still went for nearly nine an Mumbai.” “Hopefully the bowlers are going to win us “They are a very good side. We saw yester- Although England are on a high after their over and was one of those on the receiving Ali said he and his fellow spinner Adil a game in the future.” day they competed very well,” he added in ref- record-breaking win over South Africa on end last Wednesday when Chris Gayle Rashid had felt they “would love to be bowl- Despite their victory over South Africa, erence to Afghanistan’s match against South Friday, their bowlers were once again clattered smashed 11 sixes in a brutal century. ing” on other pitches which have turned England not only need to win their last two Africa on Sunday when the minnows at one to all corners at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium “I have not enjoyed bowling in Mumbai so sharply in the tournament, such as Nagpur matches but must up their run-rate after los- stage threatend an upset by reaching 105 for as the Proteas raced to a huge total of 229. far,” said Ali after England arrived in New Delhi where India lost to New Zealand. ing to the West Indies. two while chasing 210. “We are not going to Reece Topley went for 33 in just two overs where they will play their next two group But he conceded it has been tough for England’s batsmen were generally in awe- take them lightly... It’s a tough game but hope- while Chris Jordan conceded 49 in a three- matches against Afghanistan on Wednesday England’s quicker bowlers as well. “I don’t some form against South Africa but Ali, who fully we can win in the game.” —AFP Pakistan face Black Caps in must-win T20

MOHALI: A resurgent New Zealand will be two wickets which were very similar. We eyeing a semi-final berth when they take adopted similar tactics,” Williamson said on a deflated Pakistan in a World Twenty20 after the win over his trans-Tasman rivals. group match in Mohali today. “You have to try and read the conditions Smarting under a six-wicket defeat to and select accordingly.” Another win will arch rivals India, Shahid Afridi’s men need a see New Zealand cruise through to the victory against the table-topping Kiwis to knockout stage of the tournament which keep their hopes alive of winning the tro- would be a commendable feat for a young phy for a second time. side. Pakistan won their opener against Afridi, 36, will be under pressure to Bangladesh comfortably but things have deliver after taking flak for his tactics since gone downhill as they unravelled against India. Former Pakistani spin great against the Indians on Saturday, sparking Saqlain Mushtaq was surprised at the team an angry backlash from fans back home. selection by Afridi, who is tipped to retire at The Black Caps in contrast have been the end of the WT20. riding high with their horses for courses “They couldn’t read the pitch. For such a policy paying rich dividends against India high profile match they should have played and Australia. a proper spinner,” Mushtaq was quoted as New Zealand are perched on top of saying by the Press Trust of India news Group 2 with four points followed by India agency on Sunday. “It was not a pitch to and Pakistan on two each from as many field four fast bowlers,” he said. games. Skipper Kane Williamson has won plau- Teams: dits after he packed his side with unherald- Pakistan (from): Shahid Afridi (captain), ed spinners and leaving out tested fast Anwar Ali, Imad Wasim, Khalid Latif, bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Amir, key opening game against favourites India. Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Their strategy worked well against Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Sami, Australia too with rookie spinners Mitchell Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Sharjeel Santner and Ish Sodhi combining with Khan, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz. BANGALORE: Australian batsman Steve Smith hits a six during the World T20 cricket tournament match between Australia and Bangladesh at recalled paceman Mitchell McClenaghan to New Zealand (from): Kane Williamson The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore yesterday. — AFP wreak havoc in the opposition ranks. (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, McClenaghan was a surprise replace- Martin Guptill, Grant Elliott, Colin Munro, ment for Nathan McCullum, one of the Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, heroes of New Zealand’s dramatic victory Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Khawaja leads Aussies to over India. Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, “I think we were fortunate to play on Ross Taylor. — AFP victory over Bangladesh

BANGALORE: Usman Khawaja hit a quick-fire Seasoned T20 campaigner Shakib also Soumya Sarkar was caught for one trying to half-century to help Australia to a thrilling chipped in with 33 off 25 balls, as Bangladesh slash a Watson delivery, only for Maxwell to three-wicket victory against Bangladesh in desperately tried to notch up their first points take a strightforward catch at point. their World Twenty20 clash in Bangalore yes- in the group stage. Sabbir Rahman scored 12 off 17 balls terday. Shakib struck three fours and one six before Faulkner took a diving catch off a The left-handed opener smashed 58 off 45 before being caught by Nathan Coulter-Nile Watson delivery in the sixth over at the balls as Australia successfully chased down off Adam Zampa for the fifth wicket. Spinner Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangladesh’s total of 156 for five. The victory Zampa, 23, spearheaded the Australian bowl- Shuvagata Hom, rushed into the side as puts Australia’s bid for a first ever World T20 ing attack by taking three wickets, his first in one of the replacements for Taskin and Sunny, trophy back on track after the top-ranked Test T20 internationals, while Watson claimed two. was lbw to Zampa for 13. side lost to New Zealand in their opening Right-hander Mohammad Mithun struck a Bangladesh now play India on Wednesday match. tidy 23 off 22 balls before being caught by also in Bangalore, while Australia take on The 29-year-old Khawaja whacked seven Watson at deep midwicket off Zampa. Opener Pakistan on Friday in Mohali. — AFP fours and one six before he was bowled by Al- Amin Hossain in their Super 10 Group Two SCOREBOARD match. Khawaja, born in Pakistan, and Shane Watson put on a solid 62-run opening part- BANGALORE, India: Scoreboard of the World Twenty20 match between Australia and Bangladesh at the M. nership before the veteran all-rounder was Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore yesterday: run out for 21. Bangladesh’s string of bowlers mounted a Bangladesh: Shane Watson run out 21 spirited attack against the Aussies, after suf- Mohammad Mithun c Watson b Zampa 23 Steve Smith b Mustafizur 14 fering a devastating blow when Taskin Ahmed Soumya Sarkar c Maxwell b Watson 1 David Warner c & b Shakib 17 Sabbir Rahman c Faulkner b Watson 12 Glenn Maxwell st Mushfiqur b Shakib 26 and Arafat Sunny were suspended for illegal Shakib Al Hasan c Coulter-Nile b Zampa 33 Mitchell Marsh c Shakib b Mustafizur 6 bowling actions at the weekend. Shuvagata Hom lbw b Zampa 13 James Faulkner not out 5 Skipper Steve Smith was bowled for 14 by Mahmudullah not out 49 Mustafizur Rahman and David Warner was Mushfiqur Rahim not out 15 John Hastings c Soumya b Shakib 3 caught and bowled for 17 by Shakib Al Hasan. Extras (lb 7, w 3) 10 Peter Nevill not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6 Glenn Maxwell was stumped for 26 off 15 Total (for 5 wickets, 20 overs) 156 Did not bat: Mashrafe Mortaza, Al-Amin Hossain, Saqlain Total (7 wickets; 18.3 overs) 157 balls. Sajib, Mustafizur Did not bat: Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa James Faulkner hit the winning runs with Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Watson), 2-95 (Smith), 3-115 nine balls to spare. Bangladesh, demolished Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Soumya), 2-25 (Sabbir), 3-62 (Khawaja), 4-119 (Mithun), 4-78 (Shuvagata), 5-105 (Shakib) by Pakistan in their first group match, are now (Warner), 5-135 (Marsh), 6-148 (Maxwell), 7-152 Bowling: Coulter-Nile 4-0-21-0, Watson 4-0-31-2, unlikely to qualify for the semi-finals, sitting at (Hastings) the bottom of their group with two matches Hastings 3-0-24-0, Marsh 1-0-12-0, Maxwell 1-0-12-0, Zampa 4-0-23-3, Faulkner 3- Bowling: Mortaza 1-0-9-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-22-0, Al- left to play. After Australia won the toss and 0-26-0 Amin 2-0-14-1, elected to field, Mahmudullah top scored for Mustafizur 4-0-30-2, Shakib 4-0-27-3, Saqlain 3.3-0-40-0, MOHALI: Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz (L) and Mohammad Sami take part in a training ses- the Tigers, striking an aggressive unbeaten Australia: Shuvagata 2-0-13-0 sion at Punjab Cricket Association Cricket Stadium in Mohali, India yesterday. — AFP 49, that included seven fours and one six. Usman Khawaja b Al-Amin Hossain 58 Result: Australia won by 3 wickets. TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 SPORTS

Tournament of Public Authority for Sports concludes By Abdellatif Sharaa Waleed Al-Sultan. The tournament con- Al-Ajmi. 50m rifle 3 positions - men: Mariam Irzouqi, Neeran Irzouqi, Heba tinued for three days in the 10m pistol 10m air rifle: Abdallah Al-Harby, Mohammad Adel, Irzouqi. KUWAIT: Tournament of Public and rifle, 50m pistol, 50m rifle, 50m Abdallah Al-Harby, Khalid Al-Sbaie, Khalid Ibrahim. Olympic archery: Authority for Sports came to conclusion prone rifle, 50m 3 positions rifle and Mohammad Adel. 10m air rifle - women: Abdallah Taha, Faisal Al-Rashidi, Sunday night in a ceremony attended by Olympic archery, with 90 shooters com- 50m rifle prone - men Heba Irzouqi, Mariam Irzouqi, Ayat Al- Abdallah Al-Harby. President Kuwait and Arab Shooting Eng peting. Torky Al-Shimmari, Abdallah Al-Harby, Duwaikhi. Compound archery: Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi Secretary General Khalid Ibrahim. 10m air pistol - women: Faisal Musallam, Salam Al-Saeed, Obaid Al-Osaimi, KSSC Assistant Results of the tournament is a follows: 50m pistol men: Israa Bahman, Huthama Al-Baghli, Athari Abdallah Malallah. Secretary Eng Mohammad Al-Ghurba, 10m air pistol: Saad Ajmi, Mideth Al-Sahly, Ali Al- Qurban, Supervisor of Sports for all at PAS Hassan Al-Mulla, Mideth Al-Sahly, Saad Mutairi. 50m rifle 3 positions - women:

Kim wins LPGA Founders Cup in record fashion

LOS ANGELES: South Korea’s Kim Sei- rankings with the victory, enhancing her Young matched Annika Sorenstam’s 15- chances of a place at the Rio Olympics. year-old record for the lowest 72-hole score Kim won three times last season-at the in LPGA history Sunday, firing a 10-under Bahamas LPGA Classic, LPGA Lotte par 62 to win the LPGA Founders Cup. Championship in Hawaii and Blue Bay The 23-year-old from Seoul completed LPGA event in China-and had her best four rounds at 27-under par 261 over the major finish with a runner-up effort at the Phoenix, Arizona, layout to match the mark Women’s PGA Championship. set by Swedish legend Sorenstam to win She also shattered the prior Founder the 2001 Standard Register PING tourna- Cup 72-hole record of 23-under by Stacy ment at Moon Valley Country Club, also in Lewis in her 2013 victory. Phoenix. “It’s a dream come true,” Kim said. “Today FOUR KO BIRDIES IN A ROW scoring 10 under, it was my best score ever. Kim, who trailed compatriot Ji Eun-Hee I didn’t know it was best score ever. I asked by a stroke entering the last round, birdied caddie, ‘Did I hit 10-under?’ He said, ‘Yeah.’ five of the first eight holes-including three Amazing. Dream come true.” in a row at the par-3 fourth, par-5 fifth and Kim, who matched the course record par-3 sixth-and added an eagle at the par-5 with her 62, had a chance to break the 11th to reach 24-under, her 5-wood second mark on the final hole-and match the best shot rolling to a stop two feet from the cup. final round in LPGA history-but came up A birdie at the par-4 13th put Kim on 25- short on a 12-foot birdie putt and tapped under, giving her a six-stroke lead with five in to tie the record. holes to play and a chance to rewrite the World number one Lydia Ko of New LPGA record book coming down the Zealand made a late charge to finish sec- stretch. ond on 266 with American Jacqui Kiwi teen Ko opened with a bogey, Concolino third on 268. answered with birdies on three of the next “Congratulations to Sei-Young,” Ko said. four holes, added another to close the front “Not many times you shoot 7-under and nine and then birdied four more in a row still finish five behind.” The victory will pro- from 13 through 16 to reach 22-under. vide Kim a lift with the year’s first major, the But Kim blasted out of a bunker to four ANA Inspiration at Rancho Mirage, only two feet at the par-5 15th and sank the birdie weeks away. “Last couple of tournaments I putt, then dropped another short birdie PITTSBURGH: Washington Capitals’ Mike Weber (6) and Pittsburgh Penguins’ Bryan Rust (17) collide in the goal cage behind Capitals goalie lost my confidence,” Kim said. “After this putt at 16 to reach 27-under overall. Braden Holtby (70) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Sunday. — AP tournament, it has come back and I’m most “When it’s kind of a birdie fest, you know happy for that.” you need to make one more. I knew I need- Sorenstam fired the all-time LPGA low ed to make a lot of birdies,” Ko said. “I’m 18-hole round of 59 during her record run proud of how I played this week.” Penguins run win streak 15 years ago. Kim opened this week with a At the par-3 17th, Kim rolled a long 63, making nine birdies without a bogey, birdie attempt eight feet beyond the cup and followed with rounds of 66 and 70. but made the comeback putt to stay on Kim, last year’s LPGA Rookie of the Year, record pace, setting up the 18th-hole dra- to six, top Capitals 6-2 advanced from seventh to fifth in world ma. — AFP

PITTSBURGH: Rookie Tom Kuhnhackl had a goal Backstrom, playing for the first time in more Avalanche, who remained one point ahead of and two assists on his way to a career-best three than a year, finished with 21 saves. Michael Minnesota for the second and final wild-card Vigor Events organizes first points as the Pittsburgh Penguins denied the McCarron scored his first NHL goal for Montreal, spot in the Western Conference. Matt Hendricks Washington Capitals a chance to lock up the which has lost four of its last five. Michael and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored for Edmonton, Corporate Olympics in Kuwait Metropolitan Division with a dominant 6-2 win Condon stopped 30 shots. Backstrom, acquired which snapped a two-game winning streak and on Sunday night. Matt Cullen, Trevor Daley, from Minnesota on Feb. 29, appeared in his first was mathematically eliminated from playoff KUWAIT: In an impressive initiative devel- activities with each challenge requiring a Justin Schultz, Chris Kunitz and Bryan Rust also NHL game since Jan. 13, 2015. One of Montreal’s contention for the 10th consecutive year. oped and organized by Vigor Events and co- different set of competencies that the scored for Pittsburgh. Sidney Crosby picked up best chances came when Flames defenseman Landeskog and Barrie scored in the second peri- organized by ALGAS Events, March 15th employees should possess. two assists to push his scoring streak to 12 Mark Giordano accidentally backhanded a shot od to give the Avalanche a 2-0 lead. Hendricks marked the long anticipated Corporate Every challenge is team based, so partici- games as the Penguins won their sixth straight. at his own net in the first period. got the Oilers on the scoreboard with his second Olympics event - Kuwait’s first high energy pation from each member was key.” Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 16 shots to move goal in two games about 3 minutes into the program developed to meet the goals, “When companies have employees with past the New York Rangers and into second WILD 3, BLACKHAWKS 2, SO third. However, Comeau deflected Erik Johnson’s desires and abilities of any organization remarkable sports skills and competencies, place behind Washington in the Metropolitan. Charlie Coyle scored the only goal in the shot to restore Colorado two-goal lead midway where AlYasra Fashion won the title of they take part in sports events that are regu- The Capitals could have clinched the franchise’s shootout as Minnesota beat Chicago for the through the period. Nugent-Hopkins closed the Kuwait’s first “Corporate Olympics larly organized. However, companies can’t ninth division title with a win but instead gave fourth time in four meetings this season. Coyle, scoring with just under 7.6 seconds remaining. Champions”, Equate Petrochemicals was show off their competent employees when up a season-high six goals. Braden Holtby fin- the Wild’s first shooter, beat Chicago’s Scott awarded second place, and Kuwait Oil it comes to business and organizational ished with 21 saves before being pulled in the Darling a night after he and Zach Parise scored SHARKS 3, COYOTES 0 Company secured third place. skills and so we designed the Corporate third. Jason Chimera and Andre Burakovsky in the tiebreaker in a home win over Carolina. Tomas Hertl scored a power-play goal in the Top companies in the country from all Olympics with business simulations in order scored for Washington. Nino Niederreiter had his 18th goal and added latest contribution from San Jose’s second unit different industries and sectors competed in to provide companies with this unique an assist, and Erik Haula also scored in regulation and James Reimer earned his second shutout in this unique event which involved each com- chance” Arab explained. DUCKS 3, JETS 2, OT for Minnesota. Devan Dubnyk stopped 29 shots four starts with the Sharks. Joel Ward also pany sending a team of their most compe- From his side, Mohammad Ibrahim - Jakob Silfverberg scored at 4:01 of overtime through overtime and then was perfect in the scored, Joe Pavelski added an empty-netter tent employees to compete other compa- General Manager of AlGas Events - added to lift Anaheim past Winnipeg. Silfverberg’s 13th shootout against Chicago’s Jonathan Toews, and Joonas Donskoi had two assists for the nies in a variety of activities and challenges that “this highly energetic program has been goal of the season came as he was left all alone Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. Andrew Shaw Sharks, who have won a season-high four that tested their mental and physical capa- tailor made for companies that enjoy being in in front of Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson, who scored his 12th goal to end an 11-game drought straight home games to move to the brink of bilities motivating them to achieve the best competitive positions where success requires made a glove save on the first attempt but and linemate Richard Panik connected to end a clinching the playoffs. After missing the post- results. effective action, communication, teamwork, couldn’t corral the rebound, allowing Silfverberg 14-game streak without a goal to bring the season last year for the first time since 2003, Soliman Arab - Founder and Managing shared responsibility and developing - as well to score. Jamie McGinn and Ryan Kesler scored Blackhawks back from a 2-0 deficit. Darling San Jose can seal up a bid this season with one Partner of Vigor Enterprise - mentioned that as - a strategic plan.” “We are pleased with the for the Ducks in regulation, and John Gibson made his third straight start and finished with 32 more victory. Reimer, acquired late last month the idea behind the Corporate Olympics was overwhelming outcome and the participants’ made 27 saves for his 17th win. Anaheim got its saves. in a trade from Toronto, made 25 saves and has to have “a fun competition focused on two performance and we are looking forward to 40th win of the season and moved four points allowed just two goals in winning his last three main categories - Team Development repeat this distinguished experience again” behind Los Angeles Kings for first place in the AVALANCHE 3, OILERS 2 starts for the Sharks. Reimer has 13 career Simulations and Team building & Sports Mohammad Ibrahim concluded. Pacific Division. Paul Postma and Blake Wheeler Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and an assist as shutouts. Mike Smith made 32 saves for the scored for the Jets, who last their third straight. Colorado got its third straight win. Tyson Barrie Coyotes, who were shut out for the second Hutchinson finished with 30 saves. and Blake Comeau also scored for the straight night.— AP

DEVILS 2, BLUE JACKETS 1 Devante Smith-Pelly scored the tiebreaking NHL Results/Standings goal 8:38 into the third period and Scott Wedgewood made 27 saves in his NHL debut to Anaheim 3, Winnipeg 2 (OT); New Jersey 2, Columbus 1; Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2; Calgary 4, Montreal 1; lead New Jersey. Reid Boucher also scored as the Minnesota 3, Chicago 2 (SO); Colorado 3, Edmonton 2; San Jose 3, Arizona 0. Devils ended a six-game losing streak against Western Conference Tampa Bay 41 26 5 196 171 87 the Blue Jackets (1-5-1), less than 24 hours after Central Division Boston 39 26 8 216 197 86 dropping a 6-3 decision in Columbus. Jared Boll W L OTL GF GA PTS Detroit 36 25 11 184 190 83 Dallas 43 21 9 236 211 95 scored for the Blue Jackets, while Joonas Ottawa 34 31 8 211 223 76 Korpisalo made 20 saves. Smith-Pelly did most of St. Louis 42 22 9 194 185 93 Chicago 42 24 7 203 179 91 Montreal 33 34 6 192 209 72 the work on his seventh goal in nine games in Nashville 36 23 13 197 185 85 Buffalo 29 34 10 173 198 68 New Jersey. His forecheck on Nick Foligno forced Colorado 38 31 4 198 204 80 Toronto 25 35 11 169 207 61 the Columbus forward to send the puck around Minnesota 34 28 11 194 186 79 Metropolitan Division the boards. Devils defenseman Adam Larsson Winnipeg 29 37 6 184 216 64 Washington 51 15 5 227 168 107 stopped it at the point and sent it to Smith-Pelly Pacific Division Los Angeles 44 22 5 196 160 93 Pittsburgh 40 24 8 204 179 88 on the edge of the crease. Korpisalo stopped his Anaheim 40 22 9 182 164 89 NY Rangers 40 24 8 203 190 88 backhander but the Devils’ forward nudged the San Jose 41 25 6 214 185 88 NY Islanders 38 23 9 196 177 85 rebound into the net. Arizona 31 34 7 188 217 69 Philadelphia 34 24 12 182 189 80 Calgary 31 35 6 200 223 68 New Jersey 35 31 7 166 189 77 Vancouver 27 32 12 167 205 66 FLAMES 4, CANADIENS 1 Carolina 31 27 14 175 195 76 Sean Monahan had two goals and an assist to Edmonton 29 39 7 181 219 65 Eastern Conference Columbus 29 35 8 188 223 66 help Calgary beat Montreal. Joe Colborne and Atlantic Division Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the Johnny Gaudreau also scored for the Flames, Florida 40 23 9 205 177 89 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). who have points in four straight games. Niklas TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 SPORTS

Ooredoo organizes second annual football tournament

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of interna- tional Ooredoo Group, announced the kick-off of the second edition of its annual football tourna- ment, which officially started on Friday at the Gulf University of Science and Technology soccer field. This is the second time that Ooreodo holds this event which aims to further engage with employ- ees from different departments and divisions. The event aims to gather employees in a casual friend- ly atmosphere, outside office atmosphere and working hours. Ooredoo’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mijbil Alayoub said: “At Ooredoo we seek those opportunities to better engage with our employees in fun-filled activities which they like and take part of, last year’s foot- ball tournament was a success and we look for- ward to another great one this year. Best of luck to all participants and looking forward to meeting you in the various games” The opening ceremony included a draw for rel- atives of the participants. At the end of the tour- nament, first ranking team will be presented with a cup while other top performing teams will be presented with medals, as well as many other valuable prizes as recognition for their accom- plishment. Fantasy becoming reality in Premier League shakeup LONDON: With two months of a gripping season was sacked in December after losing Premier League season left Leicester City are nine of their first 16 games. closing on the title and it is not fanciful to “Every club has very good players so I suggest that Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham think it’s difficult for the top teams in England United and Southampton could complete the because of the competitive nature,” he had top four. predicted in August after watching the likes The idea of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester of Crystal Palace, Stoke City and West Ham United, Manchester City and Liverpool, or sign world class players. even just two of them, finishing fifth or lower, One statistic sums the shift in power this would have been laughed off as absurd season. before a ball was kicked in August. Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, But fantasy has become the new reality in Manchester United, and Liverpool have a low- the world’s richest soccer league. er combined points total so far than Leicester, Leicester, 5000-1 shots to win the title at West Ham, Southampton, Stoke and West the start of the season, need six wins from Bromwich Albion (241 to 248). their last seven matches to guarantee becom- Many expect normal service to resume ing champions of England for the first time. next season when Man City will be buoyed by Tottenham, without a title since 1961, are the arrival of Pep Guardiola, Chelsea re-group their nearest challengers and West Ham under a new manager and United could pos- United, in fifth place level on points with sibly have Mourinho at the Old Trafford helm. sixth-placed Manchester United, are sniffing a first-ever qualification for the Champions YOUNG TALENT League. But according to Stoke’s manager Mark Southampton, who came from two goals Hughes, the days when the establishment down to beat Liverpool on Sunday, are just dominated the top five or six places is over. four points behind fourth-placed Manchester “This year isn’t a one-off, it will be more City who are caught in a downward spiral. prevalent in years to come and I think maybe Jose Mourinho knows only too well that there has been a changing of the guard reputations no longer count for anything in somewhat,” Hughes, whose side are on course the Premier League. for their highest Premier League finish, was The man who led Chelsea to the title last quoted as saying in The Telegraph.—Reuters PARIS: PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicks the ball during his French League One soccer match against Monaco, at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Real Madrid enjoy Paris, Sunday. — AP 4-0 win over Sevilla Monaco ruins PSG’s MADRID: Real Madrid warmed up for their the Wales winger become the all-time top crunch meeting against Barcelona by scoring British player in La Liga. thrashing Sevilla 4-0 on Sunday and coach Substitute Jese netted late on to com- Zinedine Zidane believes his team “can do plete the rout. “If we play like this all the title celebrations great things” if they match the perform- time we can do great things and the play- ance they produced against Unai Emery’s ers know it,” Zidane told a news conference. side. Zidane was able to start Gareth Bale, “But every game is different and we PARIS: Monaco ruined Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue their record-breaking efforts from last week, there blank range. Monaco held on in the face of heavy Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo need to put in the same levels of intensity 1 title celebrations as a clinical second-half per- was a hunger and desire about Champions pressure to record a first win against PSG in over six together for the first time since Jan. 17 and and have the same commitment in all of formance gave the principality side a 2-0 victory at League-chasing Monaco that brought the opening years. Blanc said that his side’s missed chances he highlighted the impact his three key for- them. If we do that I’ll have nothing to be the Parc des Princes on Sunday. goal. Some quick passing released Lemar, who were the key, and played down suggestions that wards had on the game. worried about.” PSG wrapped up a fourth consecutive league crossed low to the back post to give Love a simple his men had eased off after winning the title. “It’s only the third time (since he Should all his players return from inter- title in record time with eight matches to spare by tap-in with Trapp out of the picture. “In the first half we created many chances, we became coach) we’ve had them playing national duty unscathed, Zidane can take a thrashing Troyes 9-0 a week ago, but they were Less than two minutes later and the principality controlled the game against a very defensive and it’s so important to have all your play- full squad to the Nou Camp on April 2 to uncharacteristically flat in the capital. side were gifted the chance to double their lead team,” he said. “I do not feel as though there was a ers available, it gives you a big boost,” he face arch rivals Barcelona, who blew a two- After a drab opening 45 minutes it was the visi- from the penalty spot. Another horror-show in the party tonight, we will celebrate the title when we said. goal lead to draw 2-2 with Villarreal on tors who turned on the style, as Vagner Love’s PSG defence culminated in Luiz pulling back receive the trophy on the final day.” French striker Benzema marked his Sunday. fourth goal for the club gave them a deserved Fabinho, and the Brazilian full-back picked himself Hatem Ben Arfa’s latest breathtaking strike set return from three weeks out with a ham- Although Luis Enrique’s side sit 10 65th-minute lead. A David Luiz error gave Monaco up to calmly chip his spot-kick down the middle. Nice up for a 3-0 win over struggling Gazelec string problem by meeting a cross from points above his side, Zidane is feeling a penalty that was coolly converted by Fabinho just Unsurprisingly PSG pushed forward in numbers Ajaccio that keeps them in contention for a sur- Bale on the half volley to put Madrid ahead optimistic about the game. three minutes later, as PSG slumped to just a sec- and, after Subasic had brilliantly clawed away a prise top-three finish. Ben Arfa collected posses- after six minutes. “It’s always best to go after a victory and ond league defeat of the season, and a first at Cavani header, Ibrahimovic somehow contrived to sion wide on the right and skipped away from two Ronaldo made up for a penalty miss by we have proved a lot today,” he added. “It’s home since May 2014. The victory is a timely one head the ball over the top from two yards out with challenges as he cut into the box before curling a doubling the home side’s lead midway a different game, a special game. We know for Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco in the race for the the goal at his mercy. It was not Ibrahimovic’s day, shot beyond goalkeeper Clement Maury to set through the second half before Benzema we’re ready. It’ll be a great game between top three and the Champions League, as they stay the league’s top scorer was left red-faced again Nice on their way in the 14th minute at the Allianz teed up Bale for Madrid’s third, which saw two great teams.” — Reuters second in the table and now have the cushion of a after volleying over an unguarded net from point- Riviera.—AFP six-point gap back to fourth-placed Lyon. “This is a very important victory, but in getting this the team has actually only maintained our gap to our competitors,” Jardim said. “Paris is a big team, Qatar may house World Cup one of the top four in Europe, and they could win the Champions League. My players played a great game. In football, you have not won or lost before fans in Bedouin-style tents the match, everything is played on the pitch.” DOHA: Qatar may house thousands of football Committee told Reuters without giving further PSG manager Laurent Blanc selected an attack- fans in Bedouin-style tents in desert areas close details. ing line-up, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson to stadiums during the 2022 World Cup as tum- Since winning its bid, Qatar has spent tens of Cavani, Lucas Moura and Angel Di Maria all starting bling oil prices have forced the tiny Gulf state to billions of dollars on upgrading infrastructure on a night when the home fans expected to party. delay projects, including building hotels. and has built scores of hotels and apartment But they started slowly, and the hosts’ frustra- Most of the expected 500,000 fans are complexes but some projects have stalled tion at their lacklustre opening half an hour was expected to stay in hotels and apartments but including a $12 billion bridge and underwater clear, as Cavani thumped the turf in anger after bal- contrary to Qatar’s World Cup bid in 2010, when tunnel link across Doha bay and building at least looning an acrobatic effort well wide. it said it would create more than 55,000 rooms, two hotels in the capital. PSG improved in the minutes before half-time, authorities said in January that 46,000 rooms A Supreme Committee spokesperson said with Cavani heading a Marquinhos cross wastefully would be ready. Qatar was on track to deliver the minimum num- off target when totally unmarked. FIFA’s requirement was for 60,000 rooms to ber of hotel rooms required by FIFA. The visitors grew in confidence in the second be available. Desert camping, a popular winter activity for period and home keeper Kevin Trapp had to beat Organisers are holding up the tent idea as a Qataris, who are known for assembling luxurious clear Fabinho’s drive after a mistake by Luiz, before creative and culturally authentic way for Qatar to sites among the sand dunes, could also help the German also had to save well at his near post meet FIFA requirements. “At the heart of this allay concerns about thin occupancy after the from Thomas Lemar. PSG were pleasing the crowd World Cup is a commitment to showcase the event, analysts say. The Supreme Committee did with plenty of neat tricks and flicks, but rarely hospitality and friendship of the Middle East. As not say if the camps would serve as the specially looked like breaking their opponents down. MADRID: Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo vies with Sevilla’s goal- a result, we are actively researching the concept created “fanzones” in which conservative Muslim keeper Sergio Rico Gonzalez (L) during the Spanish league football match Real LOVESTRUCK of supporters sleeping under the stars,” a Qatar has said fans will be allowed to consume spokesperson for Qatar’s World Cup Supreme alcohol.—Reuters Madrid CF vs Sevilla FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday. — AFP While Blanc’s men appeared to be resting on China sweeps Khawaja leads major titles at Aussies to Kuwait table victory over tennis tourney Bangladesh

