Egypt Govt Resigns Ahead of Election Move Paves Way for Sisi to Run

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 RABI ALTHANI 25, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

Max 24º Min 16º High Tide 09:08 & 18:57 Low Tide 01:59 & 13:16 40 PAGES NO: 16088 150 FILS Egypt govt resigns ahead of election Move paves way for Sisi to run

CAIRO: Egypt’s military-installed government as the country’s most popular political figure resigned en masse yesterday in a surprise after ending Morsi’s divisive one-year rule, has move ahead of a presidential poll likely to not yet announced his candidacy, but aides say bring defence minister and army chief Abdel he has already decided to run and will make Fattah Al-Sisi to power. A limited reshuffle to the announcement soon. The field marshal, allow Sisi to step down as defence minister and who is the defence minister and first deputy enter elections had been expected, but the en prime minister in the outgoing cabinet, has to masse resignations led by the increasingly resign from the government and the army unpopular prime minister Hazem Al-Beblawi before he can officially announce his candida- surprised even some in the cabinet. Appointed cy. in July after the military ousted Islamist presi- Beblawi defended the government’s per- dent Mohamed Morsi, Beblawi’s government formance in an address announcing the resig- came under pressure to step aside amid a nations. “The government assumed its respon- worsening economy and a spate of militant sibilities and duties... the government did not attacks and labour strikes. spare any efforts to get Egypt out of a bad KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (right) meets HH The resignations might lead to a new cabi- phase,” Beblawi said in reference to the security the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah as he left for New net without the baggage of Beblawi’s govern- and economic problems. “This is not the time York yesterday to undergo routine medical tests. — KUNA ment ahead of Sisi’s expected run in the presi- for personal interests. dential election this spring. Sisi, who emerged Continued on Page 13 Hazem El-Beblawi New visit Yanukovycc sought for ‘mass murder’ KIEV: Ukraine issued an arrest warrant yesterday for its ousted pro-Russian president over “mass murder” and visa type appealed for $35 billion in Western aid as Moscow denounced Kiev’s new reformist team as illegitimate. The dramatic announcements by the ex-Soviet nation’s in works untested but enthusiastic Western-leaning ministers - approved by parliament over a chaotic weekend that saw president Viktor Yanukovych go into hiding - came By A Saleh as a top EU envoy arrived in Kiev to buttress Ukraine’s sudden tilt away from Russia. KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Three months of relentless protests over announced a new type of work visa for visitors valid Yanukovych’s shock decision to spurn an historic pact for a few days that allows a foreigner to carry out a with the European Union in favour of closer ties with its specific task and which cannot be transferred into a old masters in the Kremlin culminated in days of car- residence visa. The visa, called ‘work visit visa’, while nage last week in Kiev that claimed almost 100 lives. be different from the traditional ‘commercial’ visit Russia reacted with outrage to the “mutiny” in a country visa that is valid for a month and can be renewed with centuries-old roots to Moscow that President for three months. Visa transfer is currently closed Vladimir Putin views as an integral part of an economic - while reports suggest that foreign recruitment will and possibly even military - alliance counterweighting be reopened at the beginning of April. the EU and NATO blocs. Meanwhile, chairman of the National Assembly’s But Western powers have been cautiously throwing human rights committee MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan their weight behind the overthrow of a democratically demanded that the government discuss a compre- elected leader by a parliamentary action whose consti- hensive report on human rights with panel mem- tutional legitimacy remains open to debate. Ukraine’s bers before it presents it to the United Nations new leaders hit the ground running on Monday by Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Oct MEERUT, India: A leopard squeezes through a hole in the wall of the Meerut Cantonment Hospital as a holding Yanukovych and about 50 other senior state 27, 2014. “The government is constitutionally obli- policeman approaches on Sunday. — AFP and security officials responsible for the protester gated to discuss this issue with the legislative deaths. “A criminal case has been launched over the authority since it tackles a domestic issue despite mass murder of peaceful civilians. Yanukovych and a the fact that the report is sent to a foreign organiza- Leopard in Indian number of other officials have been put on a wanted tion,” Duwaisan said in a statement yesterday. list,” acting interior minister Arsen Avakov said in a state- “Furthermore, the UNHRC had requested that ment. Kuwait’s delegation includes members from the Avakov said Yanukovych had tried to flee the country parliament and the judicial authority.” Duwaisan city triggers panic Saturday out of the eastern city of Donetsk - his political also announced that the committee prepared a power base and bastion of pro-Russian support - before report “that points out the government’s failure to escaping to Crimea with a team of guards and a cache NEW DELHI: A leopard sparked panic in a north S K Dubey. of weapons the next day. He said the deposed head of address faults mentioned in the UNHRC’s 2010 Indian city when it strayed inside a hospital, a cinema The cat was found inside an empty ward of an report”. state and his powerful administration chief Andriy and an apartment block while evading captors, an army hospital on Sunday before wildlife officers were Klyuev had since “travelled by three cars into an official said yesterday. Authorities closed schools and called and managed to fire a tranquiliser dart into it, unknown direction, having first switched off their colleges in Meerut, 60 km northeast of the Indian Dubey told AFP. “But despite that he managed to modes of communication”. Ukraine has been reeling TO OUR READERS capital, after the leopard was discovered prowling break (out through) the iron grilles and escaped. He from both political and financial crises that have seen the city’s streets on Sunday, a senior city official said. then sneaked into the premises of a cinema hall the nation of 46 million face the threat of splintering Kuwait Times offices will be closed today on the occa- “Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to before entering an apartment block. After that we between its pro-Western and more Russified regions sion of National Day. Hence there will be no issue of track the leopard down. We have launched a massive lost track of the cat,” he said. and having to declare a devastating default. the paper tomorrow (Feb 26, 2014). Happy holidays! hunt for the beast,” said additional district magistrate Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 Dodgy data obscures reality of Gulf boom

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s economy chugged along at mod- Bahrain has not announced its monthly money supply est annual growth rates of around 2.5 percent in the data since November. Some data series have been sus- first three quarters of 2013. Then in the fourth quarter it pended for a few months before resuming. Other data soared, with gross domestic product jumping 10 per- just does not exist. Kuwait, for example, does not regu- cent from a year earlier. That is the picture delivered by larly publish GDP growth figures, making it almost data from the government’s statistics office. But it is not unique among the world’s rich countries. a picture which would be recognised by many Saudi Because of the region’s oil wealth, economies have companies, which saw their profits crimped by a crack- so far grown without many visible ill effects. But the down on illegal workers late last year, and it is not in line costs of having such poor data may increase as the Gulf with private surveys of business activity. states develop their financial markets and diversify their So many economists have concluded that the official economies in an effort to become less vulnerable to the data is faulty in some way, and that actual Saudi GDP in next big drop in oil prices. “The regional central banks the fourth quarter may be billions of dollars lower than have to understand that timeliness and consistency, the statistics office suggests. But it is not clear when, or and scientific production of data, are a necessity if they whether, the mystery will be solved. As the wealthy Gulf want to show they are open for investment and busi- Arab oil exporters boom and open wider to foreign ness,” said John Sfakianakis, chief investment strategist investment, investors are operating in something of a at MASIC, a Riyadh-based investment firm. fog: they must base their judgements on patchy and A lack of reliable figures for government spending erratic macroeconomic data. In many cases the data is can hurt investment because many firms base their less reliable than numbers provided by emerging decisions on the level of that spending, he added. Abu economies in Asia and Africa. Dhabi, which accounts for some 70 percent of state In the Gulf, preliminary figures for economic indica- spending in the United Arab Emirates, does not publish KUWAIT: A giant Kuwait flag is displayed at 360 Mall yesterday to mark the national and liberation days. tors can be off the mark but revisions may occur only its annual budget plans in a comprehensive manner. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat many months later, if at all. Release times are irregular; Continued on Page 13 TUES DAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 LOCAL Kuwait celebrates national days with music, art shows Exhibition opens at 360 mall

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: The Kuwait House for National Works Govt to present alternative (KHNW) is holding the ninth festival titled ‘We All Love Kuwait’ to celebrate the national and liber- for KAC privatization law? ation days. This celebration includes various activities at 360 mall and the KHNW Museum. KUWAIT: The government plans to reject that help citizens cope with high living This festival is slated for Feb 24-27, 2014, from 10 the Kuwait privatization law after the par- costs, while at the same time meet MPs’ am to 1pm and 4pm-8 pm. Participants in this liament approved amendments to it last ambitions on that regard. event are exhibiting products and providing month, a local daily reported yesterday The parliament had agreed with a information about their country or the institu- quoting parliamentary sources. government’s request to postpone vot- tion they represent. Local folklore musical band Instead, the government plans to pres- ing on a draft law to increase the children Al Wadi and an Egyptian folk band are perform- ent a new law that alters the share per- and rent allowances for a month so that ing in this event. Contests for children and give- centages of the strategic investors and the government can present alternative away prizes are also included. the initial public offering, and increase that achieve the same results while at the The exhibition held 360 mall’s Um Kalthom the government’s share to 51 percent “so same time prevents negative effect on Hall was launched yesterday by Minister of that the KAC remains the state’s national the national budget. Information Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah carrier,” according to the sources who On the same topic, head of the parlia- and Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition of ment’s financial committee Faisal Al- It was attended by the Egyptian Ambassador to KUWAIT: Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah, Sheikha Fariha Al- anonymity. State-owned Kuwait Airways Shaya said that Finance Minister Anas Al- Kuwait Abdulkareem Sulaiman, the Head of the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other dignitaries at the exhibition. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat announced last Wednesday signing an Saleh was invited to attend the panel’s Egyptian Tourism Activation Authority Nasser estimated $4 billion deal with Airbus to meeting on Sunday “in order to discuss Hamdi and Egyptian actors visiting Kuwait and buy 25 new aircrafts and lease 12 more, alternatives to the children allowance’s other officials. with the first of the leased planes to arrive increase”. The lawmaker said that the Sheikh Salman praised the festival and next December. government did not present any visions expressed his happiness to open it. “We encour- for alternatives as of Sunday. age holding such events and activities especially Children allowance The government is highly expected to during the national celebrations. We also appre- In other news, Acting Parliament reject any laws stipulating financial ciate the Egyptian presence in this occasion and Speaker Saud Al-Huraiji expressed hope increases in light of studies that predict sharing the celebrations with us. The bilateral that the government presents alterna- fiscal crises starting from 2017 should relations are old and strong between the two tives to the children allowance draft law current spending continue to grow at the countries and Kuwait will always support Egypt that the cabinet is likely to reject due to present rate. if they face any crisis,” he pointed out. its potential negative effect on the On that regard, a parliament source Countries participating in this exhibition national budget. suggested that the government could including Japan, India, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Al-Huraiji, who hoped that alternative reconsider subsidies presented to citi- Tunisia and Yemen. Local public institutions are proposals would be presented in time to zens in order to prevent budget deficit in also participating such as the Ministry of Interior, be discussed during the parliament’s ses- light of almost full reliance on oil rev- the Fire Department, National Guard, Martyr sion next Tuesday, called for solutions enues as the source of income. Office and others. Reyadh Al-Rabeah, Team Leader at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, is one of the volunteers participating in this event. “We love our country, KUWAIT: Kuwait House for National Works officials addressing a press conference at the so we don’t hesitate to help and support such Holiday Inn Salmiya Hotel on Sunday. Tabtabaei confirms events, especially that this event is held by individual efforts. This event reminds us of the sad age Kuwaitis to visit it,” said Yousef Al-Amiri, for its support of Egypt especially during the lat- plans to go to Syria memory of the Iraqi invasion and losing many Director of the Kuwait House for National Works est events. “It was a dream for a long time to during a press conference held on Sunday at the make Arabs come together and this dream is martyrs. We have to remind the young genera- KUWAIT: Former Islamist MP Waleed Al- Security pact tions of this historical event,” he told Kuwait Holiday Inn Salmiya Hotel. now being realized. I hope that the others will Tabtabaei announced that he plans to On another topic, Tabtabaei criticized Times. “Arab folklore bands will perform at the Um also join us as well,” she pointed out. return to Syria in order to ‘boost the spirit’ labor unions for their negative reaction to Earlier, KHNW is celebrating the National and Kalthoum Hall at the 360 mall on Monday and Poet Awad Badawi and actor Mahmoud his earlier call in which he asked them to Liberation Days by holding various activities at Tuesday. Ambassadors of many countries will Qabeel expressed their happiness to be in of rebel fighters, days after the court announce their rejection of the Gulf securi- the 360 mall. This is the ninth year of the ‘We All attend these activities. And at the museum, an Kuwait and share the celebrations with the ordered the Interior Ministry to return his ty pact. Indicating that protection of free- Love Kuwait’ festival, and the museum has invit- exhibition of Egyptian forces will be launched at Kuwaitis. Actress Manal Salama was pleased to passport. Al-Tabtabaei further indicated in doms is “one of the main goals of established Egyptian actors to celebrate with Kuwait as 11:00 am on February 26, 2014, in addition to participate with Kuwait in these celebrations statements to Al-Rai daily that he lacks “mil- guests of the festival. “We always invite guests to the existing items and exhibits,” he added. and said: “There was a celebration held recently itary experience” to fight alongside rebel ing unions”, Tabtabaei urged unions to visit Kuwait and share the celebrations with us Khalaf Al-Anezi of the PR department noted in Egypt and the Director of the Museum Yousif troops in their battles against Syrian announce a “clear position” on the security as an appreciation for the role of their countries that the demolishing of the museum was post- Al-Amiri attended it, which was great. I hope President Bashar Al-Assad’s army. The for- agreement, which he said can be done in liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in poned for another three years, and the Cabinet that more Kuwaitis will come visit Egypt,” she mer MP had posted pictures on his Twitter through press statements “without resort- 1991. This year we have invited 10 guests includ- issued a decree to put the museum under the stated. Actor Ahmad Budeir remembered play- account last year which showed him in mil- ing to strikes”. Tabtabaei agreed with wide- ing actors, a poet, and head of the cinema union National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters. ing his first main role in Kuwait in the ‘Saayda itary garb standing alongside who he said spread opinions in Kuwait that indicate from Egypt as guests of honor to support Egypt Popular Egyptian actress Nilli stated that she and Wasalu’ play, which signifies his longstanding were ‘rebel fighters’ in Syria. He told Al-Rai that the pact is unconstitutional and limits in their present political situation and to encour- her colleagues came from Egypt to thank Kuwait relations with Kuwait. on Saturday that his first visit was to “sup- public freedoms. He believes at the same time that labor unions are not committing port the mujahedeen in their defense of to their duties in that regard. “It is sad that Syria”, reiterating at the same time that his unions stopped adopting their principles step provides ‘moral support’ to rebel fight- Ambassadors greet Kuwait on national days and became convinced with the financial ers. privileges presented to them,” Tabtabaei Meanwhile, Tabtabaei urged Gulf proclaimed. Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Fayez Cooperation Council countries to equip rebel fighters with anti-aircraft weapons in Elections KUWAIT: The message of the and continued the march with wis- Gulf region, Arab and Islamic worlds order to stop regime warplanes “that Al-Rai also asked Tabtabaei on whether Ambassador of the Custodian of the dom and ability due to His Highness’s and the international community. The destroyed cities and neighborhoods”. “The he could consider running for elections Two Holy Mosques Dr Abdulaziz bin experience, knowledge and vision elapsing of 8 years since HH the Amir Syrian people reject Bashar Al-Assad’s pres- under the present electoral system after he Ibrahim Al-Fayez on the occasion of through his years in various posts of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- ence,” Tabtabaei declared, “and Gulf states boycotted the past two elections. “I have not Kuwait’s 53rd national and 23rd liber- responsibility in Kuwait’s government. Sabah took over as Amir of Kuwait are supposed to respect their desire and discussed this issue yet,” he said, adding that ation days, and the 8th anniversary of The 50 years of Kuwait independ- proved his ability to lead Kuwait dur- help them topple Bashar’s regime”. he would look into the issue “at the time”. HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad ence makes an occasion to remember ing this important period in its histo- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumption of the sacrifice and efforts of consecu- ry, and provide the Kuwaiti state the power in the State of Kuwait tive generations in cementing the pil- necessary leadership for develop- Kuwait will celebrate its 53rd lars of the modern Kuwait state and ment and facing domestic and for- Citizen dies in accident national day and 23rd liberation the establishment of the state of insti- eign challenges. anniversary on the 25th and 26th of tutions and stability of Kuwait society. I take the opportunity of these By Hanan Al-Saadoun person fired at him while he was standing in February, as well as the 8th anniver- The liberation day anniversary three dear occasions in Kuwait to laud front of his home. sary of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- reminds us with the sacrifice of the historic and distinguished rela- KUWAIT: A citizen was killed while his wife • A police officer told Zahra police station Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s assump- Kuwaiti people and their martyrs dur- tions between the Kingdom of Saudi and five children were injured during a car that his weapon and seven rounds were tion of power. These three auspicious ing the bitter period of occupation, as Arabia and Kuwait during the reign of accident on Wafra road. stolen. He accused workers who were doing occasions represent three important it represents the start of the second the two brotherly countries all the Dr Abdulaziz bin • Ahmadi security arrested a citizen who maintenance work at his home of stealing it. stages in the modern history of stage in Kuwait’s contemporary histo- way to the reign of the Custodian of Ibrahim Al-Fayez was under the influence of drugs and had • Saudi expat told police that his daugh- Kuwait. Kuwait’s independence ry as it emerged from the heinous the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- drugs in his possession. Meanwhile, a want- ter has gone missing. A citizen in Sabah Al- marked the political, economic and occupation crisis. bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and HH Sheikh Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh ed Jordanian was arrested in Hawally in pos- Salem filed a arson case against an cultural launch of modern Kuwait, as Kuwait was able during a short Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- session of drugs. unknown person for torching a tent and the independence of Kuwait was period to continue the march of and these are relations that are get- Sabah, the Al-Sabah family and the • A citizen in Firdous said an unknown three air conditioners. declared during the reign of the late development and prosperity, and ting stronger as days go by to Kuwait people on the occasion of the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, continue its effective role along with become an example for international national celebrations, and I pray to and was followed by Kuwait’s amirs GCC countries as an active element in relations at all levels. I also take this Almighty Allah to maintain the boun- who strengthened the pillars of ruling the Arab group and world communi- opportunity to congratulate HH the ties of security, stability and prosperi- until HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- ty, which seeks the preservation of Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- ty of Kuwait, and protect it along with Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah took over security and stability in the Arabian Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince its sister Saudi Arabia from all evil. US Ambassador Matthew Tueller

KUWAIT: US Ambassador Matthew Turning to the future, I believe that students enjoying a weekend holiday Tueller’s message to the people of the bonds between Americans and from college with their new American Kuwait on the Occasion of the 53rd Kuwaitis will continue to grow and friends or an American invited to Anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence deepen. I can see this now through share Kuwaiti hospitality in a Kuwaiti and the 23rd Anniversary of its both the robust number of US busi- home, will deepen our understanding Liberation: nesses wanting to do business in and strengthen the ties. “I wish to congratulate the Kuwait and the higher number of I want to thank the people of Government and people of Kuwait on Kuwaitis choosing the United States as Kuwait for their hospitality and kind- the 53rd anniversary of their inde- a destination for their university stud- ness during my term as US pendence, and the 23rd anniversary of ies. Each contact whether it is Kuwaiti Ambassador.” Kuwait’s liberation. During the course of my career in the US Foreign Service, I have lived Palestine Ambassador and served in Kuwait three times. After I first arrived in 1991, I was Rami Tahboub inspired by the enduring spirit and Matthew Tueller determination of Kuwaitis to rebuild KUWAIT: As Kuwait celebrates the their country. Now, over twenty years donations through the United Nations National Day and Liberation Day later, I still see that spirit and determi- agencies as part of a multilateral anniversaries on Feb 25 and 26, nation expressed through Kuwait’s response. The United States and Ambassador of Palestine to Kuwait growing leadership role in a region Kuwait share an understanding of the Rami Tahboub conveyed greetings facing significant challenges. importance of ensuring regional on behalf of the Palestinian com- The United States continues to peace and security, but our coopera- munity in Kuwait to HH the Amir take pride in our strong and multifac- tion extends far beyond security. I see Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, eted partnership with Kuwait. This the bonds between our two countries HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf includes security, economic, and cul- reinforced daily, when I meet one of Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime tural ties. Our bilateral relationship the thousands of Kuwaitis who have Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak extends to the highest levels, as evi- studied at an American college or uni- Al-Sabah, and to the Kuwaiti peo- denced by Secretary of State John versity, hear of someone who has ben- ple. “As Palestinians share the joy of Kerry’s recent visit as head of the US efited from medical treatment in the the national holidays with their delegation to the second Syria Donors’ United States, or discuss investment Kuwaiti brethren, they especially Conference here in Kuwait. opportunities and economic growth cherish the Liberation Day occasion We commend Kuwait for the lead- with Kuwaiti or US businesspeople. since they continue to suffer under Rami Tahboub ership it has shown in response to the The roots of this person-to-person the Israeli occupation,” he said. “We humanitarian crisis in Syria, hosting connection between Kuwait and the He blesses Kuwait with further pros- pray to God Almighty that He pro- two Syria Donors’ conferences, and American people run deep - back at perity. We also pray that the Kuwaiti tects Kuwait’s safety and security, setting an example by pledging the least to the founding of the American people share the joy of independ- KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team removed fishing nets that were stuck at a depth of 5 that He saves HH the Amir Sheikh largest donations at both conferences, Mission Hospital as Kuwait’s first mod- ence with their Palestinian brethren meters underwater north of the Kuwait Bay. The operation was carried out in cooper- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and that and by responsibly channeling those ern medical facility over a century ago. in the near future.” ation with the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources. LOCAL TUES DAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

KUWAIT: Creative figures that tell the stories of Kuwait past and present at Ahmadi. These are part of the city’s annual tradition to celebrate the country’s national days. Ahmadi changes colors to celebrate national holidays

KUWAIT: As part of its annual tradition to celebrate the country’s national days, Ahmadi City has changed colors to twinkle at nighttime with green, white and red lights as an attribute to the Kuwaiti national flag. The city, located in the south and home of most of the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) workers, has not stopped at illuminating its trees and buildings with beautiful lights but has gone further to place around the city creative statutes and figures that tell the stories of Kuwait past and present. KOC’s workers have outdone themselves this year by beautifying their city so that residents and visitors can enjoy the sight of Kuwaiti heritage artistically put together symbolized by tea pots, water wells or dhows, traditional sailing vessels. The national imageries on the streets of Ahmadi do not only represent the past but also take its sight- seers to modern day Kuwait by having statues of some of the main landmarks of the country such as Kuwait Towers and the National Assembly building. Ahamdi does not only provide artful celebratory sceneries for its residents and visitors, who also come travelling from neighboring countries to enjoy the festivities, but also offer peace and order by having Military parade to mark national, liberation days police officers spread out through the city to organize traffic and break up any disturbances. KUWAIT: Kuwaitis continue celebrating near Darwazah Al-Shaab. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, who ruled to celebrate the National Independence Head of KOC’s media team Mohammad Al-Basri the country’s 53rd independence Old Kuwait was surrounded by a between 1950 and 1965, also pledged or the National Day, in addition to the said that another part of the annual tradition of the anniversary and its 23rd liberation fence with several darwazahs (door- to coordinate closely with Arab states 26th of the same month to celebrate the City is to offer an award for best home decoration; anniversary as well as the eighth year of ways). Some of the these old wooden and adopt an international non-aligned liberation from the Iraqi occupation in the award encourages the public to get in the spirit His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad gates have been preserved till now. policy as well as abide by UN human 1991. of national holidays by sprucing up their home with Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s proclamation as the The parade, involving units from the rights conventions. The natives recall on these occasions national celebrations-themed decorations. State Amir. armed forces and the police, was organ- Kuwait won its independence during struggle of the ancestors and their suc- Winners of this competition will be announced on Public locations, squares, streets, ized to bring to live the memorable key Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem’s era, on June cess in overcoming diverse hardships in Feb 25 and 26, he added. state buildings have been adorned with address by the late Amir, Sheikh 19, 1961. A British-Kuwaiti protection the pre-oil times. His Highness the Amir The first prize will be KD 4,000, the second KD the National Flag, while the citizens have Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s accord dating back to January 23, 1899, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- 2,000 and the third KD 1,000. attended and taken part in carnivals and 11th ruler, at a ceremony held at the was repealed, thus Kuwait proclaimed Sabah, in a statement on Jan 29, 2008, Ahmadi is a suburb of Kuwait City founded in ceremonies in the various governorates same site on June 19, 1962, where His its full independence. lauded the Kuwaitis for following steps 1946 with the discovery of oil there. It is the of the country. Highness marked the first anniversary of Since 1963, the Kuwaitis have chosen of the ancestors in staying united and Headquarters for the Kuwait Oil Company. Ahmadi is A major military parade was held at the National Day, and vowed to secure Feb 25 to mark Sheikh Abdullah Al- sincerely struggling for service of the famous for its oil refineries and peaceful green sur- the location of the old airport, located prosperity and justice for the citizens. Salem’s assumption to power, as the day homeland. — KUNA roundings. —KUNA TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest kuwait digest Excellent step The demographic on right path imbalance

By Shamlan Y Al-Essa By Dr Wael Al-Hasawi he courageous decisions taken by Minister of ince former social affairs and labor minister Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Subaih with Thekra Al-Rashidi announced last year a plan to Tregards to small projects, and her statements on Sreduce Kuwait’s expatriate population by one mil- Kuwaiti youth’s initiatives, who make the majority of lion within a decade, no action has been taken in that Kuwait’s population, is an excellent step on the right regard. And instead, the exact opposite happened as path towards economic reforms in the country. Kuwait the expatriate community increased by nearly 140,000 youth and owners of small business have been suffering in 2013. Kuwait’s population is nearing 4 million peo- for a long time from sterile government procedures, ple, where non-Kuwaitis make up 68 percent. This is a administrative corruption and the spread of bribes and high percentage that continues to increase in light of influence. no action from the government to implement decisions So the youth organized themselves in several groups taken to address the demographic imbalance. to work on removing obstacles and government bureau- ! There are several negative aspects of the failure to cracy. The youth took the initiative by meeting members es! control the influx of foreign labor forces to Kuwait, of parliament and government officials to explain their Ku brat including: views. Some members of parliament responded posi- Al-Anbaa wait cele 1- Pressure on public services such as streets, hospitals, tively to their demands, and they started to put their schools and public places. Given the lack of mega questions forward, and threatened to grill former minis- projects to accommodate the demographic ter Thekra Al-Rashidi if she did not remove obstacles increase, much greater pressure and public frustra- confronting small businesses, and my friend MP Kamel tion is expected in the next ten years. Al-Awadhi played a distinguished role in that. 2- The increasing crime risk, as it is difficult to control a The government responded to the youth’s wishes, country with two thirds of its population comprising though slowly and late, but the wishes were fulfilled. We of noncitizens, especially since Kuwait is home to must emphasize the outstanding role of the fourth people with at least 120 nationalities including authority (media) in explaining the views of small busi- countries that have serious security problems. ness owners. Al-Watan TV presented a documentary 3- Leaving the door wide open for expatriate labor “Hear Me”, in which the sufferings of Kuwaiti youth who forces allows terrorists to sneak their way into the own small businesses were broadcast. The film made a kuwait digest country and commit terrorist attacks. Seeing explo- wide ranging impact and became the talk of diwaniyas, sions happening around us, it is a duty to have more gatherings and the press, and created a dialogue security protection in Kuwait. between citizens on this important issue, because the Our harmful education! 4- The majority of workers that contributed in the film presents legitimate questions that made the gov- expatriate population’s growth are marginal labor ernment respond to their demands following the new forces who provide no use to the country’s develop- By Mudaffar Abdullah government change, which brought an understanding ment. The majority of them came to Kuwait via visa minister to the social affairs and labor ministry who is here are six bodies responsible for citizens’ They are paid over KD 2 billion as per the state’s traffickers, and therefore must be kicked out aware of the importance of small businesses for youth to because they are an element of corruption in the create a national youth base that relies on itself away social and psychological health. They are budget for 2014-2015 to do their jobs. They country. from the government’s red tape. Tbeing paid over KD 2 billion to do their jobs, respectively get KD 1.397 billion, KD 234 million, 5- Kuwait can save a lot of money in the national budg- What we need to confirm is that the institutional but the results are very frustrating and come in KD 446 million, KD 1.718 billion, KD 195 million et by reducing the expatriate population by one mil- democratic action depends on convincing government the form of slow learning, suicide, depression, and KD 12 million, which are all spent to develop lion, if we consider the almost free healthcare and and Assembly officials as well as Kuwait public opinion in addiction and marital problems. An interview with human behavior towards what is thought to be public services. general, and that this legitimate work requires youth the psychiatric therapy advisor at the Amiri good and help them develop and improve their The government can resort to many solutions in vision, good preparation and creating interest lobby order to reduce the number of expatriate labor forces groups that take into consideration youth interests away Diwan’s Social Development Office Dr Vencinzia psychological health. Unfortunately, the results without affecting major projects. One solution is build- from politicians who attempt to use our youth to achieve Typera recently caught my attention. As a former are frustrating and come in the form of the dis- ing special camps for workers who are imported to car- political demands that have nothing to do with the psychiatrist at the Amiri Diwan, she says that eases Typera referred to, the same ones men- ry out mega projects. These camps must be built away country or its interests. Kuwait’s education system has to be reformed in tioned in ministries’ annual statistics. Who can from residential areas and contain all necessities of life. We are living in a democratically open country - we order to treat psychological disorder problems, imagine that MoE gets over a billion dinars to end The Ministry of Public Works did the same in the past have a government, MPs, press and free media for any- hyperactivity, addiction, depression, attention up spreading slow learning amongst students?! when it recruited workers from Korea. one to express their opinion to any person or group. We Furthermore, increasing fees and setting a minimum have reformist ideas and projects that are in the coun- deficit and marital problems. Education deficit is greatly harmful to the wage can help eliminate the process of recruiting mar- try’s interest in the long run. We salute the youth who As former education ministers already admit- Kuwaiti society and has negative effects on the ginal labor forces and then throwing them to the street. worked on removing obstacles confronting small busi- ted, I personally believe that our education is economy, development, science and vocations. There is no doubt that the social ministry’s current nesses, and we also thank the government represented highly expensive compared to others worldwide, Typera even added a new burden to the MoE, efforts to prosecute fake companies is the best way to by the social affairs minister and members of parliament. yet it has a very bad outcome, which takes me saying that it has to solve social and psycholog- tackle this problem, and I hope to see visa traffickers I personally hope that the youth take interest in edu- behind bars soon. cation, because it is not realistic for the government agree with Typera’s statement. In my view, there ical problems, which, in other words, means NOTE: The Untied States of America has 12 million ille- student to cost the state KD 4,900 per year, while pri- are six bodies responsible for citizens’ social and that the kind of education currently provided gal immigrants who don’t have citizenship. The US gov- vate British and American schools charge KD 3,500. Let psychological health. They are the ministries of will do nothing significant except removing ernment takes heavy taxes from them so that it benefits us all work to develop our country away from popular health, awqaf, social affairs, education, informa- illiteracy. So where will education lead the from their presence instead of being negatively affected slogans. —Al-Watan tion and the Awqaf Secretariat General. state to?! —Al-Jarida by it. —Al-Rai

in my view GCC-Russia dialogue

By Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg n Saturday the UN Security Council passed a mile- ly beneficial partnerships. Energy in particular is a natural stone resolution dealing with the humanitarian situa- area for cooperation. Russia is a major oil and gas producers. Otion in Syria. It was especially important that it was It competes with Saudi Arabia for the top spot in oil produc- adopted unanimously, with Russia and China voting for the tion. As a major gas producer, it co-founded the Gas decision. This development may be considered the first sign Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), based in the Qatari capi- that Russia may be rethinking its Syria policy. tal, Doha. Last Wednesday, the third ministerial meeting for GCC- Russia is also interested in cooperation in the areas of Russia strategic dialogue was held in Kuwait. The Russian industry, renewable energies, communications and agricul- side, in particular, was keen on holding this meeting after it ture. had been postponed previously. Some thought that Russia GCC countries are interested in exploring the potential in was planning to make a new announcement or initiative, but higher education and scientific research, to provide opportu- it turned out not to be the case, except for some flexibility on nities for contact and cooperation between universities and the humanitarian side. As such very few tangible results research institutions. could be achieved from meeting, other than to continue the In the political sphere, the two sides appeared in 2011 dialogue and some common understanding regarding the ready to reach an understanding. Russian Foreign Minister humanitarian situation. Serguey Lavrov appeared ready to embrace a solution to the A few years ago, to the surprise of many, the GCC and Syrian crisis similar to the GCC initiative in Yemen. Russia decided to start a “strategic dialogue.” The formal min- However, that auspicious start in Abu Dhabi did not last isterial meeting launching the dialogue took place on Nov 1, for long, mainly due to differences over Syria. Soon after that 2011 in Abu Dhabi, but preparatory meetings took place over meeting, Russia went on a singular approach that fully sided a few years before that date. with the Syrian regime and blocked international efforts to The Abu Dhabi meeting established, for the first time, a end the crisis. There were serious attempts to bridge the dif- formal mechanism for consultations and cooperation ferences. Several high-level meetings were held between the between the GCC as a regional organization and the Russian GCC and Russia, in New York, Riyadh and elsewhere, but to no Federation. It was agreed that the strategic dialogue would avail. cover a wide range of subjects, including trade, investment, Even as the death toll exceeded 150,000 - innocents killed energy, education, scientific research, health and the environ- by Russian-made and provided heavy weapons and airplanes ment, in addition to political coordination and consultation. A - Russia ignored appeals by the United Nations Arab League, memorandum of understanding was signed to that effect in Organization of Islamic Cooperation for intervention to stop Abu Dhabi in November 2011, an event marked by broad the relentless military attacks by the Syrian regime against media presence. civilians. Based on the understanding in Abu Dhabi, preparations Russia has advanced several arguments to justify its sup- were started for a “joint action plan” to cover those and other port for Assad, but they are largely spurious and do not stand topics, spread over a number of years with clear goals and up to scrutiny. It says, for example, that it has no interest in programmed activities. prolonging the reign of Bashar Assad, only that his fate The GCC was looking forward to try a new path of coop- should be decided by the Syrian people. Of course the Syrian eration with the Russian Federation after decades of people have already made their decision quite clear. Tens of estrangement, and not-so-benign mutual neglect. Prior to thousands have paid with their lives to get rid of Assad and the Abu Dhabi meeting, there were only perfunctory, for- millions have fled the country rather than stay under his rule. malized meetings and consultations, usually at the sidelines Russia also says that its terrorist groups are taking over the of the United Nations General Assembly. Starting in 2008, anti-Assad cause and that their victory would have disastrous the two sides organized preparatory meetings, designed to results for the region. Russia has in mind, in particular, the prepare the way for the launch of strategic dialogue. possible spillover effects on Muslim-majority Russian south- Participants at that inaugural meeting spoke of shared deter- ern regions. It says that hundreds of Russian Muslims have mination to enhance peace, security and prosperity, as well joined the ranks of anti-Assad groups. However, it is the pro- as people-to-people contacts to revive shared culture and longation of the Assad reign of terror that has made it easy history. for terrorist groups to find recruits. The sooner the conflict is Economic cooperation was among the key goals of dia- brought to an end, the sooner those terrorist groups are logue, as was articulated in particular by the Russian side. going to lose their appeal to young recruits. Exploratory business contacts had started in earnest. For The main argument that Russia uses has to do with old despite great potential that the GCC and Russian economies notions of sovereignty and respect for “international law,” possessed, there was only limited trade and investment. In which it believes bars intervention even for compelling 2012, two-way merchandise trade totaled a meager $2.5 bil- humanitarian reasons. But this is the weakest argument that lion; Russian exports amounted for 80 percent of that total. Russia has made, for neither the UN Charter nor international Not much when you compare it to GCC trade with China for law at large prohibit intervention. In fact, the Charter makes it example, where two-trade exceeded $150 billion. Or with a duty on the Security Council to intervene, by use of force if India, Japan, the European Union or the United States, where necessary, in a situation such as Syria that threatens interna- GCC trade exceeded $100 billion annually. tional peace and security. More to the point, the limited volume of GCC-Russia Thus while Russia and the GCC are interested in launching trade was miniscule compared to the combined size of their a serious strategic relationship, their efforts have not made economies, which exceeded $3.7 trillion last year. much headway as the gulf between them over Syria has Flush with funds from accumulated oil and gas revenues, widened. On the other hand, the fact that Russia voted for the GCC and Russian economies are searching for invest- the UNSC resolution on Saturday could be a sign that it may ment opportunities and there is a great potential for mutual- move, slowly, to join the international consensus on Syria. LOCAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Wondering what to do during the holidays?

By Ben Garcia Ecochard, the plans of this architectural project were ready by 1960, but construction began only in 1981. The muse- KUWAIT: The holidays are the time to visit national her- um also houses a planetarium. During the holidays, the itage places and some of Kuwait’s places that offer a taste museum is open to public. There are special parades of of tradition. Other options include Failaka Island, desert honor that will be held in front of the museum on Feb 24 camping and even boat cruising on Kuwait’s Arabian Gulf and 25. coast. Famous pastimes for expatriates include barbeque Location: Arabian Gulf Street between the Seif Palace and by the seaside and football and volleyball in open areas far National Assembly, Kuwait City away from the busy streets of mostly holiday revelers dancing to music and spraying foam and water at random. Malls Failaka Heritage Village are also open for extended hours while others can enjoy Visitors can enjoy and spend some time staying in spa- varied cuisines from a number of restaurants throughout cious and comfortable houses recreating the old lifestyle of Kuwait. Days off are perfect times to visit the farms in Kuwait. There are Arabian horses and camels at the Failaka Wafra, enjoy a day of outdoor fishing or just hanging out Stables, and visitors can ride them. Among the special with friends. establishments of the Heritage Village are Qa’at Al Khair, Tips on where to go on Feb 25 and 26 that can seat up to 450 guests, and the Museum Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Failaka Heritage Village has a special beach too, the Wanasa Beach. On the The National Museum Wanasa Beach, you can play a variety of water sports or The Kuwait National Museum is a true representation of simply enjoy the clear water and golden sand. The essence Kuwaiti heritage as it displays permanent exhibits of vari- of Kuwait is greatly preserved at Failaka. Kuwait Public ous historical artifacts of Kuwait dated from ancient times Transport Company (KPTC) runs ferry trips every day from to present. The museum houses many art pieces from the Ras Salmiya to Failaka Island. To enquire about the ferry Al-Sabah collection. One block houses all administrative trips, you can contact KPTC on 25742664. wings, offices and an auditorium. Planned by Michel Dickson House This is the house of the first British political agent in Kuwait. The house was built in 1870 for a Kuwaiti merchant Things to do in Kuwait Buildings are seen decorated with lights in the colors of the national flag yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat before the Dicksons moved in in 1929. However, after the during the holidays invasion, the Kuwaiti National Council for Culture, Arts and Location: Arabian Gulf Road, Next to the National a boat is available for KD 125 for two hours for up to 20 Literature restored the house and opened it to visitors. Museum of Kuwait Tel:22432395 passengers complete with a captain and two lifeguards. Today, the building is one of the very few manifestations of Opening Hours: 8.00 am-1.00 pm 4.00 pm-8.00 pm. Half-day rate for the weekend is KD 180 and weekdays at 19th century Kuwaiti architecture. It is located east of Seif Saturday-Thursday KD 225. Full-day rent during weekdays is KD 440 and KD Palace right across the dhow harbor. 510 during the weekend. For special occasions, Nuzha Green Island Touristic Enterprises can also arrange balloons and flowers Memorial Museum Green Island is a part of the sea front constructed in free of charge. For inquiries call 25755835. Kuwait House of National Works or Memorial Museum Feb1988. It is the first artificial island in the Gulf region. The island covers an area of 785,000 m≤ with a diameter of 3.14 houses and encapsulates the horror of the Iraqi invasion. A trip through Kuwait’s museums and galleries The house also honors and salutes the sacrifices of both km and a circumference of 1.5 km. It is linked to the main land by an access way 134 m long. Facilities include an arti- Kuwaiti citizens and soldiers from other countries who Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah fought side by side with the Kuwaiti military against ficial lake filled with water from the Gulf that flows in by taking advantage of the tide, restaurants and cafes, a Location: Al Amricani Cultural Centre Saddam’s forces. The house comprises a set of well-crafted Tel: +965 2240 0992 models of the city that are illuminated in time with an Roman amphitheater with a capacity of 700 viewers for entertainment, dancing and musical events, a tower that Address: Gulf Road, next to the National Assembly, in audio recording in both English and Arabic. Despite the jin- front of the Evangelical Church Opening Hours: goism, the experience of walking through the darkened overlooks the island and offers visitors a panoramic view Kids 35 m above sea level and a ëKids Castle’ with its own water Monday - Thursday and Saturday from 10 am until 7 entertainment corridors, lit only by simulated gun blasts and mortar pm. Fridays from 2 pm to 7 pm attacks, and focusing on the heroism of a few for the safety field trenches, artificial waterfalls and swings. Other activi- of the many, has a contemporary resonance that tran- ties include sports activities, entertainment activities, pro- Al Maidan Cultural Center motions and marketing offers. Green Island is located off MALLS HANGOUT scends the exhibit’s narrow remit. The museum is open Tel: +965 2563 6561/ 2563 6528 the waterfront spanning 21 km of coastline from Shuwaikh during holidays from 9 am-9 pm for a KD 1 entrance fee. Address: Abdullah al-Salem School, Maidan Hawally, to Ras Al-Ardh. Contact them at 22526153 On February 26th, Winter Chillout in Hamra Mall from Location: The museum is located near the Arab Fund near Al-Shaab Leisure Park 5pm to 7pm. Nice outdoor outing with good food and Building and the headquarters of Kuwait Petroleum Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 am-5pm, until 9 Khairan Resort music. pm on event nights. Corporation in Shuwaikh. Khairan Resort is a famous facility located in Khairan *** near the borders of Saudi Arabia about 110 km from Al-Kout Mall hosts a fabulous festival for children and Kuwait City. It is under the umbrella of Touristic Enterprises Private Art & Craft Museums adults from February 25th till March 1 from 10am till Company (TEC) inaugurated on Feb 23, 1987. The facility Tareq Rajab Museum 10pm. Visitors at the venue can enjoy traditional was re-opened after the invasion on Jan 1, 1993 with con- Tel: +965 25317358 Kuwaiti performances and displays, Kuwait flag kites, stant developments and projects aiming to have complete Address: Jabriya, Block 12, Street 5 flag face painting and photography with camels and facilities within the resort. Occupying a prime seafront Boushahri Gallery falcons in addition to bungee jumps. location covering a sprawling area of about 831,900 sq m, *** Tel:+965 25621119 Khairan Resort is the ideal place for Kuwaitis and expatri- Address: Salmiya, Baghdad St.36, in the front of Al The Kuwait House for National Works hosts “We All ates alike for an utterly relaxing getaway from the stressful Laheeb Mosque love Kuwait festival” at 360 Mall, Um Khaltoun Hall on daily life. Beautifully landscaped lawns, a neat and clean Opening Hours: 10 amñ1 pm, 5 pm - 9 pm. Friday and the ground floor to host celebrations from February environment with wide roads, ample parking areas, clean Thursday afternoon- closed 24th till February 27th . Events start from 10am till 1pm and well maintained beach areas are all part of the Khairan and from 4pm till 8pm. The event features booths from Resort experience. Phone: 23951122 or check the website: Dar Al-Funoon Gallery different countries including Egypt, Japan, India, www.khiranresort.com Tel:+ 965 22433138 Yemen, Tunisia and Morocco. A program for children Address: Al Watiah, Behbehani Compound, House n. 28 will be held in the 360 Mall, too. Failaka Island Opening Hours: 10am-1pm 4pm-8pm Sunday- *** Failaka is an Island in the Arabian Gulf about 20 km off Thursday, Friday and Saturday: by appointment Entertainment events at Avenues for children. Sadu House the coast of Kuwait City . The name ‘Failaka’ is thought to Sadu House is an artistic house and museum in Kuwait be derived from ancient Greek meaning outpost. Failaka Gallery Tilal SPORTS City, Kuwait, located near the Kuwait National Museum. It Island is the most beautiful and admired island in Kuwait. It Tel: +965 22256101 The weather in Kuwait is getting warmer; this time of was established in 1980 to protect the interests of the was originally inhabited by the Greeks who knew the Address: Shuwaikh, Jahra Road, Tilal Complex the year is excellent for another trilling ride. Did you bedouins (native people) and their ethnic handicraft Sadu island as ‘Ikaros’. The island has an impressive collection of Opening hours: 10 am-2 pm, 5.30 am-9.30 pm, know that you can also rent a bike in Kuwait? Yes, it’s weaving, which is an embroidery form in geometrical shapes ruins and other artifacts that are well worth a visit especial- Sunday-Thursday, Saturday by appointment. not cheap, but worth the exercise. You may call Tel hand woven by bedouin people. The original house originally ly for lovers of archeology. To enquire about the ferry trips, 94942122 for details. existed as a mud building in the early twentieth century but you can contact the KPTC on 25742664. FA Gallery was destroyed during the 1936 Kuwaiti floods. By 1984, Sadu Tel: +965 22 49 8999 Rent a bike from Ucycle at 98037123. House had registered 300 bedouin women producing about Nuzha Touristic Enterprises Address: Sharq, Block 2, Gulf road, Villa 76, next to Al seventy items every week. A major tourist attraction in Cruising the Gulf coast is possible with Nuzha Touristic Amiri Hospital. Shoot hoops Kuwait City, Sadu House has several chambers each decorat- Enterprises. It can be arranged for a full day or half day but Opening Hours: 10 am-9 pm Outdoor volleyball court is available too anywhere in ed with pottered motifs of houses, mosques etc. two-hour boat rentals can also be arranged. For weekdays, Kuwait. The most prominent place for expatriates includes the Marina Crescent Basketball Court and the Seaside Open Basketball Court near the Catholic Church. The venue is usually given free of charge.

Book a fishing boat to join other for a day of fishing through www.fishfishme.com. ENTERTAINMENT Al Farsi Kite Festival is held between Feruary 24th to 28th. More information about location and timings of the festival at: www.alfarsi.com *** KOC in Ahmadi is hosting a fun-filled afternoon on February 25th and 26th from 4pm till 9pm at the Sports Stadium and the public park. There will be activities and games for children, vintage cars exhibition and small booths exhibition of handicrafts.

KID’S CORNER

Sand Sculptures

Many activities for children at the Remal International Sand and Light Sculpture Festival at P2BK 2014 in Mishref. *** Sultan Centre in Salmiya, Souq Sharq, Hawally and Al- Kout will host an enteraining event for children with face painting, arts and crafts, magicians and balloon twisting from 4pm to 9pm. *** Fantasy World is the place for children this holiday. The venues will host lots of fun games and activities. On February 25th at Al Rai store from 7pm till 9 pm and on February 26th at the Avenues store from 7pm till 9pm. *** Souq Sharq hosts Smurf Village Fun event. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 LOCAL Driver threatens police at Maidan Hawally checkpoint Man found dead on Fahaheel beach KUWAIT: A man faces multiple charges follow- have a valid visa. He then asked to be put at the scene did not suggest that foul play was ing his arrest Sunday after he offended police behind bars and then deported back to his involved. The body was taken to the forensic officers at a checkpoint in Maidan Hawally. The home country. The perplexed officers inspected department for an autopsy, and a case was filed. sports-utility-vehicle driver did not like having to the man’s ID and discovered that his visa expired stop at the checkpoint, complaining to officers nearly a year ago. Investigations indicate that Suicide attempt about their alleged ‘repeated inspections’ on the the man was probably under the impression A man was hospitalized in a critical condition same road and threatened to cause them trou- that local authorities have started an amnesty and was later charged with attempted suicide ble through his ‘connections’. The Kuwaiti man period for illegal residents who wish to go back after medical tests revealed that he consumed a was placed under arrest after he threatened home without paying fines. large amount of medications in a bid to kill him- police with harm when they asked for his ID. The self. The case was filed at the Sulaibiya police sta- man was taken to the area’s police station and Dead newborn tion where a Kuwaiti man reported that he charged with murder threats, offending a police Investigations are ongoing to determine the found his soon unconscious near a supermarket officer on duty and disobeying police. He circumstances behind the death of an infant in the area, and rushed him to the hospital. He remains in police custody in preparation to be whose body was found in Khaitan. Police and gave police the diagnoses report which indicat- transferred to the public prosecution. paramedics had arrived to a location in the area ed that his son, who is in his twenties, suffered where a pedestrian reported discovering a dead complications of medication overdose. A case US soldiers held baby inside a cardboard box. Criminal investiga- was filed and police are waiting for the man’s Five American soldiers were detained briefly tors were called and they confirmed that foul condition to stabilize so that he can be ques- after dozens of automatic weapon magazines play was involved, before transporting the new- tioned. were found in their luggage at Kuwait born’s body to the forensic department for an International Airport, and were later released by autopsy. A murder case was filed and investiga- Wife beater held the prosecutor. The US nationals were preparing tions are underway to identify and arrest the A Hawally man faces charges after he assault- to catch their flight when inspectors found 32 baby’s parents. ed his wife and refused to get her medical atten- magazines of M16 and M9 rifles in their suitcas- tion when she became seriously injured. Police es. The five were taken to Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Dead body found and paramedics had rushed to an apartment in police station, but were later released after the A man was found dead on the Fahaheel the area on Saturday morning after the Kuwaiti prosecutor said that the incident is not consid- beach and preliminary investigations indicate woman managed to make an emergency call ered a felony. that he probably drowned while swimming in before her husband confiscated her cell phone. the Arabian Gulf waters. Paramedics arrived to Police obtained a warrant to raid the apartment Illegal resident the scene with police in response to an emer- after the Kuwaiti man refused to answer the An illegal resident turned himself over to gency call reporting the discovery of a dead door, and placed him under arrest. He was taken Jahra police and asked for help to be deported. body on the beach near a mall in the area. to the area’s police station to face domestic vio- The Asian man reportedly arrived at the area’s Criminal investigators were called after the man lence charges while his wife was taken to the police station and told officers that he does not was pronounced dead, and their examinations hospital. Order to close 23 food stores

KUWAIT: Official sources said that Deputy food material, and others with expired Premier, Minister of Commerce and Industry goods, in addition to spoiled material. NBK Family celebrating with children Dr Abdelmohsen Al-Mudej issued adminis- The restaurants that were closed were trative decisions to close 23 food stores serving food with spoiled material among including restaurants in Shuwaikh, and food its ingredients. Assistant Undersecretary for NBK family shares spirit of companies because of various violations. commercial supervision and consumer pro- The source said that inspection teams tection Abdallah Al-Enezi had ordered clo- National Day with children from the commercial supervision and con- sure of 140 stores which did not have com- sumer protection department discovered mercial licenses, and the violators included KUWAIT: On the occasion of Kuwait’s inde- the violations in the 23 stores. They found stores in famous malls, and others in popu- pendence and the Anniversary of its libera- out that some of the stores present rotten lar markets. tion, National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) Family paid a visit to NBK Hospital at Sabah Medical district to share happy moments of Kuwait’s Kuwaiti ambassador visits national celebrations with the children and their families. central archive in Italy “NBK staff have always devoted a consid- erable part of their time to comfort children ROME: The State of Kuwait Ambassador to Attanasio expressed readiness to host and present them with felicitations and gifts Italy, Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti researchers for researching, training as part of NBK’s corporate social responsibili- has held talks with the head of the Italian or studying the historic documents. He wel- ty program”, said Ahmad Al-Mahmeed, NBK central archive, Agostino Attanasio, on means comed a proposal by the ambassador to Public Relations Officer. of broadening cooperation in the documen- take part in planned ceremonies marking Al-Mahmeed added: “Sharing the happy tary and research domains. the 50th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-Italian moments with the children is our pleasure. Ahmad Al-Mahmeed The ambassador held the discussions with relations. We are proud that NBK devotes such atten- reflect the Bank’s high sense of duty and Attanasio during a visit to the archive head- During the visit to the archive, located at tion to supporting Kuwait society and pro- responsibility towards all those in need from quarters, which keeps files and documents of the state museums’ complex in the Italian viding compassion and support for those in different sectors of society. It is a well rooted the state departments and various items capital, ambassador Ali Al-Khaled examined need, including children. NBK’s commitment tradition that has been carried out by NBK KUWAIT: Operations and patrols department of since unification of the nation 152 years ago. some of the rare documents and letters, to shoulder its corporate social responsibili- each year in its efforts to continuously have Jahra security arrested a man in possession of an The chief archivist briefed the ambassador including the original copy stipulating ty was the basic motive that led NBK to build an active role in the Kuwait society. AK-47, pistol, rounds and police uniform along about the systems and regulations at the cen- establishment of the diplomatic relations its children hospital at Sabah Medical district The visit to the hospital was emotional with ID cards with different names and drugs para- tral archive and facilities and services given to between Kuwait and Italy following Kuwait’s many years ago.” and overwhelming for both the children and phernalia.— By Hanan Al-Saadoun researchers. independence. —KUNA NBK’s visits to hospitals and care centers NBK family.

