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WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 SHABAN 28, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Marzouq: More AI wins as James Bond Curry, Durant output cuts may Google beats star Roger shine as be discussed at No. 1 Go Moore dies Warriors sweep OPEC meeting5 player27 aged37 89 into20 NBA finals Police name suspect after 22 Min 28º killed in Manchester attack Max 42º High Tide 10:16 & 23:23 Low Tide Kuwait condemns bombing, Amir sends condolences 04:20 & 17:08 40 PAGES NO: 17237 150 FILS

MANCHESTER: Police yesterday named a young its social media channels: “One of the caliphate’s Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah man - reportedly British-born of Libyan descent - soldiers placed bombs among the crowds.” and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- as the suspect behind a suicide bombing that HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. ripped into young fans at a concert in Al-Sabah yesterday sent two cables of condo- Kuwait is vehemently opposed to all forms of Manchester, killing 22 including an eight-year- lences to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and May on violence and supports all measures Britain takes old girl. Manchester police identified the suspect the victims of the Manchester explosion. In the to uphold its security and stability, an official as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, but declined to cables, the Amir reiterated Kuwait’s position source at Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry noted. The give any further details. British media said he was source also extended deepest condolences born in the northwestern English city and that over the loss of life, wishing a speedy recovery his Libyan parents had fled the regime of dicta- SEE PAGES 7, 10, 14 & 39 for the wounded. tor Muammar Gaddafi. Manchester police chief constable Ian Prime Minister Theresa May vowed “terrorists based on rejecting such terrorist acts that target Hopkins told reporters: “The priority remains to will not prevail”, after the Islamic State group innocents, while voicing support to all measures establish whether he was acting alone or as part claimed responsibility for the attack at the con- the UK is taking to uphold its security and stabili- of a network.” Witnesses described the horror clusion of US pop star Ariana Grande’s concert ty. The Amir also offered sincere condolences to when the suicide bomber blew himself up and late Monday at the Manchester Arena, one of the families of the victims and wished swift anguished parents appealed for information on Europe’s largest indoor venues. Threatening recovery for the wounded. their loved ones, as Mancunians opened their KUWAIT: Zain Group’s Vice Chairman and CEO Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi receives more attacks, IS said in a statement published on Similar cables were sent by HH the Crown Continued on Page 13 a memento from Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah during a ceremony organized by Forbes Middle East on Monday night. Forbes: Zain among top influential firms Bader Al-Kharafi featured personality KUWAIT: Forbes Middle East, a leading recognition of Zain Group as one of the regional business magazine, has select- top influencing companies listed in the ed Zain Group’s Vice Chairman and Kuwait Stock Exchange. Chief Executive Officer Bader Nasser Al- Bader Al-Kharafi is one of the most Kharafi as the featured personality on active business leaders in the Middle the cover of its special issue to cele- East and North Africa region, having an brate Kuwait’s Success 2017 entitled “A exceptional record in leading business New Vision”. The new issue features development and advisory roles within and celebrates Kharafi - the scion of top companies as well as global institu- one of Kuwait’s powerful families - for tions. Forbes describes Kharafi as one playing a key role in the charge in fur- of the main supporters of youth and ther expanding the country’s influence aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as a across the globe. strong supporter and advocate of Forbes’ celebration of Kuwait’s suc- investing in education and the devel- cesses came for the second consecu- opment of curricula. Speaking about tive year, in a gala ceremony held in the first and most important teacher in Kuwait on Monday night under the his life, Bader Al-Kharafi said during his patronage and presence of Sheikh Forbes ME interview: “I had the best Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al- teacher, my late father, peace be upon Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet his soul. If I could reach only 10 percent Affairs and Deputy Minister of of the successes he reached, I would be Crowds gather for a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester yesterday, a day after a suicide attack at a concert that left 22 people dead. (Inset) Information. The event also saw the very glad”. (Full report on Page 21) British Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media outside 10 Downing Street in London yesterday. — AP photos Trump pushes for Mideast peace

JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump the focus of international efforts and US called on Israelis and Palestinians to Middle East diplomacy. make compromises for peace yesterday The parts of the speech offering a News as he wrapped up a closely watched visit, robust defense of Israel drew loud in brief but offered no specifics on how to applause, which seemed to energize resolve the conflict. In a speech before Trump on the second leg of his first for- he flew to Rome for a high-profile meet- eign trip since taking office. After men- RAK officials sentenced ing with Pope Francis, Trump offered a tioning threats to Israel from Hezbollah, over embezzlement case forceful defense of the Jewish state and Hamas and Iran, he said, “not with DUBAI: Two former senior officials of the Ras Al-Khaimah pledged to protect the country from Iran. Donald J Trump,” drawing enthusiastic Investment Authority (RAKIA) in the United Arab But he also vowed he was “personally applause. “I like you too,” Trump said Emirates (UAE) have been sentenced in absentia to 15 committed” to helping Israel reach a deal when the audience quietened. years in prison for embezzlement, according to court with the Palestinians, while backtracking Trump’s speech, welcomed by Israeli documents released yesterday. Khater Massaad and Gela from previous claims that could be easier right-wingers, came after he met Mikadze were sentenced on April 26 by a court in Ras Al- GENEVA: Outgoing Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), than thought to achieve. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas Khaimah (RAK) for defrauding RAKIA of $17.2 million in China’s Margaret Chan, leads the new WHO Director General, Ethiopia’s “Making peace however will not be in Bethlehem in the occupied West 2011. A third man, George Janashia, was also sentenced Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to the podium after his election during the easy,” Trump told an audience at the Israel Bank earlier in the day. On Monday, he to 15 years in prison in absentia. Mikadze and Janashia World Health Assembly (WHA) yesterday. — AFP Museum. “Both sides will face tough deci- met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin were ordered to repay $12.8 million and $4.4 million sions. But with determination, compro- Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Trump also respectively. The three defendants were also fined $17.2 Ethiopia’s Tedros elected mise and the belief that peace is possible, laid a wreath and spoke at a ceremony million, according to the documents which were Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal.” at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial released by the RAK government. A spokesman for Massaad’s legal team said Massaad strongly denied the He offered no detail and did not specifi- in Jerusalem yesterday. first African WHO chief “trumped up charges”, which relate to the 2011 sale of cally mention the two-state solution, long Continued on Page 13 Georgia’s Poti Sea Port and are part of a wider corruption GENEVA: Ethiopia’s Tedros Adhanom healthcare, especially to the world’s most case against Massaad, a former chief executive of RAKIA. was elected as the new head of the pow- impoverished, as his top priority. Tedros erful World Health Organization yester- said he refused “to accept that people day, vowing to shake up an agency seen should die because they are poor”. Egyptian first amputee to as needing major reform. The former The WHO is perhaps the most influen- swim across Red Sea Gulf Ethiopian health minister beat out tial United Nations agency, charged with CAIRO: An Egyptian adventurer has become the Britain’s David Nabarro and Sania Nishtar emergency response and shaping base- first amputee to swim from Egypt to Jordan, cross- of Pakistan in the race to lead the UN’s line policies for treatment of major ing a 20-km stretch of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba public health body. The result was con- health challenges. The agency was last month in under nine hours. Omar Hegazy, a firmed in a statement by the WHO after broadly accused of failing the major test 26-year-old banker, lost his left leg two years ago three rounds of voting yesterday. that followed the Dec 2013 Ebola out- in a motorcycle accident he said left him with an Tedros, a 52-year-old malaria special- break, missing key warnings about the identity crisis. But Hegazy regained his strength ist, will take over on July 1, succeeding severity of an epidemic that ultimately through training and was able to take up sports he Margaret Chan, a Hong Kong native killed more than 11,000 people. had enjoyed before his accident, including rock- whose decade-long tenure was marred Health officials, including from climbing and snorkelling. “I used to lead a very by the agency’s fiercely criticized Washington, a key WHO donor, said the active lifestyle... I didn’t know what I was anymore response to the Ebola epidemic in west agency’s new leadership needed to get or how I was going to live,” he said. “I like exploring, Africa. In his final pitch to member-states emergency response right. “We know adventuring and doing things for the first time.” before ballots were cast, Tedros vowed to that the next health emergency is not a Hegazy raised funds for the swim through local staff the WHO with “a world-class work- question of ‘if’ but ‘when’”, US health sec- sponsors and audiences tracked his progress force” while introducing strict accounta- retary Tom Price said in Geneva earlier across the coral-rich gulf through a Twitter hashtag bility measures, which critics say have yesterday. “When it happens the world BETHLEHEM: US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Palestinian leader he created to raise awareness about people endur- been sorely lacking at the Geneva-based will turn to the WHO for guidance and for Mahmoud Abbas during a meeting at the presidential palace in this West Bank city ing mental and physical disabilities. agency. He listed delivering universal Continued on Page 13 yesterday.— AFP LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Jordan’s King Hussein His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Head of the Anti-Corruption Cancer Foundation’s chairperson Princess Ghaida Talal. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Authority Adviser Abdurrahman Al-Nimash. Amir meets chair of King Hussein Cancer Foundation

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Bayan Palace Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Foundation’s chairperson Princess Ghaida Talal on the occasion of her visit to the country. Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir received Head of the Anti-Corruption Authority Adviser Abdurrahman Al-Nimash. Separately, His Highness the Amir received His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah; who also met with His Highness the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah later yesterday. His Highness the KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem meets with former Executive Crown Prince also received vice Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) chairman of the ruling family Dr Rima Khalaf. — KUNA council Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al- Duaij Al-Sabah. In other news, Minister of Speaker meets with Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met with Princess Ghida, who offered former UN official him an explanation over humani- tarian endeavors the charity has KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker the circumstances that led to Khalaf’s resig- undertaken. Elsewhere, Sheikh Marzouq Al-Ghanem received yesterday nation, when she refused to withdraw an Nasser Al-Sabah also met with former Executive Secretary of the United ESCWA report accusing Israel of establish- the Chinese Ambassador to Nations Economic and Social Commission ing an apartheid regime. Ghanem under- Kuwait, where talks centered on for Western Asia (ESCWA) Dr Rima Khalaf. scored the need to ramp up diplomatic the outcome of the Belt and Road The meeting tackled the humanitarian situ- pressure on Israel to adhere to UN conven- Forum, which Beijing hosted on ation in the Palestinian territories, as well as tions. —KUNA May 14-15. — KUNA His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with vice chairman of the ruling family council Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah.

Mazaya Supports Injaz-Kuwait’s High School and University Students’ Training Program

KUWAIT: As part of its Corporate experts and simultaneously, allowing the coming year.” Social Responsibility Strategy, Al- volunteers to provide schools and Meanwhile, Engineer Ibrahim Al- Mazaya Holding has reached a coop- business owners an overall view of Soqabi the Group CEO of Al-Mazaya eration agreement with Injaz-Kuwait the labor market in Kuwait. Therefore, Holding Company said that we believe to provide training to 1000 high it creates a collaborative environment in youth development and we will be school and university students. The between educational institutions and supporting such programs through- training, which falls within the com- business owners.” out the coming years, and we will pany’s support for Kuwaiti youth, will She added that Al-Mazaya’s volun- make sure to encourage the students be delivered through volunteering teering initiative has already borne by volunteering our time, money and specialists at Al-Mazaya Holding and fruit, noting that the company’s par- efforts to support all their innovative covers government and private ticipation in Injaz’s annual competi- ideas while we can also invest in them schools in the country. The training tion was a stepping stone in assessing for future results. During the ceremo- Program will improve the decision- the students’ overall performance. ny, Nibari presented the nonprofit making and entrepreneurship skills of “The experience was really positive organization and shared the compa- students as primary tools for them to and Al-Mazaya Holding is keen to ny`s vision and mission expressing her overcome future challenges. Al- maintain its support of this illustrious sincere appreciation to companies Mazaya Holding takes pride in provid- competition in the future.” who supported her program such as ing this flagship Program which ulti- Al-Mazaya Holding hosted a special Al-Mazaya. mately contributes to creating a quali- recognition ceremony at the end of The winning projects were fied generation that will prove an the competition Programin the pres- reviewed during the ceremony and Al- asset to the future of our beloved ence of Board Chairman Rashid Al- Mazaya’s representatives presented homeland, Kuwait. Nafisi and Group CEO Ibrahim Al the company’s shields to the CEO of Al-Mazaya Holding also participat- Saq’abi as well as the company’s sen- Injaz. The winners were rewarded with ed as a jury member represented by ior executives. Injaz CEO Rana A Al- financial prizes, with the team named Engineer Salwa Malhas Chief Business Nibari, and the rest of the company’s “Youth Creation” and “Asas” getting Development and Marketing Officer executive team as well as the competi- the Best Student Company Award and in Al-Mazaya Holding Company in tion winners also attended Al- the best social impact respectively Injaz’s Annual Student Competition Mazaya’s recognition ceremony. 2017 under the University Category, who was impressed by the students’ During the ceremony, an inaugural while “Agrivage” was the best team ability to manage profitable projects speech was delivered by Al-Mazaya under the High School Category. The in the competition’s various stages. Chairman Rashid Al Nafisi, who con- two teams will represent Kuwait in The competition hopes to boost the gratulated the competition’s winners, the Annual Regional Student self-confidence of students in order noting that the participating students Competition. Other winning teams for them to launch successful projects demonstrated what they can achieve were awarded cash prizes for their after they graduate. when they are provided with the right innovative achievements such like “D- Commenting on the agreement, tools, a supportive environment and stress” and “Drawil”. Al-Mazaya Engineer Salwa Malhas said, the strong guidance. “We are very proud Holding reaffirms its commitment to training Program is a “double-sided of the innovative ideas brought up by continuing to invest in youth-oriented golden coin, providing multiple our students as well as their enthusi- educational Programs that enhance advantages for students to gain pro- asm, skills and talents. We are looking the leadership and decision-making fessional knowledge from qualified forward to seeing more innovations in skills of the next generation. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

In my view Assembly begins debating budgets On the geopolitical amid attack on agriculture authority opportunity of Kuwait MPs vote to grant exceptional pensions to ex-servicemen By Bader Al-Dihani

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S President Donald J Trump, during his official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, began his Ubilateral meeting with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait by stating: “They [Kuwaitis] buy tremendous amounts of military equipment than they invest in the United States. And that is what we like to hear.” President Trump then kept reinforcing on how such purchases build job opportunities in the United States. And with that not only is the United States’ presence in the Middle East changing but so should our approach to understanding how to manage international and regional relations. President Donald J Trump, to quote former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, “is a different kind of president.” And, to be as diplomatic as possible, that is what I too could say for now. But, of course, that should be a wakeup call. Depending on one global power, with changing interests of administrations once KUWAIT MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri speaks during yesterday’s session.— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat KUWAIT: MPs vote during a national assembly session yesterday. every four or eight years, is like relying on oil revenues as the only source of national income; it is too risky. By B Izzak production despite spending over KD 71 MP Saadoun Hammad said that a local rising after the drop in oil prices. The Rather, like our high-valued currency, the Kuwaiti Dinar, million, adding that the authority has bank is given the lion’s share of the social assembly also approved with an over- we should diversify our basket of international KUWAIT: The national assembly began yes- ignored dozens of violations cited by the security deposits and banks should be whelming majority a law to grant some alliances and strengthen relations with global powers. terday debating budgets of state-owned Audit Bureau. MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri attrib- treated equally. He said only one auditor is 2,700 ex-servicemen with exceptional pen- The future of power lays not within the limits of militar- bodies as lawmakers launched a scathing uted the cause of failure and corruption to a monitoring the authority’s investments of sions for the period between 2008 and ily and economically capable entities but power in the attack on officials at the public authority for deliberate government policy of misman- over KD. 29 billion. During the session, MP 2009. The cost was estimated at KD. 65 mil- twenty-first century is rather continually diffusing agricultural affairs and fisheries and the agement and removing reformist employ- Riyadh Al-Adasani submitted a letter call- lion in all. MP Nasser Al-Dossari said that he through newer means. In a period where the instru- Public Institutions for Social Security. ees. MP Omar Al-Tabtabai said the authority ing on concerned government ministries submitted a motion calling for the bedoons ment of oil - unlike that of 1973 - and the Organization The assembly decided to continue is not responding to anyone including the to take all the necessary measures to curb committee to study cases of stateless peo- of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, plays a debating the budgets today and tomorrow prime minister himself and approving its price rises during Ramadan. The lawmaker ple who obtained fake passports of some less important role than decades back, we should rede- as it plans to complete the debate and budget for the current fiscal year is a crime. questioned why the prices of goods were Arab countries. fine our international interests and reexamine our approvals of state budgets during the holy global geopolitical strategies and tools. month of Ramadan. Restructuring our foreign policy instruments and Islamist MP Jamaan Al-Harbash charged Outdoor work ban starts June 1 interests is vital today. Diplomacy is an effective instru- that the agricultural authority was being ment that we have taken advantage of and that we used to buy the loyalty of politicians and By Meshaal Al-Enezi Municipality’s budget should continue to do so. Through its embassies, Kuwait tweeters as has been proved by the budgets Kuwait Municipality Director Ahmad Al-Manfouhi said that cherishes its wide relations with nation-states across all committee. He said that a company which KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Manpower authority issued its the parliamentary budgets committee had officially approved civilized continents. Investments, too, whether through supplies the authority with drugs is also act- annual decision banning laborers from working in the open from the municipality’s budget in full and attributed this to full coop- the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Kuwait Fund for ing as the internal auditor for the authority 11:00 am till 4:00 pm, effective from the beginning of June till eration on municipality officials’ side in responding to the Arab Economic Development or otherwise, will con- which means that the company is monitor- the end of August. Acting director Abdullah Al-Motoutah urged remarks made by the Audit Bureau. Speaking at a meeting with crete our economic and financial interdependencies ing itself. He also claimed that the social employers to observe these timings and conditions in order to the municipality’s supreme planning committee, Manfouhi with different nation-states. Investments create mutual security institution is investing in 13 loss- avoid legal accountability. stressed this cooperation had a great impact on the monthly interests; the latter helps bind - even, at times, incom- making portfolios and that KD 7 billion of its reports made by the Audit Bureau. patible - parties. The core of Kuwait’s soft power funds are deposited at local banks, adding Salwa’s Church He noted that the municipality’s legal affairs department throughout the entire Middle East and North Africa that banks are lending people from these The Municipal Council’s deputy chairman Meshaal Al-Jowaisri recently succeeded in collecting KD 7 million after winning a region (MENA) should be the vibrancy of our civil socie- funds. MP Abdulkarim Al-Kundari charged said a church was established in a recently sold house in Salwa, case concerning a legal dispute. Separately, Chairman of the ty activities. Unlike almost anywhere in MENA, numer- that the agricultural authority is rife with and raised questions about whether it was properly licensed Municipal Council’s environmental affairs committee Osama Al- ous active unions participate in the political decision- corruption and has been used to buy loyalty, through the relevant state authorities. “How can a church be Otaibi said discussing the establishment of a committee to be making processes, citizens not only enjoy political free- adding that the authority has not achieved built in a residential area without prior permissions from relevant responsible for environmental issues and marine buoys under doms but celebrate political rights and execute political even seven percent of its goals. MP Safa Al- authorities?” he exclaimed, noting that many complaints had the municipality supervision was postponed until certain rele- positions, parliamentarian relations exist and the histo- Hashem said the agricultural authority’s only been filed by owners of neighboring houses. vant government bodies are invited to a future meeting. ry of such political flourishing, that dates back to 1921, success was to achieve food security in egg is remembered. Our internationally recognized humani- tarian will has throughout the years incentivized Kuwait to not only fulfill the wants and needs of different pow- erless peoples but also help restore relations between Funerals at disputed regional nation-states. Kuwaiti entertainment is widely followed by the populations of not only the member states of the Gulf night to Cooperation Council (GCC), but rather more important- ly throughout the Arab-speaking world. The entrepre- neurial spirit of some of Kuwait’s highly educated, combat heat English-speaking individuals has helped put Kuwaitis in competing positions on a global- and regional-scale. By A Saleh Just take a look at what and where private Kuwaitis are investing today. Attracting hearts and minds, hence KUWAIT: The funeral services manager at the Municipality utilizing the soft power of Kuwait, has never been more Faisal Al-Awadhi said that in view of the high temperatures straightforward. Balancing between those instruments in summer, burials during Ramadan will be held at 10:00 will further strengthen our geopolitical prestige. am, after Asr prayers and at 10:00 pm. He added that Because the Middle East is one of the world’s fastest- enough shade and illumination facilities have been pre- growing regions, Kuwait should take advantage of its pared for this purpose. foreign policy instruments to lead the building of a new regional order that would manage political and security Flooding instabilities through an adjusted balance-of-power sys- A committee formed to investigate the flooding of tem and “sovereign obligation” - to quote from Richard Mangaf underpass is due to hand over its final report to N Haass’ “World Order 2.0.” That is, the Jean Monnet of Minister of Public Works Abdul Rahman Al-Mutawa today. Kuwait should one day utilize our foreign policy instru- Meanwhile, Ministry of Public Works (MPW) undersecre- ments and thus come into existence. tary Awatif Al-Ghunaim issued a decision on exceptional promotions for 850 employees who met the conditions set for such promotions during the fiscal year 2016-2017. Ghunaim said that a he total of KD 6.5 million would be paid to 8,500 employees in June for their outstanding performance.

Students costs Minister of Education Mohammed Al-Fares said that the ministry is currently preparing a study about the cost of each student’s education, including those in private schools. Fares added that all needed measures and proce- dures were followed to prevent unjustified fee increases in private schools, and some schools have been forced to refund the extra fees. Kuwait Investment KUWAIT: A medical staff member tends to a firefighter who was injured in the accident. Authority denies Firefighters, paramedics $6 billion losses hurt in elevator collapse KUWAIT: Kuwait Investment Authority Monday dis- By Hanan Al-Saadoun missed as “completely untrue” press reports that KIA lost $6 billion throughout 2016, affirming the losses KUWAIT: Three firefighters and two paramedics were injured were much lower than the reported digit. after an elevator they were using fell in Khaitan. The team had The correct digit is the one mentioned during responded to an emergency case located in an eighth floor the National Assembly’s June 22, 2016, session apartment in a building in the area. They took the elevator which was held to discuss the State’s financial sta- down after they finished, but the elevator malfunctioned and tus, during which the government said KIA losses collapsed. They were saved and rushed to Farwaniya Hospital were Kuwaiti Dinars 312 million (some $1.02 bil- for treatment. One firefighter was diagnosed with a dislocated knee, another with a meniscus tear and bruises in both knees, lion), KIA said in a statement. The $1.02 billion, it while the third sustained bruises across his body. Meanwhile, added, represented 0.2 percent of total assets man- a paramedic sustained a broken right leg, while the other suf- aged by KIA, it added. fered a torn meniscus. A case was filed for investigations. KIA said it achieved KD 12.275 million ($40.12 Separately, a fire broke out in a citizen’s house in Jabriya, million) in net profits in fiscal year 2014-15, or 8.49 said security sources, noting that on rushing to the scene, fire- percent of total assets being managed. “It is unpro- men discovered that the fire started in a second-floor room. fessional to judge a performance of one year, dur- The blaze was contained and no casualties were reported. ing which the market was down and is done away from international indicators,” KIA said. Municipality campaign It affirmed that its performance for a period of 20 As part of Kuwait Municipality’s campaigns launched in years was “positive” and outmatched other sovereign preparation for Ramadan, Farwaniya municipality inspectors funds. KIA also underlined decisions taken within the checked various foodstuff stores, warehouses and restaurants authority were governed by a strict mechanism. It that resulted in arresting several roaming vendors, as well as added that KIA rating improved among renowned confiscating and destroying four truckloads of foul vegetables international institutions, as one of the world’s and fruit that had been displayed for sale in the open and largest sovereign funds managers. — KUNA under the direct sun. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 LOCAL

In Brief Kuwait, Mongolia eye Kuwait, Columbia NSA chief meets closer cooperation seek closer legal ties Austrian envoy KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information Sheikh VIENNA: Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Dr Faleh Al- KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwaiti National Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah received Azb met with his Columbian counterpart Enrique Security Apparatus (NSA) Sheikh Thamer Al- a visiting Mongolian delegation at Seif Palace yester- Gil Botero yesterday to examine strategies to Ali Al-Sabah met yesterday with Austrian day. They discussed during the meeting several key deepen cooperation between both nations on Ambassador to Kuwait Sigurd Pacher. During issues pertinent to the promotion and development legal and judicial affairs. Speaking on the side- the meeting, they discussed Kuwaiti-Austrian of Kuwaiti-Mongolian economic and technical rela- lines of a session of the Commission on Crime cooperation, ways of developing bilateral tions. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah pointed to Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Azb relation and issues of mutual interest at both Kuwaiti willingness to bolster cooperative relations said that his rendezvous with the Columbian regional and international levels, the NSA between friendly countries. — KUNA Minister of Justice provided an opportunity to said in a press release. — KUNA exchange legal facts and information. — KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A man fixes a lamp on a wall in Kuwait City decorated in anticipation of Ramadan. The traditional lamp is one of the most popular decoration items associated with the holy month in the Arab World. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Altenburg German Foot Care US Embassy Message Information for US citizens during Clinic opens at Al-Salam Hospital the Islamic holy month of Ramadan By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: The United States embassy in Kuwait infirm, traveling, or pregnant. The strictures sent the following message to US citizens in are observed between dawn and sunset KUWAIT: The Altenburg German Foot Care Clinic Kuwait, which includes guidelines to be fol- (roughly 04:30-18:50). opened yesterday at Al-Salam Hospital, headed lowed during the holy month of Ramadan: With meals taken only at night, sleep is lim- by Dr Andreas Appelt, a German-trained special- The beginning and end of the month of ited. Be extra alert while driving, especially in ist orthopedic surgeon. Previously, Dr Appelt Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic cal- the late afternoon when many people are worked at Welcare Hospital, Mediclinic at Dubai endar, are based on actual sightings of the new returning home to break their fast. Mall and The City Hospital. He has 30 years of moon, likely from about May 27 to June 24. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, but experience in conservative and operative treat- The official start and end of the month will be it is against Kuwaiti law for anyone to eat, ment of orthopedic conditions. announced by newspaper, television and radio. drink, or smoke in public between sunrise and During Ramadan, the US Embassy in sunset. Even children should be instructed “In my field of expertise, it is not just relieving Kuwait will continue to offer routine services not to eat or drink in public, which includes the pain of our patients, but to correct the prob- for US citizens and visa applicants. Services while in a vehicle on, or visible from, the street. lem as much as possible. The first step is to know are by appointment through our website. Eating, drinking or smoking in public are what’s causing the pain - the moment we find the Appointments for US citizen services are avail- grounds for arrest. reason, we try to solve it, not necessarily by imme- able between 11 am and 1 pm Sunday Restaurants, including cafes and fast food diate surgery, but by checking other options that through Wednesday. Visa applicants should shops, will close during the day and reopen will spare them from surgery. Do you know that review our instructions and schedule inter- after sunset. Supermarkets and cooperative most foot problems people experience can be views via our visa website. When visiting the markets will remain open on Ramadan sched- treated without the use of drugs or surgery,” he embassy, please bring two forms of govern- ules unique to each but usually including asked. Appelt said most foot problems only need ment-issued identification with photographs, shorter daytime hours. Retail non-food busi- orthotic solutions, meaning a corrector or foot as you will need to leave one with our security nesses will generally remain open for the support to correct the problem. “Pain in feet is guards while inside our building. entire period on reduced schedules. mostly due to wrong posture in sitting, standing KUWAIT: Dr Andreas Appelt, a German-trained specialist orthopedic surgeon is flanked by Kuwaiti government ministries and institu- Some hotels will keep one dining room or moving around. It creates instability in the doctors at Al-Salam Hospital yesterday as they inaugurate ‘Altenburg German Foot Care tions will follow a reduced schedule, officially open during the day (usually screened from ankle, and affects the entire balance of the body,” Clinic.’ — Photo by Joseph Shagra opening for business at 09:30 and closing at public view) to provide meal and beverage he said. Mostly, flat-footed people suffer pain, don’t recommend anyone who has this problem der, wrist, elbow and ankle. “I hold procedures for 14:00. Some government offices and retail service to non-Muslim guests. Other hotels which can be corrected with orthotic shoes. “We to remove any excess skin - it will not help and trauma patients, for example those who suffer businesses may not provide full staffing. may require non-Muslims to receive their meals usually recommend using good quality shoes - the corn will regrow. The answer is here in this from accidents. I also perform special osteoarthri- Ramadan is a time of abstinence from food, in their hotel rooms during fasting hours. If you the inner sole in very important. Corns are con- clinic - we will check your condition and we’ll rec- tis surgery on the hip, also with autogenic carti- drink (including water), and physical pleasure plan to travel via Kuwait International Airport, (including smoking) during daylight hours. be aware that food and drink service will nected to incorrect balance, especially if the ommend the use of orthotic custom-made shoes lage transplantation, re-adjustment osteotomy Expectations of conservative public behavior remain available during the day at the Dasman to resolve the problem,” Appelt said. on the thigh, lower leg ankle and elbow, trauma patient is flat-footed. It can be treated by using and dress are heightened during Ramadan. and Pearl Lounges, located after immigration correct inner soles,” he said. “Foot corns can disap- The clinic also specializes in sports orthope- surgery on extremities, pelvis and spinal column The fast is generally held to be obligatory for control in the departure area. Access to these pear with the use of custom-made orthotics. I dics and arthroscopic surgery of hip, knee, shoul- and more,” he explained. Muslims, unless they are old, very young, lounges is restricted and is granted for a fee.

KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Kuwait Mohammad Ali Moomin hosted a reception on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the National Independence Day. Senior officials, diplomats and media personali- ties attended the event which took place Monday evening at Crowne Plaza Hotel. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 LOCAL Increasing output cut could be discussed in upcoming OPEC meeting: Oil Minister Kuwait supports extending deal for nine months

KUWAIT: The increasing output cut is one pared to current levels.” He said that the agree- would take an upward journey in 2018. He could increase to 200 million cubic feet a day option that could be discussed in OPEC minis- ment came into force in January 2017 after the suggested that the fair price is the one that is later, he said. He went on to say that “if an terial meeting tomorrow, Minister of Oil and fourth quarter of last year witnessed a signifi- accepted both by producers and consumers agreement is reached with Iraq, the project Minister of Electricity and Water Essam Al- cant surge in the production of OPEC and and ensures sustainability of the oil influx from would start two years after the signing date.” Marzouq said yesterday. non-OPEC countries. producers to consumers. He estimated He added that the agreement could also be “There is a consensus on the need to take “This was clear in the reports of the major Kuwait’s current production of crude oil at 2.7 extended for 10 years or more. all necessary measures to restore balance on countries and global oil inventories during the million barrels a day. On the latest developments about the sus- the oil market,” Marzouq said in an exclusive first two months of this year. This is also coin- On Kuwait’s plans to balance between its pension of production in wells in the divided interview. “All options are on the table and cided with the refineries’ maintenance global- strategic goal to surge its production to 4 mil- zone with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the could be discussed. However, any agreement ly, which is a season when the demand usually lion barrels a day with its commitment to cut minister said that talks are still going on to should be satisfactory for all parties. And if slides,” he said. “But I can say that we began to production as per the agreement, Marzouq find satisfactory solutions for both sides. necessity arises, we could increase the output as of April and May signs of decline in com- explained that Kuwait sets its strategy for “We hope the production would be cut. But it is premature to talk about that mercial oil inventories in addition to the float- future needs of the market and to prepare resumed soon,” he said. On the view about now.” He expected that four other countries ing stock on ships,” he said. He predicted that itself to meet in shortage in production. the future of relying on petrochemical and would join the output cut agreement in the inventories would continue to decline as the Kuwait still aims to increase its production up transformational industries as important coming meeting. output cut signatories continue to be highly to 4 million barrels a day but its actual produc- sources of income to Kuwait in the future, he Egypt, Norway, Turkmenistan and committed to deal, “which will definitely tion is determined by the OPEC’s quota sys- said that the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Indonesia could sign the deal in the coming restore the balance between supply and tem, he said. deeply believes in the role of the transforma- meeting, Marzouq said. Though they are not demand,” he said, noting that the third quarter tional industries in boosting national income major producers, but their move could have of the year usually sees the highest demand. Meg projects and based on this belief it calls for expansion psychological impact on the global oil market, On the progress in the mega oil sector proj- Minister of Oil and Minister of of petrochemical industries inside and out- he suggested, adding that “An agreement Shale oil ects, Marzouq said that 84 percent of the mul- Electricity and Water Essam Al-Marzouq side Kuwait. signed by 24 countries is absolutely better On the effect of the cut deal on the US ti-billion clean fuel project has completed by than one signed by 11 countries only.” On shale oil production, which has increased by the end of April,2017. He expected that the Privatization December 10, 2016, OPEC and 11 non-OPEC 10 percent since the implementation of the project would start operation as of October to jump to 190 million cubic feet a day in 2019 On privatization plans, the minister point- countries signed an agreement on joint reduc- resolution, Marzouq said, “it is normal that US 2018. As for Zour refinery project, the minister and would continue for a period of twenty ed out that, the State development plan tion of oil output, agreeing to cut their com- shale oil output soars in response to the rise in stated that only 30 percent of the project has years. He added that KUFPEC’s share of the envisage partnership between the private bined output in the first half of 2017 by 1.8 prices.” “We still expect oil production to con- been completed and the project would start Kaybob Duvernay project is estimated at 523 and the public sectors and this could be million barrels a day. tinue to grow during the current year, but we operation by December 2019. He also noted million of equivalent oil barrels. achieved through creating real opportunities Azerbaijan, Bahrein, Brunei, Equatorial do not expect the current boom to be similar that the ministry has signed an agreement for On Q8, he said that the company is mak- for partnership between the two sectors to Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, to that of 2012,” he said. “However, shale oil is establishing a permanent utility for the impor- ing strides in implementing its strategy to make the private sector an effective partner in Russia, the Republic of Sudan and South part of world oil production and the market is tation of the liquefied natural gas and execu- expand in the European market despite the the development. In this regard, the KPC has Sudan are the non-OPEC countries agreeing to expected to absorb this increase in its produc- tion has started. challenges posed by the economic crisis. He implemented an ambitious and integrated cut their oil output to boost prices. He point- tion. The world’s demand for oil increases On the overseas projects of Kuwait added that Q8 has also entered the Asian program to maximize local content, he said, ed out that the OPEC’s oil ministers would annually by 1.3 million barrels per day.” International Petroleum Exploration Company market through the establishment of a new adding that this program aims to create hold their 172nd regular meeting on May 25 On choosing Kuwait to preside over the (KUFPEC) and Kuwait Petroleum International, refinery in Vietnam. opportunities for the private sector to carry and would be joined later on the day by the committee in charge of monitoring producers; known as Q8, the minister stated that KUFPEC Q8, moreover, has recently signed an out contracting and engineering works and non-OPEC states, which are participating in commitment by their cut obligations, has a portfolio of 57 projects in 14 countries agreement to set up a new refinery in the provide supplies services for the oil sector as the output cut deal. Marzouq said he is proud that Kuwait was cho- across the globe. He cited as the most impor- Sultanate of Oman with a capacity of 230,000 well as to encourage the private sector to use sen for this task. “This is a clear indicative of tant projects of KUFPEC, the liquefied natural barrels a day, he said, adding that the refinery oil sector products to launch their enterprises. Reduction agreement the Kuwait’s neutrality which prompted 23 project in Australia in which the Kuwaiti com- would rely on Kuwaiti crude by 65 percent. He said that the KPC considers that the On the extension of the production reduc- countries to choose it for this task.” pany has 13.4 percent stake and the Kaybob On Kuwait purchase of natural gas from privatization represents one of several tion agreement, the minister said Kuwait fully On the deal impact on the market shares of Duvernay gas shale Project in Canada in which Iraq, Marzouq said that the technical commit- options for partnership with the private sec- supports the extension of deal for nine producing countries, Marzouq stressed that the company has 30 percent share. He pointed tee that was formed three months ago to tor. “The ministry would coordinate with the months and all efforts to rebalance the world the aim of the agreement is to withdraw the out the liquefied natural gas project would study the matter has not finished it work yet. privatization apparatus to determine which oil market. “All indications so far, show that surplus of the oil reserves in order to rebal- start production in the second half of 2017 Kuwait has initially demanded the purchase activities and services would be privatized,” most countries, if not all, back the extension of ance the market. “Therefore I do not think with a capacity of 66 million cubic feet per day of 50 million cubic feet a day, an amount that he said. —KUNA this agreement,” he said there are negative impacts on market He stated that the main contributor to the shares of certain countries due to the output cut are major producers Saudi Arabia, production cut,” he said. Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, from He clarified that Kuwait is working as the OPEC and Russia from outside OPEC. On a part of a group whose members share the impact of the agreement on world mar- the same goal of strike a balance kets since its implementation on January 1, between supply and demand. “I do not Marzouq stressed that the agreement is suc- see any harm to Kuwait from the output cessful by all standards as the commitment cut agreement on the contrary, there is rate by the participating countries amounted an aspired benefit from this collective to almost 100 percent. This is a historical com- action,” he told KUNA, adding that the mitment ratio and the participation of non- ensuing gradual improvement of oil OPEC countries in this deal is historical in prices would boost the State revenues. itself, he said. On his projection to oil prices in the He noted that oil prices rose immediately coming period, he said: “I do not expect after the announcement of the deal in a remarkable leap in prices by the end November and December 2016 by almost 20 of the year.” “As you know, I cannot pre- percent. “Despite the relatively low prices in dict certain price level, but I do agree the past few weeks, prices are still better today with the majority of the projections than they were before the agreement,” he said. which forecast that the prices would “If this agreement was not signed, there had continue at a fixed level and may record been be a larger increase in the supplies on a slight rise by the end of the year.” the market and sharper drop in prices com- The minister expected the prices

Kuwait Airways cutover to Amadeus a resounding success

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways, the official online and face-to-face business trans- national airline of the State of Kuwait, actions between Kuwait Airways and announced that the cut-over to the our customers, as well as being better world-leading, Amadeus Altea Suite - for able to personalise such technology so its new inventory, reservations, ticketing as to enhance our customer experience,” and loyalty systems - was a resounding says Abdulsalam. success. The systems migration, which The cutover on 19-20 May represents took place on the night of 19-20 May, the first phase of Kuwait Airways’ migra- was completed in just a matter of hours. tion to the Amadeus’ AltÈa Suite; the Project Director for the Amadeus second phase - the implementation of Implementation and Kuwait Airways’ the Departure Control System (DCS) - is Director of IT, Abdulmunim Abdulsalam, set to be introduced in June of this year. praised the professionalism of his team “We are very pleased to be support- and all of the partners involved in mak- ing Kuwait Airways in its business trans- ing the transfer to the new Amadeus formation with Amadeus AltÈa cutting AltÈa Suite a smooth migration, saying, edge technology. The successful migra- “Everything went according to plan.” tion shows the professionalism and The cut-over to the new inventory, hard-work of our teams, as well as the reservations, ticketing and loyalty sys- strength of our partnership,” said Maher tem represents a major upgrade in Koubaa, Vice President, Head of Airline terms of how the airline will now be able Group, Middle East and Africa at to interact and communicate with pas- Amadeus. sengers and its business and travel In addition to the enhanced passen- industry partners. ger and business partner experience, as “Our adoption of the Amadeus AltÈa a result of the new system Kuwait Suite and its world-leading Passenger Airways can now use the Amadeus AltÈa Service System (PSS) means that Kuwait Suite to optimize sales, revenue genera- Airways will be able to offer superior tion and growth for the airline. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Anbaa Report Inspectors foil bid to The PM’s interview smuggle 91,000 pills By Tha’ar Al-Rasheedi KUWAIT: Air cargo custom inspectors foiled a Syrian man’s attempt to smuggle 91,000 illicit pills hidden in string lights n his first lengthy televised interview, His Highness imported from Lebanon to Kuwait, said security sources. the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Case papers indicate that custom inspectors suspected a ISabah presented a profound image of a man in the parcel arriving from Lebanon and on checking it, the pills highest executive position in the country. A full were found. Inspectors repacked the parcel and waited for humane image that reflects the true personality of the recipient to pick it up. He was arrested on collecting it. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak as a human being, not as the controversial political leader; which was probably the reason behind criticism after the interview was aired. Family wanted for forgery Generally speaking and to be honest, 90 percent of An Egyptian mother and her son were arrested while the interview, which was conducted by Othman Al- the husband escaped arrest when detectives raided their Anjeri, focused on Sheikh Jaber as a person rather than apartment in Jabriya to arrest them over fraud charges, his position. It also included documentation of some said security sources. The sources explained that a num- major incidents. Responding to a question about toler- ber of citizens and expats had reported being swindled ating criticism, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak stressed that by the family, as the mother claimed to be a PhD holder those who cannot tolerate criticism better quit any working for an Arab organization with many connections. public service positions and retire. The suspects used this claim to take thousands of dinars Some people might think that this was too platonic, from their victims to finalize unfinished transactions. but the truth is that Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak has However, detectives found that the family members were always strongly believed in this principle ever since he in violation of residency laws. On raiding the house, the started his political career and till he won the premier- son and husband resisted them, before the father jumped ship. The man has never sued any writer, media figure, from the first floor window and fled the scene. A case was blogger or politician despite the severe criticism that filed and a search is on for the husband. Al-Jarida sometimes went as far as personal slander. He has nev- er filed a single case of this type. A month ago, the opposition produced a list of Rape what they called ‘Jaber Al-Mubarak achievements’, A girl told Mubarak Al-Kabeer police station officers that which included 25 points of criticism they saw as viola- someone she did not know abducted her and took her to tions committed during his tenure. In fact, half of the an apartment, where he raped her before letting her go, points on that list were passed in parliament as bills said security sources. A case was filed for investigations to Al-Anbaa unanimously voted upon, which mean that lawmakers verify the girl’s claims then identify and arrest the suspect. were the ones who passed them even if the govern- ment made such proposals. It was the MPs we elected Kids and invalidators that were behind passing them. The funny thing is that Cop faces charges those waving with this list were the ones who had The Interior Ministry’s cybercrimes department is boycotted parliamentary elections and then started currently examining a video that was recently posted By Saleh Al-Shayeji criticizing the 2013 parliament. What an awkward par- on social media networks showing a policeman in uni- adox! They should have admitted that their boy- form with a half-naked drunk woman, to identify him moved around various Kuwaiti schools over 14 years school pupils’ minds. The curriculum was void of any cotting was the main reason behind passing such and hold him legally accountable. in the period from 1950 to 1964 before I worked as a complications, repellants or things that cause misunder- laws because the parliament was born weak. To be Iteacher of Islamic education and Arabic for two years standings or disagreement. On the other hand, what our honest, the man made remarkable achievements in a Theft starting from 1971. I made this introduction to compare kids are being taught today is unbelievable as 10-year- few years ever since he was appointed prime minis- A Pakistani man accused an Egyptian national he knows what we studied and taught with what our children are old pupils’ minds are being stuffed with information ter in 2011.—Translated by Kuwait Times of withdrawing KD 6,000 from his bank account over eight being taught now in primary school Islamic education. beyond what their tiny minds can perceive at such an months and denying it. The man explained that he had left The Islamic education subject was so easy and love- early age. For example, those kids are being taught about able when we were kids. It was more like an educational, Ihram invalidators such as Nikah (sexual intercourse). his ATM card with the suspect, and after finding out about KPC enters tender cultural and guiding subject that had great impact on To those who have set this curriculum; is this logi- the missing money, he confronted him, but he denied our souls, which remained with me personally for many cal? Why do we even teach a child who has not yet everything and refused to give back the card. A case was years. Amongst the topics we studied during those years, reached puberty about Hajj rituals when he is not yet to purchase fuel filed and the suspect is being summoned. I still remember the ‘Prophets’ Stories’ by Egyptian author asked to perform it? How do we explain the meaning KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) took part in Abdel Hameed Gouda Al-Sahhar, which summarized the of Nikah to a child (boy or girl) when he/she asks an international tender to purchase fuel to be delivered to Jewelry stolen stories of each prophet in a separate booklet of no more about it; and they will because they need to learn? Kuwait on June 12 and 14, said informed sources, expect- An Arab woman lodged a complaint with Fintas than twenty or thirty pages, reviewing some human situ- Such curriculum does not help promote the status of ing the price to be around $665 per ton. The sources police accusing her husband of stealing her gold jewelry. ations each respective prophet went through and the religion in those kids’ hearts. I believe it repels and explained that two 25,000-ton shipments worth $16 mil- A case was filed and the husband is being summoned for lesson learnt from them. alienates them from religion. Curriculum planners lion each would be delivered on the above-mentioned I also recall when I taught Islamic education, I chose a must put the moral side into consideration when plan- further investigations. — Translated from the Arabic press dates. Notably, Kuwait started importing fuel after the clo- moderate approach that is suitable for intermediate ning curriculums.—Translated by Kuwait times sure of Shuaiba refinery. — Al-Qabas Kuwait acts against Syrians seeking to change their citizenship status KUWAIT: Syrians will not have their citizen- pose a threat to national security, Al-Anbaa ship status changed in the Interior daily reported recently quoting a security Ministry’s database if they obtain a differ- source. ent nationality, according to a new circular Based on that, the Interior Ministry issued by the Interior Ministry’s Residency informed the information systems depart- Affairs Department. ment to avoid changing Syrian nationals’ This came after Sudanese authorities citizenship statuses to Sudanese in the contacted their Kuwaiti counterparts about database, the source said, adding that the a number of Syrian nationals who have Sudanese passports that the Syrians recently obtained Sudanese passports. recently obtained are temporary and will Sudanese authorities temporarily suspend- not be renewed according to Sudanese ed procedures to issue citizenships and authorities. Only 10 Syrian nationals in passports to non-Sudanese, then informed Kuwait have applied to change their citi- Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council zenship statuses to Sudanese, but the num- countries about the situation in order to ber far exceeds that in other GCC countries, prevent activities that could potentially the source explained. — Al-Anbaa Ooredoo kicks off Ramadan season with Volunteer Activities Third consecutive year of Ooredoo Volunteer Program KUWAIT: Ooredoo, Kuwait’s fastest network, populated by along with members of its volunteer program. kicked off its Ramadan program of activities, underserved com- Ooredoo has previously collaborated with a which includes internal initiatives targeting staff munities. The meal number of entities in Kuwait, such as Abdullah members as well as external initiatives targeting distribution drive is Al-Nouri institution to aid Syrian refugees in dif- different society segments. These initiatives fully operated by ferent part of the world, in addition its collabora- come in line with the company’s social responsi- Ooredoo’s volunteer tion with the ‘Kiswat Al-Khair’ campaign to dis- bility strategy during the holy month. program members, tribute clothes for needy families during the Welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadan, after the great suc- holy month. Also Ooredoo representatives has Ooredoo is organizing a special ‘Graish’ meal for cess of the program conducted a visit to ‘Yadawi’ center to give the its staff at Ooredoo’s headquarters in Al-Soor in the last two years. volunteers a comprehensive idea about how to Street. The ‘Graish’ meal was a way to welcome The upper manage- recycle waste, sort, and reuse it in manufactur- the Holy Month with its employees and to revive ment at Ooredoo ing children toys to be donated to children in the old Kuwaiti customs and heritage. All regularly participate need. The program will include participation employees gather on this occasion to have one Mijbil Alayoub in the activities, in from similar groups. last meal before Ramadan together, greet each addition to staff from the company’s different Empowering youth is among Ooredoo’s top other and exchange best wishes. departments and divisions. priorities through its CSR strategy. The company Commenting on this in a statement, Ooredoo has recently signed a memorandum of under- Kuwait’s Senior director of Corporate Sharing festivities standing with the Ministry of State for Youth Communications Mijbil Alayoub said: “We are The company also aims to hold a series of Affairs, to support youth projects and initiatives, happy to be kicking off our volunteer program Girgian celebrations to bring the joy to kids’ making it the first telecom provider in Kuwait to during Ramadan for the third consecutive year. hearts several locations, including the Guardians sign such a high-level agreement. Ooredoo is We’re proud of all the participants and their will- of the Disabled Association, Mubarakiya Souq in continuously working with the Ministry to enrich ingness to give selflessly, especially during the addition to care centers. This will be in addition youth experience in a variety of fields, with a holy month of Ramadan. We’re also very happy to visits to pediatric hospital wards in Kuwait focus on volunteerism. to be the biggest supporter of youth volunteers in Kuwait.”