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 201615 17 Kim wins LPGA Founders Cup in record fashion Page 18

DALLAS: Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) battles Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) for space during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, in Dallas. —AP Nowitzki, Williams lead Mavericks past Blazers

DALLAS: Dirk Nowitzki scored 40 points and 53.9 seconds left and added the free throw after finished with 23 points and 20 rebounds for the Deron Williams had 31 points and 16 assists, being fouled by Ersan Ilyasova. Knicks, playing through his usual frustrations NBA results/standings leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 132-120 over- with the officiating and even a security guard in time win over the Portland Trail Blazers on PELICANS 109, CLIPPERS 105 this one. New York fell to 0-8 this season without Dallas 132, Portland 120 (OT); Toronto 105, Orlando 100; Boston 120, Philadelphia 105; New Sunday. Nowitzki and Williams capped season- Jrue Holiday scored 22 points, helping the Anthony, who was still bothered by symptoms Orleans 109, LA Clippers 105; Utah 94, Milwaukee 85; Sacramento 88, NY Knicks 80. high scoring efforts with the first 11 points in injury-riddled Pelicans to the victory. Omer Asik of a migraine that he began suffering from overtime. Williams made a tiebreaking 3-pointer scored a season-high 15 points and tied his sea- Saturday night in a loss at Washington. Eastern Conference Western Conference before Nowitzki scored eight straight points. son best with 14 rebounds for New Orleans, Atlantic Division Northwest Division The Mavericks’ victory moved them within a while Dante Cunningham scored a season-high CELTICS 120, 76ERS 105 W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 48 22 .686 - half-game of the Trail Blazers for the sixth play- 19 points. Reserve guard Tim Frazier added a Isaiah Thomas led six Celtics players in dou- Toronto 48 21 .696 - Portland 36 35 .507 12.5 off position in the Western Conference. Dallas season-high 17 points. Chris Paul and J.J. Redick ble figures with 26 points as Boston ended a has 12 games to play, and Portland 11. The each scored 24 points, and Paul also had 13 four-game skid. Jared Sullinger added 17 points Boston 40 30 .571 8.5 Utah 34 36 .486 14 Mavericks (35-35) also gained a tiebreaker by assists for the Clippers, who lost in Memphis on and 13 rebounds for Boston, which swept the NY Knicks 28 43 .394 21 Denver 29 41 .414 19 winning the first two of three games in the sea- Saturday night and were playing their second four-game season series against the 76ers to Brooklyn 19 50 .275 29 Minnesota 22 47 .319 25.5 son series against the Trail Blazers (36-35). The game in less than 24 hours. Los Angeles missed make it eight consecutive wins against Philadelphia 9 61 .129 39.5 teams play again in Portland on Wednesday. 19 3-point attempts and 13 free throws. The Philadelphia. The Celtics avoided matching their Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 26 Pelicans tipped off shortly after announcing All- longest losing streak of the season with the vic- Pacific Division points. Allen Crabbe scored 24 points, and C.J. Star forward Anthony Davis, who hurt his left tory.Carl Landry scored 26 points for the 76ers, Central Division Golden State 62 7 .899 - McCollum had 22. Miles Plumlee had 14 points knee on Friday night, would miss the rest of the who have lost five in a row and 18 of the last 19 Cleveland 49 20 .710 - LA Clippers 43 26 .623 19 and 19 rebounds. season to treat that injury as well as a torn to fall to 9-61. Indiana 36 33 .522 13 Sacramento 27 42 .391 35 labrum in his left shoulder that he played with Chicago 35 33 .515 13.5 Phoenix 19 50 .275 43 RAPTORS 105, MAGIC 100 for much of the season. JAZZ 94, BUCKS 85 Detroit 36 34 .514 13.5 DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points, leading Gordon Hayward scored 18 points, including LA Lakers 14 55 .203 48 Toronto to the win. Luis Scola had 20 points as KINGS 88, KNICKS 80 13 during a decisive third quarter, as the Jazz Milwaukee 30 40 .429 19.5 the Raptors moved within one game of idle DeMarcus Cousins had 24 points and 20 won for the fifth time in six games. Utah Southwest Division Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern rebounds, and Sacramento had its best defen- remained one game behind Dallas for the Southeast Division San Antonio 59 10 .855 - Conference. Evan Fournier and Victor Oladipo sive performance of the season. The Kings, who eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Atlanta 41 29 .586 - Memphis 40 30 .571 19.5 each had 21 points for Orlando, which lost its came in allowing a league-worst 109.6 points Conference. Trey Lyles added 14 points for the Miami 40 29 .580 0.5 seventh straight game in Toronto and has now per game, easily surpassed their previous best Jazz, and Shelvin Mack had 13 points and 12 Houston 35 35 .500 24.5 Charlotte 39 30 .565 1.5 lost 13 of the last 14 meetings with the Raptors. of 88 points allowed, shutting down a Knicks assists. Rudy Gobert finished with 12 points and Dallas 35 35 .500 24.5 A 3-pointer from Fournier with 1:11 remain- team that played without leading scorer 14 rebounds. Milwaukee is 4-18 in its last 22 Washington 34 35 .493 6.5 ing trimmed Toronto’s lead to 97-96, but Carmelo Anthony. Cousins emerged the winner games against Utah. Jabari Parker had 19 points Orlando 29 40 .420 11.5 New Orleans 26 43 .377 33 DeRozan responded with a floating jumper with in a good big-man duel with Robin Lopez, who and eight rebounds for the Bucks. —AP

Russian swimmer Efimova suspended over doping Zidane wants a fit

MOSCOW: Olympic swimming medalist going to be on the banned list,” Salo told never counseled kids to take anything. ten to outside influences such as doctors, and focused Benzema Yulia Efimova of Russia faces a possible The Associated Press by phone Thursday They know my stance on it.” yoga instructors and other swimmers, as lifetime ban after being provisionally sus- from Atlanta, where he is coaching at the Salo said his role in Efimova’s career well as some coaches who suggest supple- MADRID: Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane wants star pended for a second doping violation. Her NCAA women’s swimming and diving involves only training and coaching in the ments. striker Karim Benzema to concentrate on regaining his US-based coach said Efimova has indicated championships. “She sent me a text almost pool, and she has others who oversee her “We’ve created an environment where form and fitness rather than a series of off-field scandals she wants to fight the accusation. immediately yesterday and tried to assure physical therapy, weight training and there’s an expectation that these kids have affecting the French international in his homeland. The 23-year-old breaststroke specialist me that she hadn’t done anything since nutrition. to take something,” he said. Benzema wasn’t included in Didier Deschamps’ latest who has won four world titles and an December.” Efimova, who won bronze in the 200- French squad on Thursday due to an ongoing investigation Olympic bronze medal is the latest high- meter breaststroke at the 2012 London into his role in a sex-tape blackmail plot involving interna- profile name caught up in the series of Olympics, could be banned for life if found tional teammate Mathieu Valbuena. The 28-year-old has doping scandals that have dogged Russia guilty of a second career doping offense. also given evidence to French authorities in a separate over the past two years. She owns the She was stripped of five European champi- money laundering investigation. “I am not going to say world’s fastest time in the 100-meter onship medals after testing positive for the whether the treatment of Benzema is fair or unfair,” Zidane breaststroke and the second quickest in banned steroid DHEA in 2013. Efimova’s said on Saturday ahead of Sevilla’s visit to the Santiago the 200 breast this year, and is considered ban on that occasion was reduced from Bernabeu. “The only thing I want of the player is that he one of Russia’s top medal hopes for the Rio two years to 16 months after she argued concentrates solely on football and the game tomorrow. Olympics in August. that she had taken the substance by acci- “We have spoken together and we believe the best thing is In a brief statement, the Russian dent while trying to buy a legal supple- to think about football.” The French Football Federation Swimming Federation said it had received ment. faces sporting pressure to bring Benzema back into the documents from international governing Efimova returned from that ban to win national side in time for the European Championship in body FINA stating that Efimova was sus- gold in the 100-meter breaststroke at last June, which France will host. pended “in connection with a possible year’s world championships in Kazan, However, leading French figures, including Prime breach of anti-doping rules.” Russia. Salo said he would speak to Minister Manuel Valls, have called into question whether The federation did not confirm reports Efimova when he returns to Los Angeles Benzema should be given the honour of representing his in the Russian media that Efimova tested next week. country given his off-field behaviour. “For young people, a positive for meldonium, the same sub- “Her text was, ‘Please believe me. I didn’t great sportsman must be exemplary,” said Valls. “12 seasons stance found in tennis star Maria do this on purpose,’” he said. “I believe her. that I’m professional: 541 matches played 0 red card 11 yel- Sharapova’s sample at the Australian Open She’s culpable to the extent that she has a low cards!!! And some talk about me being exemplary???” in January. Yulia Efimova lot of other people in her ear.” Efimova is in Benzema tweeted in reply to Valls’s comments this week. If Efimova’s case is confirmed to be a the US as part of a program in which the Benzema has been sidelined for the past three weeks due positive test for meldonium, her earlier Russian swimming federation sends top to a thigh problem, but is expected to return to the starting medals would not be affected because Salo said any athlete training under him ‘SHE’S A GREAT KID’ athletes abroad for specialized coaching. line-up against Sevilla on Sunday. the substance has only been banned is subject to drug testing by WADA and “I don’t know who’s counseling her in Federation coach Sergei Ilin told Russian “I see him concentrated on what he needs to do on the since Jan. 1. USADA, which visit his pool weekly, unlike Russia,” he said. “She’s a great kid, she’s a news agency RIA Novosti that none of the field,” added Zidane. “The most important thing right now Efimova trains in Los Angeles under some other countries where testing is less hard-working person. She’s tremendously other top Russians based in the United is that physically he is good. He is not feeling the effects of Dave Salo, who coaches at the University stringent. talented, she doesn’t need these things to States was under suspicion of doping. his injuries. “Physically, after a break of 23 days it is difficult, of Southern California. “It’s not coming from me, it never has be successful.” “If we’re talking about the group of ath- but he has trained well since Tuesday and little by little is “Yulia stopped taking it (meldonium) in come from me,” Salo said. “I don’t think kids Salo said the larger problem in swim- letes in the US, then so far this case is just recovering his fitness. —AFP December when it became evident it was need supplementation of any sort. I’ve ming is athletes seeking an edge who lis- about Efimova,” he said. —AP Axa insurance chief to step down as reportedly tipped for HSBC Page 23

India’s thirst for gasoline usiness helps global oil demand B Page 25 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 Money to burn? China Marriott bid for Starwood Hotels tops China’s Anbang firms seek investors Page 25 Pages 23

US home sales slump in February Gold falls as stronger dollar weighs on prices as supply shortage hits market LONDON: Gold fell more than 1 percent yesterday, extending losses for a third day as the dollar strength- ened, but prices remained underpinned by expecta- tions that the ultra-low interest rate environment will Decline follows robust yearly sales rates persist on a global level. The dollar is up 0.1 percent against the euro after falling for three successive weeks, most recently after US WASHINGTON: Americans retreated from Federal Reserve policymakers revised down the number home-buying in February, reversing months of times they expect to raise interest rates this year to of prior gains as low inventories push up two from four. Spot gold was down 0.8 percent at prices to levels that restrict sales. The National $1,244.91 an ounce at 1000 GMT, while US gold futures Association of Realtors said yesterday that for April delivery were down $8.60 an ounce at sales of existing homes fell 7.1 percent last $1,245.70. The metal has risen 17 percent this year as month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of expectations for fresh rate hikes faded. Gold rallied on 5.08 million. The decline follows robust yearly Wednesday after the Fed cut the number of interest rate sales rates of 5.47 million in January and 5.45 hikes it foresees this year, but the metal failed to revisit million in December, a new regulation had the previous week’s 13-month high and quickly slid low- delayed closings in November. er as the US unit bounced back. The housing market enters the traditional spring buying season facing a quandary: Under pressure There are relatively few properties listed for “(Gold is) under pressure once again this morning as sale, even as steady job gains and low mort- the dollar strengthens,” Mitsubishi analyst Jonathan gage rates have bolstered demand from Butler said. “Despite the Fed’s ‘lower for longer’ stance, it would-be buyers. The limited supplies have still looks to be one of the more hawkish central banks, fueled rising prices that have, in turn, reduced compared with the European Central Bank and Bank of affordability and limited sales levels. These Japan with zero and negative interest rate policies cost pressures were further enhanced by a respectively.” Ultra-low interest rates cut the opportunity volatile stock market that hit down payment cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, as well as savings. “We assume the plunge in the stock stoking longer-term fears over inflation. Market indica- market in the first six weeks of this year per- tors are signaling that investors see stronger risks of suaded some potential homebuyers to recon- inflation, which has been almost non-existent since the sider, at least temporarily,” said Ian credit crisis, despite skepticism from the Fed and the rel- Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon atively slow pace of US economic growth. Macroeconomics. Shepherdson noted that Holdings of gold-backed exchange-traded funds, sales momentum “stalled” in February, but which issue securities backed by physical metal, contin- sales volumes might pick-up in the spring. ued to rise. The largest, New York-listed SPDR Gold The median home sales price was $210,800 Shares, reported an inflow of another 11.9 tons on in February, a 4.4 percent annual increase FLORIDA: This Tuesday, Jan 26, 2016, photo, shows an existing home for sale in Valrico. — AP Friday, bringing its total inflow for the year to 176.6 tons, from a year ago. Tight supplies have driven Faster than wages sales in February. First-time buyers made up homes, keeping first-time buyers out of the up from 40.8 tons in the same period of last year. the increases in home prices, forcing buyers to The Realtors have forecast that overall 30 percent of purchases, staying persistently market, according to a separate report Trading was quiet in the big physical gold markets in bid more for hotly contested homes. Listings sales levels will be nearly unchanged this below their historic share of 40 percent. The released yesterday by the real estate firm Asia overnight, with Japan closed for a holiday. “Gold in February fell 1.1 percent from a year ago. year, after a 6.5 percent gain in 2015. But shortage remains a consequence of the burst Trulia. At the bottom of the housing market opened right where we closed last week and it was pri- Many homeowners are hesitant to sell, since median sales prices are forecast to rise 4 per- housing bubble, which initially flooded the in 2012, a typical homebuyer only needed marily small offers which dominated early flows,” MKS they would need more equity to cover the cent, meaningfully faster than wages. Home- market with distressed foreclosures and then to commit 32.2 percent of their income to said in a note. “The turnover on Ecomex was noticeably down payment for stepping-up to a new buying fell sharply in the Northeast and left a limited selection of homes for buyers as buy the median priced starter home. That lower than what we saw last week and may continue for property. Investors have also turned homes Midwest last month, while slipping less the recovery from the Great Recession sur- share of income has climbed to 37.7 per- the rest of the week, considering the shortened Easter into rentals, further depriving the market of severely in the South and West. passed 6 1/2 years. cent, putting home ownership out of reach holiday week for most Western markets.” — Reuters supplies. Investors accounted for 18 percent of Inventory is particularly low for starter for many. —AP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 BUSINESS KFH approves distribution of 17% cash dividend for 2015

KUWAIT: The KFH General Assembly yesterday shown in Table (2). approved as a recommendation to its board, These results are conclusive evidence of to distribute 17 % cash dividend for the year KFH’s major success in strengthening the 2015. The Chairman of the Board Hamad Al- Bank’s position and improving its perform- Marzouq stated the following in his speech - ance. KFH has achieved remarkable growth in Praise be to Allah the Almighty, and Peace 2015 where net profit reached KD 145.8 mil- and Blessings be upon our Prophet lion compared to KD 126.5 million in 2014, Muhammad (PBUH), his family and compan- thus marking an increase by 15.3%. This ions. increase comes on the back of an increase in net financing income which reached KD 393 Dear Esteemed Shareholders, million compared to KD 363 million in 2014, Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatu an increase exceeding 8%. Profit per share Allah Wabarakatuh... increased by approximately 15% to reach fils On behalf of myself, my fellow colleagues 31.1 at the year-end. Total assets exceeded KD and members of the Board of Directors of 16.5 billion at the year-end, supported by a Kuwait Finance House (“KFH” / the “Bank”), I strong finance portfolio, which exceeded KD 8 am pleased to present to you the 2015 KFH billion. Customers’ deposits exceeded 10.8 bil- Group Annual Report. lion while shareholders’ equity increased to KD We have continued to enhance our busi- 1.8 billion, an increase of 2%. ness model in order to provide the best servic- These strategies and results could only be es and improve service quality for our valuable achieved through highly qualified human customers. We have also focused on enhanc- resources and well trained teams. Accordingly, ing the overall infrastructure of the Bank, man- KFH is keen on providing utmost care to aging operations on both organizational and Human Resources, thus achieving significant operational levels, adopting the latest cutting- progress in employee satisfaction according to edge e-banking technology, providing sus- job satisfaction indicators. Executive manage- tainable sources of income, optimizing costs KFH’s Annual General Assembly.—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat ment has strengthened transformation pillars and divesting non-income generating assets, of all employees in order to upgrade KFH’s all of which are in the best interest of our issuance was concluded for Sharjah Islamic financial crises, which continue to cast a shad- viding distinguished and unique services to competencies. shareholders. Bank. KFH has also structured a US$ 500 mil- ow over financial institutions worldwide, fulfill our customers’ needs, exceeding their Our achieved success is mainly attributed Our global expansion plans are still in lion lease finance transaction for Sharjah Kuwait’s economy has remained stable by the expectations and fulfilling market demands. to our employees and the trust bestowed progress to match our ambitious strategy to Electricity & Water Authority (SEWA) bearing in grace of Allah. International capital markets We have developed a new strategy covering upon us by our shareholders. To this end, we have seen increased volatility along with a the next 3-year period aimed at directing convey our sincere gratitude and appreciation Account Type 2015 2014 decline in growth expectations. The Kuwait KFH’s future. The Bank continued to manage to them for their continuous support. Sincere economy, on the other hand, has been sup- risks efficiently and make the required provi- thanks and appreciation are also extended to “Al-Khumasiya” Investment Deposits 2.35% 2.34% ported by financial policies adopted by the sions during the year in accordance with best the Bank’s honorable Fatwa & Sharia “Mustamera” Investment Deposits 2.15% 2.06% Ministry of Finance. The Finance Minister has practices. As a result, KFH has maintained its Supervisory Board for their distinguished “Al-Sedra” Investment Deposits 1.50% 1.68% submitted a draft law to allow for the issuance “Dimah” Investment Deposits (6 months) 1.30% 1.45% of Islamic finance Sukuk and bonds in order to Rating Agency Long Term Short Term Outlook “Tawfeer” Investment Accounts 0.73% 0.93% Table (1) finance any deficits through local banks. This Fitch A+ F1 Stable was done in coordination with the Central Moody’s A1 P-1 Negative Bank of Kuwait (CBK). This process aims to cre- Standard & Poor’s A- A-2 Stable lead the global development of Islamic finan- mind that KFH’s share therein reached US$ 120 ate a stable investment environment and Table (2) cial services. We have inaugurated the Bank’s million, the largest share among participating diversified growth opportunities through the new office in Frankfurt, Germany becoming banks. Apart from this, KTPB has issued a RM completion of projects and initiatives adopted the first integrated Islamic bank operating in 300 million Ijara Sukuk (US$ 81 million). This in the new 5-year plan. credit rating, which reflects the Banks leading efforts to support the credibility of our func- one of the leading Eurozone economies issuance represents the first tranche of a US$ In continuation of our endeavor to achieve position in the Kuwaiti banking sector and the tions and activities. through Kuwait Turkish Participation Bank 540 million Sukuk program. our vision to be a leading group in banking strength of its financial position and high liq- On this occasion, I would like to reassure (KTPB). Despite the drop in oil prices and regional services regionally, we have focused on pro- uidity levels. KFH has observed CBK instruc- our valuable customers and shareholders that We have expanded our branch network tions and implemented Basel III requirements, KFH will continue to focus on availing the best locally, regionally and globally. Our branch which were applied to all Kuwaiti banks in ear- opportunities, increase efforts to achieve sus- network today comprises of 450 branches, ly 2015. KFH’s capital adequacy ratio reached tainable growth as provided in the strategic which has reinforced the Group’s position and 16.67% as at the end of 2015, higher than the plan, increase profits and returns, and presence in local, regional and global markets. required limit of 13%. We are committed to strengthen KFH’s reputation and image locally, In Turkey, KTPB has achieved remarkable achieving significant returns for shareholders regionally and globally. results. Profitability has improved in KFH in the long-run. The Board of Directors have Last and not the least, I would like to con- Bahrain. Significant improvements have been approved the distribution of a 17% cash divi- vey our sincere thanks and appreciation to His made on our online banking services, thus dend, a 10% bonus share dividend and distrib- Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al- aiming to provide modern and convenient ute returns on investment deposits and saving Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah safe- banking services to our valuable clients. accounts. The Board of Directors have guard, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh We are in the process of issuing more approved the distribution of a 17% cash divi- Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah Sukuk to governments and companies world- dend, a 10% bonus share dividend and distrib- safeguard, and His Highness Minister Sheikh wide to participate in the development and ute returns on investment deposits and saving Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, may Allah safe- marketing of this product, which is considered accounts as shown in Table (1). guard. Our thanks and appreciation are also as the shari’a compliant alternative to bonds. In 2015, KFH received several distinguished extended to His Excellency Dr Mohammed Al- This product will facilitate in providing the and prestigious awards in banking including; Hashel, Central Bank of Kuwait Governor and financing required for several projects based Best Islamic Financial Institution in the GCC, all regulatory authorities for their ongoing on innovative mechanisms and methods and Best Bank in Kuwait, and Best Islamic Bank in support to the banking sector in the State of reinforce the bank’s participation in major Kuwait. In addition, Fitch Ratings affirmed Kuwait. projects. In 2015, a US$ 500 million Sukuk KFH’s rating at A+ with stable outlook as May Allah grant us success February sales improve, supported by the commercial sector

NBK Economy Update

KUWAIT: Shored by strong sales in the and the number of transactions were slow but steady improvement since post- 93.9 million. This was very similar to the Commercial sector sales soared in commercial sector, the real estate market down28% and 29% year-on-year (y/y), ing-6.7% y/y in November 2015.On the performance recorded in the previous February. For the first time in eight years, fared well in February as it headed into respectively. 221 sales contracts were other hand, the residential-land price month. Investors are more cautious in commercial sector sales surpassed resi- an uncertain year. Despite the high registered during the month, amounting index was up by 3.7% y/y to 185.1 points. view of the high degree of uncertainty dential sector sales. The sector recorded volatility in financial and oil markets and to KD 76.7 million. Although the KD vol- Prices in this sector experienced a short and volatility currently roiling the oil and 14 transactions worth KD 90million; the prevailing geopolitical tension in the ume fared well compared to February and mild correction in 2015, but appear financial markets. three of them were plots in Sabah Al- region, February sales reached KD 261 2009 and 2010, the number of transac- to have stabilized since the second half Prices in the investment building sec- Ahmed Sea City worth KD 69.7 million. million, 17% higher than the previous tions was the lowest on record for the of 2015. tor are picking up momentum. The Transactions in the commercial sector year and 22% higher than January sales. month of February. The continuous rise in apartment investment-building index stood at 220.8 also included the sale of a building in Activity was boosted by robust sales in Real estate price indices continue to sales boosted transactions in the invest- points, 2.3% higher than the previous Fahaheel for KD 4 million. The value of the commercial sector. Price indices hold or advance, and provide support to ment sector in February; overall KD sales year. After spending three months in loans approved by Kuwait Credit Bank in maintained their levels as they contin- the residential sector. The residential- improved slightly as well. Despite a 65% negative territory, the index bounced February amounted to KD 23 million, up ued to improve and price growth moved home price index stood at 180.2 points, y/y increase in transactions (of mainly back rather quickly. However, it is still 51% y/y. This was supported by a healthy up a bit. 2% lower than the previous year. Despite smaller ticket investment apartments) early to say that the sector averted a cor- increase in the number of approved Activity in the residential sector being in negative territory for the last that was largely due to seasonal effects, rection since it is more volatile than the loans to 477, the highest since April remained weak in February. KD volumes seven months, price growth has shown sector sales were up by 5.8% y/y to KD residential sector. 2015.