KUWAIT: Fakhroo, Saleh Al-Houti and Riham Al-Ayyar with the Best Designed Division team. CEO Peter Kaliaropoulos dancing ‘Ardha’ with employees Wataniya Telecom staff celebrate national, liberation days

KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom, member all in the spirit of this celebration tion is to strengthen the citizenship’s with flags but surpassed it to hold band which successfully concluded a of Ooredoo Group, kicked off a day- which deeply reflected the belonging spirit among all employees, for these interactive activities including the unique and exceptional celebration long celebration of the Kuwait and loyalty to the beloved Kuwait. events are meant to be held to cele- National Day contest for the best dec- organized by Wataniya Telecom staff. National and Liberation Days with the The celebration witnessed the par- brate the most memorable and cher- orated and designed division. A won- Wataniya Telecom will continue to participation of the members of sen- ticipation of all divisions in a special ished occasion to all Kuwaitis and resi- derful engagement from all employ- demonstrate its commitment towards ior management and employees contest to select the most beautiful dents. ees was also amazing when all were the Kuwaiti community and celebrate headed by the GM and CEO Eng. designed division which genuinely Wataniya Telecom showed that the dressed in Kuwaiti traditional the patriotic days with pride, joy, Abdulaziz Fakhroo. The day witnessed reflects the national holidays feel and manifestations of joy were not con- attires.Furthermore, employees devotion and determination for con- exciting festivities and competitions spirit. The aim behind this competi- fined to only decorate the building enjoyed the performance of a folk tinuous success and development.

Female employees with Kuwaiti traditional ‘Thoub’. Muhammad Al-Marri, Director of Gov. relations and Protocol Group picture of employees. at the chairman office dancing Ardha. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

CNN pulls the Pakistan minister offers Taleban cricket match for peace plug on Piers Morgan show Page 11 Page 9 Stigma thrives for 60 Female party head doubts Egypt path million India disabled CAIRO: The first woman elected to head Associated Press yesterday in an inter- an Egyptian political party says evidence view at her Cairo home in the upscale suggests the country is not heading district of Mohandessin. Shukrallah was In India, discrimination, stigma are daily battles toward democratic rule. Hala Shukrallah, elected over the weekend to lead the lib- a 59-year-old Coptic Christian, says the eral Constitution Party, succeeding NEW DELHI: More than 20 families came to ination. said Sengupta, who herself battles chronic military-backed authorities have little tol- Mohamed ElBaradei, the former interim Shanti Auluck’s home in New Delhi with their Sonia Gandhi, head of the ruling Congress depression. As a result, forced sterilisation of erance for dissent, criticizing their securi- vice president who resigned in protest sons, keen at first to arrange a marriage with party, has promised disabled groups the land- women, particularly ones with intellectual dis- ty crackdown that brought mass deten- against last summer’s deadly crackdown her daughter in an age-old Indian custom. But mark legislation will be passed, seven years abilities, are still common, along with forced tions and trials over the past months. on sit-in protests by supporters of the with each visit came apologies and a change of after India signed the UN Convention on the abortions for those who do fall pregnant, “The road map to democracy is being Islamist president, removed by the mili- heart. All of the families were turned off by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “This is a Sengupta said. compromised,” Shukrallah told The tary in July. — AP fact Auluck also has a son with Down game changer,” disabled rights leader Javed In some cases, a disabled woman is married Syndrome. “There was this feeling that some- Abidi told AFP, after one of the many protests off to a man who is also “given” the woman’s how he might have a negative impact on and candle-lit vigils held in Delhi in recent sister as a bride, as a way of smoothing the them, that he might rub off on them. There’s a weeks by thousands of disabled to pressure deal and as a favor to the over-burdened hus- lot of ignorance about disability,” Auluck said. politicians to pass the bill. But others fear the band, she said. Police are less likely to treat Finally Auluck, a mother of two and a doctor of well-meaning bill, even if it is passed, will make cases of sexual assault against disabled psychology, learnt to choose her words careful- no difference to the way in which the disabled women as seriously, said Sengupta, who is cur- ly. “I’d say yes I have a son. He has a job but he are treated, in a country where many existing rently helping a family whose blind 14-year- can’t go into academia,” said Auluck. laws are poorly enforced and often flouted. old daughter was raped, allegedly by a neigh- For the 40 to 60 million people with mental bor. “There is a perception that disabled girls and physical disabilities in India, discrimination Disability a curse? are worth less so they are given less attention and stigma are daily battles. In a country where Attitudes against disabled people, particu- by police. Others are very sympathetic, offer- social standing-including through marriage-is larly women, are deeply entrenched, especially ing her sweets and saying ‘poor girl.’ But that all important, having a disability often means in poor rural areas where families are already doesn’t mean her case will be treated in the being relegated to the bottom of the pile. “A lot struggling to make ends meet and social serv- same way (as others).” of families keep their disabled children behind ices are few.”This whole scenario makes her closed doors because they are embarrassed,” more vulnerable-she is treated as a burden in Last chance for bill said Auluck, director of Muskaan, a training the family, as a result domestic violence and Activist Abidi, born with congenital spina and work centre for intellectually disabled. A sexual abuse is rampant,” said Shampa bifida and confined to a wheelchair, agrees long-awaited bill introduced into parliament Sengupta, who has worked with the intellectu- more education is needed to change atti- this month aims to give more disabled people ally disabled in the eastern city of Kolkata for tudes. But he said the bill was crucial to equal rights-including access to education, 25 years. “Both at family level as well as the empower the disabled to take action them- employment and legal redress against discrim- outside world, people think she is dependent,” selves to correct society’s misperceptions. “This is the start of something. The bill may not be perfect, but nothing ever is, and we are not going to get this chance again,” said Abidi, referring to looming general elections that are likely to see the left-leaning Congress party booted out of power and the bill dropped. Millions more people are classed as disabled under the bill, including those with autism and multiple sclerosis, which entitles them to government benefits. These disabled can also use the bill to fight discrimination across all areas. “It means people with mental disabilities in particular have the right to hold a job, have the right to open a bank account and no-one can tell them ‘no’ because of their disability,” said Abidi. Some disabled groups opposed the bill, which would replace a 1995 law, saying it has been watered down from earlier draft ver- sions. But Zorin Singha, who was born deaf, said the current paper was “perfect” for the country’s 18 million hearing impaired, including making captions or sign language inter- preters available for all electronic media. Singha said he learnt nothing when he was at school because his teachers, not trained to help deaf students, just kept telling him to speak. The new legislation gives the disabled the right to a decent education. “We have NEW DELHI: An Indian disabled woman holds a placard outside the Bharatiya Janata Party been waiting since independence for this, (BJP) headquarters during a protest in New Delhi. — AFP some of us even longer,” said Singha. — AFP

Hagel proposes shrinking Army to smallest size WASHINGTON: Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel is recom- mending shrinking the Army to its smallest size since the buildup to US involvement in World War II in an effort to balance postwar defense needs with budget realities, defense officials said yesterday. Hagel announced that and other recommendations in a speech at the Pentagon outlining his priorities for next year’s defense budget. Army leaders have been saying for months that they expect their size would shrink as the nation prepares to end its combat role in Afghanistan this year. The Army, which is the largest of the armed services, currently has 522,000 active-duty soldiers and is scheduled to shrink to 490,000 by 2015 from a wartime peak of 570,000. Hagel is expected to propose cutting it further to between 440,000 and 450,000. Gen Ray Odierno, the Army chief of staff, has said recently that whatever the future size of the Army, it must adapt to conditions that are different from what many soldiers have become accustomed to during more than a decade of war. He said many have the misper- ception that the Army is no longer busy. “People tend to think that the Army is out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and there is not much going on,” he said Jan. 23 at an Army forum. “The Army is not standing still. The Army is doing many, many, many things in order for us to shape the future environment and prevent conflict around the world.” The last time the active-duty Army was below 500,000 was in 2005, when it stood at 492,000. Its post- World War II low was 480,000 in 2001, according to historical tables provided by the Army yesterday. In 1940 the Army had 267,000 active-duty members, and it surged to 1.46 million the following year as the US approached entry into World War II. Navy Rear Adm John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, said yesterday that Hagel consulted closely with the military service chiefs on how to balance defense and budget-saving requirements. “He has worked hard with the services to ensure that we continue to stand for the defense of our national interests - that whatever budget priorities we establish, we do so in keeping with our defense strategy and with a strong commitment to the men and women in uniform and to their families, Kirby said. — AP TUES DAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

S Sudan civilians reduced to scavengers on swamp islands NYAL: As the narrow dugout canoe Home to over 50,000 people, it was ed on a seeping wound where a chunk glides softly across the vast swamplands always considered a safe haven, even of hand should be makes him suck in the around Nyal, a once sleepy town in during decades of civil war with Sudan stale air and wince with his good eye. South Sudan’s Unity state, the only that ended in 2005 and led to the birth But Ter says his physical suffering is sound between the rhythmic plops of of South Sudan in 2011. But a power nothing compared to the pain of losing the paddle is silence. But earlier this struggle between leaders hundreds of a life’s work. “They took all my cows and month, the swamps were alive with the kilometers away in the new nation’s cap- burnt my house,” he said. “I have nothing. cracks of gunfire, the screams of the ital Juba in mid-December revived old I can’t do anything now.” And helping dying and the desperate splashes of ethnic tensions between South Sudan’s even those who are not stuck on islands those fleeing soldiers and armed youth largest Dinka tribe and secondary Nuer will be difficult. Benjamin Bangoang, that forced what local officials say is tens tribe, then poisoned a shallow well of who ran SoH’s dispensary in Kanynhial, of thousands of people to maroon them- unity, leaving villagers behind enemy about 10 kilometers from Nhial, fled to selves on islands and scavenge for sur- and tribal lines. the swamps with his family. vival. “Now, we just depend on water lilies Lives destroyed Mass killings and palm tree fruits,” said William Gatkoy, In Panyjiar, an overwhelmingly Nuer After seeing six people shot dead, who ran for his life for three hours carry- area bordered by a Dinka majority, the including two women running near him ing the smallest of his eight children to only place to hide is the swamp. “Our in the swamps, he hid for days in the reach the nearest dusty patch, where problem here is the government. That’s dark bog. Compelled back to help the around 100 people have erected dens why we’re afraid,” said Simon Kuol, a local wounded, he returned to find only from palm branches and pieces of cloth. representative for the state-run Relief smouldering ruins and bodies. “They The stones of rapidly diminishing fruits and Rehabilitation Commission. From came and shot guns around the village NYAL: Photo shows a compound with its residents who survived an attack that litter the floor, and it takes all day dig- the air, the circles of ash and black lines and they killed people. Even the drugs left tens of tukuls (huts) burnt at a village in Panyijiar county, Unity state, South ging through mush to find the black, snaking around villages appear to show that are usually kept with me, they burnt Sudan. — AFP knobbled roots of water lilies that a scorched earth campaign, with even them,” Bangoang said. Peace talks being resemble rotten potatoes. “They’re taste- UN buildings in the county capital held in Ethiopia have provided little Others have been hacked to death break of pneumonia and malaria, as well less. You just eat them to save your life,” Panyjiar collapsing in on themselves. reprieve from atrocities sweeping silent- inside these refuges, as former neigh- as the diarrhoeal diseases already affect- said Gatkoy, stroking the scaly arm of “There were police uniforms, army uni- ly through villages. In major towns deci- bours and colleagues turned on one ing many stick-legged but heavily one of his dust-caked children suffering forms and some with civilian clothes,” mated several times by opposing forces, another. paunched children. Despite the pain of from the diet and from drinking water says William Ter, one of nine gunshot a handful of anonymous aid workers In Panyjiar, which was devastated by seeing his children waste away, Gatkoy is from swamps that double as toilets. wounded patients admitted to Nyal’s speak of mass rape and killings. Some floods last year, the increasingly brutal determined to stay for at least two On February 7, officials say that only clinic run by Sign of Hope (SoH), a have watched executions just meters tribal conflict has left Gatkoy and many months, when the rains come, and only around 1,200 soldiers and a small army small German charity. outside United Nations bases, where others high and dry: desperate not to if he has stockpiled enough black roots of young men swarmed Panyjiar county The hard lumps on his leg from the tens of thousands of people are hiding become involved but hoping the ethnic to see the family through the next six to carry out a killing, looting and razing shrapnel make an already elderly man from soldiers and militiamen hunting tides will soon allow them back to shore. months. “We worry that when we go out, spree that left 60 dead and 26 wounded. shuffle, but the iodine soaked cloth rest- house to house for the ethnic rivals. There are major fears of a major out- we will lose our lives,” he said.—AFP

Relatives arrested over Somali soldiers unleash Palestinian girls’ deaths GAZA: Gaza police have arrested family group called for a “thorough investiga- a sweeping crackdown members over the deaths of two tion” into the suspected murders and to Palestinian teenage girls, one of them the “bring the perpetrators to justice”. “PCHR victim of a suspected “honor” killing, calls on the (Hamas) government in Gaza Army invading Mogadishu homes after attack Hamas authorities said yesterday. to take the necessary measures to put a Authorities caught relatives of one of the stop to a rise in (these types of incident), MOGADISHU: Hooded soldiers carrying sniper girls as they were trying to bury her in a and to protect women from violence,” it rifles have unleashed a sweeping crackdown cemetery near Jabaliya, north of Gaza said in a statement. across Mogadishu in a hunt for militants and City, on Thursday, police spokesman So-called honor killings, in which a weapons after the country’s Al-Qaeda-linked Ayyub Abu Shaar said. The girl’s father family member murders a relative who is militants group’s latest attack on the country’s had “beat her days before her death”, Abu perceived to have soiled the family’s rep- presidential palace. Soldiers have been deployed Shaar said. The Gaza-based Palestinian utation, occur periodically in the on the city’s key roads following the Friday Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) said a Palestinian territories. In 2011, follow- attack, which saw multiple car bombs and seven post-mortem showed signs of “torture” ing the murder of a woman in the gunmen try to penetrate the presidential palace. all over the girl’s body as well as signs of southern West Bank city of Hebron, Al-Shabab’s spokesman vowed that the group untreated gangrene from years of physi- Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas would succeed in killing Somalia’s president in a cal abuse. pledged to amend a decades-old law future attack. The rights watchdog said the girl was under which those citing “honor” as a “The operation is underway,” police Capt 17. Police also discovered the body of defense could expect to receive a jail Mohamed Hussein said of increased security another girl in the southern Gaza district sentence of no more than six months. measures seen in the capital yesterday. “We have of Khan Yunis in what could be an “hon- But women’s rights groups said the rounded up many suspects, but the real crimi- or” crime, Abu Shaar said. “Her brother amendment, which has not yet been nals will be discovered after investigations.” The killed her, and the case is still being implemented, would do little to change tightened security and the latest attack reflect investigated. The murder weapon has the situation on the ground because a the ongoing threat from Al-Shabab, which has been found,” he said, without elaborat- judge could still decide that “honor” lost control of the capital and the port city of ing. PCHR said the girl was 18 and had was involved and hand down a lenient fatal knife wounds to the neck. The sentence.— AFP Kismayo since 2011 but still carries out suicide bombings against African Union troops, the UN, the Somali government and prominent Mogadishu businesses. Egypt presidential hopeful Al-Shabab in recent weeks has increased its attacks, sending mortars into the city and appar- fears return to autocracy ently carrying out targeted killings. Then on Friday came its attack on the presidential seat of CAIRO: Presidential hopeful Hamdeen Sabbahi law “in its present form restricts more than it power. “The enemy has attacked our national said he fears a return to autocratic rule in Egypt, regulates,” said Sabbahi. “The killers of Khaled symbol of the presidential palace,” said Abdullahi MOGADISHU: Seven bodies of Al Shebab rebels lie on the ground in front of the presidential telling AFP that the army chief, a likely election Said are still to be sentenced, but the youths Godah Barre, Somalia’s interior minister after a palace in Mogadishu.— AFP frontrunner, has failed to dispel these concerns. who demonstrated to demand that they be cabinet meeting Saturday. “Therefore, we shall ital. Soon after, Somali troops were kicking in university student in Mogadishu. “Constant Sabbahi, 59, who came third in the 2012 presi- held accountable have been sentenced to jail,” take a punitive action in response to that attack.” doors to arrest suspects. “They didn’t leave any- efforts will allow us to regain our faith in the dential election that Islamist Mohamed Morsi he said, referring to a blogger whose killing by Responding to criticism of lax security, Somalia’s thing unturned. They also took my husband with government, instead of a few days of frantic won, is seen by his supporters as a serious chal- police in 2010 became a symbol for the anti- president said the attack would not derail the them as well,” said Sharifo Abdi, a mother of sev- efforts followed by a slide backward.” One securi- lenger, but Field Marshal Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is Mubarak uprising. plan to oust militants from their last strongholds en in the city. Residents in the Somali capital ty expert said Al-Shabab is increasing attacks in widely tipped to win the poll if he stands. The in Somalia’s southern countryside. “Our plan for who have experienced decades of war fear Mogadishu in order to throw off a looming election, part of a road map outlined by Egypt’s ‘Respect popular will’ the offensive against the enemy will not stop,” heightened violence in coming months. Many offensive in the areas of the country they con- interim military-installed authorities for a return Sabbahi urged the Muslim Brotherhood to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed said. are not sure the security forces can defend the trol. “It is unlikely that the government would go to democratic rule, is expected to be held by acknowledge Morsi’s ouster. “The Somalia’s security minister, who bore the city against insurgent style attacks. ahead with the offensive against Al-Shabab mid-April. While his chances of winning against Brotherhood... should respect the popular will brunt of criticism from Mogadishu residents, “We hope they can, but it’s a matter of days while the capital is on fire,” said Mohamed Sisi are seen as slim, Sabbahi said in an inter- and stop describing the June 30 revolution as a warned of tougher security measures in the cap- until they take another blow,” said Hassan Ali, a Sheikh Abdi.— AP view with AFP that young members of his leftist coup, and stop offering any political cover to Popular Current, which he founded in 2012, terrorism,” he said. Millions of Egyptians had tak- encouraged him to run for the presidency. en to the streets on June 30 demanding the res- Youths who took part in the 2011 uprising that ignation of Morsi-the country’s first elected and Syrian troops, rebels battle for key district toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak civilian president-accusing him of monopoliz- “feel that their revolution was being stolen... as ing power and ruining an already deteriorating their comrades were being jailed and some economy. In the interview, Sabbahi accused the BEIRUT: Syrian troops battled rebels yes- said Khatib. “The most intense fighting is killed before their eyes”. “Mubarak’s men are Brotherhood of committing two errors. One terday over a strategic Aleppo district that happening there, because the rebels know now making a comeback,” Sabbahi said, adding was to “monopolize power when they ruled,” could be key to securing a nearby prison that should it fall to regime hands, Aleppo that Sisi “has not taken a position that could and the second was “resorting to violence and and laying siege to the city’s rebel-held will be under siege, like areas of southern comfort the youths regarding the danger... capitalizing on terrorism carried out by their east. The Al-Watan daily, which is close to and eastern Damascus.” Aleppo has been which is the return to power of those who sym- political allies,” he said. Egyptian authorities the government, said troops had advanced largely divided between government con- bolised corruption under Mubarak”. Sisi, who declared the Brotherhood a “terrorist” organiza- in the Sheikh Najjar district of Syria’s sec- trol in the west of the city and rebel control has yet to formally announce his candidacy, is tion in December after accusing it of a deadly ond city and onetime economic hub. “The in the east since fighting broke out there in the most popular public figure in Egypt after he bombing north of Cairo. The movement denied army has achieved new progress in Sheikh mid-2012. But regime forces have made led the ouster of Morsi in July following mass the attack which was claimed by an Al-Qaeda- Najjar industrial city... during its military advances on the southeastern outskirts of street protests against the Islamist’s turbulent inspired group. operation to cleanse the vicinity of the the city in recent months, securing and one-year rule. Sabbahi said his intention to run Sabbahi said he was in favour of tackling ter- Aleppo central prison and lift the siege on reopening the international airport there. for the presidency was also driven by concerns rorism with “utmost firmness” but called for “bal- it,” the newspaper said. The prison has been that “this election would feature only one candi- ance between the imperatives of confronting attacked multiple times by rebels hoping Norway in danger date (Sisi) and would turn into a referendum”. terrorism and the imperatives of respecting to free the approximately 3,500 detainees Meanwhile, Norway’s intelligence Sabbahi expressed hope that youths who freedoms”. Banking on youths, Sabbahi said the inside, who are reportedly being held in agency said yesterday that it fears an represented a “key voting” bloc would back him “awareness of Egyptians” would help them dire conditions. In early February rebels increased “terrorist threat” to its country after many shunned the January referendum on choose the candidate “most able to ensure launched a major assault on the facility, due to dozens of Norwegian nationals a new constitution. He also criticized a law social justice for the majority” and who can best beginning with a suicide car bombing at its fighting in the Syrian conflict. At least 40 or adopted by the interim authorities in November respect “the dignity and freedoms of the peo- main entrance. 50 people with links to Norway have to ban all but police-sanctioned protests, saying ple... and establish a democratic regime”. Opposition forces were able to overrun fought, or are currently fighting, with forces it was a “political error” and urged interim presi- Sabbahi said that even if he lost the election, he parts of the facility for hours, before regime opposed to the Bashar Al-Assad regime dent Adly Mansour to release all who were would have “at least reconnected the revolu- warplanes unleashed a bombing campaign and run the risk of returning as seasoned jailed for participating in peaceful protests. The tionary forces with the general public”.—AFP against them. The rebels were pushed radical fighters, the Norwegian Intelligence back, but retained control of part of the Service (NIS) wrote in its annual threat sprawling complex. Large parts of the assessment report. “We conclude that the fence surrounding the building collapsed threat has already increased and will con- Turkey’s PM targeted during the attack, and the rebels have continue to increase throughout 2014,” the tinued to try to penetrate the facility. head of NIS General Kjell Grandhagen said, in mass phone-tapping Rebels carried out another suicide bomb- adding that these “jihadists” are often in ing at the prison Thursday, killing at least the most radical Islamic groups such as the ANKARA: Turkish police have eavesdropped against close allies. Classified documents eight soldiers. Al-Watan yesterday quoted Islamic State of Iraq (ISIL) and Al-Nusra on thousands of people including Prime revealing the surveillance were discovered by “military experts” as saying that army units Front. The NIS estimates that about 2,000 Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as cabi- new prosecutors appointed after a mass purge were battling to take strategic areas in rebel fighters have travelled from Europe net ministers, the country’s spy chief and jour- of the police and prosecution service in the Sheikh Najjar that overlook the outskirts of to fight the Syrian regime but did not nalists, local newspapers reported yesterday. wake of the corruption probe launched in the prison. The newspaper said the army reveal how the figure was calculated. Associates of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah December, the press reports said. The Star HAY AL-SELLOM: Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite hoped to station artillery there to help fend Norwegian daily Verdens Gang also report- Gulen in the police and the judiciary have reported that so-called Gulenists had wire- Hezbollah movement carry the coffin of Mahmud Ali off attacks on the prison “which have inten- ed yesterday that about a dozen women tapped the phones of Erdogan as well as politi- tapped more than 7,000 people, as well as the Assaf, a comrade killed in Syria, during his funeral in sified in recent days.” have left Norway for Syria to join rebel cians and businessmen for three years, pro- headquarters of the opposition Republic Hay Al-Sellom neighborhood in the southern suburbs Nazeer Al-Khatib, an opposition activist groups. In late 2013 the fate of two government dailies Yenisafak and Star claimed. People’s Party, since 2011 on the pretext of try- of Beirut yesterday. The Shiite group says its involve- from Aleppo, said his contacts there had teenage girls of Somali origin hit the head- Erdogan has accused rivals in the influential ing to uncover terrorism plots. Energy Minister ment in Syria is aimed at safeguarding Lebanon from confirmed the fighting in Sheikh Najjar. lines in Norway when they left to join a Gulen group of acting as a “state within a state” Taner Yildiz said that he had been wiretapped, “terror”, but its Lebanese opponents say the Hezbollah “Ahrar Al-Sham and other members of the jihadi group in Syria and were located seeking to topple his government by instigat- adding: “This is no longer a problem just for presence there has caused jihadists to attack Syria’s Islamic Front (rebel alliance) have deployed weeks later by their father who brought ing a high-level corruption investigation the (ruling) AK Party.”—AFP tiny neighbor. —AFP reinforcements to the Sheikh Najjar front,” them home. — Agencies TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL US drone, phone taps used to hunt Mexican drug lord New details emerge from the manhunt

MEXICO CITY: US authorities and steel-reinforced doors, offi- ered Guzman’s natural successor. flee again in a repeat of his leg- announced plans to seek the cials said. “It’s a big city where he endary 2001 escape from prison in extradition of Mexico’s most pow- has his contacts, his women, his US seeks extradition a laundry cart. erful drug lord after his capture in houses,” the US official said. Nabbing Guzman, who is con- “I think that would be the best a US-backed operation that Officials had hoped that sidered the world’s biggest drug course for not only Mexico, but CNN’s Piers Morgan included a drone, cellphone inter- Guzman would flee to a rural, trafficker, was a major victory in also the United States, in ensuring cepts and elite Mexican marines. more open space to capture him, President Enrique Pena Nieto’s that what happened in 2001 does As prosecutors in New York pre- and his decision to run to push to rein in drug violence in his not happen again,” Michael CNN pulls the plug on pared their request, new details Mazatlan around three days country. The Sinaloa cartel’s turf McCaul, chairman of the House emerged Sunday from the man- before his arrest was a surprise, wars with rival gangs contributed Homeland Security Committee, Piers Morgan TV show hunt that led to the capture of Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin “El WASHINGTON: CNN president Jeff Zucker was weighing a different role at CNN where Chapo” Guzman, whose empire pulled the plug on British host Piers he would have fewer, higher-impact has smuggled drugs to the United Morgan’s TV show after its ratings plunge, appearances, such as through major inter- States, Europe and Asia. The US ending the former tabloid editor’s three views with “big celebrities and powerful surveillance drone was used for year run on US television. Morgan, who people.” two weeks between mid-January irked US gun owners after launching a cru- and mid-February to back up a sade for greater gun control, struggled Unbelievably stupid man massive operation in the north- after stepping into the shoes of popular, Morgan attracted national attention western city of Culiacan, a US gov- down-to-earth host Larry King in the cov- when he took a tough gun-control stance ernment official said on condition eted 9:00 pm primetime slot. “CNN con- following the December 2012 massacre at of anonymity. firms that ‘Piers Morgan Live’ is ending,” the Sandy Hook elementary school in Guzman eventually slipped out CNN vice president of communications Connecticut. Gun rights activists soon of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa Barbara Levin said. “The date of the final posted a petition on the White House web- state, after escaping through tun- program is still to be determined.” King, site calling for Morgan to be deported for nels under one of his safe houses known for his ability to connect immedi- allegedly attacking the Second as the marines closed in on him, ately and easily with ordinary Americans, Amendment rights of ordinary Americans Mexican and US officials said. hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN from 1985 after making anti-gun comments. It gath- Under pressure, the 56-year-old to 2010. Now 80, King still wears his trade- ered 109,334 signatures. The petition was drug capo, who had been on the mark wide-rimmed glasses, shirt with posted after Morgan told gun advocate run since escaping from prison 13 rolled-up sleeves and suspenders as he Larry Pratt on his show: “You’re an unbe- years ago, fled further south to hosts a show broadcast on Hulu, Ora TV lievably stupid man, aren’t you?” America the beach resort city of Mazatlan. and Russia’s RT television. has suffered an epidemic of gun violence It was there that the elite marine over the last three decades. The vast unit captured him on Saturday, in Too British for US TV? majority of weapons used have been semi- the fourth floor of a condomini- Morgan, in contrast, was inherently automatic weapons obtained legally by um, with a surprisingly small British-and it was not just his accent, which the killers. Morgan was editor of the Daily entourage that included one for many viewers was grating, smug and Mirror newspaper from 1995 to 2004 and lookout, one bodyguard and a condescending. Morgan made repeated before that was editor of Rupert Murdoch’s SINALOA: View of the bedroom of the apartment of the references to cricket, a sport with little US News of the World, which closed amid a woman believed to be his beauty- presence, and professed his ignorance phone hacking scandal in 2011. queen wife, the US official said. Miramar condominium in which Mexican drug trafficker about American football and preference On Twitter, the handful of Morgan fans Guzman went down without a Joaquin Guzman Loera aka ‘El Chapo Guzman’ (inset) was for the round football, soccer. In an inter- were drowned out by the flood of snide single shot. “Cellular telephone arrested in Mazatlan, State of Sinaloa, Mexico. —AFP view with The New York Times, Morgan and nasty tweets. “About time,” read a typi- intercepts were involved in the said the show had “run its course,” adding cal tweet. “He was an idiot, boring, embar- arrest,” the official said. The US the official said. His arrest capped to a wave of drug violence that left told ABC television. A Mexican for- that he and Zucker “have been talking for rassment.” “Piers Morgan show being Drug Enforcement Administration a months-long operation that more than 77,000 people dead in eign ministry spokesman declined some time about different ways of using dropped by CNN, a move likely to upset had provided intelligence infor- resulted in the arrests of a dozen the past seven years. The United to comment on the planned extra- me.” He also acknowledged the show was one or maybe even two people,” read mation to the marines. The US Sinaloa cartel operatives, includ- States had offered a $5 million dition request. An official in the underperforming. another. One prolific tweeter not com- official said the remote-controlled ing alleged bodyguards of reward for information leading to Mexican attorney general’s office “It’s been a painful period and lately we menting yet was blogger Andrew Sullivan, aircraft was not used in Mazatlan, Guzman’s top associate, Ismael “El his capture, with several indict- said Guzman has to finish the 20- have taken a bath in the ratings,” Morgan Morgan’s British-born US-based nemesis. but it had been deployed in Mayo” Zambada. Several cell- ments in cities from New York to year sentence he avoided by flee- said, adding that the show suffered espe- The two have clashed repeatedly, with Culiacan to corroborate other phones were seized from the San Diego. Robert Nardoza, a ing eight years into his prison cially on slow news days. “Look, I am a Sullivan claiming that his rival was a relent- intelligence and that Mexico’s mil- detainees and later used to estab- spokesman for the US Attorney’s term. But he is also facing new British guy debating American cultural less self-promoter tainted by his role in the itary had authorized its use. One lish wiretaps as part of the opera- Office for the Eastern District of charges of drug trafficking, using issues, including guns, which has been very tabloid phone hacking scandal. Morgan of the world’s most wanted man, tion against the Sinaloa cartel, New York, said prosecutors there illegal funds, organized crime and polarizing, and there is no doubt that there insists that he’s “never hacked a phone, Guzman had been spending most said an official from the Mexican “plan to seek his extradition.” A sen- possession of weapons reserved are many in the audience who are tired of told anyone to hack a phone, or published of his time in the bustling city of attorney general’s office. The offi- ior Republican lawmaker called for for the military, the official said. me banging on about it,” he added. Morgan, any stories based on the hacking of a Culiacan, living in houses with cial said authorities are still search- Guzman’s extradition, warning that The captured kingpin is not facing whose contract ends in September, said he phone.” —AFP escape tunnels, extra thick walls ing for Zambada, who is consid- “the biggest fish ever” may try to murder charges. —AFP

News former Venezuela in brief general in armed standoff at home Dingell, longest-serving congressman, to retire CARACAS: One of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s most WASHINGTON: A person familiar with his plans outspoken critics has become the latest rally cry for opposition says Rep John Dingell of Michigan, the longest- protesters after engaging in an armed standoff with security serving congressman in US history, will forces Sunday. Retired army Gen Angel Vivas sported a flak jack- announce his retirement yesterday. The 87- et, assault rifle and handgun as he defiantly addressed dozens year-old Dingell was first elected in 1955, filling of neighbors from the balcony of his home in eastern Caracas. the House seat vacated by his late father. The “I’m not going to surrender,” the 57-year-old Vivas yelled to a person was not authorized to speak publicly crowd of cheering followers. Supporters rushed to Vivas’ defense ahead of Dingell’s announcement. He became after he announced to his 100,000-plus followers on Twitter that a group of “Cuban and Venezuelan henchmen” had come look- the longest-serving member of Congress last ing for him. The officers withdrew after the crowd built barri- year. Dingell is the former chairman of the pow- cades outside Vivas’ house. Vivas’ lawyer said they didn’t have an erful House Energy and Commerce Committee arrest order. and the Democrat has been a master of legisla- Maduro on Saturday ordered Vivas’ arrest for allegedly tive deal-making and staunch advocate for the encouraging students to stretch wire across streets where US auto industry. Dingell has played a role in a they’ve set up barricades in recent weeks. The president blames number of major pieces of legislation, including the apparent booby trap for the death of a government sup- President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, porter who raced into a barricade on a motorcycle. Vivas, one of Medicare. His plans were first reported by The the government’s fiercest critics in the frequently vicious world Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press. of Venezuelan social media, rose to prominence in 2007 when he resigned as head of the Defense Ministry’s engineering Pentagon to use only department rather than order his subalterns to swear to the 100% American flags Cuban-inspired oath “Fatherland, socialism or death.” WASHINGTON: It is the ultimate symbol of The standoff Sunday occurred after hundreds of grandpar- chest-thumping American patriotic pride and ents danced and paraded their way to the presidential palace to now the United States flag must be “100 per- express support for Maduro, who is struggling to contain a wave cent made in the USA”-at least where the of anti-government protests that have left at least 10 people Pentagon is concerned. A new law requires the dead and more than 100 injured. Speaking at the rally, Maduro Department of Defense-a major consumer of invited sectors of the opposition as well religious and labor lead- flags for everything from ships to bases to buri- ers to participate in a meeting Wednesday to discuss ways to als-fly only flags wholly sourced from home restore calm in Venezuela. shores. “My recently signed law makes sure Meanwhile, Maduro is readying crisis talks to try to defuse a every flag bought by the US Department of deadly wave of protests that have brought the biggest challenge Defense is 100 percent Made in America, with yet to his government. “This is a national peace conference I am American products,” Congressman Mike calling for Wednesday with all social, political, union and reli- Thompson, whose district is home to a manu- gious groups,” Maduro told supporters outside the presidential facturer of flags, wrote on his Facebook page. palace. Groups of mainly elderly people marched Sunday in “Our men in women in uniform should serve downtown Caracas in support of Maduro, a day after Venezuela’s under American-made flags like those made at largest demonstrations in weeks of escalating protests left 25 NBI, and our tax dollars should be spent on people injured. American-made flags,” the Vietnam war veteran Maduro is grappling with the biggest crisis of his government said. The move-effective last Friday-garnered since narrowly being elected last year after the death of leftist generally warm praise on Facebook. icon Hugo Chavez, with at least 10 people killed since protests erupted on February 4. Hundreds of thousands of pro- and anti- government protesters had hit the streets of the capital on Obama takes ‘year of Saturday, leading to night-time clashes with security forces that action’ to Minnesota were some of the most serious to date. Student and opposition WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is tak- demonstrators are campaigning over bleak economic prospects, ing his “year of action” tour to Minnesota, head- including a shortage of food and commodities, repression by ing to St Paul on Wednesday to announce a police and a dire job market. Dozens of people, including opposi- new competition encouraging investments to tion leader Leopoldo Lopez, have been arrested or wounded. create jobs and restore infrastructure. Obama While the dialogue has no precedent in Maduro’s term, politi- will be speaking at St Paul’s newly renovated cal analyst John Madgaleno said participation by longtime oppo- Union Depot transportation hub. The White sition leader Henrique Capriles could put the former presidential House did not provide further details of the candidate in a position to benefit if the talks pans out. Capriles competition but described it as part of the “could be the sort of middle ground, after Leopoldo Lopez president’s “year of action,” a series of policy ini- pushed for an end to Maduro’s government. Pro-government tiatives the White House is undertaking without demonstrators Sunday dressed in red-the color of the socialist the help of Congress. Last week, for example, administration-held Venezuelan flags and pro-Maduro banners, Obama touted increased fuel efficiency stan- protesting what they called “fascist violence” by student opposi- dards for trucks at a Safeway distribution center tion. “That’s enough youth violence. This is a country of peace. in Maryland, highlighting steps the grocery We want a future of peace,” Cristina Marcos, 60, told reporters store chain has taken to use less fuel in its fleet during a rally that began in the morning at the Plaza Bolivar and of trucks. headed towards the Miraflores Palace, where the president spoke. —Agencies INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Showtime as Italy’s PM unveils new program

ROME: Italy’s new Prime Minister Matteo Renzi be watered down in the inevitable political wran- country’s new Finance Minister Pier Carlo Padoan, Cooperation and Development (OECD). was to unveil details of his ambitious govern- gling afterwards,” he said. Italy’s European part- who brings to the table his experience as chief ment program yesterday as he faced a confi- ners will be watching the first steps taken by the economist at the Organisation for Economic ‘Bellyache about this govt’ dence vote in parliament in a key test of his pow- New secretary of state Graziano Delrio this week- er to unite warring factions and secure a solid end said Italy would stay within the European majority. The new premier is expected to present Union’s deficit ceiling of 3 percent of GDP, contra- plans for rapidly overhauling the tax system, job dicting earlier comments by Renzi. He said the gov- market and public administration in his speech ernment would cut taxes on non-wage labour costs to the Senate, which will put his newly-formed through cuts to spending, but also suggested a pos- cabinet to a confidence vote. sible rise in taxes on investments like short-term The former mayor of Florence is expected to treasury bills. win based on the support of his own centre-left “From a government which made ‘new’ and ‘fresh’ Democratic Party (PD) and his coalition partners- its calling card, one could have hoped for more the centrists and the New Centre Right (NCD) par- things ‘new’ and ‘fresh’. Not just one of the more clas- ty.Political analysts will however be paying close sic ‘deja vus’ of Italian politics: Taxes,” the Corriere del- attention to the size of the majority he manages to la Sera said. The government appeared to do an secure, as an indication as to whether the new about-turn on the subject late Sunday, issuing a government has a chance of living out its mandate note saying “we are not planning nor will there be until 2018 or whether the country will end up back any new tax”, suggesting some confusion and last- at the polls. Renzi seized power last week after minute decisions in the brand new cabinet. On unseating his predecessor Enrico Letta and has Sunday, Renzi took to Twitter to respond to ques- promised speed and efficiency in tackling reces- tions from followers in a sign of changing times sion-hit Italy’s ills, vowing not to be dragged down under the country’s youngest-ever prime minister. by the weight of Italian bureaucracy or hampered The 39-year-old promised a “surprise” on the digital by political squabbles. economy and said he was gearing up for “the moth- “By keeping up the momentum, Renzi is er of all battles” against Italy’s stifling and reform- increasing the chances of these important reforms blocking bureaucracy. Whether he can secure going through despite likely resistance from vari- enough support to implement his reforms is yet to ous camps,” Christian Schulz, senior economist at be seen. “There are many senators who have belly- Berenburg, said in a note. “Much will depend on ROME: Newly appointed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi gestures as he delivers a speech during ached about this government,” said Francesco the concrete reform proposals and how they will a debate for a confidence vote at the Italian Senate yesterday in Rome. — AFP Grignetti in La Stampa daily. — AFP British, Scottish cabinets clash on vital oil industry UK PM visits North Sea oil platform

ABERDEEN: The British and Scottish governments held rival cabinet meetings in Scotland’s oil capital yesterday to stake their claims for the industry’s future-a key battleground in the independence debate ahead of a referendum in September. British Prime Minister David Cameron took his ministers from London to Aberdeen on Scotland’s northeast coast, to announce investment plans for the North Sea oil and gas sector. The fate of North Sea revenues is a major issue ahead of the September 18 referendum on whether Scotland should go it alone and end its 300-year-old political union with England. Cameron flew by helicopter to an offshore oil rig to stress how the United Kingdom had the wherewithal to invest in North Sea exploitation. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond took his pro-independence regional ENTEBBE: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signs the Anti-Homosexuality Bill government from Edinburgh to Portlethen, just outside Aberdeen, to bang yesterday in Entebbe. — AFP the drum for keeping North Sea oil revenues within Scotland. Cameron visited British energy giant BP’s ETAP platform some 217 kilometers off the coast. “The broad shoulders of one of the top 10 economies in the world Uganda president has really got behind this industry and will continue to stay behind this industry so we get the maximum benefit out of it for all of the UK, including Scotland,” he said. signs anti-gay bill “We can afford the tax allowances, the investment, the long-term structure that is necessary to make sure we recover as much from the North Sea ENTEBBE: Uganda’s president yesterday signed a homosexuality is already illegal under a colonial- as possible.” “I profoundly believe the United Kingdom will be better off if controversial anti-gay bill that has harsh penalties era law that criminalized sex acts “against the we all stay together.” While they were both in the Aberdeen area, Salmond for homosexual sex, saying it is needed to deter order of nature.” Some European countries such challenged Cameron to a head-to-head debate on independence. “Let’s what he called the West’s “social imperialism” pro- as Sweden have threatened to cut aid to Uganda get this referendum game on,” the Scottish National Party leader told moting homosexuality in Africa. President Yoweri if the measure was enacted and US President reporters. Cameron’s Conservatives, their Liberal Democrat junior partners Museveni signed the bill at his official residence Barack Obama warned that signing the bill would in the British government and the Labor opposition are all campaigning to in an event witnessed by government officials, “complicate” this East African country’s relation- keep the United Kingdom intact. It is only the third time that the British journalists and a team of Ugandan scientists ship with Washington. cabinet has ever sat in Scotland, as Cameron strives to convince voters of whose report -which found that there is no “By signing this bill, Museveni has not only let the economic case to stay in the union. proven genetic basis for homosexuality - cited by down gay Ugandans; he has also failed the very Museveni as his reason for backing the bill. constituencies he claims to be protecting, includ- ‘Unprecedented challenges’ “We Africans never seek to impose our view ing children,” said Maria Burnett, a Uganda In a statement released yesterday, Cameron’s Downing Street office on others. If only they could let us alone,” he said, researcher for Human Rights Watch. “Laws to pro- revealed new measures for the oil sector. They include plans for the indus- talking of Western pressure not to sign the bill. tect children from abuse by perpetrators of either “We have been disappointed for a long time by the same or the opposite sex are on the books, try and government to work closer to share infrastructure and geophysical the conduct of the West. There is now an attempt but are poorly enforced in Uganda; policing con- information and to ensure that licences are awarded with a view to extracting the maximum amount of oil. Downing Street said the measures at social imperialism.” Without naming them, sensual same-sex activity between adults and ROME: Newly appointed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi gestures would increase Britain’s energy security and reduce reliance on imported Museveni accused “arrogant and careless Western criminalizing talking about sexual rights will only as he delivers a speech during a debate for a confidence vote at the oil and gas, which was pushing up domestic fuel bills. groups” of trying to recruit Ugandan children into distract from important police work and take Italian Senate yesterday in Rome. — AFP homosexuality, prompting local pressure for the away resources from the hard work of protecting It warned that the UK Continental Shelf, source of the country’s oil, law. The new law calls for first-time offenders to children from abuse.” Burnett added that the bill faces “unprecedented challenges” that could only be met by Britain as a be sentenced to 14 years in jail. It also sets life is “a dramatic blow to freedom of expression ... whole. “Tax revenues from oil and gas in 2012-13 were £4.7 billion ($7.8 bil- that they’ve done so well out of them over the last 40 years. I think the imprisonment as the maximum penalty for criminalizing the expression of divergent views lion, 5.7 billion euros) lower than the year before-a drop of more than 40 next 40 years should be Scotland’s turn,” he told the BBC. He added: “We’ve “aggravated homosexuality,” defined as repeated doesn’t bode well for anyone in Uganda.” But the percent,” said the statement. While the UK could absorb such volatility, it had 16 tax changes in the North Sea in 10 years, we’ve had 14 oil ministers gay sex between consenting adults as well as bill is widely popular in Uganda, where it has equated to two thirds of Scotland’s spending on education, it said. It is in the last 17 years. “One thing that Scottish control of oil and gas same-sex acts involving a minor, a disabled per- been championed by Christian clerics and many thought there are 30 to 40 years of production remaining. Salmond insist- resources will offer is a much more stable, long-term policy.” Opinion polls son or where one partner is infected with HIV. politicians. ed control of North Sea resources would be better handled by an inde- have consistently shown a majority of Scots preferring to stay in the UK, Government officials applauded after he Homosexuality is criminalized in many African pendent Scotland. He wants to create a sovereign wealth fund from oil although the gap with those who want independence has narrowed. An signed the bill, which in its original draft called for countries. Nigeria last month passed an anti-gay receipts in the way that Norway has. ICM poll of 1,004 Scottish adults for the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, the death penalty for some homosexual acts. law. In signing the bill, Museveni said he had pre- He said the London government had profited from but misused North conducted throughout last week, found some 37 percent would vote for That penalty was removed from the legislation viously thought homosexuality was merely Sea revenues. “The reason they want to hang on to Scotland’s resources is independence while 49 percent said No. — AFP following an international outcry. Rights groups “abnormal” sexual behavior that some people repeatedly urged Museveni not to sign the bill, were born with - the reason he once opposed saying it is unnecessary in a country where harsh penalties against gays. —AP Russia sentences anti-Putin Homosexuality laws in African countries activists, detains protesters MOSCOW: Russian police detained hundreds of were released from prison in December, Nadezhda Natalya Nikishina said yesterday as she began read- PARIS: Many African countries, with the the same sex” faces up to five years in jail. protesters yesterday outside a court that sentenced Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, were among ing out the sentence that the defendants “took part notable exception of South Africa, have laws TUNISIA: Sodomy between consenting seven activists to prison terms of up to four years those supporting the defendants outside the court- in mass riots, their shared blame is established and that ban or repress homosexuality. Yesterday, adults is punishable by up to three years in for demonstrations against Vladimir Putin’s third house. Both women were detained, Alyokhina proved”. The clashes on Bolotnaya Square led to Uganda’s president signed into law a bill that prison. presidential inauguration. wrote on Twitter, posting a photograph of them sit- dozens of arrests and injuries on both sides. includes life terms for those convicted several MOROCCO: Homosexuality is punishable The Moscow court sentenced the seven defen- ting in a police van. Protest leader Alexei Navalny Investigators have said the opposition planned to times of practicing homosexuality. According by six months to three years in prison, but is to a report by rights group Amnesty tolerated in practice provided practitioners do dants to penal colony terms of between two and a was also held, writing on Twitter that police were overthrow the government and destabilize the International in June, homosexuality was ille- not flaunt their sexual orientation. half and four years for what the judge ruled to be “detaining people without any reason”. country. The defense said the case was based gal in 38 out of 54 countries in the region, and ALGERIA: Anyone charged with a homo- “mass riots” during the 2012 demonstrations, a The case was opened after street clashes on entirely on conflicting police testimonies that were punishable by death in Mauritania, Sudan and sexual act faces up to two years in prison, but high-profile case that has become a symbol of the Bolotnaya Square in central Moscow, after tens of not supported by any evidence, and that the scuf- Somalia. Following are some of the countries people are rarely prosecuted. In several coun- harsh crackdown on opposition protests since Putin thousands marched through the city centre in fles could not be qualified as mass riots due to a which have adopted repressive laws against tries homosexuality is a taboo subject, but returned to the Kremlin. Several hundred support- protest at Putin’s return to the Kremlin. Judge lack of grave injuries or property damage. — AFP homosexuals: with certain zones of tolerance: ers gathered outside the court shouting slogans as UGANDA: Ugandan President Yoweri ZIMBABWE: President Robert Mugabe is security forces and riot police ordered them to dis- Museveni signed into law a controversial bill known for saying that gays and lesbians are perse. More than 200 people were detained for Pope makes first overhaul that establishes life terms in prison for repeat “worse than pigs and dogs”. However, the “attempts to breach public order”, a Moscow police homosexuals despite pressure from Western group Gays and Lesbians is authorized. spokesman said. Some of those detained wore partners. The law also outlaws the promotion MALAWI: In November 2012 President prison uniforms, while one wore a Putin mask. of the Vatican in 25 years of homosexuality and requires people to Joyce Banda suspended sodomy laws until Lawyer Dmitry Agranovsky called the sentences VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis yesterday announced cils and offices. The change appears to significantly denounce gays. they are debated by parliament. Under the excessive after his client, Yaroslav Belousov, was NIGERIA: A law that took effect in January country’s penal code, men can be sentenced the first major overhaul of the Vatican’s outdated weaken the Vatican’s powerful Secretariat of State, sentenced to two and a half years. “The sentences and inefficient bureaucracy in a quarter-century, which previously had administrative control over provides for jail terms of up to 14 years for gay to up to 14 years and women to five years for are harsh and inappropriate. They were issued couples who live together and 10 years for homosexuality. creating an economics secretariat to control all eco- the Holy See while also handling diplomatic rela- based on the political situation, not on the nature of nomic, administrative, personnel and procurement tions. That the new entity is called the Secretariat public displays of affection between gays. OTHER COUNTRIES: CHAD, GABON, the charges,” he said. An eighth defendant, the only Homosexuality also carries the death sen- IVORY COAST and MALI do not criminalize functions of the Holy See. Australian Cardinal of the Economy would suggest some sort of hierar- woman in the case, was given a suspended sentence in northern states where Islamic law homosexuality, but SOUTH AFRICA leads the George Pell was named prefect of the new eco- chical parity with the Secretariat of State. The new runs parallel to the state and federal justice way on gay rights. Since the end of apartheid tence of three years and three months. The eight nomics secretariat. He reports to a new 15-member body covers the finances of the Holy See - the cen- systems, though the punishment is rarely, if in 1994, South Africa has had one of the defendants were found guilty on Friday of taking economy council made up of eight cardinals tral governing structure of the Catholic Church - ever, applied. world’s most liberal legal frameworks for part in mass riots and hitting policemen at a rally reflecting various parts of the world and seven lay and the Vatican City State, the 44-hectare city state CAMEROON: Homosexual relations can homosexuals. The constitution bans all dis- ahead of Putin’s inauguration on May 6, 2012. Most experts. The aim of the new structure, the Vatican in central Rome which includes the profit-making be punished with up to five years in prison. crimination based on sexual orientation. The of the defendants have been held in custody since said, is to simplify and consolidate the existing Vatican Museums and Vatican’s post office. GAMBIA: Homosexuality is punishable by parliament legalized gay marriage in 2006, 2012. Amnesty International called the guilty ver- management structures, improve oversight, inter- An auditor will be empowered to conduct up to 14 years’ imprisonment. making the country the only one in Africa to dict against the activists a “hideous injustice” and nal controls and transparency and provide more audits of any Vatican agency, at any time, the state- ZAMBIA: Same-sex relationships have recognize unions between people of the condemned the hearings as a “show trial”. support for the Vatican’s works for the poor. The ment said. Francis appointed a commission of been banned since British colonial rule, and a same sex. But despite these laws, gays in The court had postponed the sentencing until change, announced in a press release, represents inquiry last summer to recommend ways to sodomy conviction carries a 14-year prison South Africa still face homophobia and vio- yesterday in a move viewed by the opposition as an the biggest reshuffling of the Vatican’s organization improve efficiency and transparency and reduce sentence. lence, and women are often victims of “correc- attempt to avoid publicity during Sunday’s closing since Pope John Paul II in 1988 issued the apostolic waste. Last week, with Francis’ Group of Eight cardi- SENEGAL: Anyone convicted of an tive rape”, in which men rape lesbians to “con- ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. constitution, Pastor Bonus, the blueprint for the nal advisers present, the commission reported its “improper or unnatural act with a person of vert” them to heterosexuality. — AFP Two members of protest punk band Pussy Riot who Holy See’s various congregations, pontifical coun- findings. —AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Minister offers Taleban cricket match for peace Pakistan’s minister provokes derision on social media

