SUBSCRIPTION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 RAJAB 27, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Hundreds Saudi plans Metallics reign Atletico oust arrested in stock market on tech-heavy Bayern to reach Khaitan reforms to draw Met Gala Champions crackdown5 foreign21 money red36 carpet League20 final No visa transfer from govt Min 21º Max 41º contracts to private sector High Tide 08:39 & 20:55 Low Tide Govt defers debate on reforms • Talks held over school fee hike 01:52 & 14:53 40 PAGES NO: 16864 150 FILS

By B Izzak

Activists call to end Syria bloodshed KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al- Subaih yesterday denied reports that the door was open to transfer workers on government projects to the private sector. The minister added those holding domestic helper residencies are also not allowed to transfer to the private sector. She announced that meet- ings will take place before the holy month of Ramadan, which begins early June, to take new decisions and determine changes regarding the local demographic structure. She provided no further details. Authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure a balance in the labor market and the demographic structure with the aim to achieve development goals and pave the way for foreign investments in the country, Subaih said. She said that studies and research on the ratios of work permits for for- eigners being conducted by the higher population com- mittee and the manpower authority will continue. Hind Al-Subaih Foreign workers who have been hired by contractors operating a government proj- ect are required to leave the country immediately after the project is completed. Despite measures by authori- KUWAIT: Activists gather in front of the National Assembly yesterday for a candlelight vigil yesterday in solidarity with victims of bombardment in the north- ties to control the demographic mix, the number of ern Syrian city of Aleppo. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat expatriates has swelled to around three million people, By Meshaal Al-Enezi demanded conveying their message to Demonstrators also expressed for an immediate halt to the “mas- constituting about 70 percent of Kuwait’s population. the world to stop the war and find rejection of all regimes, tyrants and sacres in Aleppo that have been docu- Meanwhile, the government has asked the National KUWAIT: A group of young human immediate alternative peaceful solu- those killing their own people. “We are mented through photos and videos Assembly to delay a scheduled debate on govern- rights activists staged a vigil at Irada tions. “This is the least we can do for the not here today to represent a certain while the international community ment-sponsored economic reforms in its session next Square opposite the National Assembly Syrian people,” they stressed, pointing sect, party or tribe - we are here today turns a blind eye”. Demonstrators also week until further notice, said MP Ahmad Lari, rappor- yesterday to express solidarity with chil- out that wars always claim the lives of for humanity,” they added, expressing urged Arab regimes and particularly teur of the priorities committee. The request came dren and civilians besieged in several innocent and unarmed people like chil- strong rejection to wars and regional GCC leaders to intervene to resolve because of the absence of the prime minister, who is areas in Syria. The sit-in was held under dren, women and the elderly to make conflicts and called all Arabs to adopt the problem and stop the killing of currently leading a high-level delegation on a tour to the title ‘Syria Under Fire’. Demonstrators some political gains. the same concerns. They also called innocent people. four Asian countries. Continued on Page 13 PM visits Bangladesh News Saudi minister ‘not satisfied’ in Brief with female employment rate

UN Yemen envoy Binladin workers to be paid soon bids to revive talks KUWAIT: The UN envoy has met delegates of Yemen’s RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s labor minister is labor market,” Labour Minister Mufarrej warring parties separately in a bid to restart peace dissatisfied with the level of female Al-Haqbani told reporters. But still, “I am negotiations after a protest walkout by the govern- employment in the conservative king- not satisfied at all” with their employ- ment, the United Nations said yesterday. The govern- dom but their not being allowed to drive ment rate, he said. ment delegation quit on Sunday in protest at the rebels’ is not to blame, he said yesterday. The kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 seizure of one of the few loyalist army bases in the Female Saudi unemployment rose last plan, released last week to diversify the northern mountains in a blow to the peace talks year to almost 34 percent while the over- economy away from oil, calls for launched on April 21. UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh all jobless rate for Saudis fell to 11.5 per- increased female participation in the Ahmed met both government and rebel delegations cent, according to official figures cited by workforce and a lowering of overall late on Monday in a bid to find a swift resolution to the Jadwa Investment, a local securities firm. unemployment to seven percent. More dispute over the rebels’ seizure of the Al-Amaliqa base “We tried (during) the last four years to and more job sectors have opened to on Saturday despite an April 11 ceasefire. Foreign increase the female participation in the Continued on Page 13 Minister Abdulmalek Al-Mikhlafi, who heads the gov- ernment delegation, told Sky News Arabia there would be no more direct or indirect talks with the rebels until they withdrew from the camp and gave guarantees there would be no further breaches of the ceasefire.

Oil to stabilize DHAKA: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah is received by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed at the airport yes- at $50-60: KPI terday. Bangladesh is the first leg of an Asian tour that will take Sheikh Jaber DUBAI: The chief executive of Kuwait Petroleum and his accompanying delegation to Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. — KUNA International said yesterday that he expected oil prices to stabilize between $50 and $60 a barrel by the end of 2016 or early 2017, Kuwait’s official KUNA news agency reported. It also quoted Bakheet Al- IS kills US Navy SEAL Rashidi as saying prices could reach $80 a barrel in three to four years’ time. Brent crude is currently BAGHDAD: The Islamic State group combat in the country against IS. around $46 a barrel. “We think this increase in price broke through Kurdish defenses in Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said is following the fundamentals of the market,” he northern Iraq yesterday and killed a US the death occurred during an IS attack told KUNA. “It is an issue of supply and demand.” Navy SEAL deployed as part of the US- on one of the Kurdish peshmerga KPI, also known as Q8, refines and markets fuel, led coalition against the jihadists. The forces’ positions north of Iraq’s jihadist- lubricants and other petroleum products. It is an attack came as the United Nations said held second city Mosul. international subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas RIYADH: Saudi and foreign investors attend the Euromoney Saudi Arabia confer- that fighting with IS in northern Iraq A US defense official said the US firm Kuwait Petroleum Corp. ence in the capital yesterday. — AFP could displace another 30,000 people, SEAL’s death was the result of “an adding to millions who have already orchestrated attack”. A coalition military fled their homes. And in Baghdad, official said the American was killed at throngs of Shiite pilgrims braved the 9:30 am (0630 GMT) by “direct fire” after Bribery for services rampant in Mideast threat of bombings by IS, which have “enemy forces penetrated” the pesh- DUBAI: A new report released yesterday by country, 77 percent of respondents said they times in 2014 and 2015, and gave a 3 percent killed dozens of people in recent days, merga line. The SEAL was a member of an anti-corruption watchdog shows that on had to pay a bribe to access public services. margin of error. Public anger over corruption to take part in a major annual religious a “small team” that was present at a average, almost a third of the people in nine The interviews in Yemen were carried out among government officials, social inequality commemoration. peshmerga encampment behind the countries surveyed in the Middle East have before the start of March 2015 Saudi-led and the lack of justice and transparency were The sailor from the special opera- original front line during the IS attack, had to pay a bribe to access some kind of airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Shiite rebels, after catalysts of the 2011 Arab Spring movements tions force was at least the third coali- which involved explosives-rigged vehi- public service. The poll by Transparency which the country’s crisis descended into war. that ousted longtime leaders in Tunisia, Egypt, tion member killed by enemy fire in cles, bulldozers and infantry, the official International also found that courts have the Around 50 percent of people surveyed in Yemen and Libya. Iraq since IS overran swathes of the said. “They fought, but they’re a small worst bribery rate out of six services that were Egypt, Sudan and Morocco said they paid Transparency International’s chief Jose country in 2014. President Barack number and they’re not supposed to surveyed. The watchdog interviewed nearly bribes for public services. Ugaz said that failing to stop bribery also Obama hailed the 2011 withdrawal of be in direct contact,” and they departed 11,000 people - or about 1,200 people in each Transparency International also surveyed affects people’s human rights. “It’s as if the American troops from Iraq as a major by American helicopter after the SEAL of the nine countries - and found that bribery people in Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan Arab Spring never happened,” he said in a accomplishment of his presidency, but was shot, according to the official. was especially rampant in Yemen. and the Palestinian territories. The poll was statement accompanying the report. US forces have been drawn back into Continued on Page 13 In the impoverished Arabian Peninsula carried out in direct interviews at various Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives receives a written message from Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with UAE’s Ambassador Rahma Hussein Al-Zaabi, who delivered a letter credentials of Cambodia’s Ambassador to Kuwait. — Amiri Diwan photos delivered by Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Abdulaziz Al-Fayez. from UAE Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Amir receives messages from Saudi King, Dubai Governor

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh tackled brotherly ties between the two Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mohammad Daifallah Sherar attended Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yester- countries and peoples, issues of common Maktoum inviting Kuwait to take part in both meetings. Hamad Al-Sabah attended the meetings. day received a written message from concern and the latest developments on the Expo 2020 Dubai, October 2020-April Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Furthermore, His Highness the Amir and His Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. regional and international scenes. 2021. The UAE’s Ambassador to Kuwait received at Bayan Palace credentials of Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf The message, handed over to His Highness Also yesterday, His Highness the Amir Rahma Hussein Rahma Al-Zaaabi handed newly-appointed ambassadors of Algeria, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah separately the Amir by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to received a written message from UAE Vice over the message to His Highness the Cambodia, Tanzania, Republic of Korea, and received His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- Kuwait Dr Abdulaziz Bin Ibrahim Al-Fayez, President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Amir. Advisor at the Amiri Diwan Albania. Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. — KUNA

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives credentials of Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kuwait. credentials of the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Kuwait. credentials of Albania’s Ambassador to Kuwait. ‘Capital of Islamic culture’ committee meets

KUWAIT: Celebrating Kuwait as the capital of Islamic culture for 2016 is a distinction that requires public and private sectors and civil socie- ty organizations to work hard to delineate that dis- tinction to the rest of the world, a Kuwaiti official said yesterday. Chairing a meeting of the committee in charge of organizing the events of the celebration, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- Humoud Al-Sabah praised the National Council for Culture, Art and Letters (NCCAL) on its efforts at preparing special activities for this much-touted occasion. The meeting discussed the type of activities that could be held during the month of Ramadan to celebrate Kuwait as the capital of Islamic culture for 2016. Also, the meeting examined ideas for a logo commemorating this occasion and a propos- KUWAIT: Acting Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah al by the Central Bank of Kuwait regarding issuing meets with UN envoy to Yemen Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed and GCC Secretary- a commemorative gold coin to mark the occasion. General Abdullatif Al-Zayani. — KUNA The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) selected Kuwait to be the capital of Islamic culture for 2016, along with two Acting Premier meets UN other capitals, the city of Male in the Maldives, and KUWAIT: Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah heads a meeting of the Yemen envoy, GCC chief the city of Freetown in Sierra Leone. — KUNA committee in charge of organizing the events of the celebration yesterday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Acting Premier and Foreign and the GCC chief reiterated GCC sup- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- port to the UN envoy’s efforts in Yemeni ABK Awarded ‘Bank of the Hamad Al-Sabah met UN envoy to peace talks held in Kuwait at present. Yemen Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed and Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif Al- Nasser Al-Sabah and Assistant Foreign Zayani at Bayan Palace yesterday. During Minister for Protocols Dhari Al-Ajran Year’ by Arabian Business the meeting, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled attended the meeting. — KUNA KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) won the ‘Bank of the Year’ award from Arabian Business, one of the fore- most business magazines in the region. This prestigious Saudi Arabia working to award was received by Michel Accad, ABK’s Chief Executive Officer, during a ceremony held on May 2nd, build modern society: Envoy 2016 at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel. The Arabian Business Achievement Awards recognize and KUWAIT: Saudi Arabia is working hard reward outstanding success, innovation and ethics in to turn the society into a modern one, the region and in Kuwait. based on knowledge economy, the The ‘Bank of the Year’ award acknowledges the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Bank’s tremendous efforts in presenting its customers Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Fayez said. The with differentiated services and products through the Saudi Vision 2030 is based on building implementation of its unique ‘Simpler Banking’ strategy, which aims to deliver a simple and straightforward cus- vibrant society, a thriving economy and tomer experience, while offering clients better security, an ambitious nation, Fayez told a press convenience and speed when managing their banking conference at the embassy yesterday. needs. The Bank also made several transformations The Kingdom is working on trans- throughout the past year, by deploying a series of ferring its economy from a traditional enhancements and new developments to its systems one based on a sole source of income and digital channels, along with substantial upgrades to another that lives on modern tech- to its HR systems. ABK also introduced its new business nical developments, the envoy said, strategy, vision and mission, coupled with the launch of noting that the real wealth is the its core values: Transparency, Integrity, Simplicity and KUWAIT: Michel Accad, ABK’s Chief Executive Officer and Fawzi Al-Thunaiyan receive the human element. Excellence - the four behavioral pillars around which award from Sheikh Mubarak Fahad Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Openness to the world does not at all the Bank bases its approach. imply that the Kingdom may offer con- KUWAIT: Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Commenting on the Award, Accad said: “It is an hon- cessions whatsoever, Fayez stressed. Dr Abdulaziz Al-Fayez speaks during a or to be named ‘Bank of the Year’ by Arabian Business Referring to similar plans announced by press conference at the embassy yester- and to have our efforts and hard work recognized on a Kuwait steadfast in support other Gulf states like Kuwait and the day. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat regional level. 2015 was truly a transformational year UAE, he said that it is a “complementary for us. We implemented some key business and service of human rights: Ministry initiatives, acquired a bank in Egypt, and witnessed our and symbiotic” matter. Any positive welcome Umrah visitors from 8 million KUWAIT: Kuwait remains steadfast in its League’s human rights committee Dr Hadi developments in the Kingdom will be ‘Simpler Banking’ strategy materialize. at present to 30 million annually, in addi- “I would like to thank our Chairman, Talal Behbehani, commitment to human rights, the Foreign Al-Yami said that holding this workshop reflected on sister countries like the GCC tion to offering five per cent of the Ministry said yesterday, noting helps to facilitate work on members. He pointed to the unprece- and our Board for the unwavering support they have Aramco for public prescription, he said. given us. I would also like to congratulate the ABK team that the issue of human rights is human rights issues, as Kuwait is dented falls in oil prices aid global On Saudi women, the ambassador members and the various departments that worked “no longer a national issue, but set to issue its first report on trends toward new and renewable ener- said that they had proved great success hand in hand to continuously deliver outstanding an international one.” human rights. gy, and stressed the necessity of inter- in various fields, especially education, results. This is proof of what we can accomplish as one Assistant Foreign Minister for Yami also described the acting with changes and diversifying and come to hold senior posts. Vision team and we are excited by ABK’s future prospects.” Coordination Affairs Nasser Al- report as a monumental step sources of income. 2030 states that the “Saudi women are ABK’s acquisition of Piraeus Bank Egypt (PBE), which Subaih made the remarks at a that will bring progress on the By 2030, the Saudi economy will have yet another great asset. With over 50 was completed in November 2015, is one of the major workshop on the Arab tenets of issue of human rights. The work- undergone radical changes, Fayez said, percent of our university graduates milestones in the Bank’s development and growth. The human rights, organized by the shop, which features participa- highlighting the Kingdom’s Arab and being female, we will continue to devel- new subsidiary will be rebranded ABK Egypt and the ministry yesterday. Subaih tion of a number of Arab human Muslim pivotal role. Vision 2030 is an op their talents, invest in their produc- new identity will be rolled-out over the entire 39 underscored Kuwait’s support rights committees, tackles the of laws dealing with human Nasser Al-Subaih Arab charter on human rights, in ambitious plan that reflects enthusiasm tive capabilities and enable them to branch network in the first half of 2016. For more infor- rights, saying that such support addition to discussions of and keenness by the Saudi leadership to strengthen their future and contribute mation on Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait please visit promote the economy, he said. The www.eahli.com or contact an ABK a customer service stems from an unwavering conviction. reports submitted by Arab nations on the to the development of our society and Moreover, Chairman of the Arab issue. — KUNA Vision envisages increasing capacity to economy.” — KUNA agent via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 LOCAL Operetta embodies Kuwaitis’s unity: Minister

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and his people, the people of Kuwait, said Labor Hind Al-Subaih extoled highly Subaih, in a speech during yesterday’s yesterday the presentation of an celebration. operetta titled ‘These are my Children’ She stressed in the speech the by a group of people with special needs. necessity for national unity, for exercis- The minister was attending the stage ing values of tolerance, acceptance of presentation of the operetta as part of the other, and for working to ensure the her ministry’s celebration of Kuwait as security and stability of the nation by capital of Islamic culture for 2016. eschewing sectarianism and extremism. The sentence “These are my children” She praised the contribution of peo- was first enunciated by His Highness ple with special needs in making a rous- the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- ing success of today’s operetta which, Jaber Al-Sabah which subsequently among other things, was composed of became a catch phrase denoting the patriotic musical numbers and sketches kindness of His Highness the Amir to on themes of national unity. — KUNA

A class painting activity last Monday inside the NKPIS multi-purpose hall Classes continue as Filipino school faces legal battle Leave legal issue to school management: Principal

By Ben Garcia last day of school for the students as Thursday, good hands. Om-Al-Qura is the biggest educa- KUWAIT: Minister Hind Al-Subaih makes a speech during the celebration. — KUNA April 28, 2016. tional establishment in Kuwait with 17 schools KUWAIT: The New Kuwait-Philippines However, the school is open and students and is capable of providing a place that can pro- International School (NKPIS) vowed to continue continue to attend regular classes. “The NKPIS vide a better education to all the pupils and stu- operating in its current location even though management earnestly urges parents and stu- dents of NKPIS,” said school principal Dr Jesusa the Ministry of Education had given it notice to dents to trust the school management as you Cristina V Puno, appealing to parents and stu- vacate on April 28, 2016. In a statement sent to have entrusted your children to the school. The dents to stay calm and leave the legal issue to Kuwait Times yesterday by NKPIS’ management, school owner and its management have been the school management. it explained the problem was an old issue initiating proper and legal procedures for the “On the other hand, I am happy because at between the ministry of education’s private continuity of its quality education to children least we are not facing a legal battle related to and qualitative sector and the school owner, of Overseas Filipino Workers and some other academics and quality of education or per- and that the matter is still in court. The school nationalities in as much as its senior high formance of the school. It is merely about the management urged parents to continue to school program (Grade 11 and 12) with four place we are currently occupying. As the princi- entrust their children to the school’s manage- strands has just been approved and granted a pal of the school, I am not in a position to face ment and assured parents of continued aca- provisional government permit by the the legal battle - it is all in the hands of the demic excellence. Department of Education, Philippines,” the owner,” Puno said. In an announcement published by Kuwait school management said. Speaking to Kuwait Times on the phone, Times on Thursday, April 28, 2016, the education Abdullah Al-Basri, General Manager of the ministry announced its intention to take neces- Assurances Ministry of Education’s Administration for Private sary measures to evict NKPIS (from its current It said the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, Education, said the ministry had cancelled the location in Jleeb Al-Shouyoukh) in accordance through Ambassador Renato Pedro O Villa, sup- school premises’ license. “We are sad to inform with a ministerial decree issued on May 29, 2008. ports the school. “Further, Deputy Chairman the parents that the school premises has been The decision includes the eviction of NKPIS, that Talal Khalifa Al-Jeri and the Legal Manager of the repossessed by the ministry of education. At any uses part of the government Hassan bin Thabit Om Al-Qura Educational Establishment time, we’ll retake that place, and have advised kindergarten, through administrative means. explained the issue to the parents sometime last parents to transfer their children to other The announcement specifically mentioned the year and gave assurances that the children are in schools,” Basri said. Cabinet condemns Syrian regime’s airstrikes on civilians in Aleppo

KUWAIT: The Cabinet condemned the stressed Kuwait’s firm stance which President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s Syrian regime’s continued airstrikes on rejects all criminal acts targeting the letter to His Highness the Amir, which gathering places of civilians, residential innocents and destabilizing nations. addressed the bilateral relations and areas and hospitals in Aleppo city over The ministers said the State of Kuwait ways to enhance them in political, eco- the last days. During its weekly meeting stressed that it stands side by side with nomic, and cultural fields. The cabinet held late Monday under the chairman- Turkey and Turkish people in the face of reviewed Malaysia’s Prime Minister ship of His Highness the Prime Minister criminal acts, and supports it in all meas- Najib Razak’s letter to His Highness the Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- ures taken to maintain its security. The Premier, which included an official invi- Sabah, the cabinet stressed that these cabinet also condemned the blast that tation to His Highness the Premier to airstrikes, which killed and wounded hit Turkey’s Bursa city last Wednesday visit Malaysia. several innocents, including children, and killed and wounded several victims. Meanwhile, the cabinet reviewed violate all international charters and the outcome of the recent visit of humanitarian laws, and run counter to E-governments Australia’s Governor-General Peter Islam and all religions. The ministers voiced their satisfac- Cosgrove and his accompanying dele- The ministers renewed their call for tion about the progress made by gation to Kuwait, including his talks the international community to put an Kuwait on the UN e-governments rank- with His Highness the Amir. The cabinet end to these humanitarian disasters ing report of 2016. Kuwait advanced also listened to Deputy Prime Minister and brutal crimes committed by the from the 49th place in 2014 to the 40th and Minister of Interior Sheikh regime against the Syrian people. place in 2016 out of 193 countries, and Mohammed Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Afterwards, they discussed the latest ranked third among the Arab Gulf Sabah’s explanation on the outcome of political developments on both Arab Cooperation Council states after his participation at the 17th consulta- and international levels. It hoped a Bahrain and UAE. tive meeting of GCC interior ministers, speedy recovery for those injured and Earlier, the cabinet reviewed the held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — KUNA GCC ministers keen on financial, economic convergence: Saleh

RIYADH: The GCC Finance Ministers are keen on enforc- ing directives by the bloc’s leaders for achieving financial and economic convergence among the member states, for pushing ahead the wheel of joint action for more integration and unity. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Oil Anas Al-Saleh made the statement after the conclusion of the 102nd GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee in Riyadh yesterday. The meeting discussed several significant topics, including two draft accords on value-added tax (VAT) and selective tax in the GCC, Saleh said. He added that the 36th session of the GCC Supreme Council had entrusted the committee with completing procedures for approving and signing the two taxes by mid-2016 at the most. Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh Yesterday, the committee also tackled deleterious Finance will convene in an extraordinary meeting by the goods in the member states, including tobacco, and the end of the month, Saleh said. The 102nd meeting importance of taking necessary measures to protect addressed the ongoing arrangements for the coming people’s health. In the meantime, the GCC Ministers of GCC Consultative Summit. — KUNA KCCI: Kuwait-Turkey trade up to $600 million in 2015

KUWAIT: The volume of trade with international ones. also noted that the country’s private exchange between Kuwait and Turkey The meeting aimed to bolster sector is capable of contributing to stood at $600 million in 2015, Deputy exceptional ties between both nations, economic and financial reforms, given Director General of Kuwait Chamber of particularly in the realms of commerce the sector’s expertise. Formed by way Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Hamad and industry, Omar noted. Moreover, of an edict issued in 1959, KCCI is a Al-Omar said yesterday. In a statement Omar said that the Turkish delegation public-benefit organization which to the press during a meeting with a highlighted the importance of invest- bears the hallmarks of a private sector Turkish commerce delegation, Omar ing in Kuwait, as the country’s laws are entity, as all companies that dabble in underscored the quality of Turkish very conducive to doing business. foreign commerce are affiliated with products, saying that they are on par The Deputy Director General of KCCI the chamber. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 LOCAL

Art competition great example for spreading environmental awareness

By Faten Omar level of environmental awareness in order to protect the environment and human beings KUWAIT: Under the patronage and the pres- from negative effects,” Batel said. ence of Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- Batel noted that Kuwait Times has been Hmoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and helping talented children draw Kuwait as Minister of State for Youth Affairs, the closing green and beautiful, but wished that the min- ceremony of Kuwait Times’ Students Art istry of education participates and promotes Competition will be held on May 15, 2016. this competition in all schools to spread The environmental art competition is held awareness. He added that Al-Batel Watches is under the sponsorship of Zain, J W Marriott keeping up with the times by providing the Hotel, Al-Batel “Casio” watches and Arabian youth and the young generation with their Business Machines. “Kuwait Beautiful and needs. Green” is the largest art competition for stu- dents in the Middle East for 11 years. It Young generation attracted more than 13,850 entries from 135 Al-Batel Group was founded in mid-1959. schools. “Our target now is to focus on the young This competition is evidence of environ- generation, and that is why we considered to mental awareness as the environment is the sponsor Kuwait Times’ art competition to basis of development of any community. showcase young students’ talent,” he added. Also, it encourages the creativity of children Al-Batel Group was established on and teaches them to preserve the wealth of Abdullah Al-Salem Street in Kuwait City by its future generations. Besides promoting envi- founder Mohammed Abdullah Al-Batel, at a ronmental awareness, the competition seeks time when Kuwait was progressing towards to encourage students to effectively take part advancement. This street was the main nerve in various environment-oriented activities for Kuwaiti businesses. The company started with an ultimate goal of acquiring more its history as a small shop selling wristwatch- knowledge and skills, a sense of responsibili- es, wall clocks and alarm clocks. Watches at ty as well as positive attitudes. that time were imported in small quantities and Swiss watches were dominant due its Great example renowned history in manufacturing fine, stores all over Kuwait, representing major “Kuwait Times’ students’ art competition is quality watches. Under these circumstances, international brands of watches, until the a great example of what individuals and the Batel decided to go on to achieve his big unfortunate event of the invasion of Kuwait private sector can do to spread environmen- ambitions, which he succeeded in, by ranking by Iraq, which took place in 1990. However, tal awareness,” Khaled Al-Batel, CEO of Al- the first among his competitors in this busi- when Kuwait regained its composure, Al- Batel Watches, told Kuwait Times. Batel ness, which made Al-Batel Group represent Batel Group survived the test of time, and expressed his happiness to be one of the the most superior brands of Swiss watches, Batel managed to continue with steady main sponsors to help the new generation be which progressed with time and gained class progress and a vision of the future. more talented and aware of the importance in the international market. Today, the group takes immense pride in of the preservation of the environment. “The The 1960s saw the rise of Al-Batel Group, the efforts put in by the great leadership of competition aims at encouraging students to which grew rapidly with the opening of its Mohammed Al-Batel in making Al-Batel take sustainability-related initiatives that help new stores in the heart of Kuwait City, gain- Group a prominent cornerstone in the Kuwait protect the environment. But this awareness ing a significant position in the watch busi- market and representing the most renowned will not be effective unless the government ness. Batel left no stone unturned to raise Al- international brands in the world of exquisite does something about it,” he said. Batel Group to new heights, and in the 1970s, watches, namely Raymond Weil, Louis Erard, “Government institutions must participate he decided to expand his activities outside Deitrich, 88 Rue Du Rhone, Casio and Rotary. to put in place strict environmental laws that the city by opening new stores in Salmiya on Al-Batel Group has been representing control bad behaviors, especially when you a prime location on Salem Al-Mubarak Street Raymond Weil watches for the past 30 years, see cars parked on the grass during Friday and in Fahaheel. Louis Erard watches for five years, Deitrich prayers, people walking on lawns instead of watches for five years and 88 RDR watches. the streets and barbequing in parks. They Tremendous growth Today, its owns 10 showrooms all over must activate the role of environmental By the late 1980s Al-Batel Group had wit- Kuwait, and is currently in the process of awareness in several media to increase the nessed tremendous growth and owned 19 opening more showrooms shortly. ‘Oil firms in line PIC gets LEED gold certificate

KUWAIT: Kuwait Petrochemical Industries Company with HSE standards’ (PIC) was granted the Leadership in Energy and KUWAIT: Kuwait state-owned oil companies’ annual award ceremonies through KC. The Environmental Design (LEED) gold certificate from operations are in line with international awards, he said, were like an ISO certificate the US Green Building Council, PIC CEO Mohammad Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) stan- because they were focusing on injuries, Al-Farhoud announced yesterday. The certificate dards, board chairman of the American burns and accidents. Ali said 46 companies, was given to the company’s administration building; Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Kuwait which worked in Oman, the UAE and Kuwait, becoming the first existing building to be awarded Chapter (KC) said Monday. Fadhel Al-Ali said won the awards. He said Kuwaiti oil compa- this certificate in Kuwait, Farhoud said in statement. government oil companies were forcing pri- nies have been implementing HSE stan- Obtaining the certificate came from the company’s vate sector firms and contractors to abide by dards for the past 10 years thus contributing application of an initiative to protect the environ- environmental and health standards match- to less accidents and injuries. ment and community care, for the benefit of work- ing international ones. Director of HSE Department at Kuwait ers and environmental protection, he said. Speaking to reporters on sidelines of a National Petroleum Company (KNPC) Ali The LEED is one of the most popular green ceremony to honor HSE excellence awards’ Khashawi said the HSE field was not affected building certification programs, developed by the winners on Monday, Ali said major oil proj- by the spending cuts implemented in the oil non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC). It ects like the environmental fuel and Al-Zour sector. He said safety projects were related includes a set of rating systems for the design, con- station were environmental-friendly. He said to Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) struction, operation and maintenance of green the awards were given to private companies 2030 strategy. Khashawi said KNPC was buildings, homes and neighborhoods that aims to and contractors working in oil and gas fields, working other oil firms to implement HSE help building owners and operators be environ- and that ASSE was fully supporting these projects. — KUNA mentally-responsible and use resources efficiently. Founded in 1963, PIC is the first chemical fertiliz- er complex of its kind in the region. Today, PIC is a subsidiary of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Weak dollar behind oil (KPC) and is a petrochemical industry leader in KUWAIT: Kuwait Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) officials receive the Leadership in Kuwait and throughout the Middle East; and a Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certificate from the US Green Building price hike last week: Analyst growing leader worldwide. — KUNA Council. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The weakness of US to low levels early in 2016 is the dollar was the main driver of the real motive behind the producers’ Q8 expanding in Europe: KPI VP rise in oil prices over the last move for consensus to reach an week, prompted by the produc- agreement to stabilize produc- tion being affected in a number tion. He added that almost 80 BRUSSELS: Vice President of the Kuwait of areas, according to a Kuwaiti percent of oil production in Russia Petroleum International (KPI), or Q8, Khaled Al- oil analyst. Mohammad Al-Shatti can be commercially or economi- Mushaileh, said that Q8 is expanding in Europe said yesterday that the market cally when oil prices of crude are by acquiring more assets and business. “In will be anticipating OPEC’s at $20 a barrel. Shatti said that the Europe, we have acquired assets in Italy and announcement of production Mohammad Al-Shatti reluctance of Russia to abide by Luxembourg. In Belgium in the last quarter we estimates, which generally will an international agreement on acquired retail and direct business. We are also contribute to the price path, pointing to a production control throughout 2014 and 2015 growing in Spain and the UK. This is our ambition recovery in crude oil prices of Brent that when OPEC required that is due to the high to grow business in Europe and to go for the reached record levels and that they are price levels during that period, but the decline most profitable business,” he said. poised to rise according to technical factors. in Russian oil prices to below $25 a barrel in On Monday, Mushaileh attended the inaugu- Shatti added that market fundamentals are January 2016 encouraged Moscow to join ration of a new blending plant in the Belgian relatively strong at the moment, “therefore, the international efforts with Saudi Arabia, port city of Antwerp. “This new Q8 blending prices are strong and I think, as many Venezuela and Qatar to conclude an agree- plant is one of the biggest in Europe. This event observers anticipate them falling and being ment to adjust the supply. is a sign of our growing business in Belgium,” he subjected to volatility when the main factors He pointed out that according to credible said. “This is a plant for which everybody is very that promote the rise are over, therefore, sus- reports, Russia has lost as a result of falling proud. We demolished the old plant and built taining Brent crude oil prices around $40 pb prices $26 billion in 2015 and began to actu- the new one with a capacity for 125 million liters during the coming months, but maintain Brent ally look at the mechanisms to assist it stabi- per year that can be expanded to 250 million at the level of $50 would seem likely to occur lize and support oil prices and alleviate the liters,” said the KPI’s top official in Europe. “We are between next October till December 2016.” suffering of the Russian oil and gas industry supplying to our different customers in Europe He said that the fall in Brent crude oil prices by raising taxes. — KUNA and outside Europe,” he noted. — KUNA Khaled Al-Mushaileh WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Scenes from a security crackdown carried out in Khaitan recently. Hundreds arrested in Khaitan crackdown

By Hanan Al-Saadoun terday. A statement by the Interior Ministry’s security information KUWAIT: A security campaign department said that Abdullah took place in Khaitan in the pres- Huwaidi, bedoon, was arrested fol- ence of Interior Ministry Assistant lowing tips about his activity, and he Undersecretary for Operations Affairs was caught with 253 Captagon Maj Gen Jamal Al-Sayegh and partici- tablets. He was sent to concerned pation of Assistant Undersecretary authorities. for General Security Maj Gen Ibrahim Al-Tarrah. The area’s surroundings were cordoned off and suspicious Jabriya campaign places were raided. The campaign Hawally governorate’s prevention resulted in the arrest of 255 persons department carried out an inspec- in violation of residency laws, seven tion campaign on investment build- wanted on criminal cases, nine on ing basements in Jabriya to make civil cases, 50 absconders, 43 not car- sure they meet safety and security rying IDs and 70 with expired resi- standards. Kuwait Fire Services dencies. Seventy of the detainees are Directorate (KFSD) said in a state- unskilled laborers. One person was ment that many grave violations carrying an expired visa, three had were discovered that constitute a entered the country illegally, and two danger to residents of the buildings. were arrested for vice crimes. All Acting Deputy Director General for those arrested were sent to con- the Prevention Sector Brig Khalid cerned authorities. Fahd said inspection teams found basements used for wrongful stor- age, fire equipment that were not Drug trafficking operational and maintained, and Land border officers arrested a dangerous wiring that was exposed This handout photo shows a man arrested for bedoon man for drug trafficking yes- and laid out randomly. drug trafficking. Expat contract oil workers end strike

By Nawara Fattahova authority exerted great efforts to make the laborers end their strike. “The evalu- KUWAIT: More than 1,200 contract oil ation and follow up inspector of the workers, all expats, who downed tools work relations department Salem Al- and stopped work Monday over unpaid Ajmi, the head of the collective conflicts allowances ended the strike yesterday. department Mohammed Al-Azmi, and The men all work on a KOC project site head of the conflicts department in in Rawdatain, northern Kuwait. Jahra Radaan Al-Hajiri went to the loca- The Ministry of Labor’s Public tion this morning [Tuesday] to resolve Authority for Manpower convinced the the conflict peacefully,” he noted. workers to return to work after the com- “The company employing these pany agreed to pay them their dues. workers promised to agree to all Industrial action including strikes and demands of the workers. The authority work stoppages by expatriates are ille- will follow up this case to make sure gal in Kuwait. that the company fulfills its promises in Abdullah Al-Mutawteh, Deputy order to protect the rights of the work- General Manager for Manpower ers, and on the other hand organize the Protection, stated yesterday that the labor market,” added Mutawteh.

Minister urges extensive preps for travel season

KUWAIT: Touring airport preparations for counters to more than double their pre- the onslaught of the summer travel sea- vious numbers. son, Minister of Communications and Furthermore, the minister looked over Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Essa airport flight schedules, counseling officials Al-Kandari stressed yesterday the impera- to space these schedules out so that there tive to have all airport-related streamlin- would not be concentrations in some flight ing projects completed in record time. times causing passenger congestion at This came out in a press statement departure halls, said the statement. To ease issued by the Directorate General of the burden of waiting for departing pas- Civil Aviation (DGCA), noting that the sengers, the (DGCA) has expanded two minister examined the projects on the waiting halls for such passengers where expansion of departure and arrival halls, they can wait in comfort for their departing and the increase in passenger service flights, said the statement. — KUNA Lawyer sues finance minister over alleged public funds violations By Meshaal Al-Enezi Abdullah Al-Turaiji about Saad’s abuse of his powers by having his brothers purchase KUWAIT: Lawyer Adnan Ahmed Al-Shatti Kuwait National Real Estate Company shares yesterday filed a case accusing Finance and preventing the state from making over Minister and chairman of the Kuwait KD 40 million in profits. Shatti added that Investment Authority Anas Al-Saleh and the Saad had a company he jointly owns with authority’s managing director Badr Al-Saad his brothers to purchase a piece of land for of facilitating public funds violations. Shatti KD 4.2 million, then resold it to Kuwait claimed that Saad had deliberately prevent- National Real Estate Co for KD 6.25 million. ed the investment authority from taking “Saleh is responsible for Saad’s actions part in a bidding called by Kuwait because they are legally under his jurisdic- Investment Company to increase the capital tion,” he added. of Kuwait National Company for Real Estate Services and Investments to allow the Murder suspect remanded National Industries Group that is owned by The public prosecution yesterday referred his brothers to purchase a considerable the suspect in the recent Sabah Al-Nasser amount of shares. murder to juvenile detainment because he is Shatti’s accusations confirmed state- under 18. Notably, the suspect, a 16-year-old ments recently made by the parliamentary Kuwaiti citizen, had a fight with an 18-year- public fund committee chairman MP old citizen and stabbed him to death. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 FROM THE ARABIC PRESS

Al-Anbaa Al-Anbaa Masters of sea, Saudi Arabia’s foundation, slaves of oil modernization and rise

By Saleh Al-Shayeji By Sami Al-Nisf

il prices have slightly increased over the past istorians and political observers can divide few weeks and are still fluctuating up and Saudi Arabia’s modern history into three phases Odown after they dropped to below $20 a barrel, H- foundation, uniting the kingdom and facing and are now close to $40. So, it is like a step forwards many challenges during the reigns of kings Abdul Aziz, and two backwards. I will not write about others or Saud and Faisal, followed by the phase of moderniza- another oil producing country besides our own, that tion, education, agriculture, industry and expanding unfortunately seems to be still not oil-weaned and still the two holy mosques during the reigns of kings ‘breastfeeding’ on it. Khaled, Fahd and Abdullah, and finally the third phase Our country’s ‘oil age’ is close to 70 years but it of comprehensive development and rise that wit- seems to be still clinging to its mother’s breast, feed- nessed Saudi Arabia’s breakthrough as a major mili- ing on oil. It is not yet weaned, it has not yet reached tary, political and economic power starting with the puberty, youth or old age. It is still acting as if it is reign of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and will continue below two years old and needs to breastfed day and with his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef and the night - before going to bed and on getting up. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who Endless seas of oil have been used up the past 70 brilliantly reviewed the kingdom’s future vision a few years, but our country never learned to swim in those days ago. running seas. What has Kuwait achieved by oil? Has it It is good to see that political leaders have visions. What is even better is for such visions to be serious, cor- rect and real, and not only nominal. This was exactly Al-Jarida What alternative sources of income what the world listened to during Prince Mohammed’s has Kuwait created? Unfortunately, interview with Turki Al-Dekheel on Arabiya TV, during which the latter asked serious and direct questions to NOTHING. For the past 70 years, we get similar answers from the young prince. By the beginning of the last century, the late king have been dealing with oil as an ATM. Bachelors in Salmiya Abdul Aziz Al Saud achieved his visions of uniting Saudi Arabia, launching his endeavor from Kuwait to made any sustainable projects that would enable it do the far northeastern corner of Arabia and ending in without oil or even make it a second, third or even sec- Blk 12 must leave Aseer in its far southeastern corner. His distinguished ondary source of income? sons, kings Saud and Faisal, managed to continue What alternative sources of income has Kuwait cre- KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait Manfouhi said the process of inter- remove the bachelors completely. He maintaining Saudi Arabia’s security and stability ated? Unfortunately, NOTHING. For the past 70 years, Municipality Eng Ahmad Al-Manfouhi rupting power to violating homes rented said the municipality will not hesitate in despite challenges in the 1950s and 1960s that top- we have been dealing with oil as an ATM, that when- formed a team from the municipality, to bachelors had already started, as implementing the law especially in the pled many monarchies but could not do the same ever we need some money, we insert our ATM card, Interior Ministry and residents from direct orders were given to Hawally issue of bachelors and will work hard to with Saudi Arabia. type the sum needed and take it out to spend it, then block 12 in Salmiya, and gave them two branch director and emergency team in remove all violations. He said he will Then came kings Khaled, Fahd and Abdullah who go back repeating the process over and over again. We weeks to solve the problem of having cooperation with the Interior Ministry to meet the area residents on May 12 to dis- launched the project of modernizing Saudi Arabia by have all, including the government, strongly believed bachelors living in the area. carry out the necessary investigations to cuss the latest developments. — Al-Rai dispatching hundreds of thousands of students on in the saying: “Give and spend and God will send”. scholarships to the West, building universities, expand- We have all been extravagantly and crazily spend- ing the two holy mosques and building huge farms ing without considering rationalization or conserva- and factories that turned the kingdom into an out- tion. The more citizens got satisfied, the more greedy standing country on the world map and Saudi Arabia for money they became, and thus cry out claiming to joined the G20 club. Saudi Arabia also managed to be needy. The government immediately responds, rout terrorism that targeted its security. putting more money in their pockets, which only Starting with King Salman’s reign, he brilliantly makes them more and more greedy and ungrateful. managed to fill the gaps after US troops withdrew Money was lost by the corrupt, bribe recipients and from the Middle East and changed alliances by creat- thieves who all grew richer while the country is get- ing Arab and Muslim alliances. Saudi Arabia also ting poorer, or is almost there. Where are our wise responded to the drastic fall in oil prices by launching plans for a future without oil to secure the country and the world’s greatest economic project that the young its people’s sustainability and dignity without begging Prince Mohammed announced with the aim of creat- - plans that would make these people live peacefully ing alternative sources of income other than oil, mak- and work harder in their country without laziness as ing use of the kingdom’s unique location and it being they nowadays do and as the government made them an attraction for all Arabs and Muslims, visiting its holy do by unwise irrational policies? sites, investing in public and private lands, Aramco’s We once used to own the sea and became its offer of a public subscription, launching military indus- masters, but now oil owns us and we have become tries, supporting transparency and rationalizing gov- its slaves! ernmental decisions by using governance, focusing on — Translated by Kuwait Times human development, encouraging tourism, invest- ment, recreation, building the world’s largest Islamic museum and granting ‘green cards’ or permanent resi- Al-Nahedh and Al-Saleh with KFH and Zakat House officials dency to those living for long in Saudi Arabia, which is Crime a pioneering idea that other GCC states and Arab countries can consider. Report KFH donates KD 7.5 Finally, other GCC and Arabs states that mainly depend on oil revenues can consider this strategic Five injured in gas vision and major roadmap to follow in Saudi Arabia’s cylinder explosion million to Zakat House footsteps, because it would be better for Saudi Arabia and regional countries to all rise together. KUWAIT: Five Egyptian men were rushed to Jahra Hospital Yes, this fantastic vision will face domestic and for- when a gas cylinder exploded in their Jahra residence. The KUWAIT: “Kuwait Finance House assumes its corporate noting that KFH has a proven track record in this regard. eign obstacles that will be overcome by strong will, interior ministry received a call about an explosion in Qasr, social responsibility emanating from its sharia-compliant Meanwhile, Zakat House Director General Dr Ibrahim Al- because what makes great countries is great leaders so police along with paramedics and firemen rushed to the business model and its priority to serve the society and to Saleh praised the positive role of KFH in supporting the with great visions. Korea, Malaysia and Singapore had scene and found five men were injured. Firemen are inves- support pro bono efforts exerted by official charity institu- Zakat House to execute its pro bono projects, while shoul- less potentials that Saudi Arabia has, and yet, with tigating the causes behind the incident. tions. This contributes in the success of Kuwait social and dering its humanitarian role in helping the poor and the visions and hard work, they managed to achieve civilized development,” said Chief Executive Officer at KFH, needy. He confirmed that KFH’s initiatives underline the remarkable breakthroughs. Mazin Saad Al-Nahedh. bank’s significant role in assuming social responsibility, and — Translated by Kuwait Times Friend beats friend He applauded, during receiving Zakat House Director affirms its prestigious status as a world leading Islamic finan- A citizen beat his friend while drinking liquor inside a General Dr Ibrahim Al-Saleh and Deputy General Manager cial institution. Saleh said that the collaboration between car, so both were detained at Salmiya police station. Kawthar Al-Musalam in presence of a number of officials Zakat House and KFH serves in achieving the social develop- Police received a call about the fight in Salmiya, so from both sides where he handed them the cheque with a ment, expressing his thanks and gratitude to KFH. patrols went there and brought the two men under value of KD 7.514.278 million, the efforts of Zakat House in It is worth noting that the donated value will be dis- control. The two are friends and a dispute took place executing charitable projects that serve the community, tributed to cover several activities of the Zakat House in that turned into a fight. indicating that such support reflects the bright image of Kuwait, yet to supporting charity committees and soci- Kuwait. He reiterated KFH’s firm belief in the importance of eties working in the field of pro bono projects and constantly supporting the projects that serve the society, humanitarian aid. Suicide attempt An Egyptian woman attempted suicide by drinking med- icine in a Salmiya house. The husband said he found his KCCI makes four proposals wife unconscious with a variety of pills next to her, so he rushed her to hospital. The woman said her husband is not allowing her to travel, saying she wanted to see her to reduce prices at co-ops family. — Al-Rai KUWAIT: Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) well by the price control committees in various co-ops that recently made some proposals to help reduce prices in co-oper- were also advised to reject any call for unifying prices in Ooredoo gold sponsor ative societies (co-ops) including reducing the time before co- order to allow competition, freeing prices to cope with free of Conference of Roadmap ops paid suppliers’ dues, not mandating them to provide cer- trade principles, not mandating merchants to provide any tain amounts of free goods and leaving that to each supplier, documents, bills or bank transfer receipts to the co-ops Towards Smart Government regulating damaged goods’ assessment to reduce cost on both union because this violates merchants’ business secrets, and sides and restudying the process of renting co-op shelves. gradually excluding goods that are subsidized by the gov- Rents to KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a member of international KCCI stressed that the four recommendations would have ernment, those with alternatives and luxury products like Ooredoo Group, was the gold sponsor of the recent to be put into practice through a work plan to be studied chocolates and sweets. — Al-Qabas Conference of Roadmap Towards Smart Government, held at Marina Hotel, under the patronage of Minister drop soon? of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al Patriot system Probe in gold Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah, with positive partici- KUWAIT: A number of real estate experts detected a 10 per- pation of 36 government agencies. cent drop in apartment rentals in investment areas such as The conference has addressed the concept of e- cables stolen seals ‘theft’ Salwa, Fahaheel, Mahboula and Fintas, and stressed that an government, which has gradually developed over increase of vacant newly-built buildings has helped reduce several stages, from offering e-services and connect- KUWAIT: Informed sources at the Ministry of Electricity KUWAIT: Sources said that the precious metals sector prices even beyond 10 percent in some cases. However, the ing public sector and the private sector to creating a and Water (MEW) said thieves stole parts of aerial power at the ministry of commerce and industry discovered experts remarked that the new buildings were not the only connected government and smart government. It cables that feed the Patriot missile system. They added that during an inventory that four seals used to mark gold reason behind the drop, adding that laying off and deporting also explained means of transition to a smart govern- the system does not rely on the overhead cables as much were missing, besides the loss of quantities of plat- thousands of expats had played a major role because this ment and its work mechanism. as on its own generators. inum that were in six systems for marking this highly directly affected apartment buildings’ occupancy rates. Mijbil Alayoub, Director of Corporate The sources said MEW had asked many times over that expensive metal. The ministry sent complaints to the In this regard, member of the real estate union Qais Al- Communications at Ooredoo Kuwait said: “We are its aerial lines be secured as they are continually stolen. public prosecution on suspicion of thefts and public Ghanem expected rent values in investment buildings to suf- delighted to participate in the Conference of They said thefts are repeated along portions of the Salmy funds squandering, as the missing items are consid- fer an extreme ‘quake’ over the few coming months because of Roadmap Towards Smart Government, we believe and Naayem lines. ered public fund crimes. these three factors - layoffs, deportations and new buildings. that transition to a smart government will serve the They said the ministry is currently studying the idea of The sources said the ministry has taken legal pre- “Deported expats have left hundreds of apartments vacant interests of citizens and expatriates, and we look for- installing cameras on power lines to monitor them and cautions to protect public funds and markets from any and this has affected rent values,” he added, expecting that ward to seeing the official launch of the project. On give a warning as the thefts are being committed, and the cheating that may take in precious items due to the rental drops would soon prevail and include various areas this occasion, and on behalf of the company, I would idea is now under trial and if proven successful, it will be loss of the seals. The commerce ministry has nearly 60 around Kuwait, which made many owners and investors fish like to thank all operators of the project and organiz- implemented. seals to mark gold, while the weight of gold that was for opportunities to rent their buildings to ministries and gov- ers of the Smart Government Excellence Award for The ministry said it has issued a tender to install steel marked in Kuwait during last week reached 35 tons ernment bodies in order to have secured annual contracts holding this important conference.” columns instead of wooden ones to make it difficult for that include all gold grades - 22 karat, 21 karat and 18 signed before rent values drop further. “We at Ooredoo seek to be part of activities and thieves to destroy and steal them. — Al-Rai karat. — Al-Rai Moreover, Ghanem expected that the new electricity initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals and com- and water consumption prices would force tenants to seek munities where we work, particularly in the area of alternatives such as living in remote areas or sending their technology. We look forward to further engaging in Smart meters tender placed families back to their home countries. Another well- all initiatives serving the interests of people and soci- informed real estate source said that current statistics show ety in the near future.” Added Alayoub that around 7,000 new apartments had joined the market Ooredoo seeks to enhance cooperation with the KUWAIT: Informed sources said the op and operate the smart meters sys- tender of supplying, installing, operat- over the past four months and expected the number to government in order to support the application of Ministry of Electricity and Water tem and its communications network ing and maintaining turbines that jump to 15,000 by the end of the year. “This huge number technology in the state’s various sectors and con- (MEW) has begun preparations to in Kuwait to implement this tariff on operate on a compound cycle to will have its negative impacts on increasing supply far tribute to the development of different agencies. implement the new tariffs for the two the investment sector as a start. increase power capacity at Subbiya beyond demand and the only solution will be reducing rent utilities as it put out a tender to devel- Meanwhile, the ministry extended the station. — Al-Jarida values,” he concluded. — Al-Rai WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