Ooredoo Volunteer Program During Ramadan, Ooredoo is relaunching its Volunteer Program, following the great success it achieved upon the official launch of the pro- gram last two year. This program was launched in cooperation with Spread the Passion, a local non-profit organization which aims at encourag- ing youth to be more engaged in voluntarily programs. The accompanying training program is intended to continue for a whole month and includes workshops, training camp. Connecting with its staff, Ooredoo will also hold its Ramadan ghabga, a fun-filled event that will be attended by the Chairman and CEO of Ooredoo Group Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al- Thani, the CEO and General Manager of Ooredoo Kuwait Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Thani along with executive man- agers and department heads. In addition, Ooredoo will continue to distrib- KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced its social program for the ute iftar meals during the Holy Month of holy month of Ramadan, which includes a campaign to print copies of the Holy Ramadan through a distribution center outside Quran in Braille, distributing iftar and suhour meals to construction and cleaning its head office and in its iftar tent, in addition to workers, in addition to other activities and competitions. a special truck that will deliver meals to areas WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 Trump in Mideast condemns ‘evil losers’ UN vows to tighten sanctions on N Korea behind Manchester attack Page 12 Page 9

MANCHESTER: Catalan politics hold a minute of silences in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday for the victims of the Manchester explosion. Manchester attack prompts security rethinks worldwide

SINGAPORE: Countries from the United States to Japan to take, how many armed guards we need. So we work and Singapore are considering tightening security ahead of closely with them.” major theatre and sports events following a suicide bomb Singapore, which hosts a security summit between June attack in Britain that killed at least 22 people. Prime 2-4 bringing together Asia-Pacific defense and military Minister Theresa May called an emergency meeting with chiefs, made amendments to the Public Order Act last intelligence chiefs on the deadliest militant assault in the month. It requires event organizers to notify the police a country since four British Muslims killed 52 people in sui- month beforehand if they expect more than 5,000 people cide bombings on London’s transport system in July 2005. to attend. And police may refuse to allow a public gather- The US Department of Homeland Security said it was ing if it has a direct political end or involves foreigners. closely monitoring Monday’s attack, at the end of a con- cert by US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester, and that On alert the US public may experience increased security at pub- Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld Expo, where Ariana Grande is lic events. Sports events organizers were also looking due to hold a concert in September, said it would improve into security. European soccer body UEFA said there was security at all concerts and events. Besides baggage “no specific intelligence” to suggest that Wednesday’s inspection, there would also be metal detectors and search Europa League final in Stockholm between Manchester dogs, it said in a statement. Hong Kong is already on high United and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam might be the tar- alert ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi get of any attack. Jinping to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover UFEA said that “a number of additional security meas- to Beijing on July 1 when the former British colony’s new ures were implemented” after a truck attack in central leader will also be sworn in. Stockholm last month. Japan said it had started gathering In the Taiwan capital of Taipei, which hosts the Summer information. “We have strengthened our position by estab- Universiade sports event in August, officials said they lishing an information-gathering unit dedicated to interna- already have the highest levels of readiness. “We will raise tional terrorism,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga them even higher as appropriate in response to overseas told reporters. In Singapore, the organizer of Britney Spears’ terrorist attacks, such as the one in Manchester,” said concerts in June said they were considering new measures. Universiade spokesman Rony Yang. The International “We are definitely looking at tightening security,” Yogesh Cricket Council said security for the ICC Champions Trophy Mehta, project manager at IME Entertainment Group, said. next month and the ICC Women’s World Cup, both in “All our events are licensed by the police. It is normally Britain, was its “highest priority”. advised by the licensing department on what precautions “The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guaran- tee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe,” the ICC said. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s biggest sports arena, said it was reviewing procedures. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the govern- ment was working closely with other countries on strategy. “While the threat level in Victoria remains unchanged, and there is no known threat to the MCG, we continue to receive advice from rele- vant authorities and together review our secu- rity processes accordingly,” the club’s spokesman said, referring to the state of which Melbourne is the capital. SM investments Corp, whose Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippine capital will host Ariana Grande in August, said it would take all precautions. “Our security is always stepped up especially for big crowds like this,” said SM investment relations chief Corazon Guidote. In Kolkata, the business hub for east India, police said the security drill for public gatherings would have to be reviewed. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 Police fire on protest, one reported dead

DUBAI: Bahraini police opened fire yes- Qassim is considered the spiritual leader to preserve security and civil order as the concerns. In a meeting with Bahrain’s strations and stripped at least 316 terday on a protest by supporters of a of Bahrain’s majority Shiite community. site is a safe haven for fugitives.” King Hamad in Saudi Arabia at the week- Bahrainis of their nationality since 2012, top Shiite cleric, with at least one The kingdom has been rocked by unrest Bahraini authorities have accused Iran end, US President Donald Trump made a according to Amnesty International. The demonstrator reported dead in the latest since 2011, when local authorities backed of fomenting unrest in the kingdom, clear break from previous US policy. group says Manama has escalated its unrest to hit the Sunni-ruled Gulf state. by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite- ruled for more than two centuries by the Trump told the king on Sunday it was repression since mid-2016. A court last The Britain-based Bahrain Institute for led protests demanding a constitutional Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty. Tehran has con- “a great honor to be with you” and said year ordered the dissolution of the king- Rights and Democracy (BIRD) monarchy and an elected prime minister. sistently denied involvement. The gov- there “has been a little strain but there dom’s main opposition group Al-Wefaq announced the “tragic death of a peace- Authorities have accused Qassim, sen- ernment’s clampdown on dissent has won’t be strain with this administration”. after authorities accused it of “harboring ful protester in the crackdown” in Diraz, tenced Sunday to a suspended one-year drawn harsh condemnation from inter- BIRD said yesterday that Trump had “effec- terrorism.” An 18-year-old Bahraini died in the scene of a long-running sit-in out- jail term for illegal fundraising and money national rights groups and governments. tively (given) King Hamad a blank cheque March, nearly two months after he was side the home of cleric Isa Qassim. laundering, of serving “foreign interests” to continue the repression of his people”. It shot in the head fleeing a raid on Qassim’s Eyewitnesses said multiple civilians and promoting “sectarianism and vio- US policy shift said the US had “blood on its hands” for house, Amnesty said. Bahrain’s parliament were wounded when police opened fire lence”. A court last year stripped him of his The tiny Gulf state is a key regional supplying arms to Bahrain despite what it in March voted unanimously to grant mili- at demonstrators throwing stones and citizenship, sparking repeated sit-ins out- ally of the United States and is home to called an “intensified repressive campaign tary courts the right to try civilians Molotov cocktails at security forces. Police side his residence in Diraz. Bahrain’s interi- its Fifth Fleet, but the administration of on civil society in Bahrain”. charged with any act of “terrorism”. Rights arrested several people wanted by the or ministry said yesterday it had “launched former president Barack Obama fre- Manama has imprisoned dozens of activists fear Qassim could be among the authorities, the interior ministry said. a security operation in the village of Diraz quently scolded Manama over rights Shiites accused of taking part in demon- first to face court-martial. —AFP NATO and EU wonder which Trump will turn up Brussels: A city Trump once dubbed a ‘hellhole’ BRUSSELS: Hoping for the best, fearing the worst: EU and NATO leaders are braced for their first meeting with US President Donald Trump on their home turf on Thursday. The trepidation in Brussels, a city Trump once dubbed a dangerous “hellhole,” is palpable as he has up-ended one long-held certainty about US ties after another. On the campaign trail Trump dubbed NATO-the US-led alliance credited with keeping the peace in Europe for the past 70 years-”obsolete” and unsuited to tackling the real threat of Islamist terror, while he has since accused allies of not paying their way. As for Europe, he backed Britain’s shock Brexit vote, saying the European Union was a would- be superstate doomed to collapse under the weight of its own contradictions. The president has since rowed back at least in part on these positions. But analysts say that is part of the problem. Which Trump will turn up? “I think everyone is still asking them- selves what is Trump’s policy on NATO and the EU,” said Markus Kaim of the German Institute for International and WASHINTON: In this photo, then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn sits in the Security Affairs in Berlin. Adding to the uncertainty, the front row in the East Room of the White House, in Washington.—AP president is embroiled in a major political scandal over his ties to Russia, having pushed hard for an improvement in relations that the Ukraine crisis plunged into a deep freeze. Flynn rejects Trump-Russia probe subpoena; Dems say he lied EU meeting most difficult Trump meets European Council president Donald Tusk WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s House for documents related to Flynn. It’s WASHINGTON: In this file photo, the Homeland Security Department headquarters and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker on former national security adviser, Michael unclear from Cummings’ letter whether in northwest Washington.—AP Thursday morning. He then travels to the new futuristic Flynn, invoked his Fifth Amendment right Flynn would face legal jeopardy for his NATO headquarters building on the Brussels outskirts for a against self-incrimination in rebuffing a answers to security clearance investigators. Nearly 740,000 foreigners meeting of all 28 allies, of which 22 are also EU members. subpoena Monday in the investigation into But in an April statement Cummings Tomas Valasek, director of the Carnegie Europe think-tank Russia’s election meddling. Then a top warned that falsifying or concealing mate- overstayed US visas last year in Brussels, said that of the two meetings, the one with the House Democrat cited new evidence he rial facts on security clearance reviews are EU meeting had the bigger “potential to go bad”. said appeared to show Flynn lied on a secu- federal crimes and convictions could lead SAN DIEGO: Nearly 740,000 foreigners added student and foreign exchange visi- “We have never (seen) a policy actually to undermine rity clearance background check. With to fines and up to five years imprisonment. NATO, and the same cannot be said of the EU,” Valasek said. who were supposed to leave the United tors and many visa categories for tempo- Trump himself in the Mideast on his first Flynn attorney, Robert Kelner, declined For the NATO meeting, “the best possible result ... is (that) States during a recent 12-month period rary workers, while last year’s only counted foreign trip as president, investigations into to comment on the new assertions by NATO will continue to not be obsolete and continue to be big, overstayed their visas, the Homeland business travelers and tourists. beautiful and important,” he said. “The worst outcome is the Russian interference in the 2016 campaign Cummings. Trump appointed Flynn, a Security Department said Monday, detail- Homeland Security said it will make possibility that things are said, either in the meeting or worse - and allegations of Trump campaign col- retired US Army lieutenant general and top ing a crucial but often overlooked con- additional improvements in future reports, outside, and then there we’ll need a walk back and that will laboration - showed no sign of slackening military intelligence chief, as his top nation- tributor to the number of people in the including more data on people who cross fuel the doubts about the US commitment to the alliance.” in Washington. al security aide in January, only to fire him country illegally. President Donald Trump by land. Overstays accounted for 1.5 per- A key test will be whether Trump backs NATO’s core “all Flynn’s own defensive crouch revealed less than a month later. The White House has proposed spending billions of dollars cent of the 50.4 million visitors who arrived for one, one for all” Article 5 collective defense commitment, the high legal stakes he faces as investiga- has said that Flynn had misled top US offi- to erect a wall on the US border with by plane or ship in the latest period, as all his predecessors have done. Trump caused uproar tions intensify: a US counterintelligence cials, including Vice President Mike Pence, Mexico and hire more border agents, but Homeland Security said. Canada occupied when he suggested on the campaign trail he would check probe of Russia, a federal investigation in about his contacts with Russian officials, those measures would not address peo- the top slot for overstays among business first if a NATO ally was up to date with its dues before he Virginia and multiple congressional including Russia’s ambassador to the US. ple who arrive legally and stay after their travelers and tourists, followed by Mexico, would consider coming to its aid. “Overall, the signals since inquiries. As well, The Washington Post Cummings and other Democrats have blast- visas expire. Brazil, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. Trump took office have been more positive so there are reported Monday that Trump asked two top ed Trump and his team for failing to more An estimated 40 percent of the roughly Germany, Colombia, China, India and Italy quite high hopes. But his every word will be scrutinized intelligence chiefs in March to deny publicly carefully check Flynn’s background before 11 million people in the country illegally rounded out the top 10. under the magnifying glass by the allies,” said one European that there had been collusion between the they brought him to the White House, while stayed past their visas. There were 739,478 The overstay rate was much higher diplomat who asked not to be named. Russians and the Trump campaign. the Trump administration has attempted to overstays from October 2015 through among students and foreign exchange vis- Citing current and former officials, the blame the Obama administration for failing September 2016 among visitors who arrive itors, with 79,818 of 1.5 million, or 5.5 per- Defense spending, terrorism Post said the national intelligence director, to properly vet Flynn earlier. by plane or ship - more than the popula- cent, staying after their visas expired. The president’s NATO priorities are clear. First, get the Daniel Coats, and the director of the On Monday, Cummings said Flynn pro- tion of Alaska. The total number of over- China had the largest number of student allies to share more of the burden and meet a target agreed National Security Agency, Adm. Michael S. vided inconsistent or misleading state- stays is much larger but has not been overstays, followed by Saudi Arabia, South in 2014 to allocate two percent of annual economic output Rogers, both refused Trump’s request, judg- ments to US security clearance investiga- quantified because the statistic doesn’t Korea, India and Brazil. Trump vowed dur- to defense in response to a resurgent Russia which had just ing it inappropriate. tors in the first three months of 2016 dur- include how many people leave by land. ing last year’s campaign to finish building a annexed Crimea. Second, he wants them to focus on the Flynn’s attorneys told the Senate intelli- ing the renewal of his credentials. The cost and technological hurdles to system to record when visitors leave the Islamist terror threat and agree to NATO formally joining the gence committee he will not turn over per- Cummings cited a report in March 2016 develop a checkout system at congested country by using biometric identifiers, like US-led anti-Islamic State coalition fighting the jihadis in sonal documents sought under the con- that he said showed the retired Army gen- land crossings are enormous because the facial or iris scans, but he has focused Syria and Iraq. gressional subpoena, citing an “escalating eral telling authorities that payments he All NATO allies have joined the coalition on an individ- sites are so busy. much of his attention on building a wall public frenzy.” They also said earlier in the received for his 2015 trip to Moscow were Last year, Homeland Security tested and hiring more border agents. ual basis but now Washington wants the alliance itself onboard to give a powerful symbol of political support. day the Justice Department’s appointment paid by “US companies.” In fact, the over- facial scans at a San Diego border crossing Homeland Security’s internal watchdog Some member states, including France and Germany of a special counsel has created a legally sight committee released detailed email but has npt said if the technology works or said earlier this month that immigration according to diplomatic sources, fear NATO could get dangerous environment for him to cooper- and payment records months ago showing will be expanded. Homeland Security last agents waste their time logging in and out bogged down in a ground war in one of the world’s most ate with the Senate panel’s investigation. that the source of Flynn’s payment of more year published the number of overstays for of archaic computer systems while trying volatile regions and compromise its standing with Arab Hours later, Rep. Elijah Cummings, sen- than $33,000 was RT, the Russian state- the first time in at least two decades, say- to track down foreigners suspected of powers. They also do not want NATO going too far ior Democrat on the House oversight com- sponsored television network that has ing 527,127 people who came by air or overstaying their visas only to find out lat- beyond its current, limited training mission in Iraq and mittee, said government documents he’s been labeled a propaganda network by US ship stayed past their visas from October er that many visa holders have left the end up taking over control of the operation, as it did in reviewed showed inconsistencies in Flynn’s intelligence. 2014 to September 2015. This year’s report country.—AP Afghanistan in 2003. —AFP disclosures to US investigators in early 2016 The payments, which were through during his security clearance review. Flynn’s US-based speakers bureau, Cummings said Flynn appeared to have stemmed from Flynn’s trip to Moscow to misled authorities about the source of a appear at an RT gala, where he sat at the Liberation of Mosul imminent $33,000 payment from Russia’s state-spon- head table with Putin. In his letter, sored television network, failed to identify Cummings cited a standard security clear- foreign officials with whom he met - includ- ance question that asks respondents to dis- IS days outnumbered ing Russia’s President Vladimir Putin - and close contacts with foreign governments or glossed over his firing as chief of the their representatives. According to UNITED NATIONS: The liberation of the north- attack in both countries and the territory it con- targeting civilians in many parts of the country,” Defense Intelligence Agency during the Cummings, Flynn told investigators he had ern Iraqi city of Mosul “is imminent” and the trols has shrunk. Kubis said military operations he said. “Whenever given the opportunity, Obama administration. only “insubstantial contact” with foreign days of the Islamic State extremist group’s self- in Iraq are shifting to the remaining areas and Daesh, al-Qaida and other terrorist groups will Cummings made his points in a letter nationals over the previous seven years and declared caliphate “are numbered,” the UN pockets where IS extremists are still present. likely seek to tap into and deepen sectarian, asking the committee’s chairman, Jason he did not detail the names of any foreign envoy for Iraq said Monday. But Jan Kubis told Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced tribal or ethnic divides, including by cooperat- Chaffetz of Utah, to subpoena the White officials he had met. — Reuters the Security Council that despite progress, that the next steps are to secure the Iraq-Syria ing with criminal gangs,” Kubis added. fighting remains “a tremendous challenge” border and to liberate west of Ninewa and To deal with these challenges, he said a because IS fighters are increasingly using civil- Anbar governorates, the UN envoy said. long-term, comprehensive reform of the securi- ians as human shields in “a last-gasp effort that “Although large-scale military operations ty sector “is imperative “Kubis said a dual focus US forces kill 7 Al-Qaeda reveals little more than the inherent inhuman against ISIL will hopefully conclude by the end must be maintained on the immediate chal- barbarity of the terrorists.” of this year, the security environment will lenges of defeating IS extremists and on militants in Yemen raid He paid tribute to Iraqi security forces and remain volatile and will be characterized by preparing for the liberation, stabilization and their coalition partners for trying to limit the continued cowardly terrorist attacks by Daesh, rehabilitation of Iraq. — AP WASHINGTON: US forces have carried out a which has taken advantage of more than impact of military operations to protect civil- ground raid on an Al-Qaeda compound in two years of intensifying conflict in Yemen ians, “even if that comes at the cost of prolong- Yemen, killing seven militants, the Pentagon to increase its presence. That has included ing a harsh, bitter campaign that continues to said late Monday. The raid took place in an ill-fated raid against AQAP in January claim both civilian and military lives.” Iraqi Marib province yesterday with the support that left multiple civilians and a US Navy forces, backed by a US-led coalition, officially of Yemeni authorities. “During this opera- SEAL dead. That raid was the first author- launched the operation to retake Mosul, the tion, US forces killed seven AQAP (Al-Qaeda ized by Trump, who drew criticism after he country’s second-largest city, in October. in the Arabian Peninsula) militants through a blamed “the generals” for having “lost” The city’s east was declared “fully liberated” combination of small arms fire and precision Navy SEAL Ryan Owens. in January and the fight for the west was airstrikes,” Centcom, the US military com- Washington regards AQAP to be the launched the following month. It has been mand for the Middle East, said in a state- most dangerous branch of the extremist marked by some of the most grueling and ment. “Raids such as this provide insight into group. Since 2015, Yemen has been locked deadly combat in the fight against IS in Iraq to AQAP’s disposition, capabilities and inten- in a devastating civil war between Iran- date. The city fell to IS fighters during a light- tions, which will allow us to continue to pur- supported Huthi rebels and government ning charge in June 2014 that left nearly a third sue, disrupt, and degrade AQAP.” forces backed by a Saudi-led military coali- of Iraq in IS militants’ hands and plunged the Yemeni tribal sources said the operation tion. America has supported the Saudi-led country into its most severe crisis since the US- targeted a residential block held by Al- coalition through weapons sales, air-to-air led invasion in 2003. Qaeda fighters in the village of Al-Hathla, refueling and some intelligence sharing. The Islamic State’s “caliphate,” declared after in a mountainous district in the southeast The conflict has killed more than 8,000 the June 2014 military campaign, once of Marib province. The dead were all mem- people and wounded around 40,000, stretched across northern Syria through much MOSUL: Boys ride a donkey as a humvee belonging to the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS) bers of the same Al-Aadhal tribe, the according to the World Health of northern and western Iraq. But the group, passes by while on patrol in the western neighborhood of Tamuz in Mosul yesterday, after the sources said. Since President Donald Organization. Seven ceasefires alongside also known as ISIL and Daesh, is now under area was retaken during the ongoing offensive against Islamic State (IS) group fighters.—AFP Trump took office in January, the United UN-brokered peace efforts have so far States has increased attacks against AQAP, failed to stop the fighting.—AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Hawaii faces more flooding with possible record high tides SEATTLE: Hawaii will likely suffer more coastal Hawaii oceanographer, said in a Monday phone to sea level rise driven by global warming, depend- with a tropical storm or hurricane also increase, flooding this week driven by record high tides, a interview. While so far mostly a nuisance, rising ing on the yearly baseline used, Merrifield said. especially since the area tends to experience higher symptom of global warming that could become global sea levels will likely drive similar flooding Merrifield said his modeling predicts similar tides during hurricane season. routine within decades, scientists said Monday. dozens of times per year by 2050, and could pose water levels occurring four times per year by 2030, “The worst-case scenario is a tropical storm mak- After a high tide in April broke a 112-year record, serious risks during storm seasons, said Chip 25 times yearly by 2050, and potentially 100 times ing landfall during the highest tides of the year in combining with wave action to flood low-lying Fletcher, a dean at the University of Hawaii’s School or more yearly by 2070. An overwhelming majority the Summer,” Fletcher said. “What might have been coastal areas, similar tides are predicted later this of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. of scientists say human activity - including the burn- minor damage from a storm, 20 or 30 years from week and twice more during the summer, with “First you’ll see it during the highest tides of the ing of oil, gas and coal - is the main driver of rising now could cause extreme damage.” The forecast water likely to cover roadways and reach buildings year, then during the new moon and full moons,” global temperatures. comes amid growing concern for coastal regions near shore. when peak monthly tides typically occur, Fletcher While the immediate risk from such flooding is worldwide, including in the United States, where ris- Water levels at or above April’s record tide are said. “And then it will start to occur at every high low, both Merrifield and Fletcher said the long-term ing seas have driven increased flooding in coastal now predicted for May 25-27, as well as June 23-24 tide, every day.” As much as 45 percent of the flood- risks are substantial. As record-high water levels cities like Norfolk, Virginia and Annapolis, and July 21-22, Mark Merrifield, a University of water height during the April event was attributable occur more frequently, the odds of one coinciding Maryland.—Reuters Trump in Mideast condemns ‘evil losers’ behind Manchester attack Trump pays tribute to Holocaust victims BETHLEHEM: US President Donald Trump yes- is a stark symbol for Palestinians of Israel’s 50- terday condemned the “evil losers” behind a year occupation of the West Bank, and in Disputed Jerusalem bomb blast at a pop concert in Britain that killed Bethlehem the wall has been covered with graf- During his election campaign, Trump also 22 people, as the attack overshadowed his trip fiti and street art. advocated breaking with decades of precedent to Israel and the Palestinian territories. With his Bethlehem also holds deep significance as and moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv trademark blunt style, Trump vowed not to refer the site where Christians believe Jesus was born to Jerusalem, alarming Palestinians. He has since to attackers as “monsters” any longer “because and welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year said the move was still being looked at. At the they would like that term. They would think for Christmas. A banner hung in the city said “the same time, he urged Israel to hold back on set- that’s a great name.” city of peace welcomes the man of peace” along tlement building in the West Bank, a longstand- “So many young, beautiful, innocent people with photos of Abbas and Trump. Their talks ing concern of Palestinians and much of the living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil came with hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails world. The most high-profile moment of Trump’s losers,” Trump said after meeting Palestinian on hunger strike since April 17, which Abbas stay in Jerusalem was his visit to the Western president Mahmud Abbas in Bethlehem in the referred to in his remarks after meeting Trump. Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. occupied West Bank. “I will call them from now On Monday, Palestinians also held a general He became the first sitting US president to on losers because that’s what they are. They’re strike in support of the prisoners. Clashes broke visit the site in the Israeli-annexed east of the ATHENS: A young Afghan girl walks inside the disused Hellinikon airport, where losers, and we’ll have more of them. But they’re out near a checkpoint between Jerusalem and city. He was not accompanied by any Israeli refugees and migrants are temporarily housed, in Athens yesterday.—AFP losers-just remember that.” Ramallah involving several hundred stone- leaders during the visit. Allowing them to do so Children were among the at least 22 people Greece to clear makeshift killed and dozens injured in the suspected sui- cide bombing on Monday night at a pop concert by US star Ariana Grande in Britain’s deadliest refugee camps in Athens extremist attack in 12 years. Trump’s comments came after he made the short trip from ATHENS: Efforts are underway to remove late 2015 onwards as a temporary measure, Jerusalem to Bethlehem to meet Abbas, who hundreds of refugees from an unhygienic as Greece’s leftist government scrambled to sought to convince the unpredictable US presi- makeshift camp at an ex-Olympics facility accommodate hundreds of thousands of dent to remain committed to an independent in greater Athens, a migration ministry people of all ages landing on Europe’s Palestinian state. source said yesterday. “We are down there doorstep to escape war and poverty. On Monday, Trump made a highly symbolic today to register the refugees’ needs and Many of them slept at the port of visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem and met officially inform them that they should relo- Piraeus, at Hellinikon and at another impro- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Later cate to organized camps,” the source said. vised camp on the northern Greek border yesterday, Trump will return to Jerusalem to visit Some 700 mainly Afghan refugees are liv- for months before organized camps could the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and give a ing at the camp at Hellinikon which until be created with the help of volunteer speech at the Israel Museum before wrapping 2001 was the Athens airport in crumbling groups and EU funds. Overall, some 60,000 up his two-day stop. Trump’s visit to Israel and flight lounges and abandoned sports facili- people including many young Syrians, the Palestinian territories is part of his first trip ties later built for the 2004 Olympics. Afghans and Pakistanis, have been stuck in abroad as president, and follows an initial leg in Rights groups have repeatedly labeled Greece for the past year after neighboring Saudi Arabia, where he urged Islamic leaders to the makeshift camp on the coastal Athens countries along the migrant route into confront extremism. front unsuitable for long-term accommo- Europe shut their borders. He arrived in Bethlehem by motorcade, cross- dation and called on the government to At the start of the 2015 influx, Afghans ing a checkpoint at Israel’s controversial separa- find alternative arrangements for the were originally viewed as refugees and tion wall, and was greeted by Abbas and other refugees. In February, some of the refugees allowed to continue their journey from dignitaries outside the city’s presidential palace. went on hunger strike to protest against Greece to other countries in Europe. But Trump spoke of reviving long-stalled peace the lack of hot water and suitable food. many now face deportation despite grow- efforts between the Israelis and Palestinians, but JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump, left, walks alongside Israel’s Prime Minister The ministry source said the relocation ing insecurity that saw civilian casualties in few specifics have emerged of how he intends to Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives to deliver a speech at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem to other facilities would be “gradual” and Afghanistan hit a record high in 2016 after do so. “I am committed to trying to achieve a yesterday.—AFP declined to give a timeframe. The refugees a disputed deal between EU and Kabul to peace agreement between the Israelis and the were initially deposited at Hellinikon from send migrants back. — AFP Palestinians, and I intend to do everything I can throwing youths and Israeli soldiers who could have led to accusations that Washington to help them achieve that goal,” Trump said after responded with rubber bullets and tear gas, was implicitly recognizing Israel’s unilateral his talks with Abbas. leaving at least one wounded. On Monday night claim of sovereignty over the site, which would Ukraine backs tough TV Abbas reiterated his call for a two-state solu- in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave run by break with years of US and international prece- tion to the conflict, including an independent Abbas’s rivals Hamas, the Islamist movement dent. The status of Jerusalem is ultra-sensitive language rules to limit Russia Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capi- organized a demonstration to denounce its and has been among the most difficult issues in KIEV: Ukraine’s parliament ratched up its cul- proper response to an information cam- tal. “We are ready to open dialogue with our labeling as a “terrorist” group by many Western Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, stalled since April tural war against Russia yesterday by backing paign that Russia is waging alongside the Israeli neighbors to build confidence and create governments, including the United States. 2014. Israel occupied the West Bank, including television language quotas requiring major ground offensive it is backing in Ukraine’s a real opportunity for peace,” he said. Trump and Abbas met earlier this month at east Jerusalem, in the Six-Day War of 1967. It channels to broadcast at least three-quarters separatist east. The three-year conflict has the White House. Trump initially sparked deep later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never of their programs in the Ukrainian language. killed more than 10,000 people and turned Separation wall concern among Palestinians when he backed recognized by the international community The measure was passed a week after Ukraine Moscow and Kiev into sworn foes. Security was tight for Trump’s journey to away from the long US commitment to a two- and claims the entire city as its capital. The blocked Russia’s most popular social media Kiev has been gradually expanding its Bethlehem, a 20-minute drive from Jerusalem state solution to the conflict. Meeting Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of networks and a top internet search engine in list of outlawed Russian goods and but located across Israel’s separation wall. The Netanyahu in Washington in February, he said their future state. After Israel and the a self-proclaimed effort to prevent Kremlin Russians barred from entering the country wall is part of a project begun in 2002 during the he would support a single state if it led to peace, Palestinian territories, Trump will head to the propaganda from reaching the crisis-torn for- for either voicing support for the Kremlin’s second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, that is to delighting Israeli right-wingers who want to see Vatican, and to Brussels and Italy for NATO and mer Soviet state. March 2014 annexation of Crimea or the extend some 700 kilometers once completed. It most of the West Bank annexed. G7 meetings.—AFP Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada parliament self-proclaimed independence of Ukraine’s passed the TV quotas bill by an overwhelm- separatist fiefdoms. Numerous Russian tel- Dozens of Biafra ing 269-15 margin. “Once again, the evision series and movies have already Migrants find way to Verkhovna Rada has demonstrated that it is been thrown off the airwaves and banned secessionist protesters a Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, one eliminat- at cinemas. Ukraine has also blocked the ing the remnants of the Soviet imperialist import and sale of some books. participate in city life arrested in Nigeria past,” parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy Ukraine’s free speech and information said after the vote. Most people in Ukraine policy committee chief Viktoriya Syumar ROME: Carefully sweeping dust and Bangladeshis who come to Italy can ONITSHA, Nigeria: Nigeria arrested 55 members of a speak both languages but Russian is used said the bill she co-wrote was in complete debris off a central Rome pavement and request permits to stay, but the process Biafran separatist movement on Monday during protests in more often in the east while Ukrainian is agreement with existing European stan- into a pan, Christian Okoro flashes a takes time and they struggle to find work the oil-rich southeast, police said. Secessionist sentiment preferred in the west. Ukraine came under dards. “Such laws exist in a number of broad smile at a passer-by who tosses in a country with one of the lowest simmered in the region since the Biafra separatist rebellion intense criticism from free speech advo- European countries,” she told lawmakers. him a coin. “I am trying to integrate into employment rates in the European tipped the country into a 1967-70 civil war that killed an cates and domestic users for prohibiting the “Totalitarianism only existed when Ukrainian your society by cleaning our streets,” Union. Sweeping a leafy street in north- estimated 1 million people. In Enugu, a major city in the Russian equivalent of Facebook and other was banned from use in our land,” she added reads a small cardboard sign he has ern Rome, James Osas, 35, who arrived in southeast, 41 members of a Biafra group were arrested, popular internet services and sites. But in reference to the Soviet practise of forcing placed next to a paper cup, hoping for Italy from Delta State in Nigeria two years police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said. nationalists and senior politicians saw it as a other republics to speak Russian. —AFP donations from appreciative Romans. ago, said cleaning kept him active while “They were not violent per se but they conducted them- Okoro, 27, from Ebony State in Nigeria, is he waits for a residence permit to work selves in a manner that could breach the peace,” he said. one of a swelling number of immigrants legally. “I want to find a job. Any job “They are still in custody and undergoing interrogation.” In who, rather than begging on the streets would do,” he said. Bayelsa state, part of the Niger Delta, 14 Biafra movement members who had been trying join a protest were arrest- of the Italian capital, are sweeping up for “It’s not easy for (Italians) either. Many ed, said a police source. their loose change. of them don’t have jobs because of the Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of In Rome, where overflowing bins and crisis.” Matteo Pennacchi, a 45-year-old Biafra campaign group, was released on bail on Friday rubbish strewn streets are a familiar sight, travel agent and writer from Rome, says after being detained for nearly two years. He has been there is a need for their services. Okoro he suggested sweeping the streets to charged with criminal conspiracy and belonging to an arrived in Italy last June after paying two Nigerians and kitted them out with illegal society. — Reuters smugglers 1,500 Libyan dinars ($1,073) written signs and t-shirts. Word got for the risky passage in a rubber dinghy. around and now he says some 200 of His journey through the Niger desert, up them are doing it, earning up to 30 euros through Libya and towards an eventual a day compared with 10 euros they previ- rescue at sea by emergency services is a ously earned from begging. grimly familiar story for the more than “The Italians are thrilled,” Pennacchi half a million people who have arrived on said. “Some people ask where (Roman Italy’s shores since 2014. waste management company) AMA is, In recent weeks, signs like Okoro’s they create controversy, but the feedback have been cropping up all over the city, is excellent.” Okoro says he is pleased to and he says he has recruited 20 other be doing something to help the environ- young men from the migrant camp he ment in a country where he has felt wel- lives in at nearby Latina. “People say ‘bra- come. “People come to Rome from all vo’, they say tell your people to come and over the world to see the architecture so do this,” says Okoro, who was a builder in it needs to be clean,” Okoro said. LONDON: A Union flag flies at half-mast from a flagpole above the Houses of Parliament his native Nigeria. “Thousands of migrants could not finish in London yesterday, as a mark of respect to those killed and injured in the terror attack The sub-Saharan Africans and all the sweeping.” —Reuters at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in Manchester.—AFP Evacuations lifted as crews advance on fire near San Diego JAMUL, California: A criminal investigation has been A video posted to social media appeared to show the were seen walking away, the newspaper reported. Another launched into the origin of a brush fire that forced hun- start of the fire in an area of US Bureau of Land part of the video showed a firetruck arriving. A nearby hill- dreds of people to evacuate over the weekend southeast Management property, Capt. Issac Sanchez told the Union- side was already blackened. Occupants of rural homes and of San Diego, authorities said. All evacuation orders were Tribune Sunday. He wouldn’t say whether investigators the Pio Pico RV Resort and Campground were ordered to lifted early Monday and the blaze was 95 percent con- suspected the fire sparked Saturday was intentionally set. leave as flames spread rapidly amid dry, hot conditions. A tained after scorching more than 3 square miles of dry The video showed two people standing next to a patch of rise in humidity allowed firefighters to advance on the brush near Jamul (HAH-mul), the state Department of smoking brush, and two others running toward it. Soon blaze and have it nearly surrounded Monday. No injuries Forestry and Fire Protection said. after, the smoldering vegetation caught fire, and the four were reported.—AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL MANCHESTER TERROR ATTACK

NEW YORK: Members of the United Nations Security Council observe a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester, England, before a meeting at UN headquarters, yesterday. — AP/AFP photos Entertainment venues increasingly under attack

PARIS: Concert halls and clubs have wearing explosive belts storm the Bataclan become prime terror targets in the past 15 concert hall in Paris, killing 90 people during years, with the latest attack coming late a gig by US rock group Eagles of Death Monday in Manchester. Here is a recap of Metal. One attacker is killed by a police offi- the main attacks: cer, while the other two detonate their explosive belts as security forces storm the Manchester concert building. Survivors are forced to climb over On May 22, a powerful blast kills at least the bodies of the dead to escape, with one 22 people and wounds 59 at the 21,000- police officer describing it as “Dante’s capacity Manchester Arena after a concert Inferno.” At the same time, other gunmen by US singer Ariana Grande. The suicide open fire on bars and restaurants in the city attack is deadliest in Britain in 12 years, and while others blow themselves up outside the causes screaming fans, many of them Stade de France stadium. Claimed by IS, the teenagers, to flee in panic. attacks kill 130 people and wound another 350 in the worst-ever terror attacks on Carnage in Istanbul French soil. Shortly after Turkey rings in 2017, a gun- man bursts into the exclusive Reina night- Moscow rock concert club, spraying partygoers with bullets and On July 5, 2003, a double suicide attack killing 39, mostly foreigners. Another 65 peo- during a rock concert at the Tushino airfield ple are wounded at the venue which was near Moscow kills 15 people and wounds packed with more than 700 people, some of around 50. Two women identified by Russia whom jump into the freezing waters of the as Chechen separatists mixed with around Bosphorus to escape. The gunman manages 20,000 fans who had come to hear some of MANCHESTER: Police officers add to the flowers for the victims of Monday night pop concert explosion, in St Ann’s Square yesterday. to flee the scene, with the bloodshed claimed Russia’s top bands at the annual Krylya by the Islamic State group, citing Turkey’s mil- (Wings) festival. Almost a year earlier on Blood, horror as suicide bomber strikes itary intervention against IS in Syria. October 23-26, 2002, Chechen rebels disrupt a musical in Moscow and take more than MANCHESTER: Teenage fans’ screams have across the blast site, suggesting the attacker ing for help. The hashtag #MissingInManchester Florida gay club massacre 912 people hostage. Russian special forces been part of the pop music soundtrack ever may have packed his explosive device with became a cry for assistance on Twitter, as family On June 12, 2016, a gunman opens fire storm the theatre after injecting gas to sub- since The Beatles. But on this night, after an shrapnel - a gruesome tactic to maximize casual- and friends hunted for loved ones. “I’ve called inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, due the gunmen and when the smoke Ariana Grande concert of high-spirited fun, they ties that was also used by suicide bombers in the the hospitals. I’ve called all the places, the hotels killing 49 people and wounding more than clears, 130 hostages are dead, almost all of became screams of sheer terror. An apparent Paris attacks that killed 130 people in 2015 and where people said that children have been tak- 50 in the deadliest mass shooting in modern them because of the gas. suicide bomber detonated his explosives as the repeatedly in the Middle East and elsewhere. en and I’ve called the police,” tearful mother US history. Armed with an assault rifle and a American singer wrapped up her show Monday Fans, many clutching pink plastic balloons, Charlotte Campbell told ITV television’s Good pistol, shooter Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old Bali nightclub bombings night in Manchester for thousands of her so- scrambled in panic for exits of the 21,000-capac- Morning Britain breakfast show, as she waited at American of Afghan descent, holds police at On October 12, 2002, the Sari Club and called Arianators, the name adopted by fans of ity Manchester Arena. Some half-climbed, half- home, hoping that her 15-year-old daughter bay for three hours until they storm the Paddy’s Bar in Bali are hit by a car bomb. her high-energy candy pop. The attacker, who tumbled over barriers in terror. Olivia would walk through the door or call. building, killing him. US authorities say Both are filled with foreign tourists who have was killed in the blast, targeted a largely young Parents, who were waiting outside to pick up Olivia attended the show with a school friend Mateen claimed to be an “Islamic soldier” come to enjoy the nightlife in Kuta, the crowd, many of them teenagers and ‘tweens. their children at the end of the show, waded into who was found and being treated in a hospital. who had pledged allegiance to IS, with the biggest resort on the island, and 202 people, Police said children were among the 22 con- the fleeing crowds desperately hunting for loved “She’s not turned up,” the mother said. “We can’t extremist group later identifying him as one mostly tourists, are killed. Among the victims cert-goers killed. About 60 others were wound- ones. Those with no news from those inside get through to her.” In targeting Manchester, the of its militants. are 88 Australians, 38 Indonesians, 22 Britons ed. Witness spoke of metal nuts and bolts strewn amid the mayhem took to social media, appeal- attacker also struck at one of Britain’s cultural and seven US citizens. The attack is attrib- hearts. The once gritty industrial city, with ‘Dante’s inferno’ at the Bataclan uted to the Jemaah Islamiyah, a south-east London and Liverpool, has been one of the main On November 13, 2015, three armed men Asian network linked to Al-Qaeda. — AFP cultural influences on modern Britain, with its iconic Manchester United soccer team, its cross- city rival Manchester City and chart-toppers Oasis, The Smiths and other globally famous bands. Oasis singer Liam Gallagher tweeted that he is “in total shock and absolutely devastated.” Former Manchester United soccer star David Beckham posted on Facebook: “As a father and a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy.” Hayley Lunt took her 10-year-old daughter Abigail to the show. It was her first concert. The blast, “what sounded like gunshots: ‘bang, bang,’” came just as Grande left the stage: “It was almost like they waited for her to go,” the mother said. “Then we just heard lots of people screaming, and we just ran,” she said. “What should have been a superb evening is now just horrible.” Grande was physically unhurt, but described herself as “broken.” “From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sor- ry. I don’t have words,” she said on Twitter. MANCHESTER: Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Concert-goer Bethany Keeling said: “There was Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England yesterday following a secu- debris everywhere.” “Everyone ran back up the MANCHESTER: A girl wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons rity alert the day after a deadly terror attack at the Manchester Arena. stairs and we eventually got out and they told us from the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena leaves a hotel in to run. We ran out of the arena and there were Manchester, northwest England yesterday following a deadly terror attack at the bodies on the floor,” said the 21-year-old from concert at the Manchester Arena the night before. Keighley in northern England. “It was terrifying.” Shaun Hunter was with his daughters, Eva, 10, and Ruby, 12, who were wearing kitten ears like Anguished search the star of the show, when the house lights went on. He called the rush of concert-goers after the explosion “a stampede.” by families “I saw one bloke carrying his daughter. She was bleeding,” Hunter told The Times of London. Andy Holey, who went to the arena to pick up MANCHESTER: Parents were searching hearing nothing-her phone’s dead.” Two his family, said the blast threw him around 30 desperately yesterday for children caught hotels near the Manchester Arena venue feet through a set of doors. “When I got up and up in the attack on a pop concert in the took in stranded children while residents looked around there was about 30 people scat- British city of Manchester, after police con- opened their doors to stranded concert- tered everywhere, some of them looked dead, firmed youngsters were among the 22 vic- goers after trains were cancelled. they might have been unconscious but there tims. Screaming fans fled the venue after A support centre was also set up at was a lot of fatalities,” he said. the bomb blast at the end of a concert by football club Manchester City’s Etihad Elena Semino and her husband were waiting US star Ariana Grande, who is popular Stadium across the road. Many people by the arena ticket office for her daughter when among teens and pre-teens. Charlotte took to social media to find their loved the explosion went off. “My husband and I were Campbell called hospitals, police and set ones, including Dawn Finnigan, who standing against the wall, luckily, and all of a up an appeal on social media before call- sought help to locate her friend’s 17-year- sudden there was this thing,” she told The ing radio and television networks to try to old daughter Chloe and her boyfriend Guardian. “I can’t even describe it. There was this find her 15-year-old daughter Olivia. Liam. “They left just before Ariana Grande’s heat on my neck and when I looked up there “She was with her friend Adam-Adam last song, according to someone behind were bodies everywhere.” Despite wounds to her was found about half an hour ago, he’s in them,” she tweeted. Another Twitter user, neck and a leg, Semino dashed into the auditori- hospital but Olivia has not been found yet,” Lauren Dale, posted: “My mum’s friend um in search of her daughter while her husband, she told BBC radio. “Her dad is actually in Alison Howe and her friend are still missing MANCHESTER: Concert goers wait to be picked up at the scene of a suspected terror- who had only a minor injury, stayed behind to Manchester looking for her. I’ve got friends from the MEN (Manchester Arena) attack ist attack during a pop concert by US star Ariana Grande in Manchester, northwest help an injured woman. She found her daughter out looking for her, I’ve got people I don’t last night. Please contact me if you hear England yesterday. Natalie, 17, and her friends safe.—AP even know out looking for her. “I’m just anything.” — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

Indian army commends Kashmir ‘human shield’ officer

NEW DELHI: India’s army said yesterday it has the award last week for his efforts in counter-insur- ty” in the region, where stone-throwing protesters Kashmir has been divided between India and commended an officer accused of tying a Kashmiri gency. “This has been given to Major Leetul Gogoi, regularly clash with troops and police. “This reward Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947 but man to a jeep and using him as a human shield, who has been deployed in counter-insurgency means India upholds torture as a means of saving both claim the territory in its entirety. sparking outrage from rights activists. Video operations for more than one year,” army lives and as a part of its counter-insurgency war in An armed insurgency has significantly weakened footage showing Farooq Ahmad Dar bound to the spokesman Aman Anand said by phone. “It has Kashmir,” he said. “This is a signal to people in since its peak in the 1990s, but over the last year front of an army jeep as it led a convoy in Indian- been given for his sustained efforts over a period of Kashmir that India can do anything here with there has been an upsurge in civilian protests administered Kashmir caused a public outcry in time.” The spokesman refused to address the ongo- absolute impunity.” against Indian rule. Last year more than 100 people the restive Himalayan region when it went viral ing investigation. Dar, who works as a weaver, has repeatedly said died and thousands were injured in clashes last month. The incident came at a time of height- But an army source who asked not to be named he had no involvement in anti-government protests between protesters and government forces, the ened tensions in the divided region, one of the said the probe was being finalized, adding, and does not know why he was singled out. His worst violence to hit the Himalayan region since world’s most heavily militarized spots, where anti- “Whatever indicators are emerging have been taken brother Ghulam Qadir called the investigation a 2010. In April, eight people were killed by police India sentiment runs deep. in consideration as well.” Kashmiri human rights “mockery”. “Had this kind of an incident taken place and paramilitaries during local election violence, The army said Leetul Gogoi, who is still under activist Khurram Khurram Parvez said the award elsewhere then justice would have been done,” the and since then students in Indian Kashmir have investigation for the jeep incident, had been given showed India could behave with “absolute impuni- Indian Express daily quoted Qadir as saying. held regular and at times violent protests. —AFP Militant attack on Afghan army base kills 10 soldiers Attack marks setback for NATO-backed Afghan forces

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan: At least 10 Afghan The attack marks another setback for NATO- by insecurity. Gunmen stormed an international soldiers were killed when militants attacked their backed Afghan forces. It comes just a month guest house late Saturday that left a German aid army base in the southern province of Kandahar, after the Taleban killed at least 135 soldiers in the worker and an Afghan guard dead and a Finnish the defense ministry said yesterday, in the latest northern province of Balkh in the deadliest insur- woman kidnapped. Kabul police said they were attack on Western-backed forces. The assault in gent attack on an Afghan military base since investigating the incident as a “terrorist” attack, Shah Wali Kot district late Monday came just a 2001. During the Zabul attack early Sunday, local suggesting that the Taliban may have been day after 20 Afghan policemen were killed when officials made desperate calls to Afghan televi- behind it, but there has so far been no claim of Taleban fighters stormed their outposts in the sion stations to seek attention because they were responsibility. The Taleban launched their annu- neighboring province of Zabul. unable to contact senior authorities for help, al “spring offensive” in late April, heralding a No group has so far claimed responsibility for highlighting the disarray in security ranks. surge in fighting as the US tries to craft a new the Kandahar attack, but it comes as Taleban As of February only about 60 percent of Afghan strategy. insurgents intensify their annual spring offensive Afghanistan’s 407 districts were reported to be US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis last month and their strength is growing, more than 15 under government control, with the authorities warned of “another tough year” for security years after they were toppled from power in a in Kabul struggling to counter the ascendant forces in Afghanistan. US President Donald US-led invasion. “Last night the enemies of Taleban, according to the US watchdog agency Trump is considering sending thousands more Afghanistan attacked Achakzai camp of army SIGAR. The battlefield losses have raised con- troops to break the stalemate against the resur- corps 205 in Shah Wali Kot district,” the defense cerns about the capacity of Afghan forces, beset gent militants. US troops in Afghanistan number ministry said in a statement, without identifying by unprecedented casualties and blamed for about 8,400 today, and there are another 5,000 the attackers. “Ten brave army soldiers were corruption, desertion and “ghost soldiers” who from NATO allies, who serve mainly in a training martyred and nine others wounded. The wound- exist on the payroll but whose salaries are and advisory capacity. The troop strengths are a ed soldiers were taken to hospital and they are usurped by fraudulent commanders. far cry from the US presence of more than in stable condition.” Even the fortified Afghan capital is gripped 100,000 six years ago. — AFP