ISLAMABAD: A top Pakistani minister provoked observers do not believe his death will have a killing one troop during the fighting and kidnap- derision on social media yesterday after he sug- major impact on the future of stalled peace talks ping 15. Eleven of the detainees were later exe- gested the Taleban could swap their guns for with the government that began earlier this cuted while the rest escaped. An intelligence cricket bats and offered to host a match with the month. “Unknown attackers opened fire on official in Peshawar said Shaheen was also want- militants to revive stalled peace talks. Pakistan’s Asmatullah Shaheen’s car. He along with three ed for mastermind other attacks on Pakistan government entered into a formal dialogue with associates died on the spot,” a security official in troops that included suicide attacks. the Taleban earlier this month, but the process Miranshah said. A close relative of Shaheen told Imtiaz Gul, an security analyst and author of faltered after the militants executed 23 kid- AFP that in addition to those killed, two other “The Most Dangerous Place - Pakistan’s Lawless napped soldiers. The military has retaliated with people travelling in the car were critically Frontier” said that the killing was the result of a series of air strikes in the tribal areas that bor- wounded. The attackers fled the scene in a sepa- Shaheen’s several enmities. “Militant groups BANGKOK: Anti-government protesters lock the gates of the Ministry of Foreign der Afghanistan and are home to the Taleban’s rate vehicle, the security official said. No group have fought against each other in past and Affairs with chains and seal it with glue during a demonstration in Bangkok yester- top leadership, killing dozens. has yet claimed responsibility for the killing, but killing of Asmatullah Shaheen is apparently day. — AFP But with talks on a sticky wicket, Interior a local security official blamed a rival militant because of those internal differences”. Earlier this Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said yesterday group. Shaheen was leader of the Bhittani tribe month, Pakistan entered into talks with the that cricket could offer hope. “I have information and also chairman of the Taleban’s supreme Taleban aimed at ending their seven-year insur- Thai violence escalates that the Taleban keep an interest in cricket. So if council for more than two years. gency. But the militant group continued carry- this message can go through to them, we can But a militant source close to Shaheen said he ing out attacks on a near-daily basis, and the dia- Army chief cautions nation may ‘collapse’ have a cricket match with them which can have was removed from the post in December after logue was suspended last week after the insur- a better result,” he told reporters in Islamabad developing several differences with some mili- gents claimed they had executed 23 kidnapped BANGKOK: Thailand’s army chief warned yes- “If losses continue, the country will col- following an exhibition game. “The Taleban fol- tant commanders. Shaheen gained notoriety soldiers in a northwestern tribal region. Since terday the country risks “collapse” unless it lapse for sure and nobody will win or lose,” he low the Pakistan cricket team with keen interest after claiming responsibility for a suicide attack then the Pakistan Air Force has been carrying pulls back from escalating violence after said. so this can be a platform.” Reaction to the on a Shiite procession in Pakistan’s largest out air strikes in the volatile tribal regions which attacks in recent days left three children dead Prayut urged reconciliation and talks. He announcement was overwhelmingly negative Karachi city which killed at least 43 people and border Afghanistan, killing dozens. Gul, the ana- in the kingdom’s worst political unrest since said troops are “ready to do their duty” but on Twitter, which is used mainly by the country’s wounding more than 100 in December 2009. He lyst, said he was skeptical the process could 2010. Twenty-one people have now been “do not want to use force and weapons to English-speaking elite. was responsible for storming a paramilitary out- resume. “The future of these talks is bleak,” he killed and more than 700 wounded in vio- unnecessarily fight with the Thai people”. He In a reference to bloody toll inflicted by the post in the northwestern district of Tank in 2011, said. — Agencies lence linked to almost four months of anti- did not elaborate. Supporters of Thaksin have Taleban on Pakistan’s forces over the years, one government demonstrations. Protesters want accused the demonstrators of trying to incite user called @MidhatZ, said: “Cricket on a red to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra the military to seize power again, in a country pitch and may be they could bowl with our sol- Children become latest and dilute the influence on Thai politics of her which has seen 18 successful or attempted diers heads?” Another user, @kursed, termed the billionaire brother Thaksin, a former premier coups since 1932. The army chief’s comments minister a “bloody lunatic” and said “he should who lives in exile to avoid jail in Thailand for are closely scrutinised for signs of possible invite the families of those beheaded” by the victims of Thai violence corruption. intervention. Taleban to the match. Cricket is Pakistan’s main BANGKOK: The father grimaced and wept as has recoiled in shock over the children’s A brother and sister, aged four and six pastime and is sometimes termed the country’s he struggled to contain his grief at the death deaths, and yet there seems to be no sign that respectively, and a 59-year-old woman died Violence ‘hard to control’ “second religion” after Islam. Prime Minister of his two children in a grenade attack during either side in the impasse is softening its posi- after a grenade attack on Sunday afternoon The head of the government’s security Nawaz Sharif is a diehard fan. And former crick- eter Imran Khan now leads Pakistan’s third a weekend trip to a mall in downtown tion. City residents have braced for more vio- on a busy Bangkok shopping district. Police response to the protests also predicted more Bangkok - the latest casualties in Thailand’s lence. “We don’t know who did it but it said the grenade was fired into the crowd by unrest. “From now on violence will keep hap- largest political party. Cricket diplomacy has helped thaw ties between Pakistan and rival months of political crisis. “I’m asking and shouldn’t have happened to children, my chil- unknown attackers from an M79 shoulder- pening, for sure, so anyone who is not pleading to every side to let my children be dren,” Tayakorn said. “I didn’t expect my kids held launcher. They said an officer also died involved in the protests should not go to India in the past, with a visit by military ruler General Zia Ul Haq to Jaipur in 1987 to watch a the last case (of violence) on Thai soil,” to be brilliant. I just wanted them to be good yesterday, nearly a week after being shot in them,” said Labor Minister Chalerm Tayakorn Yos-ubon, 33, said, his voice shaking, people and to be able to get by in this socie- the head in a gunbattle with protesters in Yubamrung. “I accept that it is hard to con- Test match seen as key in cooling raised tensions. before retrieving their bodies from the ty,” he added. “But this society, right now, is Bangkok’s historic heart, a stone’s throw from trol.” The government says it has been ham- morgue yesterday. Korawit, 4, and his sister very cruel. Very, very cruel.” the city’s backpacker zone, which killed five strung by a court ruling last week banning it Taleban commander killed Patcharakorn, 6, were not part of the anti-gov- The 9-year-old cousin suffered brain and others-including another policeman. from using force to disperse peaceful protest- ernment demonstrations. They had piled into lung damage and is in intensive care. UNICEF Attacks have mainly been mounted in ers. Authorities say semi-automatic weapons In another development, unknown gunmen yesterday killed a senior commander of the a three-wheeled “tuk-tuk” taxi after eating at a yesterday called for the protest zones to be Bangkok, although a drive-by shooting late fired at them last week indicate the protesters KFC with their cousin and an aunt when the made “child-free” and urged parents to keep Saturday on a protest rally in the eastern have heavily armed support, while television Pakistani Taleban who had a government bounty on his head, officials and family said, in what is attack occurred Sunday near a busy intersec- their children away. UNICEF “condemns the province of Trat killed a five-year-old girl. The footage has shown apparent protesters firing tion occupied by the protesters. violence that resulted in these tragic and current unrest is the most severe in the bitter- handguns in clashes. seen as a case of internal rivalry. Asmatullah Shaheen, who was believed to be in his mid-40s The siblings, along with a 5-year-old girl senseless deaths and injuries to children,” it ly divided kingdom since protests by Thaksin- The shocking deaths of the three children who died Saturday in another attack on a rally said in a statement. A police officer who was allied “Red Shirts” against a previous govern- over the weekend earned swift condemna- and a former interim chief of the militant group, had a 10-million-rupee ($95,000) bounty on his site in the eastern province of Trat, are the first shot in the head during a clash with anti-gov- ment in 2010 sparked clashes and a military tion from UN chief Ban Ki-Moon. Prime children to be killed in the country’s recent ernment protesters last week also died yester- crackdown that left more than 90 people Minister Yingluck labeled them “terrorist acts”. head. He was ambushed in Dargah Mandi village near Miransha, the main town of the troubled political unrest, which has claimed at least 20 day. Protesters, mostly representing the urban dead. “As days go by, there will be more vio- The UN children’s fund UNICEF also urged lives and injured more than 700 since elite and those in the south, are pressing for lence until it cannot be controlled,” army chief protesters to keep children away from the ral- North Waziristan tribal district. Despite his sen- iority, Shaheen was also seen as a highly contro- November. Police have not arrested any sus- the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Prayut Chan-O-Cha warned in a rare televised lies, which have for many weeks been treated pects in the weekend attacks. The Thai public Shinawatra. —AP live speech. as boisterous family occasions. —AFP versial figure within the Pakistani Taleban and Western colleges find common ground on Malaysian campus NUSAJAYA: At Newcastle University’s oping Asia. Non-EU enrollment in uni- unrelated Malaysia campus of Britain’s medical school, students tread red- versities in Britain grew by 20 percent Nottingham University established in brick paths through a green campus to 300,000 students from 2008 to 2005 cost six times that. Malaysia has bearing Victorian touches in a scene 2012, according to the British govern- bent rules to allow 100 percent for- that befits a top college in northern ment. It forecasts four million stu- eign ownership in the venture and England. But this setting is sweltering dents per year will seek study abroad offers various tax incentives. Built on tropical Malaysia, where select depart- globally by 2024, one-third of them former oil-palm plantations, EduCity ments of several European universi- from China and India. “Our ambition is has a 14,000-seat sports complex, ties have joined in a shared-campus to market this opportunity regionally, accommodations in a 570-bed “stu- concept to tap growing Asian so a big target for us is going to be dent village”, and other shared fea- demand for sought-after Western the Indonesian-type market, poten- tures on a campus mixing wide green degrees. Distance and cost concerns tially Vietnam, potentially Thailand, lawns mixed with unfinished con- combine to keep many Asian students and of course China and India,” said struction. Enrollment doubled this and Western universities apart. But John McBride, CEO of the University of school year to more than 1,200 under- the shared nature of facilities in the Southampton at EduCity. graduates, mostly Malaysian. One- 123-hectare (305-acre) “EduCity” in fifth of all students are foreign. An southern Malaysia, and resulting low- Unfinished construction eventual student body of 16,000 is er start-up costs, allows institutions to Launched in 2011 as part of a vast targeted. gain an Asian foothold while passing Malaysian development zone, EduCity Teething troubles There have been teething problems, however. “None of us were happy,” said Peter Osbourne, head of Reading University’s presence, of a Malaysian-built student village viewed as sub-standard and under- equipped. NUMed spent extra to build its own cafeteria, unhappy with the student village’s. Concerns also have been raised about the quality of the student experience at the still relatively isolated, no-frills facility. The nearest city is about 30 kilometers away. Transport options are thin. “Current students are only at university for a certain period of time, and for us to tell them how great EduCity is going to be, doesn’t actually help their experience,” said NUMed provost and chief executive Reg Jordan. Said Malaysian student Dhanya Menon: “I guess it’s different (from Newcastle). “I don’t think many of us go out every night but we do have fun during the weekends and hang out (at a humble JOHOR BAHRU: Students attend a swimming lesson at Marlborough nearby shopping mall).” But analysts College at EduCity in Nusajaya, southern state of Johor Bahru. — AFP said as EduCity works on drawing in savings on to students. has six institutions on site including international students, it could have a Malaysian student Kanesh Rajoo NUMed, the University of solid core market in Muslim-majority pays just 60 percent of the 120,000- Southampton’s engineering pro- Malaysia, where concerns have risen pound tuition ($200,000) charged at gramme, and various offerings by the over poor-quality state-run universi- Newcastle University Medical School’s Netherlands Maritime Institute of ties and shrinking academic freedoms. UK campus and saves a small fortune Technology and Britain’s Reading Many in Malaysia’s sizable Chinese in British living costs. “Because of the University.It also includes the Johan and Indian minority communities also reputation of obtaining a recognised Cruyff Institute, a sports-management are left out by affirmative-action policies UK degree, I will probably have an school founded by the Dutch football for ethnic Malays that favor the country’s upper hand (in Malaysia’s job market) legend, plus noted primary and sec- majority ethnic group in college place- as compared to those from a local uni- ondary schools such as Britain’s 170- ments. Such factors have been blamed versity,” Kanesh said while studying in year-old Marlborough College. At for fueling a “brain drain” of talent over- NUMed’s spacious library. Multi-uni- least 10 institutions, including eight seas, just as Malaysia grapples with versity concepts have been tried else- universities, are expected by 2015. tougher regional economic competition where with mixed success but the “You don’t have to spend the capex and a resulting need for more qualified Malaysian government project hopes required to build an entire university,” personnel.”Which uni you went to is to set itself apart by cherry-picking said Joanne Oei, EduCity’s managing going to be a quick way for employers to respected individual university director. sort through applications,” Wan Saiful departments. The government estimates buy-in Wan Jan, head of Malaysian think-tank Colleges, meanwhile, get a slice of costs at 20 million ringgit ($6 million) IDEAS, said of the growing regional eco- a growing education market in devel- per institution. By comparison, an nomic competition. — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Korean reunion provides answers to lifetime of questions News BUCHEON: Kim Se-Rin always knew it my younger brother...” had spent valuable time parroting state in brief would be impossible to get all the propaganda on issues like the US troop answers to more than 60 years’ worth of Pain, and propaganda presence in the South. Rare, high-level Thieves make off with questions in just 12 hours. But he got the It was only at the time Kim was select- negotiations between Seoul and giant Australia mango ones he needed. Kim, 85, was one of 82 ed that he discovered for the first time his Pyongyang had been required to prevent SYDNEY: Thieves armed with heavy machinery and elderly South Koreans who returned younger sister was now the only living the North cancelling the reunion over cranes made a daring midnight heist in northern Saturday from a bittersweet, emotionally member of his immediate family. “She told South Korea’s refusal to postpone its Australia, stealing a 10-metre, seven-ton mango fraught reunion with North Korean rela- me my brother went to medical school annual military drills with the United monument, officials said Monday. The Big Mango, a tives from whom they have been separat- and worked in Pyongyang Central States which began Monday. towering likeness of the fruit which is abundant in ed since the 1950-53 Korean War. With Hospital for a long time before he died. the statue’s hometown of Bowen, in Queensland, is tens of thousands of South Korans wait- “He was seven years younger than me. I ‘First and last memory’ one of more than 150 “Big Things” erected as kitschy listed for one of the rare gatherings, Kim feel so sad that he passed away before Kim Young-Soon said her aunt had tourist attractions across Australia. The famous fruit, was all too aware of how lucky he was to me,” he said. Like many who crossed to the stressed the key role of North Korean which was unveiled in 2002, appeared to have been be selected. South, Kim often fretted over his family’s leader Kim Jong-Un in organizing the harvested overnight in an ambitious raid, said But the meeting with his younger sis- well-being, especially because, as reunion, but otherwise politics hadn’t Bowen Tourism chairman Paul McLaughlin. “It looks ter, now 80, had still filled him with trepi- landowners, they would have been likely overly tainted the meeting. Her overriding like it was sort of two o’clock this morning-type dation. “There were just so many things I targets for class struggle in the commu- memory was of a private moment in their thing. There was ... some heavy equipment and it wanted and needed to know,” Kim said nist North. “The most important thing for hotel room, away from the glare of the TV looks like they’ve taken the mango,” McLaughlin told after his return in his daughter’s home in my father was to know what happened to cameras. Her aunt had seemed uncom- the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.He said he Bucheon, west of Seoul. the family during the war and how they fortable and her feet were swollen, so her thought it was a joke when he was first informed of The first son of an affluent farming lived for all those years afterwards,” said niece massaged them with ointment. “She the mango’s abduction but “I’ve come out and sure family in the North Korean county of Kim’s daughter, Kim Young-Soon, who fell asleep so fast,” Kim recalled. “She was MOUNT KUMGANG: Ryu Keun Cheol of enough the mango has disappeared”. McLaughlin Hwangju, he had left his hometown in accompanied him to the reunion. nearly 80 years old and she must have South Korea receives a kiss from his sis- said there was surveillance camera footage of the December 1950 at the height of the Their parents, Kim’s sister told him, had been awfully tired. So I kept massaging ter Yu Keun-Bae of North Korea during a heist and he was sure the plundered fruit would be Korean War to join the South Korean army. died during the war. “She had photos and her, holding her hands and touching her family reunion held in the North Korean found. “At the end of the day it’s a bloody big mango That he went without telling his parents, they talked a lot about their shared mem- face while she slept. “I wanted to touch resort area of Mount Kumgang. — AFP and I’m sure someone will see it and we’ll find it any- his brother or his two sisters became a ories,” said Kim Young-Soon. “It made my her as much as I could, because that way,” he told the Brisbane Times. “I think it’ll definite- source of life-long guilt and regret, that he father happy and he was thankful that he would be my first and last memory of my remains a highly volatile relationship. ly turn up, no doubt about that. We’re not sure what hoped he could partly excise by meeting had the chance for this meeting before he aunt.” It was the first meeting of divided When Kim Se-Rin said goodbye to his has happened but I’m sure we’ll get it back.” There his sister. Although the reunion in a North died. You have to understand, he’s 85 families in more than three years, as the younger sister on Saturday, he knew it are giant fruits all over Australia, including the Big Korean mountain resort was tagged as a years old and it was his lifelong wish.” reunion program was suspended follow- was, in all likelihood, their final farewell. Banana, the Big Pineapple, the Big Strawberry and three-day event, the time officially allot- Pooled media reports of the reunion in ing the North’s shelling of a South Korean But he tried to make it a positive moment. multiple Big Apples and Oranges. ted for the divided family members to North Korea suggested that, for some par- border island in 2010. Cross-border ties “I believe Korea will be unified one day. meet totaled just 12 hours. “I peppered ticipants, the event had failed to live up to are currently enjoying something of a Nowadays, people can live up to 100 and her with questions,” Kim said. “About her their sky-high expectations. Some com- thaw, but precedent suggests that such my goal is 95,” he said. “So I told my family Philippine police arrest life, when our parents passed away, about plained that their North Korean relatives periods are often short-lived in what in North Korea to think like that.”— AFP top rebel commander MANILA: Philippine police arrested a key commander of the main Muslim rebel group that recently concluded a peace deal with the government, the Myanmar housemaids arrive in national police chief said yesterday in a move criticized by the insurgents. Director-General Alan Purisima said police and marine forces arrested Wahid Tundok, a commander of the Moro Islamic Hong Kong; welfare fears grow Liberation Front wanted for multiple murder and other charges, on Sunday at a checkpoint in southern Cotabato city. Tundok and several of his armed Myanmar women the ‘most vulnerable’ to abuse followers were taken to a local military headquarters for questioning. Rebel deputy leader Ghadzali HONG KONG: Hong Kong yester- citizens with Hong Kong residen- Jaafar said immunity guarantees under a cease-fire day received its first official group cy. agreement cover Tundok and that talks were under- of maids from Myanmar since the Campaigners from activist way with the government to free the men. The former junta-ruled nation allowed group HK Helpers Campaign said cease-fire, he said, should remain in place and its citizens to work abroad as Myanmar women were the group Tundok’s arrest should not affect the gains made in domestic helpers, as the city tries “most vulnerable” to abuse in the the peace talks. Tundok once belonged to a rebel to plug a shortage. An initial region. Activists handed out unit whose leader broke off from the main Moro group of 19 women-drawn from Burmese-language advice leaflets group with hundreds of insurgents because of their around 200 expected over the to the new arrivals at the airport opposition to peace talks. Tundok stayed with the next three months-arrived in the yesterday. “They have limited main group and has helped army troops battle the semi-autonomous Chinese terri- skills in Cantonese and English. breakaway, hardline insurgents, according to the tory, said the agency which They are not Internet-savvy... They main rebel group. The government and the rebels arranged their employment. They are probably the most vulnerable last month completed all four key agreements that are the first group legally in Hong group (of maids) from Southeast would comprise a peace pact, which calls for the Kong following a change last year Asia,” Tom Grundy said. Myanmar 11,000-strong guerrilla force to be deactivated. to Myanmar’s migration law as began to emerge from decades of Under the deal, the government will grant amnesty the nation opens up. harsh military rule in 2011. to Muslim rebels facing or convicted of rebellion- Some 300,000 helpers, mainly Women from the long-isolated related charges. from Indonesia and the nation have been working legally Philippines, are already in Hong for several months as domestic 500 migrants force their Kong. Concerns about the welfare helpers in Singapore, but with way into Spain’s Melilla of domestic workers have grown limited rights according to MADRID: Some 500 African migrants stormed a after an Indonesian maid was Yangon-based Andy Hall, a migra- triple barbed-wire border fence yesterday that allegedly scalded and beaten tion activist and researcher. divides the Spanish territory of Melilla from repeatedly over an eight-month He said Myanmar implement- Morocco, with about 100 making it over, an official period by her Hong Kong employ- ed “almost no regulation” on said. The migrants targeted two different sections of er. The allegations last month agencies wishing to employ the the border and were “very violent” as they used sparked angry protests by domes- workers, and their fate in HONG KONG: In this file photo, demonstrators shout slogans during a march in support of an “sticks and threw rocks at Spanish and Moroccan tic workers and saw other maids Singapore was “really concerning” Indonesian maid who was allegedly tortured by her employer in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has received police”, said a spokeswoman for the Spanish govern- come forward alleging abuse. The and involved “serious debt its first official group of maids from Myanmar since the former junta-ruled nation allowed its citizens ment’s representative in Melilla. About 100 of the employer is facing criminal bondage”. Hong Kong is facing a to work abroad as domestic helpers, as the city tries to plug a shortage. — AFP roughly 500 migrants involved in the border assault charges. Immigration Department potential shortage of domestic managed to enter Melilla, she added. The Moroccan data showed that 47 Myanmar helpers from traditional providers. 1,000 and 2,000 maids from agency, which brought them to ($517) a month, are entitled to interior ministry said at least 27 people had been nationals were already working in Indonesia last year reiterated it Myanmar are expected in Hong Hong Kong. Foreign domestic free food and accommodation, wounded, including 13 members of its security Hong Kong, but were brought in would ban the export of domestic Kong in the next year, said Law helpers in Hong Kong by law and receive statutory holi- forces hit by rocks that the migrants hurled at them on an individual basis by fellow workers from 2017. Between Yiu-keung of the Golden Mind must be paid at least HK$4,010 days.—AFP as they stormed the border fence. Moroccan police arrested around 100 migrants, including 14 who were taken to hospital in the nearby town of Nador Japan ponders suffering injuries caused by the barbed wire that the Spanish authorities have placed on top of the revision of ‘comfort barrier as a deterrent. It was the latest in a series of coordinated assaults by African migrants on the women’ apology border of Melilla, which along with fellow Spanish territory Ceuta has the European Union’s only land TOKYO: Japan will consider revising an apology for its wartime borders with Africa. The two cities sit across the system of sex slavery, a top official said yesterday, a move that Mediterranean from mainland Spain, surrounded by will draw fury in South Korea and beyond if the historic state- Moroccan territory. On February 17 about 150 ment is watered down. Evidence given by “comfort women”-a African migrants made it into Melilla in another euphemism for those forced to work in military brothels-that mass assault by migrants bearing sticks and stones. forms the basis of the 1993 Kono Statement, is to be re-exam- At least 14 migrants drowned in Moroccan waters ined, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said yesterday. The on February 6 while trying to enter Ceuta by sea move is the latest in a series of statements and gaffes from senior after several hundred tried to storm the land border. officials around Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that are being interpreted as questioning accepted wisdom on Japan’s brutal Cross-border raid wartime behaviour in East Asia. kills four in I Coast These have included the assertion by a member of NHK’s ABIDJAN: State radio in Ivory Coast says four peo- board of governors, a man appointed by Abe, that the 1937 ple were killed in a cross-border raid staged from “Rape of Nanking”, when Japanese forces committed mass rape neighboring Liberia. The report said the attack and murder following the capture of the city, had been fabricat- occurred early Sunday morning in the southwestern PYONGYANG: North Koreans aim the air guns at a shooting gallery near the Daedong River in Pyongyang, North ed for propaganda purposes. No mainstream historian holds this town of Grabo near the Liberian border. It was Korea yesterday. — AP view. “The testimonies of comfort women were taken on the unclear whether the dead were civilians or soldiers. premise of their being closed-door sessions. The government will Sulaiman Momodu, information officer for the UN Military drills to test inter-Korean detente consider whether there can be a revision while preserving” the refugee agency in Liberia, said about 100 Ivorians confidence in which they were given, Chief Cabinet Secretary crossed into Liberia after the attack. More than SEOUL: South Korea kicked off its annu- surge in military tensions, with In particular, North Korea wants the Yoshihide Suga said. 50,000 Ivorian refugees remain in Liberia following al joint military exercises with the Pyongyang threatening a pre-emptive South to resume regular tours to its Suga’s comment came after a weekend opinion poll, jointly Ivory Coast’s 2010-11 postelection violence that United States yesterday, despite vocal nuclear strike, and nuclear-capable US Mount Kumgang resort, which provided conducted by the nationalistic Sankei Shimbun daily and Fuji TV, claimed more than 3,000 lives. The conflict erupted opposition from North Korea which will stealth bombers making dummy runs a much-needed source of hard currency in which 59 percent of respondents said the apology should be after former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to test a recent upswing in cross-border over the Korean peninsula. US defense in the past. South Korea suspended the revised. The issue was inflamed when Katsuto Momii, the new leave office after losing the election to current ties. The start of this year’s drills overlaps officials have indicated-in an apparent tours after a woman tourist was shot head of Japan’s national broadcaster NHK, said sex slavery was President Alassane Ouattara. An untold number of with the first reunion for more than effort to mollify the North-that this dead by North Korean security guards in common in many militaries and was only wrong when judged pro-Gbagbo fighters also fled to Liberia after the three years of families divided by the year’s drills will be slightly toned down, 2008. South Korean President Park against modern morality. Respected historians say up to 200,000 conflict, and sporadic cross-border raids have Korean War-an event that has raised with no aircraft carrier and no strategic Geun-Hye has made it clear that Seoul women, mostly from Korea but also from China, Indonesia, the occurred since mid-2011. hopes of greater North-South coopera- bombers. However, South Korean considers the reunion a “first step”-sug- Philippines and Taiwan, were forced to serve as sex slaves in tion. Pyongyang had initially insisted Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min- gesting that her administration is will- Japanese army brothels. Jordan foils bid to smuggle that the joint exercises be postponed Seok insisted yesterday there would be ing to consider some reciprocity down However, a minority of right-wing Japanese insist there was large weapons from Syria until after the reunion finishes today, “no readjustment” in the scale of the the road. John Delury, a professor at no official involvement by the state or the military and say the AMMAN: Jordanian border guards foiled an but Seoul refused and-in a rare conces- maneuvers. Seoul’s Yonsei University, believes Park women were common prostitutes. In 1993, after hearing testimo- attempt to smuggle a large amount of ammunition sion-the North allowed the family gath- and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ny from 16 Korean women, a statement issued in the name of from Syria and arrested five people yesterday, the ering to go ahead as scheduled. The Pyongyang eyes benefit are at a point where their respective then-chief cabinet secretary Yohei Kono acknowledged official army said. “Border guards foiled an attempt to annual “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle” Saturday’s edition of the North’s rul- national interests could dovetail to their complicity in the coercion of women into sex slavery. It offered smuggle a large amount of ammunition and other drills-routinely condemned by North ing party newspaper Rodong Sinmun mutual benefit. “sincere apologies and remorse” to the women and vowed to material from Syria into Jordan, at around 1:30 am,” Korea as rehearsals for invasion-will last slammed the exercises as a “vicious “Once she begins to act with face the historical facts squarely. But repeated wavering on the the army said in a statement on its website. “The until April 18 and involve a combined attempt” to undo the goodwill generat- resolve things could move quickly if issue among senior right-wing politicians has contributed to a guards arrested five people and seized their car,” it total of 12,700 US troops and many ed by the family reunion. Such rhetoric Kim is ready to play ball,” Delury wrote feeling in South Korea that Japan is in denial and is not sufficient- added without giving any further details. Jordan more from South Korea. “Key Resolve” was only to be expected, and analysts on the closely-followed North Korea- ly remorseful. says smuggling across the border with Syria has lasts just over a week and is a largely say the North is unlikely to go much fur- focused website 38 North. The North’s risen by 300 percent in the past year and that hun- computer-simulated exercise, while the ther for fear of jeopardizing the credit it threat to cancel the reunion over the Verification team dreds of trafficking attempts have been foiled. The eight-week “Foal Eagle” drill involves air, sees itself as having banked by agreeing joint drills was withdrawn during talks Last week, Suga told parliament that the government “would number of licensed weapons stands at 120,000. But ground and naval field training. to the divided family meetings. “The earlier this month that marked the like to consider” setting up a verification team with academics the interior ministry also estimates that there are Seoul and Washington insist they are North’s strategy is clearly to gain some highest-level official contact between who would look again at the 16 women’s accounts. On the same more than one million unlicensed guns in the both defensive in nature, playing out economic benefit on the back of the the two Koreas for seven years. Both day, Nobuo Ishihara, former deputy chief cabinet secretary who nation of seven million people. The kingdom is various scenarios to combat a North family reunion,” said Ahn Chan-Il, direc- sides agreed to keep the dialogue played a key role in working out the Kono statement, told parlia- home to more than 500,000 Syrian refugees. Korean invasion. Last year’s drills fuelled tor of the World Institute for North going, although without any specific ment that Japan had conducted no checks on the former com- an unusually sharp and protracted Korea Studies in Seoul. timetable or agenda.—AFP fort women’s accounts to verify their stories.—AFP NEWS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Dodgy data obscures reality of Gulf boom Continued from Page 1 Suwaidi, director-general of the NBS, told Reuters that “technicalities” were probably behind the difference The Gulf countries have enough money to create but that a full explanation would need a closer look. agencies compiling accurate, regular statistics if they “Once they do a population census, this issue will be wish. So the reasons for the data problem appear com- resolved. In the meantime we have to live with these plex. The biggest reason may be simply that govern- two different estimates,” said Harald Finger, the ments see no strong need for data. Economies are still International Monetary Fund’s mission chief for the driven by oil revenues, which depend mainly on exter- UAE. It is not clear when the next census will be con- nal rather than domestic demand. Monetary policy is ducted. If the UAE ends up concluding that the smaller basic, with central banks rarely adjusting interest rates number is correct, that could be a disappointment to or liquidity supplies. Since authorities are not continu- investors for whom the size of the country’s market is a ally fine-tuning policies in response to economic key factor. trends, they do not view collecting timely, detailed data as a priority. Challenges Also, because of their reliance on oil revenues, Gulf In the absence of reliable official data, many busi- governments generally do not collect individual nessmen and analysts use private surveys and esti- income or value-added taxes. Tax systems are a key mates of certain sectors to gauge economic trends - source of raw numbers for economic statistics in other though the private surveys face many of the same countries. Many Gulf companies have secretive cultures obstacles as government statisticians. German car mak- and are reluctant to disclose any information on their er Opel estimates the region’s car market is growing business, even to governments - a major headache for about 10-15 percent annually. If that is the case, official state statisticians. An additional factor may be the data showing Gulf economies growing at rates of secretive nature of the Gulf governments themselves, around 3-5 percent may be understating reality. While which tend not to debate sensitive issues in public. In the shortage of reliable data in the Gulf may matter lit- A Belarus interior ministry special forces a soldier demonstrates his ability to sustain a blow during a com- some cases, they may be accumulating data but choos- tle when economies are booming, it can become dan- petition to mark the Defenders of the Fatherland Day at their training centre outside Minsk on Sunday. ing not to reveal it, or not bothering to do so. gerous when there is a major downturn. It can slow Belarus alongside Russia and other countries of the former USSR celebrates the Soviet holiday on Feb 23 “A lot of data is collected, so it is available for policy authorities’ realisation that trouble is brewing, and add each year. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the holiday was given its current name in 2002 by makers, but is not published,” said Paul Gamble, direc- to investors’ jitters. Russian President Vladimir Putin. — AFP tor in the sovereign group at credit rating agency Fitch Dubai found this in 2009 when some of its state- Ratings. Authorities are making efforts to strengthen linked companies ran into trouble, forcing multi-billion their data services; the emirate of Abu Dhabi, for exam- dollar debt restructurings. A lack of data about Dubai’s Yanukovycc sought for ‘mass murder’ ple, has launched a comprehensive public statistics economy and state finances caused many investors to website over the last few years. Gamble said Gulf data assume the worst, triggering a panic that hit emerging Continued from Page 1 policy chief Catherine Ashton. Ashton’s office said her had improved enough over the past decade “to give a markets around the world. Since then, Dubai has talks yesterday with Ukraine’s interim leader focused on broad guide to economic performance”. begun revealing more information, though not as World finance chiefs meeting in Sydney at the week- finding “a lasting solution to the political crisis and But policy makers and businessmen still face puzzles much as developed economies. It has still not sought a end raised the possibility of drumming up a huge res- measures to stabilise the economic situation”. The EU such as Saudi Arabia’s fourth-quarter GDP. The govern- rating from credit rating agencies, which would require cue package that could fill in for $15 billion promised to last year extended the promise of Ä610-million ($840- ment’s statistics office announced that the country’s a higher level of disclosure. Yanukovych by Putin - money that is now on potentially million) loan if Kiev adopted a comprehensive econom- GDP grew 3.8 percent in 2013, but did not give a num- Many Gulf states are considering reforms of their permanent hold. Ukraine’s interim finance minister Yuriy ic restructuring package prescribed by the IMF - some- ber for the fourth quarter. Calculations by Reuters and public finances, and ways to develop their capital mar- Kolobov said the “planned volume of macroeconomic thing that Yanukovych had mostly failed to do. private economists show the 2013 figure can only be kets and foster private-sector businesses, to ensure assistance for Ukraine may reach around $35 billion” by Economists believe a much larger figure may be reconciled with the data for the first three quarters if their economies and political stability are not held the end of next year. coming Ukraine’s way despite EU leaders’ hesitance to fourth-quarter growth is a sky-high 10 percent. Over hostage to oil prices. Poor data hinders these efforts. Russia’s vocal displeasure at the changes convulsing take the politically unpopular decision of releasing vast the past year, Saudi Arabia’s official figure for its 2012 For example, Gulf states have been considering the its neighbour has translated into fears that Moscow’s sums of foreign assistance at a time of high unemploy- GDP growth was put at 6.8 percent, then revised down introduction of a sales tax to widen their revenue massive rescue may be abandoned after only one payment and slow growth in their own countries. London’s to 5.1 percent, then raised again to 5.8 percent. The sta- bases; the tax would have to be introduced across all ment of $3 billion that came through in December and Capital Economics consultancy said Ukraine probably tistics office did not reply to Reuters questions about six Gulf Cooperation Council economies to prevent has been used up. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry needed a bailout of around $20 billion to sustain its the numbers. consumer spending from migrating to lower-tax coun- Medvedev issued one of Moscow’s firmest responses to finances over the next year. “Data has improved but of course there is a credibili- tries. But without clear data on consumption, popula- date by condemning the “armed mutiny” in Ukraine. Turchynov vowed Sunday to draw up a “government ty gap in terms of data being convincing and believ- tion and growth, it is hard for authorities to estimate “The legitimacy of a whole number of organs of power of the people” and warned Russia that he expected the able,” Sfakianakis said. “Too often we see extreme revi- the impact and benefits of the tax. that function there raises great doubts,” he was quoted Kremlin to respect Ukraine’s pivot to the West. He has sions in macro indicators. They are not properly com- In the long run, GCC countries hope to integrate as saying by Russian news agencies. “Some of our for- until today to cobble together a coalition cabinet and municated. If you change GDP by 2 percentage their economies and financial markets further, perhaps eign, Western partners think otherwise,” Medvedev find a prime minister willing to take up the challenge of points...they highlight major statistical lapses in your eventually forming a single currency area. But as the fumed. “This is some kind of (an) aberration.” keeping Ukraine from falling off the economic cliff survey.” euro zone has found, a single currency requires coordi- Russia’s finance minister added to the pressure by before the presidential polls. Turchynov is a close ally of Dodgy data also leads to mysteries such as the pop- nation of economic policies, and that would be difficult warning that Moscow would have to raise duties on its Yulia Tymoshenko - an iconic but divisive former pre- ulation of the UAE. According to the UAE’s National without comparable data. “They cannot have a mone- goods if Kiev reversed Yanukovych’s decision and still mier who was released by parliament on Saturday from Bureau of Statistics, the population was last officially tary union without having harmonised data. We are not signed the EU partnership pact. But a European a controversial jail sentence she was handed by estimated at 8.3 million in 2010, but adding together yet there,” Sfakianakis said. “If there is political will Commission spokesman said such a deal could not be Yanukovych’s team - and is not himself expected to run individual estimates for the UAE’s seven emirates pro- everything will fall into place. Political will does mira- finalised until after Ukraine’s May 25 snap presidential for the presidency. duces a total of only about 5.6 million. Rashid Al- cles in the region.” — Reuters election because this needed to be “a full sovereign Tymoshenko began to build up her credentials on choice”. Ukraine’s new interim leader Oleksandr Sunday by fielding a telephone call from German Turchynov warned that Kiev would have no alternative Chancellor Angela Merkel and meeting a string of but to default on $13 billion in foreign obligations due Western ambassadors in Kiev. But her spokeswoman Egypt govt resigns ahead of election this year should the West fail to fill in for Moscow’s sus- stressed that the 53-year-old - who had appeared pended aid. before the crowds in a wheelchair on Saturday because Continued from Page 1 While his chances of winning against Sisi are seen as Financial assistance from European powers was set of back problems - had made no decision about run- slim, Sabbahi said he was urged to run by the young to dominate the agenda of a two-day visit by EU foreign ning in May. — AFP The nation is above everybody.” The cabinet said in a people who led the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime statement it resigned “in light of the current situation president Hosni Mubarak. They “feel that their revolution that the country is going through.” was being stolen... as their comrades were being jailed Leopard in Indian city triggers panic The mass resignations could have been triggered by and some killed before their eyes,” he said in an inter- the pressure on Beblawi himself to step down. “If the view. Continued from Page 1 into populated areas. prime minister resigns, then the whole cabinet resigns,” In the more than seven months since Morsi’s over- Video footage from Mumbai last year showed a Mustapha Kamel al-Sayyid, a political science professor throw, Egypt has been battered by protests and militant Authorities have urged the closure of markets in the leopard creeping into an apartment block foyer and at Cairo University, said. The resignations could also work attacks that have damaged its vital tourism industry and city of 3.5 million until the animal, which has left six snatching a small dog. A tiger on the prowl in the in Sisi’s favour, he added. “If Field Marshal Sisi decides to scared off investors. Beblawi’s government has people injured, was captured, according to the Press northern state of Uttar Pradesh since last December is run, he would like to run with a government that has a announced two stimulus packages funded by Arab Gulf Trust of India (PTI) news agency. Police, soldiers and believed to have killed some ten people, and wildlife good reputation and can help him by resolving some of states but still faces accusations of incompetence, even wildlife officials were trying to hunt it down but their officials are still trying to hunt it down. Conservation the urgent problems faced by the people.” Beblawi said by many Sisi supporters. The expansion of the crack- efforts were being hampered by large crowds keen to group WWF called for better management of forests his government would remain in a caretaker role until down on Morsi’s supporters to more secular activists has catch a glimpse of the cat, PTI said. and other habitats for India’s leopard population, the interim president signs off on the resignations, the also alienated some who supported the overthrow last Photos showed the beast pushing its way through a which numbered 1,150 at a 2011 census. “Leopards are official MENA news agency reported. year of Egypt’s first democratically elected leader. Some lattice wall at the hospital as a policeman in riot helmet, large territorial mammals, they need space to move Government spokesman Hany Saleh told AFP that leading secular activists who spearheaded the over- stood ready to hit it with a baton. The leopard was also around. Some of their corridors are getting blocked so yesterday’s decision was taken because there was a “feel- throw of Mubarak and then called for Morsi’s ouster pictured leaping off a building site as people scrambled there is bound to be an interface,” Deepankar Ghosh of ing that new blood is needed”. The government’s resig- have since been jailed for unauthorised demonstrations. out of the way. Last week another leopard killed a five- WWF-India told AFP. “We can’t put all the leopards into nation came as Hamdeen Sabbahi, a prominent candi- But many Egyptians, weary after three years of unrest, year-old boy in the central state of Chhattisgarh, the lat- cages. We can’t remove all the people living near date for the election, told AFP he fears a return to autoc- view Sisi as a strong hand that can restore stability to the est in a string of incidents raising concerns about forested areas. We have to manage the situation the racy in Egypt three years after its Arab Spring uprising. country. — AFP depleting habitats for big cats which is forcing them best way we can.” — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Games over, will Putin take the gloves off?

By Timothy Heritage

or more than two weeks while Russia hosted the Winter Olympics, President Vladimir Putin did his best to show Fthe world that he and his country have a soft side. Now the Sochi Games are over, Western governments are concerned the smile will disappear and the gloves come off in Russia’s tug-of-war with Europe over the fate of Ukraine. The circus artists, dancers and flag bearers hardly had time to leave the stadium after the closing ceremony in Sochi before Russia announced it had recalled its ambassador from Ukraine for consultations in Moscow. Threat of Israel boycotts more bark than bite Russian state television could not even wait for the end of the Games to launch a scathing attack on the ousted By Crispian Balmer internal resistance, helped bring about the isolation ating in the settlements, such as skincare company toxic property as a way of forcing the government Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovich. Accusing him of and eventually the end of apartheid in South Africa Ahava, represent less than 1 percent of all Israeli- to roll back settlements and sign a full peace deal. betrayal, presenter Dmitry Kiselyov said: “The consequences hough voices are getting louder inside and out- in the 1980s. Pro-Palestinian, or anti-Israeli, activists EU trade, which last year totalled $36.7 billion, up Omar Barghouti, the BDS co-founder, told Reuters are irreversible. Ukraine is one step from a split and probably side Israel about the threat of economic boy- hope to use the same tactics to force Israeli Prime from $20.9 billion a decade earlier. The European he sensed a changing international atmosphere already beyond the threshold of civil war.” The president has cotts for its continued occupation of Palestinian Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sign a deal to cre- Union matters because it is Israel’s largest trading and was particularly buoyed by news of divest- not spoken in public about the fall of Yanukovich, but Kiselyov T territories, there seems little prospect of it facing ate an independent Palestine based on the 1967 partner and it is the only place where murmurings ments from Israeli banks. “We’re talking about a is a Putin loyalist who has the president’s trust. He will soon measures with real bite. With a number of European borders. They believe recent action by a handful of of sanctions have so far been raised outside the completely different league here. Forget boy- take over a media organisation intended to polish Russia’s firms already withdrawing some funds, Israeli Finance European firms to distance themselves from Israel Arab world, where only Egypt and Jordan have for- cotting settlements, (that is) peanuts. Targeting the image. Minister Yair Lapid has warned that every household might be the start of something big. mal ties with Israel. banks, that’s where the money is, that’s the pillar of Western leaders are concerned Russia may be so worried in Israel will feel the pinch if ongoing peace talks with In December, Dutch firm Vitens said it would not However, Europe is not united on how to deal the Israeli economy,” said Barghouti. about losing influence in Ukraine, the cradle of Russian civili- the Palestinians collapse. US Secretary of State John work with Israeli utility company Mekorot because with Israel and has not yet even agreed to intro- However, divestment moves by the likes of sation, that it could use force to prevent the vast country to its Kerry has also warned that Israel risks a financial hit if it of its West Bank footprint. The following month a duce EU-wide labelling to make clear if goods Danske Bank appear to be the exception rather west forging closer ties with the European Union. US is blamed for the failure, but investors and diplomats large Dutch pension fund, PGGM, ended its invest- come from settlements, much less anything more than the norm. Germany’s biggest lender President Barack Obama’s national security adviser, Susan say they are unconvinced. ment in five Israeli banks because of their business radical along the lines suggested by Lapid. “There Deutsche Bank AG denied reports last week that it Rice, said it would be a “grave mistake” if Russia sent troops to It is true that some foreign firms have started to dealings with settlements considered illegal under is no EU boycott,” the president of the European was set to boycott Israeli banks, while the giant Ukraine - although the Kremlin has not suggested it would. shun Israeli business concerns operating in East international law. Denmark’s Danske Bank blacklist- parliament, Martin Schultz, said this month during Dutch pension fund ABP announced this month Britain’s foreign minister, William Hague, warned against what Jerusalem and the West Bank - land seized in the ed Bank Hapoalim for the same reason. a visit to Jerusalem during which he questioned that after a review, it saw no need to cut ties with he called external duress or Russian intervention and said: 1967 war - and the European Union is increasingly These moves sent a jolt through the Israeli gov- whether the 28-nation bloc would want to Israeli banks. “There are many dangers and uncertainties.” angered by relentless Jewish settlement expansion. ernment. “If the negotiations with the Palestinians penalise Israel if the U.S.-backed talks failed. All the while, foreign firms continue to pour Putin spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel by But the bulk of Israeli business is clustered on the break down and a European boycott begins, even EU governments say it is up to each firm to into Israel. According to the latest Bank of Israel phone and Berlin quoted him as saying he wanted Ukraine to Mediterranean coast, a world away from the road- partially, Israel’s economy will go backwards, every decide its own investment strategy. While a hand- data, direct investment was $10.51 billion in the stay together, despite media speculation that Russia might blocks and watchtowers of the West Bank, and not person will be directly affected in their pockets,” ful of states, including Britain, Germany and the first nine months of 2013, up from $9.5 billion for want to take control of Russian-speaking regions in the east of even the Palestinian leadership is demanding a Lapid said in a speech earlier this month. Unlike Netherlands, discourage links with the settle- the whole of 2012. Exports to Europe rose 6.3 per- the country. But he said nothing in public about the bloody total economic boycott. some of his cabinet colleagues, the finance minister ments, there are no consequences for ignoring cent last year. Global brands such as Google, Cisco, drama in Ukraine, which he wants to lure into a planned trad- “The boycott is being used like a bogeyman, a supports the need to pull back from much of the that steer, beyond the “potential reputational Microsoft, Twitter, Apple, AOL and Facebook have ing bloc to challenge the economic might of China and the scary story you tell a child at night,” said Jonathan occupied territories in an effort to secure an elusive implications” a British Foreign Office agency warns all invested in Israel, so, like it or not, users of com- United States. Moldova and Georgia are watching closely. Like Medved, CEO of OurCrowd, a crowdfunding plat- peace accord. of on its website. Schultz said he was “not con- puters, smartphones and apps could well be sup- Ukraine, the two former Soviet republics want to deepen ties form looking to provide venture capital to Israeli Looking to convince the sceptics, Lapid said vinced about economic pressure”, and also cast porting Israeli engineering. with the European Union but also risk upsetting Moscow. companies. “The truth is that Israel is a world leader failure to strike a deal could lead to a 20 percent doubt on the need for clear labelling of settlement “All the talk about boycotts has not so far Georgia is particularly wary because it fought a five-day war in water technology, next-generation agriculture, drop in exports to the European Union and a halt goods that would allow consumers to chose. caused any damage to our economy,” Uriel Lynn, with Russia over two breakaway Georgian regions in 2008. cybersecurity, healthcare innovation and start-ups. in EU direct investment, warning that this would “Does it carry such a large weight that it could real- president of the Israeli Chambers of Commerce, What sane person is going to walk away from that?” cost the Israeli economy 11 billion shekels ($3.1 bil- ly change something?” he asked reporters. told Reuters. “Israel has gone through much harsh- Welcome Diversion he said, speaking by telephone during a visit to lion) a year. Supporting his case, Lapid points to an er boycotts in the past. For example, we did not The Olympics proved a welcome diversion for Putin. Russia South Africa to seek out potential partners. EU decision last summer to bar financial assistance Divestment have commercial relations with China for years, topped the medals table, fears of an attack by Islamist mili- to any Israeli organisations operating in the West The international Boycott, Divestment and and for a time we could only buy crude oil from tants fighting Russian forces in the Caucasus mountains Europe Stirs Bank, and warns this could be expanded. Sanctions (BDS) movement seeks something much Mexico and Egypt. So we can definitely withstand proved unfounded and the sports facilities were widely Embargoes, sanctions and boycotts, along with But EU diplomats say business with firms oper- more emphatic, eager to turn all Israeli brands into boycotts.” —Reuters praised. Putin dropped in on some of the national teams, sipped wine with American team officials and at one point allowed himself to be photographed with a Games volunteer on the ski slopes. “The friendly faces, the warm Sochi sun and How BuzzFeed is reinventing itself the glare of the Olympic gold have broken the ice of scepti- cism towards the new Russia,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak. “The Games have turned our country, its culture By Jennifer Saba The social news and entertainment media outlets such as the Washington relied on high search results, including be able to successfully straddle that and the people into something that is a lot closer and more company is famous for producing Post, depend on social media to fuel Demand Media and Rap Genius. line of content on their site that is appealing and understandable for the rest of the world.” uzzFeed has come a long way advertising-sponsored “listicles” that readership. BuzzFeed gets about 75 Peretti said he is not worried that purely for commercial gain and con- The jury may be out on that. During the Games, protests from cat lists. This month one of go viral, such as lists of golden retriev- percent of traffic referrals from social Facebook could harm BuzzFeed’s tent that is meant to inform people were limited to a small, scruffy park far from any Olympic ven- Bits journalists was on the ers (sponsored by a pet food brand) media, and the majority of that is from prospects because the company dis- about issue or events they care about,” ues and had to be arranged with city authorities in advance. A ground in Kiev reporting on the crisis or popular quizzes like “Which billion- Facebook. Last August, Facebook tributes its content through other said the Pew Research Center’s court upheld a three-year prison sentence against a local envi- in Ukraine, and last December it pub- aire tycoon are you?” (News Corp’s made a change to News Feed, which is social media platforms, such as Twitter Mitchell. ronmental activist accused of damaging a regional leader’s lished an in-depth article on a Rupert Murdoch took the quiz and prominently featured on a user’s and LinkedIn. As long as there is bene- No one expects sponsored con- property but best known for his campaigning against ecologi- Chinese dissident living in Harlem, got himself.) home page, pushing more stories fit for the consumer, he said, any traffic tent to go away, especially as advertis- cal damage he says was caused by Olympic construction work. New York. The kittens haven’t disap- Less known outside media circles is through the stream. Many media sites fluctuations should work out in the ers are expected to earmark more dol- At what they called a “show trial”, eight protesters were peared, but these days there is serious BuzzFeed’s foray into serious journal- saw their referral traffic soar. From long run. BuzzFeed expects revenue lars toward the ad form. Several major convicted in Moscow on Friday of rioting and violence against journalism as well. When Facebook ism, which began two years ago when September 2012 to September 2013, to double to $120 million this year, news organizations, including The police at a 2012 protest against Putin. Their sentences were Inc tweaked its News Feed filters in it hired Ben Smith, a former Politico BuzzFeed’s traffic jumped 855 percent, according to a person familiar with the New York Times, The Guardian, Time due to be handed down on Monday, the day after the Games December to weed out low-quality reporter, as its editor-in-chief. Facebook said in a blog post. company. BuzzFeed declined to give Inc and Hearst, are publishing spon- ended. “Will the Kremlin draw any lessons from the Maidan stories and other content, many were Headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed But in December, Facebook made financial figures. Peretti would only sored content. It offers more lucrative (protests in Kiev)?” opposition leader Boris Nemtsov asked in a waiting to see if it would hurt publish- now has more than 150 journalists, an another adjustment to News Feed’s fil- say that the company is profitable. advertising rates at an average cost- blog. “Will they give citizens back their freedom and give up ers including BuzzFeed, the leading investigative reporting unit, bureaus in ters to improve the “quality” of the per-thousand-users of around $10, their never-ending rule? I doubt it very much.” purveyor of “sponsored content” on Australia and the United Kingdom, content. BuzzFeed appears to have A Mash-Up compared with a banner ad that typi- the Web. and foreign correspondents in far- benefited - the number of people who BuzzFeed’s investors say they are cally offers only 50 cents to $1 on the ‘Cosmetic Moves’ But that didn’t happen to flung places like Nairobi and the visited the site rose 20 percent from focused on the company’s growth, ad exchanges. Moves before the Games such as freeing former oil execu- BuzzFeed, which continues to log Middle East. Its expansion comes amid December to mid-February, according including news, and decline to discuss “We don’t question news organi- tive Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was Russia’s most famous impressive increases in readership. a wave of investor interest in new to Quantcast. But other sites have suf- exit strategies such as an initial public zations that create entertainment prisoner, and an amnesty under which two members of the Founder and CEO Jonah Peretti attrib- media companies that are trying to fered a drop in traffic since Facebook’s offering or sale to another company. content anymore,” said Kyle Pussy Riot protest group were released from prison are dis- utes that to the company’s invest- capitalize on a decade-long wave of tweaks. An oft-cited rival of BuzzFeed “BuzzFeed must be in the real news Acquistapace, partner and director of missed by Putin’s opponents as cosmetic and intended merely ment in building a news operation to job cuts at newspapers, and new tech- is Upworthy, which aggregates materi- business,” said Kenneth Lerer, chair- media at the advertising firm Deutsch to appease the West. The Kremlin denies this. It also denies complement its staple of entertain- nology that has upended how news al across the Web to help its content man of BuzzFeed and an investor in LA, about BuzzFeed’s news expansion. cracking down on opponents and using the courts for politi- ment and advertising-sponsored arti- and advertising are produced and dis- go viral. It experienced a dip in traffic the company through New York- “What causes the question mark in cal purposes. Putin proved immune to criticism of the high cles. “There used to be this view that tributed. during the same period. Upworthy, based Lerer Ventures. “You have to BuzzFeed is if it can credibly make cost of the Games, thought to be around $50 billion, and said online publishing was about blogs “As these social technology spaces which grew at an even faster clip than deliver the whole package. There are news when the top thing on its home there was no evidence of widespread corruption. If presented that were very low-cost,” said Peretti, like Google, Facebook and Twitter BuzzFeed last year, experienced a 22 not a lot of companies serving that screen is ‘28 things that people with with such evidence, he would investigate it, he said. —Reuters 40, who helped start the popular The compete with each other, they want percent decrease in unique users from demo with hard news,” he said, refer- big boobs can simply never do.’ Can Huffington Post, now a unit of AOL to be the place you come and live in December to mid-February, according ring to readers between the ages of that door swing both ways? I think it Inc. “You couldn’t do things like inves- digital land,” said Amy Mitchell, direc- to Quantcast. 18 and 34. can. It’s a great mash-up.” tigations or have reporters. You could tor of journalism research at the Pew To be sure, there are many reasons BuzzFeed says it plans to hire more BuzzFeed is confident that chasing just do a smart take or snark on Research Center. “A part of what peo- why the number of people visiting a journalists and is keen to expand its hard news is good for business. Its in- All articles appearing on these things. If you wanted to actually say, ple look for is news.” BuzzFeed, which site can fluctuate from month to foreign news coverage. Still, some depth report about the Chinese dissi- pages are the personal opinion of ‘I’m going to sit down and talk to peo- has about 400 employees, raised $46 month, including seasonal factors and media experts say balancing a mix of dent in Harlem, Dr Gao Yaojie, had ple and spend more than three hours million in venture capital from the news items. An Upworthy spokes- serious stories with sponsored con- more than 700,000 views. A 6,000- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no on a story,’ then you go work in old likes of Lerer Ventures, Hearst, RRE woman pointed to the site’s sharp rise tent can be difficult. For instance, word story about buying a house in responsibility for views expressed media. I think that is changing.” and Japan’s SoftBank. “On the journal- in unique users from October to BuzzFeed published a list of “alleged” Detroit for $500 got 1.5 million views. therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Founded in 2006, BuzzFeed is now istic side, their new level of ambition November, and said the number of secret menu items at McDonald’s For comparison, The New York Times’ among the top 10 most-visited news makes a difference to me as an adver- people visiting Upworthy is still up sig- Corp, such as the Monster Mac, popular “Snow Fall” interactive feature ers to voice their opinions. Please and information sites in the United tiser if it grows their audience,” said nificantly since October. Facebook’s McCrepe and Pie McFlurry. The list got about 3.5 million views. “There are send submissions via email to: opin- States, joining the ranks of established Andrew Essex, vice chairman at adver- dominance in social media is similar to looked like an ad sponsored by the things now that we can try and do [email protected] or via snail media outlets like CNN and The New tising agency Droga5. Google’s leading position in Web hamburger chain, but it was actually a that may have been out of our reach mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. York Times. Over the past year, search. When the Internet giant made tongue-in-cheek article produced by before,” said Smith, BuzzFeed’s editor- BuzzFeed’s traffic has soared fourfold, Supplier to Social Media Pipes several changes to the formula that a BuzzFeed staff writer. in-chief. “We can step back and swing The editor reserves the right to edit with more than 160 million unique BuzzFeed and other media compa- determines search query results to “The one question for BuzzFeed as for the fences. We can send reporters any submission as necessary. visitors, according to online measure- nies, ranging from upstarts like Vox ensure more “quality” information, that they move further to produce their down rabbit holes, which I’m really ment and advertising firm Quantcast. Media and Upworthy to established hurt some media companies that own journalism is whether they will excited about.” —Reuters TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 SPORTS

