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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 JAMADA ALTHANI 8, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Amir patronizes Trump, Clinton Obama picks Afridi powers PAAET graduation solidly on course Garland for US Pakistan to big ceremony2 for nominations7 Supreme9 Court opening17 win Al-Subaih refutes claims as Min 18º Max 25º Ashour blasts Social Affairs High Tide 07:33 & 17:38 Govt urged to refer ‘public fund waste’ to Prosecution Low Tide 00:29 & 12:12 40 PAGES NO: 16816 150 FILS KUWAIT: The National Assembly asked the government yesterday to refer all ‘public funds waste’ incidents com- mitted by cooperative societies to the Public Chest Hospital performs rare surgery Prosecution. In recommendations after the end of MP Saleh Ashour’s grilling of Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Robotic Stenting used for the first time in the region Development Affairs Hind Al-Subaih, the parliament called for prosecuting cooperative societies’ board By Faten Omar members for abusing their positions and wasting public funds. KUWAIT: For the first time in Kuwait, the Chest The MPs urged the Minister of Social Affairs to help Hospital performed a successful cardiac catheteriza- solve financial problems facing cooperative societies, tion surgery through the CorPath Vascular Robotic and help societies boost their revenues by enrolling Stenting using Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold board members in training courses contributing to bet- (Abdsorb). This is the first time the equipment has ter decision-taking. They called for allowing cooperative been used in the region. Kuwait is the first in the Gulf societies to allocate part of their profits for social servic- region to receive CorPath Vascular Robotic Stenting. es in the residential areas. This system enables the precise, robotic-assisted con- The lawmakers also called on Social Affairs Ministry trol of coronary guide wires and balloon/stent devices to pay attention to orphans. Subaih, in a statement after during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). the interpellation, said she will implement the recom- “The chest hospital received the Robotic System mendations. She said the grilling was a chance to high- two days ago. This machine is the third machine out- light the Ministry’s achievements and to pin point side the US - and it’s the second in the Gulf. The shortcomings as well. Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem Ministry of Health approved the machine for the hopes the government would implement the recom- Chest Hospital which is the biggest of its kind in the mendations. Middle East - where we perform around 30 to 40 sur- The grilling was filed to address cooperative soci- geries daily. Last year, we performed 8000 operations eties’ privatization and suspended aid to orphans. with 3000 innervations.” Dr Mohammed Al-Mutairi , KUWAIT: Doctors and paramedics work with the new equipment, According to Article 100 of the Kuwaiti Constitution, an Head of Cardiology Department at Chest Hospital Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (Abdsorb). (Inset) Dr Mohammed MP can address an interpellation to the Prime Minister said. Al-Mutairi seen during the interview with Kuwait Times. — Photos or ministers on matters and affairs pertinent to their Continued on Page 13 by Joseph Shagra ministries. Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attends the 2014-15 gradua- (From left) His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, His Highness tion ceremony for excelling students of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, (PAAET). — Amiri Diwan photosAmir patronizesNational Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-GhanemPAAET and Sheikh Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah attend the ceremony. graduation ceremony

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Progress Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday patronized Meanwhile, Athari said that PAAET has pro- and attended the 2014-15 graduation ceremony gressed well since its inception more than 33 for excelling students of the Public Authority for years ago, adding that PAAET has spared no Applied Education and Training (PAAET). His efforts to expand the size of its campus to Highness the Amir distributed certificates to the eventually take in no less than 80,000 students. graduates, and in the end of the ceremony, His He said the institution he heads has concluded Highness was presented with a memorial gift. numerous educational agreements and proto- His Highness the Amir’s motorcade was cols, among them one with the Paris Academy warmly welcomed at the event venue by a in France and another with the National Guard group of leading figures, namely Minister of in Kuwait. Education and Higher Education, PAAET Board PAAET, he added, has signed a memoran- Chairman, Dr Bader Al-Essa, PAAET Director- dum of understanding with Enertech Group General Dr Ahmad Al-Athari and teaching staff. which is a leading manufacturer of high tech- The ceremony was attended by His nology energy to build a “technology park” for Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- alternative energy research. Moreover, PAAET Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly has signed an agreement with International Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem, senior Youth Foundation to prepare about 5000 stu- sheikhs, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- dents annually to enter the job market in Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Kuwait, he said. the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- He further said PAAET was preparing to Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister hold an international conference next and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- November regarding the apt use of technology Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and in daily life. He wished this year’s graduating Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and top state officials stand for the National Anthem. class a prosperous carrier ahead and much suc- Sabah, senior state officials and a large number Graduate Fatma Ali Al-Bader made a state- ing gratitude to His Highness the Amir for his was held at the College of Basic Education cess in applying what they learned in PAAET to of graduates’ families and other citizens. ment on behalf of her fellow students, express- personal care for the graduates. The ceremony Theater in Al-Ardhiya. real life situations. — KUNA

Education Minister Dr Bader Al-Essa speaks at the ceremony.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah observes a performance held as part of the ceremony.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- PAAET Director-General Dr Ahmad Al-Athari address- Sabah is pictured during his attendance at the ceremony. es the attendees.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Education Minister Dr Bader Al-Essa, PAAET Director-General Dr Ahmad Al-Athari and other officials cut the ceremonial cake. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honors some graduates.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honors some graduates. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 LOCAL

Inw my vie 45 years of China-Kuwait diplomatic relations

By Javaid Ahmed

[email protected]

oday, China celebrates its 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationship with TKuwait. These diplomatic and friendly rela- RIYADH: Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad MUSCAT: Omani Minister of Heritage and Culture Haitham bin Tareq Al-Said receives a let- tions over the time get stronger in the fields of pol- Al-Sabah meets with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Sheikh Khaled deliv- ter from His Highness the Amir of Kuwait to Sultan Qaboos bin Said, delivered by Kuwait’s itics, economy and culture. For last 35 years, I have ered to King Salman a letter from His Highness the Amir yesterday. Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. witnessed smooth development of this relation- ship and had observed the major events of this bilateral diplomatic relations between the two Amir’s envoy delivers friendly countries. Kuwait was the first country among the Gulf countries which has established the diplomatic ties letters to GCC leaders at ambassadorial level with China back in March 22, 1971. Over the time both countries have KUWAIT: Envoy of His Highness the Amir Later, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled proved their stronger bilateral relations in several Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- also delivered a letter from His Highness fields and have signed several trade and economic Sabah, Deputy Premier and Interior the Amir to Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa agreements with each other. Both countries are Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al- Al-Khalifa. The letter handled bilateral still striving hard to further expand their bilateral Hamad Al-Sabah, yesterday handed a let- relations, Gulf unity support, issues of relations. ter from His Highness the Amir to Saudi mutual interest and the latest regional China enormously respects Kuwait’s support King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, in and international developments. ‘One China Policy’. Kuwait considers one China, presence of senior Saudi officials. After that, Sheikh Mohammad Al- whereas, China respects Kuwait’s Sovereignty, The letter included greetings from His Khaled delivered a letter to Sultan Freedom and Territorial integrity of the country. Highness the Amir to the Saudi King, fra- Qaboos bin Said on bilateral relations China has practically demonstrated its support ternal good relations between both and issues of mutual interest. The let- towards Kuwait at the time of Iraqi invasion of countries and brotherly peoples and the ter was received by Minister of MANAMA: Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al- Kuwait in August, 1990. I remember, during July latest regional and international devel- Heritage and Culture Haitham bin Hamad Al-Sabah delivers a letter from His Highness the Amir to Bahraini King 1991, Prime Minister, Li Peng-then Prime Minister opments. Tareq Al-Said. — KUNA Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. of China has personally visited Kuwait and has con- gratulated the Kuwait’s leadership of their libera- tion. Kuwait’s Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al- Jaber Al-Sabah during his visit to China in 2009 has Harvard economic expert also signed a number of strategic energy partner- ship agreements with China. In 2014, Kuwait Investment Authority was con- sidered one of the biggest investment companies, Hausmann speaks in Kuwait worth $2.5 billion of investment in public market- ing in China. Kuwait and China Investment Company was established in 2005 with an initial KUWAIT: Collective “know-how” is the “Team know-how is the most funda- economic expert said, a bleak prophecy at investment of KD 80 million. KPC has established most fundamental determinant of the eco- mental factor that dictates the economic a time where the country is scrambling to its office in China in 2005. KPC has exported 1.60 nomic growth of nations, a world growth of nations,” the economic expert transition the economy into a more sus- million tons of oil in 2005 which over the time renowned economic expert said yesterday. revealed. Attempting to explain significant tainable one, due to plummeting oil prices.” inequality in global economic wealth, Growth is accompanied by diversification, increased to 14.4 million tons in 2015. China Director of the Center for International Development at Harvard University where economies of countries like China not specialization,” he noted. Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) and Kuwait Professor Richardo Hausmann made the have grown exponentially while other Meanwhile, speaking on whether coun- Petroleum Corp has signed agreement to build a remarks while delivering a lecture at Kuwait nations, particularly, in the African conti- tries should focus on “adding value to their $9.3 billion joint refining and petrochemical com- Foundation for the Advancement of nent, remain mired in sheer poverty, raw materials,” Hausmann described it as plex in the southern Chinese province of Sciences (KFAS). Hausmann employed the “Scrabble” Theory “not completely wrong, but castrating.” This Guangdong. Bilateral trade volume among the The lecture, entitled, “Economic of Development. approach, he explained, stifles the prospect countries based on 2014 figures stood more than Complexity and Secrets of Economic of diversification. “Adding capabilities to $12.5 billion. Growth”, aimed to explain widening dispar- Diversity of skill your capabilities is the key, not value to raw Kuwait has also established its consulate gener- ities in global economic wealth, a fact that The theory, he explained, likens the materials,” Hausmann said. als in Hong Kong and in Guangzhou provinces in has befuddled even the most ardent of process of economic development to With a degree in Engineering and China. On the other hand, a number of Chinese economists. alphabetical letters, where “bigger net- Applied Physics and a PhD in Economics, constructions, engineering and services companies Hausmann, the thinker behind the works of people with different know-hows Hausmann had served as Chief Economist are working in different sectors of the Kuwait econ- “Economic Complexity” paradigm, are needed” to usher in economic growth. of the Inter-American Development Bank omy. Chinese telecommunication companies are debunked common conceptions about The theory also pinpoints society as instru- Professor Richardo Hausmann (1994-2000), Minister of Planning of currently working on several projects in Kuwait. land, capital and labor being the answers mental to honing collective know-how, as tries are usually more diversified than poor Venezuela (1992-1993) and board member Kuwait has also responded well and by providing to economic growth. “These factors, “diversity of skills” is required to assemble ones.” He also attributed the wealth of oil- of the Central Bank of Venezuela, as well as the financing 33 mega projects in China. On the though important, are not the major con- competent teams. “Better use of this know- dependent nations like Kuwait, as merely a Chair of the IMF-World Bank Development cultural front, several cultural performers have vis- tributors to the growth of a nation’s econo- how results in more efficient production,” by-product of an abundance of natural Committee. ited and performed in Kuwait several times. my,” Hausmann said. Not even education, Hausmann added. resources. He has also advised governments in China and Kuwait friendship becomes stronger which he called “another common miscon- Moreover, Hausmann underscored “Undiversified oil-dependent countries over 40 developing countries, on creating over the time as their size and volume of their inter- ception,” is the key to economic prosperity, diversification as pivotal to economic are not likely to attain more economic effective growth strategies and develop- action in several fields increased. China and its own Hausmann noted. growth, pointing to the fact that “rich coun- growth as a result of specialization,” the ment policies. — KUNA local embassy may further broaden and deepen this bilateral cooperation in several fields as china is one of the growing power engines of world economy. Housing Minister, Incheon’s Commissioner talk cooperation

News SEOUL: Kuwait’s visiting Minister of in Brief State for Housing Affairs Yasser Abul dis- cussed yesterday with South Korea’s Incheon Free Economic Zone Prosecution to summon Commissioner Lee Young Geun ways of bolstering joint cooperation, particularly MP Dashti next week issues related to housing. Abul said that Incheon Free By Meshaal Al-Enezi Economic Zone has numerous and mag- nificently attractive aspects, namely KUIWAIT: The Public qualified human resources, strategic Prosecution is expected to location, which connects south east Asia summon MP Abdulhameed to the north through transportation, and Dashti next week for question- including an airport, a sea port, and a ing on charges of slandering high-speed train. The minister added Saudi Arabia after his parlia- that many specialized institutes wanted mentary immunity was lifted. In to become aware of how Incheon works case Dashti does not show up in free trade, expressing readiness for for investigation, the case is cooperation on behalf of the state of expected to be referred to the MP Abdulhameed Kuwait. Abul noted that Kuwait is keen criminal court. Meanwhile, the Dashti to benefit from other countries’ experi- SEOUL: Minister of State for Housing Affairs Yasser Abul and South Korea’s justice ministry sent Dashti a ence, especially in smart city area, assert- Incheon Free Economic Zone Commissioner Lee Young Geun are seen dur- letter requesting that he attends the legislative commit- ing that his visit to South Korea comes to ing the tour. — KUNA tee’s meeting next Sunday to be formally notified of the get acquainted with South Korea’s suc- that includes representatives of the is a Korean Free Economic Zone that two-year prison sentence issued against him by a Bahraini cessful experiences for future housing Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the consists of the three regions, Songdo, court in absentia. KUWAIT: Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi projects in Kuwait. The minister Supreme Planning Council, the Kuwait Cheongna, and the island of left Kuwait yesterday, concluding a two-day official visit, described his talks with South Korean Fund for Arab Economic Development Yeongjong. The goal of the IFEZ is to during which he held talks with His Highness the Amir officials as successful and fruitful, and in and the Kuwait Direct Investment transform these three areas into hubs National unity Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. President turn expressing desires by South Korean Promotion Authority. for logistics, international business, The Criminal Court adjourned prosecuting the Islamic Hadi was seen off at the airport by head of mission of officials to engage in future housing The Incheon Free Economic Zone leisure, and tourism for the Northeast Alliance’s Secretary General Hussein Al-Maatouq until honor, Amiri Diwan Advisor Khaled Al-Fulaij.— KUNA projects. The minister leads a delegation (IFEZ), located in Incheon, South Korea Asian region. — KUNA June 1st, 2016, pending a Constitutional Court’s ruling about the national unity law. Notably, Maatouq was prosecuted by the State Security Department over a ALAFCO to lease Air speech he made defending the suspects arrested in the Abdaly cell case. India 14 Airbus aircraft Promotion HYDERABAD: The Kuwait-based ALAFCO to more than 100 domestic and international The Administrative Court yesterday ordered that a military Aviation Lease and Finance Company destinations. Air India became a member of man who was accused in the National Assembly’s storming announced that it has signed an agreement the Star Alliance in July 2014. case is entitled for promotion after he was acquitted. with Air India for the lease of 14 new Airbus ALAFCO is an aircraft leasing company and Separately, the Court of Appeal yesterday acquitted an A320neo aircraft powered by CFM’s LEAP-1A is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange. Egyptian man who was sentenced to capital punishment engines. ALAFCO’s portfolio consists of 49 Airbus and for drug trafficking. In a press statement, ALAFCO said that the Boeing aircraft, leased to 14 airlines in 13 aircraft will be leased for a period of 12 years, countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin with the first six aircraft scheduled for delivery America and the Middle East. Renaming areas in 2017, six to be delivered in 2018 and the ALAFCO’s order book comprises of 117 new Municipal Council members Hassan Kamal and last two aircraft in 2019. All 14 aircraft are part technology aircraft from Airbus and Boeing Abdullah Al-Kandari proposed changing the names of of ALAFCO’s existing order book with Airbus, it including 85 A320neo, 20 B737MAX and 12 Abo Feteera and Mahboula areas after consulting stated. A350XWB aircraft. Kuwait University (KU) and the National Council for Air India is the state-owned national carrier The new orders are valued at $14.9 billion, Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). of India and the largest airline in the country, with deliveries scheduled to take place currently operating a fleet of over 130 aircraft between 2017 and 2021. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

In Brief

Interior official meets Kuwait, Australia Kuwaiti envoy meets Cuban Mexican counterparts discuss trade ties Minister of Energy, Mines MEXICO CITY: Interior Ministry’s Undersecretary KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait’s Ambassador to KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cuba Bader Al- Lieutenant General Suleiman Al-Fahad met Australia Najib Al-Bader discussed means of boost- Awadhi met Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines Secretary-General of the Center for Research on ing commercial relations with Director General of Alfredo Lopez Valdes yesterday. Al-Awadhi conveyed National Security (CISEN) Miguel Robles, at the Trade and International Affair at the Chamber of greetings and appreciation of Kuwaiti political leader- headquarters of the General Intelligence in Mexico Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Brayan Clark at its ship and people to the Cuban government for their City yesterday. The two sides discussed ways of headquarters in Canberra yesterday. Kuwait is con- efforts in strengthening bilateral relations. He cooperation and coordination in various sectors, sidered one of the most important commercial expressed gratitude to Cuban government for taking including the exchange of analytical information, partners of Australia in terms of trade volume, part in the national celebrations in Kuwaiti embassy as well as training and countering terrorism Bader said in an embassy statement, stressing in Havana this year. The diplomat also discussed ways besides exchange of visits between senior experts importance of signing a number of bilateral agree- to promote joint cooperation between the Ministry and specialists in the areas of security. —KUNA ments between both nations to improve commer- of Energy and Mines in Cuba with the Kuwait Fund cial exchange. — KUNA for Arab Economic Development. —KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Al-Babtain Library for Arabic Poetry’s building in Kuwait City. — KUNA Kuwait: UNODC has great role in Zain main sponsor of 10th Photography Competition helping countries fight illicit drugs

KUWAIT: Zain, Kuwait’s leading tele- unleash their potential in expressing VIENNA: Kuwait on Tuesday underlined impor- com company, recently announced their love for Kuwait. tant role of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime that it is sponsoring the Tenth Annual “This photography competition is (UNODC) in building capabilities and providing Photography Competition jointly different from other ones held all year know-how to countries with the objective of organized by Kuwait Times and Al- long in the simplicity of its condi- fighting drug dealing and trafficking. Anbaa Arabic daily to highlight par- tions,” added Zain noting that partici- The UN General Assembly’s Special Session on the World Drug Problem, due next month, is ticipants artistic talents through pation is open for all ages, nationali- a genuine opportunity to seek best solutions images they capture in Kuwait. Titled ties and levels of experience includ- towards cracking down on drugs “which has ‘Kuwait In Our Eyes,’ the competition ing beginners. Zain also noted that been shattering lives of people and communi- has over the years received thousands participants could submit their ties as well as posing a threat to health, security images captured by photography entries by (today March 17, 2016) and and economy,” Colonel Waleed Al-Duraie said. lovers in Kuwait. Zain is proud to that a special ceremony would be Duraie, addressing the 59th session of the sponsor the competition, which aims held at Salmiya Holiday Inn to honor Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), said drugs to remind all those living in Kuwait of the winners. posed a real global challenge which required a the beauty of the country. The com- “Sponsoring this competition serious will to fight it. He said Kuwait has adopt- petition also encourages the develop- comes within the company’s keen- ed a full-fledged strategy to fight drugs, based ment and growth of local talent. ness on supporting creativity,” Zain on achieving security, as well as economic and Zain also noted that the competi- concluded, noting that photography social stability. Kuwait’s public and private sec- tion aims to enhancing both artistic was one of the most common hob- tors, added Duraie, established special centers and patriotic sides of participants to bies amongst Kuwaiti youth. for the rehabilitation of drug addicts who would ultimately blend back in the society. National committees, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), media and social media are also con- tributing to the warning against drugs, he said. Duraie underlined Kuwait’s commitment to international drugs agreements, while respect- ing culture and religion of countries. He called for stepping up cooperation at regional and international levels to tackle drug-related crimes, like money laundering.

Understanding UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said VIENNA: Colonel Waleed Al-Duraie attends the 59th session of the Commission on Narcotic the UN agency was promoting a comprehensive Drugs (CND). — KUNA understanding of the world drug problem and the need to put people first, with the focus of saving lives to end suffering caused by illicit drugs. “Your deliberations here at the CND ... can Kuwait grants help to take further crucial steps forward to pro- mote a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for all, “ he said. Uzbekistan KD 7m loan NEW YORK: Kuwait’s Chairperson of the Cabinet’s Committee on Women’s Affairs Qatar’s Ambassador to Austria and permanent Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah arrives in New York. —KUNA KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab It also includes preparation works at the representative Dr Ali Al-Mansouri, meanwhile, Economic Development (KFAED) has facilities, training of specialized doctors said illicit drugs were closely related to other signed a loan agreement with Uzbekistani and technical staff as part of the supplier’s crimes, like money laundering. He warned some Kuwait pioneering parties, which he did not name, against allowing government at a value of KD 7 million contract, and the consultancy services for the use of drugs for personal use because this (about $23.8 million) to finance a medical preparation detailed specification of would have devastating effects on the family and project in friendly central Asian country. equipment and supervision of installation. gender equality society. Qatar’s policies, said Al-Mansouri, aimed In a press statement issued Tuesday, the This eighth loan provided by KFAED to at boosting preventive programs among youths KFAED stated that the agreement was Republic of Uzbekistan, the previous seven NEW YORK: Kuwait’s Chairperson of the headquarters on Monday, where she heads vis-a-vis drugs. Tunisia’s Ambassador to the signed by Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Prime loans were estimated at KD 38.4 million Cabinet’s Committee on Women’s Affairs the Kuwaiti participating delegation at the International Organizations Ghazi Jumaa said Minister and Finance Minister Rustam (equivalent to about $130.5 million). The Sheikha Latifa Al-Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah event. The CSW60 is an appropriate venue illicit drugs were closely linked to cross-border Azimov and KFAED Deputy Director KFAED loans have been used to finance said Tuesday that Kuwait earned the first to show the civilized side of Kuwait crimes like terrorism and terror financing. The General Hamad Suleiman Al-Omar. It not- development projects in various sectors. rank among Arab countries in gender through highlighting Kuwaiti women’s 59th Session of the CND brings together around ed that the agreement aims to enhance The Fund also extended to Republic of equality due to its pioneering role in efforts in the country in recent years, 1,500 delegates representing member states, the quality and efficiency of the medical Uzbekistan three technical assistance empowering women and reinforcing their Sheikha Latifa said, adding that it is also inter-governmental organizations, and civil soci- services in Uzbekistan. It finances purchas- grants, at a total value of KD 579,000 (i.e. role in the society. Sheikha Latifa made her important for Kuwaiti women to partici- ety for a global discussion on the world drug ing, and installing sophisticated equip- about $ 1.9 million), to finance technical remarks on the sidelines of the 60th ses- pate in international events, especially problem. This year, the Commission will discuss ment for urology departments in a number and economic feasibility studies for proj- sion of the Commission on the Status of after the country gained a membership at 10 draft resolutions, and hold 74 side events and of the Asian republic’s hospitals. ects in various sectors. — KUNA Women (CSW60), kicked off at the UN CSW. — KUNA over 25 exhibitions. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Court adjourns Abdali cell case to March 30th In my view

KUWAIT: The Court of Appeals has adjourned the ‘ter- of the accused in the terrorist cell to death, while one all of the arsenal that were possessed by the terrorist Completing rorist cell’ case number 302/2016, in which 26 people of the accused in the 26-member cell was given a sen- cell. Last September 1st, the public prosecutor lodged are implicated, to March 30th. The Court of Appeals, in tence of life imprisonment. Other accused defendants criminal charges against the terrorist cell known as ‘Al- elements of power a session yesterday, summoned police officers from the in the case received sentences from five to ten to 15 Abdali Cell,’ in which 26 defendants were put on trial National Security Department at the Ministry of years in prison. One of them was fined KD 5,000 while over possession of huge caches of weapons and another was acquitted of all charges against him. ammunition, as well as espionage for Iran and Interior. By Khalid Ahmad Al-Saleh On January 12th, the criminal court sentenced two Furthermore, the court ordered the confiscation of Hezbollah. — KUNA

ear reader, can you imagine a child whose organs are growing normally except for his Eleven arrested on Dhead as an example - the final image when this child reaches puberty will be distorted, as the head will be small while the body big. This example drug-related charges may reflect the truth of our situation in the Gulf coun- tries. We, as Gulf people, are living in stability and security with the grace of Allah, and have clear civi- By Hanan Al-Saadoun drugs. The man was taken to the proper authorities for fur- lized images, and an advancement that superseded ther action. the countries that entered this field ahead of us, but, KUWAIT: Drugs Control General Department (DCGD) offi- and this is our topic today, we could not as Gulf coun- cers led by Acting Director General Colonel Waleed Al- Driver runs over policeman tries grow in a balanced fashion, as our political sys- Duraiee handled six drug import and trafficking cases dur- Police arrested a female student who ran over a First tem still lacks a lot. ing the period between the fifth and ninth of March 2016. Lieutenant near the Bidaa roundabout and escaped, dam- Civilization and prosperity are all positive images A total of eleven suspects including five Arabs and six aging a patrol car in the process. The Kuwaiti girl said dur- that are not only important to get, rather, and this is Asians were arrested. A total of 18 kilograms of hashish, ing investigations that she escaped because she was ‘terri- 110,000 captagon tablets, 250 grams of marijuana, 140 fied’ when the accident happened. A case was filed for fur- the most important, to preserve them. This cannot be gram of shabu (methamphetamine) and 170 gram of hero- ther investigations. achieved unless we succeed as Gulf countries in in were confiscated, the Interior Ministry’s Relations and developing our political systems to become one that Security Information Department said in a statement. Ten Thief caught goes along with the natural human being’s develop- more people were arrested and are being deported after Police foiled a robbery attempt at a money exchange ment. It is not possible for us to ride the most mod- catching them while helping drugs dealers, the depart- office in Maidan Hawally, the Interior Ministry’s Relations ern cars, while we practice the tribe system in run- ment said. and Security Information Department announced. An ning countries. Our children cannot go higher in sci- Indian man who used to work for the company broke into ence and technology to the highest world level, while Drug smuggling foiled the store and attempted the theft, a ministry statement they do not have the right for political participation Abdaly customs officers foiled a truck driver’s attempt reads. and are deprived from a selective opportunity to par- to smuggle 13,270 captagon tablets into Kuwait. A source Workers were able to control the suspect until police ticipate in running their country. said that suspicions about the driver, who arrived from arrived and arrested him. He was later sent to public prose- This contradiction is similar to the example we Iraq, prompted officers to search the truck and find the cution. mentioned at the start of the column - we are soci- eties that are still suffering from a distortion that pre- vents us from advancing. We should not be surprised to find embarrassment in our educated people and scientists when they defend their civilized achieve- ments in the Gulf, and their adversaries answer them by presenting the issue of the political system’s devel- opment in their countries - then they do not have an answer. Kuwait was a pioneer in developing its political system, and the father of democracy, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, was the one who opened the door for political development (although we are still behind in appreciating him, as only a side road carries his name). Back to the original topic, this door the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem opened, we did not develop it well and did not take it further to become a true democratic country with all standards. For the state of our future in the GCC countries, we must admit that we need to develop our political sys- tems. Develop them in slow or fast steps, this is not important, rather the important thing is to continue developing them and work on expanding popular participation and introduce the democratic rule ele- ments so that there won’t come a day that we only will be proud of our prosperity and security, but also be proud of our political systems, which is in truth the most guaranteed vessel for our Gulf to remain strong, united and stable. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 From the Arabic press Fires, lack of maintenance Al-Anbaa accelerated Nationalists and Sawaber eviction psychologists KUWAIT: Real estate investors are currently focused on the By Thaar Al-Rasheedi strategic location of the 35-year-old Al-Sawaber Residential Complex downtown Kuwait City with anticipation after the s an applied concept, Arab nationalism Economic expropriation department at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) announced the deserves the title of the biggest lie of the deadline of evicting all apartments and offered the owners A20th century. It was the lie of the century either the price of their units or alternative ones. because for over 70 years, Arabs have been dream- Controversy about the complex started over ten years ago ing about Arab unity ever since that concept was Reforms when the PAHW stopped its maintenance and repair con- launched as a political slogan in the 1950s, when tracts, leaving the owners confused about the details of the Arab nationalism was ideologically launched as a services they got such as the location of air conditioning units, political belief, which has been exported to us in water tanks and power fittings. the form of poems, plays, speeches, articles and Tenants problems further intensified when they failed to songs that have been obsessing Arabs like a spell. conduct maintenance operations themselves, which over- Arab nationalism collapsed with the invasion of loaded power grids on the complex and led to various disas- Kuwait in 1990, and though this fall exposed it as trous fire that have claimed some lives and caused serious the biggest lie believed by Arabs, nationalists who injuries. Later on, the expropriation department forced the took up nationalism as a political position or profes- owners to evict their units in return for up to KD 230,000 each, sion rather than a an ideological political doctrine but some of them refused the sum on grounds that would not are just like any other professional craftsmen. For be enough to purchase a decent house in any other area. This them, it is just a job that keeps sustaining them and Al-Jarida called for offering those alternative 400 square meter apart- they fight for keeping it. ments in the West Sulaibikhat project. The most famous Arab nationalist was Notably, expropriating the complex and purchasing its Mohammed Hassanain Haikal, amongst many oth- units was first considered in 2010 when a huge fire broke out ers, who according to the history of their countries, and MPs and Municipal Council members started discussing have been nothing more than political tools in the proposal to solve the problem. Al-Sawaber Complex compris- hands of some revolutions used to promote the Interior rejects responsibility for es 33 buildings, 66 elevators and 528 residential apartments concept of republics versus monarchies with the of slightly different sizes and designs that used to be inhabit- excuse of spreading democracy. Ironically, most of online charity donations oversight ed by around 3,000 people. The complex also included a the states established upon nationalism were the kindergarten, a polyclinic, a co-op branch and two mosques. ones that witnessed dictatorships and oppression. The expropriation department managed to evict 458 KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry has informed Ministry is responsible for overseeing chari- However, a new law is now being draft- As a theory of federation, nationalism is not so apartments up till last January while the owners of 8 apart- bad. It was its application and the way nationalists the Social Affairs Ministry that it has no table donations and activities in Kuwait. The ed that will address this issue. Citizens will ments rejected the offered prices as well as the alternative authority to investigate or punish people Interior noted that it cannot act to arrest or face fines or jail time and expatriates viewed it that was the problem, as they turned it ones in Sulaibikhat. Those will be evicted by force by the end from a political idea about federation and unity to collecting donations through social media investigate anyone with a prosecutorial caught breaking the new laws will be of this month. —Al-Qabas and the internet. The Social Affairs and Labor directive. deported. —Al-Rai Trojan horses used to spread revolutions. That was why it drastically fell. Moreover, the idea was also mostly racist, and this was another reason why it collapsed. Oil employees reject Arab nationalism is now over for good and will never resurrect, because facts tell us that Arab ‘freezing’salaries, countries established upon nationalism concepts are the ones that are facing racial, religious and doctrinal divisions. What really astonishes me are cancelling privileges GCC nationalists, because according to Arab nation- alists, Arab countries are divided into two types - KUWAIT: A possible pay dispute is brewing sions were nothing but ‘temporary solu- civilized urban countries and the people of the within Kuwait’s strategic oil sector, with tions’ for the economic crisis that had been desert, which clearly refers to GCC states. According Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) execu- exaggerated by both the state and KPC to an article by the Saudi writer Khaled Al-Dekheel tives planning a freeze on salaries and the without setting any fundamental solutions that was published in Al-Hayat on July 5, 2015, cancellation of economic incentives, to diversify sources of income and increase Haikal, the most prominent nationalistic advocate, bonuses and privileges and energy sector the state’s GDP. justified Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 by saying staff staunchly rejecting such ‘rationaliza- However, in an escalation of the prob- that it was “normal that civilized nations take over tion’ efforts. lems, the oil and petrochemicals employ- desert ones”! Energy industry sources said that oil sec- ees’ union called for a rally for employees to Finally, if anyone keeps annoying you by talking tor employee syndicates have refused ini- be held at 6:00 pm on March 22 at the about Arab nationalism, simply call 24843900 and tiatives that would jeopardize oil sector union’s headquarters. It explained in a they will take it from there. (By the way, this number employees’ privileges and rights that had statement that it would brief employees is of the psychological diseases hospital!) been guaranteed by the law and treaties during the rally with the latest develop- stipulated in KPC’s subsidiary companies’ ments, discuss the best ways to fight and charts. reject imposing the payroll strategic alter- Notably, KPC’s executive administration native project and express rejection of con- had warned oil sector employees over the ditioned initiatives that affect employees’ Crime previous three days that the situation rights and privileges. Report would be difficult if the rationalization ini- Meanwhile, oil sources stressed that KPC tiatives, which cover both citizens and adopts over 100 initiative to cut down expat employees, were rejected and expenses over the upcoming few years Users lose cash at stressed that things were heading towards expecting to save around KD 370 million applying the payroll strategic alternative through cutting down energy consump- malfunctioning ATMs on both current and future employees. The tion, reducing operational and consultancy government and parliament are currently expenses, restructuring contracts to get KUWAIT: A citizen told Sabah Al-Salem police that a bank working on a project to overhaul the pay- ones with better prices, providing high stole KD 500 from her. She said she inserted the ATM card roll system in the public sector. The ‘payroll cash assets and doing away with non-prof- in the machine to withdraw KD 500, but the card was strategic alternative’ would set unified stan- iting oil activities. returned without the money, then she received a SMS stat- dards for employees’ promotions, salaries, Further, the sources said that KPC would ing that KD 500 was debited from her account. She said bonuses, indemnities and other rights and stop self-funding in coming years and bank officials insisted that I received the money, though privileges at all ministries and state depart- mainly rely on mixed funding from banks. this was not true. ments. Debate is still ongoing on wither to “Such steps had already been used in the Meanwhile, a Cambodian man filed a report a Jabriya include the oil sector under the new sys- clean fuel project as local and foreign police station regarding a faulty ATM machine and unfair tem’s coverage. It is not clear exactly how banks will fund 70 per cent of its budget,” charges from his bank. The man said he withdrew KD 1,100 the ‘payroll strategic alternative’ would stressed the sources, noting that KPC plans from a bank’s ATM but when he went to take the money, impact salaries. to follow further 28 initiatives on the long the machine pulled it back inside. The man went to the run that are expected to save KD 727 mil- bank to complain and was told he would have to pay KD 50 Temporary solutions lion, especially since it had already suc- to investigate and receive his money. He said this request is In a related statement, the Engineers ceeded in saving KD 270 million up till not justified because he did not make a mistake that war- Syndicate stressed that rationalization deci- December 2015. —Al-Anbaa rants paying this money.

Private schools must refund Public drunkenness Two Kuwaitis were taken to Maidan Hawally police sta- any tuition increases tion for being drunk in public and disturbance. A police patrol spotted the two men in a parking lot near the seaside. The men were inside a car with loud music KUWAIT: Director General of Private it is violated, the private education depart- playing. When the officers stopped to issue them a Education Department at the Education ment should be contacted to cancel them, citation for the loud music, they noticed the two men Ministry Abdallah Al-Busairi said a circular and if they do not comply their transactions were inebriated and arrested them. was sent to all private schools asking them will not be accepted in all state ministries. to cancel fees increase and refund parents, He said any increase that was imposed will adding that schools who do not comply be considered cancelled until the education Jahra hospital fight will have their files closed. ministry issues a decision for that. He said Al-Basri said there is a ministerial decision the ministry is working on establishing stan- Several juveniles engaged in a violent fight at Jahra hos- that sets the amount of increase and in case dards for the increase. —Al-Jarida pital. Six of the youths were arrested for using sharp objects. One man, a Gulf national, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after receiving two stab wounds Ministries demand KD 14 million to the head. extra-budgets for allowances Hash smuggling attempt foiled KUWAIT: A government officials ous’ in nominating employees to get complained about recent demands this bonus this year. “However, the Coast Guard officers foiled an attempt to smuggle 17 made to the Finance Ministry, in basis and rules used in paying this kilograms of hashish into the country. A security which 60 percent of ministries and bonus will be subject to monitoring source said information was received about an other state departments requested and auditing,” stressed the sources, attempt by a smuggler to bring in hashish, so they set to increase their budgets in order to noting that no violations will be tol- a trap and caught the man. The drugs were found in pay bonus for employees who scored erated in this regard. the fishing nets tied to the boat under water. The ‘excellent’ in their performance The source also highlighted that smuggler admitted that he was planning to deliver the assessment cards. the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) drugs to others in Kuwait and provided their names. The sources who spoke on the law entitles all employees to file griev- Four others were arrested and sent to the prosecution. condition of anonymity added that ances in case they do not get the the total cost of the requests already bonus and feel their performance had made by around 25 government been wrongly evaluated within the Man deceives girl bodies added up to KD 14.3 million. maximum of 60 days. “It is strange Hawally prosecutor ordered the arrest of a Syrian man to “Requests will not be completely how some senior officials handle this charge him on several offences related to entering a house approved and will be subjected to bonus as if it were a gift or a grant without permission and deceiving a minor girl. This action austerity measures,” stressed the paid from their own pockets,” added came after a Lebanese man told Maidan Hawally police sources. the source, noting that some griev- that he returned home early, and found a young Syrian Further, the sources said that fear ances, for example, were submitted by man in his home with his daughter. The young man in many government bodies that the people who had been on long leaves escaped and when he went to check on his daughter, she excellent performance bonus would that exceed the maximum limit said she was surprised by the man who entered her room be stopped by Match 2017 has driv- allowed and yet were paid the excel- and attempted to rape her. The Syrian dropped his wallet en many senior officials to be ‘gener- lent performance bonus. —Al-Qabas in his escape attempt, revealing his identity. A warrant has been issued. —Al-Rai, Al-Anbaa THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 North Korea sentences US tourist Germany tightens rape law in wake of Cologne assaults to 15 years in prison Page 10 Page 12 Trump, Clinton move closer to party nominations Rubio drops out of the race

WASHINGTON: Democrat Hillary Clinton for the nomination, though he could help keep and Republican Donald Trump were solidly Trump below the 50 percent threshold. on course yesterday for their party’s presi- While Trump has amassed the most dele- dential nomination for the November gener- gates, he’s winning just 46 percent of the dele- al election after convincing wins in the latest gates that have been awarded so far. If that batch of US primary elections. pace continues, he would fall short of the Clinton won at least four states, dealing a majority needed to assure him the nomination blow to Bernie Sanders’ bid to slow her at the party’s convention in July. The result march toward the Democratic prize. With her could be a contested convention, creating an wins, Clinton put herself in a commanding unpredictable outcome. Trump said “we’d have position to become the first woman in US riots” if the party tried to deny him the nomina- history to win a major party nomination. tion if he went to the convention with close to Trump won three states Tuesday, including the majority of delegates needed. “I think you the big prize Florida, but lost Ohio to that would have problems like you’ve never seen state’s governor, John Kasich. before,” Trump said on CNN. In Tuesday’s primary votes in five states, Trump now has 621 delegates. Cruz has 396 Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who staked his and Kasich 138. Rubio left the race with 168 once-promising campaign on winning in his delegates. It takes 1,237 delegates to win the home state, dropped out of the race shortly Republican nomination. In Missouri, the mar- after the polls closed. That leaves Kasich as gins between Trump and Cruz and between the last true establishment candidate run- Clinton and Sanders, were less than one-half of ning against Trump and arch-conservative 1 percentage point, meaning the losing candi- Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. date can request a recount. The Associated Trump, the brash and controversial busi- Press did not call either race. nessman and reality TV star, has upended In the Democratic race, Clinton’s victories in Republican politics by winning most of the Florida and North Carolina were expected, but state-by-state competitions for delegates Sanders, a Vermont senator and self-described who will choose the party’s nominee. He has democratic socialist, had hoped to take the seized on Americans’ anger with Washington industrial states of Ohio and Illinois, both of politicians, discomfort with immigration and which Clinton won. fears of terrorism, attracting voters with his Sanders is unlikely to overtake Clinton in the blunt talk and promise to make America delegate count, but his victory last week in “great again.” Michigan underscored the unease that many The Tuesday outcome was seen as pivotal Democratic voters have about her candidacy. for Republicans because, for the first time, Overall, Clinton has at least 1,561 total dele- two states - Ohio and Florida - had winner- gates including superdelegates, who are elect- take-all contests. A Trump sweep could have WEST PALM BEACH: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses a press conference following his victory in ed officials and party leaders free to support given him an insurmountable lead in the del- the Florida state primary on Tuesday. —AFP the candidate of their choice. Sanders has at egate count. Trump won the biggest prize - tight race with Cruz in Missouri. He told a Kasich keeps hope alive mainstream Republicans trying to stop Trump. least 800 delegates when the count includes all 99 Florida delegates - as well North victory rally in Florida, “This was an amazing Kasich’s win, capturing all of Ohio’s 66 dele- But while Kasich could benefit from Rubio superdelegates. It takes 2,383 to win the Carolina and Illinois, and was locked in a night.” gates, was crucial to keeping alive the hopes of dropping out, he remains an extreme longshot Democratic nomination. —AP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Indian mother kills herself after caste discrimination

NEW DELHI: A mother hanged herself ishment for the relationship. ordered to attend a local temple to over her alleged affair with her hus- recourse. Although they carry no legal in India after a council of elders pun- The council, comprising members of atone for her “sins”, local police officer band’s co-worker, who is a Dalit. We are weight and are unconstitutional, they ished her family for her suspected the woman’s caste, found her “guilty” Maduresh Pacharui said. investigating the panchayat’s role,” he can be highly influential and have been extra-marital romance with a lower- last month of having a relationship with said. blamed for numerous abuses such as caste man, a local police officer said a man from the lowest Dalit caste, previ- Kangeroo court? Nobody has been arrested over her the sanctioning of the murder of ‘unap- yesterday. ously known as untouchables, in India’s The council, or “panchayat”, had earli- death so far, he said. proved’ couples and raping woman for The mother-of-four killed herself on deeply entrenched social hierarchical er sanctioned a social boycott of the Panchayats exert enormous influ- defying social traditions. Branded “kan- Monday as dozens of villagers gathered system. family but changed the penalty after ence over rural life, particularly in garoo courts” by critics, they have also outside her house in central Madhya As well as hosting the drinking party the woman’s family pleaded before the northern India, where they act as arbi- been known to hand down public beat- Pradesh state for a party the council in Tikamgarh district, the 25-year-old village elders, Pacharui said. “It seems trators for millions of poor villagers ings and heavy fines for perceived had ordered her family to host as a pun- was also fined 5,000 rupees ($74) and she was depressed with the events and who do not have access to legal crimes. —AFP Syrians dream ‘miracle’ despite slammed doors EU continues efforts to stem migrant wave

GAZIANTEP: Borders are slam- football again and one day miracle,” he said. Assad, 22, said that after five ming shut and European leaders achieving his dream of pulling EU leaders meet in Brussels years of scraping a living selling are desperately trying to stem on the famous shirt of Spanish today and tomorrow to hammer bread on the streets, his sights the flow of migrants to their giants Real Madrid. out the details of a deal under are set on making the journey shores-but near the Turkey- “Like a ladder, I want to start which the EU would resettle one with his family. “It’s hard to find Syrian border, Mohammed Bilal with a small team first and then a Syrian refugee from camps in jobs here. To us, Europe is bet- is still dreaming of Real Madrid. bigger one,” he said. Facing the Turkey for every Syrian readmit- ter. It’s time to build a life,” he The 23-year-old from Syria’s war- continent’s worst migration crisis ted by Ankara from Greek said. torn Aleppo province was a since World War II, European islands. The plan aims to reduce Turkey says it has spent $10 promising footballer in his Union leaders will meet later this the incentive for people to risk billion hosting Syrians who have fled their country’s five-year civ- il war after President Recep RIYADH: Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Assiri, spokesman for the Saudi- Tayyip Erdogan announced an led coalition forces fighting rebels in Yemen, gives an interview to AFP at the open-border policy. They now King Salman airbase. —AFP number around 2.7 million, with the large majority scattered in towns and cities throughout the Yemen must not become country and only around 260,000 living in refugee camps, ‘Libya’: Coalition speaker mostly in the southeast. Some in Europe are starting RIYADH: A Saudi-led coalition’s major mili- No quick fix to take a tougher line on the tary operations in Yemen are nearing an Asked if the coalition may have to stay end, its spokesman said yesterday, but the for years in Yemen, Assiri would not give influx-countries along the country will need long-term support to a timeframe. “Look, there is no magic “Balkan route” from Greece to avoid becoming “another Libya”. During an solution... Yemen has been dismantled wealthier northern Europe last interview with AFP in his office at a Riyadh through 30 years. You cannot fix this in 30 week barred entry to transiting airbase, Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Assiri days.” migrants. And voters in also said fighting along the Saudi-Yemeni The Houthis launched cross-border Germany handed a stinging border had essentially stopped after a medi- attacks against Saudi Arabia in retaliation rebuke to Chancellor Angela ation effort last week. for the intervention, with more than 90 Merkel for her liberal refugee Saudi Arabia and several of its Sunni Arab people-both military and civilian-killed policy this week, turning to the allies launched the intervention on March 26 on the Saudi side of the frontier by right-wing anti-migrant last year to support President Abedrabbo shelling and in skirmishes. The Civil Alternative for Germany party. Mansour Hadi after Iran-backed Houthi Defense agency said yesterday that a Even in Turkey, Syrians have rebels and their allies seized control of large border zone resident had been wounded found their presence has parts of Yemen including the capital Sanaa. in shelling from Yemen, the first such become a growing source of Supported by air strikes and some coalition report in days. tension with local residents, and ground troops, anti-rebel forces have retak- Assiri said the border was essentially many now group together in en ground, including much of the south. calm since the mediation effort by tribal neighborhoods for protection. But they have failed to dislodge the leaders last week allowed aid to start And in Gaziantep, not all of the Shiite rebels from Sanaa or to completely moving into Yemen at the Alb crossing in Syrians are keen to go on to a remove them from the country’s third city Dhahran Al-Janoub, northeast of Jazan Europe that has been offering at Taez where intense battles continue. Still, city. Last week’s talks were not an “agree- Assiri said the main fighting was nearing an ment with the militias” but the coalition best an ambivalent welcome. ISTANBUL: In this Oct 7, 2015 file photo, Syrian refugees wait with their belongings in Aksaray end. “In any military campaign you have supported the effort in the interests of neighborhood. —AP Akil, who was a butcher back phases.... Today we are in the end of the Yemen’s stability, he said. in Aleppo, now works at a spice major combat phase,” he said, adding that The effort allowed aid to be delivered homeland and he still hopes to week to try to approve a plan their lives crossing the Aegean in shop in the city centre since he the next stages would involve creating a sta- to villages across the border and helped make it big, despite the with Turkey to curb the flow of flimsy boats. “Our target is not to came nine months ago-and has ble security situation and then reconstruc- to ensure that humanitarian convoys European Union’s efforts to stop people fleeing war or seeking a reduce numbers but to make little sympathy for Syrians risk- tion. are safe, including by the clearance of the influx of migrants. better life. them zero. We do not want any ing their lives to reach Europe. But he insisted the coalition would not mines laid by rebels around Alb. Food Now weighing cheese and Nearly 150,000 people have more deaths in the Aegean,” a “May God mend their ways,” he abandon Yemen, saying it had learned from and medical supplies have since been olives in a deli in the southern made the sea crossing from Turkish official said this week, said. “I condemn those who the United States which pulled combat sent to Saada, which is the Houthis’ Turkish city of Gaziantep, Bilal Turkey to Greece already this speaking on condition of abandon their people and coun- troops from Iraq and Afghanistan before the stronghold, he said. “From time to time” put his footballing career on year, according to the UN, but anonymity. try to seek shelter in Europe, countries were stable. Nor does it want to shells are still fired into southern Saudi hold when he fled Syria and had the passage is dangerous-hun- among infidels.” “If you are follow the example of Libya, where Western Arabia, and the coalition reserves the right to find a job to help feed his fam- dreds have died in the attempt. ‘Time to build a better life’ going to die, die in your home- forces helped topple Moamer Kadhafi in to retaliate, but the number of cross-bor- ily. Like many of his countrymen, But Bilal is undeterred. “I know Many Syrians in Gaziantep, land, not in the sea. It’s not 2011 and then left the country to slide into der attacks has dropped and the tribal he still plans to make it to it’s going to be tough. But God unaware of the EU-Turkey deal, worth it to die in the shores,” he chaos, Assiri said. “We don’t want that mediation has gone well, Assiri said. The Europe, in the hope of playing willing, if it happens, it will be a are planning to head to Europe. said. — AFP Yemen becomes another Libya, so we have United Nations has been pursuing peace to support the government, go with them talks but the UN’s envoy for Yemen, Ismail step by step until they bring peace and Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said last month that security and stability for the people,” Assiri “deep divisions” were preventing any Bus blast kills 16 in Pakistan said. progress. —AFP