When is a Boot on Gaza sewage poisons coastline, threatens Israel Ground not a Boot on the Ground? Page 8 Page 8

BANGGAI: This recent undated handout picture released by Indonesian police shows an Indonesian man holding a sex doll in Banggai in Sulawesi. Indonesian villagers thought they had been blessed when a beautiful doll turned up on a beach, believing it to be an angel fallen from heaven, only to discover it was an inflatable sex toy. — AFP Indonesian villagers ‘mistook sex toy for angel’

JAKARTA: Indonesian villagers thought they had been blessed name, found the doll when he was fishing off the remote showed it sitting up in a chair and accompanying locals on a stop false rumors from spreading. It is not the first time that a by an angel fallen from heaven when a beautiful doll washed Banggai islands off Sulawesi in central Indonesia, police said. boat trip. Police decided to investigate after becoming con- sex toy has been mistaken for something else entirely. In up on a beach-only to discover it was an inflatable sex toy. The discovery in March came a day after a solar eclipse swept cerned the increasing excitement about the “angel” could 2012 a Chinese TV station reported a rare mushroom with Rapidly-spreading reports of a heavenly offering and fears of across the area, a deeply spiritual experience in the world’s lead to unrest.”We were hearing many stories, such as that medicinal qualities had been discovered in a town during possible social unrest prompted a police investigation. most populous Muslim-majority country. This led supersti- the ‘fallen angel’ was crying when she was discovered,” drilling for a new well, only for viewers to point out that the Detectives who arrived in the remote spot soon punctured the tious locals to believe the two events were linked. Pardin took Pramukarno said. The problem, it seemed, was the remote- object was in fact a sex toy for men. Sex toys have also theory of divine intervention. “When our officers arrived they the partially inflated doll to his home in Kalupapi village, ness of Kalupapi. “They have no Internet, they don’t know sparked police alerts in the past. Several years ago police in saw that the ‘fallen angel’ was just a doll, it was a sex toy,” local where it was treated with great reverence. what a sex toy is.” China’s Shandong province launched a rescue operation to police chief Heru Pramukarno said. His mother gave the “angel” a fresh change of clothes and After investigating, officers confiscated the doll and took it save what they believed was a woman drowning in a river, Villager Pardin, who like many Indonesians goes by one new Muslim headscarf to wear every day, and pictures to the local police station, a move they said was intended to only to discover it was actually an inflatable sex doll. — AFP Islamabad blasts ‘ignorant’ Trump

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister has launched a blis- adding that Pakistan “takes advantage like everybody else”. tering assault on “ignorant” Donald Trump after the Pakistan has historically been among the top recipients Republican presidential frontrunner vowed to free the doc- of US aid, receiving $633 million in 2015 according to tor who helped track down Osama bin Laden if he wins USAID and billions in previous decades. But Khan said the office. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the “government of “peanuts” the US has given his country “should not be used Pakistan and not Donald Trump” will decide the fate of to threaten or browbeat us into following Mr Trump’s mis- Shakeel Afridi, languishing in prison five years after his fake guided vision of foreign policy”. “Pakistan is not a colony of vaccination program helped the CIA track and kill the Al the United States of America,” he said, adding that Trump’s Qaeda leader. Khan spoke late Monday in response to an comment “serves to show not only his insensitivity but also his ignorance about Pakistan”. Afridi was accused of ties with militants and thrown in jail weeks after bin Laden’s death in a US raid on the garri- son city of Abbottabad on May 2, 2011. Details of Afridi’s involvement are murky, but it is known that he ran a fake vaccination program that helped obtain genetic samples from the city which led the CIA to bin Laden. He was hiding there under the noses of senior Pakistani military officers. In response to Afridi’s jailing a furious US Senate commit- tee voted to cut aid to Islamabad by $33 million — $1 mil- lion for each year of his original sentence. The sentence was later cut by 10 years, but since then US pressure for Afridi’s release has tapered off. The doctor, who has always maintained his innocence, has no access to a lawyer and his appeal against the sentence has stalled. “We believe he’s been unjustly imprisoned,” US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Friday when ques- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump tioned about Afridi after Trump’s interview. He said the US interview with Trump on Fox News on Friday in which the continues “to raise this issue at the highest levels” but has billionaire claimed that if he became president he would been given no firm assurances by Pakistan over Afridi’s have Afridi out of prison “in two minutes”. “I would tell them, release. Trump also said during the interview that US troops let them (him) out and I’m sure they would let them (him) should stay in Afghanistan “because it’s adjacent and right out. Because we give a lot of aid to Pakistan,” Trump said, next to Pakistan which has nuclear weapons”. — AFP Stealing food not a crime if you are ‘homeless, hungry’

ROME: Stealing a little food should not be considered a crime he should not have been found guilty of theft, but rather if you really need it, Italy’s highest court has ruled. Ukrainian attempted theft, because he had been caught before he had national Roman Ostriakov was living rough in the northern left the supermarket premises. But Italy’s Supreme Court Italian city of Genoa in 2011 when he was caught trying to annulled the verdict. “The condition of the accused and the steal some cheese and sausage worth 4.07 euros ($4.71) from circumstances in which he obtained the merchandise show a supermarket. He was found guilty of theft and sentenced to that he had taken the little amount of food he needed to over- six months in jail and a handed a 100-euro fine. The state pros- come his immediate and essential requirement for nourish- ecutor appealed the sentence on a technicality, arguing that ment,” it said in a written ruling. — Reuters

TOKYO: A homeless rests under a pedestrian bridge in Tokyo on Constitution Day national holiday yesterday. — AP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

GAZA: A woman makes her way with her donkey in sewage water in Mighraqa neighborhood on the outskirts of Gaza City. (Right) Sewage flows from an outlet into the sea in front of Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. — AP photos Gaza sewage poisons coastline, threatens Israel

GAZA: Each day, millions of gallons of raw a chronic shortage of electricity to run the tioning at reduced capacity. Electricity from according to Jonas Blume, director of its West Instead, she and her daughters drink tap water sewage pour into the Gaza Strip’s wastewater plants that still function. In 2007, a neighboring Israel and Egypt help alleviate the Bank office. Blume said the plant can only run and bear the consequences. “I spend my time Mediterranean beachfront, spewing out of a sewage reservoir overflowed in a village in shortages, but usually there are only six to eight half-days due to lack of power. Construction is from doctor to doctor, hospital to hospital,” she metal pipe and turning miles of once-scenic northern Gaza, drowning five people. An Israeli hours of power each day. “That’s just not reli- scheduled to begin in August on an additional said. “My daughters always have rashes.” coastline into a stagnant dead zone. The blockade that has restricted imports, coupled able enough for a sewage plant,” said facility in central Gaza that could handle the On a recent afternoon, her oldest daughter, sewage has damaged Gaza’s limited fresh with Palestinian infighting and mismanage- Jorgensen. He said foreign donors, including sewage of up to 1 million people, Blume six-year-old Fayza, sat scratching her arm as water supplies, decimated fishing zones, and ment by the Hamas-run government, has com- the United States, have promised to pay for a added. But he said Israeli security restrictions insects hovered around them. There are signs after years of neglect, is now floating north- pounded the problems for the enclave’s 1.8 dedicated 3-megawatt electricity supply to the have slowed the work. that the problem is now beginning to affect ward and affecting Israel as well, where a near- million residents. Israel and Egypt have main- plant, but Israel so far has not consented. “At the end we get most of the material in, Israel. Israeli Water Authority spokeswoman by desalination plant was forced to shut down, tained a blockade of Gaza since Hamas, an COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible but it’s a struggle, it takes time, and it causes Ilana Keren said a desalination plant near apparently due to pollution. “It’s certain that Islamic militant group committed to Israel’s for Palestinian affairs, said Israel supplies 125 to delay, which leads to extra costs,” he said. Ashkelon, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north Gaza Strip’s beaches are completely polluted destruction, seized power in 2007. 140 megawatts of power a day to the Gaza COGAT said deliveries of cement and wood of Gaza, was shut in January and February and unsuitable for swimming and entertain- Nasser Abu Saif said he was once happy to Strip. “The decision of distributing the electrici- have been suspended or slowed because “because of the quality of the raw water.” ment, especially in the summer,” said Ahmed live in a beachfront apartment in Shati refugee ty falls under the responsibility of the Hamas diverts materials for “terror” purposes. She did not elaborate, but Gidon Bromberg, Yaqoubi of the Palestinian Water Authority. camp. Now, he avoids swimming in the fetid Palestinians,” COGAT wrote. In all, Gaza needs The delays in sewage treatment are exacerbat- the Israeli director of the environmental group Environmentalists and international aid water near his house. “There are mosquitoes in some 400 megawatts for its daily needs. ing a water crisis. Years of overdrawing Gaza’s EcoPeace Middle East, said “there’s no doubt” it organizations say that if the problem isn’t the summer and even in the winter,” he said. “It Jorgensen said the World Bank plans to start underground aquifer have allowed seawater to was waste from Gaza. “There’s no other source,” quickly addressed, it could spell even more makes our lives unpleasant.” Several aid groups running the plant in the coming months using infiltrate into its only source of drinking water. he said. Bromberg warned that cholera, trouble on both sides of the border. But while have attempted to solve the sewage problem. backup diesel generators, which will increase Sewage flows into the aquifer as well. typhoid or other pandemic diseases could easi- Israel has a clear interest in Gazans repairing Steen Jorgensen, country director for the World the cost and leave sewage treatment vulnera- “We can say that 100 percent of the water is ly cross into Israel via the shared underground their water infrastructure, that would likely Bank in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, said the ble to fuel shortages. He said the plant will also not potable,” said the Water Authority’s aquifer and the sea. “It’s a single shared bath- require it to ease restrictions on the import of fatal sewage flood spurred his office to build a have solar panels, but they will only generate a Yaqoubi. More than 150 private water purifica- tub,” Bromberg said. “There’s 101 different ways building materials - which it fears the territory’s $73 million sewage treatment plant nine years fraction of the needed power. tion businesses have proliferated across Gaza for these bacterium to be transferred.” Hamas rulers could divert for military purposes ago. He said the facility, meant to treat about “If we don’t get this operational, then I think to offer clean drinking water, he said. Eitemad Ashkelon deputy mayor Yoram Shefer said he - and increase the amount of electricity it sells one-fifth of Gaza’s sewage, would already be it’s going to be very hard to raise money for Abu Khader lives with her four daughters in a fears that without a wider political settlement, to Gaza. operational if it had a reliable power supply. other necessary projects in Gaza,” Jorgensen cinderblock home surrounded by corrugated the sewage issue will not improve, even Poor sewage treatment in Gaza is the result Disagreements between Hamas and the said. The German state-owned development zinc north of Gaza City. Sewage collects in though he believes the water is safe enough to of a rapidly expanding population, an infra- West Bank-based Palestinian Authority over fuel bank KfW has funded the $20 million rehabili- huge ponds next to their neighborhood. Abu swim in. “The Mediterranean sea is big. Not all structure damaged during wars with Israel and taxes have left Gaza’s only power plant func- tation of an older sewage plant in Gaza, Khader said she cannot afford purified water. (sewage) goes to Ashkelon,” he said. — AP Pilgrims brave bomb threat to flock to Baghdad shrine IS claims two bombings targeting pilgrims

BAGHDAD: A sea of pilgrims converged on a Baghdad shrine yesterday for an annual Shiite religious commemoration, defying fears of fur- ther bomb attacks by the Islamic State group. The days-long pilgrimage to mourn the 799 AD death of Imam Musa Kadhim came as Iraq wallowed in political limbo after the storming of parliament by protesters on Saturday. IS has claimed two bombings targeting pilgrims in recent days that have killed at least 37 people, but the attacks have not deterred crowds of black-clad faithful from marching and beating their chests in mourning. “This pilgrimage represents a defeat for ter- ALEPPO: A Syrian man walks past destroyed buildings in Aleppo’s Bab Al-Hadid neighbor- rorism,” said Mohammed Nayif, a 32-year-old hood which was targeted recently by regime air strikes. Aleppo residents ventured out from Babil province, south of Baghdad. “We onto the streets, taking advantage of a lull in violence in the northern Syrian city as the are not afraid of the explosions and nothing United States pushed to salvage a ceasefire. — AFP will stop us,” he said, as he marched with tens of thousands of devotees. Abbas Mustafa, 63, A generation of Syrian agreed, saying: “The explosions increased my resolve and my strength to challenge these (militants).” An official from the shrine said that kids who do not count “millions” of people participated in the pil- grimage in recent days. Many of the main BAALBEK: Seven-month-old Nour lives in a tar- registered in the region as a whole,” said Daryl thoroughfares in Baghdad are closed in the paulin tent pitched on a muddy patch of earth in Grisgraber, senior advocate for the Middle East at days leading up to the annual commemora- BAGHDAD: Shiite pilgrims carry a symbolic coffin at the holy Muslim Shiite shrine of Imam Lebanon’s Bekaa valley. The tent, one of a dozen Refugees International, a humanitarian group tion of Imam Kadhim’s death, an important Moussa Al-Kadhim as pilgrims gather to commemorate his death at the northern neigh- in a small refugee camp, contains a metal stove, a that works for displaced and stateless people. date in the Shiite Muslim calendar. borhood of Kadhimiyah in Baghdad, Iraq yesterday. — AP prayer mat and worn rugs on the floor. A leather The UN says stateless children risk missing out Yesterday morning, as the commemoration jacket and a plastic mirror hang from nails ham- on basic rights such as education and healthcare, reached its peak, a compact crowd stretching of party-affiliated ministers has been opposed the main players and several sources said Sadr mered into its wooden beams. can face difficulties getting a job and are exposed as far as the eye could see followed a mock by powerful political parties that rely on con- himself has flown to neighboring Iran, the Swaddled in a faded pink blanket against the to abuse and even trafficking. To have Nour fully coffin through the streets leading to the trol of ministries for patronage and funds. No main foreign broker among Shiite political cold, Nour is the first of her Syrian parents’ three recognized as Syrian will involve a Kafkaesque shrine in Kadhimiya in north Baghdad. clear plan of action has emerged from any of blocs in Iraq. — AFP children to be born as a refugee. Her family fled process that requires trips to different govern- Swarms of pilgrims, crying and shouting in their native Homs at the start of Syria’s civil war. ment offices, negotiating checkpoints to get to grief during the symbolic funeral, lunged to Crammed two to a seat in a bus, her parents and Beirut, and approaching the Syrian embassy - touch the coffin as it lurched from one side of When is a Boot on Ground two older siblings travelled 70 miles into something many refugees fleeing civil war are the street to the other. Kadhim is the seventh Lebanon, where Nour was born. Now her mother afraid to do. of 12 imams revered in Shiite Islam. The pil- not a Boot on the Ground? and father, Asheqa and Trad, face a new chal- Lebanon’s social affairs ministry, which handles grimage to his shrine has in recent years lenge. They need to register Nour with a local the refugee issue, said the steps required were turned into a huge event that brings the capi- WASHINGTON: No one disputes that US mili- man had been killed in combat near Irbil in government office in Lebanon by her first birth- “clear and proportionate.” Nour’s parents - they tal to a standstill for days. tary forces are fighting in combat in Iraq and Iraq. A US military official, speaking on day in early September. A birth certificate is the asked not to reveal their full names for fear of Syria-except maybe President Barack Obama grounds of anonymity, said the American was crucial first step to securing Syrian citizenship. being targeted by Syria’s warring factions or arrest- Political impasse and some members of his administration. The killed while performing his duty as an adviser Without it, Nour could join a fast-growing genera- ed by Lebanese authorities - are afraid of embark- IS has claimed multiple attacks in the semantic arguments over whether there are to Kurdish Peshmerga troops. He was killed by tion of children who are stateless - lacking legal ing on the process. They have not even tried to get Baghdad area targeting the pilgrims. A car American “boots on the ground” muddy the “direct fire” after Islamic State forces penetrat- recognition as a citizen of any country. her birth registered, despite understanding what bomb in south Baghdad killed at least 14 peo- view of a situation in which several thousand ed the Peshmerga’s forward line. The official But as Nour’s parents are learning, even some- that might mean down the line. “We’re scared for ple on Monday, while 23 people died in a simi- armed US military personnel are in Iraq and said the American was three to two to three thing as simple as registering a baby’s birth is her future,” Asheqa, her mother, said. “We’re afraid lar attack on the outskirts of the city two days Syria. Obama has said more than a dozen miles behind the front line. fraught with hurdles for a refugee in Lebanon. that if we want to return to Syria, we won’t be able before. The Sunni extremists of IS consider times that there would be no combat troops The country has more refugees per head of the to take her in because she has no documents. members of Iraq’s Shiite majority to be in Iraq and Syria as the number of service Are US troops in Syria? population than any country in the world, but it is Where’s the proof that it’s your child?” heretics, and frequently target them in bomb- members in those countries grows; last week, Yes. Last week the Pentagon announced not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and ings. Iraqi forces have regained significant Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged an increase in the number of US forces work- has not allowed the U.N. to set up formal camps Taking flight ground from IS, which overran large areas the military personnel there were in combat ing in Syria from 50 to 300. Those troops are for Syrians. Some politicians fret about the impact Asheqa and Trad abandoned their house north and west of Baghdad in 2014. and “we should say that clearly.” So, when is a working with local Syrian forces and are main- of mainly Sunni refugees from Syria on the coun- about three months after the Syrian uprising But the jihadists still control a major part of military boot on the ground? And what does ly Army Special Forces, but the latest increase try’s sectarian balance. Power in Lebanon is care- against President Bashar al-Assad began in 2011. western Iraq, and carry out frequent bomb- it all mean? will also include medical and logistics units. fully divided between Christians, Shi’ite Muslims, Like many buildings in Homs - a centre of the ings in government-controlled areas. The pil- In Iraq there are advisers, trainers, special Sunnis and other groups. uprising - their home was later flattened to rubble grimage and the attacks come as Iraq is mired Are US troops in Iraq? operations forces and others stationed at Iraqi Registering Syrian births could create a prece- in bombardments. “We found out the school next in a weeks-long political crisis that saw Yes. More than 5,500 US service members. bases, working with the Iraqi forces. Last dent for Syrians to settle in the country, they wor- door was shelled and collapsed onto our house,” demonstrators break into the capital’s fortified The Pentagon, however, counts them in differ- week, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ry. Surveys by the United Nations refugee agency said 25-year-old Asheqa. “We stayed with relatives Green Zone and storm parliament in an ent ways. Obama recently authorized an announced that some advisers would begin and the Norwegian Refugee Council suggest the nearby for a while, but there were 16 people unprecedented security breach on Saturday. increase in the number of troops that can working with Iraqis at the brigade and battal- number of children whose births remain unregis- under one roof, there was no work and the fight- The protesters, angered by parliament’s deploy to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi forces ion level. They had been working with Iraqis tered in Lebanon could be as high as 50,000. Aid ing intensified.” The couple and their two children repeated failure to approve Prime Minister in fighting the Islamic State. The cap was at the division headquarters level. The change agencies see similar difficulties registering chil- - daughter Rahaf, now 7, and son Marhaf, now 5 - Haider Al-Abadi’s nominees for a new cabinet increased last week from 3,870 to 4,087. But a would embed those teams of advisers with dren in Jordan, Iraq and Turkey, which host mil- fled for Lebanon, where they have squatted on of technocrats, pulled down slabs from heavy number of troops aren’t counted against the smaller units, who would likely be closer to lions of Syrian refugees between them. That farmland near the town of Baalbek ever since. concrete blast walls and scaled the barriers to cap because of the military’s personnel the fight. In Syria, the US has about 50 special means the number of Syrian children facing When they left Syria, they took all their identity enter the Green Zone. accounting system. For example, troops operations forces going into Syria from a base statelessness is likely to be much higher. papers, marriage certificate and family booklet, The area is home to Iraq’s main govern- assigned to the US Embassy for security or in a neighboring country to meet with local Those thousands of potentially stateless chil- and papers relating to their children. ment institutions as well as various embassies, those sent to Iraq for temporary, short-term Syrian opposition forces. They aren’t based in dren are one way the wars in Syria and Iraq are “When the war ends, we’re keen to go back. including those of the United States and assignments are there in addition to the Syria, so they travel in and out, sometimes reshaping the Middle East and its people for We’re not exactly looking forward to it with noth- Britain. Demonstrators withdrew from the 4,087. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in staying in the country for several days at a good. “If you look at the number of births that ing left, but we want to go back and rebuild,” Green Zone on Sunday, but they warned they Stuttgart, Germany for a change-of-command time. According to officials, the additional 250 have happened ... I think we can be talking about Asheqa said. Until Nour’s birth is registered, how- would be back if their demands were not met. ceremony yesterday, revealed that a service- forces will do the same thing. —AP hundreds of thousands who are potentially not ever, they are stuck in exile. — Reuters Abadi’s efforts to replace the current cabinet INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

Once a Clinton stronghold, Venezuela opposition delivers Appalachia now Trump country petitions to remove president ASHLAND: When President Bill Clinton to return to the region before the rolled into the small Appalachian town of November election. “I’m here because I Ashland, Kentucky, in 1996, cheering crowds want you to know whether people vote for Maduro blamed for crushing economic crisis lined the streets. Local boy turned country me or not, whether they yell at me or not, music star Billy Ray Cyrus performed a spe- it’s not going to affect what I will do to CARACAS: Venezuela’s opposition presented reams cial version of his hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.” help.” As she increasingly focuses her efforts of signatures to election authorities Monday calling And nearly 20,000 supporters attended a on the general election, Clinton is trying to for a referendum to remove President Nicolas riverfront re-election rally, dozens collapsing replicate the electoral strategy that twice Maduro, who they say is to blame for a crushing from heat exhaustion in the August sun. boosted Obama into the White House by economic crisis. Venezuelans fed up with food Back then, this was unquestionably Clinton concentrating on wooing young, minority shortages, soaring inflation and now a paralyzing country. Today, it looks an awful lot more and female voters. That strategy, say Obama electricity crunch have flocked to sign a petition for like Trump town. and Clinton aides, reflects the demographic a recall referendum, according to the opposition Hillary Clinton was met in Ashland on realities of an increasingly diverse country Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). It said it had Monday by just a handful of supporters and where white voters make up a shrinking presented 1.85 million signatures-more than nine a lone heckler, who shouted: “Go home, part of the electorate. times the number needed to launch the referen- Hillary! Nobody wants you here.” Later on, Trump may afford them new opportuni- dum process-to the National Electoral Board. hundreds of protesters stood in pouring ties to expand what’s known as the Obama MUD executive secretary Jesus Torrealba said 80 rain, waved Donald Trump signs and chant- coalition: her aides calculate the billionaire’s boxes packed with referendum petitions had been ed “Kill-ary” as Clinton toured a health center penchant for controversy could lead her to delivered to the board. “This is just the beginning of 80 miles to the south in Williamson, West enough support among minority and a road that will end in a recall referendum and the Virginia. The unwelcome reception marks a female voters to put traditionally election of a unity government,” he wrote on striking political shift for the Clintons, Republican-leaning states such as Georgia, Twitter. Maduro has vowed to see off attempts to who’ve long staked their electoral fortunes North Carolina and Arizona into play. “As an drive him from office. “We are not afraid of them,” on working class white voters. old duck hunter, I know the truth of the say- said Maduro’s most powerful ally, lawmaker Her husband won the White House in ing, ‘You gotta hunt where the ducks are at,’ Diosdado Cabello on Monday. “We are going to 1992 by wooing Southern swing voters in “said Paul Begala, who helped engineer check the signatures one by one.” places such as Kentucky, West Virginia and Clinton’s victory in 1992. “President Obama Tennessee, and Hillary Clinton swept all understood this, as does Secretary Clinton.” Bias claims three states in her primary run in 2008 But at the same time, Clinton’s long his- Maduro’s opponents are racing to hold a recall against then-Illinois Sen Barack Obama. tory with the region means she and her hus- referendum before the end of the year. Under Eight years later, Trump’s connection with band aren’t willing to give up on places such Venezuela’s constitution, after January 2017 a suc- those voters could pose a threat to Clinton as Ashland. Her campaign explained her cessful recall vote would transfer power to Maduro’s not only in the coal mining communities swing through the coal-mining region, vice president rather than trigger new elections. The of Appalachia she visited on Monday, but which continued yesterday with stops in constitution gives the authorities five days to count also in parts of the Rust Belt and upper West Virginia and Ohio, as one that high- the signatures collected by the opposition and five Midwest hit hard by the decline of domes- lights her willingness to speak to the entire days to verify them. But electoral board official Tania tic manufacturing. country - even those people who don’t sup- D’Amelio suggested Sunday that process would port her bid. Aides say she’s unlikely to win begin only once the full 30 days allotted for circulat- Demographic realities either Kentucky or West Virginia in the pri- ing the petition had lapsed-in late May. “I know that my chances are pretty diffi- maries later this month or the general elec- The opposition accused her of bias in favor of cult to be honest,” said Clinton, who vowed tion next fall. — AP Maduro. It said there is no need to wait because it had already gathered more than the required 200,000 signatures “in record time.” If the elec- toral board accepts the signatures as valid-far from a sure bet-the opposition will then have to collect four million more for the board to organ- ize the vote. “We’ll achieve that in record time, too,” said Torrealba. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, MUD’s presidential candidate in 2013, said: “The referendum is ours, and it’s the way to achieve the political change the country needs to CARACAS: Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro greets supporters during a march escape this situation.” to mark International Workers’ Day in Caracas. — AFP Beer dispute Saturday, saying it had run out of barley. Maduro on ages of food and basic goods like toilet paper due Maduro’s government has taken a series of dras- Sunday ordered the state takeover of any compa- to a lack of foreign currency. The economy has been tic measures to deal with the electricity crisis: four- nies that halt production over what he insists are in recession since 2013 and shrank 5.7 percent last hour daily blackouts across most of the country, a trumped-up shortages invented by wealthy elites year. The government said inflation came in at more two-day public-sector workweek and school clo- plotting against him. Inspectors visited two Polar than 180 percent in 2015. Analysts estimate the sures on Fridays. The power cuts sparked riots and breweries and several distribution centers Monday, actual inflation rate is much higher. The looting last week in Venezuela’s second-largest city, escorted by soldiers, a source at the company said. International Monetary Fund forecasts it will hit 700 Maracaibo. On Sunday, the country also set its Once-booming Venezuela, which has the world’s percent this year. Maduro was elected president by WILLIAMSON: Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at clocks forward half an hour to curb evening elec- largest proven oil reserves, has plunged into eco- a razor-thin margin in 2013. A recent poll found that Williamson Health and Wellness Center in Williamson, W Va on Monday, tricity demand. The country’s biggest beermaker, nomic chaos as global crude prices have collapsed. more than two thirds of Venezuelans want him to May 2, 2016. — AP Polar, stopped production at four breweries The import-dependent country faces acute short- leave office. — AFP Trump eyes knockout blow against Ted Cruz in Indiana

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump is aiming going to be in Indiana-because if we win Trump falls short of a majority. Trump has for a thumping victory in Indiana to Indiana it’s over with folks, it’s over with. so far amassed 1,002 delegates, according squelch lingering doubts about his viabili- And then we focus on Hillary Clinton.” A to CNN’s tally. He needs just under half of ty as the Republican presidential nominee new NBC poll showed Trump 15 percent- the 502 in play in the remaining 10 con- and pivot toward presumptive age points ahead of Cruz, fresh evidence tests to lock in the nomination. The map Democratic standard-bearer Hillary that the Texas senator’s bid to block currently favors the billionaire, who is Clinton. The “stop Trump” movement faces Trump was under threat. Cruz was count- polling well ahead in the largest states yet a moment of truth in the Midwestern ing on Indiana acting as a Trump firewall, to vote, California and New Jersey. state, as the campaign of chief challenger blocking him from receiving the 1,237 With momentum favoring Trump-he Ted Cruz struggles to win over voters delegates necessary to secure the nomi- has won the last six contests-Cruz put on a ahead of its potentially decisive primary. nation at the Republican convention in brave face, telling reporters he would stay Polls open at 6:00 am (1000 GMT), and Cleveland in July. in the race regardless of the Indiana out- Trump urged voters in The Hoosier State Mathematically eliminated from win- come. “I am in for the distance,” Cruz said. to help him secure victory over Cruz. ning outright, Cruz’s goal is to snatch vic- “As long as we have a viable path to victo- “We have to put him away tomorrow tory on a second ballot, when most dele- ry, I am competing to the end.” The under- folks,” Trump told a crowd in South Bend gates become free to vote for whomever dog endured an awkward encounter in on the eve of the vote. “The biggie is they choose-but which will only be held if Marion, Indiana when he engaged Trump supporters who called on him to drop out. “You are the problem,” said a man holding a Trump sign, just inches from Cruz. “Indiana don’t want you.” “Are you Canadian?” one of them challenged, refer- ring to Cruz’s birth in Calgary-a frequent line of attack for Trump. Should the conservative senator fall short in Indiana, even his supporters see an extremely steep road ahead. Indiana’s primary awards 30 delegates to the state’s winner. The remaining 27 are awarded three each to the winner of the state’s nine congressional districts. If Trump sweeps the state, “it could be over,” former Cruz spokesman Rick Tyler acknowledged on MSNBC. But if Cruz pulls off an upset, he would be strongly positioned in California, Tyler noted, cit- ing Cruz’s formidable ground game and WESTFIELD: Heidi Cruz, wife of Republican presidential candidate, Sen Ted superior organization in The Golden Cruz, R-Texas, talks with supporters during a campaign stop at Lincoln State, which votes June 7 on the final day Square Pancake House yesterday in Westfield, Ind. — AP of the Republican race. — AFP Fingernails spotted in trash led to arrest of alleged killer

LOS ANGELES: A serial killer preying on District Attorney Beth Silverman said trash bag holding Peters’ body. vulnerable young black women on the during closing arguments in Los But defense lawyer Seymour Amster rough streets of south Los Angeles Angeles Superior Court. “All of them said that prosecutors had built a cir- eluded police for two decades until cruelly murdered by that man.” cumstantial case using inferior science someone rifling through a dumpster in Franklin, 63, a former garbage col- and that patterns they attempted to 2007 noticed red fingernails poking out lector who also worked as a mechanic show were nothing more than illusions. of a garbage bag. Inside was the body for the Los Angeles Police He compared government work on the of Janecia Peters that provided clues Department, could face the death case to a rancher who calls himself a connecting her slaying to nine others penalty if convicted of the slayings of marksman after drawing bullseyes and eventually led to the arrest of a sus- a 15-year-old girl and nine young around bullet holes in his barn. Amster, pect in the “Grim Sleeper” slayings. women. He has pleaded not guilty to who continued his argument yesterday, A prosecutor displayed charts, dia- murder, and to attempted murder in said Franklin was obsessed with sex grams, photos and DNA test results to the case of a woman who survived. and could have innocently spread his jurors Monday to make her case that Silverman spent hours discussing how DNA to the breasts of murder victims Lonnie Franklin Jr. was a killer hiding in ballistics tests showed that most of because he often gave women bras plain sight as he shot and strangled the women had been killed by the and other garments. “His DNA is proba- women, many prostitutes, and dumped same gun, their bodies deposited in bly on more women out there than their bodies in alleys not far from his similar places and Franklin’s DNA was we’ll ever know,” Amster said, noting it home. “Ten young women,” Deputy found on victims and the zip tie of the wasn’t a morality case. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Turkish committee clears contentious bill following brawl Punches thrown; water bottles hurled

ANKARA: Punches were thrown and Pro-Kurdish legislator Mithat Sancar rights, denies accusations that it is the water bottles were hurled, but a Turkish was heard saying the party “would not political arm of the outlawed Kurdistan parliamentary committee has approved be part of this theater that is being Workers’ Party, or PKK. It has called on a contentious ruling-party proposal to staged,” before he and his colleagues left the government to end security forces’ strip legislators of their immunity from the meeting. The amendment, which still operations in the southeast to resume prosecution. The proposed constitu- needs to be approved by the full assem- peace efforts. The PKK is considered a tional amendment, which could pave bly, was proposed by the ruling party, terror organization by Turkey and its the way for the trial of several pro- after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Western allies. Kurdish legislators on terror-related accused the pro-Kurdish party, People’s Although the measure would lift the charges, was cleared by the committee Democratic Party, HDP, of being an arm legal immunities of all lawmakers who late on Monday. of outlawed Kurdish rebels and repeat- have legal cases pending against them, Pro-Kurdish party lawmakers walked edly called for their prosecution. critics say the proposed amendment out of the meeting following the brawl, The move comes amid a surge of vio- particularly aims to oust HDP lawmakers which left one legislator with a dislocat- lence in Turkey’s southeast after a fragile, from parliament. The party’s two co- ed shoulder and a second with a blood- more than 2-year-old peace process with leaders, Selahattin Demirtas and Figen ied nose. Video filmed by legislators the rebels collapsed. Hundreds of peo- Yuksekdag, face possible prosecution inside the committee room showed law- ple, including close to 400 security force for making statements last year in sup- makers throwing water bottles at each members, have died in the renewed port of calls for Kurdish self-rule in other and engaging in fist-fights. One fighting, which also displaced tens of southeastern Turkey. Five legislators legislator jumped into the fight from a thousands of people and left some were hurt last week on the first day of table top and another was seen kicking towns and districts in ruins. The HDP, the discussions on the amendment, ANKARA: Photo shows Turkish lawmakers pushing each other after a brawl an opponent. which backs Kurdish and other minority which also ended in a fight. — AP erupted on the Assembly floor in Ankara, Turkey. — AP

Armed with radios, C Africa villages combat LRA rebels

OBO: “Charlie Six, India One here... we’re rebel deserters, assuring them they will be going to begin the check-in,” says radio looked after if they do flee. “All the chiefs operator Joanick from his small studio in have radios in the bush,” said 17-year-old Obo, calling out to the surrounding vil- Solange, who arrived in Obo after five lages in southeast Central African years of a forced marriage to a LRA leader. Republic. It’s a daily meeting at dawn, She said the LRA rebels would gather their when each village informs the base if it captives around the radio and tell them has been hit by an attack from rebels of the messages were lies, “but no one was the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) who have fooled.” Solange added that it was partly fled to the restive CAR after being driven due to the radio messages that she mus- out of Uganda. Obo, a small community of tered the courage to escape the clutches huts made from ochre-colored earth, is of the rebels. near the border with South Sudan and has little contact with the government in the Wanted for war crimes far-off capital, Bangui. Since January, the LRA has abducted Unlike much of the CAR, which was more than 200 people in the CAR, a quar- torn apart by sectarian violence between ter of them children, already double the the mainly-Muslim ex-Seleka rebels and number of kidnappings in 2015, accord- Christian vigilante groups, this isolated ing to a rights groups project called LRA corner of the country is battling a different Crisis Tracker. LRA rebels operate in small danger: renegade LRA fighters. So the groups throughout the immense forest people here have taken security into their that extends across the CAR and neigh- own hands, and have become a bit high- boring South Sudan and the Democratic tech. Since 2010, the US charity Invisible Republic of Congo. “They are well armed Children has given the village chiefs high- and especially skilled at hiding in the for- frequency radios and satellite telephones. est which is their playground,” Captain Koni Zeze said. NAIROBI: The body of a female lies trapped between collapsed slabs of concrete as rescuers search for bodies trapped in rubble ‘Any kidnappings?’ US fighter planes and helicopters at the scene of a collapsed residential building in the low-income suburb of Huruma in Nairobi. — AFP In the Obo radio studio, suddenly a which make frequent rounds in the area report of an attack comes in from Dembia, and transport soldiers to the attacked vil- a few kilometres to the west. A group of lages have not been able to neutralize the Baby pulled out alive 3 days assailants entered the village, stealing LRA fighters. US forces have for years been everything in the shops and burning down hunting the fugitive LRA leader, Joseph homes. “Burnt homes, okay.” Joanick con- Kony, indicted by the International after Kenya building collapse firms what he’s just heard and asks: “Any Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes kidnappings?” “They captured three farm- against humanity, including enlisting ers,” the Dembia operator answers, but child soldiers, rape, sexual enslavement At least 21 confirmed dead in collapse so far then adds that they were later released. and pillage. Under pressure from the Immediately an alert is sent to a small Americans, the CAR’s newly-elected NAIROBI: Rescue workers pulled out a one-year- capital had almost 3.5 million people in 2011, Kenya’s president ordered other buildings to be contingent of Centrafrican soldiers and President Faustin Touadera in late March old girl from the rubble of a building in Kenya’s cap- about a third bigger than a decade earlier, accord- surveyed to ensure they were safe. two foreign forces based in Obo to fight paid a visit to Obo, the first time the coun- ital yesterday more than three days after it col- ing to UN figures. Governments have struggled to Rescue workers had said on Monday that the the LRA: the Ugandan army, the main con- try’s head of state has been there since lapsed following days of heavy rain. At least 21 peo- provide basic infrastructure and bureaucratic chances of finding more survivors was unlikely. tingent of a regional African Union mission, independence from France in 1960. ple have so far been confirmed dead after the six- processes to ensure planning rules are met. Many About 136 people have already been saved from and an elite US unit which provides logisti- One notorious LRA commander, storey residential block in Nairobi’s poor Huruma Kenyans who come to the city in search of work the wreck. Dozens of other people are still listed cal support. “As soon as we are informed, Dominic Ongwen, has surrendered and district crumbled on Friday night. Police are ques- end up in one of several slums, such as Kibera, as missing, Red Cross spokeswoman Arnolda the three armies get together to decide on was handed over to the ICC in The Hague, tioning the owners after President Uhuru Kenyatta made up of makeshift homes of wood and corru- Shiundu said, adding it was not clear how many a plan of action,” said Centrafrican Captain where he will face a war crimes trial. ordered them detained. “The child, who had been gated iron sheets. of those had escaped but had not yet been Petro Koni Zeze, explaining that usually the According to the United Nations, the LRA buried for about 80 hours, was found in a bucket Others live in slightly better off but still poor traced. Similar disasters have afflicted other forces closest to the scene of the attack will killed more than 100,000 people and kid- wrapped in a blanket. She appeared dehydrated, districts, like Huruma, where concrete buildings African conurbations. In 2014, a church in Lagos, intervene. The people in the region listen napped over 60,000 children, after first and with no visible physical injuries,” the Kenya Red have risen rapidly amid potholed roads and ropey one of Africa’s biggest cities, collapsed killing 115 to a network of FM radio stations support- emerging in northern Uganda in the late Cross said in a statement. The fate of her parents power supplies. Heavy rains have caused other col- people. A Nigerian coroner last year blamed poor ed by organizations like Invisible Children 1980s. Remnants of the rebel force and its was not clear. The girl was being treated in hospital. lapses in Nairobi but without such high death tolls. construction. Poor and illegal construction has and Catholic Relief Services, which broad- elusive leader have been driven out of The collapse of the building was the latest such The Interior Ministry said the Huruma building had also often been blamed for the crumbling of cast messages about the LRA and also Uganda and now operate in neighboring disaster in a fast expanding African city that is been earmarked for demolition as it was built close apartment blocks in Egypt, where almost all some directed at their fighters. countries. Kony, who claims to possess struggling to build homes fast enough. Like many to a river, but the order had not been carried out Egyptians are crammed into the crowded Nile “When going to look for sticks to make mystical religious powers, has long been other cities in Africa, the population of Nairobi has by local officials. It urged developers to adhere to Valley and buildings are often extended with fires, run away. When going out for water, reported to be based in the Sudanese- climbed dramatically in recent years. The Kenyan safety standards. After visiting the site on Saturday, extra floors piled on top. — Reuters run away,” advises one message aimed at controlled Kafia Kingi enclave. — AFP France controversial labor reform reaches parliament

PARIS: The French government’s contested labor bracing for fresh clashes with protesters after many movement, which has grown to encompass a reform bill finally reached parliament yesterday, of the demonstrations against the bill descended range of causes. having sparked two months of mass protests, but into violence. Christophe Sirugue, the Socialist lawmaker pre- neither employers nor unions are happy. The gov- Authorities believe troublemakers-the so- senting the bill to parliament, said last week that ernment says the bill is designed to unlock France’s called “casseurs”, or breakers have mingled with several points still needed “clarification” but that he rigid labor market and cut stubbornly high unem- protesters to foment clashes with riot police. expected the bill to pass. Among the key remaining ployment of around 10 percent-the issue that has Demonstrators on the other hand accuse the sticking points in the bill are measures to make it dogged Socialist President Francois Hollande’s four police of heavy-handedness which they claim is easier to lay off workers in lean times, and whether years in power. But since March 9, hundreds of fuelling the violence. Participation in the demon- employers should be allowed to shed staff if their thousands of people in cities around France have strations reached its peak on March 31 with near- company is doing badly in France, even if its opera- demonstrated against what they see as a reform ly 400,000 people on the streets. In protests last tions abroad are successful. Hollande continues to MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) meets with United Nations weighed in favor of businesses. Thursday, those numbers had fallen to 170,000. face opposition from within his own party. A group envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura in Moscow yesterday. — AFP With 12 months until the presidential election, The reform was also the central theme of the tra- of Socialist lawmakers complained Monday that the the bill is likely to be the last of its size to be intro- ditional May 1 workers’ march in Paris, which package “is not in line with the reforms that one Efforts to save Syrian duced by Hollande’s government. It also has the descended into clashes between masked pro- expects from a government of the left”. “This bill is unenviable record of being the reform that has testers and police. Opposition to the bill also not useful for France or for the common good,” they brought the most Socialist supporters onto the inspired the “Nuit Debout”, or “Up All Night” said in a statement. — AFP truce shift to Moscow streets during Hollande’s rocky time in office. As lawmakers begin to examine the bill, unions and MOSCOW: Efforts to salvage Syria’s ceasefire fighting has killed more than 250 people. student organizations held another demonstration were to shift to Moscow yesterday as the Kerry accused President Bashar Al-Assad’s outside the National Assembly parliament building. country’s second city of Aleppo reeled from a regime of deliberately targeting three clinics Unions fear it will erode the cherished rights of week of fighting that killed hundreds of civil- and a major hospital last week. “The attack on workers on full-time contracts, while student ians. A day after US Secretary of State John this hospital is unconscionable,” he said. “And it organizations-who have been at the forefront of Kerry launched a desperate push in Geneva to has to stop.” There was a relative lull in the the protests-believe it will fail to create “real” jobs breathe life into the stuttering truce, Russian unrest later Monday, allowing some residents for young people. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was to meet to venture out into the streets, AFP’s corre- the UN envoy Staffan de Mistura in the Russian spondents in Aleppo said, with some even ‘Labor market needs unlocking’ capital. The two-month old ceasefire brokered opening up shops. In response to the opposition, the government by the United States and Russia is under Greengrocer Abu Nazem said he had not has watered down its original proposals, with the severe threat and Kerry said on Monday that worked all of last week out of fear of air raids. “I result that employers are now worried. Pierre Washington and Moscow had made progress decided to come back to work today but Gattaz, the head of the employers’ federation in trying to contain the bloodshed. Kerry gave despite the calm I am still afraid. Sometimes I Medef, said the reform worried his members and some of his most downbeat comments yet hear motorbikes going past and I dive for cov- “will fail to create jobs”. “In its current state, the bill after meeting de Mistura in Geneva, saying the er because I think it’s a military plane,” he said. really scares us,” he told RTL radio. “I would really conflict was “in many ways out of control and Kerry said a bolstered group of ceasefire moni- like the lawmakers to go back to the initial spirit of deeply disturbing”. tors will track violations “24 hours a day, seven the bill. “This labor market needs to be unlocked. The US and Russia have agreed to bolster days a week.” A senior US diplomat, speaking The whole world says so, Brussels says so and all the the number of Geneva-based ceasefire moni- on condition of anonymity, said the US, Russia international organizations say so,” he said. Labor tors, Kerry told reporters, pledging to work “in and the UN have moved forward on a new Minister Myriam El Khomri will attempt to address the next hours” to rein in violence on the ceasefire mechanism for Aleppo, but a deal those concerns when she speaks to parliament at PARIS: Students demonstrate against a labor bill that would make it easier to lay off workers ground. In and around Aleppo, a week of was not complete. — AFP the start of the debate around 1500 GMT. Police are and weaken some union powers yesterday in Paris. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