EXCHANGE RATES

GOLD Asia Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Saudi Riyals 81.225 20 Gram 253.510 Jordanian Dinar 425.495 Bangladesh Taka 0.003432 0.004006 ASIAN COUNTRIES 10 Gram 129.510 Egyptian Pound 33.652 Chinese Yuan 0.044925 0.048425 5 Gram 65.600 Japanese Yen 2.642 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.084 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036822 0.039572 Indian Rupees 4.399 Indian Rupees 4.489 Indian Rupee 0.004280 0.004670 Pakistani Rupees 2.881 Pakistani Rupees 2.879 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.842 Srilankan Rupees 2.080 Japanese Yen 0.002576 0.002756 Philippines Pesso 6.458 Nepali Rupees 2.743 Kenyan Shilling 0.002970 0.002970 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 575.305 Singapore Dollar 219.690 Korean Won 0.000243 0.000258 Australian Dollar 201.91 Japanese Yen 3.655 Hongkong Dollar 38.918 Malaysian Ringgit 0.069488 0.075488 Canadian Dollar 219.82 Syrian Pound 2.370 Bangladesh Taka 3.850 Swiss Franc 306.95 Nepalese Rupees 3.800 Nepalese Rupee 0.002863 0.003033 Philippine Peso 6.453 Euro 336.85 Malaysian Ringgit 74.070 Pakistan Rupee 0.002708 0.002988 Thai Baht 8.622 US Dollar 299.90 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.745 Philippine Peso 0.006391 0.006671 Sterling Pound 431.04 Thai Bhat 9.575 Sierra Leone 0.000071 0.000077 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.67 Turkish Lira 105.395 Singapore Dollar 0.215302 0.221302 Saudi Riyal 80.576 Bangladesh Taka 3.817 South African Rand 0.012881 0.021381 Qatari Riyal 83.001 Indian Rupee 4.375 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001707 0.002287 Omani Riyal 784.823 Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lankan Rupee 2.083 Taiwan 0.009080 0.009260 Bahraini Dinar 802.440 Nepali Rupee 2.732 Thai Baht 0.008293 0.008843 UAE Dirham 82.266 Pakistani Rupee 2.860 CURRENCY BUY SELL UAE Dirhams 0.08161 Europe Arab ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 0.7970 British Pound 0.419857 0.428857 Bahraini Dinar 0.794492 0.802492 Egyptian Pound - Cash 35.150 Egyptian Pound 0.03819 Czech Korune 0.004368 0.016368 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.523 Jordanian Dinar 0.4265 Danish Krone 0.040835 0.045835 Egyptian Pound 0.031523 0.036641 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.419 Omani Riyal 0.7788 Euro 0.329413 0.337413 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Tunisian Dinar 159.080 Qatari Riyal 0.08269 Norwegian Krone 0.031196 0.036396 Iraqi Dinar 0.000194 0.000254 Jordanian Dinar 424.660 Saudi Riyal 0.07994 Romanian Leu 0.074716 0.074716 Jordanian Dinar 0.421942 0.429442 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.026 Slovakia 0.008988 0.018988 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.147 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swedish Krona 0.032155 0.037155 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 Morocco Dirham 31.040 Swiss Franc 0.299035 0.309235 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020573 0.044573 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.099183 0.109483 Nigerian Naira 0.001244 0.001879 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar 302.050 Omani Riyal 0.777996 0.783676 US Dollar Transfer 301.150 Canadian Dollar 229.115 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.082241 0.083454 Euro 333.070 Sterling Pound 432.050 Australian Dollar 0.216770 0.228270 Saudi Riyal 0.079647 0.080597 Sterling Pound 421.610 Euro 336.620 New Zealand Dollar 0.193129 0.202629 Syrian Pound 0.001280 0.001500 Canadian dollar 224.650 America Swiss Frank 299.080 Tunisian Dinar 0.146597 0.154597 Turkish lira 101.190 Bahrain Dinar 799.075 Canadian Dollar 0.220541 0.229041 Turkish Lira 0.099183 0.109483 Swiss Franc 305.430 UAE Dirhams 82.480 US Dollars 0.297900 0.302400 UAE Dirhams 0.081242 0.082391 US Dollar Buying 301.350 Qatari Riyals 83.690 US Dollars Mint 0.298400 0.302400 Yemeni Riyal 0.001365 0.001445 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 BUSINESS Money to burn? China firms seek investors From ‘Bank of Hell’ currency to event paraphernalia SHANTOU: The Guangdong Yixiang Folk Guangdong Yixiang to turn to “shadow banks”, companies who cannot find buyers can still Culture Co has a license to print money-thou- unofficial lenders that often charge exorbitant, use their shares as “collateral for loans”, said sands of lookalike US dollars roll off its clatter- profit-sapping interest rates. “Until the NEEQ Christopher Balding, of Peking University’s ing presses every minute, intended as burnt market came, it was very difficult for the small, HSBC Business School in Shenzhen. As such offerings for the heavenly bank accounts of medium enterprises to get financial support.” “being on the New Third Board is better than Chinese ancestors. But in the earthly realm, not being on the New Third Board”, explained small- and medium-sized companies like this Open goal Yang Peng, a consultant for Guangdong have a devil of a time getting a loan from There were 2,565 share issues on NEEQ last Yixiang. China’s big state-owned banks, which prefer to year, generating $18.7 billion, according to If nothing else “it will definitely make it PARIS: AXA group chief executive and chairman Henri de Castries (C) poses with his suc- lend to large, often state-owned, firms. data from the exchange, with another $4.07 much easier to get a bank loan”. Loose listing cessors Denis Duverne (L) as non-executive chairman of the board of directors and Business is booming, says general manager billion raised in the first two months of this requirements are another large part of the Thomas Buberl (R) as chief executive officer of AXA and a member of the board, prior to a Xu Shaohong, and it is ready to expand its year. But unlike most major global stock NEEQ’s appeal, a contrast to the heavily regu- press conference yesterday at AXA headquarters. — AFP products from “Bank of Hell” currency to para- exchanges, joining NEEQ does not of itself pro- lated flotation process in Shanghai and phernalia for events earlier in the cycle of life, vide corporate funding, as new listings do not Shenzhen. Until now, companies wanting to such as weddings and births. Like thousands necessarily sell shares in an initial public offer- go public in China have generally had to show France’s Axa insurance of other capital-starved enterprises in the ing. years of profitability, but the New Third Board upside-down world of Chinese corporate When Chinese and Asian football champi- asks them to demonstrate little more than two chief to step down as finance, it has applied to list on the National ons Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao-one of the years of existence and that their business Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ), a most high-profile companies quoted on activities are legal. reportedly tipped for HSBC little-known stock market based in Beijing. NEEQ-listed last year, it simply declared its As such, Balding said, the bourse does not The NEEQ, also known as the “New Third shares to be worth 40 yuan apiece. It was not require “full and accurate disclosure” of the PARIS: France’s biggest insurance group decided at a meeting Saturday to separate Board”, has exploded, growing from 356 com- until this January that it sold new investors a “financial risks that investors might be fac- AXA said yesterday that its boss Henri de the chairman and chief executive functions. panies at the end of 2013 to more than 6,000 little more than five percent of itself, raising ing”. But Xu, the banknote printer, had no Castries is to step down, with a British Replacing de Castries will be Denis newspaper saying he may take over at Duverne as non-executive chairman of the today-with nearly 1,000 joining since January 869 million yuan-giving it a market capitalisa- qualms, imagining a future financed by banking giant HSBC. “After 27 years in the board of directors and Thomas Buberl as 1. It already has twice as many listings as the tion close to that of Manchester United. NEEQ investors, with automated production group, and close to 17 years as chief execu- chief executive officer of AXA and a mem- Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges More than half the listed companies have lines and orders fulfilled online. Who knows, tive officer, Henri de Castries, chairman and ber of is board. combined and is expected to add as many as never recorded a single share sale on the she said, “maybe we can even make tomb- CEO of AXA, has announced his decision to 5,000 more by the end of 2016. “It’s the next board, data on the NEEQ website shows. But stones”. — AFP retire and to step down from the board of ‘Great shape’ NASDAQ,” Xu said, referring to the US directors on September 1st, 2016,” AXA said De Castries has been at the helm of Axa exchange favored by technology startups. in a statement. since 2000 and led the insurer’s refocusing The Sunday Times, citing an unnamed on its core businesses insurance and asset source, said at the weekend that the AXA management, its expansion into emerging Death and taxes chief was favorite to succeed current HSBC markets and the sale of underperforming As the world’s second-largest economy fal- chairman Douglas Flint after joining the assets. This led to a sharp drop in its gear- ters, Beijing is counting on small, private com- board of the British global bank, Europe’s ing-or debt level compared to share capi- panies to help move it away from dependency largest, on March 1. A spokesman for HSBC tal-which stood at 23 percent at the end of on heavy industry and plodding state-owned in London dismissed the report as “specula- 2015 compared to 54 percent when de enterprises. Guangdong Yixiang is a prime tion” in an email to AFP. Castries took over in 2000. Last week, Flint told HSBC shareholders Last month AXA said net profit surged example. Its offices in the southern city of that the bank had started looking for his 12 percent in 2015 to 5.61 billion Euros Shantou are bright and modern. It has almost successor who would probably be named ($6.16 billion). In a letter to colleagues, de 80 employees and mostly exports to Hong next year “but the exact timing is clearly Castries said he believed his “deeply and Kong and Diaspora Chinese communities dependent upon identifying and securing carefully thought-out choice” to step down across Asia. the appropriate candidate,” he said. De came at “the best moment” to hand over Documents submitted to NEEQ as part of Castries, 61, is from an old French aristo- the leadership as the group had “never its listing application show three years of cratic family and reportedly a descendant been in such a great shape”. of the notorious Marquis de Sade. “The best moment because it is only healthy profits-more than two million yuan He went to the ENA elite school for top natural that a new team launches and man- ($300,000) in 2015. With reliable income from civil servants at the same time as President ages our new strategic plan to be one of life’s two certainties, it would seem to Francois Hollande, Hollande’s former part- announced in June 2016” and expected to be an attractive borrower. ner and current Environment Minister set out plans for the group’s digital trans- For years, China has promised to make it Segolene Royal and Michel Sapin, who is formation, he added. The Sunday Times easier for such firms to access capital, and last now finance minister. His early jobs in gov- said former Diageo boss Paul Walsh is also year Premier Li Keqiang urged the country’s ernment included a stint at the French in the running to take the helm at HSBC Treasury in the 1980s, where he was closely but that he had run into opposition from banks to increase financing for them. But involved with former prime minister one of the bank’s large shareholders. lenders remain risk-averse, said Suzie Wu, a Edouard Balladur’s privatization program HSBC said last month that it would managing partner at Tianxing Capital, which and later became head of the Treasury’s remain headquartered in Britain, after exam- invests in NEEQ-quoted firms. foreign exchange operations. ining the possibility of moving to Hong “They actually only support the big compa- BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and German President Joachim Gauck (L) attend the open- He is said to be close to both Hollande Kong. HSBC has been based in Britain since nies,” she said, leaving companies like ing ceremony of Sino-German Youth Friendly Exchange Year at the Great Hall of the People. — AFP and former president Nicolas Sarkozy. He 1992 when it took over Midland Bank and often speaks out on French politics, society shifted its headquarters from Hong Kong to and economics in media interviews. AXA, London. It was founded in Hong Kong and second in Europe only to German giant Shanghai in 1865 and 48,000 of its 257,000 Allianz, said its board had unanimously global staff are in Britain. — AFP Decision delayed on Australian stock retrial for French exchange CEO rogue trader Kerviel quits amid bribe PARIS: Investigators postponed a deci- Societe Generale had they not been dis- investigation sion yesterday on whether French rogue covered and unwound in time. He was trader Jerome Kerviel has the right to a convicted of breach of trust, forgery and SYDNEY: The head of Australia’s main stock retrial over his conviction for gambling entering false data, but claimed his bosses exchange resigned yesterday amid an investiga- away 4.9 billion Euros ($5.5 billion), turned a blind eye to his malfeasance as tion into allegations that a gaming firm he once lawyers said. The 39-year-old’s unautho- long as the profits kept rolling in. Societe ran made a bribery payment several years ago to rized trading almost bankrupted his Generale has rejected what it called “pseu- the family of Cambodia’s prime minister. The resig- employer Societe Generale, one of do-revelations” and a “new media manip- nation of Australian Securities Exchange CEO Europe’s biggest banks, but his defenders ulation” in the case. say he has been made a scapegoat. Veil has dismissed as “nonsense” the Elmer Funke Kupper is effective immediately, ASX He was sentenced to three years in idea that the bank knew of the rogue chairman Rick Holliday-Smith said in a statement. prison in 2010, but was given a condition- trading. It is “implausible that those direct- Funke Kupper has denied any wrongdoing. al release in September 2014 after spend- ly above Jerome Kerviel or the people The shakeup follows a report published last ing less than five months behind bars. He who worked with him every day knew but week by Australia’s Fairfax newspapers regarding insists his employers were aware of his didn’t say anything,” Veil told AFP in a 200,000 Australian dollar ($152,000) payment actions and launched a bid for a retrial in January. He said Kerviel’s colleagues allegedly made by Australian gaming giant January saying the initial trial was “rigged”. would have no interest in covering up his Tabcorp to a consulting company linked to “It’s going to be a long battle. We are risky maneuvers for fear of jeopardizing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s family in ABIDJAN: Nigerian President of the African Bank of development Akinwumi Adesina ready,” he said yesterday after an investi- their bonuses, which depended on the 2010. delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Africa CEO Forum Awards that honors gating committee said it was postponing performance of the team. At the time, Funke Kupper was Tabcorp’s CEO its decision on whether to support a retri- Kerviel was initially ordered to repay to the best economy performances of African Chief Executive Officers and African compa- and the company was reportedly looking to nies, at the Hotel Ivoire. — AFP al. His lawyer claimed the delay proved Societe Generale the 4.9 billion Euros he their request was “well-founded”, while lost, but an appeals court overturned the launch an online gaming operation in Cambodia. Societe Generale’s lawyer Jean Veil said order, arguing that the bank’s internal Tabcorp would have needed permission from Hun Study for European banks says there was “no doubt” the demand would oversight mechanisms had failed. Societe Sen or his senior officials to obtain a Cambodian ultimately be rejected. Generale launched a fresh court bid to gaming license. Funke Kupper, who has been CEO Brexit would harm sector recover the money in January, but a deci- of the ASX since 2011, told Fairfax that he couldn’t ‘Manipulated’ sion was delayed until mid-June to see if recall any such payment. But the Australian LONDON: Banks in London would be hit hard if write its own financial rules outside the EU. Kerviel is basing his bid on testimony Kerviel would face a new criminal retrial. Britain left the European Union to trigger a long The study said the EU can grant passports to Federal Police has confirmed it is investigating given last year by Nathalie Le Roy, a top spell of uncertainty, a study conducted for non-EU lenders, which “could be an important whether Tabcorp violated any foreign bribery European banking lobby AFME said yesterday. mitigant allowing wholesale cross-border invest- detective in the case. She told a court laws. The 68-page study commissioned from law firm ment services to be provided in the EU”. But to behind closed doors in April 2015 that she “The ASX Board accepted that Elmer wanted to Clifford Chance looked at the potential impact obtain a passport, a non-EU lender would have felt Societe Generale had “manipulated” direct his full focus to the investigations which her during the investigation in 2008. of “Brexit”, or Britain voting to leave the EU in a to comply with rules the EU deemed to be may be made into the Tabcorp matter and not According to a transcript seen by AFP, referendum on June 23. “equivalent”, or as strict as its own. have them interfere with the important role of It is the latest warning that Brexit would be Like Norway, Britain would need to be a Le Roy told the court: “I had the feeling, bad news for the financial services industry, member of the European Economic Area (EEA), then the certainty that Jerome Kerviel’s leading the ASX,” Holliday-Smith said in the state- Britain’s biggest tax-earning sector and which which offers some of the benefits of the EU’s sin- superiors could not have been unaware” ment. operates across the EU. “Banks and investment gle market without being an EU member. Unless that he was taking wildly risky bets on Funke Kupper did not immediately respond to firms are likely to be significantly and adversely Britain was in the EEA, any replacement trade equity derivatives. In a bombshell revela- a request for comment, but told the Australian affected by new restrictions on cross-border agreement would have the potential to restrict tion in January, Le Roy presented record- Financial Review on Monday that he had done business,” the study said. cross-border trading, the study added. ings of a former deputy prosecutor in the nothing wrong. “I have not been told I am being Many banks, including international ones “There is likely to be a long period of uncer- case, Chantal de Leiris, saying it was “obvi- investigated,” he told the newspaper. “My job is to such as JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and tainty after a vote to leave as to whether these ous” that the bank was aware of Kerviel’s take control of the situation. I am not doing this Goldman Sachs, have their European bases in regimes will be available, which will affect mar- shady dealings. “When the subject comes because I have done anything wrong under the London, the EU’s biggest financial centre, and ket participants’ business planning,” said Chris up, anyone even a little bit involved in law.” Last week, Tabcorp confirmed that it had would lose their “passport” under EU law to offer Bates, a partner at Clifford Chance. Exchanges finance laughs, knowing very well that services across the bloc. “This ‘passport’ is key to and clearing and settlement houses for securi- explored a business opportunity with Cambodia Societe Generale knew... it’s obvious, obvi- VERSAILLES: The investigation panel of the the UK’s appeal for many non-EU financial insti- ties could also be hit by new restrictions unless ous,” says de Leiris in the recordings, made in 2009, but said it ultimately chose not to pursue tutions,” the study said. they are recognised as “equivalent”, the study Court of revision and review gives its deci- it. Holliday-Smith said he will take over as execu- in June 2015. sion yesterday on the application for Campaigners who want Britain to leave the said. Last week Deutsche Boerse and the tive chairman of the ASX until a new CEO is cho- EU say the UK could negotiate favorable new London Stock Exchange said their plans to review of the trial of Jerome Kerviel, con- sen. — AP trading terms given the size of its financial cen- merge would not be derailed by a Brexit. — ‘Pseudo-revelations’ victed criminal to five years’ imprisonment, tre and economy. They also argue Britain could Reuters Kerviel’s trades could have bankrupted three years firm. — AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 BUSINESS Stocks edge up as Fed outlook, oil slips LONDON: Shares edged up in Europe and Asia yesterday, China rises Top Chinese officials said on Sunday the economy was < EUR=> fell 0.2 percent to $1.1245 while the yen gained shrugging off a retreat in oil on concerns over excess supply, as MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside showing signs of improvement while capital outflows from 0.2 percent to 111.39 per dollar. Sterling fell 0.5 percent gains in Chinese shares and a benign US interest rate outlook Japan rose 0.1 percent after entering positive territory for the county were moderating. Gyrations in the oil price, to $1.4401, pummeled after the resignation of Euro- brightened the mood. The dollar edged up after falling for the first time this year on Friday. However, shares in which are up some 50 percent from lows around $27 a bar- skeptic Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith three successive weeks, most recently after US Federal Reserve Australia and South Korea fell. Chinese stocks rose. The CSI rel hit earlier this year, have been big drivers of financial mar- heightened worries over divisions in Prime Minister policymakers revised down the number of times they expect 300 index of the largest listed companies in Shanghai and kets in recent months, along with slowing growth in China David Cameron’s government before the June 23 referen- to raise interest rates this year to two from four. Shenzhen closed up 2.4 percent while the Shanghai and the outlook for US interest rates. Brent crude, the inter- dum. Sterling was a notable faller in the currency market. Traders Composite gained 2.2 percent. national benchmark, last traded at $40.78 a barrel, down 42 “Sterling does not normally react strongly to UK politics cited concerns over splits in the ruling Conservative Party over China’s state margin lender, the China Securities Finance cents as the number of active US rigs rose, potentially deep- so this is probably due to Brexit,” said Richard Benson, head last week’s budget and a referendum on Britain’s European Corp, said it would resume some short-term lending after ening the global glut of oil that has pulled prices down from of portfolio investment at currency managers Millennium Union membership, after a pro-”Brexit” minister quit on Friday suspending parts of its business 18 months ago. It also cut $100 since mid-2014. Global in London. “The referendum is just making people over spending cuts. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 stocks brokerages’ borrowing costs. “It’s a clear signal that regula- focus on issues like this a lot more.” Yields on low-risk index reversed early losses in basic resources companies to tors are ready to provide the market with easier, and Dollar index German government bonds fell. Ten-year yields were last trade up 0.2 percent at the start of a week shortened by the cheaper funding,” said Wang Yu, analyst at Pacific The dollar index, which measures the greenback down 3.5 basis points at 0.19 percent. Gold last traded at Easter break and, on Monday, a holiday in Japan. Securities. against a basket of currencies, rose 0.2 percent The euro $1,245.50 an ounce. — Reuters

TOKYO: Men look at an electronic stock at a securities firm. — AP BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

Dubai’s property service charge requires new computation

DUBAI: Variations in calculation of common areas. Most importantly, service charges and ways to estimate days to actual expenses, and the allo- methods for average property service the report will provide data on the the costs. Its specifically measures the cation of service charges for common charges continue to cause disputes common assets’ actual performance utility consumption of assets found in areas. The report is available on the between landlords and developers in that can be utilized for future plan- common areas, taking into considera- website of Orient Planet Research at Dubai, resulting in the need for a new ning and benchmarking. tion how utility expenses account for www.opresearch.me. computation approach to come up Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing the majority of service charges. The Orient Planet Research develops with fair and reasonable fees, accord- Director, Orient Planet Group, said: report also looks into the specific comprehensive macro-level reports ing to a new industry report released “Property service charges have always conditions to correctly track and on media, communications, business, by Orient Planet Research, an Orient been a controversial issue not only in monitor the ongoing costs. technology and other key sectors in Planet Group venture. the UAE but also across the globe. Nahla Nana, Director-Research and the Arab World. In addition to offer- Titled ‘A Methodology for More This shows the need to focus on a Innovation of Orient Planet Research ing up-to-date reports offering valu- Accurate Service Charge Calculation long-lasting solution that is accept- and Marketing Consultant for Dubai able insights on country-specific in Freehold Buildings in Dubai, UAE,’ able and fair for all involved parties. Real Estate Institute of Dubai Land industries, Orient Planet Research the report launched today (Saturday, We seek to bridge the current gap Department, said: “Many landlords provides customized research servic- March 19, 2016) offers to bridge this and provide valuable insights into the have been studying service charge Nahla Nana, Director-Research and es according to the client’s particular gap by presenting a step-by-step issue by launching our new report. fees not only to maximize their Innovation of Orient Planet Research requirements. methodology for accurate calculation Our study details a comprehensive, incomes but also to ensure that the and Marketing Consultant for Dubai It is backed by a team of highly of costs involved in the management, step-by-step approach to compute rates are reasonable. Our report offers Real Estate Institute of Dubai Land qualified researchers who have Department. operation, maintenance, and repair of costs involved in the maintenance of a unique solution to different varia- strong experience in developing buildings’ common areas. common areas. Asset owners will tions in service charge computation will help set new benchmarks across comprehensive reports that offer With the proper implementation benefit immensely from the invalu- to guide asset owners and property the UAE.” actionable insights. Orient Planet of the methodology, the report said able information contained in the developers. We also present the many Other insights to be gained from Group is headquartered in Dubai, asset owners can efficiently measure report which will assist them in arriv- advantages and opportunities our the paper include Dubai laws on own- UAE and manages a comprehensive ongoing costs to arrive at a more real- ing at a more reasonable calculation new methodology offers. We particu- ership of jointly-owned properties, network of offices, affiliates and part- istic budget allotment. It will also for property service charges.” larly focus on freehold buildings in estimating service charges, tables ners to address all its clients’ needs encourage discussions and record Focusing on freehold buildings, Dubai for a clearer presentation of containing key data for computation, across the Gulf, Levant and North decisions regarding the maintenance the study explains what is included in our methodology and hope that we how to use unit rates to convert man- Africa regions. Cyprus Economy: Turning the Page

By Nikos Christodoulides The banking sector has been transformed Government Spokesman of the Republic of through restructuring, resulting in a smaller Cyprus yet much healthier banking sector, which operates under stricter supervision and over- Overcoming an unprecedented financial cri- sight. With strong recapitalization, achieved sis, Cyprus has recovered impressively follow- mainly through significant foreign invest- ing a three year period of robust reform, bank ments, and with new management in most of restructuring and fiscal consolidation. the Cypriot banks, it is fair to say that the Following the March 2013 unprecedented Cypriot banking system has turned the page. decision to use the “bail-in” instrument for the Equally significant, if not more so, is the first time as a remedy to the Cyprus banking strategic reorientation of the business and crisis, very few could had predicted that three financial services sector, which no longer years later Cyprus would register economic relies on an oversized banking sector, nor on growth of 1.6%, a nearly balanced budget notably high foreign deposits. with a primary surplus of around 2.5%, a Notwithstanding the leaps of progress, it is steadily reducing public debt, a well-capital- certainly acknowledged that challenges ized banking sector and that the country remain, such as high unemployment and would not be requesting an extension of the non-performing loans. support program. As Cyprus decisively continues to reform In fact, Cyprus is now referred to as a role and restructure, we are confident that we will model of economic reform and consolidation. overcome the remaining challenges. In the Key to this success is the fact that Cyprus last three years, Cyprus has proven that it has managed to successfully turn the crisis into learned from past mistakes, that its economy an opportunity to effectively address and cor- and its people are resilient, that it has the rect long-term weaknesses, and to re-build a commitment and the capability to build and strong economy anchored on solid founda- sustain a stable economy and to be a credible tions. member of the EU and the euro-zone. This was done not by increasing taxes, but The results of this effort have undoubtedly rather by cutting public spending, freezing been a product of close cooperation between new hiring in the public sector and rationaliz- the Government, political parties, social part- ing welfare spending through completely ners and above all the Cypriot people. This reforming the welfare system. A policy of pri- collective effort will continue. The completion SAN FRANCISCO: This file photo taken on November 15, 2015 shows a Marriott hotel. — AFP vatization and licensing encompasses the of the aid program is therefore not the end of ports, an integrated casino resort, new mari- the road for Cyprus but signifies the continua- nas, the national lottery and partially the tele- tion of our plans, with a strong emphasis on coms sector. sustainable reforms. Marriott bid for Starwood Hotels tops China’s Anbang

NEW YORK: Marriott International is close to traveler programs in the industry, strengthening tainty on the regulatory front.” winning a bidding war for Starwood Hotels & Marriott’s ability to serve guests wherever they The deep-pocketed Chinese company has Resorts that would create the global hotel travel,” Sorenson said. Shares in Marriott were been on a shopping spree in the US hotel sector. leader, trumping an offer from China’s Anbang. down 1.1 percent at $72.34 after an hour of In October 2014 it acquired the landmark Marriott improved its November cash-and-stock trade; Starwood leaped 4.2 percent to $83.95. Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan for nearly $2 offer for Starwood by more than $1 billion, to Starwood would have to pay Marriott a $450 billion from Hilton Worldwide Holdings. Then $13.6 billion, in an amended deal approved by million break-up fee if it decides to terminate last week, in addition to the Starwood bid, it their respective boards of directors, the compa- the amended merger deal, up from $400 million announced the $6.5 billion purchase of Strategic nies announced in a joint statement yesterday. in the original agreement. RBC Capital Markets Hotels & Resorts from Blackstone. The Strategic “The companies have signed an amendment analysts said in a client note that if Anbang purchase comprises 16 luxury hotels and resorts to their definitive merger agreement that cre- wants to Pursue Starwood, it would need to bid in the US, including the JW Marriott Essex House ates the world’s largest hotel company,” they “at least $84 in order to compensate Starwood in Manhattan and the Hotel Del Coronado in San said. The merger would combine Marriott’s more for a longer closing period and increased uncer- Diego. — AFP than 4,400 properties worldwide, with a portfo- TOKYO: The Pacific Egret, one of the two British-flagged ships arrived in Japan, is lio of brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW anchored at a port in the village of Tokai. — AP Marriott and Gaylord Hotels, with Starwood’s 1,270 properties in 100 countries and the Westin India’s thirst for gasoline British ships arrive in Japan and W brands among others. The merger will help Marriott expand in helps global oil demand to carry plutonium to US China, India and Europe, regions where Starwood has a strong presence. “After five LONDON: India’s gasoline consumption is 1999, according to India’s Central Statistics TOKYO: Two British ships arrived in eastern rity summit in Washington later this month, months of extensive due diligence and joint surging and has become one of the fastest- Office. Japan yesterday to transport a shipment of and is seen as a step to showcase both coun- integration planning with Starwood, including a growing components of global oil demand. plutonium - enough to make dozens of atom- tries’ nuclear nonproliferation efforts. careful analysis of the brand architecture and With other parts of the global economy strug- Growing drivers ic bombs - to the US for storage under a bilat- Washington has increasingly voiced con- future development prospects, we are even gling, continued growth in gasoline consump- India’s growing number of drivers provided eral agreement. The ships arrived at the cerns about the nuclear spent-fuel-reprocess- more excited about the power of the combined tion in India, together with the United States the third-largest increase in gasoline con- coastal village of Tokai, northeast of Tokyo, ing plans by Japan and China to produce plu- companies and the upside growth opportuni- and China, has become one of the most sumption anywhere in the world last year after home to the country’s main nuclear research tonium for energy generation, a technology ties,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief important indicators for global oil prices. the United States and China. The Ministry of facility, the Japan Atomic and Energy Agency, South Korea also wants to acquire, saying executive of Marriott. Saudi Arabia and other members of the Petroleum predicts gasoline consumption will according to the Kyodo News agency and citi- they pose security and proliferation risks. Marriott said it is confident it can achieve Organization of the Petroleum Exporting increase further to almost 800,000 bpd by zens’ groups. It will take several hours to load The US environmental group Savannah $250 million in annual cost synergies within two Countries are relying on India’s continued 2021/2022 Since actual consumption is the plutonium-filled casks onto the ships, River Site Watch said it recognized the need years after closing, raising it from $200 million consumption growth to help absorb excess already running ahead of the five-year plan both fitted with naval guns and other protec- to secure plutonium, but asked why plutoni- estimated in November 2015 when the two crude supply and rebalance the oil market in the eventual outturn could be higher. tion. um of foreign origins had to be brought onto announced their original merger agreement. 2016/17. India’s drivers used 500,000 barrels Sales of passenger cars and utility vehicles The Pacific Egret and Pacific Heron, both American soil for storage. Marriott substantially improved the cash per day of motor spirit in the 12 months end- are expected to grow by as much as 12 per- operated by Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd, will In a statement yesterday, group director component of its offer. The amended deal has ing in February 2016, according to the cent in 2016/17 up from 6 percent in 2015/16, take the 331 kilograms of plutonium to the Tom Clemens also urged Washington to Starwood receiving $21 in cash and 0.8 share of Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the which translates to around 230,000 new vehi- Savannah River Site, a US government facility “reassess its position at the summit and push Marriott stock for each share of Starwood. Under in South Carolina, under a pledge made by hard for Japan to cease reprocessing and plu- Ministry of Petroleum. cles hitting the roads every month. The gov- the terms of the November agreement it was $2 Japan in 2014. The plutonium, mostly from tonium stockpiling due to the proliferation Gasoline consumption rose by more than ernment plans to spend around $14 billion in Britain, and some from the US and France, threat those programs pose.” and 0.92 share. On Friday Starwood had 60,000 bpd in 2015 compared with an the next fiscal year upgrading the country’s had been used for research purposes. Japan began building a major reprocess- announced it favored the offer from a consor- increase of 240,000 bpd in the (much larger) road network. Consumption of other fuels The Pacific Egret docked first and ing plant with French state-owned company tium led by Anbang of $13.2 billion, or $78 per US market. Gasoline still accounts for a rela- and lubricants is also growing, although not appeared to be loading the plutonium, with Areva in the early 1990s. The trouble-plagued share, and would notify Marriott that their tively small share, about 12 percent, of as fast as the super-charged gasoline market. the second ship standing by off-shore, project has been delayed ever since, and in agreed merger was off. refined petroleum products consumed in India’s total petroleum consumption has according to media reports and Japanese and November its opening was postponed until India. The corresponding figure for the United increased by around 340,000 bpd over the international anti-nuclear groups. Japanese 2018 to allow for more safety upgrades and Anbang offer not ‘superior’ States is 47 percent. But gasoline consump- last year, with gasoline accounting for more officials refused to confirm details, citing inspections. But yesterday, Starwood said it no longer tion has been growing much faster than than 18 percent of the increase. India’s fuel security reasons. Japan’s stockpile and its Experts say launching the Rokkasho repro- viewed the Anbang bid as “superior”, ending petroleum demand as a whole as the country markets have become one of the most impor- fuel-reprocessing ambitions to use plutonium cessing plant would not ease the situation, talks with the insurer and its partners, China- becomes more affluent and the expanding tant sources of global oil demand growth. as fuel for power generation have been a because Japan has little hope of achieving a based Primavera Capital and US private equity urban middle class become car owners. India accounted for more than one barrel in source of international security concerns. spent fuel recycling program. Japan’s plutoni- investor JC Flowers & Co. Marriott and Starwood Gasoline consumption has grown at a every six of extra oil demand reported in um-burning fast breeder reactor Monju, sus- said they had already cleared potential regulato- compound annual rate of 11 percent over the 2015, according to estimates prepared by the Massive stockpile pended for more than 20 years, is now on the ry hurdles for their tie-up, including pre-merger last five years compared with 5 percent for International Energy Agency. Total consump- Japan has accumulated a massive stock- verge of being closed due to poor safety antitrust reviews in the US and Canada. The other products. Gasoline consumption tion of petroleum products has doubled from pile of plutonium - 11 metric tons in Japan records and technical problems, while option- companies agreed to hold shareholder meetings growth surged to around 14 percent over the 2 million bpd in 1998/99 to almost 4 million and another 36 tons that have been al plans to burn uranium-plutonium mixtures on March 28 to vote on the merger. last year compared with 9 percent for other bpd in 2015/16. India’s oil ministry predicts reprocessed in Britain and France and are of MOX fuel in conventional reactors have They said they expect the deal to close by products. Gasoline consumption has doubled consumption will hit 5.4 million bpd by waiting to be returned to Japan - enough to been delayed since the Fukushima crisis. Only mid-2016. “The company will have a broader make nearly 6,000 atomic bombs. The latest two of Japan’s 43 workable reactors are cur- since the start of 2009 and quadrupled since 2021/22. — Reuters global footprint and the most powerful frequent shipment comes just ahead of a nuclear secu- rently online. — AP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 PRESS RELEASES Zain launches daily draw campaign for postpaid customers