PESHAWAR: At least 16 people attacks as part of their struggle to from the back,” police official surge in recruitment for Pakistani Israel sees both risks and were killed and more than two overthrow the government. “At Abbas Majeed added. extremist groups. dozen wounded when a bomb least 16 people were killed and Talking to reporters at the site, The conflict reached new benefits from Syrian chaos blew up inside a bus in Peshawar, more than 24 were wounded in a Abbas Majid Marwat, another sen- heights in 2007 when various mili- the main city of Pakistan’s insur- blast on a government employees’ ior police source, said the bus was tant factions came together GOLAN HEIGHTS: In a hospital in northern Syria, has received one operation for a stom- gency-wracked northwest, officials bus,” senior police official transporting government employ- under the umbrella Pakistani Israel, wounded Syrian rebel Malek is waiting ach wound paid for by Israel and was waiting said, with the toll feared to rise. No Mohammad Kashif Zulfiqar said. ees from the northwestern town of Taliban group, which was able to until he is well enough to pick up his gun again for another on his leg. He said rebel com- group has so far claimed responsi- Another police official and hos- Mardan to Peshawar. Rescue work- entrench itself in the country’s to battle President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “I manders knew about the treatment and bility for the explosion, which took pital authorities confirmed the ers at the site were seen carrying border tribal areas and make terri- will return to Syria and fight until Assad is gone,” there was acceptance of it. place as the bus carrying mainly incident and casualties. Bomb dis- the injured from the blue bus on torial gains. Pakistan’s army the 22-year-old told AFP in a treatment room Another fighter, on his second trip to government employees was pass- posal officials said a four-kilo- stretchers to waiting ambulances. launched its latest series of offen- guarded by Israeli soldiers. Five years into Syria’s Israel, said that when he was wounded in a ing through the crowded shop- gramme (nine-pound) improvised sives in the region in 2014 in a bid civil war, Israel has seen benefits despite the car bomb he chose Israel over Jordan for ping district of Saddar. explosive device (IED) had been Long war continues to wipe out militant bases bring chaos unfolding next door, and the treatment treatment because of its better healthcare. But Pakistan has been battling a planted near the bus’s gas cylinder Pakistan’s Islamist insurgency an end to the war, that has cost of wounded fighters is one sign of its quiet and The Ziv Hospital estimates each Syrian on limited involvement. average costs the Israeli government roughly homegrown Islamist insurgency and appeared to have been deto- began after the US-led invasion of Pakistan thousands of lives. It has sought to avoid being dragged $15,000. The Israeli army refuses to confirm or neighboring Afghanistan in 2001, Overall levels of violence have for more than a decade, with nated remotely. “The IED was fitted directly into the conflict, but at the same time deny rumors of IS and Al-Qaeda fighters groups such as the Pakistani with ball bearings and was planted which led to a spillover of mili- fallen, with 2015 seeing the defend what it sees as its interests. That has among the injured, saying it treats people Taliban routinely carrying out beneath the sixth row of seats tants across the border and a fewest number of civilian and meant allegedly carrying out air strikes to without asking their affiliation. security forces casualties since the stop arms deliveries to Hezbollah and coordi- formation of the Pakistani nating with Russia despite Moscow’s support Shifting threats Taleban. But the militant group is for Assad’s regime, which Israel opposes.Israel The war means that Assad’s forces no still able to to carry out periodic insists its policy of treating war wounded longer have the capacity to seriously threaten attacks, particularly in the coun- who seek help is driven by humanitarian con- Israel. And Hezbollah, the Lebanese political try’s northwest. cerns. But analysts point out that rebels, party-cum-militia that Israeli officials routine- A suicide bomber killed 18 including those linked to Al-Qaeda and the ly refer to as their largest danger, appears too people and injured 31 in a court Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, are also fight- preoccupied fighting alongside Assad to complex in the northwestern ing, and weakening, Hezbollah militants attack Israel. “The threat from the state of town of Shabqadar last week, in backing Assad. Syria to Israel disappeared, and this is part of an attack which the Taliban the good news,” said Itamar Yaar, a former described as revenge for the Officially at war deputy head of Israel’s National Security hanging of an Islamist assassin. Israel and Syria have formally been at war Council. “We don’t see this will change in the The Pakistani Taleban’s Jamat- for decades though the demarcation line coming months or few years,” he added, ul-Ahrar faction claimed responsi- between them had been quiet for more than stressing Israel is happy to see Hezbollah bat- bility for the attack, saying it was 30 years. When the civil war began in 2011, tle it out with Islamists in clashes in which it to avenge the hanging of Mumtaz Israel decided to minimize any active inter- has lost hundreds of fighters. vention, said Haim Tomer, a former senior But the fractious nature of the war also Qadri, who gunned down the lib- officer of Israeli intelligence service Mossad. creates potential threats, including what eral governor of Punjab in 2011 But as Syria splintered, new threats and Israel sees as the growing influence of its over a call to reform the country’s potential opportunities arose for Israel-some- arch-foe Iran in Syria.In the province of blasphemy law. Qadri, feted as a times leading to more direct involvement. Quneitra, within sight of the Israeli-occupied hero by Islamists, was hanged on Israel has allegedly carried out a series of Golan Heights and where Malek was fighting, February 29 in what analysts air strikes on Hezbollah within Syria, though it much of the territory is held by Al-Nusra described as a key moment in does not publicly confirm or deny them. Front, the Syrian affiliate of Al-Qaeda. Further Pakistan’s long fight against mili- More than 2,000 Syrians have been treated in south are the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, tancy, saying it demonstrated the Israeli hospitals since 2013, according to the which have been linked to IS. Despite rhetoric government’s resolve to uphold Israeli army. Malek, who says he fights in a against Israel, neither Al-Nusra nor IS has the rule of law rather than allow brigade in the Free Syrian Army in southern attacked Israeli territory. —AFP PESHAWAR: A Pakistani man who was injured in a bomb blast arrives at a local hospital. —AP extremism to flourish. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 Obama nominates Garland to high court, challenging GOP ‘the greatest honor of my life’

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama tough sell. Republicans control the Senate, nominated appeals court judge Merrick which must confirm any nominee, and GOP Garland to the Supreme Court yesterday, chal- leaders want to leave the choice to the next lenging Republicans to drop their adamant president, denying Obama a chance to alter refusal to even consider his choice in an elec- the ideological balance of the court before he tion year. Obama called Garland, a long-time leaves office next January. Republicans con- jurist and former prosecutor, “one of America’s tend that a confirmation fight in an election sharpest legal minds” and deserving of a full year would be too politicized. hearing and Senate confirmation vote. Republicans have set up a task force that Republican leaders, however, have said the will orchestrate attack ads, petitions and vacant high court seat should not be filled media outreach. On the other side, Obama until a new president is elected, a stance allies are to run a Democratic effort targeting Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell states where Republicans might feel political emphasized immediately after the White heat for opposing hearings. House announcement. Obama’s choice risks deflating some of the Garland, 63, is the chief judge for the energy among the Democratic base. United States Court of Appeals for the District Progressives and civil rights activists had of Columbia Circuit, a court whose influence pushed the president to name an African- over federal policy and national security mat- American woman or to otherwise continue his ters has made it a proving ground for poten- efforts to expand the court’s diversity. tial Supreme Court justices. BUENOS AIRES: Argentine legislators sit in the lower house of Congress to discuss the deal to resolve the long legal fight overdebt default, He would replace conservative, Justice History between Argentina’s government and a group of creditors in the US on Tuesday. — AP Antonin Scalia, who died last month, leaving Garland - a white, male jurist with an Ivy behind a bitter election-year fight over the League pedigree and career spent largely in Argentina lawmakers back future of the court. the upper echelon of Washington’s legal elite - Obama announced choice at a ceremony breaks no barriers. At 63 years old, he would in the Rose Garden, with Democratic Senate be the oldest Supreme Court nominee since deal to repay holdout creditors leaders and allies looking on. Garland, who Lewis Powell, who was 64 when he was con- had been passed over before, choked back firmed in 1971. Presidents tend to appoint tears, calling the nomination “the greatest young judges with the hope they will shape BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s chamber of deputies government needs the Congress to lift legal blocks idential election, reluctantly endorsed the bill. honor of my life.” He described his grandpar- the court’s direction for as long as possible. voted yesterday to approve a repayment deal with instituted under Kirchner on repaying the holdouts, “There’s a court ruling against us and we have to ents’ flight from anti-Semitism in Eastern Those factors had, until now, made Garland holdout creditors, as the nation seeks to finally with which Buenos Aires has been fighting in a US act. We generously and firmly support the govern- Europe and his modest upbringing. something of a perpetual bridesmaid, repeat- close the door on 15 years of litigation over its court for years. After long refusing to pay, in ment’s initiative and will expect the same when He said he viewed a judge’s job as a man- edly on Obama’s Supreme Court lists but nev- defaulted bonds. The vote was a major victory for February the government offered $6.5 billion to we present our own legislation,” Massa said. date to set aside personal preferences to “fol- er chosen. But he is finding his moment at a conservative President Mauricio Macri, who had to resolve their claims of $9 billion. The holdouts are Argentina has been mostly locked out of global low the law, not make it.” Obama held up time when Democrats are seeking to apply persuade the opposition-controlled Congress to set the minority of creditors which refused to go along capital markets and Macri, tasked with reviving Garland as diligent public servant, highlight- maximum pressure on Republicans. A key part aside political differences and swallow what his with the restructuring of the country’s debt after it Latin America’s third-largest economy, has vowed ing his work leading the investigation into the of their strategy is casting Republicans as administration described as an unpalatable but defaulted on nearly $100 billion in 2001. to pay off the creditors and move forward. If the Oklahoma City bombing and prosecutions. He obstructionists ready to shoot down a nomi- inescapable deal to end the debt morass. After a The main holdouts were hedge funds which Congress does remove the legal barriers to pay- quoted past praise for Garland from Chief nee that many in their own ranks once consid- marathon debate that lasted some 20 hours, the bill bought up the defaulted debt at steep discounts, ment, the judge in the US case, Thomas Griesa, has Justice John Roberts and Sen. Orrin Hatch. ered a consensus candidate. In 2010, Hatch passed the lower house by a vote of 165 to 86, gain- aiming to recover the full value, and in 2012 the agreed to lift an injunction that effectively pro- And he said Garland’s talent for bringing called Garland “terrific” and said he could be ing support from moderate opposition lawmakers. New York federal district court ruled in their favor. hibits Argentina from borrowing the new money together “odd couples” made him a consensus confirmed “virtually unanimously.” It now goes to the Senate, where it likely faces necessary to clear out the old claims. candidate best poised to become an immedi- A native of Chicago and graduate of stiffer opposition, political observers said. But the Bitter pill Not all remaining holdouts have agreed to the ate force on the nation’s highest court. The Harvard College and Harvard Law School, president warned the alternative was hyperinflation Macri’s camp admitted the deal was a bitter pill, deal. Analysts estimate the full cost of settling all president urged the Republican-led Senate Garland clerked for two appointees of and a painful economic adjustment. “I’m sure that but said it was necessary medicine for the country outstanding claims could total $15 billion. The vote not to let the particularly fierce and partisan Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower - on April 14 we will pay and escape default,” he said to return to global capital markets and get the was the first legislative triumph for Macri, who had political climate quash the nomination of a the liberal U.S. Supreme Court Justice William before the vote. economy back on track. “Of course this deal is not so far relied on executive power to push through “serious man.”“This is precisely the time when Brennan Jr. and Judge Henry J. Friendly, for Macri took office in December promising to ideal nor desirable,” said Mario Negri, a lawmaker market-friendly reforms such as scrapping foreign we should play it straight,” Obama said. whom Roberts also clerked. revive the stagnant economy by rolling back his allied with Macri’s center-right coalition. But he exchange controls and import restrictions. His In 1988, he gave up a partner’s office in a leftist predecessor Cristina Kirchner’s policies- urged his colleagues to vote for the bill anyway. administration was keen to show it was capable of Garland’s background powerhouse law firms to cut his teeth in crimi- including her refusal to strike a deal with the hold- Opposition moderates such as lawmaker Sergio getting bills through Congress despite lacking a Garland was confirmed to the D.C. Circuit nal cases. As an assistant U.S. attorney, he out creditors, which she branded “vultures.” Macri’s Massa, one of Macri’s opponents in last year’s pres- majority. — AFP in 1997 with backing from a majority in both joined the team prosecuting a Reagan White parties, including seven current Republicans House aide charged with illegal lobbying and senators. If confirmed, Garland would be did early work on the drug case against then- expected to align with the more liberal mem- D.C. Mayor Marion Barry. He held a top-rank- bers, but he is not viewed as down-the-line ing post in the Justice Department when he liberal. Particularly on criminal defense and was dispatched to Oklahoma City the day national security cases, he’s earned a reputa- after the bombing at the federal courthouse tion as centrist, and one of the few to supervise the investigation. The case made Democratic-appointed judges Republicans his reputation. He oversaw the convictions of might have a fast-tracked to confirmation - Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, and later under other circumstances. supervised the investigation into Unabomber In the current climate, Garland remains a Ted Kaczynski. —AP

WASHINGTON, DC: US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden applaud US Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, during the nomination announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House yesterday. — AFP Trump warns of ‘riots’ if denied White House nomination WASHINGTON: Donald Trump warned with 640 delegates, against 405 for his yesterday of riots if he is denied the closest rival, Texas Senator Cruz and 138 Republican presidential nomination, after for Ohio Governor John Kasich, according adding to his growing pile of primary wins to a CNN count. but losing in the key state of Ohio. He needs 1,237 to win the nomination- Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton difficult but not impossible. In an interview emerged from the “Titanic Tuesday” con- with CNN, Trump said he believed there tests in five states as their party’s clear would be “a natural healing process” but if frontrunners, but the billionaire real estate he arrives at the convention 100 delegates mogul’s failure to sweep the races means short, “I don’t think you can say we don’t he may fall short of the delegates needed get it automatically.”“I think you would to win the Republican nomination out- have riots,” he said. right. After the most divisive US campaign The billionaire’s candidacy has drawn a in nearly half a century, one that has shat- following of millions, of many whom have tered all rules of decorum and aroused an never voted before because they don’t angry electorate, it remains unclear believe in the system, he said. whether Trump can unite his party in time “If you disenfranchise those people and for the Republican convention in say, I’m sorry, you’re 100 votes short, even Cleveland in July. though the next one is 500 votes short, I Top Republican powerbrokers are still think you would see problems like you’ve maneuvering to derail Trump, seen as an never seen before. “I think bad things outsider who hijacked the party primaries, would happen. I really do. I wouldn’t lead and are looking to a so-called brokered it, but I think bad things would happen,” he convention-which can occur if no candi- said. Trump won at least three of Tuesday’s date wins a majority of delegates by June- primaries, including the biggest prize of as their likely last chance. the night, winner-take-all Florida and its 99 But that extraordinary scenario-in delegates. Missouri remained too close to which the party would seek to override call Wednesday, but Kasich easily won his the outcome of the primaries and unite home state, another winner-take-all con- around an alternative candidate-is a long test with 66 delegates. shot few in the party seem to have the “Donald Trump could have generated stomach for. “If Trump has hundreds more unstoppable momentum had he won delegates than the runner-up... it will be both Ohio and Florida,” said Sabato’s exceedingly difficult to deny him the nom- Crystal Ball. “But now it’s clear to everyone ination. In fact, to do so would be to guar- that this will go right through June 7, the antee a meltdown of historic proportions end of the Republican primary season.” in Cleveland,” said Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a With the departure of Florida Senator newsletter by a group of US political scien- Marco Rubio-blown out of the race after a tists. humiliating defeat in his home state- By far the more probable outcome is for Trump’s competition has narrowed to Cruz the candidate with the most votes-in all and Kasich. likelihood Trump-to be voted in as the Of the two, only Cruz has a mathemati- White House nominee following a round cal possibility of winning the nomination, of deal-making in the run-up to the con- but he would have to do extraordinarily vention. Tuesday’s primaries leave Trump well in all the remaining contests. —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Best of both worlds? Norway is in two minds about EU ties

OSLO: It sounds like the best of both worlds: review of two decades of ties to the EU in grown rich thanks to oil and gas before the implementing EU directives into law, with a By contrast, a UK parliamentary report in Norway sells fresh and frozen salmon worth 2012 that likened the relationship to a “down- recent price fall, is better off outside the EU. perfect score of zero delays in a 2015 official January estimated that Britain paid a net 8.5 billions of dollars to the European Union load democracy” of instructions sent by email The Oslo government has built a vast $835 EEA scorecard. On average, EU nations lagged billion pounds ($11.99 billion) to the EU last almost tariff-free, while curbing EU food from Brussels. billion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s in implementing 0.7 percent of directives, year - about 170 euros each for a population imports to protect local farmers. As Britain debates the extent of its future biggest. It holds about $160,000 for each of with Italy worst at 1.6 percent. of 64.6 million. It forecast the amount would The fish and agriculture deals are among in Europe, Norway’s situation is emblematic Norway’s 5.2 million people. Solberg and Aspaker’s Conservatives, who fluctuate between 11.1 billion and 7.9 billion those that Norway, which twice rejected of the irreversible integration of Europe, “It would be a great inspiration if Britain supported membership in 1972 and 1994, pounds until 2020. European Union membership in referendums despite this continent’s faltering efforts to leaves,” said Kathrine Kleveland, head of bemoan a lack of say over EU policy-making Many campaigners for Britain to leave the in 1972 and 1994, has negotiated with the EU become a true political bloc. Norway’s “No to the EU” group. even in areas such as oil and gas, where EU say they will be able to avoid the draw- in order to access the bloc’s 500 million con- The reason Norway has to accept EU rules Still, the issue is on the back burner for Norway is the number two energy exporter backs of the “Norway option”. sumers. It is an arrangement many euroscep- is to ensure its businesses have equal condi- now because of the two “No” votes. And no to the EU after Russia. Britain’s “Vote Leave” campaign says Britain tics say is an inspiration for Britain if it leaves tions for competition with EU peers. That poll since 2005 has shown a majority in The Conservatives are now resigned to the would negotiate a free trade deal with the EU the EU after a June 23 referendum. Both counts in areas from international postal serv- favour of EU membership. EEA as a compromise for a NATO member but, unlike Norway, “we (will) end the countries have their own currency. Norway, ices to telecoms. It’s important because 80 Beyond the debate, the Scandinavian where voters rejected EU membership, fear- supremacy of EU law. We regain control.” unlike Britain, has joined the passport-free percent of Norway’s exports go to the EU. country has made big gains from access to ing loss of sovereignty. Asked if Norway Campaigners say Britain’s far bigger economy Schengen area facilitating worker and travel- “You go to the office and find that the EU market as a member of the European should pull out of the EEA, 61 percent said would have far more clout. By contrast, Prime er mobility. Microsoft has upgraded your computer Economic Area (EEA) since 1992 - with fellow “No” in a poll in January, with 23 percent say- Minister David Cameron, who wants Britain to Yet many Norwegians say the compro- overnight without you knowing. Do you outsiders Iceland and Liechtenstein. In addi- ing “Yes”. stay in the EU, has explicitly said Norway pays mise, under which Norway has stayed outside accept or not?” Sverdrup said, noting that tion to the bulk of Norway’s exports going to The size of payments to the EU in both too much and lacks influence. EU fish and agriculture policies and subsidizes most people unthinkingly press “Yes”, just as, the EU, 60 percent of Norway’s imports come Norway and Britain, and how to gauge bene- for example farmers to keep dairy cows in he said, many Norwegians feel forced to from the EU. fits and costs, is hotly debated. Both nations SMOKING SALMON IN POLAND heated barns in the Arctic, is not as good as it accept EU directives. The 31-nation EEA, comprising the three have a long and independent, sea-faring and The world’s biggest producer of farmed looks. outsiders and 28 EU states, aims to ensure trading history but now have to weigh that salmon, Norway exported fish worth $4.12 Norway’s 5.2 million people pay hundreds BIG BENEFITS freedom of movement for goods, capital, against the benefits of belonging to a bloc billion to the EU in 2015. of millions of Euros to the EU to take part in its Whether or not the nation should have full people and services. The three small non- given the nature of world trade. According to a deal with the EU, Norway internal market, and have 5,000 laws based EU membership has been one of the most members are consulted on rule-making but Norway’s Foreign Ministry says Norway’s pays a 2 percent duty to sell fresh and frozen on EU directives. Norway has a theoretical dominant and divisive issues in modern lack a vote when decisions are taken. main annual contributions are 388 million salmon to the bloc. Oslo pays a higher price, right to veto directives but has never once Norwegian political debate. “Norwegian industry and business would Euros for core EEA access from 2014-21, and of 13 percent, on smoked and other said “No”, fearing it would jeopardize the The Conservative Party, led by Prime have struggled without the EEA,” said 472 million Euros, mainly to take part in EU processed salmon. whole relationship, officials say. Minister Erna Solberg, would have liked Elisabeth Aspaker, Norway’s EEA and EU programs for scientific research and innova- Norway has found a way to circumvent And the Oslo government has no real say Norway to have full membership. Affairs Minister. Still, she said there is a “demo- tion. this higher tax on processed fish. Many in the bloc’s governance. “The Norwegian “Norway would have been better off cratic deficit” because Oslo has no say in mak- Taken together, that gives a total of 860 Norwegian firms have bought processing model is integration without representation,” inside the EU,” she told Reuters, adding that it ing laws that ultimately affect the country. million Euros, or about 165 Euros for each plants in the EU, mainly in Poland, to smoke said Ulf Sverdrup, director of the Norwegian would give Oslo a voice in shaping continent- Norwegian every year. Norway also pays salmon. Aspaker says Norway has created Institute of International Affairs. wide policies. PERFECT SCORE some smaller amounts, for instance to take 12,000 jobs in the EU, mainly to process the Sverdrup oversaw a 900-page official Yet many believe Norway, which has Norway was best of all EEA nations in part in Schengen. fish. —Reuters British expats challenge exclusion from EU referendum

LONDON: A British World War II veteran liv- 15,000 sign online petition ing in Italy launched a legal challenge yes- The High Court in London confirmed terday against a rule barring long-term it received papers on Wednesday seek- expatriates from voting in Britain’s ing an urgent judicial review of the European Union referendum. compatibility of the EU Referendum Act Lawyers for Harry Shindler, 94, and his with European Union law. co-claimant, Belgium resident Jacquelyn “This is the first step in the process of MacLennan, say they are being penalized applying for a judicial review, so there is for exercising their right of free movement no court hearing at this stage,” a court across the EU. spokesman told AFP. “That decision will Britons who have lived abroad for more be made by a judge,” he added, without than 15 years are prohibited from voting in giving a timescale. British general elections and as a result Shindler, who fought in Italy during cannot participate in the referendum on World War II and retired to the country June 23. But lawyers from Leigh Day solici- in 1982, lost a challenge to the 15-year tors argue that the referendum franchise general election rule at the European has already been extended beyond what is Court of Human Rights in 2013. “It normal for elections, and should also leaves us speechless to think anyone include expats. can stand up in parliament and deny If successful, the law farm demanded another Brit the right to vote,” Shindler that the government “rush through amend- said this week from his home in Porto ing legislation” before the June vote. d’Ascoli. The EU Referendum Act passed last year An estimated 1.2 million Britons live gives an exceptional vote to members of in the European Union, according to a the unelected House of Lords, as well as to parliamentary report, and many are Irish and Commonwealth citizens living in concerned about the impact that a so- the British territory of Gibraltar off the called Brexit would have on their rights. southern Spanish coast. Leigh Day claimed that up to two mil- “The people it arbitrarily excludes are lion people could be affected. COLOGNE: This photo taken on December 31, 2015 shows people gathering in front of the main railway station where a rash of those UK citizens who are among those A government spokesman said the sexual assaults in crowds on New Year’s Eve drew intense media coverage. —AFP most likely to be affected by the decision franchise issue had been “debated, con- taken by voters in this referendum,” said sidered and agreed” by parliament. He Richard Stein, the Leigh Day lawyer leading noted that in the long-term-but not in the case. “Not to allow them to vote on the time for the referendum-ministers Germany tightens rape law decision whether the UK remains part of remained committed to a promise to the EU is unlawful and we have asked the scrap the 15-year rule. court to deal with the issues urgently so A petition to allow all British expatri- that the act can be amended before the ates to vote in the referendum, in wake of Cologne assaults June date, to include all UK citizens resid- launched in November, has attracted ing in the EU for however long,” he said. almost 15,000 signatures. —AFP

BERLIN: The German government yesterday sexual coercion and assault under German law. an abusive relationship. approved a tightening of the country’s rape law “It is high time that changes,” he said in a state- Hundreds of women reported sexual attacks to cover cases in which a victim withheld con- ment. “We owe that to the victims.” and robberies in Cologne on New Year’s Eve in sent but did not physically fight back. Chancellor attacks blamed on Arab and North African men. Angela Merkel’s cabinet signed off on the meas- Legal protection for victims The city’s police chief conceded that most per- ure, which still requires parliamentary approval, Currently, rape victims in Germany must not petrators may never be caught over the spate after a rash of sexual assaults in crowds on New only demonstrate that they verbally declined sex of assaults, which ranged from groping to Year’s Eve in the western city of Cologne drew but that they physically resisted against their rapes, that inflamed public debate about a intense media coverage. assailant. Maas said the new legislation would record influx of refugees and migrants. The cas- Justice Minister Heiko Maas called the draft now cover “the actual situations in which most es also revived calls to provide more legal pro- law “an important step toward strengthening attacks occur.” These include cases in which the tection to victims of sexual assault in Germany, sexual self-determination”, noting that there victim was taken by surprise, intimidated or was where critics say the standard of proof in exces- were “unacceptable gaps in protection” against threatened with other violence, for example in sively high. —AFP Belgium names dead gunman

Two suspects held l Raid linked to Paris attacks

BRUSSELS: Belgian authorities identified the The apartment in southern Brussels also and suicide bombings were based in gunman killed in a raid targeting suspects in contained a large cache of ammunition and Belgium’s capital. Brussels has maintained a the Paris attacks as a 35-year-old Algerian an Islamic State flag, investigating prosecutor high state of security alert since then, with and said police had detained two others Eric Van der Sypt said. Investigators were military patrols a regular occurrence. while finding an Islamic State flag at the holding a man admitted to hospital near People living in the Forest suburb of scene. Brussels with a broken leg that required sur- Brussels suffered hours of lockdown after the Investigators believe much of the plan- gery. The person who brought him to hospi- initial search turned into a firefight, and BRUSSELS: (L to R) Belgian Justice minister Koen Geens, Belgian Prime ning and preparation for the Nov. 13 shoot- tal fled as local police arrived. Another sus- voiced shock at the turn of events in their Minister Charles Michel and Vice-Prime Minister and Interior minister Jan Jambon attend a press conference after a meeting of the national security ing and bombing rampage in Paris that killed pect was detained for questioning after a fur- quiet neighborhood. Schoolboy Maxime, 11, council yesterday. —AFP 130 people was conducted in Brussels by ther house search near the scene of the was at home sick when he heard gunfire and young French and Belgian nationals, some of shooting. helicopters and saw masked commandoes whom fought as militants in Syria. on a rooftop. “They had a huge weapon,” he On Tuesday, six Belgian and French police Emergency security council meeting said, and “(I was) “very, very scared”. Poland seizes record officers arrived to search a flat in a Brussels Prime Minister Charles Michel summoned Belgian security forces have been actively suburb and came under a barrage of auto- security and intelligence chiefs for an emer- hunting suspects and associates of the mili- contraband amber haul matic weapons fire through a door from at gency sitting of Belgium’s national security tants involved in the Paris attacks. One of the least two people barricaded inside, injuring council yesterday to review the country’s lev- prime suspects, 26-year-old Brussels-based WARSAW: Polish customs said yester- “the size of an ostrich egg,” they said. four officers. A special forces sniper shot el of alertness and possible extra measures. Frenchman Salah Abdeslam, is still on the day they had seized a record 1.5 They added the Polish driver and dead gunman Mohamed Belkaid when he “The threat remains,” Michel told RTL radio, run. He left Paris hours after his brother blew tones of amber on the border with his Ukrainian co-driver had been tried to fire at police from a window, prose- adding that for now Belgium would be on himself up outside a Paris cafe. Belgian Ukraine, with some stones “the size of arrested but both denied smuggling. cutors said. the second highest alert level of three. authorities are holding 10 people who have an ostrich egg”. The amber, worth an Both countries last year agreed to They said a Kalashnikov assault rifle and a Brussels, headquarters of the European been arrested in the months since the estimated six million Euros was found exchange information on amber book on Salafism, a radical branch of Islam, Union as well as Western military alliance attacks, mostly for helping Abdeslam. carefully wrapped and stashed smuggling. among legal merchandise in a Polish Amber has been highly valued as a were lying next to Belkaid’s body, and that he NATO, was entirely locked down for days Belgium, with a Muslim population of lorry consignment. gemstone since prehistoric times and had been living illegally in Belgium though shortly after the Paris attacks because of about 5 percent among its 11 million people, Some of the haul was uncut but is also used as an ingredient in per- was known to police only for a case of theft fears of a major incident there. Several of has the highest rate in Europe of citizens authorities also uncovered stones fume. —AFP in 2014. those involved in the Islamic State shootings joining Islamist militants in Syria. —Reuters

INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Japan submarine to visit Philippines, other ships to Vietnam

TOKYO: A Japanese submarine will make growing concerns about China’s increas- tested reefs into artificial islands capable will also subsequently visit Cam Ranh in the South China Sea after Manila said a port call in the Philippines for the first ing military muscle amid a series of mar- of supporting military facilities. Bay in Vietnam. it would lease five Japanese military time in 15 years while accompanying itime disputes. Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan The exercise, joined by some 500 per- planes. Philippine President Benigno naval ships will visit Vietnam’s Cam Ranh China claims almost all the South also claim all or part of the Spratlys chain sonnel including officer candidates, is Aquino said last week that Manila would Bay for the first time ever, Japan’s navy China Sea. It is also embroiled in a sepa- in the Sea, while Vietnam and Taiwan scheduled from Saturday through April lease five TC-90 training aircraft from said. rate row with Japan over disputed have rival claims with China in the 27.It will be the first call at a Philippine Japan to “help our navy patrol our terri- The announcement came days after islands in the East China Sea that has Paracels chain there. port by a Japanese submarine since tory”, pointing to the disputed South China accused its Asian rival of interfer- seen relations sour badly in recent years. The Japanese submarine Oyashio and 2001, while the visit by the escort ships China Sea in particular. ing in the South China Sea. Japan, which Tensions in the South China Sea- two escort vessels will visit Subic Bay in to Cam Ranh Bay will mark a first for China immediately reacted, saying it occupied the Philippines and Vietnam through which one-third of the world’s the Philippines for annual open sea drills, Japan’s navy, the spokesman said. The was “firmly opposed” to challenges to its during World War II, is now strengthen- oil passes-have mounted in recent a spokesman for Japan’s Maritime Staff submarine will not go to Vietnam, he sovereignty and security and would ing relations. All three countries share months since China transformed con- Office confirmed to AFP. The escort ships said. Beijing accused Tokyo of interfering “remain on high alert”.—AFP

Kill all the criminals! Duterte’s vote-winning vow in Philippines

LINGAYEN: Rodrigo Duterte curses the His unique form of political courage has pope’s mother and jokes about his own extended to insulting Pope Francis, who is infidelities, but many voters in the revered by many in a nation where 80 per- Philippines want to elect him president so cent of the population are Catholics. In a he can honor a campaign pledge to kill speech to launch his presidential bid late thousands of criminals. Duterte is making a last year, Duterte criticized the pope for spectacular, obscenity-filled charge causing traffic jams when he visited the towards the presidential palace by selling Philippines. Duterte, who is in a long-term himself as a ruthless leader willing to relationship with a woman after having his bypass the judicial system in an unprece- first marriage annulled, also admitted then dented war against crime. to having two girlfriends. However Duterte “Kill them all,” Duterte, 70, told a cheer- jokingly assured taxpayers they would not ing crowd of supporters this month at a foot his mistresses’ bills, explaining he only campaign rally in the small northern city of spent 1,500 pesos ($32) a month on their Lingayen as he outlined his plans to eradi- boarding room rent and saved money by cate drug traffickers. “When I become presi- taking them to short-time hotels. dent, I’ll order the police and the military to Carlos said voters were willing to ignore find these people and kill them.” his indiscretions as they focused on his Such comments are typical fare on the track record in Davao, a formerly crime- campaign trail for Duterte, who in Lingayen plagued city that Duterte says he trans- also jokingly gave business advice to those formed into one of the nation’s most in the crowd to start up funeral parlors in peaceful. “Never mind he cusses a lot, he is preparation of him winning the May elec- a womanizer. I don’t think that will intrude into his effectiveness as a political leader,” she said. Duterte also maintains a frugal lifestyle, in contrast with many corrupt Filipino politicians who use the powers of office to enrich themselves.

Death squad fears Human rights campaigners are not enthusiastic about a Duterte presidency, PYONGYANG: American student Otto Warmbier, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court.—AP warning he has the track record to back up his rhetoric.They accuse Duterte of organiz- ing or tolerating vigilante squads that have North Korea sentences US targeted suspected criminals and street children in Davao, killing more than 1,000 people since the 1980s. For many years Duterte denied the existence of death tourist to 15 years in prison squads, which were allegedly made up of DAGUPAN: In this photo taken on March local policemen, ex-communist rebels and 2, 2016, shows Davao City Mayor and hired assassins. But Duterte has in recent Presidential Candidate Rodrigo Duterte months said he was involved in them and Tried to steal a propaganda banner raising a clenched fist during his cam- that rights groups had in fact underesti- paign sortie.—AFP mated the number of people to have been PYONGYANG: North Korea’s highest court sen- former President Bill Clinton, whose visit in 2009 been incarcerated since November 2012. killed. “They miscalculated... 1,700,” Duterte tenced an American tourist to 15 years in prison secured the freedom of American journalists Jeffrey Fowle, another US tourist from Ohio tions. “The funeral parlors will be packed... told reporters in December. with hard labor for subversion yesterday, weeks Euna Lee and Laura Ling. detained for six months at about the same time I’ll supply the dead bodies,” he said, to more That law enforcement agencies have after authorities presented him to media and he In November 2014, US spy chief James as Miller, was released just before that and sent cheers and laughter. failed to pursue allegations against Duterte tearfully confessed that he had tried to steal a Clapper went to Pyongyang to bring home home on a US government plane. Fowle left a On a previous occasion Duterte, a is not surprising, according to Philippine propaganda banner. Otto Warmbier, a University Matthew Miller, who had ripped up his visa Bible in a local club hoping a North Korean lawyer, pledged to kill 100,000 criminals Human Rights Commission chairman Chito of Virginia undergraduate, was convicted and when entering the country, and Korean- would find it, which is considered a criminal and dump so many in Manila Bay that the Gascon. Gascon said this was part of the sentenced in a one-hour trial in North Korea’s American missionary Kenneth Bae, who had offense in North Korea. —AP “fish will grow fat” from feeding on them. nation’s “culture of impunity”, where politi- Supreme Court. He was charged with subversion cians and powerful figures often get away under Article 60 of North Korea’s criminal code. Political courage with crimes. Other politicians are also The court held that he had committed a crime Surveys indicate his law-and-order plat- accused of running death squads. “pursuant to the US government’s hostile policy Indian journalists see more form, which is a centerpiece of his election Voters are attracted to Duterte’s promise toward (the North), in a bid to impair the unity of strategy, is winning him many fans in a of a quick fix to such fundamental justice its people after entering it as a tourist.” threats, attacks with PM Modi nation bedeviled by crime, corrupt law problems, according to Gascon and other North Korea regularly accuses Washington NEW DELHI: A newscast on whether India ment from the international Committee to enforcement agencies and deep poverty. rights campaigners. “He is popular because and Seoul of sending spies to overthrow its gov- had become intolerant of dissent quickly spi- Protect Journalists. On Friday, Finance Minister The long-time mayor of the major southern he taps into this extreme disappointment in ernment to enable the US-backed South Korean raled into something darker after a guest on Arun Jaitley issued the first government com- city of Davao is one of four candidates with criminality and the inability of the govern- government to take control of the Korean the program referred to a pamphlet that ments condemning the violence surrounding a genuine shot at succeeding President ment to deal with it,” Carlos Conde, a Peninsula. Tensions are particularly high follow- called the Hindu goddess Durga a sex worker. the hearing, saying “it was a terrible exception, Benigno Aquino. And he is gaining popu- Manila-based researcher with Human ing North Korea’s recent nuclear test and rocket Though the host did not make the remarks, what happened. Normally people in a public larity, climbing into second place just four Rights Watch, said. After losing four sons in launch, and massive joint military exercises now she was accused of disparaging the deity and place find media as their natural ally. The percentage points behind Senator Grace Davao to what she and human rights underway between the US and South Korea that was bombarded with more than 2,500 threat- whole idea of getting the media dragged into Poe, according to the latest survey by Pulse groups believe were the death squads, 62- the North sees as a dress rehearsal for invasion. ening calls. contemporaneous controversy and then Asia released this week. year-old Clarita Alia is urging voters to Before the trial, the 21-year-old from “Some called and said they would douse attacking it physically is absolutely unaccept- “Duterte is really a phenomenon. I like beware of short cuts. “I hope they think real- Wyoming, Ohio, said he had tried to steal a prop- me with acid,” Kerala journalist Sindhu able anywhere.” Journalists have never been what he is saying,” Clarita Carlos, a political ly hard because if they vote for the wrong aganda banner as a trophy for an acquaintance entirely safe in India - 11 have been killed since scientist at the University of the Philippines, person the killings will not stop,” Alia, who who wanted to hang it in her church. That would Sooryakumar said. Six members of a militant 2010, according to the CPJ. Most were working said. “I like the fact that he has fire in his lives in one of the city’s bleakest slums, said be grounds in North Korea for a subversion group linked with India’s Hindu nationalist rul- belly and he is politically courageous.” after she visited her sons’ graves. — AFP charge. Trials for foreigners facing similar ing party have been arrested. outside major cities, often covering small-town charges in North Korea are generally short and corruption, when they were killed. The fact punishments severe. Warmbier was arrested as Backlash against free speech that journalists in major cities like New Delhi he tried to leave the country in early January. He Sooryakumar is one of a growing number are now being hounded is relatively novel, was in North Korea with a New Year’s tour group. of Indian journalists who say they are increas- after years during which they operated largely ingly facing a backlash for producing work without fear of retribution thanks in part to the US tourism to North Korea legal that raises questions or criticisms of Prime nation’s educated, urban elite and the foreign US tourism to North Korea is legal. Arrests of Minister Narendra Modi’s government or his media bearing noisy witness. tourists are rare but the US State Department Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP. The crackdowns strongly advises against such travel. Further are happening as journalists try to cover a Journo as story complicating matters, Washington and nationwide debate on how Indian patriotism “As a journalist, you don’t want to be the Pyongyang do not have diplomatic relations. should be defined - as Hindu or multicultural, story yourself,” said Swati Chaturvedi, a veter- The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang acts as a devout or secular - and whether dissent an print and TV journalist who filed a police go-between in consular issues when US citizens should be tolerated. report last year while she said she was receiv- run afoul of North Korean authorities. Members of Modi’s government have ing up to 400 threatening messages a day. “I’m North Korea announced Warmbier’s arrest in offered hard-line views on the issue, equating actually very scared that, one of these days, late January, saying he committed an anti-state criticism of the government with criticism of this sort of thing will trigger a real riot.” crime with “the tacit connivance of the US gov- the country. Human Resource Development Rahul Jalali, president of the Press Club of ernment and under its manipulation.” It remains Minister Smriti Irani said last month that “the India in New Delhi, said he’s noticed a creep- unclear how the US government was allegedly nation can never tolerate an insult to Mother ing change for several years and worries the connected to Warmbier’s actions. India,” while Home Minister Rajnath Singh pressure on journalists could ultimately hurt Warmbier had been staying at the Yanggakdo tweeted that anyone shouting anti-India slo- their credibility. “The moderate space, even International Hotel. It is common for sections of gans “will not be tolerated or spared.” politically, is sort of disappearing, even for tourist hotels to be reserved for North Korean journalists. Today, you’re being forced to take Attacks on members of the press sides,” Jalali said. “There is a lot of self-censor- DAGUPAN: In this photo taken on March 2, 2016, shows Davao City Mayor and staff and off-limits to foreigners. In a tearful Last week, one of India’s best-recognized ship going on.” Presidential Candidate Rodrigo Duterte stating his political platform at college stu- statement made before his trial, Warmbier told a TV anchors, Barkha Dutt, filed a police report For the media, “it’s disastrous, we’re losing dents during his campaign sortie.—AFP gathering of reporters in Pyongyang he tried to take the banner as a trophy for the mother of a after allegedly receiving “anonymous abusive our objectivism,” he said. But he hoped it was friend who said she wanted to put it up in her death threats.” She had been reporting along temporary, noting that India’s media had church. He said he was offered a used car worth with the rest of the capital’s media on a uni- endured previous crackdowns, including Thai mototaxi driver nicked $10,000 if he could get a banner and was also versity student’s arrest for allegedly making Indira Gandhi imposing a state of emergency told that if he was detained and didn’t return, anti-India statements. The student criticized and seizing powers in 1975-77. $200,000 would be paid to his mother in the the 2013 secret hanging - under a previous After Sooryakumar, the Kerala news for nicking 4,000 knickers form of a charitable donation. Warmbier said he government - of a Kashmiri separatist convict- anchor, filed a police complaint about the accepted the offer because his family was “suf- ed of an attack on Parliament. threatening phone calls she received, police BANGKOK: A taxi driver accused of steal- cannot detain him because we cannot find fering from very severe financial difficulties.” Dutt told a conference organized by a arrested six members of the militant Hindu ing some 4,000 items of women’s under- plaintiffs and the villagers are too embar- Warmbier also said he had been encouraged women’s group that, following her reports, organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, wear in Thailand has been publicly paraded rassed so I decided to make a public alert,” by the university’s “Z Society,” which he said he she received calls threatening “rape, sexual or RSS - the ideological parent of the ruling by police, the second time in six years the Sergeant Suwat Nisungkat of Samut Prakan was trying to join. The magazine of the universi- abuse and even shooting me.” BJP - for alleged harassment, including post- alleged panty thief has been nabbed for police told AFP. ty’s alumni association describes the Z Society as During that same student’s court hearing ing Sooryakumar’s cellphone number to a fuelling his fetish. This is not the first time the prolific a “semi-secret ring society” founded in 1892 that on sedition charges last month, lawyers beat social media group. Sooryakumar said the The 54-year-old motorbike taxi chauf- panty stealer has been caught for such an conducts philanthropy, puts on honorary din- reporters and damaged cameras and record- group “exhorted members to call me and feur was paraded before local media yes- offence. In 2010, police found him in pos- ners and grants academic awards. ing equipment while demanding they not cov- solicit my services as a sex worker.” When the terday next to a mountain of bras and session of some 10,000 undergarments he er public protests against the student’s arrest. six were released on bail earlier this month, a underwear that he allegedly stole in had surreptitiously plucked from clothes- Public confessions Journalists from several broadcasters, newspa- crowd of RSS members reportedly greeted between ferrying passengers around the lines and drying racks. In previous cases, people who have been pers and wire services were attacked, includ- them with cheers. Kerala’s BJP president and Thai capital on the back of his moped. He was convicted of theft and jailed for detained in North Korea and made a public con- ing an Associated Press photographer whose RSS member Kummanam Rajasekharan But investigators said they were current- slightly over three years, Suwat said. “After fession often recant those statements after their hand was bruised and camera lens broken. The denied RSS involvement and said anyone who ly unable to charge him because no one he was arrested his wife left him and now release. In the past, North Korea has held out attacks “have heightened concerns about the called the newscaster had “acted so of their has made an official complaint as they she has become a nun because she’s until senior US officials or statesmen came to state of press freedom in India,” said a state- own volition.” —AP called for victims to come forward. “Police embarrassed,” the officer said.—AFP personally bail out detainees, all the way up to NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 Kuwait to take part in ‘oil meeting’ in Qatar