NEPAL: In this file photo, Mt Everest is seen from the way to Kalapatthar in Indonesian men caned for Nepal. —AP Nepali climbers say outcrop gay sex before jeering crowd

near top of Everest is intact BANDA ACEH, Indonesia: Two Indonesian men were caned yesterday in front of a jeering crowd KATHMANDU: Nepali climbers said yester- climbers who opened up the route to the as a punishment for gay sex, in a first for the day that a rocky outcrop near the top of summit in 2016, a year after the quake, had Muslim-majority country where there is mount- Mount Everest known as the “Hillary Step” is moved the route to go around the Hillary ing hostility towards the small LGBT community. intact, disputing a British climber’s claim the Step for safety reasons. “Last year I was the The pair received 83 strokes of the cane each feature had collapsed. British mountaineer coordinator of the team that opened up the after being found guilty of breaking sharia rules Tim Mosedale, who last week reached the route to the summit. Since there were no in conservative Aceh province, the only part of summit of the world’s highest mountain, climbers on the mountain in two years, it Indonesia that implements Islamic law. said the outcrop had disappeared, likely appeared like a new mountain with lots of The men, aged 20 and 23, were led onto a because of a massive earthquake that shook snow,” Pasang said yesterday. raised stage outside a mosque in front of a Nepal in 2015. Mosedale posted on “I did not see any marking of the older crowd of thousands, who jeered and booed Facebook that there had been speculation route. For safety reasons in the Hillary Step, I loudly. The pair, whose identities have not been last year but heavy snowfall meant the col- changed the route a little to the right,” said revealed, were dressed in white robes and lapse couldn’t be confirmed then. Pasang, who has scaled Everest 11 times. bowed their heads as they were whipped by offi- “This year, however, I can report that the “We decided to follow the ridge rather cials wearing brown cloaks and masks with eye chunk of rock named ‘The Hillary Step’ is than traverse or cutting through the sec- slits. One of the men grimaced occasionally and definitely not there anymore,” he said. The tion. That is why people are confused. the other showed little emotion. Before the can- Hillary Step is a sheer 12-meter vertical wall There is a lot of snow and the rock is buried ing, Abdul Gani Isa, a member of the Acehnese that is the last highly difficult section under the snow,” he said. Pasang said the clerics’ council, told the crowd the caning was “a climbers must pass before reaching the route was moved about 5 to 8 meters to lesson for the public”. summit. It is named after Sir Edmund the right of Hillary Step. He said Hillary “Lessons carried out with our sharia law are Hillary, who made the first successful ascent Step was still there when he climbed the conducted in a very thoughtful way, are educa- of Everest with Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing mountain last week. tional and do not violate human rights,” he said. Norgay in 1953. Nepal Mountaineering Dinesh Bhattarai, head of the country’s Their sentences, which were carried out in the Association President Ang Tsering said the department of tourism, appeared to agree provincial capital Banda Aceh, were reduced by INDONESIA: One of two Indonesian men is publicly caned for having sex, in a first for the Hillary Step is “intact, except that there’s lots with the climbers. “There has been no offi- two strokes of the cane due to time already Muslim-majority country where there are concerns over mounting hostility towards the small more snow on it so the rock portion is not cial confirmation of reports that Hillary Step served in detention. The gay men were caught gay community, in Banda Aceh yesterday. — AFP easily visible.” is not there anymore,” Bhattarai said. “We together in March by vigilantes who burst into Nepali climber Lila Basnet, who was will have a clearer picture once the climbers the house where they were staying. Shaky delivered. It causes pain but does not normally sharia law in Aceh, many of those living in the among the first group of climbers to reach return.” Mosedale stood by his account, phone footage of the raid that circulated online inflict permanent damage, and the canings are staunchly Islamic province support the rules. the summit during this year’s spring climb- telling AP that Hillary Step is “simply not showed the vigilantes kicking, slapping and as much about public humiliation as hurting Zubaidah, a 20-year-old female college stu- ing season, said the feature appeared there.” He said its collapse would make the insulting the men, with one of them slumped those guilty of breaking sharia law. dent who watched the couple being punished, unchanged. “It appears there was much ascent to the summit much more danger- naked on the ground during the attack. Yesterday’s caning was the first time such a said it was the first time she had witnessed a can- more snow in the area but we found noth- ous. “This year and last year a snow ridge punishment has been meted out for gay sex ing. “I wanted to watch it so it could serve as a ing wrong with the Hillary Step. This is the formed which we were able to ascend with Anti-gay sentiment since a sharia regulation came into force two lesson for me not to commit any act that violates fifth time I have climbed Everest and it all relative ease. But in future years, if the ridge Public caning has long been common for years ago banning the practice. Eight other men Islamic teaching,” said the student, who like many appears good,” said Basnet, who runs a doesn’t form, it could be a particularly diffi- offences such as gambling and drinking in Aceh, and women were publicly caned on the same Indonesians goes by one name. “Homosexuality mountaineering expedition agency in cult area to negotiate,” he said in an email. which was given the right to implement sharia day after being found guilty of breaking sharia is a curable disease, it is very forbidden in Islam.” Kathmandu. “The loose debris -comprising some rocks law in 2001 as part of a deal with the central laws. Gay sex is not illegal elsewhere in Amnesty International was among groups that A frequent Everest climber, Pasang that look to be precariously perched and government aimed at ending an insurgency. The Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest Muslim had urged authorities not to flog the men, decry- Tenzing Sherpa, appeared to solve the mys- ready to slide - could be very hazardous punishment is carried out with thin rattan canes, population. While rights groups have repeatedly ing the use of caning as a “cruel, inhuman and tery by saying that he and other lead indeed,” Mosedale said. —AP with people still clothed while the strokes are expressed alarm over the strengthening of degrading punishment”. —AFP

Indigenous Indians to bury dead months after land rights clashes MUMBAI: Indigenous activists will bury ment statement. In response, the indige- the bodies of eight fellow protesters nous people agreed to reclaim the bod- killed 18 months ago in clashes in north- ies by May 25. eastern India after the government “The family members will collect the agreed to consult the tribes on laws bodies from the morgue ... and then impacting their land rights. Violent decide on a date for a mass community protests erupted in Manipur state on burial after completing rituals,” said Soso Aug 31, 2015, after the state government Samte, a protest leader. Indigenous peo- introduced three bills - including a land ple, who make up more than a third of revenue and reforms bill - that indige- Manipur’s population and live in the nous people said were “anti-tribal” and state’s hills, have traditionally been gov- infringed on their ownership rights. erned by customary law. Tribal councils Officials said the laws would regularize control land and determine its sale and the sale and transfer of land. Nine young transfer within the community. The 2015 men were killed in Churachandpur town bill would have given the state control of in ensuing clashes. The indigenous pro- tribal land and allowed people from out- testers refused to bury the dead until a side the indigenous community access to resolution was reached on the issue. The their land as well, protesters say. bodies have remained in a hospital “The wording of the bill was ambigu- morgue since then, with one man’s body ous and could have made tribal people claimed by his family and buried, accord- more vulnerable, but clearly land is need- ing to local media reports. ed more and more for building highways India’s president rejected one of the and dams,” said Walter Fernandes, a senior bills last year, while the two others - fellow at the North Eastern Social including the land reform bill - were sent Research Centre in Guwahati, the largest back to the state for revisions. Officials city in northeastern India. “Customary this month agreed to consult tribal laws have ensured protection of tribal groups on the two bills. “Any new bill land, but not its development. The oppos- which affects the interests of the indige- ing groups must understand land as nous tribal people, the state govern- being essential to identity and employ- ment will follow due procedure as laid ment, without interfering with owner- down in the constitution,” said a govern- ship,” he said. — Reuters SRINAGAR: A masked Kashmiri student protestor throws stones at Indian policemen in Srinagar, Kashmir. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Jakarta governor dropping appeal ‘for sake of nation’ JAKARTA: The wife of Jakarta’s Christian governor ing religious intolerance in the world’s most popu- divided Indonesian society in recent months. Rallies lawyers, insisted the governor did not take the decision told a tearful press conference yesterday her hus- lous Muslim-majority nation. The blasphemy allega- and candlelight vigils in support of Purnama, known because he was worried about getting a heavier sen- band had withdrawn his appeal against a blasphemy tions against Purnama, Jakarta’s first non-Muslim by his nickname Ahok, have been held across tence on appeal. “Ahok is not afraid,” he said, adding conviction and two-year jail term for the good of governor for half a century and first ethnic Chinese Indonesia and in cities around the world since his that the decision was taken for the “public interest”. Indonesia. But a challenge filed by prosecutors leader, sparked mass protests spearheaded by radi- conviction. Tan read a letter written by Purnama from The governor was hauled into court last year to against his sentence-which was far higher than the cals. They contributed to him losing last month’s vote behind bars, in which he said he had dropped his face trial for allegedly insulting Islam. He offended one-year suspended jail term they had recommend- to lead the capital to a Muslim challenger. appeal “for the sake of our people and nation”. Muslims after quoting a passage from the Quran, ed-will still go ahead. The governor had vowed to appeal but his family “What a loss the citizens of Jakarta would have to saying his opponents were using the words to trick Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was jailed this month for unexpectedly announced Monday he was dropping endure-congestion and economic losses due to people into voting against him. Some interpret the insulting the Koran while campaigning for re-elec- the challenge. His wife Veronica Tan said the decision demonstrations that disrupt traffic. It is not appropri- verse as meaning Muslims should not vote for non- tion, a shock decision that stoked concern about ris- had been taken to try to end the drama that has ate,” the letter said. I Wayan Sudirta, one of Purnama’s Muslim leaders.—AFP UN vows to tighten sanctions on N Korea Council to force N Korea to end destabilizing behavior UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Sunday launched the Pukguksong-2, described ingly filled with propellant before launch. Solid- Monday vowed to push all countries to tighten by Washington as a medium-range missile, from fuel missiles can be fired far more rapidly, dra- sanctions against North Korea as it prepared for Pukchang in South Pyongan province. It traveled matically shortening the time available for any a closed-door meeting called in response to the about 310 miles before landing in the Sea of attempt to intervene and prevent a launch. latest missile launch. In a unanimous statement Japan, according to South Korea’s armed forces. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said “with backed by the North’s ally China, the council pride” that the Pukguksong-2 was a “very accu- strongly condemned the test-firing on Sunday UN urges halt to tests rate” missile and a “successful strategic weapon,” and instructed the UN sanctions committee to The launch was the latest in a series this year KCNA reported, adding he “approved the redouble efforts to implement a series of tough as Pyongyang steps up its efforts to develop an deployment of this weapon system for action.” measures adopted last year. intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hit- The launch “completely verified” the reliability The council also agreed to “take further signifi- ting the United States. “These actions threaten and accuracy of the device and its late-stage cant measures including sanctions” to force North regional and international security,” UN warhead guidance system, KCNA said, adding SEOUL: South Korean ousted leader Park Geun-hye arrives at a court in Seoul yes- Korea to change course and end its “highly destabi- spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. the test results were “perfect.” The test-firing terday.—AFP lizing behavior”. The US-drafted statement was “We call on the DPRK (North Korea) to stop fur- came just one week after the North launched a agreed on the eve of the emergency meeting ther testing and allow space to explore the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range missile, which Ousted South Korean requested by the United States, Japan and South resumption of meaningful dialogue.” The North, according to Pyongyang was capable of carrying Korea to discuss a course of action on North Korea. which says it needs nuclear weapons to defend a “heavy” nuclear warhead. The United States has for weeks been negotiating a itself against the threat of invasion, later said it After that launch, the Security Council met to leader Park goes on trial new Security Council sanctions resolution with “flatly rejected” the UN statement, which had discuss tightening sanctions but there was no SEOUL: South Korea’s ousted president succession at the world’s biggest smart- China, but US ambassador Nikki Haley said last been drawn up by “the US and its followers”. immediate concrete action. During last week’s Park Geun-Hye, grim-faced and brought to phone maker “would be resolved smoothly week that no final draft text had been clinched. The United States says it is willing to enter closed-door meeting, China insisted that there court in handcuffs, went on trial yesterday under her government”, asking him to sup- “This is the same movie that keeps playing. into talks with North Korea if it halts its nuclear be no mention of a resolution in remarks read by over a sprawling corruption scandal that port the foundations, according to prosecu- He continues to test. We’ve got to do action,” and missile tests. Sunday’s missile test came as the council president at the end of the meeting, saw millions take to the streets and led to tor Hwang Woong-Jae. Haley told MSNBC television. “You know, some US President Donald Trump was on his first trip diplomats said. North Korea has carried out two her downfall. Only two months after leav- Park is also accused of letting Choi, who say, ‘Oh, but sanctions haven’t worked’. First of abroad, visiting Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Vatican, atomic tests and dozens of missile launches ing the presidential palace in disgrace, Park has no title or security clearance, handle a all, when the entire international community Brussels and Italy. The latest missile tested uses since the beginning of last year. The Security appeared at the Seoul Central District wide range of state affairs including senior speaks with one voice, it does work,” she coun- solid fuel that allows for immediate firing, the Council adopted two sanctions resolutions last Court with a badge bearing her prisoner appointments. She has previously blamed tered. “It lets them know that they are on an state-run Korean Central News Agency said. So year to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang and number pinned to her blue trouser suit, Choi for abusing their friendship. In a calm island and we’re all against them and that they far almost all the North’s missiles have been liq- deny leader Kim the hard currency needed to and no make-up. She avoided meeting the and measured voice the former head of need to correct their behavior.” North Korea on uid-fueled, meaning they must be time-consum- fund his military programs.—AFP glance of her longtime secret confidante state denied all the charges against her. and co-accused Choi Soon-Sil. Choi and Shin also denied the accusations, The trial, expected to last for months, is with Choi’s lawyer calling the case “politi- Philippine the final act in the drama that engulfed cally motivated”. Half-sobbing, Choi herself Park, the daughter of a dictator who went told the court: “I feel very sorry for causing forces hunt top on to be elected president herself before President Park to stand trial like this. being sacked by the country’s top court. President Park is not a person who could be IS-linked militant Presiding judge Kim Se-Yun, who heads a lured by any bribes.” After the hearing three-man panel-there is no jury asked her: adjourned for the day Park was put back MANILA: Philippine security forces hunting one of the “What is your occupation, the accused Park into handcuffs and returned to the deten- world’s most-wanted Islamist militants were battling Geun-Hye?” She responded: “I don’t have tion centre where she is being held. gunmen in a southern city yesterday, authorities said. any occupation.” Park, 65, is the third for- Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf mer South Korean leader to stand trial for Chapter of history kidnapping-for-ransom gang who the Islamic State corruption. Courtroom 417 was packed, with spec- group has appointed its Philippine chief, was believed She was impeached by parliament in tator Lee Jae-Bong, 70, telling AFP: “I am to be among those fighting police and soldiers in December after mass demonstrations- here to witness a new chapter of history Marawi city, regional military spokeswoman Captain fuelled by economic and social frustra- being unfurled. “I think Park must be pun- Jo-Ann Petinglay said. tions-demanding her removal over a scan- ished thoroughly and never be pardoned “Right now we are conducting a surgical operation,” dal centered on Choi, her friend of 40 years, so that such a bad thing may never happen Lieutenant-Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, spokesman for the and implicating some of the country’s top again.” Former presidents Chun Doo-Hwan army division involved in the fighting, said by phone. businessmen. Park was detained soon after and Roh Tae-Woo served jail terms in the Herrera said five security personnel had been injured, her dismissal-yesterday’s court session was 1990s for charges including bribery and although he did not know if there were any casualties her first public appearance since then-and treason, and ex-president Roh Moo-Hyun among the estimated 15 gunmen. Herrera and other indicted on 18 charges including bribery, the mentor of new leader Moon Jae-In- military officials said Hapilon was the target of the coercion and abuse of power for offering killed himself in 2009 after being ques- operation, which took place in the residential area of governmental favors to tycoons. tioned over graft. BEIJING: A woman looks at a propaganda cartoon warning local residents about for- Basak, a suburb of about 1,700 people in the mainly The hearing comes only two weeks after eign spies, in an alley in Beijing yesterday.—AFP Muslim southern city of Marawi. Cozy ties the country elected left-leaning former The Abu Sayyaf, based in the southern region of Cozy and corrupt ties between South human rights lawyer Moon-who lost the Mindanao, has kidnapped hundreds of Filipinos and Korea’s business and political elites have 2012 poll to Park-as her successor. “Park’s China flexes muscle in foreigners since the early 1990s to extract ransoms. The endured for decades. But the trial could trial means the rule of law is taking firm militants beheaded an elderly German and two shed new light on the links between Park root in this country,” Euiyoung Kim, political spy games against US Canadians last year after ransom demands were not and the bosses of the family-run conglom- science professor at Seoul National met. It has also been blamed for the country’s worst erates that dominate Asia’s fourth-biggest University, said. “Through candlelight BEIJING: A cartoon posted in a dusty alley- easy for people... to buy promotions and terrorist attacks, including the 2004 bombing of a ferry economy. They include Samsung heir Lee protests, South Koreans achieved a peace- way in the heart of Beijing warns passersby put their hands on sensitive information to in Manila Bay that claimed more than 100 lives. Jae-Yong, who is being tried separately, ful change of government, bringing about not to fall prey to the charms of foreign men: provide to the US.” Following the changes, The US State Department has a put up a $5-million and Shin Dong-Bin, the chairman of retail a paradigm shift in democracy.” they might be spies. It is a graphic reminder “both the US and Taiwan have faced more bounty on Hapilon’s head for alleged terrorist acts giant Lotte, the South’s fifth-biggest con- Park grew up in the presidential palace of a struggle usually waged in the shadows, difficulty using the usual channels to against US citizens, including the 2001 kidnapping of glomerate, who was among the accused as the daughter of dictator Park Chung-Hee, and a sign of the Chinese government’s recruit spies,” he added. three Americans in the western Philippines, two of yesterday. who took power in 1961. She stepped in as intensifying campaign against espionage. whom were later killed. Security analysts say Hapilon On her most serious count, Park is de facto first lady after her mother was mur- The poster’s comic book tale of love gone Numerous Chinese agents has been trying to unite militant groups that have pro- accused of taking or seeking bribes totaling dered in an attempt to kill him. He was wrong ends in tears and a stern warning. Asked about the Times story, China’s for- fessed allegiance to IS. These include the Maute group, 59.2 billion won ($52 million) for Choi or assassinated in turn in 1979. Park rose to the But China’s real life spy games have had a eign ministry said it had no comment on which is based near Marawi in central Mindanao. The herself, most of which went to non-profit presidency largely on the back of his contin- darker denouement, according to a New the “normal discharge of official duties by Maute group has been the subject of military opera- foundations which Choi controlled. uing popularity among older voters who York Times article Sunday alleging that Chinese security organizations.” In an edito- tions in the past year in rural areas around Marawi, a Prosecutors told the court that Park and had benefited from rapid economic growth authorities killed or jailed up to 20 people for rial Monday, the nationalist Global Times city of about 200,000 residents that is located 800 kilo- Choi colluded in receiving seven billion won under his tenure. If convicted of bribery, from Shin last year. Park met Samsung’s Lee Park faces a minimum sentence of 10 years spying on behalf of the US Central newspaper praised Beijing for rooting out meters south of the Philippine capital Manila. — AFP Intelligence Agency (CIA). The counterintelli- the alleged traitors, writing that “interna- in July 2015 and told him she hoped the in jail, and a maximum of life.—AFP gence operation took place between the tional law will affirm that China’s anti-espi- end of 2010 and 2012, the Times said, an onage activities are just and legal, while the exceptionally sensitive period in Chinese CIA’s spying is illegitimate.” But US spying domestic politics that saw the downfall of on China is not a one-way street. S Korea fires shots at N Korea some of the country’s most prominent politi- In 1985, former spymaster Yu cians amid a delicate leadership transition. Qiangsheng gave the US government its In the years since, there has been a first major intelligence victory against after object crosses border marked rise in warnings against the influ- Beijing when he handed over information ence of so-called “black hands”, with state that led to the conviction of CIA analyst SEOUL: South Korea fired warning shots yester- military also bolstered its air surveillance. The Korea was analyzing whether a North Korean mili- media frequently fretting about the infiltra- Larry Wu-Tai Chin on charges of spying for day after an unidentified object flew south from statement provided no other details. tary drone had crossed the border. The Koreas face tion of “foreign forces” into domestic poli- China for decades. Since 2000, Washington rival North Korea, Seoul’s military said. Local There was no immediate comment in North off across the world’s most heavily armed border, tics and society. The rhetoric has been has identified 154 Chinese agents, David media said it may have been a North Korean mil- Korea’s state-run media, and no reports that the and the two sides occasionally clash. accompanied by a tightening of the Major, a former FBI special agent, told a US domestic security environment, including a congressional committee last year. itary drone. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff North had returned fire. South Korea’s Yonhap North Korea is also building nuclear-tipped recent raft of sweeping legislation formaliz- A chart accompanying his remarks showed said in a statement that the military broadcast a news agency, without citing a source, reported missiles and has greeted new South Korean ing the government’s broad powers to that over half of those had been outed since warning to North Korea in response to the that the South fired about 90 machine gun rounds President Moon Jae-in, who wants to reach out counter threats from abroad. 2010, with the largest number exposed dur- object before firing the warning shots. It said the into the air and toward North Korea. It said South to the North, with two missile test-launches, part In April last year, China passed a law ing the two-year period described in the of a flurry of tests since leader Kim Jong Un took placing strict restrictions on foreign NGOs, Times story. In early 2012, China arrested a top over in late 2011. In 2014, the rivals traded which are often accused by Beijing of try- US informant who had likely revealed the machine gun and rifle fire after South Korean ing to subvert the state and portrayed in “names of numerous Chinese agents”, Major activists released anti-North Korean propaganda Chinese media as fronts for US intelligence said. He added that the informant, a former balloons across the Demilitarized Zone that operations. At the same time, Beijing aide to one of China’s top security officials, bisects the Korean Peninsula, but no casualties ramped up a public campaign to raise may have also turned over 56 Taiwanese were reported. awareness about the dangers of infiltration nationals working for Beijing. Chinese hackers Attacks blamed on North Korea in 2010 killed from abroad, ranging from the poster fea- are also believed to have masterminded the 50 South Koreans. North Korean drone flights turing the ill-fated lover to the promise of theft of the employment records of over 20 across the border are unusual, but have hap- large cash rewards for informers. million US government workers. “Covert sub- pened before. In January 2016, South Korea said Since coming to power in 2012, version has been a toxic part of US-China its military fired 20 machine gun warning shots President Xi Jinping “has put a lot more relations since the beginning,” said histori- after a North Korean drone briefly crossed the emphasis and devoted a lot more resources an John Delury of South Korea’s Yonsei border. North Korea has in recent years touted to the internal state security apparatus,” University. Ever since the Communists its drone program, a relatively new addition to including “severe internal checkups” on offi- came to power in China in 1949, “there its arsenal. In 2013, state media said North cials, said political analyst Willy Lam. were active covert efforts to overthrow the Korean leader Kim watched a drone attack drill The shift was part of an anti-corruption regime,” Delury said. And there is no end in on a simulated South Korean target. In 2014, campaign that unseated China’s domestic sight. The brother of a senior aide to former South Korean officials discovered what they security czar Zhou Yongkang and its top president Hu Jintao has fled to the US, described as several North Korean drones that spymaster Ma Jian. Many of Washington’s where he is rumored to have shared some had flown across the border. Those drones were agents were likely recruited during Zhou’s of China’s most sensitive state secrets with PAJU: In this photo, South Korean army’s K-55 self-propelled howitzer fires during the annual crude and low-tech, but were still considered a tenure, Lam said, when it was “relatively Washington. — AFP exercise in Paju, near the border with North Korea, South Korea.—AP potential new security threat.—AP NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

Trump pushes for Mideast peace Ethiopia’s Tedros elected first African... Continued from Page 1 the “evil losers” behind a bomb blast at a pop concert in Continued from Page 1 ing criticism over its response to the Ebola crisis, but the British city of Manchester that killed 22 people. The experts say the new chief still faces a huge task. “We The visit follows an initial leg in Saudi Arabia, where talks came with hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails need WHO to be more effective than it is today,” the he urged Islamic leaders to confront extremism. on hunger strike since April 17, which Abbas referred to leadership. We need to be sure it is up to the task,” he director of Harvard University’s Global Health Institute, Abbas had sought to convince the unpredictable US in his remarks after meeting Trump. Palestinians staged told the Swiss Press Club. Tedros vowed to lead “robust Ashish Jha, said at the Swiss Press Club event. responses to the health crises to come”. Mark Dybul, who heads the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, president to remain committed to an independent a general strike Monday in support of the prisoners. Tedros will be the first African to lead the WHO and Tuberculosis and Malaria, said that Chan had “laid the Palestinian state. Trump arrived in Bethlehem by motor- Clashes broke out near a checkpoint between had unanimous backing from the African Union, which foundations” for improvements but that “big, big changes cade, crossing a checkpoint at Israel’s controversial sep- Jerusalem and Ramallah involving several hundred claimed that the continent deserved a shot to lead the need to be made”. He underscored “massive” coordination aration wall, and was greeted by Abbas and other digni- stone-throwing youths and Israeli soldiers who agency. Nabarro, who had strong support from his problems between regional offices and the agency’s taries outside the city’s presidential palace. Abbas reiter- responded with rubber bullets and tear gas, leaving at native Britain and touted his decades of experience Geneva headquarters. This was identified as a significant ated his call for a two-state solution to the conflict, least one wounded. within the UN system, ultimately failed to persuade vot- issue in the Ebola crisis, when the African office in including a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its Trump will meet Pope Francis, with whom he has ers that the agency needed an insider in its top job. Brazzaville was accused of not sounding the alarm. capital. “We are ready to open dialogue with our Israeli clashed repeatedly, today morning at the Vatican. He Nishtar, a former Pakistani health minister, won praise for Tedros earned a doctorate from the University of neighbors to build confidence and create a real oppor- travels on to Brussels in the afternoon before flying a strong campaign but was always viewed a long shot. Nottingham in Britain before being appointed Ethiopia’s tunity for peace,” he said after talks with Trump. back to Italy late tomorrow for a G7 summit on Friday Yesterday marked the first time that the WHO’s 194- health minister in 2005. He oversaw a drive to expand The US president used the occasion to also condemn and Saturday. — Agencies member states got to choose the agency’s leader. basic healthcare by building thousands of new clinics Previously the executive committee offered just one and boosting community-based health services. “I am candidate for states to rubberstamp. The WHO has astonished when I think of the path my life has taken,” Police name suspect after 22 killed... already initiated a range of reforms since it faced crush- he said before yesterday’s result. — AFP Continued from Page 1 said the blast occurred in the foyer of the arena, a cov- ered area which links the auditorium to Victoria Station, a doors to shelter people lost in the confusion, and taxi train and tram hub. Witnesses reported seeing bodies on drivers offered free rides. “There were fathers carrying their the floor after the blast around 10:30 pm (2130 GMT) on little girls in tears. People were pushing down the stairs. It Monday, and some fans were trampled as panicked was just... chaos,” Sebastian Diaz, a 19-year-old from crowds tried to flee the venue. Newcastle, told AFP. Families were separated, with dozens of young peo- Britain’s worst terror bloodshed for more than a decade ple taken to nearby hotels overnight, and some parents came just over two weeks before the country votes in a were still desperately searching for their children yester- general election, and after a series of deadly attacks across day. “I’m just hearing nothing - her phone’s dead,” Europe. Police staged an armed raid on a Manchester Charlotte Campbell, whose 15-year-old daughter Olivia address believed to be linked to Abedi, carrying out a con- was at the concert, told BBC radio. The attack was the trolled explosion to gain entry after arresting a 23-year-old deadliest in Britain since July 7, 2005 when four suicide man earlier yesterday in connection with the attack. bombers inspired by Al-Qaeda attacked London’s trans- “A single terrorist detonated his improvised explosive port system during rush hour, killing 52 people and device near one of the exits of the venue, deliberately wounding 700 more. choosing the time and place to cause maximum carnage Queen Elizabeth II condemned the Manchester attack as and to kill and injure indiscriminately,” May said after an an “act of barbarity” and observed a minute’s silence at a emergency ministerial meeting. She said during a visit to Buckingham Palace garden reception. Trump said during a Manchester that police would look at the security of such visit to Bethlehem: “So many young, beautiful, innocent venues, while the government would also review police people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil los- resources. But while campaigning for the June 8 election ers.” The Eiffel Tower’s lights were to be turned off at mid- was suspended by the main parties after the attack, she night yesterday in homage to the victims, while the Cannes insisted: “The terrorists will not prevail.” film festival also observed a minute’s silence. Screaming fans, many of them teenagers, fled the Britain’s national terror threat level has been “severe”, the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena in panic after the second-highest of five levels meaning an attack is highly explosion at the end of the performance by the 23-year- likely, since August 2014, and May said this would remain old Grande, a former child television star who described unchanged, but under review. In a city famed globally for its herself as “broken” by the attack. US President Donald musical traditions and football teams, showbusiness stars Trump and European leaders issued vows of defiance and teams joined in to express their shock at the carnage. and stars from the worlds of music and football such as “We are deeply shocked by last night’s terrible events,” said former Manchester United player David Beckham Manchester United. A support center for people caught up expressed their condolences. in the attack was set up at the Etihad Stadium, the home of Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos and a teenager, their rivals Manchester City. Britain’s third biggest city was Georgina Callander, were among the first of the 22 vic- hit in 1996 by a massive car bomb planted at a shopping tims to be confirmed. Another 59 people were taken to center by Irish Republican Army paramilitaries which hospital, many with life-threatening conditions. Police wounded more than 200 people. — Agencies MANCHESTER: Helpers attend to injured people inside Manchester Arena after a blast late Monday.— AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus In Bombardier fight, Boeing sees ghost of Airbus ascent wo words underpin Boeing’s decision to launch a TUS trade complaint against Bombardier, which plunged it into a row with Canada last week: “Never again”. Allegations that the Canadian firm dumped newly designed CSeries passenger jets in the United States at a steep loss have threatened a sale of F/A-18 warplanes to Ottawa, sending Boeing scram- bling to save the deal. Some analysts say Boeing care- lessly put at risk billions of dollars of defense work or pandered to growing protectionism. But decades after Boeing failed to prevent European upstart Airbus gaining momentum with early victories in the United States, people familiar with the company say the strategic importance of defending its core pas- senger jet business outweighs the diplomatic storm. US industry experts say Boeing and other jetmakers at the time did not take the European consortium seriously enough and allowed their future nemesis to poach US airlines from 1978. Again after the September 2001 attacks in the United States, when Boeing slashed production, Airbus filled the vacuum, building up market share and never look- ing back. For years Boeing insiders have rued that deci- sion, even while battling Airbus at the World Trade Attack exposes vulnerability of public events Organization (WTO) over mutual accusations of unfair subsidies. While leading in widebody jets, it has seen he suicide attack on a Manchester claims to Sky News, saying “bags were selves,” according to Otso Iho from Jane’s implement specific measures such as metal the narrowbody market - where the industry makes Tpop concert has sparked criticism checked security was really, really good.” Terrorism & Insurgency Centre (JTIC). Event detectors. The use of an explosive device most cash - slip away as Airbus grabbed some 60 per- about security, but experts said it Manchester Arena stressed the incident organisers like Live Nation, which runs marks an escalation from recent attacks in cent of new-generation sales. highlighted the daunting task authorities had taken place “outside the venue in a many venues in London, beefed up securi- Britain, which have used unsophisticated Such a significant imbalance in market share poses face in neutralizing those bent on destruc- public place”, suggesting that the attacker ty following the Bataclan attack, but did weapons such as knives and vehicles, with serious long-term risk to the loser in the Airbus-Boeing tion. Police confirmed yesterday that had exploited a weak point by targeting not reveal publicly what measures had firearms less of a threat given the country’s duopoly, because it creates a gap in costs that can’t eas- youngsters were among the 22 victims the venue’s foyer area, which connects to been taken. strict laws on gun ownership. ily be bridged. Now, Boeing sees a second rival entering killed when a suspected lone suicide the Victoria train and tram station. “Several Security providers are also wary of being It will be of particular concern given its domestic market with what it sees as low prices and bomber targeted people leaving a concert indicators point to the fact that the attack too overbearing, according to Simon that measures are already in place to pre- is determined not to underestimate the threat again, by US star Ariana Grande at the Manchester was meticulously planned, and is likely to Battersby, director with the Showsec group vent bomb-making, according to experts. people close to the company say. “It’s a crucial entry Arena in northern England. The attack have involved more than one individual,” which lists Manchester Arena as a client. He “It is exceptionally difficult to source the market,” said a person familiar with Boeing’s strategy in raised immediate comparisons with the said Kit Nicholl, security analyst at IHS told the Venue Summit in March that “peo- materials necessary to build an improvised taking on Bombardier. “This is the case Boeing might assault on the Bataclan theatre in Paris in Markit. “The positioning of the suicide ple want to feel confident but also relaxed” explosive device while managing to avoid have brought against Airbus 40 years ago. Not taking November 2015 that left 90 dead, with con- bomber at the time of detonation, which and that “it’s important customers feel con- detection,” said Nicholl. “Since the 2005 action at the start led to consequences.” cert-goers to Monday’s event wondering maximized casualties within an enclosed fident as they’re coming in, but we need to London bombings, measures have been On the surface, Boeing’s case is about the sale of jets why they underwent few security checks. space while also managing to evade securi- do it in a friendly way”. If confirmed that the put in place to restrict the purchase of to Delta Air Lines at what Boeing claims were unfairly Witness Chris Pawley told Fox News that ty checks, suggests that a significant attack took place in a public area, attention materials that can be used to make explo- low prices. Bombardier denies Boeing’s estimates of “I’ve been to concerts before and some- amount of planning had gone into the will likely shift to the national security serv- sives.” Security services are also likely to both the price and the cost at which it is able to make times you get patted down, or have to operation,” she added. ices and local police. come under pressure after Prime Minister its new jet, while critics say Boeing accounting rules empty your pockets. There was absolutely The government’s Joint Terrorism Theresa May said police already knew the allow it to disguise weak pricing. While the high-profile nothing at this concert tonight, we literally Escalation in UK terror Analysis Centre (JTAC) provides general attacker’s identity. deal ignited Boeing’s complaint, executives say Boeing’s just got our ticket scanned and were By waiting for guests to leave through guidance by providing sites with a national Authorities believe there are around stance reflects a longer-term concern. straight in.” Twitter user “Cellie” wrote: the security ring before detonating, the threat level, which was set at “severe” - 2,000 potential terrorists in Britain, with Although Bombardier’s small narrowbody jet has so “security is not good at Manchester Arena, attacker had illustrated “the vulnerability meaning an attack was highly likely. The the question of surveillance resources sure far barely scratched Boeing’s larger 737 and has suffered no one was checking our bags or jackets,” of such mass gatherings despite security guide helps security providers plan their to come up as the country prepares to go a spate of financial problems, the all-new design dis- although concert-goer James disputed the measures in place at the venues them- response, but does not force them to the polls on June 8. — AFP turbs a landscape made up mainly by makeovers of existing Airbus and Boeing models. With Airbus still well ahead on narrowbody orders even after a recent lull, Boeing can ill afford to be squeezed on two fronts. Even less so with new players like China arriving. A Boeing Trump pushes shared worries over Iran spokesman declined to comment. s he hopscotches through the Middle East, when he declared that Obama’s nuclear agreement was been suspicious about Iran, from the United Arab Emirates’ Precision Trade Weapon APresident Donald Trump is urging Israel and its Arab “the worst deal ever negotiated.” He repeatedly promised long-running dispute over Tehran seizing several Arabian Boeing’s response marries strategic worries about its neighbors to unite around a “common cause”: Their that if elected, he would withdraw or renegotiate the deal. Gulf islands in 1971 to Bahrain’s simmering anger over a narrowbody position with a legal tactic designed to deep distrust of Iran. Trump’s first trip abroad has high- Four months into Trump’s tenure, the nuclear deal is intact. 1981 coup attempt it blamed on the newly formed Islamic exploit a vulnerability the CSeries has, but global rival lighted the extent to which strident opposition to Iran The State Department has informed Congress that Iran is Republic. The Obama administration’s nuclear negotiations Airbus did not. The 110-130 seat CSeries relies mainly for now serves as an organizing principle in his efforts to complying with the accord. And last week, the Trump further fueled Gulf nations’ worries about Iran’s regional now on the regional jet market, where North America is remake America’s relationship with the Middle East. He administration extended all of the sanctions relief Iran intentions, especially as it backs Shiite militias fighting the by far the largest single component and whose airlines leaned heavily on concerns over Iran’s destabilizing activi- received as part of the deal. Islamic State group in Iraq and supports the government of therefore decide its future. That hands Boeing the ties in the region during his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad. opportunity to make use of a domestic lawsuit ill-suited Tehran’s long-time foe. Hard Line Israel, meanwhile, has long been alarmed by Iranian to its global confrontation with Airbus, but which if suc- During meetings Monday in Israel, which considers Iran Trump has taken a hard line on Iran’s ballistic missile calls for its destruction, Iran’s development of long-range cessful could deliver a hammer blow to the CSeries. its biggest threat, Trump said Arab nations’ own worries program as Washington fears it could target American missiles capable of striking Israel and Iran’s pursuit of a Trade sources see a second tactical motive for spurn- about Tehran could ultimately lead to new regional sup- interests in the Middle East. On the same day Trump nuclear program. Netanyahu was among the fiercest critics ing the WTO and filing the industry’s first such domestic port for a Middle East peace deal. “There is a growing real- extended sanctions relief under the nuclear accord, he of the nuclear deal, arguing that it would not prevent Iran US case. US anti-dumping cases typically take a year - ization among your Arab neighbors that they have com- levied new penalties for the missile program. In Saudi from developing a nuclear weapons capability and ignored versus 13 years and counting in its trench warfare mon cause with you in the threat posed by Iran,” Trump Arabia and Israel, leaders appeared wholly unconcerned by Tehran’s other provocative behavior. Israel is especially con- against Airbus. That coincides with first delivery of a said as he opened talks with Israeli Prime Minister Trump’s continuation of the nuclear deal, apparently confi- cerned about Iran’s rising influence across the Middle East, CSeries to Delta in April 2018. If Boeing succeeds, the Benjamin Netanyahu. dent that the president’s tough talk will ultimately be particularly its involvement in the civil war in neighboring jets could be hit from day one with extra duties, blunt- But it’s unclear how thoroughly Trump has thought backed up with action. Syria. Iran has sent troops and weapons to Syria, and its ing Bombardier’s competitiveness more quickly and through what his anti-Iran policy will look like in practice. The tensions with Iran that Trump is tapping into on his proxy militia Hezbollah has also sent forces to fight along- more directly than normal trade sanctions. Will it force him to make good on his promise to unravel first foray abroad run deep. Gulf Arab countries long have side Syrian government troops. —AP Still, Boeing faces a headache over what to do about President Barack Obama’s nuclear agreement with Iran? lost fighter sales if Canada makes good on a threat to How will his support for anti-Iran allies in the Middle East drop a deal for F/A-18 warplanes in retaliation for square with his relationships with allies that also signed the Boeing’s trade claim. With Boeing’s future fighter pro- deal? Does overtly siding with the Saudis over Iran mean duction in jeopardy as sales run dry, Boeing is anxious the US will automatically take the kingdom’s side in proxy to keep its presence in that business long enough to Sunni-Shia battles in the Middle East? compete for tomorrow’s military programs. But without Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for stability in its narrowbody jetliner business, Boeing Strategic and International Studies, said Iran’s willingness faces an even deeper concern, since this is the cash cow to meddle in the Middle East also requires Trump to con- for many of the company’s other activities. sider this: “How do you escape a dynamic whereby Iran Sources says Boeing’s defense bosses signed off on keeps doing cheap, asymmetrical things that force you to bringing the trade case, highlighting the importance do expensive things?” When Obama grappled with these attached to the 737. The broader stakes raised by Bombardier’s foray into the US market were under- questions he landed firmly in the other camp. Obama scored when China was reported to revive on-off talks pushed the Saudis to “share the neighborhood” rather than to invest in Bombardier. — Reuters vie for influence in a destabilizing cycle of proxy conflicts. Pointing to wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, he warned that stoking the divisions could ultimately mean forcing the US to intervene. All articles appearing on these pages are Telling allies that Iran is the source of problems “would the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait mean that we have to start coming in and using our mili- tary power to settle scores. And that would be in the Times takes no responsibility for views interest neither of the United States nor of the Middle expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites East,” Obama told The Atlantic last year, explaining his policy. That approach - and the diplomacy and nuclear readers to voice their opinions. Please send accord it spawned - did little to endear Obama to leaders submissions via email to: opinion@kuwait- in Israel or Saudi Arabia. Trump appeared to have learned that lesson. On Monday, he was greeted with lavish praise times.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 from Netanyahu. “I want you to know how much we Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right appreciate the change in American policy on Iran,” the prime minister said. US President Donald Trump (center), Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin to edit any submission as necessary. Yet Trump has yet to bring about the kind of change to Netanyahu speak on Trump’s arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on Monday as part of his first America’s Iran policy that he promised as a candidate, trip overseas. — AFP p15_Layout 1 5/23/17 9:27 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 SPORTS

Di Maria, Pastore homes Whiteley named captain Sign Arsenal’s Sanchez, raided in PSG tax probe for must-not-lose series Bayern Munich urged Investigators raided the headquarters of Paris Saint-Germain PARIS: JOHANNESBURG: Golden Lions No 8 Warren Whiteley was named the BERLIN: Arturo Vidal has urged Bayern Munich’s bosses to sign his Chile and the homes of the club’s Argentinean stars Angel Di Maria and Javier new captain of South Africa yesterday ahead of a three-Test series international team-mate Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal after the Gunners Pastore yesterday in a tax fraud probe, legal sources said. French prose- against France in June that coach Allister Coetzee dare not lose. The missed out on a Champions League place next season. Sanchez scored 24 cutors launched the investigation in December following 15-cap forward won what was effectively a two-man race with anoth- league goals for the Gunners in 2016/17, but it was not enough to secure revelations by the “Football Leaks” website concerning er No 8, Duane Vermeulen from French outfit Toulon, to succeed Champions League qualification as Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal fin- financial transactions and other details involving top retired Adriaan Strauss. “I am honored and excited,” said Whiteley after ished fifth in the Premier League. The Chile hot-shot has a year football players. Di Maria and Pastore are being investi- a 31-man squad was named by South African Rugby president Mark left on his contract, but has stalled on extension talks and fell gated in connection with the probe into the use of tax Alexander at a Johannesburg TV studio. Northern Bulls hooker Strauss offside with Gunners’ boss Wenger in March after storming out heavens to hide earnings from the marketing of image quit following a calamitous 2016 season in which the Springboks lost of a training session. Bayern’s defensive midfielder Vidal has urged the club to splash out and lure Sanchez, who is report- rights, the sources said. The leaks also targeted eight of 12 Tests-a calender year record for the team. A nightmare first edly worth around 65 million euros ($72.9m, �56.2m), to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and season in charge for Coetzee included conceding 57 points at home Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. The the Bavarian giants, who booked their Champions to New Zealand and a first loss to Italy. Amid media speculation that League berth as German league winners. “I’d find it Paris head office of PSG as well as its Coetzee will be fired if South Africa lose the France series at home, he administrative offices were raided, the awesome if he comes, he would fit in well here,” chose four foreign-based and eight uncapped players. Vermeulen, Vidal told German daily Bild. “If he wants to meas- source said, confirming a report by Bordeaux prop Steven Kitshoff, Montpellier centre Francois Steyn and French investigative newspaper ure himself with the best, then he has to come Worcester scrum-half Francois Hougaard are the South Africans play- here where the best play,” added the self-confi- Mediapart. —AFP ing abroad.—AFP dent Vidal.—AFP

BALTIMORE: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins steals second base in the sixth inning as the throw gets away from JJ Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park on May 22, 2017. — AFP Panik homers as Giants overpower Cubs

CHICAGO: Joe Panik hit his first career lead- hitters in New York’s lineup. gave up six runs in 1 1/3 innings. A two-run of ineffective starts while Scott Schebler and Ender Inciarte had a career-high five hits off homer and doubled twice to help the San double by Kepler helped the Twins tie the homered for the third straight game in lead- as the Braves beat Gerrit Cole. Brandon Francisco Giants beat the Chicago Cubs 6-4 ASTROS 1, TIGERS 0 scores in the fifth. Minnesota sent 11 batters ing Cincinnati past Cleveland. The Reds took Phillips also homered for the Braves, who on Monday. Brandon Belt also connected Brad Peacock and three relievers com- to the plate in a six-run sixth and Sano added the opener of the annual intrastate series. have won eight of 11. Adams was acquired while Ty Blach (2-2) pitched into the eighth bined on a one-hitter while Jose Altuve pro- a two-run homer in the ninth. Joe Mauer had The teams play two games in Cincinnati fol- from St. Louis on Saturday as a fill-in for inning in the first meeting between the vided the offense with an RBI double as three hits, two RBIs and scored twice for the lowed by two in Cleveland. The Indians had injured first baseman Freddie Freeman, teams since San Francisco was eliminated by Houston nipped Detroit. Peacock was solid Twins, who reached season highs in runs and won their last four at Great American Ball expected to miss about 10 weeks with a bro- Chicago in the NL Division Series last year. moving out of the bullpen to make a spot hits (21). Park and six straight overall in the Ohio ken left wrist. Adams had two hits, including Panik, Belt and Justin Ruggiano each had two start for injured ace Dallas Keuchel. In his first series. Feldman (3-4) got the first victory by his fifth-inning homer high into the right- RBIs as the Giants won for the eighth time in start since September, Peacock allowed the ROCKIES 8, PHILLIES 1 a Reds starter since May 9. He gave up four field seats for a 5-1 lead. David Freese and 10 games. Ruggiano’s leadoff drive in the lone hit and struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings. Jeff Hoffman struck out seven and tossed hits, including Jason Kipnis’ homer, while Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle were eject- eighth made it 6-0 and gave San Francisco 18 He was lifted after walking Tyler Collins in the three-hit ball over seven innings to lead becoming the first Cincinnati starter in the ed by plate umpire Phil Cuzzi in the fourth. straight solo homers, just three from match- fifth. Chris Devenski (3-2) took over and Colorado over Philadelphia. Hoffman (2-0) last 10 games to make it through six innings. ing its major league record of 21 set in 2011. pitched 2 2/3 innings before Will Harris also had his first big league hit and the The Reds’ rotation is last in the NL in ERA ANGELS 3, RAYS 2 The Cubs responded with four in the bottom worked the eighth. Ken Giles struck out two National League-leading Rockies continued and innings pitched. Three relievers closed Jefry Marte scored the go-ahead run on a half on two-run homers by Javier Baez and in the ninth for his 12th save, allowing the to cruise away from home. They are best in out a seven-hitter for Cincinnati’s second wild pitch in the seventh inning to help Los Ben Zobrist. But the rally stalled from there. Astros to bounce back after being swept by the majors with a 16-7 road record and are 5-2 victory in 10 games. Schebler connected Angeles beat Tampa Bay. The Angels, who Cleveland last weekend. Houston struck early on this 10-game trip, their longest of the sea- against Josh Tomlin (2-6) for his third homer have won six of eight, pushed across the YANKEES 4, ROYALS 2 against Michael Fulmer (5-2) when George son. Nolan Arenado hit a two-run homer in a in a span of seven at-bats. It’s the first time decisive run without a hit against relievers Didi Gregorius, Brett Gardner and Chris Springer drew a leadoff walk and scored on four-run ninth after the Rockies scored four he’s homered in three consecutive games. Jumbo Diaz (0-3) and Ryne Stanek. After Carter all homered as New York beat Jason Altuve’s one-out double in the first. times off Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff (0-5). Zack Cozart’s two-run single in the seventh walking Mike Trout intentionally to load the Vargas again in defeating Kansas City. A Charlie Blackmon had a two-run double. off Dan Otero put Cincinnati in control. bases with two outs, Stanek threw a ball in reversed call in the seventh inning kept the TWINS 14, ORIOLES 7 the dirt while facing Albert Pujols, allowing Yankees ahead and enabled Michael Pineda Max Kepler homered and drove in four REDS 5, INDIANS 1 BRAVES 5, PIRATES 2 Marte to score easily. Corey Dickerson and (5-2) to top Vargas for the second time in a runs while Miguel Sano and Jorge Polanco Scott Feldman struck out a season-high Matt Adams hit a two-run homer in his Logan Morrison homered off Angels starter week. The Royals, with the worst record in the each had a career-high four hits as Minnesota nine while ending Cincinnati’s long stretch second start since being traded to Atlanta JC Ramirez (4-3).— AP AL, have lost five of seven. Vargas (5-3) began roared back to beat Baltimore. The Twins the day with a 2.03 ERA, tied for second-best trailed 5-0 in the second inning and 6-2 in the majors. But the lefty fell to 0-7 lifetime entering the fifth before cranking up the against the Yankees when he was tagged by offense against Ubaldo Jimenez and an inef- Gardner and Gregorius, the only left-handed fective Orioles bullpen. Tyler Wilson (2-2)

MLB results/standings

Arizona 5, Chicago White Sox 1; Houston 1, Detroit 0; San Francisco 6, Chicago Cubs 4; Atlanta 5, Pittsburgh 2; Cincinnati 5, Cleveland 1; LA Angels 3, Tampa Bay 2; Colorado 8, Philadelphia 1; NY Yankees 4, Kansas City 2; Minnesota 14, Baltimore 7. American League National League Eastern Division Eastern Division W L PCT GB Washington 26 17 .605 - NY Yankees 26 16 .619 - Atlanta 19 23 .452 6.5 Baltimore 25 18 .581 1.5 NY Mets 18 24 .429 7.5 Boston 22 21 .512 4.5 Philadelphia 15 27 .357 10.5 Tampa Bay 23 24 .489 5.5 Miami 15 28 .349 11 Toronto 19 26 .422 8.5 Central Division Central Division Milwaukee 25 19 .568 - Minnesota 23 18 .561 - St. Louis 22 19 .537 1.5 Cleveland 23 20 .535 1 Chicago Cubs 22 21 .512 2.5 Detroit 21 22 .488 3 Cincinnati 21 23 .477 4 Chicago White Sox 20 23 .465 4 Pittsburgh 20 25 .444 5.5 Kansas City 18 26 .409 6.5 Western Division Western Division Colorado 29 17 .630 - Houston 30 15 .667 - Texas 24 21 .533 6 Arizona 27 19 .587 2 LA Angels 24 23 .511 7 LA Dodgers 26 19 .578 2.5 San Francisco 20 26 .435 9 Oakland 20 24 .455 9.5 HOUSTON: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros makes a diving catch on a line drive by Dixon Machado of the Detroit Tigers in the San Diego 16 30 .348 13 Seattle 20 25 .444 10 sixth inning at Minute Maid Park on May 22, 2017. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 SPORTS