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, yesterday announced the launch of an exciting new draw campaign which entitles postpaid customers paying their bills through Zain’s digital channels a chance to win a daily prize as well ‘Ahli United Bank’ announces as a final cash prize of $2000. Zain winners in its weekly draw launched this exciting promotional campaign to reinforce its leader- KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank held its weekly that Ahli United Bank provides. ship position and its pledge in draw of Al-Hassad Islamic Saving program On this occasion, the bank issued the offering the best services and on March 16, 2016. This program offers the following press release: Al Hassad Islamic offers to meet its customers’ per- biggest prize amount to the largest num- Saving program offers the highest amounts sonal telecommunications needs, ber of winners. The prize program succeed- of prizes which amount to KD 3.4 Million who are considered Kuwait’s ed in becoming the first and only prize per year. This program also offers 26 weekly biggest family of subscribers. account in Kuwait compliant with the prizes, with the highest number of weekly The draw, held throughout the Islamic Shari’a principles. winners. The Islamic Hassad Saving next three weeks, ends at April The program has been developed to ful- Account may be opened by the lowest 10th, and will see daily winners of fill the needs of the bank’s customers and amount to open an account, which is KD iPhone 6s (128GBs) devices as well increase their opportunities in winning 100. The winner of the weekly grand prize as a final cash prize of $2000. For sizeable and attractive prizes in addition to in the amount of KD 25,000/- is: Zainab every 1KD paid through Zain’s digi- chance to enter the daily draws as in rewarding its customer base, the sector, sparing no effort in intro- enjoying the latest banking advantages Husain Al-Saeed. tal channels, including the compa- well as the final cash draw. largest in the country. The cam- ducing exceptional offerings for ny’s website and smartphone app, Yesterday’s announcement is a paign further demonstrates Zain’s technology and smartphone postpaid customers will get one testament of Zain’s tireless efforts pivotal role in Kuwait’s telecom enthusiasts. Warba Bank launches new interactive website

KUWAIT: Warba Bank, the fastest growing Bank banking services. When Warba Bank decided to using programming interfaces of map apps. in Kuwait providing entire spectrum of world- revamp its site, its key goals have been to pro- The new and improved site boasts a new live class Sharia compliant banking and investment vide visitors with easy access to content through chat feature where a professional team is dedi- services locally and internationally, announces simplified search tools, smooth access to the cated for directly answering customers the launch of its brand new customer-centric Bank services and products and easy use all in an inquiries. Customers can contact the profession- and user-friendly website designed to enhance atmosphere of attractive design. In other words: al team an online live chat thus saving the time customer experience. providing better online banking experience. and effort and at the same time customers are The new, easy to use, state-of-the-art web- In order to assist visitors to easily get in provided with whatever information they need site is an additional achievement in the Bank’s touch with the Bank or locate any of its branch- instantly. Strategy Plan aiming at enhancing customers’ es, a separate section on the site has been dedi- No doubt that the new website has brought digital banking experience. The new website cated for displaying an interactive compact map about significant improvement in customers’ has been launched with innovative designs experience and providing suitable medium for reflecting the Bank’s core values centered on existing and potential customers to access to the creativity and modernity. information they seek on products and services. In this context, Mr Haitham Al-Turkait, Chief Warba Bank is keen to keep up with online Technology Officer at Warba Bank, said: “The technological progress. The Bank has recently new sophisticated design of Warba Bank web- provided its customers with new Online Banking site is now easily used by customers to provide services, Warba Bank’s applications for Android them a better banking experience that is more and iOS smartphones under the framework of ABK installs new ATM machines interactive. For keeping pace with the increased Warba’s continuous quest to enhance customers’ adoption of digital technology in the region, experience. The new services package enables for customers with special needs our website is fully compatible with all devices customers to carry on a number of financial such as computers, laptops, tablets and transactions online free of charge at the highest KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) install the new ATM machines for people Smartphones”. quality, speed and safety standards. Such trans- recently announced that it has installed with special needs. We are committed to He added, “At Warba we are keen to provide actions previously required customer’s atten- new ATM machines that are specifically making a difference to the lives of indi- customers with easy and flexible services to dance to branches designed to service customers with spe- viduals on a corporate and social level. experience a quick access to the Bank’s prod- By launching several online services one time, cial needs. This initiative comes in line Initially, the newly installed ATM ucts and services. The new website is designed updating and developing other services, Warba with the Central Bank’s program, which machines will cater to the paraplegic to enhance our relationships with customers Bank tries to stress its leading role in the online focuses on supporting the special needs community and in the very near future and at the same time to provide them with all banking services to make such services easier segment in Kuwait and is also aligned an audio jack will be installed to support their banking data and information by way of and more comfortable. The Bank offers a wide with the Bank’s strategy which focuses the blind. The Bank will also be making sophisticated high quality technique “. range of banking products and services to its Recent years, there have been significant corporate and retail customers through its nine on special needs. other enhancements across the branches Haitham Al-Turkait The installment of these ATM to facilitate the banking process for this changes taking place in the way customers use branches network. machines is one of a series of require- segment”. ments from the Central Bank, who have ABK has adopted the ‘Special Needs’ devised a fully-fledged program that cause and has made it a primary CSR entails a set of initiatives and enhance- focus for this year. The Bank has been For bank heist hackers, the ments that cater to the banking needs of supporting related initiatives in an effort individuals with special needs. to raise further awareness of this seg- Fawzy ALThunayan, General Manager ment among the public to further Philippines was a black hole of Board Affairs said: “ABK is happy to encourage socialization and equality. MANILA: In February 2013, the Philippines jobs over the scandal last week. Bangladesh Casinos a ‘weak link’ was up against a deadline to amend its Anti- said on Saturday it had formally sought the In a March 2 report, the US State Telecom Italia chief on the Money Laundering Act and get itself off the assistance of the US Federal Bureau of Department said only 49 anti-money laun- way out after Vivendi clash ‘grey list’ of a global watchdog, and lawmak- Investigation. dering cases have been filed since the AMLC ers were bickering over whether to include began operating in 2001. The number of Bank secrecy law prosecutions and convictions has been virtu- MILAN: Italy’s Telecom Italia said Giuseppe Recchi. Recchi could casinos under the legislation. With one day to go, a Congressional com- Public hearings on the heist in the ally nil. yesterday it was in “advanced negoti- assume the helm in the interim, mittee heard repeated pleas not to ham- Philippines’ Senate last week focused on the Recent efforts to include casinos in the ations” on the resignation of its chief Italy’s AGI news agency reported. string an industry that could rival other manager of a Manila branch of Rizal law have been held up because of forthcom- executive Marco Patuano, after The AGI news agency also said Asian gambling meccas by obliging casinos Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC). Her bank ing elections and extensive lobbying from reports of disagreements with its that Patuano’s recent visit to to report suspicious transactions. Finally, the received the stolen money on Feb. 4 and the gaming industry, which the report said Vivendi’s Paris headquarters main shareholder, France’s Vivendi. senator chairing the meeting agreed “with a transferred it to a foreign exchange broker was “a weak link” in the Philippines’ anti-mon- After weeks of speculation, investors apparently accelerated his exit heavy heart” to exclude them, a transcript of who passed it on in tranches, including $30 ey laundering regime. seemed to welcome the statement, from the company with the French the proceedings shows. million in banknotes that officials say would “Money laundering is a serious concern with shares in Telecom Italia trading firm calling for a “discontinuity” in That same senator now heads a panel try- have weighed 1,500 kg. due to the Philippines’ international narcotics 2.7 percent higher in early business Telecom Italia’s management. ing to fathom how $81 million hacked last A colleague of the manager testified he trade, high degree of corruption among gov- on the Milan stock exchange. Vivendi owns nearly a quarter of month from the New York Federal Reserve saw her drive off in her car with 20 million ernment officials, trafficking in persons, and The Italian company said the the Italian operator. account of Bangladesh’s central bank wound pesos ($431,000) in cash from one of several the high volume of remittances from move came after a request by Italy’s Other media have also reported up with two casinos and a junket operator in fictitious accounts to which the money was Filipinos living abroad,” the US report said. financial markets regulator, CONSOB. on differences between Patuano and the Philippines - and then disappeared. It is wired. The branch manager declined to give With ambitions to become one of Asia’s “Telecom Italia announces that Vivendi. According to the online ver- one of the biggest cyber heists in history, evidence in public. gaming hubs alongside Macau and negotiations are ongoing with the sion of financial daily Il Sole-24 Ore, and since the money trail has gone cold in According to an Anti-Money Laundering Singapore, the government opened a tract of chief executive officer aimed at the Vivendi asked Patuano for spending the Philippines, the perpetrators may never Council (AMLC) document seen by Reuters, reclaimed land near Manila airport for casi- definition of an agreement-to be cuts that went deeper than the 600 be identified. on Feb. 8 Bangladesh Bank sent RCBC several nos. Two world-class resorts now operate submitted to the relevant corporate million Euros ($675 million) for 2016- The senator, Teofisto Guingona, told messages via the SWIFT interbank communi- there, counting Chinese high rollers among bodies-on the consensual suspen- 2018 that the chief executive already Reuters after a public hearing on the case cations network requesting transactions be nearly half of their VIP clients, and two more sion of the offices held by the CEO had planned. Telecom Italia posted a last week that fierce lobbying by the gaming stopped and the funds returned. However, are under construction. within the group,” it said in a brief net loss of 72 million Euros last year industry over the law had left the Philippines five withdrawals were made from the The Senate hearing was told $29 million of statement, whose headline spoke of after a profit the previous year of one of the world’s softest targets for money accounts in 73 minutes the next morning. Bangladesh’s money was transferred to one “advanced negotiations”. 1.35 billion, while sales dropped launderers, putting the financial system at When RCBC responded to the SWIFT mes- of these casinos, Solaire, owned and operat- The announcement follows more than eight percent. Media serious risk. “It can wreak havoc on the econ- sage later that day, all that remained of the ed by Bloomberry Resorts Corp. “We did not reports in recent weeks of Patuano’s reports say that among his possible omy,” he said. “Any money coming in and out $81 million was $68,305. know it was dirty money,” Silverio Benny Tan, possible departure as well as of bad successors is private rail transporter of the country will come under scrutiny. RCBC President Lorenzo Tan told the corporate secretary of Bloomberry Resorts, relations between him and chairman NTV’s Flavio Cattaneo. —AFP People might just say ‘to hell with it, it’s not Senate he could not discuss what happened told reporters. worth doing business with the Philippines’.” because of the country’s bank deposit secre- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming The Philippines depends heavily on remit- cy law, one of the world’s strictest and a Corporation, which regulates the industry, Jolly Silks launches tances from workers abroad, which account legacy of the martial-law era of President says that to prevent laundering, money trans- for about 10 percent of its GDP. The country’s Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s. ferred to casinos for players must be biggest month-long central bank chief said last week financial “Prevention of ... money laundering is exchanged for ‘dead chips’ that can only be markets had shown no signs of distress over being hampered by the very strict bank cashed in from winnings. But, for Senator the scandal, but added: “We have to recog- deposit secrecy law,” central bank Governor Guingona, the disappearance of such large textile sale in Kuwait City nize there is a risk that is associated with Amando Tetangco told reporters. “Once the sums into casinos underlines the weakness of this.” funds go into a bank deposit account, that’s Manila’s anti-laundering regime and could KUWAIT: Jolly Silks, the fashion and silks conscious patrons and inspire them to Unknown hackers breached the comput- it. The trail turns cold.” Sergio Osmena, push the country back into the ‘grey list’ of division of Joyalukkas Group, welcomes make every moment unforgettable.” er systems of Bangladesh Bank in early another senator probing the bank heist, has the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). the changing of seasons with a mega At the Jolly Silks Mega Sale, from 17th February and attempted to steal $951 mil- pressed for years to amend the bank laws. A spokeswoman for FATF, a Paris-based sale on textiles. Located at the iconic March to 16th April 2016, customers lion from its account at the Federal Reserve He made no headway, he said, because inter-governmental organization that com- Panasonic Tower, Jolly Silks is known for enjoy up to 50% discount on all textiles, Bank of New York, which it uses for interna- secrecy suits businesses that want to evade bats laundering and terrorist financing, said its extensive selection of high-quality including fabulous churidar and saree tional settlements. Some attempted trans- taxes and can bribe lawmakers to resist leg- an Asia-Pacific body was responsible for designer silks and fabrics, as well as tradi- materials, as well as luxurious wedding fers were blocked, but $81 million wound up islative change. reviewing Manila. “We cannot comment on tional wear. finery. Jolly Silks offers a blend of con- in the Philippines. “I am quite happy that a scandal like this the current case being reported in the “Celebrations are a big part of life, espe- temporary fashion and tradition in a Security researchers blamed malware and has happened,” Osmena told Reuters, media,” said Alexandra Wijmenga-Daniel. cially for the Indian community,” says Mr wide range of textiles, daily apparel and a faulty printer but said Bangladesh central explaining he believes the Bangladesh case “However, ongoing deficiencies in the anti- Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas traditional women’s wear. It is also the bank officials were also responsible because is the tip of an iceberg alerting people to money laundering and counter-terrorist Group. “And there are specific clothing preferred destination for formal dress of weak security procedures. The bank’s gov- hundreds of money laundering crimes going finance regime of the Philippines would be of requirements for each occasion. Jolly Silks materials for weddings and other major ernor and two deputy governors quit their unreported every year. concern.” —Reuters aims to fulfill these needs for our value- occasions. technology TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

Online lodging service Airbnb opens Cuba listings to world

HAVANA: Online lodging service stay in private homes instead of hotels. state-run hotels. Airbnb’s new authori- government agencies and many are has become a full-blown private hospi- Airbnb is allowing travelers from Cuba has become its fastest-growing zation was announced on the morning known for poor service and decrepit tality industry, with many Cubans using around the world to book stays in pri- market, with about 4,000 homes added of an historic three-day trip by Obama infrastructure. Foreign hotel chains capital from relatives abroad and even vate homes in Cuba after the San over the last year. Airbnb had only to Cuba and a day after Starwood operate some of the island’s larger and foreign investors to transform crum- Francisco-based company received a been allowed to let US travelers use its Hotels announced that it had signed a more luxurious hotels, which are run- bling homes into the equivalents of special authorization from the Obama services in Cuba under a relatively lim- deal to run three Cuban hotels, becom- ning at full capacity thanks to a post- small boutique hotels. Many websites administration, Airbnb announced yes- ited Obama administration exception ing the first US hotel company in Cuba detente boom in tourism that saw visi- allow foreigners to book Cuban private terday. to the half-century old US trade embar- since Fidel Castro took power in 1959 tor numbers surge nearly 20 percent homes, known as “casas particulars,” but Airbnb was the first major American go on the island. The expansion of that and took over the island’s hotels. last year. none has emerged as a dominant play- company to enter Cuba after Presidents license gives Airbnb the ability to Airbnb said world travelers could begin One of the first openings in Cuba’s er. Many travelers still find it hard to Barack Obama and Raul Castro become a one-stop shop for travelers booking in Cuba in April 2, the anniver- centrally planned economy came when guarantee bookings and make elec- declared detente on Dec. 17, 2014. The seeking lodging in private homes, sary of the country’s start of operations the government allowed families to tronic or credit card payments. Airbnb service handles online listing, booking which have seen a flood of demand on the island. rent rooms in their homes for a few dol- is promoting its service as a solution to and payments for people looking to from travelers seeking an alternative to All hotels in Cuba are now owned by lars a night, starting in the 1990s. That those problems in Cuba. —AP Apple starts busy week with new iPhone launch Giant tech firm to host reporters, analysts today

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple is kicking Analysts and tech blogs say signaled demand in the current by late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs off a busy week: Today the giant Apple also may unveil a new model three-month period will fall short of - on producing fewer products that tech company will host reporters of the iPad Pro, which the company the 61 million iPhones sold in the it believes are superior to competi- and analysts at its Silicon Valley introduced last year with several January-March quarter last year. tors’ offerings. By contrast, Samsung headquarters for a product launch features - like a detachable key- Even with new features, analysts is known for selling a multitude of event. On Tuesday, its lawyers will board and stylus - designed for say the 4-inch iPhone should sell at phones and tablets at various sizes square off with authorities in federal business users. A four-inch iPhone a lower price than the larger mod- and prices. But Apple has gradually court over the FBI’s demand for help isn’t likely to see the kind of block- els, which list at $549 or more. That expanded its family of devices in unlocking a San Bernardino killer’s buster demand that Apple enjoyed means it may appeal to some shop- recent years to reach consumers in encrypted iPhone. with its large-screen iPhone 6 and pers, especially in overseas markets, different market categories, which The tech giant’s dispute with the 6S models, according to several who want a premium phone at low- also helps the company sell more government has commanded head- financial analysts, but it could help er cost. It may also draw interest online goods and services, said CUPERTINO: The exterior of Apple headquarters is seen before an event to lines for weeks, but it may get scant Apple boost overall sales. The small- from owners of older iPhone 5 mod- Gartner tech analyst Brian Blau. announce new products at the company’s headquarters yesterday in mention at the company’s product er phone might also draw some els who find the larger models “Tim Cook has said he thinks Cupertino, California. —AP event. Instead, CEO Tim Cook is expected to show off some new An iPhone-hacking tool likely additions to the current family of iPhone and iPad devices at yester- wouldn’t stay secret for long day’s gathering. Apple could use a lift. IPhone sales are levelling off, after surging NEW YORK: Suppose Apple loses its court fight TESTING THE TOOL last year to record levels that made with the FBI and has to produce a software tool Apple argues that the tool, which is essen- Apple the world’s biggest company, that would help agents hack into an iPhone - tially a new version of its iOS phone operating by stock market value. And many specifically, a device used by one of the San software, would need rigorous testing. That are wondering if Cook can come up Bernardino mass shooters. Could that tool really would include installing it on multiple test with another big hit. remain secret and locked away from potential devices to ensure it won’t alter data on the So far, however, there have been misuse? San Bernardino iPhone. Similarly, the company no hints of any dramatic announce- Not very likely, according to security and would need to log and record the entire soft- ments, such as last year’s highly legal experts, who say a “potentially unlimited” ware creation and testing process in case its anticipated Apple Watch debut, or number of people could end up getting a close methods were ever questioned, such as by a major initiatives like the company’s at the tool’s inner workings. Apple’s tool would defense attorney. That detailed record itself long-rumored but yet-to- have to run a gauntlet of tests and challenges could be a tempting target for hackers. materialize streaming TV service. before any information it helps produce can be Before information extracted by the Apple And even though Cook has been used in court, exposing the company’s work to tool could be introduced in court, the tool outspoken about his opposition to additional scrutiny by forensics experts and would most likely require validation by an out- a judge’s order compelling Apple to defense lawyers - and increasing the likelihood side laboratory, say forensics experts such as write software that overrides of leaks with every step. True, the Justice Jonathan Zdziarski, who described the process iPhone security features, tech ana- Department says it only wants a tool that would in a post on his personal blog . For instance, lysts say he probably won’t risk only work on the San Bernardino phone and Apple might submit it to the National Institute overshadowing the company’s that would be useless to anyone who steals it of Standards and Technology, an arm of the products by discussing the case at without Apple’s closely guarded digital signa- Commerce Department, exposing its underly- yesterday’s event. ture. ing code and functions to another outside While Apple has been mum But widespread disclosure of the software’s group of experts. about its plans, several analysts underlying code could allow government The likelihood of someone stealing the tool expect the company will introduce SAN FRANCISCO: Apple CEO Tim Cook waves during the Apple event at the Bill Graham Civic agents, private companies and hackers across grows with every copy made, says Will Ackerly, an upgrade to its older, four-inch Auditorium in San Francisco. Apple unveiled some new additions to its current family of iPhone the world to dissect Apple’s methods and incor- a former National Security Agency employee iPhone 5S - aimed at consumers and iPad devices at the company’s product announcement yesterday. —AP porate them into their own device-cracking who’s now chief technology officer at Virtru, a who haven’t sprung for the bigger- software. That work might also point to previ- computer security startup. And while Apple screen iPhone 6 models that Apple additional users into the market for unwieldy. there’s a lot of life left in the iPhone ously unknown vulnerabilities in iPhone soft- may be known for its security, the federal gov- introduced over the last two years. Apple’s online services, including Many analysts expect Apple will product line, despite the media and ware that hackers and spies could exploit. Cases ernment isn’t. The new phone may come with fea- Apple Music, Apple Pay and the release a more dramatically investor community pressuring in which prosecutors have signaled interest in Lance Cottrell, chief scientist at Ntrepid, a tures like Apple Pay and the compa- highly profitable mobile App Store. revamped new iPhone 7 in the fall. Apple over the potential decline in the Apple tool, or one like it, continue to pile up. Herndon, Virginia-based provider of secured ny’s fastest processor, which have While shoppers bought a record The proliferation of iPhone and iPad premium iPhone sales,” Blau said. “I In Manhattan, for instance, the district attor- Internet browsers, pointed to last year’s hack- previously been offered only on ver- 74.8 million iPhones in the final models may seem contrary to think it’s exactly these types of ney’s office says it holds 205 encrypted iPhones ing of the Office of Personnel Management, sions of the iPhone 6. three months of 2015, Apple has Apple’s traditional focus - espoused things that he has in mind.” —AP that neither it nor Apple can currently unlock, which compromised the personal information up from 111 in November. Such pent-up of 21 million Americans, including his own. demand for the tool spells danger, says Andrea Once such a tool exists, “it will become a Matwyshyn, a professor of law and computer huge target for hackers, particularly nation- Autonomous cars aren’t perfect, science at Northeastern University, since its state hackers,” Cottrell predicted. “If I was a widespread dissemination presents a clear hacker and I knew this software had been cre- threat to the security of innocent iPhone users. ated, I’d be really trying really hard to get it.” “That’s when people get uncomfortable but how safe must they be? with a potentially unlimited number of people SCRUTINY IN COURT being able to use this in a potentially unlimited Then there’s court, where defense experts DETROIT: As autonomous car technology rapidly shows, cars that drive themselves can make mis- en themselves almost 1.5 million miles, with a per- number of cases,” Matwyshyn says. would want a close look at the tool to ensure it progresses, makers of the cars face the difficult takes. “We cannot expect any technology, any solu- son as backup in the driver seat. The company also wasn’t tainting evidence, says Jeffrey Vagle, a question of how safe they must be before they’re tion to be perfect all the time,” says Raj Rajkumar, a uses a simulator to test the cars in a variety of sce- THE CREATION PROCESS lecturer in law at the University of ready to move people on highways and city streets. computer engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon narios. Other companies such as Nissan, software The concerns raised by experts mirror those Pennsylvania Law School. “It could get quite Right now, companies such as Google, Audi, and University who has led autonomous vehicle research firm Cruise Automation and parts suppliers Bosch in Apple’s own court filings, where the company tangled from a technical standpoint,” he says. Mercedes-Benz are testing the cars in a small num- for 15 years. “We live in a very uncertain world where and Delphi also are testing on public roads. Test argues that the tool would be “used repeatedly One very likely consequence: More eyes on the ber of cities to demonstrate they can be safer than lots of things happen.” cities also include San Francisco, Las Vegas and and poses grave security risks.” Outside experts tool and its underlying code. And as more human drivers. They also must figure out what level Given that, regulators and would-be passengers Pittsburgh. note that nothing would prevent other prose- jurisdictions face the issue of iPhones they of risk is acceptable to both government regulators may have to accept that the cars will cause a limited Chris Urmson, head of Google’s self-driving car cutors from asking Apple to rewrite the tool for can’t unlock, it’s impossible to calculate where and a potentially skeptical public. number of crashes, including deadly ones, if overall program, wrote in a January blog that during the the phones they want to unlock, or hackers that would end. Government statistics show that human mistakes they save thousands of lives. “We should be con- past two years, drivers took control 13 times when from reverse engineering it for their own pur- The Manhattan DA’s office, for instance, are responsible for 94 percent of the 33,000 traffic cerned about automated vehicles,” says Bryant its cars likely would have hit something. He noted poses. says it expects the number of locked phones fatalities each year. Autonomous cars won’t get Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law pro- that the rate of human intervention is dropping and Apple’s long history of corporate secrecy to rise over time. The vast majority of iPhones drowsy, distracted or drunk, so in theory they could fessor who studies the technology. “But we should he expects it to keep falling. suggests it could keep the tool secure during now run iOS 8 or more recent versions, all of eliminate those mistakes and save an estimated be terrified about today’s drivers.” In the bus crash, Google for the first time admit- development and testing, says John Dickson, which supports the high level of encryption in 31,000 lives a year. Google is testing a fleet of 56 autonomous cars ted its car was at least partly responsible. The com- principal at Denim Group, a San Antonio, Texas- question. Elsewhere in the country, the Harris But as a Valentine’s Day fender-bender involving on the streets of Mountain View, California; Austin, puter and human driver assumed the bus would based software security firm. But after that, “the County DA’s office in Texas encountered more a Google autonomous Lexus and a public bus Texas; and Kirkland, Washington. The cars have driv- yield as the car moved around sandbags. Instead, genie is out of the bottle,” he says. Even if the than 100 encrypted iPhones last year. And the the bus kept going and the car hit its side. Google software is destroyed after use in the San Cook County State Attorney’s Cyber Lab has updated its software. In about a dozen other Bernardino case, government authorities - in received 30 encrypted devices in the first two crashes on city streets, Google blamed the human the US or elsewhere - could always compel months of this year, according to the driver of the other vehicle. Google wants to make them to recreate it. Manhattan DA’s office. —AP cars available to the public around the end of 2019, assuming its data shows the time is right for deployment. A Virginia Tech University study com- missioned by Google found that the company’s Hiring go-go dancers at Xbox autonomous cars crashed 3.2 times per million miles compared with 4.2 times for human drivers. party was wrong: Microsoft But the study had limitations. The human figures were increased to include an estimate of minor SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft says it was danced on platforms. The party was held crashes that weren’t reported to police. All “unequivocally wrong” for hosting a par- Thursday night during the annual Game autonomous car crashes in California, however, ty with scantily dressed female dancers Developers Conference in San Francisco. must be reported. The study also didn’t include during a video game developers’ confer- Several people who attended the potential crashes that were avoided when human ence. The party sparked a firestorm of after-hours party complained on social backup drivers took control. US traffic deaths have criticism this week, in an industry that’s media that they were offended and dis- declined steadily for most of the past decade, from been struggling to overcome longstand- appointed at seeing the go-go dancers. 43,510 in 2005 to 32,675 in 2014. But estimates ing complaints that it has objectified Some also noted the irony that, just hours show they spiked 9 percent in the first nine months women and made them feel unwelcome earlier, Microsoft had sponsored a of last year due mainly to increased miles traveled, as players and game-builders. In “Women in Gaming” luncheon to pro- texting and other distractions. response, the head of Microsoft’s Xbox mote diversity in the industry. If autonomous cars are the answer to sharply division issued a statement saying the In a statement, Xbox chief Phil Spencer reducing those figures, they’ll first have to gain the after-hours entertainment “represented acknowledged the event “disappointed public’s trust. A January poll by AAA found that Xbox and Microsoft in a way that was many people” and pledged to “do better three-quarters of US drivers are “afraid” to ride in an absolutely not consistent or aligned to in the future.” Xbox also released an email autonomous car. A University of Michigan poll our values.” that Spencer sent to employees, which In this Feb 18, 2016, file photo, Julie Zhuo, product design director at Facebook, found similar results in Japan, China, India and else- An Xbox spokeswoman declined to said the criticism was deserved. “I am per- demonstrates the new emoji icons. With more than 270 billion text messages sent a where. Unlike Google, which wants to test cars answer questions about the dancers, who sonally committed to ensuring that diver- day, those tiny pictures and symbols have exploded beyond their initial fan base of without human drivers, automakers and parts com- wore abbreviated school-girl outfits as sity and inclusion is central to our every- 14-year-old girls. Now businesses, charities and events are scrambling to come up panies are rolling out autonomous features as they they reportedly greeted party-goers and day business,” he added. —AP with their own. —AP are ready. —AP TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Searching for the last lions in Nigeria