DUBAI: Kuwait will take part in a meeting of OPEC and ty of the oil market and prices”. According to well- non-OPEC oil producers in the Qatari capital Doha in informed oil sources, Kuwait’s current capacity is 3 mil- April, the acting Oil Minister said yesterday. Qatar’s lion barrels but it is only producing 2.7 million after pro- Energy Minister Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, said yes- duction stopped in Wafra and Khafji fields. Kuwait terday that OPEC and non-OPEC producers will hold the would insist on its current share of 3000 barrels a day meeting on April 17. Anas Al-Saleh, who is also Kuwait’s but can only agree to lower its daily production to 2700 Finance Minister, said in a statement that the Doha barrels a day if other members concede to help increase meeting aims to “complete consultations for the stabili- oil prices to $50 to $60 per barrel. — Agencies Denmark world’s happiest country, Burundi the least ROME: Denmark overtook Switzerland as the world’s happiest place, according to a report yesterday that urged nations regardless of wealth to tackle inequality and pro- tect the environment. The report, pre- pared by the Sustainable KUWAIT: Mohammed Al-Mutairi and Joe Aquilina are pictured during the operation. For the first time in Development Solutions Network Kuwait, the Chest Hospital performed a successful cardiac catheterization surgery through the CorPath (SDSN) and the Earth Institute at Vascular Robotic System using Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (Abdsorb). This is the first time the equip- Columbia University, showed Syria, ment has been used in the Middle East. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Afghanistan and eight sub-Saharan countries as the 10 least happy places on earth to live. The top 10 this year were Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden. Denmark was in third place last year, behind Switzerland and Iceland. The bottom 10 were Madagascar, Tanzania, Liberia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, Afghanistan, Togo, Syria and Burundi. The United States came in at TIVOLI: Photo shows Tivoli in Denmark. US Democratic front-runners 13, the United Kingdom at 23, France Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have singled out the small at 32, and Italy at 50. “There is a very Scandinavian country as an example of a happy, well-oiled society. strong message for my country, the Yesterday, the United Nations made it official: It found Danes to be the United States, which is very rich, has happiest people on Earth, in a study of 156 countries. — AP gotten a lot richer over the last 50 years, but has gotten no happier,” said the report, now in its fourth edition, Yardstick for happiness Professor Jeffrey Sachs, head of the ranks 157 countries by happiness lev- The first report was issued in 2012 SDSN and special advisor to UN els using factors such as per capita to support a UN meeting on happi- Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. gross domestic product (GDP) and ness and well-being. Five countries - While the differences between healthy years of life expectancy. It also Bhutan, Ecuador, Scotland, United countries where people are happy rates “having someone to count on in Arab Emirates and Venezuela - now and those where they are not could times of trouble” and freedom from have appointed Ministers of be scientifically measured, “we can corruption in government and busi- Happiness charged with promoting it understand why and do something ness. “When countries single-minded- as a goal of public policy. The 2016 about it,” Sachs, one of the report’s ly pursue individual objectives, such as survey showed that three countries in authors, told Reuters in an interview in economic development to the neg- particular, Ireland, Iceland and Japan, Rome. “The message for the United lect of social and environmental were able to maintain their happiness States is clear. For a society that just objectives, the results can be highly levels despite external shocks such as chases money, we are chasing the adverse for human wellbeing, even the post-2007 economic crisis and the wrong things. Our social fabric is dete- dangerous for survival,” it said. “Many 2011 earthquake because of social riorating, social trust is deteriorating, countries in recent years have support and solidarity. Sachs pointed faith in government is deteriorating,” achieved economic growth at the cost to Costa Rica, which came in 14th and Joe Aquilina explains how the machine works to doctors. he said. of sharply rising inequality, ahead of many wealthier countries, as Aiming to “survey the scientific entrenched social exclusion, and an example of a healthy, happy socie- underpinnings of measuring and grave damage to the natural environ- ty although it is not an economic Chest Hospital performs rare... understanding subjective well-being,” ment.” powerhouse. — Reuters Continued from Page 1 unchanged from its introduction, and current PCI is not optimized to the level of complexity, dexterity and pre- Mutairi added that the CorPath Vascular Robotic cision required. Al-Subaih refutes claims as Ashour blasts... System minimizes the radiation to almost 0% - without Aquilina added that the occupational hazards in the Continued from Page 1 plated privatizing cooperative societies. In a rejoinder to wearing protection suits. “As a doctor in Cardiology cath lab are serious. “As PCI procedures become more Ashour’s criticism, the Social Affairs and Labor Minister Department, we work with radiation daily and we are complex and longer, radiation exposure and time in Ashour said during the grilling’s debate that the step affirmed that she is a proponent of co-ops and she val- regularly exposed to X-ray radiations. Doctors who fre- heavy lead gear continue to increase. Corindus devel- by Subaih to privatize Al-Dasma Cooperative Society ues their services to society. She said during her admin- quently work around these machines take every pre- oped the CorPath System to bring robotic precision to was “unconstitutional.” istration, co-ops have prospered enormously - posting caution to reduce the risk of radiation exposure by interventional cardiology while enabling a safer work- He said that privatizing Al-Dasma and Bnaid Al-Gar more than KD 57 million in profits in 2015, a far cry from wearing a 10 Kg suit, but it also heavy and risky. This ing environment for the cath lab team,” Aquilina co-op was tantamount to a plot against the idea of the KD 38 million in the years before she took office. Robotic Machine helps to minimize the radiation to explained. work of cooperative societies, adding that the Ministry With regard to Al-Dasma co-op, which has experi- almost 0% and it prevent doctors from having On the benefits of Corpath robotic-Assisted PCI, of Social Affairs and Labor was complicit in the sale of enced difficulties, Al-Subaih said the problems are cataracts, and developing some sort of cancers. It Aquilina said that the machine has 95% reduction rate Al-Dasma co-op on Feb 21, 2016, opening the door being addressed and that the co-op’s General Assembly brings robotic precision to interventional cardiology in radiation exposure for primary operator, and it per- wide for further sales of other co-ops. MP Ashour last February agreed to submit the co-op’s properties to while enabling a safer working environment for the forms procedures comfortably, without the need for decried, the way the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor being invested by outside investors in a bid to bring the cath lab team,” he said. heavy lead aprons. The Corpath robotic system has been dealing with Kuwaiti orphans housed in gov- co-op back to solvency. She noted that the Al-Dasma For his part, Joe Aquilina, Clinical Account Manager enhanced visualization while seated in the ernment orphan homes. He said the Ministry is not sat- co-op has been running large deficits - by 2014 the of Corindus Orthopedic told Kuwait Times that the Interventional Cockpit. It prevents orthopedic injuries isfactorily taking care of 136 state-sponsored orphans. deficit ran into KD 6 million. The minister stressed that angioplasty procedure has remained unchanged for such as a 60% incidence of spine issues after 21 years in He urged the Ministry not to forcibly evict orphans from the cooperative movement is progressing well and that over the last 30 years. Unlike many other invasive pro- practice; 28% report hip, knee, or ankle problems state orphanages. the Ministry she headed is working for the best of the cedures, today’s PCI procedure remains largely among others. Minister Subaih refuted the claims that she contem- co-ops and the society together. — KUNA THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Issues Math and momentum point to Clinton and Trump nominations

By Steve Peoples and Julie pace

ith math and momentum on his side after more big wins, Republican front-runner Donald Trump called on WGOP leaders yesterday to embrace the public’s “tremen- dous fervor” for his candidacy. If GOP leaders try to deny him the nomination at a contested convention when he is leading the delegate count, Trump predicted, “You’d have riots.” Trump, mak- ing a round of calls to morning TV talk shows, predicted he’d amass enough delegates to snag the nomination outright before the Republican convention, but added that “there’s going to be a tremendous problem” if the Republican establishment tries to outmaneuver him at the convention. He also said some Republican senators who are publicly trashing him have called him privately to say they want to “become involved” in his campaign, eventually. Trump did not name any. Democrat Hillary Clinton, ready for a November Marco Rubio: the GOP’s fallen golden boy matchup against Trump, took aim at him after strengthening her position against rival Bernie Sanders with another batch of pri- mary victories of her own. By Ivan Couronne renewing Republican political thinking. wrote in his 2012 memoir “An American ended up eclipsing Crist, who ran as an “Our commander-in-chief has to be able to defend our coun- But 2016 has turned out to be the year of Son.” independent. Rubio won the Senate seat, try, not embarrass it,” Clinton said in a speech that largely ignored hen he announced his presiden- the political outsider, a time for candidates However else he may describe himself, and emerged as a young star of the ultra- Sanders. “We can’t lose what made America great in the first tial candidacy last year, Florida who do not smack of politics as usual-not Rubio is indeed a product of the establish- conservative Tea Party movement. On his place.” Clinton triumphed in the Florida, Illinois, Ohio and North WSenator Marco Rubio said some senators and governors. ment, spending much of his adult life in arrival in Washington, conservatives trau- Carolina presidential primaries, putting her in a commanding people were urging him to hold off, but he politics. Just two years after earning a law matized by the election of President position to become the first woman in US history to win a major- simply could not. “I believe our very identi- Cuban success story degree, he was elected in 1998 to the West Barack Obama believed they had found party nomination. Trump strengthened his hand in the ty as an exceptional nation is at stake, and A recurring theme of the Rubio candi- Miami City Commission. A year later, it was their savior. Conservative news outlets Republican race with wins in Florida, North Carolina, and Illinois I can make a difference as president,” dacy was the story of his parents, a hotel Florida’s House of Representatives, where positively drooled over Rubio. He was only but fell in Ohio to that state’s governor, John Kasich. Rubio said, portraying himself as a young bartender and a cleaning lady in Miami. he rose to become speaker from 2006 to in his 40s, spoke Spanish, went to mass Votes were also being counted in Missouri, though races in and fresh new face for the Republican and liked rap music, but still did not both parties there were too close to call. Kasich, celebrating his Party. That was in April, two months undermine any core conservative values win, told NBC’s “Today” show, “I dealt him a very, very big blow to before Donald Trump entered the race. on issues such as abortion, gay marriage being able to have the number of delegates.” He added that nei- Now, it is all over for Rubio, who did poorly or opposition to the Castro regime in ther Trump nor Texas Sen. Cruz can win the general election. throughout the primary voting season Cuba. Florida Sen Marco Rubio ended his once-promising campaign and ultimately could not even win in his He was an eloquent-albeit somewhat after a devastating home-state loss that narrowed the field to home state, falling Tuesday to the Trump mechanical-public speaker. Rubio was per- just three candidates: Trump, Kasich and Texas Sen Ted Cruz. juggernaut. fect for lifting the party’s fortunes among Even before Tuesday’s results, a group of conservatives was plan- “After tonight, it is clear that while we Hispanic voters. But his Tea Party support ning to meet to discuss ways to stop Trump, including a contest- are on the right side, this year we will not plunged in 2013 after he helped craft ed convention or rallying around a third-party candidate. While be on the winning side,” Rubio told sup- comprehensive immigration reform that no such candidate has been identified, the participants in porters as he suspended his campaign. “I would have legalized millions of undocu- Thursday’s meeting planned to discuss ballot access issues, ask the American people-do not give into mented migrants. Running for president including using an existing third party as a vehicle or securing the fear, do not give into the frustration,” was to be Rubio’s redemption. As the signatures for an independent bid. A person familiar with the he said, taking a parting shot at the fron- months went by, his polling numbers rose, planning confirmed the meeting on the condition of anonymity trunner. “The politics of resentment and he finished third in the Iowa caucuses because the person was not authorized to discuss the gathering against other people will not just leave us in February in a crowded Republican field. by name. Even House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., did not rule out Rubio sat well with both evangelical con- the idea of being drafted by the party at the convention. a fractured party-they’re going to leave us servatives and more centrist Republicans. “People say, ‘What about the contested convention?’ “Ryan a fractured nation,” he said. Rubio, 44, was said in an interview with CNBC. “I say, well, there are a lot of peo- the polar opposite of the billionaire When Bush pulled out of the presiden- ple running for president. We’ll see. Who knows?” With more than Trump. The son of poor Cuban immigrants, tial race, the party establishment placed half the delegates awarded through six weeks of primary voting, Rubio pledged to usher in a “new its hope in Rubio. After subsequent pri- Trump is the only Republican candidate with a realistic path to American century”-a tweak to the “morn- maries, as Trump scored win after win, the 1,237 delegates needed to clinch the nomination through ing in America” slogan of his political idol, FLORIDA: Republican presidential candidate US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rubio pulled out all the stops and in a the traditional route. Kasich prevented a total Trump takeover by Ronald Reagan-with a message that was flanked by his family, speaks at a primary night rally on March 15, 2016 in debate on February 25 launched an all-out denying him victory in Ohio. But after Tuesday’s contests, it’s conservative but optimistic. Miami, Florida. Rubio announced he was suspending his campaign after los- attack against the real estate mogul, criti- mathematically impossible for the Ohio governor to win a major- Rubio was not just a telegenic young ing his home state to Republican rival Donald Trump. —AFP cizing everything down to the size of his ity of delegates before the GOP’s July national convention. “No overachiever. As he prepared his candida- hands-a schoolboy taunt Rubio later said candidate will win 1,237 delegates,” Kasich’s chief strategist, John cy in 2013 and 2014, the first-term US sen- Through sheer hard work, albeit without 2008, just as Jeb Bush was winding down he regretted. Rubio’s long, slow decline Weaver, declared in a post-election memo. He suggested Kasich ator worked hard to gain stature, giving getting rich, they achieved their American his term as governor. In 2011, Rubio began continued, but he refused to drop out, is well-positioned to amass delegates in the upcoming primary myriad speeches on defense, the welfare dream: raising a family, owning their own his term in the Senate. He won that seat by hoping for a last-gasp win in Florida. It did contests to help bolster his position in a contested convention. state, family issues and foreign affairs. He home and setting their kids up for an even challenging Florida’s then Republican gov- not happen. Rubio has joked on the cam- Cruz is in better position than Kasich, but he too faces a daunting would address the Senate and make the better future. “I am the son of immigrants, ernor Charlie Crist, who had the support of paign trail that if his White House bid mathematical challenge after losing four of five contests Tuesday. rounds of the Washington think tanks with exiles from a troubled country. They gave the party hierarchy. failed, he would love to be commissioner The Texas senator needs to claim roughly 75 percent of the what his top-notch communications peo- me everything it was in their power to Rubio likes to depict that race as a sort of the National Football League. Might remaining delegates to earn the delegate majority, according to ple routinely called major policy address- give. And I am proof their lives mattered, of David and Goliath showdown. Rubio that be a good place to wait for the next Associated Press delegate projections. es. To hear Rubio tell it, he was the key to their existence had a purpose,” Rubio became more and more well-known and election in 2020 to come around? —AFP With Rubio out of the race, Cruz welcomed the Florida sena- tor’s supporters “with open arms.” The fiery conservative tried to cast the GOP nomination battle as a two-person race between himself and Trump. On the Democratic side, Clinton’s victories John Kasich: The adult in the Republican playpen were blows to Sanders and bolstered her argument that she’s the best Democrat to take on the eventual Republican nominee in By Daniel Woolls start of a debate in Detroit, Michigan. “And Affable and seemingly relaxed on the cam- his strong showing in New Hampshire. Kasich the general election. Her win in Ohio was a particular relief for people say everywhere I go, ‘You seem to be paign trail, he has largely refrained from has earned praise from The New York Times, her campaign, which grew anxious after Sanders pulled off a sur- s debate after debate degenerated the adult on the stage,’” Kasich added. attacking his opponents, projecting a relent- which called him “the only plausible choice prising win last week in Michigan. Clinton kept up her large mar- into schoolyard shouting and insults lessly positive image that set him apart from for Republicans tired of the extremism and gins with black voters, a crucial group for Democrats in the gen- among men vying to be US president, Staying positive his combative rivals-the billionaire frontrun- inexperience on display in this race.” eral election. A John Kasich fashioned himself the only Kasich is hardly a household name in ner Trump chief among them. “We never Still, in absolute terms, Kasich is “no mod- Clinton has at least 1,561 delegates, including the superdele- grownup on the Republican stage. The Ohio American politics. But he surged into the went negative because we have more good erate,” the Times noted, citing his record of gates who are elected officials and party leaders free to support governor, winner of Tuesday’s primary in his national view early in the race by finishing to sell than to spend our time being critical of confronting trade unions, limiting abortion the candidate of their choice. Sanders has at least 800. It takes key home state, insists he is about substance second in the New Hampshire primary. somebody else,” Kasich said on the night of rights, opposing same-sex marriage-a reflec- 2,383 to win the Democratic nomination. Trump’s Florida victory and issues-not headline-grabbing trash talk tion of just how far right the Republican Party brought his delegate total to 621. Cruz has 396 and Kasich 138. of the kind made popular in this election has moved. Kasich is also a vocal defender of Rubio left the race with 168 delegates. Clinton was more willing cycle by frontrunner Donald Trump. the right to bear arms, another fault line in than Republican officials to recognize the likelihood of a Trump “We know that we need to unite this America’s increasingly polarized politics. nomination, warning supporters that the New York real estate country and be Americans and not spend our Elected Ohio governor in 2010 and re-elected mogul has laid out a “really dangerous path” for the country. time dividing people in this country,” Kasich in 2014, Kasich previously served as a US con- Republican voters continue to back Trump’s most controversial told CNN after his victory was called. The win gressman from 1983 to 2001, when he proposals, with two-thirds of those who participated in GOP pri- was a sweet, and essential one, for Kasich. He earned kudos for helping balance federal maries Tuesday saying they support temporarily banning had yet to win a primary this season and budgets, and as a state senator from 1979 to Muslims from the United States, according to exit polls. —AP absolutely needed a strong showing on his 1983. home turf to stay in the race after polling last He considered a presidential bid in 2000 or near last for much of the race. Kasich, a sit- before giving up politics, going to work as an All articles appearing on these ting two-term governor and former congress- investment banker and commentator for Fox pages are the personal opinion of man, embodies the political establishment- News. Kasich has often touted his bipartisan hardly an advantage in an election year dom- credentials while in office. In 1994, he voted the writers. Kuwait Times takes no inated by populist calls for an outsider to take with Democrats to support an assault responsibility for views expressed the reins in Washington. weapons ban under President Bill Clinton, therein. Kuwait Times invites read- The 63-year-old tries to project an image which earned him the National Rifle as an experienced, more moderate optimist Association’s wrath. He also proposed his ers to voice their opinions. Please compared to his firebrand rivals. Kasich says own version of universal health care as a send submissions via email to: opin- that a mature, steady hand like his stands out House Budget Committee member during [email protected] or via snail and wins people over when Trump and his the 1990s. Since he launched his campaign, mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. other rivals are at each other’s throats. Kasich has been mentioned as a potential The editor reserves the right to edit “Throughout this campaign, I’ve talked about BEREA: Republican US Presidential hopeful Ohio Governor John Kasich cele- vice presidential pick, someone who could issues, I have never tried to go and get into brates his Ohio primary victory during voting day rally at Baldwin Wallace help carry the crucial swing state of Ohio these scrums that we’re seeing here on the while lending gravitas and experience to the any submission as necessary. University in Berea, Ohio. —AFP stage,” Kasich said early this month at the ticket. —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 SPORTS

Feuz wins as Peter Fill Galatasaray name Olde Northern Ireland boss claims downhill title Riekering as new coach O’Neill signs new deal ISTANBUL: Istanbul giants Galatasaray yesterday named SAINT MORITZ: Peter Fill became the first Italian to win the men’s World Cup Jan Olde Riekering as coach until the end of the season, LONDON: Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has signed a new four- downhill title yesterday after Swiss skier Beat Feuz won the season-finale at replacing Mustafa Denizli, whose doomed three month year contract after steering his side to the Euro 2016 finals, the Irish Football Saint Moritz. Fill did enough in 10th to overtake Aksel Lund Svindal, the injured spell saw the team crash out of title contention. The Association announced yesterday. The extension comes after O’Neill guided Norwegian with whom he had gone into the last event as joint downhill leader. Dutchman, 53, who joined the club’s coaching staff last Northern Ireland to the final stages of a major tournament for the Fill, 2009 world silver medallist in the super-G, finished the downhill season month, takes the reins with the team languishing fifth in first time since the 1986 World Cup.O’Neill’s new deal is set to see with 462 points, with Svindal, who had dominated the speed tests until a the Super Lig after winning the title last season. His first him become the highest paid manager in Northern Ireland’s his- Kitzbuehel crash ended his season prematurely in January, on 436 points. game in charge will be Sunday’s home derby clash with tory, with the BBC reporting the contract to be worth £500,000 Switching coaches proved a good move for 33- Fenerbahce, who lie second in the table behind Besiktas, a a year ($705,000, 636,000 euros). It is also understood that the year-old Fill on the evidence of his best ever full 20 points above Galatasaray. The side is packed with contract extension, which will begin after Euro 2016, includes a season with the highlight his win on the pres- international stars like German international Lukas release cause entitling the IFA to compensation if tigious Kitzbuehel downhill. That was only Podolski, Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder and Uruguayan the 46-year-old O’Neill was lured back into club his second ever World Cup success after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. But to the despair of fans, management. Under O’Neill, Northern Ireland Lake Louise in 2008. “This globe is reward Galatasaray have crashed out of the Champions League became the first fifth-seeded nation to top a for my consistency,” said Fill who has had and Europa Cup and are well off the pace in what is shap- European Championship qualifying group, 14 podium finishes in his career. He said ing up to be a titanic title battle between its fierce Istanbul finishing ahead of Romania and Hungary. At he only knew he’d scooped the title rivals Besiktas and Fenerbahce. Denizli-who took charge of the finals in France, they will play Poland, when other skiers came up to offer their the club for the third time in his career- quit two weeks ago Ukraine and world champions Germany, with congratulations. —AFP in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to Gaziantepspor.—AFP their first match on June 12. — AFP

Djokovic and Nadal tested but advance in California

CALIFORNIA: World number one Novak at the same time, I played well with not Djokovic broke his opponent late in both many mistakes as I went for the points,” said sets to eke out a 7-5 7-5 third round victory Nadal, who is looking for his fourth title at over an upset-minded Philipp Indian Wells. Kohlschreiber on Tuesday as the Serb con- “I lost matches similar to this one in tinued his BNP Paribas Open title defense Australia, in Buenos Aires and in Rio de in California. One day after world number Janeiro, so it’s important for me to win two Andy Murray was surprisingly knocked matches like this.” Nadal next faces 18-year- out of competition, Djokovic had no such old German prospect Alexandr Zverev, who letdown despite suffering a bit of a wobble the Spaniard believes is “a possible future towards the end of the match. number one”. The power-hitting Zverev Djokovic broke serve to lead 4-2 in the confirmed his potential by breezing past second set and squandered four match 16th-seeded Gilles Simon of France 6-2 6-2 points in the ninth game before handing in just 67 minutes. “I thought I played really back the break to the German world num- well today,” said Zverev. “I was really ready ber 30. The next two games went with for a long, long fight and a long three-set serve with Djokovic ensuring the contest match... I’m really happy that I got through would not go to a deciding set when he so quickly.” sealed victory on his fifth match point in Zverev is bidding to become the breaking his opponent for the fourth time youngest quarter-finalist at the event since in the match to advance to the round of 16. 1989 and to reach his first ATP World Tour He next plays Spaniard Feliciano Lopez for Masters 1000 quarter-final in just his fifth a place in the quarter-finals. tournament at this level. Earlier, Japanese Elsewhere, Rafael Nadal gained a mod- fifth seed Kei Nishikori reached the round icum of revenge over Spanish compatriot of 16 with a 7-6(6) 7-6(5) win over American Fernando Verdasco with a 6-0 7-6(9) tri- Steve Johnson. Nishikori, chasing his sec- umph. Having lost to Verdasco in the open- ond ATP World Tour title of the season after ing round of the Australian Open in victory in Memphis last month, will next January, Nadal dominated early before dig- face big-serving American ninth seed John ging in late in the second set to put the Isner, who fired 15 aces in his 6-4 7-6(4) win match away, saving five set points in the over France’s Adrian Mannarino. France’s tie-break to triumph after falling 6-3 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga took down American behind. “I feel lucky to win the tie-break but Sam Querrey 6-3 6-4. Serena Williams sets PHILADELPHIA: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Detroit Red Wings skates in his first NHL game against Steve Mason #35 and Andrew MacDonald up Halep showdown #47 of the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 15, 2016.—AFP

CALIFORNIA: Serena Williams sent down have my chance,” Halep said. “I feel that I seven aces on her way to a comprehensive have the game to play against her. We will Capitals clinch playoff; 6-2 6-2 victory over Kateryna Bondarenko see tomorrow. She’s number one in the at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday, set- world.” In earlier women’s action, Polish ting up a mouth-watering quarter-final third seed Agnieska Radwanska beat against defending champion Simona Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-3 to reach the overcome Hurricanes Halep. “It’ll be a really good match I think quarter-finals, where she will face world for both of us to kind of see where we want number nine Petra Kvitova. Radwanska, to be at this point in the year,” top seed who was a runner-up in the event two Williams told reporters of the showdown years ago, broke last year’s losing finalist six WASHINGTON: Alex Ovechkin scored in over- Parenteau added empty-net goals while assists in his past four games. Jaromir Jagr against the Romanian in California. times in an error-strewn contest in which time as the Washington Capitals picked up Jonathan Bernier made 26 saves for his ninth got his 1,111th career assist on Barkov’s goal. “I really like her game. I like how she’s both players struggled on serve. their 50th win of the season and became the win of the season. Brian Boyle scored for aggressive. She’s a fighter. I definitely have Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova first NHL team to clinch a playoff spot, beating Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 20 SENATORS 3, WILD 2, OT to be ready.” The American world number ended the fairytale run of American qualifi- the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 Tuesday night. shots in the loss. Erik Karlsson scored at 4:29 of overtime to one, a 21-time grand slam champion, is er Nicole Gibbs, rallying for a 4-6 6-3 6-4 Ovechkin scored his seventh game-winner of lift Ottawa past Minnesota. Mike Hoffman looking for her first title at Indian Wells win to book her spot in the quarters. the season 1:38 into overtime after the FLYERS 4, RED WINGS 3 and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the since 2001. Halep moved a step closer to Kvitova imposed her left-handed power to Capitals clinched a playoff spot by picking up Michael Raffl scored two goals to lift Senators as Craig Anderson, making his 55th repeating last year’s triumph after her overcome Gibbs, swatting 27 winners to 11 a point. It’s their eighth playoff appearance in Philadelphia to a key win in its playoff push. start of the season, made 23 saves. Nino opponent Barbora Strycova retired with the for the American and claiming 18-of-25 nine seasons and one that has been inevitable The Flyers have 78 points and pulled within Niederreiter and Ryan Carter scored for the world number five leading 6-3 1-0. The points at net to prevail. “It’s always tough for a long time as they’ve skated away from one point of the Red Wings for the final Wild, who have a one-point lead on the Romanian has only defeated Williams once coming back after losing the first (set),” said the rest of the field. Justin Williams also scored Eastern Conference wild-card playoff berth. Colorado Avalanche for the final wild-card in her career, a 6-0 6-2 thrashing in the the Czech, who has needed three sets in for Washington, which got 25 saves from The Flyers dominated the Red Wings early spot in the Western Conference. Devan group stages of the 2014 WTA Finals that each of her three victories. “We both played Braden Holtby. Hurricanes goaltender Eddie and outshot Detroit 23-3 in the first period. Dubnyk stopped 17 shots. The Senators were the American avenged in an equally as really well in the third set so I was happy to Lack stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced. They held on after Detroit’s Tomas Tatar looking to carry momentum from a 4-0 win one-sided final. get the win.” Italian ninth seed Roberta Jordan Staal scored for Carolina, which had its scored with 3:46 left in the game to make it over Toronto on Saturday, but struggled The pair were due to meet in the semi- Vinci retired from her match against dim playoff hopes take another hit. 4-3. Raffle and Wayne Simmonds both scored against the stingy Wild. final of this tournament a year ago but unseeded Magdalena Rybarikova while in the first to give the Flyers a lead they Williams was forced to withdraw ahead of trailing 2-6 0-2. Victoria Azarenka, Timea PENGUINS 2, ISLANDERS 1, SO would never relinquish. With 14 games left KINGS 5, STARS 2 the contest through a knee injury. “I know Bacsinszky and Karolina Pliskova were also Tyler Toffoli scored again a night after end- that it’s gonna be tough to win, but still, I winners.— Reuters Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang scored the only this season, the Flyers need every point pos- goal of the shootout with a pretty backhand sible to reach the playoffs. It’s crunch time: ing a long goal drought as Los Angeles past New York Islanders rookie goalie Jean- Philadelphia also plays Pittsburgh three capped an impressive back-to-back with Francois Berube to lift the Penguins. Marc- times and is at Detroit on April 6. The Flyers another win. Anze Kopitar had a goal and an Andre Fleury stopped Frans Nielsen, Kyle are only four points behind the Penguins. assist for the Kings, who scored 23 seconds in Okposo and John Tavares in the shootout as and had a 4-1 lead early in the second period Pittsburgh strengthened its hold on the first PANTHERS 4, CANADIENS 1 a night after dominating another top Western wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Vincent Trochek scored a goal and set up Conference team in a 5-0 win over Chicago. Fleury finished with 25 saves for the Penguins. one by Jiri Hudler as Florida beat injury-rid- Los Angeles improved to 9-1-1 on the second Chris Kunitz scored his 14th goal of the sea- dled Montreal. Nick Bjugstad and Aleksander night of back-to-back. The Kings won for the son in the 800th game of his career. Sidney Barkov also scored for Florida, which has won fourth time in five games and are up to 89 Crosby picked up the secondary assist to three of its past four games to stay in the points, two behind Dallas and St Louis atop extend his points streak to nine games. tight battle for first place in the Atlantic the West and four points clear of Anaheim in Berube made 33 stops in his third NHL start, Division with Tampa Bay and Boston. Alex the Pacific Division. Los Angeles has 13 including several in the extra period. Okposo’s Galchenyuk, with his 12th goal in 10 games, games remaining to 11 for the Stars and score at 14:35 of the third sent the game to scored for Montreal, which lost a second in a Blues. Chicago has 88 points with 12 games overtime, but the Islanders couldn’t pick up row at home. Trocheck has two goals and six to play.—AP the additional point when they failed to solve Fleury in the shootout. NHL Results/Standings SHARKS 3, BRUINS 2 Joonas Donskoi scored a tiebreaking pow- Pittsburgh 2, NY Islanders 1 (So); Washington 2, Carolina 1 (OT); Toronto 4, Tampa Bay 1; Florida 4, Montreal 1; Ottawa er-play goal with 13:23 remaining after an 3, Minnesota 2 (OT); Philadelphia 4, Detroit 3; Los Angeles 5, Dallas 2; San Jose 3, Boston 2. offensive zone penalty by Boston’s Jimmy Western Conference Boston 39 24 8 215 191 86 Hayes and the San Jose Sharks beat the Central Division Tampa Bay 40 25 5 191 167 85 Bruins. Brent Burns helped set up Donskoi’s W L OTL GF GA PTS Detroit 34 25 11 176 186 79 Dallas 41 21 9 229 208 91 goal and scored one of his own, tying Sandis Ottawa 33 30 8 205 220 74 Ozolinsh’s franchise records for goals and St. Louis 41 21 9 187 179 91 Chicago 41 23 6 195 173 88 Montreal 32 32 6 188 198 70 points in a season by a defensemen. Melker Nashville 35 22 13 192 179 83 Buffalo 28 33 9 167 190 65 Karlsson also scored as San Jose won consec- Minnesota 32 27 11 184 175 75 Toronto 24 34 11 164 202 59 utive home games for the first time in two Colorado 35 31 4 188 198 74 Metropolitan Division Winnipeg 29 35 5 181 205 63 months to move within one point of Anaheim Washington 50 14 5 221 161 105 Pacific Division for second place in the Pacific Division. James NY Islanders 38 21 9 194 170 85 Reimer made 21 saves on his 28th birthday for Los Angeles 42 22 5 190 156 89 Anaheim 38 21 9 174 160 85 NY Rangers 39 23 7 197 181 85 his first home win with San Jose. San Jose 39 24 6 206 181 84 Pittsburgh 37 24 8 190 174 82 Arizona 30 32 7 185 211 67 Philadelphia 33 23 12 178 183 78 MAPLE LEAFS 4, LIGHTNING 1 Vancouver 27 29 12 166 197 66 Carolina 31 26 13 171 188 75 Calgary 29 35 5 189 217 63 Ben Smith and Connor Carrick scored their New Jersey 33 30 7 154 178 73 Edmonton 27 38 7 171 212 61 first goals of the season to help Toronto beat Columbus 28 33 8 180 215 64 Tampa Bay. With the win, the Leafs have won Eastern Conference CALIFORNIA: World No 1 Serena Williams of USA returns a shot to Kateryna Bondarenko Atlantic Division Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the back-to-back games and picked up points in Florida 39 22 9 198 171 87 standings and are not included in the loss column (L). of Ukraine at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. — AFP four of their past five. Zach Hyman and PA THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 SPORTS Party over for Hamilton as new season dawns

MELBOURNE: Lewis Hamilton spent the says his competitive drive remains as flawless pre-season testing, however, deny the Mercedes’ drivers a sweep of Indonesia’s first F1 driver Rio off-season crisscrossing the globe to sharp as ever and his feet will be firmly and team mate Nico Rosberg may again race wins last year and the new SF16-H Haryanto will also add a novelty factor party with A-list celebrities but Formula on the ground once he enters the pad- loom as Hamilton’s stiffest competition car showed impressive speed during when he debuts for Manor Racing. He is One’s reigning champion is adamant dock. “I know there’s still more to come in Melbourne. testing. With only 11 cars finishing last among three rookies set to make their there will be no hangover when he from me-I think I’ve shown that in the While Hamilton has been living life year’s season-opener in Melbourne, race debuts, along with German team returns to work at this week’s season- past two years,” Hamilton, winner in like there is no tomorrow, there is also a however, reliability will be paramount mate Pascal Wehrlein and Britain’s Jolyon opening Australian Grand Prix. The clear Australia last year and in 2008, said this sense that time is running out for his and that quality alone may be enough to Palmer at Renault. Along with the new bookmakers’ favorite to win a third suc- week. “There certainly needs to be some German rival, whose Mercedes contract score points. F1 bosses will hope drivers, F1’s governing body will feel cessive title with Mercedes, Hamilton extra in my tank, as the competition will expires at the end of the season. After Melbourne can lift the off-season gloom some butterflies with the debut of a new will arrive in Melbourne after a whirl- be stronger than ever this year.” Hamilton wrapped up his third title in that has hung over a series which drivers qualifying format which sees drivers pro- wind trip to New Zealand where he took Many invested in motor sport’s pin- Texas last year, Rosberg closed out the have criticized for being over-complicat- gressively eliminated during the three to the skies in a helicopter yesterday nacle series will hope Hamilton is right season with three successive wins, and ed by rule changes and which commer- phases rather than knocked out at the above the mountain resort of about the level of competition he at Albert Park he will hope to prove the cial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said he end of each of them. Introduced to Queenstown. expects to face this season. Another win late flourish owed more to his racing would not even bother taking his family make F1 more exciting but approved Hamilton’s frequent flying and party in Melbourne from pole position for the than a dip in his team mate’s motivation. to see. A positive start by Haas, the first less than two weeks ago, the new format lifestyle prompted some pundits to Briton could add more voices to the US-owned outfit in 30 years, would help, has been slammed by drivers. “I’m per- voice concerns about his focus and ener- growing weariness of the Silver Arrows’ Rule changes and the new team will look to upstage sonally not a fan ... and I think, speaking gy levels in the leadup to Sunday’s race dominance. The constructors champions Ferrari, fired by four-time champion more seasoned rivals like Sauber, who on behalf of all the drivers, no driver is,” at Albert Park. However, the 31-year-old are bullish about their car after near- Sebastian Vettel, were the only team to have the same Ferrari engine. Vettel told Sky Sport.—Reuters

Badminton boom in India sparked by Nehwal success

BIRMINGHAM: Biopics are big business in to three hours in the gym long before her Bollywood. The commercial success in recent teenage years. years of Indian movies on sports stars such as She came to be noticed by SM Arif, who runner Milkha Singh and boxer Mary Kom trained anyone who was better than good, have spawned a strong desire for more. including Pullela Gopichand. When Coming soon to the silver screen will be the Gopichand won the All England title in 2001, lives of past and present India cricket captains he inspired Nehwal, who had practiced on Mohammad Azharuddin and Mahendra Singh courts beside him. He proved an Indian could Dhoni, and wrestling coach Mahavir Singh beat the world’s best, and break China’s grip Phogat. Next year will feature Saina Nehwal. on badminton’s biggest titles. Within three It’s to be the story of her rise to become India’s years, she was training under Gopichand in her first winner of an Olympic badminton medal, a Hyderabad hometown. Wishing future players bronze in London four years ago. It won’t be a would have the infrastructure he never had, life story, she was 22 at the time. Gopichand raised the millions he needed by Indians consume these biopics, not just 2008 to complete his academy, which includes because the films are well made, but because 10 courts, accommodation, gym, pool and they’re inspirational, and Indian sport hasn’t cafetaria. He had only 50 kids then, and was produced a lot of world-beaters. “It’s a good still taking anyone who walked in in 2010. thing,” Nehwal said. “Youngsters get to see But since then, he’s opened up a nine-court their favorite player’s life.” There’s always a plot annex nearby, satellite academies in four other twist or conflict to overcome in these movies. cities, and still can’t meet demand. Call it the For Milkha Singh, the “Flying Sikh,” it was find- Saina Effect. Her enduring success, commercial ing redemption after blowing the 1960 attractiveness, and role-model appeal has Olympic 400-meter final, and for Kom, it was a sparked the badminton boom in India, espe- comeback after having twin boys. Perhaps cially since her London Olympic medal. Nehwal’s biopic will reveal her struggle, Badminton is second only to cricket in active because her career seems to be one long suc- participation in India, and the fourth most fol- cess story. lowed sport after cricket, tennis and football. Badminton is in her genes. The daughter of Racket sales have risen 20 percent annually. players - her scientist father Harvir was a uni- The national association cashed in by organiz- versity champ and her mother Usha a state ing a badminton league with the third highest champ - started in the sport at 9, was India TV following after the cricket and field hockey senior champion at 17, junior world champion leagues. In the inaugural league, Nehwal was SAN ANTONIO: San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) drives around Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers during the first half of an NBA at 18, and winner of her first World Superseries the second highest paid player after top- basketball game on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, in San Antonio. — AP event the following year. Since then, she’s ranked Lee Chong Wei. been a fixture in the top four of the world rank- Last year, meeting Nehwal was the one of ings, reaching the summit last year. the prizes in a new junior championships Nehwal was strong for her age, and pushed sponsored by insurance company PNB MetLife Pacers finish strong, to eat right, play right, and focus right by Usha, and organized by Sara Foundation, which whom she credits for her attitude and work scouts for sports talent. Regional competitions ethic. Nehwal came to respect and fear her for under-9s, -11s, -13s and -15s brought the mother, and want to do right by her. Harvir top two in each to playoffs. It was such a hit, thump Celtics 103-98 was the carrot to Usha’s stick; always encour- more cities were entered, an under-17s class aging, emptying the family bank account to added, more academy scholarships offered to pay for Nehwal’s improvement, and getting winners and under-privileged kids, and there her up at 4 a.m. and carrying her on a scooter were more than 3,800 entries for the second Spurs depth on display in win vs Clippers 25 kilometers to training. She would spend up tournament which ends this month.—AP INDIANAPOLIS: Paul George had 25 points as Noel, Ish Smith and Nik Stauskas each had 18. a four-game season sweep of the Los Angeles the Indiana Pacers finished with a strong fourth Bogdanovic’s previous career high was 28 points Lakers with a 106-98 victory. The Lakers, who quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 103-98 against Orlando last April 15. His total was the trailed by as many as 23, got as close as 97-91 on Tuesday night. Monta Ellis added 16 points with most for a Nets player since Deron Williams a pair of free throws by Julius Randle that six assists, and Jordan Hill scored 15 for Indiana. scored 57 on March 4, 2012. The team moved to capped a 15-5 run with 3:14 to play. Rudy Gay Isaiah Thomas had 21 points, eight assists and Brooklyn the following season. Philadelphia has clinched it for the Kings by scoring seven of his six rebounds for Boston. The score was tied at 77 lost 15 of 16 games. The only victory during that 20 points in the final 2:57. This was the first time with about 7 minutes remaining before the stretch came against the Nets at home. the Kings went an entire season without losing Pacers put together a 15 4 run that gave them to the Lakers during the franchise’s 68-year his- enough breathing room to withstand a late KINGS 106, LAKERS 98 tory, which dates back to the 1948-49 Rochester Boston surge. Avery Bradley’s jumper pulled the Darren Collison had 22 points in his ninth Royals. Sacramento has won eight of the last Celtics to 84-81 with about 4 1/2 minutes to go, start of the season, DeMarcus Cousins also nine meetings, after losing 16 of the previous but they got no closer after that. scored 22 and the Sacramento Kings completed 21.— AP

SPURS 108, CLIPPERS 87 Kawhi Leonard had 20 points to help San NBA Results/Standings Antonio wear down the short handed Los Angeles Clippers and match the second-longest Indiana 103, Boston 98; Orlando 116, Denver 110; Brooklyn 131, Philadelphia 114; Toronto 107, Milwaukee 89; San Antonio 108, LA Clippers 87; Sacramento 106, LA Lakers 98. home winning streak to open a season in NBA history. San Antonio won its 33rd straight home Eastern Conference Western Conference game this season, tying Orlando’s start to the Atlantic Division Northwest Division 1995-1996 season. Chicago holds the record at W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 45 22 .672 - JAKARTA: India’s Saina Nehwal hits a backhand return to Japan’s Sayaka Takahashi 37 games in ‘95-96 on the way to a record 72 Toronto 45 21 .682 - Portland 35 33 .515 10.5 during their women’s singles match at the Badminton World Federation champi- wins overall. LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points Boston 39 28 .582 6.5 Utah 32 35 .478 13 NY Knicks 28 40 .412 18 Denver 28 40 .412 17.5 onships at Istora Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. —AP and reserve guards Patty Mills and Manu Brooklyn 19 48 .284 26.5 Ginobili added 15 and 13, respectively, for the Minnesota 21 46 .313 24 Philadelphia 9 58 .134 36.5 Pacific Division Spurs (57-10). Los Angeles (42-24), still playing Central Division Golden State 60 6 .909 - without Blake Griffin, lost its second straight. The Cleveland 47 19 .712 - LA Clippers 42 24 .636 18 9 Ball Tournament Clippers’ reserves, who were without the injured Indiana 36 31 .537 11.5 Sacramento 26 40 .394 34 Chicago 33 32 .508 13.5 Paul Pierce, were outscored 51-20 by the Spurs’ Phoenix 18 49 .269 42.5 KUWAIT: Chairman of the Higher and Kuwait players. Al-Ghunaim said the bench. Detroit 34 33 .507 13.5 Milwaukee 29 39 .426 19 LA Lakers 14 54 .206 47 Organizing Committee of the late Khalid organizing committee plans to develop Southwest Division RAPTORS 107, BUCKS 89 Southeast Division Al-Ghunaim Annual 9 Ball Tournament said the women competition, which was intro- Miami 39 28 .582 - San Antonio 57 10 .851 - the latest Championship was a vital event duced for the first time in the champi- Kyle Lowry scored 25 points as Toronto, Atlanta 38 29 .567 1 Memphis 39 28 .582 18 in the history of the tournament since its onship. He said the level shown by Kuwait despite resting leading scorer DeMar DeRozan, Charlotte 37 29 .561 1.5 Houston 34 33 .507 23 launch in 1984, adding that it completed plays shows that they have skilled players had no trouble with Milwaukee. Giannis Washington 31 35 .470 7.5 Dallas 34 33 .507 23 all the requirements that qualify it to be who can go far in the billiards game, Antetokounmpo had 18 points, 12 rebounds Orlando 29 37 .439 9.5 New Orleans 24 42 .364 32.5 one of the major championships. He said adding that “through Ghunaim and nine assists in 35 minutes for the Bucks, just the top 10 players worldwide participated Championship we will provide suitable missing a triple-double. DeRozan, who averages and the number of professional players atmosphere and opportunities to allow the 23.8 points per game, was in uniform but didn’t who registered was 128 including players improve their skills.” Meanwhile, play after starting each of the team’s first 65 American Sahne Van Boening, German world champion Sane Van Boenign said he games and playing 39 minutes in a loss to Driving us crazy - how ‘boring’ Legend Ralf Souquet and players from was happy to win the title of the late Chicago on Monday night. Raptors rookie America, Italy, Poland, Philippines, Japan Khalid Al-Ghunaim championship. He said Norman Powell, starting for DeRozan despite F1 is trying to put the fun back and Germany in addition to Arab and Gulf he felt at home in Kuwait. averaging only 7 minutes per game, had a sea- MELBOURNE: The longest season in Formula drivers, with Rosberg admitting last week he had son-high 17 points in 34 minutes. One history also risks becoming its most extend- not even bothered to look at it. One fear is that it ed test of patience if efforts to shake up the sport will introduce even more complexity to a sport MAGIC 116, NUGGETS 110 fall flat. Last year was so predictable that even F1 already heavy on technicalities. Toro Rosso’s Evan Fournier scored 30 points and Jason supremo Bernie Ecclestone called it “boring”, Carlos Sainz Jr said: “I read them (qualifying regu- Smith had 25 points and 13 rebounds off the while runaway winner Lewis Hamilton agreed lations) very briefly and I didn’t understand bench to help Orlando beat Denver. Victor the crisis-prone sport was “broken”. With a record them.” “I just hope that the fans that are not big Oladipo scored 23 for the Magic, who led by 18 21 races in 2016, organizers have been searching fans of Formula One and just turn on their TV on in the third quarter before fending off Denver’s hard for ways to boost flagging viewing figures Sunday understand it and they know what’s hap- second-half rally. Brandon Jennings added 12 for a series which is too often dominated by one pening,” he added, according to Autosport.com. points and 11 assists in his first start for Orlando. team. The nightmare scenario is another parade The Nuggets had six players in double figures, for Mercedes, whose drivers Hamilton and Nico ‘Not remote-controlled’ led by Gary Harris with 18 points, but didn’t have Rosberg won 16 of the 19 grands prix last year The cars should at least make more noise this enough energy or firepower to complete the and only missed pole position once. Pre-season year, with twin exhausts introduced after com- comeback. testing in which Mercedes clocked 6,024 kilome- plaints from petrol-heads that the hybrid F1 ters (3,743 miles), nearly a third more than their engines were simply too quiet. A big cut in radio NETS 131, 76ERS 114 closest rivals Ferrari, has cast a sense of forebod- communications will make a genuine difference, Bojan Bogdanovic scored a career-best 44 ing over this week’s season start in Melbourne. forcing drivers to make decisions rather than rely points to help Brooklyn set a season high for Chief among the innovations is a much- on their data-crunching teams in the pitlane. points against Philadelphia. Sean Kilpatrick had debated new qualifying format, which steadily “Strategy, engine-mode deployment, tyre choic- 19 points, Brook Lopez added 18 points and 10 eliminates cars one by one and finishes in a top- es, even up to a point pit stops, a lot will be down rebounds, and Thaddeus Young finished with 14 two shoot-out. But the new system doesn’t look to the driver to decide,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff points and 16 rebounds for the Nets. Isaiah like it will have much impact on the quickest said on Autosport.com. —AFP Canaan led the 76ers with 20 points. Nerlens THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 SPORTS