GOLF Horschels reveal anguish behind victory tears

LOS ANGELES: Billy Horschel paid tribute to his wife on Monday as she revealed the personal anguish that lay behind the golfer’s emotional reaction after his victory in the AT&T Byron Nelson USPGA event at the weekend. Horschel broke down in tears immediately after his playoff victory over world number four Jason Day on Sunday, cap- turing his first win since 2014 after missing four consecu- tive cuts leading into the tournament. He later declined to comment directly when asked about his tearful reaction to victory. “I’m not able to talk about it right now. It’s just lot of stuff happens in the last year and this is just - this is nice,” he said. But on Monday, Horschel’s wife Brittany took to Twitter to reveal she had been battling alcoholism. Her treatment included a three-month stay at a rehab center in South Florida which left her husband juggling his career on the tour while caring for the couple’s infant daughter. “I write this nervously, skeptically, but also proudly because I have embraced the woman I have become over the past year,” Brittany Horschel wrote in the post. “One year ago, I began a journey to a healthy me; mentally and physically. I will keep this simple, ‘I am an alcoholic.’ I say that now without shame. Admitting that to myself, family and friends has saved my life and my marriage.” “This weekend marked one year sober for me, but also marked a very hard fought year for Billy,” she added. “He deserves to soak in the glory of his win yesterday, throw his feet up and just let out a long deep breath.” Horschel, 30, praised his wife’s statement in his own post on Twitter. “Proud of the journey that my wife is on!” he wrote. “She is an amazing mother and unbeliev- able wife!” Horschel’s fourth PGA victory moves him up to 44th in the world rankings and also hands him a US Open berth after failing to qualify for last month’s Masters and the 2016 US Open.— AFP

Isinbayeva out, progress made on sanctions at WADA meeting

MONTREAL: Never known for haste, the World Anti- TEXAS: Billy Horschel is awarded the tournament trophy by Peggy Nelson, widow of Byron Nelson after Horschel’s win in the Byron Nelson golf tournament on Sunday, May Doping Agency delivered two pieces of news Thursday 21, 2017. — AP that could strengthen its ability to expedite the end of the Russian doping scandal. In one move, the WADA founda- tion board pressed forward with a proposal to fast-track rules changes that would give it power to suspend non- compliant Olympic committees. That could prevent a India says no Commonwealth repeat of last year, when the International Olympic Committee disregarded WADA’s recommendation to ban Russia from the Rio Games. And in the day’s big surprise, a WADA official said pole shambles at U17 World Cup vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva would be out as the chair of Russia’s anti-doping agency (RUSADA) by the end India has promised that this Guwahati and Kochi-with the final in that FIFA inspectors arriving in July “will League, featuring former stars like of the month. “It’s good to hear there will be change there,” CHANGSHA: year’s U17 football World Cup will avoid Kolkata on October 28. India’s reputation find everything in place”. “We would give Alessandro Del Piero and Diego Forlan, has said Joseph de Pencier, the CEO of the Institute of National the errors of New Delhi’s 2010 as an organizer of big sports events took a our best to deliver the best ever U17 World proved a success, drawing big crowds and Anti-Doping Organizations. “Now, there’s much more to Commonwealth Games, which were noto- dive in 2010, when incomplete infrastruc- Cup. We are working on this for the past TV audiences since its launch in 2013. come. We don’t know who will be the new leader. There’s rious for shoddy facilities and corruption. ture and poor conditions at the athletes’ two-and-a-half years and we have nearly Ticket sales for the World Cup have started an awful lot that’s still in process.” Subrata Dutta, a vice-president of the All village dominated headlines.Among the built up the infrastructure that is required... well, with the first phase of seats for Isinbayeva’s appointment as the RUSADA chair has been India Football Federation, said the tourna- worst incidents, a footbridge by the main the finishing touches are on now,” Dutta Kolkata selling out within hours of becom- widely panned by WADA, track’s international federation ment in October-the biggest football com- stadium collapsed days before the open- said. “Everything has been looked after by ing available last week, Dutta said. India (IAAF) and others. WADA’s Dick Pound labeled it a “provo- petition ever held in India-would make ing ceremony, while the swimming com- the professionals,” he added. “FIFA has has also launched a “Mission XI Million” cation,” mainly because Isinbayeva has been a steadfast the country proud. “It will be different petition was affected by murky water and been guiding us at regular intervals and grassroots project to bring football to 11 critic of WADA’s investigations into her country, calling (from the Commonwealth Games),” Dutta debris falling from the roof. Chief organizer I’m sure that we will put up a very good million children in 15,000 schools across 36 them an anti-Russian plot. WADA director general Olivier said at the World Football Forum in Suresh Kalmadi spent 10 months in jail show.” The U17 World Cup represents a cities. Dutta said if the U17 tournament Niggli said Isinbayeva could remain on the RUSADA board. Changsha, China. after being accused of financial irregulari- step forward for football in cricket-crazy goes well, India would bid for the U20 He said the move, which will place a board member who is “I think it will really make us proud and ties, in one of many corruption cases sur- India, which despite its 1.3 billion popula- World Cup, which is also held every two independent of Russia’s Olympic committee at the head of we will be able to give our best.” The three- rounding the Games. tion lies 100th in the FIFA rankings already years. But he added: “I think we have to the agency, is important because “it’s not just for one per- week World Cup will be played in six ven- But Dutta said the infrastructure was its highest position since 1993. wait for a while until we’re capable of a son or one situation. ues-in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, nearly complete for the World Cup, and The franchise-based Indian Super senior World Cup.”—AFP It’s for putting in place the safeguards we’ll need for the future.” Even with that expected move, there’s plenty of work to do in Russia, which remains under the microscope in the wake of a report that detailed wide-scale doping Big league baseball corruption in the country, including switching of drug- tainted urine samples with clean ones at the Sochi Games. ‘founding documents’ Investigator Richard McLaren found more than 1,000 ath- letes overall may have been involved or benefited from to be auctioned manipulations to conceal positive doping tests. WADA’s Rob Koehler revealed meager 2016 testing LOS ANGELES: In 1876, a group of owners and team officials numbers: 2,731 tests issued - nearly 10,000 fewer than in gathered at a New York hotel to draft and sign the constitu- the previous two years. The numbers are low in part tion that created baseball’s National League and would ulti- because there aren’t enough independent testers to tra- mately have ramifications far beyond the diamond. The princi- verse the country and do the work. But Russia will train ples the document laid out, largely the work of Chicago White more than four dozen of its own doping-control officers Stockings owner William Hulbert, would provide the basic (who will be under supervision of international experts) model for every major team sports league in the world that and also is working with mayors of so-called “closed” cities followed. The constitution is getting a public airing for the first where many athletes train but that limit access to drug time in more than a century when it’s put up for sale in testers. “The people in Russia are very aware of the chal- California, starting today. lenges they face,” said WADA chairman Craig Reedie. It offers a glimpse into a time when nearly half the teams in Russia’s status at the upcoming Winter Olympics was on the league had “stockings” in their names, 50 cents for a ticket everyone’s mind. Heading into last year’s Summer Games, was considered a steep price, and getting paid to play sports WADA called for a blanket suspension of the entire Russian was deemed dirty. “The idea that grown men would pick up a team, but the IOC disregarded that advice and put the bat and ball and put on costumes was suspicious,” said John decision in the hands of individual sports. All but one Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball. Not to member of the track team was banned, but 271 Russians mention the “residue and foul odor of drunkenness” thought still competed. Under the proposed rules changes, the to permeate the game. Many fans were convinced the out- IOC, along with all WADA signatories, would have to come of games was determined in advance. Occasionally they adhere to a new system of WADA-imposed sanctions, sub- were correct, Thorn said. ject to appeals. The NL’s immediate predecessor was the National The guidelines call for athletes from a non-compliant Association of Professional Baseball Players, known casually as country to be ineligible if that country’s Olympic commit- the National Association or NA. It was plagued with problems tee or anti-doping agency make deliberate attempts to cir- in its short life including weak central organization, teams cumvent anti-doping rules. If enacted at the next board constantly folding, and East Coast teams refusing to travel meeting, in November, the rules would go on the books west. Players just split up the gate receipts as though they during the Olympics next February, though they would were a small-time rock band playing a nightclub. One team, come into play too late for the Pyeongchang Games. “It the Boston Red Stockings, was utterly dominant. (The Red Jang Ha-na can get done. It’s not rocket science,” Pound said. WADA Stockings are not, as one might suspect, the modern Boston also took the next step toward implementing an independ- Red Sox, but the modern Atlanta Braves. Similarly, Hulbert’s ent testing authority, which would allow sports federations White Stockings are not the modern Chicago White Sox, but Jang Ha-na puts family first to contract out their testing duties. It was the IAAF’s control became the Chicago Cubs.) of its own testing operation that furthered the Russian The league’s demise after the 1875 season gave Hulbert, a track scandal. man of the West who did not like the dominance of East Coast ahead of fame and fortune The board also heard from a committee about gover- teams, an opening to found something new and lasting. On nance changes that would attempt to limit the influence of Feb. 2, 1876, in a meeting at the Grand Central Hotel in New SEOUL: Jang Ha-na knows her deci- “Even though I won four times (on the Jang reduced to tears at subsequent sports and government in its dealings.—AP York that included other early baseball luminaries like Harry sion to quit the elite US women’s golf LPGA Tour) I still felt empty inside. I media conferences, and it took the Wright and Al Spalding, the new constitution of the National tour at the peak of her career has left made this decision because being South Korean another four months League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was drafted and signed. people scratching their heads but the with my family is more important to before she recorded a top-10 finish. It listed on its opening page its central principles, including: world number 10 said yesterday she me than being the world’s top golfer.” Jang said the incident and its after- “To encourage, foster and elevate the game of base ball.” had no regrets about putting family Jang, who registered eight wins on the math played no part in her decision to “To enact and enforce proper rules for the exhibition and ahead of fame and fortune. Jang con- Korean Tour (KLPGA) and was the lead- cut short her career in the United conduct of the game.” “To make base ball playing respectable firmed at a news conference in Seoul ing money winner in 2013, has had a States. “That’s not why I decided to and honorable.” But it did something far more revolutionary in that she was rescinding her member- tough year off the course. come back,” she said. “I’ve already spo- sports. It created a strict division between capital and labor. ship of the US LPGA Tour and would She hit the headlines in March last ken to Chun In-gee a lot about that Owners and their officers ran the business end, and paid return to play on the domestic Korean year when a bag being carried by her incident. The reason I’ve decided to wages to the players. “Hulbert was a genius in the model he women’s circuit this season. The 25- father came crashing down an escala- come back is that I’ve found some- created with the National League,” Thorn said. “It is this model year-old, who has had four wins on tor at Singapore’s Changi Airport and thing more precious than golf.” While that gave birth to every professional sports league that fol- the US-based circuit since her 2015 slammed into South Korean rival the US Tour offers the biggest prize lowed, from football to basketball to European football. rookie season and earned more than Chun In-gee, forcing her to miss the funds in women’s golf, Jang will have Professional sports teams owe everything to Hulbert.” $2.6 million in prize money, said being LPGA’s HSBC Women’s Champions plenty of opportunities to earn good The new league had eight teams: Chicago, Boston, closer to her mother was the prime tournament. Adding insult to injury money in South Korea’s domestic tour. Philadelphia, the Cincinnati Reds, the Hartford Dark Blues, the reason for her decision. for Chun and her fans, Jang won the The Korean Tour, which has been mak- New York Mutuals, and the St Louis Brown Stockings. The doc- “I thought being world number one tournament in Singapore and cele- ing efforts to stem the annual exodus uments themselves have been held privately for decades by was the only goal in my life and that brated with a memorable ‘Beyonce- of top players to the LPGA, features the family of an old National League executive that is now was where my happiness comes from,” style’ dance, prompting a firestorm of more than 30 events and offers more putting them up for sale. The auction house is not making she said. “But I realized there are many criticism from Korean media. The con- than $20 million in total prize money Yelena Isinbayeva their names public. —AP more important things than that. troversy lingered from weeks, with this year.—Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 SPORTS Opportunity knocks in Paris for Tennessee’s Mr Tennys

LONDON: Tennys Sandgren describes him out of pocket have hardened him. “I himself as a walking coincidence. Tennys, reached a career high of 180 at the end of the pro tennis player who happens to 2013 when I won my first Challenger, then come from - you’ve guessed it: Tennessee. I hurt my hip and was out for seven From the moment he began swinging a months,” he said. “Coming back from that racket as a four-year-old in Gallatin the was difficult. “Back at the lowest level of significance of his moniker was not lost on tournaments and they’re hard because him, although his ambition back then was everybody’s good! All hungry. If you have not to match idol Andre Agassi, just not be an easy match in Futures you go home “bad” at a sport he shares his name with. “I and thank your lucky stars.” figured that with my name I can’t be bad With money tight, Sandgren spends at the sport,” he told Reuters by telephone. much of his time on the US Challenger cir- “I didn’t think I had to be particularly cuit, staying at the homes of members of good, but at least functional! “You can’t be local clubs to keep down costs. “Without named like a sport if you suck at it. No those people I don’t think I would have added pressure to be sensational. But I been able to do it,” he said. He clocks up think I’ve done my job.” the car miles too, covering huge distances It is hard to argue with that. Next week with Metallica blasting out of the stereo. the 25-year-old American make his grand “Not afraid to get in the car and haul out a slam debut, having earned a wildcard for long drive,” he said. “I drove 13 hours on the French Open. Earned is the operative the Friday to reach Sarasota from Nashville. word, because this was no free meal tick- Then played on Monday. Wasn’t feeling et for the world number 115. Sandgren, great Saturday.” who thought his career was over in 2013 It all paid off though, even if the cele- when he needed hip surgery, came brations after winning the Savannah title through the United States Tennis were modest. “My coach (Jim Madrigal) Association’s (USTA) Roland Garros Wild and I had dinner at Cracker Barrel a few Card Challenge - a series of Challenger hours into the drive home. Glamorous! level claycourt events in the US. The man Had cobbler for breakfast.” Sandgren is and woman with the most ranking points warming up at an event in Lyon before from their best two events were reward- heading to the French capital where he ed with a main draw slot for the claycourt has fond memories of knocking up with slam that begins on Sunday. claycourt king Rafael Nadal in 2009. “I hit Bruno Slastan Sandgren knew he had a chance, hav- with him twice! A crazy experience he was ing qualified for his first ATP Tour 250 event an awesome guy, super humble and super in Houston. A week later he reached the physical. I was a junior and remember final of the Sarasota Challenger and, after a being gassed just in a warm-up. “We First man on court, French Open first-round defeat in Tallahassee, got back played 45 minutes straight and didn’t sit on a roll in Savannah, Georgia. Walking out down once.” on court against Swiss Henri Laaksonen he So how would he feel if Friday’s draw manager keeps the clay in shape knew victory would seal the French Open paired him with the Spaniard who will be wildcard and delivered, winning in a third- chasing a 10th Roland Garros title? “I might PARIS: Bruno Slastan has been first on court at tons used up during the three-week tournament, contrast to the other grand slam venues. set tiebreak. “I thought it was possible book my ticket home early!! It would cer- the French Open on every day the tournament when up to 20 courts are in play. But that impres- The US and Australian Open hardcourts need going into Houston,” said Sandgren, whose tainly be a special experience to go against has hosted since 1989, using all his experience sion is literally skin-deep, with clay accounting little preparation and, even on the other “live” tennis-mad parents named him after his him in Paris but he’s not someone I would to prep the world’s most celebrated clay surface for just the top 2mm (0.08 inches) of the surface. surface at Wimbledon, “once the tournament Swedish great grandfather. “But the results want to see anywhere near my name. “If it for five hours before play starts. “We uncover Underneath lie at least 30 cm of crushed stones, has started and the grass has been trimmed were better than expected and I was in a happened it would be awesome and I the courts around 6:30 am. There is a lot of tech- 8 cm of clinker (used as a binder in cement prod- there’s not much (more) that can be done.” little of disbelief.” would compete my hardest and try to give nical work to do - raking, sweeping, spraying ucts) and 7 cm of ground limestone. Some might consider the rain to be Slastan’s him a run for his money.” Whatever hap- the courts with water,” Slastan, the Roland All of this is also sprayed with calcium chlo- worst enemy, but he says it is actually the wind. TENNIS UNIVERSE pens Sandgren will make an impression in Garros courts manager who heads a team of ride to maintain the courts’ humidity and their “It sweeps the clay away, especially when it The wildcard, which he says could be Paris even if only for the handlebar mous- 162, said. “We do that again quickly between characteristic red color. For the 54-year-old blows from North to South.” When it comes to career-changing, is reward for a player tache he is nurturing. “I’ll keep it going each set. Slastan, the hard work starts when the process dealing with problems, there is no substitute for who inhabits a different tennis universe unless it starts to annoy me,” he said. “...I’ve We have one minute 30 seconds but we usu- of preparing the courts get under way at the experience. “To become a good court man, you to the game’s stellar names. His experi- done well since I’ve had it so it’s a no- ally need (just) 1’10 to 1’20.” At night, courts are end of March. “Once we’re done with this, we’ve need five years,” he said. “The technique is quite ences on the lower rungs where even brainer, I can’t afford to shave it. Don’t watered again. Maintaining the surface though only done a third of the job. The rest has to be old-fashioned and you have to listen to your winning a Futures tournament might only know what others think, but it’s a solid the year takes 45 tons of clay, with a further 20 done during the tournament,” said Slastan - in elders.”— Reuters earn him $1,000 and anything else leaves moustache.”— Reuters Agassi could bring ‘something special’ to Djokovic: Leconte

LONDON: Novak Djokovic could be on the verge of “something special” after teaming up with Andre Agassi for the French Open, former Roland Garros runner-up Henri Leconte said yesterday. Serbian Djokovic, the defending French Open champion, announced on Sunday that he would have eight-times grand slam champion Agassi in his corner in Paris after parting ways with his coaching team earlier this month. “It’s brand new and good for tennis,” Leconte, the last Frenchman to reach the final in 1988 said. “I really hope it works because if it does, it could be something special for Novak.” Twelve-times grand slam winner Djokovic ended a three-year partnership with Boris Becker late last year when he lost his world number one status to Andy Murray. He has struggled to rediscover his best In this file photo, Czech Republic’s tennis player Petra Kvitova leaves after making a form since winning last year’s French Open to complete statement to the media in Prague, Czech Republic. Two-time Wimbledon champion a career grand slam and this season has seen a run of Petra Kvitova is to decide by the week’s end whether she will be available to play the Andy Murray surprise losses. French Open following a recovery from an attack by a knife-wielding intruder. — AP Leconte says American Agassi, who came back from a career slump to win the 1999 French Open, could help Muddled Murray seeking for the 30-year-old find the spark that appears to have Petra Kvitova to make been missing. “I really believe that he can help Novak form ahead of French Open find his way back to the top,” Leconte, who will work as a pundit for Eurosport during the French Open, said. ‘last-minute decision’ PARIS: When the ATP Race standings were he was flattered by the 6-2 6-4 scoreline “Andre has the strength of personality to give Novak updated this week Andy Murray, the world against an inspired Fognini. Earlier in his advice. He had the experience of coming back after PRAGUE: Petra Kvitova will make a “last- will be taken at the last minute,” Tejkal said. number one, languished down at 13th. It career Murray was criticized for being too injury problems and other setbacks to come back from minute decision” whether to compete in “We can already say it out loud-her long- is not a statistical anomaly either. Unlike passive with his game-a preference for 150 in the world to number one. “It’s not about coach- the French Open as she prepares a come- term goal is to be fit enough to compete in the actual world ranking that is a rolling playing counter-attacking tennis based back five months after her playing hand Wimbledon.” 12-month points total, the Race standings on rock-solid defense and superhuman ing. I think the likes of Novak, Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) just need something new. A brand new direc- was badly injured in a knife attack, her The 27-year-old Kvitova won Wimbledon are a gauge of form since January when court coverage rather than taking it on. spokesman said yesterday. The two-time in 2011 and 2014. This year’s event at the All everybody starts on zero. On current form With the help of coach Ivan Lendl, he tion. I really hope Novak has enough strength and pow- er to produce what he produced last year.”— Reuters Wimbledon champion suffered career- England club starts on July 3. Doctors had 13th is probably generous. With the became more forceful, leading to break- threatening injuries to her left hand as she said the Czech player would not be able to French Open starting on Sunday, Murray through titles at the 2012 US Open and fought off a knife-wielding intruder at her return to competition before the second has accrued 1,210 to the 4,915 of Rafael Wimbledon in 2013 and Lendl’s second home in the eastern Czech town of half of the year. But Kvitova returned to Nadal and looks a pale imitation of the stint as coach spurred Murray to become Prostejov in December. training early in May and she was included player who won his last 24 matches of world number one. The draw for the French Open will take on the entry list for the French Open. “This 2016 to knock Novak Djokovic off his However, he seems to have slipped place on Friday and Kvitova’s spokesman unfortunately does not mean necessarily pedestal and seize power in men’s tennis. back into lock-down mode and has paid Karel Tejkal said the Czech star could still that I will be ready to play in Paris, but that Not since Pete Sampras in 1999 has a the price especially against aggressive make the May 28-June 11 Grand Slam. “It’s I’m doing everything possible to give myself world number one had a worse start to a opponents who enjoy playing on the not by chance that her name is still on the the chance and keep a positive mindset,” year with Murray’s win percentage at a front foot such as Thiem and Fognini. A entry list for Roland Garros. The decision Kvitova said at the time.—AFP fairly modest 70.8 percent-a figure that closer look at the data offers some clues actually disguises just how bad the slump on Murray’s woes. Last year he won 85 has become of late. There was an encour- percent of his service games compared to aging run to the semi-finals in Barcelona 79 percent this year. In 2016 he won 54 Guangzhou secure first leg where he lost to Dominic Thiem but in percent of points on second serve-an area Madrid, where he went down with a of weakness he worked tirelessly to make advantage; Paulinho shines whimper against Borna Coric, and in Rome more of a weapon. That vulnerability where he was defending champion he seems to have returned as in his last two HONG KONG: Former Tottenham Hotspur to-head, only for the profligacy of Scolari’s was outclassed by Fabio Fognini. Last year, defeats he managed to win 37 and 35 midfielder Paulinho scored the only goal of frontline to deprive Evergrande of a more when Murray won nine titles including a percent respectively. And his forehand, the game as Guangzhou Evergrande significant margin of victory. second Wimbledon, a second Olympic title another shot that became far more emerged with a 1-0 win over Japan’s Ricardo Goulart, Ricardo Goulart and Li and the ATP Tour Finals in London, he suf- potent under Lendl, seems to have lost Kashima Antlers in the first leg of their Xuepeng all squandered scoring opportu- fered nine losses all season. some fizz. round of 16 meeting in the Asian nities before Paulinho gave his team a This time his win-loss record reads 16-7 Murray insists the number one ranking Champions League yesterday. Guangzhou, deserved lead and a one-goal advantage and it’s only May. Murray seems muddled has not weighed him down and the fact Asian champions in 2013 and 2015, domi- ahead of the second leg next Tuesday in and at a loss to explain his struggles. But that he has reached 30 should not be sig- nated the game but had to wait until the Japan. It was a mixed evening for Japanese with a huge haul of ranking points to nificant-as these days 30 appears to be 75th minute for the Brazil international to clubs as Kawasaki Frontale came from defend in the next couple of months, the new 20. The bout of shingles he suf- score from close range after the Kashima going a goal behind to pick up a 3-1 away starting at Roland Garros where he lost to fered after the Australian Open and elbow defence failed to clear Yu Hanchao’s corner. win over Thailand’s Muangthong United as Djokovic in last year’s final after his best problem that flared up during a first- “Today we have achieved our target,” said J.League clubs look to claim the title for the claycourt season, he needs a solution fast. round defeat to Vasek Pospisil at Indian Guangzhou coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. first time since Gamba Osaka’s win in 2008. “There is no reason for it from my end,” Wells have been contributory factors “Kashima is a well-known, strong side. Teerasil Dangda gave Muangthong the Murray said. “I’m just not playing good while there are suggestions his pre-sea- Probably because they were playing away, lead in first half injury time but two goals tennis and I need to try and work out how son training block left him jaded for the they were a bit conservative. in three second-half minutes put Kawasaki to turn that around. Last couple of weeks battles ahead. It could all turn round at “It was pretty tight, however most of the in control. Kengo Nakamura rolled his have been a struggle and a long way from Roland Garros, where Lendl will be a reas- time we controlled the match. We had four effort over the line in the 66th minute where I’d like to be.” It is the nature of the suring presence back in his box after leav- or five good scoring opportunities. Today before Kengo Nakamura curling volley defeats that is most surprising. ing match-day coaching duties to Jamie we have been outstanding, both in the per- three minutes later gave Muangthong At the start of the European claycourt Delgado for most of this year. But with formance and the result. However, this goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan little swing in Monte Carlo Murray lost to vulnerability having replaced the sense of round isn’t finished and they still have their chance, and the J.League side secured a Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas having led invincibility Murray worked so hard to chance.” Guangzhou were on top through- two-goal lead and three away goals ahead 4-0 in the final set. In Madrid he was bul- build, the vultures will be circling above out in a game that saw the reigning of the second leg when Hiroyuki Abe lied by the 20-year-old Coric and in Rome him on the red Parisian clay.— Reuters US tennis legend Andre Agassi Chinese and Japanese champions go head- added a late third.—Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 SPORTS

The Olympica Park of the 2016 Olympics is seen from the air, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Almost one year after the games, Olympica Park in suburban Barra da Tijuca, which was the largest cluster of venues, is an expanse of empty RIO DE JANEIRO: Children play near the Olympic Park sign in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. — AP arenas with clutter still remaining from the games. Scathing report on Rio Olympics: Venues ‘White Elephants’

RIO DE JANEIRO: A federal prosecutor look- Games. No planning. “They are white ele- Deodoro, is closed despite plans to open it as months after the Rio Olympics ended, the local Olympics showed signs of rusting. He said ing into last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics phants today,” Mitidieri added. “What we are a public park with swimming facilities for the organizing committee still owes creditors many were bronze medals, and said many of says that many of the venues “are white ele- trying to look at here is to how to turn this into mostly poor who live in the area. about $30 million, and 137 medals awarded the tarnished medals had been awarded to phants” that were built with “no planning.” The something usable.” Patricia Amorim, the undersecretary for during the games are rusting and need to be Americans. “Most of the problems were due to scathing report offered Monday at a public Rio de Janeiro spend about $12 billion to sports in the city of Rio, said highly publicized repaired. Former Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo handling, poor handling,” Andrada said. “Either hearing confirms what The Associated Press organize the games, which were plagued by plans were on hold to dismantle one arena and Paes, the moving force with the International they fell on the floor or they were touching reported several months after the games end- cost-cutting, poor attendance, and reports of turn the remains into four schools. The arena Olympic Committee behind organizing last each other so, it was a problem of handling. ed. Many of the venues are empty, boarded bribes and corruption linked to the building was the venue for handball. “It will be disman- year’s Olympics, is being investigated for Whatever was the problem with the poor han- up, and have no tenants or income with the of some Olympic-related facilities. The tled,” she said. “We are just waiting to know allegedly accepting at least 15 million reals ($5 dling, it took the gloss off the medal and then maintenance costs dumped on the federal Olympic Park in suburban Barra da Tijuca, whether we will actually have resources to million) in payments to facilitate construction you see rusting.” He said the medals would be government. “There was no planning,” federal which was the largest cluster of venues, is an build these schools on other sites, or whether projects tied to the games. repaired at Brazil’s mint, called the Casa da prosecutor Leandro Mitidieri told the public expanse of empty arenas with clutter still we will dismantle it and wait for the resources He denies any wrongdoing. Organizing Moeda. He said more than 2,000 medals were hearing on the Olympics. “There was no plan- remaining from the games. The second to come. Our schools need to be reformed and committee spokesman Mario Andrada said awarded at the Olympics and said “several oth- ning when they put out the bid to host the largest cluster, in the northern area of that’s our priority, not new schools.” Nine more than 100 medals awarded at the er games had problems with medals.”—AP A year before WCup, Russian clubs battle financial woes

MOSCOW: Kuban Krasnodar’s fans hoped wages delayed, and in the second division, that signing Andrei Arshavin would herald the FNL, it’s 50 percent,” says Nikolai long-awaited success for their club. The Grammatikov, head of one of Russia’s two local governor hoped for a pre-election competing players’ unions. “We expect that boost. By July 2015, Arshavin had lost the next year’s going to be even tougher,” much of the pace and attacking skill which Grammatikov adds. “I don’t want to have a made him a star in England for Arsenal professional club if I am a regional gover- years earlier, but he was still among Russia’s nor because it’s too much expense.” best-known footballers. Like most Russian In an ominous sign for the legacy of top-flight clubs, Kuban had a close financial next year’s World Cup, just five of the 11 relationship with the regional government, host cities will have a Premier League club so Arshavin flew to the southern city of next season, with the other six represented Krasnodar for a much-publicized meeting in the lower divisions, where financial with governor Veniamin Kondratyev before problems are typically more severe. signing a contract. Regional governments and state-owned The two posed for pictures in typical companies, like Zenit St Petersburg’s own- Russian official style, facing each other er Gazprom, own more than half of clubs across a conference table with flags in the in the top flight and almost all in the sec- background. Two months later, Kondratyev ond tier. Several other clubs have close won re-election with 83 percent of the commercial links with government organi- vote. Five months after that, as the Russian zations. With the Russian government hav- economy plunged, Arshavin left Kuban ing slashed spending on social services amid reports the club had stopped paying recently, paying large sums to rich players his 2.5-million-euro salary ($2.5-million). is an extra burden for state officials. Kuban was soon relegated and is now It’s less attractive for the state as a PR floundering in the Russian league’s second instrument, too, following recent poor tier. Last month, local media reported it results in European competitions by faced a lawsuit from tax authorities seek- Russia’s clubs and the national team, says ing to have the club declared bankrupt. Russian football writer Evgeny After years of the state bankrolling big- Dzichkovsky. “There’s just no money,” money transfers and foreign stars’ wages, Dzichkovsky says. “Earlier (state officials) NASHVILLE: Anaheim Ducks right wing Ondrej Kase (86), of the Czech Republic, shoots the puck past Nashville Predators defenseman Matt many Russian clubs are in financial trouble, sometimes sacrificed other areas for foot- Irwin (52) for a goal during the second period in Game 6 of the Western Conference final in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs on Monday, even as the country prepares to host next ball, but that’s harder now because of the May 22, 2017. — AP year’s World Cup. “Twenty-five percent of contrast between football clubs and the the clubs in the Premier League have rest of society. —AP Predators shoot down Ducks Vunipola ‘big loss’ for Lions LONDON: The withdrawal of Billy Vunipola “He is a big loss to us, but I fully under- to reach Stanley Cup Finals was a “big loss” to the British and Irish Lions stand the decision he made to not go on but more injuries can be expected before the tour.” Gatland has already lost England the tour of New Zealand is over, Coach scrumhalf Ben Youngs, who pulled out for MIAMI: Colton Sissons’ third goal of the game Warren Gatland has said. Number eight family reasons and was replaced by Greg at 14:00 of the third period broke a tie and led Vunipola pulled out of the 41-man squad Laidlaw, and has a private list of players on the Predators to a 6-3 win over the Anaheim on Monday because of an ongoing shoul- standby in case of further injuries. Haskell Ducks on Monday as Nashville clinched their World Cup - Asia der injury and was replaced by another was devastated not to be selected in the first trip to the Stanley Cup finals. With the English loose forward in James Haskell. initial squad after also missing out on the score ties at 3-3, Sissons ripped home a one- “Any player who gets injured at this time is two previous tours but was not celebrating timer from the left circle that was set up by overtakes Africa a big loss to the squad,” Gatland told British just yet. “I am over the moon but so much Calle Jarnkrok, three seconds after the media. “You’ve spent a lot of time going can happen,” Haskell said. “Until I’m on the Predators killed off a power-play following a through the process of picking players and plane, I won’t really start that enjoyment...” delay-of-game call on Roman Josi. “There was a CHANGSHA: Asia has overtaken Africa and now it’s a third of the world’s population.” planning and preparing so to lose some- There was some good news on the turnover and I got lost on the back side,” he looks the more likely continent to produce a one is disappointing. injury front for Gatland, however, with said of his tie-breaking goal. “Calle made a World Cup-winning team, according to the for- ‘ENTHUSIASTIC FOR ASIA’ “Given the history of the Lions we plan Lions captain Sam Warburton confirming beautiful pass, and fortunately I put it away.” mer England goalkeeper David James. Speaking The World Cup will return to the Asian con- to lose anywhere between six and 10 play- on Monday he had recovered from a knee Filip Forsberg and Austin Watson iced the win at the World Football Forum in Changsha, James federation at Qatar 2022, and China is actively ers. That’s just the attrition of past tours.” injury that has kept him on the sidelines at 17:38 and 18:26, respectively, with empty- said Asia’s financial clout and passion would considering a bid to host the tournament, prob- Vunipola is one of the most damaging ball since April. “Today I trained fully,” the net goals to seal the Western Conference finals propel it to the forefront of the game in the ably in the 2030s. China has spent hundreds of runners in world rugby and Gatland said he flanker said. “That’s all the boxes ticked, and series by a 4-2 margin. coming decades. “I genuinely think that an Asian millions of dollars on foreign players and coach- had tried to convince the 24-year-old to now I can crack on.” Haskell will not be in Nashville will play either the Ottawa country has got a better chance of winning the es after an official decree that the country hopes travel to New Zealand despite the injury. “I the first party of Lions players to land in Senators or the Pittsburgh Penguins in the World Cup than an African one,” the former to host and win the World Cup. But James said did try to persuade him to come over and New Zealand this week as his club Wasps finals, starting May 29 in the Eastern Conference Liverpool goalkeeper said. he was also optimistic for India, recalling crowds be assessed and look at managing him, but have reached Saturday’s English venue. The defending NHL champion Penguins “When I was growing up in the Nineties, it of 50,000 turning up to watch Kerala Blasters. he was adamant that he was not right,” he Premiership final against Exeter. The Lions lead that best-of-seven series 3-2. It is the third was all about how Africa was going to be the India will also be in the limelight later this added. “If someone is not 100 percent right begin the 10-match tour against the different team Nashville coach Peter Laviolette next continent to win the World Cup. I can’t see year when it hosts the U17 World Cup, its in terms of their commitment, I fully under- Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei on June will take to the Cup finals. He won the title with it.” James was referring to Brazilian legend Pele’s biggest football tournament to date. “There’s a stand and respect that decision. It was pret- 3 with the first of the three tests against the the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and lost with famous prediction that an African team would better infrastructure in China at the moment. ty tough for him. All Blacks following on June 24.— Reuters the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. “It probably win the World Cup before 2000, which turned India’s got a bit of a way to catch up with that means I got fired a lot,” Laviolette joked about out to be wide of the mark. No African team has but it’s not something that will take 30 years to his accomplishment. Goalie Pekka Rinne made made it past the quarter-finals, and although achieve,” James said. “The technology within Asian sides flopped at the last World Cup in football, the understanding of building pitches 38 saves for Nashville, which was outshot 41-18 2014, with none reaching the knock-out rounds, and training facilities, that’s one thing. To com- as Anaheim controlled most of the last 50 min- South Korea reached the semis on home soil in pete you need these things, but to improve you utes of action. 2002. Currently, Asia’s top-ranked team is Iran at need better coaching. “And it’s whether or not Despite the constant barrage of attacks, 28, while South Korea, Japan and Australia are the investment is made into the coaching side Rinne never cracked and the league’s lowest the others inside the world’s top 50. of things either in China or in India.” playoff seed-Nashville’s 94 points were the But James, whose CV includes playing for the James said there was “no reason” why Asia’s fewest of all 16 post-season participants-com- Indian Super League’s Kerala Blasters, said China national teams wouldn’t be at the same level as pleted its improbable run to franchise history. and even India-ranked 81st and 100th respec- their European rivals 30 years from now. “With “Our guys know the big picture, what we are tively-could emerge as World Cup contenders. “I the size of the countries... somewhere you can trying to do here,” Laviolette said. “But tonight, think there’s such fertile soil (in Asia). Maybe the find the perfect areas for a super camp or what- they are going to enjoy it.” Ducks goalie financial aspects of China provide that,” said ever. I’m enthusiastic for Asia,” he said. But he Jonathan Bernier, making his first career playoff James, 46, who made 53 England appearances. warned: “You can’t have the best national team start with starter John Gibson (lower-body “But I think with the enthusiasm for football in and the best domestic league... You can’t have injury) scratched, stopped only 12 of the 16 India, plus there is obviously a financial poten- both. “It’s a difficult beast-it’s almost like the dog shots he faced. “This is the worst feeling in tial to back them, I think the opportunity is mas- with a bone looking at his reflection in the hockey,” Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said. “We sive, massive. “There’s something like two-and-a- pond,” he said, quoting one of Aesop’s fables. worked so hard all year-and in the game- and it half billion people if you take the two countries, “What do you go for?”— AFP Billy Vunipola is incredibly frustrating.”— Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 SPORTS So long, Wayne? Cup final may be Rooney’s last United game

MANCHESTER: Wayne Rooney could finish his Manchester United career by hoisting a European trophy, surrounded by jubilant team- mates and with fireworks exploding around him. Still, it wouldn’t be quite the end he would have envisioned after 13 years at the English club. Rooney is set to be a substitute for United today in the Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm, a role which the club’s captain and record scorer has become increasingly accus- tomed to this season. Depending on the situation in the match, he might not even come on. That’s how it’s been for most of this season, watching from afar at a club where he was once the main man. Talk about United’s key players ahead of a final that means so much to the English club, and many would say Marcus Rashford or Paul Pogba or Henrikh AMSTERDAM: Ajax’s Danish forward Kasper Dolberg (left) and Dutch defender Mkhitaryan. Few would say Rooney. Kenny Tete take part in a training session in Amsterdam ahead of the team’s Europa That’s the reason why this game might be his League final football match against Manchester United in Stockholm today. — AFP last for United despite having two years left on his contract, why he has been linked for much of the past few months with a return to former club Dolberg leads impressive Everton, a move to MLS in the United States, or a short spell in the Chinese league. United is mov- new Ajax generation ing on under Jose Mourinho and Rooney is being left behind. Speculation grows that James AMSTERDAM: Teenage striker Kasper United like Ibrahimovic has bullied defens- Rodriguez will be moving to Old Trafford from Dolberg has drawn comparisons with es all over Europe during his career, the Real Madrid, adding to the list of attackers who Zlatan Ibrahimovic and there are shades of young Dane will also be off-and United will be ahead of Rooney in the pecking order next the celebrated 1990s vintage in his youth- have been linked with him. season. There was a symbolic moment Sunday ful Ajax side that faces Manchester United Dolberg’s agent Jens Steffensen says the on the final day of the Premier League season. in today’s Europa League final. Ajax lifted phone never stops ringing from interested Rooney was one of the few senior players the Champions League in 1995 with a clubs. But Dolberg is under contract until picked for a virtually meaningless match against sophisticated brand of football played by 2021 and says he wants to stay in the Crystal Palace - Mourinho rested most of his the likes of young stars Edgar Davids, Netherlands for another year to hone his Europa League starters - and he was replaced in Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, and the game. An impressive showing though in the final minutes by 16-year-old attacking mid- De Boer brothers. Stockholm would change that. Dolberg, fielder Angel Gomes, who became the first player Nobody in the Dutch capital is saying Kluivert and the others in this young Ajax born this millennium to play in the Premier that Peter Bosz’s side of 2017 are up to that side might however reflect they owe their League. Rooney applauded all corners of Old level yet, but some are making compar- coach at least another season. Last year, Trafford and walked off with his head down. Was isons because his is such a young Ajax when Ajax sold Polish striker Arkadiusz he saying goodbye to the stadium he has played team. The coach recently named the Milik to Napoli, Bosz put his faith in at since 2004, when - at 18 - he made a spectacu- youngest XI in the history of the Dutch Dolberg to fill the void. And Dolberg repaid lar debut by scoring a hat trick in a Champions league at an average age of barely 21. There his manager, hitting 16 league goals this League game against Fenerbahce? has been plenty of hype surrounding the 18- season (22 in all competitions) and making Since then, he has racked up 253 goals for year-old winger Justin Kluivert, son of his debut for his country. United to surpass Bobby Charlton’s longstanding Patrick, the forward who scored the only club record. He is also England’s record scorer goal in the 1995 Champions League final FIVE-SECOND RULE with 53 goals, again overtaking Charlton. He has against AC Milan. But the 19-year-old Bosz’s commitment to youth, allied to won the Premier League title five times, the FA Dolberg is getting plenty of notice too-and Ajax’s run in Europe, will also inevitably Cup once, the League Cup three times and the the Dane does not have a famous name to bring him temptations away from Champions League once. That last trophy came rely on. United forward Ibrahimovic, who is Amsterdam.The 53-year-old Dutchman is in 2008 when he was part of the famous frontline out of this week’s final in Stockholm with a almost the antithesis of United opposite containing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. serious knee injury, sprang to prominence as number Jose Mourinho, the arch pragma- Rooney is no longer the force of old, unable to a young predator at Ajax. Dolberg does not tist. Bosz was a gritty midfielder as a player, influence matches in the same way or tear have the Swede’s hugely imposing frame, in a career which included lifting the around the field harassing opponents. Games but he is no pushover either and is similarly Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in 1993 and can pass him by and there is the fear that, after fast making a name for himself in the Ajax saw him capped by his country. 15 years in the spotlight of the soccer world, he is red and white. It has been a swift ascent for But as a coach he says winning is not simply burnt out. Dolberg, who was hardly known 12 months enough, he wants his team to excite the In his last appearance at a news conference, ago and only really made headlines in fans too. He made his name as boss at prior to the second leg of the Europa League Europe with his two goals in the Europa Vitesse Arnhem in 2013-2015 and has a fan semifinals against Celta Vigo, Rooney said his League semi-final tie against Lyon. “There in Mourinho. But while Mourinho wants to priority at this stage of his career was to “play MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney walks on the pitch carrying are similarities with Zlatan,” said Bosz. win at all costs, Bosz has embraced the Ajax football.” When asked if that meant at United, his son Kit to applaud the fans at the end of the English Premier League football match at Old “Technically, and with his physical presence, way of nurturing young talent to be confi- he added: “Of course.” He will end this season Trafford in Manchester on May 21, 2017. — AFP and his ability to play with his back to goal. dent and comfortable on the ball, some- likely having started 25 of United’s 64 games. There is indeed some Zlatan in him.” thing akin to the Dutch “total football” phi- Often, he was an unused substitute. Mourinho wishes, so it is for the player to decide if today Whether he actually makes it onto the field losophy. Bosz, who has a reputation as said he would not sell Rooney against his is the last time he dons a United jersey. remains to be seen.— AP Big-money move? fiercely passionate and demanding, took The senior Kluivert and the rest from over from Frank de Boer in 2016 and places 1995 inevitably ended up leaving Ajax for great emphasis on recovering the ball as bigger clubs around Europe. The Dutch fast as possible-preferably within five sec- Ex-Barca president arrested side, for so long famed for their conveyor onds. “My players are very young and have Liverpool eye belt of young talent, know that their best the physical abilities to exert such pressure,” in money laundering probe players will be picked off. If Dolberg bullies he says.—AFP silverware BARCELONA: Former Barcelona president after being charged over alleged tax fraud LIVERPOOL: Liverpool need to experience the Sandro Rosell was arrested yesterday in a relating to the club’s signing of Brazil strik- feeling of winning trophies again to take the next money laundering investigation related to er Neymar from Santos. He was later step and compete with Europe’s best, defender image rights in the Brazilian national foot- cleared of all charges in connection with James Milner has said. Liverpool, who secured ball team, a police spokesman said. The the case following an agreement with fourth spot in the Premier League with a 3-0 win police operation was mainly carried out in prosecutors. Rosell will nevertheless be over Middlesbrough on Sunday, have not won a the northeastern region of Catalonia and tried for fraud and corruption relating to a major trophy since their League Cup triumph five for the moment “there are four or five parallel complaint filed by Brazilian invest- detainees, including the former president ment company DIS, which owned 40 per- years ago. of Barca, Sandro Rosell, and his wife,” the cent of Neymar’s sporting rights at the Liverpool lost out in last year’s League Cup and police spokesman said. time of his transfer. Europa League finals and Milner, who won the FA The investigation focuses on “money DIS claim it was cheated out of its real Cup with Manchester City in 2011 before their run laundering in companies linked to the share because part of the transfer fee was of two league titles in three years, said winning image rights of the Brazilian football team,” concealed by Barcelona, Santos and the one trophy is a catalyst for more. “Personally the police added. Officers were searching the Neymar family. A Spanish court earlier this biggest thing for us at City was winning the FA homes of those arrested as part of the month ordered Neymar and his parents to Cup: getting that first trophy under our belt, win- operation as well as at several company stand trial for alleged “business corruption” ning something, giving you that belief,” Milner headquarters in Barcelona, Girona and over the affair, making him the latest star said. “Champions League was a step along the Lleida in Catalonia and in Andorra, a tiny from the Catalan club to have to take the way. Last year we came close (to a trophy) but principality wedged between Spain and stand. Five-time World Player of the Year couldn’t get over the line. But playing in those sort France, police said. Lionel Messi and his father were given 21- of occasions and in those big games is important. Businessman Rosell, 53, was manager of month suspended jail sentences in July “Hopefully now we can stick a few trophies in sporting goods giants Nike in Brazil and 2016 for tax fraud relating to the player’s the cabinet. That is the next step.” Midfielder Adam oversaw the contract for the national team image rights. Barca’s Argentine defender Lallana also expected Liverpool to be ready to to wear the US brand, before taking over Javier Mascherano also agreed a one-year CARRINGTON: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho attends a training session compete for silverware next season. “It has been a as president of Barcelona in 2010. He suspended sentence with authorities for at the AON Training Complex in Carrington yesterday, ahead of the Europa League good season, not just myself but I think the team resigned as Barcelona president in 2014 tax fraud earlier this year.—AFP Final against Ajax today. —AP has come on leaps and bounds,” Lallana told the club’s website. (www.liverpoolfc.com) “There is still a lot of room for improvement and hopefully we Europa crucial for Mourinho can continue that in the Champions League next season. “We’ve got top four now... Hopefully we LONDON: Jose Mourinho’s first season at same group of players to march to the can add to this great squad and really compete for Manchester United will be deemed by Premier League title this term under his silverware next year.”—Reuters many as a failure unless they win today’s replacement Italian Antonio Conte. Europa League final against Ajax The move to United offered a chance to Amsterdam to secure Champions League restore Mourinho’s reputation as a winner - qualification. The Portuguese coach arrived but a season with just a League Cup tri- England’s own-goal gives at Old Trafford at the start of this campaign umph and no Champions League place charged with the task of restoring United would surely have his critics crowing again. Guinea 1-1 draw at WCup to, if not their old dominance, at least a Mourinho’s tactics have been criticized as place at the top table in the Premier overly cautious and others have taken aim SEOUL: An own-goal by England defender Fikayo Tomori League elite. But a sixth-place finish is low- at his habit of publicly naming and sham- handed Guinea a 1-1 draw yesterday at the Under-20 er than Mourinho’s predecessor Louis van ing individual players, such as full-back World Cup. Tomori, who is owned by Chelsea, put the Gaal managed in his two seasons, which Luke Shaw. On Monday, ex-France and ball in his own net in the 59th minute while attempting a concluded with fourth and fifth places. Arsenal striker turned Sky Sports TV pundit backpass to goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who was It is not the prestige of the Europa Thierry Henry said United’s biggest signing standing outside the penalty area and tried to kick the League title that would change the per- - world record 89 million pounds ($115.62 ball clear as it passed him. Lewis Cook scored for England spective on the former Chelsea and Real million) purchase Paul Pogba - was under- in the 53rd with a low shot from about 25 yards. Madrid manager’s first year at United but performing due to Mourinho’s tactics. England’s players wore black armbands during the Group the place that triumph would secure in the “They don’t use Pogba where he should be A match in Jeonju following the attack at a concert in continent’s top club competition. For playing - he’s not a holding midfielder. He Manchester. United, a second straight season outside likes to play higher or off the left,” said The English have four points from two matches and the European elite would not only be a Henry. But a win over Ajax would allow a will next face South Korea on Friday. Guinea, which blow for the fans and the club’s status but greater hearing for a more generous evalu- earned its first point in the tournament, will face could also affect their ability to recruit the ation of Mourinho’s first 12 months at Argentina. In Group B, Venezuela became the first team very best talent from across the globe. For United. Last month’s 2-0 home victory over to advance to the second round by routing Vanuatu 7-0 Mourinho, there is also his own ‘brand’ to eventual English champions Chelsea, pro- in Daejeon. Sixteen of the 24 teams will progress to the consider. The 54-year-old left Chelsea last vided indications that next season United knockout stage, the top two teams from each of the six season after a shocking campaign of could be both more successful and more groups and the four best third-place finishers. The final under-achievement, only for largely the entertaining.— Reuters will take place in Suwon on June 11.— AP Barcelona’s football club former president Sandro Rosell Predators shoot So long, Wayne? down Ducks to Cup final may be reach Stanley Rooney’s last Cup Finals United game

WEDNESDAY, MAY18 24, 2017 19 Panik homers as Giants overpower Cubs Page 15

SAN ANTONIO: Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2017 NBA Western Conference Finals at AT&T Center on May 22, 2017. —AFP Warriors sweep into NBA Finals