YANKARI GAME RESERVE: Under a star- broad shoulders wearing a worn beige Park and South Africa’s Kruger National less night sky in Yankari Game Reserve, baseball cap. “Now everywhere we’re Park, run on a budget of approximately Martial Kiki stands on the back of a bat- going there are hyena prints.” $500 (450 Euros) per square kilometer. tered pick-up truck searching for the last In contrast, most West African parks lions in Nigeria. From the white Toyota ‘Urgent situation’ with lions operate on a budget of just Hilux, its sides lacerated by branches, the There are only two areas in Nigeria $36 per square kilometer. “Yankari is one 31-year-old researcher from the republic home to lions: Kainji Lake National Park, of the few areas where fencing makes of Benin plays the tormented sound of a in the northwest, where some 30 cats are sense because the situation is so urgent,” distressed buffalo calf over a mega- living, and Yankari, where researchers said Henschel, speaking from Libreville. phone. believe there are just under five. The To protect the animals and allow rangers In theory, the lions are supposed to numbers for West Africa are equally dire, to patrol more efficiently, fences need to hear the buffalo and come for an easy with just 400 lions remaining in the be built around the perimeter of the meal. Then Kiki would shine a floodlight region, according to the International park, he added. “We know how to con- on the hungry, nocturnal cats and count Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), serve cats,” he said. “We just need money them for a population estimate. But out of a total population of 20,000 lions to do it.” despite broadcasting 29 hours of calls living in the wild around the world. and trekking 150 kilometers through “When we started our first compre- Bloody skirmishes Yankari looking for tracks, Kiki hasn’t hensive West Africa lion survey in 2009, Kiki has to go through the whole park seen one lion yet. Not even a paw print. lions had already lost 99 per cent of their for his surveys, even though he knows “I expected to see more than this,” Kiki West African range,” said Philipp that in the searing heat of March, when said in the heart of the reserve, an Henschel, a survey coordinator at the there is no rain, the lions are probably West African lions are genetically distinct from their southern and eastern expanse of savannah the size of lion conservation organization Panthera. closer to the river to hunt thirsty prey. counterparts and face possible extinction due to habitat loss, lack of prey and Luxembourg in Nigeria’s northeast, There is no simple solution to saving the Field work is difficult. Unmaintained animal/human conflict. With an estimated 35 lions of the West African sub- dubbed the country’s “richest wildlife West African lions, whose males have roads render swathes of the reserve inac- species living in two protected natural areas in Nigeria, and ever-diminishing oasis”. “The situation has become worse. shorter manes than their southern coun- cessible to rangers’ patrol vehicles, which genetic diversity, lion conservation in Nigeria faces a unique challenge. — AFP There has been no response, no tracks,” terparts, and in December were listed as gun-toting, machete-wielding poachers he said, inadvertently likening the situa- endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife who hunt on foot exploit. laughed before adding more seriously: “I and fast. “You know when you are stand- tion to one of the darkest scenes from Service. Bloody skirmishes are common, so used to like camping in the bush but ing on the same ground as the lion, you Disney’s “The Lion King”, when the pro- With chronic mismanagement in the Kiki is escorted at all times by six armed now I think it’s too dangerous.” feel how strong they are, you can feel tagonist’s pride is overrun by a pack of past and underfunding, Yankari today is rangers, who have had to defend him By the end of his trip, it’s clear Kiki’s your heart beating. You really feel that mangy scavengers. “In five, 10 years, lions struggling to attract the funds it needs to more than once during his buffalo calls. survey will only serve to document the this is the king of the jungle,” he said. “But can disappear completely from Nigeria,” preserve its last lions. Parks famous for “We shot to scare them but instead of last lions living in Nigeria unless a dra- not in Yankari. Here you can only see said Kiki, a languid, boyish man with their lions, including Tanzania’s Serengeti them trying to run away, they shot us,” he matic conservation effort is put in place- lions in pictures.” — AFP

To woo students, more colleges now hand-deliver acceptances

FRANKLIN: The visitors walking up her more. Online videos capturing scenes of family’s driveway mystified Maya Wolf. shocked and overjoyed students have Four wore blue jackets. One was in a lion attracted thousands of views. mascot costume. Then, as it clicked, she “They’re the most popular thing that reached to her mouth in surprise. we do in our social media effort,” said Kirk “Congratulations on your acceptance,” Brennan, director of admission at the said one of the men, who introduced him- University of Southern California, which self as Grant Gosselin, the admissions has made personal deliveries since 2012. dean for Wheaton College. He handed “We’ve now made it a regular part of our Wolf an oversize white envelope. “We’ve social media strategy.” heard great things about you.” Instead of mailing an acceptance letter, Attracting students Wheaton College had sent its president, Amid the scramble to attract more stu- admissions chief, the school mascot and dents, other aspects of the admission others to surprise the 17-year-old Wolf on process are changing, too. Even the stan- Tuesday. At the same time, nine other dardized letter, once a simple finale to an teams of employees from the anxious wait, has gotten a glitzy update at Massachusetts school were scattered many colleges. Iowa State University across New England delivering letters to a sends customized videos to accepted stu- total of 75 students. After wiping away dents, starring a news anchor who con- tears and catching her breath, Wolf gratulates them in a mock TV broadcast. thanked her visitors and beamed for a Others send boxes of merchandise, or group photo. mail out letters weeks earlier than in the Wheaton’s blitz was remarkable in past, hoping to reach the best students scope, but it joins a wave of colleges that first. have started to deliver small batches of Alongside the hard currency of schol- acceptance letters in the style of a sur- arship money, some experts say, personal KARACHI: In this photograph taken on February 18, 2016, Pakistani children ride on swings in the predominantly Pashtun Korangi District. — AFP prise television sweepstakes. For the first attention has become a soft currency that time last year, the University of Maryland colleges wield to show they have big sent a bus of employees to surprise six character, if not big coffers. “Some schools students. A month later, the University at are trying to lure students with extra Neighbors relieve fears Albany in New York brought members of money, which resonates, but I think the marching band to one student’s sometimes students and families pick a home, while the president of Rowan school for the wrong reason,” said Tim Lee, University in New Jersey visited five stu- director of admissions for the University in Pakistan polio fight dents. The California Institute of at Albany. Technology made its first personal deliv- But not all schools are interested in ery this year. making the admission process a grand Anti-polio campaign a long, dangerous task production. Tulane University in Louisiana Unexpected visits prides itself on a no-frills acceptance mes- KARACHI: In a rundown district of Karachi, vaccinated with a black marker, a sign that the remote tribal areas, where Islamists had operat- In most cases, the unexpected visits sage. “We’re not all about the crazy bells Rabia balks at a neighbor’s proposal to vacci- drops have been administered. ed with impunity. But a major Pakistani military ended up in flashy online videos pro- and whistles,” said Jeff Schiffman, interim nate her children, demonstrating one of the Some 2,500 neighborhood vaccinators like operation against extremists there is giving duced by the schools. “The message we’re director of admission at Tulane. “It biggest hurdles to eradicating polio in Pakistan Shahnaz are now working in the metropolis of authorities new leverage-such as refusing to trying to send is that Wheaton is a place becomes an arms race over which school by the end of the year: confused and frightened 20 million. In areas of Karachi covered by the allow families fleeing the fighting through that’s intensely personal,” Gosselin said. can do the most over-the-top stuff.” parents. Rabia, perplexed and surrounded by community vaccination program, staff are no checkpoints unless they allow their children to “We certainly won’t shy away from any “At the end of the day, just getting children in her modest two-room home, voices longer accompanied by police escorts, with a be vaccinated. exposure it brings, but the No. 1 goal is to admitted to the institution is special,” he fears the vaccine to the crippling disease may in discreet police presence now deemed sufficient. fact cause infertility. Escorts are still necessary in neighbourhoods of ‘We need healthy children’ help those students.” added. Schiffman also questions whether “She was afraid there might be some harmful Karachi with no community programs and parts These measures saw the number of new Experts say the idea is spreading as a hand-delivered letter can sway an appli- elements in the vaccine,” says Sharmeen Aslam, of other provinces, but a shortage of officers polio cases drop to 54 in 2015, down sharply schools face tougher competition for stu- cant’s decision, but some students insist it neighborhood supervisor of a team of vaccina- can often hamper progress. from 306 new cases in 2014 — but the improve- dents. By adding a personal touch, col- matters. Before he got a surprise accept- tors. “I told her there weren’t-and now, since I Pakistan’s goals are ambitious: authorities ment did not prevent 18-month-old leges hope to boost the share of students ance from USC last year, Nicolaus Jakowec live here, she knows she can come and see me if want to vaccinate 35 million children under the Mohammed from losing the use of his right foot who pick them, known as the yield. Some was seriously considering several schools. there are any problems, so now she believes age of five, eradicating the crippling childhood before learning to walk. schools choose a random sample of stu- But after getting the personal delivery at me.” disease by the end of 2016. Authorities are now In Baldia, the Karachi neighborhood where dents to visit, or limit it by geographic his Los Angeles high school, he quickly Each month, Aslam and her team divide a targeting the main geographical incubators of he lives, vaccination has long been hampered area. Others try to curry favor with top decided to enroll at USC. handful of dusty streets, each going alone to the disease, the tribal areas bordering by insecurity and distrust, but is now being tar- students who are also likely to get atten- “It definitely blew all the other schools knock at door after ornate door armed with Afghanistan and the province of Khyber geted by the community program. “I dream of tion from competing institutions. out of the water,” said Jakowec, 18, a fresh- nothing but their anti-polio drops. She is part of Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest. the day we have so much community support “If a hand-delivered acceptance letter man. “I almost felt compelled to go there a community vaccination program launched in Karachi is a hub for migrants from these that children will be walked to the vaccination gets a college a leg up on the chance of once I got invited personally.” For Wolf, Pakistan’s biggest city two years ago to ease dis- areas, posing a major risk to eradication hopes, centre to the beat of the drum, as I heard it hap- being able to enroll that student and cap- who applied to five other schools besides trust and suspicion from parents by using staff polio officials say. Vaccinators had previously pens in Yemen,” sighed Shahnaz Wazir Ali, a from their local area. found it almost impossible to penetrate the provincial polio adviser. —AFP ture the yield, they’re going to do it,” said Wheaton, the surprise was a lighthearted Pakistan’s anti-polio campaign has long been Phillip Trout, president of the National moment to end a stressful wait. But she a dangerous task. One hundred people-both Association for College Admission isn’t ready to commit quite yet. “I’m defi- police and health workers-have been killed in Counseling. The vast majority of letters nitely very excited, but they’re the first attacks targeting polio vaccination campaigns Scientists alarmed at are still dispatched by mail or email, but in school I’ve gotten a letter back from,” she since 2012, including three in Korangi in eastern the era of social media, even visits to one said. “I still have a lot of decisions to Karachi in 2014, who were not part of the com- or two students can be shared with many make.”— AP munity program. The Muslim nation of some new coral bleaching 200 million people is one of only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic-the SYDNEY: Australian scientists managing the about the growing impact of climate change. other being war-torn Afghanistan, just over a Great Barrier Reef have lifted their emergency “The new video and stills are very concern- porous border. response to the highest level following the ing and show large sections of coral drained Some Taliban and ultra-conservative reli- publication of video footage of damage of all color and fighting for survival,” World gious leaders spread rumors that the vaccine caused by coral bleaching. Authorities this Wildlife Fund spokesman Richard Leck said in contains ingredients forbidden in Islam, such as month said that areas of the World Heritage a statement. “This is the worst coral bleaching pork derivatives, or that can cause infertility as site were experiencing the worst bleaching in event ever to hit this most pristine part of the part of a Western plot to reduce the population. 15 years, at least partially as a result of the cur- Great Barrier Reef.” Vaccinators are accused of being paid spies, a rent El Nino, one of the strongest in two Scientists said the Great Barrier Reef needs widespread suspicion which only intensified decades. a break in El Nino conditions within weeks if after the CIA used a fake vaccination campaign Coral bleaching is a process by which coral some coral areas are to survive, but the to help track down former Al-Qaeda leader expels living algae, causing it to calcify. Coral Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s most Osama bin Laden in northern Pakistan in 2011. can only survive within a narrow band of recent forecast calls for a continuation of El ocean temperature. The Great Barrier Reef Nino conditions. This year will be the hottest ‘Everyone knows me’ Marine Park Authority on Sunday said it was on record and 2016 could be even hotter due To dispel doubts, in 2014 the Sindh lifting its response to level three, authority to El Nino, the World Meteorological Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), spearhead- chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said. Organization has said. ing the fight against polio in Karachi, began hir- “A level-three response level means we’re The Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,000 km ing local women to take the lead on vaccina- stepping up surveys in response to the coral along Australia’s northeast coast and is the tions. “Here, everybody knows me, I do not mortality to help us better understand the world’s largest living ecosystem. It brings in have to worry about my safety,” says vaccinator effects of various pressures on the reef and billions of dollars a year in tourism revenue. Shahnaz Ayaz. help guide management actions,” Reichelt UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee last She has worked in other neighborhoods said in a statement. The footage, shot on May stopped short of placing the Great before, she says, but admits she was “a bit Saturday by the University of Queensland’s Barrier Reef on an “in danger” list, but the FRANKLIN: In this Tuesday, March 15, 2016 photo, Maya Wolf, 17, center, is handed afraid”. Ayaz marks each door with a chalk “R” if CoralWatch group, has raised serious concerns ruling raised long-term concerns about its an acceptance letter by Wheaton College Vice President for Enrollment, Dean of the inhabitants refuse vaccinations, and darkens amongst scientists and environmental groups future. —Reuters Admission, Grant M Gosselin, in front of her home. —AP the pinky fingernail of children who have been TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Bear bone discovery helps re-write human history

LONDON: Analysis of a bear bone found in an Irish cave has provided evidence of human existence in Ireland 2,500 years earlier than previously thought, aca- demics announced Sunday. For decades, the earliest evidence of human life in Ireland dated from 8,000 BC. But radiocarbon dating of a bear’s knee bone indicated it had been butchered by a human in about 10,500 BC- some 12,500 years ago and far earlier than the previous date. “This find adds a new chapter to the human history of Ireland,” said Marion Dowd, an archaeologist at the Institute of Technology Sligo who made the discovery along with Ruth Carden, a research associate with the National Museum of Ireland. The knee bone, which is marked by cuts from a sharp tool, was one of thou- sands of bones first found in 1903 in a cave in County Human Rights Watch — who interviewed around 150 people for their report, from the mentally ill to health professionals — said there are currently almost 19,000 people in Indonesia who are either shackled or locked up in a confined space, a practice known locally as “pasung”. — AFP photos Clare on the west coast of Ireland. It was stored in the National Museum of Ireland since the 1920s, until Carden and Dowd re-examined it and applied for funding to have it radiocarbon dated-a technique developed in the 1940s-by Queen’s Indonesia’s mentally ill University Belfast. The team sent a second sample to the University of Oxford to double-check the result. Both tests indicated the bear had been cut up by a human about 12,500 years ago. languishing in shackles The new date means there was human activity in Ireland in the Stone Age or Palaeolithic period, whereas previously, scientists only had evidence of humans in Ireland in the later Mesolithic period. “Archaeologists Rife across rural areas with limited healthcare have been searching for the Irish Palaeolithic since the 19th century, and now, finally, the first piece of the jig- BREBES: In a small faith healing centre in rural Indonesia, by one name, is all too common. His family did not know fined space, a practice known locally as “pasung”. saw has been revealed,” Dowd said. Sulaiman chanted in a confused fashion, tugged at a chain what to do when he began throwing rocks through his At least 14 million people in Indonesia aged 15 and over Three experts further confirmed that the cut marks attached to his ankle, and shifted restlessly on a hard, neighbor’s windows, so they took him to the faith healing are thought to be suffering from some form of mental ill- on the bone had been made when the bone was fresh, wooden bench. The emaciated man has been chained up centre near the town of Brebes on the main island of Java. ness, according to health ministry data. Shackling of men- confirming they dated from the same time as the bone. for the past two years, and is one of thousands of Now he spends his days chained to a wooden bench, tally ill people happens across Asia but is particularly com- The results were revealed in a paper published in the Indonesians with a mental illness currently shackled, either in the dilapidated, foul-smelling courtyard of the mon in Indonesia, with studies showing that it is due to journal Quaternary Science Reviews. As well as pushing according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released centre or in a dark room with bare, concrete walls. poor mental health services in rural areas and a lack of back the date of human history in Ireland, the find may yesterday. “I am a stupid man,” he chanted, during a recent visit by knowledge about suitable treatments. have important implications for zoology, as scientists Chaining up the mentally ill has been illegal in AFP, as he squirmed around on the bench. Nearby, another Families that choose not to send mentally ill relatives to have not previously considered that humans could Indonesia for nearly 40 years but remains rife across the shackled man urinated where he stood unable to reach faith healers sometimes take matters into their own hands. have influenced extinctions of species in Ireland so country, especially in rural areas where health services are two reeking, doorless bathrooms. In a dark, cell-like room, In a simple home near Brebes, 25-year-old Waspiah has long ago. limited and belief in evil spirits prevail, according to HRW. a man who only gave his name as Awan said he was often been locked in a goat shed alongside bleating farm ani- “Nobody should have to be shackled in Indonesia in 2016 chained up to a wooden bed “24 hours a day”. mals for three days, her parents only letting her out to use “From a zoological point of view, this is very excit- — people told us again and again that it’s like living in hell,” the bathroom before returning her to the cramped bam- ing,” Carden said. “This paper should generate a lot of Kriti Sharma, disability rights researcher at the group and Treated with prayers, baths boo cage. Her elderly father Fatoni told AFP the family discussion within the zoological research world and it’s author of the report said. There is no attempt to give the patients a proper diag- locked her up after she ran away from home and began time to start thinking outside the box... or even dis- nosis, with Sholeh Mushadad, one of the men running the disturbing the neighbors, but insisted it would only be a mantling it entirely!” The National Museum of Ireland Multiple abuses centre, simply saying their families bring them in as they temporary measure-not like a previous occasion when noted that approximately two million more specimens As well as shackling, the report listed a litany of other are “not normal”. Those confined in the facility are not giv- they kept her confined for two years. are held in its collections and could reveal more abuses the mentally ill face in Indonesia-sexual violence, en medicine but treated with prayers and baths in herbal The Indonesian social affairs ministry vowed in January secrets. electroshock therapy, and restraint and seclusion in often concoctions, explained Mushadad, who with his brother to stamp out “pasung” but identical campaigns in the past “All are available for research and we never know overcrowded, unsanitary institutions. There are just 48 and elderly father oversee the roughly 25 patients. have failed to break the widely held belief that chaining or what may emerge,” said Nigel Monaghan, keeper of mental hospitals in Indonesia, a country of 250 million, He also defended the practice of shackling them: “We confining the mentally ill in stocks or isolated rooms is the natural history division of the National Museum most of them in urban areas. Treatment options are scarce don’t have any other option. It’s for safety reasons that acceptable. Nahar, who is the head of disability issues at of Ireland. “Radiocarbon dating is something never for the millions living in remote regions, leaving desperate their feet are chained.” HRW-who interviewed around 150 the social affairs ministry, acknowledged that shackling imagined by the people who excavated these bones families to turn to faith healers in the Muslim-majority people for their report, from the mentally ill to health pro- remained a big problem but said it would take time to fix. in caves over a century ago, and these collections nation, some of whom chain up patients. fessionals-said there are currently almost 19,000 people in “The main problem is fear, fear of what could happen if a may have much more to reveal about Ireland’s The story of Sulaiman, who like many Indonesians goes Indonesia who are either shackled or locked up in a con- shackled person is released,” he said. —AFP ancient past.” — AFP Transgender inmate planning to have surgery on her own

SAN FRANCISCO: A transgender inmate with the state. State officials have nobody’s going to hurt me or rape me. who was paroled after a judge ordered announced new standards for treating That’s a relief.” California to pay for her sex reassignment transgender inmates undergoing hormone A judge sentenced Norsworthy in 1987 surgery is making plans to have the surgery therapy and approved surgery for one pris- to 17 years to life in prison on a second- on her own this summer through coverage oner, Shiloh Quine, the first time any US degree murder conviction in the slaying of provided by the state’s low-income health prison system has authorized such an oper- a man at a bar. Norsworthy said she was in insurance program, she told a California ation, the Chronicle reported. denial at the time about who she was and newspaper. Norsworthy said she is still adjusting to acted “overly male,” carrying guns and A federal judge ordered the state to pro- life outside prison, particularly being being tough. She said her crime still haunts vide the surgery to Michelle Norsworthy in around other women. She lives at a halfway her. She began openly identifying as a 2015, just the second time that any judge in house in San Francisco and is looking for transgender woman in prison in the 1990s the United States directed a state prison long-term housing and a job. “I had to and received hormone therapy. The state, system to provide the operation. But adapt my personality in order to survive,” however, balked at prison doctors’ recom- Norsworthy was paroled before she she said about her time in prison. “I had to mendation in 2012 that she receive sex- received it. Norsworthy, 52, told the San be a man just to be a woman. Now I’m in an reassignment surgery. It eventually SAN FRANCISCO: In this March 19, 2016 photo, Michelle-Lael Norsworthy poses for a por- Francisco Chronicle she is proud of her fight all-female facility...I go to sleep knowing dropped its challenge to her case. —AP trait in a park. — AP WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 Costa Coffee: A home away from home

By Ben Garcia smoking area, a spacious area with lower tables, the best catering companies in Kuwait. Thirdly, we KT: What is the market share of Costa Coffee in Avenues location. Last year, we opened our first all in relaxing colors. have built stores that provide a comfortable, relax- Kuwait? Costa branch in Jahra in an effort to make going espite the hot weather conditions in this We agreed that there should be no new two ing and warm atmosphere. Al-Fulaij: Although Costa launched in Kuwait to Costa convenient for all our customers. part of the world, Kuwaitis and expats alike stores that look identical. Costa Coffee has over Our baristas don’t rely on machines - They grind back 1998, its growth was not as fast as other KT: Where do you see Costa Coffee in Kuwait in Dare addicted to coffee. Haamed Al-Fulaij the 2,000 locations in the UK, and more than 1,000 loca- and dose the exact amount of beans to deliver the mainstream coffee shops in Kuwait. We have been the next year or so? General Manager of Costa Coffee at Alghanim tions worldwide, and 34 locations in Kuwait. The perfect extraction of espresso, which is the core focusing on changing that since our acquisition of Al-Fulaij: I want to see eight to 10 more Costa Industries spoke to Kuwait Times about changes in goal is to make Costa Coffee known and be present component of every cup of coffee. We only use the brand back in July 2013. For example, January stores spread throughout Kuwait. We want to be the attitude towards consuming coffee in Kuwait. in various countries around the world. The design fresh milk for all our coffees, and our baristas saw the opening of four new Costa locations. This present at universities, and are focusing on coop- “What we have discovered is that in the West you must be related to each country’s needs and tastes. undergo weeks of training at our training center is why we have declared 2016 as the year of erative societies too. We are opening more branch- get a dose of coffee before starting work, while in before they are certified. Our training manager got es because we want to be at the forefront. We also Kuwait and other GCC countries, people are look- certified in London and now is able to train staff want to see our presence in residential areas. ing for a place where they can socialize outside here in Kuwait. KT: Tell us about the history/background of their homes. They want to be in an environment KT: Do you change coffee flavors/menus Costa in Kuwait. where they are comfortable and can be with their often? Al-Fulaij: Costa Coffee was launched in friends for hours,” he said. “At Costa Coffee, we pro- Al-Fulaij: Yes, we have menus catered to every Kuwait in 1998 by KASCO, a subsidiary of Kuwait vide the right ingredients, exceptional service, season and we keep innovating and changing Airways. In 2011, it was transferred to Behbehani, ambiance and convenience. So a coffee shop is recipes best suited to our customers. We have cof- then in 2013, Alghanim Industries acquired now considered a home away from home,” Al-Fulaij fee for summer and winter, and new products will Costa. We knew Costa will be more active and said. be added to old menus. We do change flavors, saw opportunities in coffee business in Kuwait, however, we never change our coffee bean, and so we took over. Immediately after taking over, Some excerpts: the signature of Costa Coffee is our ‘Mocha Italia’ we saw an opportunity to bring Costa to the next KT: Tell us about the Costa Coffee branch at beans. Some people may see this as a weakness, level, so we focused on three major things. We Sheikha Complex? Why do you consider this a flag- but we see it as strength. It is extremely difficult to listened to customers’ comments and immedi- ship store? Haamed Al-Fulaij have the same and exact coffee bean throughout growth. In the past two months, we opened in six ately acted on them. We refurbished the stores Al-Fulaij: Yes, this is a flagship store of Costa the year; coffee grows in different regions around locations, which is impressive. We are doing our and took them to a new level. Each individual Coffee in the Middle East and a very significant KT: Tell me about the position of Costa Coffee the world depending on the season. But we serve best to be present in most locations. store has its own identity. We closed nine stores milestone for Costa in the Middle East. This is a compared to other competitors? the same coffee beans in all seasons. We have a KT: What do you consider for Costa Coffee that were not doing well when we took over 150-sq-m location with a beautiful terrace and Al-Fulaij: Kuwait is certainly one of the most dedicated team in the UK that makes Mocha Italia locations? Costa in 2013, but we replaced them with new view of the sea and the sunrise. The veranda alone sophisticated markets with sophisticated cus- perfect to be consistent regardless of the season Al-Fulaij: Accessibility and presence of cus- stores in the best locations. Finally, we revamped can accommodate about 100 customers. This is tomers when it comes to food and coffee. So where all year round. tomers. Our customers deserve the better loca- our food range through partnership with the first Atlas Design store outside England. It’s do we stand with our customers and competitors We launched additional cold coffees six tions. We are not focused only on opening stores, Lenotre. Results have been positive so far with been specifically designed to suit individual in Kuwait? We work in three different ways - one is months ago, and introduced Frostino and other but on customers’ convenience, visibility and Costa Kuwait receiving multiple awards from tastes. The store is divided into various zones. You around the quality of the coffee we serve; secondly, beverages specifically tailored to customers who accessibility. For example, Jahra was an area that Costa International for highest like for like sales will feel the ambiance meeting the tastes and we have realized that great coffee deserves great are in Costa Coffee for hours, like double choco- we didn’t have a branch in but many of the Jahra growth and fastest network growth for the year needs of our customers. There is a quiet section, a food as well, so we partnered with Le Notre, one of late and strawberry Frostino. residence are Costa fans and tend to go to our 2014-2015.

Hilton Kuwait Resort celebrates Earth Hour

ilton Kuwait Resort celebrated Earth change and driving an even larger impact. main outlets. This includes -Teatro and Naranj million people participating, and today it is ment and reporting a brand standard. Hour 2016 from 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm local Ziad Tantawi, General Manager for Hilton restaurants as well as Song Bird Cafe. In addi- the largest grassroots environmental move- LightStay, Hilton Worldwide’s proprietary Htime on Saturday, March 19th. The Kuwait Resort commented” Earth Hour 2016 is tion, the hotel turned off lights in main proper- ment in the world with more than 7,000 cities measurement platform, is used to measure, hotel joined thousands of Hilton Worldwide’s more than just an hour of darkness. It’s a ty areas. Created by World Wildlife Fund and towns in 172 countries and territories and analyze and report on global data to drive more than 4,600 properties across 102 coun- chance for people to come together and send (WWF), Earth Hour began in 2007 as a way for hundreds of millions of people participating greater efficiencies, savings and value for tries in switching off energy and shining a out a global message about protecting our individuals and businesses to show how sim- across seven continents. In 2015, over 620,000 hotels and communities around the world. light on climate change by hosting various planet. We all want a brighter future so as we ple steps can make a significant impact on actions were taken to combat climate change Hotels are able to record their efforts including Earth Hour activities for Team Members, fran- switch off the lights this year the focus will be addressing climate change. The idea was con- during Earth Hour. Earth Hour activities and other environmental chised employees and guests to take part in on the kind of energy we use. Our planet ceived during a WWF meeting held at the Hilton Worldwide is committed to and social initiatives into the measurement reducing energy use and preserving the envi- needs us to move away from dirty fuels to Hilton Sydney, Australia. In its first year, more Preserving Environments, one of the three pil- platform. Hilton is also the first global hospi- ronment. This year, Hilton Worldwide is clean renewable energy, but we need to make than two million people turned off their lights lars of the company’s responsibility and sus- tality company to be ISO 50001 certified - of expanding environmental celebrations to the that change right now.” for an hour and reduced the city’s energy con- tainability strategy, Travel with Purpose. Hilton the more than 11,500 facilities worldwide that full month of March, reinforcing the compa- Hilton Kuwait Resort carried out various ini- sumption by more than 10 percent. It became is one of the first major multi-brand hospitality are ISO 50001 certified, more than 4,600 of ny’s commitment to addressing climate tiatives by hosting candlelit dinners in all our a global movement in 2008 with more than 50 companies to make sustainability measure- those buildings are in the Hilton portfolio.