KOLKATA: Pakistan’s Ahmad Shehzad fields a ball during the World T20 cricket tournament match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata yesterday. —AFP Afridi powers Pakistan to big opening win

KOLKATA: Proud captain Shahid Afridi said hungry. I was keen to perform well for my SCOREBOARD he had been determined to lead by exam- country... As senior player, I had to lead by ple yesterday after starring in Pakistan’s example. “Captaincy is not an easy job, but KOLKATA: Scoreboard of the World Twenty20 match between demolition of Bangladesh, drawing a line when the team gives you 100 percent, I Bangladesh and Pakistan at Edens Gardens in Kolkata yesterday: under his side’s troubled World Twenty20 enjoy it. People expect me to bat and bowl build-up. The big-hitting Afridi, accused in as well and I enjoy both.” Little had gone Pakistan some quarters of being a “traitor” ahead of right for Pakistan in recent weeks. After a Sharjeel Khan b Sunny 18 Ahmed Shehzad c Mahmudullah b Rahman 52 his team’s World T20 opener, silenced his dismal showing in the Asia Cup, they had Mohammad Hafeez c Sarkar b Sunny 64 critics with a devastating blitz with the bat to delay their departure to India for the Shahid Afridi c Mahmudullah b Ahmed 49 before taking two key wickets in a 55-run World T20 in a row over security. Umar Akmal c Al Hasan b Ahmed 0 victory. The allrounder’s blistering 19-ball But everything fell into place once Afridi Shoaib Malik not out 15 49 helped Pakistan post a commanding stepped onto the Eden Gardens surface Imad Wasim not out 0 total of 201 for five and his bowling was where he won the toss and opted to bat. Extras (lb1, nb1, w1) 3 instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to His decision was soon vindicated when Total (5 wickets, 20 overs) 201 146 for six from their 20 overs. Ahmed Shehzad (52) and Mohammad Did not bat: Sarfraz Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, The result was particularly satisfying for Hafeez (64) hit entertaining fifties to stitch Mohammad Amir Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Khan), 2-121 (Shehzad), 3-163 (Hafeez), 4-175 man-of-the-match Afridi who had been a 95-run second wicket partnership and lay (Akmal), 5-198 (Afridi) under fire back home after saying at the a solid foundation for others to build on. Bowling: Ahmed 4-0-32-2, Hossain 3-0-43-0, Sunny 4-0-34-2, Al weekend that Pakistan received more “love” The duo combined the right dose of cau- Hasan 4-0-39-0, Mortaza 3-0-41-0, Rahman 2-0-11-1. from Indian fans than from supporters back tion and aggression to blunt the home. “It’s a big event and I thought I Bangladesh bowling attack, with the Tigers’ Bangladesh should take responsibility as the captain,” captain Mashrafe Mortaza unable to stem KOLKATA: Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez (left) is watched by captain Shahid Afridi as Tamim Iqbal c Wasim b Afridi 24 Afridi said after being named man-of-the- the tide in the absence of injured bowler he celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the World T20 cricket tour- Soumya Sarkar b Amir 0 match. While his batting pyrotechnics once Mustafizur Rahman. Shehzad, who was nament match between Pakistan and Bangladesh yesterday.— AFP Sabbir Rahman b Afridi 25 earned him the nickname “Boom Boom”, recalled after missing the recent Asia Cup, Shakib Al Hasan not out 50 Mahmudullah Riyad c Khan b Wasim 4 Afridi has endured a torrid time at the reached his fifth T20 international half-cen- Sarkar was bowled by Mohammad Amir like altering the outcome. Mortaza said it Mushfiqur Rahim c Ahmed b Amir 18 crease in the last couple of years and some tury in 35 deliveries while Hafeez struck with only the third ball. The in-form Tamim was always going to be a struggle to over- Mohammad Mithun c Amir b Irfan 2 observers felt his ability to play a match- seven fours and two sixes in his 42-ball stay. Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman put on 43 for the haul Pakistan’s total and his team’s poor start Mashrafe Mortaza not out 15 winning innings had gone for good. second wicket, but they both fell victim to had rendered it “almost impossible” as early Extras (lb4, w4) 8 But after promoting himself to number Breathtaking catch Afridi and Bangladesh’s chase fell away. as the sixth over. “Shakib batted very well Total (6 wickets, 20 overs) 146 four in the order, Afridi smacked four The only bright spot for Bangladesh was Amir, on the comeback trail after serving and we got 150, so it’s not that bad,” he said. Did not bat: Al-Amin Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed boundaries and four sixes to help Pakistan a moment of brilliance in the field when a prison sentence and a five-year ban for “We have to bowl better, we didn’t bowl well Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Sarkar), 2-44 (Rahman), 3-58 (Iqbal), 4-71 register their second highest score in T20s. Soumya Sarkar took a breathtaking catch spot-fixing, ended with impressive figures of today.” Pakistan’s next match is against arch (Mahmudullah), 5-110 (Rahim), 6-117 (Mithun) “I love to give a chance to the other bats- on the boundary to end Hafeez’s innings. Bowling: Amir 4-0-27-2, Irfan 4-0-30-1, Riaz 4-0-31-0, Afridi 4-0-27- 2-27. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan put up rivals India in Kolkata on Saturday while 2, Malik 2-0-14-0, Wasim 2-0-13-1. men but sometimes you need extra effort Bangladesh were never really in the hunt some resistance, top-scoring with an Bangladesh’s second assignment is against Result: Pakistan win by 55 runs. in a big event,” said a beaming Afridi. “I was and got off to a dreadful start when opener unbeaten 50, but his knock never looked Australia on March 21.—AFP Turbulent champs Gayle-force blows away Sri Lanka face Afghanistan challenge England at World T20

KOLKATA: Afghanistan will try to exploit the disarray in the MUMBAI: Chris Gayle blasted a scintillating century to propel the West ranks of holders Sri Lanka in the World Twenty20 in Kolkata Indies to a stunning six-wicket win against England in their World Twenty20 SCOREBOARD today, with their destructive opener Mohammad Shahzad opener in Mumbai yesterday. The powerful left-hander smashed 11 sixes looking to extend his trail of carnage. A victory for the and five fours as the Windies successfully chased down England’s score of MUMBAI: Scoreboard of the World Twenty20 match 182 for six at the Wankhede Stadium. Destructive opener Gayle was largely between England and West Indies at the Wankhede defending champions in their World T20 opener against Stadium in Mumbai yesterday: the tournament’s rank outsiders would normally be a no- off-strike in the opening stages of the Super 10 Group One clash but lit up the tournament when the opportunity came his way. He hit two consecu- brainer. But the mood in the camps could not be more con- England tive sixes off spinner Adil Rashid in the ninth over as the West Indies sat at trasting, with Sri Lanka in turmoil after changing their cap- J. Roy c Badree b Russell 15 85 for two at the half-way stage of their innings. Gayle, 36, then repeated A. Hales b Benn 28 tain and coach in recent weeks and Afghanistan on a high the feat against Ben Stokes in the 11th as he single-handedly took control J. Root c Taylor b Russell 48 after cruising through the preliminary round. of the Windies’ assault on England’s total. J. Buttler c Brathwaite b Bravo 30 Afghanistan pulled off a comprehensive 59-run win Opener Johnson Charles had gone for nought in the first over while E. Morgan not out 27 against Zimbabwe in the qualifiers last week to storm into Marlon Samuels had made a speedy 37 before being caught deep by David B. Stokes lbw b Bravo 15 the Super 10s, a remarkable feat for the only non-Test team Willey off Rashid. Denesh Ramdin went for 12 while Dwayne Bravo could M. Ali run out 7 left in the tournament and who have to play all their manage only two, but Gayle remained destructive as partners fell around Extras (lb1, b1, w10) 12 matches away from their war-torn home. Since overcoming him. The Jamaican, who was accused of sexism after he asked an Australian Total (6 wickets, 20 overs) 182 the odds to compete in the 2010 World T20 in England, the TV presenter for a date live on air in January during the Big Bash League, hit Did not bat: C. Jordan, A. Rashid, D. Willey, R. Topley Afghan team has managed to qualify for all the major inter- one monstrous six after another. He clinched his century in the 18th over Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Roy), 2-92 (Hales), 3-114 (Root), 4-152 (Buttler), 5-175 (Stokes), 6-182 (Ali) national tournaments, including last year’s 50-over World with a quick single as he finished on 100 not out from 48 balls. Bowling: Taylor 3-0-30-0, Badree 4-0-34-0, Russell 4- Cup. They have also won 16 out of 19 T20 matches, thanks Andre Russell hit the winning run as the West Indies beat the target set to some inspiring performances by Shahzad, their in-form 0-36-2, Bravo 4-0-41-2, Benn 3-0-23-1, Brathwaite 2- them in 18.1 overs. England’s stand came after West Indies captain Darren 0-16-0 opener and wicketkeeper. Shahzad has rattled off 624 runs Sammy won the toss and elected to field. Joe Root top-scored for England at an average of 34.66 in the past year, including an with a tidy 48, including two exquisite sixes, off 36 balls at the western West Indies unbeaten 118 off 67 balls against Zimbabwe in January. Indian city’s Wankhede Stadium. England skipper Eoin Morgan had prom- Apart from his colorful array of shots, the 31-year-old is J. Charles c Ali b Willey 0 ised his charges would bat aggressively but they looked nervy in the open- C. Gayle not out 100 regarded as the team’s chief motivator thanks to his chirpy ing stages and took their time getting runs on the board. They posted just M. Samuels c Willey b Rashid 37 presence behind the stumps. “The troubles back home are five runs in the opening two overs before openers Jason Roy and Alex Hales D. Ramdin c Rashid b Ali 12 not really on our minds when we take the field,” Shahzad began to get into their groove as England reached 36-0 after four overs. D. Bravo c Hales b Topley 2 said recently in an interview. “We are not here just to par- But right-handed batsman Roy was expertly caught at midwicket in the A. Russell not out 16 ticipate in the tournament, we have come here to do fifth over for 15 by a diving Samuel Badree off Russell, sporting an orange Extras (lb4, nb2, w10) 16 something,” he said, bubbling with confidence. The mohawk hairstyle. Hales and number three Root then struck up a healthy Total (4 wickets, 18.1 overs) 183 Afghans could not have asked for a better first big oppo- partnership as England quickened their run-rate, reaching 81 for one after Did not bat: D. Sammy, C. Brathwaite, S. Badree, J. nent than Sri Lanka, who have been grappling with a 10 overs. The partnership was at 55 runs when six foot seven inches left- Taylor, S. Benn slump in form, having won just four of their 14 fixtures arm spinner Sulieman Benn bowled Hales in the 12th over with England’s Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Charles), 2-57 (Samuels), 3-103 since their 2014 World T20 victory. The defending champi- MUMBAI: West Indies’s Chris Gayle plays a shot during opener having made 28. Root then went when he miss-hit a Russell deliv- (Ramdin), 4-113 (Bravo) ons have slumped to eighth in the T20 rankings and come the World T20 cricket tournament match between ery straight to Jerome Taylor, who pouched the ball with ease at mid-off. Bowling: Willey 3-0-33-1, Topley 2.1-0-22-1, Jordan 4- 0-24-0, Stokes 3-0-42-0, Rashid 2-0-20-1, Ali 4-0-38-1. into the World T20 following a disastrous showing at the England and West Indies at The Wankhede Cricket Jos Buttler made 30, including three sixes, before being caught by Carlos Result: West Indies win by six wickets. Asia Cup in Bangladesh. —AFP Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. — AFP Brathwaite in the deep, while Morgan scored 27 not out. —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 SPORTS War, crisis, football defeats, Ukrainian fans in depression

KIEV: Foreign stars are leaving, clubs are to China’s Jiangsu Suning for 50 million collapsing, crowds are shrinking and euros ($55.5 million). The money has not Dynamo Kiev suffered the latest blow for been spent on new imports. The clubs long-suffering Ukrainian football fans. Their need cash. “The days of teams’ full funding 3-1 aggregate defeat by Manchester City in (by billionaires) are gone. It is now hard the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday times for all,” Shakhtar’s chief executive compounded the agony of a nation that Sergiy Palkin told Novoye Vremya weekly. proudly hosted the 2012 European Ukraine’s political turmoil and conflict Championships but has been at war for the have fanned an economic crisis that has past 23 months. Clubs like Dynamo and thinned the wallets of tycoons like Shaktar Donetsk bought foreign stars that Akhmetov, who finance most Ukrainian made Ukrainian sides feared in the clubs. The cut in funding has forced some Champions League. of the smaller teams into bankruptcy pro- But conflict and economic crisis has tection and to drop out of the Premier seen the powerful clubs lose funding and League, which has shrunk to 14 from 16 home venues are considered too danger- clubs since 2014. But even those still com- ous for opposing sides to visit because of peting suffer from financial turmoil. There clashes in surrounding streets.”Everything have been player strikes over unpaid is collapsing: top foreign players have gone wages, which many in Ukraine believe were and clubs’ budgets have been cut,” too high from the start. Ukrainian football analyst Artem Frankov Perhaps the starkest example of the told AFP. Russia’s annexation of the Crimea troubles is Dnipro, which less than a year region in 2014 saw two of the Black Sea after its stunning European performance peninsula’s teams leave Ukraine’s top divi- faces possible expulsion from continental sion-a move that upset UEFA, which barred competition until 2019. Club president, NOGUEIRA DO CRAVO: Nigerians Valentine Akpey and Sunday Akoh both 20, attend a training session at AD Nogueirense sporting association them from joining the Russian champi- banking magnate Igor Kolomoisky has at Nogueira do Cravo. — AFP onship. refused to pay wages owed to Dnipro’s for- Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk and a few mer Spanish manager Juande Ramos and other eastern teams have been forced to his assistants. “Our clubs are fully depend- flee their grounds in rebel-held territories ent on their owners’ whims,” Frankov said. Dreams of football stardom and play in Kiev or nationalist western The decline in football quality has emptied Ukraine. This allowed them to continue tak- once vibrant stadiums and seen fans switch ing part in European competitions, but off their TV sets. Average match attendance dashed for young Africans home support was at times replaced by has halved to 6,000 from 12,000 since last jeering crowds that rooted for the away year, according to Premier League chief team. The success of Shakhtar and Dnipro Petro Ivanov. NOGUEIRA DO CRAVO: They dream of being Dnipropetrovsk-surprise finalists of last And those who do come out are often the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but for many bud- year’s Europa League-was built around from hooligan fringes, some swearing alle- ding young stars who arrive in Portugal from their purchase of stars from Brazil and oth- giance to far-right groups renowned for Africa and Latin America, Europe’s football riches er nations for huge sums. But security fears racist behavior. One infamous incident remain an illusion. Abandoned by unscrupulous and budget cuts are seeing those players spotlighted by Ukrainian television showed agents, some are unceremoniously deported, leave for far safer European countries. Dynamo Kiev fans throw Nazi swastika- others left to fend for themselves on the streets. Brazilian Douglas Costa moved from emblazened smoke bombs onto the pitch. Few top clubs are interested. Valentine Akpey, Shaktar to Bayern Munich last year for an A group of Dynamo ultras also attacked 20, trains tirelessly with his fellow Nigerian estimated $30 million. Ukrainian clubs now local black fans during a Champions Sunday Akoh, juggling the ball, passing and have to rely on homegrown, untested League home match against Chelsea. The repassing, the snow-capped peaks of Portugal’s younger players. team played its next group stage game Serra da Estrela mountains in the background. before an empty stadium as punishment, For two years he has been on the books of Hard times which it won against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Nogueirense, an amateur club in Portugal’s third According to Ukraine’s Premier League, Analysts say the crises should prompt a division. “I work hard so I can win a place in a the past two years have seen the number reform of the league, with teams’ depend- higher division”, he said. His face drawn, and of foreign top flight players dwindle from ence on billionaires’ largess replaced by with well-maintained dreadlocks, the young 170 to 60. This is reflected in performances market principles. “We forgot that football, Nigerian has lofty ambitions. “I dream of playing on the pitch. Shakhtar-owned by Rinat at least partially, has to feed itself,” Frankov for Barcelona, like Lionel Messi. The best football Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest tycoon-have said. “If Ukrainian football wants to survive, is in Europe, all young Africans want to come also sold Brazilian top scorer Alex Teixeira it must reform itself.” —AFP here.” He was not even 18 when he arrived in Portugal with other youths, brought over by a Nigerian agent who spotted him while he was AFC moves Saudi-Iran playing in the streets of the capital Abuja. In mid-2014, he was picked up by police as his visa had expired. The Portuguese authorities gave NOGUEIRA DO CRAVO: Nigerian Valentine Akpey, 20, heads the ball during a training session ties to neutral venues him 20 days to get his papers in order or face at Nogueira do Cravo. —AFP deportation back to Nigeria. He was saved by TEHRAN: Saudi Arabian clubs will play a letter to AFC to announce its objection. Saudi Nogueirense, which offered him a modest con- broke.” Some turn to petty crime or drugs, he my father died, I have 39 people that I have to Champions League matches against Iranian Arabia has brought a political issue into foot- tract and now lives in accommodation in the sta- said. At least 15,000 African minors try their feed”. Wearing a brown leather jacket, an amulet teams at neutral venues this year because of ball which is against AFC and (world governing dium which he shares with seven other young chances in Europe every year, with the failure round his neck, he now earns 1,500 euros a the lack of improvement in relations between body) FIFA’s statutes...” it said. players, from Ivory Coast, Mali and Colombia. rate at around 70 percent, according to the Foot month, 10 times what he made when he first the two countries, the Asian Football “Iran hosted Emirati games under the best Solidaire, an activist group which campaigns for started in Portugal. “Foreign players do not cost Confederation (AFC) said yesterday. Saudi condition and absolute security. Iran is known Football ‘trafficking’ young footballers. Between 1,000 and 1,500 very much for clubs, who supply accommoda- Arabia cut all ties with Iran in January after its as a safe country in Asia and in the world so it While some see an escape from dire poverty, young footballers are illegal migrants in tion and food, but the salary is often derisory,” embassy in Tehran was attacked following the will certainly react to this issue.” An official with others like Joaquim Evangelista, head of Portugal, border police said. said Joao Manteigas, a lawyer who specializes in Saudis’ execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. Iranian champions Sepahan told Reuters last Portugal’s professional footballers union, con- sports issues. The AFC, soccer’s governing body in the month that Iran might withdraw its teams demn the “illegal trafficking of minors.” “There 39 mouths to feed Fearing expulsion or losing a job, few players region, had set a March 15 deadline for “nor- from the tournament if they were blocked are parents who go into debt to finance their Ansumane Fati, a 24-year-old from Guinea- dare to complain. Brazilian Alex Rambo, howev- mal relations” to be resumed between the from hosting matches against Saudi Arabian son’s dream and pay agents up to 3,000 euros Bissau, was one of the lucky ones, although it er, is one who broke the silence. “I was scared, countries or the matches would be played at clubs. The AFC last month pushed back six ($3,300) in Africa, even 5,000 euros in Brazil,” he was a long hard route to success. Dropped by but I finally spoke publicly about my case to neutral venues. “It is most unfortunate for the group-stage Saudi-Iran fixtures to allow more said. FIFA, football’s world governing body, bans the Sporting Lisbon academy after a three- obtain help,” he said. An agent had dangled a AFC to learn that... the Saudi Arabian govern- time for independent evaluations on safety all international transfers of players under 18, month trial, he was abandoned by his agent contract with top club FC Porto in front of him, ment has yet to lift the travel restrictions on and security issues after four Saudi clubs com- except those within the European Union. without any papers. Fati then began a journey but when he arrived in Portugal the deal was their nationals, which prohibit travel to Iran,” plained it was unsafe for them to play in Iran. However, with Portugal’s economic woes, far from Ronaldo’s rags-to-riches tale in Portugal. never concluded. Aged just 18 at the time, he the AFC said in a letter to the governing bodies Sepahan team manager Rassol Khorvash “more and more amateur clubs agree to train He ended up at a small amateur club in northern found himself alone and penniless in a hotel of both countries. said the three Iranian clubs in the ACL believed young players and act as nurseries. If the players Portugal where he slept rough under the stands. room for two months. Returning to Brazil, he “This travel ban offers no special dispensa- the Saudis were “looking for excuses” and were succeed and are transferred to big clubs, they Fati changed clubs twice before securing a place became a star striker for the Osvaldo Cruz club. tion for football teams. “Furthermore, there has demanding the switch to neutral venues for can earn big pay cheques,” said Evangelista. But at second division outfit Freamunde. He has never given up the idea of one day going been no significant development in the rela- political reasons. Twice Asian champions Al- if they fail, “the young men are abandoned by “Football, it’s a passion but also a way of help- back to Portugal, “but only with a contract in my tionship between the two countries con- Hilal, one of four Saudi teams in the competi- their agents and find themselves in the street, ing my family in Guinea-Bissau”, said Fati. “Since pocket.”—AFP cerned.” The Iranian football federation was tion’s group stage, said they had experienced quick to object to the AFC directive in a state- problems playing in Iran in previous years and ment released via the Tasnim news agency the breakdown in diplomatic relations would yesterday. “Football Federation of Iran will send make it more dangerous this season.—Reuters Latest Seoul rout puts Adriano on cloud nine

JINAN: Brazilian super striker Adriano First Adriano’s deft footwork released Go inspired FC Seoul to a 4-1 rout of Shandong Yo-Han, who checked inside and shot past Luneng and took his personal tally to nine the defenders to beat goalkeeper Wang goals in the AFC Champions League yester- Dalei on his near post. Montenegrin striker day. Adriano scored twice in Jinan as FC Dejan Damjanovic had time and space to Seoul bossed the hosts and assumed con- pick his spot on 68 minutes and make it 3-1 trol of Group F with a maximum nine as the Shandong defense again went miss- points-including 14 goals in their three ing. And Adriano finished a penetrating games so far. Adriano opened the scoring team move on 71 minutes as Go delivered in the 27th minute as the visitors took con- an angled ball to Damjanovic who swiveled trol, only for Shandong’s Jucilei to equalize to pull it back to the waiting Brazilian. FC MANCHESTER: Manchester United players take part in a team training session at their Carrington Training Centre in Manchester, north west against the run of play on 62 minutes. But Seoul had earlier totted up wins of 6-0 over England yesterday ahead of their UEFA Europa League second leg football match against Liverpool. — AFP Shandong’s goal drew the most emphatic Buriram United and 4-1 against Sanfrecce of responses from FC Seoul, who were back Hiroshima-with Adriano scoring seven of in front in just three minutes and 4-1 ahead the goals-to assert themselves as the Asian Manchester United in Liverpool six minutes after that. competition’s form team. —AFP crosshairs; Spurs on the brink

PARIS: Five-time European champions Liverpool as Liverpool have kept four straight clean sheets in giants represent a step up in class from previ- will aim to finish off eternal rivals Manchester Europe and are unbeaten in nine games in this sea- ous opponents. United when England’s two most successful sides son’s competition. However, Juan Mata insists there clash in the Europa League last 16, second leg at is still hope for United as they bid to keep alive Angry Neville Old Trafford today. Leading 2-0 from the first leg at their quest to become just the fifth club to land all Gary Neville’s Valencia must overcome a 1-0 Anfield, Liverpool are well placed to reach the three major European trophies. “We need to have a deficit at home to fellow Spanish outfit Athletic quarter-finals of a competition that realistically rep- good start on Thursday, with intensity. It’s like a Bilbao. The former Manchester United and England resents the best chance for either club to qualify for final for us. We need a comeback and I’m sure that defender was furious after his side crashed to a 1-0 next season’s Champions League. the atmosphere in Old Trafford will take us closer to defeat against local rivals and La Liga’s bottom side Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino scored as that goal. I’m sure it’s possible,” said the Spaniard, Levante over the weekend. “We have to pick our- Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated the first European who missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham selves up immediately. Our attitude has to change, meeting between the two Premier League giants, in the FA Cup through suspension. simple as that. We’re not playing like that on and Sturridge says Liverpool’s mindset won’t Borussia Dortmund will seek to protect a 3- Thursday night,” Neville told reporters. “The very change despite their healthy advantage. “We’ll 0 lead as they head to Tottenham Hotspur on least you will get on Thursday will be a Valencia approach the second leg exactly the same as we the back of their biggest win against an team running around like crazy and fighting for did the first leg. That’s the only way we know,” English side. Spurs paid the price for resting every single ball.” Holders Sevilla return to Spain Sturridge told the Liverpool Echo. “The Liverpool Harry Kane and leaving Mousa Dembele and following a goalless draw against Swiss champions way is to win games so we will go into the second Erik Lamela on the bench as they were out- Basel, whose St-Jakob Park will stage this year’s leg and be positive. “The confidence is there within classed by Thomas Tuchel’s German title chal- final, as they continue their quest for a fifth title in the camp and we are just looking forward to every lengers. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s men the past decade. Villarreal go to Bayer Leverkusen SHANDONG: Diego Tardelli Martins (left) of China’s Shandong Luneng FC fights for game. We are mentally prepared for every job we are undefeated in nine European home games, with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, while 2009 the ball with Go Yo-Han (center) of South Korea’s FC Seoul during their AFC have ahead of us.” winning their last two at White Hart Lane by champions Shakhtar Donetsk head to Anderlecht Champions League group stage football match in Jinan, in China’s Shandong United face a tough task to turn things around three-goal margins, although the Bundesliga following a 3-1 victory in Ukraine. —AFP province yesterday. —AFP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 SPORTS Atletico edge out PSV in penalty thriller

MADRID: Juanfran’s winning penalty ter-finals in the penalties, so there is also sent Atletico Madrid into the Champions great disappointment.” Despite being League quarter-finals on Tuesday, clinch- roared on by a full house at the Vicente ing an agonizing 8-7 penalty shoot-out Calderon, Atletico struggled early on as win over PSV Eindhoven after neither Cocu’s 5-3-2 set-up allowed PSV to domi- side could manage a goal in 210 minutes nate midfield. across the two legs of the tie. The first 14 However, Atletico did enjoy the best spot-kicks of the shootout were then chance of the first-half when Koke’s low converted in clinical fashion before PSV’s cross found Antoine Griezmann Luciano Narsingh smashed his effort unmarked just six yards out, but Jeroen against the bar. Zoet got down to deny the French inter- Juanfran then stepped up to convert national his 24th goal of the season. PSV the winning penalty and send Atletico had captain and top scorer Luuk de Jong into the last eight for the third consecu- back after he missed the first-leg tive year. “It was a heart-stopping tie,” through suspension and the former said Juanfran. “I am very happy to see Newcastle United striker was a constant how the crowd got behind the side. We menace to the usually unflappable believe, our coach makes us believe and Diego Godin. De Jong was unlucky we have a lot of hunger and heart.” It is when the ball fell just behind him after the second consecutive season that Oblak cut out dangerous cross from the Diego Simeone’s men have progressed right. to the quarter-finals on penalties after Atletico settled into their stride at the seeing off Bayer Leverkusen in similar start of the second-half, but still relied fashion a year ago. “It was a classic Cup on a set-piece to carve out an opportu- tie with plenty of tension,” said Simeone. nity as Jose Maria Gimenez rose highest “Neither team committed any errors and at the back post only to head Koke’s cor- in the end penalties went our way.” ner inches wide. As the hosts opened up, PSV were left to lament Jan Oblak’s though, PSV became even more of a brilliant save to tip Jurgen Locadia’s threat on the counter-attack. The visitors effort onto the post in the second-half of were somehow denied the vital away normal time as the Dutch champions goal on the hour mark when Locadia’s came so close to causing a huge upset. shot was brilliantly tipped onto the post “There are mixed emotions,” said PSV by Oblak and De Jong’s follow-up head- MADRID: PSV Eindhoven’s goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet misses a save during the UEFA Champions League last sixteen second coach Phillip Cocu. “On the one hand I er from point-black range was blocked leg football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs PSV Eindhoven at the Vicente Calderon stadium on March 15, 2016. —AFP am very proud. We played well in the on the line by Filipe Luis. year-old Lucas Hernandez. However, the ner. Griezmann’s range was off again extra time. Yet, it was PSV who came two games, but especially here. Atletico suffered a huge blow just young Frenchman had a great chance when he shot straight at Zoet after closest after the break, but Andres Tactically we played very well with a lot before the end of normal time when to make himself a hero early in extra great work by Saul Niguez as Atletico Guardado curled just wide to send the of discipline. “We were close to the quar- Godin limped off to be replaced by 20- time when he headed over from a cor- dominated during the first period of game to penalties.— AFP Pellegrini banks on Man City experience

MANCHESTER: Manuel Pellegrini backed his Nicolas Otamendi, both of whom were forced Manchester City team to make a mark on the off in the first 23 minutes. Pellegrini Champions League’s latter stages after they expressed hope that Otamendi will shake off overcame Dynamo Kiev to reach the quarter- his knock within “the next couple of days”, finals for the first time. City fell to Barcelona in raising the possibility that he could be fit for the last 16 in both of the past two seasons, Sunday’s derby at home to Manchester but they will take their place in Friday’s draw United. But Kompany, who will undergo tests for the last eight after Tuesday’s drab 0-0 yesterday, is facing at least a month on the stalemate completed a 3-1 aggregate suc- sidelines-and may therefore struggle to cess. City’s shaky domestic form suggests that return before the end of the season-after sus- they cannot be considered serious con- taining his 14th calf injury since 2008. tenders for the Champions League, but hav- ing seen them top their group above last sea- Beware Barcelona son’s beaten finalists Juventus before routine- While City have flattered to deceive ly eliminating Dynamo, Pellegrini is hopeful domestically this season, slipping 12 points that more historic moments lie ahead. off the pace in the Premier League, right-back “I think that as a team when you have a Pablo Zabaleta said that their European new achievement, it’s always important for breakthrough was a moment to savour. “It your trust (confidence),” he told reporters at was really satisfying to make history for this the Etihad Stadium. “This season we had a club,” said the Argentina international, who A combination of file pictures shows then (left to right) general-secretary of the Confederation of North, Central American andCaribbean very difficult group also, with Sevilla, with has played a part in all of City’s five Association Football (CONCACAF) Chuck Blazer, CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb and FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jack Juventus and with Borussia Champions League campaigns to date. “We Warner in Barcelona. —AFP Moenchengladbach. “We won the group, so I are through to the quarter-finals for the first think this season, I don’t know if the word is time. This group of players are working hard better prepared, but we have more experi- every day to make this club even bigger.” Global soccer body admits ence to arrive at this stage and I hope we can City came closest to scoring when Jesus continue further.” He added: “I’m very happy Navas rattled the post midway through the for the achievement because it’s important second half, but Dynamo might have claimed for this club to continue improving every the spoils on the night in the latter stages, ‘World Cup hosting bribes’ season. I always said that the last two sea- only for City goalkeeper Joe Hart to save sons we are very unlucky to have the draw in smartly from Vitaliy Buyalskiy and then the round of 16. Olexandr Yakovenko. “We had chances to FIFA makes huge damages claim against ‘sordid’ officials “We were unlucky to play against score and Manchester had chances to score,” Barcelona. This season we won the group and said Dynamo coach Sergiy Rebrov. GENEVA: While acknowledging for the first time Most of the already seized money - $151.7 and now lives at his home near Atlanta, Georgia, we now are (among) the best eight teams in “The guys showed they deserved to be in that votes were bought in past World Cup host- million - will come from Brazilian marketing exec- awaiting sentence in June. Europe for the moment. We will see how far the Champions League. This game was a ing contests, FIFA is seeking to claim “tens of mil- utive Jose Hawilla, whose group of agencies were “These dollars were meant to build football we can go in this competition.” The bad news good experience for our guys. “I think we lions of dollars” in bribe money seized by US fed- heavily involved with matches CONCACAF and fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football for City came in the form of injuries to captain should say thank you to our guys and look to eral prosecutors. FIFA submitted a 22-page claim CONMEBOL controlled but not FIFA directly. In an kits, not jewelry and cars; and to fund youth play- Vincent Kompany and his fellow centre-back the future with optimism.— AFP to the US Attorney’s Office in New York on initial claim for $28.2 million, FIFA specifies an er and coach development, not to underwrite Tuesday that seeks a big share in restitution from amount for each of 20 men from the Americas lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing more than $190 million already forfeited by soc- over many years that it says it should be repaid executives,” Infantino said. It is unclear how much cer and marketing officials who pleaded guilty in from money held by US authorities. FIFA wants influence Infantino, a former lawyer, had had in the sprawling corruption case. more than $5.3 million it spent on Chuck Blazer, the restitution claim since he was elected only Tens of millions of dollars more is likely to be the disgraced American official who has pleaded three weeks ago, with strong support from voters collected by US authorities when sentences are guilty, allocates $4.4 million of its claim for for- in the Americas. Infantino’s signature pitch to handed down, and from dozens of officials cur- mer FIFA vice president Jack Warner, and $3.5 voters on election day was about finances, saying rently indicted but who have denied bribery million for Ricardo Teixeira, Havelange’s former bluntly “It’s your money.” charges or are fighting extradition. FIFA claims it son-in-law form Brazil. That resonated with members of CONMEBOL is the victim of corrupt individuals, despite wide- Warner, a long-time powerbroker from and CONCACAF, who have had a combined $20 spread criticism that bribe-taking was embedded Trinidad and Tobago until resigning in a 2011 million central funding frozen by FIFA. CONCA- in its culture in the presidencies of Joao election bribery scandal, is identified by FIFA in CAF, based in Miami, has had its past three presi- Havelange and Sepp Blatter, who was forced its 22-page claim for receiving a $1 million bribe dents implicated in the US case. But it has passed from office after 17 years by the current scandal. from 1998 World Cup bid candidate Morocco, wide-ranging reforms to clean up its operations, “The convicted defendants abused the posi- and ensuring the $10 million bribe from South and has targeted restitution money to rebuild. tions of trust they held at FIFA and other interna- Africa was paid via a FIFA account in 2008. FIFA “CONCACAF views itself as a victim of a number tional football organizations and caused serious claims a further $2 million for payments to of the offenses described in the indictments and and lasting damage to FIFA,” FIFA President Jeffrey Webb, the Cayman Islands banker who intends to seek restitution at the appropriate Gianni Infantino said Wednesday in a statement. was arrested at a luxury Zurich hotel last May, time,” the regional body said in a statement.—AP “The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. FIFA as the world MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini (left) consoles governing body of football wants that money Harry Redknapp to juggle Derby Manchester City’s Belgian defender Vincent Kompany as he leaves the pitch injured back and we are determined to get it no matter during a UEFA Champions League last 16, second leg football match between how long it takes.” role with two-match Jordan gig Manchester City and Dynamo Kiev on March 15, 2016. — AFP In documents seen by The Associated Press, FIFA asks for: $28.2 million for years of payments, LONDON: Former Tottenham Hotspur manag- after Saturday’s local derby at home to including bonuses, flights and daily expenses, to er Harry Redknapp has accepted an advisory Nottingham Forest. “It’s going to be a tough officials it now says are corrupt; $10 million for role with Derby County until the end of the couple of weeks, that’s for sure,” he told the FIFA suspect keeps up the “theft” of money that FIFA officials transferred season, having already agreed to manage Sun newspaper. “I’m friends with Prince Ali as bribes to then-executive committee members Jordan for two matches, the English and wanted him to take over from Sepp champagne lifestyle to vote for South Africa as 2010 World Cup host; Championship side said yesterday. The 69- Blatter (at FIFA). He asked me if I’d manage the “Substantial” cost of legal bills since separate US year-old Redknapp will combine his mentor- team for a couple of matches and I agreed. “I’ll NEW YORK: Jeffrey Webb, the disgraced for- Yesterday, FIFA’s American lawyers com- and Swiss federal probes of corruption in interna- ing role at second-tier Midlands club Derby go to the Forest game and then go straight to mer FIFA vice president, has kept up a million- plained in a letter to the US attorney’s office tional soccer were revealed last May; Damages with managing Jordan in this month’s World London and fly to Jordan. It’s a busy time but aire lifestyle quaffing champagne, gambling that Webb enjoys an “extravagant lifestyle” at for harm to its reputation, plus other bribes and Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and I’ve missed the buzz of being involved in foot- and partying while under US house arrest a home he may have purchased “with bribes kickbacks for media rights to non FIFA competi- Australia. ball.” awaiting sentence for corruption, according and kickbacks.” “According to reports, he tions but “which were made possible because of “It is excellent news that Harry has agreed Derby are fifth in the standings, seven to football’s world body. The 51-year-old hus- recently hosted an expensive themed birth- the value of the FIFA brand.” to join us. His experience spans over several points behind Brighton & Hove Albion who band of American gynecologist Kendra day party for his wife, replete with entertain- “FIFA has become notable for the defendants’ decades and he is one of the most knowl- occupy the second automatic promotion spot Gamble-Webb was the first former FIFA offi- ment and gambling tables,” the Washington bribery and corruption, not its many good edgeable and informed figures in the game,” behind leaders Burnley. Jordan, currently led cial to appear publicly in a New York court last DC law firm wrote, enclosing a Cayman works,” lawyers for soccer’s world body state in Derby Chairman Mel Morris told the club’s by caretaker manager Abdullah Abu Zema, the claim. “FIFA is entitled to restitution for this July and quietly cut a plea deal four months Islands media report. The story published by website (www.dcfc.co.uk). Redknapp was play Bangladesh in Amman on March 24 and harm to its business relationships, reputation and later. the Cayman News Service said Webb enjoyed quoted by British media earlier on Wednesday the Socceroos in Sydney five days later. The intangible property.” FIFA’s grab for a share of the The Cayman Islands-British citizen pled a “lavish” Harlem Renaissance themed party saying he had agreed to help out Jordan’s Jordanians trail Australia by two points in money sets up a battle with two of its regional guilty to racketeering, conspiracy, wire fraud “at his Georgia mansion” to celebrate his confederations - CONMEBOL, the South national team at the behest of their FA chief Group B in the second round of Asian qualify- and money laundering. He promised to for- wife’s 40th birthday, attended by friends and American confederation, and CONCACAF, the Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who lost the FIFA ing for the 2018 World Cup with the top two feit more than $6.7 million in assets and is to family. body running soccer in North America. It was presidential election to Swiss Gianni Infantino from each group going through to the third be formally sentenced in June. Last July he The report, dated February 8, included officials and competitions from those regions last month. round, when four berths in Russia will be at was confined to house arrest in New York on a photos purportedly of Webb dressed in a that were most involved in the corruption crisis. Redknapp, who has also managed stake. Redknapp’s fellow former QPR manager $10 million bond. But within weeks Webb was white dinner jacket and bow tie playing a It also signals a change in strategy for FIFA, after Bournemouth, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Ray Wilkins last year led Jordan to the Asian allowed to move home to Loganville, Georgia, winning hand at a blackjack table with a huge months of senior officials distancing Zurich from Southampton and Queens Park Rangers, said Cup in Australia, where they were eliminated albeit subject to electronic monitoring, home grin on his face, and giving a speech next to a the scandal, instead blaming confederations he would leave Britain for the Middle East in the group stage.— Reuters detention and a security detail. cake. —AFP which are beyond its control. Gayle-force Atletico edge blows away out 8-7 PSV England at in penalty World T20 thriller

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 17 19

AFC moves Saudi-Iran ties to neutral venues Page 18

BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Argentinean forward Lionel Messi (left) celebrates a goal with Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar (center) and Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Arsenal FC yesterday. — AFP Barca outgun Arsenal, book quarter-finals

BARCELONA: Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis another fine chance after being teed up by Suarez were all on target as Barcelona piled Messi. Yet, Arsenal should have been at least more pressure on under-fire Arsenal boss level by the break as Barca struggled to handle Arsene Wenger by easing into the Champions the visitors pace on the break without the sus- NFL links football, CTE League quarter-finals 5-1 on aggregate with a pended Gerard Pique. Alexis Sanchez missed a 3-1 win at the Camp Nou yesterday. Neymar’s glorious chance to net on his return to the early strike appeared to erase any forlorn hopes Camp Nou when he glanced a header wide of an Arsenal comeback, but the visitors were from Hector Bellerin’s cross. Could it affect $1 billion deal? given hope when Mohamed Elneny drilled into Danny Welbeck then sliced well wide when the top corner just after half-time. Suarez put clean through on goal, whilst Alex Iwobi NEW YORK: On the contentious issue of concus- the tie beyond Wenger’s men in emphatic fash- appealed in vein for a penalty after clipping his sions, the NFL has relented on a once-steadfast ion with a stunning volley 25 minutes from own ankles inside the box. Arsenal’s pressure stance. Yes, the league acknowledged publicly for time before Messi’s cheeky chipped finish was finally rewarded six minutes into the sec- the first time, there is a connection between foot- rounded off the scoring late on. ond-half when Elneny rifled his first goal for the ball and the devastating brain disease known as A ninth consecutive victory stretches Barca’s club into the top corner from Sanchez’s layoff. CTE. The NFL backed Tuesday the comments unbeaten run in all competitions to 38 games Conceding a goal sparked Barca back into life made at a congressional panel by Jeff Miller, the and seals their place in Friday’s quarter-final as Ospina got down well to his left to parry league’s senior vice president for health and safe- draw for the ninth consecutive season. One win Messi’s low drive. Welbeck had another chance ty, that his surprising words “accurately reflect the in eight games has decimated Arsenal’s hopes to put Arsenal right back in the tie when he view of the NFL,” league spokesman Brian of silverware this season as they exit the com- pounced on a poor header from Mathieu, but McCarthy said. petition at the last 16 stage for the sixth con- saw his shot blocked by Javier Mascherano’s The league has long denied proof linking the secutive season days after relinquishing their brilliant last-ditch tackle. sport and the condition called chronic traumatic two-year hold on the FA Cup. Yet, they made a Barca’s nerves were settled in spectacular encephalopathy. As recently as the week of the bright start with Mesut Ozil curling just wide of fashion by Suarez as the Uruguayan contorted Super Bowl, Dr Mitch Berger, a member of the the target. Barca’s front three soon came to life, his body to acrobatically volley home Dani league’s head, neck and spine committee, refused though, and David Ospina made a brilliant save Alves’s cross. Arsenal continued to create to draw a direct line from football to CTE. So that’s from Messi after the Argentine had perfectly chances as Welbeck drilled a shot against the what made Miller’s admission, at a round-table controlled Neymar’s floated pass over the bar from a narrow angle. Ter Stegen then pro- discussion about concussions, somewhat startling. Arsenal defense. duced a brilliant double save to turn away He said brain research on former NFL players “cer- Jeremy Mathieu headed over a gilt-edged Sanchez’s free-kick and Olivier Giroud’s follow- tainly” shows a link between football and CTE chance from the resulting corner. Neymar was- up effort. However, Messi again demonstrated when asked about the subject. Miller referenced n’t so forgiving moments later when he was the difference in quality between the sides in the work of Boston University neuropathologist Dr played in by Suarez and coolly slotted past front of goal when he dinked home two min- Ann McKee, who has found CTE in the brains of 90 Ospina for his 26th goal of the season. The utes from time to take he, Neymar and Suarez’s of the 94 former pro football players she studied Brazilian then fired too close to Ospina with combined tally for the season to 106. —AFP after their death. FLORIDA: Dr Ann McKee, of Boston University School of Medicine, talks about damaged “The answer to that question is certainly yes, human brains during a news conference about chronic traumatic encephalopathy in Tampa, but there are also a number of questions that Fla. Jeff Miller, the NFL’s senior vice president for health and safety has acknowledged a link come with that,” Miller said, deferring to physicians between football and the brain disease CTE for the first time. Miller referenced the work of on the science of the subject of CTE evidence. CTE McKee, who has found CTE in the brains of 90 former pro football players. - AP is tied to repeated brain trauma and associated in the business of the league. The court heard trauma in athletes. “If we actually believe that foot- with symptoms such as memory loss, depression arguments in November on the fairness of the set- ball is linked to CTE now, then how is the NFL and progressive dementia. Players diagnosed after tlement and was expected to issue an opinion in underwriting (youth) tackle football when kids their deaths include Hall of Famers Junior Seau, the high-stakes case soon. The NFL and lead plain- could just as easily play flag and not be exposed to Ken Stabler and Mike Webster. Four Democratic tiffs’ lawyers have said they do not want to incen- the risk of CTE at such a young age?” he asked. The members of the House Energy and Commerce tivize suicide by offering future payments. CTE impact of the admission on college football is Committee sent a letter Tuesday to NFL cannot yet be diagnosed in the living. unclear, but a lead attorney in a lawsuit against Commissioner Roger Goodell, asking for answers The settlement would resolve thousands of the NCAA said he also saw this development as a by March 29 on the league’s plans to protect both lawsuits and cover more than 20,000 NFL retirees milestone in the process. “It is amazing to think NFL players and those at the youth levels. for the next 65 years. The league estimates that back to 2011, when we filed the first-ever class Critics of the NFL’s proposed $1 billion plan to 6,000 former players (nearly three in 10) could action against the NCAA for concussions, and settle concussion claims called Miller’s sudden develop Alzheimer’s disease or moderate demen- compare the national conversation at that time to acknowledgement of a football-CTE connection a tia. They would receive an average of $190,000, what we have now,” Chicago-based lawyer Joseph game changer. The settlement is being appealed though the awards could reach several million Siprut said. by players concerned that it excludes future cases dollars in the most serious cases, including young The admission by Miller could make an impact of CTE, what they consider “the signature disease men with Parkinson’s disease or Lou Gehrig’s dis- beyond the gridiron, too. Plaintiffs in a similar case of football.” The deal announced by lead plaintiffs’ ease. of retired players suing the NHL for concussion- lawyers and the NFL in August 2013 would instead “We welcome the NFL’s acknowledgement of related damages called on that league Tuesday to pay up to $4 million for prior deaths involving CTE. what was alleged in our complaint: that reports acknowledge as much. Commissioner Gary “Given that, the settlement’s failure to compensate have associated football with findings of CTE in Bettman said last year “from a medical and science present and future CTE is inexcusable,” lawyer deceased former players,” lead plaintiffs’ lawyer standpoint, there is no evidence” of a connection Steven Molo wrote Tuesday in a letter to the feder- Christopher Seeger said in a statement. “The set- between head injuries and CTE. The NHL didn’t al appeals court in Philadelphia that is hearing his tlement achieves that, providing immediate care respond Tuesday to a request for new comment. appeal. to the sickest retired players and long-term securi- “While the NFL, after intense public pressure, has Miller’s admission might not have any tangible ty over the next 65 years for those who are healthy finally admitted publicly that there is ‘certainly’ a effect on the case, though, given the timing. The now but develop a qualifying condition in the link, the NHL, to this day, continues to deny that appellate reviews are typically only focused on the future.” Chris Nowinski, a former professional there is any long-term danger associated with suf- BARCELONA: Barcelona’s midfielder Andres Iniesta (center) vies with Arsenal’s court records. “I think it’s an uphill battle to have wrestler who runs the Concussion Legacy fering repeated concussions and sub-concussive Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez (right) next to Barcelona’s Brazilian forward this even debated by the appellate judges, but it Foundation, noted that millions of children still blows, even in the face of compelling medical evi- Neymar during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football does give a glimmer of hope for the objectors,” play tackle football despite the suspected risks. dence,” the co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs said in match FC Barcelona vs Arsenal FC yesterday. — AFP said Andrew Brandt, an ESPN analyst specializing The foundation seeks to study and prevent head a statement. — AP China’s premier stays confident in economy Page 23