LOS ANGELES: Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant understanding following the mid-season injury dent and ready to go.” Spurs fans meanwhile ter team overall,” Popovich said. “He’s a big Boston 2-1. The Spurs were always struggling led the way as the Golden State Warriors sealed a that sidelined him for around 20 games.”Our bade what looked like a farewell to 39-year-old reason for our success. He deserved to have after an early points blitz from the Warriors that clean sweep of the San Antonio Spurs to reach chemistry is getting better and better and we’re Argentinian legend Manu Ginobili, who was giv- that night of respect so that he really feels saw the visitors power into a 31-19 at the end to their third consecutive NBA Finals berth on going to need it even more whoever we play in en a rousing ovation as he left the court. “He’s that we appreciate everything he’s done for us silence the AT&T Center crowd in Texas. Monday. Curry scored 36 points and Durant the finals,” Durant told an interviewer. “It’s great somebody I grew up watching,” Durant said. “An over the years. “If he decides he’s going to The writing was on the wall from the weighed in with 29 as the Warriors powered to a to be one of the last two teams standing-we’ll amazing competitor. I got nothing but love and play again that’s up to him,” said Popovich. moment the Warriors reeled off 13 unanswered 129-115 win to complete a 4-0 victory in the see what happens,” he said. Curry meanwhile respect for him.” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich “Manu is a grown man. He’ll figure out what is points to grab a 21-7, giving the contest an omi- best-of-seven Western Conference finals series. It admitted he was relishing his partnership with meanwhile spoke admiringly of the Warriors. best for him and his family.” nously familiar pattern. Thereafter the Warriors was the third consecutive series sweep of the Durant. “It makes the game fun,” Durant said. “They were fantastic. To all of them. From owner- comfortably kept the Spurs at arm’s length, with 2017 postseason for the Warriors, who are now “The way we play the game and move the ball. ship, to the coaches, the players. WARRIORS DOMINATE their multifaceted offense proving too much for 12-0 in the playoffs heading into the finals. Watching him do what he does. It’s a fun way to They play a great brand of basketball. Hats The depleted Spurs, missing the injured San Antonio. The Warriors maintained a 14- Durant, who attracted controversy after his play and we want to keep that up. I’m having fun, off to them. Great job,” said Popovich, who Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, were always point cushion at half-time to lead 65-51 and blockbuster move from Oklahoma City Thunder enjoying what I do. also saluted Ginobili in what might have been chasing the game as the powerful Warriors opened the second half with a 25-foot three- last year to the Warriors, was delighted to be his final game. Popovich said Ginobili had offense dominated almost from first to last. The pointer from Thompson to make it 68-51. They back in the NBA Finals once again. ‘THINGS ARE FLOWING’ been handed a starting berth “out of respect.” Warriors win keeps them on course for an remained 96-78 ahead at the end of the third The 28-year-old forward, who also pulled “Things are flowing. It’s a part of our identity “This is a hall of fame player who allowed me unprecedented third consecutive NBA Finals quarter and there was only going to be one down 12 rebounds and contributed four assists, to get that mojo going. I think we’re prepared for to play him off the bench for the last decade meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lead winner from there, with the Warriors keeping admitted he and Curry had rediscovered their pretty much anything. We’re going to be confi- or something because it would make us a bet- their Eastern Conference finals series against the score ticking over to the buzzer.— AFP Manchester clubs pay tribute to terror victims Terror attack scars Beckham speaks of his ‘heartbreak’ MANCHESTER: Football star David Beckham spoke nights attack on this beautiful city. We will stand erately driven on to a city street killing five people).” Europa League final of his “heartbreak” as former club Manchester United together in this dark hour.” The statement urged fans to get to the stadium as and local rivals Manchester City came together yes- United were due to train yesterday at their early to allow time for “detailed checks”. Amsterdam MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s prepa- intelligence” suggesting the Europa League terday to pay tribute after 22 people including chil- Carrington practice ground ahead of travelling to club Ajax sent their own message of support, saying: rations for today’s Europa League final were final would be targeted by attacks. It said dren were killed in a suspected suicide bombing in Stockholm, where they will play Dutch side Ajax in “From Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our plunged into sadness yesterday after a bomb security arrangements had already been the northern English city. Britain’s deadliest terror the Europa League final today. UEFA, European foot- thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of attack at a Manchester pop concert killed 22 beefed up following last month’s truck attack attack in 12 years took place when a bomb went off ball’s governing body, said “tight security arrange- those affected.” people and injured dozens more. United in the Swedish capital, which claimed five shortly after the end of a concert by US pop star ments” had already been put in place for the final but United were due to have a routine pre-match manager Jose Mourinho led his players in a lives and injured around 15 people. UEFA Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena on Monday. added they had no knowledge of any direct threat to meeting with UEFA yesterday at which it is under- solemn minute’s silence on the club’s urged fans to arrive at the stadium “as early Former England captain Beckham, who made his the match. “There is currently no specific intelligence stood they will now ask if their players can wear black Carrington training pitches to the west of as possible” on Wednesday as “detailed (secu- name as a global superstar at United after coming which might suggest that any of the UEFA Europa armbands in the final as a mark of respect in response Manchester city centre. United were due to rity) checks will be made at the entrances”. through the club’s youth system, expressed his con- League final activities in Stockholm may be the target to an attack that also left 59 people injured. The fly to Stockholm, scene of the final, later, but UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “I dolences via an Instagram message, saying: of attacks,” said a UEFA statement. England Under-20s side, one of the first football the club cancelled their pre-match press con- am deeply saddened by the horrible terrorist “Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a “UEFA has been closely working with local authori- teams from the country in action after the attack, con- ference scheduled to take place at the city’s attack in Manchester last night. “It shocks me human what has happened truly saddens me. My ties and the Swedish FA (Football Association) for firmed they would wear black armbands in their jun- Friends Arena. that so many innocent people lost their lives thoughts are with all of those that have been affected many months and the terrorist risk had been taken ior World Cup clash with Guinea in Joenju, South “Due to the tragic events in Manchester and I would like to send my condolences to by this tragedy.” Gary Lineker, another former England into account since the very beginning of the project. Korea yesterday. “Our #YoungLions will remember the last night and the effect that this has had on the families of those affected.” England’s international and now a television presenter, “Furthermore, a number of additional security meas- victims of the attack in Manchester when we take on everyone here at our club and within our Football Association said “robust security summed up a mood of widespread revulsion when ures were implemented following the attacks in Guinea at the #U20WC this morning,” said a message city, we have decided to cancel this measures” would be in place for Saturday’s he tweeted: “To target children at a concert is beyond Stockholm last April (when a hijacked truck was delib- on the official England Twitter account.—AFP evening’s pre-match press conference in FA Cup final between Arsenal and Premier comprehension. Beyond lunacy. Beyond evil. Heart Stockholm,” United said in a statement. “We League champions Chelsea at London’s goes out to all those who’ve lost loved ones.” are sure that, in the circumstances, you will Wembley Stadium. It comes just over a A help centre was opened at City’s Etihad Stadium all understand our position on this matter. month after the team bus of German side for those affected by the blast, while the United club “Our thoughts are with the victims at this Borussia Dortmund was targeted by three flag at their Old Trafford ground was flown at half terribly difficult time.” United’s opponents in roadside bomb blasts prior to a Champions mast. Both Premier League clubs posted short state- the final, Dutch club Ajax, tweeted: “From League home game with Monaco. ments yesterday on their Twitter accounts, with Amsterdam with love to Manchester. Our That attack, which left defender Marc United saying: “We are deeply shocked by last night’s thoughts are with the victims and the loved Bartra with a fractured wrist, is believed to terrible events at the Manchester Arena. Our ones of those affected.” have been carried out by a man who hoped thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.” Ajax head coach Peter Bosz was sched- to profit from a fall in Dortmund’s share Meanwhile, City said: “It’s with great sadness we uled to hold a pre-match conference at the price. United club captain Wayne Rooney hear of the terrible events at the Arena. Our hearts Friends Arena. The suicide bomb attack in expressed his shock on Twitter, writing: go out to all affected and to our city’s emergency Manchester, which claimed the lives of chil- “Devastating news this morning. Thoughts services.”Current players from both clubs also sent dren and also injured 59 people, struck after and prayers are with all those affected.” Twitter messages of support, with City captain a concert by American pop star Ariana Former United player Cristiano Ronaldo pub- Vincent Kompany saying: “I would like to express my Grande at the Manchester Arena. It was the lished a picture of a British Union Jack flag deepest condolences to the families of the victims. deadliest attack to hit Britain since the July bearing the word “MANCHESTER” on his 2005 attack on the London transport net- social media accounts. “So sad to hear the It’s a sad day for the great city of Manchester. MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s players inspect the pitch at the Friends Arena in Solna outside work, which left 52 people dead. European news from Manchester,” the Real Madrid #Unity’.” United’s Jesse Lindgard wrote: “My thoughts Stockholm yesterday on the eve of the UEFA Europa League football final between Ajax Amsterdam governing body UEFA said it had “no specific superstar wrote on Instagram. —AFP and prayers are with everyone affected by last and Manchester United. —AFP Kuwait current account records deficit in 2016

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Kuwait on track to meet its Business ambitious housing targets WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 Page 26 AUB wins ‘Best Bank for Private Banking in KFH wins ‘Top Listed Institution in Kuwait 2017’ award Kuwait’ award for 2017 Page 25 Page 23

KUWAIT: Zain Group’s Vice Chairman and CEO Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi receives a memento from Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak l-SabahA during a ceremony organized by Forbes Middle East to celebrate Kuwait’s Success 2017 entitled “A New Vision” on Monday night. Al-Kharafi featured personality on Forbes cover Zain ranked among top listed influential companies in Kuwait by Forbes Middle East

KUWAIT: Forbes Middle East, a leading regional business operates over 135 registered companies across 28 countries, er of youth development initiatives and an enthusiastic effects of increased and widespread competition, as well as magazine, has selected Zain Group’s Vice Chairman and Chief which are estimated to be valued over $8 billion. adopter of their ideas. He is the Vice Chairman of INJAZ, a into adopting the growing OTT solutions that are enhanc- Executive Officer Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi as the featured per- non-profit organization that offers business and entrepre- ing the mobile experience for customers. sonality on the cover of its special issue to celebrate Kuwait’s Youth development neurship programs through strategically partnering with Zain has identified service provision in the smart cities Success 2017 entitled “A New Vision”. The new issue features Forbes describes Al-Kharafi as one of the main support- education institutions and eager volunteers. INJAZ aims at space and in B2B/enterprise sector as significant growth and celebrates Al-Kharafi - the scion of one of Kuwait’s pow- ers of youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as a strong eliminating financial illiteracy and inspiring the next gener- areas and has been investing accordingly. Such develop- erful families - for playing a key role in the charge in further supporter and advocate of investing in education and the ations through establishing business readiness within stu- ments fall under the Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation expanding the country’s influence across the globe. development of curricula. Al-Kharafi believes the future is dents from kindergarten all through the twelfth grade. (ZDFI) business strategy, a unit charged with launching In its latest Middle East issue, the renowned magazine cel- secured through building a firm foundation that is In this regard, Al-Kharafi says: “Kuwait consists of a Zain into the digital space with the view to growing the ebrated the successes witnessed by Kuwait, describing it as a achieved by catering to education and youth develop- youthful demographic composition, and has young ener- company through new innovative business streams, which country that is continuing heavy investment in infrastructure, ment, as education is a continuous process that doesn’t gies that need attention and care. We must prepare them add to its financial viability and market capitalization. transportation, and finance. The magazine also highlighted In return, Bader Al-Kharafi encourages the business the role of private sector companies and their contributions environment within the Group’s personnel - fondly known in creating more diversity and achieving more wealth within Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi as the featured personality on the as Zainers, to adopt innovative ideas that carry creative the growing national economy. solutions. He is keen on encouraging all employees of all Forbes’ celebration of Kuwait’s successes came for the sec- cover of the special issue to celebrate Kuwait’s Success says: administrative levels to introduce innovative initiatives that ond consecutive year, in a gala ceremony held in Kuwait on strengthens the strategic direction of the Group’s opera- Monday night, under the patronage and presence of Sheikh “My late father was the best teacher in my life, and I would be tions, which he believes will create a sense of partnership Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of State between the Group and its employees. for Cabinet Affairs and Deputy Minister of Information. The very glad to reach 10% of the success he achieved.” Zain Group launched several transformative programs event witnessed the presence of many prominent business leaders, CEOs, managing directors of private and public that have an impact on the several directions of the organizations, and heads of diplomatic entities from across Information Technology and Telecommunications industry. stop at a certain age, and a person will still always keep for professional life, and encourage them to engage in it The Group is aspiring to build a regional digital entity that Kuwait and the Arab world. The event also saw the recogni- learning throughout life. without fear of what the future holds. We do not want gen- tion of Zain Group as one of the top influential companies operates within many sectors including e-commerce, digi- Speaking about the first and most important teacher in erations that memorize without understanding and analyz- tal content, advertising, gaming, and mobile app develop- listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange. his life, Bader Al-Kharafi said during his Forbes ME inter- ing. We want to plant courage in their hearts and not fear ment, and smart city services through expanding its role in Bader Al-Kharafi is one of the most active business leaders view: “I had the best teacher, my late father, peace be upon from failing. Our next generations must know that failure is new business sectors that takes it beyond telecom. in the Middle East and North Africa region, having an excep- his soul. If I could reach only 10 percent of the successes he a part of the success journey”. Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation (ZDFI) will continue tional record in leading business development and advisory reached, I would be very glad.” Bader Al-Kharafi believes innovation in digital technolo- to focus on determining the opportunities in advertising, roles within top companies as well as global institutions. Al- Al-Kharafi - who has an MBA from London Business gy has and will continue to contribute to major changes in health, telecom, payment, as well as financial technology Kharafi is a head and member of many boards of industrial School - sees that education adds a lot to the professional the business world, with clear effects of enormous increase and banking institutions, in addition to his roles within Al- experience, and is continuing his efforts to gain more edu- in productivity within commercial and industrial sectors. (Fin-Tech) through embracing the continuing development Kharafi Group; considered one of the biggest business cation. Bader Al-Kharafi already started his Doctorate He is now leading Zain Group into transforming to an inte- of apps. ZDFI’s main aim is to push business towards inno- groups across the Arab and global markets. The group oper- Degree in Finance, and he encourages business leaders grated, innovative telecommunications provider that vation, with the recent creation of iflix Arabia and its recent ates a vast network of projects and companies in the Arabian and executives to continue pursuing education for its great serves individuals and enterprises through the digital commercial launch across Zain’s footprint as one of many Gulf, Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and enjoys a pros- importance in affecting management and business mod- lifestyle experience. Through this direction, Al-Kharafi is planned steps into the Group’s entry and future expansion perous history in business and finance sectors. The group els. Forbes described Bader Al-Kharafi as a strong support- pushing Zain into exceeding its performance despite the to digital entertainment and content.

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NBK ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s current account recorded its first deficit in 2016, on the back of a decline in export earnings. The balance on Kuwait’s current account fell from a surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP in 2015 to a deficit of 4.5 percent in 2016. The deficit was largely a result of a continued deteri- oration in the goods balance, as oil export earn- ings declined on weaker oil prices. Despite the deficit, Kuwait’s external position remains Rosneft cuts oil output with strong, with a high level of external asset hold- ings and low external breakeven oil price. an eye to ramping up again We expect the balance on the current account to return to a surplus in 2017 as oil MOSCOW: Russia’s Rosneft is ready to source said that in the case of mature prices improve. The current account is projected resume full oil output quickly once OPEC- fields such as Yugansk, production was to return to a surplus of around 2 percent of GDP led cuts end as the country’s top produc- affected by unusually cold weather, not in 2017. The goods balance retreated to a 12- er has focused its own cuts on newer deliberate steps to lower output. “As part year low of KD 6.1 billion in 2016, primarily due fields, its chief executive has said. of the (OPEC and non-OPEC) deal, Rosneft to a continued decline in oil export receipts. Oil Those cuts run until June 30, though has cut its production at new projects, exports fell by 14 percent year-on-year (y/y) in oil ministers from OPEC and non-OPEC while the company’s strategy is aimed at 2016 following a 19 percent y/y drop in oil countries meeting in Vienna this week are development of mature fields,” Rosneft expected to agree to extend a deal that said in emailed comments to Reuters. prices. A continued rise in net service outflows has seen 22 countries reduce global out- “This allows for boosting the efficiency also weighed on the balance. The net services put by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of brownfields development, increase deficit widened to KD 6.4 billion in 2016, as since January 1. production at West Siberia fields and to strong project activity helped boost imports of “Restrictions (under the OPEC deal) raise greenfields’ output in the shortest construction services by 24 percent y/y. are mainly applied to greenfields,” time once the pricing environment The absence of growth in imports helped off- Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Sechin told improves.” According to energy ministry set some of the deterioration in the current reporters last week, referring to newer oil data, which excludes some Rosneft units, account. Import levels stabilized in part due to fields. “We will maintain mature fields as the company’s average output in April softness in the consumer sector. Indeed, imports they are and won’t cut production there,” was down by 116,000 bpd compared to of consumer goods were down by 9 percent in he said. “Our priority will be maintaining October, the reference month for the deal. 2016. However, imports also felt the impact of mature fields.” Mature fields require the Russia promised a total cut of 300,000 robust investment levels, with capital goods pumping of gas or liquid to increase bpd. Rosneft, which produced an average imports continuing to see healthy growth. crude flows and once that is halted, it of 4.62 million bpd in January-March, saw takes time to restore the pressure. That is output in the first quarter fall by 12.5 mil- Remittances less of an issue at new fields, where the lion barrels or 2.9 percent from the previ- Healthy net investment income growth and flow rate is usually higher. ous three months. modest growth in worker remittances also At other Russian oil companies, cuts in helped offset weakness in the current account. Structure of cuts production have come primarily from Investment income rose by 5.1 percent in 2016 Rosneft, the world’s top listed oil com- mature fields, industry sources said. But to an estimated 12 percent of GDP. Meanwhile, pany by output, accounts for around 40 they said steps were being taken so that out- worker remittances held steady at around the investment outflows remained positive as the ure remains relatively small. While the govern- percent of Russia’s crude production. It put could be ramped up as quickly as possi- KD 4.5 billion, keeping outflows on the current Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) continued to ment as a whole saw a net decline in foreign has targeted its cuts at its Tagul, Suzun ble. Mid-size oil company Russneft, whose transfers account in check. accumulate assets in the Future Generations Fund assets, the foreign reserves of the CBK increased and Vankor fields in the so-called Vankor shareholders include commodities trader The deficit on the current account resulted in a (FGF). Kuwait continued to invest in foreign securi- in 2016, most likely as the KIA sought to replen- cluster which is relatively new, among Glencore, has mainly mature fields. It told net financial account inflow for the first time in ties and foreign debt instruments to the tune of ish domestic liquidity. The overall BOP balance, other sites, according to a source familiar Reuters in emailed comments that one or over two decades. In a bid to finance the deficit on KD 5.7 billion, though the figure was 43 percent which reflects the change in foreign assets held with the matter who did not want to be two months would be enough to get back the current account, Kuwait resorted to liquidat- lower than the year before. by the CBK, recorded its biggest surplus in five identified. The cuts did not touch mature to previous production levels. A geologist ing short-term assets. Indeed, government curren- Direct investment outflows also came in low- years. CBK reserves rose by 14 percent to KD 8.9 units such as Yuganskneftegaz, Rosneft’s working with a major Russian oil compa- cy and deposit inflows rose to KD 10.5 billion er, but still held positive at KD 1.4 billion. Net billion, or an estimated 11.5 months of imports. largest, the source said. A company quar- ny, who did not want his name or the (Chart 4). These are likely to have come from liqui- outflows fell after investments by Kuwaitis Thanks to this increase, Kuwait has managed to terly report in May showed that produc- name of his employer published, said the dating assets of the General Reserve Fund (GRF) to abroad fell by some KD 0.3 billion. Meanwhile, maintain more comfortable liquidity levels tion fell at nearly all of Rosneft’s fields, output cuts were mainly done at high- finance the government’s fiscal deficit and replen- foreign direct investments in Kuwait jumped by despite the decline in the price of oil over the both mature and newer, compared to the rate wells where production could be ish domestic liquidity. At the same time, portfolio 42 percent, though at 0.4 percent of GDP the fig- last two years. fourth quarter of 2016. However, the restored in around a month. —Reuters As Syngenta deal closes, ChemChina, Sinochem press $120 billion deal HONG KONG/BEIJING: Chinese state-owned cals giant BASF. Talks to create a Chinese chem- pletion of that deal nearer, focus has shifted to Sinochem and ChemChina are in merger talks to icals powerhouse were first reported last year, creating a Chinese powerhouse. Beijing sees a create the world’s biggest industrial chemicals but were dismissed by both companies as Sinochem/ChemChina deal as a blueprint for firm, to be headed by Sinochem chief Ning rumor. Sinochem and China National streamlining and consolidating its sprawling, Gaoning, four people with knowledge of the Chemicals Corp, as ChemChina is officially debt-heavy state-owned enterprises, the peo- negotiations said. known, did not immediately respond to ple said, leaving fewer, but more powerful, A deal could be announced by the end of requests for comment on Tuesday. A Syngenta national champions. the year, the people said, potentially just spokesperson said the company was not aware “This is the priority now for both companies. months after ChemChina completes its own of any talks. The message from the top to the managers is $43 billion purchase of Switzerland’s Syngenta, The two companies have accelerated nego- very clear: don’t be distracted by anything else,” China’s biggest overseas deal to date. A consol- tiations after regulators last month cleared one of the people said, adding that the focus on KARACHI: A Pakistani stockbroker watches an index board showing share prices dur- idation of Sinochem and ChemChina would be ChemChina’s acquisition of Syngenta, the peo- this deal accounted in part for Sinochem recent- ing a trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi yesterday. The worth around $120 billion, one of the people ple said. With the approval also of over 80 per- ly ditching a plan to invest in Noble Group, a benchmark PSX-100 index was up 729.43 points to 52102.94 at mid-day trade. —AFP said, topping companies like industrial chemi- cent of Syngenta shareholders bringing com- loss-making commodity trader. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.745 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 315.230 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Australian Dollar 229.060 Thai Bhat 9.860 Japanese Yen 0.002638 0.002818 US Dollar Buying 303.000 Turkish Lira 84.130 ASIAN COUNTRIES Kenyan Shilling 0.003049 0.003049 Japanese Yen 2.734 GOLD Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Indian Rupees 4.706 20 Gram 255.560 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.066591 0.072591 Pkistani Rupees 2.899 10 Gram 130.700 Nepalese Rupee 0.003016 0.003186 Srilankan Rupees 1.987 5 Gram 66.190 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.002717 0.003007 Nepali Rupees 2.940 Singapore Dollar 221.240 Europe Philippine Peso 0.006014 0.006314 Hongkong Dollar 39.095 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.390437 0.400437 Sierra Leone 0.000068 0.000074 Bangladesh Taka 3.755 Czech Korune 0.004551 0.016551 Singapore Dollar 0.212865 0.222665 Philippine Peso 6.099 Danish Krone 0.041062 0.046062 South African Rand 0.016734 0.025234 Rate for Transfr Selling Rate Thai Baht 8.837 Euro 0. 330822 0.339822 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001638 0.002218 US Dollar 304.800 Norwegian Krone 0.031495 0.036695 Taiwan 0.009774 0.009954 GCC COUNTRIES Canadian Dolla 226.525 Romanian Leu 0.084611 0.084611 Thai Baht 0.008479 0.009029 Saudi Riyal 81.117 Sterling Pound 392.135 Slovakia 0.009141 0.019141 Qatari Riyal 83.606 Euro 328.485 Swedish Krona 0.030685 0.035685 Arab Omani Riyal 790.541 Swiss Frank 305.110 Bahraini Dinar 808.290 Swiss Franc 0.303396 0.314395 Bahraini Dinar 0.803243 0.811743 Bahrain Dinar 808.430 UAE Dirham 82.877 Turkish Lira 0.080734 0.091034 Egyptian Pound 0.014058 0.019966 UAE Dirhams 83.380 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 84.605 ARAB COUNTRIES Australasia Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.300 Saudi Riyals 82.175 Australian Dollar 0.218775 0.230775 Jordanian Dinar 0.425248 0.434248 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.730 Jordanian Dinar 429.815 New Zealand Dollar 0.205392 0.214892 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.222 Egyptian Pound 16.978 Tunisian Dinar 127.280 Lebanese Pound 0.000157 0.00257 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.005 America Jordanian Dinar 428.810 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020404 0.044404 Indian Rupees 4.728 Canadian Dollar 0.218478 0.227478 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.028 Nigerian Naira 0.001264 0.001899 Pakistani Rupees 2.907 Georgina Lari 0.137890 0.137890 Syrian Lira 2.169 Omani Riyal 0.786566 0.792246 Bangladesh Taka 3.742 US Dollars 0.301200 0.305600 Morocco Dirham 31.523 Qatar Riyal 0.083047 0.084497 Philippines Pesso 6.121 US Dollars Mint 0.301700 0.305600 Saudi Riyal 0.080327 0.081627 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 168.208 Syrian Pound 0.001295 0.001515 US Dollar Transfer 304.200 Japanese Yen 3.795 Asia Euro 342.990 Tunisian Dinar 0.124617 0.132617 Syrian Pound 2.420 Bangladesh Taka 0.003422 0.004006 Sterling Pound 398.500 Chinese Yuan 0.042805 0.046305 Turkish Lira 0.080734 0.091034 Canadian dollar 226.340 Nepalese Rupees 3.950 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037278 0.040028 UAE Dirhams 0.081641 0.083341 Turkish lira 85.810 Malaysian Ringgit 70.185 Indian Rupee 0.004169 0.004857 Yemeni Riyal 0.000993 0.001073 WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 BUSINESS MADA Telecom wins several ISO awards KUWAIT: The MADA Telecom sustainability while maintain- Company announced being ing and protecting the sur- awarded the Quality rounding environment. The Management System certifi- International Occupational cate ISO 9001:2015, the Health and Safety Manage- Environmental Management ment Standard; OHSAS System certificate ISO 14001: 18001 is usually awarded for 2015 and the Occupational companies using standard Health & Safety Management related conditions. System certificate OHSAS Speaking on the occasion, 18001, which are usually MADA’s board chairman and awarded to companies with CEO, Saheb Saleh Khajah said the highest management Saheb Saleh Khajah that such achievement quality levels that match match the company’s strate- International specifications. gic priorities and vision based on providing Notably, The QMS, ISO 9001 helps moni- customers with the latest wireless telecom tor quality levels and companies operations services and quality broadband Internet while the international standard specifica- services. Khajah added that MADA was tions system ISO 14001 is usually awarded working hard on becoming Kuwait and the to companies with effective environmental Middle Eastís leading data communication management to ensure their commercial service providers. Eurozone FMs fail to clinch Greece deal amid IMF row

BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers euro. The IMF remains far apart from failed to reach a deal for fresh bailout cash Europe, especially hardline Germany, on KUWAIT: AUB General Manager Medhat Tawfik receiving the award. for Greece on Monday, as a row with the the level of need for debt relief measures. International Monetary Fund over debt AUB receives ‘Best Bank for Private relief dragged on. ‘No excuse’ After more than eight hours of talks in The new delay on fresh aid and debt Brussels, ministers from the 19-member relief will infuriate the Greek government, Banking in Kuwait’ award for 2017 single currency bloc could not settle deep which pushed through the tough reforms differences on debt relief pitting Germany, to be ready for Monday’s talks. Greek the eurozone’s most powerful member, Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank (AUB) has announced found desire to provide an integrated range of against the IMF. “I think we are very close ahead of the crunch talks: “There is no that it has received the award of the “Best Bank private banking services through a team of high- to that agreement, but tonight we were excuse for further delay on the issue of the for Private Banking in Kuwait” for 2017 from the ly competent relationship managers committed unable to close a possible gap between debt relief.” Newly elected French President prestigious The Banker magazine. This is the sec- to serve customers in an outstanding, profes- what could be done and what some of us Emmanuel Macron said he backed debt ond time the Bank has won this highly regarded sional manner. had expected should be done or could be relief for Greece in a phone call on Monday award, having first received it in 2014. Tawfik went on to say that “the award came in done,” Eurogroup president Jeroen with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. The award was handed to Medhat Tawfik, recognition of the remarkable and unique Dijsselbloem told a news conference. Macron told Tsipras he was in favour of AUB’s General Manager Private Banking and efforts of AUB’s team of Private Banking and He said talks would resume at the next “finding a deal soon to alleviate the weight Wealth Management, at the global award giving product range in the private banking and wealth Wealth Management professionals. It also meeting of finance ministers in June. “We of Greece’s debt over time,” a statement ceremony recently held in Dubai. Speaking on management sector. He explained that the Bank reflects our eagerness to retain the trust of our need to close that (gap) by looking at addi- from the presidency said. this occasion, Tawfik said he and his team were won the award for the outstanding services it customers by providing them with comprehen- tional options or by adjusting our expecta- But Macron’s position put him at odds proud that AUB was awarded this important offers to Private Banking customers. sive banking services of the highest standards”. tions,” Dijsselbloem said. with Germany where Greek debt relief fol- prize for the second time, particularly so Additionally, for the commitment to develop Tawfik concluded “this award strongly moti- Hopes were high that the eurozone lowing three different bailouts since 2010 because this prize is awarded by one of the services and to ensure that customers’ expecta- vates us to continue to maintain the prominent could agree on the debt question and — is seen as a vote loser ahead of general industry’s most prestigious financial magazines tions and aspirations are satisfied, even exceed- position we have attained by continuing to unlock cash after Greek lawmakers tomor- elections in September. which selects the winning banks on the basis of ed, while keeping pace with the latest global develop and enhance the services we offer to row fulfilled the latest demands for painful performance indicators, service quality and banking standards. This is prompted by a pro- our customers”. austerity measures. The fresh reforms were ‘Wide apart’ to open the way to unlock the latest Led by tough negotiator and former tranche of Greece’s 2015 mega-bailout so French finance minister Christine Lagarde, that Athens can make a debt payment of the IMF says Greece’s debt is unsustainable Macron fuels German economic 7.0 billion euros ($7.8 billion) in July. and will be “explosive” in the long run, The IMF has made more debt relief a requiring a more ambitious plan from condition of taking part in Greece’s third Europe. This would include dramatically optimism as euro-axis tones up and latest 86-billion-euro ($94-billion) extending grace periods and maturities on bailout, agreed two years ago. Greece’s the loans far beyond what the eurozone debt mountain stands at a towering 180 has committed to so far. The question has Ifo business climate index hits post-reunification high percent of annual output, the legacy of a served as a point of contention for months crisis that brought panic to the markets between the IMF and German Finance BERLIN: Business morale in Germany hit its high- and nearly forced the country out of the Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. — AFP est since reunification in May and an already rosy growth outlook brightened further, tapping into hopes that Berlin will ally with Paris in spearhead- ing a broad-based economic revival in Europe. France is Germany’s second biggest trading partner and europhile Emmanuel Macron’s presi- dential election win over far-right protectionist rival Marine Le Pen in early May has given fresh impetus to neighboring exporters. That boost in confidence emerged in yester- day’s Ifo business climate index, which jumped to 114.6 - the highest since its current data set began in 1991, the year after West and East Germany unified. Klaus Wohlrabe, economist for the Munich- based Ifo institute, said the positive news of Macron’s victory had provided a tailwind. “It is a signal that the European Union is not under acute pressure, as it was a year ago,” he said. Neither the countdown to Britain’s departure from the EU nor the “America first” polices of US President Donald Trump had succeeded in put- ting a brake on the German economy, he added. WOODSTOCK: In this May 16, 2017 photo, a construction worker continues work on Growth in the economy, Europe’s largest, new town homes under construction in Woodstock, Ga. — AP accelerated to 0.6 percent quarter on quarter in the first three months of 2017, separate data US new home sales cool in April showed yesterday. The Federal Statistic Office cit- ed strong exports, booming construction and WASHINGTON: Sales of new US homes expe- 3.0 percent to $309,200. Analysts noted that higher spending by households and the state as rienced a sharp slowdown in April after hitting the housing figures are frequently erratic and factors. Germany has outpaced France in recent a record in March, and prices also fell, the the underlying trends still pointed upwards. years, helped by record low unemployment as Commerce Department reported yesterday. “April’s monthly numbers are just barely labour reforms similar to ones that Macron has PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Head of the French employers’ union The supply of new homes showed signs of statistically significant,” Ralph McLaughlin, said he also plans to implement kicked in. Since MEDEF Pierre Gattaz (left) and his advisers at the Elysee Palace in Paris yesterday. French increasing somewhat in an otherwise tight chief economist at the online real estate firm Macron took office, Chancellor Angela Merkel President Emmanuel Macron meets unions and business organizations to simplifying market the has left homebuyers squeezed for Trulia, wrote in a research note. He highlight- has stressed the lead role she believes a Franco- France’s labor code. — AP choice. Sales of new single-family houses ed that the margin of error for the data was German axis should play at the heart of a Europe ment with just the business-friendly Free bined with other key economic indicators point- plunged 11.4 percent from March to an annu- 10.5 percent. “So we should take them with a of strengthened economic reforms and deeper Democrats (FDP) - as a poll published yesterday ed to growth of 0.6 percent in the second quar- al rate of 569,000, seasonally adjusted. grain of salt.” Sales have averaged 604,000 a integration. suggested - or if she would be forced into anoth- ter. The Ifo report, based on a monthly survey of However, sales for the prior month were month in 2017, up from 561,000 last year, er ‘grand coalition’ with the SPD, he said. some 7,000 firms, showed that managers’ assess- revised sharply upward to 642,000 — the according to Jim O’Sullivan of High Good news for Merkel Markit’s PMI showed Germany’s private sector ments of the current business situation and their highest level since October 2007. Frequency Economics. She now looks odds-on to remain the pillar of grew at the fastest pace in more than six years outlook for the coming six months both Analysts had been expecting a drop of The estimated inventory of new homes for that bilateral relationship beyond her country’s due to stronger-than-expected factory activity. improved markedly. A sector breakdown showed only 5.8 percent in the latest month. The sale at the end of April stood at 268,000, national elections in September, for which earlier Yesterday’s data prompted some observers to the main boost came from improved sentiment month-to-month decline was in large part matching March, the highest since July 2009. this year her conservatives were running neck- raise their economic forecasts. The DIHK in manufacturing while optimism in wholesaling driven by falling sales in the western United At the current sales pace, that represented a and-neck with their Social Democrat (SPD) rivals. Chambers of Industry and Commerce raised its and construction also rose. States, which tumbled 26.3 percent to supply of 5.7 months, the highest since “This impressive string of strong economic data 2017 growth view to 1.8 percent from 1.6 per- “Today’s strong German data add to the evi- 126,000, the lowest level for the region in 18 September 2015. That was up from 4.9 is boosting Merkel’s already good chances of get- cent. Unicredit economist Andreas Rees said dence that, not only the German economy, but months. Even with the pullback, total sales still months in March, and 5.2 in January and ting re-elected even further,” said Timo Klein, growth could be as high as 2 percent. “Germany the entire euro zone economy could become the were 0.5 percent higher than the same month February. The number of new homes for sale economist for Markit, which also published its has become a powerful two-engine economy positive growth surprise of 2017,” ING bank in 2016. The average sales price fell 4.4 per- but still under construction stood at 157,000, composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for benefitting from strong domestic demand and economist Carsten Brzeski said. “With political cent to $368,300 last month, after rising in the the highest level since October 2008, the start May yesterday. The main question now was surging global trade,” he said. Ifo chief Clemens risks now ebbing away, economics have quickly two prior months. The median price also fell of the global financial crisis. — AFP whether she could form a new coalition govern- Fuest said the surge in business sentiment com- taken over.” — Reuters European economic rebound showing surprising strength

BRUSSELS: Europe’s economic recovery is showing surpris- prove “overly pessimistic.” He also noted that job creation has pants now realizing that the eurozone economy had been is considered too weak, and to protect the recovery from any ing strength, as key surveys of business activity and optimism surged to the second-highest in nearly a decade as firms written off too early.” new troubles. The bank has said it will continue the purchases hit their highest levels in years. The data released yesterday expand capacity and meet rising demand. The strong pur- The eurozone grew 0.5 percent in the first quarter com- at least through year end. — AP hold out hope that the region is set to see a sustained and chasing managers’ survey comes on top of the 26-year high pared to the quarter before, and 1.7 percent compared to marked decline in its unemployment rate from the current reached by Germany’s Ifo monthly confidence index. It rose the year-ago quarter. Germany has been the main engine 9.5 percent. And the good economic news could well add to 114.6 points for May from 113.0 in April. Economists had behind the region’s recovery from recession which began pressure on the European Central Bank to signal a withdrawal forecast that it would increase, but only to 114.1. four years ago. It’s been buoyed by strong exports of its of its extraordinary stimulus measures. Ifo said that was the highest figure since 1991 and, along cars and machinery. Stronger consumer confidence due to One of the indicators the ECB looks at when assessing its with other data, points to growth of 0.6 percent in the second low unemployment of 3.9 percent has also supported the policy stance is the monthly survey of business activity from quarter, matching the quarter-on-quarter growth figure of recovery. However, for the region to really push on growth financial information company IHS Markit. Once again, it was 0.6 percent for the January-March period. has to come from all corners and a run of surveys are point- strong, with the purchasing managers’ index - a broad gauge ing to a pick-up, particularly in France, the eurozone’s sec- of economic activity - for the 19 countries that use the euro Evidence ond-largest economy. currency unchanged at a six-year high of 56.8 in May. The “Today’s strong German data add to the evidence that, not The strong data mean the eurozone is closer to no longer results are consistent with quarterly economic growth of 0.6- only the German economy, but the entire eurozone economy needing extraordinary stimulus provided by the European 0.7 percent, higher than the first quarter’s 0.5 percent growth. could become the positive growth surprise of 2017,” ING-Diba Central Bank through its 60 billion euros ($67 billion) in Chris Williamson, IHS Markit’s chief economist, says the con- economist Carsten Brzeski said. “This sentiment is also monthly bond purchases. The purchases pump newly printed sensus forecast for second-quarter growth of 0.4 percent may spreading across financial markets, with many market partici- money into the economy in an attempt to raise inflation that WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 BUSINESS London stocks rise despite Manchester attack

LONDON: London stocks pushed higher yesterday with the Frankfurt DAX index climbing 0.4 percent ny IHS Markit said its May Composite Purchasing investors continued to look beyond doubts York and 111.35 yen in Asia earlier Monday. despite sentiment dented by a deadly terror attack and the Paris CAC rising 0.6 percent. Managers Index came in at 56.8 points, unchanged about the prospects for President Donald The US unit was also under pressure after in Manchester, while eurozone equities rallied on “The DAX and the CAC are trading higher this from April which was also the best for six years. The Trump’s policy agenda and focus on improv- The Washington Post reported that US upbeat data. The British capital’s FTSE 100 index of morning after both countries revealed impressive PMI measures companies’ willingness to invest in ing economic conditions following strong President Donald Trump had asked two top leading blue-chip companies added 0.2 percent, flash services and manufacturing PMI figures,” said their business and so gives a good idea of how well data overseas. About 10 minutes into trading, US intelligence officials in March to help although the pound remained under pressure fol- CMC Markets analyst David Madden. “The euro- the underlying economy is performing. Any read- the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at push back against the FBI investigation into lowing news of the atrocity. “Trading was inevitably zone as a whole also reported figures which paint- ing above the boom-bust 50 points line indicates 20,927.86, up 0.2 percent. The broad-based his campaign’s possible links with Russia. overshadowed by last night’s terror attack in ed a positive picture of its services and manufac- the economy is expanding. US stocks opened high- S&P 500 edged up 0.1 percent to 2,397.28, However, there was none of the turmoil Manchester,” noted Russ Mould, investment direc- turing sector.” er, with the Dow adding 0.2 percent, as the admin- while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index that rocked markets last week on fears about tor at stockbroker AJ Bell. istration of US President Donald Trump was set to advanced 0.1 percent to 6,139.68. Trump’s economy-boosting agenda with his At least 22 people were killed, including chil- Eurozone motors forward release a 2018 budget that seeks a a staggering presidency engulfed in a crisis over his firing of dren, in the suicide bomb blast at the end of a pop The eurozone economy grew at its fastest pace $1.7 trillion in cuts over 10 years to a category of Asia slips FBI chief James Comey and allegations he dis- concert by US star Ariana Grande in Britain’s third in six years in May as job creation in Europe picked spending that includes key social and “mandatory” Asian markets mostly turned lower yester- closed sensitive intelligence to Russian officials. city of Manchester. In the eurozone, meanwhile, up to its highest level in a decade, a closely programs for lower-income Americans. US stocks day as profit-taking overshadowed a healthy Investors are also waiting to see details of stocks rose on well-received economic numbers, watched survey showed. Data monitoring compa- were on track for their fourth straight gain, as lead from Wall Street overnight. Global stocks Trump’s 2018 budget, with previews showing had rallied Monday, with energy firms benefit- he want to slash billions in social spending ing from a surge in oil prices as OPEC and Russia over 10 years but boost military spending. look set to extend an output cut, while US deal- “When there’s clarity on the US budget plan, it ers welcomed an optimistic survey on US manu- may ease concern over how the investigation facturing. Tokyo stocks dipped yesterday morn- over ties to Russia will impact the administra- ing with investors on edge over the political sit- tion’s ability to execute policies,” Toshihiko uation in Washington and after a suspected ter- Matsuno, a senior strategist at SMBC Friend ror attack in Britain left at least 19 people dead. Securities, told Bloomberg News. Sony rose The weak session followed an upbeat day on 0.50 percent to 3,963 yen after its CEO said a Wall Street, which was driven by a positive US years-long restructuring was drawing to a manufacturing survey and an oil price rally. close with operating profit set to return to 20- Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index year highs. Banking giant Mitsubishi UFJ eased 0.12 percent, or 24.32 points, to Financial fell 0.79 percent to 690.1 yen and 19,653.96 by the break, while the Topix index Toyota slipped 0.25 percent to 5,982 yen. of all first-section shares ticked up 0.02 per- Chinese restaurant chain Totenko jumped cent, or 0.33 points, to 1,567.98. The explo- 14.05 percent to 211 yen after Tokyo’s Ueno sion at a pop concert by US star Ariana zoo said it would take its female giant panda Grande in Manchester fuelled buying of the out of a public viewing area, fuelling hopes that yen-a safe-haven currency in times of uncer- she is pregnant. Totenko’s main outlet is near tainty, denting Japanese exporters’ prof- the zoo and a rare baby panda is likely to boost itability. The dollar was changing hands at the number of visitors to the area, possibly 111.18 yen, down from 111.27 yen in New boosting the restaurant’s business. — Agencies WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 business

KFH wins ‘Top Listed Institution in Kuwait 2017’ award Forbes Middle East award recognizes bank’s role in boosting growth

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) won “Top Listed the Islamic finance industry globally, and offering a suite Institution in Kuwait 2017” award from “Forbes Middle of financial Islamic services and products. KFH’s group East” magazine in an award ceremony held at J W banking network spans across seven regions worldwide, Marriot to celebrate top institutions, businesses and with 480 branches, over 990 ATMs and approximately individuals that represent the backbone of resilient and 15,400 employees. “Forbes” added that the award recog- prosperous economy. nizes KFH’s robust financial position and its contribu- KFH-Group Chief Executive Officer, Mazin Saad Al- tions in the economic development. It reflects the Nahedh received the award at a VIP gala dinner and bank’s capabilities to encounter crisis and efficiently ceremony from Forbes Middle East in presence of manage risk thanks to its investment diversification and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad geographical expansions locally, regionally and globally. Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and a number of digni- The ranking of the top companies is measured based on taries and businessmen from various sectors in Kuwait four metrics: sales, net profits, assets and market value and the region. as of May 2017. Al-Nahedh takes pride in receiving the award, indi- KFH was established in Kuwait in 1977 and is enlisted cating that it reflects the international recognition of the in the Kuwait Stock Exchange. KFH Group is a global pio- bank while represents a new impetus for further neer in the field of Islamic banking services, where it achievements and leadership in the banking industry. offers a wide array of Islamic products and services, not He said that the award recognizes the bank’s instrumen- to mention a high standard of innovation and client tal role in boosting economic growth in Kuwait. service. KFH manages its operations in the GCC, Asia, Meanwhile, Forbes Middle East Magazine applauded and Europe through over 480 branches, including KFH- KUWAIT: KFH Group Chief Executive Officer Mazin Saad Al-Nahedh receives the award at a KFH’s performance and prestigious status, indicating Turkey, in order to offer services for the bank’s clients in ceremony from Forbes Middle East in presence of Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs that it is the first Islamic bank established in Kuwait in Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Germany, Jordan Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. 1977. KFH has a global integrated operations leading and Dubai.

Investors skeptical Ford CEO change will revive stock price

NEW YORK: Ford Motor Co’s unexpected due to far lower buy-back spending than decision to replace its chief executive offi- GM’s, analysts said. Ford’s buy-back cer on Monday may not be the catalyst that spending - net retirement of stock - was revives its slumping share prices. $145 billion or $2.6 billion over five years, Shares of the second-largest US with the bulk coming in 2014 which was a automaker rose 2.1 percent Monday, a rela- one-time buy-back to offset the dilution tively muted reaction given the 0.5 percent of both stock that was going to come gain in the broad Standard & Poor’s 500 onto market from an employee stock index. Over the last 12 months, shares of ownership plan and from convertible Ford are down nearly 16 percent due to notes that were due to become exercis- concerns of declining automobile sales and able for conversion to shares. the threat of autonomous vehicles to shrink GM’s buy-back spending was $2.5 billion future demand. last year and $16.8 billion over five years. The S&P 500 index has jumped nearly 17 Ford has a dividend yield of 5.5 percent, percent over the same time, while shares of versus General Motors of 4.6 percent. Ford competitor General Motors Co are up about has felt less pressure from outside activists 8 percent and shares of electronic vehicle to undertake efforts to boost its share price, pioneer Tesla Inc are up nearly 41 percent. in large part because the Ford family, which “There’s just nothing out there that looks holds nearly 40 percent of the voting power AMMAN: Shadi Zahran speaking on the panel. like it will get the stock moving,” said Gary among shareholders. GM, by comparison, Bradshaw, an analyst at Dallas-based has fended off calls from well-known hedge Hodges Capital, who said that he attended funds like David Einhorn’s Greenlight KFH participates in global forum a luncheon with outgoing CEO Mark Fields Capital, which has pressed the company to about two months ago in which Fields split the company’s stock. pressed the portfolio managers sitting Ford’s new chief executive, James for Islamic banking institutions around him about why they were not buy- Hackett, who had been overseeing its divi- ing shares in the company. sion focused on self-driving cars, has a rep- The change in the company’s leadership utation as a turnaround artist for guiding Zahran chairs opening panel on regulatory developments does not solve the structural problems fac- changes at furniture maker Steelcase Inc ing the industry, said Bradshaw, who does that helped it regain its market leading AMMAN: Group Chief Financial Officer at Kuwait goods, and 4.1 percent commercial services, indi- lished in 2001 and Headquartered in the not own shares in the company and does position, though those reforms did not Finance House (KFH) Shadi Zahran, participated cating the Brexit would impact Europe and Kingdom of Bahrain. CIBAFI is affiliated with the not plan on adding them. always benefit shareholders. Over the 18 in the second Global Forum of the General would put certain investments on hold. Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). “GM is in the same boat. They don’t have years that Hackett oversaw Steelcase as a Council for Islamic Banks and Financial He discussed during the panel the concern of CIBAFI represents the Islamic financial services a car out there like a Tesla that is getting public company, the stock fell by more than Institutions (CIBAFI), held for two days in optimistic views in global financial markets with industry globally, defending and promoting its people excited and saying they need to buy 55 percent and delivered a total return, Amman, Jordan. the fact that the value of many assets is overstat- role, consolidating cooperation among its mem- it,” he said. including reinvested dividends of negative Zahran chaired the opening panel themed ed along with not considering increasing global bers, and with other institutions with similar One significant auto investor who 22.3 percent, or an annualized total return “Macroeconomic Outlook and Global Regulatory political risks, low yield, not to mention the limit- interests and objectives. With over 120 members declined to be named said the CEO change under his tenure of negative 1.54 percent. Developments”. This panel brought together ed growth and cost of financing. from over 30 jurisdictions, representing market would probably not be a catalyst for the By contrast, the S&P 500 generated an Executive Director and Head of the Middle East He discussed the regulatory and economic players, international intergovernmental organi- stock. “The company hasn’t kept pace with annualized total return over the same run MSCI - UAE, Robert Ansari, Director & Senior policies makers’ response, and how that affects zations, professional firms, and industry associa- innovation, and the sector faces long-term of 5.62 percent. Economist, Japan Bank for International the banking business models. Also, the panel wit- tions, CIBAFI is recognized as a key piece in the problems,” the person said. Notably, on both a price and total return Cooperation - Dr. Etsuaki Yoshida in addition to nessed a discussion on topics of tighter capital & international architecture of Islamic finance. In At $51 billion, the market valuation of basis, Steelcase underperformed its main Special Advisor to the President, Islamic liquidity requirements, stress tests, increasing its mission to support Islamic financial services Tesla Motors is larger than both Ford and competitors like Herman Miller Inc and HNI Development Bank Group - Dr. Omar Zohair Hafiz. costs of control & governance, in addition to the industry by being the leading industry voice General Motors at a time when the compa- Corp by substantial margins on a cumula- Speaking on the panel, Zahran said that the IFRS 9 provisioning on the basis of expected loss. advocating regulatory, financial and economic ny is not profitable, in large part due to tive basis. Other management changes at geopolitical instability and the increasing uncer- The CIBAFI Global Forum brought together policies that are in the broad interest of our expectations that it has greater growth the company could be coming as Hackett tainty makes investments decisions very hard, top notch Islamic finance experts, and diverse members and that foster the development of potential than its more established rivals. attempts to reposition the company for a indicating volatility in oil prices significantly range of decision makers, regulatory bodies and the Islamic financial services industry and sound Ford, which announced plans to cut 1,400 new era of electric vehicles and impacts the global economy, where it causes industry leaders to discuss the most significant industry practice, CIBAFI is guided by its white-collar positions last week, is expect- autonomous driving, said Adam Jonas, an inflation, consumption and affecting demand recent developments of Islamic finance and the Strategic Objectives, which are Policy and ed to look at further significant cost cuts in analyst at Morgan Stanley. That could mean curve, besides deteriorating oil sector while non- major issuers in this regard. The forum was Regulatory Advocacy, Research and the next three to six months, company offi- that “the earnings situation may need to oil activities remain strong. attended by over 200 participants from 30 Publications, Awareness and Information cials told Reuters. get materially worse before it gets better,” He added that the UK contributes only 3.6 countries. Sharing, in addition to Professional Ford’s lower stock price could also be he wrote in a note Monday. — Reuters percent of the world imports of merchandise CIBAFI is an international organization estab- Development.