Cilic continues hot run Cricket WCup preparations James out of Bulls game DELRAY BEACH: Marin Cilic’s run of red-hot form continued on Sunday as CAPE TOWN: South Africa will play a minimum of 23 warm-up one-day NEW YORK: Miami Heat forward LeBron James was scratched from he beat Kevin Anderson 7-6 6-7 6-4 to win the Delray Beach Open title. internationals against five differentountries c to boost their preparation for Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Bulls because of a fractured Cilic was playing in his third consecutive final, having lost in Rotterdam next year’s World Cup, the country’s cricket board said yesterday. nose, only the second game he has missed this season. last week after winning the title in Zagreb two weeks ago. The three-time semi-finalists have had no previous World Cup success The 10-time NBA All-Star broke his nose late in the fourth quarter The 25-year-old Croatian was pushed to the limit in a topsy-turvy match and a litany of dramatic failures have earned them a cruel reputation as of Thursday’s 103-81 win against Oklahoma City after being acciden- of powerful serves that lasted a little over three hours. “chokers” in the limited overs format. tally hit in the face by Thunder center Serge Ibaka. After they split the first two sets in tie-breaks, Cilic fended off four break “With it being a World Cup year in 2015, we have placed a lot of empha- James sat out the rest of that game, had his nose reset by a doctor points in the deciding third set and broke Anderson’s service twice to clinch sis on the 50-over format and have tried to maximise our preparations by on Friday and missed team practice Saturday. “He didn’t stand up and the title. playing as many matches as possible in conditions that will be similar to put up his dukes and fight us,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstrajoked to South Africa’s Anderson, who was looking for his those in New Zealand and Australia,” coach Russell Domingo said in a state- reporters when asked about his decision to withhold second title in Delray Beach in three years, blasted 18 James from Sunday’s game against the Bulls at aces to Cilic’s 16. ment yesterday. The board also announced six tests in a six-month period the American Airlines Arena. Cilic had entered the final having had little time to between July and January next year that includes fulfilling a two-match recover from his semi-final with American John Isner series against Sri Lanka postponed last year. “We still understand the big picture. The that was not completed until early on Sunday The top-ranked test team will play two tests and three one-day interna- fact that we don’t play until Thursday, it after being delayed for three hours due to rain. tionals in the island nation in July, followed by a single test in Zimbabwe in makes the most sense.” Miami’s next game is He showed no signs of fatigue as the pow- August and then a triangular ODI series there also involving Australia. at home to the New York Knicks on er-hitting duo went shot for shot before Cilic If they reach the final of the triangular in Harare, that will take to 24 the Thursday, giving James a full week to rest claimed the first set tie-break 8-6. number of their pre-World Cup ODIs. South Africa have arranged a three- and recover from his broken nose. Anderson swung back in the second set match ODI series in New Zealand in October and then take on Australia The 29-year-old James, who has won two where he broke Cilic early to take a 3-1 away in three Twenty20 internationals and five ODIs in November. NBA championship titles with the advantage before losing the next three The Proteas will host a three-test series and five ODIs against the West Heat, is averaging 26.9 points, 7.1 games and having to rally to win the tie- Indies in December and January before heading to the World Cup in rebounds and 6.5 assists per break 9-7. Australia and New Zealand.—Reuters game this season. —AP Day outlasts Dubuisson

MARANA: Jason Day fended off a stunning fightback by Frenchman Victor Dubuisson to clinch the biggest title of his career with a one- up victory after 23 holes in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship final in Marana, Arizona on Sunday. A commanding three up lead after 12 holes on an afternoon of light breezes at Dove Mountain, Australian Day was caught by the Frenchman, who recorded clutch birdies at the 13th and 17th, followed by an amazing par from a greenside bunker at the 18th. Dubuisson then conjured two miraculous up- and-downs from desert scrub at the 19th and 20th holes to keep the match alive before Day sealed the win by sinking a four-footer for birdie Ryan Whiting at the 23rd, the driveable par-four 15th. The Frenchman, who had missed the green to the right off the tee, hit a high lob wedge 20 feet Whiting has big shot put, past the cup and missed the birdie putt coming back before the Australian made his to secure Cain dominates 1,500m the title. “I’ve never wanted something so bad in my life,” an emotional Day, 26, told CBS Sports after SOPOT: Reigning world indoor champion onships provided they had met the qualify- clinching the winner’s cheque for $1.53 million. Ryan Whiting delivered a massive shot put ing standards. That assured Suhr of a trip to “Obviously I didn’t want it to go this long but and teenager Mary Cain ran away with the Poland. Victor, he has a lot of guts and he has got a great women’s 1,500 metres at the US world The Olympic champion, who set the short game. He got it straight out of a cactus championship trials on Sunday. world indoor pole vault record of 5.02 twice. World indoor pole vault record holder metres (16 feet 5 1/2 inches) in “The biggest thing was just how much do I MARANA: Jason Day of Australia poses with the Walter Hagen Cup after defeating Victor Jenn Suhr also made the US team for the Albuquerque last year, never could find her want it, how much do I want to win? I kept say- Dubuisson of France on the 23rd hole of the World Golf Championships — Accenture Match March 7-9 world championships in Sopot, comfort zone. ing that to myself last night, kept visualising Play Championship. —AFP Poland, but was beaten into second place Saxer’s first attempt clearance of a per- myself with the trophy. I am just glad that I could by Mary Saxer at Albuquerque, New sonal best 4.71 metres (15 feet, 5 1/2) was up in a fairway bunker off the 17th tee, but At the 19th, the par-four first, the Frenchman finish it off, but it was a close one.” Mexico. Whiting showed he was ready for the difference. Suhr missed her only try at struck a stunning approach to 12 feet above the ended up in desert scrub over the back right of It was Day’s second triumph on the PGA Tour, another go at gold with his big throw of that height before failing twice at 4.76m hole. Day, in the right rough off the tee, hit his the green with his approach. Day then struck a following the 2010 Byron Nelson Championship, 22.23 metres (72 feet, 11 1/4 inches), a (15 feet 7 1/4). Her best was 4.66m (15 feet second shot to 20 feet and narrowly missed his wedge into the left greenside bunker before and his first success in one of the elite World Golf mark only five men have topped indoors. 3 1/2). “Any time that you meet where you birdie attempt before watching steely-eyed as Dubuisson, using soft hands, somehow hit his Championships (WGC) events which bring “Mentally, I’m a lot more ready,” Whiting have to qualify, you can’t jump to win. Dubuisson coolly sank his putt for a three. third shot from behind a cactus, through sand, together the game’s leading players. said of his chances of a world title repeat. That’s what I did last year, and that’s why The Frenchman’s late bid for the title looked rocks and a television cable strung in front of Dubuisson, who had never previously played “There’s no reason I can’t be a contender.” you can jump higher,” Suhr said. decidely shaky at the par-four 18th when he him, to four feet. match play golf until his WGC debut this week, Cain, showing why she is America’s top “Not having to jump a lot of bars and to pulled his approach well left into a greenside After the Australian had splashed out to six appeared to be on the way to a heavy defeat female middle distance runner, surged to jump odd bars just to make sure I can get bunker. feet, he sank the par putt before Dubuisson fol- after he recorded five bogeys in the first seven the lead with three laps to go in the 1,500 top two. It’s a different type of jumping, but Day, who beat American Rickie Fowler 3&2 in lowed suit to remain all square. holes to reach the turn three down. and won by nearly three seconds. we’re right where we need to be.” his Sunday semi-final, was on the back fringe of One hole later, at the par-four ninth, the However, the 23-year-old Frenchman raised “The last 400 was a lot of fun,” said the Runner Francena McCorory and hurdler the two-tiered green in two, 70 feet above the Frenchman missed the green badly to the left his game on the back nine and trimmed the 17-year-old high school student, who Nia Ali also produced 2014 world leading hole, from where he ran a very slick first putt 10 with his approach, his ball ending up in a bush deficit to two with a birdie at the par-five 13th clocked four minutes 7.05 seconds. “I am marks. McCorory became the first woman feet past the cup. Dubuisson conjured a miracu- from where he amazingly hit his third to seven where he was just off the edge of the green in super excited,” said Cain of the upcoming to dip under 51 seconds in the 400m this lous shot from the sand for his ball to end up five feet, prompting a wry smile from Day. two shots. Both players parred the short 16th world championships. “This 4:07 at altitude year as she won in 50.85 seconds. feet away and the Australian, with the title on The Australian was on the back fringe in two before Dubuisson won the par-four 17th with a has given me a lot of confidence. I didn’t Ali clocked 7.80 seconds in the 60 the line, left his par putt inches short of the cup. from where he cosied his approach putt to with- magical birdie to trail by just one. know we were running that fast. metres hurdles to improve her world lead Ice-cool, the Frenchman knocked in his par putt in two feet of the cup. Dubuisson, non-plussed, “The last 300 was kind of tough, just withJanay DeLoach Soukup a mere two- to level the match and force extra holes. duly sank his par putt to keep the match alive. STUNNING APPROACH from the breathing and altitude but I felt hundredths of a second behind. “I know he was the (world’s) number one The Frenchman, who booked his place in the really good.” Team mate Treniere Moser The 60 metres races also were fast with ASTONISHING MOMENTS amateur back in 2009,” said Day about the gutsy final with a one-up victory over veteran South claimed second in 4:09.93 as the high alti- Marvin Bracy winning the men’s run in 6.48 Two astonishing moments were produced by Frenchman. “He has got a lot of game and you’re African Ernie Els earlier on Sunday, had ended tude of Albuquerque hindered distance seconds, just off Briton James Dasaolu’s Dubuisson before Day finally clinched the title. going to see a lot of him for years to come.” —AP runners but aided sprinters and jumpers. world lead, and Tianna Bartoletta edging The top two finishers in each event at Lekeisha Lawson by a hundredth of a sec- the trials qualified for the world champi- ond in 7.08 seconds. —Reuters Lindenwood long shot, shot at NFL combine

INDIANAPOLIS: Pierre Desir long ago became at this weekend’s combine, the hallways at through an NCAA medical waiver. Last season, resigned to the likelihood that his lifelong NFL Lucas Oil Stadium are littered with similar sto- after two injury-plagued seasons in Waco, dream might not come true. ries of trials, tribulations, underdogs and small- Goodson joined the short list of college athletes The 6-foot-1, 198-pound cornerback had school long shots. who have played in the NCAA men’s basketball greater responsibilities than impressing a bunch Oklahoma cornerback Aaron Colvin made his tournament and a bowl game. He turns 25 in of football scouts. He worked his way through a first combine appearance Sunday, one month June. growing Division II college in St. Charles, Mo. after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament dur- “I think they were kind of iffy about it at first,” With no athletic scholarship, he supported a ing a Senior Bowl practice. Colvin only got rid of Goodson said when asked about Baylor’s recep- wife and two children by devoting more than 20 his crutches last week and says doctors have tion following his basketball stint. “They had to hours a day to his job, schoolwork, practice and told him he should be ready to practice by the feel me out a little bit and get to know me. After family. start of training camp, a promising sign heading about the third game of the season I think they So when he starts working out Tuesday at into May’s draft. knew I could play.” Lucas Oil Stadium with the other defensive Desir never doubted he could play, either. backs at the NFL’s scouting combine, it’s no After redshirting in 2008, Desir led the Mid- wonder Desir will seemingly hear the roar com- America Intercollegiate Athletic Association ing from the living room back home. with seven interceptions for Washburn in 2009 “It’s a combine party,” he said, explaining and followed that with five more picks in 2010. how his family and parents planned to watch When life became too difficult on the road, the workouts on television. “I can almost see my Desir and his family packed up and moved back Mary Cain 7-year-old daughter, yelling ‘Go Daddy’ and not home. knowing which one I am out there.” For years, it Desir wound up enrolling at Lindenwood, seemed nobody knew about Desir or whether which didn’t admit men until 1969, didn’t play he would ever make it big. football until 1990 and had produced exactly Low scores on college entrance tests sabo- two NFL alums - running back DeDe Dorsey and taged his chance to play at a Division I school. defensive tackle Brian Schaefering. None of that Two successful seasons at Washburn College in mattered to the native of Haiti who grew up Kansas, his first Division II school, raised Desir’s playing soccer. football profile. It dropped again when he “I think it speaks to what I’m willing to go moved back near St. Louis, where both sets of through, where my mind was at, and I still want- parents could help out. When he tried to resur- ed to pursue my football dreams,” he said. rect his football career at Lindenwood The football scouts took notice, showing up University, officials at Washburn, a conference at practices and games in a locale they had rival, refused to grant his release, preventing rarely visited. They pored through film and Desir from getting a scholarship. But Desir questioned coaches to dig into Desir’s back- didn’t fret. He went to work. ground. “What happened is that I would wake up at What they found was a big cornerback who about 5 in the morning, get my older daughter could hold up against receivers big and small, Jamaican Campbell ready for school, go to the temporary service Pierre Desir key traits for NFL teams looking to copy the and they’d pick out a few guys to go to different defensive blueprint of Super Bowl champion cleared by CAS work stations,” he said. “You might work on the Cornerback Travis Carrie came to Indy after Seattle. All Desir has to do now is take advan- sewers or in the sewers. I’d go to class, say 11 to six seasons at Ohio University, enduring hip sur- tage of this golden ticket. 2 or something and then after school, I’d go pick gery and two torn labrums in his right shoulder History says most combine invitees will get KINGSTON: Jamaican sprinter Veronica test for a banned diuretic. “I can confirm up my daughter. Last year, I had to do the same after missing one year in high school so he drafted and those who make the 53-man roster Campbell-Brown has been cleared to that Veronica Campbell-Brown has been thing, but I worked at Charter Communications. could recover from heart surgery to repair a will earn a six-figure salary as a rookie - putting resume her career by the Court of cleared by CAS,” Jacobs told Reuters by So I’d go to school from 10 to 2 and work from birth defect. Desir and his family on the cusp of living in a Arbitration for Sport (CAS), her American- email. “All of her past results have been 4:30 to 2:30 and then get back up at 5.” Sprinkle Baylor cornerback Demetri Goodson fol- real dream world. based lawyer Howard Jacobs said yester- reinstated and she is free to compete effec- in a little football practice and film work to the lowed his heart to Gonzaga, where he played “Being a father helped me become more day. tive immediately,” he said, adding that daily routine and Desir didn’t have much time basketball for three seasons, two as the starting focused,” said Desir, who would be The twice Olympic 200 metres champi- Campbell-Brown intended to compete at for anything else. point guard. Then he returned to his home Lindenwood’s first draft pick. “Now I just have to on was suspended by her country’s nation- the upcoming world indoor champi- While this 23-year-old draft hopeful might state, followed the lead of his NFL playing prove I have the skill set to go out and compete al federation last year following a positive onships.—Reuters seem to have the unlikeliest story of the players brother, Mike, and got an extra year of eligibility with these guys.” —AP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 SPORTS What to do with mountain resort with Games gone?

ROSA KHUTOR: Stanislav Kuznetsov has He talks of a bright future in both Eight summit in June and a Formula ability to attract conventions, spa guests, we need to attract them with a headache like no other: it measures winter and summer, offering access to One race in October. tourists and people who variously want prices as well,” says Maria Volkova, a 780,000 square metres and covers a the mountains and the Black Sea coast. In general, though, officials say for- a skiing holiday in winter and an out- public relations specialist with large expanse of Russian mountainside. But in an earlier more informal conver- eign tourists are unlikely to flock to the door experience in summer. Interstate, a firm that operates four of The Gorky Gorod resort in the snowy sation he had been franker about Gorky region any time soon, if only because Some eight million people visit the the hotels. Caucasus peaks above Sochi was packed Gorod, which translates as Gorky Town. there are virtually no direct flights to hot, pebbly beaches of Sochi every year Once the Games are over, the price during the Winter Olympics. Now the “My personal opinion is that to give Sochi from abroad and some potential and most of them would love the for a regular room will be just 3,700 rou- Games are ending, Kuznetsov’s job is to this town the chance of a new life we travelers are put off by visa require- chance to cool off in the mountains as bles, including breakfast. Kuznetsov keep filling the nine hotels. will need a powerful new vision of its ments. they admire the snow, he said. often uses the word “comfort” and the And the holiday apartment. And the future,” he told reporters on Feb 5. This means Kuznetsov needs to modern accommodation shown to luxury stores. And the large supermar- “Obviously there is a fear about what attract plenty of Russians to the brand PRICES TUMBLE reporters in four separate hotels bore lit- ket complex, which includes a massive will happen, that without a big new idea new resort to keep the area busy. “No Visitors polled by Reuters in the tle resemblance to old-style Soviet artificial beach and lake on the top floor. the significant success of this real estate one will invest in a space that after a big streets of the resort had mixed opinions rooms which contained a single bed, “We are seriously thinking about the will of course be put in doubt.” event is more or less a ghost city,” about whether they would come back. “I ancient sheets and a noisy fridge. future,” said Kuznetsov, deputy chairman saidCarsten Albert, manager of two up- find the area pretty and I could imagine Sberbank also plans to raise funds by of the board at Russian state lender ATTRACTING RUSSIANS market hotels in Gorky Gorod. going skiing here but I think there are selling around 1,500 apartments and Sberbank, which owns 92 percent of Sitting still is not an option, since the Two kinds of domestic tourists on the many other closer ski areas that you’d according to Kuznetsov, aims to get its Gorky Gorod. overall investment by Sberbank and target list are those with money who go to for less money, effort, no visa and money back in five to seven years. His challenge epitomises the broader others totals 80 billion roubles ($2.3 bil- usually travel abroad and those who so on,” said Jana Passkoenig from Albert, who worked for 12 years in struggle that Russia faces to get a last- lion) and this money needs to be made vacation in Russia but might think Gorky Germany. the chic Swiss resort of St Moritz, dis- ing return on an estimated $50 billion back. Gorod is too expensive. “I like it very much ... I wasn’t expect- misses this as unrealistic. “People want spent on developing the region for the Another complicating factor is that “Many people say the climate here is ing to see something like this. If we to get rich in months, not even in years, Sochi Games. Gorky Gorod is not the only mountain very similar to a Swiss valley,” said come here in the future we would start not in decades. That’s the biggest prob- Kuznetsov appeared upbeat when he complex with rooms to fill. Energy giant Kuznetsov, claiming that the air blowing skiing right away, will stay here and ski,” lem in Russia, that people can’t wait,” he spoke to Reuters text and television in Gazprom runs the nearby Laura com- up from the Black Sea is infused with said Nikolai Frolov from the city of Ufa in told Reuters. an interview on Friday, two days after plex while oligarch Vladimir Potanin oxygen from the waters. the Ural mountains. One way to fill “They want to get back their invest- hosting a major brainstorming session built Rosa Khutor. Kuznetsov sees few “To be honest, we can already com- rooms is to offer good deals. ment in hotels maybe in seven or eight on what to do next with a complex than problems filling rooms in the months to pete with the major resorts in Europe.” “We understand this is a new resort years when the whole world knows it can accommodate up to 6,000 people. come, since Sochi will host a Group of He is also optimistic about the resort’s and to attract people, even Russian comes back in 20 to 25 years.” —Reuters Casal returning to ring Golden moments may after near-fatal assault NIAGARA FALLS: There’s a thunderbolt- not be enough for NHL shaped scar on the back of Nick Casal’s head, and a poster promoting a title fight that never occurred on the wall next to the SOCHI: If the Sochi Games are to be the last for light welterweight’s practice ring. theNational Hockey League (NHL), then the These are among the reminders Casal world’s best players brought their Olympic cur- carries from the time he nearly lost his life tain down in thrilling but controversial style. after being clubbed repeatedly to the head Canada brought the competitive curtain and body by a crowbar-wielding assailant down on the Games in impressive fashion, cap- two years ago. And these unlikely souvenirs ping an unbeaten run through the tournament also serve as motivation for Casal as he pre- by sweeping past Sweden 3-0 as they retained pares to re-enter the ring in a bid to restart their title. But outside of Canada, the gold what had been a promising career. medal game is likely to remembered for the “We put that up as a reminder,” Casal chaotic events surrounding the finish when it said Sunday, pointing to the poster of the was announced that Sweden’s Nicklas World Boxing Organization intercontinental Backstrom, who plays in the NHL for the title bout in which he was supposed to face Washington Capitals, had been forced to miss Ruslan Provodnikov in June 2012. “It’s just a the final due to a failed dope test. reminder of where I was at, and that’s The ham-handed handling of the drug test, where I’m going to get back to.” the way it was managed and announced and The first step is set to begin Thursday, Sweden’s fury about it, is likely to add further when the 28-year-old Casal (22-4-1) is stress to an already tense relationship between scheduled to fight Shakha Moore (11-19-3) Nick Casal the International Olympic (IOC) Committee, at the Niagara Falls Conference and Events theInternational Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) He began working out a month later. Center. “It means a lot,” Casal said. “I just and the NHL, as the league considers ending Last year, he was cleared to fight by the want to do it for myself. I was getting ready, their Olympic relationship. New York Athletic Commission after passing lined up for a big fight when, obviously, “Our opinion is that IOC has destroyed one of a barrage of tests. that happened.” the greatest hockey days in Swedish history,” “Obviously, I have a hard head. It runs in He is referring to what happened in the said an enraged Swedish general manager the family, so thanks dad,” Casal said, laugh- SOCHI: Sweden’s goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist (right) vies with a Canadian player during the early hours of May 12, 2012. That’s when Tommy Boustedt. “This can further jeopardise ing. Ray Casal, who also serves as his son’s Men’s ice hockey final in this file photo at the Bolshoy Ice Dome. —AFP Casal was awoken by a call from his girl- participation of NHL players in Olympic Games trainer, determined the best course of friend, asking him to meet her at a nearby because I know that both that NHL and NHLPA two weeks in the middle of the season and quarter-final win. action was to take it slowly. home in the town of Niagara. What Casal are incredibly upset about this.” The NHL was handing over their most valuable assets (the There was more disappointment for Russian “I think he deserves to be eased in. But I didn’t know until he arrived was the home quick to make their feelings felt issuing a state- players) to the IOC. Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed hockey fans when their team faced off against found in 40 years of doing this that no belonged to her ex-boyfriend, Michael Vicki. ment making it clear that in their eyes Snider has been among the most vocal dis- the United States in a rematch of the 1980 Lake fight’s easy. And this might be his most dif- As Casal and his girlfriend were prepar- Backstrom had done nothing illegal and would senters, saying before the start of the Sochi Placid Olympic ‘Miracle on Ice. ficult fight,” Casal said. “But, I have confi- ing to leave, he was struck with a crowbar not face sanction, putting the league at odds Olympics, “I hate them”. The rematch took place in an electric atmos- dence in my son in that corner. Otherwise, I from behind by Vicki. Casal turned to with the IOC. “It is our further understanding Snider is likely to find plenty of support phere and there was little between the teams, don’t think I would be able to work the cor- defend himself but was eventually struck at that the positive test was the result of a com- among his peers with several teams getting as shown by the game finishing level at 2-2 after ner.” least 15 times before being left on the side mon allergy medication taken by the player back damaged goods, like the New York overtime. It then took the Americans no less Casal has watched closely as his son has of the road. Rather than going to a hospital, knowingly, with the approval of the team doc- Islanders who will be without John Tavares, the than eight rounds of an epic shootout to snatch shown familiar signs of regaining the form Casal instead inexplicably went home tor and without the intention of gaining an ille- NHL’s third leading scorer, after he sustained a it. While there was disappointment across he displayed before the attack. “Every week where, four hours later, he was found by his gal or improper performance-enhancing bene- season-ending knee injury during Canada’s Russia the celebrations raged in Slovenia, a I saw it coming back,” Casal said. “My coach- mother and a family friend lying on the bed fit,” said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly in a game against Latvia. country with just 148 senior men’s players and es were pounding him in the ring, and I in a pool of blood. statement. “In addition, the specific substance Certainly Canada have benefited from the seven ice rinks, became the underdog darlings wasn’t holding back any more for him. And Casal was rushed to a hospital and spent that resulted in the positive test is not currently presence of the NHL’s best, winning three of the of the Games as they reached the quarter-finals then I started feeling a little more comfort- three hours in surgery. Doctors required on the league’s prohibited substances list.” five gold medals on offer since joining the in their first Olympic campaign. able.” more than 200 stitches to close several While NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was Olympic programme at the 1998 Nagano As the sport’s North American superpowers Before being hurt, Casal reeled off four gashes, including one on the back of his full of praise for the Olympic experience during Games. NHL players have also made ice hockey go back to consider whether they will deign to consecutive victories, capped by a third- head and another on his right temple. His his visit to Sochi, the league has refused to com- one of the Games’ hottest tickets, particularly in grace future Games with their presence, the round TKO of then highly regarded Michael tooth was chipped and his arm severely mit to the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang as they Sochi where teams played in front of packed reaction of the Slovenians was an uplifting Anderson in October 2011. That win put swollen, but not broken. consider ending their Olympic involvement houses at the futuristic Bolshoy Ice Dome. reminder of what the Olympics still mean to Casal on track to face Provodnikov, who has Remarkably, tests revealed Casal’s skull after five Games. The tournament produced pleasant surprises most of the world. since become the WBO light welterweight was not fractured. Vicki pleaded guilty to The NHL has refused to make a long-term and massive disappointment, none bigger than “We definitely made history just being champ.” “I believe, that night I would have attempted first-degree assault last April, commitment and indications are that team host Russia’s crushing quarter-final exit. here...it feels remarkable,” said Slovenian for- beat him,” Casal said. “So we’ll see. We’ll and was sentenced to five years in prison. owners no longer believe the worldwide expo- Russia President Vladimir Putin’s plans for a ward Anze Kopitar. “We’ve been fortunate fight again in the future.” One step at a time, Casal, by comparison, was already long into sure they get from competing on the Olympic golden finish to the his own Games were can- enough to write this fairytale, it’s hard to said his father, who regards it “a miracle” planning his comeback. stage is worth shutting down operations for celled when Finland claimed a party pooping believe.”—Reuters that his son is alive.—AP Winners and losers at the Sochi Winter Games

`Women’s ski jump: After years of lobbying to security would tackle the large influx of for- proceedings and captivating audiences the • Darya Domracheva: The athlete from • Germany: A traditional winter sports be included in the Olympics women ski eign visitors, athletes and reporters. world over with sensational gravity-defying Belarus dazzled in Sochi, becoming the first powerhouse, Germany had set out to repeat jumpers finally had their day in Sochi when The Russian hosts clearly won a gold tricks. woman to win three biathlon titles at the their successes in 2010 when the country fin- the first Olympic competition was held. medal as the tens of thousands of officers Ski slopestyle followed suit as did snow- same winter Olympics when she claimed ished in the top three in the medals table When U.S. ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson blended into the crowds of fans and volun- board parallel slalom, women’s ski jumping, gold in the 12.5km mass start, the 12.5km along with Canada and the United States. sped down a snow-covered ramp and hurtled teers with security generally soft-handed. biathlon mixed relay, a new figure skating pursuit and 15km individual titles. Instead of the 30 medals they had hoped for, into the air at 90kph, a piece of Olympic his- • Pussy Riot: The protest group got the • German lugers: Germany may have failed German athletes collected 19 to finish in sixth tory was made in the Russian mountains. world’s spotlight shifted on them when they as a team to equal their good medals haul place. They also had to send biathlete and Ninety years after the first male ski-jumpers were first harassed and then beaten with from Vancouver but there was no sign of fail- former cross country Olympic champion Evi competed at a Winter Games, women were whips in Sochi. ure for the country’s lugers who completed a Sachenbacher-Stehle back home after she finally granted the chance to prove their met- Imprisoned members were released after clean sweep. Mens and women’s events were was caught doping. tle in one of the ultimate sporting tests of about two years shortly before the Olympics easily won as was the inaugural team relay. • Stray dogs: Thousands of them roamed power, technique and sheer daring. but they refused to stay quiet. They never • Dutch speedskaters: Rarely has a nation the streets of the Russia Black Sea resort prior • Canadian curlers: Not one but both gold ceased accusing Russian President Vladimir dominated a sport so thoroughly. They won to the Games, many kept as guard dogs by medals went to Canada as their ice-cold com- Putin of human rights violations and repres- 21 of 30 individual medals and four medal workers in the Olympic construction sites. petitors snatched top spot in both the men’s sion and had their moment during the sweeps, turning the Adler arena orange. They Only a few were left when the Games and women’s competitions. Games in front of the world’s media. topped their sensational performance by also started with authorities rounding them up. • Vladimir Putin: The Russian President • Mikaela Shiffrin: The teenager had no winning the men’s team pursuit. Animal rights groups said they were put came, saw and conquered the Games, smil- problem slipping into absent Lindsey Vonn’s • India: the Asian nation became the first down with local officials claiming kennels ing, toasting and cheering. From visiting the ski boots as the new poster girl of American country to be re-admitted to the Olympic had been set up. “They were detained,” said United States house to snapping pictures Alpine skiing. family during a Games when the IOC lifted a IOC spokesman Mark Adams. with volunteers, he managed to successfully With an Olympic gold medal around her ban and allowed the Indian flag to be hoisted • Shaun White: Rotten tomato instead of portray a different picture from the one in the neck at the age of 18, Shiffrin is pure gold in the athletes’ village. flying tomato as the the greatest snowboard- run-up to the Games when he soaked up crit- dust for a sport preparing to wave goodbye The three Indian athletes had marched at er of his generation fell flat on his face in icism and snubs from world leaders over his to a generation of greats. the opening ceremony under the Olympic Sochi. He skipped the new slopestyle event country’s human rights record and the gov- Under the glare of the floodlights, Shiffrin, flag due to the IOC suspension triggered by to focus on the halfpipe and was instantly ernment’s anti-gay propaganda law. known on the circuit as the “Mozart of Skiing” tainted officials being elected to theIndian accused of playing it safe. The gamble did not produced a high-speed waltz through the Olympic Association board. Fresh elections pay off as he left Russia with no prize. Jenny Jones gates to become the youngest ever Olympic and a ban on those officials led to the IOC • NHL hockey: Speculation was rife even • Team GB: Snowboarder Jenny Jones slalom champion. overturning its suspension. before the tournament started that NHL play- became an instant household name back • Ole Einar Bjoerndalen: The Norwegian ers may not make the trip back to the home when she made history in Sochi by veteran took his tally of Olympic medals up LOSERS: Olympics again given the clash with league winning slopestyle bronze which was Britain’s to 13 to become the most decorated Winter US speedskaters: The Americans went dates and the 2018 winter Games to be held first Olympic medal on snow. Games athlete. Jenny Jones home without a medal for the first time since in South Korea’s Pyeongchang. They may not The team equalled their record winter Bjoerndalen, 40, edged ahead of former the 1984 Sarajevo Games, despite proclaim- be really missed following flat performances Games medal haul of four, grabbing a gold, a cross-country skier Bjorn Daehlie and moved team event and a luge team relay. ing their team of 17 skaters could match the by the big names. The United States lost 5-0 silver and a bronze as well. alongside his compatriot as the all-time lead- While no more are planned for inclusion at feat of the 2002 squad who won a record to Finland in the bronze medal match • Security: a top issue before the Games ing winter Games gold medallist with eight. the Pyeongchang 2018 Games, International eight medals in Salt Lake City. Even a switch while Russia’s big names also disappointed with Islamic militants threatening to attack • New events: there were 12 new events in Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach of their hi-tech suits midway through the with the hosts flying out in the quarter- the Games and concerns over how Russian Sochi with snowboard slopestyle kicking off gave them a thumbs up. competitions could not avert their flop. finals, also to Finland. —Reuters TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 SPORTS Nets snare Lakers as Heat stop Bulls

LOS ANGELES: Jason Collins played his first game with the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night, becoming the first openly gay player in the four major US professional sports leagues, and Deron Williams had 30 points in a 108-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Collins was signed to a 10-day contract Sunday, nearly 10 months after his announcement on April 29 in Sports Illustrated. He had two rebounds and five fouls in 10 scoreless minutes. The 12-year veteran spent his first six-plus NBA seasons with the Nets and helped them get to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. This was the 35-year-old center’s first NBA game since April 17, 2013, with Washington. Paul Pierce scored 25 points, helping the Nets end an 11-game losing Duaij Al-Otaibi and Dr. Ahmad Koura with winning archers and referees. streak against the Lakers. Pau Gasol had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who never led and lost for the 24th time in 30 games Archery tournament with Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Xavier Henry all sidelined by injuries.

concludes HEAT 93, BULLS 79 With LeBron James watching from the bench By Abdellatif Sharaa and appreciated his vision as he gave in a suit and tie, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade officiating a special interest, to the print powered Miami to the victory. LOS ANGELES: (Left to right) Paul Pierce No. 34 of the Brooklyn Nets, Pau Gasol No.16 of the KUWAIT: The Liberation Olympic Archery “where we have officials at the highest James was a late scratch after he broke his Los Angeles Lakers and Andray Blatche of the Brooklyn Nets react to a foul in the second half Tournament concluded Saturday in the level in the shot gun and air gun events, nose in Thursday’s win at Oklahoma City, and his at Staples Center. —AFP presence of President of Kuwait and Arab and now we have referees in archery who teammates picked up the slack. Bosh had 28 Shooting Federations, Member of ISSF can run local and international events points and 10 rebounds, and Wade added 23 points for the slumping Nuggets, who lost for game with a groin injury. Engr Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi, and that we hope to organize in the future.” points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. the seventh time in the last eight games. The After trailing by as many as 18 points in the International Lecturer on Olympic Al-Otaibi asked archers and officials to The Bulls also were also short-handed. Starter Nuggets fell to 1-5 without leading scorer Ty first half, Nicolas Batum’s fast-break layup gave Archery officiating Dr. Ahmad Koura. exert more efforts and work together to Jimmy Butler was a late scratch because of Lawson, who missed a sixth game because of a Portland an 84-80 lead going into the fourth The tournament was officiated by further develop this noble sport. bruised ribs. Joakim Noah had 20 points, 15 fractured left rib. quarter. After Robinson’s basket, Victor Claver Kuwaiti judges who participated in the Results of the tournament are as follows: rebounds and four blocks for Chicago, which Down 58-51 after Foye hit a pair of 3-pointers dunked to extend the lead to 88-80. first officiating course that was held in General competition - men - Olympic had won five in a row. The Bulls shot 36 percent. in the third quarter, the Kings responded with a Kuwait lately. archery: Miami, playing at home for the first time in 20 21-2 run that put them in front 72-60 with 4:55 WIZARDS 96, CAVALIERS 83 Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi said, “we are Ahmad Al-Shatti, Mohammad Musallam, days, extended its winning streak to five games. left in the period. John Wall scored 21 points and Bradley Beal pleased to hold this tournament as we Fahad Al-Rashidi. had 17, leading Washington to the road victory. see national judges officiating with com- General - men - compound: CLIPPERS 125, THUNDER 117 ROCKETS 115, SUNS 112 The Wizards held the Cavaliers to 11 fourth- petence and were appreciated by all.” He Ahmad Al-Shatti, Abdallah Al-Ajmi, Salem Jamal Crawford scored 36 points to help the Patrick Beverley sank the go-ahead 3-pointer quarter points to return to .500 at 28-28 on the said archery tournaments will be regular- with 34.3 seconds to play and Houston escaped season. They also strengthened their hold on the Al-Saeed. Clippers get the win. Matt Barnes scored 24 ly organized, with all success elements with the win. Dwight Howard scored 25, James fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. General - men - Olympic beginners: points and Chris Paul had 18 points, 12 assists available, and officiating will be a major and eight rebounds for the Clippers, who Harden had 23 and Beverley 20 for the Rockets, The strong defensive performance in the final element in the development of the sport. Khalid Qambar, Abdallah Taha, who trailed by 10 entering the fourth quarter. period came after Washington lost Nene to a Mohammad Nabeel. snapped a two-game skid. Al-Otaibi thanked president of the Kevin Durant had 42 points and 10 assists Goran Dragic scored a career-high 35 points sprained left knee midway through the third Olympic - juniors - boys: Asian Shooting Confederation, ISSF Vice and Serge Ibaka added 20 points for the for the Suns, but missed a 3 at the buzzer. Gerald quarter. He had eight points, four rebounds and Ali Al-Mutairi, Mohammad Al-Mutairi, president Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al- Thunder, who lost their second straight. It was Green had 18 of his 23 points in the third quar- four assists in 21 minutes. Luol Deng led Sabah for sponsoring the tournament, Zaid Al-Saaed. the most points the Thunder have allowed this ter, and Markieff Morris finished with 21 points. Cleveland with 17 points. The Cavaliers played season. Beverley, who scored 12 in the fourth, made without center Anderson Varejao (sore back) and Oklahoma City overcame a 15-point deficit two free throws that boosted Houston’s lead to guards Dion Waiters (hyperextended left knee) late in the third quarter to take a 115-112 lead 113-110 with 20 seconds to go before Dragic and C.J. Miles (sprained left ankle). Spencer on a 3-pointer by Durant with 2:43 to play, but scored on a layup to cut it to 113-112 with 14.7 Hawes, playing his second game since being the Clippers controlled the game from there. A seconds to play. Donatas Motiejunas sank two acquired from Philadelphia on Thursday, had 16 3-pointer by Crawford with 1:30 remaining gave free throws with 14.1 seconds left to put points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland. Los Angeles a 119-115 lead. Houston up 115-112. RAPTORS 105, MAGIC 90 KINGS 109, NUGGETS 95 TRAIL BLAZERS 108, TIMBERWOLVES 97 Kyle Lowry scored 28 points, DeMar DeRozan Isaiah Thomas scored 33 points, Rudy Gay Damian Lillard had 32 points and the short- had 24 and the Raptors handed the Magic their had 32 and Sacramento earned its first win in handed Trail Blazers rallied for the victory. 15th straight road loss. Denver in six years. DeMarcus Cousins added 27 Thomas Robinson had 14 points and a career- Terrence Ross scored 16 and Amir Johnson points for the Kings, who snapped a nine-game high 18 rebounds for Portland, which won its had 12 points and eight rebounds before leav- losing streak to the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. second straight after a three-game slump. ing with a sprained right ankle in the Raptors’ It was Sacramento’s first win in the Mile High Kevin Love scored 31 for Minnesota, which fifth victory in six games. City since a 118-115 victory on April 5, 2008. The had won three in a row. It was Love’s franchise- Toronto improved to 12-3 in its past 15 home Kings have won three of their last four games best fifth straight game with 30 or more points. games and moved six games above .500 for the overall. The Blazers played without All-Star forward first time since Feb 24, 2010, when its record was Randy Foye and Evan Fournier each scored 27 LaMarcus Aldridge, who missed his third straight also 31-25. —AP Pakistan starts defense of Asia Cup in Dhaka Al-Otaibi hands Dr. Ahmad Koura a memento. DHAKA: Pakistan is determined to defend its trophy, but Sri Lanka’s captain Angelo Mathews remains optimistic as the two cricket giants face off in the opening match of the five-nation Asia Cup today, in the run-up to the Twenty20 World Cup. Pakistan, which won the title in 2012, is aiming to put pressure on its opponents with a team balancing experienced players and newcomers. Both teams are focusing not just on the opening match but on the whole tournament. “We have played a lot against Pakistan and India,” Mathews told reporters at a news briefing yesterday. “We know them and they also know us.” “All the teams are even. They will want to win the matches. We also would like to win. Hopefully there will be a really good competition,” he added. For today’s opening match at Fatullah, Sri Lanka has one thing in its favor - it played here a month ago against Bangladesh, winning two tests, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s. “I think we need to show more good performance to go further,” Mathews said. “We beat An archer in action. Bangladesh 3-0 - that doesn’t mean that it would DHAKA: Bangladeshi cricket captain Mushfiqur Rahim (left), Pakistan cricket captain Misbah- be easier for us to win the Asia Cup. It will be a ul-Haq (second left), Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli (third left), Afghanistan cricket captain tough tournament and there will be huge chal- Mohammad Nabi (second right) and Sri Lankan cricket captain Angelo Mathews (right) hold lenges.” He continued, “The main challenge will be the Asia Cup trophy during a trophy unveiling ceremony. The Asia Cup 2014 will be hosted by Duke holds on to to tackle spinners successfully. All the teams have Bangladesh from today — March 8. —AFP good spinners.” Pakistan’s skipper Misbah-ul-Haq Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Fawad Alam, Saeed Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, said Sunday they are taking spirit from the series Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela beat NC State wins over Sri Lanka and South Africa, and will fight Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Mohammad Talha Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, to defend the Asia Cup title. The team beat Dhammika Prasad, Suranga Lakmal, Chaturanga DURHAM: With the tension of tournament year coach Wes Moore said. “She got us Bangladesh in the 2012 final. While the team has Sri Lanka De Silva, Sachithra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, time coming up, coach Joanne P. McCallie back in the game and gave us some several relatively inexperienced players including Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Ashan Priyanjan. —AP wanted a test for No. 7 Duke. She can momentum, and our kids fed off of that.” Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Mohammad Talha, always count on getting one from North Her last one made it 70-66 with 31/2 Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali, it also has Misbah Carolina State - even when it looked like minutes left. But NC State came up empty himself and Mohammad Hafeez, who will play the South Africa skipper Smith another blowout for the Blue Devils. on its next four possessions - either missed key role in batting. “Ahmed Shehzad has been part Tricia Liston scored 24 points and Duke shots or turnovers by freshman guards of our team for quite a while, he has been doing held on to beat No. 14 N.C. State 83-70 on Miah Spencer and Ashley Williams. “You’ve well,” Misbah said. “Sharjeel Khan had an average salutes team’s comeback Thursday night. Haley Peters scored five of obviously used a lot of energy to get there, series, but he gave glimpses of being a good play- her 13 for the Blue Devils (24-3, 11-2 ACC) but we had some momentum and you er, he can time the ball well. We are looking for- PORT ELIZABETH: South Africa achieved some- South Africa were on the back foot when the after the Wolfpack trimmed their 24-point could feel it,” Moore said. And then Peters ward to seeing him develop into a good player,” he thing in the second test that would have been tourists raced to 126 without loss but fired-up lead to four. hit what Moore called “the big shot.” said. He has faith in Sohaib Maqsood too. beyond most teams, said captain Graeme Smith paceman Dale Steyn suddenly got the ball to “Exactly what we need,” McCallie said. Her 3-pointer from the corner with 2 “Maqsood played well in South Africa and against after his side’s 231-run win over Australia on reverse-swing and claimed four victims as “We need a lot more of those games, the minutes left made it a seven-point game. Sri Lanka. With experienced players, a few young- Sunday. The world’s top-ranked outfit came under Australia lost 10 wickets for 90 runs. idea of playing a very quality opponent, She then stuck back Jones’ missed 3 to put sters like Anwar Ali and Bilawal Bhatti, they are put- under-fire after their crushing 281-run defeat in “Dale always ranges from very angry to the idea of a hot shooter that we lost and Duke up 75-66 with about a minute ting together some good scores. I am happy that it the opening test but Smith was proud at the way extremely angry when he bowls,” Smith joked. didn’t find, of making incredible plays on remaining, and the Blue Devils pulled away is a good, balanced unit,” he said. his players responded as they set up a thrilling “But it was a hell of an effort from all the bowlers. third and final match in Cape Town on Saturday. “The intensity they showed with the ball on a our end. ... It’s this kind of year for those for their third straight win in the series. The Pakistan skipper is not willing to take the “We have had to draw on past experiences in wicket that did not do that much was amazing. To kind of games.” “We just refocused when it got to a Asia Cup tournament lightly, and is even serious this match to find a way to win,” he told reporters get nine wickets in a session is remarkable. Alexis Jones and Richa Jackson each point where they caught back up,” Liston about first-timer Afghanistan. after South Africa bowled Australia out for 216 in “We always know Dale is one spell away from scored 12 for Duke, which never trailed and said. “We started getting stops on the “All teams have ability to win against any side,” their second innings on the fourth day. being able to create something for us. It is great withstood a furious rally to take hold of defensive end. We started locating their he said. “It will be good competition. The last Asia “It has been a difficult week for us after the to see that when the game is on the line he can second place in the conference behind shooters.” Cup was witness of that: Bangladesh beat two big Pretoria test. We knew we needed to be smart respond like that.” unbeaten and second-ranked Notre Dame. A tight finish should have been expect- teams and they came close to us. You can expect and clinical and work on good ideas on how we Smith had an ominous warning for the The Blue Devils blocked a season-best ed - even after the Blue Devils jumped out any team can win against any team. eight shots, seven in the first half. to that huge lead: Since McCallie took over could respond. Australians too. “Dale was carrying an injury going Kody Burke had career highs of 30 at Duke in 2007, eight of the 10 meetings “I would say not many teams could respond in into this series,” said the captain. “He did not bowl Squads: the way we did but it is something this side has much in the lead-up to the first test and he’s points and six 3-pointers for NC State (22-5, have been decided by 14 or fewer points. Pakistan 9-4), hitting three straight 3s during the ral- “No one’s ever going to quit in those done before,” added Smith. going to get better and better the more he bowls Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Having set a daunting victory target of 448, and the more we play.”—Reuters ly. “That’s the reason we had a chance,” first- games,” she said.—AP Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Shahid Afridi, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 SPORTS Problems for Zenit, pies for Dortmund

ST PETERSBURG: Borussia Dortmund fans will be offered tea and pies at Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday but there will be no such generosity on the pitch with the Russians intent on reaching their first Champions League quarter-final. Zenit would appear to be rank outsiders against last season’s runners-up after scraping through the group stage with a measly six points, the lowest-ever total with which a team has reached the round of 16. They mustered only one win in six group games and finished their campaign by losing 4-1 at Austria Vienna. They will also be rusty after a two-month winter break and will have to close part of the Petrovsky stadium as a punishment for racist MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa (second behaviour by their fans in the Austria Vienna right) laughs with Manchester United’s Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic (right) dur- match. ing a training session at their Carrington complex ahead of the UEFA Champions Even in an unusually mild Russian winter, it League football match against Olympiakos. —AFP all adds up to a pretty grim outlook, yet Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti is anything but discour- aged, claiming that the group stage results did United, Olympiakos not reflect their performances. “The team live for this competition and their careers are driven by it,” the Italian, whose team in crunch clash will be playing their first competitive match since early December, told UEFA.com. GREECE: Winning the Champions League Wayne Rooney. Both scored on Saturday as “We have played in the Champions League has never been more important for United ended a three-match winless run in for many years now, and we’ve fought well this Manchester United. Just to get a chance to the league by beating Crystal Palace 2-0. season. We have many important qualities rejoin Europe’s elite again. And Rooney travels to Greece with his which means we can play at this level,” he With United in an unusually lowly future settled, having signed a lucrative added. Premier League position, 11 points from new United deal through 2019 on Friday. “We drew the home match against Porto the fourth Champions League place, quali- “The team will be very proud if they can when we should have won, and it was the same fying for next season’s Champions League stop Rooney and Van Persie scoring, against Austria Vienna, where we played with 10 through the usual domestic route seems Olympiakos director Pierre Issa said. “It’s a men for more than an hour. “We deserved to unlikely. So David Moyes’ side wants to challenge to stop them. We will have to collect more points, but overall we can be hap- build a strong first-leg lead at Olympiakos work hard.” py with our performance.” today to smooth the passage to the quar- terfinals. And beyond, given how essential STRIKER SHORTAGE HEAVY DEFEAT winning the May final is to the club’s pride Where will Olympiakos’ goals come ST.PETERSBURG: Borussia Dortmund’s players attend a training session in Russia’s second city Dortmund amassed 12 points in a much and global standings. from? There are just two fit strikers: Michael of Saint Petersburg on the eve of UEFA Champions League last 16, first-leg football match tougher group, featuring Napoli, Arsenal and Here are five things to know about Olaitan and Nelson Valdez. Top scorer Javier against Zenit Saint Petersburg. —AFP Olympique Marseille although their domestic today’s round of 16 game in Greece: Saviola is out of Tusday’s game with a thigh form has been inconsistent. injury he sustained in the 4-0 win at OFI added midfielder Nuri Sahin. “We will be well ground as club employees checked that none of After winning the Bundesliga titles in 2011 RESPITE IN EUROPE Crete on Saturday, and Konstantinos prepared in St Petersburg and we want to get a the banned fans was trying to get in. “We under- and 2012 and finishing second last season, they If only United’s European form had been Mitroglou joined Fulham last month, good result to bring back toDortmund.” stand that it’s hard to be outside at the stadium have had some ups and downs this season and replicated domestically, it wouldn’t be so “Mitroglou was a really good goalscorer Zenit have been ordered to close the four for a long time,” he told Zenit’s website are currently third. bleak for Moyes during his first season in for them and a main player,” Moyes said. sections of the Petrovsky stadium used by their (http://www.en.fc-zenit.ru) On Saturday, they suffered their heaviest charge. “Does it weaken them? I think they’d rather ultras and organise extra security measures fol- “Petrovsky does not have the most comfort- away defeat for four seasons when they went In the Premier League, United is meekly have him than not but probably felt the lowing the incidents in Vienna, where their fans able infrastructure, unfortunately, especially in down 3-0 at Hamburg SV but coach Juergen surrendering the trophy, sitting in sixth offer was so good they had to take it. Since displayed racist banners and let off fireworks. winter time. So we’re going to give Borussia fans Klopp was confident they would rally. place, only ahead of Everton on goal differ- then, they’ve brought in two or three other The club’s general manager Maxim hot tea, and treat them to pirozhki (Russian “We have often shown the right reaction in ence and having played an extra game. players as well and I couldn’t be sure who Mitrofanov said that season ticket holders for pies). the Champions League in the past after losing But United eased through the will and won’t play.” the ultras sections would not be allowed in oth- “We’ll show them true Russian hospitality, to league games,” he said. Champions League group stage with four er parts of the stadium, even if they bought tick- soften the influence of any cold weather on the “It’s a completely different competition,” wins, including an eye-catching 5-0 rout at RACISM IN THE STANDS ets. He also warned of delays entering the match atmosphere.” —Reuters Bayer Leverkusen, and two draws. Going UEFA will be keeping a close eye on the through as group winner ensured the Olympiakos supporters on Tuesday after three-time European champion avoided racist behavior by some during the final potentially trickier teams at the start of the group stage match against Anderlecht led knockout phase. “Teams don’t want to play to UEFA sanctions. Juventus defeat Torino Manchester United,” Moyes said. “They The lower tier of the north stand at know what it stands for as they have been Karaiskakis Stadium will be closed as pun- successful. I hope we can play well enough ishment, and further racism could lead to to get through this round and see what the entire stadium being closed to fans for in Serie A derby match happens next.” the next UEFA fixture. —AP