Peabody Energy warns it may file for bankruptcy protection Business Page 23 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 British budget extends austerity, Finalists of Lexus Design Award 2016 announced cuts growth

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FRANKFURT: Brokers work in the trading room of the stock market. — AP Deutsche Boerse, LSE forge ahead for pan-European giant Merger to create one of the world’s biggest exchanges

FRANKFURT: Deutsche Boerse and the London Stock Exchange chief Xavier Rolet said that he “100-percent backed” the plans, board would have “equal representation” from both sides. likes of CME and ICE in the United States and the Hong Kong agreed yesterday to press ahead with their planned merger to but neither made any reference to ICE’s rival offer. LSE chairman Donald Brydon will be chairman of the com- stock exchange. LSE chief Rolet said “it would be the largest create one of the world’s biggest exchanges, insisting the tie-up bined group and Deutsche Boerse chief executive Kengeter will stock exchange group in the world” by revenue. The merger will succeed irrespective of the outcome of the looming Brexit No threat from Brexit assume the role of CEO while LSE’s finance chief David Warren would deliver “significant value creation through cost synergies vote on Britain’s future in the EU. The two operators said that Kengeter and Rolet insisted that the plans would not be tor- will be chief financial officer. of 450 million euros per year”, both sides said. CMC Market ana- they planned to proceed with their “merger of equals” under the pedoed even if Britain votes to leave the EU. “The company and lyst Jasper Lawler suggested ICE could still derail the plans with key terms already drawn up. the structure of the transaction is such that we’ll have a success- ‘World’s biggest’ a counter-bid of its own. But “even if ICE doesn’t step up, the The announcement comes as US-based global markets oper- ful merger irrespective of the outcome,” said Kengeter. The two sides described it as an “industry-defining combina- merger is likely to spark regulatory unease in Europe where the ator Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which owns the New York A committee has been set up to examine the implications of tion” that would create a “leading Europe-based global markets combination of Eurex and LCH.Clearnet would create a monop- Stock Exchange, is also mulling a rival bid for the LSE. And it any vote to leave, but it “would not renegotiate terms, just pro- infrastructure group”. In addition to the London market, LSE also oly player in European derivatives clearing,” he said. comes at a politically sensitive time as Britain is due to hold a ref- vide answers,” he added. As already proposed at the end of last operates the Milan stock exchange and LCH Clearnet transaction Peter Gray, partner and head of financial services at erendum on June 23 to determine whether it remains in the month, Deutsche Boerse shareholders will end up with 54.4 per- clearing house. Deutsche Boerse operates the Frankfurt Cavendish Corporate Finance, said “the major test lies in the reg- European Union. cent of the new holding company’s capital, and LSE sharehold- exchange, as well as the Luxembourg-based clearing house ulatory hurdle which, combined with added scrutiny in the con- It is the third tie-up attempt after two earlier failed bids in ers with 45.6 percent. Clearstream and the derivatives platform Eurex. text of Brexit, places the onus on the two companies to make a 2000 and 2004. Deutsche Boerse chief executive Carsten Both markets would continue using their current brand In addition to its previous ambitions to tie the knot with the compelling case for the deal over the coming months.” On the Kengeter told a telephone news conference that the tie-up was names. The LSE and Deutsche Boerse are to become intermedi- LSE, Deutsche Boerse also tried to combine forces with NYSE Frankfurt stock exchange, Deutsche Boerse shares were showing “the right transaction at the right time for both of our compa- ate subsidiaries of the combined group, with the existing regula- Euronext in 2011, which operated the New York, Paris, a gain of 0.7 percent at 76.28 euros in early afternoon trade, nies. Deutsche Boerse and LSE are the right fit.” The combination tory framework to remain unchanged. The combined group Amsterdam, Brussels and Lisbon exchanges at the time. while in London, LSE shares were down 0.45 percent at 2,893 will “deliver more than the sum of its parts”, he added. And LSE would have headquarters in London and Frankfurt and the A joined LSE and Deutsche Boerse would compete with the pence on London’s FTSE 100 index. — AFP Gulf Bank receives approvals for subordinated tier 2 bond issuance Oil freeze meeting likely

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank yesterday announced that it has more diversified Wholesale Banking business. We reduced received approvals from the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) our non-performing loans and increased our loan loss cov- to go ahead without Iran and Capital Markets Authority (CMA), as well as the erage. This approval to issue a Tier 2 Basel III subordinated approval of the Bank’s Ordinary General Assembly meeting debt will serve to further develop and strengthen the TEHRAN: Oil producers including Gulf OPEC members sup- A second delegate from the Organization of the held on 9/3/2016, regarding the issuance of a Tier 2 Basel III Bank.” port holding a meeting next month to discuss a deal to Petroleum Exporting Countries said not having Iran in the compliant subordinated bond for up to KD 100 million. The At the Bank’s recent Annual General Meeting, share- freeze output even without Iran, OPEC sources said, as politi- pact was not the perfect outcome but it was not the worst. Bank plans to use the proceeds of the offering for general holders approved the Bank’s financial results for the year cal pressure to prop up prices increases. On Monday, Russian “If the others freeze and the Iranians are outside the agree- corporate purposes and to strengthen its capital adequacy. ended 31December 2015 and formally endorsed the board Energy Minister Alexander Novak said after talks in Tehran ment, it will not help the market unless the demand is very KAMCO Investment Company (KAMCO) and Kuwait of directors recommendation for a cash dividend of 4 fils that a deal could be signed in April and exclude Iran, which large,” this delegate said. “January output is already at high Financial Centre (MARKAZ) are the joint lead managers. per share. For the year ended 31 December 2015, Gulf he said has the right to boost output after years of sanctions. levels.” Gulf Bank’s Capital Adequacy ratio as of 31 December Bank’s operating profit before provisions were KD 108 M Kuwait, for one, has argued that all major producers need to Some OPEC sources said it was hard to backtrack from 2015 was 15.6%, compared to the regulatory minimum of and net profit grew by 10% compared to the prior year to be part of the output freeze. While an exemption for Iran is the freeze deal after Iran said it would not join, so as not to 12.5%. The Tier 1 Capital Adequacy ratio was 14.4% which KD 39M. not ideal, it is not a deal breaker, OPEC sources said. impact the market negatively. “You can’t ignore all other oil is also above the regulatory required minimum of 10.5%. The Bank is rated “A+” by Fitch ratings, “A3” by Moody’s, “It’s a setback but it will not necessarily change the posi- producers. The meeting is likely to go ahead,” a third source Omar Kutayba Alghanim, Chairman of Gulf Bank said, and “A-”, by Standard & Poor’s. The ratings reflect the tive atmosphere that has already started,” said one OPEC said, adding that the April meeting was likely to discuss and “We are pleased to have received approvals on the restructuring of the credit portfolio, lower risk appetite source from a major producer, referring to Iran saying it will finalise the details of the freeze deal. “We will not just meet issuance from the CMA and CBK. This step aims at support- and adequacy of the capital buffers. To achieve these rat- not join any freeze accord. “There are still talks about a pos- for the sake of meeting.” ing the Bank’s future corporate plans, as well as strength- ings in a time of global turmoil is a testament to the sible meeting between main producers,” the source said. It was not clear which countries besides the original four ening its capital adequacy ratios. We thank KAMCO and healthy growth and the transformation the Bank has Two other sources familiar with the matter said the would attend. Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have MARKAZ for their cooperation as joint lead managers. I completed. meeting was set to take place on April 17 in the Qatari capi- said they would commit to the freeze if other major pro- would also like to extend the Bank’s appreciation to our In 2015, the Bank was recognized by receiving 22 major tal Doha. Brent crude was trading at about $39 a barrel on ducers also participated. regulators for their continued support and commitment awards reflecting all the major operations of the bank, Wednesday, up from a 12-year low of $27.10 reached in The willingness of Iraq, the biggest source of OPEC sup- towards Kuwait’s financial institutions.” including consumer banking, wholesale banking, products, January. A preliminary deal to freeze output at January lev- ply growth in 2015, to join the deal is also important. Cesar Gonz·lez-Bueno, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf performance, marketing and human resources. These els, agreed last month by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Baghdad on Monday said the freeze initiative was accept- Bank said, “We closed 2015 on a positive note and have included awards from respected international publications Venezuela plus non-OPEC member Russia, has helped to able, citing the hardship for producers caused by low transformed the Bank quite dramatically since 2012. Today, such as The Asian Banker; International Finance Magazine support prices. prices. — Reuters we have a stronger Consumer Banking franchise and a (IFM); International Banker; and Banker Middle East. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 BUSINESS DC region braces for subway-free workday

WASHINGTON: An unprecedented day- Council member Jack Evans, the chairman long shutdown of the Washington area’s of Metro’s board, said that while the system Metro subway system will force commuters had previously been closed for days for to spend a day without their most reliable weather, including earlier this year, form of transportation - and the source of Wednesday was believed to be the first their constant complaints. time the system would be shut down for Ridership on Metro has dipped as the mechanical reasons. system’s reliability has deteriorated, and US Transportation Secretary Anthony gripes on social media occur daily. Still, Foxx said in a statement that putting safety more than 700,000 people hop on the first is the right choice but Metro needs to trains every day because it’s still the best get serious about fixing issues. “I’ve said it way to get downtown from Maryland, before, and I’ll keep saying it until the Virginia and the city’s outer neighbor- region takes real ownership of its safety hoods. On Wednesday, they won’t have oversight responsibilities: DC, Maryland that option. and Virginia need to stand up a permanent The nation’s second-busiest transit sys- Metro safety office with real teeth. What are tem was shut down at midnight Tuesday folks waiting for?” Foxx said. for a system-wide safety inspection of its Rep Gerry Connolly, a Virginia Democrat, third-rail power cables, prompted by a called the decision to shut down “a gut series of electrical fires. It will reopen at 5 punch to the hundreds of thousands of am today unless inspectors find an immedi- commuters who depend on the system.” ate threat to passenger safety, which the News of the closure exploded on social system’s general manager said was unlikely. media, with some on Twitter dubbing the Federal employees were given the situation “#Metromageddon” or option to take the day off or work from “#Metropocalypse.” Riders who didn’t hear home. A federal shutdown usually makes the news were informed via loudspeaker driving into the city much easier - but that’s announcements on the way home Tuesday. with the Metro running. Officials were brac- District of Columbia Mayor Muriel WASHINGTON: The White House is visible as morning traffic builds along 16th Street Northwest. — AP ing for a difficult morning on the city’s Bowser said additional police officers already traffic-choked streets, and many would be deployed to help deal with antici- commuters said they would have no choice pated traffic gridlock. Construction work by British budget extends but to stay home. city road crews will be suspended, and the “It’s really frustrating. It’s how everybody city will increase service on its Circulator gets to work,” said Atlee Ahern, 23, a Justice buses as well as offering free 24-hour mem- Department intern who takes Metro from berships in the region’s bike-sharing pro- austerity, cuts growth her home in Bethesda, Maryland. “The gram. Suburban bus lines were beefing up whole system shuts down, the whole city service as well. shuts down.” Another population affected by the clo- Metro’s general manager, Paul sure: students at the District’s public ‘Dangerous cocktail of risks ‘ Wiedefeld, said the closure was necessary schools. The city does not have traditional to ensure rider safety. “While the risk to the school buses and many students rely on LONDON: Britain unleashed a fresh wave of austerity public is very low, I cannot rule out a Metro, which they are allowed to ride for yesterday in its latest annual budget and cut its potential life and safety issue here, and this free, to get to school. The school system growth outlook citing global markets turbulence is why we must take this action immediate- announced that while schools would be rooted in China. Finance minister George Osborne, ly,” he said. Metro’s six rail lines and 91 sta- open, absences and tardiness would be presenting his annual tax and spend plans, also tions serve more than 700,000 riders daily, excused. DC Council member David Grosso warned that a potential ‘Brexit’, or departure from the and it is a vital link for federal workers and said he was concerned about student safe- European Union, would risk damaging the nation’s other commuters to Washington. ty. “This is a significant disruption for many economic recovery, ahead of a key June referendum. of our families,” Grosso said. Some com- Chancellor of the Exchequer Osborne said the Safety first muters said they welcomed the decision government would seek additional spending cuts A fire on the tracks led to major delays out of concern for their own safety. “If totaling £3.5 billion ($5.0 billion, 4.5 billion Euros) by throughout the system Monday. The fire they’re going to prevent some catastrophe 2020, when it expects also to reach a budget surplus was caused by the same kind of electrical from happening, then it’s fine with me,” said despite higher borrowing. The chancellor pointed to component that malfunctioned last year Alex Smith, a 44-year-old trade association a “dangerous cocktail of risks” including “turbulence and caused a train to fill with smoke inside administrator who lives in Washington. “It in financial markets, slower growth in economies a downtown Washington tunnel, killing almost seems like something they needed like China, and weak growth in the developed one passenger and sickening dozens. DC to do a long time ago.” — AP world” for the downgrades. In a speech lasting around one hour, Osborne Egypt central bank expecting forecast that the British economy was set to grow by 2.0 percent this year, down from a November esti- hiking rates at MPC meeting mate of 2.4 percent. And gross domestic product growth was expected to stand at 2.2 percent next CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank is expected lars has sucked up foreign exchange liq- year, down from a prior estimate of 2.5 percent. to raise interest rates today, a Reuters poll uidity from banks and put pressure on Fiscal watchdog the Office for Budget showed, in an attempt to defend the the pound but the central bank has Responsibility (OBR), which compiles official govern- pound after the central bank devalued recently been taking measures to divert ment forecasts, added that the latest predictions the currency and said it will adopt a more liquidity back into the banking system. were based on the assumption that Britain remained LONDON: British Finance Minister George Osborne poses for pictures with the Budget Box as flexible exchange rate policy. This month the central bank eased in the European Union. Osborne, a top figure in he leaves 11 Downing Street. — AP Egypt has been facing a foreign cur- capital controls that were imposed in Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative party could usher in an extended period of uncertainty greater consensus that a vote to leave would result rency shortage since the 2011 uprising February 2015 and last month the coun- and government, meanwhile announced plans to regarding the precise terms of the UK’s future rela- in a period of potentially disruptive uncertainty drove away tourists and foreign investors try’s main three state-owned banks cut several taxes levied on businesses amid strongly tionship with the EU,” the OBR argued yesterday. while the precise details of the UK’s new relationship - major sources of hard currency. Reserves launched dollar-denominated certificates divergent views being expressed by companies on “This could have negative implications for activity with the EU were negotiated.” The government more than halved from 2011 to $16.5 bil- of deposit aimed at Egyptians living whether Britain should quit the EU. via business and consumer confidence and might would also plough more cash into education and lion in February. abroad. On Monday Egypt’s top two state “This is a budget for small businesses,” Osborne result in greater volatility in financial and other asset infrastructure projects, in line with announcements On Monday the pound was devalued banks, the National Bank of Egypt and told lawmakers to loud cheers from the markets.” The OBR added: “There appears to be a made in the run-up to the budget. —AFP to 8.85 pounds per dollar from 7.73 Banque Misr, also said they would offer Conservative lawmakers sat on the House of pounds and the central bank injected Egyptian pound investment certificates Commons’ green benches. There were also tax cuts hundreds of millions of dollars through with a 15 percent yield in return for for- for the oil and gas industry, which has been hit by German women earn one exceptional auctions this week in an eign currency. tumbling energy prices. effort to crush a black market in dollars. In anticipation of an interest rate hike, All 10 contributors to the Reuters poll yields on Egyptian treasury bonds All eyes on Brexit vote fifth less than men: Data said they expect the monetary policy jumped aggressively on Monday, follow- Turning to Britain’s June 23 referendum on EU FRANKFURT: Women in Germany earn around ference between men’s and women’s pay has committee (MPC) to raise rates on March ing news of the devaluation. Ziad Waleed, membership, Osborne revealed the OBR’s warning one fifth less than men, a wider gap than the remained more or less unchanged. 17 in an attempt to defend the pound economist at Beltone Financial, expects over the potential impact of a Brexit. And he repeat- European average, but the shortfall is narrower In the former communist east of the country, after the devaluation, with forecasts rang- the monetary policy meeting to raise ed the government’s strong desire for the UK to stay in the east of the country, official data showed the pay gap was much narrower, standing at ing from a 50 basis point hike to a hike of interest rates by 100 basis points but said within the 28-nation trading bloc. yesterday. In raw or unadjusted terms, the gen- eight percent last year, but in the west it stood at 100 basis points. “We’ve seen measures it could be raised even more to “defend “Britain will be stronger, safer and better off der pay gap stood at 21 percent in Germany last 23 percent, Destatis calculated. Women in from the central bank to enhance foreign the pound and counter dollarisation inside a reformed European Union-and I believe we year, an improvement of one percentage point Germany tend more often to work in low-paid exchange liquidity... but for this cycle to trends.” Since taking over in November, should not put at risk all the hard work the British from 2014, but still above the European average jobs or sectors and frequently only part time, the be complete (they) need to enhance Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer had people have done to make our economy strong of 16.5 percent, the federal statistics office statisticians said. demand for the local currency and that is taken measures to defend the pound. The again,” Osborne told parliament. Cameron is leading Destatis calculated. Nevertheless, the working rate of women in why we expect a hike in the next meet- MPC hiked interest rates by 50 basis the battle to keep Britain in the EU, but several key On average, German women earned 16.20 Germany is changing. For a long time, it lagged ing,” said Hany Farahat, economist at CI points in December, citing inflationary members of his Conservative party-notably Mayor Euros per hour before tax, while men earned behind men’s working rate because of the tradi- Capital who expects a 50 basis point hike. pressures but kept it stable at the follow- of London Boris Johnson-are in the Leave campaign. 20.59 Euros. That means that since 2006, when tional family structures where women tended to Bankers said the black market for dol- ing meeting in January. — Reuters “A vote to Leave in the forthcoming referendum the gender pay gap stood at 23 percent, the dif- stay at home to look after the children. —AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.225 Asia 20 Gram 253.510 Jordanian Dinar 425.495 Bangladesh Taka 0.003432 0.004006 10 Gram 129.510 ASIAN COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound 33.652 Chinese Yuan 0.044925 0.048425 5 Gram 65.600 Japanese Yen 2.663 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.084 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036822 0.039572 Indian Rupees 4.499 Indian Rupees 4.489 Indian Rupee 0.004280 0.004670 Pakistani Rupees 2.879 Pakistani Rupees 2.884 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Srilankan Rupees 2.086 Bangladesh Taka 3.842 Philippines Pesso 6.458 Japanese Yen 0.002576 0.002756 Nepali Rupees 2.806 Cyprus pound 575.305 Kenyan Shilling 0.002970 0.002970 Singapore Dollar 219.690 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Japanese Yen 3.655 Korean Won 0.000243 0.000258 Hongkong Dollar 38.918 Australian Dollar 201.91 Canadian Dollar 219.82 Syrian Pound 2.370 Malaysian Ringgit 0.069488 0.075488 Bangladesh Taka 3.850 Swiss Franc 306.95 Nepalese Rupees 3.800 Nepalese Rupee 0.002863 0.003033 Philippine Peso 6.453 Euro 336.85 Malaysian Ringgit 74.070 Pakistan Rupee 0.002708 0.002988 Thai Baht 8.622 US Dollar 299.90 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.745 Philippine Peso 0.006391 0.006671 Sterling Pound 431.04 Thai Bhat 9.575 Sierra Leone 0.000071 0.000077 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.67 Turkish Lira 105.395 Singapore Dollar 0.215302 0.221302 Saudi Riyal 80.576 Bangladesh Taka 3.817 South African Rand 0.012881 0.021381 Qatari Riyal 83.001 Indian Rupee 4.375 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001707 0.002287 Omani Riyal 784.823 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.083 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 802.440 Taiwan 0.009080 0.009260 Nepali Rupee 2.732 Thai Baht 0.008293 0.008843 UAE Dirham 82.266 Pakistani Rupee 2.860 UAE Dirhams 0.08161 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 0.7970 Europe Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 35.500 Egyptian Pound 0.03819 British Pound 0.419857 0.428857 Bahraini Dinar 0.794492 0.802492 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 35.524 Jordanian Dinar 0.4265 Czech Korune 0.004368 0.016368 Egyptian Pound 0.031523 0.036641 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.410 Omani Riyal 0.7788 Danish Krone 0.040835 0.045835 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Tunisian Dinar 150.100 Qatari Riyal 0.08269 Euro 0.329413 0.337413 Iraqi Dinar 0.000194 0.000254 Jordanian Dinar 425.860 Saudi Riyal 0.07994 Norwegian Krone 0.031196 0.036396 Jordanian Dinar 0.421942 0.429442 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.013 Romanian Leu 0.074716 0.074716 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.153 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.008988 0.018988 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 Morocco Dirham 31.295 Swedish Krona 0.032155 0.037155 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020573 0.044573 Swiss Franc 0.299035 0.309235 Nigerian Naira 0.001244 0.001879 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.099183 0.109483 Omani Riyal 0.777996 0.783676 US Dollar Transfer 302.000 US Dollar 302.050 Qatar Riyal 0.082241 0.083454 Australasia Euro 336.730 Canadian Dollar 229.115 Saudi Riyal 0.079647 0.080597 Australian Dollar 0.216770 0.228270 Sterling Pound 428.390 Sterling Pound 432.050 Syrian Pound 0.001280 0.001500 New Zealand Dollar 0.193129 0.202629 Canadian dollar 226.810 Euro 336.620 Tunisian Dinar 0.146597 0.154597 Turkish lira 104.680 America Swiss Frank 299.080 Turkish Lira 0.099183 0.109483 Swiss Franc 307.070 Bahrain Dinar 799.075 Canadian Dollar 0.220541 0.229041 UAE Dirhams 0.081242 0.082391 Australian Dollar 226.650 UAE Dirhams 82.480 US Dollars 0.297900 0.302400 Yemeni Riyal 0.001365 0.001445 US Dollar Buying 300.800 Qatari Riyals 83.690 US Dollars Mint 0.298400 0.302400 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 BUSINESS Bali farmers insure rice fields in defense against El Nino

NUSA DUA: Tourist taxi driver Nur-ul Aslam crop insurance, one of 100 farmers to do so other provinces, though delays in the local official weather mapping organiza- no rice available, “we have been living off watches in hopeful silence as drops of rain in Bali, where rice is grown on about 80,000 expansion have limited the number of tion - says the island of Bali has seen dried cassava for several weeks,” said begin to cloud his windscreen. Last year at hectares of land. The Bali insurance pro- farmers signed up. “extreme” weather since the end of August. Palembang Kaka, a small-scale farmer from this time he was farming rice on his two- gram, launched last October, promises to “Our previous target this year was The agency attributes the unusually hot Buleleng who now works as a porter in hectare farm 40 kilometers northeast of pay farmers up to six million rupiah ($480) 11,000 hectares of rice fields (insured), but weather to the El Nino phenomenon. In Pasar Badung, Denpasar’s largest commu- Bali’s airport. But a long spell of dry weath- for a crop failure caused by disasters such only 4,000 hectares can be insured due to November, the temperature in the area nity market. er, which has lasted since last July, dried up as drought, flooding or pest attacks. limited time,” said Ida Bagus Wisnuardhana, around Denpasar, Bali’s provincial capital, Although globally El Nino is expected irrigation channels in his village of Tegal The premium is 180,000 rupiah ($13) head of the Bali provincial Agriculture and rose as high as 37 degrees Celsius above to start weakening soon, meteorological Mengkeb. per hectare, but the state has agreed to pay Foodstuffs Affairs office. Currently, the the average daily temperature of 31.4 service officials in Bali are advising farm- To survive, the 33-year-old walked away 80 percent of the cost. That means a farmer scheme targets only small-scale farmers degrees Celsius, said Nyoman Gede ers to brace for more dry weather. from his farm last December and began like Aslam only has to come up with 36,000 growing rice, but the federal government Wiryajaya of BKMG. Bali’s provincial agricul- Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, of the National driving a taxi in Nusa Dua, a tourist hub rupiah, or about $2, per hectare. The pro- hopes to bring in all 27 million farmers in tural department says nearly a thousand Disaster Management Agency, predicted with dozens of luxury resorts. He dreams of gram is part of a larger Indonesian crop Indonesia’s 33 provinces by 2019, accord- hectares of farmland are suffering some that “rainfall will be extremely low until returning home. “We need regular good insurance scheme introduced in 2012-2013 ing to a paper published by Japan’s degree of drought, which threatens the the end of this year”. For Aslam, the pre- showers, but there is mostly drizzle. Unless with financial support from the Japan Ministry of the Environment. coming harvest. With crops drying, local diction could mean another missed crop the subaks (water channels) are full again, I International Cooperation Agency (JICA). media have already reported food short- and another season at the wheel - unless can’t plant any crop,” he said. In the first season of the program, 470 El Nino and drought ages in several villages. his new insurance policy works. “We will Aslam may have found a way to stay on hectares of rice fields were insured in East In Indonesia, the dry season runs from Buleleng, a north Bali district which has see how the insurance (money) is paid. I the farm next year, however. He recently Java and Sumatra. This year, the govern- May to August. But Badan Meteorologi, recorded crop failure on 160 hectares, has hope it is enough to recover my losses,” signed up for new government-backed ment has moved to include Bali and a few Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BKMG) - the been declared under “severe drought”. With he said. — Reuters Joyalukkas opens in Davangere with over one million designs

DAVANGERE: The global giant Joyalukkas The showrooms will feature over One Jewelry opened their latest showroom in Million dazzling collections and exquisite Karnataka at Davangere. This is as part of designs in gold, diamond, precious stones, their mega expansion plan they have platinum and pearl. The collections will be a planned for this financial year “This financial mix of traditional, ethno contemporary and year we are committing ourselves to rapid international designs that have won hearts expansion across India, GCC and a couple of of customers around the world. new countries. This compliments my vision Other than this ‘Trust’ is an integral part to make the brand accessible and available of the Joyalukkas offer which is managed to every jewelry lover in the world,” said Joy through ensuring assurance and peace of Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group. mind to customers on their jewelry pur- Joyalukkas Jewelry had recently chase. The retail chain manages this launched their showroom in Davangere. through strict adherence to quality and The brand which is one of the world’s internationally accepted standards eg. largest jewelry retail chains is a part of a 100% IGI certified diamonds, BIS Hallmark multi-billion dollar global conglomerate, gold jewelry and PGI certified platinum jew- which has varied business interests. The elry etc. Joyalukkas, is also the first and only Joyalukkas Group’s business interests ISO 14001-2006 & ISO 9001-2008 certified include Jewelry, Money Exchange, Fashion jewelry retail chain, & Silks, Luxury Air Charter, Malls and Realty. “My vision for our jewelry business is to The world’s largest jewelry retail chain has ‘ornament the world’ and we will manage presence in Singapore, London, UAE, this by offering customers the best mix of Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Price, Choice, Convenience and Service” Qatar, Oman & India and will soon open in 2 added Joy Alukkas. Other unique feature of new countries. The jewelry retailer currently Joyalukkas jewelry includes consumer BEIJING: Chinese worker load cables on steel frames at a building under construction at the Central Business District. — AP has a customer base of over 10 million cus- friendly value added schemes like tomers worldwide and offers over 1 million ‘Advanced Purchase schemes, Joyalukkas choices in all types of jewelry at each of its Golden Rewards Card, 100% buy back guar- China’s premier stays confident in showroom. antee and more. “Our plan for Joyalukkas Jewelry in this This international jewelry retail chain is financial year (2015-2016) includes also one of few retail chains to be recog- economy, vows no hard landing strengthening our presence across various nized with many awards and accolades for parts of India and opening our showrooms its exceptional standards in jewelry retail- in cities and towns that we feel is ready for ing. Joyalukkas has also been awarded the Government presses ahead with painful reforms the Joyalukkas experience said Mr Joy prestigious ‘Superbrand’ status 5 years in a Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group. row in the UAE. BEIJING: China’s Premier Li Keqiang defended tural reforms,” he said. Similarly, central bank heavy industries such as coal and steel and the government’s economic policies yesterday, Governor Zhou Xiaochuan took pains to expand restructure bloated, loss-making state enterpris- vowing there would be no mass layoffs and no on its views in the face of international criticism es. Sources have told Reuters that China is hard landing for the world’s second-largest that China needs to communicate better about expecting to lay off 5-6 million state workers in economy even as the government presses its policies, particularly after its surprise currency the next two to three years as part of efforts to ahead with painful reforms. devaluation last year. curb excess capacity and pollution. Even as par- While conceding that downward pressure is Zhou on Saturday appeared to rule out exces- liament was in session, thousands of coal mine increasing, Li and other top officials at the annu- sive stimulus to bolster the economy, but said workers in a depressed part of northeastern al meeting of parliament this month have China would keep policy flexible to counter any China protested against unpaid wages over the repeatedly tried to reassure jittery financial mar- shocks. China is already in the midst of its most weekend. kets and China’s major trading partners that aggressive economic stimulus campaign since Li said the government will try to avoid mass Beijing is able to manage the slowing economy. the global financial crisis, but Beijing is wary of layoffs, and comments from other policymakers “We are confident that as long as we continue unleashing massive spending as it did in over the last two weeks appear to indicate that to reform and open up, China’s economy will not 2008/2009, which left a legacy of high debt and Beijing will focus first on a slower but less politi- suffer a hard landing,” Li said at a news confer- excess capacity. cally sensitive approach: persuading companies ence at the end of the parliament meeting. Some analysts argue China wants too many to merge or restructure rather than forcing them “Economic productivity is being held back by things - economic growth but no painful reforms to quickly downsize. unnecessary government interference and we and no mass layoffs. “Premier Li signalled that There have been few specific details from need to create a more level playing field and China would continue to implement reforms this officials about how China will deal with those more oversight,” he said, adding that China plans year including cutting red tape (and) improving who lose their jobs. But Li said yesterday that the Peabody Energy warns it may to cut red tape for businesses, devise ways to the portability of social welfare...,” Julian Evans- government could offer more aid for laid-off reduce corporate debt and improve financial Pritchard, China economist at Capital Economics workers if necessary, in addition to a 100 billion file for bankruptcy protection regulation. wrote in a research note. Yuan ($15.3 billion) fund announced in February The country’s top economic planner made a “But the government still shows little willing- aimed at relocating workers who lose their jobs. NEW YORK: The largest American coal min- Patriot Coal have all filed for bankruptcy similar attempt to calm investors’ jangled nerves ness to tolerate the pain associated with signifi- Weighed down by sluggish demand at home er, Peabody Energy, is delaying an interest protection. St Louis-based Peabody said earlier in the 12-day parliamentary session, say- cant change. It says that cutting oversupply and and abroad, faltering investment and massive payment due this week and warned that it yesterday that it didn’t pay more than $70 ing that authorities had ample policy tools to restructuring the inefficient state sector is a pri- industrial overcapacity, China’s economy may have to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy million in interest payments that were due ensure growth remains within a “reasonable ority for this year but appears determined to expanded by 6.9 percent last year, its weakest protection. Shares of Peabody Energy Corp. Tuesday. range”, remarks which were repeated by Li yes- avoid major job losses.” pace in a quarter of a century. plummeted more than 40 percent yester- If the company doesn’t make the pay- terday. China’s “supply-side reforms”, which The government has set a growth target of day morning. Its shares have already lost ment in 30 days, it would default and it said include tax cuts, will unleash fresh economic How to avoid massive tradeoffs? 6.5-7 percent for 2016 and is widely expected to half their value in the last three months and there’s “substantial doubt” it would be able growth drivers, Li added, at his one news confer- Indeed, while the government insists it will continue a year-long stimulus blitz to spur activi- 97 percent over the past year. to go on. The company made the ence of the year, a staged event where journal- press on with structural reforms despite the ty, ranging from higher spending on infrastruc- A slowing global economy and tough- announcement in a filing with the US ists are often pre-selected to ask questions. slowing economy, there has been a lack of talk ture projects to more interest rate cuts. Some ening environmental standards have Securities and Exchange Commission. “Instead of resorting to massive stimulus at this year’s parliament about how millions of China watchers, however, believe real growth slammed the coal industry, which is already Peabody said it has talked with its debt measures, we have chosen a more sustainable people could be thrown out of work as authori- levels are already much lower than official data beset by bankruptcies, shuttered mines holders on ways to improve its finances, but more painful economic path, pursuing struc- ties try to reduce overcapacity in “rust belt” suggests. — Reuters and layoffs. Peabody makes most of its but if that doesn’t work it may need to file money by selling its coal to utility compa- for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. nies that use it to generate electricity. Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protec- KFH names winners of banking But many utilities have shifted to using tion allows companies to reorganize their natural gas, which costs less than coal and debt while they keep their businesses oper- produces less pollution. In fact, electricity ating. When Arch Coal filed for bankruptcy cards campaign 9th draw generation from coal fell 13 percent last protection in January, for example, it said year compared to the previous year, its mines would remain open and its according to the U.S. Energy Information employees would not be affected. KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) named 7 Administration. US coal production also fell Peabody had about 7,600 employees at winners of the ninth draw of the new banking to its lowest level in nearly three decades the end of last year and has ownership cards promotional campaign themed “Shop and last year, the EIA said. stakes in 26 mines in the US and Australia. Its Win Back Up to KD 50,000 with KFH Cards” that Within the last year, coal companies US mines are in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, had been launched in an attempt to encourage Alpha Natural Resources, Arch Coal and Indiana, New Mexico and Wyoming. — AP clients to use KFH credit, prepaid and debit cards while making purchases in Kuwait and overseas. For every KD 10 spent on their KFH cards, clients will get a chance to enter a draw and win back up to KD 500 of their daily spends for 100 days ending April 19th 2016. KFH Credit and Prepaid cards used in domestic and international retail spends and KFH Debit cards used in inter- national retail spends are eligible for the daily draw. The winners are: Fatemah Alshatti, Abdullatif Derbai, Wasan Alyaqout, Lesama Shako, Shaikha Aladwani, Imad Abdulaziz Alsarawi and Nourah Husainan. KFH strives to continuously offer its clients new promotions and discounts in order to distin- guish them among peers, not to mention to fur- ther bolster bank’s leading position in the field of banking cards. KFH marketing campaigns play a significant role in underlining KFH’s principles that include boosting sales, and benefitting clients and merchants. This new campaign is part of KFH’s efforts to reward its clients and grant them additional val- field of banking cards. It is worth noting that KFH to high quality products which have enabled it to ue; thus achieving customer satisfaction and has won several awards in the field of banking achieve growth in cards market and increase the boosting their confidence. The campaign also cards which reiterates its success and efficiency number of customers. KFH occupies the leading aims at enhancing the bank’s presence especially in banking cards market. KFH enjoys high confi- position as the issuer of banking cards and one ST LOUIS: This Oct 19, 2009, file photo shows Peabody Energy headquarters. — AP that it dominates the largest market share in the dence and leadership in the market in addition of leading banks at the GCC level. BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 Stocks dip, oil bounces but dollar dithers

SYDNEY: Asian shares were mostly lower yester- ed to provide the much-needed clarity global Institute (API) showed US crude stockpiles rose first quarter, from 2.2 percent. The disap- leaves equity and bond markets vulnerable day while the dollar dithered as markets waited markets need in order to move forward with by less than half what analysts expected. US pointing data only heightened the stakes to any hint of hawkishness from the Fed, say anxiously for the Federal Reserve to provide some sense of conviction,” said Stefan Worrall, crude gained 49 cents to $36.33 a barrel, while for the Federal Open Market Committee if Yellen made it clear that hikes were still guidance on the risk of US rate hikes this year. director of Japan equity sales at Credit Suisse. Brent rose 40 cents to $39.14.There was little (FOMC) meeting. possible at the April and June meetings. Spread betters expected the cautious mood to “Ahead of that, we’re seeing a very pregnant movement on Wall Street where the Dow ended Analysts generally assume Fed projec- In contrast, the US dollar would likely extend into Europe, forecasting a flat to modest- pause and an air pocket of conviction.” up 0.13 percent, while the S&P 500 lost 0.18 per- tions for interest rates widely known as the benefit from the chance of higher rates. It ly higher open for Britain’s FTSE, Germany’s DAX MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares cent and the Nasdaq dropped 0.45 percent. “dots” - will indicate only three hikes are could do with the help having recently and France’s CAC. outside Japan edged down 0.3 percent, and likely this year instead of four. Yet the mar- touched a one-month low of 95.938 While no move is expected at this meeting it Japan’s Nikkei took a knock from a firmer yen Join the dots ket is pricing in just one move of 25 basis against a basket of major currencies late does include updates of Fed members’ econom- and slipped 0.7 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Hurting sentiment were downward revisions points for 2016. “It may seem dovish but last week. The dollar index stood little ic projections and a news conference with Chair lost 0.5 percent. South Korean stocks were effec- to retail sales that left consumer spending look- the dots will have to come down by more changed at 96.731 yesterday, while the Janet Yellen, events that have caused violent tively flat while Shanghai crawled up 0.1 per- ing a lot softer so far this year. One result was than this, especially the 2016 dot, to be euro marked time at $1.1100. Both the market reactions in the past. cent. Oil prices did manage a bounce after data that the Atlanta Fed “GDPNow” measure of eco- seen as genuinely bullish,” said Alan Ruskin, greenback and euro nursed losses on the “There’s no question that the FOMC is expect- from industry group American Petroleum nomic growth dropped to 1.9 percent for the global head of forex research at Deutsche. yen, which tends to gain at times of risk “The market has less tightening priced in aversion. The dollar fetched 113.42 yen, for the end of 2018 than the December while the euro bought 125.92 yen follow- FOMC median dot for the end of 2016.” This ing a fall of 0.5 percent on Tuesday.