China’s imports from North CEOs of US companies got Korea sink as coal ban bites

BEIJING: China’s imports of North Korean North Korea because it tends to export biggest raise since 2013 goods in April fell below $100 million to goods to China worth around $3 billion the lowest in nearly three years, data per year,” he said. NEW YORK: The typical CEO at the biggest US showed yesterday, after China stopped The value of imports from North Korea companies got an 8.5 percent raise last year, rak- buying coal from the isolated country has fallen month-on-month since ing in $11.5 million in salary, stock and other and as calls mount for further economic December, the data showed. compensation last year, according to a study by sanctions. executive data firm Equilar for The AP. That’s the Neighboring China is North Korea’s Chinese sales down biggest raise in three years. biggest trade partner, and the data indi- China’s exports to North Korea eased to The bump reflects how well stocks have done cates that China’s halt of North Korean $288.2 million in April, down 12 percent under these CEOs’ watch. Boards of directors coal imports on Feb. 26 is having an from March. Exports for the first four increasingly require that CEOs push their stock impact and curbing Pyongyang’s ability months of the year were up 32 percent at price higher to collect their maximum possible to raise hard currency through exports. $1 billion. Diesel shipments to North Korea payout, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index The world’s second-largest economy in April more than halved from March to returned 12 percent last year. bought goods worth $99.3 million in 2,606 tons and gasoline sales dropped 6 Over the last five years, median CEO pay in the April from North Korea, the lowest percent to 13,496 tonnes. North Korea survey has jumped by 19.6 percent, not account- monthly tally since at least June 2014, gets most of its oil needs from China. ing for inflation. That’s nearly double the 10.9 according to Chinese customs data. Crude oil exports from China to North percent rise in the typical weekly paycheck for Previous data was not available. Korea have not been disclosed by cus- full-time employees across the country. That compares with $114.6 million in toms for several years, but sources have But CEO pay did fall for one group of compa- March and $167.7 million a year earlier. A put it at about 520,000 tons a year. nies last year: those where investors complained fifth of the April total was iron ore imports, Cutting off oil to North Korea for an the loudest about executive pay. Compensation which hit 285,000 tons, their highest since extended period would be a crippling dropped for nine of the 10 companies scoring August 2014. That was up 10 percent from measure that analysts have said they This photo combination of images shows the top 10 highest paid CEOs in 2016. On top row, the lowest on “Say on Pay” votes, where share- a month earlier and 2-1/2 times higher don’t expect China would take. from left: Charter Communications CEO Thomas Rutledge; CBS CEO Leslie Moonves; Walt holders give thumbs up or down on top execu- than a year earlier. US President Donald Pyongyang does not publish econom- Disney CEO Robert Iger; Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav and Activision Blizzard tives’ earnings. Trump has been urging China to put more ic data. North Korea fired a ballistic mis- CEO Robert Kotick. On bottom row, from left: Comcast CEO Brian Roberts; Time Warner CEO Other measures that would highlight the pressure on North Korea to step back from sile into waters off its east coast on Jeffrey Bewkes; IBM CEO Virginia Rometty; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals CEO Leonard Schleifer income gap between CEOs and typical workers its nuclear and missile programs, and lav- Sunday, the second test in a week in defi- and Wynn Resorts CEO Stephen Wynn. — AP are on the way, but governance watchdogs wor- ished praise on President Xi Jinping last ance of United Nations Security Council month for efforts to do so. resolutions. ry that Congress will kill or dilute their strength. amount, Charter’s share price will need to rise of Discovery Communications, whose networks “It’s all out of whack right now,” said Heather At a regular briefing yesterday, Chinese In a statement posted yesterday, 155 percent over six years. CEOs typically got include TLC and Animal Planet. Roughly 70 per- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Slavkin Corzo, director of the AFL-CIO Office of more than half their total compensation from cent of that was from stock and option awards. Investment, which says CEOs for major US Chunying said Beijing’s actions were not North Korea not to violate UN resolutions stock and option grants last year. No 5 was Activision Blizzard’s Robert Kotick, aimed at proving anything to anyone else. on its nuclear and missile programs. companies make 347 times more than the The lesson from the rest of the top five: How whose compensation surged 358 percent to average worker. “This is our international obligation as Washington has weighed tougher eco- lucrative the entertainment business can be. No $33.1 million. That was almost entirely due to a responsible member of the internation- nomic sanctions on Pyongyang, includ- 2 on the survey was Leslie Moonves at CBS, who $24.9 million in stock awards he received as The top five al community and permanent member of ing an oil embargo, a global ban on its made $68.6 million. That included $63.9 million part of a new five-year employment agree- the UN Security Council,” she said. Cho airline, intercepting cargo ships and pun- The highest-paid executive in the survey was in bonus and stock awards the company’s board ment. To get them, the company’s earnings per Thomas Rutledge of Charter Communications, Bong-hyun, who heads research on ishing Chinese banks that do business said he received for presiding over a 36.6 percent share must hit a certain level, among other North Korea’s economy at IBK Bank in with Pyongyang. which absorbed Time Warner Cable and Bright return for CBS shares in 2016 and for keeping financial targets. House Networks last year to become the nation’s Seoul, said China’s imports from North China is North Korea’s chief ally but CBS the top-rated network in the 2015-16 sea- Kotick may not make the top five this year. His Korea were likely to continue to decline has become increasingly frustrated by second-largest cable operator. son, among other performance measures. 2017 salary was cut by 26 percent to $1.8 million His compensation totaled $98 million, about due to Pyongyang’s repeated missile Pyongyang’s provocative behavior, but No. 3 was Walt Disney’s Robert Iger, at $41 mil- after many shareholders said they were upset tests and the suspension of coal ship- opposes any retaliatory action that would $88 million of that from stock and option awards lion. That was 6 percent less than the year before, about how much Activision Blizzard executives included as part of a new five-year employment ments to China. “This won’t be disastrous destabilize or threaten the regime of Kim as slowing growth resulted in a bonus cut. were making. The company also eliminated his for North Korea, but it will obviously hurt Jong Un. — Reuters agreement. For Rutledge to collect the full Fourth-highest at $37.2 million was David Zaslav guarantee for an annual salary increase. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 BUSINESS KIPCO’s Group CFO recognized by IBPC in Kuwait KUWAIT: The Indian Business and such distinguished personalities who The IBPC is a non-profit, non-com- Professional Council (IBPC) in Kuwait has not only have worked to strengthen our mercial platform that cultivates net- recognized Pinak Maitra, Group Chief business ties, but have also made con- works between Kuwait and India across Financial Officer at KIPCO - Kuwait siderable social contributions to our various sectors. Its seeks to strengthen Projects Company (Holding), for his career community in Kuwait.” commercial, business, cultural and success and contributions to strengthen- Maitra joined KIPCO in 1988. He was friendly relations between the two coun- ing Kuwaiti-Indian business ties. appointed Financial Controller in 1991 tries by holding seminars and inviting Maitra was among a number of and Group CFO in 1996, and has since business delegations from India. prominent Kuwaiti and Indian personali- been leading the Group planning and The KIPCO Group is one of the biggest ties who were recognized for their performance analysis function. He is a holding companies in the Middle East achievements. The event was held at the Board Member of Burgan Bank, OSN and and North Africa, with consolidated Crowne Plaza Hotel. PKC Advisory. He won the MENA Private assets of US$ 33 billion as at 31 March Commenting on the award, Maitra Sector CFO of the Year award in 2008. In 2017. The Group has significant owner- said: “I am humbled to be receiving this 2011, he won the first MENA region CFO ship interests in over 60 companies oper- award. I have long believed that belong- of the Year award, organized by the ating across 24 countries. The group’s ing to a community means giving back Institute of Chartered Accountants of main business sectors are financial servic- to it, and the IBPC’s efforts to foster rela- England and Wales. In 2016, he was es, media, real estate and manufacturing. tions between the Kuwaiti and Indian named among the ‘Top Indian Business Through its core companies, subsidiaries business communities is an embodi- Leaders in the Arab World (Executives)’ and affiliates, KIPCO also has interests in ment of this. I am honored to be among by Forbes Middle East. KUWAIT: Pinak Maitra (right) receiving recognition from Gurvinder S Lamba of the IBPC the education and medical sectors. KIB bags award for ‘Best Strategic Vision in Banking’

KUWAIT: As a continuation of its outstand- ucts and services; its strategic risk manage- ing track record of accomplishments, ment; its ability to attract highly skilled tal- Kuwait International Bank (KIB) was recent- ent and develop employees; as well as its ly awarded ‘Best Strategic Vision in Banking’ sustained growth in profits, stemming from at the 2017 Arab Banks Awards & its outstanding financial performance. Commendations of Excellence ceremony. On this occasion, Al-Jarrah expressed his The ceremony took place in Beirut and was delight at receiving the award on behalf of organized by the World Union of Arab KIB: “I am honored to receive this prestigious Bankers (WUAB). award on behalf of the Bank. Through our Chairman of KIB, Sheikh Mohammed hard work, commitment and focused vision, Jarrah Al-Sabah, received the award during a we have managed to come a long way since special ceremony organized by the WUAB; our inception. We at KIB strongly believe the organization which currently has more that our success is built upon our visionary than 500 members from across the region. outlook. Today, KIB is a leading Islamic bank, The ceremony was attended by a number of locally and regionally, and I am proud to say leaders in the banking and financial world, is continuously being recognized for its pio- CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ALARGAN International Director of the Master Planning Department at Kuwait Municipality and as well as several prominent figures, both neering, forward-thinking strategy that has Real Estate Company Eng Khaled Al-Mashaan President of the Kuwait Society of Engineers Eng Saad Muhailbi regionally and internationally. Additionally, driven its continuous success.” during the ceremony, The Banking Executive Al-Jarrah pointed out that KIB’s success- Kuwait on track to meet its magazine, recognized and commemorated ful strategic vision stems from its belief in the outstanding achievements of several the importance of encompassing all distinguished Arab banks. aspects of performance and operations. This award serves as a testament to KIB’s This includes operational excellence, cus- ambitious housing targets outstanding leadership in the local banking tomer satisfaction, optimization of prod- sector, as it continues to carve a place for ucts and services, as well as enhanced cus- itself within Kuwait’s economic landscape. tomer service levels for both individuals Kuwait Housing and Residential Development Forum meets The Bank continues to implement a and institutions. focused approach, which has positively Over the past several years, KIB has gar- reflected on its performance and con- nered a number of prestigious awards and KUWAIT: Senior representatives from the Public tributed to the success of its strategic recognitions. These accomplishments are Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW), Supreme objectives. Recognizing KIB’s excellence in a testament to the Bank’s excellence and Council of Planning and Development (MOP), several key areas, the award honored KIB’s leading reputation within the local and Kuwait Municipality and Ministry of Electricity continuous focus on innovation; its imple- regional banking industry, which is credit- and Water (MEW) have gathered yesterday for mentation of the highest standards of pro- ed to its continuous focus on customer the ‘Kuwait Housing and Residential fessional integrity; its commitment to sus- satisfaction, specialized products and Development Forum’ to discuss best practice tainable practices; its efforts to ensure the services, and its commitment to maintain- engineering, design and project planning in satisfaction of customer needs and inter- ing the highest banking standards within order to meet Kuwait’s ambitious housing tar- ests; its ability to provide stand-out prod- all its operations. gets set by the PAHW. With over 100,000 people awaiting housing by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the Forum has been organized to bring together key

Eng Naser Khraibut, Director of Planning at Public Authority for Housing Welfare update provided a good opportunity for sector can deliver this said need. With our expe- investors, developers and contractors to under- rience at ALARGAN, in building across the region stand the current opportunities in the Kuwaiti (KSA, Oman, Bahrain) we have the expertise that residential market. will ensure sustainable long-term energy-effi- High on the agenda for discussion at the cient developments that will best serve their summit was an update on the Energy communities.’ Dr Khaled A Al-Mahdi, Secretary General for the Conservation codes of Practice by Dr Adnan A The Forum provided a rare opportunity for all Supreme Council of Planning and Development Al-Homoud, Vice Chairman of the Code Approval key government stakeholders to come together Committee from MEW. The codes have been and address the challenges within the Kuwaiti government ministries, private developers, con- revised to ensure sustainable design initiatives housing market and network with contractors, tractors and consultants to discuss new partner- are implemented across Kuwait’s commercial developers and solution providers offering ships, engineering and design strategies for the buildings. The MEW is encouraging that similar state-of the art sustainable design solutions to Dollar struggles near delivery of five new cities on the outskirts of practices are to be implemented across the resi- develop Kuwait’s future cities. Kuwait. The Forum kicked off with a keynote dential sector. In an era of low oil prices and IQPC provides business executives around address from Dr Khaled A Al-Mahdi, Secretary potential electricity subsidy cuts, it is now more the world with tailored practical conferences, 6-1/2 month low General for the Supreme Council of Planning important than ever for housing and residential large scale events, topical seminars and training and Development, Kuwait. He outlined the strat- communities to be designed sustainably. programs, keeping them up-to-date with indus- LONDON: The dollar struggled to recover States.” By 1155 GMT, the dollar index had egy for Kuwait’s National Development Plan. The Key to delivering ambitious housing targets try trends, technological developments and the ground against other major currencies yester- recovered to stand roughly flat on the day at plan has been branded the ‘New Kuwait’ and and developing smart, sustainable urban com- regulatory landscape. IQPC conferences are mar- day as stronger German data and low 10-year 96.972, off a 6-1/2 month low of 96.797 hit amongst a host of other aims, will build on the munities is the adoption of PPP models. ket leading “must-attend” events for their US Treasury yields offset signs investors were mid-session on Monday. It traded at 111.17 current momentum in the housing sector by Eng. Khaled Al-Mashaan, CEO and Vice respective industries. ready to take some profit on its worst week of yen and $1.1216 per euro, having traded at launching more master plans for further large Chairman of the Board of Directors of ALARGAN IQPC produces more than 1,700 events losses in a year. $1.1268 - its weakest since Donald Trump’s scale developments. International Real Estate Company and part of annually around the world, and continues to Moves on major markets were tight, with election as US president last November. The Following Dr Khaled A Mahdi, Eng Naser the sponsor and speaker faculty of the confer- grow. Founded in 1973, IQPC now has offices in the common denominator still a weaker euro was strengthened on Monday by com- Khraibut, Director of Planning at PAHW, deliv- ence, highlighted the ‘need today to develop major cities across six continents including: greenback, down 0.1 percent against the yen, ments from German leader Angela Merkel, ered an update on Kuwait’s residential develop- affordable communities that provide high quali- Bengaluru, Berlin, Dubai, Johannesburg, and as much as 0.7 percent against a resur- who said a euro that was “too weak” was the ments including, South Al-Mutlaa, the largest ty residential and mixed-use spaces that ensure London, New York, Singapore, Sydney, Tampa, gent New Zealand dollar. cause of Germany’s massive trade surplus. housing project in Kuwait and South Saad Al- sustainable urban development.’ He said that, ‘a and Toronto. IQPC leverages a global research But despite another strong batch of num- Berlin is likely to hear more grumbling, Abdullah, a new smart city being developed in strategy regulated by government authorities base of best practices to produce an unrivalled bers from flash European purchasing manag- particularly from a Washington administra- conjunction with the Korean government. The and executed in partnership with the private portfolio of conferences. er surveys and a rise in German business tion that has made noises about the dollar’s morale to an all-time high, the euro was strength, at a meeting of Group of Seven slightly lower in midday trading in Europe. leaders in Italy this weekend. Nigerian economy “US political risk obviously has come very But it is a fall in US data and growing con- much to the front of market attention in the cern over a White House that has failed so far shrinks by 0.5% past week,” said Lee Hardman, a currency to deliver on grand promises on border taxes, economist with Japan’s MUFG in London. spending and capital repatriation that have ABUJA: Nigeria’s economy contracted for a fifth straight “But from here, to us most of the correc- dominated the past two weeks. The dollar is quarter, official figures showed yeterday, as low oil produc- tion on the dollar has already happened. For now down around 7 percent for this year, tion dented overall output. Gross domestic product shrank it to extend much further we need to see fur- handing back all of its gains after Trump’s by 0.5 percent in the first three months of 2017, an improve- ther disappointing data from the United election last year. — Reuters ment from a 1.7 percent fall in the last quarter of 2016, said Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics. Despite an encourag- ing pick-up of momentum in the non-oil sector, the latest reading disappointed expectations of a modest recovery and an exit out of a debilitating recession. “It’s worse than what we’d expected,” said John Ashbourne, Africa economist at London-based Capital Economics. “But if you remove oil, non-oil GDP increased. Manufacturing picked up and con- struction picked up,” Ashbourne said, “it’s a pretty positive set of figures in the sense that the contraction is easing.” SSH GM Khalil Alonaizi (right) with AEP GM Dr Hassan Qasem As a result of attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the oil-producing swamplands, last year production fell to a low Alternative Energy Projects of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) and Nigeria’s growth con- tracted by 1.5 percent. “The numbers still show a contraction, signs agreement with SSH although at least the hemorrhage has stopped,” said Cheta Nwanze, research head at SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based KUWAIT: Alternative Energy Projects gy resources and energy conservation are highly advisory firm, “I’m cautious because we are growing too Company - a member of the KIPCO Group - feasible today, as renewable and clean energy slowly.” Growth is likely to pick up in the next quarter if there has signed an agreement with SSH, one of the sources have a lower impact on the environment. are no new attacks on oil and gas infrastructure. leading master planning, infrastructure, build- As such, it is important to incorporate means to Economists say a new government policy increasing the ing design, construction supervision and proj- conserve energy in the preliminary designs of any availability of foreign exchange is already yielding positive ect management firms in the Middle East. As project, thereby reducing the cost of implement- results. “Given the weak base, double-digit oil sector growth per the agreement, AEP will provide consulta- ing such systems after construction.” is possible going forward, even given compliance with OPEC oil production cuts which may take effect following this tion on alternative energy solutions for SSH’s AEP is specialized in renewable energy week’s meeting,” said Razia Khan, Africa economist at future projects in Kuwait and the Gulf region. systems and provides consultative services on TOKYO: A man looks at an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei 225 index Standard Chartered Bank. — AFP On this occasion, Dr Hassan Qasem, AEP’s energy conservation, thus providing innova- at a securities firm yesterday in Tokyo. — AP General Manager said: “Seeking alternative ener- tive solutions to its customers. technology WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

Alghanim Motors displays Lotus Evora 400 Exclusive offer includes 3-year free service, free full insurance for a year

KUWAIT: Alghanim Motors, the exclusive distributor of There has been no better time for customers to get behind Hethel, Norfolk at a scintillating six seconds faster than impressive considering that the supercar has more power Lotus in Kuwait, has displayed the fastest Lotus road car of the wheel of the Evora 400. previous models. and a higher standard specification than before. the New Millennium, the Evora 400 at Salhiya from May Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including Alghanim Motors is dedicated to providing customers 15th - 22nd, 2017. Evora 400 Specifications its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-liter with superior products, outstanding service and other fea- Alghanim Motors gave all Lotus fans a chance to see the The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused V6 engine that produces a horsepower of 400 and 410 Nm tures that have positioned the company as a leader in the legendary Evora 400 up close and take advantage of a supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with of torque. A new aluminum chassis incorporates a new automotive market. Add the thrill of finesse and powerful unique opportunity that offers them a peace of mind. By the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. With a maxi- interior, and the lightweight composite body has changed drives by visiting Alghanim Motors’ Lotus showroom at offering them a financial solution with an installment plan mum speed of 300 kilometers per hour, and an accelera- significantly both in the front and rear of the miracle car. Shuwaikh Industrial 1, block 1, street 11 opposite of the starting from KD 625, it included the following: 3-year tion of 0-100 kilometers in 4.2 seconds, the new Evora is a The new Evora is 22 kilograms lighter, an accomplishment Historical Vintage and Classic Cars Museum on Saturday to unlimited mileage warranty that includes a 3-year free more agile and involving drive that enables it to lap the that has been achieved through careful and clever design Thursday starting from 9 am until 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm service and free full insurance for a one complete year. challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in and attention to details. This weight reduction is even more until 8.30 pm.

ManageEngine makes privileged account management simple

DUBAI: ManageEngine, the real-time IT IT systems. Single window operation with management company, yesterday minimal pop-ups keeps users focused on announced that it is making privileged their tasks. account management ridiculously simple • Quicker navigation: Navigate with the new user interface for Password between tabs quicker than ever before as Manager Pro. Available immediately, the data can be accessed without page latest version of the company’s privileged reloads. account management (PAM) solution fea- • Informative dashboard: A new dash- tures an updated user interface with dra- board with live feeds, reports and graphs matically improved aesthetics, usability provides a unified view of privileged and performance to simplify and expe- accounts usage, managed IT resources dite password management operations. and a quick overview of privileged access The solution is being showcased at GISEC in the organization. 2017 at the ManageEngine stand. • Consistent elements: Consistent Most security incidents involve admin- design elements, icons and widgets istrative credentials and the exploitation across pages create a simple, intuitive of privileged access, so organizations of user experience of the solution. all types and sizes are making privileged • Customizable columns: Users can account security a priority. However, now control how their information is dis- most PAM solutions are so complex and played in the UI. They can drag-and-drop, hostile to users that IT teams must hire rearrange, collapse or expand columns to consultants to their preference. get started and Since its launch ten years ago, spend too much Password Manager Pro has always kept time learning pace with the latest design trends and and managing has consistently been recognized for ease the solution of use while also perfectly meeting the instead of per- scalability, performance, security, compli- forming their IT ance and integration demands of large WUZHEN: China’s 19-year-old Go player Ke Jie (left) makes a move during the first match against Google’s artificial intelligence program management enterprises. The new UI design marks a AlphaGo in Wuzhen, east China’s Zhejiang province yesterday. It’s man vs machine this week from May 23 to 27 as Google’s artificial intelligence tasks. Password huge leap over the solution’s already program AlphaGo faces the world’s top-ranked Go player in a contest expected to end in another victory for rapid advances in AI. — AFP Manager Pro best-in-class user experience. In a recent changes all that report, “The Forrester Wave(tm): by bringing in Privileged Identity Management, Q3 AI wins as Google algorithm Rajesh Ganesan, consumer prod- 2016i,” independent research firm director of product uct design for Forrester Research Inc. indicated that management at enterprise soft- ManageEngine Password Manager Pro ware. offered the most up-to-date and intuitive beats number 1 Go player ManageEngine “With tech- user interface. nology in the hands of everyone in an “With existing regulations like ISO and Advent of ground-breaking new form of artificial intelligence organization, privileged access isn’t just PCI and upcoming ones like GDPR, privi- an IT concern anymore,” said Rajesh leged account management is a critical SHANGHAI: Google’s computer algorithm game had been perceived to be years away. Its in 2014. Ke, a phenom who went pro at age 11 Ganesan, director of product manage- challenge every business must address,” AlphaGo narrowly beat the world’s top-ranked victories have been analyzed and praised by stu- and has described himself as “pretentious”, has ment at ManageEngine. “The complexity said Alexander Fillips, head of enterprise player in the ancient Chinese board game of Go dents of the game as innovative and even “beau- vacillated between awe and disdain for AlphaGo. and boredom associated with traditional management at MicroNova, a long-time yesterday, reaffirming the arrival of what its tiful”, opening up new ways of approaching strat- He called it a “cold machine” lacking passion for enterprise software are often barriers to partner of ManageEngine in Germany. developers tout as a ground-breaking new form egy. AlphaGo uses two sets of “deep neural net- the game in comments Monday night on China’s enterprise-wide adoption. We have “Password Manager Pro is seeing tremen- of artificial intelligence. works” containing millions of connections similar Twitter-like Weibo platform. reimagined the user interface of dous growth in the European region, and AlphaGo took the first of a scheduled three to neurons in the brain. It is partly self-taught, Ke and AlphaGo will face off again tomorrow Password Manager Pro to take it to teams it is exciting that ManageEngine is giving games against brash 19-year-old Chinese world having played millions of games against itself fol- and Saturday. For some, rapid advances in AI beyond IT, using a contemporary design this user interface an upgrade, which is number one Ke Jie, who after the match annoint- lowing initial programming. After Lee lost to conjure sci-fi images of a “Terminator” future in language that ensures speed, efficiency game-changing in this space. This is ed the programme as the new “Go god”. AlphaGo last year, Ke boldly declared “Bring it which machines “wake up” and enslave humani- and ease of use.” going to drive enterprisewide adoption, AlphaGo stunned the Go community and on!” But the writing was on the wall in January ty. But DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis dis- which is important to ensure compliance futurists a year ago when it trounced South when Ke and other top Chinese missed such concerns. Simplifying PAM to various regulations.” Korean grandmaster Lee Se-Dol four games to players were flattened by a mysterious com- “This isn’t about man competing with Built on a state-of-the-art JavaScript one. That marked the first time a computer petitor in online contests. That opponent was machines, but rather using them as tools to model-view-controller (MVC) platform, Pricing and availability program had beaten a top player in a full con- revealed afterwards to be the latest version of explore and discover new knowledge together,” the new Password Manager Pro UI offers Password Manager Pro (version 9.0) is test and was hailed as a landmark for artificial AlphaGo, which was being given an online test he said before yesterday’s match. “Ultimately, it a sleek, modern look that reinforces its available immediately. In addition to a intelligence (AI). run by its developer, London-based AI company doesn’t matter whether AlphaGo wins or loses... intuitive user experience. The new UI is fully functional, free, 30-day evaluation This week’s match-up in the eastern Chinese DeepMind Technologies, which Google acquired either way, humanity wins.” — AFP optimized for large enterprises with high- edition, Password Manager Pro is avail- city of Wuzhen, between Ke and an updated ver- lights that include: able as Free, Standard, Premium and sion of AlphaGo, has been highly anticipated • Faster loading: Pages load 10 times Enterprise editions. Standard edition amid speculation about whether AI could beat faster, resulting in increased productivity. prices start at $495 per year for two the world’s top player. But a visibly flummoxed Even extremely complex and resource- administrators. Premium edition prices Microsoft Surface gets battery Ke-who last year had declared he would never intensive data fetching operations take start at $1,195 per year for five adminis- lose to an AI opponent-said AlphaGo had no more than three seconds. trators. Enterprise edition prices start at boost, better viewing angles become too strong for humans, despite the • Smarter operations: Admins perform $2,995 per year for 10 administrators (no razor-thin half-point winning margin. “I feel like NEW YORK: Microsoft is refreshing its Meanwhile, other companies have made fewer keystrokes and clicks to execute restrictions on the number of end users his game is more and more like the ‘Go god’. Surface Pro tablet with longer battery life their own 2-in-1 devices running Microsoft’s tasks. End users gain one-click access to and managed passwords). Really, it is brilliant,” he said. and faster processors. The new, fifth-genera- Windows 10. That success contributed to a 26 Ke vowed never again to subject himself to tion device - simply called Surface Pro - percent revenue decline in the Surface busi- the “horrible experience” of matching wits with won’t look or feel drastically different from ness in the most recent quarter. And compe- the machine following this week’s contests. its predecessor. But Microsoft is hoping its tition is growing; Samsung released new Sony chief says major AlphaGo’s feats have fuelled visions of a brave under-the-hood improvements will help it Galaxy Book models this week. new world of AI that can not only drive cars and compete with newer laptop-tablet hybrids Microsoft promises about 13.5 hours of turnaround complete operate “smart homes”, but potentially help from Samsung and others. Not to mention battery life, or about 50 percent more than mankind figure out some of the most complex Apple’s iPad Pro. the nine hours on the previous device, the TOKYO: Sony chief executive Kazuo Hirai “The major downsizing is complete. scientific, technical and medical problems. The Redmond, Washington, company Surface Pro 4. The processors inside will be yesterday hailed a years-long company “The biggest factor is that our consumer Computer programs have previously beaten made the announcement yesterday in faster, and lower-end models will ditch the restructuring as a success, but said strug- electronics business, which struggled for humans in cerebral contests, starting with the Shanghai, China, in its first Surface launch fan. The Surface’s stylus will now mimic pen- gles in its movie business remain a “press- many years, has turned into a division with victory by IBM’s Deep Blue over chess grandmas- outside New York. It’s a reflection of the com- cil shading when tilted, much like the Apple ing issue”. The 56-year-old company veter- stable profitability,” he added. Sony’s bleed- ter Garry Kasparov in 1997. But AlphaGo’s suc- pany’s expectations of growth among a pop- Pencil for iPad Pro tablets. Along with this, an was tapped five years ago to lead a ing television business-which Hirai had cess is considered the most significant yet for AI ulation that prizes premium gadgets from Microsoft plans upgrades to its popular major overhaul at the once-iconic compa- refused to sell despite calls to dump the due to the complexity of Go, which has an American brands. Microsoft pioneered lap- Office software with new pencil-like features. ny, which was suffering from huge losses unit-is now back to profitability as the firm incomputable number of move options and puts top-tablet hybrids, also known as 2-in-1s, with Microsoft will sell the stylus separately for largely tied to a hard-hit consumer elec- focuses on producing fewer models with a premium on human-like “intuition”, instinct and the original Surface in 2012. A keyboard cover $100. The new Pro will start at about $800 tronics business. After years of layoffs and an eye on the higher-end market. the ability to learn. turns the tablet into a laptop. But innovation and will be available June 15 in about two asset sales, Sony is on track to report a 500 South Korean and Taiwanese rivals have Go involves two players alternately laying has slowed down since 2014, when the dozen countries, including the US, China, billion yen operating profit this fiscal year- battered higher-cost Japanese TV makers, black and white stones on a grid, seeking to seal Surface Pro 3 got a fully adjustable kickstand Japan, South Korea and much of Europe. A its highest in two decades. “We’ve done including Sony and Sharp. “(We) changed off the most territory. to give the screen a broader range of viewing keyboard cover starts at about $130, or significant work on downsizing or restruc- our strategy to go after profitability rather angles, similar to real laptops. Before, the about $170 for a version that feels like fabric turing the business,” Hirai told reporters at than focus on the size of the business,” Hirai ‘Beautiful’ game kickstand was limited to just two angles. rather than plastic. — AP a corporate strategy briefing. said, referring to the TV unit. — AFP Before AlphaGo, mechanical mastery of the WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Merkel vows to convince climate change ‘doubters’

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel stay in the Paris Climate Agreement. gains now meant giant projects such as off- were new “bottlenecks”, mainly in trans- the leader in renewables, India was plan- vowed yesterday to work to convince cli- Trump on the campaign trail dismissed shore wind farms could be built without porting and storing green energy. ning 50 new solar parks, while nations from mate change “doubters” as the world waits climate change a “hoax” perpetrated by state subsidies, but she admitted there Worldwide, Merkel said, China was now the United Arab Emirates to Morocco and to see whether US President Donald Trump China and vowed to “cancel” the interna- Kenya were building green power will endorse the Paris agreement. tional pact to curb emissions from burning megaprojects. Trump will meet other lead- “Protecting the climate matters to all of us,” oil, coal and gas. He has not yet executed ers of the G7 wealthy nations in Sicily, Italy said Merkel, whose country will host a G20 his threat, but has appointed an anti-cli- on May 26-27 before Merkel hosts a G20 summit and UN climate talks this year. mate litigator to lead the Environmental meeting in the northern port city of “We all feel the impacts of climate Protection Agency, and chosen the former Hamburg on July 7-8. The next global meet- change... We are responsible for each other, CEO of oil giant ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson, ing on the UN Convention on Climate we are liable for each other, we share a as his secretary of state. Change will be organized by the Pacific common destiny.” Urging the international island state of Fiji, but hosted by the community to maintain “the spirit of Paris”- ‘Elephant in room’ German city of Bonn on November 6-17. the 196-nation climate pact reached in late Merkel said the “energy transition” in “We must all do more to build green 2015 — she said: “I am still trying to con- Germany-away from nuclear power and economies” Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe vince the doubters.” She was speaking at fossil fuels and toward solar, wind and oth- Bainimarama said in Berlin, and urged that the annual informal “Petersberg Climate er renewables-proved that “prosperity and the “transformation we need to make must Dialogue” talks hosted by Germany, with sustainability can go hand-in-hand”. “About be accelerated”. He pointed to “the chal- some 30 nations taking part. one third of the electricity we consume in lenge that the new administration in the US At the talks in Berlin, Germany’s Germany comes from renewable energy, presents to the multilateral consensus on Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks and despite the rapid growth we have the need for climate action,” calling the and Chinese Special Climate Envoy Xie maintained a stable supply,” said the former BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech yesterday in issue “the elephant in the room” for climate Zhenhua jointly urged the United States to environment minister. She said efficiency Berlin at the Petersberg Climate VIII Dialogue event. — AFP negotiators. — AFP Trump’s delayed health care decision creates uncertainty

WASHINGTON: Uncertainty over the future of Critical period health care is growing deeper for millions of The cost-sharing money is embroiled in a Americans who buy their own policies. While lawsuit originally filed by House Republicans. insurers released a blueprint for stabilizing wob- Democrats say it’s deliberate interference. “In bly markets, the Trump administration is leaving merely delaying their suit, Republicans cynically in limbo billions of dollars in federal subsidy pay- continue to sow uncertainty in the health cover- ments. The administration and House age of millions of Americans,” House Democratic Republicans have asked a federal appeals court leader Nancy Pelosi California said in a state- for a 90-day extension in a case that involves ment. “At a critical period when insurers are federal payments to reduce deductibles and deciding premiums for next year, Republicans copayments for people with modest incomes are pouring uncertainty into the health insur- who buy their own policies. The fate of $7 billion ance marketplaces.” in “cost-sharing subsidies” remains under a cloud The case is on appeal after a lower court as insurers finalize their premium requests for ruled that the government lacks constitutional next year. Experts say premiums could jump authority to make the payments because about 20 percent without the funding. Congress failed to specifically approve them in CAPE CANAVERAL: This file photo provided by University of Yamanashi shows a In requesting the extension, lawyers for the the Obama-era health overhaul legislation. white mouse foster mother with pups. — AP Trump administration and the House said the Democrats argue that is based on a faulty read- parties are continuing to work on measures, ing of the law. Mouse sperm yields “including potential legislative action,” to resolve They also say House Republicans have no the issue. Requests for extensions are usually legal right to even bring the case. Both the granted routinely. But Democrats are accusing Obama and Trump administrations have kept healthy mice in space the Trump administration of a cynical ploy. Hours making monthly payments while the case is before the filing, a major insurer group released a pending. But President Donald Trump at times CAPE CANAVERAL: After nine months in lished in the Proceedings of the National framework for market stability that relies in part has suggested he’d stop, publicly musing that space, mouse sperm has yielded healthy Academy of Sciences. Previous develop- on a continuation of subsidies. The BlueCross could force congressional Democrats to negoti- WASHINGTON: In this file photo, US President mice, Japanese scientists reported. The mental studies in space have involved, BlueShield Association represents plans that are ate. “You know when people say, ‘Oh, Obama Donald Trump with Health and Human Services freeze-dried sperm samples were launched among other things, fish and amphibians. the backbone of insurance markets under the care is so wonderful,’ there is no Obama care, Secretary Tom Price are seen in the Oval Office in 2013 to the International Space Station Mammals are more difficult to maintain Affordable Care Act, or ACA, and would also be it’s dead,” Trump said in a recent interview with of the White House in Washington. — AP and returned to Earth in 2014. The intense and handle in space, and so testing, by the mainstay with a Republican approach. The Economist magazine. “Plus we’re subsidiz- radiation of space caused slight DNA dam- comparison, has been limited. More exten- As the GOP-led Congress works on rolling tax penalties on uninsured people deemed able ing it and we don’t have to subsidize it. You age to the sperm. Yet, after in vitro fertiliza- sive testing on sperm preservation is need- back major parts of the Obama law, the to afford coverage. Significant federal funding to know if I ever stop wanting to pay the subsi- tion on the ground, healthy offspring ed in space, according to the researchers. BlueCross BlueShield plan called for Continued subsidize premiums and out-of-pocket costs. dies, which I will.” resulted. The baby mice grew into adults Besides looking ahead to long-term protections for people with pre-existing medical “There needs to be sustained federal funding,” The cost-sharing subsidies are available to with normal fertility of their own. space crews and societies, the researchers conditions and sustained federal funding to off- said Justine Handelman, policy chief for the customers with incomes up to two-and-a-half The researchers led by Sayaka see other reasons for saving sperm in set the cost of care for the sickest patients. More insurer group. “It’s critical to ensuring overall times the federal poverty level, or about $30,150 Wakayama of the University of Yamanashi space, including in the event of disasters leeway for states to experiment with health affordability.” About 20 million Americans pur- for an individual, $61,500 for a family of four. The said it’s a step toward reproducing other on Earth. The moon would be ideal for insurance benefits, with a basic floor of federal chase individual health insurance policies, with BlueCross BlueShield message may find a recep- mammals, even humans, using space-pre- underground sperm storage, they noted, standards. Preserving ACA consumer safeguards more than half using the ACA’s markets, which tive home with Senate moderates in both par- served sperm. They envision missions last- in particular lunar lava tubes because of including no lifetime caps on benefits, no higher offer income-based subsidies for premiums and ties, said industry analyst Sheryl Skolnick. “There ing several years or multiple generations, “their very low temperatures, protection premium for women based on gender, and a out-of-pocket costs. The Trump administration is a caring aspect to this that is mutually benefi- during which assisted reproductive tech- from space radiation by thick bedrock lay- requirement that insurers spend a minimum of has sent mixed signals, and the White House is cial, helps the individual and helps the compa- nology might be used for domestic animals ers, and complete isolation from any disas- 80 cents of every premium dollar on medical now saying it needs more time to decide on the ny,” said Skolnick, of Mizuho Securities USA LLC. and people, too. The findings were pub- ters on Earth.” — AP care. Penalties such as waiting periods for peo- cost-sharing money. Amid continuing uncertain- “Yeah, it’s about making money and providing ple who fail to maintain their coverage. ty, another round of sharp premium increases the service, but it’s also about coverage.” The Combating climate change could Republicans want to repeal the Obama-era and insurer exits seems possible. court case is known as House v. Price. — AP boost G20 economies, OECD says BANGKOK: Tackling climate change could growth policies can have a positive eco- Climate-threatened Bangladesh boost the world’s 20 biggest economies nomic impact,” OECD Secretary-General by nearly 5 percent in 2050, compared to Angel GurrÌa said in a statement. a continuation of current policies, the Combining climate policies, such as to impose carbon tax in June Paris-based OECD said yesterday Investing charging polluters, with economic poli- $6.9 trillion per year in clean infrastructure cies to drive growth through more envi- DHAKA: Bangladesh is set to impose its own carbon a tax is only way to do it,” said Abdul Matlub Ahmad, making fuel more expensive can be politically risky. But between 2016 and 2030 in G20 countries ronment-friendly infrastructure could tax on fuel next month - despite the hugely climate- outgoing president of the Federation of Bangladesh low-lying Bangladesh, which faces huge risks from sea would help limit global temperature rise increase G20 economies’ gross domestic vulnerable country producing relatively tiny per Chambers of Commerce and Industry. level rise, worsening storms, floods, droughts and oth- to below 2 degrees Celsius as agreed by product by up to 2.8 percent on average capita emissions. The tax is expected to be put in He said the tax would not only raise the price of er climate change impacts, has made a name for itself world leaders in Paris in 2015, the in 2050, the report said. place on June 1 as part of the country’s annual using fossil fuels but the added income could help as an international leader in climate action, particularly Organization for Economic Co-operation This rises to nearly 5 percent if the budget and will be part of a larger bundle of “green” push more use of renewable energy. “If the govern- in terms of innovative adaptation to climate change. and Development (OECD) said in a report. economic benefits of avoiding climate measures, Nojibur Rahman, chair of the National ment wants to cut the import duty on environment- “Although our contribution to climate change is very The additional investment cost could change impacts such as coastal flooding Board of Revenue, told the Thomson Reuters friendly renewable energy products, it needs to nominal, we are one of the worst victims of climate be offset by annual fuel savings of $1.7 or storm damage are taken into Foundation in a telephone interview. Many busi- charge taxes on polluters,” he said in a telephone change. Aware of the problem, we have the most trillion from more energy-efficient tech- account, it said. Experts say private sec- nesses and environmental groups have welcomed interview. Bangladesh produces about 0.44 tons of successful and best climate change programs the nologies and infrastructure, it added. tor financing is key to achieve these the plan, saying that Bangladesh - one of the coun- carbon dioxide per person, much lower than the world has so far witnessed in any country,” Finance Keeping global warming below 2C would investments. The OECD report called on tries considered most threatened by climate change United States’ 16.4 tons, Australia’s 16.3 tons and Minister A.M.A. Muhith, said earlier this month at a limit the worst effects of sea-level rise, development banks and financial insti- impacts - needs to make a strong statement as gov- Qatar’s whopping 40.5 tons, according to World Dhaka summit on climate change and disaster risk Arctic sea ice melting, damage to coral tutions to facilitate and support public ernments like that in the United States pull back Bank figures. reduction. While it seeks international finance to help reefs and acidification of oceans, accord- and private investors. from action on climate change. with programs to address climate change, ing to the UN Intergovernmental Panel Mitigating the impacts of climate The new tax may not make any significant contri- Rising risks Bangladesh also has paid for projects out of its own on Climate Change. change is “a huge economic opportunity” bution to achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of Carbon taxes - which raise the cost of using fossil nationally funded climate change fund. M.A. Matin, The OECD says G20 countries account globally, Paul Ekins, a professor at keeping average global temperature increases fuels by creating a charge for the climate damage they general secretary of the Bangladesh Poribesh for 80 percent of carbon dioxide emis- University College London and co-direc- below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, do - are one of the simplest, most market-friendly ways Andolon (Bangladesh Environment Movement), said sions, a key contributor to climate tor of the UK Energy Research Centre, they said. But “when a country pollutes, the other of driving climate action, experts say. But they have in a telephone interview that any carbon tax would change. “Far from being a dampener on told a news conference in Bangkok yes- countries are also affected. So, we need to reduce proved politically tricky to put in place, and not just in need to be accompanied a “long-term carbon reduc- growth, integrating climate action into terday. — Reuters carbon emission as much as possible and imposing poorer parts of the world where incomes are low and tion plan” from the government. — Reuters China urges balance on environment and economy in Antarctica

BEIJING: A Chinese leader yesterday urged interna- nations to change an existing framework that minister, said Zhang’s statements about economic Antarctic treaty in 1983 and has since established Antarctic missions. Yet while China has publicly tional representatives to strike a “proper balance” includes a mining ban. A bigger worry for the US is growth referred to rising numbers of Antarctic four research stations. It plans to start construction emphasized its scientific ambitions, it also appears between environmental and economic interests in that China could overtake it as the global leader in tourists from China and its commercial fishing ves- of an airfield later this year and a fifth research sta- to be hedging against possible future development Antarctica, as the frozen continent’s vulnerability to polar research, said Falkner, who heads the Office sels in the area. Liu told The Associated Press that tion as early as 2018. It also has a new icebreaker opportunities, said Marc Lanteigne, a senior lectur- climate change raises worries that some nations of Polar Programs for the National Science China’s interpretation of the treaty was that mining under construction to augment the Xue Long, a er on China and the polar regions at New Zealand’s could seek to exploit its natural resources. China is Foundation. Liu Zhenm in, a Chinese vice foreign “would be prohibited forever.” China acceded to the Ukrainian-built vessel currently used to service its Massey University. — AP seeking to carve out a greater role in determining the continent’s future while hosting delegates from more than two dozen nations that have agreed to an Antarctic protection treaty. Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli who sits on the Communist Party’s all-power- ful, seven-member Politburo Standing Committee told participants that the fate of Antarctica’s fragile environment bears on human survival.” There needs to be a proper balance between the protection and utilization of Antarctica in order to keep the envi- ronment green and sustain economic growth and cultural stability for mankind,” Zhang said. His refer- ence to economic interests fed into speculation that China and other nations are maneuvering to exploit mineral resources that could be exposed by a shrinking southern ice cap. US delegate Kelly Falkner said that’s highly unlikely under international agreements linked to the 1959 treaty. There also are practical concerns, given Antarctica’s remoteness and harsh weather for much of the year. Environmental protection protocols under the Antarctic treaty are due to come up for reconsideration in 2048. But Falkner ANTARCTICA: In this file photo a helicopter from the Chinese National Antarctic Research ANTARCTICA: In this file photo, members of the Chinese Antarctica Research Team wait for said it would require consensus among the treaty Expedition or CHINARE is used to evacuate passengers, who were aboard the trapped the arrival at the continent on board of the polar expedition ship Xuelong. Russian vessel MV Akademik Shokalskiy, to a safe surface off the Antarctic. — AP photos WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Kuwaiti child thanks her heroes this International Nurses Day

KUWAIT: This International Nurses Day, nurses, Jessica Licorish, Healthcare Fatemah, a 7-year old girl from Kuwait Assistant (HCA) and Laura Graham, Ward and her mum express their gratitude to Sister, say that Fatemah is a pleasure to the nurses at Great Ormond Street have on the ward. “Fatemah is just a ray Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London of sunshine, when you walk into the for going the extra mile in making room and you walk out smiling. This is Fatemah’s stay in the hospital as special what I love about working on the as possible. Butterfly Ward because I am able to learn about different cultures,” said Jessica. Laura, who has known Fatemah since she was admitted to GOSH’s Butterfly ward in February, said, “Fatemah is very cheerful and is always happy to chat with us. You can chat about all kinds of things with her; she loves ice cream, and when she’s been out of the hospital we always talk about which flavour ice cream she has had! She lightens up my staff’s day because we can talk about non-medical things with her and just have fun.” The hospital, which treats over 1,500 children from the Middle East every year, employs 4122 staff, 33 percent of which are nursing staff. In aid of International Nurses Day, the hospital is hosting an Photo shows nurse Laura Graham. In this NASA provided frame from video, NASA astronaut Jack Fischer works to install antennas at the International Space Station while astro- event to celebrate the ‘nurse as the hero’ naut Peggy Whitson, not pictured, works on repairs yesterday. — AP Fatemah has been at the London hos- at GOSH. “Nursing is well and truly at the pital as an inpatient since February, but heart of children’s care at GOSH, and we has been visiting the hospital since are proud to recognise all the nurses that Spacewalking astronauts pull November 2016 to receive on-going and have helped to care for the children and specialised treatment for her blood disor- families who have visited the hospital der. “The nurses are all very good,” from across the world, past and present. Fatemah’s mum explains. “They come From what we see on a daily basis, in cas- off urgent station repairs and play with Fatimah. They are very es such as Fatemah’s, nursing is much friendly and kind. When I first came to more than a job: it is a heart-felt voca- GOSH, I thought that the nurses would tion, a highly skilled profession and ‘What’s more awesome than being on @Space_Station?’ only give out medicines, help with treat- advancing career. ments, but our nurses come and visit Nurses not only provide clinical care, CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: Spacewalking recently refurbished with upgraded software - installations undone. So Fischer completed the Fatemah when they have free-time and but also vital emotional support to the astronauts completed urgent repairs at the was just installed in March. Even though a second chore yesterday. It was only the second space- play with her. I was not expecting this, children, families and staff around them, International Space Station yesterday, replacing unit worked just fine after Saturday’s breakdown, walk for Fischer, a rookie astronaut who arrived but it is great.” which can be seen here by the touching equipment that failed three days earlier and NASA scrambled to put together a spacewalk so at the orbiting lab last month. He marveled at On her favourite nurse, Fatemah says bond created between Fatemah, her restoring a backup for a vital data-relay system. there would be a backup in case that second unit the world 250 miles (400 kilometers) below as he she couldn’t possibly compare. “I don’t mum and the nurses.’ said Claudia It took commander Peggy Whitson much longer failed, too, crippling the system for station cooling worked, commenting, “Oh my gosh, it’s so beau- have a favourite nurse - I like everyone! Tomlin, Interim Head of Nursing for the than expected to install the spare unit. Success and solar energy production. tiful.” “What’s more awesome than being on They are very good!” Two of Fatemah’s International and Private Patient Division. finally came after her spacewalking partner, Jack Whitson had no trouble removing the broken @Space_Station? Getting a call from mission Fischer, blasted the area with nitrogen gas to unit. But it took her two tries to install the replace- control 4 another spacewalk! Dancing w/ the clear away flecks of metal. Mission Control noted ment. During the first attempt, Whitson discov- cosmos,” he said in a tweet before going out. that the failure occurred only 2 days, 21 hours, ered what appeared to be metal shavings in the Whitson, the world’s most experienced China eatery in japan soars 38 minutes earlier, “and we are already back in a holes for the bolts. Fischer used a cleaning tool - female astronaut, is more than halfway through good position, so excellent work. “ essentially a nitrogen gas blaster - and blew away an extended 9 1/2-month mission, her third on pregnant panda hopes Testing confirmed the new unit worked, debris from the three holes. “I think all three look spaceflight. She’s spent more time off the planet restoring full redundancy to the system that oper- clean as a whistle,” he reported before Whitson than any other American and, at age 57, is the TOKYO: Swelling hopes for a baby panda week after mating with male Ri Ri in ates the space station’s solar panels, radiators and bolted down the spare box. The data-relay boxes oldest woman to ever fly in space. Tuesday’s in Tokyo have bumped up the stock price February, according to zoo officials. Giant robotic equipment. “Very good. We are really hap- are officially known as MDMs or multiplexer- excursion gave her 60 hours out in the vacuum, of a Chinese restaurant chain in the area, pandas are notoriously clumsy at mating, py about that,” Whitson said. Yesterday’s space- demultiplexers. They’re compact: Each one behind only Russia’s Anatoly Solovyev, with 78 with locals setting their sights on a flurry of with males said to be bad at determining walk lasted less than three hours - exceedingly weighs 50 pounds (22 kilograms) and measures hours over 16 spacewalks, and fellow American tourists. Eleven-year-old Shin Shin, who when a female is in the right frame of mind short by NASA standards. Whitson has now tied 14 by 8 by 13 inches (35-20-33 centimeters.) 10-time spacewalker Michael Lopez-Alegria, was brought to Ueno Zoo from China, has and often befuddled at knowing what to the record for most spacewalks by an American - Whitson and Fischer were just out spacewalk- with more than 67 hours over 10 trips.The space been showing signs of pregnancy since last do next. In the event the animals do feel 10 - and moved up to third place on the all-time ing on May 12. That excursion was cut short by station also is home to two Russians and a compatible, sex is frequently over too spacewalking list. The failed data-relay unit - leaking station equipment, leaving two antenna Frenchman. — AP quickly to impregnate the female, who is only receptive to the proposition for two or three days a year between February and Cigarette filters may increase lung cancer risk May. But as hopes grow for a birth, stocks in local businesses in the Ueno area, and in OHIO: Cigarette filters, introduced decades ago to significantly, the researchers point out. And the claims of lower tar content, though, smokers devel- particular Chinese restaurant chain reduce the amount of tar smokers inhale, also alter type of lung cancer associated with smoking has op the false belief that a lower tar cigarette is a Totenko, have jumped. other properties of smoke and smoking in a way also shifted since the 1950s. Rates of adenocarcino- healthier cigarette, Shields’ team writes. Totenko’s share price hit its daily limit at that raises the risk of lung cancer, researchers say. ma of the lung, the lung cancer most associated mid-day yesterday after the zoo Japan’s In a review of research on changes in lung cancer with smoking, have more than quadrupled in men Filters may be safer oldest said it would halt viewing of Shin rates, and changes in the types of lung cancer that and increased eight-fold in women along with Increased filter ventilation also results in smaller Shin on suspicion she may be pregnant. are most common, the study authors argue that changes in the design and composition of ciga- particle size, allowing more smoke to reach vulnera- Locals view a new baby panda as a huge tiny ventilation holes in virtually all cigarettes sold rettes since the 1950s, the researchers write. ble parts of the lung. Moreover, even though draw for tourists, with retailers and sou- today are creating a new health risk. Shields and his team review the evidence link- machine-measured tar and nicotine levels have venir shops expected to start selling pan- “The design of cigarette filters that have ventila- ing cigarette filter ventilation to these increased decreased over time, there has been no appreciable da-related goods. The restaurant chain rose tion can make the cigarettes even more dangerous, rates of lung cancer in a report online May 22nd in change in daily nicotine intake among smokers 7.02 percent to 198 yen ($1.78). Shares because those holes can change how the tobacco the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Filter over the past 25 years, they write. “The evidence have now soared more than 16 percent burns, allow smokers to inhale more smoke and to ventilation reduces the amount of tar in the ciga- shows that more modern cigarettes are more risky since last week. Seiyoken, another restau- think that the smoke is safer because it is rette smoke when tested on smoking machines, for lung cancer,” Shields said. rant group specializing in Western cuisine smoother,” senior author Dr Peter D Shields from but the increased ventilation and slower tobacco “There are reasons in addition to the holes that and which also has its main outlet in Ueno, The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center burn result in more puffs per cigarette and more also can contribute to the increasing risk, but one gained more than 7 percent at one point in Columbus told Reuters Health by email. “This toxic cancer-causing chemicals being inhaled by does not preclude the other.” Cigarette designs could yesterday. Shin Shin gave birth to a baby in applies to all cigarettes, because almost all the cig- smokers, they write. and should be regulated to address all the possible TOKYO : This handout from the Tokyo 2012, the first at the zoo in 24 years, but the arettes on the market have the holes, not just the “The use of the ventilation holes yields lower tar reasons, Shields said. “The holes have no health ben- Zoological Park Society shows eleven- cub died from pneumonia six days later. ones that used to be called lights and ultra-lights,” only on a machine,” Shields said. “Machines have efits; they serve no health purpose,” he explained. year-old giant panda Shin-Shin, who was According to estimate less than 2,000 giant he noted. Although rates of lung cancer in the pop- nothing to do with actual exposures in humans. “They do not lower tar delivery to people. So, if they brought to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo from pandas remain in the wild, in three ulation have fallen with declines in smoking over- The holes let them actually inhale more smoke have the potential harm, the FDA can act, even if the China. — AFP provinces in south-central China. — AFP all, rates of lung cancer among smokers have risen with more cancer-causing agents.” Because of the science is not perfect. — Reuters WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

The Medical Sciences College and Technological Sciences College at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) hosted ceremonies recently to celebrate the conclusion of the 2016/2017 academic year. Senior PAAET officials and staff attended the events, which were held at the respective colleges’ campuses in Shuwaikh.