CONSTRASTING FORM MILAN: Carloz Tevez struck again While it’s miserable for United domesti- to help Juventus beat Torino 1-0 cally, Olympiakos is unstoppable, sitting 23 Matches on TV in the Turin derby on Sunday as points clear at the top of the Greek Super (Local Timings) Antonio Conte’s side maintained League. Just nine goals have been conced- its charge to a third straight Serie ed in 26 games. UEFA Champions League A title. “They are undoubtedly the best team in Tevez scored on the half hour Greece, no question about it,” Moyes said. Zenit v Dortmund 20:00 mark, although Torino will feel “They also have a lot of Greek internation- aggrieved not to have been beIN SPORTS 2 HD als who will go to the World Cup and it will awarded a late penalty when beIN SPORTS 13 HD be a really tough game.” Omar El Kaddouri appeared to be beIN SPORTS 5 HD tripped by Andrea Pirlo. “It was a STOP ROONEY Olympiakos v Man United 22:45 penalty on El Kaddouri,” Torino Olympiakos has lost all four previous beIN SPORTS 2 HD encounters with United, and knows any coach Giampiero Ventura said. “It’s beIN SPORTS 11 HD disappointing because if (referee chance of a reversal in fortunes hinges on beIN SPORTS 13 HD stopping strikers Robin van Persie and Nicola) Rizzoli had seen the penalty maybe we would have witnessed a different game. If we had drawn today it would have been a Osasuna shock Atletico 3-0 to fair result.” It was Tevez’s 13th goal of the leave Real three points clear season and sees him move level with Giuseppe Rossi at the top of MADRID: Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title bringing on playmakers Koke and Arda the goalscoring table. The challenge faltered when they slumped to a Turan and attacking midfielder Raul Garcia Fiorentina striker was injured at shock 3-0 defeat at Osasuna on Sunday in the second half. Atletico forward Diego the beginning of January and is that left Real Madrid three points clear at Costa, who has 21 goals in La Liga this sea- out for the rest of the season. the top. son, toiled up front but a typically gritty Juventus moved nine points Champions Barcelona and Real were defensive performance from Osasuna kept ahead of second-placed Roma, held to draws at Osasuna’s El Sadar stadium him at bay as they climbed to 12th on 29 which has a game in hand. “It was- in Pamplona earlier in the season and points. n’t easy,” Conte said. “But we con- Atletico fell behind in the sixth minute Barcelona, Real and Atletico were level ceded very little to Torino. There when Alvaro Cejudo arrived unmarked at on 60 points before the latest round of was contact but fortunately the the back post at a corner to volley into the matches but after Real cruised to a 3-0 win referee chose well. “We were net. An error by fullback Juanfran allowed over Elche on Saturday, Barca were beaten calmer last year. Behind us we Emiliano Armenteros space to score with a 3-1 at Real Sociedad as coach Gerardo have a team like Roma, which is TURIN: Juventus’ French midfielder Paul Pogba fights for the ball with Torino’s defender Cesare Bovo (hid- long-range drive in the 21st minute and Martino’s decision to rest key players back- more dangerous that Napoli was Roberto Torres nodded a third goal three fired. Barca and Atletico won impressively den) during the Italian Serie A football match. —AFP last year. They don’t make mis- minutes before the break. in midweek Champions League action but It was the first time Atletico conceded were unable to carry their form into the takes, they have enthusiasm and former Lazio striker Sergio diving. Replays appeared to prove ed Mario Balotelli. three goals in the first half since Argentine weekend. Real, who are unbeaten in 26 desire.” Floccari - but lost 3-2 at Lazio. El Kaddouri right but his dramatic However, it continued from coach Diego Simeone took over at the end matches in all competitions and visit In the race for the final Europa Stefano Radu struck twice for fall may have cost him. where it left off on Wednesday of 2011. Atletico next Sunday, are top on 63 points League spot, Torino slipped four Lazio, including a stunning open- Cagliari had lost five of its past and took the lead in the 12th Simeone rested several regulars before with 13 games left.—Reuters points below fifth-placed Inter er off the inside of the post from six matches but took a surprise minute. Taarabt’s header from Milan which could only draw 1-1 more than 30 meters (yards). lead four minutes from halftime, Rami’s cross was parried by at home to relegation-threatened Juventus had won all 12 of its Mauricio Pinilla converted a Angelo Da Costa at point-blank Cagliari. home league matches this season penalty after Victor Ibarbo’s shot range but the on-loan Queens Hellas Verona almost squan- and hadn’t lost in the derby since was deflected off Walter Samuel Park Rangers midfielder turned in dered a three-goal lead but held 1995 - a run of 15 matches. and onto Juan Jesus’ arm. the rebound. on to win 3-2 at struggling Play had to be halted when Inter leveled seven minutes The Morocco international was Livorno and moved a point Ciro Immobile - who is co-owned after the break when Yuto involved in the controversial sec- behind Inter. Luca Toni scored his by Juventus and has already Nagatomo crossed to the far post ond goal, crossing for Rami to 12th of the season for Verona. scored 13 goals this season - where Mauro Icardi headed on for head home after Da Costa had Elsewhere, AC Milan recovered broke the goal with a fierce shot Rolando to bundle in from close fumbled. Sampdoria players were from its disappointing Champions into the sidenetting which pulled range. furious as they felt Milan striker League defeat to Atletico Madrid the net off its support. Juventus Inter almost snatched all three Giampaolo Pazzini had crashed by winning 2-0 at Sampdoria, took the lead after 30 minutes points but Icardi’s header crashed into their goalkeeper. which had former Rossoneri strik- when Tevez controlled Kwadwo off the crossbar in the final Substitute Maxi Lopez was sent er Maxi Lopez sent off. New sign- Asamoah’s cross with his back to minute. Milan’s chances of a off in the 72nd, receiving a second ings Adel Taarabt and Adil Rami goal and swiveled to fire an European spot were reignited yellow card for comments to the both scored their second Milan unstoppable effort into the near after another solid performance referee immediately after being goals. Also, Chievo Verona beat bottom corner. moved it five points behind Inter. booked. Catania 2-0 in a relegation fight There was controversy 10 min- Milan had put on by far its best Chievo moved out of the rele- and Udinese drew 1-1 against utes from time as El Kaddouri display of the season in the 1-0 gation zone with its first win in PAMPLONA: Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian forward Diego da Silva Costa (right) vies with Atalanta. In the evening match, appealed furiously for a penalty defeat to Atletico in the first leg of 10 matches and is a point above Osasuna’s goalkeeper Andres Fernandez (left) during the Spanish League football bottom club Sassuolo levelled but the referee instead booked its Champions League tie but had Livorno and two ahead of match. —AFP twice - including one equalizer by the on-loan Napoli midfielder for a massive injury list which includ- Catania. —AP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 SPORTS Lennon sets new targets for unbeaten Celtic

GLASGOW: Celtic manager Neil Lennon on Edwin van der Sar’s British record. more than 100 points and more than we league duty way back in November. We’ve broken the clean sheet record and has challenged his players to make histo- Now Lennon has set his sights on sur- got under Martin in 2002,” Lennon said. “It Derek McInnes’ side are Celtic’s closest we would like to go as long as possible ry by smashing the club’s own record passing another landmark in what could is a target we are aiming for. We want to challengers, albeit 24 points off the pace unbeaten but that is going to be very dif- points haul in the Scottish Premiership. be a record-breaking league campaign. try to remain unbeaten until the end of after a surprise 3-1 defeat to Partick ficult. “It’s got all the ingredients for a The Hoops boss has watched proudly Lennon was part of the Celtic team that the season but it might be a step too far.” Thistle on Saturday, and Lennon knows great game and we will need to maintain on as goalkeeper Fraser Forster first sur- racked up 103 points under Martin O’Neill Celtic head north to Aberdeen today his side can expect a tough test today. our focus between now and the end of passed the club’s clean sheet record in the 2000/2001 season. looking for their 16th consecutive league “Aberdeen are the only team to have the season if we are to remain undefeat- before setting a new Scottish shut-out However, the Parkhead boss believes win but they will find it tough at Pittodrie. scored against us in quite a while now ed.” Elsewhere today, Ross County host record in the 2-0 win on Saturday. his squad can top that, with his side on The Dons defeated Lennon’s side at and they provide us with very stiff oppo- Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Victoria The English ‘keeper has now gone 13 target to reach 108 points if they win Parkhead a fortnight ago to knock the sition,” Lennon said. “They played very Park for the Highland derby and St consecutive matches and 1,215 minutes their remaining 12 games. Hoops out of the Scottish Cup and were well against us a couple of weeks ago. Johnstone welcome Motherwell to without conceding a goal as he closes in “It would be quite something to get the last side to score past Forster on Our focus is on maintaining this run now. McDiarmid Park. —AFP Pressure on Japan to wrest Asian club crown from China

SEOUL: Pressure is mounting on who signed in February in a deal ten continental titles in total. With are still strong as a team and it Japanese clubs to emulate the reportedly worth $5.6 million. The talent being lost to the increasingly does not matter so much about regional dominance of their 2010 World Cup Most Valuable lucrative Chinese Super League, a the specific players,” said Yun. national side as the Asian Player will link up with highly-rated continuation of such success will Three Australian teams are con- Champions League kicks off today, Japanese international Yoichiro be challenging, despite three of its testing the Champions League for with J-League sides looking to Kakitani. four representatives - Jeonbuk the first time this year, with Central break a five-year drought in the Coast and Melbourne Victory aim- continental competition. ing to improve on poor past per- The J-League has fallen behind formances, while Western Sydney its South Korean and Chinese Wanderers makes a debut in just its domestic counterparts in recent second season of existence. years, with Gamba Osaka’s 2008 In the western half of the draw, title followed by three South 2011 champion Al Sadd of Qatar Korean wins and the victory by a returns to the tournament for the Marcello Lippi-led Guangzhou first time since. That win over Evergrande of China last season. Jeonbuk Motors in a penalty Japan, along with Korea, Iran shootout is the only win for the and Saudi Arabia, has four repre- western part of the confederation sentatives in the 32 team tourna- since 2005. ment that is divided into west and Iran has yet to record a title tri- eastern zones until the quarterfinal umph in the current version of the stage for geographical reasons. tournament, which was launched J-League champion Sanfrecce in 2003. Foolad Khouzestan is in Hiroshima is the leading con- the competition for the first time tender, despite having crashed out and has high ambitions. in last year’s group stage without a “There are lots of advantages to single victory. being a new team in the AFC “Last year we were not techni- Champions League,” said midfield- cally or tactically inferior but over Marcello Lippi er Shahab Karami. “Nobody really powered by our opponents’ physi- knows what we are capable of, so cal strength,” said Sanfrecce coach Forlan is not the only big name Motors, Ulsan Horangi and Pohang we have a great opportunity to sur- Hajime Moriyasu, who led the club import looking to make his mark in Steelers - all having lifted the tro- prise a lot of teams.” The 2003-win- to a second successive J.League the Champions League, with Italian phy in the past decade. ner Al Ain of the United Arab title in 2013. international Alessandro Diamanti The other Korean representative Emirates has struggled to make a “We need to win our home joining Guangzhou in its quest to is 2013 runner up FC Seoul. The mark in recent years. Boasting stars games. The teams that compete in become the first team since 2005 club has seen two of its biggest such as Ghana striker Asamoah the AFC Champions League use to defend the title. “I know that stars, Dejan Damjanovic and Ha Gyan and Omar Abdulrahman, Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar different tactics when playing Guangzhou is the champion, but it Dae-sung, leave for Chinese clubs who has recently been linked to home or away. We have to get will not be easy to win the title in deals worth a combined total of English giants Arsenal and those vital three points in our own again,” Diamanti said. almost $10 million. “Ha and Dejan Manchester City, the team is tar- Barca pays 13.5m euros stadium.” Cerezo Osaka boasts vet- South Korea teams have con- are big losses for the team,” mid- geting a return to the top of Asian to tax office over Neymar eran Uruguay striker Diego Forlan, tested the past five finals and boast fielder Yun Il-rok said. “But . Seoul football. —AP

BARCELONA: Barcelona paid 13.55 million ing companies and false contracts. euros ($18.6 million) to Spanish tax authori- Barcelona said it had “scrupulously” met Shiffrin enters as veterans ties yesterday to cover any potential irregu- its financial obligations in signing the play- larities in its signing of Neymar, all the er from Brazilian club Santos and it would while maintaining its innocence of the continue to work with the state authority in exit swinging Olympic doors fraud charges levied against it. the matter. The Spanish champion said in a state- Neymar’s signing forced the resignation ment it had paid the “complimentary” of Sandro Rosell as president last month, ROSA KHUTOR: US teen Mikaela ing-and Marcel Hirscher complet- Norwegian colossus Aksel Lund bronze in slalom after negotiat- amount to cover any “eventual interpreta- after one club member’s petition to learn Shiffrin claimed slalom gold to ing a 1-2 in the closing slalom, Svindal failing to go home with ing a second run set by Croat tions that could come out of the contracts more about the intricate details of what has usher in a new wave of younger Austria secured a total of nine what they were tipped to win. Ante Kostelic which Ligety brand- signed relating to the transfer of Neymar. become a club-record signing were kept in skiers as a raft of decorated veter- medals (three gold, four silver, Svindal, in particular, seemed ed “borderline unsportsmanlike” Meanwhile we are convinced of the legality the dark. ans exited the revolving doors of two bronze) to top the nations’ flat, unable to carry over his after 12 of the top 30 bombed of our initial fulfilment relating to our tax Rosell has preached financial prudence the Olympic Winter Games. table. impressive World Cup form and out. There was a shock win for obligations.” Barcelona’s actions take the while signing lucrative sponsorship deals Shiffrin became the youngest It was thrill-loving American the Norwegian eventually left Switzerland’s Sandro Viletta in the price of Neymar’s transfer to more than 100 that have put advertising on the front of ever slalom champion at just 18, a Bode Miller who had set the pace Russia early after running out of super-combined, one of several million euros ($138 million) after the Barcelona’s jersey for the first time in the year after claiming world gold, in speed training on a Rosa patience with an ongoing allergy. random results for skiers with few Catalan club initially said it had paid 57.1 history of an institution that considers itself the perfect fresh-faced and self- Khutor course he described, in a or even no World Cup podiums to million euros ($74 million) for the Brazil for- “more than a club” and a symbol of Catalan assured tonic for a sport hit by back-handed compliment, as one JANSRUD AN IDOL their name. ward. values. the absence of injured media dar- where “someone could get killed”. His teammate Kjetil Jansrud French unknown Steve That sum does not include bonus pay- Rosell is being investigated by the ling Lindsey Vonn. “It is OK to be But Miller, in his fifth Olympics, won the super-G and claimed Missillier won giant slalom silver ments made by Barcelona or the 22-year- same Spanish court that laid the fraud and American Andrew Weibrecht old’s salary, meaning his total cost likely charges against the club. Of the initial confident, it does not jinx any- had to settle for a super-G downhill bronze, his country’s exceeds the record-breaking 100 million transfer fee, Brazilian club Santos received thing, it is not arrogant, it is a fact bronze, becoming the oldest ski- only medals, Italian Christof claimed super-G silver after win- euros-plus spent by rival Real Madrid on 17.1 million euros ($23 million) while that you come to the Olympics to er to finish on the podium, at 36 Innerhofer won Italy’s two in the ning bronze in Vancouver and Gareth Bale last summer. Neymar’s father, who also goes by win,” Shiffrin said. years and 127 days, with his sixth downhill and super-combined doing nothing in between. Spanish tax authorities had charged Neymar, earned 40 million euros ($55 mil- “I know that my fastest skiing Winter Games medal. (silver and bronze). “It’s been a pretty difficult four Barcelona with fraud on Thursday, alleging lion). Barcelona said the decision to make is fast enough for gold. Miracles Miller’s teammate Ted Ligety Jansrud’s victory in the second years,” Weibrecht philosophised. it swindled the state of 9.1 million euros the payment came after an emergency are not random. You control your again proved his mastery in the speed event meant Norway have “It’s not like Roger Federer who ($12.5 million) through payments to vary- board meeting on Sunday. —AP own destiny. You can make your giant slalom to win the discipline. now won the last four men’s won maybe 120 tennis matches own journey. “I am already But Ligety was unable to repro- Olympic super-G titles following and lost just one. dreaming of the next Olympics duce his treble gold medal-win- Kjetil Andre Aamodt’s victories in “It’s the essence of ski racing, Minnows Gibraltar ready and winning five gold medals.” ning performance from last year’s 2002 and 2006, and Svindal’s win you have to learn to manage dis- While the American teenager world championships in in 2010. “Jansrud is absolutely an appointment a lot of the time.” It for Euro baptism of fire could realistically be around for at Schladming, and in the absence idol for young Norwegians,” snowed only once in three weeks least the next three Olympics, of speed queen Vonn, the US beamed Norway’s Prime Minister of training and competition, but a two veterans of women’s alpine team finished second to Austria Erna Solberg after the race. team of 500 piste workers did an NICE: It was almost inevitable that when the Portugal, but also to be able to go to Dublin skiing will not be reappearing at in the medal table (2-1-2). One to watch for the future is amazing job in keeping the draw for the 2016 European Championship and Glasgow, is just absolutely tremendous the 2018 Pyeongchang Games: The men’s results were gener- certainly 19-year-old Henrik courses in, largely, very good con- qualifiers took place on Sunday, tiny Gibraltar for us.” Tina Maze and Maria Hoefl- ally a mixed bag, with Miller and Kristoffersen, who claimed dition. —AFP would find themselves together with Spain. Just as they did in November, when they Riesch. Maze of Slovenia ended The British Overseas Territory, little more held Slovakia to a goalless draw in a friendly, than a rock jutting out of the bottom of the Gibraltar will play their games in Faro on the alpine skiing as the most suc- Iberian peninsula, has long been the source Portugal’s Algarve while they await construc- cessful skier in both sexes after of tension between Spain and Britain. tion of an 8,000-capacity venue on the rock claiming golds in the downhill Spain’s political claim to Gibraltar was itself. and giant slalom, the former behind their decision to vote against them That, Beiso says, will be ready by shared in a frustrating first with being accepted as the newest members of September 2016, when they hope to have unheralded Swiss Dominique UEFA last year, although that was not enough been accepted by FIFA to play a part in quali- Gisin. to block their entry. It was, however, enough fying for the 2018 World Cup. “It’s more than we expected. If to persuade UEFA to prevent them from play- you believe, it can happen. I ing in the same group in the Euro 2016 cam- ‘MOMENTOUS CHANGE’ wanted to show my best, espe- paign, Gibraltar’s first with the international He admits the step up to the international cially here, the most important big boys, so when they came out alongside big time has led to a “momentous change on race of the season,” said Maze, Spain in Group C on Sunday in Nice, a quick and off the pitch” for Gibraltar, but now the who also won two silvers at the alteration was made to place them in Group preparations will begin in earnest for their Vancouver Games in 2010. Hoefl- D instead. Rather than playing the reigning opening qualifier, which will be at ‘home’ in Riesch won combined gold and world and European champions, they will Faro against Poland on Sunday, September 7. super-G silver to go with two come up against Germany, the Republic of Gibraltar have implemented the same eli- Vancouver golds, and she and Ireland, Poland, Scotland and Georgia. gibility rules as the home nations, meaning Maze, both proven performers on It is arguably the most daunting of the that any player wishing to represent the the world championships and nine qualifying groups for the 24-team finals national team must either have been born World Cup stages, will be sorely in France, but Gibraltar, with its population of there or have direct family links. around 30,000, are just delighted to be a part The 49-year-old coach Allen Bula admits missed in 2018. of it all. that his talent pool is probably the smallest THRILL-LOVING MILLER “We’re extremely happy with the draw and of any UEFA member as a result - even San we’ve got Germany there as arguably the Marino has a population of 33,000. But he has There were also two medals biggest name within the group,” the Gibraltar introduced British-based professionals such apiece for Austrians Anna Football Association’s CEO Dennis Beiso, told as veteran former Manchester United defend- Fenninger (super-G gold, giant AFP. er Danny Higginbotham and Scott Wiseman slalom silver) and Nicole Hosp “But also the fact that we’ve drawn of Preston North End to help out the team. (combined silver, super-G Scotland and the Republic of Ireland is very “I’m looking at the long-term. I need the bronze). With Matthias Mayer symbolic. We have excellent relations with right balance and the right players to give us claiming a surprise gold in the both associations, we have done for a good more professionalism on and off the field and opening men’s downhill, and vet- number of years now, and to be able to wel- help our local players who have been there eran Mario Matt-now the oldest Gold medallist US skier Mikaela Shiffrin. come them to our home away from home in for quite a lot of years,” said Bula.—AFP Olympic champion in alpine ski- Problems for Zenit, Barca pays 13.5m pies for Dortmund euros to tax office 18 over19 Neymar

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Pakistan starts defense of Asia Cup in Dhaka Page 17

DAYTONA BEACH: Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 42 Target Chevrolet, Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 9 Stanley Ford, Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet, Brian Vickers, driver of the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota, and Bobby Labonte, driver of the No. 52 Pheonix Construction Chevrolet, are involved in an incident during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500. (Inset) Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane with the the Harley J Earl trophy. — AFP Earnhardt Jr. ends decade long drought

DAYTONA BEACH: Through rain and wrecks, on Rain stopped the race about 45 minutes after buildup to Sunday was trying to become the first and last year’s race winner, Jimmie Johnson, in It hit absurd levels as Fox Sports tried to fill Daytona’s longest day, this was a drought Dale it began for a delay of more than six hours. When driver to sweep Daytona, wound up second in a what quickly became a company-wide celebra- the air time with a replay of the 2013 race that Earnhardt Jr. was determined to end. it resumed, Earnhardt dominated at the track Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. He was strongest tion. “He’s been knocking on the door of the 500 hundreds of thousands did not understand was- NASCAR’s most popular driver won the where his father was killed in an accident on the before the rain delay, but had an issue with his for a lot of years. He got it done tonight - did an n’t a live broadcast. Social media exploded with Daytona 500 for the second time - a decade after last lap of the 2001 race. He led six times for a radio when the race resumed and had difficulty awesome job,” said Johnson, who beat Earnhardt congratulatory tweets for last year’s winner, his first victory - to snap a 55-race losing streak race-high 54 laps - all after the rain delay - and hearing his spotter. to the finish line a year ago. Johnson, who posted on his account: “I hear I dating to 2012. seemed to have it under control until things got “It was tough and disappointing because I The win means Hendrick already has one of won the #Daytona500? Haha! I also have friends The victory Sunday night ended a streak of chaotic near the end. There were 42 lead definitely could have used my spotter there at his four drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup confused and texting congratulations to me.” futility at Daytona International Speedway, changes and four multi-car accidents as the field the end,” Hamlin said. “I’m trying to look up at the championship. Under the new win-and-get-in Fellow drivers had fun with the widespread where he finished second in three of the previ- closed in on the checkered flag. scoreboard, trying to figure out how many laps format announced last month, Earnhardt is now error, too. “Wait a minute! I’m confused, did ous four 500s. An accident with seven laps to go triggered are left. I’m so 50-50 on whether I’m (mad) or I’m eligible to race for the title and can spend the @JimmieJohnson win or not?” Bowyer tweeted. “Winning this race is the greatest feeling that by pole-sitter Austin Dillon, driving the No. 3 - happy. I just don’t know. Any other year, I proba- next 25 races preparing for the postseason. Plenty of fans on Twitter were confused through- you could feel in this sport besides accepting the Earnhardt’s father’s number making its return to bly would have been jumping up and down.” “We might be in the Chase - I ain’t going to out the replay, tweeting along as if the race was trophy for the championship,” said Earnhardt, the Daytona 500 for the first time since 2001 - set Keselowski finished third in a Team Penske worry about that,” Earnhardt said from Victory live. Deadspin ran some of them under the head- who climbed from his car in Victory Lane and up a final two-lap shootout to the finish. Ford, and said after watching a replay he knew Lane. “Trust me, man, we’re going to have a blast line, “Scores Of Idiots Don’t Realize Fox Is Airing hugged every member of his Hendrick Earnhardt got a great jump past Brad he had no chance to win once drivers behind this year.” Last Year’s Daytona 500.” Motorsports crew. “I didn’t know if I’d ever get Keselowski on the restart, and had Gordon him committed to their moves and Hamlin came Rain wreaked havoc on the event for the third Even NASCAR couldn’t resist jokingly weigh- the chance to feel it again and it feels just as behind him protecting his bumper. But Denny charging alongside him. “I don’t feel like there’s time in six years, and this year’s race was stopped ing in on the confusion. “Congrats good.” Hamlin came charging through the field and anything I could have done differently,” after 38 laps as a strong storm blew into the area. @JimmieJohnson amazing,” tweeted Steve As he crossed the finish line in his No. 88 Earnhardt suddenly had a challenger with one Keselowski said. The National Weather Service issued a torna- O’Donnell, NASCAR’s senior vice president of rac- Chevrolet, the few who withstood a rain delay of lap to go. Then an accident farther back involv- But as a driver who got his break when do warning in the area and advised people to ing operations. 6 hours, 22 minutes screaming their support, ing former winners Kevin Harvick and Jamie Earnhardt hired him to drive for JR Motorsports take shelter, and fans fled from the grandstands. Piling onto the strange story line, Fox’s rain- Earnhardt euphorically radioed his crew, saying: McMurray brought out the caution and the win in the Nationwide Series, Keselowski was able to NASCAR rolled out the track drying system Air delayed coverage was sponsored by the movie “This is better than the first one!” He was met by belonged to Earnhardt. deal with his disappointment. Titan for several failed attempts over the delay. It “Noah,” which opens March 28 and stars Russell Rick Hendrick after his victory lap, and the team “We could fight off battle after battle. We got “If there’s ever a guy who is due, it’s the guy was the only on-track activity for more than six Crowe as the title character who builds an arc to owner climbed into the driver’s window for a ride a little help at the end there from Jeff to get away who finished second three out of the last four hours, but there was plenty of behind-the-scenes save creation from a massive flood. to Victory Lane. on the restart,” Earnhardt said. “This is amazing. I years. He was due,” Keselowski said. “So I’m happy fun as drivers desperately tried to stay enter- When the cars finally got back on track, “The world is right right now - Dale Junior just can’t believe this is happening. I never take this for him and happy for all those guys. He’s proba- tained. David Ragan made a pizza run in his fire- Earnhardt took off. He had some challenges, par- won the Daytona 500,” teammate Jeff Gordon for granted, man because it doesn’t happen bly my best friend in the garage outside of my suit, Hamlin played basketball, Clint Bowyer ticularly from the Roush Fenway Racing duo of said. “That’s a sign it’s going to be a great sea- twice, let alone once.” teammate.” answered fans questions on Twitter and Ricky Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, but he managed to son.” Hamlin, who won two other races in the Hendrick took fourth and fifth with Gordon Stenhouse Jr.’s crew practiced tornado drills. break free every time it mattered. — AFP Federer serves up hot Nadal proves his form starter at Dubai Open with masterful Rio win RIO DE JANEIRO: World number one Rafael three break points appeared to deflate the Nadal shrugged off the injury concerns that Ukrainian and Nadal took the first set 6-3 DUBAI: Grand Slam record-holder Roger He also managed one moment of pure the- wrecked his Australian Open bid as he dis- with a love service game in 39 minutes. Federer began the second phase of what he atre. Forced by a Becker lob to make a hasty mantled Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, The second set followed a similar pat- hopes will be a revival of his fortunes by rac- retreat from the net, Federer not only man- 7-6 to win the Rio Open on Sunday. tern, as Nadal broke the mercurial Ukrainian ing into the second round of the Dubai Open. aged that but responded with a hot dog — a The 13-time Grand Slam winner showed in his second service game, taking it with a In the process, he displayed some care-free shot between the legs- - which parabolaed no evidence of the back injury that ham- drilled backhand that Dolgopolov was hitting, lively footwork, and an air of authority into a perfect counter-lob, and set up an pered him in Melbourne as he wrapped up unable to dig out at his feet. which evoked his greatest days. unanswerable drop shot. his 48th ATP title against an opponent with Dolgopolov hit several exquisite winners, Beating Benjamin Becker, the German once “It’s rare to hit a lob with a hot dog, and I’m no answer to the relentless pressure exerted especially from the backhand wing but ranked in the a top 40, 6-1, 6-4, was some way happy he got the ball back,” said Federer, by the Spanish clay-court legend. struggled to find a consistent enough game from suggesting these might return, but probably wishing not to humiliate Becker, And by winning a 43rd career clay court to trouble Nadal, who hit only a handful of Federer did look pleasingly upbeat and confi- though the rapture with which the winning title, the 27-year-old threw down a gauntlet unforced errors in the whole match. To his dent as he dispatched a competent middle- two-shot combo was received must have to pretenders to his French Open crowd credit, the Ukrainian refused to buckle and range opponent in only 62 minutes. been disconcerting. which he defends in Paris in May. broke Nadal’s serve for the first time ever as The 32-year-old Swiss legend, now ranked Federer’s only faltering moments came Nadal went into the match with a 4-0 the world number one attempted to serve only eight, wants to do well in Dubai to show while he was closing the match out at 5-4. He winning record against Dolgopolov with the out the match. his Australian open semi-final last month rep- failed to convert two match points, made Ukrainian never having even broken the The success appeared to galvanise resented a step forward and not backwards, three unforced errors in a row and went break world number one’s service. Dolgopolov who held his serve to take a 6-5 and that his game still has the potential to point down when he volleyed wide. But after- And the Spaniard was on top quickly in lead, forcing Nadal to hold for a tie-break, reach its former levels. wards he seemed satisfied with his work. the first set, breaking Dolgopolov’s second which he did. “I’m playing top tennis right now, so I don’t “You have to be a little bit confident to play service game to love as the Ukrainian made In the tie-break, Dolgopolov hit a crucial need to top that stuff,” Federer claimed for his attacking tennis,” he said. “Thank god I served a succession of unforced errors. double-fault followed by an unforced error Dolgopolov could find no rhythm on his backhand to give Nadal an early lead Melbourne efforts, which saw him beat well, which you have to in the quicker condi- against Nadal’s trademark topspins on the and the world number one needed no sec- Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and for- tions here in Dubai. Then if you hit well you DUBAI: Roger Federer of Switzerland returns Rio clay and made little inroads into the ond invitation, taking the set 7-6 and the mer Australian Open finalist Tomas Berdych. have an opportunity to come in.” the ball to Benjamin Becker of Germany during world number one’s service games as he match in one hour and 41 minutes. “For me it’s a matter of staying healthy It had been, he suggested “really good fun their match on the first day of the ATP Dubai raced into a 4-1 lead in less than 20 minutes. Nadal had a less-than-smooth run-in to now, staying consistent, and getting to semi- out there.” Relaxation was at the root of his Duty Free Tennis Championships. —AFP Dolgopolov held his next service game the final, surviving two match points to finals and finals consistently and giving myself confidence, and days of practice on these with three aces and earned a break point in edge compatriot Pablo Andujar in the semi- opportunities really. I feel I am in good Dubai courts was how he engendered the If he wins the title back he will prevent the crucial seventh-the best of the match- final 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (12/10). enough shape as in a year at least now.” confidence. Novak Djokovic from equalling his record of which Nadal saved with incredible retriev- In contrast, Dolgopolov pulled off a Certainly Federer has never made a more eye- “Really I’ve been preparing for this like for a five titles here. He next plays the winner ing and a sublime drop shot. shock against second seed David Ferrer in catching start to this tournament. really big tournament. I’ve been here since between Radek Stepanek, the gifted former Nadal snuffed out two further break the other semi-final, beating the Spaniard 6- He made several effective forays to the net Saturday now, or Friday”, Federer said. top ten Czech, and Michael Russell, the 106th point opportunities and finally took the 4, 6-4. and found an extra gear with his ground “I’ve had over a week’s preparation with ranked American, and is seeded to play game himself as Dolgopolov, seeking to Earlier in the day, Japanese player strokes when he had chances to break serve, not much to do other than practise, so it’s Djokovic in the semis. Djokovic begins his shorten the points in intense humidity, Kurumi Nara won her first WTA crown, beat- which he did twice in the first set and once in been a really good preparation. I hope it’s campaign on Tuesday against Denis Istomin, shelled a forehand long. ing Klara Zakopalova from the Czech the second. going to pay off.” the world number 54 from Uzbekistan. — AFP The disappointment of squandering Republic 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. —AFP ‘Leaner’ HSBC bank unveils profits jump to $16.2bn

Page 22 Business UK oil firms to pay for new regulatory body TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Page 23 Markaz registers net profit of Heathrow airport passenger numbers up 3.4% in 2013 KD7.46m for 2013 Page 25 Page 26

LONDON: (L-R) Bosnian Prime Minister Vjekoslav Bevanda, Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Kosovo prime minister Hashim Thaci and EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti attend a press conference following the prime ministers’ session at the European Bank for Reconstruction and development (EBRD) “Investing in the Western Balkans” conference in London yesterday. The EBRD conference brought together seven prime ministers from the Balkans. —AFP EU-IMF creditors back in Greece for talks Athens eyes deal in two weeks to help pay debts

ATHENS: EU-IMF creditors began a new audit estructuring requirements of the country’s four Greece in 2010 with a program worth 110 bil- am certain that a deal will be achieved before the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and of Greek finances yesterday, with Athens hop- main lenders-National Bank, Alpha Bank, lion euros. When that failed to stabilize the the next Eurogroup (on March 10),” deputy Development. ing for a deal in two weeks to help it meet debt Piraeus Bank and Eurobank. According to Greek economy, they agreed a much tougher second prime minister Evangelos Venizelos said on However, Samaras faces risky local elections repayments, a finance ministry source said. “The reports, preliminary estimates based on stress rescue in 2012 worth 130 billion euros, plus a Saturday after talks with Prime Minister Antonis in May in which his conservative party’s main talks begin today,” the source told AFP. “We tests by private analysts BlackRock indicate that private sector debt write-off of more than 100 Samaras. rivals, the anti-austerity leftist party Syriza, are want this to be over by March 10 owing to the about five billion euros will be required to help billion euros. “The results of sacrifices by the Greek people poised to score major gains. country’s need to repay maturing debt,” the the banks cope with ongoing challenges, Greece has struggled to meet the terms of are extremely impressive. The fiscal adjustment Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras said on Sunday official added. including mounting bad loans. this second package but hopes it has now done is unique,” said Venizelos, head of the socialist that a leftist government would demand an Greece needs to repay 6.6 billion euros ($9.0 However, the Financial Times reported yes- enough to satisfy the troika, especially in achiev- party in the government coalition. He added emergency EU summit on public debt. And if billion) in treasury bills by late April, according terday that according to IMF estimates, close to ing a ‘primary budget surplus’-that is, in the that Greece still had to enact “structural meas- Greece were to be denied debt relief “we will cut to the debt management agency. Greek state 20 billion euros could be required. The Bank of black before debt costs. Greece says it achieved ures, measures that boost competitiveness, off debt service payments, even unilaterally, if news agency ANA said there were 8.3 billion Greece declined to comment. a primary surplus, before interest charges, of 1.5 modernize the state, open the market”. The gov- necessary to meet the needs of the Greek econ- euros in euro-zone loans and another 3.6 billion “We will not comment (on the FT report),” a billion euros in 2013. ernment has pledged to eliminate regulatory omy and society,” he told To Vima weekly. euros from IMF loans to be claimed by Athens, BoG source said. “The results will be released restrictions in food processing, retail trade, “However, I do not think this will happen. It’s in pending from last year. very soon.” The so-called ‘troika’ of the European Threat to stop debt-service payments building materials and tourism that are “poten- nobody’s interest,” Tsipras said. The Greek central The talks began ahead of a Bank of Greece Union, the European Central Bank and the EU data agency Eurostat is expected formally tially harmful” to competition according to a bank has warned that electoral bickering could announcement, expected by next week, on the International Monetary Fund first bailed out to announce the size of the surplus in April. “I study commissioned by Athens last year from hurt the economic recovery. — AFP Kuwait falls before Raider Icahn takes aim at eBay NEW YORK: Corporate raider Carl Icahn took aim at eBay yesterday, calling it to three-day holiday hive off payments unit PayPal while blast- ing its directors for conflicts of interest and its CEO as “asleep”. In a harsh attack on the online market- MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS place and auction site, Icahn said eBay needs to unleash PayPal to allow it to DUBAI: Kuwait’s bourse retreated 0.5 percent going up, we need a correction for the long- grow more aggressively to compete better yesterday, slumping to its lowest level since Jan term uptrend to be sustainable,” said Bruce in the online payments sector. 19 in its fourth straight loss, ahead of a three- Powers, technical analyst and president at “We believe creating two dedicated day public holiday. Kuwait-listed shares in WideVision. Any close below last week’s low of and highly focused independent business- Bahraini firm Gulf Finance House slipped 1.6 4,098 points would increase the chance of a sig- es would provide employees and stock- percent, although the company posted fourth- nificant pull-back, he added. Retail investors’ holders the best opportunity to remain quarter net profit that more than doubled. Its favorite Union Properties led gains, up 4.7 per- competitive over the long term,” Icahn Bahrain-listed shares tumbled 6.5 percent. cent after the firm’s board recommended lifting wrote in an open letter to the company. Saudi Arabia’s bourse rose to a 67-month its foreign ownership limit to 25 percent - “We hope that all eBay stockholders rec- high yesterday as investors shifted funds though current foreign ownership is only 4.35 ognize that PayPal is at a critical point in towards real estate shares, while most other percent. its development and that the payments Carl Icahn regional markets closed on a positive note. The Abu Dhabi’s bourse came off lows to gain 0.2 market is rapidly evolving around it.” Icahn’s letter said his investment units, lion of stock in financial software and pay- nominations, ultimately shareholders will Saudi real estate sector’s index gained 3.7 per- percent. After soaring in the past 12 months it ments firm Intuit and serving on that com- decide whether they believe Mr. Icahn’s cent; developer Jabal Omar jumped 5.5 per- is now moving sideways, and Powers expects it including Icahn Partners, Icahn Master and High River, have acquired 27.8 million pany’s board, had strong interest in a employees are better qualified” than cent. Investors tend to shift from blue chips to remain choppy for the time being. direct competitor of PayPal. Icahn nomi- directors like Cook or Andreessen, who after earnings season towards other sectors In Qatar, Gulf International Services (GISS) shares of eBay, 2.15 percent of those outstanding. nated two of his employees to join the was already slated to step down this year, that may have more upside. Petrochemical surged 8.9 percent to a record high after its He savaged the company’s board, par- eBay board and called on other sharehold- eBay said. EBay shares were up 3.0 percent board proposed a full-year dividend of 2 riyals shares edged up with Saudi Basic Industries ticularly directors Marc Andreessen and ers to support them. at $56.24 in early trade. Veteran wall Street Corp (SABIC) climbing 0.2 percent. per share, up from 1.5 riyals in 2012. But the Scott Cook, as not working in the interest activist investor Icahn, 78, is coming off a “Saudi petchems are trading at reasonable firm posted a higher fourth-quarter net loss of of shareholders, and said chief executive eBay condemns ‘mudslinging’ series of proxy attacks on companies valuations - they should do well in the medium 211 million riyals ($58 million). GISS was the John Donahoe “seems to be completely EBay quickly rebutted the letter, reject- which he declared “victories” for share- term with good dividend support,” said Nitin main support for the Qatari index, which ticked asleep”. “How can Mr. Donahoe be the ing all of Icahn’s arguments and criticisms holders and which, on paper, have Garg, petrochemical analyst at SICO Bahrain. up 0.1 percent to a 67-month high. right person to make the strategic deci- as “mudslinging”. brought him hundreds of millions of dol- “Product prices will remain strong because sions necessary to achieve long-term val- “As we are sure our other shareholders lars in profits. supply is limited and demand is growing. SABIC EGYPT ue creation when he relies on his ‘world- would agree, we prefer to engage in more In pushes against Dell and Apple, he and Tasnee (National Industrialization ) are Cairo’s benchmark advanced 0.5 percent, class board of directors’ with competing constructive and substantive discussions credits himself with driving up share trading at attractive valuations, while others are closing above the psychologically important interests that challenge their fiduciary of why, in our view, PayPal and eBay are prices, as well as convincing Apple’s board at fair prices.” level of 8,000 points for a second session. Real responsibility to eBay stockholders?” Icahn better together,” it said. The company to increase its share buyback program by defended Donahoe as “widely respected” $50 billion. The wider index climbed 0.4 percent to its estate firm Amer Group jumped 10 percent, said. for engineering eBay’s turnaround and And he took partial credit for the $25 highest level since July 2008. In the United Arab leading trading activity after the board rec- He cited private gains Andreessen made on former eBay subsidiary Skype to Silicon Valley veterans Andreessen and billion Actavis takeover last week of fel- Emirates, Dubai’s bourse recovered sharp losses ommended 0.3 Egyptian pounds of cash divi- Cook as “impeccably qualified” for their low pharmaceutical company Forest driven by profit-taking to end flat at 4,124 dend for 2013 and 0.5 bonus share for each the detriment of eBay shareholders after having allegedly resisted spinning off positions. It said the nominating commit- Laboratories, in which he held a stake. points, bouncing from an intra-day low of 4,026 share held. The developer posted a 79 percent tee of the eBay board would review Icahn’s “Great result for all... Forest Labs share- points. “Based on how fast the market has been drop in net profit for 2013. — Reuters Skype in a public offering. And he said that Cook, holding $1 bil- nominations “in due course”. holders-proves again that activism works,” “Even if our board does not support the he tweeted last week. — AFP MANSOORI

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 BUSINESS Tesco Kipa says ‘Leaner’ HSBC bank unveils in talks with various companies ISTANBUL/LONDON: Tesco, the world’s No 3 retailer by profits jump to $16.2bn sales, is in talks with several companies over a possible restructuring of its struggling business in Turkey. The British retailer has been in Turkey since 2003 but has suffered poor trading from its 191 stores recently, with under- Caution over growth in emerging markets lying sales at Tesco Kipa falling 10.7 percent in its second quarter to the end of August. LONDON: HSBC announced yester- mistic about the longer-term while push on with its savings pro- rose 9.0 percent to $22.6 billion The bank’s share price tumbled Last October, Tesco said its business in eastern Turkey day a 15.5-percent rise in annual net prospects of emerging markets” gram, having announced in May last year, lower than market expec- 3.68 percent to 630.3 pence on could be restructured, but it would not exit the country. profits as the bank, Britain’s biggest, despite its own expectations “of plans to cut costs by a further $2.0- tations of $24.5 billion according London’s FTSE 100 index, which Under pressure to turn around falling sales in its main pushed on with a major cost-cutting greater volatility in 2014 and chop- 3.0 billion between 2014 and 2016. to a survey by Dow Jones was down 0.51 percent. “Annual domestic market, Tesco has done deals to sort out problem program last year. The group’s share py markets”. The bank will mean- HSBC added that its pre-tax profit Newswires. profits at the bank are up 9.0 per- businesses in Japan, the US and China and analysts have price tumbled in London morning cent but fall short of expectations, speculated that Turkey could be next. “Tesco is in the first trade on news that pre-tax profits and while the firm remained opti- stages of talks with various companies regarding various undershot analysts’ consensus fore- mistic on long term prospects they options,” Tesco Kipa said in a statement to the Istanbul cast. HSBC also voiced caution over also kept a cautious tone for the stock exchange yesterday. It did not name any of the com- growth in emerging markets, amid year ahead, with emerging markets panies or any of the options. A spokesman for Tesco weakness for the bank in Latin remaining vulnerable,” said Toby declined to elaborate. America. Morris, senior trader at CMC Kipa’s statement was prompted by a Financial Times Profit after tax climbed to $16.2 Markets. report on Friday, citing people familiar with the situation, billion (11.8 billion euros) in 2013, The bank’s bonus pool for 2013 which said Tesco was looking at combining its operations in the London-headquartered lender increased to $3.92 billion on an Turkey with the country’s biggest food retailer Migros. Migros said in an earnings statement, annual basis. HSBC had a global is owned by private equity firm BC Partners. —Reuters adding that it was increasing its headcount of 254,000 at the end of bonus pool by 6.0 percent. 2013 after making cost savings of Net profit had stood at $14.03 $1.5 billion last year and $4.9 billion billion in 2012, when HSBC was hit since 2011. “This comfortably News by US money-laundering fines, mis- exceeded our (three-year) target of selling scandals and a huge account- $2.5-3.5 billion and provides good in brief ing charge. “Our performance in momentum into 2014,” Gulliver 2013 reflects the strategic measures said. There was no update of a we have taken over the past three worldwide probe into suspected ADCB plans to issue years,” said HSBC chief executive rigging of foreign exchange trading five-year bond Stuart Gulliver, referring to the after HSBC was drawn into the DUBAI: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank aims to bank’s cost-cutting program which investigation last November. price a benchmark-sized five-year bond yesterday has reduced its worldwide staff total Its performance in 2012 had after releasing initial price guidance for the dollar- by 41,000 since 2011. meanwhile been hit in part by a denominated trade, a document from lead “Today the group is leaner and $1.9-billion fine to settle US allega- arrangers said. The transaction, for which books simpler than in 2011 with strong tions of money laundering that were have already opened, is initially earmarked to potential for growth,” Gulliver said said to have helped Mexican drug price at between 150 and 155 basis points over in comments included in the cartels, terrorists and Iran. HSBC was midswaps, the document said. ADCB, Abu Dhabi’s bank’s earnings statement. HONG KONG: People queue at an ATM of an HSBC branch in Hong Kong. Banking giant HSBC founded in Hong Kong and sees announced yesterday a 15.5-percent rise in annual net profit to $16.2 billion (11.8 billion euros). —AFP third-largest lender by market value, has chosen He said the bank was “opti- Asia as its main market. —Reuters Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, Barclays, ING and JP Morgan Chase to arrange the transaction. British insurance premiums Investors could spurn Iraqi Basra crude exports set to fall may spike on Flood Re entry RSA profit warning LONDON: Exports of Iraqi Basra Light crude oil are set to fall in March compared to February to 2.155 LONDON: British insurance premiums percent below its intrinsic value of 886.2 LONDON: British insurer RSA publishes 2013 ment of Hester, who built a reputation since million barrels per day (bpd), a preliminary pro- could rise if the country’s government- pence, according to Thomson Reuters earnings on Thursday, but investors are set to the 2008 financial crisis as a troubleshooter gram showed yesterday. February was initially backed Flood Re insurance mutual comes StarMine’s model of how much a stock mostly ignore last year’s numbers and focus having salvaged RBS by slashing assets and pegged at 2.225 million bpd. Realized exports into effect next summer, said Rob Childs, should be worth when considering expect- on the bigger question - how management costs, is a game changer, making them often differ from the initial program as extra car- the chairman of Lloyd’s of London insurer ed growth rates over the next 15 years. plans to plug a gaping hole in its balance more inclined to put up the money them- goes are added or poor weather conditions delays Hiscox Ltd. The terms of Flood Re, a mutual sheet. RSA’s results will mark the first outing selves. loadings. fund through which insurers will offer sub- ‘UNFAIR AND UNWORKABLE’ for newly appointed Chief Executive Stephen “There’s quite a lot of goodwill towards sidized cover to 350,000 households in Hiscox, which underwrites cover for oil Hester, the former head of Royal Bank of Hester. I suppose that’s why he’s there. He Saudi inflation to flood-prone areas, were decided in late rigs, kidnappings, fine art and vintage cars, Scotland who joined early in February with can probably spin a story to get some new fall below 3%: CB June by the Association of British Insurers among others, said it found the Flood Re the insurer in the midst of a strategic review. equity, whatever route it is,” said one of (ABI) and the government. plans that were hammered out in late June DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s central bank expects the His most pressing task will be to raise new RSA’s institutional shareholders. annual inflation rate to fall further below 3 per- “They’re going to make a levy on all “unfair and unworkable”. capital - possibly as much as 1 billion pounds Panmure Gordon analysts say RSA needs cent in the first quarter of this year, it said in a homeowners, on all people who buy It said the scheme would exclude ($1.67 billion) according to some analysts - to raise around 500 million pounds to stave home insurance. And that, of course, could Britain’s most expensive private homes, following an accounting scandal at RSA’s off a credit downgrade, with up to 400 mil- report yesterday. “The general inflation rate is then result in increased premiums on the residences built after 2009, and rented and Irish arm and substantial costs from claims lion to be gathered by issuing new shares to expected to continue declining below 3 percent whole in the UK,” Childs, a member of the leased properties from subsidized insur- linked to bad weather in Europe. The compa- investors and the rest covered by dividend during the first quarter of 2014, in line with the fall Council of Lloyd’s, told Reuters. The ance, but that these residents would still ny has said all options are being considered cuts and sales of non-core assets. The bro- of the inflationary pressures in the food and bev- scheme is set to exclude Britain’s most need to pay the levy to fund Flood Re. “We and has highlighted a dividend cut, asset ker also said it expects a 43 percent drop in erages group...” it said, citing commodity price expensive homes from subsidized cover. just think that’s taxation without represen- sales and rights issue as possible courses of RSA’s operating result to 377 million index projections by the International Monetary However, these homeowners will be tation,” Childs said, adding that Hiscox had action. pounds, driven by the losses in Ireland and Fund. Consumer price growth in the world’s top required to pay the 2.2 percent levy on discussed its concerns with both the ABI The Irish accounting issues were uncov- weather-related claims. Bernstein Research oil exporter has been easing gradually since hit- home insurance. and the government. “A plan that excludes ered last year and contributed to a series of analysts see a more aggressive move - up to ting a peak of 4.0 percent in April 2013. It edged “You would expect that if the insurers one-sixth of homeowners is unlikely to be profit warnings, leading to the departure of 1 billion pounds raised “to err on the safe down to 2.9 percent in January this year, the low- had losses, they would push the premium equitable.” several senior executives including Hester’s side”, of which half would come from a est level since early 2007, from 3.0 percent in the up in any event and they would (addition- ABI spokesman Stephen Sobey said predecessor Simon Lee. rights issue, around 180 million pounds previous month. Analysts polled by Reuters in ally) have to load it by 2.2 percent,” Peel Hiscox had made repeated requests to At stake is the firm’s credit rating, already from cutting the dividend and the rest January expected average inflation in the OPEC Hunt analyst Mark Williamson said. have this addressed. “The government lowered in December to A- by Standard & through “management actions”. member to remain steady at 3.5 percent in 2014 The fund has received renewed atten- decided that it would be unfair for cus- Poor’s. Further downgrades could lead to While the goodwill towards Hester from and climb to 4.0 percent in 2015. tion after a series of unusually heavy tomers in smaller homes to have to subsi- brokers refusing to sell RSA products. A cut shareholders bodes well for a successful storms that began in December - particu- dize the largest private homes,” he said. to BBB+ would be “potentially disastrous,” rights issue to raise the bulk of the required Amer Group net larly in the south of England - flooded The underwriter posted a 12.4 percent rise Panmure Gordon said yesterday. With large new capital, he could opt for a small placing thousands of homes, damaging transport in full-year profit to 244.5 million pounds profit falls 79% areas of southern England - including afflu- and avoid holding the process up with a CAIRO: Egyptian real estate company Amer links and shutting down businesses. ($408 million) as it recorded fewer claims shareholder vote. ent, expensively insured London suburbs - Group posted a 79 percent drop in net profit for Hiscox, which reported its full-year during a benign US hurricane season. hit by floods since the year end, the need to But to avoid a vote, the shareholder said, 2013. Amer Group, which owns hotels, restau- results yesterday, said it expected to It also said its reinsurance business raise capital is becoming ever more pressing. the placing would need to be for less than reserve 5 million pounds to cover flood- would continue to shrink in 2014 after it 10 percent of the company - or about 350 rants, malls, and other businesses, made 31.996 related claims for January and February, reported a decline of about 16 percent in GOODWILL million pounds, which may not be enough. million Egyptian pounds ($4.60 million) last year, having already set aside 11 million pounds its reinsurance rates due to aggressive RSA shares traded nearly 3 percent lower “My suspicion would be if you did that, compared with 155.554 million pounds in 2012, it for December. The company’s London-list- competition from both traditional and new on Monday morning, after the insurer con- you’d end up not raising enough. The key said in a statement yesterday. Revenues for 2013 ed stock was down as much as 1 percent at sources of capital. Net premiums rose 7 firmed late on Sunday a rights issue was thing is, you don’t want to come to the mar- dropped to 877.7 million pounds compared with 650 pence on Monday morning, about 36 percent to 1.28 billion pounds. —Reuters possible but that it had not made a final ket and have to do it again,” the shareholder 1.15 billion pounds a year earlier. decision. Investors say that the appoint- said. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.965 Philippine Peso 0.006425 0.006706 Nepalese Rupees 3.835 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Malaysian Ringgit 86.505 Singapore Dollar 0.219494 0.225494 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019726 0.028226 Japanese Yen 2.765 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.745 Australian Dollar 259.95 256.95 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001869 0.002449 Indian Rupees 4.558 Thai Bhat 9.665 Canadian Dollar 261.74 262.74 Taiwan 0.009185 0.009365 Pakistani Rupees 2.691 Turkish Lira 129.810 Swiss Franc 321.50 319.50 Thai Baht 0.008353 0.008903 Srilankan Rupees 2.154 Euro 390.89 391.89 Nepali Rupees 2.848 US Dollar 282.05 285.05 Singapore Dollar 223.750 Bahrain Exchange Company Arab Hongkong Dollar 36.439 Sterling Pound 475.96 478.96 Bahraini Dinar 0.743146 0.751146 Bangladesh Taka 3.629 Japanese Yen 2.81 2.83 Egyptian Pound 0.036834 0.039934 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.336 Bangladesh Taka 3.630 3.900 Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Thai Baht 8.691 Indian Rupee 4.540 4.840 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000183 0.000243 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.157 2.592 Belgian Franc 0.007345 0.008345 Jordanian Dinar 0.394368 0.401868 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Nepali Rupee 2.847 3.382 British Pound 0.463194 0.472194 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.696 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006145 0.018145 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.86 77.32 Danish Krone 0.047893 0.052893 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024374 0.048374 Saudi Riyal 75.390 Bahraini Dinar 750.70 752.77 Euro 0.382274 0.389774 Nigerian Naira 0.001195 0.001830 Qatari Riyal 77.680 Egyptian Pound 40.51 41.11 Norwegian Krone 0.042417 0.047617 Omani Riyal 0.727993 0.733673 Omani Riyal 734.410 Jordanian Dinar 401.43 407.08 Romanian Leu 0.085820 0.85820 Qatar Riyal 0.076913 0.078126 Bahraini Dinar 750.900 Omani Riyal 733.51 740.81 Slovakia 0.008087 0.018087 Saudi Riyal 0.074723 0.075423 UAE Dirham 76.992 Qatari Riyal 77.89 78.44 Swedish Krona 0.039142 0.0444141 Syrian Pound 0.002165 0.002385 Saudi Riyal 75.34 75.74 Swiss Franc 0.311670 0.321870 Tunisian Dinar 0.174841 0.182841 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.126221 0.133221 Turkish Lira 0.126221 0.133221 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.550 UAE Dirhams 0.075960 0.077109 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.160 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001283 0.001363 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.319 Australian Dollar 0.244892 0.256392 New Zealand Dollar 0.227498 0.236998 Tunisian Dinar 179.770 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 399.240 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 282.350 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.897 America Canadian Dollar 256.905 Syrian Lira 2.015 Canadian Dollar 0.248621 0.257121 Sterling Pound 471.410 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.547 US Dollars 0.278500 0.282850 US Dollar 282.000 Euro 389.890 US Dollars Mint 0.279000 0.282850 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 318.650 Euro 390.000 US Dollar Transfer 282.600 Bahrain Dinar 745.540 Asia Pound Sterling 471.250 Euro 389.710 UAE Dirhams 76.850 Bangladesh Taka 0.003320 0.003920 Canadian Dollar 255.350 Sterling Pound 470.800 Qatari Riyals 78.400 Chinese Yuan 0.045211 0.048711 Indian Rupee 4.543 Canadian dollar 255.280 Saudi Riyals 76.160 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034347 0.037097 Egyptian Pound 40.155 Turkish lira 129.810 Jordanian Dinar 397.915 Indian Rupee 0.004309 0.004710 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.151 Swiss Franc 320.050 Egyptian Pound 40.505 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 Australian Dollar 254.340 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.153 Japanese Yen 0.002677 0.002857 Philippines Peso 6.315 US Dollar Buying 281.400 Indian Rupees 4.545 Kenyan Shilling 0.003268 0.003268 Pakistan Rupee 2.690 Pakistani Rupees 2.687 Korean Won 0.000252 0.000267 Bahraini Dinar 751.000 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.627 Malaysian Ringgit 0.081945 0.087945 UAE Dirham 76.850 20 Gram 240.000 Philippines Pesso 6.317 Nepalese Rupee 0.003069 0.003239 Saudi Riyal 75.300 10 Gram 121.000 Cyprus pound 693.510 Pakistan Rupee 0.002392 0.002672 5 Gram 62.500 Japanese Yen 1.275 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 German business confidence hits 2.5-year high