NEW YORK: Specialist Paul Cosentino waits for trading to begin on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. — AP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 BUSINESS KAMCO Oil Market Monthly Report

il prices continued to rise dur- almost 0.33 mb/d in supply from ing February-16, recording the Australia, Argentina and the Sudans. Ohighest monthly jump in Upward revisions were also made almost nine months after four OPEC to non-OPEC supply figures for Q1-15 and non-OPEC producers agreed to (+63 tb/d) and Q2-15 (+31 tb/d). The stabilize the oil market by freezing out- OECD Americas region saw the put. The oil price trend during the first biggest jump in oil supply during two weeks of March-16 was even 2015 with a growth of 0.91 mb/d to stronger signaling a bottoming of oil reach total supply of 20.99 mb/d. Oil prices on the back of USD weakness, a supply from OECD Asia Pacific stronger Yuan that reached its highest remained unchanged as compared to level in 2016 as well as a continued the last month’s monthly report decline in oil rigs in the US that whereas, Developing Countries saw a reached its lowest recorded level in the marginal upward revision of 10 tb/d history. to average at 11.52 mb/d during During mid-February-16, in a bid to 2015. stabilize the oil market, Saudi Arabia, On the other hand, despite inter- Qatar, Russia and Venezuela agreed to nal adjustments, non-OPEC oil sup- freeze their respective oil production ply growth for 2016 was kept at January-16 levels with a caveat that unchanged and is expected to other producers follow suit. This led to decline by 0.70 mb/d and to average a short term oil price rally that pushed 56.39 mb/d. The expected decline in prices to a 3-month high level of USD oil supply is primarily due to a 35.62/b of OPEC oil. However, despite decline in cash flow in 2016 resulting welcoming the decision to freeze out- in reduced capital investment as well put, Iran’s oil minister said in a recent as deferral of major new projects announcement that it would consider until oil price shows sustainable joining other oil producers in seeking recovery. For instance, companies ways to rebalance the global oil mar- like EOG Resources slashed its 2016 ket only after it reaches a pre-sanction capex by half whereas, Encana Corp. crude output of 4 mb/d, a level not and Chesapeake slashed their 2016 seen since 2008. capex by more than 50%. In terms of As a result of this announcement, regional breakdown, OECD Americas oil prices fell almost 3% on 14-March- is expected to show the steepest 16. An official also said that the coun- supply decline of 0.48 mb/d in 2016 try plans to boost oil production by 1 followed by FSU - 0.12 mb/d. In the mb/d by June-16 and expects oil Middle East, supply is expected to exports to rise to 2 mb/d by month decline by 50 tb/d due to geopoliti- ending 20-March-16 from almost 1.75 cal conflicts. mb/d during the previous month. Meanwhile, supply disruption to the OPEC Oil Production & tune of 0.85 mb/d in Northern Iraq and Spare Capacity Nigeria also provided some support to According to Bloomberg, OPEC oil oil prices by the end of February-16. A production declined marginally by 79 pipeline stoppage in Turkey cut off tb/d to 33.06 mb/d during Febrauary- almost 0.6 mb/d of crude from 16 as production declines in Iraq and Kurdistan. On the other hand, an oil Nigeria were partially offset by higher pipeline leak led Royal Dutch Shell to production in Iran. Production by declare force majeure on almost Saudi Arabia and Kuwait remained flat 0.25mb/d of crude in Nigeria. at 10.2 mb/d and 3 mb/d, respective- In its monthly report, IEA stated ly, during February-16. Iran continued that oil prices may have bottomed as to boost production during the the production decline by United month by producing an additional States and other non-OPEC producers 140 tb/d during the month to reach is at a faster pace, whereas the increase an average production rate of 3 mb/d. in production by Iran is expected to be In terms of agreement on output gradual. The agency forecasted a pro- freeze as was announced by Saudi duction decline of 0.75 mb/d in 2016 Arabia, Qatar, Venezuela and Russia, as against its previous expectation of Iran initially appreciated the move but 0.6 mb/d as a result of low oil prices its oil minister recently said that the that has started affecting high-cost country will only join talks on stabiliz- production. Contrastingly, OPEC in its ing oil prices once its output reaches monthly report said that the global pre-sanction levels of almost 4 mb/d. demand for its oil in 2016 will be less Iran is actively engaged in signing oil than previous expectations as supply contracts with European customers by from non-OPEC producers appears aggressively boosting production. more resilient to low prices. According to a news report, the coun- As a consequence, the global try is seeking to boost oil output by demand for OPEC’s crude is expected 1mb/d by June-16 although analysts to decline by 90 tb/d from last months believe that it is a near impossible expectation to average at 31.52 mb/d achievement to scale production to in 2016. After touching a 13-year low this level even by the end ofthe year, level in January-16, average monthly which would also require significant OPEC oil price increased by 8.4% to investment in the country’s oil industry. USD 28.72/b during February-16. The The investment requirement was gains during the first half of March-16 pegged at USD 200 Bn, according to stood at an even higher 17.2%. We the country’s oil minister, in order to expect oil prices to trade range bound develop joint fields and enhance during the year taking cues from the recovery of oil reservoirs, as well as reaction of OPEC members on produc- secure development targets. tion optimization. OPEC meeting, likely 20.2 Mn barrels during January-16 highest level in 2016 after the central the whole of European region with all price could provide a boost to oil Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s foreign to be in April-16, would set the trend equivalent to 32.7 days of demand bank fixed the reference rate of Yuan at the quarters showing higher demand demand in the region. An unusually minister said that the Kingdom will for the rest of the year. cover; whereas, preliminary data for a higher than expected level. resulting in a demand growth of 0.30 warm weather also affected oil continue to maintain its oil market February-16 suggests OECD inventory Average monthly OPEC oil price mb/d. Meanwhile in OECD Asia Pacific, demand in OECD Asia Pacific, especial- share and the idea that it would cut Oil Prices drawdown for the first time in a year. increased by 8.4% to USD 28.72/b dur- oil consumption declined by 0.06 ly in Japan where commodity substi- its production while others maintain Sentiments surrounding oil market Furthermore, in a positive develop- ing February-16 whereas the gains mb/d led by a fall in demand from tution played a key role in declining their share would be unrealistic. largely remained positive after multi- ment for the oil market, US oil rigs during the first half of March-16 stood Japan. use of oil for electricity generation. On the other hand, the disruptions ple indicators pointed to a fall, albeit declined for the 12th consecutive at an even higher 17.2%. Kuwait oil Oil demand growth for 2016 was Contrastingly, oil demand continued in Iraq and Nigeria resulted in a total gradually, in production primarily from week by 6 to 386, its lowest level on was up by 11.9% during February-16 also kept unchanged at 1.25 mb/d to to post robust growth in South Korea oil production decline of 264 tb/d shale producers in the US in addition record, according to data released by whereas Brent oil surged 5.6% during average at 94.23 mb/d despite upward during January-16 rising by more than during the month. A pipeline stop- to both OPEC and non-OPEC oil pro- Baker Hughes. Drilling activity in the the month. adjustments in Other Asia, Asia Pacific 5% year-on-year or 0.11 mb/d. page in Turkey cut off almost 0.6 ducers being in talks to freeze produc- US has taken a severe hit as drillers are and Europe on the back of higher- Another bright spot in the region mb/d of crude from Kurdistan. On the tion. conserving cash and have curtailed World Oil Demand than-expected oil demand that were was India that recorded almost 13% other hand, an oil pipeline leak led Moreover, although demand side producing oil from even newly drilled OPEC’s monthly report kept total offset by downward adjustments for year-on-year rise in oil demand or Royal Dutch Shell to declare force factors are yet to show a turnaround wells in the hope that production can world oil demand growth for 2015 Latin America and FSU. A mild winter more than 0.50 mb/d led by higher majeure on almost 0.25mb/d of crude (with Chinese demand yet to recover be scaled up when oil prices strength- unchanged from the last month at 1.54 season in the US led to decline in demand for gasoline, fuel oil and in Nigeria. amid economic slowdown) higher en. According to Reuters, some pro- mb/d to reach 92.98 mb/d although demand for distillates which fully nul- diesel. For the full year, India’s oil The overall production by OPEC demand in other markets, primarily ducers are squeezing out older wells adjustments were made within the lified higher demand for gasoline and requirement is expected to grow by members reached more than 90% of India, and other smaller non-OECD for additional oil, whereas a few have regions. Oil demand in the US surged jet fuel during the first two months of 4%-5%. its capacity by the end of February- Asian countries remain strong. slashed capex on almost all activity, in by 0.1 mb/d or 0.5% year-on-year dur- 2016. 16. Among the member countries, According to IEA’s monthly report, some cases even leaving drilled wells ing December-15 primarily on the back Meanwhile, oil demand in OECD World Oil Supply Saudi Arabia continues to hold the global oil demand declined to its low- unfinished to conserve cash and wait of higher gasoline demand for the Europe was weak according to prelimi- Non-OPEC oil supply growth in largest buffer capacity at almost 2.3 est level in a year during 4Q-15 to 1.2 for a sustained turnaround in prices. transportation sector. The monthly nary data for January-16 that showed 2015 was once again revised upward mb/d followed by Libya with a spare mb/d as compared to 4Q-14 primarily Oil prices also got a boost from USD gain comes despite a fall in demand a year-on-year decline of 50 tb/d as by 100 tb/d to 1.42 mb/d to average capacity of 0.41 mb/d. The total share due to a decline in demand from the weakness verses most of the major during the previous two months higher demand for diesel and fuel oil at 57.09 mb/d after updated produc- of production of Saudi Arabia stood US and China. currencies that coincided with ECB’s (October-15 and November-15). was more than offset by a decline in tion data for 4Q-15 led to upward at 30.9% almost in line with its share For the full year 2016 the agency announcement of monetary easing Meanwhile, demand remained weak in demand for jet fuel/kerosene and LPG. revision in supply from the OECD during January-16. On the other expects demand to grow by 1.2 mb/d. measures during the second week of Canada during the year due to a fall in The region continues to be marred by (+258 tb/d), Developing Countries hand, the share of Iran increased from Meanwhile, according to IEA, OECD February-16. On the other hand, demand for gasoline, LPG and residual several uncertainties relating to eco- (+48 tb/d) and FSU (+26 tb/d) partial- 8.6% in January-16 to 9.1% in commercial inventories increased by Chinese Yuan also strengthened to its fuel oil. The year was also positive for nomic performance although low oil ly offset by downward revisions of February-16. BUSINESS THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Finalists of Lexus Design Award 2016 announced

KUWAIT: Lexus International has recently announced the 12 extensive discussion, and after noting the participants’ passion finesse which defines the core character of all Lexus products. April 11 through April 17 at T32 Turneries/Carrozzeria, Via finalists for the Lexus Design Award 2016. First launched in and willingness to explore the unpredictable, the judges chose We look forward to highlighting these talented individuals and Tortona 32, 20144 (Zona Tortona). The Grand Prix winner of the 2013 to foster the growth of ideas that can contribute to socie- 12 finalist entries for their potential contribution to design elevate the discussion around progressive design in line with Lexus Design Award 2016 out of the four selected prototype ty, this international design competition aims to support innovation. the chosen theme.” finalists will be announced on April 11 at a glittering award cer- young up-and-coming creators from around the world. The According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, The four finalists will produce prototypes of their designs emony. fourth annual staging of the Lexus Design Award drew 1,232 Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota under the mentorship of globally recognized creators. Further details on the Lexus space at the 2016 Milan Design entries from 73 countries under the theme of “Anticipation.” Motor Corporation, “The Lexus Design Award is an attractive Architects and interdisciplinary designers Neri&Hu, along with Week, which is the world’s largest design exhibition, also A panel of world-renowned designers and creators gath- showcase for talented designers from across the globe and designer Max Lamb will return as mentors, while known as Salone Del Mobile, will be announced in mid- ered in November 2015 to judge the entries. This year, entrants gives them a great platform to showcase their inventiveness designer/architect Elena Manferdini and artist/architect February. Last year, the “Lexus - A Journey of the Senses” exhib- impressed the judges by creating designs as yet unseen or and creativity in design. The theme of design is central to Lexus Snarkitecture join as the mentors for the first time. it in 2015 earned high acclaim and won the “Best Entertaining” undefined but likely to be realized in the near future. After as a brand in keeping with the Lexus Design philosophy of L- The Lexus exhibition at Milan Design Week will run from award at the “Milano Design Award” competition. Ford Smart Mobility Etihad Airways takes part in premier established to develop, Indian aviation show in Hyderabad

invest in mobility services ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways is supporting India This includes pharmaceutical products, largely in India. Aviation 2016 this week by proudly showcasing originating from Hyderabad, the centre of India’s Trade between the two countries is estimated DUBAI: Ford Motor Company has way the world moves through Ford Smart two of its newest aircraft - a Boeing 787 passen- medicinal industry. to grow by more than 60 per cent in the next announced the creation of Ford Smart Mobility.” ger jet and Boeing 777 freighter - at the coun- James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and five years from the current level of around US$60 Mobility LLC, a new subsidiary formed to A member of the Ford Motor Company try’s premier civil aviation exhibition and air Chief Executive Officer, said: “This week’s India billion, with investments and imports/exports design, build, grow and invest in emerging Board of Directors since 2013, Hackett show being held in Hyderabad. Aviation show in Hyderabad enables Etihad across a range of sectors, including energy, mobility services. Jim Hackett, former served on the Audit, Sustainability and The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of five in Airways to show our unwavering support for defense, manufacturing, aerospace, health, edu- Steelcase vice chairman and CEO, is leaving Innovation, and Nominating and the airline’s fleet, will be joined by a freighter on trade and tourism in one of the world’s most cation, tourism, science and technology. his position on the Ford Board of Directors to Governance committees. He resigned from static display during the event attended by key dynamic economies. Etihad Airways’ 235-seat Dreamliners are the serve as chairman of the new subsidiary. the Ford Board effective March 10 to join government and aviation industry stakeholders “Our new Boeing 787 passenger aircraft and most customized Boeing 787 aircraft in the Ford Smart Mobility LLC is part of Ford’s Ford Smart Mobility LLC. from India and around the world. The five-day expanded business model to be both an auto show at Begumpet Airport in southern India and a mobility company. The company is Changing the way the world moves runs from March 16 to 20. continuing to focus on and investing in its The world is becoming more crowded Organized by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation core business - designing, manufacturing, and urbanized, air quality is a global issue, and Federation of Indian Chambers of marketing, financing and servicing cars, and customer preferences are changing rap- Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event pro- SUVs, trucks and electrified vehicles. At the idly. The Ford Smart Mobility plan was vides Etihad Airways with another platform to same time, Ford aggressively is pursuing established early last year to use technology engage with policy makers, business leaders, emerging opportunities through Ford Smart and innovation to address these trends and aviation experts and others across the aviation Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in to make people’s lives better. Already, signif- industry. connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, icant progress has been made, including:- India is one of Etihad Airways’ key markets the customer experience and data and ana- with 175 scheduled passenger flights each week lytics. Connectivity: Ford is a leader in vehicle being operated across 11 cities from the airline’s “Ford Smart Mobility and expanding into connectivity with the most popular enter- Abu Dhabi hub. With strategic Indian partner Jet mobility services are significant growth tainment and communications system in the Airways, Etihad Airways has a combined 254 opportunities,” said Mark Fields, president industry, Ford SYNC. This year, an all-new, weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and 15 cities and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Our plan is more intuitive SYNC 3 system is being across India. Together, both carriers are the to quickly become part of the growing trans- offered on Ford and Lincoln vehicles. In addi- largest international operator of scheduled portation services market, which already tion, new SYNC Connect gives owners the flights to and from India, with a 20 per cent mar- accounts for $5.4 trillion in annual revenue. ability to remotely access vehicle features, ket share. Jim Hackett is the right visionary leader - with including a remote start, unlocking doors, Last year, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways car- extensive experience in business develop- checking fuel level or locating a parked vehi- ried a total 3.3 million guests to and from India, a ment and design - to take us into the mobili- cle on a smartphone. Additionally, SYNC 63 per cent increase on the 2 million flown in Boeing 777 freighter will provide visitors with an world, including its unique curved aisle in the ty services business in the future.” includes AppLink, which enables drivers to 2014. Etihad Airways’ current 11 Indian destina- opportunity to see firsthand the latest additions carrier’s award-winning First Class cabin. The air- voice-control smartphone apps from the dri- tions from Abu Dhabi are Ahmedabad, to our fleet. With our equity partner Jet Airways craft, more fuel efficient than any other in its cat- ver’s seat - allowing drivers to keep their eyes Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, exhibiting, our combined presence and strength egory, features 8 First Suites, 28 Business Studios on the road and hands on the wheel. Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai and demonstrates the prominence we give to the and 199 Economy Smart seats with one of the Thiruvananthapuram. rapidly developing Indian market. most advanced inflight entertainment systems Mobility: For the past 14 months, Ford Jet Airways offers the additional Indian gate- “Since our first flight into India 12 years ago, in the world, featuring hundreds of hours of has conducted more than 30 global mobili- ways of Pune, Lucknow, Goa and Mangalore, as Etihad Airways has supported trade, commerce interactive in-seat audio and video program- ty experiments to gain insight into changing well as numerous domestic connections as and job creation, as well as contributed to the ming options. consumer transportation preferences. codeshare services with Etihad Airways. Through tourism industry. Our passenger flights have giv- The Boeing 777 freighter - the 11th aircraft in Several ongoing pilot programs are under the combined networks of both carriers, Etihad en the travelling public from India greater choice Etihad Airways’ cargo fleet - is specifically way, including: GoPark, which builds a pre- Airways proudly promotes India to global busi- and more connectivity to destinations world- equipped with nine seats to carry additional dictive parking system in London capable of ness and leisure travelers, and helps connect wide over our Abu Dhabi hub.” grooms as part of its Sky Stables program, which directing drivers to streets where they are India’s people and products to the world. Added Mr Hogan: “Our cargo operation too supports the movement of high value horses. In most likely to find a space; GoDrive, a car In addition, Etihad Airways’ freight division, has grown rapidly to support India’s manufactur- addition to serving India, the 777 freighters also Building and investing in sharing program in London that provides Etihad Cargo, operates 14 dedicated freighter ing industry and exports, today making us a fly to destinations in Europe, South America, Far new mobility services vehicles with guaranteed parking at busy services each week to four Indian metro cities - strong partner for Prime Minister Narendra East and Africa. Etihad Cargo is the 10th largest The new Ford Smart Mobility LLC will locations, such as London City Airport; and Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. The air- Modi’s Make in India initiative.” Etihad Airways’ air freight business in the world and fifth largest build on the products, technologies and Dynamic Shuttle, a program at Ford’s line flies 120,000 tons of cargo to and from India presence in Hyderabad also reaffirms the strong when combined with Etihad Airways’ equity Ford Smart Mobility innovations and work Dearborn, Michigan, campus that allows each year that represents around nine per cent ties between the UAE and India. The UAE is the partners, according to official data from World already under way at Ford Motor Company. employees and visitors to summon point- of the total Indian international freight market. 10th biggest foreign - and largest Arab - investor Air Cargo. Working with Ford’s existing product devel- to-point rides on-demand. opment, research and advanced engineer- ing, marketing and data analytics teams - Autonomous Vehicles: Ford this year which will remain unchanged - the sub- will have the largest test fleet of Renault Al Babtain launches March sidiary will develop commercially ready autonomous vehicles of any automaker - mobility services and invest in promising with vehicles on the road in California, mobility-related ventures. Arizona and Michigan. Ford also is the first campaign on Duster and Symbol Designed to compete like a startup com- to test autonomous vehicles in the snow - a pany, Ford Smart Mobility LLC will design major step in the company’s plan to bring KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain egories of practical vehicles. System with speed limiter, and Rear Park Assist and build mobility services on its own, and fully autonomous vehicles to millions of cus- Co, the exclusive agent of Renault in the state of The affordable price of the Duster 4x2 will where the sensor signifies approaching objects. collaborate with start-ups and tech compa- tomers worldwide. At the same time, Ford is Kuwait launched an exceptional promotion on attract the seekers of the vehicle that strongly The Duster 4x2 is run by a 2.0 litters engine pro- nies. “Ensuring the freedom of mobility tripling its engineering investment in driver both of Renault Duster 4x2 and Renault Symbol imposed its presence in the market of multipur- ducing 135 ph with automatic transmission. requires us to continually look beyond the assist and semi-autonomous vehicle tech- as part of its ‘March Campaign’ for 2016. pose sport SUVs. The Duster is equipped with Renault Symbol is designed to meet the needs of today and interpret what mobility nology - such as adaptive cruise control, According to this promotion, the price of chrome front lights, and 16 inch aluminum needs of clients seeking a sedan family vehicle will mean to future generations,” said Bill active park assist, lane-departure warning, Duster 4x2 starts from KD 3,800, and when pur- wheels in diamond black. When sitting behind that combines elegance, speciousness, and Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor lane-keeping aid, pedestrian detection, Pro chasing this vehicle, the customer will also the steering wheel of Renault Duster 4x2 the affordable price. It’s a smart vehicle from all Company. “This new subsidiary will enable Trailer Backup Assist and vehicle-to-vehicle receive a voucher of 200 KD. While the price of driver feels the luxury and beauty of the cabin, sides, as it offers many unique options, modern us to develop mobility solutions to address connection technology - during the next Symbol starts from KD 2,750 with five years war- which is considered the best in its category. technology and attractive design. Furthermore the rapidly changing transportation chal- five years. ranty, one year free service, free traffic registra- Duster 4x2 provides additional space for stor- it offers great space for baggage storage and lenges of an increasingly crowded world.” tion, and free third party insurance, in addition age, higher level of comfort with focusing on cutting edge technology. Reporting to Mark Fields, Hackett, as chair- Consumer Experience: Ford this year is to a voucher of KD 150. Renault is known for its highest standard of safety. Symbol is equipped with high standard fea- man of Ford Smart Mobility LLC, will lead a introducing FordPass - a free digital, physical European style, and it succeeded to impose its Furthermore the vehicle also combines vari- tures that are usually available in vehicles of team of business and technology leaders and personal platform that offers four bene- presence strongly due to its ability to meet all ous systems including the Electronic Stability higher category. It’s perfect for those who aim from inside and outside the company. fits for members: a Marketplace with mobili- tastes and satisfy those looking for different cat- Program (ESP) of the four wheels, Cruise Control to buy elegant and economic vehicle at the ty services, such as parking and sharing; same time. It is equipped with advanced fea- Hackett: Consumer-Focused, FordGuides to help consumers move more tures including front airbags, Cruise Control transformational leader efficiently; Appreciation for members to System with speed limiter, Rear sensors for park As a consumer-focused, visionary leader receive recognition for their loyalty; and assist, in addition to offering the best spacious in the office furniture industry, Hackett is FordHubs, where consumers can experience trunk in its category with capacity of 510 litters, credited with expanding Steelcase’s busi- Ford’s latest innovations. The first hub opens which makes it the best vehicle in its category ness model and becoming a global innova- later this year in New York City. for luggage transport. The Symbol is run by a tor. During his 30 years there, he helped 1.6 litters V16 engine, which means it is transform the company from a traditional Data and Analytics: To better anticipate equipped with the biggest engines available for office furniture manufacturer to a company customer wants and needs, Ford is increas- a sedan in the B category. Its seats can comfort- that would change the way people work. ing funding for data science and analytics ably welcome five adults due its spaciousness in This included predicting that the office land- research as the foundation of the Ford the backseats. scape would shift away from cubicles to an Smart Mobility plan. One example is Ford Renault Al Babtain is keen to always offer open space environment, giving employees and IBM collaborating on a pilot platform best promotions aiming to achieve customers’ the flexibility to work where they want. that allows research scientists to look at tiny satisfaction, in addition to systematically keep- “I am absolutely thrilled to lead Ford’s pieces of data - 10 or 15 seconds at a time - ing in contact with them, which is best mobility business into the future,” said to spot patterns, correlations and trends, expressed in the after sales service. The Hackett. “Transportation in the world today and write code to make more efficient trans- Company would also like to invite them to visit is on the cusp of a major revolution, and portation decisions to support the compa- it special Renault showroom at Rai area to bene- Ford plans to lead the way by changing the ny’s Dynamic Shuttle experiment. fit from this promotion or to visit its website on: www.renault-me.com technology THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 Kaspersky Lab protection goes wearable

DUBAI: Kaspersky Lab unveils a new A user’s smartwatch can now dis- tinues to be the second most attacked Device. In 2015, Kaspersky Lab was version of Kaspersky Internet Security play notifications from Kaspersky platform after Microsoft Windows, awarded the Top Developer prize from for Android that, in addition to offer- Internet Security for Android, installed which is why owners of Android-based Google for its innovative approach and ing improved performance speed and on a paired smartphone or tablet. This devices are strongly recommended to high quality products. protection quality includes an option could include, for example, notifica- use security solutions. At the same In addition to protection against for managing protection via Android tions about a threat detected on the time, the Internet of Things market is malicious software and websites, the Wear devices. In 2015 alone, Kaspersky device. A user can also remotely issue rapidly developing, attracting more solution includes tools to remotely Lab registered nearly 17 million commands to the product via a watch and more users. This means that secu- control a device if it is lost or stolen, to attacks by malicious mobile software. by pressing keys on the screen or via rity solution vendors need to make it filter out unwanted calls and mes- These included programs designed for voice control. These commands can possible for customers to use theIoTin sages, and to hide personal data from surveillance, extortion, stealing money activate an audible alarm to find a lost combination with their protection prying eyes. The product can also be and other criminal activities. phone, run a scan for Android malware solutions,” says Alexey Chikov, Product controlled remotely via the My Kaspersky Internet Security for and update anti-virus databases. In Manager at Kaspersky Lab. Kaspersky portal, for example, to acti- Android provides protection from addition, the new version of the secu- The new Kaspersky Internet vate the Anti-Theft function, to enable these kinds of threats. To make it even rity solution is now compatible with Security for Android is now available or disable the Privacy Protection func- more user-friendly and accessible, Android 6.0, which provides effective from Google Play, on the Kaspersky tion or to update anti-virus databases. Kaspersky Lab has released an update protection against online threats to Lab site, and as part of Kaspersky More information about Kaspersky that includes control via Android Wear even more owners of Android devices. Internet Security - Multi-Device, and Internet Security for Android is avail- smart watches. “Statistics show that Android con- Kaspersky Total Security - Multi- able at the Kaspersky Lab site. PlayStation virtual reality gear to launch in October PlayStation VR headgear priced at $399

SAN FRANCISCO: Sony plans to House said of PlayStation VR. Game makers dive in event Virtual reality was a hot topic make virtual reality-long the stuff of PlayStation VR users will still need to More than 230 developers and at a Game Developers Conference films cast off into a distant future- buy camera and controller acces- publishers are working on games (GDC) taking place a short distance mainstream with the October release sories, pushing the price up slightly, for PlayStation VR, with some 50 from the Sony press briefing. Chip of PlayStation VR headgear priced at but it is considerably less expensive titles expected to be available by makers showed off powerful $399. “Virtual reality represents a new than rival headsets that synch to the end of this year, according to processors designed to handle ren- frontier for gaming, one that will for- gaming computers, according to Sony. The list included French video dering rich, immersive graphics in ever change the way users interact Gartner analyst Brian Blau. “The cost game titan Ubisoft, which is creat- virtual worlds. Games shown off at with games,” Sony Computer GDC included titles tailored for Entertainment chief executive PlayStation VR and rivals Oculus Rift Andrew House said during a press and HTC Vive. event in San Francisco on Tuesday. Thirty-year-old GDC bills itself as Sony chose October for the the largest and longest-running SEOUL: South Korean professional Go player Lee Sedol smiles as he reviews launch of PlayStation VR to allow event for professional game makers. the match with other Go players after finishing the final match of the Google time for making enough units to This year, GDC integrated an inaugu- DeepMind Challenge Match against Google’s artificial intelligence program, meet anticipated demand and to let ral Virtual Reality Developers AlphaGo. —AP developers get games ready for the Conference focused on “making headsets, according to House. The immersive virtual reality and aug- headsets are designed to plug into mented reality experiences.” The vir- Fame in defeat for PlayStation 4 (PS4) consoles. tual reality portion of GDC had to be Sony touted PS4 as its fastest-sell- moved to larger rooms to double ing console ever with more than 36 the capacity in response to heavy Korean Go master million of them bought since they hit demand, according to organizers. the market in late 2013. But there is In a sign that virtual reality is SEOUL: With 18 international titles from temporary aphasia, which left his competition and Facebook-owned poised to extend beyond gaming, under his belt after a decade of domi- bronchial tubes permanently damaged. virtual reality start Oculus is set to PlayStation VR boasted a Cinematic nance in his chosen field, it seems a lit- It also left his voice, once it recov- begin shipping its Rift headsets later mode that can let people watch dig- tle unfair that South Korean Go grand- ered, high-pitched and shrill-something this month. ital video on large virtual screens. Oculus has been taking orders for SAN FRANCISCO: Nick Pino of TechRadar tries out a PlayStation House promised more information master Lee Se-Dol has finally achieved the deeply traumatized Lee later Rift at a price of $599 and has worked VR video game at a Sony press event. —AFP on “entertainment content” in com- global recognition in defeat. Prior to his acknowledged had made him reluctant with computer makers to certify ing months. “It makes sense that you world headline-grabbing showdown to speak in public for years. But that reti- machines as powerful enough to of ownership of PlayStation is going ing an “Eagle Flight” game that lets should be able to see all kinds of with the Google-developed supercom- cence did not extend to evaluations of handle the technology. Pre-orders to be a lot more affordable than the players virtually take wing, and a PlayStation content inside the head- puter AlphaGo, the 33-year-old’s his talent. “I am the best ... when it have also been taken on bundles PC (personal computer) counter- collaboration between Electronic set,” analyst Blau said. “I think it will celebrity status was largely restricted to comes to playing skills, I am behind no combining Rift with compatible parts,” Blau told AFP after attending Arts, DICE, and Lucasfilm on a new extend PlayStation into areas it has Northeast Asia. one,” he once said when asked who the gaming computers starting about the Sony event. And, since millions “Star Wars Battlefront” title for never been before.” For example, Elsewhere, it was only among the best player in the world was. “I want to $1,500. Buying a PS4 and PlayStation of PS4 have already been bought, PlayStation VR. Blau noted, PlayStation VR could small community of Go fans and other remain a living legend. I want to be the VR would add up to about half that the price of adding virtual reality is PlayStation motion-sensing expand to include sports viewing, players of the arcane board game, first person people associate with Go. I price. comparably lower for owners of “Move” wand-shaped controllers streaming films or television shows, which originated in China 3,000 years want my games to remain pieces of art,” “We are proud of the price point those consoles since no computer were used to provide “hands” in and even be put to work use by ago, that his name was really recog- he told another interviewer in 2013. we have been able to achieve,” upgrade is needed. some titles demonstrated at the businesses. —AFP nized. That all changed last week, when Lee sat down for a five-match, one-on- Rebel streak one battle with a computer program At one point he boycotted competi- boasting what its creators said was a tions for months in protest at what he new form of “intuitive” artificial intelli- said were unfair rules-a rare act of rebel- gence (AI). lion against the game’s conservative With a confidence born of his status elders. And he was often heard mocking as one of the greatest Go players of the rivals with barbed comments aimed at modern era, Lee had predicted a land- undermining their confidence. But in slide in his favour, but could only watch AlphaGo he met an opponent he could horrified as AlphaGo quickly stormed to not intimidate and instead it was Lee an unassailable 3-0 lead. His humilia- who seemed to buckle under the pres- tion was broadcast to the world as the sure and the media spotlight. Lee global media hailed the rise of a new AI might have lost the tournament, but his capable of the “human-like” creative fight back won him many new admirers. thought needed to prevail at a complex During the challenge series, his name game like Go. Although Lee fought back became the most widely searched item with a win in game four, he lost the final among single young women on South match for a 4-1 series defeat that clearly Korea’s largest news portal, Naver. “I dented his pride. don’t know anything about Go but Lee Se-Dol is charming. Especially the pic- ‘So ashamed’ ture of him smiling after his first victory. “I feel so ashamed as a professional,” My heart was sort of pounding,” one Lee told a journalist from the South besotted fan wrote on Twitter. Lee has Korean JoongAng newspaper, who been married for 10 years and has a Avaya Breeze: Business communications tagged along with the player and his young daughter who was often seen sit- brother for a drinking session after ting on his lap before the games. game five. “I was emotionally affected “I understand many people outside application development redefined by the fact that my opponent was a East Asia may remember him as a loser, machine. I should have got over it, but I since they don’t really know what a DUBAI: At the Avaya Technology Forum, taking business where companies need the flexibility, changing customer expectations with innovative just wasn’t capable. “AlphaGo plays very great player he’s been for decades,” said place this week in Dubai, Avaya announced it is speed and the freedom to easily create unique customer engagement solutions, which can be well but is not on a level of, like, a God Seo Kon-Woo, a high-ranked Go profes- changing the rules for business communications value for their customers. Avaya is delivering on implemented through a fully hosted or hybrid of Go,” he said. sional who refereed the fourth game. application development. Avaya executives the promise of open, mobile engagement with a cloud model to help ease the transition between “As a pro player I don’t want to do a “AlphaGo stunned us with its tremen- unveiled Avaya Breeze(tm), a technology plat- platform that allows companies to easily design existing and new technologies for digital busi- match like that again. It’s simply too dous performance and it certainly has a form that makes it easier for organizations to and embed applications into workflows via a nesses. hard,” he added. Nicknamed “Sen-Dol” pro-level playing skill,” said Seo, who still develop the mobile, customer-facing and cloud- powerful, simplified, software-defined architec- The Avaya Customer Engagement solutions (strong stone), Lee comes from humble took comfort from Lee’s sole victory. migration applications they need to achieve their ture and infrastructure for communications. deliver a flexible, robust foundation provided digital transformation objectives, and the Avaya Avaya Breeze helps organizations get ahead of by Avaya Aura and Elite contact center solu- origins. Born on a remote island off the “The future of Go might have looked Snapp Store, the first-ever ecommerce app store the transformation curve and stand out from tions, now available as a 100% virtualized, southwest coast, he started playing Go a bit bleak if Lee was defeated 5-0. But for business communications. their competitors.” 100% software-based platform that eliminates aged five and was quickly identified as a he pulled off a dramatic win, showing As organizations today look to evolve digitally With Avaya Breeze, organizations can deliver the need for hardware-based media gateways prodigy who turned pro just seven years humans still have lots of room to and deliver differentiated experiences to their enhanced business value and execute on their to perform important call center functions. later. But the stress of tough training got improve and evolve in the face of digitally-savvy customers and workforce, IT digital strategies by integrating communications With Avaya Pod Fx, organizations can remove to him and the then 13-year-old suffered daunting challenges,” he said. —AFP departments are struggling to keep pace: by the and collaboration into workflows, business complexity and streamline operations, with a end of 2017, market demand for mobile app processes and existing applications. The open full turnkey solution to run an advanced virtu- development services will grow five times faster framework allows organizations to automate alized contact center. than internal IT organizations can deliver them, manual processes to improve digital experiences, These innovative solutions build on Avaya’s Instagram scraps standard according to Gartner Inc. With 89% of companies while workflow-based applications can be creat- successful transition to software and services, now competing primarily on customer experi- ed within a matter of hours or days, rather than which made up 73% of revenue in its fiscal first chronological feed order ence, IT executives need to overcome the skills months. The Avaya Snapp Store provides a deliv- quarter. As the only company specializing in gap and deliver initiatives at customer speed. ery mechanism, allowing a single integrated complex business communications, built on NEW YORK: Instagram is to give up its be interested in the content, their rela- Avaya Breeze, the next generation of the experience via browsers and native smart apps open and mobile software platforms, and sup- chronological order for photo and video tionship with the person or business Avaya Engagement Development Platform, pro- for entirely new customer experiences. ported by a robust underlying network infra- feeds because too many people miss posting and the timeliness of the post”, it vides an entirely new way to develop business The Avaya Snapp Store is a focused, ecom- structure, Avaya is uniquely placed to help drive posts, opting instead for an order based said. communications applications, profoundly simpli- merce-enabled marketplace for Avaya Breeze customers’ digital transformation strategies. on users’ preferences, the company has “All the posts will still be there, just in fying application development, while delivering applications - or Snap-ins - from Avaya and 3rd Gary Barnett, SVP and GM, Avaya Engagement said. “People miss on average 70 percent a different order.” The change is to roll built-in capabilities for enhanced mobile, cus- party developers. Snap-ins — easily consumable, Solutions, said: “the competitive battleground of their feeds,” Instagram said in a blog out over coming months, and will be tomer-facing and hybrid/cloud requirements. To prebuilt connectors, fit-for-purpose apps and/or has shifted, requiring a new type of solution and posted on its website late Tuesday. modified according to user feedback, make it even easier to create entirely new cus- developer code — enable companies to quickly means to respond to digital customer behavior. “As Instagram has grown, it’s become Instagram said. A survey by Forrester tomer experiences, Avaya announced the Avaya build workflows, customer journeys and other Speed is the new currency for business transfor- harder to keep up with all the photos Research in December showed that Snapp Store, a focused, ecommerce-enabled unique applications. The Avaya Snapp Store mation - businesses need to understand, predict and videos people and businesses share. young people aged 12 to 17 rate marketplace for Avaya Breeze applications, is makes it easy to find, access and download Snap- and respond to customer needs in less time than This means people often don’t see the Instagram the third- “coolest” social net- now officially open for business. ins by simply using a credit card for purchase. it takes for a spark to burnout. Avaya is the only posts they might care about the most.” In work after YouTube and Snapchat, and Savio Tovar Dias, Director - Sales Engineering, Developers can create Snap-ins and be on- company that can rapidly elevate the customer future, the order of photos or videos “will ahead of Facebook, which acquired Asia, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, said “this boarded in the store within weeks. end game without the disruption typical of mas- be based on the likelihood people will Instagram in 2012. —AFP game-changing technology is built for digital Avaya is also helping organizations met sive technical change.” THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Overweight mothers have larger babies

WASHINGTON: Overweight or obese to deliver smaller babies, researchers at babies born too large or too small, she measurements of those characteristics mated associations between these women give birth to larger babies, says the British universities of Bristol and added. The researchers examined data during pregnancy and babies’ birth maternal traits and birth weight (either new research which could make some Exeter, who led the study, found. from more than 30,000 healthy women weights. increased or reduced) are substantial pregnant women think twice before “Being born very large or very small and their babies across 18 studies. All A four-point higher body mass index and of clinical importance,” the authors reaching for that box of ice cream. can carry health risks for a newborn the women had European ancestry and (BMI) for mothers results in a 1.9 ounce wrote. “They support efforts to maintain Mothers with high blood sugar or dia- baby, particularly when that’s at the lived in Europe, North America or (54 grams) higher birth weight for healthy gestational glucose and blood betes, even within a healthy range, also extreme end of the spectrum,” said Australia. They gave birth between 1929 babies, the study found. Researchers pressure levels to ensure healthy fetal tend to have bigger babies, according to Rachel Freathy of the University of and 2013. also determined ratios for correlations growth.” The researchers also found that a study published Tuesday in the Journal Exeter Medical School, who co-wrote The researchers examined genetic between higher glucose levels in moth- lipids, or fat levels, in mothers’ blood do of the American Medical Association. the report. Understanding which char- variants associated with womens’ body ers’ blood and higher birth weights, as not appear to affect baby sizes, contrary Conversely, having higher blood pres- acteristics of mothers influence birth mass index, blood glucose and lipid lev- well as higher blood pressure in moth- to the findings of some previous stud- sure during pregnancy causes women weights may help reduce the number of els and blood pressure, together with ers and lower birth weights. “The esti- ies. —AFP Girls on most effective birth control may unwisely skip condoms

NEW YORK: High school girls who use the about 16 percent used no contraceptive most effective methods of birth control method and about 6 percent used the are less likely to also use condoms, making shot, patch or ring. About 2 percent didn’t them vulnerable to sexually transmitted know which method they used. Overall, infections (STIs), researchers say. Girls who LARC users were about 60 percent less use intrauterine devices and implants to likely to use condoms, compared to girls prevent pregnancies are less likely to use taking birth control pills. condoms than their peers taking birth There was no significant difference in control pills, they found. “The findings condom use between those using the highlight a need for strategies to increase shot, patch or ring and those using LARC. condom use among all users of highly and Steiner said it’s unclear why girls on LARC moderately effective contraceptive meth- are less likely to use condoms but offered ods ... to prevent STIs,” wrote lead two possible explanations. researcher Riley Steiner of the Centers for “Young women using highly effective Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, LARC methods may be less likely to use in an email to Reuters Health. condoms because they don’t perceive a Intrauterine and implantable devices need for additional protection from preg- are highly effective at reducing unintend- nancy; It’s also possible that providers are ed pregnancies, the researchers write in more likely to offer LARC to adolescents JAMA Pediatrics. The American College of who rarely or never use condoms,” she Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said. LARC users were also more likely to says these devices, which are known as have two or more sexual partners in the long-acting reversible contraception past three months and four or more life- (LARC), should be first-line birth control time sexual partners, compared to those BOSTON: In this still photo from video, Gibbs Saunders, right, managing director of the nonprofit Healthworks Community options for teenagers. using the shot, patch, ring and pills. “The Fitness, exercises with clients at their gym in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester. —AP photos Among 100 women on LARC, there will important takeaway message from this be about one unintended pregnancy per story is that we need to be giving girls the year, according to ACOG. That’s compared right message of why condom use is More doctors are prescribing to six to nine unintended pregnancies important,” said Dr Julia Potter, who co- among 100 women using the Depo- wrote an editorial accompanying the new Provera shot, birth control pills, rings or study. exercise instead of medication patches. For the new study, the Steiner said the new results should not researchers used data from a 2013 survey deter adolescent LARC use, “but rather of US high school students in grades nine inform how STI prevention is addressed ‘Exercise is not a new medicine. It’s really an old medicine’ through 12. within the context of adolescent LARC BOSTON: When Dr Michelle “Exercise is not a new medicine. It’s ble and dramatic results after more feel like I can do almost anything Of the 2,288 sexually active girls in the scale-up.” Potter, of Boston Medical Center, Johnson scribbles out prescriptions, really an old medicine,” said than two years of regular workouts. now.” People who are physically survey, about 2 percent used LARC, about also said more research on why girls using the next stop for many of her Johnson, who prescribes exercise to “I lost well over 150 pounds, and active tend to live longer and are at 22 percent used birth control pills, about LARC aren’t using condoms as much is patients is the gym, not the pharma- patients at the Roxbury-based I’ve been keeping it off for the past lower risk of heart disease, stroke, 41 percent used condoms, about 12 per- needed so that people aren’t basing their cy. Doctors treating chronic health health center. “But you know, I think couple of years,” she said after work- Type 2 diabetes, depression and cent used withdrawal or other methods, opinions on assumptions. —Reuters problems increasingly are prescrib- we’re now coming to the point of ing out on an elliptical machine at some cancers, according to the US ing exercise for their patients - and understanding how important it is.” Healthworks. And Long cites other, Centers for Disease and Control and encouraging them to think of physi- Monisha Long, who is morbidly less-visible benefits. Prevention. Yet fewer than one in cal activity as their new medication. obese and suffers from hyperten- “I’m more energized,” she said. four American adults exercises Limit opioid painkiller In one such program run by a health sion, got a doctor’s prescription for “As far as my energy, I feel like I’m enough to reap those benefits, the center in Boston’s Roxbury neigh- exercise and says she’s gotten visi- stronger. I feel like I’m less tired. I agency says. prescriptions, US regulators say borhood, primary care physicians, Dr Edward Phillips, a Boston WASHINGTON: US health authorities issued new guidelines’ nationwide scope will internists and psychologists pre- physician, is so sold on exercise he guidelines Tuesday to limit prescribing opi- encourage doctors to exercise more scribe access to a gym for $10 a pedals on a stationary bike that’s oid painkillers, in an attempt to help curb an restraint in prescribing the powerful month, including free child care, integrated into his office desk. epidemic of overdoses that kills more than painkillers. classes and kids programs. Providing Phillips said exercise is “like taking a 40 Americans every day. The recommenda- “It’s become increasingly clear that opi- affordable gym access for patients little bit of Prozac - an antidepres- tions, which are not binding for doctors, oids carry substantial risk but only uncertain ensures compliance, said Gibbs sant - and a little bit of Ritalin, which urge them to exercise more caution pre- benefits-especially compared with other Saunders of Healthworks is a stimulant.” “Our bodies are scribing opioids in order to reduce the treatments for chronic pain,” CDC Director Community Fitness, a nonprofit gym meant to move,” he said. abuse of drugs that cause powerful addic- Tom Frieden told reporters. “More than 40 in Dorchester that has partnered “Integrating movement into our day tions amid growing concerns about their Americans die each day from prescription with several health care providers to allows the system to work optimal- use across the country. opioid overdoses, we must act now.” The help low-income residents fill their ly. Part of the system that needs to Overdose deaths soared to 26,647 in guidelines, endorsed by many addiction exercise prescriptions. work is our brain, and includes 2014, a 14 percent increase from the year experts, encourage physicians to first recom- Executives at the Whittier Street sleep, mood, cognition, ability to before. They represented 61 percent of all mend non-opioid anti-inflammatory drugs Health Center say low-cost access to concentrate.” A prescription for drug overdose deaths. The Centers for such as ibuprofen and aspirin for chronic a gym is important, since many resi- exercise is a bargain, said Stephanie Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pain-described as lasting longer than three dents’ income is low and 70 percent Dennis, who works out on a tread- which published the guidelines in the months. The CDC also recommends limiting of those they treat suffer from mill to stay fit. “$10 a month is Journal of the American Medical opioid prescriptions for patients suffering chronic problems such as obesity, what? $2 a week, $2-$2.50 a week,” Association, has been under pressure to set short-term, acute pain to three days or less high blood pressure, diabetes and BOSTON: In this still photo from video, Dr Anna Groskin, left, she said. “A lot of people pay that national standards after a number of med- in most conditions. More than seven days of depression. Life expectancy in every day for coffee. It’s not a big examines a patient at the Codman Square Health Center in ical organizations and some states estab- opioid drug use will “rarely be needed,” the Roxbury is 59 years - well below the sacrifice for something that you get lished their own restrictions. Officials say the CDC said. —AFP national average of 78.8 years. Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. big rewards from.” —AFP CDC guidelines aim to curb painkiller prescribing

WASHINGTON: Prescription painkillers should ue prescribing the drugs if patients show sig- Government officials have already tried multi- pendulum on pain management swung way was amplified by multimillion-dollar promo- not be a first choice for treating common ail- nificant improvement. For short-term pain, the ple approaches to tackling painkiller abuse. too far toward the ready use of opioids.” The tional campaigns for new, long-acting drugs ments like back pain and arthritis, according to CDC recommends limiting opioids to three The Food and Drug Administration restricted CDC rarely advises physicians on how to pre- like OxyContin, which was promoted as less new federal guidelines designed to reshape days of treatment, when possible. The guide- some widely-prescribed painkillers to limit scribe medications - a role typically delegated addictive. how doctors prescribe drugs like OxyContin lines do not apply to doctors who specialize in refills. States like Florida and New York have to professional societies and drug regulators. and Vicodin. Amid an epidemic of addiction treating severe pain due to cancer and other cracked down on “pill mills” using databases to FDA labeling for the drugs is broad, listing Drug therapy and abuse tied to these powerful opioids debilitating diseases. monitor what doctors are prescribing. And this uses like “relief of moderate to severe pain.” OxyContin’s maker, Purdue Pharma, later drugs, the Centers for Disease Control and week, Massachusetts signed into law a seven- Guidelines by pain specialists provide more agreed to plead guilty for misleading the public Prevention is urging primary care doctors to try Multiple approaches day limit on first-time prescriptions for opioids detail, but focus less on risks. The CDC guide- about the drug’s risks. “A whole generation of physical therapy, exercise and over-the- Though the guidelines are voluntary, they - the first of its kind in the nation. lines put such warnings upfront: “Opioids are physicians grew up thinking they could use opi- counter pain medications before turning to could be widely adopted by hospitals, insurers “Changing medical practice isn’t quick and not first-line therapy,” states the agency’s first ates pretty liberally,” said Dr Bruce Psaty, a pro- painkillers for chronic pain. Opioid drugs and state and federal health systems. it isn’t easy,” Frieden said. “But we think the recommendation. Local health authorities fessor at the University of Washington who also include medications like morphine and oxy- applauded the CDC for weighing in on the advises the FDA. “We are now in the process of codone as well as illegal narcotics like heroin. problem they face in their communities. re-educating ourselves and our patients.” The new recommendations - which doctors “The CDC is a respected source of informa- Physicians must now find a “comfortable bal- do not have to follow - represent an effort to tion. Their guidelines carry weight,” said ance,” Psaty said, using opioids carefully while reverse nearly two decades of rising painkiller Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr Leana making sure patients don’t go untreated. use, which public health officials blame for a Wen. But some leading medical groups The CDC delayed its guidelines earlier this more than four-fold increase in overdose stopped short of embracing the recommenda- year following criticism from pain specialists, deaths tied to the drugs. In 2014, US doctors tions. The American Medical Association, the drugmakers and others. Critics complained that wrote nearly 200 million prescriptions for opi- largest professional group for physicians, cau- the recommendations went too far and had oid painkillers, while deaths linked to the drugs tioned that the guidelines could create prob- mostly been developed behind closed doors by climbed to roughly 19,000 - the highest num- lems if they steer patients toward pain treat- physicians who are biased against drug thera- ber on record. “We’re trying to chart a safer and ments that aren’t accessible or covered by py. Instead of releasing the guidelines in more effective course for dealing with chronic insurance. “If they produce unintended conse- January, as originally planned, the CDC agreed pain,” Dr Tom Frieden, the CDC’s director, said quences, we will need to mitigate them” said to re-open them to public input, receiving in an interview with the Associated Press. “The Dr Patrice Harris, in a statement. “They are not more than 4,000 comments over a 30-day peri- risks of addiction and death are very well docu- the final word.” od. mented for these medications.” More than 40 In many ways, the guidelines are a return to Critics said the proposal could block patient Americans die every day from painkiller over- older medical practice. Physicians trained in access to medications if adopted by health doses, a staggering rate that Frieden said is the 1960s and 1970s - amid a wave of urban providers, insurers and hospitals. Such organi- “doctor driven.” heroin use - were taught to reserve opioids for zations often look to the federal government Under the new guidelines, doctors would the most severe forms of pain, such as cancer for health care policies. Last week, an early sign prescribe painkillers only after considering or end-of-life care. That approach remains of the guideline’s impact surfaced in the Senate. non-addictive pain relievers, behavioral accepted. But in 1990s, some specialists argued Lawmakers there overwhelmingly passed a bill changes and other options. The CDC also that doctors were undertreating common designed to combat opioid abuse, including a wants doctors to prescribe the lowest effective WASHINGTON: This undated image provided by Abbott shows their experimental forms of pain that could benefit from opioids, provision requiring the Veterans Administration dose possible. And doctors should only contin- such as backaches and joint pain. The message to adopt the CDC recommendations. —AP heart stent “Absorb.” —AP THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE More cars banned in Mexico City after pollution alert