KALA-Kuwait ‘Mayookham 2017,’ an impressive cultural show

ayookham 2017,’ an impressive cultur- al show organized by KALA Kuwait, a Mvariety of cultural programs and a musical show. Sreeramakrishnan, Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly formally inaugu- rated ‘Mayookham-2017’ at Qadsiya Sporting Club. In his address, he said today, Kerala is losing the cultural advantage it achieved fol- lowing Renaissance movement and secularism is at stake in the face of growing religious and casteist tendencies. Famous film-stage actor and cultural activist V K Sreeraman inaugurated KALA Kuwait’s pioneering ‘Free Malayalam Education program’ for this year. In his address he described that the language should be practiced skillfully and not through its compli- cated grammar. Sajeev M George presented a report on the language program schedule for the current year. Representing Indian Embassy, S. Sibi, Second Secretary (Labor) delivered a distin- KALA-Film Society by releasing its logo. The guished address. KALA Kuwait Gen Secretary prizes for the winners of literary competitions Saji Janardhanan welcomed the gathering held by literary wing of KALA were distributed. while President G Sugathakumar presided Mathews Varghese and John Mathew, over the function. industrialist and social activist, delivered felici- Sreeramakrishnan presented the annual tation speeches. Iqbal Kuttamangalam (Social Ramesh Diaspora Award to E.M Kabeer, a Actvist and Mathrubhasha Samithi Convener), social activist chosen from Saudi Arabia. KALA KALA Treasurer Ramesh Kannapuram, C.K Kuwait instituted the award for honoring indi- Noushad, Vanithavedi, Kuwait, President viduals from the Gulf region in recognition of Shantha R Nair, Progressive Professional Forum their contributions to the society. Gen Secretary Anil Kumar and Alwina Hanna Praseeth Karunakaran, Joint Secretary of Saji, Gen Secretary Balavedi witnessed the function. The prizes for the winners of KALA shared the cherished memories and the Mathews Varghese, (Country Manager- Mayookham-2017 started with the display the theme national integration. The programs Balakalamela were distributed. Gold medals described wonderful contributions of late E.K BEC) followed by the Trophy to Overall winner of cultural art forms including dances, songs, concluded with a musical show led by for KALA Prathibha Rohit S Nair and KALA Nayanar. Thereafter V.K Sriraman launched the for Gulf Indian School. skits and the dance items choreographed with Rajalakshmy and Sudeep. Thialakam Nanda Prasad were distributed by WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 Special Ramadan experience at Millennium Hotel and Convention Center Kuwait

illennium Hotel and Convention Restaurant is definitely the best place for and have an unforgettable dining experience Center Kuwait is ready to welcome its family, friends and coworkers to gather that reflects the original Arabic hospitality guests during the holy month of around one luxurious table. traditions. MRamadan with a wide variety of menus and And for an enjoyable experience, Library Millennium Hotel and Convention Center buffets presented during iftar, ghabka and CafE welcomes you daily during Ramadan Kuwait is located in a strategic place in suhour in an original Ramadan atmosphere from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, offering special Salmiya, overlooking the Fourth Ring Road that they can enjoy. suhour in a Ramadan atmosphere that and Fahaheel Expressway, and a few meters On this occasion, General Manager, includes main courses, desserts and drinks away from the best shopping malls, recre- Millennium and Copthorne Hotels - Kuwait famous during the holy month, in addition to ational sites and restaurants in Kuwait. It is Dani Saleh said: “Ramadan returns to gather a wide variety of salads, offering guests a dif- considered one of the most luxurious 5-star Mohammad Khoursheed family and friends in spiritual evenings. The ferent suhour experience. hotels that serve businessmen and tourists, holy month is distinguished with its ban- Millennium Hotel and Convention Center and the highest level in terms of hosting con- quets that family and friends gather around Kuwait is dedicating the recently opened ferences and exhibitions. Special Ramadan during iftar, ghabka and suhour. The Nara Lounge for ghabka lovers. A wide vari- Millennium Hotel and Convention Center Millennium Hotel and Convention Center ety of Ramadan hot and cold drinks, snacks Kuwait provides 295 rooms and suites Kuwait is specialized with these banquets and shisha is waiting for guests who are wel- equipped with the latest technology, includ- offer at Aqua Park during Ramadan.” come at Nara Lounge every day after iftar ing high-speed free Wi Fi, gym, pool, sauna Lamar Restaurant welcomes you during and until 2:00 am. And throughout the holy and other premium services. It also provides qua Park announced a special offer during Ramadan. Throughout the holy Ramadan to enjoy the finest dishes prepared month, the hotel offers the takeout service an integrated business center, secretarial serv- month, two people can enter the facility using only one ticket, General daily from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, in addition to that includes 4 different menus and a large ices and office facilities. Furthermore, it con- Manager Mohammad Khoursheed said in a press release. Aqua Park opens Ramadan desserts and drinks. If you are look- variety of delicious options that were careful- tains three restaurants and a bar by the pool. Aevery day in Ramadan from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am. Special prices are available for ing for a private place for 25 people, Lamar ly selected for family and coworkers to enjoy companies and groups, Khoursheed added.

Loyac Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) organized a tap dance workshop with trainer Avalon Rathgeb, including a performance held at Al-Shaheed Park’s multipurpose hall. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

04:15 Lip Sync Battle 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 23:20 Henry Hugglemonster 14:05 Second Wives Club 04:40 Ridiculousness Witch 23:35 The Hive 15:00 E! News 05:05 Disaster Date 01:40 Hank Zipzer 23:45 Loopdidoo 15:15 E! News: Daily Pop 05:30 Sweat Inc. 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 16:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 06:20 Life Or Debt 02:30 Binny And The Ghost 17:05 Live From The Red Carpet 00:15 Survivor 07:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 02:55 Hank Zipzer 19:00 E! News 02:00 Sharknado 2: The Second One Patrol 03:15 The Hive 20:00 Fashion Police 03:30 Fast & Furious 7 08:05 Disaster Date 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 21:00 Botched 06:00 Mission: Impossible - Rogue 08:30 Disaster Date Witch 22:00 Botched Nation 08:55 Ridiculousness 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 23:00 E! News 08:15 Bad Company 09:20 Workaholics Witch 00:20 Street Outlaws 23:15 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 10:15 Licence To Kill 09:45 Disaster Date 04:10 Hank Zipzer 01:10 Todd Sampson's Body Hack Henry 12:30 Fast & Furious 7 10:10 Ridiculousness 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 02:00 Marooned With Ed Stafford 15:00 Mission: Impossible - Rogue 10:35 Impractical Jokers 05:00 Binny And The Ghost 02:50 Still Alive Nation 11:00 Hungry Investors 05:25 Hank Zipzer 03:40 Diesel Brothers 17:15 Run All Night 11:50 The Jim Gaffigan Show 05:45 The Hive 04:30 Storage Hunters UK 19:15 Golden Eye 12:15 Lip Sync Battle 05:50 The 7D 05:00 How Do They Do It? 21:30 San Andreas 12:40 Impractical Jokers 06:00 Jessie 05:30 How Do They Do It? 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 23:30 Lucy 13:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 06:25 Jessie 06:00 Gold Divers 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Patrol 06:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 06:50 Street Outlaws 01:00 Man Finds Food 13:55 Ridiculousness 06:55 The Zhuzhus 07:40 Diesel Brothers 01:30 Man Finds Food 14:20 Life Or Debt 07:20 Elena Of Avalor 08:30 Legend Of Croc Gold 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:10 Workaholics 07:45 Bunk'd 09:20 Storage Hunters UK 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:35 Disaster Date 08:10 Stuck In The Middle 09:45 How Do They Do It? 03:00 Man Fire Food 16:00 Disaster Date 08:35 Bizaardvark 10:10 How Do They Do It? 03:30 Man Fire Food 00:45 Bondi Vet 16:30 Ridiculousness 09:00 Austin & Ally 10:35 Todd Sampson's Body Hack 04:00 Chopped 01:40 Pit Bulls & Parolees 16:55 Lip Sync Battle 09:25 Austin & Ally 11:25 Marooned With Ed Stafford 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 02:35 Tanked 17:21 Workaholics 09:50 Good Luck Charlie 12:15 Killing The Colorado 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 03:25 Wildest Islands 17:46 Sweat Inc. 10:15 Good Luck Charlie 13:55 Storage Hunters UK 06:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 04:15 Cats 101 18:35 Impractical Jokers 10:40 Dog With A Blog 14:20 Gold Rush 07:00 The Kitchen 05:02 River Monsters 18:59 Disaster Date 11:05 Dog With A Blog 15:10 Legend Of Croc Gold 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 05:49 Pit Bulls & Parolees 19:21 Comedy Central Presents Comedy 11:30 Gravity Falls 16:00 Gold Divers 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 06:36 Going Ape 3alwagef 11:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 16:50 Diesel Brothers 09:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 07:00 Going Ape 19:43 Comedy Central Presents Comedy 12:00 Welcome To The Ronks 17:40 Street Outlaws 09:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 07:25 Cats 101 3alwagef 12:15 The Zhuzhus 18:30 How Do They Do It? 10:00 Bake With Anna Olson 08:15 Pit Bulls & Parolees 20:14 The Jim Gaffigan Show 12:40 Hank Zipzer 18:55 How Do They Do It? 10:30 Bake With Anna Olson 09:10 Wildest Islands 20:37 South Park 13:05 Star Darlings 19:20 Legend Of Croc Gold 11:00 The Kitchen 10:05 Tanked 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 13:10 Good Luck Charlie 20:10 Storage Hunters UK 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 11:00 Cats 101 21:30 The President Show 13:35 Austin & Ally 20:35 Storage Hunters UK 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 11:55 Bondi Vet 22:00 John Oliver's New York Stand Up 14:00 Jessie 21:00 Abandoned Engineering 13:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 12:50 Pit Bulls & Parolees Show 14:25 Hank Zipzer 21:50 Man vs Weird 13:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 13:45 River Monsters 22:50 Tosh.0 14:50 Sunny Bunnies 22:40 Incredible Engineering Blunders: 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:40 Wildest Islands 23:15 Tosh.0 14:55 The Zhuzhus Fixed 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:35 Tanked 23:40 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 15:45 Elena Of Avalor 23:30 Diesel Brothers 15:00 Chopped 16:30 River Monsters (Best Of Series 1-5) 16:10 Liv And Maddie 16:00 The Kitchen 17:25 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 16:35 Descendants Wicked World 17:00 Bake With Anna Olson 18:20 From WAGs To Riches 16:40 Girl Meets World 17:30 Bake With Anna Olson 19:15 Tanked 17:05 Stuck In The Middle 18:00 Chopped THE WALK ON OSN MOVIES HD 20:10 Cats 101 17:30 Bunk'd 19:00 Iron Chef America 21:05 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 00:30 Invent It Rich 17:55 Bizaardvark 06:00 Gravity Falls 20:00 Chopped 12:40 Swamp People 13:50 Wild 24 22:00 From WAGs To Riches 01:20 React To That 18:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:25 Disney11 21:00 Kids BBQ Championship 13:30 Ax Men 14:45 America's National Parks 22:55 Wildest Islands 01:45 React To That 18:25 Alex & Co. 06:50 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 14:20 Mountain Men 15:40 World's Deadliest Animals 23:50 River Monsters (Best Of Series 1-5) 02:10 Guinness World Records 18:50 Best Friends Whenever 07:15 Milo Murphy's Law 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:10 Alaska Off-Road Warriors 16:35 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog Smashed UK 19:15 Star Darlings 07:25 Danger Mouse 23:00 Guy's Grocery Games 16:00 Storage Wars 17:30 Wild Case Files 03:00 Kids Do The Craziest Things 19:20 Liv And Maddie 07:40 Supa Strikas 16:25 Storage Wars 18:25 Sahara 03:25 Kids Do The Craziest Things 19:45 Hank Zipzer 08:05 Two More Eggs 16:50 Pawn Stars 19:20 America's National Parks 03:50 Ultimate Survival 20:10 Jessie 08:10 K.C. Undercover 17:15 Pawn Stars 20:10 World's Deadliest Animals 04:40 How It's Made 20:35 Cracke 08:35 Counterfeit Cat 17:40 Alone 21:00 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog 00:20 Spies Of Warsaw 05:05 How It's Made 20:40 Disney The Lodge 09:00 Lab Rats 18:30 Swamp People 21:50 Wild Case Files 01:05 Unforgotten 05:30 Storm Chasers 21:05 Bizaardvark 09:25 Lab Rats 00:10 Cash Trapped 19:20 Mountain Men 22:40 Sahara 01:55 Silent Witness 06:20 Mythbusters 21:30 That's So Raven 09:50 Future-Worm! 01:00 Emmerdale 20:10 American Pickers 23:30 Dinofish 02:55 Silent Witness 07:00 Kenny The Shark 21:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 10:20 Pair Of Kings 01:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Big Easy Motors 04:05 Doctors 07:25 Awesome Adventures 22:00 Shake It Up 10:45 Pair Of Kings 02:00 Coronation Street 21:25 Big Easy Motors 11:10 Danger Mouse 02:30 Who's Doing The Dishes? 21:50 Forged In Fire 11:35 Supa Strikas 03:25 Tutankhamun 22:40 Forged In Fire 12:00 Supa Strikas 04:20 Tina & Bobby 23:30 American Pickers 12:30 Gravity Falls 05:15 Coach Trip 00:15 Secretariat 12:55 Annedroids 05:45 Coach Trip 02:15 Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The 3 13:20 Atomic Puppet 06:10 Cash Trapped Musketeers 13:45 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 07:05 Who's Doing The Dishes? 03:30 American Girl: Grace Stirs Up 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 08:00 Tutankhamun Success 14:15 Mighty Med 09:00 Tina & Bobby 05:15 It Takes Two 14:40 Kirby Buckets 10:00 Coach Trip 00:15 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces 07:00 Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The 3 15:05 Lab Rats 10:30 Coach Trip 01:10 Andy And Ben Eat Australia Musketeers 15:30 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 10:55 Cash Trapped 01:40 Croatia's Finest 08:15 American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Everything 11:50 Who's Doing The Dishes? 02:05 David Rocco's Dolce Vita Success 15:55 Right Now Kapow 12:45 Emmerdale 02:35 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 10:15 Mars Needs Moms 16:25 K.C. Undercover 13:15 Coronation Street 03:00 Mega Food 11:45 Oliver & Company 16:50 Disney11 13:45 Coronation Street 03:55 The Shelbourne 13:00 It Takes Two 17:15 Mech-X4 14:15 Cash Trapped 04:25 Rustic Adventures Italy 14:45 Oliver & Company 17:40 Milo Murphy's Law 15:10 Who's Doing The Dishes? 04:50 Miguel's Feasts 16:00 The Game Plan 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 16:00 Broadchurch 05:20 Miguel's Feasts 18:00 Confessions Of A Teenage Drama 18:10 Gravity Falls 16:55 Broadchurch 05:45 Andy And Ben Eat Australia Queen 18:35 Mighty Med 17:50 Coach Trip 06:15 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 19:30 Tuck Everlasting 19:00 Atomic Puppet 18:20 Coach Trip 06:40 What's For Sale? 21:00 Return To Oz 19:25 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 18:45 Emmerdale 07:10 Croatia's Finest 23:00 The Game Plan Everything 19:15 Coronation Street 07:35 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 19:55 K.C. Undercover 19:45 Coronation Street 08:05 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 20:20 Mech-X4 20:10 Who's Doing The Dishes? 08:30 Restoration Man 20:45 Disney11 21:00 Broadchurch 09:25 The Shelbourne 21:10 Walk The Prank 21:55 Broadchurch 09:55 Rustic Adventures Italy 21:35 Disney Mickey Mouse 22:50 Emmerdale 10:20 Miguel's Feasts 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:15 Coronation Street 10:50 Miguel's Feasts 00:15 Death At A Funeral 21:45 Guardians Of The Galaxy 23:40 Coronation Street 11:15 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 01:45 Kicking And Screaming 22:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 11:45 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 03:30 Daddy's Home SURVIVOR ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 22:35 Boyster 12:10 What's For Sale? 05:15 It Boy 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 12:40 Croatia's Finest 06:45 Ricki And The Flash 04:35 Doctors 07:50 K9 Cops 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 13:05 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 08:30 Trust Me 05:05 The Musketeers 08:40 How It's Made Witch 13:35 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 10:00 Kicking And Screaming 06:00 Death In Paradise 09:05 How It's Made 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 14:00 Mega Food 11:45 It Boy 06:50 Doctors 09:30 Invent It Rich Witch 00:20 Forged In Fire 14:55 The Shelbourne 13:15 Trust Me 07:20 Doctors 10:20 Mythbusters 23:10 Hank Zipzer 01:10 Alone 15:25 Rustic Adventures Italy 14:45 Ricki And The Flash 07:50 New Tricks 11:10 K9 Cops 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 00:05 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 02:00 Swamp People 15:50 Miguel's Feasts 16:30 Life 08:45 The Musketeers 12:00 Ultimate Survival Henry 02:50 Storage Wars 16:20 Miguel's Feasts 18:15 The Butcher's Wife 09:40 Death In Paradise 12:50 How It's Made 00:55 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 03:15 American Pickers 16:45 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 20:00 Honeymooners 10:30 Doctors 13:15 How It's Made Henry 04:05 Pawn Stars 17:15 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 21:30 Hot Pursuit 11:00 Doctors 13:40 Storm Chasers 01:50 E! News 04:30 Pawn Stars 17:40 What's For Sale? 23:00 Hit By Lightning 11:35 New Tricks 14:30 Kenny The Shark 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 05:00 Mountain Men 18:10 Gok's Chinese Takeaway 12:30 The Musketeers 14:55 Awesome Adventures 00:00 Henry Hugglemonster 03:20 Celebrity Style Story 06:00 Alaska Off-Road Warriors 19:05 The Shelbourne 13:25 Death In Paradise 15:20 K9 Cops 00:15 Calimero 03:50 WAGs Miami 06:50 Duck Dynasty 19:30 Rustic Adventures Italy 14:15 Doctors 16:10 Invent It Rich 00:30 Art Attack 04:40 WAGs Miami 07:15 Duck Dynasty 20:00 Miguel's Feasts 14:45 Doctors 17:00 Dogs: The Untold Story 00:55 Zou 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 07:40 Counting Cars 20:30 Miguel's Feasts 15:15 New Tricks 17:50 Everest: Beyond The Limit 01:05 Loopdidoo 06:00 EJ NYC 08:05 Counting Cars 21:00 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 01:30 Swing Kids 16:10 The Musketeers 18:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 06:55 E! News 08:30 Pawn Stars 21:30 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 03:30 50 To 1 17:10 Death In Paradise 19:05 Kids Do The Craziest Things 01:35 Calimero 07:10 EJ NYC 08:55 Pawn Stars 22:00 What's For Sale? 05:30 The Better Angels 18:00 Doctors 19:30 How It's Made 01:50 Zou 08:10 E! News: Daily Pop 09:20 Storage Wars 22:25 Gok's Chinese Takeaway 07:30 The End Of The Tour 18:30 Eastenders 19:55 How It's Made 02:05 Art Attack 09:10 Live From The Red Carpet 09:45 Storage Wars 23:20 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 09:15 A Perfect Day 19:00 New Tricks 20:20 Mythbusters 02:30 The Hive 11:00 Fashion Police 10:10 American Pickers 23:50 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 11:00 Late Bloomers 20:00 Kat & Alfie: Redwater 21:10 Dogs: The Untold Story 02:40 Loopdidoo 12:00 E! News 11:00 Search For The Lost Giants 12:30 Swing Kids 21:00 Sherlock 22:00 Everest: Beyond The Limit 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 12:15 WAGs 11:50 Duck Dynasty 14:30 My Old Lady 22:35 The Kettering Incident 22:50 Kids Do The Craziest Things 03:10 Art Attack 13:10 Second Wives Club 12:15 Duck Dynasty 16:15 Experimenter 23:30 Doctors 23:15 Kids Do The Craziest Things 03:35 Loopdidoo 18:00 East Side Sushi 23:40 Ultimate Survival 03:50 Calimero 20:00 Whiplash 04:05 Art Attack 21:45 Ed Wood 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster 00:10 Monster Fish 04:45 Zou 01:00 Wicked Tuna: North vs South 05:00 Art Attack 02:00 Air Crash Investigation 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 03:00 Alaska Fish Wars 00:00 It Takes A Killer 00:30 Murder Among Friends 05:45 Loopdidoo 04:00 Monster Fish 01:00 Curious George 00:30 It Takes A Killer 01:20 Killing Richard Glossip 06:00 Zou 05:00 Street Food Around The World 02:30 Egon And Donci 01:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder Casebook 02:10 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 06:15 Calimero 05:30 Street Food Around The World 04:00 Three Wishes 02:00 Crime Stories 03:00 Jonben?t: An American Murder 06:30 Loopdidoo 06:00 Situation Critical 06:00 Moomins And The Comet Chase 03:00 Evil Up Close Mystery 06:45 Henry Hugglemonster 07:00 Dog Whisperer 07:30 Pet Pals In Windland 04:00 It Takes A Killer 03:48 I Almost Got Away With It 07:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 08:00 Uncensored With Michael Ware 09:00 The Heart Of The Oak 04:30 It Takes A Killer 04:36 Blood Relatives 07:25 Sofia The First 09:00 Taiwan Medical Miracle 10:30 Yugo & Lala 2 05:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder Casebook 05:24 Obsession: Dark Desires 07:50 The Lion Guard 10:00 Cesar Millan's Dog Nation 12:00 Curious George 06:00 My Crazy Ex 06:12 I'd Kill For You 08:15 PJ Masks 11:00 Beast Hunter 13:45 Paws 07:00 My Crazy Ex 07:00 Momsters: When Moms Go Bad 08:35 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 12:00 I Wouldn't Go In There 15:30 The Heart Of The Oak 08:00 Evil Up Close 07:25 Momsters: When Moms Go Bad 09:05 Goldie & Bear 13:00 Situation Critical 17:00 Thumbelina 09:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 07:50 I Almost Got Away With It 09:35 The Lion Guard 14:00 Uncensored With Michael Ware 18:45 Worms 10:00 Homicide Hunter 08:40 Beauty Queen Murders 10:05 Sofia The First 15:00 Dog Whisperer 20:15 Paws 11:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 09:30 Swamp Murders 10:35 Mickey And The Roadster Racers 16:00 Cesar Millan's Dog Nation 22:00 Pet Pals In Windland 12:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 10:20 I'd Kill For You 11:05 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 17:00 Beast Hunter 23:30 Thumbelina 13:00 My Crazy Ex 11:10 A Crime To Remember 11:35 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 18:00 I Wouldn't Go In There 14:00 Evil Up Close 12:00 Momsters: When Moms Go Bad 12:05 Gummi Bears 19:00 Uncensored With Michael Ware 15:00 Homicide Hunter 12:25 Momsters: When Moms Go Bad 12:35 Miles From Tomorrow 20:00 Cesar Millan's Dog Nation 16:00 Crime Stories 12:50 I Almost Got Away With It 13:05 Mickey And The Roadster Racers 20:50 Beast Hunter 17:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 13:40 Blood Relatives 13:35 PJ Masks 21:40 I Wouldn't Go In There 00:45 Blue Streak 18:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 14:30 Obsession: Dark Desires 14:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 22:30 Uncensored With Michael Ware 02:30 Forces Of Nature 19:00 Evil Up Close 15:20 I'd Kill For You 14:30 The Lion Guard 23:20 Situation Critical 04:15 The Legend Of Zorro 20:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 16:10 Killer Instinct With Chris Hansen 15:00 Sofia The First 06:30 The Ladykillers 21:00 Homicide Hunter 17:00 Momsters: When Moms Go Bad 15:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 08:15 Rocky II 22:00 My Crazy Ex 17:25 Momsters: When Moms Go Bad 15:55 Sofia The First 10:15 The Legend Of Zorro 23:00 Paranormal State 17:50 I Almost Got Away With It 16:20 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 12:30 Forces Of Nature 23:30 Paranormal State 18:40 Blood Relatives 16:50 The Adventures Of The Disney 14:15 Eight Men Out 19:30 Obsession: Dark Desires Fairies 16:15 Rocky III 20:20 I'd Kill For You 17:15 Sofia The First 00:20 Leopard Queen 18:00 Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes 21:10 Obsession: Dark Desires 17:40 Doc McStuffins 01:10 Animals Gone Wild 19:45 Ghostbusters 22:00 Betrayed 18:05 PJ Masks 02:00 Super Predators 21:30 The Walk 22:50 Murder Chose Me 18:35 Mickey And The Roadster Racers 02:50 Wild 24 23:45 Finding Forrester 00:05 Important Things With Demitri 23:40 Your Worst Nightmare 19:05 PJ Masks 03:45 America's National Parks Martin 00:00 Binny And The Ghost 19:35 PJ Masks 04:40 Natural Born Monsters 00:30 South Park 20:05 Goldie & Bear 05:35 Super Predators 00:55 South Park 20:35 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 06:30 Wild 24 01:20 Tosh.0 21:00 Gummi Bears 07:25 America's National Parks 01:45 Tosh.0 21:25 The Adventures Of The Disney 08:20 Natural Born Monsters 00:30 How Do They Do It? 02:10 South Park Fairies 09:15 The Real Serengeti 00:55 Food Factory 02:35 South Park 00:25 Hank Zipzer 21:50 Minnie's Bow-Toons 10:10 Wild Case Files 01:20 Strangest Weather On Earth 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 00:45 The Hive 22:00 Sofia The First 11:05 Ultimate Animal Countdown 02:10 The Big Brain Theory 03:25 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:30 Sofia The First 12:00 Dinofish 03:00 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Patrol Witch 22:55 PJ Masks WHIPLASH ON OSN MOVIES FESTIVAL 12:55 Black Mamba: Kiss Of Death 03:48 Mythbusters Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

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Summer Only EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 12:45 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 10:15 PM MONOLITH 1:15 AM Founder may contact “Native language” EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 3:00 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 12:45 AM Indian Public School, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 5:00 PM 360º- 1 FANAR-5 Salmiya. Call: 95593976. Tel:25611588/22 MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 7:15 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:45 PM (C 5313) MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 9:30 PM HERE ALONE 12:30 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 3:30 PM 21-5-2017 E-mail: [email protected] ALIEN: COVENANT 11:45 PM HERE ALONE 2:30 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 6:15 PM THE BOSS BABY 4:30 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 9:00 PM MUHALAB-1 THE BOSS BABY 6:30 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 11:45 PM ACCOMMODATION KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 11:30 AM HERE ALONE 8:30 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 2:15 PM HERE ALONE 10:30 PM 360º- 2 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 4:45 PM HERE ALONE 12:30 AM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 12:15 PM Sharing accommodation For HALF GIRLFRIEND -Hindi 7:15 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 2:30 PM Filipino Bachelor ONLY KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 10:00 PM MARINA-1 MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 4:45 PM Farwaniya block 1, near gulf­ 112 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:30 AM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 11:30 AM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 7:00 PM mart. Available on June 25, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 1:30 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 9:15 PM Contact 94418396 or MUHALAB-2 EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 3:45 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 11:30 PM 94033908 23-5-2016 HERE ALONE 12:00 PM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 6:00 PM Automated HERE ALONE 2:15 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 8:15 PM 360º- 3 enquiry HERE ALONE 4:15 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 10:30 PM HALF GIRLFRIEND -Hindi 12:30 PM Sharing accommodation HERE ALONE 6:15 PM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 12:45 AM HALF GIRLFRIEND -Hindi 3:30 PM available in Jabriya Block- about the MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 8:15 PM BAAHUBALI 2: The Conclusion -Hindi 6:30 PM 10, near Indian School and MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 10:30 PM MARINA-2 HALF GIRLFRIEND -Hindi 9:45 PM Farah Jamiya, big room Civil ID card is HERE ALONE 12:45 AM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:30 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:45 AM with balcony, Central A/C, KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 3:00 PM start from May 2017. MUHALAB-3 THE BOSS BABY 5:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 1889988 ALIEN: COVENANT 11:30 AM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 7:30 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 12:15 PM Contact: NO MON KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 10:00 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 2:45 PM 55706900/55983570. ALIEN: COVENANT 2:00 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:30 AM ALIEN: COVENANT 5:15 PM (C 5312) ALIEN: COVENANT 4:30 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 7:45 PM 18-5-2017 ALIEN: COVENANT 7:00 PM MARINA-3 ALIEN: COVENANT 10:15 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 9:30 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 11:45 AM ALIEN: COVENANT 12:45 AM ALIEN: COVENANT 12:05 AM ALIEN: COVENANT 2:15 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 4:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 PRAYER TIMINGS FANAR-1 ALIEN: COVENANT 7:15 PM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 11:30 AM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 12:45 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 9:45 PM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 1:45 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 2:45 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 12:15 AM HERE ALONE 4:00 PM Fajr: 03:20 EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 5:00 PM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 6:00 PM Shorook: 04:52 MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 7:00 PM AVENUES-1 HERE ALONE 8:15 PM MAMNO’O MIN AL EKTIRAB AW ALTASWEER 9:15 PM HERE ALONE 1:15 PM EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 10:15 PM Duhr: 11:45 EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING 11:30 PM HERE ALONE 3:15 PM HERE ALONE 12:30 AM HOWARD LOVECRAFT & THE FROZEN KINGDOM 5:15 PM Asr: 15:20 FANAR-2 HERE ALONE 7:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 11:30 AM HERE ALONE 9:15 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:00 PM Maghrib: 18:38 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 2:00 PM HERE ALONE 11:15 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 2:30 PM Isha: 20:07

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 24/5/2017 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 Departure Flights on Wednesday 24/5/2017 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 364 Colombo 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 IRC 6512 ABD 14:50 JZR 513 Sharm el-Sheikh 00:15 KAC 618 Doha 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 553 Alexandria 00:15 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:35 MSC 406 Sohag 00:30 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 KAC 786 Jeddah 00:30 JZR 357 Mashhad 14:50 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:35 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 FDB 060 Dubai 15:05 KAC 102 London 00:55 KAC 692 Muscat 14:55 KAC 363 Colombo 01:55 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:55 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 KAC 563 Amman 15:40 JZR 539 Cairo 01:25 KAC 304 Mumbai 14:55 MSR 619 Alexandria 02:35 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 MSR 618 Alexandria 01:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 THY 765 Istanbul 02:50 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:50 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 KKK 6505 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:50 KAC 562 Amman 15:10 PGT 831 Istanbul 03:10 KNE 684 Madinah 16:00 KKK 6506 Istanbul 01:55 KAC 502 Beirut 15:25 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 16:05 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:05 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:30 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 QTR 1086 Doha 02:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 PGT 830 Istanbul 02:10 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 QTR 1087 Doha 04:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 SAW 705 Damascus 15:50 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:30 KAC 418 Manila 02:50 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 SAW 706 Damascus 16:50 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 SVA 504 Madinah 16:00 KAC 417 Manila 04:20 SVA 505 Madinah 16:55 JZR 560 Sohag 04:45 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 KAC 103 London 05:00 FDB 052 Dubai 17:05 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:15 CEB 019 Manila 05:30 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 FDB 069 Dubai 03:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:20 QTR 1077 Doha 05:35 JZR 266 Beirut 17:15 KAC 382 Delhi 03:15 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:50 JZR 552 Alexandria 17:25 QTR 1076 Doha 03:40 KAC 118 New York 16:55 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 KAC 544 Cairo 03:50 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 JZR 240 Amman 17:30 CEB 018 Manila 04:00 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 KAC 361 Colombo 17:35 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 04:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 KAC 357 Kochi 17:40 KAC 358 Kochi 04:50 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 05:05 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 KAC 501 Beirut 07:50 KAC 381 Delhi 17:50 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 QTR 1080 Doha 18:05 KAC 171 Frankfurt 07:50 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:30 BAW 156 London 08:20 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:40 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 KAC 741 Dammam 08:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 362 Colombo 05:50 KAC 512 Mashhad 18:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 BAW 157 London 06:05 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 773 Riyadh 08:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:35 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 08:40 JZR 538 Cairo 18:35 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 08:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:55 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 101 London 09:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:15 KAC 156 Istanbul 07:05 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:30 KAC 117 New York 09:00 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 JAI 572 Delhi 19:35 JZR 356 Mashhad 09:00 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:40 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:50 KAC 561 Amman 09:30 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 KAC 691 Muscat 09:30 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 IRC 6511 ABD 09:10 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:30 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 KAC 104 London 20:00 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:40 JAI 571 Delhi 20:35 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:35 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 KAC 353 Bangalore 20:55 IRM 1188 Mashhad 09:55 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 DLH 634 Doha 21:00 MSC 415 Sohag 10:15 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:00 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 IRC 6522 Lamerd 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:05 KAC 564 Amman 21:00 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:30 JZR 561 Sohag 11:10 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:05 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:40 QTR 1071 Doha 10:35 KAC 742 Dammam 11:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 QTR 1089 Doha 21:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:15 KAC 203 Lahore 21:45 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 IRM 1189 Mashhad 11:10 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 MSC 416 Sohag 11:15 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 KAC 205 Islamabad 21:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 774 Riyadh 12:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:00 THY 766 Istanbul 12:50 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 AAG 145 IQA 12:00 KAC 155 Istanbul 22:15 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:05 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:25 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 13:15 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 KAC 511 Mashhad 12:45 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 BBC 043 Dhaka 22:30 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 IRC 6521 Lamerd 14:00 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 JZR 241 Amman 22:55 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 THY 767 Istanbul 13:45 JZR 528 Asyut 23:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 PIA 239 Sialkot 23:40 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 stars34 WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 CROSSWORD 1617 STAR TRACK

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

Your communication skills are at a high now. You will enjoy a debate You could be inclined to misapply your energy in projects or people today and will not mind speaking your thoughts on a particular matter. today. There is a tendency to drain your energy, making you tired. You could fall under You could be most persuasive with others. The situation is a natural for your particular the heavy burden of responsibility and may have to work hard to acquit yourself well. ideas and thoughts. If your emotions and attitudes are applied right, no sacrifice will be However, this time also indicates great strides toward success and improvement in all too great to achieve personal success. You have a strong psychic potential. Your imagi- areas of your life. Caution should be applied before entering into any type of relation- nation is strong as well and may lend itself to writing or some form of art. However, ship or transaction impulsively. Family, home, relatives and real estate play a big part in since you do not like to waste time, you may find it difficult to start such an endeavor, so your life. You want to belong on a private, intimate, personal level and to be needed try using a tape recorder. Educational pursuits and travel may figure prominently in and to feel it's okay to have needs. Friends are among your greatest blessings and your career growth. Go back and consider some form of art as a good stress relief tool. today a friend will give you encouragement. Your inner resources are accented.

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

You may find yourself at odds with someone around you or with your life This is a time when your spirituality is aroused, making you more philo- situation regarding issues of great sensitivity-very personal. Difficulties, blocks and all sophical and compassionate about the less fortunate. Ventures of groundbreaking manner of hot spots may be discovered and worked through at this time. Have faith in insight will be stimulating and successful. You are apt to spend a considerable amount yourself-you will know just what to do. It is possible that you could be spending too of time and effort to find ways in which to improve your finances. This is a time when much time with friends. Job and family may be suffering from a lack of attention. Today the desire for material success and considerable monetary gain is great, though you you may want to reassess the way you spend your time and insert some notes or other could be reckless in handling newfound finances. Others may oppose your own life type of reminders to help you to bring about a balance in scheduling. The way you live dreams and imagination. You may find yourself going head-to-head with someone and perhaps your career and basic life direction may be changing. If you are entertain- older over matters of honesty and integrity. You could fear being deceived or misled. ing friends this evening, you might want to add a few family members as well. Good advice is available; reassess your plans-easy does it.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your business partners most likely are trustworthy and the business deals Today has the promise of evolving into a delightful, memorable time. you create together should be positive for a long time. Balance your ener- There are progressive actions and any endeavor of yours is met with enthusiasm. This gies today. Time spent in psychological support of others-in addition to your own could mean you have a new invention, or you help a co-worker or friend push for- accomplishments today-can make for a stressful day. Be clear in your words and in your ward with his or her new idea or invention. This afternoon you may decide to work a 6. The sixth day of the week. writing; you can be confusing if you try to hurry with particular instructions. This ACROSS little on some contest jingle or an advertisement. About the only thing that catches evening is a good time to enjoy kind relationships. If you are really serious about losing 1. A single-reed woodwind with a conical bore. 7. East Indian tree bearing an edible yellow berry. the attention of the public is either something that they can relate to or something weight, counting calories may make you very nervous since you like good hearty that one would not see every day. If you are planning to sell a variety of colorful sum- 4. Having an abundant supply of money or pos- 8. An agency of the United Nations responsible meals. Eat your meat without gravy and try one helping along with a salad. A friend will mer hats, you might try photographing them on animals to catch the public eye and give you support for your efforts to improve and may join you in an exercise program. sessions of value. for programs to aid education and the health then add a fun little jingle that brings the hat to the human head. Enjoy your friends. 12. A guided missile fired from shipboard against of children and mothers in developing coun- an airborne target. tries. 15. A user interface in which you type commands 9. (computer science) A coding system that incor- Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) instead of choosing them from a menu or porates extra parity bits in order to detect selecting an icon. errors. Your mind is quick and sharp and your way with words is just what you It would be wise to listen to all those around you before making a particu- and others need today. You have insight into your emotions and you can talk about 16. South American caracara. 10. A state in New England. larly difficult decision today. An old habit needs changing and your friends will help you 17. Gone by. your ideas with great insight. Goodwill and compromise should be your first thoughts change. Do not become preoccupied with one concept and accept it as gospel. 11. A narrow headband or strip of ribbon worn as in any activity you do that is a little out of the ordinary. There is a more outgoing quali- Weighing all sides of a problem may be most beneficial at this time. You may be sought 18. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in a headband. ty to your lifestyle now and more of a possibility to forget the essentials, like brushing after as just the person for a particular job. You enjoy management and take your job Turkey). 12. A white powder with a pleasant taste and your teeth, buying milk or putting your keys in their proper place. It is a good idea to quite seriously. There could be pressures today that will awaken you to some situation in 19. A medical establishment run by a group of work on all aspects of a project or plan to see where your energies can be best your home or nearby vicinity that needs changing. Keep an eagle eye on the develop- odor. applied. Maternal instincts, whether you are male or female, may come into play this medical specialists. ment and you could be a part of the change. There could be some financial panic now 13. (used of eyes) Open and fixed as if in fear or evening-making you put forth every effort to appease any discord in the home. as your monetary situation may be difficult to gauge-you will find a balance. 20. Enthusiastic approval. wonder. 22. Type genus of the Danaidae. 14. An unaccompanied choral composition with 24. 1,000,000,000 periods per second. sacred lyrics. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 26. Blood-sucking African fly. Leo (July 23-August 22) 21. High quality grape brandy distilled in the 27. Metal or plastic sheath over the end of a Cognac district of France. There is some powerful energy available for you; however, do not rush Today is the day you could plan for a new way of living or a new habit. shoelace or ribbon. through projects. You could make mistakes that you would regret later. Use your pow- Go about your day with a list in hand and have a purpose in mind so that you do not 23. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flow- 28. Machine tool for shaping metal or wood. er wisely and pace yourself. Now is a good time to finish those jobs you have been sway from your goal. This could encompass a new job identity, a new diet, an under- ers. taking to stop smoking, etc. You may show great pleasure in the creativeness of some- 31. Of or relating to or characteristic of putting off, whether it is from fear of failure or lack of confidence. Applying yourself to 25. Formerly a term of respect for important work will prove most successful. You will excel in activities that involve a great deal of one near you. This could be a co-worker or a close friend or even a family member. Afghanistan or its people. concentration. Your burning zeal for the ideal world and your need to be a part of a Saving and creating ways in which to make extra money grab your atte ntion this afte r- 32. A sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) white Europeans in colonial India. group of like-minded souls are the topics of conversation during the noon meal. You noon. Instead of throwing things away that may have some good use left; you may that precedes the onset of certain disorders 29. Writes (books or stories or articles or the like) learn and grow through your efforts to help others and to make your inner vision into decide to toss things in a container for a garage sale or a trip to your nearby charity. An a reality-volunteer work is possible. You may hear from a long-lost friend tonight. evening bicycle ride or to exercise by walking could be enjoyed by you and others. such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure. professionally (for pay). 34. Weapons considered collectively. 30. Go trecking. 38. A genus of Sterninae. 33. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense 42. Psychoactive substance present in marijuana. vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yield- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 43. The capital and largest city of Afghanistan. ing a yellow dye. Take a little trip, or get outside today. You may want to change your rou- Business and family matters can be easily handled today. This would be 46. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by 35. A long noosed rope used to catch animals. tine a little and try something new or different at this time. Gathering information and an excellent time to weigh the possibilities of advancement or change in behavioral and learning disorders. 36. A woman of refinement. helping others to understand difficult matters create a great deal of satisfaction. Your your career. You may find that someone close to you understands and is supportive of timing should be perfect and those around you should find you most spontaneous. 37. Grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet your ideas. You could come up with new solutions. People are affectionate and may 47. (Norse mythology) Trickster. This is a time in which you may feel the need to feel secure through some material or show their imagination through gift giving at this time. You have clear insight into your 49. Valuable fiber plant of East Indies now wide- places having solid stems, narrow grasslike sentimental objects that you possess. Any depression or anxiety about the work you do own inner sense of values, how you appreciate and love. This is a good time to become spread in cultivation. leaves and spikelets of inconspicuous flow- or the state of your financial affairs could be eliminated. Take full stock of your accounts lost under the spell of a good salesperson-careful. You have an inborn ability to see the and debts so as to know where you stand financially. This is a perfect time to clear away 52. A period of time containing 365 (or 366) days. ers. positive side of life, especially when you help or allow someone else to excel. A short trip any unfinished business and look to the future with insightful speculation. may be in order this evening-perhaps to a restaurant or some entertainment place. 54. Stable gear consisting of either of two curved 39. Mushroom corals. supports that are attached to the collar of a 40. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of draft horse and that hold the traces. an organism. Word Search 57. Small tropical American tree bearing edible 41. The blood group whose red cells carry both Yesterday’s Solution plumlike fruit. the A and B antigens. 59. Big-eyed scad. 44. A Loloish language. 62. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in 45. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Turkey). Dali region of Yunnan. 66. Any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the 48. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. genus Acacia. 50. Excessively agitated. 68. Of or pertaining to or characteristic of Italy or 51. Full of submerged reefs or sandbanks or its people or culture or language. shoals. 70. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet. 53. A midwestern state in north central United 71. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat States. trimmed off. 55. A natural talent. 74. A nucleic acid that transmits genetic informa- 56. (of something seen or heard) Clearly defined. tion from DNA to the cytoplasm. 58. Make a vibrant noise, of grasshoppers or 75. An ancient Hebrew unit of capacity equal to cicadas. 10 baths or 10 ephahs. 60. The persistence of a sound after its source has 76. An Italian poet famous for love lyrics (1304- stopped. 1374). 61. A German man. 77. A doctor's degree in dental surgery. 63. Prepare for a military confrontation. 64. The (prehensile) extremity of the superior DOWN 1. Any of a number of fishes of the family limb. Carangidae. 65. Type genus of the Anatidae. 2. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic 67. Any of various primates with short tails or no eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and tail at all. roots and leaves. 69. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from 3. A city of central China. aba cloth. 4. Bring an accusation against. 72. A highly unstable radioactive element (the 5. Not in accordance with the fact or reality or heaviest of the halogen series). actuality. 73. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 information

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 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 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 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 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 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 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 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 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 Tome 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 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD 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 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Rheumatologists: Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Head, Division of Cardiology Internists, Chest & Heart Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lesotho 00266 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

FEATURES

Shared bicycles plate numbers and QR codes are seen at a A worker climbs onto a pile of Ofo shared bicycles at a repair center in Beijing. repair center in Beijing.