FRANKFURT: German business confidence hit the The sub-index measuring current business rose But such concerns should disappear quickly, said. “Overall, the Ifo survey supports the broader highest level for more than two and a half years in to 114.4 points in February from 112.4 points in Brzeski believed. “While some performances of evidence suggesting that the German economy is February, as the outlook for Europe’s biggest econo- January, while the outlook sub-index slipped to Germany’s Olympic athletes over the last two weeks expanding at a steady but unspectacular pace,” my continues to hold up, data showed yesterday. 108.3 points from 108.9 points. Nevertheless, might have disappointed, the economy’s perform- Loynes argued. Berenberg Bank economist The Ifo economic institute’s closely watched “expectations regarding future business develop- ance is again en route for a gold medal,” he said. Christian Schulz said that despite its apparent business climate index climbed to 111.3 points this ments ... remain optimistic,” Sinn insisted. Nataxis economist Johannes Gareis, too, felt that “all strength, the German economy “is not completely month, the highest level since July 2011. In January, “German businesses remain diehard optimists,” in all the German business climate remains more immune to the emerging market turbulences.” the index had stood at 110.6 points. said ING DiBa economist Carsten Brzeski. Gross than upbeat, suggesting that Germany’s business But “fortunately, Germany can rely on domestic “The German economy is holding its own in a domestic product data for the fourth quarter came sector is on a growth course heading into 2014.” demand as the key driver of growth at the current changeable global climate,” Ifo chief Hans-Werner in better than expected and further positive hard But Capital Economics economist Jonathan stage of the cycle. Private investment is rebounding Sinn said in a statement. Ifo calculates its headline data are set to follow, Brzeski said. “Of course, there Loynes was more cautious. “The survey has been after a long period of decline. And the Ifo index index on the basis of companies’ assessments of are also risks,” the expert noted, pointing to an consistently over-optimistic relative to the hard reassuringly points to strength in another key com- their current business and the outlook for the next unexpected slowdown, further emerging market data over the last year or so, so its implications for ponent of domestic demand, namely consumption,” six months. turmoil and a Chinese hard landing. growth should not be interpreted too literally,” he he said. — AFP UK oil firms to pay for new regulatory body British oil and gas output falls

LONDON: Britain urgently needs its oil and operators losing their licenses, Wood said. A focus on more drilling for oil and gas in gas companies to pay for a new regulatory Wood, whose report estimates that about 24 more remote areas could benefit companies body to encourage industry collaboration and billion barrels of oil equivalent could still be who specialize in that area such as Seadrill, counter plunging North Sea production rates, buried beneath the UK part of the North Sea, Noble or Rowan, experts in oil and gas explo- a government review, the first since the mid- also recommended the regulator should ration work. 1990s, said yesterday. Britain’s oil and gas out- enforce rules for companies to share explo- “We strongly welcome the proposal for a put - worth up to 200 billion pounds over the ration data more quickly. “I fully back Sir Ian new arm’s length regulator with additional next 20 years - has fallen around two thirds Wood’s recommendations and we will start powers and resources...The report is a game since its peak at the turn of the century. implementing them immediately,” said changer,” said Malcolm Webb, chief executive The North Sea is thought to contain billions Britain’s Energy and Climate Change Secretary of Oil & Gas UK, Britain’s fossil fuel industry of barrels of hard-to-reach oil but with many Ed Davey in a statement. lobby group. — Reuters platforms and pipelines coming to the end of their working lives, time is fast running out to get at them. The review’s task was outlining how to make that easier. About 99 percent of oil and 60 percent of gas production from offshore Britain is expected to come from Scottish waters until 2040. NICOSIA: Angry electricity authority workers scuffle with riot police outside the The first strategy assessment of the coun- entrance to Parliament during a strike to protest government plans to privatize the try’s oil and gas potential in more than 20 state-run organization in Nicosia, Cyprus, yesterday. — AP years was published on the same day as Prime Minister David Cameron holds his first full cabinet meeting in Scotland, aimed at persuading Scuffles in Cyprus over Scots - who vote on secession on Sept. 18 - to stay in Britain. privatization move The oil and gas industry, whose major North Sea operators include BP, Statoil and Shell, is expected to foot the bill for the new NICOSIA: Hundreds electricity authority lion) under the bailout agreement. But crit- regulator which the government said will be workers laid siege to parliament yesterday ics fear the government will underprice the set up immediately. as scuffles broke out with police during a utilities, and that privatization will harm “I believe industry will have to pay, but in protest against the privatization of tele- both workers and consumers. return should be granted appropriate service coms, electricity and ports, officials said. State-run telecom firm Cyta is expected level agreements,” said Sir Ian Wood, author of Demonstrators threw stones, fruit and to be privatized first, followed by the elec- the report and former chairman of oil services plastic water bottles at riot police as they tricity and ports authorities. Nicosia needs company Wood Group, without providing fig- tried to enter the building where MPs were to approve legislation on privatization ures. Government revenues from North Sea discussing the controversial privatization before it receives its next disbursement of production fell more than 40 percent to 4.7 bill, witnesses said. 236 million euros in bailout cash expected billion pounds in 2012-13, underlining the Police inside and outside the building in April from the so-called troika of the sector’s importance to Britain’s economic kept the protesters from entering the International Monetary Fund, European recovery. SIMIZA: Wild flowers cover the ground in a olive growth in Simiza, southern Greece. Plans to building, even though they broke through Commission and European Central Bank. In The new regulator will block any major extend a brutal efficiency drive to olive oil production have been met with anger and disbelief. an initial police cordon. return for a 10 billion-euro bailout, interna- investments that do not sufficiently focus on If proposals from a government funded study are adopted, olive oil blended with cheaper veg- Damage to parliament’s generator dur- tional creditors demanded the winding up extracting maximum potential from North Sea etable oils will soon go on sale as part of an effort to modernize Greece’seconomy, which was ing the disturbance saw the power supply of the island’s second largest banker Laiki fields, a move which could result in some rescued from near bankruptcy four years ago. —AP cut for an hour, and a number of police and and a haircut on deposits over 100,000 demonstrators were reportedly slightly euros in Bank of Cyprus, its largest lender. hurt. Parliament speaker Yiannakis Omirou The utilities need to be restructured to condemned the behavior of demonstrators attract foreign investors, and the sell-off Nigerian CB reassures as “unacceptable”. Electricity authority will not go ahead until 2016 when Cyprus is unions have called for a strike today-their expected to exit recession. The govern- second-that is expected to trigger rolling ment says workers’ rights would be protect- power cuts. Industrial action has also been ed and that employees could have the after governor dismissed taken by telecoms and port authority staff. option to buy shares. The strikes are the first of their kind since In return for a 10 billion-euro bailout, heavily-indebted Cyprus agreed to an inter- international creditors demanded the LAGOS: The acting head of Nigeria’s central Nigeria has the second-biggest economy 2013 and was “strong, sound and resilient” national bailout in March 2013. winding up of the island’s second largest bank reassured investors yesterday that the in Africa after South Africa, which is one of the despite the turmoil at the CBN. Inflation had Cyprus has agreed to a two-year road bank Laiki and a haircut on deposits over removal of the former governor would not BRICS leading emerging economies. Markets been in single figures for the last 13 months, map to privatize key state utilities in order 100,000 euros in Bank of Cyprus, its top change policy to strengthen the economy, the in Nigeria reacted negatively to Sanusi’s dis- she added. to raise a required 1.4 billion euros ($1.9 bil- lender. — AFP second-biggest in Africa. President Goodluck missal, with the naira falling sharply against The exchange rate has also remained sta- Jonathan suspended the former Central Bank the US dollar, while most stocks in the bank- ble, she said, promising to sustain the of Nigeria (CBN) governor Lamido Sanusi last ing sector also dipped. momentum. Egyptian pound strengthens Thursday over allegations of misconduct in a Alade said in an advertisement published “The bank is committed to sustaining these move seen by analysts as politically motivat- in Nigerian newspapers that the CBN had the achievements through the use of appropriate CAIRO: The Egyptian pound strength- million to banks with a cut-off price of ed. Jonathan appointed Sarah Alade, the capacity to meet the demands of foreign policy tools to ensure price and financial sys- ened slightly at a central bank foreign 6.9509 pounds to the dollar, fractionally CBN’s most senior deputy governor, to take exchange users and there were no plans to tem stability,” she said. Sanusi has rejected currency sale yesterday. On the black stronger than the cut-off price of 6.9511 the helm pending parliamentary confirmation devalue the currency. the claims against him, believing he was market the pound weakened slightly and from Thursday’s auction. The bank had of Zenith bank head Godwin Emefeile to suc- “With the current level of reserves at seven removed for highlighting alleged widespread traders said news that the government offered to sell $40 million. ceed Sanusi. Alade said “recent changes at the months of imports cover as at end-December graft in the oil and gas sector. had resigned, a move that should pave On the black market, the dollar was He told AFP in an interview on Sunday that the way for army chief Field Marshal sold at 7.35 pounds yesterday, slightly CBN will not in any way affect the monetary 2013, the bank’s ability to intervene in the for- Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to declare his candi- weaker than the 7.33 pounds on policy direction and pursuit of the bank’s pri- eign exchange market is not in doubt,” she President Jonathan was a “simple man” who dacy for the presidency, had little imme- Thursday. The pound has been under mary mandate of maintaining price and finan- said. had been undermined by “extremely incom- diate market impact. “I don’t think this pressure during three years of political cial system stability”. Nigeria’s economy grew at 6.87 percent in petent ... extremely fraudulent” aides. — AFP news will have much economic effect turmoil. Foreign currency reserves were because it was expected and already fac- around $17 billion in January, down from tored in. Also it is expected that the key $36 billion before the uprising that led to ministers, interior minister and most of president Hosni Mubarak’s downfall in Algeria to start new LNG plant the economic ministers, will remain,” said 2011. Moheb Malak, economist at Prime The central bank introduced dollar ALGIERS: Algeria will start up a new plant to Separately, the APS reported that Algeria Touil plant will be supplied from 42 wells out Securities. currency sales over a year ago. Last liquefy natural gas (LNG) this year, with a on Monday started production from a new of 52 planned, it said, citing unnamed official “I don’t think this changes much. The month, it held a $1.5 billion exceptional annual capacity of 6 billion cubic metres, gas processing plant with a total capacity of at the Sonatrach at a ceremony at the plant in policy of the transitional government is auction, its largest ever, to restock the Energy and Mines Minister Youcef Yousfi told 3.6 billion cubic meters per year. The Gassi the southern province of Ourgla. — Reuters expected to remain in the same direc- market with dollars and curb unofficial a state news agency yesterday. tion,” he said. The central bank sold $38.6 currency trading. — Reuters The OPEC member and gas producer, which aims to bolster production in its lag- ging energy sector, earlier this year started Moscow warns of import duty production from a new LNG unit at the eastern town of Skikda. “A new unit is expected to hike if Kiev signs EU pact come online this year, with the same capacity,” Yousfi told state news agency APS. BERLIN: Russia’s economy minister warned remaining a major trading partner of He appeared to be referring to a unit that Ukraine in an interview yesterday that Russia. “One is not compatible with the oth- has been under construction in the western Moscow will raise import duties on its er,” he was quoted as saying, adding that town of Arzew. Yousfi also said the In Amenas goods if Kiev signs a partnership agree- Moscow favored “trilateral negotiations gas plant, hit by Islamist militants attack early ment with the European Union. between Russia, the EU and Ukraine” on the last year, would resume full production in “We say to Ukraine: you have the right issue. He also said that further Russian months. Last month, the minister said he to go your own way,” Alexei Ulyukayev was loans for Ukraine would be conditional on quoted as telling German business daily the make-up of its next government. expected the plant to fully restart “within Handelsblatt. “But we will then be forced to “We first need to know who will be in weeks”. The plant is currently producing 20 raise import duties.” the government, which program it will fol- million cubic metres per day out of a total Russia is currently a major market for low and who will be prime minister.” The capacity of 30 million cubic meters. BP, Ukrainian exports. Ulyukayev said that, minister warned that the economic situa- Norway’s Statoil < and state-owned because of free trade within the Moscow- tion is rocky in Ukraine. Sonatrach jointly operate the facility, in which dominated Commonwealth of “The situation there is changing day by 40 workers died during the attack. Independent States, Russia would be flood- day,” he said. “But it’s already clear that BP and Statoil have withdrawn their staff ed with duty-free goods from the EU if Kiev Ukraine faces recession.” He warned of the since the assault, demanding better security signed an association agreement with the impact of the dire economic situation on conditions, though Algerian officials say they bloc. Ukraine’s refusal three months ago to Ukrainian-Russian joint ventures as well as have met all demands for improved protec- sign such an EU trade pact sparked a crisis Russian banks, which are heavily invested tion. “Specific measures have been taken to that spiralled into deadly clashes and the in the neighboring country. prevent such a tragedy from happening again downfall of president Viktor Yanukovych. “Many investment funds are withdraw- in the future and provide partners with maxi- PARIS: China’s Trade Minister Gao Hucheng and French Foreign Trade Minister Nicole Bricq lis- Ulyukayev ruled out the possibility of ing their money from Ukraine-and in many mum assurance regarding the safety of their ten to questions during a press conference following the 22nd Franco-Chinese commission for Ukraine signing such a pact and also cases also from Russia,” he said. — AFP personnel,” Yousfi said yesterday. Trade and Investment yesterday at the French Economy Ministry. — AFP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 BUSINESS Emerging markets fall on China worries

LONDON: Emerging stocks fell yesterday as Chinese than at the start of the year and it’s still playing out,” lar bond rose 6 points to a four-week high of 90 cents hit a six-day high against the dollar. Nigeria’s naira fell shares posted their biggest loss in seven weeks on wor- said Peter Attard Montalto, emerging markets econo- on the dollar, according to Reuters data. 0.6 percent and stocks hit three-month lows in sus- ries about the property market, while Ukraine’s debt mist at Nomura. The MSCI emerging equities index fell The 2017 dollar bond gained 7.8 points to a three- tained weakness since President Goodluck Jonathan insurance costs dropped sharply on expectations of 0.34 percent though emerging sovereign debt spreads week high of 95, while the 2022 dollar bond rose 5 suspended graft-fighting central bank governor Lamido western aid. Ukraine said yesterday it needed $35 billion edged in by 1 basis point to 362 basis points over US points to a three-week high of 90. But the hryvnia fell Sanusi last week. Sanusi said on Friday he would go to in foreign assistance over the next two years and Treasuries. to a five-year low. Analysts said the country is running court to challenge the suspension. appealed for urgent aid after President Viktor Yanukovich Ukraine’s five-year credit default swaps (CDS) fell out of foreign exchange reserves to support it and is Egyptian stocks were trading at 5-1/2 year highs as was forced out of office at the weekend. In China, stocks 161 basis points from Friday’s close to a 3-week low of likely to focus its use of funds on repaying dollar debt. the military-backed government resigned, in a move slid around 2 percent after news reports stoked fears that 946 bps, according to Markit. “Political considerations “Given that international reserves have likely, on our likely to pave the way for army chief Field Marshal Abdel banks have begun tightening loans to developers before in this instance override economic or financial ones estimates, declined ... to $12-14 billion, we think down- Fattah Al-Sisi to declare his candidacy for president. next week’s annual parliamentary meetings. and ... western aid is likely to be substantial enough to side risks to the UAH (hryvnia) remain large,” Goldman Venezuela’s five-year CDS eased but remain at extremely That fuelled worries about a slowdown in China’s prevent a credit event from taking place in the short Sachs added. distressed levels above 2,000 bps, according to Markit, property market and growth outlook. “People are hav- term,” Goldman Sachs said in a client note, referring to Other emerging European currencies were generally after nearly two weeks of violent anti-government ing a more negative view about China’s economy now the risk of default or restructuring. Ukraine’s 2023 dol- steady, supported by the news from Ukraine. The rouble protests that have killed at least eight people. —Reuters

TOKYO: A man uses a mobile phone in front of a securities firm’s electronic stock board in Tokyo, yesterday. Asian stock markets mostly fell yesterday after a slower increase in Chinese property prices added to jitters about the strength of the world’s No 2 economy. —AP Gold rises as investors ditch dollar

LONDON: Gold rose to a near four- gested the reduction in monetary stimu- month high yesterday, adding to last lus will continue for now. At a G20 meet- week’s gains, as investors ditched the ing during the weekend, the world’s top dollar and equity markets on persistent economies have embraced a goal of worries over the pace of the US econom- generating more than $2 trillion in addi- ic recovery and China’s growth. Weak US tional output over five years, signalling manufacturing data on Friday and a optimism that the worst of crisis-era aus- slowdown in the rise in home prices in terity was behind them. China for the first time in 14 months in Hedge funds and money managers January, raised fresh concerns over the raised their net long position in gold health of the world’s biggest economies, futures and options in the week to Feb. drawing investors towards gold, often 18, data from the Commodity Futures seen as an insurance in times of trou- Trading Commission showed on Friday, bles. after prices broke through tough resist- “Fears about economic conditions in ance at $1,300 an ounce. China and the US are driving investors The net-long or bullish money held back into gold,” Quantitative Commodity by hedge funds and other speculators Research owner Peter Fertig said. “We across 22 US commodity markets rose to would have to wait for data for the $119.5 billion in the Feb. 18 week from month of March to get a clearer picture $102 billion during the week to Feb. 11, about the state of the US economy...in Reuters calculations of the CFTC data the meantime gold should see some showed. Holdings of the largest gold- consolidation...the next pivot technical backed exchange-traded-fund (ETF), resistance stands at (the) Oct 28 high of New York’s SPDR Gold Trust increased $1,361.” Spot gold rose as high as 0.34 percent on Friday from Thursday. $1,334.50 an ounce in earlier trade, its highest since Oct. 31. It was trading at PHYSICAL DEMAND $1,330.05 by 1037 GMT, up 0.7 percent. Premiums for gold bars in Hong Kong The metal has gained more than 9 were stuck in a wide range of $1.30 to percent so far this year, following a 28- $1.70 an ounce to spot London prices, percent drop in 2013 that put an end to unchanged from last week. Gold premi- 12 years of gains. US gold futures for ums in Singapore, a centre for bullion April delivery rose $9.70 an ounce to trading in Southeast Asia, were also $1,333.40. The dollar index fell 0.1 per- unchanged from last week at $1.20 to cent, while European shares were also $1.50 an ounce to the spot London lower as investors assessed continued prices. Political tensions in Thailand have signs of a slowdown in China and the yet to spur safe-haven buying but could United States, which could impact the affect trading activity. Silver rose 0.3 per- pace of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s stimu- cent to $21.89 an ounce, platinum lus withdrawal. gained 0.5 percent to $1,426.74 an However, minutes released last week ounce and palladium fell 0.1 percent to from the Fed’s most recent meeting sug- $738.22 an ounce. —Reuters Brent crude steadies around $110 after fall LONDON: Brent crude oil steadied for energy prices,” said Michael McCarthy, around $110 a barrel yesterday after chief strategist at CMC Markets. “It is resisting sharp declines in some other more the demand side of the equation. risk assets on news of further supply loss- Reasonable global growth in oil demand es in Africa and expectations of revived is expected.” Investors also kept an eye oil demand growth. Libyan oil output on global political tensions and the plunged further over the weekend, potential for further disruption to oil falling to 230,000 barrels per day (bpd) exports. on Sunday after a new protest shut the El “One of the reasons for the price stay- Sharara field. Before nationwide protests ing up around $110 is the geopolitical started in the middle of last year, Libyan risk, with reduced exports coming out of oil production was closer to 1.4 million Libya, negotiations over lifting sanctions bpd. on Iran going very slowly, Syria remain- “As long as the Libyan security situa- ing in the background and maybe tion is unstable, global oil prices will be Ukraine as well as South Sudan,” said buoyed,” said Michael Poulsen, analyst at Christopher Bellew, oil futures broker at Danish consultancy Global Risk Jefferies Bache. Management. Brent crude was down 30 In South Sudan, the capital of the cents to $109.55 a barrel by 1100 GMT, main oil-producing Upper Nile region, after settling higher for a second straight Malakal, remains divided between the week. US oil fell 20 cents to $102.00, after army and rebels, government officials climbing for the sixth week in its longest say. On Saturday, the national govern- winning streak in more than a year. ment over-ruled Upper Nile state’s plan Oil markets also found support from a to partially shut down oil production and fairly upbeat meeting of the world’s top evacuate foreign workers after the rebel economies in Sydney, which announced offensive. a target of generating more than $2 tril- A petroleum ministry official said that lion in additional output over five years South Sudan’s oil production had fallen while creating millions of new jobs. Oil to about 170,000 bpd even before the demand tracks global economic growth rebel strike on Malakal, a drop of around closely. a third since the fighting erupted in “The outlook is momentarily positive December. —Reuters MANSOORI

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 BUSINESS

Obama looks to governors for help with economy

WASHINGTON: His domestic priorities hope to be a year of action,” Obama said November midterm elections. position allows him to work around Sunday message entitled, “We’re not sit- stalled in a divided Congress, President at a black-tie dinner with dozens of lead- Republicans were planning to share Congress in constructive ways. ting still,” Obama’s senior adviser Dan Barack Obama is looking for allies among ers who were in town for a meeting of their ideas for improving the nation’s “Instead of new regulations, new Pfeiffer said the president this week would America’s governors. The president was to the National Governors Association. economy. They include eliminating federal spending that haven’t worked, I would “announce new action on manufacturing, meet with governors of both parties at the “When we’ve got a Congress that some- regulations and further delaying key pro- argue he should use his newfound execu- infrastructure and transportation jobs, and White House, following a Sunday dinner in times seems to have a difficult time act- visions of Obama’s health care overhaul. tive power to actually promote jobs,” a new initiative to ensure everyone who is which he told state leaders their coopera- ing, I want to make sure that I have the In a Sunday interview, Louisiana Gov. Jindal said, adding that Congress should willing to work hard has a shot at success.” tion “is vital to make sure we’re doing right opportunity to partner with each of you Bobby Jindal said he would encourage the be doing more as well. “It’d be hard to Not every governor will meet with the by the American people.” in any way I can,” the president said. It’s president to use his executive authority to argue they could be doing less.” president. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie “I look forward to working with each unclear whether some Republican gov- jumpstart the economy. Jindal said while The White House has planned a series left the NGA meeting early to attend his of you, not just in our meetings tomor- ernors are willing to collaborate with the it was “blatantly unconstitutional” for the of events this week designed to highlight daughter’s birthday and prepare for a row, but throughout this year - what I Democratic president ahead of the president to ignore federal laws, Obama’s the president’s desire for action. In a budget address. —AP Heathrow airport passenger numbers up 3.4% in 2013 CEO: More capacity at Heathrow would boost UK GDP

LONDON: Britain’s biggest airport, sion,” he said, adding that he aeronautical income per passenger sentiment. Heathrow, served 3.4 percent more believed the economic case for received by Heathrow helped lift “If regulators make decisions that passengers last year, an increase the expanding Britain’s airport capacity earnings. mean the returns are too low, then airport said bolstered its case for a was clearer and better understood Earlier this year, Britain’s airport investors will put their investment new runway. Heathrow, situated than in the past. regulator put a cap on what into other countries rather than west of London, is at the centre of a Heathrow can charge airlines, lead- here,” he said. long-running political tussle over air- EARNINGS GROWTH ing the company to warn it might Parent company HAH is co-owned port expansion in the south-east of Heathrow Limited, owned by struggle to expand its business. by Spanish infrastructure firm England. It was shortlisted last year as a location for a new runway. The chief executive of Heathrow Ltd., Colin Matthews, said yesterday that the airport was serving more passengers from countries in Asia and Latin America. “We would have PARIS: French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault (center) visits yesterday, the more flights to those countries if we Paris international agricultural fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition cen- had more capacity,” he said in an tre in Paris. The fair will take place from February 22 until March 2. — AFP interview. “With more capacity, we would make a bigger contribution to UK GDP.” Passenger traffic at Euro-zone inflation Heathrow, the third busiest airport in the world, reached a record 72.3 million in 2013, up from 70 million the stable at 0.8% in Jan year before. Aircraft using the airport were larger and fuller than they were BRUSSELS: Euro-zone inflation held steady The highest rates were in Britain and in in previous years, Heathrow Ltd. said. at 0.8 percent in January from the same fig- Finland, which each saw a 1.9-percent rise. The airport is operating close to ure in December, official data showed on Tobacco registered the highest rise in capacity. Around 470,000 flights Thursday, easing concerns of deflationary January at 0.8 percent. departed and landed in 2013, mean- pressure on growth. The figures came amid fears that disinfla- ing the airport is operating at 98 per- A second estimate from the Eurostat station could harm a growing but lackluster cent of the 480,000 flight capacity tistics office showed year-on-year inflation in recovery in the euro-zone. Tough EU govern- permitted. the 18-nation euro-zone dropping from 2.0 ment austerity policies to combat the debt Lawmakers and business leaders percent in January 2013 after falling steadily crisis have sucked demand out of the econo- agree that south-east England needs in recent months. In the 28-nation European my, pushing inflation way below the ECB’s new runways to help the country Union, inflation fell to 0.9 percent against 1.0 target of close to 2.0 percent. Deflation- remain economically competitive. percent in December and year-on-year falling prices in real terms-can encourage But building more capacity in the decreased 2.1 percent. The data will ease consumers to put off buying goods in the densely populated area is unpopular pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) expectation that if they wait, they will with voters, and a decision on over concerns about deflation and the need become cheaper. expansion has been repeatedly for a further easing of monetary policy. That in turn weakens the economy as pushed back. However Eurostat showed annual nega- companies reduce output accordingly, hit- That decision may now come in Inside the passenger area of Heathrow Terminal 5. tive rates in Cyprus (-1.6 percent), Greece (- ting employment and demand, thereby set- the second half of next year, when 1.4 percent) and in Bulgaria (-1.3 percent). ting off a downward spiral. —AFP the Airports Commission is due to unlisted Heathrow Airport Holdings Matthews said Heathrow would Ferrovial, its largest shareholder with a issue its final recommendations on (HAH), reported earnings before decide whether to launch an appeal 25 percent share. Partners include where a new runway should be interest, taxes, depreciation and against that price cap at some point Qatar Holding, China Investment built. Matthews was positive on the amortization of 1.42 billion pounds in March. While the price cap would Corp. and the Government of Poland urges Ukraine to focus work of the Commission. “I think it’s in 2013, 23.1 percent higher than in not directly affect the case for fund- Singapore Investment Corp. HAH also the best chance, we, speaking as a the year before. The airport’s higher ing any new runway at Heathrow owns and runs three other British air- on economy not ‘revenge’ country, have got of coming to passenger numbers combined with because of differing timelines, ports, at Aberdeen, Glasgow and what is inevitably a difficult deci- a rise of 15.1 percent in the average Matthews said it was damaging for Southampton. —Reuters WARSAW: Poland’s prime minister yes- old masters in the Kremlin culminated in terday warned Ukrainians against taking days of carnage last week in Kiev that revenge on their deposed president claimed almost 100 lives. Polish Foreign Viktor Yanukovych and his entourage, Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, along with his US economists divided urging them instead to focus on their fal- French and German counterparts, bro- tering economy. Ukraine issued an arrest kered a roadmap to end bloodshed on warrant on Monday for Yanukovych over Friday in Kiev. the “mass murder” of protesters and While it left Yanukovych in power, over pace of Fed tapering appealed for $35 billion (25 billion euros) opposition forces took charge of the in Western aid to pull the crisis-hit coun- capital on Saturday after he disappeared try from the brink of economic collapse. overnight.An ex-communist EU and WASHINGTON: Business economists are almost bers between Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, before Janet Fed cut bond purchases by $10 billion to the “The greatest challenge facing NATO member that has pulled off equally divided over whether the US Federal Yellen’s first appearance before Congress as cen- current pace of $65 billion a month. There are Ukraine today is not taking revenge, but impressive economic development, Reserve will pare back bond purchases at the tral bank chair. seven meetings left in 2014. A majority of those saving the Ukrainian economy and pub- Poland has long been active in drawing current pace through year’s end or take a small About 43 percent of NABE members thought surveyed agreed with the Fed’s gradual end to lic finances,” Polish Prime Minister eastern neighbour Ukraine closer to the break to let the economy recover further. The the Fed would complete its so-called “tapering” its accommodative stance, with 57 percent say- Donald Tusk told reporters in Bialystok, West. Most recently, the two countries views were unveiled yesterday by the National in the fourth quarter. About 42 percent thought ing current monetary policy is “about right.” eastern Poland. co-hosted the Euro 2012 football cham- Association for Business Economics. The NABE the tapering would finish in 2015 or later. About 37 percent thought it was “too stimula- “If the revolution is to bear good fruit, pionships. conducted its twice-a-year survey of 230 mem- At each of the last two policy meetings, the tive.” then it can’t be based on the idea of Poland was also key in setting up the Cutting back on the bond purchases and the revenge,” Tusk said, adding that “behav- EU’s Eastern Partnership program, prospect of further cutbacks has already iour (in Kiev) must be very decent on the designed to draw ex-Soviet states closer prompted mortgage rates to rise. Most respon- one hand and very responsible on the to the West, a move strongly opposed by dents thought the Fed would wait until 2015 to other”. their former master Russia. Ukraine is the start raising its key short-term interest rate The dramatic moves made Monday by largest member of the group, which above the current level near zero. Yellen told Congress earlier this month that the Fed would the ex-Soviet nation’s new Western-lean- includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, keep the rate near zero “well past” the time the ing team-approved by parliament over a Georgia and Moldova. Analysts say ink- unemployment rate falls below 6.5 percent, as chaotic weekend that saw the pro- ing the EU association accord, which long as inflation remains low. The unemploy- Russian leader go into hiding-came as a Yanukovych dropped in November, ment rate was 6.6 percent in January, a five-year top EU envoy arrived in Kiev to buttress its would severely dent Moscow’s sphere of low. About 36 percent of respondents thought sudden tilt away from Moscow. Three influence. Russia’s economy minister the Fed would raise the federal funds rate in the months of protests over Yanukovych’s warned Ukraine yesterday that Moscow first half of 2015, while 37 percent thought the shock decision to spurn an historic pact will raise import duties on its goods if rate hike would come in the second half. Just 12 with the EU in favour of closer ties with its Kiev now goes ahead and signs it. —AFP percent thought a hike would occur in the second half of this year, while 15 percent thought it would happen in 2016 or later. As for government spending, 21 percent thought fiscal policy was “too stimulative,” while Aer Lingus targets 37 percent thought it was “about right.” About 39 percent thought fiscal policy was “too restrictive.” savings as profits fall Nearly all the respondents - or 83 percent - did not think Congress should put a permanent cap on the debt limit at its current level around DUBLIN: Aer Lingus expects stable oper- period” saw people staying home for hol- $17 trillion. ating profits this year alongside a 30-mil- idays. Chief executive Christoph Mueller ARLINGTON: Alan Greenspan, Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Respondents were also split on the economic lion-euro savings plan which will slash welcomed the results, but insisted the impact of the new federal health care law. While jobs, the Irish airline said yesterday. The company could have improved further. shakes hands with Larry Summers (right), former US Treasury Secretary and a for- 18 percent thought the Affordable Care Act outlook came as Aer Lingus said its net “2013 was the first year of significant mer economic adviser to US President Barack Obama, prior to speaking on the cur- would boost growth, 42 percent thought it profit edged up to 34.1 million euros growth for Aer Lingus since the global rent and future state of the US economy at the Economic Policy Conference hosted would have no impact and 30 percent thought it ($46.86 million) in 2013 from 33.9 million economic downturn. While I am broadly by the National Association for Business Economics in Arlington yesterday. — AFP would hurt growth. —AP euros a year earlier. satisfied with our financial performance Operating profit was down 11.6 per- ... I believe that we could have done bet- cent to 61.1 million euros, the group said ter.” Mueller said Aer Lingus would focus Quantitative growth targets ‘problematic’ in its annual results statement. Aer on two key areas in 2014 — service and Lingus said it expected an operating cost. FRANKFURT: Setting quantitative However, “initiatives to boost invest- five years, shifting their focus away terity rather than growth. Weidmann profit “broadly in line” with 2013. He announced a two-year plan, called growth targets for the global econo- ment, employment and growth are from austerity as a fragile recovery told the newspaper that “the most Sales meanwhile rose 2.3 percent last “CORE”, aimed at streamlining the busi- my is “problematic,” but a pledge by fundamentally positive. And that’s takes hold. important thing is that countries do year to reach 1.425 billion euros. The ness. “We are about to embark on a two- the world’s biggest economies to why the Australian initiative should be Finance ministers and central bank their economic homework. “Instead of long-haul arm of the business performed year program with a total saving target boost global growth is positive, a top welcomed,” said Weidman, who as governors from the Group of 20, setting goals for variables which can- strongly, with revenue up 11.1 percent to of 30 million euros,” Mueller told a con- ECB official said yesterday. “I feel that head of the German central bank sits which accounts for 85 percent of the not be steered politically, anyway ... 381.6 million euros and passenger num- ference call. Chief financial officer setting quantitative growth targets at on the European Central Bank’s gov- world economy, issued an unusually concrete measures should be taken bers up 12.2 percent. But short-haul rev- Andrew Mcfarlane linked the company’s the level of the G20 (Group of 20) is erning council. brief two-page statement to drive “a that ensure a growth-friendly environ- enue for 2013 was down 3.3 percent as caution outlook to a pension dispute problematic for various reasons,” the At a meeting in Sydney, Australia at return to strong, sustainable and bal- ment allowing companies to invest head of the German central bank or the weekend, the world’s 20 biggest anced growth in the global economy”. and recruit employees. The G20 state- “extremely good weather in Ireland and with staff, higher airport charges and an Bundesbank, Jens Weidmann, told the economies vowed to boost global Germany and its central bank have ment takes this into account,” northern Europe in the peak summer IT upgrade at the airline. —AFP daily Die Welt in an interview. growth by more than $2 trillion over long been perceived as favoring aus- Weidmann said. —AFP BUSINESS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Markaz registers net profit of KD7.46m for 2013

KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre KPSC “Markaz” December 2012. In compliance with regulatory Assembly. announced a net profit of KD7.46 million for the year measures by Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), the finan- On this occasion, Markaz’s Chairman, Diraar Y ended 31st December 2013, Earnings per Share cial leverage ratio of Markaz reached 0.25:1 in com- Alghanim, stated, “Markaz’s solidity as a financial (EPS) of 13 Fils as compared with a net profit of parison to the imposed rate by CBK of 2:1, which institution and its stable performance during these KD4.04 million (8 Fils per share) during the same shows the low leverage rate of Markaz. While the volatile investment conditions shows its ability to period in 2012. Markaz’s improvement in earnings quick ratio, the ratio of liquid assets due within one forecast future market trends, as dependence on came as a result of favorable returns from invest- month should not be less than 10 percent of total research in investment activities has become a fun- ments across all asset classes which represented a liabilities according to CBK, Markaz’s rate was 26.19 damental requirement to enhance the financial gain of 5.53 percent return on average assets as percent. Those percentages reflect Markaz’s strate- strength of institutions operating in the asset man- compared to 2.84 percent in 2012. gy in maintaining a strong leverage ratio to ensure agement and financial services industry.” Markaz’s total equity base increased by 7 percent its shareholders’ wealth growth. Alghanim added, “These good results would not to KD 109.18 million at the end of December 2013in Subject to the requisite consent of the relevant have been possible without the tender and loyalty comparison to KD 101.89 million at the end of 2012. authorities and approval of the General Assembly, of Markaz’s employees and the dedication they have Markaz’s total assets under management (AUM) Markaz Board of Directors recommended a cash div- towards developing dynamic investment solutions reached KD 975 million with an increase of 10 per- idend of 10 Fils per share to be distributed to the Diraar Y Alghanim, Chairman, Kuwait Financial and client services under the supervision of an cent compared to KD 883 million as of 31st shareholders of record as of the date of the General Centre, Markaz active and professional management.” Etisalat celebrates ‘150m subscribers’ milestone

BARCELONA: During his keynote and has one of the world’s busiest speech at the Mobile World Congress data networks with 1.3 petabytes in Barcelona, Ahmad Abdulkarim consumed daily, Julfar said the com- Julfar, Chief Executive Officer of pany is also actively participating in Etisalat Group and member of the various Mobile for Development pro- GSMA Board, praised the UAE grams in Africa. Government initiative to provide its Presenting an optimistic picture of citizens with world class Smart the telecom industry globally, Julfar Government services. said the sector is entering a brand The speech came at an important new era, but the most critical driver moment for the Etisalat Group, the of growth will be “the ability of the leading telecoms operator in the telecom providers to adapt, change Middle East, Asia and Africa, as they and innovate.” celebrated reaching 150 million sub- Noting the way customers are scribers. This milestone was achieved migrating online services from com- LuLu Exchange Chief Executive across 15 international markets. puters to their smart phones, he Julfar presented the compelling added: “We see a new wave of con- wins Indian CEO Award growth journey of the company at nectivity, where Big Data meets Big the Mobile World Congress in Community and where the demand in Financial Services category Barcelona, Spain. This also marked for products and services is outgrow- the first keynote address to date by ing any other industry.” n a recent glittering ceremony marking amazing heights within a short period of the Etisalat Group CEO at this presti- Julfar said the future growth strat- ITP Publishing Group’s Indian CEO time, and its efforts to operate a business gious global event. In the quest to be egy of Etisalat is defined by its focus IAwards 2014, Adeeb Ahamed, Chief based on sustainable and responsible cor- the leading and most admired to ‘aspire forward,’ with the primary Executive Officer of the LuLu Financial porate practices. emerging markets telecom group, Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar goal of providing customers not only Group, was conferred with the award in “It is an honor and a privilege to be rec- Julfar noted that achieving 150 mil- “great efficiency but also greater cus- Financial Services category. ognized for one’s effort by such respected lion subscribers was a great mile- GSM, Internet services, 3-G and LTE,” Telecommunications Regulatory tomer experiences.” The Indian CEO Awards 2014, in its third business stalwarts in the industry. The stone for Etisalat. said Julfar. “What is fascinating in this Authority helped drive the advance- Calling on the global players to edition this year, was held at The Westin award will help me reassert my commit- Drawing parallels between the dynamic growth journey is the trans- ment of the country’s telecom sector. work closely, Julfar said: “What we Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, ment to set management benchmark fast-paced development of the UAE formational role that mobile plays - “We hope to replicate similar success need now is for all stakeholders - reg- on Monday, 17 February. The award recog- standards in the region’s financial indus- and Etisalat, Julfar said: “Today, to enrich people’s lives. At no time in across all our high growth interna- ulators and partners - to work closer nizes good commercial leadership of NRIs in try,” said the CEO on the sidelines of the Etisalat plays a key role in the Mobile human history has one technology tional markets that we operate in, together, align their interests, and the Middle East. This year’s panel of judges award ceremony. Government strategy of the UAE and revolutionized the way we do busi- with the support of all stakeholders.” move this industry forward to a were unanimous in their decision that He further added, “With the support of is on course to achieve 100 per cent ness, the way we are entertained, and Highlighting the growth achieved brighter future. This demands mov- Ahamed’s credentials were unmatched in an incredible team of associates at LuLu Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) penetra- ultimately, the way we live.” in Saudi Arabia, where Mobily, ing from a mindset of competitive the financial services category. International Exchange Group, we have tion - a world-first.” “We were the first Julfar said that the support of the Etisalat’s operating brand, is the sec- value destruction to collaborative LuLu International Exchange and its affil- modified our organizational structure and network in the Middle East to launch UAE Government and the ond largest operator in the Kingdom value addition.” iates won the accolade on account of its business processes to embrace a more uni- impressive growth and strategic objectives fied, customer-centric business model and that have propelled it to the top positions improve company performance. I dedicate within the industry and the region. Under this award to all my associates at LuLu Al-Tijaria achieves net Ahamed’s stewardship, LuLu International International Exchange Group.” Exchange Group has achieved a number of Among others honored at this year’s firsts for the region. award ceremony in different categories Since taking on the role of the CEO of were, renowned Indian lawyer Ashish profit of KD 15,016,495 LuLu International Exchange in 2009, Mehta, who walked away with the coveted Ahamed has led the six-year old company ‘Outstanding Contribution’ prize at the CEO towards rapid growth. His efforts to reach Indian Awards 2014, while DM Healthcare KUWAIT: Abdul Fatah M R Marafie in his capacity long term which represent 85.7 percent of the out to his customers by creating a service chairman Dr. Azad Moopen won the CSR as Chairman & MD of CRC stated that the opera- total debt. This positively affected the cash flow oriented culture focused on customer satis- Award. Dubai Islamic Bank CEO Dr Adnan tions of the company for the financial year end- and strengthening the working capital. faction and integrity eventually paid off and Chilwan was voted Banking CEO of the Year, ed on 31.12.2013 resulted in achieving net profit The results and accomplishments reflect the now the company operates in seven coun- while the Philanthropy award went to K V of KD 15,016,495 with an increase of 37.3 per- exerted efforts in light of the strategic commit- tries with over 80 global branches. Shamsudhenn. Al Tayer Motors CEO Ashok cent as compared with year 2012. The Earnings ment announced by the company, which focus- In addition, Ahamed’s management style Khanna won Motoring CEO of the Year, and per share(EPS) increased by 37.3 percent to es on constantly seeking to seize promising was highlighted for his ability to drive Eros chief executive Deepak Banbani reach 8.83 fils/share. investment opportunities which achieve added teams and colleagues to deliver their best. bagged Electronics CEO of the Year. Diva The said profits led to an increase in the value to the shareholders’ funds, in addition to The panel of judges were most impressed Modelling founder Nicole Rodrigues Larsen financial indices of the year 2013 as compared being a conservatory policy which aims at main- with LuLu Exchange’s exponential rise to won Female CEO of the Year. with year 2012. The Return on Equity(ROE) taining shareholders’ rights and exposing the reached 5.8 percent, i.e. an increase of 34 per- real value of the company assets. Based on this cent. In addition, Return on Assets(ROA) reached principle, extensive studies were conducted on Wataniya Telecom customers 4.3 percent, i.e. an increase of 33 percent; where- the company assets, including associated com- as the Return of Capital(ROC) of the company panies, in accordance with the requirements of enjoy 50% discount on increased to 8.8 percent with an increase of 48 the International Financial Reporting percent. Standards(IFRS) The required provisions were Remal Int’l Festival Ticket The operations of the Company remarkably made and thus rendered the company distant improved in many aspects and maintained an from any fluctuations or risks to surrounding KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom, member of Lights which will be the first of its kind in income increase including the income of real markets. Ooredoo Group, announced yesterday Kuwait and the region. estate sector that includes properties & hotel Based on the achieved results, the BOD of Al assets and maintaining balance and diversity of that all customers, members of the first Additionally, a selection of coffee revenues whereas the total revenue of the prop- Tijaria recommended distribution of cash divi- real estate investments between lucrative real loyalty program of its Kind in Kuwait shops and restaurants will complete the erties and hotels reached approximately 18 mil- dends 6 percent of the par value of the shares. It estate and strategic assets, leading to an “Nojoom” will now enjoy 50% discount festival, guaranteeing an unforgettable lion Kuwaiti dinars in 2013 which reflected the worth mentioning that the recommendations of increased growth and creation of sustainable upon booking their tickets to visit the cultural and entertainment experience. strong growth of revenues by 20 percent as the Board on the distribution of profits were added value to our shareholders and partners. charming Remal International Festival Wataniya has launched Nojoom 3 years compared to last year. made based on deliberate and specific founda- Abdul Fatah, in his name and on behalf of the located in Mishref until April 26, 2014. ago which is considered the biggest The company continued adopting a policy tions which rely on the continuity and expansion BOD members and Executive management and Members of Nojoom will enjoy a rich Rewards Program in the country and the aiming to reduce the cost of debt whereas it of the company activities and growth of its rev- employees af the Company, congratulated His program of activities consisting of more first of its kind too. It has been tailored registered a decrease of 22.4 percent. That enues in accordance with the prospect of the Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al- than 2,000 vivid shows conducted by around making day-to-day user experi- resulted in thereof the financing burdens of the projects and operating revenues of the company Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince, international teams, special children’s ences meaningful and privileged. Further Company registered a decrease in the value of to create an added value for shareholders. Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on programs including a treasure hunt in a details of Wataniya Nojoom can be found Kuwaiti Dinars 1,247,973 during the year 2013 as Abdul Fatah added that the Company is the National Day and Liberation Day and wished maze, light shows and the Garden Of on www.wataniya.com/Nojoom compared to the previous year. Due to the always seeking to maintain the continuous everyone blessings, security and prosperity. He efforts of the Company as well as the trust in the growth rates, while enhancing profit margins also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to company & its financial solvency of the financing and managing cash flow as well as achieving the all shareholders, BOD members, Executive man- Rosette Group, GOExport parties as well as the restructuring of some ideal revenue for the invested capital to achieve agement as well as employees of the Company debts during the second quarter of the year quality and value. The Company also follows low for their efforts, continuous support, and hard forge strategic alliance 2013, most of the company debts are considered risk policies and strategies for acquiring good work for reaching the desired goals. KUWAIT: Rosette Group has announced its actions to the distribution network planning partnership agreement with the prominent and organization to implement growth in S&P 500 hits record on merger, acquisition export and FMCG company in Switzerland - turnover. GoExport (Global Outsourced Export); aspiring On this occasion, Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri NEW YORK: US stocks rose yesterday, advancing Yesterday’s deals followed Facebook’s mas- ed following deadly street protests, leaving a to benefit from their 30 years of experience emphasized his positive visualization of the in a broad rally as merger activity boosted the sive acquisition of messaging company potential power vacuum and an ailing economy. and deep knowledge of the Fast Moving future outcome of this affiliation stating that S&P 500 to an all-time high. Despite the day’s WhatsApp last week. Humana Inc and Ukraine’s finance ministry said the economy Consumer Goods business worldwide and “this event is of great significance in Rosette gains, many investors were concerned that mar- UnitedHealth Group were both among the S&P’s required $35 billion in foreign aid over the next bring it to the state of Kuwait and the GCC. Group, whereby we gain access to internation- kets were getting overvalued with recent data biggest percentage gainers, with Humana up 5.5 two years, with the first tranche needed within This relationship will align the two companies al standards of quality, techniques and experi- failing to meet expectations, though the latter percent to $109.24 after it said the government’s two weeks. While most US companies have limit- with an aim to develop and enhance the level ence which shall lead Rosette Group to more has largely been blamed on harsh winter weath- proposed cuts to the private Medicare program ed direct exposure to Ukraine, investors worry of FMCG business services. success in different professional fields.” er rather than worsening fundamentals. appeared less than it had forecast. UnitedHealth that the instability in the region could spread The CEO of Rosette Group Abdulaziz Al- Rossano Cabrino added: “Rosette Group has RF Micro Devices Inc agreed to buy TriQuint rose 3.1 percent to $76.09. throughout emerging markets. Anjeri attended the private ceremony held at joined the company as a full partner bringing Semiconductor Inc for about $1.6 billion, while Aetna Inc rose 1.6 percent to $71.52 after giv- In the latest US data, the National Activity the Swiss embassy in Kuwait accompanied by financial expertise and Middle East distribu- Men’s Wearhouse Inc raised its cash tender offer ing a 2014 earnings outlook. The Dow Jones index fell to 0.39 in January from 0.16 in his Senior Group Advisor Gregory Stevens, tion knowledge for the future growth of the for rival men’s clothing retailer Jos. A. Bank industrial average was up 126.53 points, or 0.79 December while financial data firm Markit’s pre- along with GOExport’s General Manager company.” Clothiers Inc JOSB.O to $63.50 per share from percent, at 16,229.83. The Standard & Poor’s 500 liminary February read on the services sector fell Rossano Cabrino, and Paolo Tosi of the Beijing, Etienne Thevoz - Swiss Ambassador to $57.50. Shares of RF climbed 15.5 percent to Index was up 13.68 points, or 0.74 percent, at from 56.7 to 52.7. Pfizer Inc shares rose 1.4 per- China, GoExport offices, with the attendance Kuwait - also declared his great “pride in seeing $6.70 while TriQuint gained 20 percent to 1,849.93. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up cent to $31.91 after the company said that its of His Excellency Etienne ThÈvoz - Swiss such a collaborative agreement believing that $11.04. Men’s Wearhouse rose 7.7 percent to 31.93 points, or 0.75 percent, at 4,295.34. Nine of drug Prevenar 13 prevented community- Ambassador to Kuwait who was witnessed the it is a definite step to exchange international $48.57 while Jos. A. Bank was up 8.8 percent at the S&P’s 10 sectors rose on the day, with energy acquired pneumonia in individuals age 65 and formation of promising partnership between a experience which will result in mutual success”. $59.89. “Seeing merger activity is a good sign for shares up 1.7 percent following positive com- older in a study. Kuwait based company and a Swiss company. It is also worth noting that Rosette Group a continued growth market, but we’ve started to ments from KLR Group on Noble Energy, which Verizon Communications Inc dipped 1.2 per- Distinguished with its profound experience and GOExport will announce their partnership taper back our domestic holdings in favor of jumped 4.3 percent to $69.74. More than two- cent to $46.70 after the company gave a 2014 in the FMCG business field worldwide, and future plans& strategies in an official pri- international markets which seem cheaper given thirds of companies traded on the New York revenue outlook. Many traders are looking GOExport’s list of professional services range vate VIP ceremony at Burj Khalifa, Dubai, end the S&P’s (price-to-earnings ratio),” said Paul Stock Exchange rose on the day, while 63 per- ahead to Thursday, when Federal Reserve Chair from private label projects, commercial, indus- of this month in conjunction with “Gulfood” Radeke, vice president at the Minneapolis-based cent of Nasdaq-listed companies gained. Janet Yellen will speak to the Senate Banking trial and franchising agreements, definition of which is the biggest food and hospitality show KDV Wealth Management, which has about $660 Overseas markets remained in focus after Committee in her semi-annual testimony about the marketing & commercial strategies & in the world, held annually in Dubai. million in assets under management. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was oust- monetary policy. —Reuters TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 TECHNOLOGY WhatsApp founders swap struggle for billionaire status SAN FRANCISCO: Jan Koum, an immigrant from ly in Russia and the Ukraine.” uals bought from, and eventually returned to, a devoting energy to a less promising startup. Ukraine, was so poor as a teenager that he used Koum’s mother brought with her a cache of used book store, according to the account. He Koum and Acton in 2009 founded WhatsApp, saved his old Soviet notebooks for school and pens and Soviet-issued notebooks to save money enrolled in a state university in Silicon Valley and which took its name from a play on the phrase queued with his mom for food stamps. on school supplies, according to Forbes magazine. was working on the side with a computer security “What’s Up?” Brian Acton lost a small fortune in the dot-com A self-described trouble-maker at school, Koum firm when he met Acton while on assignment at bust and was rejected for jobs at Twitter and had a job sweeping the floors in a grocery store. Yahoo in 1997. No Ads, no gimmicks Facebook. Now, the friends behind the hot mobile After his mother was diagnosed with cancer, they Acton was employee number 44 at the They devoted themselves to a credo of “No Ads. messaging startup WhatsApp are the newest tech got by on disability payments, Forbes reported. Sunnyvale, California-based Internet firm and No Games. No Gimmicks.” A note stating just that industry billionaires. Koum learned computer networking from man- shared a “no-nonsense” attitude with Koum. Within and signed by Acton remains taped to Koum’s Facebook this week bought WhatsApp in a a year, Koum was working as an engineer at Yahoo desk, according to venture capital firm Sequoia, stock-and-cash deal worth up to $19 billion and and the pair were on their way to being close which invested in the startup early. gave Koum a seat on the social network’s board of friends. Koum eventually chose Yahoo over col- The “contrarian approach” of gathering no infor- directors. Koum signed the Facebook takeover con- lege. When Koum’s mother died of cancer in 2000, mation about users for targeting ads was shaped tract at the unused building where he and his his mentor Acton stepped in with support. Acton, by Koum’s aversion to tactics of secret police in mother once queued for food stamps in the Silicon meanwhile, reportedly lost millions investing dur- communist countries, Goetz said in an online note. Valley city of Mountain View, where WhatsApp is ing the famous dot-com boom that ended with an The formula led to stunning growth to more located, according to Forbes Magazine. infamous dot-com bust. than 450 million users, with 50 billion messages Koum, who turned 38 on Sunday, has described Acton and Koum left Yahoo in 2007 and took a handled daily. The founders jokingly described growing up as a rebellious Jewish child near Kiev year off, exploring South America and playing the themselves at the website as “two guys who spent and having little when he immigrated to California sport of Ultimate Frisbee, according to Forbes. a combined 20 years doing geeky stuff at Yahoo!” at with his mother the age of 16 just after the They both applied for jobs at Facebook after com- Koum describes himself in his Twitter account Soviet Union’s breakup. ing home. Both were rejected. In a Twitter post profile with a Kanye West quote, “We on a galaxy His father did not make it to the United States, from 2009, Acton said that an effort to win a job at the haters cannot visit.” Koum has nearly 12,000 where the family sought to escape anti-Semitism one-to-many messaging service Twitter was followers at Twitter but follows only “Jesus Christ, and oppressive tactics of secret police. rebuffed. Silicon Valley,” an account devoted to Internet Koum was living off dwindling savings when industry humor. Soviet childhood the iPhone and Apple’s online App Store prompt- In a conference call discussing the acquisition, “Jan’s childhood made him appreciate commu- ed a certainty that an exciting new frontier was Facebook chief and founder Mark Zuckerberg nication that was not bugged or taped,” Sequoia opening. described Koum as being a “valuable thought part- Capital partner Jim Goetz said in an online post. He tapped into the local Russian immigrant ner” for several years. WhatsApp is a platform for “When he arrived in the US as a 16-year-old community to pursue his idea of a smartphone sending images, video, audio, or text messages for immigrant living on food stamps, he had the extra messaging service synched to people’s contact free over the Internet using data connections of incentive of wanting to stay in touch with his fami- Co-founder and CEO of Whatsapp Jan Koum. lists. Koum enlisted Acton, who was jobless and smartphones. — AFP Smartphone giants scramble for profits in tough market Sony Mobile enters the fray for wearable devices