MEXICO CITY: More cars were ordered off greater Mexico City area to slash their emis- Mexico City’s streets yesterday after a surge sions by 40 percent. in pollution prompted authorities to issue the first air quality alert in 14 years. Too many cars President Enrique Pena Nieto convened a The last time the air quality emergency meeting of an anti-pollution commission was issued was in September 2002. The after the city’s government declared an latest alert took residents by surprise as “environmental contingency” on Monday thick smog descended on the city just due to high levels of ozone. “The goal (of two days after the skies were unusually the meeting) is for them to find stricter clear thanks to high winds that blew away measures to improve air quality and pro- hundreds of trees. tect the health of more than 20 million The alarm rang after ozone concentra- Mexicans,” Pena Nieto wrote on Twitter. tion surpassed the 190-point limit, surg- After older vehicles were kept off the ing to 194. “There’s no wind and this situa- streets on Monday and Tuesday, the tion has not allowed the dispersion of Environmental Commission of the mega- pollutants,” Tanya Muller, the city’s envi- lopolis decided to expand the ban yester- ronment secretary, told Radio Formula. day to include all cars with license plates Muller lamented a Supreme Court deci- that have red stickers and end in the num- sion that imposed changes last year to bers three and four. The commission, which the city’s “No Driving Today” program, was formed in 2013 to coordinate anti-pol- which limits the number of days that old- lution policies between the federal govern- er cars can be on the street. The city must ment, the capital and several surrounding now take into account the levels of pollu- states, said the ban was needed because tants to impose restrictions on cars older vehicles produce 87 percent of nitrogen than 2007. The change, Muller said, has oxide and 32 percent of volatile organic added 1.2 million more cars to the streets. compounds, both of which are ozone pre- “We need to restrict vehicular traffic,” cursors. Muller said. The panel also agreed on a plan to improve the verification of vehicle emis- Former world pollution champion sions. The extraordinary measures were The pollution alert marks a reversal of imposed following an increase in ozone years of progress made by the city to concentration, which can cause respiratory improve air quality after the United and heart ailments. Officials urged people Nations declared the Mexican capital the in the metropolitan area of 21 million peo- world’s most polluted city in the 1990s. ple to avoid outdoor sports while kids and During that decade, ozone levels seniors were advised to stay indoors, in a reached 398 points. The environmental city where a honking mess of more than 5.5 contingency was declared 12 times in million vehicles chug along every day. 1993 alone, according to the environmen- MEXICO : View of Mexico City blanketed by smog on Tuesday. —AFP Federal authorities ordered factories in the tal commission. —AFP WISH announces healthy populations Hikma reports strong performance and strategic progress during forum and report for 2016 conference financial year of 2015

DUBAI: Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, the fast from the Roxane acquisition. Completing its QATAR: The World Innovation Summit for the significance of technology and innovation population health. Commenting on the growing multinational pharmaceutical group, duty of care, strong operational growth in vari- Health (WISH), a global initiative of Qatar in enhancing the health of populations, in upcoming report, Egbert Schillings, CEO of has reported its preliminary results for the year ous locations was coupled with responsible ini- Foundation for Education, Science and both low and high-income countries. It will WISH, said: “This is an exciting body of work ended 31 December, 2015. Following an excep- tiatives in surrounding communities. Community Development (QF), will present a shed light on how technology has trans- because the health of a population is influ- tionally strong year in 2014, Group revenue Contributing to the health and wellness of ‘Healthy Populations’ forum and report during formed the way healthcare is delivered in cer- enced by factors that are outside the tradi- increased by 2% in constant currency, reaching its employees and local community members, its 2016 conference, which will be held from tain countries, while identifying possible inter- tional healthcare system, such as social USD 1.44 billion in 2015. Injectables revenue Hikma organized a Breast Cancer Awareness 29th to 30th November in Doha, Qatar. WISH ventions that lead to short and long-term inequalities, pollution, education, urban plan- climbed by 3% in constant currency, driven pri- Campaign, in several of its companies world- is a meeting point for thousands of high-level ning, and lifestyle choices. As a consequence, marily by growth in Europe and the Middle East wide, in addition to a ‘Walk Against policymakers, academics, and professionals. It most healthcare costs are really due to non- and North Africa (MENA) region. Meanwhile, Hypertension.’ It also held its annual global ‘You has also evolved into a key platform for the healthcare factors, so the report will show- core operating profit rose 4% in constant cur- are Hikma’ campaign to improve the medical dissemination of healthcare innovation and case successful population health strategies rency, with strong profitability in Injectables health and safety awareness of its employees. best practices, and is aligned with QF’s mis- which seek to address all factors influencing and Branded offsetting expected declines in The Company encouraged community service sion to reinforce Qatar’s pioneering role as an health.” Generics. through its Global Volunteering Day. It part- In 2015, Hikma successfully implemented an nered with Tkiyet Um Ali, Charity Clothing Bank emerging centre for healthcare innovation. The WISH 2016 Summit will feature seven organic growth strategy across all three of its and SOS Children’s Villages in Jordan to provide The new research will seek to define the groundbreaking research forums that high- core business segments: Injectables, Branded for the vulnerable during Ramadan, and food concept of population health, explain why a light and address some of the world’s most and Generics. Hikma launched 92 new products and clothes drives were held in Algeria and strategy is needed to address it, and list pressing healthcare challenges. In addition to and received 220 product approvals across all Tunisia as well. Hikma continued supporting actions for policymakers to improve it. By dis- Healthy Populations, the forums will generate countries and markets, expanding and enhanc- communities through medicinal donations, cussing case studies based on community interdisciplinary, evidence-based reports on ing Hikma’s global product portfolio. donating critical treatments to Syrian and and employer-led initiatives, healthcare sys- topics including Precision Medicine, Its acquisition of Roxane, a well-established Palestinian refugees, and to the people of tems and city-wide approaches, the paper will Economic Benefits of Investing in Health, US specialty Generics company, has brought Guinea in Morocco, aiding in the fight against lay out a framework for a population health Cardiovascular Disease, Accountable Care, transformational scale and growth opportuni- Ebola. Said Darwazah, Chief Executive Officer of management strategy that will translate into Autism, and Behavioural Insights. ties, adding a broad portfolio and a large, differ- Hikma, said: “Following an exceptional 2014, actionable policy recommendations. Internationally-renowned experts will chair entiated pipeline of niche products. In addition, our Branded and Injectables businesses per- Sue Siegel, CEO of GE Ventures & the sessions. For the first time, WISH will also Hikma’s swift integration of its acquired US formed strongly in 2015 and we made excellent Healthymagination, who will chair the forum, report on its ongoing impact locally and company, Bedford Laboratories, has delivered strategic progress in US Generics, transforming said: “‘Healthy Populations’ is a term widely globally on issues previously highlighted at new high-value products and is expected to the future prospects of the Group. used yet commonly misunderstood. It is a the Summit, such as diabetes and patient drive Injectables’ growth in 2017. In Europe, sig- Our businesses in MENA are performing very nificant investments were made in the well. We achieved excellent growth in our key privilege to be engaged with this distin- safety. Injectables manufacturing capabilities. Hikma’s markets in 2015 whilst continuing to invest in guished group of leaders working to improve The Summit will feature innovation show- businesses in MENA performed well. Its acquisi- our pipeline to support future growth. This the health outcomes of communities world- cases from around the world that are shaping tion of EIMC United Pharmaceuticals (EUP) goes hand in hand with our corporate responsi- wide. I am confident that the results of our the design, delivery, and financing of care, as boosted its capabilities in oncology and injecta- bility strategy, which is an integral part of efforts will contribute to the evidence base QATAR: Sue Siegel, CEO of GE Ventures well as a cohort of young innovators; emerg- bles in Egypt. Hikma. As we expand into global markets, we needed to better understand the kinds of and Healthymagination. ing healthcare leaders under the age of 30, The outlook for 2016, is that Group revenue are committed to continue playing a positive cross-sector, collaborative actions necessary in whose contributions to global health deserve is expected to be in the range of USD 2.0 - 2.1 role in the communities we touch, not only communities globally for change to truly take impact. wider recognition. For further information billion in constant currency, reflecting strong through our high-quality pharmaceuticals, but hold.” Researchers will discuss how a country’s about WISH, please visit www.wish-qatar.org growth across all three business segments and also by promoting philanthropy, medical Among the topics the report will cover are national policy can play an important role in and Twitter @WISHQatar. the consolidation of ten months of revenue awareness and community engagement.” WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

JW Marriott Kuwait celebrates Mother’s Day

other’s Day is the perfect occasion for family get- dinner at La Brasserie restaurant for every table of at least can unwind with family and friends and enjoy complimen- togethers. It is a day to show the dearest women three persons. The French inspired restaurant offers top tary mouth-watering appetizers or desserts with each main Min your lives how much they are loved and appre- quality food and beverages, lavish buffets, great ambience course purchased. Guests can also enjoy delicious crepes ciated. It is a day to celebrate and create unforgettable and world-class service. every Thursday and special meat cuts every Monday at memories. In addition, the hotel is also offering a superb range of Terrace Grill from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, the JW Marriott Kuwait dining experiences throughout the month of March. The Furthermore, Tea Lounge invites dessert lovers to enjoy has prepared special treats for guests who want to say ‘a “Terrace Grill” restaurant, the best steakhouse in Kuwait, a wide selection of mouth-watering cupcakes throughout huge thank you’ to the exceptional and extraordinary offers a wide range of promotions, including “Ladies Night” March. The different flavors available include chocolate, women in their lives. Mothers will enjoy a complimentary every Tuesday from 07:30 pm to 11:30 pm, where ladies caramel, vanilla and a lot more. Embassy closure TIES Center hosts lecture

he Embassy of the People’s Republic of Multipurpose Hall: he TIES Center cordially invites all those interested to the tions positively or negatively. Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed today 09:10 am: Recitation from the Holy Quran third lecture about the Treaty of Hudaibiya today at 7:00 The attendees will also learn how relatives turned against T on the occasion of 97th birth anniversary of 09:15 am: Reading out the messages on the day Tpm. In this lecture, the focus will be on how the Prophet one another in supporting the mission of the Prophet the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh 09:30 am: Display of documentary on Bangabandhu (PBUH) took care of his companions and did everything that Muhammad (PBUH) as well as other worthwhile lessons that Mujibur Rahman and National Children Day 2016. 09:45 am: Discussion on the Day was in their best interest - even during their absence, the are of great significance in our lives today. The Embassy will arrange the following program 10:15 am: Closing speech Pledge of Pleasure and how Allah (SWT) commended it. Go and learn about the life and times of Prophet on Thursday, 17 March 2016 at Chancery to observe 10:30 am: Prize and certificate giving to the chil- Moreover, we will learn how the Prophet (PBUH) was conver- Muhammad (PBUH) in a friendly and serene atmosphere. For the day. dren. sant with the background of everyone among the emissaries more information, please call 25231015/6 or log onto: that the Quraish sent to him and how that affected the negotia- www.tiescenter.net or e-mail: [email protected]

Special Offer for Gulf Bank Priority Clients on Armani Dolci and Armani Fiori in celebration of Mother’s Day

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced a special 20 percent discount for its Priority Banking clients on Armani Dolci choco- lates and Armani Fiori flowers on the occasion of Mother’s Day. The exclusive offer is valid from 15th to 21th of March 2016. To enjoy this offer, Gulf Bank Priority Banking clients should make their pur- Sultan Telecom adds Aramex chases using any of Gulf Bank Premium credit cards; Visa Infinite, World services to iZONE Services branches MasterCard, Visa Signature, Visa Platinum, MasterCard Platinum or inside The Sultan Centers MasterCard Titanium. Clients can offer their beloved ones a ultan Telecom, one of The Sultan Center Group Mamoun Sweis CEO of Sultan Telecom, said: “Our collection of Armani Dolce’s finest Italian of companies is keen on establishing its name main aim is to enable iZONE Services to be a one- chocolates in its elite packaging, compli- Swithin the retail segment by offering innovative stop shop for all our customer technology related mented by an original and trendy flower services for the consumer market. The consumer requirements. Our partnership with Aramex allows arrangement from Armani Fiori. The facilities branches branded as “iZONE Services”, has our customers to take advantage of the delivery Armani Dolci and Armani Fiori boutiques added Aramex service to its already existing bouquet services provided via Kuwait.” are both located in Tilal Complex, of services. Mr. Sweis added that iZONE Services will diversify Shuwaikh. Currently, iZONE Services are available across from its current offerings to continually provide more Gulf Bank strives to offer its Priority Kuwait and located within the premises of The services that cater to our customer requirements. Banking clients added value benefits Sultan Center at Shuwaikh, Al-Kout mall, Souk Sultan Telecom is one of the leading communica- through its various partnerships. Gulf Sharq, Egaila, Salmiya and Hawalli. The current serv- tions solutions and infrastructure companies in all Bank clients not only receive premium ices offered are Internet Subscription services for sectors and is one of the major companies in Kuwait Service Providers like KEMS, Mada, Fasttelco, and has contributed in many major projects in banking services but also enjoy luxury Qualitynet and GulfNet. We are also conveniently Kuwait and abroad. The company has a branch in the offers and great privileges along the way. located to allow the mobile user community to State of Bahrain as well and has plans to grow to oth- For more information about Gulf have their bills paid or to top up their accounts. We er countries as well. Bank’s exclusive offers, visit one of Gulf offer services for Zain, Ooredoo and Viva. Apart “iZONE Services” has been developed by Bank’s 55 branches, call the Customer from providing mobile accessories, we also provide ArabianITS an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company and Contact Center on 1805805, or go online mobile repair services. is a subsidiary of Sultan Telecom and The Sultan at www.e-gulfbank.com. On launching the new service with Aramex, Mr. Center Group. Kuwait National English School Early Years Children Plant a Community Garden

he Early Years Children visited Rawda Park to take advantage of the great outdoors. With the sponsorship of the Public Affairs fo Agriculture and Fish Resources as well as Al Rawda and Hawally Co Op, the children planted a Community Garden. Each of the chil- Tdren were able to plant a flower and also leave their name on it so they might come back with their parents to watch them grow. KNES is dedicated to improving our environment and are thankful for the community partners who supported our children as the plant- ed their garden. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Red Bull Car Park Drift kicks off April 1st!

fter 7 years of its launch in 2010, the Red unique and smooth drift skills at high speed, giv- Red Bull Car Park Drift was first launched in Bull Car Park Drift Championship returns ing amateurs and professionals the chance to Lebanon back in 2008, however, the very Ato Kuwait with an atmosphere filled with compete in a challenging and fun event. The beginnings of drifting were on the roads of the challenge and excitement similar to all the previ- event will be judged by a panel of experts in Japanese mountains in the sixties of the last ous events. The championship is in partnership motorsports where they will give out points to century. It was when a group of contestants with Nissan Kuwait and is organized by the Basel each driver depending on his unique accom- tried to achieve the record for each distance Salem Al Sabah Motorsport Club, Shop and Ship, plishments. The event is also supervised by between the two points. These were not com- Falken Tyres, Total, Aqua Eva, Road Emergency Lebanese drifting legend, holding the longest petitions to show off speed, of course, but the Association Road Emergency Association, Aqua drift record and the Middle East Hill Climbing phenomenon has evolved into a completely Eva, Total, Falken Tyres on Thursday 31st March champion, Abdo Feghali. new discipline. till 1st April at the Basel Salem Al Sabah arena at During the final race, the luckiest driver and Make sure not to miss the excellent opportu- the 7th ring road. highest ranking in points will be crowned, taking nity to witness exciting event at the Basel Salem Contestants will go through the final race in into consideration all the driving and drifting tal- Al Sabah racing track to live the thrill of safe, competitive rounds where a winner will be ents, the engines’ roars, the external look of the unique and fun drifting in the Red Bull Car Park selected to compete against other winners from car, the smoke produced by the friction of the Drift Championship of 2016. For more informa- the Middle East in the regional championship tires and finally the audience’s excitement and tion, follow us on @redbullkuwait on Instagram held in Kuwait in November. cheers for the performance. The event will also and Twitter, or visit our website: During this unique event, speed and compe- feature a live show by the Trial Biker Brian www.redbull.com/cpd, or call us on our hotline: tition lovers don’t hesitate in showcasing their Capper. 50125070

The Ministry of Interior hosted a ceremony for retired personnel and their families at the retired officer’s diwaniya in Seddiq.A raffle draw for several prizes including a travel ticket and a hotel stay was held during the event.

LOYAC, a non-profit organization working towards the overall development of the youth, signed a cooperation agreement with Knowledge Consulting to train young The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) visited the Australian College in Kuwait (ACK) to promote its @Tijari account, which currently offers clients the people who take part in LOYAC programs. chance to win three trips to Bahrain to attend the 2016 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix on April 3, 2016. THURSDAY, MARCH 17 , 2016 TV PROGRAMS

16:00 News Update 15:55 Fatal Encounters 02:00 Coronation Street Daughter 16:15 Global Business 16:45 On The Case With Paula 02:30 Big Starʼs Little Star 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 17:00 News Update Zahn 03:25 Murdoch Mysteries Jimmy Fallon 17:15 World InSight 17:35 Murder Shift 04:20 Murdoch Mysteries 21:00 Playing House 18:00 Asia Today 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 05:15 Come Dine With Me 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 01:10 I Love Your Work 18:30 Culture Express 19:15 The Will Couples Wilmore 03:00 London 19:00 News Update 20:05 Deadly Affairs 06:10 Whoʼs Doing The Dishes? 22:00 Web Therapy 04:35 The Garbage Pail Kids Movie 19:30 The Heat 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 07:00 Eggheads 22:30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 06:10 Return Of The Seven 20:00 Africa Live Jones 07:30 Murdoch Mysteries 23:05 The League 07:45 Impromptu 21:00 Global Business 21:45 California Investigator 08:25 Murdoch Mysteries 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:30 Groundhog Day 21:30 Dialogue 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 09:20 Big Starʼs Little Star 11:15 Saved! 22:00 News Update 22:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 10:15 The Chase 12:45 A Kiss Before Dying 22:15 China 24 23:00 Deadly Affairs 11:05 Eggheads 14:15 Follow That Dream 23:00 News Update 23:50 True CSI 11:35 Come Dine With Me 16:05 Mannequin 23:15 World InSight Couples 17:35 Beauty Shop 12:30 Whoʼs Doing The Dishes? 19:20 Mirrormask 13:25 Emmerdale 00:00 Supernatural 21:00 Breaking Bad 13:50 Eggheads 01:00 Marvelʼs Agents Of 22:00 London 14:20 Coronation Street S.H.I.E.L.D. 23:35 Mighty Fine 14:45 Big Starʼs Little Star 02:00 The Flash 15:35 Come Dine With Me 03:00 DCʼs Legends Of Tomorrow 00:35 Race To Escape Couples 04:00 Good Morning America 00:00 Fast Money: Half Time 01:20 How Itʼs Made 16:30 Grantchester 06:00 Once Upon A Time Report 01:44 How Itʼs Made 17:25 Seven Days With‚Ķ 07:00 Covert Affairs 01:00 Access: Middle East 02:08 Invent It Rich 18:20 Emmerdale 08:00 Heroes Reborn 00:50 River Monsters 01:30 U.S. Squawk Alley 02:55 How The Universe Works 18:45 Coach Trip 09:00 The Voice 01:45 Mountain Monsters 02:30 Inside China 03:42 Science Of The Movies 19:10 Coronation Street 11:00 Covert Affairs 02:40 Dog Rescuers 03:00 Asia Squawk Box 04:29 Race To Escape 19:35 Come Dine With Me 12:00 Coronation Street 03:35 Tanked 05:00 Asia Street Signs 05:16 Invent It Rich Couples 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 Fast Money: Half Time 14:00 Live Good Morning America 04:25Charles & Jessica: A Chimp Tale 06:03 How The Universe Works 20:30 Grantchester Report 16:00 Marvelʼs Agents Of 05:15 Gator Boys 06:50 Mighty Ships 21:25 Seven Days With‚Ķ 08:00 Capital Connection 22:20 Coronation Street S.H.I.E.L.D. 06:02 Treehouse Masters 07:37 How Do They Do It? 06:49 Dog Rescuers 09:00 Squawk Box Europe 22:50 Emmerdale 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:00 How Do They Do It? 07:36 Monkey Life 12:00 Europe Street Signs 23:15 Whoʼs Doing The Dishes? 18:00 Heroes Reborn 08:00 Monkey Life 13:00 U.S. Squawk Box 08:23 Race To Escape 19:00 The Art Of More 08:25 Preposterous Pets 16:00 Squawk On The Street 09:08 Science Of The Movies 21:00 Blindspot 09:15 Dog Rescuers 18:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 09:53 Mighty Ships 22:00 Wicked City 10:10 Treehouse Masters 19:00 Fast Money: Half Time 10:38 How Itʼs Made 23:00 Mr. Robot 11:05 Tanked Report 11:00 How Itʼs Made 12:00 Preposterous Pets 20:00 U.S. Power Lunch 11:23 Food Factory 22:00 U.S. Closing Bell 12:55 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 11:45 Food Factory 00:10 Eat Street 13:50 Dog Rescuers 12:08 How The Universe Works 01:00 The Great Food Revolution 14:45 Gator Boys 12:53 Mighty Ships 01:50 Top Tables, Top Cities 15:40 Treehouse Masters 13:38 Race To Escape 02:15 Eat Street 01:00 The Boondock Saints 2: All 16:35 Tanked 14:23 How Itʼs Made 03:05 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita Saints Day 17:30 Charles & Jessica: A Chimp 03:30 The Wine Quest: Spain 03:00 Area 407 Tale 14:46 How Itʼs Made 15:10 Science Of The Movies 03:55 Poh & Co. 04:45 Jurassic Attack 18:25 River Monsters 04:20 Maximum Foodie 06:15 Guardians Of The Galaxy 19:20 Ten Deadliest Snakes With 00:00 The Haunting Of... 15:57 Food Factory 01:00 The Ghost Inside My Child 05:10 Eat Street 08:30 Jaws: The Revenge Nigel Marven 16:20 Food Factory 05:35 Eat Street 10:15 The Scorpion King 4: Quest 20:15 Tanked 02:00 My Haunted House 16:44 How The Universe Works 03:00 Private Crimes 06:00 Food Loverʼs Guide To The For Power 21:10 Animal Cops South Africa 17:31 Mighty Ships Planet 12:15 Destruction: Las Vegas 22:05 Treehouse Masters 03:30 Private Crimes 18:18 Science Of The Movies 04:00 The First 48 06:50 The Great Food Revolution 13:45 The A-Team 23:00 Ten Deadliest Snakes With 19:05 Speed Junkie 07:40 Top Tables, Top Cities 16:00 The Assault Nigel Marven 05:00 The Ghost Inside My Child 06:00 The Haunting Of... 19:50 Mega Builders 08:05 Eat Street 17:45 Guardians Of The Galaxy 07:00 The FBI Files 20:40 Space Voyages 08:30 Eat Street 20:00 12 Rounds 08:00 The FBI Files 21:25 How Itʼs Made 08:55 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita 22:00 Running Scared 09:00 Homicide Hunter 21:50 How Itʼs Made 09:20 The Wine Quest: Spain 10:00 Beyond Scared Straight 22:15 Science Of The Movies 09:45 Poh & Co. 10:10 Maximum Foodie 00:30 Eastenders 11:00 Deadly Wives 23:00 Mega Builders 11:00 Eat Street 01:00 New Tricks 12:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 23:45 Space Voyages 11:50 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 01:55 New Tricks 13:00 Nightmare In Suburbia Planet 02:50 Luther 14:00 The First 48 12:40 The Great Food Revolution 00:00 Good Luck Chuck 03:45 Eastenders 15:00 Homicide Hunter 13:35 Top Tables, Top Cities 02:00 The Bounty Hunter 04:15 Frankie 16:00 Martina Coleʼs Lady Killers 14:00 Eat Street 04:00 John Tucker Must Die 05:05 Death In Paradise 17:00 The FBI Files GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 14:30 Eat Street 06:00 Encino Man 06:00 Doctors 18:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 14:55 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita 08:00 The Love Punch 06:30 Eastenders 19:00 Nightmare In Suburbia Ladybug & Cat Noir 17:00 The Kitchen 10:00 The Bounty Hunter 00:40 HMS Ark Royal 15:25 The Wine Quest: Spain 07:00 Frankie 20:00 The First 48 12:45 Fish Hooks 18:00 The Pioneer Woman 12:00 Tooth Fairy 01:30 Zero Hour 15:50 Poh & Co. 07:55 Call The Midwife 21:00 Homicide Hunter 13:00 Fish Hooks 18:30 The Pioneer Woman 14:00 Planet 51 02:20 Origins 16:20 Maximum Foodie 08:55 Doctor Who 22:00 Deadly Wives 13:10 Austin & Ally 19:00 Chopped 16:00 The Love Punch 02:40 Chasing Classic Cars 16:45 Maximum Foodie 09:45 Doctors 23:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover 13:35 Austin & Ally 00:00 Programmes Start At 20:00 Iron Chef America 18:00 Cas & Dylan 03:05 Anthony Bourdain: No 17:15 Eat Street 10:15 Eastenders 14:00 Liv And Maddie 7:00am KSA 21:00 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 20:00 Malavita Reservations 18:10 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 10:45 Death In Paradise 14:25 Descendants Wicked World 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 21:30 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 22:00 About Last Night 03:50 Bush Pilots Planet 11:40 Frankie 14:30 Liv And Maddie 07:25 K. C. Undercover 22:00 Tia Mowry At Home 04:35 Secrets Of The Arsenal 19:05 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita 12:35 Call The Midwife 14:55 Dog With A Blog 07:50 Supa Strikas 22:30 Tia Mowry At Home 05:20 Extreme Engineering 19:30 The Wine Quest: Spain 13:35 Doctor Who 15:20 Dog With A Blog 08:15 Annedroids 23:00 Sibaʼs Table 06:05 Gunslingers 20:00 Poh & Co. 14:25 Doctors 15:45 Miraculous Tales Of 08:40 Lab Rats 23:30 Sibaʼs Table 06:50 HMS Ark Royal 20:25 Maximum Foodie 14:55 Eastenders Ladybug & Cat Noir 09:10 Kirby Buckets 07:35 Origins 20:50 Maximum Foodie 15:25 Frankie 16:10 Violetta 09:35 Wander Over Yonder 00:20 Fast Nʼ Loud 08:00 Anthony Bourdain: No 21:15 Eat Street 01:00 Tea With Mussolini 16:20 Dickensian 17:00 The Next Step 10:00 Rocket Monkeys 01:10 You Have Been Warned Reservations 21:40 Eat Street 03:00 We Gotta Get Out Of This 17:10 Doctor Who 17:25 Alex And Co 10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man 02:00 The Weapon Hunter 08:50 100 Miles From Nowhere 22:05 Food Loverʼs Guide To The Place 18:00 Doctors 17:47 Descendants Wicked World 10:50 Boyster 02:50 Big Giant Swords 09:40 Extreme Engineering Planet 05:00 Dr. Strangelove 18:30 Eastenders 17:50 Dog With A Blog 11:20 Boyster 03:40 Whatʼs In The Barn? 10:30 Codes And Conspiracies 22:30 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 07:00 Blackfish 19:05 Father Brown 18:15 Mako Mermaids 11:45 Pair Of Kings 00:20 Shipping Wars 04:05 The Liquidator 11:20 Origins Planet 09:00 Grand Central 20:00 Holby City 18:40 Gravity Falls 12:10 Pair Of Kings 00:45 Shipping Wars 04:30 Garage Gold 11:45 Chasing Classic Cars 22:55 The Great Food Revolution 10:45 Beaches 21:00 Stella 19:05 Miraculous Tales Of 12:35 Lab Rats 01:10 Ice Road Truckers 05:00 How Do They Do It? 12:10 Anthony Bourdain: No 23:45 Top Tables, Top Cities 13:00 Powder 21:45 Happy Valley Ladybug & Cat Noir 13:00 Lab Rats 02:00 Duck Dynasty 05:30 Chasing Classic Cars Reservations 15:00 Great Expectations 22:50 Happy Valley 19:30 Violetta 13:30 Phineas And Ferb 02:50 American Pickers 06:00 Flying Wild Alaska 13:00 Bush Pilots 17:15 Grand Central 23:45 Doctors 20:20 The Next Step 13:55 Phineas And Ferb 03:40 Shipping Wars 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 13:50 Extreme Engineering 19:00 Gattaca 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 14:20 Kickinʼ It 04:30 Pawn Stars 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 14:40 Codes And Conspiracies 21:00 Out Of The Furnace 21:35 H2O 14:45 Kickinʼ It 05:00 Lost Worlds 08:30 Whatʼs In The Barn? 15:30 Origins 23:00 Choke 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 15:10 Guardians Of The Galaxy 06:00 Ice Road Truckers 08:55 The Liquidator 15:55 Chasing Classic Cars 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 06:50 Counting Cars 09:20 Garage Gold 16:20 Anthony Bourdain: No 00:30 Playing House Teenage Witch 15:40 Wander Over Yonder 07:40 Shipping Wars 00:00 With All Due Respect 09:45 How Do They Do It? Reservations 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 16:05 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 08:05 Shipping Wars 01:00 Charlie Rose 10:10 Chasing Classic Cars 17:10 Bush Pilots Wilmore Teenage Witch 16:30 Kirby Buckets 08:30 Storage Wars 02:00 First Up With Angie Lau 10:35 You Have Been Warned 18:00 Extreme Engineering 01:30 Married 23:10 Hank Zipzer 16:55 Gamers Guide To Pretty 08:55 Ultimate Wheels 01:00 Out Of The Dark 03:00 First Up With Angie Lau 11:25 The Weapon Hunter 18:50 Codes And Conspiracies 02:00 The Brink 23:35 Binny And The Ghost Much Everything 09:45 Counting Cars 03:00 Isa 04:00 Trending Business 12:15 Big Giant Swords 19:40 Origins 02:30 The League 17:25 K. C. Undercover 10:10 Counting Cars 05:00 A Promise 05:00 Trending Business 13:05 Whatʼs In The Barn? 20:05 Chasing Classic Cars 03:00 Your Family Or Mine 17:50 Supa Strikas 10:35 Aussie Pickers 07:00 Drumline: A New Beat 06:00 Asia Edge 13:30 The Liquidator 20:30 American Guns 03:30 Living With Fran 18:15 Lab Rats 11:25 Lost Worlds 09:00 Into The Storm 07:00 Bloomberg West 13:55 Garage Gold 21:20 Anthony Bourdain: No 04:00 Two And A Half Men 18:40 Mighty Med 12:15 Pawn Stars 10:30 Interstellar 08:00 Charlie Rose 14:20 Flying Wild Alaska Reservations 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 19:10 Annedroids 12:40 Pawn Stars 13:30 Kristy 09:00 Countdown 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 22:10 Extreme Engineering Jimmy Fallon 19:35 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 13:05 Shipping Wars 15:00 The Song 10:00 Countdown 16:00 Fast Nʼ Loud 23:00 American Guns 05:30 My Name Is Earl 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 20:00 Kirby Buckets 13:30 Shipping Wars 06:00 The Bernie Mac Show 17:00 Last Knights 00:20 Calimero 20:25 Gamers Guide To Pretty 13:55 Counting Cars 06:30 Community 19:00 Mortdecai 00:35 Zou Much Everything 14:20 Counting Cars 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 21:00 The Babadook 00:50 Loopdidoo 20:55 K. C. Undercover 14:45 Shipping Wars 08:00 Two And A Half Men 23:00 Stretch 01:05 Art Attack 21:20 Pickle And Peanut 15:10 Shipping Wars 08:30 My Name Is Earl 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:45 Lab Rats 15:35 Storage Wars 09:00 Your Family Or Mine 01:45 Calimero 22:10 Mighty Med 16:00 Aussie Pickers 09:30 The Last Man On Earth 02:00 Zou 22:40 Super Matrak 16:50 Big Rig Bounty Hunters 10:00 I Hate My Teenage 02:15 Loopdidoo 23:05 Super Matrak 17:15 Big Rig Bounty Hunters Daughter 01:00 PGA European Tour 02:30 Art Attack 23:30 Boyster 17:40 Counting Cars 10:30 Community Highlights 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 18:05 Counting Cars 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 02:00 Inside The PGA Tour 03:05 Calimero 18:30 Lost Worlds Jimmy Fallon 02:30 AFL Season Preview 03:20 Zou 19:20 Alaska Off-Road Warriors 12:00 The Bernie Mac Show 06:00 PGA European Tour 03:30 Loopdidoo 20:10 Pawn Stars 12:30 Two And A Half Men Highlights 03:45 Art Attack 20:35 Pawn Stars 13:00 My Name Is Earl 07:00 Golfing World 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 00:00 Keeping Up With The 21:00 Duck Dynasty 13:30 Community 08:00 European Tour Weekly 04:20 Calimero Kardashians 21:25 Duck Dynasty 14:00 Living With Fran 08:30 Live PGA European Tour 04:35 Zou 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 21:50 Pawn Stars 14:30 The Last Man On Earth 10:30 Gillette World Sport 04:45 Loopdidoo 01:25 Keeping Up With The 22:15 Pawn Stars Australia 15:00 I Hate My Teenage 11:00 Inside The PGA Tour 05:00 Art Attack Kardashians 22:40 Hoard Hunters Daughter 11:30 European Tour Weekly 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 02:20 E! News 23:30 Duck Dynasty 15:30 Playing House 12:00 Live PGA European Tour 05:35 Calimero 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 15:00 Gillette World Sport 05:50 Zou 04:10 Pop Innovators Wilmore 15:30 FIH Hockey World 06:00 Loopdidoo 05:05 E! Entertainment Special 16:30 The Bernie Mac Show 16:00 NRL Premiership 06:15 Art Attack 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 Golfing World 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster Miami 18:00 Your Family Or Mine 19:00 World Rugby 06:50 Calimero 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 00:10 The Chase 18:30 Living With Fran 19:30 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 07:00 Zou Miami 01:05 Emmerdale 19:00 Kevin From Work Highlights 07:20 Loopdidoo 07:50 Style Star 01:30 Eggheads 19:35 I Hate My Teenage 20:00 European Tour Weekly 07:35 Art Attack 08:20 E! News 20:30 Inside The PGA Tour 08:00 Calimero 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 21:00 Live PGA Tour DRUMLINE: A NEW BEAT ON OSN MOVIES HD 08:10 Zou 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 08:25 Loopdidoo 12:05 E! News 10:30 On The Move 16:50 Chasing Classic Cars 08:40 Miles From Tomorrow 13:05 WAGs 11:00 On The Move 17:15 How Do They Do It? 09:05 Sofia The First 14:05 Botched 12:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 17:40 Salvage Hunters 09:30 Goldie & Bear 15:00 Keeping Up With The 09:45 Jake And The Never Land Kardashians 00:00 Trans World Sport 13:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 18:30 Redwood Kings 01:00 European Tour Weekly 14:00 Bloomberg Go 19:20 Dynamo: Magician Pirates 16:00 Keeping Up With The 10:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Kardashians 01:30 Super Rugby 15:00 Bloomberg Go Impossible 00:00 Violetta 03:30 Premier League Darts 16:00 Bloomberg Go 20:10 The Liquidator 00:45 The Hive 10:35 Doc McStuffins 17:00 Fashion Bloggers 11:00 Sofia The First 17:30 Fashion Bloggers 07:00 AFL Season Preview 17:00 Bloomberg Markets 20:35 Garage Gold 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 10:30 Golfing World 18:00 Bloomberg Markets 21:00 Salvage Hunters Teenage Witch 11:30 Goldie & Bear 18:00 E! News 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow 19:00 House Of DVF 11:30 NRL Full Time 19:00 Bloomberg Markets: 21:50 Redwood Kings 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 11:57 Live NRL Premiership European Close 22:40 Kings Of The Wild Teenage Witch 12:25 Special Agent Oso 20:00 Keeping Up With The 12:40 The Hive Kardashians 14:00 Top 14 Highlights 20:00 Bloomberg Markets 23:30 Wheeler Dealers 01:40 Hank Zipzer 14:30 PGA European Tour 21:00 Bloomberg Markets 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 12:50 Handy Manny 21:00 Dash Dolls 13:15 Jungle Junction 22:00 E! News Highlights 22:00 Bloomberg Markets 02:30 Violetta 15:30 WWE Vintage 23:00 Whatʼd You Miss? 03:15 The Hive 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 23:00 WAGs 14:00 Sofia The First 16:30 WWE Raw 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 19:00 WWE NXT Teenage Witch 14:25 Goldie & Bear 14:50 Doc McStuffins 20:00 WWE Smackdown 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 22:00 Live Premier League Darts 01:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? Teenage Witch 15:15 Zou 01:30 The Haunted 04:10 Hank Zipzer 15:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 00:00 News Update 02:20 Ghost Lab 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 15:55 Loopdidoo 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:30 Dialogue 03:10 Scorned: Crimes Of Passion 05:00 Violetta 16:10 Miles From Tomorrow 01:00 Chopped 01:00 News Update 04:00 Deadline: Crime With 05:45 The Hive 16:35 Jake And The Never Land 02:00 Cutthroat Kitchen 01:15 China 24 Tamron Hall 05:50 Mouk Pirates 03:00 Man Fire Food 00:30 NRL Premiership 02:00 The Heat 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:00 Lolirock 17:00 Sofia The First 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:30 The Weber Cup 02:30 News Update 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:25 Sofia The First 17:25 Jungle Cubs 05:00 Iron Chef America 03:30 PGA European Tour 03:00 Global Business 05:30 The Haunted 06:50 Gravity Falls 17:50 Aladdin 06:00 Chopped Highlights 04:00 News Update 06:20 Fatal Encounters 07:15 Miraculous Tales Of 18:15 Gummi Bears 07:00 Man Fire Food 04:30 European Tour Weekly 05:00 News Update 07:10 On The Case With Paula Ladybug & Cat Noir 18:40 Goldie & Bear 08:00 Chopped 05:00 Super League 06:30 Dialogue Zahn 07:40 Jessie 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 09:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 07:00 Super Rugby 07:00 News Hour 08:00 Dr. G. Medical Examiner 08:05 Shake It Up 19:30 Sofia The First Basics 09:00 World Pool Masters 08:00 Global Business 08:50 On The Case With Paula 08:30 Shake It Up 19:55 Doc McStuffins 10:00 The Kitchen 10:00 Super Rugby 09:00 News Update Zahn 08:55 Thatʼs So Raven 20:20 Jake And The Neverland 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 12:00 Inside Sailing 10:30 Sports Scene 09:40 Fatal Encounters 09:20 Thatʼs So Raven Pirates 11:30 The Pioneer Woman 12:30 The World Sailing Show 11:00 Global Business 10:30 Murder Shift 09:45 Austin & Ally 20:35 Miles From Tomorrow 12:00 Chopped 13:00 Europro Tour 12:00 News Update 11:20 Deadly Affairs 10:10 Austin & Ally 21:00 Goldie & Bear 13:00 Guyʼs Big Bite 15:00 The Weber Cup 12:30 Culture Express 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 21:30 Sofia The First 13:30 Guyʼs Big Bite 16:00 Premier League Darts 13:00 Africa Live Jones 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 22:00 Jungle Cubs 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 19:30 Golfing World 14:00 News Update 13:00 The Will 11:25 Jessie 22:25 Aladdin 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 20:30 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 14:30 Dialogue 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 11:50 Jessie 22:50 Gummi Bears 15:00 Man Fire Food Highlights 15:00 News Update 14:40 California Investigator 12:15 Cars Toons 23:20 Lilo And Stitch 15:30 Man Fire Food 21:00 NRL Premiership 15:15 China 24 15:05 Dr. G. Medical Examiner 12:20 Miraculous Tales Of 23:50 Zou 16:00 Chopped THE BOUNTY HUNTER ON OSN MOVIES HD COMEDY 22:58 Live Super League Classifieds

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (17/03/2016 TO 23/03/2016)

SHARQIA-1 ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 10:45 PM TRIPLE 9 11:30 AM UNNATURAL 12:45 AM SOLACE 1:45 PM TRIPLE 9 4:00 PM FANAR-2 SOLACE 6:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 11:30 AM TRIPLE 9 8:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 1:30 PM SOLACE 10:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 3:30 PM TRIPLE 9 12:30 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 5:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 7:45 PM SHARQIA-2 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 10:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 12:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 12:30 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 2:00 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 4:00 PM FANAR-3 KUNG FU PANDA 3 6:00 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 12:45 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 8:00 PM THE WAVE 1:30 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:00 PM THE WAVE 3:45 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:05 AM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 6:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 10:00 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 9:00 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 1:00 AM THE WAVE 12:05 AM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:05 AM SHARQIA-3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 12:15 PM MARINA-1 ZOOTOPIA 2:45 PM SOLACE 11:30 AM ZOOTOPIA 5:00 PM SOLACE 1:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 7:15 PM TRIPLE 9 3:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 9:15 PM SOLACE 6:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 11:45 PM SOLACE 8:00 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 11:45 PM TRIPLE 9 10:00 PM TRIPLE 9 12:15 AM MUHALAB-1 BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 10:00 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 11:45 AM SOLACE 1:00 AM No: 16816 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 2:30 PM KAPOOR AND SONS- Hindi 5:00 PM MARINA-2 UNNATURAL 7:45 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 9:45 PM ZOOTOPIA 2:00 PM UNNATURAL 12:15 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 4:15 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:15 AM ZOOTOPIA 6:15 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 8:30 PM MUHALAB-2 LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:30 PM SOLACE 11:30 AM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 AM SOLACE 1:30 PM SOLACE 3:30 PM MARINA-3 ZOOTOPIA 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 1:00 PM SOLACE 7:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 1:30 PM TRIPLE 9 9:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 3:30 PM TRIPLE 9 12:05 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 -3D 5:30 PM BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 9:45 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 7:30 PM TRIPLE 9 12:45 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 9:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT 12:05 AM MUHALAB-3 BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE 12:05 AM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 12:30 PM AVENUES-1 KUNG FU PANDA 3 2:30 PM EMELIE 11:30 AM KUNG FU PANDA 3 4:30 PM EMELIE 1:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 6:30 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 3:15 PM KUNG FU PANDA 3 8:30 PM EMELIE 5:15 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 10:30 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 7:15 PM LONDON HAS FALLEN 12:30 AM EMELIE 9:15 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 11:15 PM FANAR-1 ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 1:15 AM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 12:30 PM ZOOTOPIA 2:30 PM AVENUES-2 UNNATURAL 4:45 PM UNNATURAL 12:45 PM ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME 6:45 PM UNNATURAL 2:45 PM UNNATURAL 8:45 PM UNNATURAL 4:45 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 17/3/2016 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 Departure Flights on Thursday 17/3/2016 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 6676 Dubai 14:45 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 767 Istanbul 14:45 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 JZR 528 Asyut 00:05 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 14:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 NIA 251 Alexandria 15:30 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 AXB 394 Kozhikode 15:20 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 JAD 301 Amman 15:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 KAC 613 Bahrain 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 KAC 741 Dammam 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 THY 768 Istanbul 02:50 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 THY 769 Istanbul 03:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 KNE 474 Jeddah 16:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 THY 6676 Istanbul 16:15 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 NIA 252 Alexandria 16:30 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 787 Riyadh 17:00 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 JAD 302 Amman 16:40 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:20 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 LMU 510 Cairo 04:05 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 503 Luxor 04:25 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 LMU 511 Cairo 05:05 KNE 475 Jeddah 17:25 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:50 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 KAC 118 New York 17:55 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 QTR 8511 Doha 06:20 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 JZR 529 Asyut 06:50 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 06:55 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 204 Lahore 07:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 QTR 8512 Doha 08:20 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 742 Dammam 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 JZR 554 Alexandria 19:10 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 KAC 104 London 19:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:35 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:55 KAC 101 London/New York 09:55 KAC 353 BLR 20:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 KAC 543 Cairo 20:55 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:10 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 OMA 641 Muscat 10:05 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 QTR 1088 Doha 21:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 SYR 341 Damascus 10:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:00 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 OMA 642 Muscat 11:05 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 NIA 151 Cairo 11:55 JZR 125 Bahrain 21:55 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 SYR 342 Damascus 11:55 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 NIA 152 Cairo 12:55 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 THY 766 Istanbul 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:45 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 AXB 393 Kozhikode 14:20 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:40 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

CROSSWORD 1198 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) You may have that nagging feeling that no matter how well you are pro- If work seems to monopolize your life, it may be time to stop and take gressing in the workplace, there is still something you have missed. It may be time to notice. If the changes that you will have to make are too much for now, make some small reassess the balance between your professional and personal goals and the progress changes each week that will bring you to a better-balanced lifestyle. The choices we you are making with each one. This must be the balance that is right for you-there are make today determine the life we lead tomorrow-make one life-changing choice for the no correct answers-but neither side should monopolize your life at the expense of the better this week. There is a need for change, a desire to break with outmoded patterns of other. Be as realistic today as possible. Plans for travel and higher education get good the past. You may want to break an old routine and try something different. Take a little support from relatives and friends. Do not let finances completely dominate your con- trip after work, just for the view. You may discover insights into day-to-day problems that will be of great value later. Indulge in some daydreaming while you are at home this cerns. During this month you will find some financial gains fall apart and some ideas evening. Consider a new color for a wall or new floor textures. for financial gains will materialize. It is good to just go with the flow for now.