New hit-list threatens Bangladeshi teachers, politicians

DHAKA: Bangladesh police were yester- Islamist militants. The Islami Liberation the university since Siddique’s murder day investigating a new hit-list that Front said its objectives were to establish on April 23, demanding justice and the includes the head of a university, jour- an Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh by arrest of the killers. “The killers must be nalists and ruling party officials, after a toppling what it called the “repressive” brought to book immediately. The gov- series of gruesome killings. Police said government. ernment must protect the teachers and they were taking seriously the threat to Police in the city of Rajshahi said they liberal voices as we’re all feeling inse- kill 10 people listed in a leaflet that was had provided security for those named cure,” the head of Rajshahi University sent to a press club in the northwestern and were investigating the authenticity Teachers Association, Shahid Ullah said. town of Natore on Monday by a hitherto of the threat. “We’re giving special atten- Bangladesh’s government has been unknown group. Among those named tion to these people,” deputy chief of criticized for not doing enough to stem was the head of Rajshahi University, Rajshahi police Sardar Tamizuddin the tide of violence, with at least 30 where a liberal professor was hacked to Ahmed said. Police said more than 1,000 members of religious minorities, secular death by suspected Islamists less than students and teachers and students ral- bloggers and other liberal activists, for- two weeks ago. lied on the Rajshahi University campus eigners and intellectuals murdered in “The leaflet bears the name of Islami on Tuesday to protest at the murder of the past three years. It has rejected Liberation Front. It said it has launched a English professor Rezaul Karim Siddique, claims of outside involvement in the mission to kill the 10 people” Natore who was a poet and leading cultural killings, saying neither the IS group nor police chief Shymal Kumar Mukherjee activist. Al-Qaeda have a presence in the country. said. “We don’t know anything about this Shortly after his killing, which has Both the government and the police group. There are no previous informa- been claimed by the Islamic State group, blame banned local militant groups for tion about this group. We have taken the two gay activists were hacked to death the attacks. A long-running political cri- RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh: Bangladeshi students take part in a protest against the matter seriously,” he said. The Muslim- elsewhere. Their killings were subse- sis in officially secular Bangladesh has killing of a university professor in Rajshahi yesterday. Bangladesh police are majority nation is reeling from a string of quently claimed by a Bangladeshi radicalized opponents of the govern- investigating a new hit-list that includes the head of a university, journalists killings of secular and liberal activists branch of Al-Qaeda. Teachers and stu- ment and analysts say Islamist extrem- and ruling party officials, after a series of gruesome killings. — AFP and religious minorities by suspected dents have been boycotting classes at ists pose a growing danger. — AFP Christian home targeted in Bangladesh bomb attack

DHAKA: Unidentified attackers hurled crude Islamist violence. The Islamic State group bombs at the home of a Christian family in claimed responsibility for the hacking to death Bangladesh yesterday leaving two people on Saturday of a 50-year-old Hindu tailor by injured, police said, amid rising attacks on reli- three unknown attackers. The jihadist group said gious minorities in the Muslim-majority nation. the tailor “was known for blaspheming the The attackers targeted the home just after mid- Prophet Mohammed”. Two gay activists were night in the mainly Christian hamlet in also hacked to death last week, attacks claimed Bangladesh’s western Chuadanga area, injuring by a Bangladeshi branch of Al-Qaeda, while a lib- 45-year-old Alam Mondol on his verandah. eral English professor was killed days earlier. Local villagers tried to chase away the attack- Suspected Islamists have murdered at least 30 ers who retaliated by throwing more of the members of religious minorities, secular bloggers small, homemade bombs, injuring another man. and other liberal activists, foreigners and intellec- “Mondol was injured after (wooden) splinters hit tuals in Bangladesh in the past three years. The his left hand and hip,” local police chief Liaqat government denies that IS and Al-Qaeda are Hossain said. “Both the injured are Christians,” behind the attacks, saying they have no known Hossain said. Another officer, Chuadanga district presence in Bangladesh. The secular government chief Rashidul Hasan, said police suspect and the police have instead blamed local banned “attempted robbery” as the motive after the militant groups for the attacks. A long-running attackers “tried to break into his house and political crisis in officially secular Bangladesh has demand money”. radicalized opponents of the government and But the attack comes amid a string of mur- analysts say Islamist extremists pose a growing ders of Christians, Hindus and members of other danger. Christians and Hindus make up less than religious minorities across the country by sus- 10 percent of Bangladesh’s 160 million popula- pected militants, as Bangladesh reels from rising tion of mainly Sunni Muslims. — AFP Singapore detains Bangladeshis suspected of Islamic State links SINGAPORE: Singapore has detained eight to be based, it said. They made plans to “over- NEW DELHI: Indian residents receive free food donated by a community kitchen on a hot afternoon in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP Bangladeshi workers on suspicion of planning throw the democratically elected government attacks linked to the Islamic State group in their through the use of force, establish an Islamic home country, authorities said yesterday. The State in Bangladesh and bring it under ISIS’ self- Ministry of Home Affairs said the eight con- declared caliphate,” it added, using another Parts of India ban struction and marine workers were detained acronym for the Islamic State group. last month for allegedly being members of the “The group had also raised monies to pur- group Islamic State in Bangladesh and are cur- chase firearms to carry out their planned terror rently under investigation. It said they were attacks in Bangladesh. The money has since arrested under the city-state’s Internal Security been seized,” it said. The ministry said an inves- Act, which allows for detention without trial in tigation revealed documents containing possi- daytime cooking cases where public safety is threatened. ble targets in Bangladesh and a list of govern- The ministry said the suspects had intended ment and military officials. It said the group’s to join the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria suspected leader, Rahman Mizanur, possessed More than 300 die of heat as foreign fighters but discovered that it would guides on making weapons and bombs and be difficult to make their way there. The group also radical material from the Islamic State PATNA: With sizzling temperatures claiming parts of the western states of Maharashtra and some 2,500 people died in scorching tempera- then focused on returning to Bangladesh, group and al-Qaida that he used to recruit the more than 300 lives this month in India, officials Gujarat, and overall officials say that groundwa- tures last year. Though heat waves are common where at least two more members are believed others. — AP said they were banning daytime cooking in some ter reservoirs are at just 22 percent capacity. during Indian summers, authorities have done parts of the drought-stricken country in a bid to In some areas, the situation is so bad the gov- little to ensure water security or prepare urban prevent accidental fires that have killed nearly 80 ernment has sent tankers of water for emergency populations for the risks. This year, Orissa’s capital more people. The eastern state of Bihar this week relief. Monsoon rains are still weeks away, expect- of Bhubaneshwar and Maharashtra’s city of took the unprecedented step of forbidding any ed to start only in June. At least 300 people have Nagpur joined Gujarat’s Ahmedabad in launch- cooking between 9 am and 6 pm, after acciden- died of heat-related illness this month, including ing a heat wave program to educate people on tal fires exacerbated by dry, hot and windy 110 in the state of Orissa, 137 in Telangana and how to stay cool, provide shelters and train med- weather swept through shantytowns and another 45 in Andhra Pradesh where tempera- ical workers on dealing with heat-related illness- thatched-roof houses in villages and killed 79 tures since the start of April have been hovering es like sun stroke and dehydration. But most people. They included 10 children and five adults around 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit). cities and states lack such programs. killed in a fire sparked during a Hindu prayer cer- That’s about 4-5 degrees Celsius (8-10 degrees This week, more than 150 leading Indian emony in Bihar’s Aurangabad district last week. Fahrenheit) hotter than normal for April, accord- economists, rights activists and academics People were instead told to cook to night. ing to state meteorological official YK Reddy. expressed their “collective anxiety about the Hoping to prevent more fires, officials have He predicted the situation would only get enormous suffering of the rural poor” in an open also barred burning spent crops or holding reli- worse in May, traditionally the hottest month in letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The letter gious fire rituals. Anyone defying the ban risks up India. The southern state of Andhra Pradesh is says the official response to the crisis has been to a year in jail. “We call this the fire season in running ads on TV and in newspapers urging “sadly listless, lacking in both urgency and com- Bihar,” Vyas, a state disaster management official people to stay indoors during the hottest hours. passion,” and urges Modi to restore funding for a who goes by one name, said Friday. “Strong, Construction and farm laborers are advised to government program guaranteeing 100 days of westerly winds stoke fires which spread easily seek shade when the sun is directly overhead. paid work a year for the poor and unemployed. and cause great damage.” Much of India is reeling Huge numbers of farmers, meanwhile, have While the monsoon is not expected until June, SINGAPORE: This undated photo shows eight detained Bangladeshi nationals (top under a weekslong heat wave and severe migrated to nearby cities and towns in search of weather experts hope there would be brief spells row left to right) Islam Shariful, Md Jabath Kysar Haje Norul Islam Sowdagar, Sohag drought conditions that have decimated crops, manual labor, often leaving elderly and young of light rain sooner. “The effect would last a few Ibrahim, Zzaman Daulat, (bottom row left to right) Sohel Hawlader Ismail Hawlader, killed livestock and left at least 330 million relatives behind in parched villages. days, before temperatures start rising again,” Rahman Minazur, Miah Rubel, and Mamun Leakot Ali who were arrested for alleged- Indians without enough water for their daily This is the second consecutive year southern Indian Meteorological Department spokesman B ly plotting terror attacks in their home country, in Singapore. — AFP needs. Rivers, lakes and dams have dried up in India has suffered from a deadly heat wave, after P Yadav said. — AP

Fire destroys hundreds of homes in Rohingya camp India police hunt man who sexually mutilated and YANGON: A major fire yesterday damaged or even though many can trace their ancestry back gen- smuggling routes. Last month at least 20 Muslims destroyed the homes of nearly 450 Rohingya Muslim erations. Faced with apartheid-like restrictions that from a Rakhine displacement camp drowned when murdered a student families living in a camp for people displaced by 2012 limit access to jobs, education and healthcare, thou- their boat capsized in choppy waters while it was trav- communal fighting in western Myanmar. The charred sands have braved perilous boat journeys in search of elling to a market in Sittwe. Passengers said they were NEW DELHI: India police are hunting a man who sexually mutilated remains of wooden shelters and twisted metal roofs better lives in Malaysia and Indonesia. An exodus last forced to take the dangerous sea route because and murdered a student, an officer said yesterday, an attack which were visible through a thick haze of smoke after the year sparked a regional crisis and a crackdown on authorities ban them from travelling by road. — AFP echoes the 2012 fatal gang-rape of a Delhi student that sparked mass fire broke out in the early morning, a stark reminder of protests. The 30-year-old university law student from a low social dire living conditions for over 100,000 Rohingya con- caste was attacked last Thursday at her home in the southern state of fined to bleak camps in Rakhine state. Authorities said Kerala, with her mother discovering her body in a pool of blood. a cooking stove caused the blaze at the Bawdupa “The suspect attacked and murdered her brutally and fled the camp near the state capital Sittwe, with strong winds scene quickly,” police inspector general Mahipal Yadav, who is head- believed to have spread flames from house to house in ing the investigation, said of the case reported on Tuesday in nation- the tinder-dry area. al newspapers. “There are indications that her intestines came out A local police officer said the fire was extinguished after severe violation by some foreign object,” Yadav said. He said after it charred 448 family dwellings. “We are still police suspect the victim was also raped but were awaiting a med- checking whether they were any injured. We do not ical report. Police also suspect the victim from the town of know yet how many people are now homeless but Perumbavoor, 220 kilometers north of state capital local authorities are working on it,” he said, asking not Thiruvananthapuram, knew her attacker because there was no signs to be named. Some 140,000 people, mainly Rohingya, of forced entry to her home, he said. have been trapped in the grim displacement camps India’s media drew comparisons yesterday with the attack on the since they were driven from their homes by waves of Delhi student who was raped by a gang of six including with an iron violence between Buddhists and minority Muslims rod as she returned home from the cinema. The horrific nature of that four years ago. The conflict left Rakhine state deeply crime drew global attention and unleashed seething public anger in scarred, effectively segregating communities on reli- India about high levels of sexual violence against its women. The inci- gious grounds and depressing the local economy. It dent led to an overhaul of India’s rape laws, including the speeding also stoked wider Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar, up of trials and tougher penalties for offenders, but high numbers of which has seen outbreaks of anti-Muslim bloodshed in assaults persist. The latest official figures show 36,735 rapes were other areas in recent years. reported across the country in 2014, although activists say the actual Rakhine’s Rohingya are labeled “Bengali” by hard- number is likely much higher with many crimes going unreported line Buddhists and many government officials, who BAWDUPA, Myanmar: Fire engulfs the Rohingya Muslim Bawdupa camp near Sittwe, Myanmar’s Rakhine due to the social stigma they attract. — AFP brand them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh state capital yesterday. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Details of North Korea Party congress secret, but goals clear

TOKYO: North Korea, the world’s last great “proudly joined the ranks of advanced master of socialist spectacle, is likely to deliv- nuclear and space powers while demonstrat- er a big one when its ruling party holds its ing the might of the invincible politico-ideo- first congress in 36 years later this week. logical, military and youth power and is now What exactly is in store during the congress, dashing ahead toward to a socialist econom- which opens Friday and will be presided over ic power and highly civilized nation.” by leader Kim Jong Un, remains a well-kept secret. But North Korea’s advances toward A big moment becoming a truly credible nuclear power are But while the congress promises to be a sure to be touted along with claims of eco- big moment in front of foreign cameras for nomic advances in the face of the toughest Kim, who has yet to venture abroad or meet global sanctions it has been hit with in with any world leaders, its larger significance decades. Also not in doubt: Pyongyang may be domestic. Delegates for the congress wants the event to grab headlines around will be brought in from all over the country the world. for the political theater aspect of the event. The normally well-sealed country has They will likely generate a seemingly endless invited a horde of journalists from around series of speeches hailing the party and its the world to give the congress an interna- accomplishments, and will be tasked with PYONGYANG: Photo shows participants for the Seventh Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) arriving at a rail- tional spotlight. The North has been promot- formally appointing members of some key way station in Pyongyang. — AFP ing it relentlessly for months in its own state leadership committees. That will provide Kim media and is vowing to make it a showcase the chance to get their formal stamp of ‘Party of victors’ paign” was held in which North Koreans Pyongyang citizens are still practicing in of socialist success - both on the military and approval on the lineup of lieutenants he has Even more so than usual, Pyongyang has from all walks of life were called on to squares across the city for rallies to mark the economic fronts. The Rodong Sinmun, almost certainly already decided upon. The been decked out with new posters, placards demonstrate their devotion to the regime congress, another typical way for the gov- mouthpiece of the ruling Workers Party of North has worked hard over the past several and decorations along its streets paying by boosting productivity and joining in ide- ernment to mobilize carefully orchestrated Korea, said in an editorial Saturday that since months to keep the event foremost in the homage to the “motherly party” and the ologically charged group events. The cam- and highly photogenic shows of popular the last congress in 1980, North Korea minds of the nation. “party of victors.” A 70-day “loyalty cam- paign ended on Monday, but masses of support and national unity. — AP A year on, Asia boat people trapped in desperate limbo

BAYEUN: One year after struggling ashore allowed in amid the crisis remain shut away during Southeast Asia’s human-trafficking cri- in an immigration centre, government offi- sis, Sonamia and hundreds of other desperate cials say. The United States has agreed to take Rohingya migrants remain in limbo, forgotten 52, but resettlement prospects for the rest footnotes as record numbers worldwide flee remain bleak, the UN High Commissioner for violence and persecution. Sonamia was Refugees (UNHCR) says. Several hundred among about 400 starving people plucked to Bangladeshis were also among the boat peo- safety off Indonesia from an overloaded ple but most have been labeled economic green boat that became emblematic of the migrants and are in various stages of being crisis, its emaciated passengers pleading for sent home. Last year’s crisis began when help as countries in the region rejected them Thailand discovered mass graves in a human- in an impasse that triggered global outrage. trafficking camp along its southern border Under pressure, Indonesia and Malaysia and launched a crackdown on the brutal net- eventually allowed Rohingya boat people to works that ferry migrants to Malaysia. land, pending resettlement within a year. But The traffickers subsequently abandoned none have been resettled, hundreds are boatloads of migrants at sea, leaving several stuck in camps and detention centres, and thousand to be rescued or swim ashore. some have once again risked their lives by Indonesia and Malaysia have not signed the taking to the high seas at the hands of peo- UN refugee convention, complicating the ple-smugglers. “I have learned to wait,” already difficult resettlement process. The Sonamia, who goes by one name said at a UNHCR says the process has become further temporary shelter in Bayeun village in paralyzed as Europe’s own migrant crisis Indonesia’s Aceh province. overwhelms countries that might normally The 42-year-old is still tormented by accept refugees. “When you see the number nightmares of what was termed an appalling of Syrians and others arriving by boat in game of human “ping-pong”, with boats Europe, and the crisis that the European bouncing between unwelcoming countries countries are facing there, resettlement out as food and water ran out. “I feel upset every of this region has to be seen in that context- time I recall that, because it felt like we were and it’s very, very difficult now,” Thomas SYDNEY: Participants hold a candle light vigil for an Iranian refugee, who died after setting himself on fire, in Sydney. — AFP not human,” he said. About 1,000 Rohingya, a Vargas, the UNHCR’s representative in Muslim minority that has fled persecution in Indonesia, told AFP. Australia blames advocates after mostly Buddhist Myanmar, were welcomed UNHCR officials-who complain they were ashore in staunchly Islamic Aceh, but only not consulted beforehand on the one-year around 300 remain. The rest are believed to resettlement deadline-say that timeframe have quietly sailed for Muslim-majority was unrealistic, especially given the long asylum seeker sets herself alight Malaysia attractive because of its relative refugee queues. Malaysia already has about affluence-where they face uncertainty as ille- 158,000 registered asylum-seekers, including Another asylum seeker sets herself alight on Nauru gal immigrants. 55,000 Rohingya, though most are believed to be content to earn money working illegally Bleak prospects rather than be resettled. Indonesia has more SYDNEY: Australia blamed refugee advocates abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism Australia’s tough offshore detention polices. In Malaysia, 371 Rohingya who were than 7,000 registered asylum-seekers. — AFP yesterday for “encouraging” asylum seekers held inside and outside Australia and have become a “These people have already been through a in remote camps towards acts of self-harm after major headache for Australian Prime Minister great deal, many have fled war and persecution, a woman set herself on fire, while the United Malcolm Turnbull during campaigning for likely some have already suffered trauma,” the office of Nations renewed its criticism of Australia’s harsh July elections. the United Nations High Commissioner for immigration policy. Australian officials said an Australia however has vowed there will be no Refugees in Australia said in a statement. “The unidentified 21-year-old Somali woman was in a change to the policy, which has been pursued consensus among medical experts is that condi- critical condition after she set herself alight at an by successive governments. Yesterday, tions of detention and offshore processing do Australian detention camp on the tiny South Immigration Minister Peter Dutton acknowl- immense damage to physical and mental Pacific island of Nauru on Monday, the second edged there had been a rise in cases of self- health,” it said. such incident in a week. A 23-year-old Iranian harm in the camps but accused refugee advo- A boat believed to be carrying asylum seek- man also set himself on fire last week in protest cates of giving the asylum seekers false hope ers from Sri Lanka had been intercepted near against his treatment on Nauru and later died. they would one day be settled in Australia. Her the remote Australian Indian Ocean territory The Somali woman has been transferred to said some advocates were “encouraging some of of the Cocos Islands, the Australian Australia for treatment, officials said. these people to behave in a certain way”. “The Broadcasting Corporation reported later. If Under Australia’s hardline immigration policy, recent behaviors in Nauru are not protests confirmed to be carrying asylum seekers, it asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach against living conditions. They aren’t protests would be the first such vessel to have arrived Australia after paying people smugglers are sent against health care, they aren’t protests against in Australian territory in almost two years. A for processing to camps on Nauru, which holds the lack of financial support,” Dutton told a news spokeswoman for Dutton’s office refused to about 500 people, and on Manus Island in Papua conference in Canberra. confirm or deny such a vessel had been inter- New Guinea. They are told they will never be set- cepted. The number of asylum seekers trying tled in Australia. The Papua New Guinea govern- ‘Immense damage’ to reach Australia is small compared with ment ordered the Manus Island camp, which However, the peak UN body for refugees said those arriving in Europe, but border security holds about 850 people, closed last week after such incidents in the camps, which hold asylum has long been a major political issue and will its Supreme Court ruled the facility unlawful. The seekers fleeing violence in the Middle East, almost certainly feature prominently again in BAYEUN: Photo shows a Rohingya family doing a video call with their family at the harsh conditions and reports of systemic child Afghanistan and South Asia, were a result of elections likely to be held in July. — Reuters Rohingya housing complex in Bayeun in East Aceh. — AFP

China investigates hospital dying India forest fires flare close student found on search engine

SHANGHAI: China’s health ministry fully cooperate with the investiga- to famous Shimla railway will investigate a hospital that a uni- tion. Reuters was not able to reach versity student turned to for cancer the hospital for comment. Baidu’s SHIMLA: Forest fires raging in India’s UNESCO world heritage site attracting said. Fires sweeping through pine- service to put out the fires,” senior treatment after seeking information shares dropped sharply after the Himalayan region crept perilously thousands of tourists each year. forested areas drew closer to at least police official Sanjay Kundu said. TV on the Baidu Inc search engine, a investigation was announced on fears close to a famous British-era railway “Our gangmen are keeping watch three towns across the northern state, footage showed a family in the hill sta- state health commission said yester- it may hit its advertising revenues track yesterday, as panicked residents over the fires and dousing the flames famed for its snowy peaks and flowing tion of Kasauli trying to extinguish day. The student, Wei Zexi, 21, died and that it could face a sharp fought off blazes threatening to engulf if they are too close to the track,” said rivers, while a boarding school was fires themselves using sticks and last month of a rare form of cancer response from regulators who are their homes. Dubbed the “toy train” Sanjay Parmar, a traffic inspector with forced to evacuate. water. “We were up all night,” a resi- and China’s Internet regulator said on keenly sensitive to healthcare-related and dotted with tiny wooden stations, Indian Railways. “Train services on the “An alert has been sounded across dent of Kasauli told NDTV television Monday it would investigate Baidu scandals. In a separate statement, the the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla rail- track have been delayed for two days the state and police, fire tenders and network. “We are trying to put out the over the case. Wei had searched ministry said an inter-agency team way in Himachal Pradesh state is a due to the fire around the track,” he volunteers have been pressed into fire on our own as there has been no Baidu for the best place for treat- would be set up to crack down on help from the authorities so far.” ment, finding a department under hospital ticket “scalpers” and online Usually mild lower parts of the state the Second Hospital of Beijing healthcare touts, a grey market of have seen temperatures soar to 42 C Armed Police Corps which offered an buying and selling access to health- (108 F), with the capital Shimla hitting experimental treatment that ulti- care which has drawn public anger. 29.8 C (86 F), about six degrees higher mately failed, state media reported The healthcare system is plagued than normal. this week. by touts trading appointment tickets Fires have also been raging in the The health ministry, along with outside hospitals and a murky world forests of neighboring Uttarakhand military health departments, would online of healthcare advertisements state where at least eight people have jointly investigate the hospital, the offering cheap medicine or access to died, local media reports said. Officials National Health and Family Planning unapproved or experimental proce- said it was unclear what started the Commission said in a short state- dures. Reuters reported in April ticket fires but their intensity has been ment on its website. The ministry did touts were defying a crackdown blamed on a severe drought gripping not give further details about the launched at the beginning of the central and western India. The coun- investigation but said the case had year, casting light on the scale of the try is suffering its worst water crisis in drawn widespread public attention. challenge China faces as it looks to years, with the government saying Before dying, Wei accused Baidu overhaul a creaking, under-funded about 330 million people are suffering online of promoting false medical public health system. The ministry from drought after the last two mon- information, and the hospital for mis- said it would speed up reforms, soons failed. The Kalka-Shimla railway, leading advertising in claiming a improve regulatory systems and which opened in 1903, follows a sce- high success rate for the treatment, standardize how operators published nic 96-kilometre (60-mile) route that state radio said. information to “get rid of the soil in includes 103 tunnels, travelling on a Baidu said in a statement it deeply which ticket scalpers and online winding track from the town of Kalka regretted Wei’s death, and it would touts survive”. — Reuters SHIMLA: An Indian resident looks over jungle where a wildfire broke out near the northern hill town of up to Shimla, the former summer capi- Shimla in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. — AFP tal during British rule. — AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

An Indian boy follows a herd of goats on a parched water pond in Kaushambi, nearly 25 km from Allahabad, India, yesterday. Much of India is reeling under a weeks-long heat wave and severe drought conditions that have decimated crops, killed livestock and left at least 330 million Indians without enough water for their daily needs. — AP IS kills US Navy SEAL Saudi minister ‘not satisfied’ with female...

Continued from Page 1 official total to more than 4,000. The coalition is carrying out Continued from Page 1 Watan newspaper was the latest alleging tens of thou- daily air strikes against IS, and while most American forces sands of layoffs and unpaid salaries at the firm, which Kurdish forces are deployed in Nineveh province, whose on the ground in Iraq play advisory and support roles, women, whose workforce participation - though still built some of the Gulf country’s landmarks. capital Mosul is IS’ main hub in the country. IS attacked the Washington has also deployed special forces to carry out relatively low - has risen over the past few years. But the Saudi Binladin Group confirmed to AFP that some peshmerga in multiple areas of northern Iraq yesterday in an raids against IS, and US Marines to provide artillery support. kingdom has some of the world’s toughest restrictions staff have been let go, but refused to provide any fig- attempt to “thwart the plan to liberate Mosul”, said Jabbar Two US military personnel had already been killed by the on females and is the only country where they are not ures. “The company promised to solve all the issues Yawar, the secretary general of the autonomous Kurdish jihadists in Iraq: An American Marine by rocket fire in March allowed to get behind the wheel. related to the wages,” Haqbani said. He did not confirm region’s peshmerga ministry. Iraq’s Joint Operations and a special forces soldier who died of wounds received With limited public transport, women must rely on the number of affected employees but said the min- Command said IS overran the Tal Asquf area and that the during a raid last October. relatives to transport them, or pay a driver if they can istry’s “top priority” is to ensure they get their salaries group employed suicide bombers. Obama repeatedly pledged that there would be no afford one. While Saudi women “are highly qualified” under the kingdom’s wage protection system. “Once we Tal Asquf is a small Christian town whose population fled “boots on the ground” to combat IS, but the administration and “ready to work”, the work environment “is not yet notice a company delaying the salaries we will... send in 2014. According to the Kurdistan Region Security Council, has since sought to define the term as meaning something that good for them” but will improve, Haqbani said on our inspectors,” Haqbani said. the town was “completely cleared” of IS fighters later yester- other than American forces being on the ground and in the sidelines of the Euromoney Saudi Arabia He said foreign workers facing wage problems can day. Romeo Hekari, who heads a Christian unit fighting IS combat. “They are wearing boots, and they are on the Conference. Asked whether allowing women to drive either stay with the company, transfer contracts to under peshmerga command, also said Tal Asquf was back ground, but that... doesn’t mean that they are in large-scale could help female employment, he said: “I don’t think another employer, or leave the country and assign under full control. The United States announced last month ground combat,” State Department spokesman John Kirby this is the reason for their participation” or not. someone to follow their case with the firm. “The pay- that it was deploying additional forces to Iraq, bringing the recently told journalists. — AFP The issue in all cases is not one for the labor ministry. ment will never be forgotten even if they leave the “What I care about is the labor, work environment” country... and we as a ministry of labor will continue Bribery for services rampant in Mideast which the ministry is trying to improve, he said. A new until we get the salaries of all the workers.” initiative called “telework” allows women in isolated Sources in March told AFP that delayed receipts from Continued from Page 1 the problem. Speaking to AP over the telephone, Middle regions to work remotely in major cities, Haqbani said, the Saudi government, whose oil revenues dropped sig- East regional coordinator for Transparency International without clarifying how this is achieved. Women’s partici- nificantly over the past two years, have left employees The poll results show that on average, almost one in Kinda Hattar said the institutions of justice and law pation in the industrial sector is also rising, he said. “So of the kingdom’s construction giants struggling while three people surveyed paid bribes in dealings with courts, enforcement should be the least corrupt because they we are trying to provide them with a good environment they wait for salaries. Saudi Binladin Group was also sus- while one in four paid bribes to police - and around half or should be the ones prosecuting corruption. “Unless the and less costly tools to encourage them to participate.” pended by the government from new public contracts more of those who paid bribes to the courts and police government and the state work for the independence of Haqbani also vowed yesterday to ensure the Binladin after a deadly crane accident in Makkah last September. had to pay multiple times. the judiciary ... then we will not be able to have a system Group keeps a promise to resolve wage issues, amid Staff at another Saudi construction giant, Saudi Oger About one in five people surveyed said they had to pay that builds trust with the people,” she said. reports of thousands at the building firm facing unpaid Ltd, have also complained of unpaid wages. Haqbani a bribe for public medical services. In Morocco, that figure Though only nine percent in Tunisia and four percent of salaries and layoffs. His comments followed a Saudi insisted the problem was not widespread. “We still have was 38 percent. Transparency International noted the case respondents in Jordan said they paid a bribe in the year newspaper report on Monday that Binladin Group, one many expats coming to the country. Two cases will nev- of a man who called the watchdog’s local anti-corruption preceding the survey, Hattar said there are often other of the world’s largest construction companies, was lay- er be able to represent the situation of the labor market hotline after he was told by a nurse to pay $60 in addition problems that exist in Mideast countries that cannot be ing off 77,000 foreign workers. The report in the Al- in Saudi Arabia,” he said. — Agencies to the hospital fee for his partially blind daughter to get an quantified and measured in surveys. One such issue, she urgent brain scan. He was advised to call the attorney gen- said, is nepotism, or what is known as a “wasta” in Arabic. eral’s office and two undercover officers returned with him Getting a job or gaining access to public services can No visa transfer from govt contracts... to the hospital, where the nurse was arrested and impris- depend on a person’s “wasta”, or relationship with someone oned for two months. who is well-connected. Continued from Page 1 committee completes its report. Head of the Assembly’s Around 30 percent of people polled in Lebanon said Report author Coralie Pring said the group was “particu- educational committee MP Awdah Al-Awdah said yes- they paid a bribe for public services, while a staggering 92 larly worried” about Lebanon, a country that has been with- As a result, the Assembly will discuss in its sessions terday the panel discussed with owners of some private percent said they thought corruption had increased. The out a president since May 2014, amid deep political divi- next week the copyright law, a draft law allowing the schools the issue of raising school fees. He said the dis- Lebanon part of the survey was conducted before an sions. “Across a number of different questions the public government to naturalize up to 4,000 stateless people cussions will be completed on Monday. The committee eight-month-long trash collection crisis erupted in July were very, very critical not only of government efforts in this year, the anti-money laundering law and others, MP also debated the private education draft law and will 2015. Thousands protested and campaigners blamed cor- fighting corruption but also of a perceived high level of cor- Lari said. He said the Assembly might discuss amend- complete it later. It also discussed articles of a draft law ruption and government paralysis for the delay in solving ruption across the public sector,” said Pring. — Agencies ments to the public tenders law if the financial affairs to regulate government universities. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Washington Watch US Jewish author Chabon takes on Israeli occupation

By Joe Dyke

merican author Michael Chabon’s Jewish identity has long been central to his work. From 2001’s APulitzer Prize-winning “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” - the story of two Jewish cousins before, during and after World War II - to 2007’s “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union”, Chabon’s novels have delved into what it means to be Jewish, especially in America. Like many American Jews, Chabon has also long felt a connection to Israel, visiting the country first in 1992 with his Israeli-born wife, fellow author Ayelet Waldman. But his most recent visit, which included a trip to the Palestinian territories with a number of prominent American authors, has raised hackles among some in the Jewish state. Its aim was to raise awareness of the effects of Opportunity, uncertainty await Leicester Israel’s occupation of the territories, an issue Chabon says should be of particular resonance to Jews. “Part of what By Tom Williams They were already guaranteed a slice of ences, meanwhile, have grown by an esti- ing the star-studded International Champions makes it uniquely horrible for me and what makes it dis- the Premier League’s eye-watering new £8 mated 23 percent. Cup friendly tournament in July and August. tinct from apartheid is it is being done by Jews. I am a Jew,” s Leicester City’s supporters awoke yes- billion television rights deal and But keeping their team intact will depend he told AFP by telephone after returning to the United terday, fuzzy of head and bleary of eye Champions League participation will bring Vultures on the club’s success in fending off interest in States following last month’s trip. after celebrating their fairytale Premier in up to £35 million, rising to around £50 Leicester are unsurprisingly popular in players such as Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, “(For) a people who went through such a horrific, pro- A League triumph, the club were already enter- million if they reach the knockout phase. Thailand, home of owners King Power, and are both of whom recently signed new contracts. longed persecution, to turn around and eventually oppress ing a new sporting and financial dimension. It Leicester’s surge to the Premier League now well placed to exploit the Premier “Not only do we have more money coming into another people at such a mass bureaucratic level is some- is estimated that Leicester’s 5,000-1 success summit saw their Facebook page grow by League’s expansion into new commercial the game from broadcast contracts next sea- how to me much more dismaying than apartheid - as horri- could be worth around £155 million ($227.5 540 percent, according to sports data and realms such as the United States and, in partic- son, so Premier League clubs will have more ble as apartheid was, and I am not trying to diminish it.” million) in revenue to the modest east marketing firm Repucom, which made it ular, China. Claudio Ranieri’s men will get their money at their disposal than ever before, but Chabon’s decision to become involved in campaigning Midlands club, up from £104.4 million for last one of the fastest-growing accounts in first taste of international exposure when they you’ve also got the influence of a major tourna- against the occupation was steered by Waldman after a visit year. The title, the first in Leicester’s 132-year global sport. Worldwide television audi- tackle Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain dur- ment in the summer (Euro 2016),” said Bridge. to the country of her birth two years ago. history, means Champions League football “Transfer activity is likely to be the highest next season and access to lucrative global in value terms that it has ever been. The chal- ‘Grievous Injustice’ sports markets, but it also brings with it a lenge for Leicester is, how do we keep hold of “She felt much more connected at a root level than she dizzying change of status. those players and how do we plan for the had ever expected,” he said. “In a way that was a dismaying “This is going to really elevate them, at future in a sustainable manner?” Club vice- moment for her. She felt ‘If I am going to feel at home least for one season, to the next level com- chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, here, then I also have to take on this occupation.’” Last mercially and you would expect that they’ll be known as Top, is adamant that Leicester will month’s tour saw writers including Dave Eggers and able to attract commercial sponsors that pre- not cede their stars, telling Channel 3 televi- Pulitzer winner Geraldine Brooks meet Palestinians in east viously weren’t available to them,” Tim Bridge sion in Thailand that they are “not the team Jerusalem, Hebron and villages near Ramallah. Eggers also from financial consultants Deloitte’s Sports that will sell players”. Leicester may need to travelled to the Gaza Strip. Business Group told AFP. “But there is a finan- tweak the shrewd recruitment model that saw Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and impos- cial cost - they’ll have to invest in players in Vardy and Mahrez acquired for a combined es a wide range of restrictions on its 2.5 million Palestinian order to compete in the Champions League, fee of just £1.4 million, but Top said that the residents. Several hundred thousand Israelis have also estab- they’re going to pay out financial bonuses for club had already contacted transfer targets. lished settlements in the territories which the United winning the league - so it isn’t just upsides.” England’s last first-time title-winners, Nations and much of the international community consider The improbability of Leicester’s achieve- Brian Clough’s feted 1977-78 Nottingham illegal. In an interview with Jewish American publication The ment in winning the world’s most popular Forest side, famously went on to lift the Forward after the visit, Chabon, 52, described the occupa- domestic football championship, a year after European Cup in the following two seasons. tion as the “most grievous injustice I’ve ever seen”. narrowly avoiding relegation, is laid bare by But the last unfancied team to win the title, Picked up by some Israeli media, his comments sparked the financial statistics. At around £57 million, Blackburn Rovers in 1995, collapsed to sev- widespread discussion online and much criticism. their squad cost an eighth of Manchester enth in the league the following season, Prominent pro-Israeli social media campaigner Arsen City’s - the most expensive in the division - crashed and burned in the Champions Ostrovsky said on Twitter that Chabon “clearly hasn’t seen and their estimated wage bill of £48.5 million League and were relegated four years later. much in his life then”. Author Jack Engelhard, writing for the ranks 17th out of the Premier League’s 20 Leicester’s ability to manage the flood of Arutz Sheva Israeli news website, called his comments “sick- clubs. Their ticket prices are concordantly commercial opportunities coming their way ening”, saying they smacked of “someone knocked silly from low, with a BBC study last year revealing that Leicester city fans celebrate outside the King Power Stadium in Leicester in and resist the vultures circling above their too much American indulgence”. Leicester’s lowest-priced £22 match-day tick- central England yesterday after the team won the English Premier League players will go a long way towards determin- Many in Israel - especially on the right - bristle at criticism et was the cheapest in the division. on Monday. — AFP ing which example they follow. — AFP of the country by some American Jews, accusing them of not understanding the daily realities of living in the Jewish state. But Chabon denied any hostility to Israel. “This idea of me being an enemy of Israel or hating Israel - I was so biased in favor of Israel, and I think still am on some level, that I was Journalists face murders but keep working prepared and preferred to ignore it (the occupation),” he said. “Because that is the only thing you can do if you want By Abdi Guled years in prison if found guilty under a law that Africa nation, according to the CPJ. The dead- reporters he felt did not portray the insurgents to hold on to your support in regard to Israel - you have to critics say Erdogan is using aggressively to muz- liest year for Somali journalists was 2012 when in a favorable light. He was one of the few pros- ignore it. The government knows that as well, so that is why or Abdiqadir Dulyar, simply reading mes- zle dissenting voices. “I am a member of one of 18 were killed. In 2015, three journalists were ecuted by the Somali government, which been they are working so hard to hide it and keep people, includ- sages sent to his phone can send shivers Turkey’s most populous clubs - the club of peo- killed, including Hindia Haji Mohamed, who urged for years by rights groups to do more to ing ordinary Israelis, from ever having to see it.” Fdown his spine. His voice breaks as he ple who have insulted Erdogan,” Belge said at worked for the state-run broadcasters and was protect journalists. reads a recent note: “Keep doing what you do, the end of the hearing. Close to 2,000 cases the widow of a slain journalist. She died in Despite relative stability in Mogadishu since Editing Book on Occupation and we shall come to give your well-deserved have been opened against people - including December when a bomb blew up her car, an the ouster of Shabaab in 2011, journalists say The tour was organized in conjunction with Breaking the award (death).” Dulyar, the Mogadishu director journalists - accused of insulting President attack claimed by the Islamic extremist group they still feel unsafe due to attacks by the mili- Silence, a group that provides a platform for military veter- for the Somali television station Horn Cable, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “The conditions are not Al-Shabaab. The murders of Somali media tants and threats from government officials. ans and serving soldiers to describe what they say are dis- said often the threats lead him to avoid going there for the Turkish media to celebrate this workers often happen in government-con- Although African Union troops have helped to turbing aspects of their service in operations in the West home and he stays at his office for weeks at a important day,” said Nazmi Bilgin, of the Turkish trolled areas that journalists generally consider push Islamist extremists out of all Somalia’s major Bank and wars in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister time. The 40-year-old journalist said his fear Journalists’ Association. “It is not possible to cel- safe, and reporters must watch their backs for cities, the rebels still carry out numerous attacks, Moshe Yaalon in March accused the group of treason, after heightened last week after unidentified gun- ebrate freedom when you are not free.” Bilgin attacks at all times. It does not help that they hampering the government’s efforts to rebuild they were alleged to have asked soldiers to disclose classi- men opened fire on a car carrying journalists said some 720 journalists had been fired so far often face hostility from the government, said the country. “There is the prospect of having a fied information. The organization denied the claims. working for his television station in Mogadishu, this year while more than 100,000 websites Human Rights Watch. There are signs that the Somali free from oppression, but threats and Chabon and Waldman will now edit a book written by although no one was hurt. have been blocked. Somali government is providing better protec- intimidations against journalists continue and it 25 prominent authors focusing on different aspects of dai- Somali journalists frequently receive threats tion for journalists. is very grim - no group or government likes our ly life under the Israeli occupation, with the proceeds and although many have been killed, police Somalia Last month, the government executed a work,” said Dulyar, the broadcast journalist. going to Breaking the Silence and a local Palestinian rarely investigate or provide adequate protec- In Somalia, which for years has been one of man convicted of assisting the murders of five Despite the dangers, Dulyar said he remains group. Israeli officials declined to comment on the visit. tion to reporters, according to Human Rights the most dangerous countries for media work- journalists. A former journalist himself, the man committed to journalism. “No matter what, I shall Chabon - whose last novel “Telegraph Avenue” was Watch, which marked World Press Freedom Day ers, 59 journalists have been killed since 1992, had joined Shabaab to work as their press liai- keep working,” he said. “I shall remain being a released in 2012 and who wrote lyrics for more than half Tuesday by issuing a report on the dangers soon after a civil war broke out in this horn of son and was known to have threatened messenger for the whole world.” — AP the songs on Mark Ronson’s last album - is the latest in a faced by Somali journalists . The deadliest coun- long line of cultural figures that have come out either in try for journalists in 2015 was Syria where 14 favor or against Israel’s policies. Artists such as former Pink were killed followed by France with nine deaths, Floyd star Roger Waters have called for new measures according to the Committee to Protect against the country, but Harry Potter author JK Rowling Journalists. Seventy-two journalists were killed has opposed a cultural boycott. — AFP in 2015 and 10 have been killed so far this year. In Turkey the country’s main journalism association said World Press Freedom Day was not a day of celebration but a day for reflection, All articles appearing on these solidarity and “finding a way out” of the rapidly pages are the personal opinion of deteriorating state of media freedoms in the the writers. Kuwait Times takes no country. Since January, the government seized Turkey’s largest circulation opposition newspa- responsibility for views expressed per, two journalists were put on trial for spying therein. Kuwait Times invites read- for their reports on alleged government arms ers to voice their opinions. Please smuggling to Syrian rebels and several pro- send submissions via email to: opin- Kurdish journalists were detained over their reports on the fighting between government [email protected] or via snail forces and the Kurdish rebels. mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Yesterday, Turkish academic and columnist The editor reserves the right to edit Murat Belge went on trial accused of insulting Erdogan in a column that suggested that the In this April 11, 2016 photo, Hassan Hanafi Haji, a former journalist accused of belonging to Al-Shabaab and any submission as necessary. Turkish leader reignited a conflict against involvement in the killings of five Somali journalists, is tied to a wooden post as he is prepared to be executed by fir- Kurdish rebels for electoral gains. He faces four ing squad, at a police academy in the capital Mogadishu. — AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 SPORTS

FIFA extend Sakho’s Injured Marsh latest Hughes insists Crouch a anti-doping ban Australian to leave IPL vital player for Stoke LONDON: Liverpool and France defender Mamadou Sakho’s 30-day suspension MELBOURNE: Shaun Marsh has become the third Australian SUNDERLAND: Striker Peter Crouch is still an invaluable member of the for failing an anti-doping test has been extended worldwide by world soccer’s test player in three days to head home from the Indian Stoke City team despite his limited playing time this season, manager Mark governing body FIFA. The 26-year-old was banned for 30 days by European Premier League after suffering a back injury playing for Kings Hughes has said. Crouch has dropped down the pecking order behind the football governing body UEFA after testing positive for an illegal substance fol- XI Punjab. Marsh’s younger brother Mitchell pulled out of likes of Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic and has made just three Premier lowing Liverpool’s Europa League tie against Manchester United on March 17. the glitzy Twenty20 tournament with a side strain on Sunday, League starts this term, but played a key role in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with rel- The new suspension covered all games, including domestic, international, with captain Steve Smith following on Monday with a wrist egation-threatened Sunderland. The 35-year-old set up Arnautovic for friendly and official fixtures, FIFA said in a statement, and came injury. Left-handed batsman Marsh has been sore since a six- Stoke’s opening goal, and Hughes praised his attitude and said he wasn’t on top of UEFA’s original European ban. France’s RMC radio wicket loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19, Cricket surprised by the work ethic he had shown. “Peter was really influ- reported in April that the centre back had tested positive Australia said on its website (cricket.com.au). Marsh’s next ential against Sunderland,” the manager said. “I was really for a fat-burning substance. His suspension is provisional chance of international duty is Australia’s three-test tour of Sri pleased with his performance.” Crouch is yet to score in the on an investigation by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Lanka in July and August. His brother Mitchell and Smith are Premier League this term, but Hughes indicated that his bar- Disciplinary body, which is yet to announce the date of his due to play a triangular one-day tournament in the Caribbean ren spell was down to a lack of first team opportunities. “I’ve hearing. Sakho chose not to challenge the results of his next month. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will host India for three disappointed him this season because we’ve brought players original positive test and did not ask for an analysis of his B one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches in June, in and I’ve given players game time ahead of him just because sample. The player, who has featured in 34 games for the country’s cricket board said yesterday. All the matches will they needed integrating into the Premier League,” Liverpool in all competitions this season, was dropped by be played at Harare Sports Club with the ODIs scheduled to Hughes added. “Peter has probably missed out on a number of occasions as a consequence of that, but the club as soon as it was informed of the investiga- be played between June 11-15 and the Twenty20s between whenever you call upon him he still gives every- tion by UEFA. —Reuters June 18-22.—Reuters thing he’s got,” he said.—Reuters

Wings for Life World Run Activation with Daniel Ricciardo 2015 Australia - Melbourne. Wings for life World Run. Record breakers, athletes, supporters of the cause Run for Those Who Can’t Wings for Life World Run

DUBAI: Participants from all walks of life will be race and this year, the ground breaking global Kuwait’s Red Bull athletes Mohammed Norway’s stunning track, participating in Dubai. running for those who can’t at the upcoming charity run will take place in more than 34 Burbayea (Jet Ski) and Mansour Al Safran (BMX), Wings for Life World Run, which is an annual countries in six continents. In the region, Dubai are eagerly participating in the run this year, RAISE AWARENESS event organized by Red Bull. Last year, more will be exclusively hosting the race for the sec- both with a strong belief in the Wings for Life Renowned TV celebrity Mustafa Agha, than 60 thousand runnerS participated in the ond year in a row on May 8th at 3 pm. World Run’s cause. “I’m extremely proud to be Dubai’s designated Catcher Driver, said: I am supporting the spinal cord cure researches and running for those who can’t, to raise aware- I urge everybody to participate in this race and ness and help the organization continue its support this noble cause,” expressed research for finding a cure for spinal cord Mohammed Jaffar. injuries. Join me on May 8th at 3 pm and run Mansour Al Safran conveyed no less enthusi- as fast as you can!” asm, he said: “It feels just great to be part of Agha will be behind the wheel of the supporting this cause, or to merely be part of Catcher Car, chasing participants of Wings for curing spinal cord injuries. I truly wish I could Life World runners, continuing the tradition of dedicate more to those suffering from it... I will the race’s unique moving finish line with no be running for those who can’t!” idea of how long or how far he will drive. Other participants include globally The UAE leg of the run is organized in part- renowned sporting names such as ultrarunner nership with Emirates NBD, the leading banking Christian Schiester, the first runner to complete group in the region, XDubai, Dubai-based the 4 Deserts Race Series - a gruelling 1,000km ambassador for action sports, and Dubai Sports course across four of the world’s most inhos- Channel, the 24/7 sports channel. pitable plains, racing driver Prince Abdulaziz The list of global sponsors includes leading Turki Al Faisal, Saudi Falcons’ athlete and mem- athletic-wear company Puma, as well as ber of the House of Saud, and UAE-based Garmin, developer of consumer, aviation, out- German skateboarder Jan Hoffman, who door, fitness, and marine technologies for GPS, recently skated the pipes of the Atlantis water- and BFGoodrich, one of the world’s leading Mohammad Burbayea Kuwait’s Red Bull park. This year will also see Elise Molvik, the first providers of high performance tires for a full Athlete in Jet Ski. Christian Pfeifer in Wings for Life World Run. global winner of 2015, having run 54.79k on range of driving experiences. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 SPORTS

Ex-49er Stubblefield charged with raping disabled woman

SAN JOSE: Former San Francisco 49er felony counts and faces a “substantial His arraignment is scheduled to take place immediately went to the Morgan Hill al, including proof that the woman asked Dana Stubblefield was charged Monday prison sentence” if convicted. within 24 hours. Police Department and reported the rape. his client for a job and money afterward, with the rape of a “developmentally A day before the assault, Stubblefield According to a report by the Morgan DNA evidence matched that of said attorney Ken Rosenfeld, who is also delayed” woman, prosecutors announced. contacted the then 31-year-old woman Hill Police Department, the interview of Stubblefield, the report said. representing Stubblefield. “Dana The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s on a baby-sitting website and arranged an the woman by Stubblefield lasted about Stubblefield’s attorney, Gary Winuk, Stubblefield is being unfairly targeted Office said Stubblefield, a former defen- interview, prosecutors said. “This was a 20 minutes. She later received a text from said the sex was consensual and that his due to his celebrity and wealth by some- sive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers crime of violence against a vulnerable vic- Stubblefield saying he wanted to pay her client is being unfairly targeted because one with full motivation to lie,” Rosenfeld and Oakland Raiders, allegedly assaulted tim,” Deputy District Attorney Tim for her time that day, and she went back of his wealth and celebrity. Stubblefield said. “Mr. Stubblefield passed a lie-detec- the woman on April 9, 2015, at his Morgan McInerny said. “She was looking for a job, to the house, the San Jose Mercury News provided prosecutors with lie-detector tor test with flying colors and will present Hill home after interviewing her for a and she was unconscionably assaulted.” reported. After raping her, Stubblefield results and with evidence that shows the a full, vigorous defense against these baby-sitting job. He is charged with five Bail for Stubblefield, 45, is set at $250,000. gave her $80 and let her go. The woman sexual encounter last year was consensu- false allegations.”—AP Could Mayweather, Pacquiao do it again?