BARCELONA: Smartphone giants released eye- catching new devices as the world’s biggest mobile fair opened yesterday, fighting for new ways to profit in a tougher market. Besides a slew of sleek, new premier smartphones, the world’s biggest smartphone maker Samsung and its rivals unveiled an array of smart watches and bracelets to unlock new rev- BARCELONA: The ‘Zip’ devices by Fitbit are presented at the Mobile World Congress enues. in Barcelona, yesterday. The Mobile World Congress runs from the 24 to 27 February The four-day Mobile World Congress in where participants and visitors alike can attend conferences, network, discover cut- Barcelona, Spain, opens after a deceptively ting-edge products and technologies at among the 1,700 exhibitors as well as seek buoyant 2013, when sales surged 42.3-percent industry opportunities and make deals. — AFP to 968 million units. The growth was powered almost entirely by developing markets, however, disguising a WhatsApp to allow free slowdown in mature markets such as Western Europe and the United States, which are the most profitable. Samsung faces other significant voice calls by mid-year challengers for potential customers’ wrists both at home and abroad. Hours after Samsung BARCELONA: Fresh from a $19-billion (14- engender additional opportunities for mon- launched the Gear 2, rising Chinese smartphone billion-euro) takeover by Facebook, mobile etization,” he said. maker Huawei revealed a connected watch of messaging service WhatsApp said yesterday its own. Huawei, already a major force in build- it will launch free voice calls by mid-year. Key in emerging economies ing mobile networks and the world number The introduction of free calls, revealed Trip Chowdhry at Global Equities three smartphone maker in 2013, showed off its on the opening day of the four-day World Research called the move a “very smart and TalkBand, to be sold for 99 euros ($136). South Mobile Congress in Barcelona, Spain, would an essential acquisition for Facebook,” Korean manufacturer LG said on the same day match rival application Viber’s similar offer- because WhatsApp works on less expensive that it would launch its first smartwatch in 2014. ing. “We are going to introduce voice on “feature phones” still predominant in Sony revealed its Xperia Z2 smartphone yes- BARCELONA: A visitor looks at a mobile device at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, on WhatsApp in the second quarter of this emerging economies such as India. terday, the first new edition of its flagship February 24, 2014. — AFP device since it announced this month the sale year,” WhatsApp founder Jan Koum said. “Most of the developing world still is on how far they walk and checking their sleep to the public in an initial public offering in May of its stagnant PC business to focus instead on Facebook, whose 29-year-old billionaire the feature phone, as the majority cannot cycle. “Our SmartWear experience goes far 2012, “it literally had no mobile advertising rev- smartphones and tablets. creator Mark Zuckerberg was the star afford a smartphone,” Chowdhry said. beyond health and fitness,” Sony Mobile chief enues,” said Eden Zoller, analyst at the research The waterproof phone, available from March, speaker on the opening day of the industry “WhatsApp is the only application that runs executive Kunisama Suzuki boasted. house Ovum. has a full high definition 5.2-inch screen and a fair, announced a stock and cash purchase equally well on feature phones and on “It did actually have a pretty strong mobile 20.7 megapixel camera that can take ultra-high of WhatsApp on Wednesday. smartphones.” Zuckerberg is star speaker user base at IPO but what it had failed to do at resolution 4K video, along with noise-cancelling “Five years ago we had no users, no Deutsche Bank analyst Ross Sandler said At the same time, the online world is elbow- that time was actually monetise those mobile audio. The struggling Japanese group revealed, product,” said Koum. “Today we have 465 Facebook’s acquisition of WhatsApp “solidi- ing its way into the mobile market. Facebook’s users,” she said. too, an Xperia Z2 Tablet, also waterproof, and a million active users,” he said, adding that the fies its position as the top company in 29-year-old founder Mark Zuckerberg is the star But the social network-boasting more than more affordable Xperia M2 smartphone. company still had no marketing, relying mobile globally” excluding China, where speaker on the opening day of the fair in 1.2 billion members-quickly repaired its strate- But Sony Mobile also entered the fray for mostly on word of mouth to prosper. Facebook is banned. Barcelona, fresh from his $19 billion (14-billion- gy. By the end of 2013 mobile devices account- wearable devices, releasing the SmartBand WhatsApp had not planned any changes in Sandler said that even though Facebook euro) takeover of smartphone messenger ed for 53 percent of Facebook’s advertising SWR10, a bracelet that comes with an applica- the light of the Facebook takeover, Koum is not planning to deliver ads on WhatsApp WhatsApp. revenue, bringing in $1.2 billion in the last tion allowing users to log events and photo- said. for now, this may change over time. “We He has come a long way in the mobile world quarter and more than $3 billion over the graphs taken during the day as well as tracking “Mark really understands that for believe that as users become accustomed in a short time. When Facebook sold its shares whole year. — AFP WhatsApp to stay successful it really needs to native mobile advertising and as the to stay independent,” he said. Viber, one of quality of the various monetization strate- WhatsApp’s key rivals, offers free voice and gies improve, we expect opportunities to Firefox to power $25 smartphone messaging. Japanese online shopping emerge,” he said in a note to clients. group Rakuten announced this month it Victor Anthony at Topeka Capital would buy Viber’s Cyprus-based developer, Markets said the deal will help diversify BARCELONA: Firefox OS, an upstart smartphone Viber Media, for $900 million. Facebook with a broader set of mobile serv- operating system aimed a challenging the Apple ices. “As was the case with PayPal, YouTube and Google duopoly, will power a new category ‘A brilliant move’ and Instagram, hindsight will be the best of $25 smartphones for developing countries, Facebook’s $19-billion deal for the red- judge of how valuable this acquisition will the California-based nonprofit Mozilla hot mobile messaging service WhatsApp is be,” Anthony said in a research note. Foundation said Sunday. a savvy strategic move by the world’s “The valuation appears reasonable on a Mozilla sought to show off the success of its biggest social network, even if the price tag per user basis. From what we see, the acqui- system, launched a year ago to prise open a mar- is staggeringly high, analysts say. sition makes strategic sense and the com- ket in which Google’s Android was at the heart of The agreement unveiled-seen as the bined company will likely accelerate user 78.4 percent of all smartphones sold last year largest for a venture-backed tech startup- growth of both platforms, similar to what and Apple’s iOS in another 15.6 percent, accord- gives Facebook entry into emerging mar- we see with Instagram.” ing to figures from technology research house kets and importantly keeps the free-mes- Gartner Inc.On the eve of the opening on saging app out of the hands of rivals such Staving off Google threat Monday of the four-day Mobile World Congress as Google. Jack Kent at IHS Technology said the in Barcelona, Spain, Mozilla announced the com- “Although the deal appears to be move helps Facebook “neutralize a competi- mercial launch of seven new devices using pricey... we think that it has compelling tive threat.” “To understand Facebook’s Firefox OS including Chinese handset maker strategic logic,” Shebly Seyrafi at FBN rationale, the focus must be on the cost of ZTE’s smartphones Open C and Open II, as well as Securities said in a research note Thursday. Facebook not buying WhatsApp rather than a range of Alcatel OneTouch tablets. “We are also While Facebook is paying a high price by the price Facebook paid for WhatsApp,” Kent enabling a whole new category of smartphone, any measure, Seyrafi said “we see other said. “Facebook could not risk WhatsApp’s priced around $25 (18 euros), that will bring even benefits to the deal,” pointing out 450 million monthly and 315 million daily more people around the world online,” said WhatsApp’s big user base in countries such active users falling into the hands of a com- Mozilla chief operating officer Jay Sullivan. as Brazil, South Africa and China. petitor such as Google.” Fellow IHS analyst The entry-level smartphone would rely on “We think that in addition to the revenue Eleni Marouli said the deal allows Facebook integrated circuits made by Chinese electronics obtainable from WhatsApp itself, Facebook to get better data on users worldwide, manufacturer Spreadtrum, he said.”Firefox OS is BARCELONA: A device with the new Firefox OS is presented at the Mobile World Congress in will benefit from better integration... that which has value in itself. off to an amazing start. We launched our first Barcelona, yesterday. — AFP will make Facebook more engaging while “WhatsApp’s strong presence in key smartphones in July, and have since expanded driving further growth internationally and emerging markets such as Brazil and India into 15 markets,” Sullivan said. People in Latin in mobile,” the analyst said. will provide Facebook with insights in coun- America and Eastern Europe had upgraded from LG to launch new smartwatch Facebook shares shook off early declines tries that are still largely under-monetized,” simple “feature phones” to Firefox OS smart- SEOUL: LG will launch its first smartwatch in something that other companies have not and rose 2.3 percent to close at $69.63, Marouli said. phones with downloadable applications and 2014, the head of its mobile unit said yesterday, offered yet,” Park said, without elaborating fur- despite the fact that the company is dilut- “Building good mobile data on con- Internet access, he added. tapping into the nascent market for wearable ther. LG-the world’s fourth-largest smartphone ing its value with the massive cash-and- sumers in these markets is essential as they “Sales have far exceeded our targets. But 2013 devices seen as the mobile industry’s new source maker-has not yet entered the market for wear- stock acquisition. The purchase includes are not only mobile-first in their use of the was just the beginning. In 2014, we are differenti- of growth. able devices currently dominated by firms like $12 billion in Facebook shares and $4 billion Internet, but often mobile-only.” ating our user experience and our partners are The announcement from the South Korean Samsung, Sony and Pebble. cash. It calls for an additional $3 billion in Youssef Squali at Cantor Fitzgerald point- growing the portfolio of devices.” smartphone maker came after industry leader Rising Chinese smartphone maker Huawei restricted stock units to be granted to ed out that Facebook may be able to use In 2014, Spanish giant Telefonica will sell Samsung on Sunday launched the second gen- also unveiled Sunday a connected watch called WhatsApp founders and employees that WhatsApp to create a new kind of telecom Firefox OS-based devices in another seven coun- eration of its own Internet-enabled smartwatch, TalkBand to rival Gear 2, on the eve of the world’s will vest over four years. service which has not existed so far. “While tries, mostly in South America, Sullivan said. the Gear 2. “We are working on the develop- biggest mobile fair in Barcelona, Spain. Analyst Stephen Ju at Credit Suisse said WhatsApp is currently a cross-platform Mozilla did not say how many Firefox-powered ment of wearable device... more specifically in A typical smartwatch allows users to make the move appears to make sense from a mobile messaging service, it is likely to smartphones have been sold since the system’s the form of a watch,” Park Jong-Seok, the CEO of calls, receive texts and emails, take photos and long-term viewpoint. “Looking past the morph into a gateway for global calling and launch last July. LG Electronics’ mobile unit, told reporters. “(It) access apps. So far, few companies have man- sticker shock of $19 billion... we view this as video solutions over time, dramatically The foundation did say, however, that it will come out this year,” he said, adding the aged to generate large consumer excitement or an offensive move to gain additional share expanding its revenue potential,” the ana- expected Firefox OS to spread to other devices watch would be remotely linked to smart- sales in the market, also eyed by firms like Apple of the consumer’s time spent-which should lyst said. — AFP including smart televisions. —AFP phones. “We’re working hard to put on the table and Google. —AFP MANSOORI

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Indonesia announces world’s biggest manta ray sanctuary

JAKARTA: Indonesia instituted the most biodiverse waters and manta rays protects both. Taking tourists out to view China demand threat However Conservation International world’s biggest manta ray sanctuary cov- are a favourite sight. rays and other sea creatures provides In recent years the number of rays conceded it would be hard to ensure ering millions of square kilometres as it The gentle beasts have wingspans up livelihoods for many people working in have declined rapidly due to voracious Indonesia’s new ban on fishing and seeks to protect the huge winged fish to 25 feet (7.5 metres), which they flap to popular dive spots across Indonesia. demand in China-in particular for the exporting manta rays was followed in a and draw more tourists to the sprawling propel themselves gracefully through the Key populations can be found near creatures’ gills-for use in traditional medi- country made up of more than 17,000 archipelago. water. “Indonesia now has the second- the resort island of Bali, Flores island in cine. islands where law enforcement is often New legislation gives full protection to largest manta ray tourism industry in the eastern Indonesia and Raja Ampat off the The new legislation protects manta weak. the creatures across all the waters sur- world, with an estimated annual turnover northwest tip of New Guinea island. Raja rays within Indonesia’s 5.8 million square Tiene Gunawan, the group’s Indonesia rounding Southeast Asia’s biggest coun- of $15 million,” said Agus Dermawan, a Ampat, a famous diving spot, is one of kilometres (2.2 million square miles) of marine programme director, said that try, which for years has been the world’s senior official from the ministry of marine the few places in the world where both ocean, banning fishing of the rays and “enforcement is lacking in Indonesia” but largest ray and shark fishery. affairs and fisheries. species of ray can be seen in the same their export. added her organisation, other NGOs and Protection group Conservation “Given the huge area of reefs and place at the same time. It came a year after the local govern- government were working with fisher- International hailed the “bold” move and islands in our country, if managed prop- Manta rays thrive in Indonesia due its ment in Raja Ampat announced the cre- men to encourage them to follow the said it was influenced by a recent govern- erly, Indonesia could become the top coral reefs and an abundance of the tiny ation of a 46,000-square-kilometre shark rules. ment-backed review that showed a sin- manta tourism destination on the planet.” sea animals the creatures feed on. They and ray sanctuary. “We are still hopeful this will work,” she gle manta ray was worth one million dol- The Maldives currently has the largest are social, gentle and intelligent-they The decision by Jakarta also followed a said. Indonesia joins countries including lars in tourism revenue over its lifetime. manta ray tourism sector. have the largest brain to body ratio of landmark deal last year to restrict exports Ecuador, the Philippines, New Zealand This compares to between $40 and Indonesia is one of the few places in any fish. of manta rays and several species of shark and Mexico in granting full protection to $500 if caught and killed, the group said. the world where tourists can easily see Rays have little fear of humans which by the 178-member Convention on their manta rays. The International Union Many foreign tourists come to Indonesia both species of manta rays, the oceanic makes them popular with tourists but International Trade in Endangered for Conservation of Nature classifies both every year to dive in some of the world’s and reef varieties. The new legislation extremely vulnerable to being caught. Species. species of manta ray as vulnerable. —AFP Colorado, Utah move to hike smoking age to 21 Lawmakers make it harder for kids to obtain cigarettes

DENVER: Two Western states with some of the to curb access to cigarettes by teens. The direc- Internal Medicine said that 9 out of 10 daily nation’s lowest smoking rates are considering tor of tobacco studies at University College smokers in the US have their first cigarette by cracking down even more by raising the tobac- London didn’t know of any other countries 18 years of age, and that about 90 percent of co age to 21. considering a tobacco age threshold of 21, but cigarettes purchased for minors are obtained Utah and Colorado lawmakers both voted he said raising the tobacco age from 16 to 18 by people between 18 and 20 years old. favorably on proposals last week to treat in the United Kingdom proved to be “a public The Washington-based Campaign For tobacco like alcohol and take it away from 18- health winner.” Tobacco-Free Kids advocates the higher smok- to 20-year-olds, a move inspired by new Altria Group Inc., which owns the country’s ing age and argues that it could make a serious research on how many smokers start the habit largest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, said dent in tobacco deaths down the road. as teenagers. in a statement Friday that they support 18 as “We see this as sort of an added step to reduc- “By raising the age limit, it puts them in a the minimum age to purchase tobacco, which ing smoking rates,” in addition to higher tobacco taxes and other curbs, said Campaign vice presi- BEIJING: A woman on a wheelchair covers her face as she passes by the icon- dent Peter Fisher. Armando Peruga, program ic bird’s nest National Stadium on a hazy day in Beijing, China, Sunday. manager of the World Health Organization’s China’s environment ministry said Sunday that it had sent inspectors to Tobacco Free Initiative, said he supported the Beijing and other areas of the country to inspect polluting industries and U.S. proposal, provided that it would be strictly check construction sites amid a spell of severe air pollution. —AP enforced and that it was accompanied by other tobacco control measures, such as high taxes and smoke-free regulations. “It needs to be part of a comprehensive pol- Beijing issues rare icy to counter the tobacco industry’s influence on young people,” Peruga said. Four states, including Utah, already require tobacco pur- air pollution alert chasers to be 19. The others are Alabama, Alaska and New Jersey. BEIJING: When the air gets really bad, Beijing Health Organization. PM refers to “particulate Fisher said the 21-for-tobacco bills are also says it has an emergency plan to yank half matter,” a mixture of extremely small particles pending in state legislatures in Hawaii, the city’s cars off the road. The only problem and liquid droplets, the size of which is linked Massachusetts and New Jersey. Maryland law- is: It may be difficult to ever set that plan in to their potential for causing health prob- makers considered and rejected the idea this motion. lems. year. New York City last year raised the tobac- It wasn’t triggered in January, when the The measures that went into effect Friday co age to 21, as did Hawaii County, Hawaii. city recorded extremely poisonous air pollu- also ask members of the public to use public tion. And not this week, when pollution was transportation and to turn off their cars Legal age expected to continue for several days at haz- rather than let them run idle, as well as call Utah already has the nation’s lowest smok- ardous levels. A rare alert issued Friday was for water sprinkling on the street and dust- ing rate, about 12 percent in 2011 according to an “orange” one - the second-highest in the control measures at building sites. The most the Centers for Disease Control and four levels of urgency - prompting health stringent level, red, would order half of Prevention. Colorado isn’t far behind, at about advisories and bans on barbeques, fireworks Beijing’s 5 million cars off the road - based on 18 percent in 2011, according to the CDC. and demolition work, but no order to pull the last digit of their license plate. Ma Jun, of Despite the low rates, health advocates in cars from the streets. the non-governmental Institute of Public and both states testified that a higher tobacco age Environmental Affairs in Beijing, said that could depress the rates even further. “Moving Thick haze accurately forecasting three days of heavy it to later, obviously we can help reduce use,” “Yesterday, I thought it was bad enough pollution is technically difficult. But in any MONUMENT: A high school student, who preferred not to be identified, smokes a cig- when I went out to eat. But this morning I case, he said, the government is reluctant to arette in a de facto smoking area just off the property of Lewis-Palmer High School, said Bob Doyle, head of the Colorado Tobacco Education and Prevention Alliance. was hacking,” a Beijing pedestrian who gave adopt the most disruptive measures, because in Monument, Colo., Feb 20, 2014. A proposal to raise the tobacco age to 21 in her name as Li said Friday, as a thick haze it would be nearly impossible to notify all Colorado is up for its first review in the state Legislature. The bipartisan bill would When the legal age of smoking was raised from 16 to 18 in the UK, there was a significant shrouded the city. drivers of the rules and to adequately boost make Colorado the first with a statewide 21-to-smoke law. —AP drop in the number of people who started Still, the government did not issue the red the capacity of public transportation to situation where they’re not going to pick it up Congress approved in 2009. smoking, University College London’s Robert alert. Beijing’s alert system requires a forecast accommodate the extra passengers. until a much later age,” said Marla Brannum of “While we recognize that these are difficult West said. of three days in a row of severe pollution for “When the alert is at a low level, the meas- Lehi, Utah, who testified in favor of the idea issues, we believe Congress has established a “The ages from 18 to 21 is a period of huge the highest level. Days of extreme pollution ures are not effective, but those for the high- there. In Colorado, the testimony was similar - thoughtful process for understanding the issue uptake and even if you’re able to delay or polluted skies that are expected to clear in level alert are not feasible,” Ma said. “The gov- that pushing the tobacco age could make it better, and we intend to engage in that (teenagers) from starting smoking rather than less than three days do not trigger the most ernment is reluctant to raise the alert level.” harder for teens to access tobacco, and possi- process, with FDA, as it takes its course,” the preventing it altogether, there would be a sig- stringent measures. However, Ma credited the government with bly reduce usage rates among adults. statement said. nificant health benefit. You’re essentially allow- A period of pollution in January that saw becoming more open in recent months “What I’m hoping to do is make it harder for ing the rather scrambled adolescent brain to density readings of PM 2.5 particles exceed- about air pollution levels, and noted that kids to obtain cigarettes,” said Rep. Cheri First cigarette settle down and avoid smoking during that ing 500 micrograms per cubic meter prompt- many people receive real-time government Gerou, a Republican who sponsored the meas- Altria said the company supports efforts to period before they turn 21, after which they ed only the mildest, blue-level alert. That updates about Beijing’s air quality on their ure. Both proposals face several more votes. prevent underage use of tobacco. A paper may decide they absolutely do not want to density is about 20 times as high as the 25 mobile phones, so that they can take protec- But they’re the furthest any states have gone published last year in the journal Annals of smoke anyways,” he said. —AP micrograms considered safe by the World tive measures. —AP Pandas get red-carpet welcome in Belgium

BRUSSELS: Two giant pandas, on loan from (242 pounds), emerged to find around 100 The zoo has spent some 10 million euros China for the next 15 years, received a red car- journalists and dozens of children from a near- ($14 million) to prepare a vast enclosure for its pet welcome in Belgium yesterday where they by school waiting to welcome them. new stars in its “China Garden”, comprising a were greeted by Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. “We are very honoured and proud that pool, cave and bamboo plantation. Hao Hao, a four-year-old female whose China agreed to lend Belgium two of its nation- “They have flown over a thousand moun- name means “Friendly”, and Xing Hui (“Shining al treasures,” said Di Rupo. The new arrivals tains and a thousand rivers to arrive in Star”), a male of the same age, landed around were then whisked under police escort to the Belgium,” said China’s ambassador to Belgium, midday (1100 GMT) at Brussels airport after Pairi Daiza zoo in the town of Brugellette, 60 Liao Liqiang. The Belgian press has also report- their journey in a pagoda-style cage onboard a kilometres (37 miles) outside Brussels. ed that one million euros per year is being paid cargo plane. Entry tickets to the zoo were entirely sold as “rent” for the pandas, which have been a BRUSSELS: Airport workers take photos of Chinese Panda Xing Hui after its Their plane, arriving after a 15-hour flight out on Sunday, even though zookeepers had valuable tool for soft diplomacy and revenue arrival at Zaventem airport in Brussels yesterday. The pandas received a distin- from Sichuan in southwest China, taxied into warned that Hao Hao and Xing Hui will not be collection for China over the years. guished arrival by Belgian Prime Minister Elio di Rupo as they arrived on the place through an arc of water from the hoses of making any public appearances until they have Giant pandas are an endangered species, chartered Boeing 747. The two pandas, a male Xing Hui, and a female, Hao Belgian firefighters. acclimatised and finished a period in quaran- with only 1,600 left in the wild in China and Hao, will have a new home at the Pairi Daiza Park in Southern Belgium. —AP The pandas, each weighing over 110 kilos tine, due to end on April 5. 300 in captivity around the world. —AFP Asteroid smashes into Moon PARIS: A Spanish astronomer yesterday said he There followed a long afterglow, lasting The impact energy was equivalent to an had witnessed a fridge-sized asteroid smash another eight seconds-the longest and bright- explosion of around 15 tonnes of TNT, more into the Moon, in the biggest lunar impact by a est ever seen for a lunar impact. “At that than triple the largest previously seen event, space rock ever recorded. moment, I realised that I had seen a very rare claimed by NASA in March 2013. The rare episode was seen by Jose Maria and extraordinary event,” Madiedo told the Madiedo’s team calculate that rocks of this Madiedo, a professor at the University of society. size may strike Earth about 10 times more fre- Huelva, Britain’s Royal Astronomical Society Madiedo and colleagues calculate that the quently than was generally thought. Earth, (RAS) said. rock had a mass of around 400 kilos (1,000 though, is protected by its atmosphere and On September 11 last year, Madiedo was pounds), with a diameter of between 60 cen- asteroids of this size burned up as dramatic operating two lunar-observing telescopes timetres (two feet) and 1.40 metres (56 inches). “fireball” meteors. when he spotted a flash in the Mare Nubium, It hit Mare Nubium at around 61,000 kilometres By way of comparison, the rock that explod- an ancient, dark lava-filled basin. (38,100 miles) per hour. Madiedo has posted two ed above Chelyabinsk, Russia, on February 15 The flare, which occurred at 2007 GMT, was clips on Youtube (http://youtu.be/perqv4qByaI 2013, is believed to have measured about 20 RAWALPINDI: In this Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 photo, Eldery Pakistani patients and resi- briefly almost as bright as the northern hemi- and http://youtu.be/zCFDkj2JtyA). metres (65 feet) across and weighed some dents at St. Joseph’s Hospice, from left, Ruth Robet, 60, reads the newspaper next to her sphere’s Pole Star, the RAS said. It would have The speed was so high that the rock turned 13,000 tonnes. It is considered to have been at roommate, Wazeera, 65, while sitting around the stove part of their morning routine, at been visible to the naked eye to anyone who molten on impact and vaporised, leaving a the lower end of medium-sized asteroids. the female ward of the hospice, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Mohammed Aqeel spent weeks happened to be looking at the Moon at that thermal glow visible from Earth as a flash, and The Spanish observation is published in the at home in Pakistan waiting for death after suffering a debilitating spinal cord injury in a moment in good viewing conditions, the RAS bequeathing a 40-metre (130-feet) crater in the RAS journal Monthly Notices of the Royal car crash before friends suggested he come to St. Joseph’s Hospice on the outskirts of said. Moon’s pocked surface. Astronomical Society. —AFP the capital, Islamabad. —AP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Rare, polio-like disease found in California children WASHINGTON: A rare, polio-like syndrome that has Philadelphia. “Although poliovirus has been eradicat- polio-like outbreaks among children in Asia and vaccine in the mid 1950s. as sudden loss of movement in one or more of their no known cure has emerged in a small number of ed from most of the globe, other viruses can also Australia,” he said in a statement. However, outbreaks of the highly contagious dis- limbs, resulting in paralysis usually within two days. children in California, US researchers said yesterday. injure the spine, leading to a polio-like syndrome,” “These five new cases highlight the possibility of ease continue in parts of the world, including Three of the five youths had respiratory illness before Five cases of sudden onset paralysis were described said Stanford neurologist and lead author of the case an emerging infectious polio-like syndrome in Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan. The California chil- their symptoms began. Two have tested positive for by Stanford University experts at the American reports, Keith Van Haren. “In the past decade, newly California.” Polio has been largely wiped out across dren tested negative for polio, and all had been vac- enterovirus-68, a rare virus that has been previously Academy of Neurology annual meeting in identified strains of enterovirus have been linked to the globe, thanks to the introduction of an effective cinated. The patients showed similar symptoms, such associated with polio-like symptoms. —AFP WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Greetings

—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat appy 17th birthday to Lydia who celebrates her big day tomorrow. God bless Safat Home launches heritage Hyou abundantly. Blessings from brothers Dr Emmanuel and Joshua, sister Rachel and dad David and mom Anna. Love from all of National Evangelical Church Kuwait. collection from India

afat Home launches heritage collec- Large variety of hand block printed cot- kind handmade by artisans in India 27th Feb till 1st March, 2014 every day AROUND KUWAIT tion of home furniture from India in ton linen ranges, lovely hand tufted rugs, They have specially flown an artisan evening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Slovely acacia wood and Sheesham beds, cupboards, cabinets, hand carved from India to demonstrate the weaving of Safat Homes by Alghanim are located in Remal Sand Sculpting Festival wood at their showroom in Shuwaikh and marble and tables in wood with exquisite rug for the visitors to their showroom. They Alrai and Shuwaikh. Safat Home Alrai The Remal International Festival is open at the Al Rai. and unique work are displayed at their will be demonstrating live weaving o dhur- boasts two floors of furnishing and dÈcor Kuwait International Fairgrounds. 73 of the world’s The heritage collection furniture, which showroom. The colors chosen for the ries, Kilims, and hand tuffed rugs during showcased in concept rooms. The Safat best sand artists came to Kuwait and worked includes large variety of Indian rosewood upholstery and sofas, seating and cushions the launch days at their Shuwaikh and Al Home in Shuwaikh is conveniently located together to reimagine the stories of 1001 Nights coat, tables etc are directly imported from for the heritage collection range are beauti- Rai showrooms. off Canada Dry street near Alghanim and according to the organizers, the sand park will Jaipur in India, a place renowned for their ful. The live weaving, music, henna artist Service centre. be the world’s largest. For a preview of what to amazing craftsmanship in weaving, wood Elegant Marble tables from semi pre- and other activities will be available at their expect, check out my previous post on this festival work, handcrafts and marble. cious stones and each piece is one of its Al Rai showroom near 4th Ring Road from at Kuwait International Fairgrounds until April 26 from 12 noon.

Proud 2 be Kuwaiti 2014 The P2BK 2014 event at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Hawally and will end on February 25th. This year the set up is going to be similar to last years with an outdoor old souk that was built specifically to host this event. There will be a ton of Kuwaiti businesses participating including already established ones as well as new ones plus you have the Remal sand sculpting festival taking place alongside it as well.

Cinemagic: Beasts of the Southern Wild Thursday, February 28th 2014 at 7:30 pm at CineMagic Kuwait. Beasts Of The Southern Wild Winner of the Camera d’Or at The 2012 Cannes Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, along with 65 other worldwide awards, Beasts of the Southern Wild covers the tragedy of a Louisiana bayou cut off from the world by a levee as seen through the eyes of 6- year-old Hushpuppy. Her life is about to change as she is faced with both her hot tempered father and mother.

Gulf Bank’s customer contact center available 24/7 n the occasion of National and Liberation day, Gulf Bank’s Head Office Oand all branches will be closed from Tuesday 25 February until Thursday 27 February 2014. The Bank will commence normal working hours on Sunday 2 March 2014. During the holiday, customers will continue to have round-the-clock access to Gulf Bank on 1805805, where Gulf Bank staff are available 24 Burgan Bank hours to directly assist customers. Customers Annual Day celebrations at IES can also log on to Gulf Bank’s website, www.e- working hours gulfbank.com, to get more information about during National and ndian Educational School the Bank’s latest products and services. (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan), Kuwait On this occasion, Gulf Bank would like to con- Liberation holidays Ihosted their 7th annual day on 13th vey its sincere congratulations and best wishes and 14th of this month in a specially urgan Bank announced that its airport branch to the Amir of the State of Kuwait His Highness arranged auditorium in the school will resume normal working hours during premises. Yashwanth Sinha, the former Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His BKuwait’s upcoming National and Liberation Union Minister of Finance, and Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- holidays, from today until 27 February 2014, in order Member of Parliament, Government of Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the to accommodate banking requirements for all the India was the chief guest. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- customers during the public holidays. The bank’s 130 students in the middle and Hamad Al-Sabah - May Allah Almighty safe- branch will operate from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm. senior wings made their appearance in For more information on any products or services, their unique attempt of staging the guard and preserve them for their nation, as customers are required to contact Burgan Bank’s call classical play, the Merchant of Venice well as to the government and people of center 1804080 during the holiday. On this occasion, of the paragon of playwrights William Kuwait. Burgan Bank extends its best wishes and greetings to Shakespeare, 387 seven students in the public on Kuwait’s nationwide celebrations of the primary wing appeared on the both the 53rd Independence Day and the 23rd stage in their cultural fiesta christened Liberation day. Navarasa-the Colours of Life. Hundreds of parents had gathered to relish the nectar of a month long hard work of their children. A long galaxy of leaders from different walks of life like Sinha, Sunil Jain, SEND US YOUR Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, ‘Keli 2014’ Santhanagopal, Director, Bharatiya INSTAGRAM PICS Vidya Bhavan, India, Ramachandran opens today Menon, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya hat’s more fun than clicking a beauti- Bhavan in the Middle East, Sooraj Ramachandran, Director, Bharatiya ful picture? Sharing it with others! Let eli 2014’, a two-day theatre festival of Gulf of both the days, the chief guest the Alberta University, Canada. Ahana Vidya Bhavan in the Middle East, Alex admired the rare blend of quality had attended the two year integrated other people see the way you see Malayali Diaspora, commences today at W Joseph, Director Bhavan Institute of teaching and talented students in IIT JEE programme in the school, and Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will ‘KKhaitan Indian Community School Educational Research and Training Bhavan, Kuwait. He was also well had attained this accolade without the feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram Auditorium. Indian Ambassador Sunil Jain will offi- made the event epoch-making. appreciative of the success story of help of any private tutors. Members of feeds. If you want to share your Instagram pho- cially inaugurate the two-day festival at 4.30 pm. The Principals of various schools viz. Shafiq Bhavan in the Middle East. Sinha the teaching and non-teaching staff tos, email us at festival is held under the aegis of Kuwait Chapter of Ahmed of Integrated Indian School, reminded the parents of their great who were appreciated for the best Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (KSNA), a Kerala [email protected] Mrs Shyamala Divakaran of Gulf Indian responsibility of being the role models performance include Ms Elizabeth Government body. Three renowned theatre person- School, Mrs Kalyani Mukherji of Kuwait for their children. Thomas, Ms Rajni Menon, Ms Sabiha alities from Kerala- Dr P V Krishnan Nair, T M Indian School, Dr Binu Mon of Indian Sunil Jain, hon’ble Indian ambassa- Kazi, Ms Uma Maheshwari and Suresh Abraham and Meenambalam Santhosh - will Community School added splendor. dor to Kuwait motivated the gathering V Balakrishnan. The ceremonious adjudge the five plays taking part in the competi- Exhortations of Yashwant Sinha gave with the memories of his student life. release of Tejas the school magazine tion. Well-known South Indian film and theatre the crowd their wings of patriotism, He also discussed the basic education- also was done by the chief guest on Write to us actress Valsala Menon will be the guest of honour. and there were literally many al needs of the Indian expatriates in the occasion. Today, two plays will be staged starting at moments when they avowed to take Kuwait, and the challenges the field Suresh. V, faculty head of English 5.30pm. First play will be ‘Amme Mappu’ by Kalpak up their responsibilities as the civic cit- faces. senior secondary and the principal T Send to What’s On Kuwait followed by ‘Pashu’ by Nirbhaya Theatre. izens of their country. The short and Students who proved their excel- Premkumar welcomed the gatherings Tomorrow, three plays will be presented from 4 pm sweet speech of the chief guest want- lence in their academic life were hon- on the first and the second day respec- upcoming events, birthdays or onwards. They are ‘Kottukaranum Kure ed people to hold fast the roots, the oured by the chief guest. The presti- tively. When Ms Jaemi the head of the Thullakkarum’ by Thanima Kuwait, ‘Ushna culture, and values of ancient tradition gious Bhavan Gold Medal given for the department English, middle and sen- celebrations by email: of India. For him the real mantra of Mekhalayile Penkutty’ by Future Eye Theatre and topmost student in the Board Exams ior school, proposed the vote of success EECC comprises Excellence, [email protected] ‘Randam Bhavam’ by Kala Kuwait. Entry will be free was bestowed upon Ahana thanks the first day, Ms Jyothi Suresh, Ethics, Commitment and Courage, he Shivaskandan who is currently pursu- teacher CBSE did the honours the sec- Fax: 24835619 / 20 on both days. All art lovers are welcome. said. Having watched the programmes ing her Bio-Chemical Engineering in ond day. WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Culinary journey during Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner at Al Baraka Grand ballroom

he prestigious Chaine des by the in-house pianist playing classi- the guests enjoyed the gourmet FAU- Rotisseurs dinner was held at Al cal music and later by the live band, CHON dinner served with great style TBaraka Grand Ballroom, Crowne “Latin Fire “who added to the ambi- and precision. Plaza Kuwait. The 120 fine cuisine ence of the exquisite setup at the Chef Thierry Foehrenbach, enthusiasts included Ambassadors of Grand Ballroom. The event, being one Executive Chef of FAUCHON who France, Japan, Spain, Greece, Canada, of the largest Chaine des Rotisseurs pushed the boundaries to entice and Malaysia, Turkey, Serbia, Romania and dinners held in Kuwait, welcomed its satiate the ChaÓne members and Lebanon and dignitaries and was held 80 new members. their guests with his culinary master- in the presence of Benoit Fragniere The Chaine des Rotisseurs is an piece, created the menu. Each menu Membre du Conseil D’administration International Association of item was a culinary masterpiece in & Magistral and Chancellier de Suisse Gastronomy, with over 25,000 mem- itself. Each course harmonized per- who came down specially to intronize bers worldwide. Established in over 80 fectly with the previous courses and 80 members and promote 20 mem- countries, it started in Kuwait in the the dessert was the pinnacle course, bers from the association. As part of year 1982 and now has over 120 making a true French indulgence. the celebrations, Mohammed Najia members. The distinctive character of Chef Thierry mesmerized the guests was also honoured for his outstanding the association is to bring together by the extraordinary WOW dessert contribution to the Chaine des amateurs and professionals, from all buffet, as he revealed it with much Rotisseurs in Kuwait as Bailli Delegue over the world, whether they are ado and grandeur. The classic French for the past 30 years where his dedica- hoteliers, restaurateurs, or executive dishes by Fauchon honored the tradition to the aims of the Chaine are chefs, who share the same values of tions and practices of French cuisine. without equal. quality, fine dining, the encourage- The ambience of Al Baraka grand Crowne Plaza Kuwait, Chef Thierry real and an unforgettable culinary Baraka’s attention to detail with its “Food is Art” and no one could ment of the culinary arts and the ballroom was exquisite where every Foehrenbach, Elie Saliba- F&B manag- journey. interior, incorporates the finest mate- bring the saying to life more than pleasures of the table. minute detail taken into account. er & Mohamed Bseiso - General The Al Baraka Grand Ballroom rials crafted with artistic and cultural FAUCHON. Exclusively catered by FAU- The evening began with welcom- Exquisite cutlery and specially Manager, Al Baraka Grand Ballroom opened in November 2012. The lavish flare, truly embracing the vision of CHON, the four-course gourmet dining speeches by Mohamed Najia and designed Ice carvings donned each and the entire kitchen and service and exquisite interior harmonizes per- creating an unforgettable experience ner was praised by all for its culinary the intronisation ceremony for 80 new table. Mohamed Najia congratulated staff for their impeccable service and fectly with the exclusive catering of both visually and gastronomically. arts. The guests were kept entertained Chaine des Rotisseurs members. After Ramy Haykal, General Manager, in making the whole evening an ethe- the world-renowned FAUCHON. Al OSN to bring fun family experiences with Spider-Man and The Hulk at Marina Mall

SN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, and the Oprovider of fun family experiences, is bringing superhero lovers in Kuwait the opportunity to interact with Spider- Man and The Hulk at Marina Mall. On February 27 and 28, 2014, from 6pm to 10pm, Marina Mall’s Dome area will play host to an interactive and engaging experience with Marvel’s renowned heroes, Spider-Man and The Hulk. Children and visitors will have the opportunity to meet the world’s bravest crusaders, and pose for photographs, in addition to taking home souvenirs. Marvel’s superhero tour of Kuwait organised by OSN is part of the broadcasters commitment to bring fun family experiences to residents across the region and bring the magic of TV to life. The network recently held a GCC tour with Marvel’s Spider-Man, with great success. Annual IKEA soft Watch Marvel Universe featuring your favourite shows includ- toys for education ing Ultimate Spiderman (s2), Avengers Assemble and Hulk campaign raises hope Agents of Smash on Disney XD for 11 million kids only on OSN. hrough the annual IKEA Soft Toys for Education campaign, IKEA customers and Commercial Bank Tco-workers enabled €10.1 million to be Best celebrations of National, Liberation donated to help improve children’s education in Africa, Central- and Eastern Europe as well as days at The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa of Kuwait to serve Asia. Through this campaign, IKEA Kuwait alone clients 24/7 sold 22,156 toys, which raised €22,156 contribu- he Palms Beach Hotel & Spa tion to IKEA Foundation. The donation is made introduces distinguished he Commercial Bank of Kuwait serves clients by IKEA Foundation and is directed to UNICEF TPackages for the Occasion of during the National Holiday through its two and Save the Children projects. Kuwait’s National & Liberation days. branches at the Kuwait International Airport, Families can celebrate these joyful T The annual IKEA Soft toys for Education cam- and answers their inquiries on the 24 hours hotline occasions through an unforgettable 1888225. Clients can also perform banking opera- paign ran from November to December 2013 in stay at the hotel’s spacious and luxuri- all IKEA stores around the world. For each soft tions on the bank’s ATMs around the country, or ous suites. The package includes one online at www.cbk-online.com toy, €1 was donated to UNICEF and Save the or two bedrooms suite with spacious Children by the IKEA Foundation. living & dining room for two adults & Since the start of this annual campaign in one child or for four adults & one 2003, the IKEA Foundation has raised nearly €67 child. The offer is rich with valuable Embassy million, which has helped improve the educa- benefits for the families to enjoy these tional opportunities of more than 11 million occasions; the entire family can entertain themselves in a relaxed and luxu- Information children in 46 countries. The donations help rious environment. UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in Guests can avail form the special child-friendly teaching methods, improve child added benefits of this packages which protection systems, supply educational materi- includes rich buffet breakfast and EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA als, and increase school attendance rates. lunch or dinner in Palmerie Restaurant On the occasion of Kuwait’s National Thanks to this year’s donation, the IKEA which offers a wide variety of Arabic & and Liberation days, the Australian International cuisine with live cooking you a new & modern experience that to the hotel’s premier Beach Club, first Embassy wishes to advise that it will be Foundation will support 19 UNICEF and Save the closed on: Tuesday 25 February 2014; Children projects in 18 countries: UNICEF’s share stations. In addition to the special reflects the magic & beauty of art to of its class and furnished with the lat- family gift & Palms gift vouchers. savor sumptuous delights along with est sport’s equipments and overlook- Wednesday 26 February 2014. will fund the Schools for Africa initiative in eight Seafood lovers can enjoy Al the new added dishes in a captivating ing the beach and swimming pools, countries and the Schools in Asia initiative in Muhallab Seafood Restaurant, with & stylish ambiance. not to forget the Orchid Spa with its n n n n n n n China. Save the Children’s share will support rich authentic local seafood flavor & The Palms has also planned special special discounts on massage and education for children of the most marginalised original legacy of Kuwait’s traditions kids’ fun programs & entertainments beauty treatments run by people with BANGLADESH EMBASSY groups in Asia and Eastern Europe. with a direct & fascinating view over at the Junior Care Center, The Little the industry’s best expertise. The Embassy of the People’s Republic IKEA Kuwait would like to thank its customers the gulf waters where Al-Muhallab Palm & around the pools to include: The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa locat- Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed for their support and encourages more to join in offers a wide variety of seafood which competitions face painting, and other ed in Al Bedaa, Al Ta’awon Street at on 25-26 February on the occasion of helping improve the educational opportunities will appeal to all connoisseurs and sat- activities designed to spread happi- Salwa area which is considered the Kuwait’s National and Liberation days of isfy the most difficult taste buds while Kuwait. of children everywhere. ness & laughter. closet spot to shopping district. Tagine Restaurant & Lounge offers Moreover, families can enjoy access TV PROGRAMS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