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

Check and recheck your work and the expectations for this day. This is a Putting aside youthful antics, you are now more intent on the secure, time when you could make some wrong choices. Knowing this ahead of time, it will be dependable aspects. This may mean that you have settled on a particular major in college or a profession in your community. You will make great headway in your easier for you. Just make it known that you might need a little time to think over a choices, whether it means you have that perfect job or not. You may have interested a request before giving an answer. Completing old projects just now is a good thing to rather large group of co-workers in some technique or vision that others want to learn or do. To avoid being the victim of a misunderstanding at work, be explicit in all things purchase. This demonstration is an attention grabber when it comes to the higher ups in you do and say, also you could ask questions. This afternoon you need complete infor- your business. You may also draw customers to you because of the way you excite the mation before gambling with an investment. Check all aspects of a situation to find client into joining or purchasing the product that your business sells. Keep up the good out where your energies could best be applied. Seeking these intricate details are not work but enjoy your home as your place to relax, entertain and refurbish your energies. necessary all the time, but very helpful.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your highly active mind encourages you to voice your ideas. This could Unfinished business from the past may weigh on your mind just now. Pace potentially lead to a management position if you are careful. Strive for yourself and in surprisingly little time, progress will be recognized. You coordinator or a consulting position within your work-you are good at coordinating may be of great help to a business associate today as your compassion is heightened. ACROSS DOWN events, assigning jobs, consultation and encouraging others. If you are not involved in Information you have acquired or a person you know could be the key to guiding this 1. The ratio of the distance traveled (in miles) 1. Long-tailed brilliantly colored parrot of any volunteer groups, you might consider ways to encourage recycling in your city or a colleague in the right direction. You feel great empathy for others and are usually the first to the time spent traveling (in hours). Central and South America. cleanup crew in your community. You have a great deal of talent in discovering ways to come to someone’s aid. Your artistic talents or your appreciation of art is your way of finding the meaning to your own life and life around you. This could be music, pottery, 4. Capable of having having clear evidence of 2. The beach at a seaside resort. to help in the healing of the earth. You know that we all have a responsibility and you cooking, etc. This evening, the most enjoyable way to relax is through some form of art. A eliminated without trace. 3. (Judaism) An eight-day Jewish holiday would do well to turn your attention in this direction. This new volunteer work may loved one shares good news with you tonight. 12. Counting the number of white and red commemorating the rededication of the also bring about the opportunity for a new love relationship-if you are looking. blood cells and the number of platelets in 1 Temple of Jerusalem. cubic millimeter of blood. 4. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event. 15. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike ) part of an organism. 5. Disparaging terms for the common peo- Cancer (June 21-July 22 Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Line that is the commercial organization ple. Be as realistic as possible when job opportunities come your way. This time Your heart is as big as all outdoors-not only for those close to you emotion- responsible for operating a railway system. 6. Aromatic bulb used as seasoning. is one of hard work and responsibility, both in salvaging some endeavors ally, but for the general public as well. You just cannot be mad at anybody. 17. 10 hao equal 1 dong. 7. Speaking a Slavic language. that appear to be failing and in branching out in new directions. You are able to obtain All you want to do is help, protect and nurture. From those who perceive this, it will be 18. Airtight sealed metal container for food 8. A small zodiacal constellation in the north- success financially through the power of attraction. This means that you may improve reflected back to you. Just make sure that this feeling comes across as genuine-because it is. You may wish to strengthen the ties with an older family member, not necessarily to or drink or paint etc.. ern hemisphere. your position in the world of moneymaking through a business associate, social affair or 9. (Irish) Goddess. friend. Networking, as well as good timing, can mean success. Today you have the men- prove yourself to him or her but to create an avenue in which you can be assured of his 19. (Greek mythology) One of the three tal concentration and discipline to work out the final details of a past project. It may be a or her welfare. You will begin to see your relationships more clearly this month by recog- Graces. 10. A white soft metallic element that tar- nizing just how much you did not know about the people with whom you live. Also, you nishes readily. good idea to put off any negotiations requiring personal decisions about a close relation- 20. Any of numerous composite plants hav- ship just now; you have enough on your mind concerning a business situation. should open up to relatives since this is a good time for emotional support. ing flower heads with well-developed ray 11. A doctor's degree in education. flowers usually arranged in a single whorl. 12. Most important element. 13. (botany) Especially of leaves. 22. Largest known toad species. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. A blood vessel that carries blood from the 14. In a coy manner. Leo (July 23-August 22) 21. Flesh of shad-like fish abundant along the Hard work and responsibility, both in salvaging some endeavors that capillaries toward the heart. This should be a normally active, stimulating day, full of paperwork, con- Atlantic coast or in coastal streams. appear to be failing, and in branching out in new directions, are evident. 26. (archaic or Scottish) Faithful and true. ferences and communication. A technical matter may need special attention around 23. A river in north central Switzerland that You stick to routine tasks and avoid starting new projects for now. Mental stimulation 27. Flightless New Zealand rail of thievish dis- noon today. Double-check the facts in front of you-mistakes can be easily made by runs northeast into the Rhine. from others is the key for today. It would be wise to cooperate and compromise as much position having short wings each with a spur someone new and you will be able to catch the mistakes by just scanning the report. 25. An associate degree in applied science. as possible. The results of these efforts should be a successful project by a group effort. used in fighting. There are increased opportunities for advancement in your job or to decide the You could be most persuasive with others and influential in speech and communication. 29. The money risked on a gamble. 28. The blood group whose red cells carry advancement of another person. Keep note of the things you think you might like to see The situation is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas and 31. Unknown god. change in the workplace that would make it a safer or more efficiently running place. both the A and B antigens. thoughts. You could talk someone into almost anything. This afternoon would be a good 33. A monarchy in northwestern Europe These could be discussed at a review or in a report. This evening is an excellent time for time to weed the garden or wash the car-great stress relief. 30. Predatory insect of western North occupying most of the British Isles. taking part in social activities with friends. America having a long necklike prothorax. 34. A Hindu prince or king in India. 32. Boer statesman (1825-1904). 37. A Kwa language spoken in Ghana and the 35. A condensed but memorable saying Ivory Coast. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) embodying some important fact of experi- 39. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on ence that is taken as true by many people. a skewer usually with vegetables. This is a go-to-it day, like many of your days this month. You may find that You could find that you have a feeling of leaving some unfinished business 36. The cry made by sheep. 40. An associate degree in nursing. you enjoy your job or the responsibility it entails more than usual. Expect a sense of sup- today. You work carefully to bring projects to an end before your day is over. You may be 38. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. 42. A Muslim trained in the doctrine and law port and goodwill from those around you. You are at your most practical when it comes surprised to find others are happy to help you in your work. Easy does it, you may be pushing too hard to try and please too many different people at once. After you have 41. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a of Islam. to dealing with others and you can respond to the most difficult of situations without mosque. haste. This is an important time as you are encouraged to make use of your natural abili- completed whatever tasks are set before you, you may plot your next move. Life is easier 43. Of or relating to or characteristic of Asia than you think, especially if you accept what you think is impossible, do without what 45. A Loloish language. ties to solve problems. You will also make career gains by your ability to sense quality or the peoples of Asia or their languages or and choose accordingly. Take caution as you engage in enterprises which entail accruing you think is indispensable, and bear what you think is intolerable, then you will be able to 48. The battle in 1806 in which Napoleon culture. debts. Seek approval from higher-ups if there is a chance you might exceed a quota. smile at anything. For now, consciously think of your life as balanced. This evening there decisively defeated the Prussians. 44. Joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Work, achievement and ambition are where your energy navigates. is time to dance, sing and be merry. 50. Electrical device that can interrupt the Arabia. flow of electrical current when it is over- 46. Apoapsis in orbit around Jupiter. loaded. 47. Common black European thrush. Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 51. A soft silvery metallic element of the alka- 49. Title for a civil or military leader (especial- li earth group. ly in Turkey). 52. Manufactured in standard sizes to be 53. Tall woody perennial grasses with hollow shipped and assembled elsewhere. slender stems especially of the genera 54. Relating to or characteristic of the Celts. Arundo and Phragmites. 56. A seducer who ruins a woman. 55. According to the Old Testament he was a 57. A woman hired to suckle a child of some- pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel one else. (9th century BC). 59. Resinlike substance secreted by certain 58. Small bitter fruit of the marasca cherry lac insects. tree from whose juice maraschino liqueur is 60. A loose cloak with a hood. made. 62. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan 61. A loose sleeveless outer garment made River. from aba cloth. 64. Convert code into ordinary language. 63. Treat or speak of with contempt. 67. Any loose flowing garment. 65. Having a specified kind of border or edge. 69. A television system that has more than 66. Comb-plate or locomotor organ consist- the usual number of lines per frame so its ing of a row of strong cilia whose bases are pictures show more detail. fused. 72. Large genus of erect or climbing prickly 68. A member of the Siouan people formerly shrubs including roses. living in the Missouri river valley in NE 76. American novelist (1909-1955). Nebraska. 78. A line drawn on a map connecting points 70. God of death. having the same numerical value of some 71. Portuguese explorer who in 1488 was the variable. first European to get round the Cape of Good 79. A common cyst of the skin. Hope (thus establishing a sea route from the 82. The length of a straight line passing Atlantic to Asia) (1450-1500). through the center of a circle and connecting 73. Of or relating to near the ear. 74. Title for the former hereditary monarch of two points on the circumference. Iran. 83. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit 75. Projectiles to be fired from a gun. juice. 77. The compass point that is one point west 84. A festival featuring African-American cul- of due north. ture. 80. A state in northwestern North America. 85. The persistence of a sound after its source 81. In operation or operational. has stopped.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bahrain 00973 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Fintas 23900322 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 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 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Indonesia 0062 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 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Jamaica 001876 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 0026 lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Gossip Affleck and Phoenix have split

asey Affleck and Summer Phoenix have split. tried hard to repair their relationship. A source said: poked fun at his scruffy appearance. Stephen said: The couple - who have sons Indiana, 11, and “She was having a lot of trust issues. “They went to “Thanks for dressing up. I can’t tell whether this Ceight-year-old Atticus - have “amicably” gone couples counseling but they just couldn’t recover.” choice is the least celebrity thing to do or the most their separate ways after almost 10 years of marriage. Despite their separation, the former couple are “com- celebrity thing to do because it’s very casual.” There A spokesperson confirmed to In Touch magazine: mitted” to co-parenting their sons. Casey, 40, was first was then a number of other uncomfortable “Casey and Summer have amicably separated. They introduced to Summer, 37, by her brother, and his ‘I’m exchanges, prompting the presenter to joke: “We remain very close friends.” Though news of the sepa- Still Here’ collaborator, Joaquin Phoenix, in 2000. Last should probably end up fighting at the end of this. It ration has just broken, it has been claimed the couple month, the ‘Gone Baby Gone’ star endured an awk- feels like this is where this is going.” - who had dated for six years before tying the knot in ward interview with talk show host Stephen Colbert, June 2006 - had separated several months ago and which got off to a bad start when the presenter

Adele praised for making couple’s Ne-Yo’s wife gives birth engagement amazing e-Yo’s wife has given birth to their first child. The ‘So planning to wed. He tweeted: “Clearing the air..@mscrystal- dele has been thanked for the most “amaz- Sick’ hitmaker’s spouse Crystal Renay - who he mar- renay and I are ENGAGED to be married next year. And yes ing” evening by the woman who got Nried last month - shared a photo of the new arrival’s we are expeciting #FromTheHorsesMouth (sic).” The cou- Aengaged at her concert in London. hand clutching her finger on Snapchat. She wrote: “Prince ple first met when Ne-Yo contacted Crystal about working Financial advisor Natalie King was left overjoyed SJ has arrived.(sic)” A representative for the star confirmed together on a short film for his album, and although she when Johnny Biggle, her partner of 12 years, the couple had welcomed a healthy baby boy into the was two hours late, it was love at first sight. He previously popped the question as Adele performed ‘Make world, bus hasn’t given any further information. Earlier this explained: “When she sat down, we got to talking, and we You Feel My Love’ at The O2. She was then further week, Ne-Yo - who already has five-year-old daughter just kind of hit it off, more than I think either one of us flabbergasted when the music superstar invited Madilyn and four-year-old son Mason with ex-girlfriend expected. It was strictly business initially, but after a couple the newly betrothed couple onto the stage to Monyetta Shaw - shared a picture of himself cradling hours of just hanging out, talking, things got a little more personally congratulate them on their engage- Crystal’s bump as they cuddled on the sofa together. He personal: We started getting to know each other. “I kind of ment. Natalie, 29, couldn’t have imagined a more captioned the image: “I hear Miles Davis playin’ in the back- knew right away. From that first encounter, I knew there special way to become Johnny’s fiancee than the ground #Blessed (sic).” The 36-year-old singer announced was something different about her, something special. way it happened at the gig. Describing the last September that Crystal was pregnant and they were evening’s events during an appearance on UK TV show ‘This Morning’, she said: “Johnny went to get a drink, and then the song came on, and he came back and said the bar was closed. “Then he said, ‘I’ve got a question to ask you.’ With it being Carey to marry on an Caribbean island Lohan’s ‘Grand Johnny I didn’t think anything of it, then he dropped down to one knee and then it was just ariah Carey is to marry on an exclusive Caribbean pure craziness, there were phones in my face and island. The ‘Hero’ hitmaker will reportedly tie the Theft Auto’ lawsuit people were screaming.” Going on to thank Adele knot with James Packer in front of just 50 guests for her reaction, Natalie added: “Adele is my idol. M on Barbuda - where the billionaire businessman is current- When she got us on stage, it was just amazing.” ly building a private $250 million resort with Robert De to proceed She also told MailOnline: “To be asked on stage I Niro - at some point this summer. According to TMZ, the was in total shock. It was amazing to meet Adele. indsay Lohan’s lawsuit against the creators of wedding is likely to take place sometime after mid-June, She said ‘congratulations’. This was my early 30th ‘Grand Theft Auto’ can proceed, a court has ruled. though no date has been set yet. Friends will be flown into birthday present but I never expected anything The 29-year-old actress previously filed a case the exclusive setting via private jet, though they haven’t L like this. “If I knew I was going to be on stage and against Take-Two Interactive and it’s subsidiary issued any invitations for the big day yet. Mariah - who all over the news I’d have worn a better top!” Rockstar, claiming that the character Lacey Jonas in was previously married to record company boss Tommy Natalie - who has a son Alfie with her partner - ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ was modeled on her without her Motola and ‘America’s Got Talent’ host Nick Cannon - also revealed she took home a huge bag of con- permission, but legal proceedings have been stalled recently admitted she will be having a “grand” wedding. fetti that was fired into the crowd as Adele closed for two years. New York Supreme Court judge Joan She said: “I’m most excited about the grandeur, darling. “It’s her show with ‘Rolling In The Deep’ as a memento. Kennedy has now decided that the evidence from not gonna be a big wedding. But it’s going to be grand. “I Each piece of confetti contains a song lyric, such defendants isn’t sufficient to have the case thrown out, think the most important thing is the relationship and, you as “everybody loves the things you do” from an action for which they’d previously filed a motion. know, just the connection. The love it of all. That’s the most ‘When We Were Young’ and “throw your soul The ruling said: “Defendants have not been able to important thing, but of course I love a grand moment.” The through every open door from ‘Rolling in The prove, at this juncture of the litigation, that the repub- 45-year-old singer - who has four-year-old twins Moroccan Deep’, or a thank you message in Adele’s own lication exemption to the one year statute of limita- and Monroe with Nick - has kept details of James’ proposal handwriting. The 27-year-old singer - who has tions is not applicable to this case because the intend- under wraps but admitted she was “surprised” when he three-year-old son Angelo with her partner ed audiences were the same as those of the original popped the question. She said: “Darling, it’s my engage- Simon Konecki - told the happy couple their publication and the images consistently remained the ment ring, we can’t know when it’s coming. “We just have engagement was the “most beautiful thing” she same.” Voice actor Ned Luke, the man behind main to receive it.” And Mariah adores her stunning 35-carat dia- had ever witnessed at one of her concerts. character Michael has slammed the legal decision. mond and platinum ring. She joked: “Walking through a Speaking on stage, she said: “I thought there was Tweeting a picture of a ‘GTA5’ cow, he wrote: “It’s a crowd with a ring on your finger and a lot of bracelets is a a fight at first! I saw loads of camera phone lights stretch but MAYBE there’s a resemblance little bit, you know, daunting. “But it’s hard to take it off go on and loads of arms go up and I thought it #LindsayIsNuts (sic)” Rockstar previously claimed the cause I love it so much.” was a fight ... I’m just so in love with you both ... ‘Mean Girls’ star filed her case “for publicity purposes” That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever wit- when they asked for the case to be dismissed. They nessed at one of my shows. If I’d known I’d have have also insisted the character - a Hollywood diva dedicated that song to you. Are you gonna set a Delevingne escaping from paparazzi - is similar to Lindsay only in date? Wait, save up.” As Natalie and Johnny left returns to that they are both young blonde women. the stage and returned to their seats, Adele added: “That was amazing, people started cheer- ing, then they started kissing, then she started modeling with Chanel campaign crying, it was lovely. Oh my goodness!” ara Delevingne has made her return to modeling with a Chanel Eyewear campaign. The 23-year-old beauty has Cposed for Karl Lagerfeld for the brand’s 2016 Spring/Summer range, and as well as sunglasses Cara is seen with geek chic look in clear frame spectacles. The British star also pos- es as a tomboy a Chanel cap and crisp white shirt. Cara’s new campaign comes after she revealed why she took a step back from the fashion industry to focus on her acting career. In an essay written for Time Motto, the ‘Suicide Squad’ star said: “I found myself surrendering to the industry’s approval process. I felt like I needed validation from everyone. “As a result, I lost sight of myself and what it meant to be happy, what it meant to be suc- cessful. I think it all stemmed from a deep-down feeling of want- ing people to like me and love me. “Over time, I came to realize that work and getting others’ approval isn’t the most important thing. Yes, your career is very important-but it’s not the most important. Of course I was proud of my accomplishments, but I wasn’t genuinely happy. “I was nearly 20 and had been modeling for several years. My vantage point had changed ... and I had changed. I knew I had to re-evaluate my life and my goals for my future. I didn’t want to resent fashion or my success. The process didn’t happen overnight, but it was imperative for me to preserve my integrity.” Cavallari had her children on a strict goat milk diet ristin Cavallari makes her own formula milk for her chil- soy milk. “Giving goat’s milk to children is popular in Europe and dren. The 29-year-old beauty - who has sons Camden, other parts of the world. Goat’s milk is not enough, though, so Kthree, and Jaxon, 22 months, and daughter Saylor, three Jay and I, along with our pediatrician, came up with a formula months, with husband Jay Cutler - is very careful about her kids’ recipe for our kids.” Kristen admitted she is a “a psycho about diet and concocted a goat’s milk-based drink for her boys once reading every single ingredient label and researching ingredi- they had stopped breastfeeding as she felt it was the best thing ents” but believes her insistence on a clean diet and only eating for them. She said: “Once I stopped breastfeeding each kid and organic meat and fish has made her family healthier, and even we ran out of stock of my frozen breast milk, we put them on a helped her spouse better control his diabetes. Writing in her new homemade goat milk formula “I’m not a fan of soy (it’s usually book ‘Balancing in Heels’, she explained: “His insulin use is down, genetically modified; more about that later), and both Cam and and he’s off his blood pressure medication. And he looks the best Jax have sensitivities to cow’s milk-and unfortunately, soy and he ever has: His weight is ideal and his skin is clear. “I really cow’s milk are the only two options for store-bought formula believe that my family’s infrequency of getting sick is due to our available right now. “Goat’s milk is the closest thing out there to diet.”— Bang Showbiz human breast milk. Plus, it is more easily digested than cow’s or lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Music & Movies Zachary Levi takes the long way to Broadway

o one day get to Broadway, Zachary Levi made the cal- James Stewart and “You’ve Got Mail” with Tom Hanks. Levi, an A dance party culated choice to not initially go to Broadway. The actor with a self-effacing manner, solid moral compass, flaw- He flew across the country and performed in front of direc- Tsouthern California native grew up as a passionate fan of less comic timing and leading-man looks, is a worthy succes- tor Susan Stroman and Mel Brooks. “I start stomping my foot theater, but knew he had to play a long game to make those sor to Stewart and Hanks. “They’re major influences,” he said. in time to the music so they can’t see me shaking,” he recalled. dreams happen. First up, he had to become a TV star. “I knew “I’ve always kind of found myself fitting into the Everyman Though he forgot some lines - he rates the audition a C-plus - that people who win Tony Awards have a hard time getting role. As much as I’d like to feel like I can compete with the Brad he got the job. Then “Chuck” was picked up and he had to do arrested in Hollywood, but if you could get on some Pitts of the world, that’s like Adonis-y, leading-man stuff and that instead. Broadway came again after “Chuck” ended in schmucko sitcom in LA, Broadway comes a-knocking, saying, I’m just a little goofier than that, I guess.” Tony-nominated 2012 - and Levi took it. He starred opposite Krysta Rodriguez ‘Hey, come and be in our show,’” Levi said, laughing. director Scott Ellis said Levi belongs alongside his veteran and in the charming musical “First Date.” One critic said he was a Broadway has indeed come knocking for the former star of celebrated cast mates - calling him a rare find - a leading man “strikingly adept stage comedian.” Another praised his “vitality “Chuck” and “Heroes Reborn,” who is starring in a revival of who is also funny. “He brings a beautiful, beautiful soulfulness, and off-kilter humor.” At the stage door, Levi brought out a “She Loves Me,” considered by many to be one the most humor, truth to this role,” Ellis said. “He has stepped up in a stereo and he and Rodriguez turned signing autographs into a charming musicals ever written. The show opens Thursday at major way. No one is going to be able to walk away after see- dance party. the Roundabout Theatre. Levi, who made his Broadway debut ing him and not go, ‘That’s a guy who’s not only a terrific actor For his latest foray, Levi took over when Josh Radnor of in 2013 in a small summer show, now finds himself among a but that’s someone who can carry a musical.’ And there are not “How I Met Your Mother” had to back out of “She Loves Me.” Broadway All-Star team: Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski, Gavin a lot of them out there.” Levi, whose film credits include “Thor: The Dark World,” took Creel, Byron Jennings, Michael McGrath and Peter Bartlett. As a kid, Levi loved to tell jokes and do impressions. He the job because of the cast, songs and Ellis, even though he The 6-foot-4 Levi hopes he doesn’t stand out for the wrong adored TV sitcoms, computer games and animation. “I joke insisted after his last time he wouldn’t return in a musical. reasons. “I don’t want people walking away going, ‘You know, that half of my acting influences are cartoons,” he said. Theater File photo shows Zachary Levi participates in AOL’s BUILD “There are so many things I still want to do,” he said. “I feel like for a Hollywood guy, not bad.’ I would hope that people walk became an important outlet. “If you’re a spazzy kid who likes Speaker Series to discuss his company and website ‘The I’ve been really, really blessed that I’ve been able to check off away going, ‘I didn’t even think about it.’” Levi plays a clerk of a to crack wise and sing and dance around like an idiot, that’s Nerd Machine’ at AOL Studios in New York. — AP so many boxes and maybe that will be my legacy ... to do a lit- perfume store who exchanges love letters with a pen pal only your home,” he said. In middle school, he did a production of agent. He did the TV show “Less Than Perfect” for four years. tle bit of everything.” — AP to discover she works alongside him. The story has been “Grease” and later a regional production of “Marvin’s Room,” Broadway came calling in 2007 with an offer to audition for adapted into the films “The Shop Around the Corner” with which got him noticed by a retired manager, who got him an the musical “Young Frankenstein.” Joint China-Hollywood venture unveils movie line-up joint Hollywood and Chinese production house yesterday announced a slew of Aupcoming films including an action-horror flick about a giant shark, as moviemakers increas- ingly look to tap into China’s vast market. The announcement in Hong Kong was made by Flagship Entertainment, a tie-up between Warner Brothers, China Media Capital and Hong Kong tel- evision broadcaster TVB and comes with Hollywood awash with constantly growing Chinese funding. US studios are also keen to capi- talize on China’s burgeoning cinema market at a time when Beijing is pushing entertainment as a source of “soft power”. “Working with our esteemed partners in Flagship... Warner Brothers is looking forward to helping create high-quality Chinese and Hong Kong films of every genre for audiences in China and around the world,” the studio’s chairman Kevin Tsujihara told reporters at the city’s International Film and Television Market exhibition. “We want Flagship to be a true cultural exchange between our companies and our coun- tries,” said Tsujihara, whose studio’s highly antici- A woman walks past movie billboards at the international film market in Hong Kong yesterday on the day when a joint pated “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” Hollywood and Chinese production house announced a slew of upcoming films. — AFP comes out later this month. Flagship unveiled 12 new films. They include “Meg”, about the discovery dy “Mission Milano” which stars popular Hong Kong according to official sources. Chinese conglomer- of a gigantic ancestor of the great white shark, and actor Andy Lau. The main driver of Chinese cine- ate Wanda Group bought US film studio Legendary This file photo shows musician Aretha Franklin attend- “Beautiful Coma” a romance co-produced by Hong ma’s phenomenal growth is a steady emergence of Entertainment in January for a record-breaking ing the opening of the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Atrium Kong director Peter Chan and US director Brett a modern consumerist lifestyle among China’s bur- $3.5 billion. — AFP at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. — AFP Ratner, who directed the “Rush Hour” franchise. geoning middle class. In 2014, 8,035 movie screens Other productions include a remake of the US — 22 per day-were installed in China and the Aretha Franklin comedy hit “Miss Congeniality” and another come- screen count stood at 31,627 by the end of 2015, cancels shows New faith-based films tone down ospel legend Aretha Franklin has scrapped a mini-tour religion, amp up star power of Florida, in the latest cancellation for the 73-year-old Gstar. Franklin had three concerts scheduled this month or some filmgoers, hearing a movie division established in 2007. Affirm also released in Florida but the venues ran similar statements saying that described as “faith-based” makes it a must- “Heaven is for Real,” starring Greg Kinnear, which she could not go ahead “due to lack of band personnel,” with- Fsee. But just as many others find the term a is similarly based on a parent’s account of a out further explanation. The Miami area’s annual Jazz in the turn-off. To reach audiences beyond the child’s divine experience. The film had a report- Gardens, which planned Franklin as its headliner this week- Christian churchgoers that generally propel the ed $12 million budget and made more than end, announced Tuesday that another R&B legend, Charlie genre, some producers of faith-based films are $100 million at the box office. Paramount’s Wilson, would step in at the last minute. ramping up the star power and tamping down “Captive,” released last fall, was a modest faith- Franklin in August also canceled a show in Las Vegas citing the evangelical messages. based success. Also a true story, it stars David exhaustion, although the following month she sang “Amazing The latest example is “Miracles From Heaven,” Oyelowo as Brian Nichols, an escaped murderer Grace” before Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia for a starring Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah, who takes a single mother (Kate Mara) hostage, major Roman Catholic gathering. Franklin, who has won 18 which tells the true story of a 9-year-old Texas then lets her go after she reads a Christian book Grammys, is best known for her feminist-tinged cover of Otis girl who inexplicably recovers from an incurable to him. Despite mixed reviews, it more than dou- Redding’s “Respect” and went on to a successful pop career. condition after surviving a 30-foot fall. bled its small budget at the box office. The daughter of a Baptist minister, she recorded her first Among the film’s producers are pastor TD Marketing a film as faith-based means noth- album in his church in Detroit when she was 14. — AFP File photo shows John Krasinski, left, and Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs Jakes and preacher DeVon Franklin - the team ing if the content doesn’t speak to religious audi- announce the Academy Awards nominations for best performance by an actor in a sup- behind 2014’s $100 million hit “Heaven is for ences, said Maria Elena de Las Carreras, a profes- porting role. — AP Real” - who say they aim to make movies for all sor of international cinema at the UCLA School audiences, not just religious ones. “I think some- of Theater, Film and Television. “It’s a label, but it’s times when people hear ‘faith-based,’ to them not magical. It doesn’t guarantee box-office Film academy diversifies that is code for preachy, that is code for more turnout,” she said, citing Paramount’s 2014 big- medicine, and it’s also sometimes code for lower budget Biblical flop, “Noah.” “Audiences flock to quality, lower budgeted,” Franklin said in a recent well-made films that deal with stories of opti- leadership, apologizes to Asians interview. mism and renewal, even if there is suffering and “It’s the way people think when you use there is loss,” she said. “That was true in classic he Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and ago, of having more inclusion and certainly have labels that is the barrier,” Jakes said. “It’s not nec- Hollywood cinema and it’s true today.” Sciences has added three new governors stepped it up. We just want to keep this process essarily the film, but the image that comes up in to its 51-member board and appointed six going, and so were really happy that were able T people’s minds ... It suggests a discrimination Proud of the film minority members to other leadership positions. to announce these additions. Hollywood has a long history of Biblical The group also apologized for a racially insensi- that was not intended. We didn’t do this film just tive skit during last month’s Oscar show. AP: How did the voting discussion go? When for people of faith. We did this film for every- blockbusters, from Cecil B DeMille’s “The Ten Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs you first announced planned voting changes body.” Other entertainment aimed at Christian Commandments” to Mel Gibson’s “The Passion announced the new appointees late Tuesday in January, some older members worried audiences, including new films “The Young of the Christ” to the currently playing “Risen,” also after a meeting of the organization’s Board of about losing their privileges. Messiah” and “God’s Not Dead 2,” and the live TV released by Affirm and starring Joseph Fiennes. Governors. The board also ratified other changes Isaacs: Overall it was positive. What we have special “The Passion” (airing Sunday), take a But such big names haven’t traditionally been proposed in January in response to the added to this discussion is - our branches are more religious approach. “Miracles From drawn to the quieter God-related fare. Garner, OscarsSoWhite crisis aimed at increasing diversi- diverse within themselves... in terms of perspec- Heaven” is based on Christy Beam’s 2015 mem- who plays Christy Beam in “Miracles From ty, including limiting Oscar voting rights to those tive, and we respect this tremendously. We have oir, which describes her family’s struggles and Heaven,” celebrated the film’s Christian themes. “I active in the movie business. just clarified a bit more that because the branch her own crisis of faith when daughter Anna is wasn’t scared of doing a movie that had faith at The academy’s apology came after criticism qualifications are so varied that the best way to diagnosed with an incurable digestive disorder, its center, as long as it wasn’t preachy,” Garner from some Asian academy members offended determine specific criteria is within the branch- then has a potentially deadly fall. But following told The Associated Press. “And doing this movie, by a skit during the Oscar show that introduced es. It’s not such a one-size fits all. the mishap, Anna has no serious injuries and part of that is talking about something that I’ve three Asian kids as academy accountants. “I can ultimately shows no signs of the disorder. She always held dear and close to my heart... I’m understand the feelings and we are setting up a AP: So voters concerned about their voting later tells her mom she went to heaven and proud of growing up a little good churchgoing In this undated image provided by Polk and Co, perform- meeting to discuss, because as you well know, status can appeal to their branch? talked to Jesus during the ordeal. United Methodist girl and I’m so, so proud of the ers appear in ‘Wicked’ in New York. — AP no one sets out to be offensive, and I’m very sor- Isaacs: Each branch will review with regard to film.”—AP ry that has happened,” Boone Isaacs said in a their qualifications. Divine experience phone interview with The Associated Press late The film is being released Wednesday by Broadway’s ‘Wicked’ Tuesday. “I think so much is achieved with dia- AP: A past academy president said the goals Sony’s Affirm Films, the studio’s specialty faith logue, so much is achieved. And that is what you announced in January to double the we’ll continue to do: have dialogue, listen and academy’s female and minority members are reaches $1 billion mark just keep fixing.” impossible to achieve without relaxing stan- In the interview, Boone Isaacs also expanded dards. Are they? roducers of “Wicked” say the theatrical blockbuster has on Tuesday’s board meeting and the academy’s Isaacs: The thing is we want to set goals and grossed over $1 billion on Broadway, joining only “The diversity goals. Responses have been edited for we’re going to work our damndest to meet them Lion King” and “The Phantom of the Opera” to that mark P brevity and clarity. all. That’s our goal. The goal is to have one, and but faster than either rival. The show, which opened in 2003 then do everything you can to meet it... based on novelist Gregory Maguire’s fanciful “Wizard of Oz” AP: Talk about the new positions announced Everything about us is setting our standards prequel, took just 121/2 years to reach $1 billion. “The Lion tonight (new governors include Oscar tele- high, and we’re going to continue that. I think King,” which opened in 1997, reached that mark in 2013. “The cast producer Reginald Hudlin and “Kung-Fu that this conversation really has picked up Phantom of the Opera,” which opened in New York in 1988, Panda 3” director Jennifer Yuh Nelson; com- around the industry as a whole. You see different reached $1 billion last year. mittee members include actor Gael Garcia companies - whether its Bad Robot or Ryan With a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Bernal and producer Effie Brown). Murphy or Plan B or the program that Warner Holzman, “Wicked” has been one of Broadway’s biggest suc- Isaacs: Now the board has much more of a Bros just set up - this conversation is really, really cess stories since it arrived in 2003 starring Kristin Chenoweth diversity to it... It’s always good to have some rolling. So absolutely: Let’s set it, let’s work for it as Glinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba. Worldwide, “Wicked” new-ness, someone who comes into the conver- and do everything we can. That is the goal. — AP has amassed nearly $4 billion in global sales and has been sation that has been rolling along, just a differ- This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Jennifer Garner, Queen Latifah seen by nearly 50 million people. — AP ent perspective... We set out, even a few years and Kylie Rogers in a scene from Columbia Pictures’, ‘Miracles from Heaven.’ — AP lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Fashion

Models displaying creations from ‘DISCOVERED’ by Japanese designers Tatsuya Kimura and Sanae Yoshida at the 2016 autumn/winter collection show in Tokyo during Tokyo Fashion Week. — AFP photos The fashion scouts taking Japan’s underground labels global

ar from the flashbulbs of Tokyo fashion week, Secrecy rules a consultancy. Neither Kubo nor Yokobori were willing Yoshio Yokobori is juggling multiple roles-tal- For those designers willing to dive into unfamiliar to reveal details of who they represent, citing non-dis- Fent scout, cultural interpreter, dealmaker-in a waters, consultants like Yokobori can mean the differ- closure agreements with stores. Furthermore, in a quest to help foreign buyers navigate a labyrinthine ence between sink or swim, thanks to a Rolodex business focused on finding underground labels, design landscape and access Japan’s most exciting packed with contacts and an insight into what makes maintaining an air of secrecy is seen as the key to underground labels. Although Tokyo’s streets offer Japanese brands tick overseas. The 37-year-old, exclusivity. “My priority is to find brands that people up a wealth of inspiration for global trend spotters, whose responsibilities cover everything from broker- haven’t heard of yet,” Kubo told AFP. Japanese designers have struggled to make a dent ing business deals to ensuring that designers file “The most satisfying part of the job for me is incu- abroad in recent years to follow in the hallowed invoices and answer store-owners’ emails on time, bating a small brand and watching it grow,” he said. footsteps of influential and successful designers works in six countries on a punishing schedule that Local labels such as DISCOVERED and divka, the latter such as Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto. saw him take 117 flights last year. a former client of Yokobori, are now stocked in lead- And while local labels continue to earn respect He launched his company a decade ago, intending ing boutiques across the US and Asia, signaling that a for their quality, technical skill and creative design, to work as a domestic distributor for Japanese brands, shift is underway, as well as success for the consult- many fail to translate that reputation into global Japanese designer Issey Miyake participates in a but later realized that economic opportunities lay ants working behind the scenes. For fashion hunter sales. It’s a problem industry insider Yokobori knows press conference for the Miyake Issey Exhibition at elsewhere-in countries with consumers hungry for Yokobori, who spent his teenage years working sever- well. “If someone running a store in Singapore, for the National Art Center. fashion and branded goods. While Yokobori works al part-time jobs in order to afford T-shirts sold at cut- example, wants to place an order with a Japanese expansion. But chronically low birth rates have with stores based in China, Singapore, Indonesia and ting-edge boutiques in Tokyo’s vibrant Harajuku designer, it is impossible,” Yokobori said. “The resulted in a decline in local consumption, prompt- other Asian countries, veteran fashion consultant and neighborhood, business is on the up. “When I started designers don’t speak English, they often can’t write ing the fashion fraternity to begin looking outward journalist Masahiro Kubo takes Japanese brands to working with overseas clients, I worked with just one an invoice or make decisions quickly... and many for future customers. The lull has seen Tokyo gov- Paris, hosting pop-up shops and running a fashion store my first year, so we have experienced a big have no knowledge of overseas markets or why ernment officials and the Japan External Trade news website called “Journal Cubocci”. increase,” he said. “Japanese fashion designers have to they matter,” he told AFP on the sidelines of fashion Organization sponsor visits by fashion buyers from A founder of Tokyo’s International Fashion Fair, a go outside (Japan)... but many don’t bother. That week. leading concept stores, including Colette in Paris trade show which attracted around 15,000 visitors last needs to change.”—AFP A booming domestic market once meant and Andreas Murkudis in Berlin, in a bid to stir up year, Kubo worked as Paris bureau chief for Japan’s Japanese labels had little reason to ponder global business overseas. top fashion daily, Senken Shimbun, before setting up

Journalists looks at creations by Japanese designer Issey Miyake during a press preview of the Miyake Issey Exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo. lifestyle THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016

Fashion Fashion Tokyo Week

Models display creations by Japanese designer Jotaro Saito at the 2016 autumn/winter collection show in Tokyo yesterday. — AP/AFP photos

ALDO frees the imagination through its new spring/ summer 2016 campaign

LDO, an international leader in fashion footwear London, and Keisuke Asano, artist and model living and accessories, sets its imagination free by between London and Tokyo, represent a masculine cross Aunlocking unique sources of inspiration within its fabric lending contextualization and creativity to the spring/summer 2016 global campaign. ALDO showcases ALDO campaign. their design team’s seasonal trends through a cast of “Our ‘Inspiration is Everywhere’ campaign has been a authentic personalities that embody the founding spark compelling way to enliven and empower our customer of each unique inspiration. The campaign features a dip- to express themselves through fashion - while staying tych: two side-by-side images playing off each other true to their own personal style. This season, we wanted Malabar Gold & Diamonds launches visually and conceptually. On one side, there is a still life to continue the conversation we started with our inspir- representing ALDO’s abstract inspiration shot by Bela ing, style-driven clientele through ALDO’s Fall/Winter Borsodi. On the other, a portrait of interesting people by 2015 campaign. For Spring/Summer 2016, there is a specially designed Mother’s Day pendants Matteo Montanari illustrating the complete look that playful imaginativeness to the campaign - meant to speaks to the heart of the inspiration. Each accompany- spark excitement and interest in the brand and the mes- other’s Day is just around the corner and to celebrate this These special edition diamond pendants will surely touch her ing still life is a wink to the portrait it couples. Together sage we are sending. The fresh faces and styles found in occasion, Malabar Gold & Diamonds introduced four heart, bringing a sparkling smile on her face and adding that extra they intersect to tell the complete story - inspiration that the campaign have a wonderful originality to them. Our Mexclusive diamond pendants as a glittering tribute to the sparkle of love in her eyes. Celebrate the true essence of her moth- goes from the abstract to a tangible and sets the stage aim is to speak to the ALDO customer in an authentic unspoken love of a mother. Mother’s Day is celebrated on 21st erhood with this perfectly crafted pendant offered at an afford- for ALDO’s take on SS’16 trends. and relevant way,” shares Erwin Hinteregger, Chief March every year to honor and commemorate the unconditional able price of KD 65 to 95 in 4 designs and turn this occasion mem- The faces of the campaign were chosen for their Marketing Officer for ALDO. “Through this campaign - bond of motherhood. It reminds us that motherhood cannot be orable. All pendants will come with the 18ct chain. unique personal styles and creative self-expression, rep- which will live in print, digital, social media and out of taken for granted and this particular day gives us a unique oppor- Malabar Gold & Diamonds is always at the forefront when it resenting a range of tastes, passions and lifestyles. home - we hope to inspire our internationally diverse tunity to let her know just how special she truly is to you. comes to promotions and festivals. The immaculate collection of Marissa Seraphin, Paris-based jewelry designer, customer and fuel a reflection of their own signature This Mother’s Day, make your Mom feel unique by gifting her Studs and Drops are available at their outlets in UAE, Oman, Susannah Liguori, art student and model living in New style.” ALDO is operated in Kuwait by Mondial General diamond pendant specially designed for the special occasion by Kuwait, KSA, Singapore and Malaysia with their unique exchange York, Laura Harrier, up-and-coming actress and cast Trading. Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Let your Mom know how you feel and offers and buyback policies. The jewelry chain offers lifetime free member in the HBO series ‘Code of Conduct’ and Kelsey shower some love on her with the magnificent mother’s day col- repair and maintenance service for all its products. These diamond Soles, ‘It Girl’ and London-based model, all exude a style lection by Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Show her how much she is pendant sets will be available at all Malabar Gold & Diamonds of their own. Silviu Tolu, New York style blogger, Harry loved and appreciated by gifting an entwined pendant sparkling showrooms in the GCC until stocks last. Uzoka, model and member of a video art collective in with brilliant diamonds, representing the unbreakable bond a mother and child share. The fashion scouts taking Japan’s underground labels global

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 38

A Kyrgyz berkutchi (eagle hunter) releases his bird, a golden eagle, during the hunting festival ‘Salburun’ in the village of Alysh, near Naryn, 350 km outside Bishkek. — AFP

Museum insider, Moldovans arrested over Italy art heist talian authorities said yesterday they have pinned “We are on the right track but we have not yet been had been emptied but before its state-of-the-art securi- “Male Portrait” by Venetian artist Tintoretto, as well as last year’s theft of Rubens and Tintoretto master- able to put our hands on the missing paintings,” Verona ty system had been put into overnight mode. works by Pisanello, Jacopo Bellini, Giovanni Francesco Ipieces in Verona on a Moldovan gang they believe prosecutor Mario Giulio Schinaia was quoted as saying A security guard and another member of staff were Caroto and Hans de Jode. Another acclaimed work, “The was helped by a museum security guard. But despite by local media. At the time of the robbery, police said it tied up before the pictures were taken. The guard is one Conversion of Saul”, by Italian Renaissance painter Guilio ordering 12 arrests in Moldova and Italy they have yet to appeared the works had been stolen ‘to order’ for a pri- of the suspects arrested, along with his brother and the Licinio, was damaged during the robbery but has since recover any of the 17 artworks that disappeared in vate collector, given the difficulty anyone would have in brother’s Moldovan girlfriend, who is suspected of hav- been successfully restored. — AFP November from the northern city’s Castelvecchio muse- selling on works by such well-known artists. Three ing alerted the robbers to the potential to pull off the um, which values the missing canvases at 15 million masked men entered the 14th century building at the audacious heist. The thieves’ haul included “Portrait of a euros ($16 million). evening change of guard, slipping in after the museum Lady” by Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens and

This file photo shows the Holy Cross Cathedral is pictured in Lagos, on January A residential Afro-Brazilian style building under renovation in Lagos. A dilapidated residential Afro-Brazilian-style building at the Brazilian quarter. 29, 2016. — AFP photos Lagos losing splendor of its Afro-Brazilian past

ctogenarian Yewande Oyediran sits back in a with the nearby Roman Catholic cathedral is one of the Badagry. There are less than 40 of those buildings still comfy armchair in her living room in the best examples still standing. standing now. O“Campos” quarter of Lagos, with its fading Other structures include the Shitta Mosque, which “The disappearance of Brazilian heritage has been Brazilian heritage. She talks about her great-grandfather was built in 1892. The buildings were a reflection of the drastic. Most of the buildings were pulled down for Joao Esan da Rocha, from Osun state in southwest new-found status of former slaves, many of whom went development’s sake.” An Afro-Brazilian-style building col- Nigeria, who was captured by slave traders in the 1850s, on to become government officials and successful busi- lapsed on Lagos Island recently, added Kosoko, a royal taken to South America and later freed. “Frejon”-a nessmen after their return. Oyediran’s great-grandfather, prince as his great-grandfather was the king of Lagos, coconut bean soup popular in Nigeria and Brazil and for example, is thought to have been Nigeria’s first mil- and who is writing a history of the city. “Nobody cared to eaten in the week before the Christian holiday of Easter- lionaire. But preserving heritage or, as elsewhere, mak- preserve it. They allowed the one-storey building, an The Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. is also a favorite topic. “I don’t wait until Good Friday to ing it a draw for tourists, has largely failed, as Lagos architectural masterpiece, to disintegrate,” he said. eat ‘frejon’,” she said. “I cook and eat it throughout the mushroomed into a megacity that is now home to an “Even the annual ‘Brazilian Carnival’ and the ‘Fanti’ year.” estimated 20 million people. (Brazilian-style celebration of life and community shows) But such Brazilian influences on daily life in Nigeria’s More domestic and foreign tourists could help which used to attract foreign tourists are fast losing their financial capital are rapidly becoming hard to find. Nigeria’s economy, which has been battered by the glob- allure these days,” said Dayo Medeiros, whose ancestors Descendants are ageing, the pastel-shaded buildings of al fall in oil prices since mid-2014, as well as by misman- were taken to Brazil. “They are sometimes hijacked by the “Campos” are being torn down, and few people, if agement and fraud. One official in the Lagos State area boys (local gangs).” University tutor Tundonu any, speak the Portuguese brought back to West Africa Ministry of Tourism, however, described efforts to main- Amosu, author of “Jaded Heritage: Nigeria’s Brazilian by freed Yoruba slaves. Only the colorful annual street tain and preserve the city’s Brazilian-influenced history Connection”, blamed life in Lagos, where traces of British carnival and a legacy of surnames such as Cardoso, as “lacklustre”. “These feeble attempts have been ham- colonial times have been virtually eradicated. Most d’Almeida, de Costa, da Silva and Gonsalves remind pered by funding and corruption,” he told AFP on condi- members of the Brazilian community “have melted into Lagosians of links to a South American past. tion of anonymity. “The children of the owners of these the generality of Lagos people and life”, he said. Many of buildings are also not helping matters. “Many of them do the descendants of Brazilian returnees “sold their proper- Afro-Brazilian architecture not value the historical monuments they live in.” ty along the Marina (shoreline) on Lagos Island,” further The declining influence is reflected in the dwindling making their culture fade into “insignificance”, he added. number of Afro-Brazilian-style buildings in Lagos and Disappearing heritage “It is a pity that we allowed the Nigerian factor to creep nearby Badagry, from where thousands of slaves were Most of these Afro-Brazilian-style structures have into it.” — AFP shipped to Brazil, mainly to Salvador in the coastal state either been redesigned or demolished to make way for of Bahia. Freed slaves, most of whom had converted to characterless high-rise buildings, said Abiola Kosoko, a Roman Catholicism, began returning in the mid-1800s, tour guide. Yet the returning ex-slaves from Brazil “took bringing with them their new faith and architectural over Lagos by storm with their special building designs,” influences. The “Water House” in the dilapidated he said. “Decades back we had about 900 of those build- A dilapidated residential Afro-Brazilian-style building at the Brazilian “Campos” on Lagos Island was built in 1895 and along ings on Lagos Island, in (the suburbs) Ikorodu, Epe and quarter.