LAS VEGAS: They met a year ago this campaign for Senate in the Philippines week in a fight that was the richest ever, that, if he wins, would make it difficult for even if it disappointed most of the mil- him to fight again. But Pacquiao could be lions who watched it. Now there are rum- tempted by a chance to avenge his blings, however slight, that Floyd defeat. And Mayweather could be lured Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao back into the ring not only by a big pay- might be persuaded to do it again. “I day but a chance to break Rocky would say there is a possibility a rematch Marciano’s 49-0 record and win fight No happens, yes,” promoter Bob Arum said 50 in his pro career. “Obviously he’s com- Monday. “How big a possibility that is, I ing back,” Arum said of Mayweather. “And can’t really measure.” I can’t see him making the kind of money Mayweather helped stir speculation he’s talking about with anybody other over the weekend by saying in a than Manny.” Showtime interview that he might be Both fighters have fought once since persuaded to come out of retirement if the big fight, with Mayweather beating the money was big enough. He said he Andre Berto last September and had talked to Showtime and CBS about Pacquiao defeating Timothy Bradley last another fight and that “some crazy num- month. Both fights were pay-per-view bers have been thrown my way.” Though busts, with sales in the range of 400,000, Mayweather wasn’t asked specifically a tenth of what they sold in the ring about Pacquiao, the Filipino might be together. Arum said the tepid box office the only opponent who can help him performances were largely a result of a reach those numbers. “If I came back, of hangover from last May’s fight. Many course, it would have to be a nine-figure fans who spent a record $99.95 to buy payday and probably a championship the fight at home felt they got taken by a fight and a nine-figure payday,” lackluster bout that didn’t come any- Mayweather said. Showtime executive where near living up to its hype. vice president Stephen Espinoza said he Arum said it will be hard for either is among the minority in boxing who fighter to move forward without the believe Mayweather won’t come back. other. “If they fight anybody else there’s But Espinoza said he also believes a sec- going to be that hangover,” he said. “If PITTSBURGH: Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save on T.J. Oshie #77 of the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the ond fight between Mayweather and they fight each other, people will be Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on Monday in Pittsburgh, Pacquiao would do well. “All of us here attracted to the fight. It won’t do what Pennsylvania. — AFP would love to see that fight again, or any the last fight did, but it might do 50 other fight with Mayweather,” Espinoza percent of the last fight.” That would be said. There wouldn’t seem to be a great enough to make Mayweather his nine- appetite among boxing fans for a figure purse. It would also be enough Murray makes his mark rematch of the bout that sold 4.6 million to give Pacquiao a huge payday, if not pay-per-views, but got lousy reviews. the $100 million or so he took from the Mayweather won the fight by unani- Mayweather fight. And, as proven in mous decision, and afterward Pacquiao the first fight between the two men as Penguins thump Caps revealed he fought with a shoulder that grossed some $600 million, any- injury. Both fighters are also technically thing can happen in boxing if the mon- retired, and Pacquiao is in the middle of a ey is right.—AP WASHINGTON: The Pittsburgh Penguins do shoulder hit to the head, putting Johansson following Letang’s hit on Ovechkin late in the not have a goal yet in the series from Sidney out of the game briefly. “It’s the playoffs, it’s a second. “Certainly it does (make you mad), when Crosby. Or a power-play goal. What they do lot more physical than the regular season,” you see one of your own players on the ground, have is a 2-1 lead over the Washington Capitals. Letang said. The hit angered the Capitals, who it’s going to upset you,” Backstrom said. “We And a player who barely played in the first five are without suspended defenseman Brooks want to try to hit him (Letang) all the time ... he months of the season is the reason. Rookie Orpik through Game 5 for his Game 2 hit to the played 35 minutes the last game.” goalie Matt Murray made 47 saves while stand- head of Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta, who However, while the Capitals were getting ing up to Capitals’ avalanche of shots, and the sat out on Monday. “I didn’t see him coming, their shots, it was Pittsburgh that took advan- Penguins turned two goals a minute apart in (and) he hit me from the blind side,” Johansson tage of its best scoring chances. Hagelin the first period into a 3-2 victory on Monday in said. “I just looked at it (on video), and he left made it 3-0 at 15:03 of the second, knocking Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. his feet and hit me in the head. That’s the kind Nick Bonino’s backhand pass to the crease “It’s about winning right now, and he is defi- of plays you want out of the league. It doesn’t across the goal line. “We got the lead early and nitely playing well,” Crosby said of Murray, who look good.” kind of sat back,” Letang said. Or exactly what has won 12 of his last 13 starts. Asked if Letang should also receive a suspen- the Capitals know they cannot do today sit Coach Mike Sullivan agreed, saying, “I sion, Johansson said, “Yeah, I’d say so.” Several around and expect goals to come from a line- thought he (Murray) was terrific. They had the Capitals players later went out of their way to hit up filled with scorers. “We’ve got to score puck all night-and we didn’t. They outplayed us Letang, who was upset himself after Nicklas more goals, and I’ve got a feeling we’ll do it,” in a lot of aspects of the game.” Game 4 will be Backstrom clipped him with a knee to the head Backstrom said.— Reuters today in Pittsburgh. Patric Hornqvist and Tom Kuhnhackl scored before the midpoint of the first period, and Carl Hagelin added a goal in the second to make it 3-0 and the Penguins, the Fasel worried NHL players will NHL’s best team over the last two months, held on to top the Capitals, easily the league’s best skip the 2018 Winter Olympics team all season. Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal of the sea- SOCHI: The head of ice hockey’s international son against the Penguins in the third period, and body says there’s a strong possibility that NHL linemate Justin Williams scored in the final players won’t be competing at the next Winter minute as the Capitals tried frantically to rally. Olympics. International Ice Hockey Federation However, it was not enough as the 21-year-old president Rene Fasel puts the chances at 60 per- Murray, the youngest Pittsburgh goaltender to cent that the NHL will decline to go to the 2018 ever win in the postseason, improved to 5-1 in Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, because of HAMBURG: Heavy weight boxers Kubrat Pulev, left, and Dereck Chisora face each the playoffs. “You come here for a split, you’re a lack of money to cover player insurance. In an other after a press conference in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday. Pulev and Chisora hoping for a split, they got one and now it’s our interview with The Associated Press, Fasel said will fight on May 7, 2016 in Hamburg. — AP turn. Excuses are for losers, and we’re not losers the IOC has canceled its contribution to player and we’re going to try to improve in Game 4,” travel and insurance costs for Pyeongchang, Williams said. leaving the IIHF facing a $10 million shortfall and Murray’s saves were the most by a Pittsburgh “begging” for money around the world. Cricket icon Tendulkar made goaltender in a regulation-length playoff win. “It’s always difficult to get (to) the Olympics, “That’s the way things are going to go some- the games,” he said. “And now with some prob- ambassador after Khan furor times,” Murray said of the Capitals’ huge shot lems on our side, 50-50 is very positive. I would IIHF president Rene Fasel advantage. “We can’t worry about it. We’ve got be more 60 percent that they are not coming.” NEW DELHI: Cricket icon Sachin to keep going forward and keep getting better Negotiations and brinkmanship over finances to demand to be allowed to play at the Tendulkar was named yesterday as as we go along.” Murray, who began the season are common in the lead-up to Olympic hockey Olympics. “There is nothing like the Olympics,” one of India’s goodwill ambassadors in the minors and played only four NHL games tournaments. For the 2014 tournament in Sochi, he said. “I think for an athlete to win the gold for the upcoming Rio Olympics follow- until March, made the difference as the Russia, the NHL’s participation was assured only medal is so different from winning the Stanley ing a furor over Bollywood star Penguins were outshot 49-23 yet still controlled in July 2013, seven months before the games. Cup. You can win the Stanley Cup every year.” In Salman Khan’s appointment, which the scoreboard even as the Capitals controlled But the IOC’s refusal to cover player insurance Pyeongchang in 2018 and Beijing in 2022, the was slammed as inappropriate. the stats sheet. adds an additional dimension for 2018. Winter Olympics move to Asia and away from Tendulkar said he accepted an offer The Penguins, on the fringe of the playoff While the IOC gives the IIHF around $40 mil- the North American and European nations that have historically been the bedrock of hockey. from the Indian Olympic Association race much of the season, have won 20 of 24 lion of revenue each Olympics, Fasel insists that games since March 8 — with Murray in net for money is earmarked for developing hockey and South Korea, which has built a team mixing (IOA) to work alongside Khan, whose import players with locals, plays in the second appointment triggered a row over 11 of the wins-and are 6-2 in the postseason. wants national Olympic committees and hock- Capitals goalie Braden Holtby made 20 saves. At ey federations to plug the gap. The IOC pulled level of the IIHF’s world championship and whether an actor was best suited to hopes not to be a walkover in 2018. China, how- promote sports people. least statistically, the Capitals were dominant its extra subsidy because its leaders are “a bit from the start except in the number most impor- scared that other (sports) federations will come ever, is far less competitive. After losses to “I have had the privilege and honor Iceland and Spain last month, China will be in of representing our nation for 25 years tant: goals. They doubled up the Penguins in and also ask for some compensation for travel- shots for most of the first two periods-it was 28- ing and insurance,” said Fasel, who is also an the fifth tier for next year and in 2022 could and I continue to bat for India off the 14 after two-yet Murray turned away scoring IOC member and serves on its rule-making become the first Winter Olympic host not to field,” the master batsman wrote in a chance after scoring chance. Penguins defense- executive board. enter a hockey team - a situation which worries letter to IOA chiefs. “The welfare of man Kris Letang appeared to be in the center of “I think my idea is to work closer together the IIHF, given China’s potential to become a sportspersons and encouraging them everything, and a pair of stretch passes by him with the national Olympic committees, as they huge market for the sport. “One thing they do to give their best is dear to me.” The not like is to lose the face, so they cannot do Sachin Tendulkar led to two goals in exactly a minute. have normally to pay transportation and insur- IOA named more ambassadors, Letang, who played a remarkable 35:22 in ance for the athletes when they come to the that,” Fasel said. including ace Indian shooter Abhinav Pittsburgh’s 2-1 win in Game 2 on Saturday, games, so I can imagine that some of the NOCs “I hope and I think they will have a Chinese Bindra and Oscar-winning musician and-run crash, plays a wrestler in his threw the puck up ice to rookie Conor Sheary to are also ready to spend some money there, so player, Chinese team in Beijing in 2022. We can- AR Rahman, in the days after the con- upcoming movie “Sultan”. The IOA has start a 3-on-2 break. Defenseman Trevor Daley’s we have to go around and do some begging,” he not put them on the ice and they will be beaten troversy over Khan. defended its decision. It says the 50- slap shot from the high slot deflected off said. Fasel said the end of this year is the dead- 15, 20-nothing. We cannot do that.” Things are Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt year-old actor, who currently faces a Hornqvist’s stick and into the net at 6:37 - line to reach a deal because of the NHL’s need to looking up for China, with increased govern- had criticized Khan’s appointment, charge of illegally shooting protected Hornqvist’s fourth goal in eight games. The draw up a calendar for the Olympic season. “If ment interest and the Russia-based Kontinental saying the “Olympics is not a place to antelope, is popular with young peo- Penguins kept the pressure on, and this time a you don’t have the best, (the Olympics) will be a Hockey League due to open a team there this year, but Fasel said the NHL is key to unlocking promote films”. Indian sprint legend ple. Tendulkar, widely revered in crick- Letang pass from deep in his zone began a 2-on- different competition for sure,” he said, but et-mad India, played 200 Tests and 1 break, with 39-year-old center Matt Cullen’s warned: “At the end somebody has to pay. That’s potentially vast commercial rewards in China. “A Milkha Singh had urged the govern- North American brand in China has a very spe- ment to intervene to overturn the 463 one-day-internationals, knocking pass from the left circle deflecting off rookie the question. On my side I will do everything up a record 100 centuries in both for- Kuhnhackl and past Holtby. possible to make it happen.” Fasel also dismissed cial taste. We can see that with the NBA,” he said. decision. Khan, who was cleared last “I think what we need is to have a Chinese NHL year of killing a homeless man in a hit- mats, before retiring in 2013.—AFP Later in the period, Letang leveled Capitals the suggestion that the NHL’s revived World Cup left winger Marcus Johansson with an apparent of Hockey could offer some players less incentive player, like Yao Ming with basketball.”—AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 SPORTS

Dortmund fans turn on want-away skipper Hummels

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund’s Germany up to the reality of losing a third star to some solidarity from his Dortmund Borussia Dortmund that no player in our only by money. “Everyone has seen how star Mats Hummels is facing the wrath of Bayern in three years. World Cup winner team-mates. “It wasn’t easy to hear for jersey should be insulted or whistled.” good our team is, I just think that there is his team’s angry fans, bitter that their Mario Goetze left for Bayern in 2013 to the whole team, and must have certainly But Hummels can expect a similar reac- little reason to leave us from a sporting club’s captain has admitted he wants to be followed by star striker Robert been harder for him,” said Borussia tion from Dortmund fans for their last perspective,” Hummels said three years play for rivals Bayern Munich. Despite Lewandowski a year later. defender Marcel Schmelzer. “Mats two league matches at Eintracht ago. But news of Hummels possible helping Dortmund to a 5-1 rout of Several signs at Dortmund’s Signal deserves praise for handling it well.” Frankfurt and home to Cologne, plus the arrival at Bayern has not gone down Wolfsburg, Hummels was booed and Iduna Park stadium during the Micky Beisenherz, a columnist for cur- cup final against Bayern on May 21. entirely well in Munich either. Morocco whistled by a section of home fans in Wolfsburg match simply read “Why?”- rent affairs magazine Stern and a Bayern’s ex-president Uli Hoeness did captain Mehdi Benatia, also a centre- their 81,359 sell-out stadium each time directed at Hummels. One huge banner Dortmund fan, wrote: “Dear Mats, you not help matters on Friday when he said back, has threatened to leave should he touched the ball on Saturday. on the stadium’s packed south terrace weren’t really surprised by the mass tin- it was Hummels who had approached Hummels arrive and rejoin Roma. Bayern The 27-year-old told Dortmund last read “The captain is the first to go over- nitus (whistling) from the south stand, the Bavarians, something Bayern then paid Dortmund 37 million euros Thursday that he wants to leave at the board - best to do it immediately!” and were you? “Real disappointed love”, he denied on Saturday. “On Friday there was (US$42.63m) for Goetze three years ago, end of the season, with a year left on his the loudest jeers came from that area. added, referring to the club motto “Echt oil thrown on the fire from Munich,” said while Lewandowski left on a free transfer. contract, to join Bayern, who he left for Hummels brushed off the whistles in Liebe” (Real Love). Zorc in the wake of Hoeness’ claims. “I Dortmund chief executive officer Hans- Borussia in 2008. Bayern’s chairman Karl- post-match interviews, but his face told Dortmund’s bosses have defended don’t know what was behind it, but you Joachim Watzke has said Bayern will have Heinz Rummenigge wants to agree a a different picture during the game. Hummels’ want-away wish. “It was only can come to some conclusions.” to “dig deep in their pockets” to meet the price with Dortmund for Hummels “I want to make it clear it wasn’t a few of the fans who did that. I found it To compound Hummels’ situation, the undisclosed asking price. Hummels has a before the clubs meet in the German 80,000, more like 8,000 or probably even shameful and hope it won’t be repeated,” German media has dragged up his com- market worth of 38 million euros. “Either Cup final on May 21. But Dortmund’s fans less,” he said. “I saw where they (the said Dortmund’s director of sport ments from 2013, in reaction to Goetze’s they pay the asking price or forget about made their feelings known as they face whistles) came from.” Hummels received Michael Zorc. “We have a basic rule at departure, implying it was motivated it,” said Watzke.— AFP WCup - Qatar testing turf able to survive desert sun

DOHA: Critics say Qatar will be too hot to November when temperatures still reach host the 2022 World Cup but it is deter- the mid-20 degrees Celsius (75 Fahrenheit) mined to prove the grass is no greener but the grass will run their stress tests elsewhere. Beyond the air-conditioned sta- through the Gulf summer. This is when diums now slowly rising from the greyer temperatures typically range from 40 to 50 dust, how to keep the football pitches from degrees Celsius (104 to 122 degrees withering away in the desert sun is a chal- Fahrenheit) and the turf will absorb an lenge that a motley group of botanists is Olympics swimming pool worth of desali- trying to solve. Among date palms and nated water every 10 days. Not everything empty warehouses in the scrubland out- is sunshine and seed sprouts, however. The side the capital Doha, Yasser Abdulla Mulla tiny Gulf Arab nation’s bid has grappled manages a research centre where a with corruption allegations and concerns botanist from New Zealand and several about abuse of laborers taking part in the south Asian workers are nurturing 12 $200 billion drive to lay down roads linking breeds of grass with water and fertiliser. glittering new hotels to hulking stadiums. Wielding scythes and rakes, they are A gardening company involved in the testing the mettle of the grass sprigs which turf search has faced some of the same the lab has flown in from around the world kind of allegations that have dogged the in 50-kilogram boxes. “We want a grass that wider construction boom for the Cup. The is durable, attractive to the eye and can sur- 16 laborers working on the turf farm are vive heat and humidity,” said Mulla, the turf employed by Nakheel Landscapes, a Qatari manager with Qatar’s World Cup organiz- firm accused in a March Amnesty ing committee. “Yes, we have summer International report of housing workers in winds and dust storms but all grass really squalid accommodation and confiscating needs is sun, water and fertilizer. We are their passports. Asked about the criticism, looking for turf that can survive here in Mulla said it was important to work with Doha and in the region.” A current frontrun- contractors to improve their labor practices ner, Mulla said, is a Bermuda called Latitude - but as with the sporting extravaganza, the 36. Used by an American football team in show must go on. “It’s not about kicking Kansas City, it has fine blades so the ball someone out of your facility, you need to skids smoothly across the grass. improve your contractors. What’s the point Qatar’s World Cup will be held in if you kick them out?”—Reuters UEFA admits Kosovo in a step toward World Cup BUDAPEST: UEFA admitted Kosovo as 27. Can we really keep them away from its 55th member in a narrow vote yester- this privilege.” Switzerland, which has day, boosting its hopes of competing in several ethnic Kosovo players in its the 2018 World Cup despite warnings national team, including Xerdan from former ruler Serbia. The UEFA con- Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Valon SAN ANTONIO: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder scores over Danny Green #14 of the San Antonio Spurs during game Two of gress voted 28 to 24 with two votes Behrami, also opposed the vote. the Western Conference Semifinals for the 2016 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center Monday in San Antonio, Texas. —AFP declared invalid to accept Kosovo, which Though FIFA statutes would have to will also have a team at the Olympics for be changed, Switzerland and Albania the first time at the Rio de Janeiro fear they could lose players to the Games in August. FIFA will now decide Kosovo national side. “It is unfair to put Thunder outlast Spurs at its congress in Mexico City on May 13 pressure on players,” said Swiss whether to become the last major sport- Football Association general secretary ing federation to admit Kosovo. The Alex Miescher. “They will not have to OKLAHOMA: Russell Westbrook scored 29 13. Aldridge paced San Antonio with 22 points 4:48 mark of the period. But the Spurs surged Kosovo Football Federation hopes that if choose for a country, but against one,” points and handed out 10 assists as the on 9-of-11 shooting in 21 minutes of play. back again, ending the quarter on a 12-2 run to FIFA gives its green light, it will get a late he told the congress. European football Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the San Oklahoma City outshot the Spurs 56.4-48.9 per- cut the Oklahoma City lead to 77-76. Durant place in a European qualifying group for officials did not rule out action by Antonio Spurs 98-97 on Monday in Game 2 of cent and had a 23-14 edge in rebounding. San scored five of the Thunder’s first seven points in the World Cup in Russia in two years.”We opponents of the vote at the Court of the Western Conference semi-final and tied the Antonio was just 4-of-12 on uncontested shots the first four minutes of the fourth quarter while are very happy today of course,” federa- Arbitration for Sport. Kosovo was at the best-of-seven series at one win apiece. The series in the first half; it was 17-of-23 on such attempts the Spurs went almost five minutes without a tion president Fadil Vokrri said. centre of a war between ethnic- switches to Oklahoma City for Game 3 on Friday in the first half of Game 1. point, resulting in an 85-76 Oklahoma City lead. and Game 4 on Sunday before returning to San Seven straight points by Westbrook in the But Green knocked down back-to-back 3-point- “Now we have to wait and see what Albanian and Serbian forces in 1998-99 Antonio for the fifth game on May 10. Kevin middle of the third quarter pushed the ers to get San Antonio back to 85-82, setting the FIFA decides in 10 days in Mexico, but and declared its independence from Durant, who had 28 points, canned a floating Thunder’s lead back to 11 points, at 75-64, at the stage for a furious finish.— Reuter we hope for the best, that we can com- Serbia in 2008.It is now recognized by jump shot off an assist from Westbrook with 33 pete in the World Cup.” There were also more than 100 countries, but it is not a seconds left to give Oklahoma City a 96-91 lead new celebrations in Kosovo where the member of the United Nations. but the Spurs responded with an Aldridge 3- congress was broadcast live on four The Olympic appearance will be pointer, just his second of the season. major TV channels and by radio sta- another victory in its battle for interna- Westbrook then made two free throws with tions. President Hashim Thaci said: tional recognition while the prospect of 18.3 seconds left to push Oklahoma City’s lead “After three decades of isolation for at least taking part in European club and back to four points, at 98-94. Aldridge hit three Kosovo football, Kosovo’s membership international tournaments could see a free throws after being fouled on a 3-point in UEFA marks a new page, a historic new force emerge. “Kosovo has many attempt with 13.5 seconds left to bring the day. “I strongly believe that the next football talents. We need to provide Spurs to within 98-97. On the ensuing inbounds step will be Kosovo’s membership in them with proper infrastructure. I play, San Antonio’s Danny Green stole the ball FIFA,” he added. Passionate speeches believe that Kosovo’s national team will from Durant and it was eventually passed in the were made for and against Kosovo’s be among the best in Europe,” the corner to Patty Mills, who missed a 3-pointer membership at the congress. Kosovo president said. UEFA member- with two seconds left. The two teams scrambled Serbia’s Football Association presi- ship is only the first stage of getting into for the ball under the basket but the Spurs could not get off another shot. dent Tomislav Karadzic said it would the Champions League or the European Serge Ibaka, Enes Kanter and Steven Adams open up a “Pandora’s Box” with other Championship however. Its stadiums added 12 points apiece for the Thunder and breakaway regions applying for mem- and clubs will have to be approved by Adams pulled down 17 rebounds. Aldridge led bership. But Vokrri said UEFA had to UEFA’s club committee and then the the Spurs with a season-high 41 points while vote for footballers. “What message are UEFA executive will have to football to Kawhi Leonard had 14 points on 7-of-18 shoot- we sending the youth of Kosovo,” the let Kosovo onto the international stage. ing. Manu Ginobili hit for 11 points for San federation president told the congress UEFA could also decide to keep Kosovo Antonio, which lost for just the second time at before the vote. “Sixty percent of the and Serbian teams apart in European home all season. The Thunder flipped the script population of Kosovo are aged under competitions.— AFP from its ragged Game 1 start by going right at San Antonio and building a 9-2 lead four min- utes into the game. Westbrook had seven of Oklahoma City’s first nine points while the Spurs floundered from the field in the early moments, missing seven layups and another shot five feet from the basket. Oklahoma City’s lead expanded to as much as 13 points through the remainder of the quarter. The Spurs’ reserve players helped bring San Antonio to within nine points on a five occasions before a Ginobili 3-pointer with 1 second to play in the period cut the Thunder advantage to 29- 21. The Thunder had 12 free-throw attempts, and made eight of them, in the first quarter while San Antonio did not go to the line. Three- pointers by Mills and Green in the first two min- utes of the second quarter pulled the Spurs to within 29-27 and all but erased all the good early work by Oklahoma City. Leonard hit his first basket of the game at the 8:13 mark of the quarter to tie the game at 33 and gave the Spurs their first lead since the first possession of the game, at 39-37, with a jumper a minute and a half later. The rest of the quarter BUDAPEST: Delegation members of Kosovo celebrate their UEFA membership after was evenly played with the Thunder taking a 56- SAN ANTONIO: San Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) breaks up a shot attempt by the 40th Ordinary UEFA Congress at the Hungexpo Fair Center in Budapest, Hungary, 53 advantage at halftime. Westbrook led Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half in Game 2 of a second- yesterday. — AFP Oklahoma City with 18 point and Durant added round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday in San Antonio.— AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 SPORTS

Atletico Madrid returns to lead AP Global Football 10 LONDON: Atletico Madrid led the “Diego Simeone’s men then kept with Manchester City in the Champions was third. “Saul Niguez scored the 6.Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 43. Associated Press Global Football 10 pace with Barcelona atop La Liga.” League and beating Real Sociedad, most beautiful goal of this Champions 7.Gonzalo Higuain, 36. yesterday after two victories in a week Leicester was second. The Foxes drew 1- while Borussia Dortmund was fourth League season and decided the first 8.Eden Hazard, 33. maintained its bid to win the 1 with Manchester United, but won the after thrashing Wolfsburg 5-1 and leg of the semifinals for Atletico,” 9.Adrian, 26. Champions League and Spanish English title after Chelsea held Barcelona was fifth after winning 2-0 at Francois Colin of De Standaard in 10.Antoine Griezmann, 22. league. Atletico edged Bayern Munich Tottenham to a 2-2 draw on Monday. “I Real Betis. Villarreal, Southampton, Paris Belgium said. Pierre Emerick- Teams: 1-0 in the Champions League semifi- wish Leicester had won the Premier Saint-Germain, Juventus and Sporting Aubameyang, Wes Morgan, Zlatan 1.Atletico Madrid, 89 points. nals before beating Rayo Vallecano by League title on the field and of their Lisbon round out the top 10. Sadio Mane Ibrahimovic, Gonzalo Higuain, Eden 2.Leicester, 74. the same score to stay level on points own doing rather than by having is at the top of the player vote after scor- Hazard, Adrian and Antoine Griezmann 3.Real Madrid, 67. with Spanish league leader Barcelona. Tottenham play to a tie,” Tom ing a hat trick as Southampton beat City complete the top 10. Associated Press 4.Borussia Dortmund, 54. “Atletico Madrid love upsetting the Timmermann of the St. Louis Post- 4-2 on in the Premier League on Sunday. Global Football 10 Players: 5.Barcelona, 53. big boys. They did that to Bayern Dispatch in the United States said. “Not Saul Niguez was second after his 1.Sadio Mane, 76 points. 6.Villarreal, 50. Munich, eking out a 1-0 win ... thanks that it minimizes Leicester’s title in any goal for Atletico against Bayern in the 2.Saul Niguez, 68. 7.Southampton, 47. to their hard work and determination,’ way - but doing it in a crowded stadium Champions League handed Diego 3.Gareth Bale, 61. 8.Paris Saint-Germain, 37. Umaid Wasim of Dawn newspaper in could have been a priceless moment.” Simeone’s side a first-leg advantage, 4.Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, 57. 9.Juventus, 31. Pakistan said. Real Madrid was third after drawing and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale 5.Wes Morgan, 51. 10.Sporting Lisbon, 25. Leicester’s owners vow to keep unlikely title-winners together

BANGKOK: The owners of English soccer cham- pions Leicester City say they will resist attempts by more glamorous rivals to lure away their title- winning players, after an unlikely triumph that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Duty-free magnate Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha became the first Thai owner of an English Premier League title-winning team on Monday night, when the only club capable of catching them, Tottenham Hotspur, were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea. Leicester’s journey from 5,000-1 outsiders to English champions has captivated soccer lovers everywhere, but also prompted predictions that the team could be broken up in the off-season as bigger clubs look to poach their best players. LEICESTER: Leicester City’s Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki (L) is cheered by crowds of “We are not the team that will sell players for waiting fans as he arrives for lunch at an Italian restaurant in the centre of Leicester money,” said Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the yesterday. — AFP club’s vice chairman and Vichai’s son, in com- ments reported by Thai website Manager. “So, I can confirm that we will keep all major Forsooth! Joy for Richard III players with the team, such as Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante or Kasper as Leicester shock the world Schmeichel.” Next season, in addition to defend- ing their Premier League title, Leicester - who LONDON: There was no shortage of superla- answer is when we turned over Man City 3-1 were playing in the second tier of English foot- tives yesterday after little Leicester City were at their place back in February, when my ball when Vichai’s King Power Group took over in LEICESTER: Leicester City’s Thai owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (C) is cheered crowned champions of the world’s richest Foxes went five points clear of chasing 2010 - will compete in UEFA’s lucrative by crowds of waiting fans as he arrives for lunch at an Italian restaurant in the centre of soccer league. New fans sprung up world- hounds. Champions League. At least one prominent sup- Leicester yesterday, the day after Leicester City won the English Premier League title. wide overnight, but few could explain the porter, a Thai monk who has regularly blessed Thousands celebrated and millions around the world watched in wonder as 5,000-1 under- season’s extraordinary events. A Bangkok JAMIE VARDY - PROLIFIC STRIKER the team during their astonishing rise, believes dogs Leicester City completed arguably the greatest fairytale in sporting history by becoming monk said the power of Buddhism had lifted ‘Tis a mystery to me, as ‘tis to you. For they will have few problems taking on the giants English Premier League champions. — AFP the Thai-owned club to victory, while some who can see into another’s mind or heart? of European soccer. fans closer to home gave thanks to King That villainous scribe Shakespeare tried that “I believe the power of Buddhism... given 5,000-6,000 at the start of the season, said cor- website was offering odds of 33/1 for Leicester Richard III, saying his reinterment in trick with me, yet ne’er came close to unrav- through the Buddhist monk and executives has porate relations manager Rattananuch to win the title again next season - and just 14/1 Leicester last year had sparked the magic. In elling the truth. All we know is that Jamie created teamwork and unity in the team,” Phra Lohachala. Many Thai fans have adopted for them to be relegated from the top flight. a soon-to-be-published book “King Power”, Vardy has been having a party for nigh on Prommangkalachan said. “With their clear Leicester as their second team. “We know that More than 1,000 fans had gathered at King which also happens to be the name of the nine months - and that this gestation period minds, it has brought concentration, ability, and we are not always the first team on their mind,” Power on Sunday for the team’s last match, group that owns the soccer club, a re-imag- is itself, God willing, about to whelp the par- determination for them to go to the internation- said Rattananuch. “But we are number-two and when the company laid on free food and beer. ined Richard III offers his Middle English ty to end them all! al arena. At the moment, they will be able to we are happy about that.” King Power is planning a celebration at the same analysis of Leicester’s rise to glory under thrive anyway because of their strong minds and For the Thai fans that Leicester have attract- venue in Bangkok when the team plays their manager Claudio Ranieri. The author, who WHAT IS THE SECRET? they will continue to win on the international ed, the strong team ethic that saw them beat next game on May 7, Rattananuch said. writes under the king’s pseudonym, ‘Tis insolence unbound to ask a king a stage.” Vichai is a regular devotee of Phra, the 63- bigger-spending rivals to the title is part of the Replica shirts have sold out in Britain and answered questions from Reuters in lan- secret to divulge, so I would not tell you year-old assistant to the abbot of Bangkok’s club’s appeal. “They don’t need to have the big Thailand, a missed opportunity for Vichai and guage somewhere close to that of another even if I knew. But I will speculate a while, Traimitr Temple, and took him to Britain to bless shots or superstar players in the team, but they King Power and driving fans to Thailand’s coun- icon from the English Midlands, William and say that all were discards, misfits and the stadium and the team. rely on great teamwork,” said fan Korawit terfeit market. “Leicester shirts are selling as well Shakespeare, who wrote the tragedy seeming mediocrities before as stars in Thaemphet, outside King Power’s Bangkok as Barcelona shirts,” said Sompot Richard III and who died 400 years ago. Leicester’s glittering firmament they were SECOND TEAM headquarters. Many punters were skeptical of Thavornchareon, working at a sports shirt stall in reborn. And so they were bereft of the ego, Whilst the English Premier League is wildly Leicester’s success right up until they won the Bangkok’s weekend Chatuchak market. Shirts at Leicester’s fortunes changed conceit and queenly tantrums that foster popular across Southeast Asia, Thai fans had not title, and fans worry about their chances of the stall sell for 250 baht ($7.17), a fraction of the ‘Tis not a prince’s way to brag or boast, so discontent among more vaunted squads. A taken much notice of unfashionable Leicester repeating the success. “This is great but I think price of the official shirt 1,800 baht ($51.65). “I I beg your grace’s pardon if I demur. All I wonderful bunch of lads, forsooth, on whom before this season, preferring to follow estab- it’s only for this season,” said Thaweewat wish I had known they would do that well,” said shall say, when asked if king power brought may the Lord smile. lished names like Manchester United, Chelsea Ingkathanachai, a student who switched to fol- another vendor Net, whose shop in the shadow this miracle to pass, is this: look upon the and Arsenal. But the “Siam Foxes” support base lowing Leicester from Liverpool last season. of Bangkok’s National Stadium sells official mer- facts and figures pursuant on my reburial, HOW WILL LEICESTER FARE? has ballooned with the team’s success. The “I can’t believe next season they can be chandise and has run out of Leicester shirts. “I mayhap they speak eloquent enough for ‘Tis ne’er easy, as any medieval king will Leicester City Thai Facebook page had nearly champions again,” he said. “The big teams will be would have ordered hundreds at the start of the themselves. tell ye, when battle is joined across the seas. 600,000 likes as of Tuesday, compared with back.” Bookmakers seem to agree. Paddy Power’s season.”— Reuters Yet under Ranieri’s wise aegis, I feel we shall Dare dream prosper in Champions League, for he is most When did I dare perchance to dream? ‘Tis well travelled and knows the European hard to be exact upon the point. Being a game inside out. Not that we want Is Leicester’s 5,000-1 upset greatest sporting shock? superstitious prince I would not tempt fate Barcelona or Bayern in the opening with outlandish hope too soon. The short round.— Reuters LONDON: At the start of the English football edly unbeatable Soviet hockey machine in the team. Yet, fantastically, Claudio Ranieri’s motley season last August, bookmakers in Britain were 1980 Olympic final, the fabled ‘Miracle on Ice’. crew have triumphed against the might and offering odds of 5,000-1 against Leicester City Every now and again these short, sharp shocks money of Manchester United and City, Chelsea winning the Premier League. 5,000-1? Now, let’s for the ages test our credulity. Last year the and Arsenal, the quartet who had carved up put that into perspective. The bookies offered sports world gasped as the South African the Premier League title for the previous 20 Five key players in odds 10 times more generous that the Loch Ness Springboks, eternal rugby powerhouses, were years. Which other sports teams have defied Monster would be discovered. Or more than beaten by Japan’s rising sons in the World Cup. such odds for month after month over an entire twice as generous that Kim Kardashian would The point about Leicester’s fairytale, though, season? In soccer, it happens rarely but always Leicester’s success become US president. It was only 2,000-1 that is that it was fashioned not on one day nor even wonderfully. Montpellier in France’s Ligue 1 Elvis would turn up alive and well. over one month of a tournament, like Denmark’s (2012), Kaiserslautern in Germany’s Bundesliga LONDON: For all the headline-grabbing N’Golo Kante (FRA; central midfielder) Should Presley materialize now, what price he wholly unlikely European Championship victory (1998) and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands’ exploits of top scorer Jamie Vardy and twin- A £5.6 million ($8.2 million, 7.2 million would be wearing the shirt of Leicester City, who in 1992 when they were drafted in as late substi- Eredivisie (1981) have been similarly unfashion- kle-toed winger Riyad Mahrez, Leicester City’s euros) capture from French side Caen last were crowned champions on Monday after tutes. The Foxes’ tale is one of sustained and fan- able conquerors. fairytale Premier League title success has year, Kante has astonished observers with his Tottenham Hotspur failed to beat Chelsea? For tastic improbability, stretching into incredulity, Perhaps the best comparison was when Italy been very much a collective effort. AFP Sport relentless energy, driving runs and extraordi- everybody has bought into the idea that, as that has nurtured a nation’s imagination and its boasted the strongest league in the world and, highlights five players who have played major nary knack for recovering possession. Leicester’s most celebrated son, former England love of an underdog for almost nine marvellous in 1985, modest little Hellas Verona, like roles in securing the east Midlands club’s first Legendary former Manchester United manag- captain Gary Lineker, has suggested: “We could months. Here were the no-hopers, the relegation Leicester a Cinderella club whose collective ever top-flight title. er Alex Ferguson described him as “by far the be celebrating the greatest sporting upset of all survivors who, with a makeshift collection of strength was greater than the sum of its mod- best player in the Premier League” and he was time.” There are countless contenders for that journeymen, bargain-basement signings and est parts, enchanted a nation by winning Serie Kasper Schmeichel (DEN; goalkeeper) shortlisted for the Professional Footballers’ accolade, from James ‘Buster’ Douglas knocking unlikely over-achievers all overseen by a likeable A’s ‘Scudetto’. In English football, Leicester’s feat A recent internet meme asserted that Association (PFA) Player of the Year award. He out the seemingly invincible world heavyweight coach that few fans wanted, downed the best has echoes of another unsung provincial since Liverpool last won a league title, Peter won his first France cap in March and is a boxing champion Mike Tyson in 1990 to a team and richest teams in a league dominated by a Midlands club, Nottingham Forest who, in Schmeichel had joined Manchester United, near-certainty for a place in Didier of US soccer part-timers beating mighty England mega-wealthy elite. 1977-78, became English champions for the won five Premier League titles, retired, had a Deschamps’s Euro 2016 squad. 1-0 at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. only time in their history a year after scraping son and his son, Kasper, was on the verge of These, though, were very different sensa- UNFASHIONABLE AND OVERLOOKED into the top flight. winning the league with Leicester. It was not Riyad Mahrez (ALG; winger) tions: one-off, one-day, never-to-be-repeated Leicester had been through more than a With a band of stalwarts supposedly past entirely accurate-Schmeichel Jnr was actually The impish inspiration behind Leicester’s flashes in pans; shocks fashioned over a couple century of league football without winning the their prime and the odd authentic champion born in 1986, four years before the last of success, Mahrez symbolizes the fairytale jour- of hours that live in the memory for a lifetime. top-flight title. Unfashionable and overlooked thrown in, such as goalkeeper Peter Shilton, a Liverpool’s 18 championship crowns-but it ney that the club have overtaken over the Such as the time a lineup of American college in the east Midlands, they had been overshad- magical mix was produced by the great highlighted the remarkable goalkeeping line- past 12 months. Signed from Le Havre for just students downed the professional and suppos- owed by their city’s Europe-conquering rugby alchemist, manager Brian Clough, who had age in the Schmeichel family. Whereas Peter £400,000 in January 2014, the rakish, velvet- worked a similar wonder with Derby County to was an acknowledged great, Kasper has tak- footed Algerian winger flitted in and out of win the title in 1972. What Clough’s Forest went on to achieve with back-to-back European Cup en his time to reach the top, with a formative the team 12 months ago as Leicester fought stint at Manchester City followed by a succes- triumphs was one of sport’s most monumental to stay in the division, but this season he has sion of loans and short-term spells before he accomplishments but that 1978 league win still been a sensation. His 17 goals-including stun- arrived at Leicester in 2011. Now 29, the did not have the same miraculous feel of ning strikes against Chelsea and Manchester Denmark international does not possess his Leicester’s as, at that time, they were the eighth City, and a hat-trick against Swansea City-and father’s extraordinary physicality, but he has different club in 12 seasons to lift the title. 11 assists set up countless wins and saw him been an ever-present for Leicester this sea- It felt possible back then-just as when become the first African to be elected as son, helping his low-scoring side record 15 Ipswich Town won the old second division England’s Player of the Year by his peers. vital clean sheets. and first division titles in successive years in “Riyad is our light,” said manager Claudio 1961 and 1962 — for a smaller club to gate- Ranieri. “When he switches on, Leicester Wes Morgan (JAM; centre-back) crash the elite over a season. These days, The rock at the heart of the Leicester change color.” though, it feels so unlikely that Leicester’s tri- defense, Morgan joined the club from local umph may even have put a new phrase in the rivals Nottingham Forest in January 2012 and Jamie Vardy (ENG; striker) sporting lexicon. One of Britain’s prospective was quickly installed as captain. Despite lack- Leicester’s talisman, the hard-running and rowing team for the Olympics, Jonny Walton, ing pace, he is an authoritative presence and prolific Vardy has become the snarling face of who hails from Leicester, recently mused with Robert Huth has formed an old-school Ranieri’s team. The wiry Yorkshireman’s rags- about his chances of striking gold and said he central defensive partnership founded upon to-riches tale has seen him rise from non- now lived by a new mantra. “It’s called: ‘Doing strength, astute positioning and aerial domi- league obscurity to top-flight record-breaker, a Leicester’,” he explained. “And I’m crossing nance. The Jamaica international, 32, scored a England international and Football Writers’ my fingers to ‘do a Leicester’ at the Olympics.” key header in a 1-0 win over Southampton in Association (FWA) Player of the Year in just In other words, making an impossible sport- April, during a run of seven clean sheets in four years, attracting the attention of ing dream possible.— Reuters nine games that effectively secured the title. Hollywood scriptwriters. —AFP Leicester city fans celebrate outside the King Power Stadium in Leicester yesterday. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 SPORTS