Prismologie launched in Kuwait rismologie group launched in Kuwait recently during an event held at the Al Ostoura store at the Thuraiya complex. Prismologie founders Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Sheikha Fatima Mubarak Al-Sabah, as well as Al Ostoura Company’s Chairman Rami Tubai’at held a press conference during the event to introduce the audience to Prismologie’s products which are inspired by colors and Pgemstones. Prismologie was founded in the United Kingdom in 2015. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

AOU participates in the Second Conference for Business Schools of GCC Universities

he Arab Open University (AOU) Deans and Department Directors, and tries, including Kuwait. participated in the Second Public Relations and Student Affairs This participation, under the direc- TConference for Business Schools Heads, attended the event. In addi- tive of Prof Moudi Al-Humoud, the of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tion, the AOU Oman Branch Director, President of AOU, came to strengthen Universities, which was organized by Dr Moosa Al-Kindi, chaired one of the the University’s presence in all cultur- the College of Business conference sessions on the second al and academic events and to Administration at Kuwait University, day. AOU also took part in the exhibi- exchange ideas and experiences in under the patronage of His Highness tion for educational institutions and addition to activate cooperation and the Crown Prince. The Conference, universities, held on the sidelines of partnership programs and communi- Swiss Belhotel Plaza mark Earth Hour 2016 which lasted for two days during 16- the conference. cation with different educational sys- 17 March 2016, was inaugurated by The AOU booth introduced the tems at the local and international wiss Belhotel Plaza Kuwait staff joined millions around the world Saturday night in turning off Dr Hussein Al-Ansari, President of University’s mission and objective in levels. This reflects that AOU is one of their lights to mark Earth Hour, celebrating the ninth year of the annual event. Earth Hour was Kuwait University, on behalf of Dr addition to its academic programs the biggest higher education institu- launched in Australia in 2007 as a way to draw attention to environmental issues including cli- Bader Al-Essa, Minister of Education. offered across its eight branches tions in the world of learning and S AOU Vice Presidents, a number of operating in a number of Arab coun- teaching in the Arab world. mate change. It has grown to a worldwide event involving 162 countries. WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

‘The Wanted 18’ screening held at Kuwait National Museum

By Faten Omar of occupation and Israeli settlement. An award- people, which accounts for some agricultural winning film, ‘The wanted 18’ tells the story of setbacks along the way, and the Israeli authori- he Boycott Divestment and Sanctions 18 cows that were hunted down by the Israeli ties did not look kindly even on the smallest (BDS) and the Kuwait Graduates Society army during the first intifada, she added. gestures of independence - the cows were Torganized a film screening ‘The Wanted The documentary distinguishes itself by declared “dangerous for the security of the state 18’ on Sunday at the theatre of Kuwait National using a combination of animation, interviews, of Israel” and became fugitives from the law. Museum. ‘The Wanted 18’ is inspired by the a and reenactments to tell the story of the cows, Amer Shomali was born in Kuwait and is cur- story that happened during the civil disobedi- who were used for “independent milk produc- rently based in Ramallah. A multidisciplinary ence as part of the Palestinian non-violent tion” on a Palestinian collective farm at the artist, animator, and activist, he made his film resistance in 1987. The movie is by Palestinian height of the boycott of Israeli products. In the debut with the animated short Dying of the Director Amer Shomali and Canadian Director film, Israel considered the cows to be a “threat Light in 2008. ‘The Wanted 18’ is his first feature. Pal Cowan. to the national security of the state of Israel.” Paul Cowan was born in Montreal. He has Samar Younis, a BDS member, said that the ‘The Wanted 18’ also tells the true story of a directed several feature documentaries for tele- Kuwaiti youth primarily play an educational and Palestinian committee in the town of Beit vision and film, including The Kid Who Couldn’t awareness role in the boycott campaign, stress- Sahour, near Bethlehem, that purchased a herd Missin 1983, Democracy on Trial: The ing that it is very important to reintroduce the of cows from a friendly kibbutz owner and used Morgentaler Affair in 1984, Justice Denied in Palestinian cause to the Kuwaiti society, as a them in a bid to undermine Israeli control. It 1989, and Westray in 2001, which won the matter of the Palestinian people’s rights in the was a step towards self-sufficiency beset by Genie Award for Best Documentary. ‘The Arab lands that were looted, as well as the issue problems: Palestinians are not a cow-rearing Wanted 18’ is his latest film.

Holiday Inn Salmiya participates in Earth Hour

s part of its commitment towards the Community The hotel also arranged for another activity to engage ty usage during this one hour as symbol of hope for a changes. Taking part in the world’s largest global climate and the environment, Holiday Inn Kuwait-Salmiya its guests to participate in this cause through offering a cause that grows more urgent with every passing minute. change initiative, voiced the thoughts of the management Aparticipated in the global initiative “Earth Hour” by candle light dinner at all the outlets. The hotel manage- The global warming is rapidly increasing, and so it of the Holiday Inn Kuwait as they stood together towards operating at minimum lights and turning off all the exteri- ment and staff in their turn made sure to turn off all non- should be for all the efforts dedicated to raising level of working better for the creation of a brighter future for our or lighting for 60 minutes starting at 8:30 pm. essential lighting inside their offices to reduce the electrici- awareness on environmental preservation and climate planet.

Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre wins Guest Review Award from Booking.com

ooking.com, the world’s leading Convention Centre staff for their out- accommodation website has standing work and ongoing commit- Brecognized Millennium Hotel ment to the hotel’s vision. and Convention Centre Kuwait as a The Booking.com Guest Review top performing hotel with a guest Award honors hotels for hospitality review score of 8.7, reflecting the high excellence based on overall guest level of guest satisfaction that the review scores. In order to be consid- hotel was able to achieve in less than ered for the award, hotels must one year of operation. receive an average review of 8.0 or “We are pleased to receive this more. prestigious recognition from Launched in May 2015, Millennium Booking.com, a pioneer in the tourism Hotel and Convention Centre is one of field. Having earned such a high cus- the premier 5-star hotels in the coun- tomer rating so quickly, we intend on try, offering 295 luxurious accommo- enhancing the customer experience dations, attractive dining outlets, even further in accordance with the recreation facilities and a world-class Millennium brand’s global vision,” convention center. The property is explained Dani Saleh, Area General operated by Millennium and Manager of Millennium and Copthorne Hotels plc, a leading global Copthorne Hotels Kuwait. hospitality management and real Saleh expressed his gratitude estate group with 120 hotels world- towards all Millennium Hotel and wide. GUST signs Memorandum of Understanding with KISR Kuwaiti traditional sword dance

ulf University for Science and resources, compliment collection Technology (GUST) signed a development policies, control the Gulf Bank’s staff enjoy desert GMemorandum of cost of other services, and solve Understanding (MOU) with Kuwait duplication issues. Institute for Scientific Research GUST President, Professor Donald during annual open day 2016 (KISR). The event was organized and Bates, said, “GUST constantly aims to conducted on campus in the pres- improve what it offers its students in ulf Bank’s recently held its and frisbees, amongst other activities ence of GUST President, Professor any subject and at all levels. This annual staff open day, which geared for an older crowd such as; Donald Bates and A M Al-Refai agreement helps to provide them Gwas held this year in a desert soap making and magnetic pottery Library Director, Shobhita Kohli, with a wider range of access to differ- camp in the area of Mutlaa, north of drawing. along with KISR Director, Ghaneema ent kinds of books, and a more Kuwait City. The day long occasion is Catering for the event was provid- Nadher, Scientific Referencing and diverse array of subjects.” part of the Bank’s drive to engage all ed by Lazurd, one of the region’s Indexing Department Manager, GUST had previously signed an its employees and their families in a major catering companies, which Waheed Safar, and Technical Service MOU with the Public Affairs (PA) day of fun. Over 1,000 people was supplemented with potato and Department Manager, Fatemah Section of the US Embassy in Kuwait attended the event, which consisted corn stands, ice cream from KDD, Abdul-Hameed. in 2006. Under this partnership, the of a wide range of activities, competi- Edamame, and cotton candy and Benefitting GUST faculty and stu- PA section provides print and audio- tions, entertainment and free hospi- popcorn from Popcornopolis. tality. Gulf Bank values the dedication of dents, this agreement will facilitate visual resources which are displayed Presenting the winner of the main cash prize of KD 1,000 mutual interlibrary loaning between in the American Corner in GUST’s A The day featured a number of its employees, and expresses its the two institutions. It will optimize M Al-Refai Library. Additionally, GUST sporting competitions, such as soc- tions included an Indian, Egyptian, Particular emphasis was given to appreciation for their hard work and user access to a wide range of print- also coordinates with the Embassy cer, basket shooting, volleyball, bad- and Dabkah show, as well as a children’s entertainment, and fea- loyalty by regularly holding events ed books in their field of interest. This over lecture series and digital video minton, and table tennis, as well as Kuwaiti traditional sword dance. The tured attractions such as a mini for them throughout the year, as well will also benefit and support both conferences with faculty on topics of draws for over 25 prizes with a main kids were entertained by Barney and bouncy castle city, camel and pony as creating numerous exclusive for libraries by mutual sharing of interests for their classes. cash prize of KD 1,000. Other attrac- his friends, along with a magic show. rides, falcons, a nursery tent, kites the bank’s employees. p32.qxp_Layout 1 3/21/16 9:41 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, MARCH 22 , 2016 TV PROGRAMS

14:30 Dialogue 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 02:00 Coronation Street 19:30 I Hate My Teenage 15:00 News Update 14:40 California Investigator 02:30 Big Star’s Little Star Daughter 15:15 China 24 15:05 Dr. G. Medical Examiner 03:25 Tracey Ullman’s Show 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 News Update 15:55 Fatal Encounters 03:55 Raised By Wolves Jimmy Fallon 16:15 Global Business 16:45 On The Case With Paula 04:20 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 21:00 Playing House 01:20 Once Upon A Time In 17:00 News Update Zahn 05:15 Come Dine With Me 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry Queens 17:15 World InSight 17:35 Murder Shift Couples Wilmore 03:00 To Kill For 18:00 Asia Today 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 06:10 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 22:00 Married 04:35 The Kentuckian 18:30 Culture Express 19:15 The Will 07:00 Eggheads 22:30 The Brink 06:20 Rich Kids 19:00 News Update 20:05 Deadly Affairs 07:30 Tracey Ullman’s Show 23:00 The League 07:55 Little Sister 19:30 The Heat 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 08:00 Raised By Wolves 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:30 Waking Up In Reno 20:00 Africa Live Jones 08:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 11:05 Of Mice And Men 21:00 Global Business 21:45 California Investigator 09:20 Big Star’s Little Star 12:55 Sharks’ Treasure 21:30 Dialogue 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 10:15 The Chase 14:30 The Aviator 22:00 News Update 22:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 11:05 Eggheads 16:05 One More Time 22:15 China 24 11:35 Come Dine With Me 00:00 Bates Motel 17:40 Agent Cody Banks 23:00 News Update Couples 01:00 Quantico 19:20 Agent Cody Banks 2: 23:15 World InSight 12:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes? 02:00 Rosewood Destination London 13:25 Emmerdale 03:00 Allegiance 21:00 The Joshua Tree 13:50 Eggheads 04:00 Good Morning America 22:40 Geronimo: An American 14:20 Coronation Street 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:45 Big Star’s Little Star 07:00 Covert Affairs 00:35 Race To Escape 15:35 Come Dine With Me 08:00 Heroes Reborn 01:20 How It’s Made Couples 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 01:44 How It’s Made 16:30 Remember Me 10:00 Quantico 01:00 Inside China 02:08 You Have Been Warned 17:25 Hiding 11:00 Covert Affairs 01:30 Managing Asia 00:50 River Monsters 02:55 Cosmic Collisions 18:20 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 02:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 01:45 Alien Sharks: Close 03:42 Science Of The Movies 18:45 Coach Trip 12:30 Coronation Street 03:00 Asia Squawk Box Encounters 04:29 Race To Escape 19:10 Coronation Street 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:00 Asia Street Signs 02:40 Monster Croc Invasion 05:16 You Have Been Warned 19:35 Come Dine With Me 14:00 Live Good Morning America 07:00 Fast Money: Half Time 03:35 Tanked 06:03 Cosmic Collisions Couples 16:00 Heroes Reborn Report 04:25 Echo And The Elephants Of 06:50 Unchained Reaction 20:30 Remember Me 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:00 Capital Connection Amboseli 07:37 How Do They Do It? 21:25 Hiding 18:00 Heroes Reborn 09:00 Squawk Box Europe 04:50 Echo And The Elephants Of 08:00 How Do They Do It? 22:20 Coronation Street 19:00 The Voice 12:00 Europe Street Signs Amboseli 08:23 Race To Escape 21:00 Castle 13:00 Worldwide Exchange 05:15 Gator Boys 09:08 Science Of The Movies 22:00 Supergirl 14:00 U.S. Squawk Box 06:02 Treehouse Masters 09:53 Unchained Reaction 23:00 Better Call Saul 17:00 Squawk On The Street 06:49 Monster Croc Invasion 10:38 How It’s Made 19:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 07:36 Monkey Life 11:00 How It’s Made 20:00 Fast Money: Half Time 08:00 Monkey Life 11:23 Mega Builders Report 00:10 Eat Street 08:25 Animal Maternity Ward 12:08 Cosmic Collisions 21:00 U.S. Power Lunch 00:35 Eat Street 09:15 Monster Croc Invasion 12:53 Unchained Reaction 23:00 U.S. Closing Bell 01:00 David Rocco’s Dolce India 00:00 The Omen 666 10:10 Treehouse Masters 13:38 Race To Escape 01:25 David Rocco’s Dolce India 02:00 Mega Shark vs. Mecha 11:05 Tanked 14:23 How It’s Made 01:50 Tales From The Bush Larder Shark 12:00 Animal Maternity Ward 14:46 How It’s Made 02:15 Eat Street 04:00 Justice League: Throne Of 12:55 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 15:10 Science Of The Movies 02:40 Eat Street Atlantis 13:50 Monster Croc Invasion 15:57 Mega Builders 03:05 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 06:00 Metro 14:45 Gator Boys 16:44 Cosmic Collisions Australia 08:00 The Malay Chronicles: 15:40 Treehouse Masters 17:31 Unchained Reaction 03:30 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of Bloodlines 16:35 Tanked 18:18 Science Of The Movies Australia 10:00 R.I.P.D. 17:30 Echo And The Elephants Of 00:00 Gangsters: America’s Most 19:05 Race To Escape 03:55 A Marriage Of Flavours 12:00 Toxin Amboseli Evil 19:50 Food Factory 04:20 Confucius Was A Foodie 14:00 Transit 18:00 Echo And The Elephants Of 01:00 The Killer Speaks 20:15 Food Factory 05:10 Eat Street 16:00 The Malay Chronicles: Amboseli 02:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 20:40 How The Universe Works 05:35 Eat Street 18:25 River Monsters 03:00 Diabolical Women 21:25 How It’s Made 06:00 The Best Job In The World 19:20 Gator Boys 04:00 The First 48 21:50 How It’s Made 06:25 Wineroads 20:15 Tanked 05:00 The Killer Speaks 22:15 Science Of The Movies 06:50 David Rocco’s Dolce India 21:10 Into The Pride 06:00 Gangsters: America’s Most 23:00 Food Factory 07:15 David Rocco’s Dolce India 22:05 Treehouse Masters Evil 23:22 Food Factory 00:00 Keith Lemon: The Film 07:40 Tales From The Bush Larder 23:00 Gator Boys 07:00 The FBI Files 23:45 How The Universe Works 02:00 The Foot Fist Way 08:05 Eat Street 23:55 Gator Boys 08:00 The FBI Files 04:00 Space Dogs 09:00 Homicide Hunter 08:30 Eat Street 05:45 Renaissance Man 10:00 Beyond Scared Straight 08:55 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 08:00 Dunston Checks In 11:00 Martina Cole’s Lady Killers Australia 10:00 Space Dogs 12:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 09:20 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 12:00 All About Christmas Eve Australia 13:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 00:40 HMS Ark Royal 14:00 UHF 00:40 Doctor Foster 14:00 The First 48 RENAISSANCE MAN ON OSN MOVIES HD COMEDY 09:45 A Marriage Of Flavours 16:00 Dunston Checks In 01:30 Zero Hour 10:10 Confucius Was A Foodie 01:35 Happy Valley 15:00 Homicide Hunter 02:20 Origins 17:45 Blues Brothers 2000 11:00 Eat Street 02:30 Happy Valley 16:00 Deadly Wives 02:40 Chasing Classic Cars 12:20 Miraculous Tales Of 12:00 Chopped 20:00 Think Like A Man Too 11:25 Eat Street 03:20 Casualty 17:00 The FBI Files 03:05 Anthony Bourdain: No Ladybug & Cat Noir 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 22:00 Hot Tub Time Machine 2 11:50 The Best Job In The World 04:15 Frankie 18:00 Crimes That Shook Britain Reservations 12:45 Fish Hooks 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 12:15 Wineroads 05:05 Death In Paradise 19:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 03:50 Bush Pilots 13:00 Fish Hooks 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:40 David Rocco’s Dolce India 06:00 Eastenders 20:00 The First 48 04:35 Collapse: When Structures 13:10 Austin & Ally 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:00 Programmes Start At 13:05 David Rocco’s Dolce India 06:30 Casualty 21:00 Homicide Hunter Fail 13:35 Austin & Ally 15:00 Man Fire Food 7:00am KSA 13:35 Tales From The Bush Larder 07:25 Frankie 22:00 Martina Cole’s Lady Killers 05:20 Extreme Engineering 14:00 Liv And Maddie 15:30 Man Fire Food 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 14:00 Eat Street 01:00 Carrington 08:20 Call The Midwife 23:00 Monster In My Family 06:05 Codes And Conspiracies 14:25 Descendants Wicked World 16:00 Chopped 07:25 K. C. Undercover 14:30 Eat Street 03:15 What Dreams May Come 09:15 Doctor Who 06:50 HMS Ark Royal 14:30 Liv And Maddie 17:00 The Kitchen 07:50 Supa Strikas 14:55 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 05:15 Secret Window 10:05 Casualty 07:35 Origins 14:55 Dog With A Blog 18:00 The Pioneer Woman 08:15 Annedroids Australia 07:00 Half Of A Yellow Sun 10:55 Death In Paradise 08:00 Anthony Bourdain: No 15:20 Dog With A Blog 18:30 The Pioneer Woman 08:40 Lab Rats 15:25 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 09:00 When A Man Loves A 11:50 Frankie Reservations 15:45 Miraculous Tales Of 19:00 Chopped 09:10 Kirby Buckets Australia Woman 12:45 Call The Midwife 08:50 100 Miles From Nowhere Ladybug & Cat Noir 20:00 Iron Chef America 09:35 Wander Over Yonder 15:50 A Marriage Of Flavours 11:15 What Dreams May Come 13:45 Doctor Who 09:40 Extreme Engineering 16:10 Violetta 21:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:00 Rocket Monkeys 16:20 Confucius Was A Foodie 13:15 Diana 14:35 Casualty 10:30 Codes And Conspiracies 17:00 The Next Step 21:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:25 Frankie 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man 17:15 Eat Street 15:15 Secret Window 01:10 Gold Rush 11:20 Origins 17:25 Austin & Ally 10:50 Boyster 22:00 Man v Food 16:20 Call The Midwife 11:45 Chasing Classic Cars 17:50 Dog With A Blog 17:40 Eat Street 17:00 When A Man Loves A 17:20 Doctor Who 02:00 Diamond River Hunters 11:20 Boyster 18:10 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen Woman 02:50 Pacific Warriors 12:10 Anthony Bourdain: No 18:15 Mako Mermaids 11:45 Pair Of Kings 18:05 Doctors Reservations 18:35 Ariana’s Persian Kitchen 19:15 Frank 03:40 What’s In The Barn? 18:40 Gravity Falls 12:10 Pair Of Kings 18:40 Doctors 13:00 100 Miles From Nowhere 19:05 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 21:00 What’s Love Got To Do With 04:05 The Liquidator 19:05 Miraculous Tales Of 12:35 Lab Rats 19:10 Death In Paradise 13:50 Extreme Engineering Australia It 04:30 Garage Gold Ladybug & Cat Noir 13:00 Lab Rats 20:05 Unforgotten 14:40 Codes And Conspiracies 19:30 Lyndey Milan - Taste Of 05:00 How Do They Do It? 19:30 Violetta 13:30 Phineas And Ferb 21:00 Unforgotten 15:30 Origins 20:20 The Next Step 00:20 Aussie Pickers Australia 21:50 Luther 05:30 Chasing Classic Cars 13:55 Phineas And Ferb 15:55 Chasing Classic Cars 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 14:20 Kickin’ It 01:10 Storage Wars: New York 22:50 Death In Paradise 06:00 Flying Wild Alaska 16:20 Anthony Bourdain: No 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 14:45 Kickin’ It 01:35 Storage Wars: New York 01:00 The Atticus Institute 23:45 Doctors 06:50 Wheeler Dealers Reservations 21:35 H2O 15:10 Guardians Of The Galaxy 02:00 Duck Dynasty 02:45 Selma 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 17:10 100 Miles From Nowhere 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 02:25 Duck Dynasty 05:00 Metallica: Through The 08:30 What’s In The Barn? 18:00 Extreme Engineering 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 15:40 Wander Over Yonder 02:50 American Pickers Never 08:55 The Liquidator 18:50 Codes And Conspiracies Teenage Witch 16:05 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 03:40 Shipping Wars 07:00 The Book Of Life 09:20 Garage Gold 19:40 Origins 00:00 Community 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 16:30 Kirby Buckets 04:05 Shipping Wars 09:00 Selma 09:45 How Do They Do It? 20:05 Chasing Classic Cars 00:30 Playing House Teenage Witch 16:55 Gamers Guide To Pretty 04:30 Pawn Stars 11:15 The 7th Dwarf 00:00 What’d You Miss? 10:10 Chasing Classic Cars 20:30 Origins 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 23:10 Hank Zipzer Much Everything 05:00 The Curse Of Oak Island 13:00 4 Minute Mile 01:00 Charlie Rose 10:35 Gold Rush 20:55 Origins Wilmore 17:25 K. C. Undercover 06:00 Ice Road Truckers 15:00 Barely Lethal 02:00 First Up With Angie Lau 11:25 Diamond River Hunters 21:20 Anthony Bourdain: No 01:30 Married 17:50 Supa Strikas 06:50 Counting Cars 17:00 Transcendence 03:00 First Up With Angie Lau 12:15 Pacific Warriors Reservations 02:00 South Park 18:15 Lab Rats 07:15 Counting Cars 19:00 The Good Lie 04:00 Trending Business 13:05 What’s In The Barn? 22:10 Extreme Engineering 02:30 The League 18:40 Mighty Med 07:40 Search For The Lost Giants 21:00 The Last 5 Years 05:00 Trending Business 13:30 The Liquidator 23:00 Origins 03:00 Your Family Or Mine 19:10 Annedroids 08:30 Storage Wars 06:00 Asia Edge 13:55 Garage Gold 23:25 Origins 03:30 The Goldbergs 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 19:35 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 08:55 Hoard Hunters 07:00 Bloomberg West 14:20 Flying Wild Alaska 23:50 Codes And Conspiracies 04:00 Two And A Half Men 00:20 Calimero 20:00 Kirby Buckets 09:45 Lost In Transmission 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 00:35 Zou 20:25 Gamers Guide To Pretty 10:35 American Pickers Jimmy Fallon 02:00 PGA European Tour 00:50 Loopdidoo Much Everything 11:25 The Curse Of Oak Island 05:30 The Last Man On Earth Highlights 01:05 Art Attack 20:55 K. C. Undercover 12:15 Pawn Stars 06:00 Mad Love 03:00 Premier League Darts 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:20 Pickle And Peanut 12:40 Pawn Stars 06:30 Community 06:30 Gillette World Sport 01:45 Calimero 21:45 Lab Rats 13:05 Shipping Wars 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:00 Golfing World 02:00 Zou 22:10 Mighty Med 13:30 Shipping Wars 08:00 Two And A Half Men 08:00 PGA Tour Highlights 02:15 Loopdidoo 22:40 Super Matrak 13:55 Storage Wars 08:30 Breaking In 09:00 Top 14 Highlights 02:30 Art Attack 23:05 Super Matrak 14:20 Storage Wars 09:00 Your Family Or Mine 09:30 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 23:30 Boyster 14:45 Aussie Pickers 03:05 Calimero 15:35 Storage Wars 09:30 The Grinder Series 03:20 Zou 16:00 American Pickers 10:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 12:30 Live ICC Women’s World 03:30 Loopdidoo 16:50 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 10:30 Community Twenty20 03:45 Art Attack 17:15 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:30 PGA European Tour 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 17:40 Counting Cars Jimmy Fallon Highlights 12:00 The Bernie Mac Show 17:30 Top 14 Highlights 04:20 Calimero 00:00 Hollywood Medium With 18:05 Counting Cars 04:35 Zou 18:30 The Curse Of Oak Island 12:30 Two And A Half Men Tyler Henry 13:00 My Name Is Earl 04:45 Loopdidoo 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 19:20 Duck Dynasty 05:00 Art Attack 19:45 Duck Dynasty 13:30 Community 01:25 Keeping Up With The 14:00 The Goldbergs 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster Kardashians 20:10 Pawn Stars 00:30 Super Rugby 05:35 Calimero 20:35 Pawn Stars 14:30 The Grinder 02:20 E! News 15:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 02:30 This Week In WWE 05:50 Zou 03:15 Hollywood Cycle 03:00 Live WWE Raw 06:00 Loopdidoo 15:30 Playing House 04:10 The E! True Hollywood Story 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 06:30 Top 14 Highlights 06:15 Art Attack 05:05 E! Entertainment Special 07:00 Trans World Sport 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster Wilmore 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 16:30 The Bernie Mac Show 08:00 Indy Car 06:50 Calimero Miami 11:00 PGA European Tour 07:00 Zou 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 00:10 The Chase 18:00 Your Family Or Mine Highlights 07:20 Loopdidoo Miami 12:00 Top 14 Highlights 07:35 Art Attack 01:05 Emmerdale 18:30 Living With Fran 07:50 Style Star 01:30 Eggheads 19:00 Modern Family 12:30 WWE Experience 08:00 Calimero 08:20 E! News 13:30 WWE Afterburn 08:10 Zou 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 14:30 This Week In WWE R.I.P.D ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 08:25 Loopdidoo 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 15:00 WWE Raw 08:40 Miles From Tomorrow 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 09:05 Sofia The First 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 08:00 Charlie Rose 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 09:30 Goldie & Bear 09:00 Countdown 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 12:05 E! News 09:45 Jake And The Never Land 13:05 House Of DVF 10:00 Countdown 16:50 Chasing Classic Cars 02:30 NRL Premiership Pirates 14:05 Fashion Bloggers 10:30 On The Move 17:15 How Do They Do It? 04:30 Top 14 Highlights 10:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:30 Fashion Bloggers 11:00 On The Move 17:40 The Island With Bear Grylls 05:00 PGA European Tour 10:35 Doc McStuffins 15:00 Keeping Up With The 12:00 The Pulse 18:30 Men, Women, Wild Highlights 00:00 Violetta 11:00 Sofia The First Kardashians 13:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 19:20 Dynamo: Magician 06:00 Inside Sailing 00:45 The Hive 11:30 Goldie & Bear 16:00 Keeping Up With The 14:00 Bloomberg Surveillance Impossible 06:30 The World Sailing Show 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow Kardashians 15:00 Bloomberg Go 20:10 The Liquidator 07:00 NRL Premiership Teenage Witch 12:25 Special Agent Oso 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 16:00 Bloomberg Go 20:35 Garage Gold 09:00 World Pool Masters 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 12:40 The Hive 18:00 Fashion Police 17:00 Bloomberg Go 21:00 The Island With Bear Grylls 10:00 PGA Tour Highlights Teenage Witch 12:50 Handy Manny 19:00 WAGs 18:00 Bloomberg Markets 21:50 Men, Women, Wild 11:00 Trans World Sport 01:40 Hank Zipzer 13:15 Jungle Junction 20:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 19:00 Bloomberg Markets: 22:40 So You Think You’d 12:00 Golfing World 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:00 Keeping Up With The European Close Survive? 13:00 Europro Tour 02:30 Violetta 14:00 Sofia The First Kardashians 20:00 Bloomberg Markets 23:30 Wheeler Dealers 15:00 The Weber Cup 03:15 The Hive 14:25 Goldie & Bear 22:00 E! News 21:00 Bloomberg Markets 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 14:50 Doc McStuffins 16:00 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 22:00 Bloomberg Markets Teenage Witch 15:15 Zou Series 23:00 Bloomberg Markets 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 15:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:00 PGA European Tour Teenage Witch 15:55 Loopdidoo Highlights 04:10 Hank Zipzer 16:10 Miles From Tomorrow 20:00 PGA European Tour 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 16:35 Jake And The Never Land Highlights 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 05:00 Violetta Pirates 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 01:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 05:45 The Hive 17:00 Sofia The First 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:00 News Update 01:30 The Haunted 05:50 Mouk 17:25 Jungle Cubs 01:00 Amazing Wedding Cakes 00:30 Dialogue 02:20 Ghost Lab 06:00 Lolirock 17:50 Aladdin 02:00 Mystery Diners 01:00 News Update 00:00 WWE Bottom Line 03:10 Swamp Murders 06:25 Sofia The First 18:15 Gummi Bears 02:30 Mystery Diners 01:15 China 24 01:00 Porsche GT3 Cup Middle 04:00 True Nightmares 06:50 Gravity Falls 18:40 Goldie & Bear 03:00 Man Fire Food 02:00 The Heat East 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:15 Miraculous Tales Of 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 03:30 Man Fire Food 02:30 News Update 01:30 V8 Supercar Series 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? Ladybug & Cat Noir 19:30 Sofia The First 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:00 Global Business Highlights 05:30 The Haunted 07:40 Jessie 19:55 Doc McStuffins 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 04:00 News Update 03:30 PGA European Tour 06:20 Fatal Encounters 08:05 Shake It Up 20:20 Jake And The Neverland 05:00 Iron Chef America 05:00 News Update Highlights 07:10 On The Case With Paula 08:30 Shake It Up Pirates 06:00 Chopped 06:30 Dialogue 04:00 Live PGA European Tour Zahn 08:55 That’s So Raven 20:35 Miles From Tomorrow 07:00 Man Fire Food 07:00 News Hour 08:00 Formula-E Championship 08:00 Dr G: Medical Examiner 09:20 That’s So Raven 21:00 Goldie & Bear 07:30 Man Fire Food 08:00 Global Business 13:30 Louis Vuitton America’s Cup 08:50 On The Case With Paula 09:45 Austin & Ally 21:30 Sofia The First 08:00 Chopped 09:00 News Update Highlights Zahn 10:10 Austin & Ally 22:00 Jungle Cubs 09:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 10:30 Sports Scene 14:30 V8 Supercar Series 09:40 Fatal Encounters 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 22:25 Aladdin Basics 11:00 Global Business Highlights 10:30 Murder Shift 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 22:50 Gummi Bears 09:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 12:00 News Update 16:30 Formula-E Championship 11:20 Deadly Affairs 11:25 Jessie 23:20 Lilo And Stitch Basics 12:30 Culture Express Sound Of The Future 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 11:50 Jessie 23:50 Zou 10:00 The Kitchen 13:00 Africa Live 17:00 WWE Smackdown Jones 12:15 Cars Toons 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 14:00 News Update 13:00 The Will 11:30 The Pioneer Woman SELMA ON OSN MOVIES HD 19:00 Formula-E Championship Classifieds