A worker stands next to a pile of shared bicycles at a repair center in Beijing. Mobike shared bicycles are seen on a street in Beijing. A worker repairs a shared bicycle at a repair center in Beijing. — AFP photos China scrambles to tame bike chaos

booming rental bike business has flooded China's in 2016 and that number is expected to rise to 50 million by including the first fatal collision involving a rental bike in streets with packs of cyclists, but their habit of going the the end of this year, according to the China E-Commerce March, when an 11-year-old boy died after a bus struck his Ofo Awrong way and abandoning their rides anywhere is Research Center. With the patience of police and pedestrians bike at a busy Shanghai intersection. A month later in south- causing havoc. The authorities, scrambling to catch up, are wearing thin, some firms have appointed staff to patrol streets. ern Fuzhou, a car killed a woman with such force that her bike considering new regulations to curb the chaos-from capping Wearing armbands or neon vests, they stack bikes onto motor- shattered into pieces. Road laws in China already ban children the number of bikes to even barring people they consider too ized trolleys to move them to places they are more likely to be under age 12 from riding on public roads, but state media big or too small for bicycles. Unlike the docking station sys- used. But the startups, including leading rivals Mobike and reports say children are frequently seen riding the colorful tems in cities like London, Paris or New York, the bikes in China Ofo, may soon need to comply with stricter regulations. bikes to school. can essentially be found and left anywhere. From Beijing to Beijing plans to limit the total number of shared bikes that An Ofo spokeswoman told AFP the company runs cam- Tibet, riders can grab a yellow, blue, green or orange bike by can be on the streets. The lively Dongcheng district is aiming paigns to encourage parents and teachers to keep children off opening a smartphone app and pointing their camera at a QR to create hundreds of dedicated parking spots that bike rental the bikes. Mobike says it requires users to register with an iden- code that releases a lock for as low as 1 yuan (15 US cents). firms would help manage, according to the state-owned Legal tification document before they can unlock the bikes. "We A worker repairs a shared bicycle at a repair center in Once the ride's over, they simply park the bike and apply Daily. The city of Shanghai is considering a more drastic were the first in the industry to work with local businesses and Beijing. the lock. But many simply leave the bikes in the middle of side- approach to limit their use: Barring people authorities consider regulators to develop specially designated parking spaces for walks or abandon them haphazardly on freeways. The rules either too tall, too short or too overweight to hop on a bike our bikes... We have over 10,000 of these in China now, and will that do exist, are often ignored. This has culminated in fatal due to fears they may be unstable on vehicles made for the roll out thousands more in the coming months," a Mobike accidents in recent months, including the death of a child, average frame. spokeswoman told AFP. spurring officials into action. In recent weeks, police around China's Ministry of Transport on Monday released a draft But Zhang Wenzhong, an urban studies expert at the the country have impounded thousands of bikes that were dis- proposal on rules requiring local governments to better man- Chinese Academy of Sciences, said companies are not using carded in piles. But companies plan to put thousands more on age the booming bike-share industry. available technology well enough. "The government should the streets. It calls for the development of dedicated parking zones require all companies to install GPS functions on bikes in order near major transportation hubs, shopping areas and office to meet consumer demands and control random parking, van- Cycling boom backfires blocks, and advises local authorities to make some areas off- dalism and theft," Zhang told AFP. Regulators in Beijing, "I like the convenience of cycling instead of taking the sub- limits for bike parking. It would also forbid children under 12 Chengdu and Hangzhou want GPS to be mandatory. Mobike's way, but the system backfires when the sheer amount of bikes from riding shared bikes. Jeffrey Towson, a professor of invest- GPS-enabled system shows locations of idle bikes. The compa- causes traffic jams in some areas," 21-year-old Beijing student ing at Peking University, said good rules would "shift responsi- ny has a reward system encouraging users to ride bikes from Zhang Wei told AFP. "Many people also don't know how to bike bility for handling bad behavior from the police to the bike- low-traffic to higher-traffic locations. This month, Ofo rolled very well and it is annoying when they swerve around or cycle sharing companies themselves." "I doubt the police will con- out a similar system. — AFP in the wrong direction," said Zhang. Some 30 different tinue gathering thousands of bikes and putting them in lots," providers wrestling for market share have placed more than Towson told AFP. three million bikes on streets around the country, according to state media. Not suitable for children Shared bicycles are seen on a street in Beijing. There were 18.9 million users of shared bicycles nationwide The growing scrutiny partly stems from recent accidents,

Batiste: World's No.1 dry shampoo officially launches in Middle East

atiste, World's No. 1 dry shampoo brand, care product for me. I travel so frequently with today officially launched its product line little time to get ready or touch up my hair do, Bacross the Middle East, offering con- and when I need a quick fix, I can always count sumers the fastest and easiest way to great on Batiste to refresh and restyle my hair when- looking hair with minimal effort. Joining forces ever, wherever. I truly believe that it can prove with AREEN Middle East - a blue chip master to be a life saver for women who are on the go distributor of multinational brands in the with busy schedules." Visitors are seen inside the Castle Church, where in 1517, Martin A portrait of Martin Luther is seen on the side of a giant book dis- Middle East - Batiste unveiled five variants of its Currently available in more than 50 coun- Luther nailed 95 theses which started the church reformation on playing all the pages of the bible on its back side in the Lutherstadt dry shampoo fragrance range: Blush, Original, tries worldwide, Batiste Dry Shampoo is World's its door in Lutherstadt Wittenberg ahead the church day which Wittenberg. Oriental, Cherry and Floral; making its product #1 Dry Shampoo brand according to AC runs from May 24 to 28. — AFP photos line widely available to the consumers in the Nielsen 2016 and a winner of a number of titles Middle East. worldwide such as: Winner of the CEW Beauty Led by Kuwaiti celebrity beauty blogger, Awards, 2016 (UK), Voted best Beauty Buys By Fouz Al-Fahad, the launch took place at Soh Art InStyle for 2016, 2015, and 2014 (UK), Winner of From rubber ducks to sausages, + Beauty in Galleria Mall, Dubai, where invited the Hair Awards 2015 (UK), Voted Product of guests were given an opportunity to try the the Year by the Consumer Survey at Product product and offered instant hair make overs. Innovation 2015 (UK), Winner of the Beauty A registered trademark of Church & Dwight Award by Women's Health for 2014 (USA), and Luther mania sweeps German town Co Inc, Batiste is currently one of the fastest Winner at The Beauty Awards 2013 and 2014 by growing shampoo brands in the UK & in the Popsugar (Australia) amongst many others. arrying an armful of "Luther Brodt" ginger- published his ideas attacking papal abuses and 500 Playmobil figurines of Luther every month world. At the heart of all Batiste(tm) Dry Speaking about the brand's plans in the bread to the cashier, Mikael Byrial Jensen questioning the place of saints. The theologian, over the past year. "But they keep selling out," Shampoos is an innovative starch based 'no Middle East, Shadi Khudr, and Regional Cadmits sheepishly that Martin Luther who died in 1546, argued that Christians could she said. In fact, the 7.5 cm (3-inch) figure with a water needed' formulation which helps Marketing Manager at AREEN Middle East said: would probably not have been impressed by the not buy or earn their way into heaven but only quill and a Bible "translated by Doctor Martin absorbs dirt, grease and product build up "Batiste Dry Shampoo is an excellent addition flood of souvenirs bearing his name. Luther "said entered by the grace of God, marking a turning Luther" has become the German toymaker's when massaged through dry hair. Designed for to our product portfolio. We are confident that himself that saints are not special... but that's point in Christian thinking. bestseller of all time. a busy lifestyle, it helps refresh hair in 1 minute the brand will be received very well by this how it is today. We're Lutherans so it's a nice gift," But Luther also came to be linked to without water in three easy steps: spray into market as it instantly refreshes hair and is a per- said the Danish tour guide, of his purchase at a Germany's darkest history, as his later sermons Everything is marketed roots, massage into hair, and brush to style. The fect product to use between washes for instant chocolatier in eastern Germany's Wittenberg-also and writings were marked by anti-Semitism- Toy store owner Kathrin Seliger, who has not entire range is specially formulated to instantly gorgeous & fresh hair. In the coming months, known as Luther town. something that the Nazis used to justify their sold any of the 395-euro ($444) giant teddy bears fix and revitalize greasy, dull and lifeless hair; we will be looking at making the fragrance line From burgers to rubber duckies to liquor, horrific persecution of the Jews. yet, acknowledged that the "Luther spirit is add volume to thin, fly-away hair and add tex- available to consumers as widely as possible. Wittenberg is cashing in on its 16th century resi- Yet the theologian's part in reshaping the reli- somewhat lost as everything is being marketed". ture and body to hair required for styling. Additionally, we will be looking to bring more dent, who changed Christendom forever. It is on gious order has unequivocally secured his place German retiree Renate Lukas, who was visiting Speaking about the brand, Fouz Al-Fahad products from the other ranges offered by the a door of a church here that Luther is said to have as one of the most important figures in European on a day trip, said: "We are very happily celebrat- said: "Maintaining great looking hair can be a Batiste brand". The Batiste Dry Shampoo range nailed his 95 theses in 1517, leading to a split history. For the 500th Reformation anniversary, ing the Reformation, but it should perhaps not challenging mission because of our active will be available in Boots across Kuwait. with the Roman Catholic Church and giving birth Germany has declared an exceptional public hol- be so kitschy." Where should the line be drawn? lifestyles. Batiste has become an essential hair to Protestantism. As Germany commemorates iday on October 31. And tens of thousands of For Ruske, "it's up to the visitors to decide when it the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the Christians from across the world are descending all becomes too much." "If someone wants to eat seismic theological shift started by Luther, on the town of 47,000 inhabitants where history Luther, wear Luther, smell Luther or drink Luther, Wittenberg is decked out in full Luther regalia. was made. is that too much? If that makes the visitor happy, On arrival at the town's main train station, vis- then... please go ahead," she said. itors are greeted with a giant rectangular block 'They keep selling out' At the commemorative door of the labeled "The Bible-Luther's translation". Walk a The head of Wittenberg tourist office Kristin Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where Luther is few meters and a billboard seeks to tempt the Ruske said hotel bookings and demand for guid- believed to have nailed his theses, South weary with a "Luther Burger". In the display win- ed tours had doubled for January to March, even Korean senior pastor Lee Won Jae was explain- dows of shops running one kilometer (0.6 mile) before the Reformation fest began. Trains will ing the significance of the site to a group of 22 through the center of the old town, there is leave every 10 minutes from Berlin to bring the fellow churchgoers. "We have visited to cele- something for everyone-a toddler-sized Luther faithful to the town in time for this coming week- brate the 500 years of Reformation and we want teddy bear, bags of Luther pasta and Luther tea. end's Ascension church service. And going by to learn from the spirit of Luther," Lee said. The Asked what Luther had to do with sausages, the number of tourists carrying jute bags featur- group was on a tour of key sites in the Uwe Bechmann, who was doing a brisk busi- ing Luther's image, or the steady stream of peo- Reformation movement, including Luther's ness selling them with black bread topped with ple picking up Luther cookies, it is clear that the birthplace Eisleben and Worms, where he was mustard, said with a broad grin: "Well, Martin crowd just can't get enough of the theologian. summoned to appear before authorities of the Luther enjoyed eating them-as you can see The boom in Luther souvenirs has been driven Holy Roman Empire on charges of heresy. For from his belly." by this year's celebrations, Ruske noted. the pastor, the souvenirs bearing Luther's "There are Luther noodles, Luther tomatoes, image or writing serve a purpose. "Every means Turning point Luther chocolate and also Luther coffee. There that makes people think of Luther is important... Born in Eisleben on November 10, 1483, are many great products that we sell... but there because they would also think of the spirit of Luther moved to Wittenberg in 1511. It was in are also bizarre souvenirs. But as long as the Reformation," said Lee. — AFP the eastern town where he married Katharina demand is there, there'll always be offers," said von Bora, became a father of six children, and Ruske. The tourism office itself has been stocking WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 lifestyle

OBITUARY

Picture taken on June 25, 2013 in Aachen, western Germany, shows British actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Roger Moore and his Danish wife Kristina Tholstrup waving from a carriage as they visit the CHIO World Equestrian Festival.

British actor Roger Moore and his new wife Italian actress Luisa Mattioli, are surrounded by the press as they dance at This file photo taken on April 12, 2000 shows British Oscar This file photo taken on August 16, 1984 shows British Caxton Hall in London following their wedding on April 12, 1969. — AP/AFP photos winner Michael Caine and actor Roger Moore (left) as they actor, Roger Moore during the shooting of the film series pose after presenting a mini-coach to a children's charity "James Bond", "A view to kill", in Chantilly. in London. James Bond star Roger Moore dead at 89

ritish actor Roger Moore, who played James Bond over two decades with a suave wit, died yesterday aged 89, Bdrawing tributes for his portrayal of the womanizing superspy as well as for his charity work. "It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer," his children said in a statement pub- lished on Twitter. "We are all devastated," Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian said, adding: "Thank you Pops for being you, and for being so very special to so many people." Moore shot to fame as the smooth-talking adventurer Simon Templar in British television show "The Saint" in the 1960s, and also starred alongside Tony Curtis in "The Persuaders" in the 1970s. But it was not until 1973, at the age of 45, that he won the role that for many fans would come to define him, as Ian Fleming's fictional secret agent James Bond. Moore made his debut as 007 in "Live and Let Die", follow- ing it with six more films, only bowing out with 1985's "A View to a Kill". Known for his ironically raised eyebrow and deadpan quips, Moore's take on Bond was more tongue-in-cheek than that of his manly predecessor Sean Connery. "I'm not that cold-blooded killer type. Which is why I play it mostly for laughs," he once said. But with seven appearances as the char- acter he fondly called "Jimmy Bond", he outgunned Connery and all the other actors to have played 007.

A genuine movie star Moore was also one of the last of the old-school movie British actor Roger Moore, playing the title role of secret stars, who counted Frank Sinatra and David Niven among his service agent 007, James Bond, is shown on location in friends and lived in luxury in Switzerland and the French In this May 20, 1977 file photo, actor Roger Moore, alias British secret agent James Bond, is accompanied by co-star England in 1972. Riviera. In later years he became known for his humanitarian Barbara Bach as they arrive for the screening of their latest 007 feature, "The Spy Who Loved Me," during the Cannes work, notably through his activities as a UNICEF ambassador, Film Festival at the French Riviera. helping raise funds for under-privileged children. "With the passing of Sir Roger Moore, the world has lost one of its great Moore's breakthrough character Simon Templar. "Roger champions for children-and the entire UNICEF family has lost Moore, loved him," Crowe tweeted. Pinewood Studios, the a great friend," said the UN agency's executive director British filming location west of London for most of the Bond Anthony Lake. films, described Moore as a "force of nature", adding that "his Moore's children said he considered the UNICEF work-for humor and spirit will be missed by all of us". — AFP which he was awarded a knighthood in 2003 -- his "greatest achievement". "The affection our father felt whenever he walked onto a stage or in front of a camera buoyed him huge- ly and kept him busy working into his 90th year, through to his last appearance in November 2016 on stage at London's Royal Festival Hall," they added. "The capacity crowd cheered him on and off stage, shaking the very foundations of the building just a short distance from where he was born." They said their thoughts were with his fourth wife, Kristina, adding that there would be a private funeral in Monaco.

'My Word Is My Bond' Born Roger George Moore, on October 14, 1927 in the London suburb of Stockwell, he was the only son of a police constable and his wife, and had a happy childhood. "I've not done badly for a boy from Stockwell, where I used to gaze at the silver screen in wonderment, little realizing I'd be a part of this magical world," he wrote in his autobiography, "My Word Is My Bond." Duran Duran, the British band that provided the eponymous theme tune for "A View to a Kill", Moore's last turn as Bond, wrote in a tweet: "#RIP Roger." Moore had found his own humorous way to sum up his British actor Roger Moore (left) congratulates Albert R. final bow as Bond, which came when he was 57 years old. This file photograph taken on October 5, 1999 shows British actor This is a July 8, 1968 file photo of British Broccoli, producer of the James Bond movies, after "The girls were getting younger and I was just getting too old," Roger Moore (center) posing with actresses Traci Bingham (left) and Eva actor Roger Moore as he poses with Spain's Broccoli was awarded The Erwin Thalberg Memorial Award he said at a ceremony to award him a star on Hollywood's Halina in Cannes. most prized award, the Don Quixote Award, at the 54th annual Academy Award presentations at the "Walk of Fame". Paying tribute, Hollywood star Russell Crowe which was presented to him at the Spanish Hollywood Music Center in Hollywood on March 29, 1982. remarked on Twitter that at the age 10 he tried to dress like Embassy in London.

In this Sunday, Nov 17, 1996 file photo, three of the actors who played James Bond, Timothy Dalton left, This is a April 22, 1996 file photo of veteran British actor This is a Saturday, July 2, 2011 file photo of British actor Sir Roger Moore Roger Moore, center, and Pierce Brosnan, at a London cinema to celebrate the life of Albert R. "Cubby" Roger Moore, poses for a portrait, in the Studio City sec- as he arrives at the Monaco palace for the religious wedding ceremony of Broccoli, the American film producer behind seventeen Bond movies. tion of Los Angeles. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Princess of Monaco. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

MOVIES Maddow and the Trump effect: US anchor on the rise

iercely intelligent, acerbic and relentlessly liberal Rachel Democratic Party, Maddow's solemn style and her fondness for then it's "a more measured voice than the Bill O'Reilly model of Maddow has defied ultra-feminine stereotypes to become the conjecture are also criticized. In mid-March, she had social media in high volume and insult," Sesno said. Fmost watched news host in the United States, riding the wave uproar after announcing, pre-show, that she had Trump's tax "When she's focused and she's not speculating, she can often of the Trump presidency and chaos at Fox News. The 44-year-old returns, only to keep the country on tenterhooks as she waded lay out a very clear and coherent and persuasive argument with former Rhodes Scholar who has lived publicly as a lesbian since through an extensive monologue before ultimately reporting little good video clips," agreed Jeff Cohen, director and associate profes- college looks like no other woman on image-obsessed US televi- that was new. Late-night satirist Stephen Colbert lampooned sor at the department of journalism at Ithaca College. The change sion news. Her hair cropped, she never wears earrings, dresses or Maddow, dressing up to look like her and delivering his own deri- in the White House has given MSNBC a new visibility and a new necklaces, and favors sharply tailored pant suits in somber colors sive monologue. direction, having been criticized during the Obama years for vigor- with a plain contrasting top. It's an image that frequently exposes ously defending the Democratic administration. "On cable TV Maddow to derision on social media. But if she minds, she never 'Measured' partisanship news, opposition helps your ratings," Cohen explained. lets on. But critics aside, Maddow hosts the most watched cable news Besides Trump, the former radio journalist has also indirectly "The Rachel Maddow Show" airs Monday to Friday at 9:00 pm on show in America, supplanting a position held for 15 years by Fox benefited from disarray at Fox News, even if the audience of the cable news channel MSNBC, as popular with liberal Democrats as News host Bill O'Reilly, who was sacked late last month amid a two channels rarely see eye to eye. In less than a year, Fox News has Fox News is with Donald Trump's Republicans, and part of the blaze of sexual harassment allegations. She has crossed the thresh- lost its co-founder and CEO, Roger Ailes, and star presenters Comcast group. She typically opens each program with a mono- old of three million viewers-never previously seen by MSNBC, O'Reilly and Megyn Kelly, beset by a blaze of alleged mismanage- logue, often as long as 20 minutes-her take on the day's events in a which has traditionally trailed not only Fox but the centrist CNN. ment, misogyny and sexual harassment lawsuits that saw Ailes and sweeping arc that can draw dots between events in Romania or It's a remarkable achievement for a woman whose audiences were O'Reilly pay out millions. Ailes died last week at the age of 77. Venezuela before returning to the US president. "What I end up at a record low only two years ago, in early 2015. But then Trump "There aren't going to be very many conservatives who suddenly doing is trying to find things that happened in our past or in other ran for president, defeated Hillary Clinton and more than tripled are going to look to Rachel Maddow for their inspiration," admitted This file photo shows countries, or in fiction, or something that can put in context what's her audience. Sesno. "But over time, if she moderates her voice, she can widen Rachel Maddow, host of happening," she trailed off during a recent interview on Viceland. "This is a chaos presidency. So there is almost daily drama that her audience somehow." Another way of climbing up the visibility MSNBC's "The Rachel If at times it's less news anchor and more professorial then it's has turned the news into a reality show. It's compelling television," stakes is an interview with Trump. "I'm assuming it's going to hap- Maddow Show," attending worth noting that Maddow has a doctorate in political science said Frank Sesno, professor of media and public affairs at George pen eventually," she said last week on Access Hollywood. — AFP a luncheon hosted by US from Oxford University. Republicans and conservatives attack her Washington University. "Her calculation," he said, "is that the coun- Secretary of State Hillary from the right, insulting her as "Madcow" or "Queen of Fake News." try needs grownups and more measured voices, even if they are Clinton. — AFP From the left, MSNBC's identification with the liberal wing of the partisan voices." If she has positioned herself to be a partisan voice,

AIDS drama, Sandler comedy among breakout hits at Cannes

wrenching French AIDS drama, a cinematic indict- ment of Putin's Russia and a bittersweet Adam ASandler comedy are among the 70th Cannes film fes- tival contenders that have captured critics' hearts. The race for the Palme d'Or top prize at the world's biggest film festi- val still looks wide open, with a Nicole Kidman horror movie and a new drama by two-time winner Michael Haneke earn- ing some glowing reviews. Ahead of awards night Sunday, when a jury led by Spanish director Pedro Almodovar and including Hollywood An undated handout photo released by film director Jung Byung-Gil shows an image Jung Byung-Gil, director of 'The Villainness', poses for a photo at a cinema in Seoul. stars Will Smith and Jessica Chastain will pick the winners from his latest movie 'The Villainness'. — AFP photos among 19 pictures, AFP spotlights the breakout hits of the festival so far:

'120 Beats Per Minute' This docu-drama by French former activist Robin Why Korea's 'film noir' movies are wowing Cannes Campillo pulses with rage at official neglect of the AIDS cri- sis in the early 1990s, and compassion for the victims cut eyond the gleaming towers of modern high-tech Seoul, Its political history is an equally hectic roller coaster. Before 15 years, won rave reviews for its cut-throat, unrelenting down in the prime of their lives. The film celebrates the row- it is the dark past of South Korea's years of dictatorship, the democratization of the 1990s, military rule from the 1960s scenes of violence and sombre, bleak cinematography. Many dy band of gay radicals from ACT UP who helped shame the violence and upheaval that have inspired the country's to the 1980s saw tens of thousands killed or tortured-all other moviemakers followed suit with their own bloody world into action, and tells the love story between a new- B staggering rise as a cinematic powerhouse. No fewer than five against a backdrop of perennial tension with North Korea, thrillers. comer to the movement and an HIV-positive man South Korean movies are showing in the elite selection of this now nuclear-armed. At the same time its vibrant entertain- (Argentine-born actor Nahuel Perez Biscayart) who refuses year's Cannes film festival. And Bong Joon-Ho's Netflix crea- ment industry has taken Asia by storm, with its television dra- Life imitating art? to die without a fight. Vanity Fair called the sexually frank ture feature "Okja" is one of the early favorites for its top prize, mas, movies, K-pop songs and stars enjoying loyal followings Recent examples of the genre include 2015's critically- picture "a vital new gay classic" while Le Monde said it the Palme d'Or. across the region and beyond. acclaimed "Inside Man", which detailed cosy and corrupt ties "fused intimacy and politics" to induce a "river of tears" from But two of the other Korean films in competition are crime between the elites of Seoul's business, political, media and the Cannes audience. and action thrillers typical of the booming "Korean noir" Raw and real criminal worlds. "The King"-a recent swashbuckling political genre. Films about bloody crimes, gangsters and corruption, Jung, 36, made his name with a series of action and thriller drama about corrupt, power-hungry prosecutors-features 'Loveless' often with a political edge, have swept box offices and film films, including "Confession of Murder", loosely based on a shamanistic rituals in which powerful political figures pray for This harrowing tale by "Leviathan" director Andrey awards, winning praise for gritty stories about the dark under- series of murders of young women in rural Hwaseong in the the defeat of a presidential candidate. After it was shot, the Zvyagintsev marks his most overt attack to date on what he belly of society. "The Villainness" portrays a female assassin 1980s. The serial killer was never found, and his crimes also real-life corruption scandal that eventually brought down sees as the moral rot eating away at Russian society under trained as a killer at a young age by a crime ring. inspired Bong's award-winning 2003 "Memories of Murder", president Park Geun-Hye emerged, centered on her secret President Vladimir Putin. It depicts a couple on the verge of She seeks a new life by working for the South Korean gov- which highlighted the repressive social atmosphere under the confidante Choi Soon-Sil-the daughter of her shady former divorce who, lured by the temptations of status and creature ernment with a license to kill. "The Merciless" has two former army rule of the time. "The Villainess" is packed with dramatic mentor, a seven-times-married former shaman himself. comforts, no longer want to raise their young son. Fearing prison buddies trying to climb the ladder of the gangster fight and killing scenes-Jung studied at a martial arts acting Park was removed from power in March and is now in cus- he will be abandoned to a grim state-run home followed by world, where lying, cheating, backstabbing and violence are school-involving knives, swords, axes, rifles and handguns. tody, due to go on trial Tuesday for corruption as well as abuse the military, the boy vanishes, sending the parents on a half- norms. "South Korea has such a turbulent modern history rid- Despite South Korea's rising stature in world cinema, its direc- of power for ordering a secret "blacklist" of thousands of hearted search with the aid of jaded and indifferent police, den with violence and political, social upheavals... I think that tors have limited resources, forcing them to be "more creative artists who voiced criticism of her or her policies. "One day, hospital officials and morgue workers. Guardian reviewer may be why we are good at making thriller movies like this," and more spontaneous", Jung told AFP. someone may be able to make a movie about all the turbu- Peter Bradshaw gave it five out of five stars, calling the "stark, said Jung Byung-Gil, director of "The Villainness". "We don't have huge investment or world-class technology lent, painful dramas we went through these past years," Bong- mysterious and terrifying story of spiritual catastrophe" a "With the military dictatorship that ruled for decades and like Hollywood. So we try to create scenes that feel more real, who was blacklisted himself-told AFP. "masterpiece". widespread corruption... reality is a fertile ground for so many raw and alive than CGI-ridden US blockbusters," he said. The "Many say South Korean movies are so intense, dynamic interesting stories," he told AFP. The South has gone through a style first gained global traction with "Oldboy", an emblematic and brimming with explosive energy," he added. "It may be 'The Meyerowitz Stories' stunning transformation in recent decades, going from from a mystery thriller by Park Chan-Wook-a Cannes judge this year- because art mirrors reality." — AFP Hollywood funnyman Adam Sandler left Cannes critics war-ravaged backwater poorer than Ethiopia after the 1950- which won the Cannes Grand Prix in 2004. The movie, about a agog with a soulful, restrained performance in this portrait 53 Korean War to Asia's fourth-largest economy. man seeking revenge after being imprisoned by a captor for of a dysfunctional New York family also starring Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Emma Thompson. Audiences embraced the new movie by Noah Baumbach ("While We're Young"), one of two Netflix features in competition for the first time amid a row over streaming versus cinema distribu- tion. Sandler was tipped for a possible best actor prize, with Daily Telegraph critic Robbie Collin remarking that the "Happy Gilmore" star "has been bad in so many awful films that when he's terrific in a great one... it's a revelation".

'The Killing of Sacred Deer' This year's reigning Queen of Cannes, Nicole Kidman, is unveiling four different projects at the French Riviera event including this audience shocker. Kidman and Irish actor Colin Farrell play a couple of married doctors facing a terri- ble choice in the horror movie by Greece's Yorgos Lanthimos, who wowed Cannes two years ago with dystopi- an love story "The Lobster". The mounting tension and bloody climax sent some audience members fleeing the cin- ema but many critics were in raptures. "The film's nightmar- ish, Old Testament horrors are unshakable. The Greek direc- tor is a true original," said Donald Clarke of the Irish Times.

'Happy End' Austria's Haneke, who already has two Palme d'Or tro- phies on his mantelpiece, for "Amour" and "The White Ribbon", divided critics with his latest feature. Set in the northern French city of Calais, the site of the now-disman- tled Jungle refugee camp, the film stars French legends Isabelle Huppert and Jean-Louis Trintignant as members of a callous wealthy family. It returns to familiar Haneke themes including latent racism, class divides and sexual deviance. "The film is a snapshot of a European bourgeois family," the director told reporters. "My vision of family is not despairing Cannes mayor David Lisnard (center), General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival Thierry Fremaux (sixth left), President of the Cannes Film Festival Pierre Lescure (eighth left), but rather realistic." — AFP French actress Isabelle Huppert (fourth right) and staff of the festival observe a minute of silence to pay homage to the victims of the Manchester terrorist attack that occurred a day before, yesterday at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. — AFP Cannes' red carpet falls silent for Manchester victims he famed red carpet at the Cannes film festival fell silent that we don't do here-being together, enjoying the freedom to above sensitive sites. Cannes Mayor David Lisnard offered his yesterday for victims of the pop concert suicide bombing love and share their passions," Fremaux said. "heartfelt thoughts" to the Manchester victims, saying on Tin the British city of Manchester. The attack targeting Beachside restaurants near the festival also turned off their Twitter: "The threat is at maximum. We will stay on maximum young fans at a show by US singer Ariana Grande cast a shadow music as diners fell silent. Festival organizers described the alert to prevent it and protect everyone, residents and festival- over celebrations for the 70th birthday of the world's biggest bombing as "yet another attack on culture, youth and joyful- goers, from the risk of an attack." Stars including Nicole Kidman, film festival, where many of the A-list elite are gathered. ness, on our freedom generosity and tolerance, all things that Will Smith, Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek joined directing giants Actor Dustin Hoffman, left, director Noah Baumbach, A fireworks display was scheduled for last night in the south- the festival and those who make it possible-the artists, profes- such as Cannes jury chief Pedro Almodovar and Ken Loach ear- actors Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Adam ern French resort has been cancelled after Monday night's sta- sionals and spectators-hold dear." Security is tight in Cannes, lier Tuesday for a "family photo" to mark the festival's 70th Sandler pose for photographers upon arrival at the dium attack, which left 22 dead and has been claimed by the just 10 months after the jihadist truck attack in nearby Nice that birthday-many snapping their own selfies for posterity. A host screening of the film The Meyerowitz Stories at the Islamic State group. Dozens of festival staff led by director killed 86 people. of celebrities-the guest-list is top secret-were due to attend an 70th international film festival, Cannes, southern Thierry Fremaux stood on the red steps of the Palais des Unprecedented measures have been taken to protect the anniversary bash in the evening. — AFP France. — AP Festivals for a minute's silence, joined by Oscar nominee festival, with large concrete barriers put up in a bid to prevent Isabelle Huppert. "The Manchester victims were doing nothing another vehicle assault and snipers positioned on the roof lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017

MUSIC

This image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande yesterday, shows the message from Ariana This image taken from the Twitter feed of Singer Ariana Grande accepts the Artist of Katie Walton who attended the pop concert by Grande after the fatal explosion at her concert in Manchester, England. Ariana Grande yesterday, shows the mes- the Year award onstage during the 2016 US star Ariana Grande poses in Manchester, sage from Ariana Grande after the fatal American Music Awards at Microsoft northwest England yesterday. explosion at her concert in Manchester, Theater on November 20, 2016 in Los England. Angeles, California. — AP/AFP photos Ariana Grande, an anodyne teen favorite hit by tragedy

op star Ariana Grande, whose concert was struck by one talented but at times aloof high school student Cat Valentine. Grande, who has more than 45 million followers on Twitter, Grande has generally stayed away from activism, other of Britain's deadliest attacks in years, is a favorite of pre- Grande kept the feline imagery as she branched out into pop said in the statement disseminated on social media. "I can't than speaking out about her vegan diet as a way to reduce Pteens rarely known for causing a stir. The 23-year-old music, frequently sporting a cat-ear headband or tying her wait to live in a world where people are not valued by who suffering for animals. Raised Roman Catholic, she has said she former child star called her last album "Dangerous Woman" brunette hair up in pigtails. they're dating /married to / attached to, having sex with (or left the church due to its position on gay rights and instead but her controversies have been markedly low-key, with the not) / seen with ... but by their value as an individual," she said. dabbles in the Kabbalah, a mystical branch of Judaism that "danger" in her lyrics more about love than anything more sin- Pre-teen audience In an interview last month with Cosmopolitan, Grande has also drawn Madonna. An Italian American, Grande in 2015 ister. Grande wrote on Twitter that she felt "broken" after Over the course of her three studio albums, her look has revealed that she has started running her show "from top to brought along her grandmother, whom she affectionately Monday's deadly attack, which sent screaming fans fleeing gradually turned more sensual as she sports slinky black skirts bottom" as she no longer felt comfortable putting her busi- called "my nonna," when she won a top honor at 2015's the venue after a blast in the foyer of the Manchester Arena and sings of her power over men. But unlike Miley Cyrus, a fel- ness in others' hands. American Music Awards. — AFP moments after the left the stage. low onetime child star to whom she is sometimes compared, "Now I'm very much in charge, and it feels amazing," she "From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have Grande never broke completely with the teenybopper image. said. As a celebrity, she has occasionally found herself in the words," she wrote. Born in Florida, Grande showed promise Her "Arianator" fan base is full of young girls experiencing tabloid press. In 2015 she was caught on camera with one of from an early age in theater and by her teenage years had their first concerts. In perhaps her biggest brush with contro- her back-up dancers licking the frosting off a doughnut and joined a Broadway musical, moving to New York where she versy, Grande in 2015 released a feminist manifesto that mumbling, "I hate America." She later clarified that she was sang on the side. Grande entered the public eye when she attacked the focus on her, and other women's, personal lives. proud to be American and was only critiquing her country's was cast on the Nickelodeon sitcom "Victorious," playing the "The double standard and misogyny are still ever present," penchant for overeating. Spanish conquers US song chart with Fonsi's 'Despacito' ore than 20 years after the "Macarena" sensation, a with the song even figuring at the Democratic Party's 1996 Spanish-language song has again conquered the US convention. Daddy Yankee, whose real name is Ramon Msingles chart-Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi's Rodriguez, said that the chorus and pre-chorus of "Despacito" "Despacito." The song has soared to the top of the charts carried "magic, and a melody that everyone could relate to." through an assist by pop celebrity Justin Bieber, who appears "This is definitely not only a big achievement for Luis Fonsi on a remix version with a breathy opening verse in English. and for me, but it's a big achievement for music in general," he Ja Rule "Despacito," which also features the Puerto Rican rapper told Billboard magazine. "We are crossing cultural barriers and Stars from Manchester Daddy Yankee, is a pop track driven by a reggaeton beat. The unifying the world through music," he said. Fonsi, who is bet- lyrics to the song, whose title means "slowly," are full of sexual ter known for his ballads than his incursions into reggaeton, Lawsuit: Fyre innuendos. recently wrote on Instagram: "Music has no language. Let's and beyond express "Despacito" on Monday came in at number one on the keep making history." Billboard Hot 100 chart of top-selling US singles, the second "Despacito" has quickly in the past two weeks become a shock at bomb attack straight week it has taken the highest spot. The song cruised viral sensation online through a variety of video tributes on music fest more to number one on the back of dominance in streaming and YouTube. In one clip, three Italian comedians listen to the ntertainment and sports celebrities took to social media digital downloads, although it fared less well in airplay on US song in a car and pretend to hate it before being won over by to express sadness and shock in the aftermath of the radio stations. Nearly three-quarters of sales or streams of the the rhythm. The original video, which features Puerto Rican Ebomb attack in Manchester that killed at least 22 people. song were for the remix with Bieber, tracking service Nielsen actress and 2006 Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, was on 'Hunger Games' The attack occurred on Monday evening in the foyer of the Music said. Monday the 24th most-watched ever on YouTube, the highest city's Arena stadium, where US singer Ariana Grande had just "Despacito" has ruled the US Latin chart for 16 straight for a 2017 release. The all-time most-watched video is finished performing a concert. Many of those in attendance weeks and has racked up more than 1.5 billion views on "Gangnam Style" by Korean dance-pop artist Psy, another rare were young teenagers and children. YouTube. The song is the first mostly Spanish-language track non-English track to become a major US hit. — AFP than Coachella Australian pop star Kylie Minogue posted on Twitter that to top the mainstream US chart in 21 years. In 1996, she was "absolutely heartbroken for Manchester", while "Macarena" by the Spanish duo Los del Rio conquered the American singer Cher offered her prayers for the city, saying United States as it set off an international dance sensation, itigation is piling up like bonfire kindling against that she "had special times there from youth & beyond". Icons organizers of the Fyre Festival that flamed out in a from Manchester's storied music scene were also quick to Lfiasco. Angry participants had lashed out on social express their grief. Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher media with the hashtag #fyrefraud as the music festival tweeted that he was "in total shock and absolutely devastated". fell apart on an island in the Bahamas in April and fraud Johnny Marr, former guitarist in the seminal Manchester is the first claim in a $100 million class-action suit. The band The Smiths, wrote that the city "stands together", while suit filed earlier this month in federal court on behalf of Dave Haslam, a former DJ at the city's legendary but now a Los Angeles man said the events planned over two defunct Hacienda nightclub, wrote: "You've got the wrong city weekends were "nothing more than a get-rich-quick if you think hate will tear us apart". Many stars from across the scam" akin to a Ponzi scheme that put the lives - and Atlantic, including some of Grande's friends and colleagues, small fortunes - of thousands of participants in jeop- also took to social media. Singer Selena Gomez tweeted that ardy. her "thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected", while "The festival's lack of adequate food, water, shelter, singer Katy Perry posted that she was "broken hearted for the and medical care created a dangerous and panicked sit- families tonight. Broken hearted for Ari. Broken hearted for the uation among attendees - suddenly finding themselves state of this world". stranded on a remote island without basic provisions - Other US stars including Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, that was closer to 'The Hunger Games' or 'Lord of the Missy Elliott, Pink and Bruno Mars expressed their sympathies. Flies' than Coachella," according to the suit filed by Also chiming in were prominent players from Manchester's attorney Mark Geragos. The lawsuit is one of several two Premier League soccer teams, Manchester United and filed in the wake of the disaster that unfolded on the Manchester City. Wayne Rooney, the England and Manchester island of Exuma late last month when inadequate plan- United forward, said news of the attack was "devastating", ning and facilities led performers to bow out and while Manchester City's Ivory Coast midfielder, Yaya Toure, organizers to cancel the show once billed as the "the called it "terrible". — Reuters cultural experience of the decade." Photo shows Luis Fonsi's "Despacito," left , features the Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee (right). — AFP In an amended complaint filed in US District Court, Geragos said 300 people had contacted his offices after the initial suit was filed against organizers Billy McFarland, rapper Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, and Fyre Media Inc. Among dozens of unnamed Brazil's immortal diva Elza Soares vows to sing until end defendants are deep-pocketed investors who provided seed money for the event. The event promoted on he emaciated teenager from a Rio favela, dressed in her "Direct, already!" backing calls for direct elections in a country Louis Armstrong. With her voice's rich, brassy roots, Armstrong social media by Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Emily mother's clothes held tight by pins, showed up in 1953 at a whose previous president Dilma Rousseff was impeached. After said Soares had a "saxophone in her throat." "I was a very young Ratajkowski and other models and celebrities targeted radio studio. She wanted to sing in return for cash to buy New York, Soares will perform in Barcelona, Porto and Rotterdam girl then and he wanted to take me to the United States to sing. I T well-heeled Millennials with ticket packages ranging medicine for her sick baby. "And what planet do you come from?" as well as at Denmark's Roskilde rock festival. told him that I couldn't because I had children and he didn't the program's host, famous composer Ary Barroso, asked mock- believe me because I was so young," she said. As she did not from $1,200 to over $100,000 and promising five-star ingly to the audience's laughter. "From Planet Hunger," the Garrincha 'my greatest love' understand English at the time, Soares repeatedly misunderstood dining and luxury accommodations. Headliners includ- teenager, Elza Soares, replied, bringing silence to the crowd. Tragedy has repeatedly hit Soares, but her resilience has only the American. Armstrong called her "daughter" and she, confused, ed rockers Blink-182, hip-hop act Migos and the elec- Minutes later, after hearing Soares sing, the astonished conductor added to making her a cult heroine. Her father forced her to marry heard "doctor." And when he asked her to call him "my father," she tronic music trio Major Lazer. declared the birth of a star. at age 12 and a year later she gave birth to a son. She would go on thought he was uttering a vulgar sexual phrase in Portuguese. Instead of putting the tropical island on the map as "I haven't forgotten that exchange. I can't forget it," Soares, to have seven children with her first husband, although the first How does Soares want to be remembered? "As a normal person," the next big destination music experience, Fyre Festival now 79, told AFP. "I felt sad. I was a poor girl who was poorly two, premature and malnourished, died when they were young. she said with modesty. "I'm going to sing until the end. Singing is only succeeded in sparking outrage. Participants dressed. I just sang well," said Soares, her voice hollow after a life Soares, who has admitted to stealing food for her family, was what I enjoy most in life." — AFP arrived to find a venue partly under construction, full of pain as well as success. Soares spoke by telephone before already a widow at 21. She found love with football legend insipid food and soggy beds under leaking tents. One singing Friday in New York at Town Hall as part of the Red Bull Garrincha, the king of the dribble nicknamed the "bent-legged photo included in the suit showed a Styrofoam contain- Music Academy Festival. The show was based on "A Mulher do angel." Their relationship was stormy and at times violent. But er with bread, two pieces of packaged cheese, lettuce Fim Do Mondo" ("A Woman from the End of the World"), her Latin Soares described him as "my greatest love." and sliced tomato. Lawsuits filed in New York and Miami Grammy-winning 2015 album with previously unreleased tracks Her favorite memory of him? "Watching him play football. For federal courts made similar claims after Geragos filed that offers a futuristic, even gothic, take on her samba with art- me, he was Brazil's greatest player. The greatest." They were mar- the Los Angeles case. Attorney Stacey Richman, who rock backdrops and electronic effects. ried for 17 years, but Garrincha-who showed such joy on the foot- represents Ja Rule, said he wouldn't participate in any- Dressed in black with a blonde afro that has made some call ball field and helped lead Brazil to its triumphs at the 1958 and thing fraudulent. her the Brazilian Tina Turner, Soares performed sitting, as she has 1962 World Cups-was an alcoholic who died at age 49 of cirrhosis After the event was canceled, the rapper had post- for some time. But she still managed to rouse the audience out of of the liver. Then their son, nicknamed Garrinchinha, died at age ed an apology online saying he was heartbroken, but its seats as she reached into her voice's gutteral depths on classics nine in a road accident as he was heading to his father's grave. that it was not a scam and it was not his fault. Efforts such as "Malandro" ("Hustler") and "A Carne" ("Meat"), with its line: Soares's mother was also killed in a car crash. "Yes, life has been to reach McFarland, Fyre Media or attorneys who have "The cheapest meat on the market is black meat." "Black! Black! hard on me. But I also see other worlds where life is very hard. I responded to lawsuits on their behalf were unsuc- Black!" she screamed at the end, to which an audience member think life is hard for everyone," she said. cessful. McFarland previously promised full refunds shouted back, "Wonderful black!" This file photo shows Argentina's director and choregra- and offered his apology on the festival's website. He The show culminated in calls by audience members for the The saxophone in her throat pher Claudio Segovia giving a press conference in also said he would offer free VIP passes to next year's impeachment of Brazil's center-right President Michel Temer in his When she headed to Chile for the 1962 World Cup, Soares had Blagnac, southern France, with Brazilian singer Elza festival. — AP corruption scandal. After the curtains closed, Soares shouted: what she described a "magnificent encounter" with jazz giant Soares to present his show "Brasil Brasileiro". — AFP Ariana Grande, an anodyne teen favorite hit by tragedy

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 39

Festival de Cannes laureates pose yesterday for a family photo during a photocall for the ‘70th Anniversary’ of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. — AFP Morocco fishermen decry 'El Negro' dolphin attacks

n Morocco's northern port city of Al-Hoceima, fishermen are many of his colleagues, he accused Rabat of wanting to "kill clamoring for state support for a struggling sector which fishing" to build a tourist marina in the area instead. Ithey say is under attack from dolphins. In the harbor, fisher- men can often be seen mending nets they claim have been 'Sturdier French nets' destroyed by a type of dolphin they have dubbed El Negro, or Local official Nourredine Boughdane rejected such accusa- "the Black One" in Spanish. Named after its dark grey-almost tions, however. "It makes no sense. The economy here is based black-skin, the bottlenose dolphin is the largest of three on two sectors: fishing and tourism," he said. Governor species found in the western Mediterranean. Yaakoubi said the government would never do anything to "He sees us coming and knows exactly when and how to harm the bottlenose dolphin, a species protected by a regional attack the fishing net," said boat-owner Said Shaib, 44. "When conservation agreement. he attacks, we are sometimes left with only 10 to 20 sardine "Morocco scrupulously respects the protection of the boxes" from a catch that can reach 400 boxes a day-"and each species," he said. The country is signatory to the Agreement on time huge damage to the nets". "It gets very expensive," said the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Shaib, with fuel expenses and time wasted on shore fixing nets. Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area, or ACCOBAMS, he said. In a long-neglected region still reeling from the gruesome Authorities tried to introduce ultra-sound emitting devices on death of a fishmonger crushed in a rubbish truck, the dolphin fishing boats to scare away the dolphins, Yaakoubi said, but the attacks have fuelled long-standing grievances. Mouhcine Fikri, cetaceans understood this meant fishing was under way and 31, was accidentally killed last year in Al-Hoceima as he tried to flocked to the nets in even greater numbers. Instead, the state protest against authorities seizing and destroying swordfish is now looking into compensating fishermen for lost nets, the caught out of season. His death in the Rif region sparked out- governor said, and a sturdier French net is being tested for pos- rage nationwide, but also ongoing protests in his hometown, sible use. including to demand state support for an economically devas- Meanwhile, drift nets have made a comeback in Al- tated region that has long relied on fishing for income. "In Al- A picture shows a general view of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, a peninsula within Spanish territory, off the coast of Hoceima, despite being banned since 2010 as they endanger Hoceima, the economy has always been based on fishing," Morocco’s Bades beach in Al-Hoceima national park. dolphins and other protected marine species. One activist, Shaib said. "We used to coexist with the dolphin. But from agreed that bottlenose dolphins are a problem. "Fishing has from ports along the Atlantic coast. Many others, like Shaib, who asked to remain anonymous, said longline fishing boats 2010, attacks by El Negro soared." suffered a lot," he said. Since 2011, catches in Al-Hoceima have have sold their boats and nets to convert to longline fishing, as along the coastline near Al-Hoceima were using the prohibited dropped by half from 8,972 to 4,576 tons a year, according to dolphins tend not to attack fishing lines. nets. "Everybody is buying them at the moment," the activist 'Free the sardines' official figures. In the harbor, fishermen complain that the state has not said, suggesting authorities may be turning a blind eye to An expert on local fauna said it was not clear why bot- But Mohamed Jabran, an official with the water and forests done enough to protect their livelihoods, including to ward off avoid further unrest in the region. "They declare their catch as tlenose dolphins, which can measure up to four meters (13 authority, said dolphins may not be entirely at fault. "With all the dolphins. "The state has done nothing against El Negro," coming from longline fishing." — AFP feet) long and weigh 400 kilos (almost 900 pounds), were the overfishing, there's less to catch and therefore more com- said fisherman Abdelhamid, who refused to give his second attacking nets. "It's a very intelligent animal. It attacks to feed petition," he said. The crisis has led many fishermen to flee Al- name. It's "because dolphins are good for tourism", a former itself, but possibly also to free the sardines," the expert said, Hoceima on their boats in search of better catches operating sardine catcher added, also asking not to be identified. Like asking to remain anonymous. Governor Mohamed El Yaakoubi

Goats grazing in a dried-out riverbed in Morocco’s eastern Al-Hoceima national park.

A beach in the area known as Bomaxod in Morocco’s eastern Al-Hoceima national park. A general view of ruins of old buildings in Morocco’s eastern Al- Hoceima national park.