Leicester City - from an impending doom to unimagined glory

LONDON: In April last year Leicester City consecutive Premier League games. were seven points adrift at the foot of the Dec. 23. Leicester win 3-2 at Everton to Premier League and seemingly going secure top spot at Christmas-eight of the down. After pulling off an incredible last 11 teams in that position have gone escape, they have produced an even on to win the league. more astonishing story by winning the title for the first time in one of the 2016 biggest upsets in the history of sport. Jan. 13. After a relatively dry spell of a Here are the key moments in the club’s defeat and two draws that launched a annus mirabilis. thousand “bubble has burst” conversa- tions, Leicester are back to winning ways 2015 with a 1-0 success at title rivals March 21. Leicester lose 4-3 at Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham Hotspur to find themselves Jan. 16. A scrappy 1-1 draw at Aston bottom, seven points adrift. They have Villa is enough to put Leicester back on won four of their 29 games. Jamie Vardy top of the table, ahead of Arsenal on goal scores - his second goal of a season that difference. eventually produced five goals in 37 Feb. 6. “And now you’re going to appearances. believe us, we’re going to win the March 26. The remains of King Richard league!” roar the Leicester fans, and few III, discovered under a Leicester car park, people are arguing as, four days after are reburied in the city’s cathedral- later beating Liverpool 2-0, they destroy seen as the turning point in the club’s for- Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad. tunes. Feb. 14. The dream is on hold as Danny April 4. The fightback begins with a 2- Welbeck comes off the bench to snatch a 1 home win over West Ham United. stoppage-time 2-1 win for Arsenal. April 25. A 1-0 victory at relegation Feb. 27. The beginning of “phase two” rivals Burnley makes it four wins in a row as, with opponents wising up to LEICESTER: A Leicester City football fan looks up at a large projection of an image of Leicester City’s striker Jamie Vardy on the side of a building and hauls Leicester out of the bottom Leicester’s quick-fire counter-attacking as the city celebrate’s their team becoming the English Premier League champions in central Leicester, eastern England, on Monday. —AFP three. game, they are forced to tough it out, May 16. A goalless draw at Sunderland starting with a scruffy 1-0 win at Norwich confirms Leicester will remain in the City. Premier League with a game to spare. April 10. An impressive 2-0 victory at Amazing Leicester celebrate May 24. Leicester end the season in Sunderland means Ranieri’s side have style by thumping Queens Park Rangers kept five successive clean sheets and are 5-1. Having won four of their first 29 seven points clear with five games games they won seven and drew one of remaining. fairytale title success their final nine to finish 14th in the 20- April 17. Trailing 2-1 at home to West team league. Ham, with Vardy sent off, Leicester are LONDON: Leicester City’s Premier League title on Sunday, summed up the mood. “Nobody and a Tottenham side who have refused to QPR, Burnley and Hull are relegated. handed a last-gasp penalty lifeline that dream became reality on Monday as their only believed we could do it, but here we are, give up the chase. But Ranieri’s intrepid team Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle Leonardo Ulloa grabs to snatch a 2-2 remaining challengers Tottenham Hotspur drew Premier League champions and deservedly so,” had already done the damage, churning out escape by the skin of their teeth. draw, lifting the roof off the King Power 2-2 at Chelsea to complete one of the greatest he told Leicester’s website. “Saturday can’t results to stay top of the table since Jan. 23 while June 17. James Pearson, son of man- stadium. ever sporting achievements. The result provoked come quickly enough. I can’t wait to get my their rivals fell by the wayside. Since losing to ager Nigel, is one of three Leicester play- April 24. Leicester shrug off the an outpouring of celebration in the provincial hands on the trophy.” Arsenal on Feb. 14, they won seven and drew ers sacked by the club after their involve- absence of suspended Vardy to hammer English city and as far away as Thailand and With two games left, Leicester are seven three of their next 10 games. Incredibly, ment in a racist, sexual incident with Swansea City 4-0. To complete a great Japan, with Leicester’s players having watched points ahead of Tottenham and Saturday’s home Leicester spent half of last season bottom of the three local woman during the club’s day, Riyad Mahrez is named PFA Player of nervously on television along with Foxes fans match against Everton will be a glorious lap of league before a late surge lifted them clear of “goodwill tour” of Thailand. the Year. Vardy, midfielder N’Golo Kante packed into local bars 160km away. honor. In one of the most unpredictable Premier relegation. With Ranieri replacing Nigel Pearson June 30. Nigel Pearson, hero of the city and centre-back and captain Wes Morgan Goals from Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Son League seasons ever, Tottenham had been hop- as manager, they continued that momentum a month before, is fired amid rumours of are also included in the PFA Team of the Heung-min had looked like extending the title ing to win a first English league title since 1961, and from being pre-season tips for the drop, a fallout with the club’s Thai owners relat- Year. race to the penultimate week of what has been but fell short in agonizing circumstances at became unlikely title contenders as former non- ed to the sacking of his son. April 25. Tottenham, the only team an unforgettable season. Gary Cahill gave Stamford Bridge where they have not won in 26 league journeyman Vardy scored in a record 11 July 13. Italian Claudio Ranieri is who can catch them, are held 1-1 at Chelsea a lifeline just before the hour, however, years. “First of all, congratulations to Leicester consecutive Premier League games. Even when appointed manager of his 15th club. home by West Bromwich Albion, leaving and substitute Eden Hazard’s superb 83rd- City and to Claudio Ranieri. A fantastic season,” they hit the top in January, many thought Aug 8. Ranieri’s Leicester kick off the Leicester needing a maximum of three minute equalizer ended Spurs’ slim title hopes to Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “I’m Leicester would fade, as they did in 1963, the last new season with a 4-2 home win over points from their last three games to the delight of Leicester and their former Chelsea very disappointed but now we have to fight for time they were in with a chance of the title. As Sunderland. secure the title. manager, Italian Claudio Ranieri. As tempers second place. “It’s a massive, amazing season for the chasing pack thinned, however, a youthful Sept 26. Leicester’s six-game unbeaten May 1. Leicester draw 1-1 at flared at the end of a red-hot London derby at Leicester, Claudio the players and the fans. They Tottenham stayed in the hunt for a first title start to the season is brought to an Manchester United to inch closer to the Stamford Bridge, television pictures cut away to deserve it.” since 1961 but Leicester’s draw at Manchester emphatic end with a 5-2 home defeat by trophy. Leicester’s players celebrating in the living room United put the trophy within touching distance. Arsenal. May 2. Spurs need to win all three of of their striker Jamie Vardy, whose 22 goals have OUTSIDERS TRIUMPH Hazard’s late goal against bitter London Nov 21. Leicester win 3-0 at Newcastle their remaining games to have a chance under-pinned his side’s challenge. Unfashionable Leicester, 5,000-1 outsiders rivals Spurs sealed the destiny of the title, United and go top of the league. of taking the honors but after leading 2-0 Elsewhere in Leicester, the city’s biggest at the start of the season, have become prompting an outpouring of congratulations Nov 28. Leicester draw with at last year’s champions Chelsea, they are ever party began in earnest, with hundreds of English champions for the first time and are from a captivated nation. “People will be talk- Manchester United. Vardy is on target and pegged back to 2-2 and the title goes to fans gathering outside the stadium and thou- the first club to win a maiden English title ing about this in 100 years time,” Sky Sports becomes the first player to score in 11 Leicester.— Reuters sands more celebrating in pubs and bars. since Nottingham Forest in 1977-78, having pundit and former Liverpool player Jamie Leicester’s unlikely journey from no-hopers to left the likes of Manchester City and United, Carragher said. Former England striker Alan English champions has captivated sports fans Chelsea and Arsenal in their wake. Oddly, the Shearer won the title in 1995 with Blackburn worldwide, nowhere more so than in Thailand, biggest match in Leicester’s history was one Rovers. “For a team like Leicester to come and home of the club’s owners King Power. they were not involved in as the final act of take the giants on with their wealth and experi- Defender Wes Morgan, who scored his side’s an absorbing title race was played out in ence-I think it’s the biggest thing to happen in equalizer in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United west London between last year’s champions football,” he said.— Reuters

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Real Madrid v Manchester City 21:45 beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 6 HD

Leicester stand to gain up to $365 million windfall

LEICESTER: Leicester City’s Italian football manager Claudio Ranieri (R) is mobbed by LONDON: Leicester City have the chance of making any- fans as he leaves an Italian restaurant after having lunch with team-mates in the centre thing between 150 million pounds ($220 million) and 250 of Leicester yesterday the day after winning the English Premier League title. —AFP million pounds ($365 million) from their sensational Premier League triumph, according to sports marketing experts. The city of Leicester in England’s Midlands should Ranieri turns back the clock also expect to enjoy a huge commercial boost after its LEICESTER: Leicester City’s football player Jamie Vardy (L) is cheered by crowds of hometown team wrote the unlikeliest of sporting success waiting fans as he arrives for lunch at an Italian Restraunt in the centre of Leicester to make Leicester champions stories, one that has captured headlines around the world. yesterday. — AFP Yet though the club known as the Foxes will gain this sub- LONDON: Harking back to a previous era and only mid-table German sides stantial windfall, they still have a long way to go to join the and ripping up a text book full of received Darmstadt (10.7 percent) and Ingolstadt true big-money elite of world football. Vardy’s rags to riches rise wisdom, Leicester City’s remarkable title tri- (7.8 percent) are more willing to go direct. The club that had never won the top-flight crown in its umph has been founded on a footballing It has certainly not been a tactic adopted history will cash in through the 90 million pounds in prize a victory for the dreamers philosophy that many had consigned to by the other four leaders of Europe’s major money from the Premier League, and money from compet- the dustbin. The statistics of a stunning leagues with Bayern Munich, Paris St ing in Europe’s Champions League next season, as well as LONDON: In years to come when people sion crews from all over the world have campaign tell an astonishing tale of how German, Barcelona and Juventus having increased TV and match day revenue. With Leicester’s recall how Leicester’s City intrepid Foxes been descending on the modest club. Leicester have turned the clock back by the lowest long ball percentages of all increasing attraction to sponsors as the champions of the turned sporting logic on its head to There is even talk of Hollywood interest. become champions of England it will be The story might not end there either. shunning possession and glorying in the clubs, varying between 1.1 and 1.6 percent. Premier League, which possesses remarkable global Jamie’s Vardy’s rags to riches tale that may Having fired 5,000-1 shots Leicester to the long ball to a pacey striker, while spurning The long ball, so long associated with appeal, it could all be worth as much as 150 million pounds rotation in favor of a settled, almost self- less skilful and more physical sides, has sound the most implausible. It will also title, what price the 29-year-old helping to the club, said the sports and entertainment intelligence selecting side. Leicester have played more been used ruthlessly by Leicester to target offer hope to the thousands of young England win Euro 2016 in France? firm, Repucom yesterday. long balls than almost any team in Europe, the pace of striker Jamie Vardy, whose 22 dreamers tossed aside every year by “It just goes to show what can happen if Other experts have put the estimates much higher with their average possession is one of the low- goals have played a huge part in propelling English football’s shiny academies. you keep your head down, keep working some British media reports suggesting that the figure est in the Premier League and they have the club to the summit and also earned Because Vardy, whose goals have fired away and praying for that big break to could be much nearer 250 million pounds, particularly if started fewer players over the campaign him the Footballer of the Year title on Leicester to the Premier League crown, come around,” Ian Wright, who also came than any of their title rivals. Monday. Leicester have averaged 45.4 per- Leicester’s success proves to be more than a one-season proves there are gems lurking in the weed- through the minor leagues on his way to To many eyes, it is a simple formula for cent possession in their league matches wonder. Leicester’s TV audiences have soared by over 23% strewn wilderness of the lower leagues, becoming an Arsenal great, said. While success and one that was common among this season, according to STATS globally this season and because of the excitement that rejection as a teenager does not rep- some of Vardy’s goals this year have been English sides in the 1980s, yet Leicester’s (www.stats.com). Only two Premier League inspired by their run to the title, audiences in the UK have resent a dead-end on the pathway to glo- world class, the volley against Liverpool a approach had been almost discarded from sides, Sunderland and West Bromwich grown from 785,000 to over one million per game. In Italy, ry. Six years ago, having been discarded by great example, it is old-fashioned hard the modern game. In an era of European Albion, have averaged less. the numbers watching Leicester’s games have doubled, Sheffield Wednesday for being too small, work that has served him so well. “He’s not football dominated by Barcelona, who Their 335.5 passes on average per match largely thanks to the interest generated by the club being he was playing for Stocksbridge Park changed his style of play and his strengths guard the ball with an almost infinite zeal and 72.4 percent passing accuracy both managed by Italian coach Claudio Ranieri. Steels, earning beer money in the seventh have always stayed the same,” Simon and rarely pass further than the nearest rank as the third lowest in the league. Their “Leicester’s media values have jumped by 30 percent tier of English football and working 10- Garner, Vardy’s strike partner at FC Halifax, team mate, Leicester have shown that title rivals, in contrast, have all sought to globally whilst in the US they have grown by over 70 per- hour shifts at a carbon fibre factory. said recently. being direct need not be a relic of a bygone dominate the ball. Arsenal hogged posses- cent, showing first-hand the increase in value to current A conviction for assault meant he “Jamie terrorizes back fours with his age. A report last month by the Football sion the most, averaging almost 56 per- and potential sponsors,” Repucom said. Leicester’s first played with an electronic tag on his ankle. pace and he plays with no fear. When he Observatory research group at the cent, but Manchester City (55.2), appearance in the lucrative Champions League will also It smacked of another hard-luck story, but was in the team you always knew you had International Centre for Sports Studies Manchester United (55.1) and Tottenham make a vast difference to their coffers in the region of 36 scroll his career forward, through FC a chance. He can win games on his own.” (CIES) in Switzerland said Ranieri’s side have Hotspur (54.7) are not far behind. With million pounds. As well as increased TV exposure, it will played more long balls this season than all most of Leicester’s rivals boasting bigger Halifax and Fleetwood Town and a Football Neil Aspin, who signed Vardy for FC generate increased revenues from group stage fees, a pro- but two teams in Europe’s big five leagues. squads and deeper pockets, Ranieri’s side League debut for Leicester at the age of Halifax, recalls going to watch him play for portion of the competition’s market pool and a participa- With 6.9 percent of Leicester’s passes have also shown that ‘rotation’, another 25, and Vardy is the hero of one of sport’s Stocksbridge. “Straight away I could see he being classified as long by the study, the buzzword of modern football, is not a pre- tion bonus, totalling 33 million pounds, as well as 3 million greatest upsets. No wonder Stocksbridge had something,” Aspin, who is now in Foxes blaze a trail for the Premier League requisite for a title challenge.— Reuters pounds performance bonus.—Reuters are naming a stand after him and televi- charge at Gateshead, said. —Reuters Record breakers, UEFA admits athletes of the Kosovo in a cause Run for step toward Those Who Can’t World Cup

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 201615 17 Ranieri turns back the clock to make Leicester champions Page 19

MUNICH: Bayern Munich’s Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso (left) scores the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final, second-leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid yesterday. — AFP Atletico oust Bayern to reach final

MUNICH: Atletico Madrid reached the tition in the 54th. Robert Lewandowski set up a home game at Bayern before his move to once more in the 20th, denying Lewandowski the Spaniards in the game. Atletico stunned the Champions League final for the second time in dramatic finale with his 74th minute goal but it Manchester City for next season, started with from close range, but the Spaniards looked rat- home crowd after the break with their first real three seasons yesterday, going through on away was not enough. Thomas Mueller missed a first- defender Jerome Boateng, who returned from a tled, with the tables turned and Bayern doing the chance of the game when Frenchman Griezmann goals after a 2-1 defeat at Bayern Munich, in half penalty for Bayern and Atletico’s Fernando three-month injury break on Saturday, and pressing and having 12 shots compared to linked up with Fernando Torres and charged which both sides missed a penalty, with the tie Torres had an 85th minute spot kick saved as Franck Ribery, himself back from injury. Atletico’s two by the half hour. Xabi Alonso finally through to beat Neuer with a fine finish. finishing 2-2 on aggregate. Atletico, who will face Bayern suffered a third straight elimination by a With a newly-discovered intensity, the got Bayern a deserved lead, his low free kick clip- With Bayern now on the backfoot and need- either city rivals Real Madrid, who beat them in Spanish team at this stage in their three seasons Bavarians were dominant in the first half, success- ping Atletico’s Jose Maria Gimenez to beat Oblak ing two more goals to advance, Atletico grew the 2014 final, or Manchester City, who meet in under Pep Guardiola. fully navigating through the Spaniards’ high press- and cancel out Atletico’s first-leg advantage. bolder and Juanfran’s shot on the hour sailed nar- the second semi-final today, also spoiled Bayern’s “They were better, but we scored an away ing game and grabbing their first chance with a Bayern pushed for a second goal before the rowly wide. Lewandowski put Bayern back in treble chances after the Spaniards won the first goal, which was important. We need to keep Lewandowski header in the 12th minute. The break and thought they would have it when front on the night with a close-range header to leg 1-0 last week. grounded and first of all think of the Liga before Poland striker narrowly failed to connect inside Javi Martinez was brought down by Gimenez in trigger a dramatic finale but, even after Neuer Bayern took the lead with a Xabi Alonso goal the final,” said Griezmann, whose side are level on the box while Arturo Vidal’s left-footed effort was the box to earn a penalty three minutes later. saved Torres’ spot kick, the Germans could not in the 31st minute but Atletico levelled through points with leaders Barcelona in the Spanish title plucked out of the air on its way to the top corner However, Oblak saved Mueller’s spot kick and find another goal and their Champions League Antoine Griezmann’s seventh goal of the compe- race. Guardiola, in his final Champions League by keeper Jan Oblak. Oblak came to the rescue Lewandowski’s effort from the rebound to keep hopes were over. — Reuters Cubs overpower Pirates 7-2

PITTSBURGH: Jason Hammel raised his record to 4-0 and Anthony Rizzo hit two doubles as the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 on Monday night. Hammel’s ERA rose to 1.24 after entering the game with a National League-lead- ing 0.75 mark. He gave up two runs and five hits in five-plus innings with three strikeouts and one walk. His streak of five straight starts of allowing one run or fewer ended. Rizzo hit an RBI double and scored in the third inning as the Cubs went ahead 2-1, then doubled again during a four-run fifth that pushed the lead to 6-1. The Cubs improved to 18-6, tops in the major leagues, and avoided losing consecutive games for the first time this season while winning for the fifth time in six games.

MADRID: Spanish player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Russian player Andrey Kuznetsov during the NATIONALS 2, ROYALS 0 Madrid Open tournament at the Caja Magica (Magic Box) sports complex yesterday. — AFP Gio Gonzalez and the Washington bullpen combined on a five-hitter, Ryan Zimmerman and Nadal, Murray through in Madrid Daniel Murphy drove in first-inning runs and the Nationals beat Kansas City. Gonzalez (2-1) scat- PITTSBURGH: Kris Bryant #17 comes in to score on an sacrifice fly ball by Ben Zobrist #18 of the MADRID: Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion his place in the last 16 with a 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 win tered four hits and a pair of walks over six Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Rafael Nadal stretched his perfect start to the over Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov. innings in his latest smooth start. He’s only Monday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. — AFP European clay-court season to 11 matches with a World number one Novak Djokovic begins his allowed four earned runs combined in his first routine 6-3, 6-3 win over Russia’s Andrey campaign after a three-year absence in Madrid on five outings. Sammy Solis needed eight pitches CARDINALS 10, PHILLIES 3 hadn’t lost at home since Aug 10, 2014, against Kuznetsov to reach round three of the Madrid Wednesday against Borna Coric. Frenchman Gael for a spotless seventh, and Shawn Kelley and Adam Wainwright pitched six innings and hit Texas. Dozier snapped a 0-for-16 slump with a Masters yesterday. Defending champion Andy Monfils continued his fine form after losing to Oliver Perez combined to strike out three a three-run home run - the first of five for St double in the first and singled to start the three- Murray began his defence of the title with a 7-6 Nadal in the final of Monte Carlo last month as he straight after a leadoff double in the eighth. Louis - as the Cardinals snapped a four-game los- run fourth as the Twins ended a four-game los- (7/3), 3-6, 6-1 win over 37-year-old Czech Radek saw off Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-1. Controversial Jonathan Papelbon breezed through a perfect ing streak. Matt Adams, rookie Aledmys Diaz ing streak. Jose Berrios (1-1) earned his first Stepanek to remain on course for a semi-final Australian Nick Kyrgios set up an enticing second- ninth as the Nationals followed up a sweep of and Randal Grichuk added solo homers and career win, giving up two runs on three hits with meeting with Nadal. Fresh from victories in Monte round clash with fourth seed Stanislas Wawrinka as the Cardinals with their fourth straight win. Kolten Wong hit a two-run homer to help St eight strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings in his second Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal will continue his quest he battled past Argentine Guido Pella 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. Louis overcome a 3-0 deficit and avoid its first major league start. Berrios was tagged for five for a fifth title in Madrid against American Sam A dreadful week for Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov con- METS 4, BRAVES 1 five-game slide since losing seven straight from runs in four innings in his first start. Querrey or France’s Lucas Pouille tomorrow. tinued as he exited in the first round 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 David Wright, Yoenis Cespedes and Lucas July 26-31, 2013. Wainwright, who has struggled Nadal is looking for a record 50th career clay- to Pablo Carreno Busta two days after defaulting in Duda hit home runs in the first inning as New since missing most of last season with an Achilles GIANTS 9, REDS 6 court title in the Spanish capital and was rarely the final of the Istanbul Open for a racquet-smash- York teed off, sending Bartolo Colon and the tendon injury, has won two straight. Wainwright Cincinnati roughed up Johnny Cueto in his troubled by the world number 39 Kuznetsov. The ing tirade. And former US Open champion Juan Mets over Atlanta for their ninth win in 10 (2-3) was the last Cardinals pitcher to get a win return to Great American Ball Park, but San Spaniard raced into a 3-0 first-set lead and one Martin del Potro scored an impressive 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 games. The Mets’ homer barrage came in a span after yielding four runs over 5 1/3 innings in an Francisco rallied against the Reds’ historically bad break was enough to seal the set as he staved off win over in-form 14th seed Dominic Thiem. of 16 pitches. The Braves have hit just five 11-4 rout at Arizona on April 27. In this victory, bullpen, riding Brandon Crawford’s three-run break points in the fourth game. Kuznetsov made In the women’s Madrid Open there was a bet- homers all season, by far the fewest in the majors Wainwright pitched six innings, allowing three homer to a victory. Joey Votto hit a three-run a more positive start to the second to lead 3-2, ter day for the favorites after a series of high-pro- for the team with the worst record in the big runs and five hits. He improved to 6-2 in 11 homer as the Reds piled up six runs in the third but was blown away as Nadal, ominously for his file exits left just five seeds left in the draw. World leagues. A few weeks shy of his 43rd birthday, career starts against the Phillies. inning off Cueto, who got a warm welcome from rivals later in the week, found his rhythm to win number seven Simona Halep thrashed Karin Colon (2-1) pitched eight scoreless innings. He his former teammates and fans before the game. the last four games. Knapp 6-1, 6-1 to set up a third-round clash with coasted to his 220th career victory, breaking a tie TWINS 6, ASTROS 2 It was Cueto’s worst showing since he gave up Nadal’s path to the final was eased as his Timea Bacsinszky as the 10th seed overcame with Pedro Martinez for the second-most among Brian Dozier broke out of a slump with three eight runs during Kansas City’s 11-8 loss at potential quarter-final opponent Roger Federer Ekaterina Makarova 6-4. 5-7, 6-4. Spain’s Carla Dominican-born pitchers and trailing only the hits and Minnesota snapped Dallas Keuchel’s 17- Toronto in the AL Championship Series last sea- withdrew due to a back injury on Monday. Suarez Navarro booked her place in the last 16 243 by Hall of Famer Juan Marichal. Colon gave game home winning streak with a victory over son. The Reds’ bullpen tied history while letting a However, he could face Murray in the last four in a with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Germany’s Sabine Lisicki. up seven hits, six in the first three innings, Houston. Keuchel (2-4) allowed five runs on five 6-3 lead slip away. Brandon Belt and Gregor repeat of last year’s final. Murray needed three Sam Stosur and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also walked none and struck. He threw 99 pitches - 77 hits with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings and Blanco singled in runs off JC Ramirez (0-2) in the sets to overcome Stepanek, but eventually got reached the third round without having to hit a strikes - in the longest outing by a Mets starter struggled with his command for the third time seventh. Crawford connected off Drew Hayes for the job done in just under two-and-a-half hours ball as 11th seed Lucie Safarova and Camila this year. He was 4-0 against Atlanta last season. this season, walking five. The Cy Young winner his third homer and an 8-6 lead. —AP on court. Eleventh seed Milos Raonic also booked Giorgi withdrew. — AFP Philips to spin off lighting branch in ‘historic’ IPO Page 22

China, Japan growth to slow sharply in 2016, warns IMF BWEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016usiness Page 23 HSBC Q1 profit drops on market volatility Alghanim Industries introduces ‘Mi’ to Kuwait Page 26 Pages 25

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf addresses the audience during the Euromoney Saudi Arabia conference in the capital Riyadh yesterday. The two-day conference focuses on Saudi Arabia’s economy and the so called economic plan “Vision 2030”. — AFP Saudi plans sweeping market reforms Bourse to ease rules for foreigners under economic plan

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia announced a string of foreign money. “This is a very good piece of will only need to have a minimum of $1 billion MSCI ENTRY put their money into Saudi Arabia; total direct reforms to its stock market that could attract news and supportive of the stock market in the of assets under management globally, instead Saudi Arabia wants to join international and indirect foreign investment accounts for billions of dollars of fresh foreign money and medium- to long term,” Sebastien Henin, head of $5 billion. The CMA said it would now accept index compiler MSCI’s emerging markets index less than 1 percent of the $408 billion stock smooth sales of state assets as the kingdom of asset management at Abu Dhabi’s The investments by new types of foreign institution as soon as in 2017, because many global funds market, bourse data shows. grapples with damage to its finances caused National Investor, said of Tuesday’s announce- including sovereign wealth funds and universi- base their investments on that index. Officials Low oil prices, as well as the inefficiencies of by low oil prices. ment. “It may clear the road for the possible ty endowments. The regulator also said it had have conceded same-day settlement is an Saudi firms and the greater dynamism of other When Riyadh opened its bourse to direct listing of Aramco shares...All in all, this will align approved the introduction of securities lend- obstacle to inclusion. emerging economies, have diverted money foreign investment last June, it took a cautious the bourse with international markets and ing and covered short-selling to the stock mar- MSCI is expected to say in June whether it from the kingdom. It may take years before it approach, imposing tight ownership limits and encourage foreign investors to allocate funds ket, which would give investors more options will review Saudi Arabia for possible inclusion becomes clear if the economic reform drive minimum qualifications for overseas institu- to Saudi shares.” to hedge their purchases against market in the index, and the reforms announced yes- will change this. tions to reduce the risk of them destabilising Each foreign institutional investor will be downturns. Meanwhile, the Saudi Stock terday could help to sway its decision. At the end of 2015, only nine foreign institu- the market. Reforms announced yesterday sug- allowed to own directly a stake of just under 10 Exchange will introduce during the first half of Nevertheless, the Saudi stock market did not tions had obtained licences to invest directly in gested authorities are now courting foreign percent of a single listed company, up from a 2017 the settlement of trades within two work- react positively to the announcement; its index the Saudi market. The Middle East head of a money more aggressively. Last week, Deputy previous ceiling of 5 percent, the Capital ing days of execution, the bourse said. was 1.4 percent lower in late trade. big international fund manager, declining to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman outlined Market Authority (CMA) announced. Other At present, trades must be settled on the One reason is that the reforms will take be named because of commercial sensitivities, sweeping plans to cut the kingdom’s depend- restrictions were scrapped, including a ceiling same day. This has inconvenienced foreign considerable time to materialise. The CMA said this number would not necessarily rise ence on oil exports. of 10 percent on combined ownership by for- investors in particular as they must have large said its new foreign ownership rules, and a sharply when restrictions were eased. Among his plans are a privatisation pro- eign institutions of the market’s entire capitali- amounts of money on hand before trading, date for them to take effect, would be “You can ease regulations as much as you gram that will include offering a stake of under sation. All foreign investors combined will still which can be hard given Riyadh’s time zone revealed only by the end of the first half of want, but the value proposition of Saudi 5 percent in national oil giant Saudi Aramco. be limited to owning 49 percent of any single and its Sunday-Thursday business week. 2017. A deeper reason is that despite last Arabia needs to be strong enough to make it The Saudi stock market could have trouble firm. To qualify as a foreign institutional Many big emerging markets have settlement June’s opening to foreign institutions, over- worthwhile for institutional investors to come absorbing the shares without an infusion of investor in Saudi Arabia, each asset manager after two days. seas funds have so far not been very keen to in,” he said. — Reuters Reforms fail to lift Saudi Saudi-Iran split muddies stock market, Gulf dips

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS OPEC long-term strategy DUBAI/LONDON: OPEC has yet to agree on a earlier draft. At stake, fundamentally, is get or floor and a return to OPEC’s quota sys- DUBAI: Gulf stock markets fell back yesterday market join MSCI global indexes. Currently, set- long-term strategy as Saudi Arabia objects to a whether the Organization of the Petroleum tem. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf OPEC allies because of lower oil prices and a lack of positive tlement is same-day, which is inconvenient for drivers, while Saudi Arabia’s bourse failed to get many foreign investors. proposal from arch-rival Iran that the exporter Exporting Countries puts its traditional role of oppose a return to quotas, which were an immediate boost from reforms designed to The reforms will not be implemented before group aim for tighter control of the oil market, fixing supply to prop up prices - a position dropped in 2011. stimulate trading and draw fresh foreign money. 2017, and other factors such as high valuations sources said, pointing to deep divisions over favoured by Iran and other members such as The long-term report is prepared by OPEC’s Brent crude futures fell about 1 percent yester- and low oil prices have also been deterring for- the way forward. Algeria - at the top of its agenda. research team in Vienna and traditionally cau- day after a 3 percent drop on Monday, encourag- eign investors, so the market did not react. The OPEC board of governors met on Or, in response to rising supply outside the tions that it does not articulate the final posi- ing Gulf investors to take profits on stock market Dubai’s index sank 1.8 percent, while Abu Monday in Vienna to discuss the latest draft of group, OPEC steps back from attempting to tion of OPEC or any member country on any gains made over the past several weeks. Dhabi dropped 2.0 percent as some banks its LTS. While they made progress on some manage the market - a view in line with the proposed conclusions it contains. OPEC offi- The Saudi index fell 1.2 percent as petro- remained soft after last week’s disappointing issues, OPEC kingpin Riyadh disagreed with thinking of Saudi Arabia, which led a shift in cials will meet again this year in an attempt to chemical blue chip Saudi Basic Industries lost 2.4 first-quarter earnings, with Abu Dhabi Tehran’s proposal to include “effective produc- OPEC strategy in November 2014 when the reach agreement on the long-term strategy, percent. Jarir Marketing fell 1.5 percent and Commercial Bank losing 4.3 percent. Qatar fell tion management” as a challenge for the group refused to cut output. sources said. Two OPEC sources described the Saudi Hollandi Bank lost 1.9 percent as both 1.5 percent as real estate firm Ezdan Holding, group, two OPEC sources said. The debate matters for the oil industry and areas of disagreement as relatively small. stocks went ex-dividend. which lost 2.7 percent on Monday after “Iran and Saudi did not agree,” said one wider economy as oil prices, which began a Still, the likelihood of a return to production The Capital Market Authority said it would reporting its first-quarter earnings, dropped a source, who declined to be identified. Iran, slide from over $100 a barrel in June 2014 due management by OPEC appears remote. Last lower the minimum assets-under-management further 3.8 percent. according to an earlier draft of the LTS seen by to oversupply, deepened their collapse in month, a deal to freeze output by OPEC and requirement for foreign institutions investing Egypt’s market, reopening after two days of Reuters in November, had proposed that the response to OPEC’s decision not to cut. Crude non-member producers fell apart after Saudi directly in the market, and ease foreign owner- public holidays, tumbled 3.1 percent after the first of 10 challenges OPEC listed for itself - hit a 12-year low in January this year and is Arabia demanded that Iran participate. ship restrictions. For example, each foreign April purchasing managers’ index for that coun- “sustaining oil market stability” - be tweaked now trading around $45. Iran has refused to limit production as it seeks investor will be allowed to own a stake of just try showed new orders and output continuing to refer to managing supply. That policy shift continues to divide the to regain market share following the lifting of under 10 percent of a single company; previous- to decline, while the Egyptian pound slipped “The first challenge could be expressed in a group, with members disagreeing about the Western sanctions in January, although sources ly, the ceiling was 5 percent. Meanwhile, the further in the black market. Orascom Telecom Saudi Stock Exchange said it would introduce Media sank 6.8 percent, continuing a slide trig- more clear way as follows: ‘Sustainability of oil need to support a fair oil price and boost rev- have said Tehran would do so once output has the settlement of trades within two working gered by its reporting a big loss for 2015 late prices at optimal levels as well as maintaining enues. The earlier LTS draft seen by Reuters recovered to the pre-sanctions level. OPEC’s oil days of execution, a reform that could help the last week. — Reuters effective production management, in light of carried annotations from Iran and Algeria for ministers hold their next meeting on June 2 in dynamic market conditions,’” Iran wrote on the measures to support prices such as a price tar- Vienna to discuss output policy. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 BUSINESS News Philips to spin off lighting in brief

ADS Securities has $13bn of branch in ‘historic’ IPO bond issues lined up in UAE ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi financial firm ADS Securities has mandates to arrange bond issues worth $13 billion this Offering, listing subject to market conditions year as governments and companies raise capital to cope with falling oil prices and a stuttering global economy, its chief executive said yesterday. While governments, partic- THE HAGUE: Electronics giant Philips But since then Philips said it has been announcement, shares in Philips fell by products in around 180 countries. ularly in oil-producing countries, have begun to borrow announced yesterday it was floating its examining its options, hesitating between around 1.7 percent in mid-morning trade Last year Philips Lighting raked in 646 from the international bond market to plug budget lighting arm on the stock market in a a straight sale and an IPO in the to around 23.50 euros ($27.20) per share million euros in earnings before interest, deficits, companies are also tapping debt markets to fund “historic” initial public offering, aiming Amsterdam stock exchange. Philips said it on a sluggish Amsterdam stock exchange’s tax, depreciation and amortisation, the expansion. “There are lot of issuances coming up in this to spin off at least a quarter of the divi- would retain the majority stake in the AEX index. company said. region and beyond due to the drop in oil prices and sion’s shares. lighting arm “with the aim to fully sell Philips sold its first light bulb a few It has manufacturing plants in more restructuring in the UAE, Gulf and globally,” Philippe “The offering would consist of a sale of down over the next several years” as it years after it was founded in 1891, but for than 20 countries and holds a patent Ghanem told Reuters at a company event. existing shares only held by Royal Philips, shifts its focus to healthcare products. the past dozen years has increasingly shift- portfolio of over 14,000 patent rights. A the current sole shareholder of Philips “Today’s announcement is a historic ed its focus on medical equipment, which household name around the world for Lighting. The offering and listing, and their one for Philips as we aim to separate our now accounts for more than 40 percent of home appliances, Philips said in April it Egyptian pound timing, are subject to, among other fac- company into two market-leading compa- sales. Philips said it was making the move had earned 37 million euros ($41.5 mil- tors, market conditions,” the Amsterdam- nies focused on capturing opportunities in into medical technology where margins lion) in net income for the first quarter, stable at auction based Philips said in a statement. the health technology and connected LED are strong and less vulnerable to competi- compared with 100 million euros in the CAIRO: The Egyptian pound was stable at a central Philips in late 2014 announced it was lighting solutions markets respectively,” tion from emerging markets. same period in 2015. bank auction yesterday but weakened on the black selling off its core lighting business-a Philips chief executive Frans van Houten Its lighting business, which produces The group however in January market. The central bank sold $119.6 million a 8.78 per mainstay of its income for more than a said in the statement. LED lights, halogen and fluorescent lamps announced net profit in 2015 up by 55 per- dollar, far from the black market rate of around 11.05 century-to focus more on medical “Philips Lighting is well-positioned as a and other electronic components, howev- cent to 645 million euros, compared to 415 per dollar that two traders quoted on Tuesday. They equipment. stand-alone company,” he added. After the er remains a major money-spinner, selling million euros in 2014. — AFP did not give volumes of trade. Last week, traders on the black market quoted 10.40/10.50 to the dollar. The United Arab Emirates has allocated $4 billion to Egypt, half of it in investment and half as a central bank deposit to support cash reserves, the UAE state news agency WAM reported last month. Egypt, which relies Risks rise as hedge funds heavily on imports, has been facing a dollar shortage since the popular uprising in 2011 drove away tourists and foreign investors, major sources of hard currency. In an attempt to close the gap between official and place record bet on oil black market rates, the central bank devalued to 8.85 per dollar from 7.7301 in March, while announcing a more flexible exchange rate policy. It later strength- US gasoline consumption running at a record ened the pound to 8.78 per dollar, where it has remained since. LONDON: Hedge funds increased their net pull back and give up at least some of their could be a close to their maximum posi- February was flattered by baseline effects, long positions in Brent and WTI derivatives recent gains in the short term. Crude tion. But oil prices are less than half of the there is no doubting the underlying by 7 million barrels to a record 663 million prices have been closely correlated with level that they were in June 2014, so the strength of fuel demand from US Ezdan mandates banks barrels in the week ending April 26. the accumulation and liquidation of hedge dollar amount of hedge fund positions is motorists. for planned $2bn sukuk Even though oil prices have already fund positions in Brent and especially WTI still relatively modest, which could indi- At the same time, US oil production has DUBAI: Qatar’s Ezdan Holding has mandated HSBC and risen by roughly $20 per barrel (70 per- since the start of 2015. Traders and ana- cate they have further scope to add long fallen by more than 3 percent over the last Dubai-based Mashreq as joint global coordinators for its cent) from their low in January, hedge lysts are divided over whether hedge positions. On balance, the hedge funds’ 12 months and is down almost 570,000 planned $2 billion sukuk program, the property developer funds are more bullish than at any time funds and other money managers are now record net long position has shifted the barrels per day (6 percent) from its peak said yesterday. Barwa Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, HSBC since oil prices started slumping in the fully invested in crude, heightening the balance of price risks towards the down- (“Petroleum Supply Monthly”, EIA, April and Mashreq will be joint lead managers and book runners summer of 2014. Hedge funds and other risk of reversal, or could still increase their side in the short term. 29). So far this year, the hedge funds and for the issue, Ezdan said in a bourse statement. The banks money managers held futures and position further. But it has to be set against the funda- market fundamentals have both been will arrange a series of fixed income investor meetings in options contracts equivalent to 791 mil- Since the start of the year, hedge mental supply-demand picture, where the pushing in the same direction. Asia, the United Arab Emirates and Britain starting tomor- lion barrels of crude betting on a further funds have added almost 195 million bar- balance of risks appears to be shifting to The liquidation of previous hedge fund row, it said. Any issue will be subject to market conditions, rise in prices and just 128 million barrels rels of additional long positions in Brent the upside (“Oil rally is not just about short positions and accumulation of long Ezdan added. The developer, which was founded by mem- gambling on a fall. and WTI, while cutting short positions by hedge funds”, Reuters, April 29). ones has accelerated a rise in crude prices bers of the ruling Al-Thani family, last month received The record net long position in crude 235 million. US gasoline consumption averaged 9.2 that would probably have occurred in any shareholder approval to raise $2 billion through sukuk easily surpasses previous peaks set in May The brutal squeeze on former hedge million barrels per day in February, event given the gradual rebalancing of the issuance. 2015 (572 million barrels) and June 2014 fund short positions has been at least as stronger than expected, according to physical crude market. But it is no longer as ISIS fighters threatened the oilfields of important as the emergence of fresh long monthly data published by the U.S. Energy obvious hedge funds and fundamentals Iraq (626 million barrels). Large concentra- positions in pushing prices higher. But Information Administration on April 29. will work in the same direction in the next Gulf Capital buys Multibrands, tions of long or short positions are often with hedge fund short positions down US gasoline consumption is running at couple of months. followed by a sharp reversal in prices when from a recent peak of 392 million barrels in a record for the time of year . Record gaso- There is now some tension between has $250m to spend in 2016 holders try to lock in their profits by liqui- the second week of January to just 128 line consumption in the United States is hedge fund positioning (which suggests DUBAI: Private equity firm Gulf Capital has bought dating some of their positions, triggering a million barrels there are not many more consistent with separate data showing price risks are biased to the downside in Saudi Arabian food and drinks distributor Multibrands rush for the exit. short positions to squeeze. traffic volumes on US highways rising by the short term) and the tightening sup- and plans to spend around $250 million this year The accumulation of such a large net On the long side, hedge funds have between 5 percent and 6 percent year-on- ply-demand balance (which indicates across mainly defensive sectors, its CEO said yesterday. long position over the last 17 weeks could already amassed a record number of con- year in February. Even if the strength of price risks could still be tilted to the “We have a record deal flow and expect two or three indicate an increasing risk crude prices will tracts. Past experience indicates that this implied gasoline demand and driving in upside). — Reuters more deals in 2016 and are looking at defensive sec- tors such as healthcare and business services, as well as energy,” Karim El Solh said. “We are very optimistic as we have $1 billion in dry powder and today is the Higher output pushes oil perfect time to be scouting [for deals] as there are lower on supply glut fears more opportunities and valuations are coming down.” Abu-Dhabi-based Gulf Capital bought Multibrands LONDON: Oil fell yesterday, as Brent crude oil, which con- from Kuwaiti businessman Fozan al-Fozan for an rising output from the Middle tributes to the futures bench- undisclosed price. With Multibrands, Gulf Capital, East and North Sea renewed mark, will rise in June to its which manages more than 13 billion dirhams of concerns about a global sup- highest in four months, up 17 assets, is seeking to tap into one of the largest and ply overhang. Brent crude percent from May, according fastest growing non-oil sectors in Saudi Arabia. The futures were trading 37 cents to monthly loading programs food and beverage sector is expected to grow from lower at $45.46 per barrel at provided by trading sources. around $56 billion currently to $83 billion by 2020, 0919 GMT, retreating from ear- “There are enough supply sto- Gulf Capital estimated. lier gains. US crude futures ries out there to slow or tem- were also down 37 cents at per any gains,” Richard $44.41 per barrel. Mallinson, analyst at Energy Qatar CB sells 1.5bn Iraq said its oil shipments Aspects said, though he added riyals T-bills, yields up from southern fields averaged lower supply from the United DUBAI: Qatar’s Central Bank said yesterday it sold 1.5 bil- 3.364 million barrels per day States should be supportive to lion riyals ($412 million) of Treasury bills in a monthly auc- (bpd) in April, up from 3.286 prices in the longer term. tion as yields rose from last month’s sale. The bank sold million in March. Production US production has 500 million riyals of three-month bills at a yield of 1.38 per- from top exporter Saudi slumped from a peak of cent, receiving 975 million riyals of bids. At April’s auction, Arabia was 10.15 million bpd around 9.6 million bpd in June three-month bills were sold at 1.31 percent. It sold 500 mil- in April, but sources said it 2015 to below 9 million bpd lion riyals of six-month bills at 1.45 percent, getting 850 may return to near-records of now, according to govern- million riyals of bids, compared to last month’s 1.27 per- 10.5 million bpd soon. ment data. This helped lift cent. It also sold 500 million riyals of nine-month bills at Iran is also raising output crude by nearly 70 percent 1.44 percent, receiving 1 billion riyals of bids, against 1.38 following an end to sanctions from decade lows hit in early percent. Earlier this week, the central bank invited banks to in January, having increased 2016. Demand worries also bid for 2 billion riyals of T-bills. Between January and its exports to almost 2 million returned to the horizon after March, it cancelled monthly sales of T-bills because of bpd from a little over 1 million China’s factory activity shrank tightening liquidity in the banking system due to low oil bpd at the start of the year. for a 14th straight month in SYDNEY: People walk past the Reserve Bank of Australia building in Sydney yesterday. Australia’s cen- prices. Since then, liquidity appears to have improved Daily supply of North Sea April. — Reuters tral bank yesterday cut its cash rate by 25 basis points to a historic low of 1.75 percent, with the move somewhat. The May auction roughly coincided with the triggered by lower-than-expected inflation. — AFP maturation of 1.5 billion riyals of T-bills, bankers said.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Canadian dollar 241.470 Malaysian Ringgit 78.125 Indian Rupee 0.004319 0.004709 Turkish lira 108.680 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.110 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Swiss Franc 316.310 Thai Bhat 9.635 Japanese Yen 0.002755 0.002935 ASIAN COUNTRIES Australian Dollar 232.250 Turkish Lira 108.200 Kenyan Shilling 0.003102 0.003102 Japanese Yen 2.830 US Dollar Buying 301.800 Korean Won 0.000254 0.000269 Indian Rupees 4.562 Malaysian Ringgit 0.073552 0.079552 Pakistani Rupees 2.880 GOLD Bahrain Exchange Company Nepalese Rupee 0.002874 0.003044 Srilankan Rupees 2.068 20 Gram 248.350 Nepali Rupees 2.847 Pakistan Rupee 0.002659 0.002939 10 Gram 127.090 Philippine Peso 0.006360 0.006640 Singapore Dollar 225.410 5 Gram 64.390 CURRENCY BUY SELL Hongkong Dollar 38.881 Europe Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Bangladesh Taka 3.845 British Pound 0.433645 0.442645 Singapore Dollar 0.221218 0.227218 Philippine Peso 6.417 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Czech Korune 0.004782 0.016782 South African Rand 0.015238 0.023738 Thai Baht 8.660 Danish Krone 0.042426 0.047426 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001688 0.002268 Euro 0.0340102 0.0348102 Taiwan 0.009227 0.009407 GCC COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Norwegian Krone 0.033469 0.038669 Thai Baht 0.008311 0.008861 Saudi Riyal 80.470 US Dollar 302.550 Romanian Leu 0.086515 0.086515 Qatari Riyal 82.891 Canadian Dollar 241.185 Slovakia 0.008969 0.018969 Arab Sterling Pound 442.715 ani Riyal 783.784 Swedish Krona 0.033556 0.038556 Bahraini Dinar 0.793432 0.801432 Euro 347.305 Bahraini Dinar 801.380 Swiss Franc 0.307764 0.317964 Egyptian Pound 0.029671 0.034789 Swiss Frank 292.570 UAE Dirham 82.175 Turkish Lira 0.102437 0.112737 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000085 Bahrain Dinar 800.405 Iraqi Dinar 0.000191 0.000251 UAE Dirhams 82.615 ARAB COUNTRIES Australasia Jordanian Dinar 0.421375 0.428875 Egyptian Pound - Cash 32.220 Qatari Riyals 83.825 Australian Dollar 0.220684 0.232184 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 34.353 Saudi Riyals 81.360 Jordanian Dinar 426.200 New Zealand Dollar 0.204449 0.213949 Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.000251 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 2.111 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020707 0.044707 Tunisian Dinar 151.560 Egyptian Pound 33.974 Nigerian Naira 0.001241 0.001876 Jordanian Dinar 425.030 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.075 America Omani Riyal 0.776957 0.782637 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.011 Indian Rupees 4.552 Canadian Dollar 0.234933 0.243433 Syrian Lira 2.150 Pakistani Rupees 2.880 US Dollars 0.297500 0.302000 Qatar Riyal 0.082131 0.083344 Morocco Dirham 31.915 Bangladesh Taka 3.848 US Dollars Mint 0.298000 0.302000 Saudi Riyal 0.079540 0.080490 Philippines Pesso 6.448 Syrian Pound 0.001278 0.001498 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 576.260 Asia Tunisian Dinar 0.147935 0.155935 US Dollar Transfer 301.600 Japanese Yen 3.835 Bangladesh Taka 0.003427 0.004001 Turkish Lira 0.102437 0.112737 Euro 347.440 Syrian Pound 2.375 Chinese Yuan 0.045043 0.048543 UAE Dirhams 0.081133 0.082282 Sterling Pound 442.450 Nepalese Rupees 3.845 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036813 0.039563 Yemeni Riyal 0.001363 0.001443 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 BUSINESS

No respite for Japan as yen soars to 18-month high

LONDON: The yen jumped to a 18-month high Francois Hollande had described sudden moves in far as 91.919, its lowest since January 2015. “Broad- RBA would ease policy, meaning many investors sold against a weak dollar yesterday, extending gains that foreign exchange rates as undesirable. based dollar weakness is reinforcing the problem of the Australian dollar when it did. The Aussie tumbled have undermined Japanese officials’ attempts to Abe will also visit Italy and Germany in a a stronger yen for Japanese policymakers,” said Lee 1.8 percent against the yen and 1.4 percent against reflate the developed world’s most stagnant econo- European tour some believe he will try to use to set Hardman, currency strategist at Bank of Tokyo the dollar to $0.7556. “At least the Australian central my. The yen also rose sharply against the Australian the stage for possible intervention in currency mar- Mitsubishi. The greenback fell to 105.50 yen yester- bank will be happy with the reaction in the currency. dollar, up 1.7 percent after the Reserve Bank of kets as Japan prepares to host a G7 meeting later day, its lowest since October 2014, as worries over For the Bank of Japan and the European Central Australia cut interest rates to record lows. this month. Attendees at previous G7 meetings have subdued inflation and tardy global growth returned Bank, the rise in the yen and the euro is definitely The yen has now risen over 12 percent against frowned upon interventions, and Tokyo is sensitive and pushed investors to the safety of low-yielding, not welcome,” said Niels Christensen, FX strategist at the dollar this year, extending gains after the Bank of to criticism that it is trying to engineer a weaker yen liquid currencies. The euro, another low-yielding cur- Nordea. Last week, the yen produced its biggest Japan kept monetary stimulus unchanged last week. through ultra-loose monetary policy. rency, rose 0.6 percent against the dollar to $1.1616, weekly gain since 2008 - more than 5 percent Further gains are likely to fan talk of further easing But traders said a sharp rise towards 100 yen per its highest since August. against the dollar - as the BOJ held off from expand- by the BOJ sooner rather than later, traders said, as dollar could prompt action, even during Japan’s The Reserve Bank of Australia earlier joined other ing its stimulus. The US Treasury Department called Japanese politicians also signalled concerns about Golden Week holidays. The dollar has been on the developed nation central banks in easing policy, cut- current dollar-yen conditions “orderly”-widely inter- the currency’s run-up. Media reports said Japanese defensive with the US Federal Reserve seen in no ting by 25 basis points to 1.75 percent amid falling preted as a signal to Japanese officials not to inter- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and French President hurry to raise rates. Yesterday, the dollar index fell as inflation. The market had been split on whether the vene to weaken the yen. — Reuters Eurozone growth forecast cut as global risks, Brexit loom France, Spain and Italy on course to break bloc’s rules