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY CHANGE OF NAME (17/03/2016 TO 23/03/2016) I, Joseph Stephen Socour Crasto, holder of Indian ALL UNNATURAL 8:45 PM WED ROADS UNNATURAL 10:45 PM AVENUES-7 Passport No. Z3083099, H LEAD UNNATURAL 12:45 AM ZOOTOPIA 1:45 AM No. 89 ward 1, Rua De SHARQIA-1 TO ROME 10:45 PM ZOOTOPIA 2:00 PM Abreu, behind head post TRIPLE 9 11:30 AM UNNATURAL 12:45 AM AVENUES-3 ZOOTOPIA 4:30 PM SOLACE 1:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 1:00 PM ZOOTOPIA 7:00 PM office, Panaji, Goa, hereby TRIPLE 9 4:00 PM FANAR-2 KUNG FU PANDA 3 3:15 PM THE WAVE 9:45 PM change my name to Jose SOLACE 6:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 11:30 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 5:30 PM THE WAVE 12:15 AM Estevam Socorro Crasto. TRIPLE 9 8:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 1:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 7:45 PM SOLACE 10:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 3:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 10:00 PM AVENUES-8 (C 5147) TRIPLE 9 12:30 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 5:45 PM NO WED KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 11:45 AM 19-3-2016 KUNG FU PANDA 3 7:45 PM TRIPLE 9 12:15 AM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR 2:45 PM SHARQIA-2 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 10:00 PM NO WED KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 5:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 12:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 12:30 AM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 10:00 PM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR 8:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 2:00 PM WED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR 10:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 4:00 PM FANAR-3 TRIPLE 9 1:00 AM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR 12:30 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 6:00 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 12:45 PM WED LONDON HAS FALLEN 8:00 PM THE WAVE 1:30 PM AVENUES-9 LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:00 PM THE WAVE 3:45 PM AVENUES-4 TRIPLE 9 12:30 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:05 AM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 6:00 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 11:30 AM TRIPLE 9 3:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 10:00 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 9:00 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 1:30 PM TRIPLE 9 5:30 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 1:00 AM THE WAVE 12:05 AM LONDON HAS FALLEN 3:45 PM TRIPLE 9 8:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:05 AM NO SAT TRIPLE 9 10:30 PM SHARQIA-3 Special Show “LONDON HAS FALLEN” 3:45 PM TRIPLE 9 1:00 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 12:15 PM MARINA-1 SAT ZOOTOPIA 2:45 PM SOLACE 11:30 AM LONDON HAS FALLEN 6:00 PM AVENUES-10 ZOOTOPIA 5:00 PM SOLACE 1:30 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 8:15 PM SOLACE 12:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 7:15 PM TRIPLE 9 3:45 PM NO MON SOLACE 2:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 9:15 PM SOLACE 6:00 PM Special Show “LONDON HAS FALLEN” 8:15 PM SOLACE 4:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 11:45 PM SOLACE 8:00 PM MON MAHESHINTE PRATHIKAARAM-Malayalam 7:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 11:45 PM TRIPLE 9 10:00 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:30 PM THU+FRI+SAT+MON TRIPLE 9 12:15 AM NO MON SOLACE 7:00 PM MUHALAB-1 BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 10:00 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:45 PM SUN+TUE+WED KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 11:45 AM SOLACE 1:00 AM MON SOLACE 9:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 2:30 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:45 AM SOLACE 11:45 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 5:00 PM MARINA-2 NO WED THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY UNNATURAL 7:45 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:00 PM AVENUES-5 BATMAN V SUPERMAN: AWN OF JUSTICE 11:45 PM FOR CIVIL INFORMATION THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 9:45 PM ZOOTOPIA 2:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 12:00 PM WED Automated enquiry UNNATURAL 12:15 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 4:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 2:15 PM about the Civil ID card is BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:15 AM ZOOTOPIA 6:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 4:30 PM AVENUES-11 LONDON HAS FALLEN 8:30 PM NO SUN KUNG FU PANDA 3 11:30 AM 112 MUHALAB-2 LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:30 PM Special Show “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR”4:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT- DOLBY ATMOS 1889988 SOLACE 11:30 AM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 AM SUN 1:30 PM SOLACE 1:30 PM MARINA-3 KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 6:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT- DOLBY ATMOS SOLACE 3:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 1:00 PM NO WED 4:00 PM ZOOTOPIA 5:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 1:30 PM Special Show “LONDON HAS FALLEN” 6:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT- DOLBY ATMOS SOLACE 7:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 3:30 PM WED 6:30 PM TRIPLE 9 9:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 5:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 9:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT- DOLBY ATMOS TRIPLE 9 12:05 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 7:30 PM NO WED 9:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 9:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 9:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 11:15 PM NO WED TRIPLE 9 12:45 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 12:05 AM NO FRI+WED THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT- DOLBY ATMOS BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:05 AM THE WAVE 11:15 PM 11:30 PM MUHALAB-3 FRI NO WED LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 PM AVENUES-1 BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE -3D9:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: AWN OF JUSTICE - DOLBY ATMOS 9:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 12:30 PM EMELIE 11:30 AM WED KUNG FU PANDA 3 2:30 PM WED EMELIE 1:15 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:05 AM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: AWN OF JUSTICE - DOLBY ATMOS KUNG FU PANDA 3 4:30 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 3:15 PM WED KUNG FU PANDA 3 6:30 PM 12:15 AM EMELIE 5:15 PM WED KUNG FU PANDA 3 8:30 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 7:15 PM AVENUES-6 LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:30 PM EMELIE 9:15 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 AM 360 ∞- 1 ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 11:15 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 2:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 12:00 PM PRAYER TIMINGS ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 1:15 AM LONDON HAS FALLEN 5:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 2:15 PM FANAR-1 LONDON HAS FALLEN 7:15 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 12:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 4:30 PM Fajr: 04:32 Asr: 15:23 AVENUES-2 LONDON HAS FALLEN 9:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 6:45 PM ZOOTOPIA 2:30 PM UNNATURAL 12:45 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:05 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 9:00 PM UNNATURAL 4:45 PM UNNATURAL 2:45 PM NO WED KUNG FU PANDA 3 11:15 PM Shorook 05:51 Maghrib: 17:59 ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 6:45 PM UNNATURAL 4:45 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: AWN OF JUSTICE -3D NO WED UNNATURAL 8:45 PM UNNATURAL 6:45 PM 12:05 AM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: AWN OF JUSTICE -3D Duhr: 11:56 Isha: 19:16

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 22/3/2016 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:50 Arrival Flights on Tuesday 22/3/2016 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 462 Madinah 14:55 Airlines Flt Route Time PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 14:55 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:55 KLM 413 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 NIA 251 Alexandria 15:30 JZR 528 Asyut 00:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 MSC 502 Alexandria 00:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 JAD 301 Amman 15:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 KLM 413 Amsterdam 01:35 KAC 613 Bahrain 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 KAC 741 Dammam 15:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 TBM 6314 Mashhad 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 KNE 474 Jeddah 16:35 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 KNE 463 Madinah 16:00 THY 768 Istanbul 02:50 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 1149 Dammam 16:50 THY 769 Istanbul 03:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 NIA 252 Alexandria 16:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 JAD 302 Amman 16:40 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 KNE 470 Jeddah 17:45 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 JZR 503 Luxor 04:25 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 17:45 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:20 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 JZR 325 Al Najaf 17:50 JZR 1328 Al Najaf 04:40 KNE 475 Jeddah 17:25 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 118 New York 17:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JZR 529 Asyut 06:50 SVA 500 Jeddah 18:00 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 06:55 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 416 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 07:15 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 204 Lahore 07:40 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 JZR 778 Jeddah 07:55 KNE 471 Jeddah 18:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:30 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 IRA 669 Mashhad 18:55 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 KAC 742 Dammam 19:05 JZR 1140 Dammam 08:35 JZR 554 Alexandria 19:10 JZR 1329 Al Najaf 08:05 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 IRM 1188 Mashhad 19:15 BAW 156 London 08:45 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 SVA 505 Jeddah 19:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 CLX 856 Luxembourg 19:35 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 IRA 666 Esfahan 19:55 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:10 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:35 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 IRM 1189 Mashhad 20:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 104 London 19:40 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:35 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 101 London/New York 09:55 KAC 353 BLR 20:40 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 FBA 833 Al Najaf 09:45 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 JZR 1336 Al Najaf 10:00 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 OMA 641 Muscat 10:05 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 JZR 174 Dubai 10:10 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 IRC 526 Mashhad 10:20 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 KAC 543 Cairo 20:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 JZR 124 Bahrain 21:05 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 KAC 786 Jeddah 20:30 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 CLX 856 Hong Kong 21:05 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 ABY 121 Sharjah 20:35 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 JZR 1141 Dammam 11:30 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 FBA 834 Al Najaf 10:45 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 IAW 157 Al Najaf 11:50 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:00 ABY 122 Sharjah 21:15 NIA 151 Cairo 11:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 QTR 1088 Doha 21:00 OMA 642 Muscat 11:05 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 IRC 527 Mashhad 11:20 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 JZR 241 Amman 12:50 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 11:25 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 13:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:00 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KAC 676 Dubai 21:45 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 IRC 6511 ABD 13:05 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 JZR 1337 Al Najaf 13:25 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 NIA 152 Cairo 12:55 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 FBA 831 Al Najaf 13:30 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:05 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:35 AIC 987 Chennai/Hyderabad 22:25 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 13:55 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 13:55 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 23:00 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 IRC 6512 ABD 13:55 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 1148 Dammam 13:55 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 JZR 175 Dubai 14:45 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 TBM 6313 Mashhad 14:45 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 JZR 324 Al Najaf 14:25 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 JZR 125 Bahrain 23:55 FBA 832 Al Najaf 14:40 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION p34_p34 stars 3/21/16 9:59 PM Page 1

stars34 TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

CROSSWORD 1203 STAR TRACK

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

A round table discussion or conference meeting this morning seems to A knack for knowing how to put people, ideas and things together prof- point in your direction when it comes to positive results. You dare others to itably will be put to good use. Business will have its positive aspects. A business associate improve and may cost the company a bit of an investment when you suggest a seminar, or friend will bring you good information on ways to improve your finances. If finances or some other similar education, to increase efficiency. The outcome can be most positive. and business are all you think about, you will find it hard to enjoy this day. This afternoon You have an urge to get things organized, including people. You may feel very much a there are opportunities to enjoy your friends and perhaps make a few decisions on how part of the team today. You are entering a phase of emotional directness. This time is you will change and encourage a change for a better environment in your neighborhood marked by powerful feelings. Always aware that time moves along quickly, you hate to or city. You encourage others to stand strong for their beliefs. You find ways to make waste precious time. Do not go overboard, however, since all work can make jack or jackie changes in a harmonious way for everyone concerned. You should open up to relatives- a dull person! Young people show appreciation. this is a good time for emotional support.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) A number of work projects have your attention this morning. After writing a These are the days that bring you opportunities to better your job or proposal you may find a higher-up is very interested in your ideas. With whatever support finances. You could enjoy making your own way and finding solutions to whatever prob- necessary behind you, it may feel as if the sky is the limit. You reach your goals through lems you have. By helping someone today you will gain benefits at work. Are you continu- your determination. Once you set your mind to seeing something through to the end . . . ing your exercise program if you are, you can relieve some stress now, through this pro- Watch out people! This afternoon you shop for some new clothes and enjoy pampering gram. A co-worker may want to join you at the noon break. Such a busy day may have you yourself. All that warmth and affection you have grown to expect from your loved ones ignoring personal needs. Avoid problems by pacing yourself and keeping an ongoing to- may be harder to find this afternoon. Others are also preoccupied with business or chores do list. You are able to clear up a matter between yourself and a loved one this evening. If and you may not receive satisfaction when seeking attention. This is a very short-lived there is a social event, go with your loved one-your popularity will make you a welcomed period, as far as emotions are concerned-tomorrow is just a day away! guest. A loved one will enjoy the attention as well.

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

There is enlightenment in your career now. Today and tomorrow are two of You feel inspired in the workplace today. This is an easy, calm day that your better days this month. These are great days for doubling your money! You may find should find everything running in a smooth manner. Ideas and interaction investment opportunities in the fields of nursery care for children, restaurants, home dec- with authority figures or older people may be a pleasant experience. Working with-rather orating and furnishings, hotels, inns, spas, etc. You intuitively know that things are looking than against-the flow should be easy to do. Community, club or social interests are the ACROSS DOWN forward! You are entering a phase of emotional directness now-one marked by forceful topic of conversation during the lunch hour. Think before you act with regard to financial 1. (computer science) A computer that is 1. (pathology) An elevation of the skin filled and powerful feelings. Do not spread yourself too thin or you will just slow yourself down. matters today; remember that there is no gain in jumping into a really good deal without running software that allows users to leave with serous fluid. You are independent. You will succeed. Creative and pleasure interests are high this checking it out first. Others are interested in what you have to say regarding some very evening. Get serious about travel plans. Include your loved one in the decision making. personal and emotional issues. You will be able to handle any volatile material. You are messages and access information of gener- 2. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake able to cut through the red tape and get at what is beneath most any problem. al interest. Chad. Impulsiveness may not be the most helpful quality. 4. The quantity a glass will hold. 3. Someone who works (or provides work- 12. A bachelor's degree in naval science. ers) during a strike. 15. Resinlike substance secreted by certain 4. 1,000,000,000 periods per second. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) lac insects. 5. A person who has lied or who lies repeat- There are several opportunities to show off your talents today. As a secret 16. Emperor of Japan who renounced his edly. This challenging day may bring rewards with it. A new opportunity in your divinity and became a constitutional detective you may find a lost item as well as uncover the virus that has been haunting 6. Have a disagreement over something. your department. You may not be able to remove the problem but at least you can find career will be available today-you will be taking leadership command as well. New people in your life can be inspiring. Communicating and getting your message across to others is monarch after Japan surrendered at the 7. A category of things distinguished by the root of a problem and guide others in ways to find help. There are some financial productive. Your timing should be perfect and those around you should find you instinc- end of World War II (1901-1989). some common characteristic or quality. changes that will benefit you now. Pay your debt first and look for ways in which you can tive and full of passion. People you don’t even know understand that you will be helpful 17. Mythical bird of prey having enormous 8. A package of several things tied together save. Holding on to money may be difficult and you must be careful when giving to chari- when it comes to very personal and emotional issues. Your psychic abilities are high and size and strength. for carrying or storing. ties or causes that solicit your aid. Remember that where charities are concerned it may not one person would dare try to fool you. Issues with young people can be beneficial 18. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. 9. A trivial lie. sometimes be more important to give of your time than your money. A charity that inter- now. Happy to teach ethics, you may find yourself in challenging discussions, but you are ests you is where you might spend a little time this evening. 19. The capital of Croatia. 10. The local time at the 0 meridian passing just the one to do it-young people need your patience. 20. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions through Greenwich, England. of the Old World. 11. Person who does no work. 22. A small cake leavened with yeast. 12. An ancient city in northern Portugal. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. Type genus of the Rutaceae. 13. A member of a people who have no 25. Of or relating to or in the style of a musi- A strong objective to change things may be met with continued opposi- permanent home but move about accord- tion. Self-confidence and determination opens many doors. You expect the best! Results A professional project is successful and may bring about new opportunities for you. This is an excellent time to begin thinking about a new project or endeavor-the cal fugue. ing to the seasons. for your hard work in the office will be coming in the color of money. You could come up potential for financial growth is great. Just make sure you check out any prospects for 26. A hard malleable ductile silvery metallic 14. (biology) Rough to the touch. with new solutions or inventions. Your attitude toward your health will make a big differ- element that is resistant to corrosion. investment before giving away your money. There are increased responsibilities and per- 21. A Russian prison camp for political pris- ence in how you feel physically. This is a good time to schedule that yearly checkup. There haps even a promotion in the works. Some major changes are coming your way so make 28. A woman who is foreperson of a jury. oners. is a feeling of good health and confidence. You may want to shop for some new clothes at each day a day of new understandings. Staying mentally focused may call for an exercise 30. Parasitic shrub of the eastern United 23. A gliding joint between the distal ends lunch or just enjoy the time with a co-worker. Your personal attraction is positive. There will break this afternoon. You are an excellent listener and anyone who comes to you for guid- States having opposite leaves and insignifi- be plenty of opportunities to enjoy your friends this afternoon. Activities with your friends ance will have exceptional constructive help. Gambling opportunities are presented this of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end bring smiles. cant greenish flowers followed by oily dull- of the talus. evening. green olivelike fruits. 27. The United Nations agency concerned 35. A period marked by distinctive charac- with the interests of labor. ter or reckoned from a fixed point or event. 29. Located in or toward the back or rear. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 36. (electronics) Of a circuit or device hav- 31. Not subjected to an aging process. This is a good day for making decisions, carrying out plans and communi- ing an output that is proportional to the 32. West Indian tree having racemes of fra- Today there are energies at work that encourage you to clean out your cating to others just where you stand. Make sure the dialogue goes both ways, however. desk and perform a bit of spring-cleaning around the workplace. A legal, input. grant white flowers and yielding a durable Others have good ideas, too. If you stick to the main subjects and do not become distract- 37. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of financial or educational requirement could be slowing you from what you really need to timber and resinous juice. ed with trivialities, you should do well. Learning new techniques, particularly in working do just now. There are things you can do to speed some work along-take action. Following Lamaism. 33. Oval reproductive body of a fowl (espe- with electronic equipment, can help you lay the groundwork for future successes. If you through on a few details will put you on the path to success regarding your goals. 40. A small cave (usually with attractive fea- have a yearning to get into automated information equipment, do so, but do not let the Sometimes the difference between a negative and a positive attitude lies in recognizing a cially a hen) used as food. special effects distract you. Anxiety can be your bogeyman if you let it. Learn some medi- tures). 34. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising job and taking action. You are headed toward establishing a firm footing for home and 44. A rapid series of short loud sounds (as tation techniques and do not overload your work load. New inventions are fascinating family life, ideal for rearing happy children. Very soon good news will come concerning solely the razorbill. and you may find your evening filled with reading activity. romance, family or property that will make your hard work all worthwhile. might be heard with a stethoscope in some 38. A member of the Nahuatl people who types of respiratory disorders). established an empire in Mexico that was 45. A male monarch or emperor (especially overthrown by Cortes in 1519. Word Search Yesterday Solution of Russia prior to 1917). 39. American Revolutionary leader from 46. A constellation in the southern hemi- Virginia whose objections led to the draft- sphere near Telescopium and Norma. ing of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792). 47. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- 41. An Indian side dish of yogurt and cially in Turkey). chopped cucumbers and spices. 48. An area that includes seats for several 42. The fourth or lowest deck. people. 43. Long-tailed arboreal mustelid of Central 51. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked and South America. on a skewer usually with vegetables. 49. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- 53. A theropod dinosaur of the genus trict. Eoraptor. 50. Strike with disgust or revulsion. 55. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 52. 1 species. 58. An informal term for a father. 54. Align anew or better. 59. (folklore) A corpse that rises at night to 56. A metric unit of length equal to one drink the blood of the living. hundredth of a meter. 61. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 62. An abnormal passage leading from a 57. A city in western Germany near the suppurating cavity to the body surface. Dutch and Belgian borders. 65. A telephone connection. 60. A very poisonous metallic element that 68. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) has three allotropic forms. issues from volcanos. 63. Made agreeably cold (especially by ice). 72. A fraudulent business scheme. 64. An aromatic ointment used in antiquity. 76. Light informal conversation for social 66. Lacking sufficient water or rainfall. occasions. 67. A mountainous landlocked communist 77. A beautiful and graceful girl. state in southeastern Asia. 78. Small genus of dwarf orchids. 69. A city in northern India. 79. Support resembling the rib of an ani- 70. Characteristic of false pride. mal. 71. A French abbot. 80. Tropical starchy tuberous root. 73. Enlarged prostate. 81. Telephone set with the mouthpiece and 74. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike earpiece mounted on a single handle. part of an organism. 82. Used of a single unit or thing. 75. Remaining after all deductions.

Yesterday’s Solution

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

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bahrain 00973 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 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 Fintas 23900322 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 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 Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 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 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 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 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. 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igerian royals have welcomed moves at Britain’s Cambridge University to return a bronze cocker- Nel stolen with other artifacts during colonialist looting in the 19th century. Jesus College earlier this month said it was taking down the statue, known as “Okukor”, pillaged from the former kingdom of Benin and was looking at the possibility of its repatriation. The move followed a student protest and came as their counterparts at Oxford University mounted a cam- paign to remove a statue of British imperialist and donor Cecil Rhodes at Oriel College. The kingdom of Benin was one of the greatest and richest in West Africa and at its height extended as far as modern-day Ghana. The younger brother of the Oba (king) of Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, described the cockerel’s removal as a “welcome development”. “We knew we have this kind of thing in Cambridge and we have always called for its return and the other 3,500 to 4,000 artifacts carted away during the 1897 invasion of the palace. “We commend the initiative of the Cambridge students. They have done what they should do. “We appeal to European countries to return our cultural properties dotting museums and galleries in London, Paris, Berlin and other cities around the world,” he said.

‘Pages of our history’ The tale of the artifacts began when nine British offi- cers were killed while on a trade mission to the then- independent kingdom of Benin in 1897. The British reaction was fierce, leaving several thousand local peo- Members of Japanese taiko drumming company KODO perform on the stage of Madureira park which is located at the birthplace of two of Rio’s traditional samba schools, Portela ple dead as the city set ablaze and forcing the Oba into and Imperio Serrano, during their final show on Brazil tour in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. — AFP exile as his palace was looted. Hundreds of artworks were removed, including the Benin Bronzes, which showed highly decorative images of the Oba and his courtiers from centuries earlier. In June 2014, two statues were returned to the palace by a British retired medical consultant whose Hidden treasures of ancient grandfather was involved in the original invasion. The statues were presented to the current Oba, Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I, at a colorful ceremony in the city. Nigerian calls for the repatriation of all the bronzes was reignited when the Cambridge students urged the Rome to get first showing cockerel to be removed from Jesus College’s main hall. The protesters called the sculpture, which was donated idden for decades, one of the world’s greatest collec- 620 pieces will be displayed in Rome in the second half of after Prince Alessandro Torlonia decided to convert the build- to the college in 1929, a celebration of Britain’s racist tions of ancient Roman statues and sculptures is reput- 2017. ing into a 90-flat condominium. and colonial past. Hedly so dazzling that a prominent archaeologist once An overseas tour is to follow before they are finally housed Legend has it that curiosity over the treasures that lay Some academics and historians criticized the stu- disguised himself as a garbage man to grab a sneak glimpse. in a permanent center in Rome. Having amassed a fortune below the block promoted renowned archaeologist Rannuccio dents, saying they had “declared war on the past”. Now a selection of the priceless works held by the Torlonia from banking in the 18th Century, the Torlonia family went on Bianchi Bandinelli to disguise himself as a refuse collector in Prince Akenzua, who is also known as the Enogie of family, one of Rome’s oldest dynasties, is finally to go on public to become important collectors of antiquities and objets d’art, order to get in and check them out. The Italian state has made Obazuwa, said replicas of the stolen treasures could be view following an agreement this week between the Italian often accepting individual pieces as security against loans. The repeated requests for the marble works to be handed over to made for foreign museums should they still be wanted ministry of culture and the family foundation. Under the deal, bulk of the collection has spent decades in the basement of a public ownership, so far in vain. — AFP for display. between 60 and 90 of the works in a collection which counts family palace in the Trastevere neighborhood of central Rome But the originals would be better appreciated at home rather than abroad, calling them “pages of our history”. The issue of the repatriation of looted treasures and compensation was raised in the early 1990s, when former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida set up his African Repatriation Movement. But the organisation made little headway before Babangida left office.

Preservation A senior official of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Benin City, who asked not to be identified, said Nigeria would use “whatever means possible” to get back the art. “We will enter into negotiation with museums, private and public institu- tions where these works are kept so that we can have them back,” he added. James Ezomo, a member of the Oba’s court, howev- er, doubted whether locals would be able to preserve the artifacts once they were returned. “In as much as I want those works back, my fear is whether we will be able to maintain them as priceless treasures,” he said. “The white people are using technology to preserve the works and I don’t think we have the wherewithal to do the same here.” But Prince Akenzua disagreed: “If a man stole my car and admitted that he stole it and returned it to me, what is his business whether I have a garage or not to A sculpture of Ulysses coming from the antrum of Polyphemus. A bust of Roman Emporor Servius Sulpicius Galba, This handout picture released by the keep the car? “These artifacts belong to our ancestors. the successor to Nero. Fondazione Torlonia Onlus (Foundation They must be returned to us. It’s nobody’s business how Torlonia) shows an Etruscan sculpture found in we preserve them.”— AFP Vulci. — AFP photos Michelin-starred French chef John Wayne’s hat, Disney’s Mickey rises to gluten-free challenge Mouse ears up for auction

top French chef has transformed her Michelin-starred restau- “Thirty-five years ago, doctors didn’t know about coeliac disease,” collection of memorabilia including Babe Ruth’s units to handle the overflow, said Steve Garrin, long- rant in Provence into a gluten-free haven after teaming up with Nadia says. “The doctors told me that I had destroyed my immune sys- baseball glove and Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse time producer and friend. Aher daughter, a trained chemist who suffers from coeliac dis- tem, I was at the height of the illness.” Nadia, a trained chemist who is Aears is coming up for auction off the beaten path “His office was floor to ceiling with stuff,” said Garrin. ease. L’Auberge de la Feniere, in a stone farmhouse set in vineyards passionate about food, easily persuaded her mother to drop tradition- in Maine, far from the Big Apple where Ruth smacked Though Franklin never had the national exposure of near the southeastern town of Lourmarin, has had no trouble holding al ingredients in favor of gluten-free alternatives “so that everyone home runs and the theme park and studio Disney cre- talk show hosts who followed, he was an icon in New on to its old customers, while attracting new ones with its coeliac- could eat at the same table”. ated in California. The items that once belonged to the York where he hosted radio and TV shows for decades. friendly if quirky haute cuisine. “I’ve replaced gastronomy with gluten “The basic ingredients needed are not easy to find, but Nadia late New York TV and radio personality Joe Franklin Garrin and Franklin joined a restaurateur to open “Joe by gastronomy without gluten and everyone has signed on... going tracked them down. I only had to test them,” Reine says. The restau- include several dozen hats from a bygone era such as Franklin’s Memory Lane Restaurant” in Manhattan’s the- from one to the other without realizing it,” said Reine Sammut, a self- rant, part of a 12-bedroom hotel run by the Sammuts along with a Frank Sinatra’s fedora and John Wayne’s Stetson. ater district. taught chef who earned her Michelin star back in 1995. cooking school, offers a special 55 euro ($60) menu, half the usual The auction will take place April 2 at Maine-based Her daughter Nadia, 35, developed an intolerance to gluten and price, to encourage guests to sample the best of gluten-free cuisine. Saco River Auction, a small auction house far from the lactose at a very young age, a condition that stunted her growth. While the Auberge de la Feniere is France’s only gluten-free restaurant entertainment hubs of New York and Los Angeles. Hospitalized at age 29, she spent the next two years bedridden until to boast a Michelin star, many top restaurants such as Le Castellaras in Auctioneer Troy Thibodeau said the items came from a finally she was diagnosed with coeliac disease, which is now known to the southern resort city of Cannes are prepared for gluten-free collector who wishes to remain anonymous who spent affect about one in 100 people in Europe and the United States. requests. “For Valentine’s Day, one couple never imagined we could years purchasing items from the collection of Franklin, a offer a gluten-free menu,” said Le Castellaras’s Hermance Joplet, who talk show host who encouraged his famous guests to served up a nutty risotto of locally grown spelt with sauteed baby veg- leave a souvenir after appearing on his show. etables for them. Among the house specialities that proved particular- The items include leather jackets belonging to Steve ly challenging for the Auberge de la Feniere to recreate without resort- McQueen and Marlon Brando, Laurel and Hardy’s box- ing to gluten ingredients was its truffles in puff pastry. ing gloves, a baseball glove used by Joe DiMaggio and a harmonica used by Janis Joplin. In addition to John Chestnut and quinoa flour Wayne’s Stetson, the collection includes the actor’s Nadia achieved the “impossible” by using a blend of chestnut and cowboy boots and spurs. Franklin’s era included the quinoa flour to produce the pastry. Squash flour and almond extract heyday of hats. The collection includes pillbox hats that This Aug 6, 1993, file photo shows TV personality Joe substitute for wheat flour in their signature dessert dubbed the Paris- belonged to Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, Franklin in New York. — AP Lourmarin, a re-imagined Paris-Brest, the traditional ring-shaped Charlie Chaplin’s derby, Babe Ruth’s Gatsby, a leather choux pastry filled with a praline-flavored cream. Guaranteeing the hat belonging to Jimi Hendrix, a tattered straw hat Franklin, who logged more than 300,000 guests dur- absence of gluten entails heavy emphasis on traceability, and mother worn by Buddy Ebsen and a sombrero owned by Slim ing his career, auctioned off some of the items himself and daughter select their ingredients with utmost care, as well as Pickens. in 2002. Some of those items including Jack Benny’s growing them in their organic garden. Others who donated hats included Grace Kelly, Judy stage violin are back up for sale again as part of the col- The restaurant’s pork meat comes from a farmer in the nearby Garland, Walter Matthau, Humphrey Bogart, James lection in Saco, Thibodeau said. The small auction Luberon mountains who feeds his pigs on chickpeas; the fish comes Cagney, Ray Charles, Mae West, Johnny Carson, Burt house made a name for itself in recent years with some These file photos show French chef Reine Sammut (left) and her from Martigues, near Marseille and “if there’s no fishing, there’s no fish” Lancaster and Vincent Price. Franklin, who died in high-profile items, including the oldest known record- daughter Nadia (right), former chemist, preparing gluten-free on the menu, Nadia says. Their rice comes from a farmer in the January 2015 at age 88, was a talk show institution in ing of black vocal group and a rare baseball card from bread, in the kitchen of the ‘Auberge de Feniere’ in Lourmarin, Camargue who uses weed-loving ducks instead of herbicides.—AFP New York. He amassed so much memorabilia - either as 1865. — AP the first French gourmet restaurant 100 % gluten-free. — AFP gifts or through his own purchases - that his office was a cluttered mess. He even rented expensive storage TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 l i f e s t y l e F a s h i o n

Kris Jenner, left, and Corey Gamble arrive at Daily Front The Weeknd, left, Jennifer Lopez Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards at the Sunset Tower and Bella Hadid. Kate Hudson hotel on Sunday. — AP photos Fashion Los Angeles Awards 2016

Designer of the Year Fashion Innovator Brandon Maxwell Eva Chow Women’s Stylist of the Year Jewelry Designer Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn Jennifer Meyer Editor of the Year Magazine of the Year Lady Gaga - V magazine Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book Model of the Year Fashion Icon Bella Hadid Karl Lagerfeld-www.dailymail.co.uk

Designers Alber Elbaz and Eva Lady Gaga Model Alessandra Ambrosio Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Chow.