BRUSSELS: The EU cut yesterday its eurozone Eurozone nations are still dealing with the threat years. Moscovici said that the forecast was based growth forecasts for this year, warning that global of a new crisis in debt-hit Greece, which nearly on Britain remaining in the EU. The commission risks including the slowdown in China and the dan- crashed out of the currency a year ago, as wran- said inflation would also continue to be very low ger of Britain leaving the bloc were harming the gling continues over its huge bailout. and far off the 2.0 percent target at the European economic recovery. The European Commission, the The EU warned that the “uncertainty surround- Central Bank. The Commission slashed its inflation EU’s executive arm, also warned that major mem- ing the forecast is extraordinarily high”, suggesting forecast for the eurozone to 0.2 percent in 2016 ber states France, Spain and Italy were on course to major revisions to the outlook could be expected and to 1.4 percent in 2017. break the bloc’s rules on public spending. in the future. “External risks include the possibility The ECB has cut interest rates to zero percent, Warning of increased global risks for the 19- that slower growth in emerging markets, particu- beefed up its controversial bond-buying program country single currency area as it continues its larly China, could trigger stronger spillovers or and made vast amounts of cheap loans available sluggish recovery, the Commission trimmed its turn out worse than expected,” the commission’s to banks in a bid to jumpstart inflation. 2016 forecast to 1.6 percent from 1.7 percent. forecast said. Nonetheless, inflation in the eurozone was nega- The commission also said that the eurozone tive 0.2 percent in April. The commission fore- growth would accelerate to 1.8 percent growth UK referendum ‘uncertainty’ casts also set up a tense battle with France and next year, instead of the earlier forecast 1.7 per- It also pointed to domestic problems in Europe especially Spain over its public spending plans cent. “Growth in Europe is holding up despite a that posed “considerable” risks, including the slow for this year and next. more difficult global environment,” said EU pace of reforms “and the uncertainty ahead of the The EU warned Spain’s deficit would reach Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre UK’s EU referendum”. These dangers “could prove 3.9 percent in 2016, way off the 3.0 percent of Moscovici, who unveiled the forecast at a press to be stronger than expected”, the commission GDP limit for member states that Madrid said conference in Brussels. warned. Britain’s own economy faces risks from the would be met this year. Meanwhile, the EU said “The recovery in the euro area remains uneven, June 26 referendum with the EU firmly slashing its France would break a promise made to both between member states and between the growth outlook for the UK. Brussels to meet the 3.0 percent threshold by HONG KONG: (L to R) Sally Chen, resident representative in Hong Kong, Changyong Rhee, weakest and the strongest in society. That is unac- It projected annual growth of 1.8 percent in 2017. The commission said the French deficit director of the Asia and Pacific Department, Ranil Salgado, division chief for Asia and ceptable and requires determined action from 2016 and 1.9 percent in 2017, compared to its ear- would reach 3.2 percent of output without Pacific and Rhoda Weeks-Brown, deputy director of the Communications Department for governments, both individually and collectively.” lier forecast in February of 2.1 percent for both new reforms. — AFP the International Monetary Fund (IMF), pose for a photo before at a press conference in Hong Kong on the IMF’s regional economic outlook for Asia and Pacific yesterday. — AFP China, Japan growth to slow UK manufacturing Philippine presidential favorite sharply in 2016, warns IMF shrinks in April Duterte causing market jitters LONDON: British manufacturing output unexpectedly MANILA: Philippine presidential favorite investors were nervously waiting to learn more HONG KONG: China and Japan’s economies Japan tipped for recession shrank to hit its lowest level in three years in April, a sur- Rodrigo Duterte’s vague economic plans and about his economic policies. “They are not sure are expected to slow sharply over the next The Fund noted China’s leadership is try- vey showed yesterday, suggesting the economy will threats to kill thousands of criminals are spook- about his economic platform because Duterte two years but Asian growth will remain ing to transform the country’s growth driver slow further before next month’s in-out European Union ing the financial markets, with one business has always emphasized his campaign on corrup- strong as domestic demand takes up the away from a reliance on government invest- membership referendum. With uncertainty surrounding leader warning yesterday the trash-talking politi- tion and not what he would do about the econ- slack from weak global trade, the IMF said ment and exports to one dominated by the June 23 vote, factories are also struggling with a cian would bring anarchy. The key Philippine omy,” research chief April Lee Tan of Manila- yesterday. Government stimulus measures, domestic consumption. It also warned of the weaker global economy and a slowdown in the oil and Stock Exchange index fell yesterday for the fifth based securities firm COL Financial told AFP. lower commodity prices and low unemploy- spillover effects of China’s slowing growth on gas industry, a major customer. consecutive day, a stretch that began after “That uncertainty is causing a lot of ment will help drive regional expansion, the other economies that rely on the country to Sterling fell and gilt futures rose after the Markit/CIPS Duterte made a speech before top business investors to stay on the sidelines and wait and International Monetary Fund said, and called drive their own expansion, including weaker manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 49.2 leaders in which he joked about his penis and see how a Duterte presidency would pan out.” on leaders to push on with reforms. trade and commodity prices. from 50.7 in March, the first time since March 2013 it has vowed to pardon himself for mass murder. Duterte, 71, enjoys a double-digit lead in the However, in its Regional Economic “Overall, the region has become more sen- fallen below the 50 mark that separates expansion from Ramon del Rosario, head of the prestigious polls over four opponents ahead of Monday’s Outlook for Asia and the Pacific, the Fund also sitive to the Chinese economy,” it said. contraction. It was below even the lowest forecast in a Makati Business Club that hosted Duterte last national elections. warned of several external challenges, from Countries with strong China trade relations Reuters poll of economists. “The sharp drop to a three- week, wrote a column Tuesday in the Philippine This is despite shocking the political estab- weakness in advanced economies, weak had suffered the greatest repercussions from year low and another month of reported job cuts could Daily Inquirer criticising the candidate’s “distinct lishment with his profanity-laced speeches, global trade and increasingly volatile global its stocks rollercoaster, Rhee told reporters. be the clearest sign yet that referendum uncertainty is lack of respect for the rule of law”. which have included cursing the pope and a financial markets. “When the China stock market moved starting to weigh on the real economy,” Lee Hopley, chief “Without the rule of law, there will be chaos joke about raping an Australian missionary who Since its previous outlook on the region in quite significantly (last year)...the financial economist at EEF, a manufacturers’ lobby, said. and anarchy, and no confidence in our country. was murdered in a 1989 prison riot. Analysts say October, global markets have seen wild spillover was higher in countries with strong Manufacturing failed to boost the overall economy Without confidence, there will be no invest- his promises of quick fixes to crime and other volatility, with worries over China’s economy trade links with China,” he said. Rhee also for most of the past year and the latest survey suggest- ments, and without investments, there will be deep-rooted problems resonate with voters and plunging oil prices hammering shares in warned that policy makers would have to bal- ed the recovery will continue to rely on Britain’s domi- no jobs,” del Rosario wrote. who feel the six-percent economic growth deliv- January and February, wiping trillions off val- ance the expansion of credit with the strain it nant services industry. With the key stock exchange index down ered under President Benigno Aquino has failed uations. While there has been a slight recov- could cause to corporates and banks. A Markit survey of the services sector is due tomor- 1.62 percent since Duterte’s speech, analysts said to improve their lives.—AFP ery since March, investors remain on edge. “We have to build strength during turbu- row. Economists at UBS said the economy could lose “Asia remains the most dynamic part of the lent times,” he said. Japanese growth is tipped momentum between April and June more sharply than global economy but is facing severe head- to slow, with the Fund saying exporters their current forecast for quarterly growth of 0.3 percent. winds from a still weak global recovery, slow- would be hit by the strengthening yen-which Growth slowed to 0.4 percent in the first quarter from ing global trade, and the short-term impact is at 18 month highs against the dollar and 0.6 percent in late 2015, putting the country in the of China’s growth transition,” the Fund said. slowing trade with China. unusual position of lagging France. “To strengthen its resilience to global It halved its growth outlook for Japan to A measure of employment in the manufacturing risks and remain a source of dynamism, pol- 0.5 percent in 2016 and tipped it to shrink 0.1 survey was below the 50 mark for the fourth straight icymakers in the region should push ahead percent owing to an expected consumption month, the latest sign that the labor market is los- with structural reforms to raise productivity tax rise, while it also cited the long-running ing steam. and create fiscal space while supporting problem of an ageing population and a huge “We expect that sentiment will continue to worsen in demand as needed.” debt mountain. The lower outlook comes Q2 16 as the 23 June referendum on EU membership The Fund predicted growth in Asia to days after the Bank of Japan refused to ramp draws nearer as businesses become even more cautious come in at 5.3 percent this year and next, up its stimulus program despite a string of with regard to hiring, spending decisions and invest- down from its previous forecast of 5.4 per- weak data that have raised questions about ment,” Barclays said in a note. Markit said new orders in cent. China’s economy, the world’s second Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s faltering drive to April matched February’s three-year low and new export biggest and a crucial driver of global kickstart growth. The report said India would orders contracted for the fourth straight month as the growth, is tipped to expand 6.5 percent this grow 7.5 percent this year and next, global economy slowed. year-the lower end of Beijing’s target-and unchanged from its previous prediction and The Bank of England has pointed to signs that uncer- 6.2 percent in 2017. the fastest rate among the world’s big tainty surrounding the EU referendum is curbing invest- The figures are well down from the 6.9 economies, as low oil prices, government ment while recent data suggests that caution is affect- percent seen in 2015, which was the slowest investment and a pick-up in domestic con- ing the labor market. Yesterday, two separate surveys rate in a quarter of a century, but slightly bet- sumption offset weak exports. In South Korea, painted a weak picture of salaries on offer for new hires. ter than the IMF’s October outlook. growth was forecast to rise to 2.7 percent this Britain’s average advertised salary was little in March “While Asia remains the global growth year and to 2.9 percent in 2017 — up from 2.6 from February and down 2 percent versus a year ago, engine, the external environment is becom- percent in 2015 and again boosted by online jobs search engine Adzuna said. A separate sur- ing much more difficult,” said Rhee Chang- domestic demand. Australia’s growth is vey by job site CV Library showed the average salary fell Yong, director of IMF’s Asia and Pacific expected to remain stable at 2.5 percent in 3.4 percent in April from March. — Reuters Department, speaking to reporters yesterday. 2016 and pick up in 2017. — AFP

RENNES: People stand in front of riot policemen as protesters occupy the People’s house yesterday in Rennes, western France, during a protest against the government’s planned labor law reforms. — AFP BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 Stocks slide as currency gains question policy

LONDON: The dollar slid to its lowest against Almost every other major stock market to an eight-month high above $1.16. Shares in Swiss bank UBS were down falling below 0.76 against the greenback major currencies in well over a year yesterday, around the world fell. MSCI’s broadest index European bank stocks are down more than 20 8 percent, also after first quarter results. from 0.77 earlier. a move led by further gains in the yen that of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan hit a percent so far this year. Europe’s FTSE 300 index of leading 300 Bond yields fell across the board, with threw an uncomfortable spotlight on central three-week low, Europe’s major indices shed Shares in German lender Commerzbank fell shares and Germany’s DAX shed almost 2 the fall in US Treasury yields outpacing banks’ attempts to boost growth through as much as 2 percent and emerging market almost 10 percent after profits slumped in the percent, both falling to their lowest in the decline in European yields. The US aggressive policy easing. Australia’s central stocks fell 1.2 percent. US futures pointed to a first quarter. “The numbers for the first quarter nearly three weeks. In currency markets curve was down as much as 6 basis bank joined the growing line of those adding fall of almost 1 percent at the open on Wall did not come in well ... however external fac- the yen rallied towards 105 per dollar, its points, and the benchmark 10-year yield stimulus, surprising many investors by cutting Street. tors that have also hit other banks hard highest in 18 months. It was as low as was at 1.81 percent. After raising interest interest rates to a record low of 1.75 percent. European financials fell more than 3 per- appear to be the main reason for that,” said 122 a few months ago, and the sharp rates in December for the first time in That hit the currency but lifting the country’s cent, hit by a string of weak first quarter earn- Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg analyst gains since will do nothing to relieve nearly a decade, the Federal Reserve held shares. ings reports from banks and the euro’s burst Ingo Frommen. deflationary pressures in Japan. monetary policy steady last week. While The dollar index, a measure of the dol- it kept the door open to a hike in June, it lar’s value against a basket of major cur- gave no signal that it was in a hurry to rencies, fell to 92.00. It was last there in tighten further given the economy’s January 2015. The yen has accelerated its slowdown, even as the labour market ascent since the Bank of Japan surprised has improved. markets last week by keeping monetary “The Fed still thinks growth will be policy unchanged in the face of growing just over 2 percent this year but, on the headwinds for its economy. evidence of Q1, it seems more likely that the eurozone will scale 2 percent, not the US YIELDS FALL US,” said Steve Barrow, head of G10 strat- Japan is in the middle of its Golden egy at Standard bank. Week series of holidays. Markets were “The upshot is that market expecta- closed on Friday and will be closed from tions for US growth might be too high - Tuesday to Thursday this week. In as investors take their cue from the Fed’s Australia, stock markets cheered the rate forecasts - while those for the eurozone cut with the benchmark index easily the are too low.” Crude oil prices lost ground, outperformer in Asia and extending with US crude futures down 1 percent at gains to close up more than 2 percent on $44.32 a barrel. Spot gold got a boost the day. from the weak dollar, briefly rising above The Australian dollar dropped sharply, $1,300 an ounce. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 BUSINESS China manufacturing weakens in April: Survey

BEIJING: Chinese factory activity struggling for months in the face of a note, adding that the figures do weakened further in April, a private sagging global demand for Chinese not “alter our view that China is in survey indicated yesterday, as muted products. The Caixin figures showed the midst of a cyclical rebound that demand and market weakness hit the that new export work fell for the should continue for at least another struggling export-oriented sector. The fifth straight month and factories couple of quarters”. Purchasing Managers’ Index by Caixin, continued to shed workers at a rate Beijing has been trying to retool which tracks activity in the country’s “only fractionally slower” than the its economy to encourage domestic factories and workshops, fell to 49.4 post-financial crisis record set in consumption, and move away from for April, a 0.3 point drop from the February, it said. infrastructure investment and month before and the 14th consecu- The figures were darker than official exports as the main drivers of tive month of decline. data released Sunday, which showed growth. But the transition is proving A reading above 50 signals expand- expansion for the second successive bumpy and the growth slowdown ing activity, while anything below indi- month at 50.1. The Caixin reading puts has alarmed investors worldwide. cates shrinkage. He Fan, chief econo- a greater emphasis on smaller firms Chinese stock markets shrugged mist at Caixin Insight Group, said all of than the official statistics. Analysts said off the latest figures, with the the index’s categories worsened the official reading in April argues benchmark Shanghai Composite month-on-month, indicating that the against extra stimulus to avoid fuelling BERLIN: People read classified papers from the ongoing US-EU trade talks, present- Index up 1.60 percent by the noon world’s second-largest economy “lacks housing prices or flooding sectors ed to the public by Greenpeace in a glass container near the Brandenburger Gate, break yesterday. China’s economy, a solid foundation for recovery and is already over capacity with cheap in Berlin yesterday. — AFP a vital driver of global expansion, still in the process of bottoming out”. credit. “As investment recovered, the Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital term outlook for China’s economy. grew 6.9 percent last year, its “The government needs to keep property market turned around and Economics said the latest data were “There are few signs in the latest weakest rate in a quarter of a cen- a close watch on the risk of a further infrastructure construction speeded disappointing and weaker than readings that the ongoing property tury. Leaders have targeted a economic downturn,” he added. The up,” the National Bureau of Statistics expected, but nevertheless reiterat- rebound, a key driver of the recent growth range of 6.5-7.0 percent key manufacturing sector has been said in a statement. ed an upbeat view on the short- recovery, is losing steam,” he said in this year. — AFP TTIP: A proposed trade treaty in troubled waters

WASHINGTON: Will the ambitious Transatlantic of progress in market access procurement as we Trade and Investment Partnership, the world’s have already done in tariffs and services in order largest trade pact, ever see the light of day? After to move the negotiations towards the leaks from the closed-door negotiations sur- endgame,” said Ignacio Garcia Bercero, chief faced Monday, a deal between the Americans negotiator for the European Commission. and the Europeans looks less likely as skepticism over the agreement grows on both sides of the ‘A period of tremendous uncertainty’ Atlantic. Engaged in tough trade negotiations The clock, however, is ticking. An ardent since mid-2013, the United States and the defender of TTIP, Obama will leave the White European Union tried to downplay the trove of House in January and his successor, who will be TTIP documents put online by Greenpeace, elected in November, could be less inclined to describing them as “misleading” and deploring promote free trade-an issue that has fallen out “wrong” interpretations of them. of favor with a public distraught over jobs lost But the fact remains: Despite the efforts of overseas. The situation is hardly less politically US President Barack Obama, who wants to sensitive in Europe where there are deep suspi- clinch the trade deal by the end of the year, cions that the deal will erode ecological and success is looking increasingly unlikely. A halt health regulations to the advantage of big busi- in the TTIP negotiations is “the most probable ness. “If the deal cannot be concluded under the option,” a top French trade official said on Obama administration, further progress in the Tuesday, blaming Washington for the impasse. talks likely will have to wait after the different Given France’s weight in the EU, “there cannot European elections in 2017,” said Harvard law be an agreement without France, and much professor Mark Wu, a former official at the US less against France,” said Matthias Fekl, a junior Trade Representative which is representing minister responsible for representing Paris in Washington in the negotiations. the talks. Edward Alden of the Council on Next year, general elections will be held in Foreign Relations, a US think tank, said the both Germany and France, where debate over most striking element of the leaked documents the TTIP is intense and could feature in their was that it showed “the two sides are still so far respective campaigns. French leaders appear to apart in the negotiations, that there are such have already given in to skepticism, after a week big issues that remain unresolved.” in which Prime Minister Manuel Valls and With the TTIP, the United States and the 28- President Francois Hollande toughened their nation European Union want to topple regulato- tone and pledged to oppose any accord that HONG KONG: A general view of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) building in Hong Kong. HSBC’s net profit wasdown ry and tariff barriers to trade and investment. lacks guarantees on quality standards for health, 18 percent at $4.3 billion in the first quarter, the bank said yesterday, affected by “extreme levels” of market volatility early in the year. — AFP There are plenty of thorny issues to tackle, the environment and French agriculture, among from market access to opening up the EU servic- other issues. Germany also has ratcheted up es sector and improving European access to US pressure, predicting the proposed deal “will fail” government procurement projects. if Washington refuses to make concessions in HSBC Q1 profit drops Negotiators wrapped up the 13th round of the protracted talks. And the possibility that talks in New York on Friday said they had made Britain could decide to leave the EU in a June 23 progress in the talks, as is customary. But there referendum is yet another cloud hanging over was a sense of irritation on the European side the talks. “It’s a period of tremendous uncertain- about the US refusal to open access to its public ty for trade policy in both the US and Europe,” on market volatility procurement. “We need to reach a similar level said Alden.—AFP China growth slowdown raises concerns

LONDON: HSBC yesterday said its net profit fell The bank added that it was on track to reach cost HSBC has been battling is a deterioration of its loan almost a fifth in the first quarter, with Europe’s targets after a radical overhaul announced last year. book, with impairment costs doubling from last biggest bank hit by “extreme levels” of markets “It’s tough out there for banks, and HSBC is no year, led by problems with borrowers in the energy volatility, while bad loans doubled. exception, particularly seeing as it is increasingly and mining sectors,” said analyst Khalaf. Equity and currency markets from Asia to the focusing its business on Asia, which is a weak mar- Americas were sent into meltdown at the start of ket right now,” said Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at US probe the year as a growth slowdown in China and plung- London-based stockbrokers Hargreaves HSBC meanwhile revealed in February that it is ing oil prices fanned concerns about the world Lansdown. “However... things weren’t quite as one of the banks being investigated by the US economy. In comments included in the earnings bad at HSBC as investors had feared.” Although Securities and Exchange Commission in relation to statement, HSBC chief executive Stuart Gulliver said pre-tax profits were down 14 percent at $6.1 bil- its hiring practices in Asia-Pacific. the group’s performance in the January-March peri- lion, the result beat analysts’ consensus forecast of It came as the bank tried to move beyond recent od “was resilient in tough market conditions that $4.3 billion. In early London deals, HSBC’s share scandals, including the rigging of foreign exchange affected the entire banking sector”. The first two price was up 0.3 percent at 454 pence. The capi- markets. Last month HSBC distanced itself from the months of the year saw “reduced client activity” in tal’s benchmark FTSE 100 index was down 0.6 per- Panama Papers leaks, which listed the bank as one foreign exchange and stocks, with a partial recovery cent overall. HSBC last year announced a radical of the institutions that helped set up the most off- in March, added the British bank that is focused on overhaul to cut costs that included shedding shore accounts. The trove of documents from Asia. HSBC said its net profit fell 18 percent to 50,000 jobs worldwide, exiting unprofitable busi- Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca revealed US$4.3 billion (3.7 billion euros) in the first quarter nesses and focusing more on Asia. the vast extent of global tax evasion, putting the compared with one year earlier, while revenues Gulliver said there was growing momentum in spotlight on how politicians and tycoons manage were down four percent at almost $14 billion. Bad the bank’s Asia businesses, with “strong business their money. HSBC meanwhile announced earlier SYDNEY: A view shows the central business district of Sydney yesterday. Australia’s loans surged $692 million to $1.16 billion year-on- wins” after HSBC’s investment in the region. But, this year that it would keep its headquarters in central bank yesterday cut its cash rate by 25 basis points to a historic low of 1.75 year, related to the energy and mining sectors. like many global banks, it has continued to face tur- London, despite concerns about growing regula- percent, with the move triggered by lower-than-expected inflation. — AFP HSBC shares rose however, with traders welcom- moil in global financial markets, while stricter regu- tion in Britain and an upcoming vote on whether it ing the group’s better-than-expected pre-tax result. lations have driven up costs. “One of the headwinds should leave the European Union. — AFP Australia cracks down on global firms avoiding tax Liberty House to Lufthansa shares plunge

CANBERRA: Australia yesterday unveiled a has been a global push, including in Australia, submit bid for further push to crack down on tax avoidance for large local and international companies to on first-quarter loss by multinational companies, imposing a 40 stop using sophisticated structures to avoid or Tata Steel UK percent penalty rate on firms that shift prof- lower their tax payments, which has seen gov- FRANKFURT: Lufthansa shares nose- The airline is also benefitting from its offshore. ernments lose billions of dollars. LONDON: Metals group Liberty House will submit a letter of dived yesterday after the German airline further fuel cost reductions, she said. The revenue-raising measure, which is simi- The Organization for Economic said one-off effects and price pressures “We are seeing significant pricing pres- lar to the so-called “Google Tax” introduced by Cooperation and Development (OECD) has intent to buy the British assets of Tata Steel yesterday, a spokeswoman said, in the first concrete bid since the Indian pushed it into a loss in the first three sure at our passenger airlines, and even Britain last year, was a key part of the nation’s estimated national governments miss out on months of the year. Lufthansa shares more at Lufthansa Cargo. But the sub- annual budget. It is forecast to raise Aus$3.9 US$100-240 billion, or four to 10 percent of conglomerate put the business up for sale, threatening thou- sands of jobs. India’s Tata group announced plans to sell its were among the biggest losers in morn- stantial unit cost reduction at our pas- billion (US$2.95 billion) over the next four global tax revenues, every year due to the tax- ing trade on the Frankfurt stock senger airlines has more than made up years when combined with a broader tax minimizing schemes of multinationals. entire UK steel operation in March, leaving the government exchange, shedding nearly six percent for the pricing declines,” Menne said. avoidance package. Australia last year introduced several battling to save an industry that has been hurt by cheap in a market that was down by around Lufthansa said it did not expect to The package includes stronger protections measures targeting international tax avoid- Chinese imports, soaring costs and weak demand. 1.4 percent. see any easing of the pricing pressures for whistleblowers and harsher penalties for ance, including lifting transparency require- Keen to avoid the loss of 10,000 jobs, the government has Lufthansa said in a statement that it in the passenger and cargo transport multinationals that fail to meet tax compli- ments that include disclosures required for offered hundreds of millions of pounds in support to potential ance or disclosure obligations. “Everyone has private companies with turnover of Aus$200 buyers, including the option of it taking a 25 percent stake in booked a net loss of 8.0 million euros sectors. “The trends we have seen in the to pay their fair share of tax, especially large million. Large multinationals, including tech the firm alongside other buyers. Liberty’s Executive Chairman ($9.2 million) in the period from January last few months are likely to continue corporates and multinationals, on what they giants such as Google and Microsoft, have Sanjeev Gupta had been the first businessman to express an to March, compared with a profit of 425 throughout the present quarter,” said earn here in Australia,” Treasurer Scott also been hauled before a parliamentary interest in Tata’s loss-making assets which include the huge million euros a year earlier. Menne. “The intensity of the competi- Morrison told parliament in his budget committee on corporate tax avoidance to Port Talbot steel plant in Wales, and yesterday the firm said it But the airline pointed out that the tion and the resulting pricing pressures speech in Canberra. explain their tax structures. would submit a bid. year-earlier figure had been boosted by will not ease. This is why it is important “New measures... include embracing a new The drive by Morrison to boost revenues “We can confirm that Liberty will submit a letter of intent one-off financial gains. that we continue to work consistently diverted profits tax, as implemented in the came as Canberra sought to rein in its to Tata Steel today and has put in place a strong internal trans- At an underlying level, earnings on our cost positions,” she said. Looking United Kingdom, that taxes multinationals on deficit, which was forecast in the budget action steering committee and panel of leading external before interest and tax (EBIT) showed a ahead to the full year, Lufthansa said its income they have sought to shift offshore at a papers to reach Aus$37.1 billion, or 2.2 per- advisers to take the bid forward,” the spokeswoman said. “We loss of 49 million euros, compared with forecasts remained unchanged. “We penalty rate of 40 percent, that is higher than cent of GDP, in 2016-17. hope to make a further short statement later today.” a much deeper loss of 144 million euros expect to achieve an adjusted EBIT the current company tax rate (of 30 percent).” Government income in the resources- Another group to emerge as potential buyers has come a year earlier. First-quarter revenues slightly above the previous year result The government added that Aus$679 mil- dependent country has been eroded by falling from Port Talbot itself where a management team have slipped by 0.8 percent to 6.92 billion of 1.8 billion euros,” the company said. lion would be allocated to the Australian Tax commodity prices as demand from Australia’s appointed advisers to work on a buyout plan. The group, euros. “We have seen a solid start into “This forecast does not, however, Office over four years to set up a taskforce largest trading partner China wanes, and from Excalibur Steel UK, has named Tata’s UK strip products director the new business year,” said chief finan- include the negative result impacts of focused on clawing back revenue from inter- lower-than-expected income tax receipts amid Stuart Wilkie as chief executive, according to a Companies cial officer, Simone Menne. possible strike actions.” — AFP national firms as well as wealthy people. There weak wages growth. — AFP House filing. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 BUSINESS KES to highlight diversification of Kuwait’s economic base Eighth Scientific Forum to be held on May 10

KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His Highness Appropriate Legislative Environment and the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Effective system of Litigation” that will be Sabah, may God protect him, Kuwait Economic delivered by Dr. Fahad Al-Zumaya’a. Followed Society (KES) organizes its eighth scientific by a topic titled “Human Capital Development” forum titled “Kuwait and Diversification of the that will be given by Dr. Moudhi Al-Hamoud. Economic Base” that will be held on Tuesday Afterwards the fourth topic will be discussed May 10th 2016. by Bader Al-Humaidhi, in which the topic is A statement issued by Kuwait Economic titled “Partnership, Privatization and Society clarified that KES is aiming through this Stimulating Economic Policies”. forum to carry out its national role in shedding The third and final session, titled the light on the most important economic chal- “Diversification the Economic Base” will consist lenges facing the country. The society is also of four topics. Initiated by a topic under the title seeking new methods and directions that will of “The Option of the Financial and Commercial help in the economic diversification. As well as, Center” that will be delivered by Manaf Al-Hajri. new sources of income through various sectors. Followed by a topic delivered by Dr. Ahmed Al- Furthermore, the society is keen on discussing Kawaz, titled “The Most Promising Sectors of the the current challenges facing the local economy, Economy”. Afterwards the Counselor Khalid Al- in which there will be a deliberation about the Hashash will be delivering a topic under the title groundwork for the requirements of the diversi- “The Choice of Knowledge Economy”. And the fication of the economic base in Kuwait. last topic that will be discussed in the forum by VIVA recognized as ‘Best Telecom Moreover, KES is intended to use the forum as a Engineer Mohammed Al-Shatti is titled “The KUWAIT: Member of the Board of Directors platform and a roadmap buildup by local volun- Base of the Oil Industry”. and Head of the Organizing Committee Company 2015’ by Arabian Business tary efforts of cadres. In order to raise effective On his part, the Member of the Board of Abdulwahab Al-Rushaid. recommendations to the decision makers. Directors and Head of the Organizing KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing offering its customers a new experience include three main topics one of which is the Committee of the Forum, Abdulwahab and most developed telecom operator, through innovative products and services.” The sessions of the Forum “Demographic Challenge and the Crisis of Mohammed Al-Rushaid stated: “The participa- announced that it has been awarded by Al-Essa added, “We are proud to be the Within the framework of the society’s keen- Employment and Unemployment” that will be tion of the experienced and specialized person- Arabian Business organization as “Best first leading telecom company to launch ness on discussing the most significant econom- given by Dr Mohammed Ali Al-Ramadan. The als in the Eighth Scientific Forum will contribute Telecom Company”, in recognition of the Voice Over Long Term Evolution ic aspects of the forum, which will evidentially second topic is “The Imbalances of the Public fundamentally to the exchange of expertise, exceptional performance in 2015 during (VoLTE) for the first time in Kuwait and the contribute to the diversification of the economic Financials” that will be delivered by Dr Abbas Al- which in return will assist us in finding effective an event held in Jumeirah Hotel in Kuwait, Middle East. This is in addition to VIVA’s base, KES has invited an assembly of specialists, Mejren, followed by the third topic “The solutions to the current the economic situation.” in presence of leaders and executives from commercial presence across Kuwait, which innovators, and senior speakers to participate in Weakness of the Public Administration and The It is noteworthy that following the three ses- investment and economic world. was expanded to 70 branches, enabling us the sessions of the forum. Where the forum will Dominance of the Public Sector” that will be giv- sions, there will be declaration of the final state- On this occasion, Abdulrazzaq Bader Al- to be closer to our customers and to meet include three main sessions intended to further en by Dr Khaled Mahdi. ment that collectively gathers a compendium of Essa, Director of Corporate the growing demand for our products and discuss 11 detailed topics, in which it will be Whereas the second session, titled most important findings of the sessions. Along Communications at VIVA said, “We are services. The “International Quality & addressed and tackled by several speakers in the “Diversification Requirements” will demon- with an overview of the recommendations proud to receive such appreciation from an Productivity Centre” also recognized our field of economy. strate four topics including “The Development derived from the discussions, in which it is esteemed organization as Arabian achievements this year, as “Best Contact The first session of the forum will address of Infrastructure”, in which it will be given by aimed to address and tackle the current eco- Business. VIVA aimed since inception at Centre Experience” and “Best Network “The Current Economic Challenges”, which will Engineer Ashwaq Al-Mudhaf, followed by “The nomical challenge. making a leap in the telecom market and Experience”. Mazda Kuwait sales up 20% in Q1, 2016

KUWAIT: Kuwait Automotive Imports Co WLL pillars - KODO design, Jinba Ittai ( Driving (Kaico)- Al Shaya and Al Sagar, the exclusive Experience ), Skyactiv (Engine, transmission distributor for Mazda vehicles in the Kuwait and frame ) and class leading Safety features. since 1969, announced today its great sales Ahmed Kahwaji General Sales Manager achievements with nearly 20 percent increase stated: We are very proud of these great fig- in new car sales during the first 3 months of ures, this result comes from the confidence 2016 compared to last year. and demand for our products and services, Mazda’s growth has been powered by a which is getting better every day. We are con- new range of 6th generation products. The stantly working on achieving excellence in all Mazda2 +225 percent, Mazda3 +142 percent, aspects of our operations and providing an MazdaCX5 +267 percent, MazdaCX9 + 138 per- outstanding customer experience. We would cent and BT 50Pro +214 percent have recorded like to invite our customers to our showroom strong sales. and check out our great offers and deals that Ashish Tandon, General Manager, KAICO are ongoing. “ stated: we are very proud of our results, and The all new Mazda MX5 has just arrived into would like to thank the Mazda Team who have our showrooms, also known as Miata Roadster worked very hard and have exerted great winner of two prestigious awards- World Car of efforts. He also said, “We are on track to the Year 2016 and World Car Design of the Year increase our market share and volume in 2016 Award in USA. It is for the first time in the histo- with the positive momentum at the beginning ry of the award that both awards have been of the year”. won by a single car. The new MX5 is also win- Mazda’s design philosophy is built on four ner of the 10 best cars 2016 - car and driver.

Alghanim Industries introduces ‘Mi’ to Kuwait Asia’s number 1 mobile brand

KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries proudly announced it will be the exclusive distributor of Mi phones in Kuwait. The launch event took place on May 2 at the Sky Lounge, Radisson Blu Hotel in the pres- ence of the Senior Director- Category Management at Alghanim Industries Rohit Gandotra, the GM of Mi Mena’s official distributor - Task FZCO Ravi Mathew as well as major distribu- tors, media and tech influencers. Mi is a Chinese brand established in 2010 as internet and smart technology company with vari- ous range of products including highest technolo- gy smartphones. Despite its short operating lifecy- cle, Mi phones have now become China’s number 1 Ravi Mathew mobile brand and are competing against major international mobile competitors. The reason behind its widespread success is that its mobile phones are produced with high quality materials Burgan Bank to roll out its similar to that of main industry competitors but Rohit Gandotra with affordable pricing, in addition to the Mi User new core banking system Interface (MIUI), providing Android users with a commitment to customers to meet the current nership with Task FZCO highlights Alghanim high quality experience. The success of Mi phones is market trends.” Industries commitment to always bringing top KUWAIT: Burgan Bank, Kuwait’s second not limited to its home country as it is now domi- Ravi Mathews also added that “Mi is not just a notch products into the local market, as they largest commercial bank by assets, nating the Asian market. It recently entered the mobile company, it stands for Mobile Internet and believe Kuwait deserves the best and most innova- announced yesterday that it will be MENA region as well, starting with UAE and KSA we will be pleased to introduce the whole ecosys- tive products. upgrading its current banking system to where it has also achieved remarkable success. tem of smart and connected products in Kuwait Alghanim Industries is one of the largest, pri- a new banking platform in order to bet- Rohit Gandotra, commented on this occasion: through the partnership with Alghanim Industries.” vately-owned companies in the Gulf region. ter serve its clients. The system upgrade “We are very excited to announce that Alghanim Alghanim Industries are very excited to intro- Originally founded in 1932 by Yusuf Ahmed will occur over the period of Thursday Industries will be the exclusive distributor of Mi duce Mi phones into the Kuwaiti marketplace, start- Alghanim in Kuwait, the company has since grown May 5 to Saturday May 7. phones in Kuwait marking its leadership role. ing with the Mi 4i and Mi Note models as well as the into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, employing Customers might face system inter- Alghanim Industries always strive to bring latest more economic Red range such as Redmi Note 2 over 14,000 people in 30 businesses, and present in ruptions in banking services on top notch products into Kuwait as part of our and the Redmi 2 and soon to launch Mi5. The part- 40 countries across the Middle East, Eastern Europe Thursday 5, Friday 6, and Saturday 7th and Asia. Alghanim Industries is a market leader in of May 2016 due to the migration to the almost every major sector of its operations. These new system. In addition, all branches sectors include engineering, retail, automotive sales will be closed on the evening of and services, insulation and pre-engineered steel Wednesday 4th of May. The Airport building structures, logistics and warehousing, fast Branch will be fully closed on Thursday moving consumer goods, food & beverage, oil & 5th and Friday 6th May and will reopen gas, office automation, advertising, insurance, con- on Saturday 7th May for customers. sumer credit and travel. This range of business Burgan Bank extends its appreciation activities has allowed it to develop long-standing to all customers for their patience and partnerships with more than 300 global brands, continuous support especially during such as AC Delco, American Express, Avis, British the implementation period of the new Airways, Costa Coffee, General Motors, Honda, system. Saint-Gobain and recently Wendy’s. Alghanim Burgan Bank will continue to receive Industries has also created successful regional busi- customersí enquires regarding the new nesses such as Safat Home, a lifestyle and home fur- system through its branch network and niture concept and X-cite by Alghanim Electronics, call center 1804080. a leading electronics player in the region. technology WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

Bitcoin claim ripples through virtual currency world

NEW YORK: The world of virtual currencies was stunned Monday when Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright claimed to be the creator of the Bitcoin. The shockwaves were clear as cypto-currency specialists gathered in New York for a conference on the blockchain technology behind Bitcoin and similar virtual forms of money. “It’s nicer if we keep the myth,” said Dirk Avau, founder and chief executive of the financial tech firm Intellect Technologies, at the Consensus 2016 conference. “If the myth now is broken, it’s unfortunate. It was a wonderful story about an inventor who managed to change the world.” Wright was named by three media out- lets-the BBC, The Economist and GQ maga- zine-and posted a blog on his website claim- ing credit for creating Bitcoin, a digital cur- rency created by supercomputers and then traded online or exchanged for goods and services by a peer-to-peer network of com- puters. Little biographical detail is known Photo shows a Bitcoin ATM. — AP WASHINGTON: File photo shows bitcoin medals in Washington. about Wright, who describes himself as a Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright on May 2, 2016 identified himself cyber-security expert and was born in himself,” Riou told AFP at the conference. notoriety as a shadowy currency for illicit as the creator of Bitcoin, following years of speculation about who Brisbane but, according to The Economist, Jason Park of the South Korean-based soft- transactions. But the blockchain technology invented the pioneering digital currency. — AFP has now moved to London. ware form Korbit echoed the view that behind Bitcoin, which offers verifiable online “Nakamoto was not a one person.” Park ledgers, has been touted as a way to poten- ing on its own virtual currency. Jeffrey Wallis “The price has dropped a little bit. This is Skepticism, disbelief added that Bitcoin “is already run by a com- tially transform banking and other kinds of of Noble Markets said the news about the another attempt to disrupt the Bitcoin world At the New York conference and else- munity not one person,” and argued that financial transactions. creator doesn’t matter. “The space has but I don’t think it’s a substantial disruption,” where, the news was greeted by some with “there is no founder.” A consortium of global banks including already moved on regardless of the identity he said. “If it’s really him, the impact could be disbelief. Matthieu Riou, founder of the BlockCypher chief executive Catheryne Morgan Stanley, HSBC, UBS, Credit Suisse, of the person,” he said. “It’s irrelevant because really big because he got something like one blockchain tech platform BlockCypher, said Nicholson said she was not persuaded by the Barclays, Societe Generale and the momentum of the Bitcoin has extended million Bitcoin.” Domenichini said there are he believes Wright was “part of the whole news, saying Wright could remove any doubt Commerzbank are working with the finance beyond one individual... This is an industry.” 15 million Bitcoins in circulation but only 14 thing” but not the sole creator of Bitcoin, by producing the “keys” that unlock the tech startup R3 to use blockchain technology Gabriele Domenichini of the Italian-based million can be spent. “The person who claims which has been attributed until now to Bitcoin cryptographic codes. “I don’t believe for a wide range of applications. Others mov- blockchain association Assob.it said the news to Satoshi is a target because he’s got $450 someone using the pseudonym Satoshi him, I am still skeptical,” she said. Since the ing forward include Bank of America, could be a “disruption” that impacts the value million and he doesn’t have the protection Nakamoto. “I don’t think that he did it by Bitcoin was launched in 2009, it has gained Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, which is work- of the Bitcoin, but only in the short term. needed,” he added. — AFP Oculus Rift delays flatten virtual-reality fan fervor

LOS ANGELES: Virtual reality, oddly enough, doesn’t expect his Rift until mid-May. isn’t immune to the problems that arise in Experienced hardware manufacturers practical reality. Just ask would-be fans of the would have set up suppliers months or years Oculus Rift headset, many - possibly most - of in advance to avoid these types of problems, whom are still waiting for their $600 gadgets Gownder says. The fact that Oculus managed more than four weeks after they started ship- to bungle its launch with more than three ping . The delay, naturally, has sparked online years to prepare, plus the backing of grousing and even some data-based activism, Facebook, is “scandalous,” he says. Oculus, including the creation of a crowdsourced which has blamed the delays on an “unexpect- spreadsheet for tracking who received their ed component shortage,” declined to com- prized VR gear and when. Some longtime sup- ment on specifics. It told the AP in a statement porters of Oculus have declared themselves it has moved to address the shortage and alienated by the company’s inability to deliver; expects deliveries to accelerate in coming others have defected to rival VR systems, or are weeks. By way of apology, Oculus said it will at least considering it. offer free shipping to customers who ordered Christian Cantrell, a software engineer and before April 1. science-fiction author in Sterling, Virginia, put Few have been as disappointed as some of in his pre-order roughly 15 minutes after the company’s earliest supporters. Back in Oculus started accepting them in January - and January, Oculus founder Palmer Luckey is still waiting. It’s been a “bummer,” he says, announced that 5,600 of the company’s first because he passed up buying a rival headset, Kickstarter backers would be eligible for a free the HTC Vive, hoping to be part of a VR “renais- headset. He then tweeted on the eve of first sance” with Rift. “I’ve been kind of like an deliveries that the gifts would “start arriving” Oculus believer,” he says. “But if they bump it two days before others, giving the impression again, I might just order a Vive.” It’s too soon to Kickstarter backers would get theirs first. say how the delays will affect Oculus, much It didn’t happen. Unhappy customers gath- less the overall acceptance of VR, a technology ered on Reddit to complain and to figure out that submerges users in realistic artificial where they stood in line; one poster catalogued worlds. (Early VR “experiences” consist primarily the frustration on a crowdsourced spreadsheet. of video games.) While not necessarily representative of the In other contexts, big companies like Apple entire Oculus customer base, that data shows CALIFORNIA: Photo shows drones readied prior to races held by the Drone Racing League at a vacant mall in Hawthorne, Calif. In drone racing, have managed to weather shortages and ship- that of the 131 early Kickstarter backers who a crash means bits of plastic go flying, a replacement is grabbed, and no harm done. For now, bragging rights are the main stakes. Drone racing ping delays for products such as the Apple submitted responses, only 28 report receiving a leagues would love to follow sports like poker into the mainstream with big TV audiences and sponsorships. But getting sponsors and fans is Watch and its new iPhone SE. But some find unit. Of 1,399 pre-order customers, just 165 say also a race against time. — AP the Rift delays intolerable, especially given that they got a Rift. The virtual reality boom is just Oculus is no fledgling startup, but part of getting going, and the competition is growing. Facebook - the social network bought it two Sony will release its PlayStation VR headset later Move over drones, driverless years ago for $2 billion. “There’s an element of this year. Google is expected to expand on its inexcusable incompetence going on,” says J.P. primitive Cardboard viewer, and recent Apple Gownder, a Forrester Research analyst, who acquisitions suggest that it may also be jump- cars - unmanned ship up next placed his preorder in the first 10 minutes but ing into the field soon. — AP Pentagon shows off largest unmanned surface vessel App to identify poorest girls in India SAN DIEGO: It’s not only drones and driverless crews filmed the robotic craft. “Sea Hunter” tor has sparked debate over whether it’s possi- can help prevent trafficking: Charity cars that may become the norm someday - relies on radar, sonar, cameras and a global ble to make robotic boats safe enough. The ocean-faring ships might also run without cap- positioning system. Unmanned ships will sup- International Transport Workers’ Federation, the MUMBAI: A tablet-based application that ing, child marriage and child labour), rather tains or crews. The Pentagon on Monday plement missions to help keep service mem- union representing more than half of the helps to identify some of the poorest girls than trying to do something after the fact.” showed off the world’s largest unmanned sur- bers out of harm’s way, Adams said. world’s more than 1 million seafarers, has said it in eastern India has the potential to pre- The questionnaire take about 30 min- face vessel, a self-driving 132-foot ship able to Besides military leaders, the commercial does not believe technology will ever be able vent human trafficking, early marriage and utes to complete and the analysis takes travel up to 10,000 nautical miles on its own to shipping industry will be watching the ship’s to replace the ability of humans to foresee and child labour, according to a charity which minutes. Based on the information collect- hunt for stealthy submarines and underwater performance during the trial period. Maritime react to the various dangers at sea. has developed the app. The GPower, or Girl ed, a community worker decides whether mines. The military’s research arm, the Defense companies from Europe to Asia have been Others have expressed concern about Power, app developed by Accenture Labs girls are candidates for government wel- Advanced Research Projects Agency, or looking into developing fleets of unmanned hackers taking control. Military officials have and the charity Child in Need Institute fare schemes, counselling or vocational DARPA, in conjunction with the Navy will be ships to cut down on operating costs and get been working on hacker-proof protections (CINI), has been used to track more than training, Bhattacharya said. West Bengal is testing the ship off the San Diego coast over through areas plagued by pirates. During the and say it’s possible to make ships cyber- 6,000 families in 20 villages in West Bengal. both a source and a transit state for the next two years to observe how it interacts testing phase, the ship will have human opera- secure. The “Sea Hunter” was built off the The application sets out a series of women and children trafficked into the sex with other vessels and avoids collisions. Unlike tors as a safety net. But once it proves to be Oregon coast, and it moved on a barge to San questions on health, nutrition, protection trade. The state accounted for about a fifth smaller, remote-controlled craft launched from reliable, it will maneuver itself - able to go out Diego’s coastline. The prototype can travel at and education to determine the vulnerabil- of India’s 5,466 cases of human trafficking ships, the so-called “Sea Hunter” is built to at sea for months at a time. With its twin diesel a speed of up to about 30 mph and is ity of the respondent. “The technology reported in 2014, according to official operate on its own. engines, it could go as far as Guam from San equipped with a variety of sensors and an helps us identify the most vulnerable of data. Many of the victims are from rural “It’s not a joy-stick ship,” said DARPA Diego on a mission, developers say. There are advanced optical system to detect other the girls in minutes,” CINI’s assistant direc- areas in the state or from neighboring spokesman Jared B Adams, standing in front of no plans at this point to arm it. ships. The program to develop the ship cost tor Indrani Bhattacharya told the Thomson Bangladesh, lured by the promise of good the sleek, futuristic-looking steel-gray vessel “There are a lot of advantages that we’re still $120 million, though DARPA officials say the Reuters Foundation. “So we can plan our jobs or marriage. Instead, they end up sold docked at a maritime terminal in the heart of trying to learn about,” program manager Scott vessels can now be produced for about $20 intervention and bring immediate solu- into prostitution in cities such as Mumbai San Diego’s shipbuilding district, where TV Littlefield said. The idea in the commercial sec- million. — AP tions to prevent the occurrence (of traffick- and New Delhi. — Reuters Solar-powered plane lands in US on round-the-world flight Flyers used meditation, hypnosis in training to stay alert

LOS ANGELES: A solar-powered airplane mid- Occupying the tiny cockpit for the trip was flight of nearly three days, more than three way through a historic bid to circle the globe project co-founder Andre Borschberg, who times the 18 hours Amelia Earhart took to fly completed the tenth leg of its journey on alternates with fellow pilot Bertrand Piccard at solo from Hawaii to California in the 1930s. Monday, landing in Arizona after a 16-hour the controls for each segment of what they The biggest difference is that the propeller- flight from California, the project team said. hope will be the first round-the-world solar- driven Solar Impulse flies without a drop of The Swiss team flying the aircraft in a cam- powered flight. Borschberg was the pilot for fuel, its four engines powered solely by energy paign to build support for clean energy tech- the Japan-to-Hawaii trip over the Pacific last collected from more than 17,000 solar cells nologies hopes eventually to complete its cir- July, staying airborne for nearly 118 hours. built into its wings. Surplus power is stored in cumnavigation in Abu Dhabi, where the jour- That shattered the 76-hour world duration four batteries during the day, to keep the plane ney began in March 2015. The spindly, single- record for a non-stop, solo flight set in 2006 by aloft on extreme long-distance flights. The car- seat experimental aircraft, dubbed Solar the late American adventurer Steve Fossett in bon-fiber plane, with a wingspan exceeding Impulse 2, arrived in Phoenix shortly before 9 his Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer. It also set new that of a Boeing 747 and the weight of a family pm, following a flight from San Francisco that duration and distance records for solar-pow- car, is unlikely to set speed or altitude records. took it over the Mojave Desert. ered flight. The feat, however, dealt a setback It can climb to 28,000 feet (8,500 m), and cruise The flight would have taken a conventional to the Solar Impulse, which suffered severe at 34 to 62 miles per hour (55 to 100 kmh). In a airplane just two hours, but the solar craft’s battery damage, requiring repairs and testing precursor of their globe-circling quest, the two cruising speed, akin to that of a car, required that grounded it in Hawaii for nine months. men completed a multi-flight crossing of the pilots to take up meditation and hypnosis in Piccard completed the trans-Pacific crossing United States with an earlier version of the ARIZONA: Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg leaves the cockpit after successfully landing the Solar Impulse training to stay alert for long periods. last month, reaching San Francisco after a solar plane in 2013. — Reuters 2 at the Phoenix Goodyear airport in Phoenix, Arizona on May 2, 2016. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 information

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

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 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 00266 HEALTH & SCIENCE WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 In Pacific nation of Palau, Jellyfish Lake losing namesake

WELLINGTON: The big question at Palau’s Jellyfish jellyfish in the lake are a unique subspecies that wrote in an April Facebook post. It added: “The Lake: Where are all the jellyfish? Part of a UNESCO have developed in isolation from their lagoon golden jelly population could be on the verge of World Heritage area, the saltwater lake has long ancestors. crashing” to the point where there were no more been a source of wonder for tourists, who have Koror State Governor Yositaka Adachi last week swimming about the lake. delighted in snorkeling among the millions of gold- decided to keep the lake open, at least for now. He The foundation noted the population had en jellyfish that can fill the water as thick as corn said in a statement that rainfall in the area over the crashed once before, in 1999, but had rebounded chowder. But some tourists in recent weeks have past four months was the lowest in 65 years, but 18 months later because some polyps had survived. struggled to find even a single jellyfish, prompting that there remained enough polyps, which produce Jellyfish Lake is unusual in being a small body of at least one tour operator to suspend its trips. jellyfish, to ensure the population could eventually seawater surrounded by land. Channels to the sea Scientists blame a severe drought, coupled with recover. But some aren’t waiting for that. “Many tour remain deep in the limestone rock beneath the hotter temperatures caused by the El Nino weather companies including ours that have been taking lake. Below about 13 meters (40 feet), the lake has pattern, a warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean guests to the lake have not seen any jellyfish,” Sam’s little oxygen and high concentrations of hydrogen that changes weather worldwide and tends to push Tours wrote in an April 22 note to its sales partners. sulfide, making it dangerous for scuba divers. Due up global temperatures. While scientists say there’s “We at Sam’s Tours have therefore decided to sus- to their isolation from the ocean, five marine lakes every chance jellyfish numbers will rebound when pend our tours to Jellyfish Lake with immediate in the area have produced five different subspecies conditions improve, they also worry that global effect until further notice.” of golden jellyfish. warming poses a long-term threat to the delicate Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly Scientists say a common myth about the jellyfish ecosystem of Palau, a tiny western Pacific island how the hot and dry conditions are affecting the in the lake is that they don’t sting, when in fact they chain. jellyfish. Governor Adachi wrote that the lack of rain can give swimmers a mild sting, which can be com- About a month ago, scientists at Palau’s Coral had reduced runoff into the lake, which had affect- pounded by prolonged exposure. Los Angeles- Reef Research Foundation estimated the numbers ed the tiny plants and animals the jellyfish con- based photographer and model Amber Arbucci dis- of golden jellyfish at the lake had declined from sume. The Coral Reef Research Foundation also not- covered that in 2013, when she completed a 7-hour about 8 million to 600,000. Since then, the numbers ed the lack of rain had caused the lake to become naked photo shoot in the lake for her collection have dropped further. “Just the past couple of saltier than ever previously recorded, in monitoring “The Girl at Jellyfish Lake.” “I was so stung my eyes weeks, the numbers have drastically declined,” said which dates back to 1998. “The exact cause of the were swollen and I could barely walk,” she told The Collin Joseph, a coastal manager for Palau’s Koror decline in the population of golden jellies is not yet Wall Street Journal. She wrote on her website, how- PALAU: Golden jellyfish swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau. Part of a UNESCO World State. He said the adult jellyfish have pretty much understood, but it is clear at present that young (jel- ever, that she still found the jellyfish filled with Heritage area, the saltwater lake has long been a source of wonder for tourists, who died out completely, while some juveniles remain. lyfish) are not surviving very long after release by charm - “powerful, and yet so fragile all at the same have delighted in snorkeling among the millions of golden jellyfish which can fill the The decline is particularly concerning because the the bottom-dwelling polyp stage,” the foundation time.”— AP water as thick as corn chowder. — AP Scientists win $3 million for detecting Einstein’s waves

NEW YORK: Researchers who helped detect gravitational waves for Researchers said the gravitational waves came from the colli- the first time, confirming part of Albert Einstein’s theory in a landmark sion of two black holes, the extraordinarily dense objects that moment in scientific history, will share a $3 million Special Einstein’s theory also predicted. The black holes, both many times Breakthrough Prize, according to the prize’s selection committee. The the mass of the sun, were located 1.3 billion light years from Breakthrough Prizes for scientific achievements were created by Earth. The waves should unlock new ways to understand the cos- Russian billionaire Yuri Milner along with several technology pioneers, mos, including black holes, neutron stars and the mysteries of the including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Google co-founder early universe. “For us to spend basically a half-century since the Sergey Brin. three of us started working in this field, to have it actually be In February, a team from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational- pulled off successfully in the manner we dreamed - it was really Wave Observatory (LIGO) announced a pair of giant laser detectors remarkable and wonderful,” said Thorne, who is retired from the had measured the tiny ripples in space and time first theorized by California Institute of Technology. “I’m forever grateful to the Einstein a century ago, capping a decades-long quest. Einstein pre- team that got it done.” dicted gravitational waves as part of his seminal theory of general rel- The winners will be honored at a December ceremony, when the ativity, which explained gravity as distortions in both space and time regular annual awards for physics, life sciences and mathematics will caused by bodies of matter. also be announced. The Special Breakthrough Prize can be conferred LIGO’s three founders - Rainer Weiss, Kip Thorne and Ronald Drever, at any time to mark “an extraordinary scientific achievement.” Edward who dedicated much of their careers to gravitational wave detection - Witten, a prominent physicist who heads the physics prize selection will share $1 million. More than 1,000 contributors to the project will committee, said the discovery’s magnitude warranted immediate also split $2 million equally. “That’s much more modern and much recognition. “There are a lot of basic things about Einstein’s theory of more the way that physics gets done,” said Weiss, a professor emeritus relativity that seemed like science fiction when I was a student,” Witten at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of the decision to honor said. “This is the first time we’ve seen the full force of Einstein’s theory the entire team. “You can’t credit just the three of us for this.” of gravity at work.”—Reuters BERLIN: German Greens politician Hans-Christian Stroebele (center) reads classified papers from the ongo- ing US-EU trade talks, presented to the public by Greenpeace in a glass container near the Brandenburger Gate, in Berlin. Greenpeace published documents showing that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Police arrest Partnership (TTIP) poses ‘major risks for climate, environment and consumer safety’. — AFP guards over Espinosa nominated rhino poaching

as UN climate chief GUWAHATI: Indian police said yesterday they have arrested four forest guards on suspicion of helping to cover up rhino poaching Mexico ex-FM to oversee Paris climate agreement in a national park visited by Britain’s Prince William and his wife last month. The arrests relate to an incident last year, but came as OSLO: Former Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Germany, won high marks for presiding at annual wildlife officials said a gang of poachers armed with automatic Espinosa has been nominated to be the new UN UN climate negotiations in Cancun, Mexico, in weapons had killed another rhino on Monday in the Kaziranga climate chief, helping to bolster a 2015 Paris 2010 when she was foreign minister. Delegates National Park in the northeastern state of Assam. Agreement to shift the world economy from fossil gave her a standing ovation after she brokered a The four arrested guards were suspected of covering up the fuels, officials said yesterday. Christiana Figueres, a deal to get negotiations on limiting global warm- killing of a rhino last November, Kaziranga wildlife warden Costa Rican who is stepping down in July after a ing back on track after the failure of a fractious Suvasish Das told AFP by telephone. Police said they had failed to six-year term as head of the UN Climate Change 2009 summit in Copenhagen. report the killing and had buried the carcass with its horn Secretariat, wrote in a Tweet that UN Secretary- Those 195-nation talks culminated in removed. “Based on specific information, we managed to recover General Ban Ki-moon had nominated Espinosa to December 2015 with a deal at a Paris summit to the carcass on Monday after digging up the site,” said a senior succeed her. The Bonn-based Secretariat said the cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. appointment needs to be approved by an 11- 2100, shifting to cleaner energies such as wind “This led to the arrest of seven people including the four forest guards.” The other three are locals living around the park, home to member UN bureau, whose members represent and solar power. The job of the new UN climate GUWAHATI: This file photo shows Indian forestry officials as they stand groups of governments worldwide and is now led chief will be to oversee and strengthen that the world’s largest concentration of rare one-horned rhinoceros. At least seven rhinos have been killed there so far this year. Across near the carcass of a one-horned rhinoceros which was killed and de- by French Environment Minister Segolene Royal. agreement. The United Nations says the Paris horned by poachers in Burapahar, a range of the Kaziranga National Park, The bureau has no record of challenging nomi- deal, built from voluntary national limits on the state, the figure is 13. Images of the park, a major tourist attraction, shot around the world last month when Britain’s Duke some 250kms east of Guwahati. Indian police said yesterday, that they nations by the Secretary-General, diplomats say, greenhouse gas emissions, is too weak to achieve have arrested four forest guards on suspicion of helping to cover up rhino even though some had expected that the job a goal of limiting a rise in temperatures blamed and Duchess of Cambridge went on safari and fed rhino and ele- phant calves there during a tour of India and neighboring poaching in a national park visited by Britain’s Prince William and his wife would shift from Latin America. Espinosa, aged 57 for stoking more droughts, floods, heatwaves and last month. — AFP and who works as Mexico’s ambassador to rising sea levels. — Reuters Bhutan.—AFP p30.qxp_Layout 1 5/3/16 7:56 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

12:30 Culture Express With Morgan Freeman 01:50 Top Tables, Top Cities 13:00 Africa Live 10:23 Invent It Rich 02:15 Sara’s New Nordic Kitchen 14:00 News Update 11:08 How The Universe Works 02:40 Tom’s Istanbul Delight 14:30 Dialogue 11:53 Mega Builders 03:05 Glamour Puds 00:00 Once Upon A Time 15:00 News Update 12:38 Mythbusters 03:30 Glamour Puds 01:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 00:25 Rob Roy 15:15 China 24 13:23 Through The Wormhole 03:55 David Rocco’s Dolce India S.H.I.E.L.D. 02:40 Behind Enemy Lines 16:00 News Update With Morgan Freeman 04:20 Maximum Foodie 02:00 The Flash 04:10 The Hills Run Red 16:15 Global Business 14:10 Ecopolis 04:45 Maximum Foodie 03:00 DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow 17:00 News Update 14:57 Food Factory 05:10 Food School 05:40 Death Rides A Horse 04:00 Good Morning America 07:35 The Night They Raided 17:15 World InSight 15:20 Food Factory 05:35 Rustic Adventures Italy 18:00 Asia Today 15:44 How The Universe Works 06:00 Rustic Adventures Italy 06:00 Once Upon A Time Minsky’s 07:00 24 09:15 The Magnificent Seven 18:30 Culture Express 16:31 Mega Builders 06:25 Carnival Eats 08:00 Prison Break 11:20 The Indian Fighter 19:00 News Update 17:18 Ecopolis 06:50 George Clarke’s Amazing 09:00 The Voice 12:50 One Summer Love 19:30 The Heat 18:05 Mythbusters Spaces 14:30 The Beast Of Hollow 20:00 Africa Live 18:50 Secret Space Escapes 07:40 Top Tables, Top Cities 10:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Mountain 21:00 Global Business 19:40 How The Universe Works 08:05 Sara’s New Nordic Kitchen 11:00 24 15:50 The Crocodile Hunter: 21:30 Dialogue 20:25 Through The Wormhole 08:30 Tom’s Istanbul Delight 12:00 Prison Break Collision Course 22:00 News Update With Morgan Freeman 08:55 Glamour Puds 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:20 Empire Of The Ants 22:15 China 24 21:15 Ecopolis 09:20 Glamour Puds 14:00 Live Good Morning America 18:50 The Man In The Iron Mask 23:00 News Update 22:00 Secret Space Escapes 09:45 David Rocco’s Dolce India 16:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 21:00 Breaking Bad 23:15 World InSight 22:45 How The Universe Works 10:10 Maximum Foodie S.H.I.E.L.D. 22:00 Dracula 2000 23:35 Mythbusters 10:35 Maximum Foodie 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 Food School 18:00 Prison Break 11:25 Rustic Adventures Italy 19:00 Minority Report 11:50 Rustic Adventures Italy 20:00 The Flash 12:15 Carnival Eats 21:00 Blindspot 12:40 George Clarke’s Amazing 22:00 Empire Spaces 00:00 Violetta 23:00 Mr. Robot 00:45 Mountain Monsters 00:00 The Edge 13:35 Bondi Rescue Outback 00:45 The Hive 01:40 In Search Of The King 00:30 The CNBC Debate Adventure 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Cobra 01:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 14:30 Tom’s Istanbul Delight Teenage Witch 02:35 Tanked 02:00 Asia Squawk Box 14:55 Glamour Puds 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 03:25 Queens Of The Savannah 05:00 Asia Street Signs 15:25 Glamour Puds Teenage Witch 04:15 Gator Boys 07:00 Capital Connection 15:50 David Rocco’s Dolce India 01:40 Hank Zipzer 05:02 Treehouse Masters 08:00 Squawk Box Europe 16:20 Maximum Foodie 00:00 300: Rise Of An Empire 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 05:49 In Search Of The King 11:00 Europe Street Signs 16:45 Maximum Foodie 02:00 The A-Team 02:30 Violetta Cobra 12:00 Worldwide Exchange 17:15 Grandma’s Boy 04:15 Age Of Dinosaurs 03:15 The Hive 06:36 Swamp Brothers 13:00 U.S. Squawk Box 17:40 Rustic Adventures Italy 06:00 Transformers: Age Of 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 07:00 Swamp Brothers 16:00 Squawk On The Street 18:10 Rustic Adventures Italy Extinction Teenage Witch 07:25 My Cat From Hell 18:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 18:35 Carnival Eats 09:00 Transit 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 08:15 In Search Of The King 19:00 Fast Money: Half Time 19:05 Glamour Puds 11:00 R.I.P.D. Teenage Witch Cobra Report 19:30 Glamour Puds 13:00 Turbulence 04:10 Hank Zipzer 09:10 Treehouse Masters 20:00 U.S. Power Lunch 20:00 David Rocco’s Dolce India 15:00 Transformers: Age Of 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 10:05 Tanked 22:00 U.S. Closing Bell 20:25 Maximum Foodie Extinction 05:00 Violetta 11:00 My Cat From Hell 20:50 Maximum Foodie 18:00 Snow White And The 05:45 The Hive 11:55 Bondi Vet 21:15 Grandma’s Boy Huntsman 05:50 Mouk 12:25 Bondi Vet 21:40 Rustic Adventures Italy 20:15 Armageddon 06:00 Lolirock 12:50 In Search Of The King 22:05 Rustic Adventures Italy 23:15 Tombstone 06:25 Sofia The First Cobra 22:30 Carnival Eats 06:50 Gravity Falls 13:45 Gator Boys 22:55 George Clarke’s Amazing 14:40 Treehouse Masters 07:15 Miraculous Tales Of 15:35 Tanked Ladybug And Cat Noir 00:00 I Escaped My Killer 07:40 Jessie 16:30 Queens Of The Savannah 01:00 The Haunting Of... 17:25 River Monsters (Best Of 08:05 Shake It Up 00:00 All The Wrong Reasons 02:00 The Haunting Of... 08:30 Shake It Up Series 1-5) 03:00 Cursed: The Bell Witch 02:15 50 First Dates 08:55 Hannah Montana 04:00 At Middleton 18:20 Ten Deadliest Snakes With 04:00 I Escaped My Killer 00:20 Deadly Instincts 09:20 Hannah Montana 06:00 My Father The Hero Nigel Marven 05:00 The Haunting Of... 01:10 Man And The Wild 09:45 Girl Meets World 08:00 Man Of The House 19:15 Tanked 06:00 I Didn’t Do It 02:00 Africa’s Creative Killers 10:10 Girl Meets World 10:00 At Middleton 20:10 Animal Cops South Africa 07:00 Britain’s Biggest Heists 02:50 I, Predator 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 12:00 50 First Dates 08:00 Crime Stories 03:45 Caught In The Act 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 14:00 Bad Parents 09:00 Frenemies 04:40 Outback Wrangler 11:25 Jessie 16:00 Man Of The House 09:30 Frenemies 05:35 Africa’s Creative Killers 11:50 Jessie 18:00 Orange County 10:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 06:30 I, Predator 12:15 Whisker Haven Tales With 20:00 Identity Thief Casebook 07:25 Caught In The Act The Palace Pets 22:00 Wish I Was Here 11:00 The First 48 12:20 Miraculous Tales Of 08:20 Outback Wrangler 00:25 Eastenders 12:00 The FBI Files 09:15 Race Of Life 00:55 New Tricks Ladybug And Cat Noir WISH I WAS HERE ON OSN MOVIES HD COMEDY 13:00 I Didn’t Do It 12:45 Fish Hooks 09:40 Race Of Life 01:55 New Tricks 14:00 Crime Stories 10:10 Nordic Wild 02:50 Silent Witness 13:10 Austin & Ally 15:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 13:35 Austin & Ally 13:50 Jake And The Never Land 18:00 E! News 10:10 Get Your Act Together 11:05 Animals Gone Wild 03:45 Waking The Dead Casebook 14:00 Liv And Maddie Pirates 19:00 House Of DVF 11:05 Coach Trip 12:00 Monster Fish 01:00 One Last Look 04:40 Eastenders 16:00 Britain’s Biggest Heists 14:25 Cars Toons 14:15 The Lion Guard 20:00 Keeping Up With The 11:35 Harry’s South Pole Heroes 12:55 Intimate Enemies 03:00 Short Term 12 05:10 Doctor Who 17:00 The First 48 14:30 Liv And Maddie 14:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 12:30 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 13:50 I, Predator 05:00 Foreverland 06:00 Doctors 18:00 The FBI Files 14:55 Dog With A Blog 15:10 Miles From Tomorrow Makeover 14:45 Caught In The Act 07:00 1911 06:30 Doctors 19:00 I Didn’t Do It 15:20 Dog With A Blog 15:35 Jake And The Never Land 13:25 Emmerdale 15:40 Dangerous Encounters 09:00 The Truth About Emanuel 07:00 Eastenders 20:00 Crime Stories 15:45 Miraculous Tales Of Pirates 13:50 Coach Trip 16:35 Race Of Life 11:00 Foreverland 07:30 Stella 21:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder Ladybug And Cat Noir 16:00 Sofia The First 14:20 Coronation Street 17:00 Race Of Life 13:00 Short Term 12 08:15 The Paradise Casebook 16:10 Violetta 16:25 Jungle Cubs 14:45 The Jonathan Ross Show 17:30 Nordic Wild 15:00 Barefoot 09:10 Doctor Who 22:00 Bill Cosby: The Women 17:00 The Next Step 16:50 Aladdin 15:35 The Queen’s Worst Year 18:25 Animals Gone Wild 17:00 The Truth About Emanuel 10:00 Doctors Speak 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 17:25 Alex And Co 17:15 The Lion Guard 16:30 Black Work 19:20 Caught In The Act 19:00 Nightcrawler 10:30 Eastenders 23:00 The Jail: 60 Days In 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 20:10 Dangerous Encounters 11:00 Death In Paradise 17:50 Dog With A Blog 17:40 Goldie & Bear 01:00 Chopped 17:25 Autopsy: The Last Hours 21:00 Blood Ties 18:15 Best Friends Whenever 18:05 Miles From Tomorrow Of... 21:00 Race Of Life 23:30 Suite Francaise 11:55 Stella 02:00 Cutthroat Kitchen 21:25 Race Of Life 12:45 The Paradise 18:40 Liv And Maddie 18:30 Sofia The First 03:00 Man Fire Food 18:20 Emmerdale 13:40 Doctor Who 19:05 Evermoor Chronciles 19:00 Jake And The Never Land 03:30 Man Fire Food 18:45 Coach Trip 14:30 Doctors 19:30 Violetta Pirates 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 19:10 Coronation Street 15:00 Eastenders 20:20 The Next Step 19:30 The Lion Guard 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 19:35 The Queen’s Worst Year 15:30 Death In Paradise 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 20:00 Goldie & Bear 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 20:30 Black Work 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 20:30 Sofia The First 21:25 Autopsy: The Last Hours 01:00 Eight Below 16:25 Dickensian 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 06:00 Chopped 21:35 H2O 21:00 Jungle Cubs Of... 03:00 Mulan 17:15 Doctor Who 01:10 You Have Been Warned 07:00 Man Fire Food 00:30 The Muppets 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 21:25 Aladdin 22:20 Coronation Street 04:45 The Mighty Ducks 18:00 Doctors 02:00 Troy 07:30 Man Fire Food 01:00 Breaking In 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 21:50 Gummi Bears 22:50 Emmerdale 06:45 Oz The Great And Powerful 18:30 Eastenders 02:50 Superhuman Science 08:00 Chopped 01:30 Comedians Teenage Witch 22:20 Lilo And Stitch 23:15 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 09:00 Ice Princess 19:05 Death In Paradise 03:15 Superhuman Science 09:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 02:00 The Big C 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 22:50 Zou Makeover 11:00 Tinker Bell And The Legend 20:00 Holby City 03:40 GI Dough Basics 02:30 Louie Teenage Witch 23:05 Henry Hugglemonster Of The NeverBeast 21:00 Stag 04:05 Storage Wars Canada 09:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 03:00 The Carmichael Show 23:10 Hank Zipzer 23:20 Calimero 13:00 The Shaggy Dog 21:55 Silent Witness 04:30 Auction Hunters Basics 03:30 Living With Fran 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 23:35 Zou 15:00 The Gabby Douglas Story 22:50 Orphan Black 05:00 How Do They Do It? 10:00 The Kitchen 04:00 $#*! My Dad Says 23:50 Loopdidoo 17:00 Night At The Museum: Battle 23:50 Doctors 05:30 Fifth Gear 11:00 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring Of The Smithsonian 06:00 Outback Truckers 11:30 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen Jimmy Fallon 19:00 Treasure Planet 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 12:00 Chopped 05:30 Suburgatory 21:00 First Kid 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 13:00 The Pioneer Woman 00:10 Brain Games 06:00 The Bernie Mac Show 23:00 The Gabby Douglas Story 08:30 GI Dough 00:05 Art Attack 13:30 The Pioneer Woman 01:00 Cesar To The Rescue 06:30 I Hate My Teenage 08:55 Storage Wars Canada 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:00 Supercar Megabuild Daughter 00:00 Charlie Rose 00:30 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Boyster 09:20 Auction Hunters 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:55 Secrets Of The King Cobra 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:00 Bloomberg West 00:45 Calimero 06:10 Super Matrak 09:45 How Do They Do It? 15:00 Man Fire Food 03:50 Brain Games 08:00 $#*! My Dad Says 02:00 First Up With Angie Lau 01:00 Zou 06:35 Super Matrak 10:10 Fifth Gear 15:30 Man Fire Food 04:45 24 Hours In A&E 08:30 Suburgatory 03:00 First Up With Angie Lau 01:15 Loopdidoo 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 10:35 You Have Been Warned 01:30 Art Attack 16:00 Chopped 05:40 Filthy Riches 09:00 The Carmichael Show 04:00 Trending Business 07:25 K.C. Undercover 17:00 The Kitchen 09:30 The Last Man On Earth 11:25 Troy 01:55 Henry Hugglemonster 07:50 Supa Strikas 06:35 Mega Factories 18:00 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 07:30 Showdown Of The 10:00 Playing House 00:00 The People vs Larry Flynt 08:15 Annedroids 18:30 Trisha’s Southern Kitchen 10:30 I Hate My Teenage 08:40 Lab Rats Unbeatables 02:30 A Beautiful Mind 19:00 Chopped 08:25 Building Wild Daughter 05:00 Boyhood 09:10 Kirby Buckets 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:35 Pokemon Series Xy: Kalos 09:20 24 Hours In A&E 08:00 Belle 21:00 Private Chef 10:15 Supercar Megabuild Jimmy Fallon 10:00 Evita Quest 21:30 Private Chef 12:00 Your Family Or Mine 10:00 Rocket Monkeys 11:10 The Yard 12:30 A Beautiful Mind 22:00 Valerie’s Home Cooking 12:05 Dirty Rotten Survival 12:30 $#*! My Dad Says 15:00 Dr. Strangelove 10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 22:30 Valerie’s Home Cooking 13:00 Suburgatory Warriors 13:00 Building Wild 17:00 Merchants Of Doubt 23:00 Iron Chef America 14:00 Showdown Of The 13:30 I Hate My Teenage 19:00 Jersey Boys 10:50 Boyster Daughter 11:20 Boyster Unbeatables 21:30 The Sixth Sense 15:00 Megastructures 14:00 Living With Fran 23:30 Jayne Mansfield’s Car 11:45 Pair Of Kings 14:30 The Last Man On Earth 12:10 Pair Of Kings 16:00 Supercar Megabuild 17:00 The Yard 15:00 Playing House 12:35 Lab Rats 15:30 The Muppets 13:00 Lab Rats 18:00 Dirty Rotten Survival 19:00 Mine Kings 16:00 Breaking In 13:30 Phineas And Ferb 00:20 Shipping Wars 20:00 Supercar Megabuild 16:30 Your Family Or Mine 13:55 Phineas And Ferb 00:45 Shipping Wars 01:00 Annabelle 20:50 The Yard 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:20 Kickin’ It 01:10 Lost In Transmission 03:00 Not Safe For Work 21:40 Dirty Rotten Survival 18:00 My Big Fat Greek Life 14:45 Kickin’ It 02:00 Ice Road Truckers 04:30 Billy Elliot The Musical 22:30 Megastructures 18:30 Living With Fran 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 02:50 Ax Men 07:15 Believe 23:20 Filthy Riches 19:00 Mad Love 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 03:40 American Restoration 19:30 Mad Love 09:00 The Two Faces Of January 15:40 Guardians Of The Galaxy 04:05 American Restoration 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 11:00 Persecuted 16:05 Mighty Med 04:30 Pawn Stars Jimmy Fallon 13:00 Drumline: A New Beat 16:30 Kirby Buckets 05:00 Lost Worlds 21:00 The Muppets 15:00 Stonehearst Asylum 16:55 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 06:00 Mountain Men 21:30 Breaking In 17:00 Paddington Much Everything 06:50 Swamp People 22:00 Comedians 19:00 Whiplash 17:25 K.C. Undercover 07:40 Ax Men 22:30 The Big C 17:50 Supa Strikas 08:30 Shipping Wars 00:10 Dream Cruises 21:00 A Little Chaos 23:00 Louie 23:00 Ouija 18:15 Lab Rats 08:55 American Restoration 01:00 George Clarke’s Amazing 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:40 K.C. Undercover 09:20 American Restoration Spaces 19:05 Cars Toons 09:45 Banger Boys THE A TEAM ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 19:10 Annedroids 10:35 Counting Cars 19:35 Phineas And Ferb 11:00 Counting Cars 20:00 Kirby Buckets 05:00 Trending Business 12:15 Superhuman Science 02:05 Calimero 11:25 Lost Worlds 01:30 Mamma Moo And Crow 20:25 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty 06:00 Asia Edge 12:40 The Carbonaro Effect 02:20 Zou 12:15 American Pickers 03:00 Marco Macaco Much Everything 07:00 Bloomberg West 13:05 GI Dough 02:30 Loopdidoo 13:05 Storage Wars 04:30 True Story Of Puss’n Boots 20:55 K.C. Undercover 08:00 Countdown 13:30 Storage Wars Canada 02:45 Art Attack 13:30 Storage Wars 06:00 Miffy The Movie 21:20 Pickle And Peanut 09:00 Countdown 13:55 Auction Hunters 03:10 Henry Hugglemonster 13:55 Fifth Gear 08:00 Dixie And The Zombie 21:30 Pickle And Peanut 09:30 On The Move 14:20 Outback Truckers 03:20 Calimero 14:45 Shipping Wars Rebellion 21:45 Lab Rats 10:00 On The Move 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 03:35 Zou 15:10 Shipping Wars 10:00 Worms 22:10 Mighty Med 11:00 The Pulse 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 03:45 Loopdidoo 15:35 Shipping Wars 11:30 Saving Santa 12:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 16:50 Fifth Gear 04:00 Art Attack 16:00 Mountain Men 13:00 Marco Macaco 13:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 17:15 How Do They Do It? 04:25 Henry Hugglemonster 16:50 Swamp People 14:30 Pim And Pom: The Big 14:00 Bloomberg Go 17:40 Salvage Hunters 04:35 Calimero 17:40 Ice Road Truckers Adventure 15:00 Bloomberg Go 18:30 For The Love Of Cars 04:50 Zou 18:30 Lost Worlds 16:00 The Heart Of The Oak 16:00 Bloomberg Go 19:20 What On Earth? 05:00 Loopdidoo 19:20 American Pickers 18:00 Worms 17:00 Bloomberg Markets 20:10 Storage Wars Canada 05:15 Art Attack 20:10 Pawn Stars 20:00 The Adventurer: The Curse 18:00 Bloomberg Markets: 20:35 Auction Hunters 05:35 Henry Hugglemonster 00:00 Keeping Up With The 20:35 Pawn Stars Of The Midas Box European Close 21:00 Salvage Hunters 05:50 Calimero Kardashians 21:00 Duck Dynasty 22:00 Pim And Pom: The Big 19:00 Bloomberg Markets 21:50 For The Love Of Cars 06:00 Zou 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 21:25 Duck Dynasty Adventure 20:00 Bloomberg Markets 22:40 Ed Stafford: Into The 06:20 Loopdidoo 01:25 Keeping Up With The 21:50 Pawn Stars 23:30 The Heart Of The Oak 21:00 Bloomberg Markets Unknown 06:35 Art Attack Kardashians 22:15 Pawn Stars Australia 22:00 Bloomberg Markets 23:30 Wheeler Dealers 07:00 The Hive 02:20 E! News 22:40 Grave Trade 23:00 What’d You Miss? 07:10 Zou 03:15 Christina Milian Turned Up 23:30 Duck Dynasty 07:25 Loopdidoo 04:10 Christina Milian Turned Up 23:55 Duck Dynasty 07:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 05:05 Christina Milian Turned Up 01:00 Premier League Darts 08:05 Sofia The First 06:00 Keeping Up With The 04:30 Golfing World 08:30 Goldie & Bear Kardashians 05:30 Live PGA European Tour 08:45 Jake And The Never Land 06:55 Keeping Up With The 07:30 The PGA Tour Champions 00:00 News Update Kardashians Highlights 00:30 Dialogue 00:20 Through The Wormhole Pirates 09:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 07:50 Style Star 08:30 Inside The PGA Tour 01:00 News Update With Morgan Freeman 00:10 Get Your Act Together 09:20 Doc McStuffins 08:20 E! News 09:00 European Tour Weekly 01:15 China 24 01:08 Invent It Rich 01:05 Emmerdale 09:35 Doc McStuffins 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 09:30 Live PGA European Tour 02:00 The Heat 01:55 How The Universe Works 01:30 Coach Trip 10:00 Sofia The First 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 12:30 Golfing World 02:30 News Update 02:42 Ecopolis 02:00 Coronation Street 10:30 Goldie & Bear 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 13:30 The PGA Tour Champions 03:00 Global Business 03:29 Mythbusters 02:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 10:55 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills Highlights 04:00 News Update 04:16 Invent It Rich 03:25 Murdoch Mysteries 11:00 Jake And The Never Land 12:05 E! News 14:30 Inside The PGA Tour 05:00 News Update 05:03 How The Universe Works 04:20 Murdoch Mysteries Pirates 13:05 WAGs 15:00 Live Snooker World 06:30 Dialogue 05:50 Mega Builders 05:15 Harry’s South Pole Heroes 11:25 The Lion Guard 14:05 Botched Championship 07:00 News Hour 06:37 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 11:50 Handy Manny 15:00 Keeping Up With The 19:00 The PGA Tour Champions 08:00 Global Business 07:00 How Do They Do It? Makeover 12:15 Jungle Junction Kardashians Highlights 09:00 News Update 07:23 Mythbusters 07:00 Coach Trip 12:30 Special Agent Oso 16:00 Keeping Up With The 20:00 Inside The PGA Tour 10:30 Sports Scene 08:08 Ecopolis 07:30 Murdoch Mysteries 12:45 The Hive Kardashians 20:30 European Tour Weekly 11:00 Global Business 08:53 Mega Builders 08:25 Murdoch Mysteries 13:00 Sofia The First 17:00 Fashion Bloggers 21:00 Live Snooker World 12:00 News Update 09:38 Through The Wormhole 09:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 13:25 Miles From Tomorrow 17:30 Fashion Bloggers WHIPLASH ON OSN MOVIES HD Championship Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

` Venkat Nagar Kakinada, east Kuwait CHANGE OF NAME Godavari Dt, Andhra KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Pradesh, India, had I Hafiz son of Fakhruddin embraced Islam and (28/04/2016 TO 04/05/2016) and Salma bearing an changed the name as Indian Passport No. Ayesha. (C 5167) Z1852600 residence of 25-4-2016 SHARQIA-1 FANAR-1 THE JUNGLE BOOK 8:45 PM AVENUES-6 Marble Arch flora Co Op THE TRUST 12:00 PM THE TRUST 12:30 PM THE TRUST 11:00 PM THE TRUST 12:30 PM housing society, flat 5, 1st I, Ali Akbar Husaini THE TRUST 2:00 PM THE TRUST 2:30 PM THE TRUST 1:00 AM THE TRUST 2:45 PM Bangaliwala, holder of Indian MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 4:00 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 4:30 PM THE TRUST 5:00 PM floor, Central Avenue, Santacruz west, Mumbai, Passport No. M3187871, THE TRUST 6:15 PM THE TRUST 6:30 PM MARINA-3 THE TRUST 7:15 PM address: Temba, THE TRUST 8:15 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 8:30 PM I AM WRATH 12:15 PM THE TRUST 9:30 PM India henceforth will be MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 10:15 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 10:30 PM I AM WRATH 2:15 PM NO WED known as Hafiz Fakhruddin Mohammediyapura, THE TRUST 12:30 AM THE TRUST 12:30 AM I AM WRATH 4:15 PM THE TRUST 11:45 PM Chief for all purposes. Sagwara, Dungarpur 314025, THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 6:15 PM NO WED Rajasthan, hereby change my SHARQIA-2 FANAR-2 I AM WRATH 8:30 PM I Anis son of Fakhruddin name to Ali Akbar Husain THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:00 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 11:30 AM NO WED AVENUES-7 Housami. THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 10:30 PM and Salma bearing an THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:15 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 1:45 PM GREEN ROOM 11:45 AM Indian Passport No. THE JUNGLE BOOK 5:30 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 4:00 PM NO WED GREEN ROOM 1:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 7:45 PM BAAGHI: A REBEL FOR LOVE - Hindi 6:15 PM I AM WRATH 12:45 AM GREEN ROOM 3:45 PM Z2181848 residence of Nai ACCOMMODATION THE JUNGLE BOOK 10:00 PM FAN- Hindi 9:30 PM NO WED GREEN ROOM 5:45 PM Abadi, AT and PO Partapur, NO WED THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:15 AM MA3 AL KHATAR (Kuwaiti Film) 8:00 PM dist Banswara, Rajasthan, AVENUES-1 Immediate sharing accom- THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 12:15 AM GREEN ROOM 10:15 PM India henceforth will be FANAR-3 THE JUNGLE BOOK 11:30 AM NO WED modation available for NO WED HASAN WA BOQLOZ 1:45 PM known as Anis Fakhruddin GREEN ROOM 12:00 PM GREEN ROOM 12:30 AM decent Indian Christian HASAN WA BOQLOZ 4:00 PM Chief for all purposes. SHARQIA-3 MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 2:00 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 6:15 PM NO WED 3-5-2016 family or bachelor near MOTHER’S DAY 1:15 PM GREEN ROOM 4:15 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 8:30 PM Salmiya Garden, block 10. HASAN WA BOQLOZ 1:30 PM MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 6:15 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 10:45 PM 360º- 1 Contact 66884273, GREEN ROOM 8:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:15 PM Kanagamani Packirisamy FRI NO WED son of Packirisamy and after 2 pm. HASAN WA BOQLOZ 3:30 PM MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 10:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:30 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 1:00 AM Saroja bearing an Indian (C 5168) MOTHER’S DAY 5:30 PM GREEN ROOM 12:45 AM NO WED THE JUNGLE BOOK 5:45 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 7:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 8:00 PM Passport No. Z2443141 and 2-5-2016 HASAN WA BOQLOZ 9:45 PM FANAR-4 AVENUES-3 THE JUNGLE BOOK 10:15 PM having address A2K MOTHER’S DAY 12:05 AM THE JUNGLE BOOK 12:15 PM NO WED Vilavanapadugai, Kalam MOTHER’S DAY 11:30 AM SITUATION WANTED THE JUNGLE BOOK 2:30 PM MOTHER’S DAY 2:00 PM CRIMINAL 12:30 AM Pulivalam, Thiruvarur Dt, MUHALAB-1 THE JUNGLE BOOK 4:45 PM MOTHER’S DAY 4:30 PM NO WED Tamil Nadu, India had THE JUNGLE BOOK 7:00 PM MOTHER’S DAY 1:00 PM MOTHER’S DAY 7:00 PM embraced Islam and M.Com sixteen years experi- HASAN WA BOQLOZ 1:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 9:15 PM 360º- 2 NO WED MOTHER’S DAY 9:30 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 12:45 PM changed the name as ence in independently han- FRI MOTHER’S DAY 12:05 AM Kamaludeen. (C 5167) dling accounts of medium MOTHER’S DAY 3:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 11:30 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 3:00 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 5:45 PM NO WED HASAN WA BOQLOZ 5:15 PM sized companies upto final- MOTHER’S DAY 7:45 PM AVENUES-4 HASAN WA BOQLOZ 7:30 PM Balveni Dadala daughter of ization, familiar with HASAN WA BOQLOZ 10:00 PM FANAR-5 FAN- Hindi 11:45 AM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 9:45 PM Dadala Pullaiah and Dadala accounting systems, at pres- MOTHER’S DAY 12:05 AM MOTHER’S DAY 12:45 PM THE TRUST 2:45 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 12:05 AM Nagaratnamma bearing an ent working in hospital, MOTHER’S DAY 3:15 PM FAN- Hindi 5:00 PM Indian Passport No. seeking suitable position. THE JUNGLE BOOK 5:30 PM FAN- Hindi 8:00 PM 360º- 3 MUHALAB-2 G0613666 and having an Mobile: 66019422. THE TRUST 12:15 PM MOTHER’S DAY 7:45 PM THE TRUST 11:00 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 11:45 AM address D.No 2-13-3, Plot MOTHER’S DAY 10:00 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 2:00 PM C 5161) THE TRUST 2:15 PM NO WED No. 10/2 Reddy buildings THE TRUST 4:15 PM NO WED THE TRUST 1:15 AM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR -3D 4:15 PM 28-4-2016 MOTHER’S DAY 12:15 AM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 6:45 PM BAAGHI: A REBEL FOR LOVE - Hindi 6:15 PM NO WED THE TRUST 9:00 PM NO WED THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR -3D 9:15 PM THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR 11:45 PM THE TRUST 11:00 PM AVENUES-5 THE TRUST 1:00 AM MARINA-1 112 MOTHER’S DAY 1:00 PM MOTHER’S DAY 12:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:15 PM MUHALAB-3 MOTHER’S DAY 3:15 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 11:30 AM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 5:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 5:30 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 11:30 AM THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:45 PM MOTHER’S DAY 7:30 PM NO WED THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 4:00 PM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 9:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 3:45 PM “THE HUNTSMAN WINTER’S WAR” 5:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 6:15 PM Automated enquiry about MOTHER’S DAY 11:45 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 6:00 PM WED THE JUNGLE BOOK 8:30 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 8:15 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 7:45 PM NO WED the Civil ID card is MARINA-2 THE JUNGLE BOOK 10:30 PM MOTHER’S DAY 10:00 PM THE JUNGLE BOOK 10:45 PM THE TRUST 11:30 AM NO WED NO WED NO WED THE JUNGLE BOOK 1:45 PM MOTHER’S DAY 12:30 AM GREEN ROOM 1:00 AM HASAN WA BOQLOZ 12:45 AM THE JUNGLE BOOK 4:00 PM NO WED NO WED NO WED 1889988 THE JUNGLE BOOK 6:30 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 4/5/2016 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Wednesday 4/5/2016 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 512 Mashhad 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 14:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:50 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 KNE 382 Taif 14:55 MSC 415 Sohag 00:10 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 JAD 302 Amman 00:25 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 15:00 KKK 6506 Istanbul 00:55 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 MSR 615 Cairo 00:30 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:05 JZR 539 Cairo 01:20 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 MSC 416 Sohag 01:05 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 IRC 6512 ABD 15:20 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 TBM 6313 Mashhad 16:05 THY 765 Istanbul 02:45 KAC 741 Dammam 15:30 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:10 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 CEB 018 Manila 02:20 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:45 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 IRC 526 Mashhad 16:50 KAC 417 Manila 03:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:00 FDB 067 Dubai 03:15 KAC 562 Amman 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:00 KNE 684 Madinah 16:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 17:15 KKK 6505 Istanbul 04:05 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 068 Dubai 04:05 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 544 Cairo 03:40 JZR 357 Mashhad 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 563 Amman 16:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1077 Doha 04:35 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 THY 770 Istanbul 05:15 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 CEB 019 Manila 04:50 TBM 6314 Mashhad 17:00 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:30 QTR 1080 Doha 17:55 JZR 560 Sohag 05:00 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 BAW 157 London 06:40 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:20 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:10 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 QTR 1087 Doha 06:30 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 18:35 THY 771 Istanbul 06:45 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 07:35 KAC 502 Beirut 18:35 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 JZR 238 Amman 17:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:35 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 IRC 527 Mashhad 17:50 KAC 204 Lahore 07:40 KAC 742 Dammam 18:50 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 618 Doha 18:55 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 18:55 BAW 156 London 08:25 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 156 Istanbul 08:00 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 JZR 538 Cairo 18:30 KAC 354 BLR 08:00 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:40 JZR 552 Alexandria 18:50 KAC 344 Chennai 08:15 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:05 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 08:50 QTR 1081 Doha 19:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:15 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 KAC 791 Madinah 08:55 ETD 919 MXP 19:15 KAC 362 Colombo 08:20 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:30 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20 KAC 352 Kochi 08:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:30 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 MSR 606 Luxor 19:30 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:40 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 MSR 500 Cairo 09:00 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 KAC 361 Colombo 19:55 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 KAC 117 New York 10:00 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 FDB 059 Dubai 19:50 MSR 501 Cairo 10:00 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 IRC 6511 ABD 09:15 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 MSR 619 Alexandria 20:30 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:05 IRC 6522 Lamerd 10:05 FDB 060 Dubai 20:30 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 IRM 1188 Mashhad 09:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:50 QTR 1071 Doha 10:45 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:45 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 UAE 873 Dubai 10:40 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 IRM 1189 Mashhad 10:55 DLH 634 Doha 20:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:55 KAC 501 Beirut 11:00 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 AXB 890 Mangalore/Bahrain 10:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:05 KAC 153 Istanbul 11:00 KAC 351 Kochi 21:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 11:15 KAC 543 Cairo 21:00 JZR 561 Sohag 11:25 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 KAC 561 Amman 11:20 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 QTR 1082 Doha 21:55 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 IAW 157 Al Najaf 11:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 22:00 JZR 356 Mashhad 11:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:15 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 KAC 564 Amman 22:05 AXB 890 Mangalore 11:55 QTR 1089 Doha 21:45 SAW 701 Damascus 12:35 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 MEA 405 Beirut 12:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 KAC 103 London 12:10 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 21:55 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 MSC 501 Alexandria 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:10 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 IYE 826 Sanaa/Mukalla 13:30 BBC 043 Dhaka 22:40 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 KAC 381 Delhi 22:25 KAC 792 Madinah 13:45 THY 764 Istanbul 22:55 IAW 158 Al Najaf 12:55 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 IRC 6521 Lamerd 13:55 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:30 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:00 MSC 403 Asyut 23:00 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 22:55 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 23:00 KAC 672 Dubai 14:05 JZR 239 Amman 23:20 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:00 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:15 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:20 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 528 Asyut 23:15 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 23:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION W H AT ’ S O N WESNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