Shoexpress presents spring/summer collection 2016

hoexpress has concocted a creatively relaxing change can easily pull-off! Lock your casual coolness with our gen- are perfect for that sweet and polished look. The exotic ser- kids to own! We have various footwear designs of Hello for men, women and children this Spring Summer. erous range of canvas shoes that are delightfully impres- pentine textured footwear is one of the popular growing Kitty, Frozen, Minions, Spider man, Teenage Mutant Ninja SLadies it’s time to stash away your winter clothes! You sive in a very practical price, perfect for the modern man trends this season, giving your kid the spunky edge in Turtles, Disney Princesses, Dora and Batman in varieties of can hop into spring with our great variety of casual to who values his look without breaking the bank. style. Floral prints are abloom in this spring collection, per- slip on sneakers, trainers, slippers, rubber clogs for your lit- sporty shoes that are updated in forms and materials. Kids will be overjoyed with Shoexpress’ Spring 2016 col- fectly embodying the lushness of the season for your little tle ones and additional ballerina shoe range for the girls! Come fall in love with our Shining Star, our range of sneak- lection starting of with our wide range of trainer shoes, princess. The easiest way to update your look is with a stylish ers that are laceless, with elastic stretch, meshed, wedged, sneakers and athletic sandals that are available in sleek new accessory! Our Spring 16 bag shapes range from top- exotic serpentine textured, chain detailed, soft leathered forms. Made in canvas, netted, soft leather-like materials Disney character handled, backpacks, totes, cross-bodys, as well as shoulder like “nappa” or high gloss finished! and denim, perfect for that “luxury sport” style with a One of our smashing products in the store every season bags that are modified in terms of functionality (business We start the season off where everything is soft and breath of fresh air. These are lightweight, breathable, com- is our Character lines that you, yourself would want your or casual)and style requirements to suit every age, taste pretty! Neutrals highlighted with minty greens, lilacs and and style. We welcome the season with a touch of metallic lavenders, baby blues and pastel pinks are the perfect way - gold, bronze and silver, that are no more limited to just to step into the season. Metallics are still on trend, with eveningwear. Add to those delectable pastel shades of gold, silver and bronze featuring as the new day-to-night blush, pistachio greens, cottony blues and creamy beiges colours. and you have the perfect start to Spring! Further into the Moving towards the middle of the season, our colours season, our styles are illuminated by fluorescent colors that brighten up and we add an exciting range of gladiator san- will make your look Pop and Dazzle! Be fresh as a daisy dals & lace up styles that are weather appropriate for that with our range of floral printed bags that are blooming nice chill-out session in style with the use of different types with spring time splendor in lush tones of bold emeralds of lacing and straps that are natural looking, which can be and cobalts. casual and formal looking in nature. Ultra flat and heeled While it is so easy to lean towards a black bag, step out silhouettes are equally important this season, this footwear of your comfort zone and switch up your style. Add a bag is perfect for almost anything in your wardrobe that is to your collection that adds sizzle to any outfit in your casual, be it your jeans, dresses or shorts. wardrobe. Our bags are both functional and fashionable and are available at modest prices. This season is all about Smart casual dressing finding the right new look for you and we have made sure For men this is the season for outdoor activities, fun that your special moments are taken care of with our times with friends and family by staying active under this fortable and grippy active footwear that won’t constrain matching shoes and accessories! Bling up your wardrobe breezy and marvelous weather! Shoexpress’ Spring 2016 their feet; providing proper foot development, by allowing with our amazing range of Jewellery and you will be step- collection for Men covers this seasons’ essential footwear the shoe to mold to a child’s foot for a good fit, perfect for ping out in style! Shoexpress Spring Summer 2016 collec- to make you officially spring-ready and trendier that usual. a long day of sports and other fun activities. tion is available at Star Mall -Al Rai, Souk Al- Mubarakiya, Step up your game with our range of sporty footwear of Fashionable designs like bejeweled and glittered shoes Dabbous Mall -Farwaniya and The Avenues. Make the trendy to cult classic sneaker designs that wouldn’t fail to that add glamour and sense of magic, are few of the key freshest statement this season for less! impress your game quotient in fashion. Our range of mid styles this season we have for the little girls. Our updated cut casual boots, and modernized formal shoes brings out classic dainty styled shoes in metallic and pastel colored the luxe-look in sporty to a smart casual dressing that you ballerinas and “mary jane”, in high shine and lace materials lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

Fashion

British actor Henry Cavill, cast as Superman, pose for photos during the red carpet British actor Henry Cavill cast as Superman, Israeli actress Gal Gadot cast as Wonder Woman, Amy Adams attends the premiere of “Batman v Superman: event promoting ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ at the Auditorio Nacional in and American actor Ben Affleck cast as Batman, pose for photos during a press conference to Dawn of Justice”. Mexico City. — AP photos promote their movie, ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. Ben Affleck says he’s serious about playing Batman en Affleck hopes Batman fans who were skeptical of him hero, you got to look in the body like a superhero. I knew the wanted to do my best. I think we did something different, but decide for themselves. (I) got to see it, and I was blown away,” playing the caped crusader in “Batman v Superman: camera was going to be looking at me and the guillotine was something that is still very much Batman,” Affleck said. Adams said. “They both bring something we’ve never seen BDawn of Justice” realize how seriously he took the role. there so I knew I had to be ready.” Co-star Jesse Eisenberg shared a similar experience when before in these characters, but something that really pays “The most difficult thing about making this movie, honestly, When Warner Bros. made the announcement nearly three he was cast as Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. Eisenberg, homage to the canon, so I think they are going to be really was the physical aspect,” Affleck told The Associated Press on years ago that Affleck would play Batman, some fans weren’t famous for his role as Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” happy.” “I think people are going to like it,” Affleck said. “All you Sunday on the red carpet for the film’s New York premiere at thrilled, and the backlash led to petitions asking the studio to empathized with his critics. “I can assure them as critical as they can do is do your best.” — AP Radio City Music Hall. Affleck said he wanted to be in shape, so remove him. Eventually, it blew over, and the two-time Oscar are of me, I’m more critical. No one is more concerned or criti- he worked out hard. winner feels proud to be part of the Batman legacy. “I’m really cal or worried about doing a good job than I am,” Eisenberg “Having to be in the gym every day, six in the morning ... I honored to be part of a tradition that Christian Bale and said. wasn’t used to that kind of workout regimen,” Affleck said. Christopher Nolan, great talents, worked on. Michael Keaton, Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane in the film, praised both “Fans have come to expect that if you’re going to play a super- Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Tim Burton, great talents. So I just Eisenberg and Affleck. “I think the audience is going to have to

Tao Okamoto attends the premiere of “Batman v Will Smith Nina Agdal Erin Richards Superman: Dawn of Justice”.

Australia’s SBS Gap presents spring 2016 collection weighs Asian ap, the classic American clothing Kick, Flare, Ankle, and Skinny. New denim brand, kicks off spring with a collec- fabrications offer everyday wear-ability, Gtion rooted in an array of foundational shape, and comfort in authentic, stretch fab- version of Eurovision pieces for the modern wardrobe, showcasing ric. The Girlfriend Chino is just the right bit of everyday style essentials of denim, khaki, and laid-back with a polished boyfriend fit, avail- knits, both favorite and new. Introducing sky able in a range of one-of-a-kind colors. song contest blue washes, Gap’s new blues signal the Garment-dyed vintage wash and cotton- sia-Pacific nations could soon have the chance return of the great American jean in all your modal modern tees are the perfect layering to compete in their own version of the favorite fits. pieces in short and long sleeve tank, crew, Eurovision Song Contest, pitting K-pop and In a range of Authentic Blues, Gap’s 1969 and v-neck options. Styled back to sailor A denim takes shape with new silhouettes, col- stripe tops, utility jackets, and the Best Bollywood talent against stars from China and Japan. ors, and washes from light to dark and skinny Girlfriend and Summer Short Shorts add vari- Australian broadcaster SBS said in a statement yes- to wide. Key fits for women include the Crop ety in length with a cool vintage look. terday it had secured an exclusive option to bring The men’s collection offers t-shirts from the concept to the region, with an inaugural event in casual to dressy. In a premium cotton yarn, Australia possible as early as 2017. If finalized, the new fit and feel is available in a range of Eurovision Asia would bring together songwriters defining neutrals cut with shades of on-trend and performers from 20 countries and would be colors. With vintage wash tees and standard hosted in other competitor nations following its fit shirts paring back to the iconic 1969 den- Australian debut. SBS Eurovision production partners im, key fits include Skinny, Slim, and Straight, Blink TV, who would help develop Eurovision Asia for authentic, and stretch fabrications. Gap’s broadcast, said the show could reach an Asian audi- standard washed khaki is the new go-every- ence of more than a billion. where pant, washed for softness and charac- The existing competition is watched every year by ter. Woven and sweat shorts also style back around 200 million. “Asia has an astonishing set of to comfortable pique polos and denim jack- musical and visual cultures, and it will make for bril- ets. Gap also introduces sun wash sweats, liant television,” said Blink TV director Paul Clark. soft, relaxed styles to mix into your every-day “Imagine-the musical virtuosity of Bollywood, the for women and men. cutting edge of K-pop, and the excitement of GapKids has active-inspired trends in new Chinese and Japanese artists-now the biggest music knit bottoms with pull-on leggings for girls consumers in the world... it’s a thrilling idea.” Last and authentic athletic bottoms and shorts for November Australia said it would compete at this boys. Denim washes and silhouettes range from rip & repair to embroidery detailing. year’s Eurovision Song Contest for the second time, Head-to-toe outfitting completes the season following its wildcard entry last year. Eurovision, now with woven and knit, dressy and casual in its 61st year, features acts ranging from the bril- options for girls and chino and twill shorts, liant to the bizarre and pulls in a TV audience from woven tops, and denim jacket layering for around the world, including in Australia where it has boys. Shorts are also offered for every boy long enjoyed a cult following. It was shown in China and girl in a wide range of styles and fabrica- for the first time in 2015. — AFP tions. BabyGap captures baby’s first spring day with modern retro dresses, light cardi- gans, and sandals for girls with colorful wind- breakers, crews, and woven joggers for boys. TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 l i f e s t y l e Music & Movies Tyson film’s China distributor in box office fraud he Chinese distributor of martial arts movie Ip “Buying box office figures is an ‘unspoken rule’ of this box office fraud has entered a new era where profits roll Man 3 — starring former world heavyweight box- industry,” media commentator Xu Yuan told AFP. One in not from the movie theatres themselves, but also Ting champion Mike Tyson-has had its license sus- common tactic is for distributors to collude with cine- from the stock market, film critic Raymond Zhou said. pended for making up thousands of screenings in a mas by buying up empty seats in exchange for guaran- “Before, you bought box office figures for the word of huge box office fraud, regulators said. The movie, also tees that theatres will screen their product. “You used to mouth publicity, in order to make the public mistakenly starring Donnie Yen, is the third installment in a series of invite the cinema managers out for dinner and drinks, think the movie was really popular so that everyone Hong Kong films about the life of famed Wing Chun but now it’s become much more direct. Buying the tick- would go see it,” he told AFP. master Yip Man, teacher of Bruce Lee and other martial ets yourself is a way of ingratiating yourself with the cin- “The case of fraud with Ip Man 3 was different-the arts legends. Chinese film distributors and cinemas emas,” Xu explained. The distributor of “Monster Hunt”, goal perhaps wasn’t even to make money from ticket often try to inflate box office figures in order to create touted as the highest grossing Chinese film of all time, sales, but from share prices. They simply didn’t care blockbuster buzz for new releases and attract moviego- admitted in August to falsifying its box office figures by whether there’s really an audience watching the movie ers. There may also be financial incentives for such activ- handing out large numbers of free tickets in 17 cities at all.” A Hong Kong-listed company, Shifang Holding, ities. and scheduling extra screenings in the middle of the shares its chief executive with Beijing Max Screen and is Chinese film industry figures said Ip Man 3 raked in night, among other tricks. SAPPRFT had investigated “Ip entitled to 55 percent of the film’s net mainland box more than 500 million yuan ($77 million) in its first four Man 3” because the case was simply “too odious” to office. It shares soared to a five-year high of HK$3.60 on days on mainland screens-more than Star Wars: The ignore, Xu said, adding: “There had never before been the day of Ip Man 3’s China premiere. They have since Force Awakens over the equivalent period. But the film’s such a high-profile and large-scale incident of box office plummeted after news of the official investigation distributor Beijing Max Screen bought 56 million yuan- fraud.” But he expected the punishment would do little emerged. Beijing Max Screen declined to comment to worth of the tickets itself, and fabricated more than to change the long-established practice. AFP. Shifang Holding previously said in a statement to 7,600 screenings that it claimed generated another 32 the Hong Kong stock exchange that it was “closely mon- million yuan, the media regulator’s official newspaper ‘Quality movie’ itoring” developments. “The Board clarifies that the said. The State Administration of Press, Publication, Ip Man 3’s falsified figures “caused a serious distur- Movie is a quality movie which is recording excellent File photo shows retired professional boxer Mike Tyson (left) of the US joking Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) ordered the firm to bance in the film market, generated a definite level of box office results in both Hong Kong and abroad,” it around with Hong Kong-US actor Donnie Yen (right) as they arrive on the red car- suspend its distribution activities for a month while it harm to the environment of fair competition, and added. — AFP pet for the opening ceremony of Shanghai International Film Festival in “rectified all malpractices”, the China Film Newspaper adversely impacted the credibility of the film industry as Shanghai. — AP reported Friday. a whole,” the China Film Newspaper said. But Chinese

TV Review ‘The Passion’

ox deserved considerable credit for invigorating the Charitably, one could call this a noble experiment. The live-musical form that NBC has championed with its performances were fine, if seldom especially stirring. With Fproduction of “Grease Live,” but the network hit the a few exceptions, there was a logic to most of the songs, skids with “The Passion,” a project that seemed to pander although it will take a more informed biblical scholar on multiple levels. Beyond catering to Christians who than this one to find the connection between Jesus and often lament a lack of fare aimed at them on mainstream the theme from “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.” TV - albeit in the most Sunday-school-lite of ways - the Related ‘The Passion’: Breaking Down Fox’s Live Music rock songs and contemporary setting sought to package Event Other flourishes, however, were simply head- scripture for the “American Idol” crowd. Throw in the pro- scratching, perhaps foremost among them the decision cession involving an illuminated 20-foot cross, and curs- to have entertainment reporter Nischelle Turner conduct ing the darkness felt preferable to watching for a full two man-on-the-street interviews with those accompanying hours. the procession, as if there isn’t enough heft to the For starters, “The Passion” was only partly live, with Greatest Story Ever Told to flesh out a couple of hours portions of the narrative involving Jesus (Jencarlos sans commercials. Canela) and his disciples taped in advance. What For all the people on hand who were having an emo- Actress Daisy Ridley signs autographs upon arrival at the Empire Film Awards in London, Actress Maisie Williams poses for photog- remained thus played more like a live concert - and inci- tional experience, there were also some awkward unin- Sunday. — AP photos raphers upon arrival at the ‘Empire Film dentally, an ode to the resilience of New Orleans - than a tended moments, like a woman cheerfully waving as the Awards’. coherent telling of Jesus’ story. The producers sought to camera panned the audience while Perry somberly address those shortcomings - indeed, clearly anticipated explained the horrors of crucifixion. The irony is that them - through Tyler Perry’s ongoing narration, which Jesus’ story has been wedded to contemporary music ‘Revenant,’ ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Mad Max’ beyond filling in gaps gave the impression that he was before, not the least being Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd auditioning to run his own mega-church. But while Perry Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” —Reuters gave the assignment his all, what emerged was at times oddly sterile, such as the images of people in the live audience staring up at screens, watching Canela and oth- among winners at Empire Awards ers belt out pop tunes.

he Revenant” won best film at “Jason Bourne,” presented the award to him ly named this year’s Empire Legend by edi- the Empire Awards in London on stage. Alicia Vikander was crowned best tor-in-chief of Empire Terri White and news “TSunday, but it was “Star Wars: actress for “The Danish Girl.” editor Chris Hewitt, who commented on The Force Awakens” that ruled overall, tak- “Spectre” won best British film and best stage: “This is a heartfelt tribute from the ing five prizes, including director for JJ thriller, with the awards collected by direc- Empire staff to an actor who touched us all Abrams, visual effects, sci-fi/fantasy, and tor Sam Mendes. Three honorary awards with his extraordinary career.” “Inside Out” male and female newcomer for stars John were bestowed by Empire: British actor- won for animation, “Amy” for documentary, Boyega and Daisy Ridley, who were both director Paddy Considine was presented and “The Big Short” for screenplay. Best present to accept their trophies. “Mad Max: with the Empire Inspiration award by long- horror went to “The Hallow” and best com- Fury Road” was close behind with four time collaborator and friend Shane edy was awarded to “Spy.” The award for TV awards, including soundtrack, costume Meadows, and actor Stanley Tucci was series, presented this year for the first time, design, make-up and hairstyling, and pro- named Empire Hero. Miranda Richardson, went to “This Is England ‘90.” Series director duction design. Among the stars honored currently filming “Churchill” with Tucci, pre- and co-writer Shane Meadows collected at the ceremony included Matt Damon, sented him with the award in recognition the award, alongside cast members who was in attendance to receive the actor of his recent performances in high-profile Thomas Turgoose, Jo Hartley and Chanel award for his performance in “The Martian.” films including the “Hunger Games” series Cresswell. — Reuters Director Paul Greengrass, who has recently and “Spotlight.” reunited with Damon on the upcoming The late Alan Rickman was posthumous- ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2’

aking a sequel to one of the biggest sleeper hits of all time is a tall order, and scribe-star MNia Vardalos let 14 years pass before revisit- Film review ing her breakout success with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.” Whether or not audiences feel like it was worth the wait will depend heavily on how much they’re up for a family reunion: Literally the entire major cast returns in this simultaneously overstuffed and undernourished follow-up. Every bit as sitcom-ish and saccharine as its prede- cessor, but considerably less distinctive, “Wedding” redux will unquestionably fall short of the original’s massive $241 million domestic gross. But the curiosity of a presumably still-loyal fan base should at least allow for a respectable honeymoon period opposite “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” before this In this Sept 1, 2008 file photo, British director Guy Ritchie, left, and his wife Madonna Universal release settles into its natural habitat as arrive for the world premiere of his film ‘Rock n Rolla’ in London. — AP cable-TV filler. Critics didn’t exactly flip for Vardalos’ feature length ethnic joke-cum-romantic comedy fication for that: It turns out the marriage license of her try archives to prove he’s a direct descendant of Judge urges Madonna when it first opened, and no one predicted that it parents, Gus and Maria (Lainie Kazan), was never Alexander the Great, there’s no fresh twist to the would garner phenomenal word-of-mouth BO suc- signed by a priest before they left Greece for the US, shtick. cess or multiple award nominations (including an meaning they’re not legally married (or something). Assuming the directing reins from Joel Zwick (who Oscar nom for Vardalos’ original screenplay and a SAG Gus immediately wants to rectify the problem, but made two more features after “Wedding” and then to resolve son spat ensemble nom for the cast). So all the critical carping Maria seizes the unexpected opportunity to re-evalu- returned to his sitcom roots), helmer Kirk Jones gives in the world may not matter a damn where this fol- ate wedded life and consider her options. the film a pedestrian polish that falls more in line with judge at England’s High Court yester- to be taken up by this dispute. low-up is concerned, either. Still, it’s just about impos- The threat of Maria abandoning her marriage after his recent underwhelming output (“Everybody’s Fine,” day pleaded with US pop megastar “Far better for each of his parents to spend sible to imagine lightning striking twice-especially 50 years is never very real (especially when, like every- “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”) than his AMadonna and her British film director that time enjoying, in turn, the company of since Vardalos seems to have used up all her best one in the family, she’s unforgiving in her belief that all breakout crowdpleaser “Waking Ned Devine.” And the ex-husband to resolve a legal dispute over the mature, articulate and reflective young Greek-specific gags the first time around. singletons should settle down), but it’s what passes for tech contributions, some of which come from return- their son Rocco amicably. Alistair MacDonald man who is their son and who is a very great drama in Vardalos’ cluttered screenplay. Even when ing artisans like production designer Gregory Keen, said it would be a “very great tragedy” if any credit to them both.” MacDonald said Marriage license Paris takes it upon herself to ask the boy (Alex Wolff) are nothing special. Both Vardalos and Jones know more of the 15-year-old’s childhood was lost Madonna accepted that the New York court Family remains the driving force of the story: Toula she’s crushing on to go the the prom, one family that the magic, such as it is, comes from the cast, and if in the spat between Madonna and Guy Ritchie had “jurisdiction”. He gave her permission to (Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) are dealing with member comes out of the closet and Gus’ long-lost auds prove willing to give the limp dramatics and wan over where he should live. Judges have heard withdraw the London case. “The existence of their perpetually angry 17-year-old daughter, Paris brother (a solid yet underutilized Mark Margolis) comedy a pass, it’ll be solely because they enjoy that Rocco had remained in London with his parallel proceedings in two jurisdictions, (Elena Kampouris), who feels like her parents are every arrives for the wedding, Vardalos seems pathologically spending time with the characters. father after a visit in early December. before two judges with two sets of lawyers is bit as overbearing and embarrassing as Toula always afraid of introducing conflict-as if the mere suggestion Now a clingy mom and burned-out wife back Madonna wants the teenager to return to live introducing unnecessary and unhelpful com- found her own mom and dad. Cue Toula’s proud Greek that things might not work out would be too much for working in a family’s restaurant, Toula is a less sympa- with her in the State of New York. plexity and hindering attempts at settlement, immigrant father, Gus (Michael Constantine), cough- her core audience to handle. thetic figure than she was before, and Vardalos feels a MacDonald made his plea for peace after as well as incurring considerable expense,” the ing “payback” under his breath at the family restau- bit rusty when it comes to physical and verbal humor. ruling that the proceedings in the English judge said. Madonna and Ritchie split in 2008 rant. Paris hopes to go to college as far away from the Direct descendant Corbett, charming enough the first time out, is basical- courts could be halted. Litigation is also under after eight years of marriage. family’s home in Chicago as she can get (although More problematic is that the well seems to have ly window dressing here, while supporting players way in New York. “At the root of these pro- MacDonald said they had agreed that she’s also considering Northwestern), and Toula’s real- run dry when it comes to Vardalos’ examination of Joey Fatone, Gia Carides and Louis Mandylor all hit the ceedings... is a temporary breakdown in trust,” Rocco would live in the United States with ization that she may soon lose her baby girl isn’t sitting Greek-American culture, however shallow it was to same notes. Andrea Martin remains the most signifi- the judge said. “I renew, one final time, my Madonna but spend time with Ritchie, an too well, even if it means an opportunity to rekindle begin with. She wasn’t winning highbrow respect for cant scene stealer as feisty Aunt Voula, but even with a plea for the parents to seek, and to find, an agreement approved by a family court judge. the romantic spark with Ian that’s been all but snuffed her indulgence in romantic-comedy cliches and bit more screen time it’s emblematic of the pic as a amicable resolution to the dispute between “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” direc- out by the passage of time. stereotypical first-generation immigrant family behav- whole that she doesn’t get anything as quotable as them. Because agreement is not possible tor Ritchie had attended some of the London If the first film’s arc was essentially “Toula learns to ior the first time around, but there was a specificity to “What do you mean he don’t eat no meat? That’s OK. I today does not mean that agreement will not court hearings, though Madonna had been on stop feeling smothered and love her family again,” the the reference points that added a modicum of flavor. make lamb.” — Reuters be possible tomorrow. “The boy very quickly tour in Australia and New Zealand. — AFP second film’s arc is essentially “Toula learns to stop This time it’s Gus who does most of the heavy lifting- becomes the man. It would be a very great smothering and love her family again.” But the title still toting around his beloved Windex and claiming tragedy for Rocco if any more of the precious mandates that there’s still some kind of wedding in every word, invention and person has Greek roots-but and fast receding days of his childhood were the works, and Vardalos concocts awhopper of a justi- aside from an obsession with using Web-based ances- Tyson film’s China distributor in box office fraud

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016 39

Musicians and other entertainers have found it hard to make a name and living for themselves in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip as they struggle to find venues and instruments, let alone get permission to play. — AFP photos Gaza rockers and rappers struggle to carve out a space hamiss Abu Shaban’s band would love to wow the suffer” in Gaza, says Karim Azzam, 18. Gazans are for the shadow. In the Gaza Strip, battered by three wars with kinds of crowds seen elsewhere, but in Hamas-run most part physically confined to their sliver of Israel since 2008, electricity flows for just eight hours KGaza they struggle to find venues and instru- Palestinian territory. An Israeli blockade imposed in each day. There is no lighting and music played from a ments, let alone get permission to play. Even so, that 2006 severely restricts the movement of people and laptop computer will last only as long as the battery hasn’t dispelled the enthusiasm for popular music in the goods. Egypt has largely kept its border with Gaza holds out. The authorities are constantly asking us for Palestinian territory, where 70 percent of the population closed since 2013 and has destroyed Palestinian tunnels official authorizations,” says Mohamed Al-Lumani, a 35- is under 30 years old. “Gazans are fans of music. They under the frontier used for smuggling. year-old IT engineer and guitarist with Watar Band. flock to every concert,” Abu Shaban, a 22-year-old bass Saradi and Azzam have given up hope of taking part “We know that we have to struggle for every concert player in Watar Band, says on the small stage of a sold- in international competitions and even Palestinian we play. It’s a tiring struggle but the audience’s joy is our out 200-seat theatre. It was only their third performance for the past year and a half. Musicians and other entertainers have found it hard to make a name and living for themselves in the hardscrabble Palestinian territory’s few venues. That is the paradox of Gaza, a fact not lost on advertisers who seek to woo young breakdancers and devotees of park- our-the urban sport combining running, acrobatics and gymnastics. But the rewards are few for the rappers, oth- er musicians, dancers and acrobats trying to carve out a niche for themselves. If they want to rehearse, record or be filmed, they must do it in whatever space they can find, often in their own homes. Without official authorization and performance space, they cannot have grandiose dreams, they say. There is also a lack of instruments and equipment, thanks to an Israeli blockade of the strip in place for nearly a decade. The French Cultural Centre was one of the few places where young Gazans could get away briefly from Palestinian political divisions, repeated wars with Israel, poverty and chronic unemployment, but it has closed its doors. In December 2014, it was hit by a bombing claimed by Salafist jihadists. Gaza is a narrow strip of land into which 1.8 million Palestinians are jammed, wedged between Egypt, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. Starved of permanent performance spaces, dancers and musicians are using the Internet to display their talents. national events are beyond reach as Israel rarely allows reward.” Bass player Abu Shaban says “artists in Gaza are Singing and dancing through war passage to Jerusalem or the occupied West Bank. Young in the worst possible position: prevented from move- Even at the height of the grueling war of summer artists also face obstacles placed by their own conserva- ment by the blockade and with concerts so rare that 2014, Watar Band and rapper Ayman Mghamess posted tive society, ruled for the past 10 years by Hamas. “We they are forced to do something else in order to eat.” songs and videos shot in the ruins of bombed-out build- wanted to open our own Centre in Gaza City but three Rapper Mghamess believes the authorities are afraid of ings because they believed people needed to hear times the authorities refused to give us a permit,” says the crowds of young people attracted to performances. music. “In Gaza, it’s life or death, it’s the same,” chants Abderrahim Zrii, 22, who runs the makeshift training “Whenever a rap performance is scheduled they cancel Mghamess, a Gaza rap pioneer. “They can put up more facilities of break-dancing crew B-Boy Funk. “They said, it,” he says. “They accuse us of performing music import- checkpoints and barriers/I shall not weary, believe ‘You’re dancers? Then this Centre is not art, it’s a night- ed from the West and of wearing indecent dress,” he me/our dreams will survive/even if I myself die,” he club.’” adds, still amused at the reception given to his low-slung intones in a clip viewed tens of thousands of times cargo pants. In Gaza, he says, “nobody respects your online. Dropped from the program freedom to think.”— AFP It was online that Mahmud Saradi, 21, dressed in The crew made do with the house of the father of sportswear and a green and blue baseball cap, was initi- three members who all fled Gaza for the United States ated into breakdance moves. The dance style that spread and Europe. On a cloudy afternoon in the Nuseirat among African-American youths in the 1970s and ‘80s is refugee camp, the improvised centre in an alleyway — the best way to banish “despair, stress, everything we where dozens of youngsters learn moves-is deep in