B-Boy C-Sick holds the trophy. Final battle featuring C-Sick vs Primo. B-Boy C-Sick performs on stage. Red Bull BC One Cypher 2016 Kuwait C-Sick ‘Breaks’ the Records with 3 Repeated Wins

-Boy C-Sick’s head-spinning antics ing legends B-Boy Cico (Italy), B-Boy crowd was going crazy and the B-Boys were win. After outperforming 15 of the best B- While many competitions focus on crew and power moves won him the Red Roxrite (Mexico) and B-Boy Nabil (France). getting more fierce and whirling up madly Boys, C-Sick will now double his efforts in battles, Red Bull BC One’s one-on-one, sin- BBull BC One Cypher Kuwait for the As the pulsing music by DJ Flash B to the beat and the applause of the crowd. training to represent Kuwait in the World gle elimination battle format focuses on tal- third consecutive year with a performance boomed through the outdoor stage, the B- The 2016 final battle was a repeat of the Final in the city of Nagoya, Japan. ents and strength of the individual dancer that left 15 of the top-level B-Boys in town Boys competed in 14 sizzling head-to-head 2015 final between B-Boy Primo and winner, “It is a great pleasure to be the winner of and judges score the B-Boys on their battle behind. The stage was on fire with Kuwait’s battles - bouncing, dropping, and popping B-Boy C-Sick and was as intense. However, Red Bull BC One Cypher Kuwait for the 3rd strategy, power moves, dance foundation, best 16 B-Boys jumping and spinning for back up again towards the end of each C-Sick’s non-stop moves seemed in control time. I am looking forward to the final in fresh routines and overall style. the coveted prize. The event, which took round. More than 300 spectators gathered and within the rhythm, taming down his Japan in order to best present Kuwait in the place at Radisson Blu was judged by break- to witness the explosive atmosphere - the opponent and achieving a third consecutive World Final,” said B-Boy C-Sick, the winner. Make Marina Hotel Kuwait: Your one-stop-destination for weddings

he magnificent Shaikha Salwa Sabah Al- Ahmad Theater and Hall of Marina Hotel TKuwait, nestled in the heart of Salmiya with a spectacular seaside location, is your one- stop-destination for all weddings. No matter what size wedding you are planning, Marina Hotel offers couples a truly memorable wedding to suit any type of wedding festivity. Having a great layout and capacity of up to 500 persons, the Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad Theater and Hall is an ideal place for your special event. The hall unravels beauty and flexibility with its expert wedding planning team who devote their attention to every detail ensuring that your wedding will surpass all expectations. The package is further complemented with an award winning culinary team comprising of ded- icated chefs who constantly explore delivering tailor made menus and bringing to the hotel’s guests a wide range of exciting experiences to each event. Wedding guests can enjoy the wide variety of scrumptious delicacies from the elabo- celebrations, a custom-made, three-tier wedding imaginable. Combining unparalleled excellence rate buffet at Shaikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad cake is offered. Such a momentous occasion that in service and hospitality with outstanding pres- Theater and Hall. unites husband and wife must be conducted in a entation and personal service, the hotel holds a The memories of your wedding day will last a venue that can provide only the finest setting. reputation as an expert in turning your wedding lifetime and Marina Hotel Kuwait will ensure that This includes the most delightful cuisine and a celebration into a truly magnificent event. your special day is perfect. The hotel is delighted magnificently decorated ballroom. With a venue If you are looking for a beautiful wedding cer- to offer guests exclusive wedding packages that can also bring back treasured memories of emony venue, the wedding package at Marina across the year, which include accommodation lavish wedding celebrations from previous gen- Hotel is available all through the year. For more for one night in a beautiful superior room and a erations, today’s weddings at the Sheikha Salwa information, please visit our website: www.mari- romantic candle-lit dinner and breakfast in the Sabah Al-Ahmad Theater and Hall are among the nahotel.com. room for the bride and groom. For the wedding most extravagant and memorable weddings

The Sultan Center AIP officials call on Indian Ambassador organizes cricket fficials of Association of Indian Sharma presented the list of the new office- Treasurer: Umesh Shahani, Joint Secretary: tournament for staff Professionals (AIP) called on Indian bearers to the ambassador. Sajeev K Peter, Jagdish Joshi and A R OAmbassador Sunil Jain and briefed Umesh Sharma is the new chairman and Dr Subbaraman are executive members. him of the election of new Executive Board of Kamlesh Kumari is the new general secretary. s part of The Sultan Center’s com- Uniform. Commenting on the event, Hani the AIP, Kuwait. AIP’s new Chairman Umesh Other Executive board members are: mitment to supporting a healthy Ismael - Group Human Resources Alifestyle and fostering a sense of Director for TSC said: “It was amazing team spirit amongst its employees across watching our fellow partners in the field, the company, TSC Together organized its playing in the cricket tournament, a annual cricket tournament which was game that involves short-term tactics and held at Khaitan Cricket field on 9th, 16th long-term strategy. The players show- and 23rd April 2016. cased great team spirit, competitiveness Over the course of the three-day and joy. These are the attributes that event, a total of 16 teams showcased reflects the values that we live in the great enthusiasm and a sense of team- workplace at TSC and illustrates the work as they competed against each oth- objective of organizing such tourna- er to grab the Championship title. The ments that always support the TSC series of challenging matches observed a Together strategy. We also aim to provide large crowd of employees, their families more such opportunities to the employ- and friends, who cheered for their ees to increase interdepartmental inter- favorite teams which made the event action and bonding beyond work. even more exciting. Congratulations to the champions and Hawally Team proudly raised the off course to all the teams who participat- Cricket Championship trophy as they ed in making this tournament a great gained victory against the Telecom Team success.” who bagged the Second place, while The recently established TSC Fahaheel Team stood at the Third place. Employees Sports and Social Committee Mohammed Reyyan was awarded the aims to foster team spirit along with the title of the Best Bowler and Rahim opportunity to share common activities. Abdulrahim got the Best Batsman title, TSC Together members worked diligently both a part of the winning team - to deliver a successful event, for all TSC Hawally. Sayed Anwar from Head Office employees to enjoy in an environment Team was awarded as the Highest Scorer that embraces teamwork through fun and Anwar Kathat from Telecom Team and engaging activities. was the Man of the Series. The Head Office Team won the award for the Best W H AT ’ S O N WESNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

Mohammad Al-Duwailah, Senior Manager of Capital Markets at KFH Group photo with the participants. KFH sponsors seminar at AUK on practical applications of Sukuk in financial markets

ollowing the presentation by the Kuwait bers and several external stakeholders (adult by KFH and CCE. “Success of this 4-hour semi- Finance House (KFH) Chairman, Hamad learners) attended the seminar as well. The nar is potentially a stepping stone for further FAbdulmohsen Al-Marzouq, at the seminar was held at the Auditorium, where on-campus educational and training opportu- American University of Kuwait (AUK) in CCE capped enrollment at 40 to ensure close nities which can add value to the portfolio of October, KFH has elected to sponsor a Sukuk interaction and engagement. skills and enrich the learning experiences of Seminar entitled “Practical Applications of The 4-hour seminar introduced participants our students,” said Dr Ali Aljamal, Chair of the Sukuk in the Financial Markets”. This comes as to Sukuk as an alternative savings and invest- Department of Economics, who coordinated part of their CSR and Youth Education ment option, and covered topics such as the CBE efforts. Initiative”. The seminar was delivered by types and structures of Sukuk, primary and “As we strive to achieve AACSB accredita- Mohammad Al-Duwailah, Senior Manager of secondary markets of Sukuk, risks associated tion, this seminar strongly supports our pur- Capital Markets at KFH. The Seminar was with Sukuk, and an assessment of newly suit and sends a message about our commit- organized by the Center for Continuing emerging trends in the Sukuk markets. ment to the academic and business communi- Education (CCE) in coordination with the Attendees also learned about the practical ty at large. I admire and appreciate KFH’s College of Business and Economics (CBE), applications of Sukuk in financial markets. Youth Education Initiative. I am very proud of which provided review of outline, content and As the market is currently $300 billion- and optimistic for our continued AUK-KFH col- seminar materials. strong, and growing, and the fact that almost laboration and hope it will become a model CBE was keen in having committed senior half of banks in Kuwait are Islamic, the seminar for the town-and-gown relations in Kuwait,” students, particularly in Accounting, was ideal for business students with career added Professor Jin Wang, Dean of the College Economics and Finance, participate in this ambitions in the investment and banking sec- of Business and Economics. seminar. Although the majority of participants tors. Students who attended the seminar were AUK business students, few faculty mem- received Certificates of Participation, cosigned Images from the workshop. GUST holds lecture on Arabic Linguistics

(From Left) Dr Talal Al-Jassar, Dr Jonathan Owens, Shobhita Kohli.

ulf University for Science and Technology guistic logic. Following his lecture, Dr Owens (GUST) held a lecture recently titled presented a copy of his book, “The Handbook of G‘Linguistic Principles: Why Should We Arabic Linguistics”, to Library Director Shobhita Study Arab Grammarians?’ The lecture was given Kohli. Dr Jonathan Owens is a renowned by Dr Jonathan Owens from the University of Professor and a widely published author in the Bayreuth in Germany, and was organized by Dr field of Arabic Linguistics. His past experience Talal Al-Jassar, a Lecturer in Arabic Language and includes working with the Center for Advanced Linguistic at the College of Arts of Kuwait Study of Language as a Senior Research Scientist ESF rocks audience with ‘Grease’ University. at the University of Maryland in the United Sates. The lecture aimed to inform students on the As well as teaching in numerous Arabic speaking interest of the western studies about Arabic countries and Sub-Saharan Africa, such as Libya, his year’s major school production at Kenickie as the audience clapped and grammar; the speaker explored the Arabic lin- Jordan and Nigeria. Dr Owens is currently the the English School Fahaheel (ESF) was cheered as he sung the timeless ‘Greased guistic traditions by explaining the methodolo- President of Arab Studies at the University of Tthe spectacular musical ‘Grease,’ Lightning.’ gy of famous Arab linguists, such as Ibn Al-Sarraj, Bayreuth in Germany. which was staged on two nights at the As the curtains opened the specially Ibn Al-Anbari and Sibawaih, and compared it to Professor Dr Jonathan Owens school’s Lloyd Webber Theatre. The amaz- constructed set took us back in the time to similar ideas from contemporary western lin- ing music was obviously the highlight of the rocking 50s as the drama of Grease this timeless production as the songs were unfolds. The props even included a replica beautifully rendered by the entire cast of the Grease Lightning car! some of whom are Drama and Music IGCSE Many months of preparation went into AOU Opens Admission for Summer Semester and A/S Level candidates. The music of bringing this production to the audiences. ‘Grease’ was played by the talented band A big thank you to the Director Mullay, he Public Relations and Media Unit at percentage or GPA may apply with the on drums, bass guitar and piano. Music Director Ms. Van Zittrers and Kippie the Arab Open University (AOU) - exception of receiving their high school cer- The cast was headed by Sara Shuaiber for the amazing choreography without Kuwait Branch announced that AOU tificate 4 years prior to their admission plus who played Sandy and Jared Munar played which Grease wouldn’t be the same. A big T opens admissions for the summer semester 4 years of work experience. He pointed out Danny. Reem Zeidan did an amazing job as thank you also to all parents, students and Rizzo. Hiba Jamal played Marty, Sara Noun ESF staff who helped make this production of the academic year 2015/2016 through that students must have a scientific major was Jan and the Beauty school dropout possible. applying online via www.aou.edu.kw in one high school to apply for Information Frenchie was played by Farah Ghoubar. of the following BA degrees (Business Technology and Computing Major. Mahmoud did an outstanding job as Administration, English language and litera- He also affirmed that the AOU Kuwait ture, Information Technology and Branch strives to apply the vision and mis- Computing). sion of the University to be a pioneering in Ghazi Al-Enezi, Head of Public Relations building the knowledge and science society, Bangladesh Embassy and Media Unit at AOU- Kuwait Branch, said which seeks to develop and disseminate the University welcomes all students who knowledge and build expertise according to are willing to join it, adding there are certain international quality standards irrespective Bangladesh Embassy closure admission conditions to apply such as high of time and space in order to contribute to school certificate with 60 percentage or 2.00 preparing required manpower for suitable The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain GPA or above, and the students with less development in Kuwait. closed on Thursday, May 5, 2016 on the occasion of Holy Shab-e Me’raz. Ghazi Al-Enezi WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 COMMUNITY

The International Women’s Group (IWG) hosted a monthly meeting during which the spouse of the Ambassador of Jordan to Kuwait gave a demonstration about her country’s culture and traditions. IWG’S calendar of events

The International Women’s Group (IWG) hosted an event to welcome its new members who joined this year. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 COMMUNITY

The International Women’s Group (IWG) hosted a monthly meeting during which the spouse of the Ambassador of Russia to Kuwait gave a demonstration about her country’s culture and traditions.

The International Women’s Group (IWG) hosted a monthly meeting during which the spouse of the Ambassador of Peru to Kuwait gave a demonstration about her country’s culture and traditions. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

Model Jourdan Dunn in Balmain. Singer Demi Lovato in Moschino by Jeremy Supermodel Cindy Crawford. Model Alessandra Ambrosio in Balmain. Ivanka Trump in Ralph Lauren jumpsuit-dress Scott combination. MET FASHION EXHIBIT EXPLORES DIALOGUE BETWEEN HAND AND MACHINE

While metallics reign on the tech-heavy Met Gala Red Carpet

or decades, argues Andrew Bolton, the star curator of We’re wrong, Bolton says, and his new Met exhibit opening blockbuster fashion exhibits at the Metropolitan this week, “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” Museum of Art, we’ve all been looking at fashion seeks to prove that the machine is an “equal protagonist” to the through a flawed prism. We’ve assumed, he says, that hand in creating the best fashions of our recent past, our pres- hand-made garments are better, purer, fancier, more ent and our future. “To me, it doesn’t matter if a good designer Fluxurious. And that machine-made garments are inherently makes a garment by hand or by machine,” he said in a recent inferior, even mediocre. interview. “It’s really about what result you want, what’s your desired effect, and sometimes you can achieve it better by machine than by hand. So this exhibit (aims) to debunk the myths .... but also to come up with a new paradigm for fashion.” Bolton introduced his new exhibit to the media on Monday just hours before the annual Met gala, the hugely star-studded charity gala run by influential Vogue editor Anna Wintour for her 18th time this year. The evening brings in millions for the museum, and the red carpet is always a dizzying display of luminaries of film, music, sports and of course fashion. Regular folks who aren’t famous enough to score an invite to the gala can simply come see the exhibit beginning May 5. They’ll be greeted, first, by a stunning wedding dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel’s 2014 couture collection with a massive golden train that, for Bolton, exemplifies the best sort of hand- Actress Kate Hudson in a custom dress by Donatella Versace.

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova in a Marchesa creation and accompanied by co-designer of the brand Georgina Chapman.

Canadian TV presenter Keltie Knight.

machine fusion. The dress - made of a synthetic fabric called scuba knit - was hand-molded, machine-sewn, and then hand- finished, with intricate embroidery in pearls and gemstones that form a glittering baroque pattern. “In total, the train required 450 hours of workmanship,” Bolton says - and yet the machine process was as integral to the overall effect as the handiwork. Bolton says he was inspired to create the exhibit, which cov- ers fashions from as early as the late 19th century to the pres- ent, when he examined Yves Saint Laurent’s famous 1965 “Mondrian” dress, reflecting the linear designs of the Dutch painter, in the museum’s archives. “We discovered it was made almost entirely by machine,” he said Monday. He was surprised. Some of the garments in “Manus x Machina,” which is spon- sored by Apple, are made mostly by hand, and some mostly or even entirely by machine. But most of them - from a diverse grouping of the world’s greatest designers - are a combination of both. The British designer Gareth Pugh, for example, presents two dresses from his recent collection that are made of plastic drink-

Recording artist Zayn Malik with his girlfriend NEW YORK: Beyonce in a supermodel Gigi custom latex Givenchy Hadid both creation by Ricardo Tisci. wearing Versace. — AP photos Actor and co-host of this year’s event Idris Elba wearing Tom Ford. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016

Actress Sarah Jessica Reality Star Kim Singer The Weeknd with girlfriend Uma Thurman in a Tommy Parker and TV personality Kardashian in model Bella Hadid both in Hilfiger gown and brooch Andy Cohen. Balmain. Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci. by Cartier.

Model turned Actress Emily Ratajkowski

American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Lupita Nyong’o donning a custom Actress Clara Danes in a Wintour in a Chanel Spring 2016 Calvin Klein dress. Zac Posen creation. Couture dress and daughter Bee Shaffer in Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton. ing straws, one in all black and one in all white. “Every straw was There were some attention-getters among the men, too. cut by hand,” the designer explains in accompanying notes. Idris Elba, one of the evening’s co-hosts, wore a white tie and They were attached, each individually, to a shift of machine- black tails from Tom Ford. So how does he get ready for the sewn black silk and wool. Met Gala, he was asked? “Take your time. Make sure your shirt’s On the more classic side, there’s a 1953 Dior haute couture down and the whites of the cuffs are out,” he said. Zayn Malik dress - machine sewn, and hand-finished with stunning artificial and the silver metal arms on his dark suit appeared to channel flowers, clover and grass in green, pink and purple silk floss. the Winter Soldier, as in the movie “Captain America: The One would be hard pressed to imagine there’s a machine-made Winter Soldier.” Or a droid. Take your pick. He escorted Gigi element to it, but that’s Bolton’s point: Haute couture and Hadid. Jared Leto wore a custom Gucci white tailcoat with a ready-to-wear are overly strict definitions, in his view. white evening shirt and white bowtie, completing his look “The gap is diminishing,” he said in the interview. “Think with a hand-carved black lacquer cane with a silver and crystal Actor Alexander Skarsgard. Actor Jared Leto in a custom Gucci Actor Andrew Rannells. about Sarah Burton (of the Alexander McQueen label). The embellished cat head detail. He also had Florence Welch, in creation. embroidery is unbelievable, but it’s still seen as ready-to-wear. Gucci, as his date. — AP To me the primary difference between haute couture and ready-to-wear is fit. Couture has always been about making a piece of clothing designed to fit one body, and ready-to-wear is about creating standardized sizes to fit many body types. But in terms of the finishing, in terms of the craftsmanship involved, Pieces from the ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion that gap is diminishing. Do we even NEED two categories?” As if to prove Bolton’s point, a section of the exhibit on lace- work includes the most traditional of items - an 1870 Irish wed- ding dress, for example, of hand-crocheted cotton lace, design- in the Age of Technology’ exhibit er unidentified - and the most modern, but equally intricate. One white dress looks like it’s made of laser-cut leather, but actually it’s crafted from foam. The garment, by designer Thom Browne, was cut by a machine, sewn by a machine, and finished by a machine. “It’s very rare for me to make an item of clothing in which the hand is absent entirely,” Browne writes. But he adds: “I love the precision and perfection of machine-made clothes just as much as I love the imprecision and imperfection of handmade clothes.”

The Red Carpet The Met Gala red carpet gleamed on Monday with sparkly metallics and shiny, futuristic-looking fabrics as stars paid hom- age to this year’s technology-centered theme. As always, guests included stars of film, music, television, sports, politics and of course fashion. And one of the biggest was Beyonce, who provided the finale to the red carpet show, just like last year. The pop superstar - with husband Jay Z nowhere in sight - wore a peach-hued, puffed-sleeved latex gown by Givenchy. Asked how difficult it was to get into the gown, the singer replied that it was “a lot easier than last year,” referring to her barely there look from last season, also by Givenchy. Katy Perry wore a black Prada with clunky gold embellish- ments and a long train, an old-school Tamagotchi digital pet on her belt as what she called her “tech contribution,” and her hair done in a high black beehive. Taking the exhibit’s theme to the next level, Karolina Kurkova wore a “cognitive dress” in partner- ship between Marchesa and IBM. The dusty blue tulle gown with a high-low hemline included 150 hand-placed LED lights. The dress changed hues based on an IBM analysis of various emotions expressed by users on social media. And “Homeland” actress Claire Danes also wore a tech-dri- ven garment - a “fiber optic” organza Cinderella gown in dove gray by Zac Posen. Her husband, actor Hugh Dancy, happily A woman looks at dresses displayed as part of the exhibit. explained to onlookers the science behind Danes’ illuminated dress, which Posen said was made “from fiber-optic woven organza which was sourced from France.” Fashion’s doyenne Anna Wintour, the powerful Vogue editor who was running the Met gala for the 18th year, kicked off the red-carpet proceed- ings in a fringed, white body-hugging gown by Chanel. The strong show of silver, copper and other metallic looks - emphasizing the machine part of the evening’s equation, as well as referencing technology - included Poppy Delevingne in low-cut silver tiered spangles and jewels on a Marchesa gown. On the eve of the Tony Award nominations, Sarah Jessica Parker honored the anticipated big winner, “Hamilton,” with her own Founding Father coat and knee-length pants with gold buttons, all based on the look of Hamilton himself in the first act of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s megahit musical. The look was cre- ated by designers Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim of the Monse label. Parker said she had already known she wanted to wear trousers. Then, attending a recent performance of “Hamilton” with her two daughters, it came to her. She found herself examining the proportions of the men’s costumes, designed by Paul Tazwell. “And I said, that’s what I’m doing,” she recounted. Parker paired the look with blue heels, adorned with brooches she found in her own closet. Uma Thurman paired her creamy Tommy Hilfiger gown with a huge vintage brooch from Cartier pinned to one shoulder strap. Kylie Jenner wore Balmain for an Old Hollywood gown in silver, while her sister Kendall boasted a slinky Versace gown with a blue and An embroidered gown is displayed as part of A 3-D printed dress by Iris van A machine-made dress by Thom NEW YORK: A wedding gown train by Karl Lagerfeld for white geometric design and sexy side cutouts. Lupita Nyong’o the exhibit. Herpen. Browne, made of EVA foam, is Chanel’s 2015 Patrimoine Collection is displayed as donned a custom Calvin Klein Collection jade sequin dress displayed as part of the exhibit. with velvet straps, her hair standing high in a conical hairdo. part of the “Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Ivanka Trump, meanwhile, chose a red Ralph Lauren jumpsuit- Technology,” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of dress combination. Art on Monday.—AP photos WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 l i f e s t y l e F e a t u r e s ICONIC launches its Summer 2016 Collection ummer 2016 at ICONIC presents an array of trends for the new season. ICONIC’s women’s collection com- Sprises of this season’s must-have. The key trends in the women’s collection this season include RebelSoul filled with distinctive designs, materials and craftsmanship with a jet set aesthetic that combines with stylish elegance. Expect preppy yatch clubbing essen- tials and clingy knit dresses with their sexy strappy backs. There is high emphasis on fabrics like modal, lace, knit and linen. Simple, clean silhouettes mark a key trend in the sea- son in a color palette of tangerine, beige and navy. Key Pieces include Suede Wrap Culottes, Suede with eyelet detail tank top and patterned lace Maxi with Eyelet criss- cross detail. Rhythm cascade - TEA AT RITZ is a collection of pleated, high-waisted dresses to accentuate the female form, while contrasting textures on ladylike ensembles lend an eccen- tric ambience to this look. Both demure and daring this col- lection is laced with bursting blooms with fresh aesthetics of colors like valiant poppy. Key pieces include lace and print mix fit and flare dress embroidered lace peplum top. Tribe beat- RIVER GAUCHE is a trend which draws inspi- ration from Parisian Left Bank girls’ unapologetically bohemian, free-spirited way of life, creating a new take on 1970s-influenced looks. Classic looks are reworked with contemporary details and volume, while kick-flares are cropped and more streamlined, modernizing the look. The collection’s delicate aesthetic intertwines with the African tribal energy with use of soft and bold colors like cham- pagne, and Tibetan red. Key Pieces include Tassel suede Pieces from ICONIC’ s Summer 2016 Collection sleeveless jacket and tassel suede asymmetrical pencil skirt. The New West collection, step out in chic separates and like evening gown, jumpsuits, blazers, dresses. Glam fac- tion is cross pollinating with modernism and athleticism. idyllic tropical holiday with the collection consisting of flowing silhouettes with bohemian undertones. The look is tor is upped with the use of embellishments and snake Key Pieces include Eastern floral & Palaces Prints T-shirts functional and accessible clothing. Prints dominate the inspired by the 70’s boho trend with the classic shapes tak- trims for that touch of drama in a rich color palette of and vests, Base Ball varsity Shirt, Knit Textured Shirts and trend with tropical prints with palm trees, big florals and ing center stage in a clean and streamlined casual line. A green, almond brown and caviar black. Key Pieces include Suits leaves prints on key pieces. Key Pieces include Floral T must have for the season, look dreamy in all white and One shoulder jumpsuit and Column maxi dress with metal Refined Nautical nautical trend takes its references from shirts, Sun dried color shirts, Printed Shorts, Laundered white paired with indigo for the perfect summer. Can’t go snake trim. the 50s with a mystical and edgy outlook. Expect to see a Walk Shorts wrong in patterned lace, viscose jacquard, and cotton Asian Fantasia is all about bold fusion of exotic orient sharp and tailored look for the man with the collection Bright color dyed Joggers, Blocking and Destination gauze and crushed crepe. Embroidered lace, china mosaic and Sicilian suave. Cultural representation is big in the leaning towards casual tailoring with contemporary silhou- graphics Head over to ICONIC and shop our latest Spring tile inspired print are some such details that create that collection as clothes can be seen depicting a parade of ettes. Shake up you nautical look with prints that will make Summer collection available at The Avenues, The Mall, statement. Key Pieces include Printed Kimono top, Lace dragons, swallows darted through bamboos and Chinese a bold statement like sea monster repeats, tattoo like Level 1 and at Salam Mall in Salmiya .Opening Soon in wide leg trousers and Strappy lace maxi dress. emperors clothes. Having said that, the pieces do not lose placement’s and standard nautical imagery. Color palette is Sama Mall. Poolside glam is influenced by tropical and Latin their integrity as commercial ready to wear pieces inspite wide with cowhide, medieval blue and chambray blue as themes, this trend intermixes Caribbean florals, rich of the heavy oriental influence. Colors are red, yellows the key colors for the trend. Key Pieces include Double foliage and for an electrifying mix of color and print creat- mixed harmoniously with whites and blues. The shapes breasted jacket, Ankle length trousers and Coated joggers ing an elusive combination of styles with fabrics such as are very relaxed to give a feel of ease as fabrics are dob- TROPICOOL is a vibrant trend that never fails to add that silky chiffon, high density crepe being used in key pieces bies and knits structures. The look and feel of the collec- spunk to your wardrobe. The tropicool trend spells a long Odom’s father kicked out of home after Khloe stopped paying his rent

oe Odom, 62, has moved back to Brooklyn from and my phone was going to get cut off. She disre- “Whenever I call him, she answers. She must be Los Angeles after Khloe - who called off her spected me. She decided to kick me out of my checking his texts, too. I can’t always get through Jdivorce to Lamar last year following his collapse home when Lamar was in hospital in Nevada.” to him anymore. She may be Lamar’s wife, but I’m at a Nevada brothel - allegedly cut him off. Khloe has been looking after Lamar while he his father. She shouldn’t have cut me out of his He told the New York Post’s Page Six: “KhloÈ recuperates following his collapse after a drugs and life like she has.” didn’t even have the guts to tell me herself that my alcohol binge, but Joe insists he just wants to look Former basketball rent wasn’t going to be paid anymore. She got the after his son. He said: “I just wish I could be at his player Lamar Odom guys who handle Lamar’s money to call me and side in LA to support him, but Khloe doesn’t want and his father Joe they said the rent wouldn’t be paid, I gotta move me there,” the broken-up father said. Odom. Jane Fonda: TV Acting is ‘An entirely different animal’

he stars of Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie” celebrated new beginnings at its season two premiere Sunday afternoon Twith a screening at the Harmony Gold Theatre in West Hollywood. The two episodes screened included the show’s usual mix of comedy and pathos. The series picks up moments after the end of season one as Sol (Sam Waterston) is returning home to Robert (Martin Sheen) after having sex with ex-wife Frankie (Lily Tomlin). No spoilers here, but as in life, a curveball is thrown that interrupts the main characters’ best laid plans. Tomlin said she and longtime friend and costar Jane Fonda have gotten along famously for more than 35 years- without having “too many quarrels.” Fonda, best known for her film roles, described television acting as foreign territory for her. “Episodic TV is an entirely different animal: being in every episode, working very long hours, not entirely know- ing the arc of the entire season, having to learn lines very Actors Matt Smith and Lily James. quickly,” she shared. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin’s Off Screen Friendship Led to ‘Grace & Frankie’ Waterston-who led “Law & Order” for 16 years Matt Smith and Lily James — offered advice about what he’s learned from a long career in television acting. “The opportunity to have a good time should never be turned down,” he revealed. have moved in together The after-party was an intimate gathering at The Church Key, where Fonda was surrounded by friends at her booth. Enjoying the party from her section, Fonda occasionally put he couple - who have been dating for all the time. I actually loved being able to her head on boyfriend Richard Perry’s shoulder and chatted two years - are living together in talk about work. It was great that he had to with guests such as singer-songwriter Carole King. TMatt’s London home and couldn’t be propose to me [in the movie].” Waterston added, “When I first started out, I did nothing happier. A source told the Sun on Sunday: Lily also admitted she was initially reluc- but comedies and I was afraid I’d get stuck there. So I strug- “They are head over heels and both think tant to join the Burr Steers-directed movie, gled and got myself taken seriously, then no one would let me More cast members schmoozing included a glowing, LOS ANGELES: Jane they have found the one. Lily moved into but was convinced after reading the script. tell a joke. Finally, someone’s letting me tell a joke again and pregnant June Diane Raphael with husband Paul Scheer, Fonda (L) and Lily Matt’s London home and there’s been no She said: “When I saw the e-mail from my it’s really good.” Waterston was all smiles as he mingled with Ernie Hudson (returning this season as Frankie’s boyfriend,) Tomlin (R) attend the arguing over who’s hogging the bathroom agent, I was like, ‘This sounds terrible!’ Then friends and well-wishers, while attorney Gloria Allred chatted Peter Cambor, Baron Vaughn, Ethan Embry and Brooklyn Season 2 Premiere of cupboards - yet.” within 20 pages of the script, I thought, and took photos with “Grace and Frankie” co-creator and exec Decker. Season two of the Netflix original series debuts May Grace and Frankie on Meanwhile, Lily, 27, previously revealed ‘This is so cool! Somehow these two worlds producer Marta Kauffman and her kids. Kauffman’s daughter, 6 on Netflix. — Reuters Sunday. — AFP she loved working with Matt, 33, on come- join together, and it’s a riot.’” Hannah, is an associate producer on the show, and her son, dy horror movie ‘Pride and Prejudice and Sam, works on the music. Zombies’. She said: “He just made me laugh

‘Game of Thrones’: Kit Harington Breaks Silence After Jon Snow Reveal (SPOILER ALERT: Do not read until you’ve watched the sec- it would just be, ‘Fine, Jon Snow’s dead.’ But it seems like ond episode of season six of “Game of Thrones,” titled people had a-similar to the ‘Red Wedding’ episode-kind of “Home.”) grief about it. Which means something I’m doing-or the he wait is finally over. After almost a year of suspense, show is doing-is right.” “Game of Thrones” finally revealed Jon Snow’s fate on In “Home,” Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) con- TSunday night’s episode. The Lord Commander is alive, vinces the sorceress Melisandre (Carice van Houten) to res- after all, despite star Kit Harington’s insistence that he died urrect Jon Snow. “Do you know of any magic that could in the season five finale at the hands of the Night’s Watch help bring him back?” he asks her. She washes his body, and Alliser Thorne. He apologized for lying to fans in an cuts his hair and trims his beard before reciting an incanta- exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly as part of tion. Her efforts initially seem to be in vain, but Jon soon this week’s cover story on his revival. opens his eyes and takes panicked breaths. — Reuters “Sorry!” Harington said, when asked by EW what he’d like to tell his fans. “I’d like to say sorry for lying to every- Kit Harington on the set ‘Game of Thrones’ where he plays the role of Jon Snow. one. I’m glad that people were upset that he died. I think my biggest fear was that people were not going to care. Or WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 l i f e s t y l e F e a t u r e Malabar Gold & Diamonds opens its 150th outlet globally ollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor also display a significantly large collec- Khan launched 150th outlet of tion of traditional as well as contempo- BMalabar Gold & Diamonds on 30 rary jewelry in gold, certified diamonds, April in the presence of M.P. Ahammed, platinum and precious stone jewelry Chairman -Malabar Group; Asher. O, from across the world that can hold you Managing Director - India Operations, spell-bound with their awe-inspiring Malabar Gold & Diamonds; KP Abdul beauty for the jewelry lovers in India. Salam, Group Executive Director, Malabar “It is indeed a proud moment for all of Gold & Diamonds; other well-wishers, us at Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The inau- guests and invited media. guration of our 150th store reaffirms our A huge gathering of over 20,000 resi- leadership in jewelry retailing and is a dents of Belgavi thronged the venue to strong motivator to continue our journey witness the inauguration and to see their in achieving many such landmark mile- favorite celebrity. This elegant showroom stones in the future as well,” said conveniently located in Belagavi is the Ahammed. 81st store in India and 150th internation- ally. Like all other Malabar Gold & Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mr. M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of the Malabar Group launched 150th outlet of Malabar Gold & Diamonds Diamonds outlets, this showroom will by cutting the ribbon on the 30th of April. Kate Upton Obama not offended by is engaged comedian’s language ate Upton has announced her engagement to base- ball star Justin Verlander. The 23-year-old supermod- Kel and actress took to the red carpet at last night’s Met Gala in New York City to show off her ring. She tells E! News that the 33-year-old Detroit Tigers pitcher asked her just before the baseball season started and she’s “excited to finally be able to share it with the world.” E! reports that Upton and Verlander have been dating for more than three years. As for a date for the nuptials, Upton tells E! they’re simply “enjoying the engagement period.” — AP

WASHINGTON: Larry Wilmore, left, guest host from Comedy Central, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, listen to the National Anthem at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday. — AP he White House said on Monday that President Wilmore, on his Comedy Central show Monday, noted: Barack Obama wasn’t offended by comedian Larry “Like the president himself, the reaction was mixed,” a jok- TWilmore’s use of a racial slur at Saturday night’s White ing reference to Obama’s black father and white mother. “I House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Wilmore con- completely understand why people would be upset about cluded his remarks noting progress on race and how much that,” Wilmore said on “The Nightly Show.” “It’s a very it meant to him that a black man was president. He con- charged word - I get it.” cluded: “Yo Barry, you did it, my n——. You did it.” He said one critic, former CNN host Piers Morgan, had White House spokesman Josh Earnest said he talked misquoted him by saying Wilmore used the word ending in with Obama, and Obama appreciated the spirit of racial “er.” Instead, Wilmore pointed out he used it ending in “a,” progress Wilmore was trying to convey. Earnest said the which he said was a term of endearment some black peo- White House didn’t see Wilmore’s speech beforehand. ple use between each other to take back the power of the Earnest also said he’s confident Wilmore used the word by word to denigrate. — AP NEW YORK: Kate Upton arrives at The Metropolitan Museum NEW YORK: Kate Upton wears an engagement ring as she design and was seeking to be provocative. But Earnest said of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala on Monday. arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume any fair reading makes clear that Wilmore’s sentiments of — AP photos Institute Benefit Gala on Monday. racial progress “came from a genuine place.” Hollywood film to revisit events on Chappaquiddick in 1969 that rocked the Kennedy political dynasty

uring a week in which the eyes of the nation were accident, the film will contain elements of political and In his memoir, “True Compass,” published shortly after focused on NASA’s first moon landing, a tragic legal intrigue, but Ciardi adds: “I certainly wouldn’t char- his death from brain cancer in 2009, Kennedy acknowl- Ddrama played out on a tiny Massachusetts island acterize it as just a political movie at all.” edged that many people remained skeptical and others that would have political ramifications for decades to fol- Kennedy went to Martha’s Vineyard to race in the “contemptuous” of his explanations surrounding the low. The late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy’s actions, Edgartown Regatta and that evening attended a party at accident. “I’ve had to live with that guilt for forty years,” explanations and motives in the hours and days after a a rented house on serene and picturesque Kennedy wrote. “But my burden is nothing compared to car he was driving slipped off Chappaquiddick’s Dike Chappaquiddick, which is separated from the Vineyard her (Kopechne) loss and the suffering her family had to Bridge on July 18, 1969, killing Mary Jo Kopechne, have by a narrow strait and accessed by a small, barge-like fer- endure.” been explored in numerous articles, books and docu- ry. Guests included Kennedy friends and several women, Producers are currently scouting locations for filming, mentaries. Now, the groundwork is being laid for an including Kopechne, who had worked on the presiden- according to Ciardi, who would not say if independent feature film that will perhaps rekindle tial campaign of his brother Robert F. Kennedy, assassi- Chappaquiddick itself was a possible site. Local officials questions lingering for nearly a half-century. nated a year earlier. say no request has been made to film on the island, Australian-born “Zero Dark Thirty” star Jason Clarke Kennedy and Kopechne, 28, left the party together which has changed little over time. The only vague will portray Kennedy in “Chappaquiddick” - the film’s and a short time later the car plunged into Poucha Pond. reminder of the long-ago events are guardrails added to working title - and John Curran, whose credits include Kennedy escaped from the submerged vehicle and said Dike Bridge to help prevent similar tragedies. “The Painted Veil,” will direct, said the movie’s co-produc- he made several futile attempts to rescue Kopechne, Kennedy’s widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, did not er and Apex Entertainment president and chief execu- who was trapped inside. return a call seeking comment on the film. Ciardi said he tive Mark Ciardi. Production is slated to begin around Kennedy, who later described his failure to report the has not reached out to the Kennedy family and isn’t con- Labor Day with a tentative release in late 2017. incident to police for nine hours as “indefensible,” plead- cerned about any potential backlash. “What you try to “In some parts it will be educational, that, wow, in ed guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and was do is have a portrayal of a story that, you know, feels fair 1969 this happened, with the moon landing in the back- given a two-month suspended sentence. A grand jury and accurate,” he said. — AP drop, this event happened and how everything kind of was convened but no indictments were returned. played out after that,” said Ciardi, noting that younger Chappaquiddick would cast a long shadow over EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS: The wreckage of US Sen. Edward generations may know little about the story. Kennedy’s storied US Senate career and likely helped Kennedy’s car after being pulled from the water next to the Dike Bridge Concentrating on the immediate aftermath of the thwart hopes of winning the presidency. on Chappaquiddick Island in Martha’s Vineyard on July 19, 1969.

EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS: A photographer standing on the Dike Bridge on Jan. 7, 1970. EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS: Mary Jo Kopechne, HYANNIS PORT, MASSACHUSETTS: US Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who was killed after US Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., arriving back at his home, after attending the funeral of Mary Jo drove a car off the Dyke Bridge on Chappaquiddick Kopechne in Pennsylvania on July 22, 1969. — AP photos Island In Martha’s Vineyard on July 18, 1969. Met fashion exhibit explores dialogue between hand and machine

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 36

GAZA: Palestinian children play on a tree as the sun sets on May 2, 2016, in the Jabalia refugee camp. — AFP

‘Magnificent 7’ revives forgotten Daniel Adams story of black cowboys Forms $50 Million

rom the chiseled, insouciant Robert as his leading man. “I said it needs to be an Compounding ignorance and eventually cinema-who battles outlaws Spiderworx Fund Mitchum and the rugged, laconic Clint event and it needs to be something we “Now it’s just not the white cowboy, the with his Native American sidekick Tonto, as FEastwood to John Wayne, the most haven’t seen-and more diverse. I said white soldier, but it’s all of us together. It’s an example of Hollywood compounding ilm director Daniel Adams and Nashville music pro- celebrated cowboy of all, Hollywood’s Denzel should play the lead role,” Fuqua white, black, Asian, Indians. It doesn’t mat- ignorance over race in the Old West. ducer Michael Flanders have teamed up to create Western icons are invariably strong, brood- said during a recent visit by AFP to his Los ter anymore... We all have to come together The character is widely believed to have FSpiderworx Media, a $50 million fund to produce ing-and white. Angeles edit suite. to fight tyranny,” said Fuqua, 50. been inspired by Bass Reeves, a real-life theatrical motion pictures over the next several years. The roles they play, too-legendary fron- Fuqua’s film is a reimagining of the 1960 The most cursory glance at documents black lawman who, legend has it, went “An L.A. Minute,” co-written by Adams and former tiersmen like Jesse James, Billy the Kid and western starring Steve McQueen-which in chronicling America’s pre-civil war period through his entire career without being National Lampoon and High Times editor-in-chief, Larry Wyatt Earp-are typically ranchers, lawmen turn was a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s reveals that Fuqua’s vision of the Wild shot, despite bagging 3,000 outlaws. “Ratso” Sloman, will be Adams’ first film to under the or outlaws battling for money or land on Japanese-language epic “Seven Samurai.” West accords much more closely with “Hollywood took Bass’s story and they partnership. The pic is a “satirical look at fame, success, behalf of White America. Released in the United States through reality than John Sturges’s original flipped it, from an African-American man- the star-making machinery and the karma that attaches It is little surprise then that the racial Sony in September, the movie follows “Magnificent Seven.” six feet two inches (1.88 meters), black hat, to all those who worship at the altar of celebrity,” Many of the slaves brought over in the black horse, sidekick a Native American, according to Adams. 17th and 18th centuries, familiar with cattle always got his man-and turned it into ‘The Adams served 21 months in Massachusetts state herding from their homelands in West Lone Ranger,’” Austin said. prison for inflating expenses to obtain production tax Africa, carved out better lives on the open The historian said Hollywood feared credits on “The Lightkeepers,” starring Richard Dreyfuss range. Black cowboys were working on prominent black characters would scare and Blythe Danner, and “The Golden Boys,” starring David ranches throughout Texas by the early 19th away white audiences, although studies of Carradine. He was released in 2013. century, and many more were employed modern day movie going consistently show “L.A. Minute” will be for sale at Cannes. Spiderworx after the civil war to break horses and herd that films with diverse casts tend to do bet- recently signed a deal with Hyde Park International, a cattle across the rivers. ter at the box office. division of Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Yet this period is almost universally mis- The Oakland Black Cowboy Association, Group, to exclusively represent international sales. represented as a part of “white history” in which stages an annual parade to raise “We are fully financing all of our films and are now American schools, according to Jim Austin, awareness of the role of non-whites in set- actively making offers to actors for ‘An L.A. Minute’ and HOLLYWOOD: Denzel VENICE: US director Antoine Fuqua poses during the president of the National Multicultural tling the Old West, points out that people of are looking forward to creating a full slate of films,” Washington arriving for the photo call of “Brooklyn’s finest” at the Venice film festi- Western Heritage Museum in Fort Worth, all nationalities plied the great cattle trails Flanders said. The entity will also serve as a music pub- Los Angeles premiere of val on September 08, 2009. — AFP photos Texas. “What we found is that if you talk to and built the railroads. lisher and fund. Flanders-the former head of Arctic/BMG “Flight” at the ArcLight some (modern) cowboys they’ll say 80 per- The California group’s spokesman, Andre Australia-will produce every project. Cinema on October 23, 2012. cent of the cowboys were actually people Alporter, said Hollywood’s predominantly Adams will direct most of the projects, but will occa- of color,” Austin told AFP. white producers, writers and directors tend sionally step back and hire other directors. Harris Tulchin makeup of America’s real Wild West-a melt- Quentin Tarantino’s Westerns “Django The accurate figure is probably closer to to “create stories and images that uplift them (“The Devil’s Double”) has been appointed legal and busi- ing pot of Europeans, Chinese, Mexicans, Unchained” and “The Hateful Eight” among 40 percent across the Western Frontier, he as a race. They are the heroes, they wear the ness affairs council to Spiderworx and will serve as a pro- Native American and blacks-remains one of the few Hollywood hits about black cow- said, while other historians put it at a more white hats, they go into exploding buildings ducer on each project as well. Addams also directed “A the country’s best-kept secrets. boys. “The Magnificent Seven,” which also conservative one in four, and only in some and save the planet,” he said. “It’s like white Fool and His Money,” starring Sandra Bullock; “The Mouse,” Filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, who is in features South Korea’s Lee Byung-hun as parts of Texas. men did it all: ‘I thought of it, I invented it, I with John Savage; and “Primary Motive,” top lined by Judd post-production for the hotly-anticipated well as white A-listers Ethan Hawke and created it, I built it.’ And that’s not a represen- Nelson. — Reuters “Magnificent Seven” remake, is one of a few Chris Pratt, follows the well-worn trope of a True America tation of true America.”— AFP big directors pushing back, having cast band of heroes defending a community Austin points to “The Lone Ranger,” a fic- long-time collaborator Denzel Washington against unscrupulous bandits. tional masked gunslinger on TV and radio- Cannes Sets ‘Hands of Stone’ Special Screening as Tribute to Robert De Niro onathan Jakubowicz’s “Hands of Stone,” one of The fights with Sugar Ray Leonard. De Niro plays this manager Bob, knows what a passion he has for boxing and his huge Weinstein Company’s biggest swings of 2016, will and coach, Ray Arcel. input into this movie made it very realistic and smart,” Jreceive an Official Selection Special Screening at this “I’m excited to be coming back to Cannes especially added Harvey Weinstein. year’s Cannes Festival as a tribute to Robert De Niro. with this movie ‘Hands of Stone’ that I’m so proud of,” said He added: “On behalf of the company, we are thrilled The May 16 Screening will be held in the Palais des De Niro. “This movie is uplifting, triumphant and a good that the Festival de Cannes chose to honor Bob this year Festivals’ Grand Theatre Lumiere. Produced, distributed and time for audiences, so I’m looking forward to seeing my with a special screening. It promises to be a fun time and a sold internationally by The Weinstein Company, “Hands of friends from across the world of cinema in joining us for fantastic night to pay tribute to one of the great men of Stone” tracks the rise to glory of Panamanian boxing leg- this fun event.” our industry.”— Reuters end Roberto Duran (Edgar Ramirez) and his celebrated “‘Hands of Stone’ is vintage De Niro. Anyone who knows Legendary Actor Robert De Niro