06:00 Sons Of Guns 11:25 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 07:00 Car vs Wild 11:50 That’s So Raven 07:50 Flying Wild Alaska 12:15 Hannah Montana 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 12:35 Shake It Up 00:15 Doctors 09:30 Border Security 13:00 Good Luck Charlie Green light often 00:45 New Tricks 09:55 Auction Kings 13:25 Austin & Ally 01:35 My Family 10:20 Dallas Car Sharks 13:45 A.N.T. Farm 02:05 Walk On The Wild Side 10:45 How Do They Do It? 14:10 Jessie 02:35 Famous, Rich And Jobless 11:10 How It’s Made 14:35 Dog With A Blog highest hurdle 03:25 Spooks 11:35 Gold Rush 15:00 Wolfblood 04:15 The Weakest Link 12:25 Alaska Gold Diggers 15:25 Gravity Falls 05:00 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 13:15 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 15:50 Good Luck Charlie 05:20 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 14:05 Border Security 16:10 Violetta on road to Oscars 05:40 Boogie Beebies 14:30 Auction Kings 17:00 A.N.T. Farm 05:55 Bobinogs 14:55 Dallas Car Sharks 17:20 Austin And Ally 15:20 North America his year’s Academy Awards nominees reflect a 06:05 The Large Family 17:45 Gravity Falls Hollywood truism: The margin between the dust 06:15 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 18:10 Jessie bin and the Oscar red carpet is often razor thin. 06:35 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 17:00 Ultimate Survival 18:30 Good Luck Charlie T The development process of any film can be lengthy 06:55 Boogie Beebies 17:50 Dirty Jobs 18:55 Dog With A Blog 07:10 Bobinogs 18:40 Car vs Wild 19:20 Violetta and arduous, full of challenges in obtaining financing 07:20 The Large Family 19:30 Sons Of Guns 20:05 Jessie or a studio executive’s stamp of approval. The biggest 07:30 The Weakest Link 20:20 How Do They Do It? 20:30 Wolfblood obstacle on the road to the Academy Awards is, for 08:15 My Family 21:10 Auction Kings 20:50 Dog With A Blog many films, simply getting a green light. That’s espe- 08:45 Only Fools And Horses 21:35 Dallas Car Sharks 21:15 Gravity Falls cially true nowadays, when studios have pulled back on 09:15 Eastenders 22:00 Manhunt 21:40 Shake It Up their output and turned their focus almost exclusively 22:50 Survive That! 09:45 Doctors 22:00 Austin And Ally to blockbusters. It makes for an annual Oscar irony: 10:15 Call The Midwife 22:25 A.N.T. Farm When Hollywood gathers to celebrate itself at the 11:05 New Tricks 22:50 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 The Weakest Link Academy Awards, it fetes not its standard business, but 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place its oddities, its rarities, its freaks that somehow man- 12:45 My Family 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 13:15 Only Fools And Horses aged to squeeze through the cracks. 13:45 Eastenders “The Wolf of Wall Street,” for example, might seem 14:15 Doctors 00:40 Weird Or What? like a no-brainer: Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, 14:45 Call The Midwife 01:30 Weird Connections loads of sex and drugs. But even “The Wolf,” nominated 15:35 New Tricks 02:00 The Gadget Show 02:25 Tech Toys 360 for five Oscars including best picture, came very close 16:30 The Weakest Link 00:15 My Sri Lanka With Peter to never getting made. After developing the film, 17:15 Eastenders 02:50 Man-Made Marvels China Kuruvita 03:45 Nyc: Inside Out Warner Bros. dropped it in 2008. Scorsese would later 17:45 Doctors 00:45 One Man & His Campervan lament having “wasted about five months of my life” 18:15 Being Erica 04:35 Da Vinci’s Machines 01:10 Food Lover’s Guide To The 19:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 05:25 Moon Machines Planet waiting for the Warner Bros.’ OK that never came. 19:30 The Vicar Of Dibley 06:15 The Gadget Show 02:35 Eat Street It wasn’t until years later (and after other directors 20:00 Call The Midwife 06:40 Tech Toys 360 03:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter were considered) that the project came together, with 20:50 Life On Mars 07:05 Building The Biggest Kuruvita independent film company Red Granite Pictures financ- 21:40 The Impressions Show With 08:00 Building The Future 03:30 Bondi Rescue ing the film’s $100 million budget, and Paramount Culshaw... 08:50 Eco-Tech 03:55 Eat Street Pictures distributing. “It’s actually kind of a miracle that 09:40 The Gadget Show 04:25 Deadly Arts this movie happened, especially the fact that we were 10:05 Tech Toys 360 05:20 Somewhere In China 10:30 Through The Wormhole With 06:15 Earth Tripping allowed to keep the tone that we wanted all the way to Morgan Freeman 06:40 Maverick Chef the end,” says DiCaprio. “When was the last time you 11:25 Building The Biggest 07:10 Eat Street saw a film like this happen? I don’t know. It doesn’t fit 00:00 The Planners 12:20 Da Vinci’s Machines 07:35 My Sri Lanka With Peter into any specific category or box. It’s an epic. It’s a giant 00:50 Come Dine With Me 13:10 Moon Machines Kuruvita Hollywood epic. It’s almost like a film you’d have to 01:40 MasterChef Australia 14:00 Nyc: Inside Out 08:05 One Man & His Campervan make 30 or 40 years ago when directors had free rein.” 02:55 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 14:50 Weird Connections 08:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The The bet paid off not only in accolades, but at the 03:40 Extreme Makeover: Home 15:20 The Gadget Show Planet box office. “The Wolf of Wall Street” has made more Edition 15:45 Tech Toys 360 09:00 Mega Food than $335 million worldwide. The case of “Dallas Buyers 04:25 Bargain Hunt 16:10 Man-Made Marvels China 09:55 Eat Street 05:15 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 17:00 The Science Of Star Wars 10:20 My Sri Lanka With Peter Club” (six nominations, including best picture) is even Notebook: London 17:55 Da Vinci’s Machines Kuruvita more remarkable. A film that’s now counted among the 05:40 Come Dine With Me 18:45 Building The Biggest 10:50 Bondi Rescue BREAKING POINT ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION nine best of the year by the Academy took nearly two 06:30 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 19:35 Through The Wormhole With 11:15 Eat Street decades to get made. Co-producer and co-screenwriter 07:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea Morgan Freeman 11:45 Deadly Arts 10:00 Brilliant Beasts Craig Borten first sold the script in 1996 after meeting 08:00 Extreme Makeover: Home 20:30 Unchained Reaction 12:40 Somewhere In China 11:00 Megastructures and interviewing Ron Woodroof, a Texan who combat- Edition 21:20 Punkin Chunkin 2010 13:35 Earth Tripping 12:00 Adventure Wanted ed AIDS with drugs smuggled from other countries. 08:45 The Planners 22:10 The Gadget Show 14:00 Maverick Chef 13:00 Mad Scientists 01:00 World Golf Championships 00:00 Beverly Hills Cop-18 At one time, Woody Harrelson was attached to star 09:35 Celebrity MasterChef 22:35 Tech Toys 360 14:30 Eat Street 13:30 Mad Scientists Highlights 02:00 Breaking Point-18 with Dennis Hopper directing. Later, after the script 23:00 Unchained Reaction 14:55 My Sri Lanka With Peter 14:00 Megastructures 02:00 Super Rugby 10:25 Come Dine With Me 04:00 Men In Black 3-PG Kuruvita 15:00 Is It Real? 04:00 Futbol Mundial was sold to Universal Pictures, Brad Pitt was lined up to 11:15 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 06:00 Alien Tornado-PG15 15:25 One Man & His Campervan 16:00 Inside 04:30 Top 14 Highlights play Woodroof, with Marc Forster directing. Another Notebook: London 08:00 Beverly Hills Cop 3-PG15 15:50 Food Lover’s Guide To The 17:00 Dogtown 05:00 World Golf Championship 11:40 Come Dine With Me 10:00 Wrath Of The Titans-PG15 12:30 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow Planet 18:00 Brilliant Beasts Highlights 16:20 Mega Food 12:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The 13:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 19:00 Air Crash Investigation 06:00 Trans World Sport 17:15 Eat Street Cradle Of Life-PG15 14:05 Antiques Roadshow 20:00 The Border 07:00 Snooker The Welsh Open 17:40 My Sri Lanka With Peter 14:00 Beverly Hills Cop 3-PG15 15:00 Homes Under The Hammer 00:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 21:00 Ape Man 10:00 World Golf Championship Kuruvita 16:00 Abandoned-PG15 15:55 Homes Under The Hammer 00:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:00 Air Crash Investigation Highlights 18:10 Bondi Rescue 18:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The 00:45 Sonny With A Chance 23:00 Master of Disaster 11:00 Live AFL Premeirship 16:55 Bargain Hunt 18:35 Eat Street Cradle Of Life-PG15 01:05 Sonny With A Chance 14:00 World Club Challenge 17:35 Extreme Makeover: Home 19:05 Deadly Arts 20:00 Summer’s Blood-18 01:30 Suite Life On Deck Edition 20:00 Eat Street 01:50 Suite Life On Deck 18:20 Antiques Roadshow 20:30 My Sri Lanka With Peter 19:15 Homes Under The Hammer 02:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place Kuruvita 00:30 The Daily Show Global 20:10 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 02:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 21:00 Mega Food Edition 01:00 Trans World Sport Notebook: London 03:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:00 Deadliest Journeys 01:00 The Colbert Report Global 00:00 American Cowslip-18 20:35 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 03:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 02:00 21 Jump Street-18 02:00 Top 14 Highlights 22:25 First Ascent Edition 02:30 World Golf Championships 21:00 Food & Drink 03:45 Sonny With A Chance 22:55 One Man & His Campervan 01:30 Hello Ladies 04:00 Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final 21:30 Come Dine With Me 04:05 Sonny With A Chance Insult-PG15 Highlights 23:20 Delinquent Gourmet 02:00 Eastbound & Down 03:30 WWE SmackDown 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 04:30 Suite Life On Deck 06:00 12 Wishes Of Christmas-PG15 23:50 My Sri Lanka With Peter 02:30 Girls 05:30 WWE Bottom Line 23:15 Bargain Hunt 04:50 Suite Life On Deck 08:00 Home Alone: The Holiday Kuruvita 03:00 The Cleveland Show 06:30 Futbol Mundial This photo released by Paramount Pictures shows, 05:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:30 New Girl Heist-PG 05:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 10:00 Uptown Girls-PG15 07:00 Premier League Darts Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort in ‘The Wolf 04:00 Seinfeld 10:30 Top 14 Highlights 06:00 Austin & Ally 12:00 Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final of Wall Street,” from Paramount Pictures and Red 05:30 Seinfeld 11:00 Super Rugby 06:25 Dog With A Blog Insult-PG15 Granite Pictures. — AP 06:30 Friends 13:00 Top 14 06:45 A.N.T. Farm 14:00 Snowmen-PG 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 15:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 08:00 Seinfeld 16:00 Uptown Girls-PG15 iteration brought in Ryan Gosling and director Craig 00:00 Inside 18:00 Super Rugby 07:35 Wolfblood 08:30 Seinfeld 18:00 Celtic Pride-PG Gillespie. It was only revived with Matthew 00:30 Gold Rush 01:00 Dogtown 20:00 Trans World Sport 07:55 Gravity Falls 09:30 2 Broke Girls 20:00 Venus & Vegas-PG15 01:20 Alaska Gold Diggers 02:00 Brilliant Beasts 21:00 AFL Nab Challenge McConaughey (the best actor front-runner) and direc- 08:20 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 10:00 Trophy Wife 22:00 Tin Men-PG15 02:10 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 03:00 Megastructures tor Jean-Marc Vallee after the rights to the screenplay 08:45 Jessie 10:30 Friends 03:00 Car vs Wild 04:00 Adventure Wanted went dormant and Borten and co-producer Melisa 09:05 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 Two And A Half Men 03:50 Border Security 05:00 Mad Scientists Wallack were able to buy them back. And still, just 09:30 Shake It Up 12:30 Seinfeld 04:15 Auction Kings 05:30 Mad Scientists weeks before filming began, investors pulled their 13:00 Seinfeld 09:55 Austin And Ally 06:00 Megastructures 04:40 Dallas Car Sharks 13:30 Friends 00:00 Chelsea Lately money. 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 07:00 Is It Real? 05:05 How Do They Do It? 14:00 New Girl 00:30 The Spin Crowd The breach was filled partly because McConaughey 10:40 Dog With A Blog 08:00 Inside 01:00 The Next Three Days-PG15 05:30 How It’s Made 14:30 2 Broke Girls 01:25 Style Star gave it an air of inevitability. He had already begun los- 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 09:00 Dogtown 03:15 Flower Girl-PG15 15:00 Trophy Wife 02:20 E!ES ing weight for the role and discussed it on TV talk 05:15 Cinderella PT 1-PG15 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 15:30 The Daily Show Global 07:00 Cinderella PT 2-PG15 shows. Made for just $5 million and shot in 25 days, Edition 04:10 E!ES “Dallas Buyers Club” finally got made, long after AIDS 09:00 The Next Three Days-PG15 05:05 THS 16:00 The Colbert Report Global 11:15 The Lady-PG15 07:50 Style Star dwindled from the headlines. Specialty division Focus Edition 13:30 The Chorus-PG15 08:20 E! News Features acquired the film, which has made $30.5 mil- 16:30 Two And A Half Men 15:15 A Woman-PG15 09:15 Scouted lion worldwide. 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 17:00 Cheerful Weather For The 18:00 The Simpsons 10:15 Married To Jonas Several of the Oscar nominees have relied on a sin- Wedding-PG15 gle person to change their fate. When “12 Years a Slave” 18:30 New Girl 19:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 19:00 The Crazy Ones 21:00 Broken City-18 11:10 The Wanted Life director Steve McQueen accepted the Golden Globe 19:30 Trophy Wife 12:05 E! News award for best drama, he thanked producer Brad Pitt: 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 13:05 Extreme Close-Up “Without you, this film would have never got made.” Jimmy Fallon 13:35 E!ES Similar kudos have gone to the young producer Megan 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 14:30 Style Star Ellison, whose Annapurna Pictures bankrolled two Stewart 15:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 21:30 The Colbert Report best-picture nominees: David O. Russell’s “American 01:00 Cosmopolis-18 Miami 22:00 Modern Family Hustle” (jointly with Sony Pictures) and Spike Jonze’s 03:00 Beyond Borders-18 16:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 22:30 Modern Family “Her” (released by Warner Bros.). The 28-year-old 05:00 The Door In The Floor-18 Miami 23:00 The Big C Ellison, daughter of billionaire Larry Ellison, has been 07:00 Hide Away-PG15 17:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:00 Tora! Tora! Tora!-PG15 17:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On roundly hailed for backing the kind of edgy, auteur-ori- 11:30 Raggedy Man-PG15 18:00 The Drama Queen ented films that are struggling to find financing. (In 13:30 Tricks Of A Woman-PG15 19:00 E!ES recent years, she’s produced “Zero Dark Thirty,” “The 15:00 Dirty Teacher-PG15 20:00 Married To Jonas Master” and “True Grit.”) 00:00 C.S.I. 17:00 Raggedy Man-PG15 20:30 Giuliana & Bill But such deep-pocketed, director-friendly financiers 01:00 Strike Back 19:00 The Caller-PG15 21:30 Giuliana & Bill are few, and the route is exceptionally narrow for the 02:00 Betrayal 21:00 American Gangster-18 22:30 Fashion Police 03:00 The Americans 23:30 Chelsea Lately kind of prestigious pictures honored at the Oscars. With 04:00 Revenge “Nebraska” (nominated for six Oscars, including best 05:00 The Blacklist picture), filmmaker Alexander Payne managed a seem- 06:00 C.S.I. ingly impossible feat: getting a studio (Paramount) to 09:00 Revenge produce a black-and-white film. But it took lengthy 11:00 The Blacklist 01:00 House At The End Of The Street-PG15 negotiations, and had to survive a series of film division 12:00 Emmerdale closings. “Nebraska” was first with Paramount Classics, 02:45 Skyfall-PG15 00:30 The Killer Speaks 12:30 Coronation Street then Paramount Vantage, and finally ended up with 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:15 The Double-PG15 01:30 The First 48 16:00 Emmerdale 07:00 Playdate-PG15 02:30 My Ghost Story Paramount Pictures. 16:30 Coronation Street 09:00 Rise Of The Guardians-PG 03:30 Serial Killer Profile The domino-effect journey of “Nebraska” reflects a 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:45 Skyfall-PG15 04:30 The Killer Speaks larger shift in the industry. Particularly over the last 19:00 The Fosters 13:15 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: 05:30 Private Crimes decade, studios have moved away from smaller and 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy Viva LA Fiesta!-PG 06:00 Beyond Scared Straight medium-sized dramas, instead concentrating resources 21:00 Mistresses 15:00 Remember Sunday-PG15 07:00 The First 48 17:00 Rise Of The Guardians-PG on blockbuster and genre releases that can earn hun- 22:00 The Killing 08:00 Nightmare In Suburbia dreds of millions globally. Payne’s mantra is advocating 19:00 The Guilt Trip-PG15 09:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder 21:00 Les Miserables-PG15 for the $20-25 million adult comedy or drama. Instead Casebook 23:45 Flight-18 of always swinging for the fences, he believes in the 10:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 11:00 Killers more reliable double. In the current climate, the hand- 12:00 Beyond Scared Straight ful of ambitious, adult-oriented films that do get pro- 00:00 No Man’s Land: The Rise Of duced are almost exclusively appraised through the Reeker 13:00 Born To Kill 02:00 Beverly Hills Cop 00:00 Excision-R 14:00 Look Who’s Stalking prism of Hollywood’s awards season. The strange effect 04:00 Breaking Point 02:00 Dating Coach-PG15 15:00 Killers is that these few films that have clawed their way onto 06:00 Men In Black 3 04:00 Barnyard-PG 16:00 The Yorkshire Ripper: Peter screens are then set against each other for months of 08:00 Alien Tornado 06:00 People Like Us-PG15 Sutcliffe Oscar wrangling. 10:00 Beverly Hills Cop 3 08:00 Thunderstruck-PG 17:00 Curious & Unusual Deaths “The eight, 10, 12 good English-language films are 12:00 Wrath Of The Titans 10:00 Frankenweenie-PG 17:30 Private Crimes all released in the last quarter of the year and expected 14:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The 12:00 Mike Tyson: Undisputed 18:00 Homicide Hunter to gird for battle for Oscars and Golden Globes and all Truth-PG15 19:00 The First 48 Cradle Of Life that stuff,” says Payne. “And they’re just movies. They 16:00 Beverly Hills Cop 3 14:00 The Greatest Movie Ever 20:00 The Devil You Know 18:00 Abandoned Sold-PG15 21:00 Beyond Scared Straight may be fragile movies, human movies. They just need 20:00 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The 16:00 Thunderstruck-PG 22:00 Private Crimes to find an audience on their own without having com- Cradle Of Life 18:00 Haywire-PG15 22:30 Born To Kill parative judgment made along with it.” — AP RISE OF THE GUARDIANS ON OSN MOVIES HD 22:00 Summer’s Blood 20:00 Colombiana-PG15 23:30 Frenemies Classifieds

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY FOR SALE (20/02/2014 TO 26/02/2014) Hyundai Azera 2008. Full options, sun roof, naviga- tion, leather seats. KD. SHARQIA-1 NO SUN NO SUN POMPEII (DIG) 12:30 PM 2500/- negotiable. Call: THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 2:45 PM FANAR-4 AVENUES-4 65860200 POMPEII (DIG) 5:00 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:00 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:15 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 4:15 PM Toyota Yaris, model 2013, POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 3:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:05 AM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM mileage 3,500 white exteri- NO SUN THE MOVIE (DIG) 5:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 11:00 PM or, price KD 2,550. Phone: POMPEII (DIG) 7:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:15 AM 99240654. (C 4649) SHARQIA-2 POMPEII (DIG) 10:00 PM NO SUN 19-2-2014 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: POMPEII (DIG) 12:15 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM NO SUN 360º- 1 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: PATRICK (DIG) 2:00 PM Nissan Pathfinder 2003 THE MOVIE (DIG) 4:00 PM FANAR-5 PATRICK (DIG) 4:15 PM model, good condition. Call 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:45 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 12:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM 97277135. 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:00 PM CODE RED (DIG) 3:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 10:15 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 5:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:00 PM Cooker with bottle and 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:45 AM CODE RED (DIG) 8:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:15 AM NO SUN THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 10:15 PM NO SUN regulator, washing THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 12:45 AM machine, tumble dryer con- SHARQIA-3 NO SUN 360º- 2 denser, microwave mirror PATRICK (DIG) 12:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 2:30 PM four door wardrobe, queen PATRICK (DIG) 2:30 PM MARINA-1 AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 5:00 PM size bed mattress as new, PATRICK (DIG) 4:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) 7:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:45 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 10:15 PM sofa and lounge chairs cof- CODE RED (DIG) 8:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 12:45 AM fee tables, desk and office PATRICK (DIG) 10:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:30 PM NO SUN chair TV 42” LCD dining PATRICK (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM table and four chairs side NO SUN CODE RED (DIG) 7:45 PM 360º- 3 board bookcase, chopping 2012 and roll no. 8106150 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: Prayer timings block mobile. Ph: 94400865. issued by CBSE, India has MUHALAB-1 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:05 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM been actually lost. Name of OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: NO SUN OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: (C 4647) Fajr: 04:59 THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 4:00 PM 18-2-2014 candidate: Mohamed OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: MARINA-2 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: Muzammil, Abu Halifa, Shorook 06:18 THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 6:00 PM Block-1, Street-1, Building 1, 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 3:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: Flat 25, Kuwait. Mob: LOST Duhr: 12:01 KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 7:45 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 6:15 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 8:00 PM 66823168. (C 4651) 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 10:00 PM 23-2-2014 Asr: 15:17 PATRICK (DIG) 10:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 12:15 AM It is notified for the infor- MUHALAB-2 PATRICK (DIG) 12:45 AM NO SUN Maghrib: 17:44 WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 1:30 PM NO SUN mation that my original PATRICK (DIG) 4:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 qualifying examination cer- Isha: 19:01 CODE RED (DIG) 6:00 PM MARINA-3 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: tificate of main secondary PATRICK (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 12:45 PM examination of year 2010- PATRICK (DIG) 10:00 PM WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 3:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: POMPEII (DIG-3D) 5:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:30 PM MUHALAB-3 KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 4:15 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) 12:30 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 10:15 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: POMPEII (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 12:30 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 6:30 PM No: 16088 ROBOCOP (DIG) 4:45 PM NO SUN POMPEII (DIG) 8:15 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:15 PM POMPEII (DIG) 10:30 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM AVENUES-1 POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 AM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: NO SUN FANAR-1 THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 12:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: AL-KOUT.2 WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 2:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 4:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: PATRICK (DIG) 3:45 PM WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 6:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 5:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 5:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 9:00 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 7:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:00 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 7:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 9:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:00 AM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 9:15 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:45 PM NO SUN AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 11:45 PM NO SUN NO SUN FANAR-2 AL-KOUT.3 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:00 PM AVENUES-2 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) 12:30 PM KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) 3:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 1:30 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 2:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:00 PM CODE RED (DIG) 4:00 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 5:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:15 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 6:30 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:30 PM KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) 10:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 9:00 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 10:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:30 AM ROBOCOP (DIG) 11:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 12:30 AM NO SUN NO SUN NO SUN

FANAR-3 AVENUES-3 AL-KOUT.4 ROBOCOP (DIG) 1:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:00 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 4:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:15 PM GUNDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 6:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 9:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:00 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 12:05 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:15 AM CODE RED (DIG) 10:15 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 25/2/2014 QTR 1078 DOHA 13:55 Departure Flights on Tuesday 25/2/2014 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 165 DUBAI 11:30 Airlines Flt Route Time TMA 223 AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL 13:45 BBC 43 DHAKA 00:05 KAC 514 TEHRAN 13:45 AIC 976 GOA 00:05 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 JAI 574 MUMBAI 00:10 JZR 561 SOHAG 12:55 PIA 206 LAHORE 00:10 UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 KLM 411 AMSTERDAM 00:30 KAC 672 DUBAI 14:00 TAR 327 DUBAI 00:15 FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 THY 772 ISTANBUL 00:45 KAC 546 ALEXANDRIA 14:05 AXB 490 MANGALORE 00:15 QTR 1079 DOHA 14:55 QTR 1084 DOHA 00:55 SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 JAI 573 MUMBAI 01:10 KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 KNE 472 JEDDAH 14:35 KLM 411 AMSTERDAM 01:45 KAC 741 DAMMAM 15:20 PIA 239 SIALKOT 01:05 QTR 1072 DOHA 16:40 BBC 44 CHITTAGONG 01:45 KAC 617 DOHA 15:30 DLH 637 DAMMAM 01:10 UAE 857 DUBAI 16:40 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 02:10 KNE 473 JEDDAH 15:30 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 ETD 303 ABU DHABI-INTL 16:50 PIA 240 SIALKOT 02:20 SVA 501 JEDDAH 15:45 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 02:10 KAC 562 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 16:50 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 KAC 773 RIYADH 16:05 THY 764 SABIHA 02:15 RJA 640 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 16:55 THY 773 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 02:55 JZR 238 AMMAN 16:55 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:35 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:15 TAR 328 TUNIS 03:45 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:35 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:50 QTR 1073 DOHA 17:40 ETD 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 02:45 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:25 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:00 UAE 858 DUBAI 17:50 JAI 576 COCHIN 02:50 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:30 OMA 644 MUSCAT 04:05 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:50 TAR 328 TUNIS 02:55 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 18:00 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:10 RJA 641 AMMAN 17:55 OMA 643 MUSCAT 03:05 QTR 1080 DOHA 18:40 QTR 1085 DOHA 04:15 ABY 128 SHARJAH 18:05 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:10 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:45 FDB 68 DUBAI 05:00 SVA 511 RIYADH 18:15 RJA 642 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 03:15 KAC 678 MUSCAT 18:55 QTR 1077 DOHA 05:15 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 QTR 1076 DOHA 03:45 KAC 166 PARIS 19:10 JZR 560 SOHAG 06:20 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:40 FDB 67 DUBAI 04:20 KAC 104 LONDON 19:35 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:50 THY 770 ISTANBUL 05:35 KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:45 JAI 575 ABU DHABI 06:35 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 19:15 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 05:40 KAC 774 RIYADH 19:30 JZR 164 DUBAI 06:55 JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 19:20 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:05 RJA 643 AMMAN 07:05 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:25 BAW 157 LONDON 06:40 KAC 742 DAMMAM 18:20 THY 765 ISTANBUL-SABIHA 07:05 QTR 1081 DOHA 19:40 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:40 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:15 AXB 3942 KOZHIKODE 20:15 KAC 412 MANILA 06:45 KAC 618 DOHA 19:00 KAC 545 ALEXANDRIA 07:15 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 20:15 KAC 416 JAKARTA 06:25 AXB 393 KOZHIKODE 19:15 THY 771 ISTANBUL 07:30 KAC 283 DHAKA 20:30 JZR 503 LUXOR 05:50 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 19:30 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:30 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:45 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:50 OMA 647 MUSCAT 19:55 BAW 156 LONDON 08:45 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 QTR 1086 DOHA 07:50 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:05 QTR 1087 DOHA 08:50 ABY 120 SHARJAH 21:00 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:55 MSR 618 ALEXANDRIA 20:05 SVA 513 RIYADH 09:15 KAC 361 COLOMBO 21:00 KAC 332 TRIVANDRUM 08:15 JAI 572 MUMBAI 20:10 KAC 513 TEHRAN 09:25 MSR 607 LUXOR 21:05 KAC 362 COLOMBO 08:45 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:20 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:30 JAI 571 MUMBAI 21:10 KAC 284 DHAKA 08:50 JZR 177 DUBAI 18:20 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:40 KAC 351 KOCHI 21:10 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:10 IRA 605 ISFAHAN 20:25 KAC 101 LONDON 09:50 IRA 604 ISFAHAN 21:20 SVA 512 RIYADH 08:15 DLH 636 FRANKFURT 20:55 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:55 KAC 343 CHENNAI 21:30 UAE 855 DUBAI 08:40 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:05 DLH 636 DAMMAM 21:35 ABY 125 SHARJAH 09:00 MEA 402 BEIRUT 21:20 FDB 56 DUBAI 10:20 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 ETD 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 09:20 ETD 307 ABU DHABI-INTL 21:35 QTR 1071 DOHA 10:55 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:10 FDB 55 DUBAI 09:40 UAE 859 DUBAI 21:40 IRA 618 LAR 10:55 MEA 403 BEIRUT 22:20 QTR 1070 DOHA 09:55 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 21:45 YYY 9043 AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL 11:00 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:20 IRA 619 LAR 10:05 QTR 1074 DOHA 22:00 KAC 561 AMMAN 11:25 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 22:30 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:00 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:35 MEA 404 BEIRUT 11:55 KLM 415 AMSTERDAM 22:05 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 FDB 60 DUBAI 22:40 TMA 213 BEIRUT 12:10 JZR 239 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 22:20 KAC 165 ROME 11:50 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:50 KAC 677 MUSCAT 12:20 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 22:55 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:50 AIC 981 CHENNAI 22:30 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 KLM 415 DAMMAM 23:05 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 23:10 MEA 405 BEIRUT 12:55 QTR 1075 DOHA 23:10 FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 JZR 185 DUBAI 23:20 KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00 KAC 411 BANGKOK 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014

CROSSWORD 470 STAR TRACK

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

Much can be accomplished in the workplace today. Your instinctive orienta- Creating a structure to empower and maintain your ideals and principles tion at this time is toward getting down to the basics. This is a time when becomes a high priority; an article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you can expect a little boost, some sort of extra support or recognition from those around you become an inspiration to others. Remember to compromise your differences with you. Learning how and why people do and think what they do is a fun pastime for you at customers, co-workers or higher-ups and you will see fast, positive results to what you are this time. You may feel that you are in touch and in harmony with others; the lines of com- trying to achieve. Progressive people and idealistic groups or concepts play a more impor- munication are open. You can demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to the tant role in your life now, as a new trend begins. This is a concern for something bigger needs of others. Sex, power and money are compelling aphrodisiacs. Secrets, taboos and than any one person—the good of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Dare yourself mysteries appeal to a deep instinctive yearning. You may be taking on an extra job today to smile at someone once an hour today, and see what happens—invite others to join in order to earn that hide-away money for your emergency fund. you. Do not keep someone waiting this evening—good surprises are nearby.

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

If you are unhappy with one line of work you may want to consider another You may feel left out or passed over just now. Your own requirements may line of work. Many of you find that temporary job agencies fill your needs quite well. There appear to limit you from where the rest of the gang is headed. This is of short duration, are few bonuses, but if you are in demand, you could call your own shots. Wise investing, however. Some quiet time can be enjoyed just now if you just go with the flow. Careful or just consistently saving on each payday, will do away with the need for bonuses and study will yield dividends today. The aspect between one astrological planet and another vacation pay. Family matters could come to your attention at this time and listening with- creates the right condition for some really good financial growth. Keep the pace steady out commenting is important just now. If necessary, ask for time to think through a sub- and don’t jump ahead too soon. You can wade right through any problems you might ject. This matter will work out before it is brought to your attention again. Financial oppor- encounter this afternoon. You demonstrate great understanding to the needs of others tunities may be tempting. This may be something you will want to mention to family and are now in a good position to communicate with difficult customers as well as higher- members when appropriate. ups. If the weather permits, enjoy the out-of-doors this afternoon.

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

Ambition and achievement are qualities you hold in special regard now. Be prepared, it is now time to sign up for a lecture, class or group that can This is a time for getting ahead and for combining business and pleasure, a give you some wonderful insights and stimulation toward mental growth. time to enjoy your career and savor its rewards. The social graces pave your path to suc- Intelligent conversations and the mental stimulation that is found in the atmosphere of a cess. Ideas to increase your income may come to you from your family and friends later classroom, group conversation or a university create a boost to your energy. You are also ACROSS 3. A republic in western South America. today. You are full of ideas and ready to listen to other people’s ideas as well. You are capa- coming to a time that you could comfortably take a vacation and set aside some time for 1. An informal term for a father. 4. The great hall in ancient Persian palaces. ble of handling a business yourself—you could consider this for one of your future goals. healing through fun activities. Anytime between now and the end of this month is a good A work partnership should be thought through carefully. A temporary accountant could time to set aside for a short three or four day rest by the ocean or lakeside cabin—some- 5. (Phoenician) A fertility goddess. 5. Growth from increase in cell size without where near water. To save a little extra money toward this trip, begin practicing a little price 12. An international organization based in cell division. be your answer in the paperwork department. You will be shopping for items pertaining to your job today, perhaps a new suit or some luggage. comparison. You may be very proud of your efforts. Geneva that monitors and enforces rules 6. A silvery malleable metallic element that governing global trade. resists corrosion. 15. A city in northwestern Syria. 7. Vietnamese New Year. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Not equal in amount. 8. Jordan's port. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 17. (informal) Informed about the latest 9. Living in or characteristic of farming or You will find you have lots of energy and drive, perfect for starting some- trends. country life. There are some positive changes headed your way this morning. For what- thing out or taking care of business. You may have been noticing the misuse 18. Type genus of the Carangidae. 10. An official language of the Republic of ever reason, you will have time to work with young people this morning. You may be a of some funds that needs to be brought to a supervisor’s attention—wait a while longer 20. A village in eastern Ireland (northwest of South Africa. guest speaker or a new teacher; whatever the case you are helpful. You may have some before making your report; there could be more to this than you know. A little detective ideas running around in your head that could be helpful in guiding these young people work and some time may give you further information; easy does it. When an agreement is Dublin). 11. Angular distance above the horizon toward their personal choice of a future profession. Learning where they might want to 22. A long difficult walk v 1. made today, make sure you do not leave someone out that would like to be included in (especially of a celestial object). use their talents and helping them to realize they are very talented is a very positive some after-work plans. Meetings, conferences or business travel can be lucrative now. 23. Of or relating to or containing balsam. 12. Hit hard. insight for them. Taking some of your ideas to the industry world, there may be future Attend to any turmoil on the job at this time and try to stay out of issues that do not affect 25. Relating to or coming from the south. 13. A native American tent. opportunities for young adults to work or observe the work within the professional field you. Make a little extra effort to return a favor to a neighbor this evening. 28. A metric unit of length equal to one hun- 14. An organization of countries formed in they may have an interest. This is some action that progresses nicely. dredth of a meter. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the 29. A dark gray mineral with a metallic luster sale of petroleum. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) that is a source of tin. 19. A group of southern Bantu languages. Leo (July 23-August 22) 36. A town in northern France on the Strait of 21. (Sumerian) Goddess personifying the Real insight into your own inner workings or psychology could surface Some days are just not good for making decisions. If you feel forced into Dover that serves as a ferry port to England. making decisions today, make sure it is for the good of the whole. Anything that can wait primeval sea. today, and in a manageable form. You may be in the mood for deep and penetrating con- 37. A radioactive element of the actinide 24. The act of scanning. versations. There could be an opportunity for a round-table discussion to answer office should be moved to a waiting position; or put on hold until you have all the facts. You will series. 26. (astronomy) A measure of time defined questions. Your viewpoint will be heard—patience. Expect a sense of support from those reach a resolution after careful consideration of the facts. Young people may want you to 39. Made tough by habitual exposure. around you. You may want to create a beautiful space for a guest that will be visiting soon. purchase needed items for school or a group activity. Teach them to shop wisely by giving by Earth's orbital motion. them rewards for finding the best buys. Discovering the background of people and per- 40. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about 27. Being or occurring in fact or actuality. This could be a family member or a very good friend. For more space, you might take the things you don’t play with anymore and sell them on the internet. If you just can’t seem to haps even helping them with a family genealogy layout is a fun hobby that you could 2.75 pounds. 30. Flightless New Zealand birds similar to enjoy. This evening you may decide that a college course on research and the subject of 41. Tropical American tree grown in southern get rid of the excess you might store the items in a rental storage place. This way you can gallinules. create a place for them over time. genealogy just might be a lot of fun. United States having a whitish pink-tinged 31. The mission in San Antonio where in 1836 fruit. Mexican forces under Santa Anna besieged 43. A humorous anecdote or remark. and massacred American rebels who were Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 44. An alloy of copper and zinc (and some- fighting to make Texas independent of times arsenic) used to imitate gold in cheap Mexico. Today is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas jewelry and for gilding. Coordinating events for a company’s executive conference or the like may 32. A healthy state of wellbeing free from dis- and thoughts. When some service-type person treats you poorly, you may take up much of your day. Research, ask questions and gather information about several 48. A small carpenter's plane with the cutting ease. wish you could find ways to show disapproval. There is someone who waits on you or prospects. Figuring out how to organize projects and people is apt to become a topic of edge near the front. 33. An ancient city in southeastern Greece. serves you that deserve your praise and you will remember them by writing a letter to the special interest—and a challenge at this time. As you make your presentation, prepare 51. Comprises true vertebrates and animals appropriate supervisor. A great many problems for that person will be lifted. Smart as a several ideas for approval—eliminating more research. Respect, status and achievement 34. Someone given to teasing (as by mock- fox, you solve problems and sail through the day. There is an opportunity to encourage having a notochord. ing or stirring curiosity). are central goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. A financial venture comes to others in the benefits of seeing two sides of a problem. The example you show gives oth- your attention this afternoon. Obtain advice before obligating yourself. Your whole world 53. Feeling mild pleasurable excitement. 35. Having a specified kind of border or edge. ers a guide in thinking outside the box, so to speak. This evening, listening to family mem- 54. A very light colorless element that is one may seem hypnotic or dreamy this afternoon. Poetry and art may be possible. Movies, 38. A compartment in front of a motor vehi- bers tell about their day is fun. A few chuckles are likely to occur. books and all forms of escape prove enjoyable. of the six inert gasses. cle where driver sits. 55. 300 to 3000 megahertz. 42. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet. 56. A member of a Caddo people formerly 45. A sultanate in northwestern Borneo. Word Search living in north central Texas. 46. A condition (mostly in boys) character- 61. The Mongol people living the the central ized by behavioral and learning disorders. and eastern parts of Outer Mongolia. 47. A small restaurant where drinks and 65. Flat and uninspiring. snacks are sold. 67. The (prehensile) extremity of the superior 49. An accidental hole that allows something limb. (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape. 69. A branch of the Tai languages. 50. Sole genus of the family Naiadaceae. 70. The wood of the sabicu which resembles 52. Scandinavian liquor usually flavored with mahogany. caraway seeds. 73. Any of various large tropical carnivorous 57. Add ions to. lizards of Africa Asia and Australia. 58. Of or relating the leg from the knee to the 75. A master's degree in business. foot. 76. A unit of surface area equal to 100 square 59. To fix or set securely or deeply. meters. 77. The craniometric point at the lowest 60. Before noon. point on the lower edge of the orbit. 62. A genus of Lamnidae. 79. Tag the base runner to get him out. 63. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on 80. Having any of numerous bright or strong a skewer usually with vegetables. colors reminiscent of the color of blood or 64. Jordan's port. cherries or tomatoes or rubies. 66. A river in north central Switzerland that 81. Tiny bits of protoplasm found in verte- runs northeast into the Rhine. brate blood. 68. The general activity of selling. 82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 71. (informal) Uncomplimentary terms for a from aba cloth. policeman. 72. The address of a web page on the world DOWN wide web. 1. A written agreement between two states 74. Remaining after all deductions. or sovereigns. 78. A soft silvery metallic element of the alka- 2. (botany) Of or relating to the axil. li earth group. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134

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Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 MANSOORI

LIFESTYLE36 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 Movies & Music

Review

This CD cover image released by ATO Records shows “Overstep,” by Mike Gordon. Gordon creates accessible sound

hen Mike Gordon steps away from his day job playing bass for mega jam band WPhish, he tends to get even more experimental and weird than normal, which is saying a lot. But on “Overstep,” his fourth solo album not counting two collaborations with Leo Kottke, Gordon creates a much more accessible and radio friendly record. That’s not to say it’s boring, because it’s not, or predictable, because it isn’t. But what it does have is a more solid rock base, perhaps thanks to the increased role of longtime collaborator and lead guitarist Scott Murawski and producer Paul Q. Kolderie, who previously worked with Radiohead. What Gordon may have given up in control, he gains by creating a more unified and In this Sunday February 23, 2014 photo released by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, actress and UN special envoy Angelina Jolie, center satisfying sound. Don’t worry, Gordon lovers. foreground, meets with young Syrian refugees at an informal tented settlement in Zahleh, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. —AP There’s still plenty of his off-the-wall lyrics. Take “Ether,” the first track, where he dreamily describes floating around and encountering a Cyclops and using rocket components to build a new girlfriend. “Yarmouth Road” is the best song Angelina Jolie visits Syrian children in Lebanon of the bunch, propelled by a Jamaican-influenced bounce, Murawski’s wah-wahing guitar and ctress and UN special envoy Angelina Jolie made ing the burdens of their reality as if they are adults.” the security council, doesn’t threaten sanctions but it Gordon’s plea to “come on home and hang with a surprise visit to Lebanon to draw attention to The tiny Mediterranean country of Lebanon, which does express the council’s intention to take “further the bees and buzz with the honeycomb.” —AP Athe challenges facing thousands of Syrian neighbors Syria, has absorbed nearly one million steps” if the resolution isn’t implemented Jolie said her refugee children and to highlight the massive displace- refugees, swelling the country’s population by one- meeting was also to thank Lebanon for hosting the ment Syria’s three-year conflict has created, officials fifth. The concentrated numbers of refugees have over- refugees. said yesterday. During a three-day visit, Jolie visited whelmed Lebanon’s infrastructure, raised rents and “The generosity and solidarity shown by Lebanon and unaccompanied children living in the eastern Bekaa flooded the public health and education systems Lebanese to its neighbor serves as an example to the Valley, where much of the poorest Syrian refugees in throughout the country. The poorest refugees huddle world for which we should all be grateful. We all need to Lebanon reside, as the United Nations Refugee Agency in tents made out of old billboard advertisements on help them bear this burden,” Jolie said. Also in Syria, Special Envoy. The 3,500 children are those who were land they rent out from farmers in the Bekaa Valley; the activists said that military aircraft have struck a rebel-held orphaned, or separated from their families as they fled shelters offer little against the country’s bitter winters town near Damascus, as government forces intensified into Lebanon. and hot summers. their efforts to subdue opposition-held communities They form part of the nearly one-third of all Syrians Parents of thousands of Syrian children have pulled around the capital. An activist who uses the name who have been displaced from their homes since an them out of schools, because they cannot afford the Mamoun Abu Saker said three strikes targeted homes in uprising against the President Bashar Assad began in modest Lebanese school fees, or because they need the town of Nashabiyeh yesterday. March 2011. About 2.5 million Syrians have become them to work - often as shoe shiners and car cleaners. Abu Saker says at least four people were killed, and refugees; and another 4.2 million are displaced within During her visit, Jolie called on the international com- others are still buried under rubble. He said two strikes Syria, the UN estimates - some one-third of the coun- munity to ensure the implementation of a recent UN first hit the homes, and then as people rushed to rescue try’s pre-war population. resolution that called for humanitarian assistance to casualties, another strike hit the same area. The Britain- “Meeting these children was a heart-rending experi- reach Syrian civilians. On Saturday, the United Nations based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed ence,” said Jolie in a statement issued via the UN. “They Security Council passed a resolution demanding imme- the strikes, but not the death toll. The Observatory has a have lost their families and their childhood has been diate access everywhere in Syria for humanitarian aid. network of activists on the ground. In recent months, hijacked by war. They are so young, yet they are bear- The resolution, which marked a rare instance of unity on Syrian forces loyal to Assad are focusing their efforts on

A file photo shows US director Quentin Tarantino critical and commercial success, studio’s main rival: Lasseter, co-founder of imported to us. ions about others’ films after in-house posing during the photocall of his movie “Django “Frozen” marks a second renaissance Pixar, who was named Disney’s animated cre- “The main thing he imported was that development screenings. Unchained” in Rome. —AFP Afor Walt Disney’s legendary film studio- ative director after his company became part we as filmmakers have to take ownership “The best idea wins, you’re encouraged and is widely tipped to win its first ever Oscar of Mickey’s empire eight years ago. “Since the of our product. John sets a very high bar in to make mistakes and to take risks,” said Del for best animated feature next weekend. The merger with Pixar in 2006, Disney Animation terms of story, in terms of research, and Vecho. “We’re responsible for each other’s movie, which has made nearly $1 billion, is is once more under the direct guidance of an you always want to hit that bar,” he told films, meaning that I went to ‘Tangled’ the culmination of a revival driven by fierce animator, John Lasseter. This had not been AFP. But the studio’s culture is also highly screenings, I went to ‘Wreck-it Ralph’ screen- competition and the studio’s purchase of rival the case since the death of Walt Disney in collaborative, with directors and screenings and gave notes just as filmmakers and Pixar in 2006, bringing boss John Lasseter into 1966,” Sito, a former Disney animator, told writers on projects able to voice their opin- writers on other projects come and give us uentin Tarantino is to attend France’s equivalent of the Disney fold. Critics have hailed “Frozen” as AFP. notes. Our movie couldn’t have the Oscars-its Cesar awards-in Paris on Friday along one of Disney’s best ever movies, following The “Toy Story” and evolved without that kind of open Qwith actress Scarlett Johansson, organizers said. the success of “The Princess and the Frog” “Cars” creator “brought collaborative environment.” The “Django Unchained” director will be giving an hon- (2009), “Tangled” in 2010 and 2012’s “Wreck-It in a lot of new talent to The other factor driving orary Cesar to the “Don Jon” and “Her” actress, the awards Ralph.” If the movie does win at next Sunday’s the storytelling depart- Disney’s renaissance has been president, Alain Terzian, told AFP late Sunday. 86th Academy Awards, it will be Disney’s first ments: clever young increasingly tough competition The French event will be held just two days before the best animated feature Oscar since the catego- writers and directors ... from rivals like Blue Sky (“Ice Age,” US Oscars. Neither Tarantino nor Johansson are in the run- ry was created in 2001. We also (saw) a return to “Rio”), DreamWorks Animation ning for an Academy Award statuette, though “Her”, a Disney has come a long way since the turn the movie-musical for- (“Shrek,” “Kung-Fu Panda,” movie to which Johansson lends her sultry voice, is in the of the millennium, when the studio had been mat after a 20-year hia- “Madagascar”) and Illumination, Oscar Best Picture race. Tarantino won a Cesar for best for- sidelined by Pixar and its string of blockbuster tus, which for Disney which makes the “Despicable Me” eign film back in 1995 for his hit “Pulp Fiction” and an hon- hits from “Toy Story” and “Cars” to “Finding has always been a spe- films-the second of which is also orary Cesar in 2011 for all of his work. Nemo,” Ratatouille” and “Up.” “Just like ‘Great cialty,” he added. Music nominated next Sunday. Johansson, who is engaged to a French journalist, will Mouse Detective’ was a step up from the is at the heart of “A rising tide raises all boats. It is be recognized at the Cesars for a career in which she has nadir of ‘Black Cauldron,’ so ‘Princess and the “Frozen”: the movie’s very important for the art of anima- already made 35 films. However she could be in for a Frog’ was more successful than the earlier keynote tune “Let It Go” tion to have competitors at other mixed reception in the French media. Last month she went films like ‘Home on the Range’ and ‘Meet the is a frontrunner to win studios,” said Sito. “Walt Disney did on US television to declare that Parisians lived up to their Robinsons’,” said Tom Sito, professor of cine- the best song Oscar some of his best work while fight- rude stereotype. She also created a stir internationally by ma at the University of Southern California next weekend. Peter Del ing off challenges from Max ditching her role as ambassador for British charity Oxfam in (USC). Vecho, producer on the Fleischer and Looney Tunes. favor of continuing with an Israeli company, SodaSteam, It is not Disney’s first comeback. The 1970s film, said Lasseter “When (Disney) was alone in the which runs a factory on illegally occupied Palestinian terri- and 80s were tough for the studio, until a new “changed the culture at 1960s and 70s feature business, an tory. —AFP generation of animators arrived to create Disney Animation. outdated repetitive aesthetic films like “The Little Mermaid” (1989), “Beauty We’re a different studio caused their films to grow stale, and the Beast” (1991) and 1994’s majestic suc- than Pixar, but a lot of despite the quality of their tech- cess “The Lion King.” Ironically, the Prince the same ideas that he nique,” he added. “The success of Charming of this latest rebirth had been the learned there, he ‘The Lego Movie’ and ‘Despicable

File photo shows Actor Sam Worthington olice say actor Sam Worthington The Australian actor was released and attends the has been arrested in New York is due back in court on Wednesday. Cinema Society City for punching a photographer Police did not say what caused the scuf- premiere of P after the man kicked Worthington’s girl- fle. The photographer, 37-year-old “Man on a friend in the shin. The 37-year-old Sheng Li, was arrested on charges of Ledge” in New “Avatar” actor was arrested on an assault reckless endangerment, assault and York. —AP Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin performs during charge following the incident Sunday harassment. He’s being held pending the Vina del Mar International Song Festival evening. arraignment. It wasn’t immediately clear February 23, 2014 in Vina del Mar, Chile. —AFP LENIN

LIFESTYLE37 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 FASHION

Marni Models on parade at the end of the Dolce & Gabbana women’s Fall-Winter 2014-15 col- seized by nomadic spirit lection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, ilary Swank, Eva Herzigova and the body,” Missoni said. The knit-work was Italy. — AP/AFP Monica Bellucci gave Milan Fashion bold and graphic, rather than the tradition- photos HWeek a burst of star power on al tight Missoni zig-zag, and the colors Sunday, the fifth day of Milan Fashion were soothing pastels contrasted by flash- Week that featured preview collections for es of turquoise, mustard and orange. next fall and winter by Dolce&Gabbana, Colored booties, and sometimes berets Missoni, Marni and Ferragamo. And one with a crochet lining, finished the looks. young designer found his pot of gold. A family affair Enchanted Sicily Rosita Missoni watched her daughter Romance flourishes in Dolce&Gabbana’s Angela’s creations from a seat near the run- Sicilian fairy tale, inhabited, according to way entrance accompanied by her grand- the designers’ fanciful notes, by elves, fire- children. She said she felt “the pride of flies, fairies and knights. Never has little Red having created a business, a job, which Riding Hood been so fashionable, in a luxu- my children enjoy to continue. I think rious red fur with matching hood, and then this is a privilege.” The presence of a romantically flowing sheer red organza three Missoni generations was a dress in a floral print, touching show of familial worn with a pointed strength, following the death red hood with black of CEO Vittorio Missoni, undertones. And Angela’s brother, in a who better than plane crash in January Domenco Dolce and 2013 followed four Stefano Gabbana to months later by the design the perfect death of family wench dress, a sheer patriarch and number that wraps company co- fetchingly around founder the curves with snug Ottavio lace-up bodice, in Missoni at burgundy, green and age of crimson. The duo 92.” — also sent some relatively unadorned outfits AP down the runway, emphasizing the tailor- ing of the underlying collection without the distraction of appliques and accents. Their final flourish: a battalion of models dressed in bejeweled and sequined mini- dresses, at times with crocheted and sequined helms - perfect for a “k-night” out. Eva Herzigova and Monica Bellucci were on hand for the fairy tale collection, set in a magical forest of knotty olive trees.

Missoni pastels The Missoni woman is free and relaxed, comfortable enough to wear oversized men’s jackets over soft, form-fitting dresses, easy sportswear or swinging skirt. The collection is for “a free-spirited woman,” designer Angela Missoni said. She wants to be comfortable with masculine outerwear like parkas, a hunting jacket or gilet, but the “the silhouette underneath is close to

Actress Hilary Swank, center, attends the Salvatore Ferragamo women’s Fall- Winter 2014-15 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy. —AP p38-39.qxp_Layout 1 2/24/14 8:50 PM Page 1

lifestyle TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 FASHION

Salvatore Ferragamo

Missoni

Armani ends Milan Fashion Week amid industry shifts

iorgio Armani rounded off Milan DSquared2 also showcased their latest again showed his focus on material with Fashion Week yesterday, as reports of designs yesterday with an eccentric show set Sunday’s collection, which included dresses in Gan investment in a young designer by in an insane asylum that included an actual Lurex-a sparkling yarn-and pleated skirts that luxury giant LVMH and a Chinese firm’s pur- pillow fight and where the designs were part opened to reveal metals. The label said in a chase of historic label Krizia signaled shifts in sado-masochist, part 1960s glamour. As the press release that the collection “continues to the industry. Italy’s 79-year-old fashion king celebrity parties and behind-the-scenes trans- explore motifs that deceive the eye to create bowed and applauded at the end of his cat- actions wound down in Italy’s fashion hub, personal paths in design”, with materials that walk show, which featured a color palette of two reported business deals were the talk of are “manipulated, sliced, engraved, embossed, greys and blacks set off with lime-colored lin- the town. Women’s Wear Daily, a leading trade embroidered and fused to the point of trans- ings, top pockets and trouser stripes. Trouser journal, reported that the world’s top luxury figuration”. — AFP suits and jackets were roomy-a key trend dur- firm, France’s LVMH, was preparing to ing the autumn/winter 2014-2015 fashion announce a joint venture with the Rome- week collections this year, which have also based up-and-coming designer Marco de been filled with opulent furs, global nomad Vincenzo. looks and bold colors. The investment, which the report cited its sources as saying would include a “significant” minority holding in the label and the possibility of increasing the stake in future, has been rumored for months. Backstage after his own show on Sunday, de Vincenzo spoke as if it were already a done a deal, saying: “Now I can be calmer from the point of view of production because if you are on your own the risks increase”. But there was no official confirmation from LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton), which owns Bulgari, Dior, Fendi, Loro Piana and Marc Jacobs among others. LVMH has recently invested in two up-and-coming British fashion brands, J.W. Anderson and Nicholas Kirkwood, reflecting growing interest in younger trends and sources for growth in the fashion sector. Rival French luxury group Kering, which owns Gucci, has taken stakes in London-based Christopher Kane and young French-American designer Joseph Altuzarra. Sicily-born de Vincenzo, who moved to Rome to attend the European Design Institute at 18 and worked as an accessories designer at Fendi, is best known for his experimental use of fabrics and geometric patterns. De Vincenzo, who made his Milan debut in 2009,

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani acknowl- edges the applause at the end of his Giorgio Armani women’s Fall- Winter 2014-15 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy, yesterday. — AP p38-39.qxp_Layout 1 2/24/14 8:51 PM Page 2

lifestyle TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 FASHION

Armani

Designers Dean and Dan Caten acknowledge the audience at the end of their show for fashion house Dsquared2.

Top quotes from Milan Fashion Week

From the frivolous to the profound, here are 10 top quotes from designers, fashionistas and industry players as Milan’s fashion week wrapped up yesterday.

1- “It’s very futuristic. Nobody does this. It’s spectacu- lar!”: Yurata, fashion editor from InStyle magazine in Moscow, at the Fendi show after the fashion house deployed drones to film the catwalk.

2- “It’s about self-satisfaction more than the exhibi- tionism to be popular at a party or with men”: Gucci’s Frida Giannini describing her latest collection.

3- “I’ve always had a fetish for shoes!”: Jane Reeve, new chief executive of Italy’s national fashion chamber, over a risotto at the chamber’s welcome brunch.

4- “My biggest inspiration came from Buddha’s idea that a lotus is an embryo of the world. I’m a story teller”: Indian designer Rahul Mishra after winning the international Woolmark Prize.

5- “This is kind of our moment”: luxury handbag maker Furla’s chief executive Eraldo Poletto, referring to the boom in global accessories that saw his turnover grow by seven percent last year.

6- “I think everyone would be happier to produce everything in Italy but with these oppressive taxes it’s an impossible undertaking”: Giorgio Armani backstage, speaking to the Milano Finanza daily.

7- “The artisan is creative here. He becomes a designer too”: luxury shoe maker Alberto Moretti at the unveiling of his latest collection, inspired by France’s last queen, Marie Antoinette.

8- “When Madonna calls me to make a stage cos- tume, I get working straight away, thinking about the embroidery et cetera. There are so many things to do!”: an ebullient Fausto Puglisi, rising fashion-world star, ahead of his catwalk.

9- “Fashion today is beautiful but too expensive. Let’s try and take it down a notch and go back to creating”: Roberto Cavalli to business daily Il Sole 24 Ore.

10- “I’m never taking these sunglasses off. Ever”: over-

heard at Marni catwalk from waspish American- Dsquared2 accented woman in black fur-trimmed coat and “Wayfarer” Ray-Bans. — AFP Angelina Jolie visits Syrian children in Lebanon

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014 36

A Kuwaiti man walks by a building’s wall painted with the national flag in Kuwait City yesterday. Kuwait celebrates the 53th National Day of Independence on February 25, and the 23rd Liberation Day from the Iraqi invasion on February 26th. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

DRCongo dandies give new meaning to fashion victim

he finishing touches on their flamboyant inspired by-but not always faithful to the world’s ton-underwear. The SAPE-the Societe des outfits may be wanting but the great couturiers. Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes, which TDemocratic Republic of Congo’s modern- For Mbengi, paper was revealed to him as a loosely translates as the Society of Tastemakers, day dandies will even use paper to make them- “fabric like any other” in a dream in 2004 and he or Atmosphere Setters and Elegant People-was selves look special. “I love the clothes of crafts his outfits with a variety normally used to born in neighboring Congo-Brazzaville in the Japanese and other designers but I’d rather wrap up fish, meat or peanuts. But what sets 1960s. dress in paper,” said Cedrick Mbengi. The 23- him apart from competitors is his finale at But the roots of the African dandy tradition year-old is a dedicated follower of the “sapeurs”, “sapeur” fashion shows: he rips off his “clothes” can be traced back to colonial times when a sartorial subculture of colorful Congo dandies and has no problem standing there in his-cot- locals first encountered elegant European styles. The “sapeurs” initial idea was to sport clothes, shoes and accessories designed by the world’s most venerated couturiers, the likes of Gaultier, Vuitton, Cerruti, Versace, Yamamoto, Miyake, Weston and Dolce&Gabbana. But the dandies in the DR Congo have gone decidedly eccentric.

‘Clothes are living creatures’ In the capital Kinshasa, where many of the 10 million residents earn barely enough to survive, thousands of confirmed or would-be “sapeurs” strut their stuff in hand-me-downs that often came from the Congolese diaspora, according group which is spoken in the country’s south. Wemba, Congolese rumba star to the artists’ collective Sadi. But many expats “Our continent’s animals inspire me,” said the and one of Africa’s most popular musicians, are also struggling financially and can no longer 44-year-old Kumeso, who uses lots of linen, and has managed to get some of his items on fund the tastes of those back home, said art his- pure new wool or oil-impregnated gabardine. sale in a boutique at Kinshasa’s Ndjili interna- torian Lydia Nsambayi of the ISAM institute for “Bats, elephants, ducks, cockroaches... Clothes tional airport. “These initiatives should be applied arts in Kinshasa. are living creatures.” “I love Yohji Yamamoto and encouraged,” said art historian Lydia Nsambayi. “So when the ‘sapeurs’ realised they could Issey Miyake. But I design very extravagant “Without a proper fashion industry, it’s all about not maintain their lifestyle, they bought the clothes, more extravagant than what they do!” craftsmanship. —AFP brands in thrift shops or mixed their own cre- he said. “I do convertible clothing whose aspect ations with Yamamoto, for example.” Some changes, so using snaps, a waistcoat can be turned to ready-to-wear, such as Spain’s success- turned into a bag, for example.” ful clothing and accessories retailer Zara. Others created their own line, like Mbengi with his Sapeurs, members of “La Sape” movement, the acronym for “Societe des Ambianceurs ‘All about craftsmanship’ “100% Paper” brand or Bwapwa Kumeso, who in et des Personnes Elegantes” (The Society for the Advancement of Elegant People), Every February 10, the “sapeurs” commemo- 2009 created “Kadhitoza”, or “The Beautiful take part in a tribute to the founder of the movement Stervos Niarcos Ngashie, on rate the movement’s founder, artist Stervos Creature” in the language of the Chokwe ethnic February 10, 2014 at the Gombe cemetery in Kinshasa. —AFP photos Niarcos Ngashie who died that day in 1995 in a French prison while serving a sentence on drug-related charges. Dozens of members sport their personal look while dancing on tombs in northern Kinshasa’s Gombe cemetery, where their hero is buried. For nothing in the world would Cedrick “100% Paper” Mbengi, who was dismissed as “crazy” when he started his business, or Bwapwa “Kadhitoza” Kumeso miss the event. Tailor Roger Bakandowa, initially unconvinced of Mbengi’s talent, is now sewing trousers, overalls, hats and shirts designed by him. “What I find interesting in ‘100% Paper’, ‘Kadhitoza’ and others is that they’re looking for the personality in clothes,” said Bakandowa. Critics accuse the DR Congo sapeurs of “lacking quality”, but there are signs of improvement. “Kadhitoza” takes pride in having dressed Papa Graffiti art highlighted in NYC exhibition

pray-painted at night on a Lower East Side LEE. “This was a movement that needed a visual ed and mentored many of the graffiti artists, handball court, the “Howard the Duck” manifesto. I wanted to bring that conversation including Quinones, and promoted their once- Smural showed the comic book character that was so elusive in the subways above ground, renegade art form. Wong’s collection of more peeking from behind a trash can with the words: to a context almost similar to a museum.” than 300 such works was donated to the “Graffiti is a art, And if art is a crime, Let God for- Only 18 at the time, Quinones became known Museum of the City of New York before his death give all.” among his generation for covering a 10-car sub- in 1999. That 1978 work helped propel the illicit graffiti way train. He and an artist named Fab 5 Freddy About 150 are in the exhibition, which runs art movement out of the subway and into the were among the first to earn gallery recognition through Aug. 24. In addition to the “Howard the mainstream. So it’s only fitting that a canvas with a 1979 exhibition in Rome. Duck” oil canvas, which Quinones made for recreation of that mural (the original was painted What makes the New York “City as Canvas” Wong, other highlights include a compilation of over around 1988) is a part of a major exhibition exhibition unique is that it focuses only on works ink-drawn tags collected by Wicked Gary, on graffiti art opening Tuesday at the Museum of from the city that were collected over the years founder of the first graffiti writing club, the Ex- the City of New York. by East Village artist Martin Wong, who befriend- Vandals, and a member of a collective of writers “It was the shot heard around the world,” said called the United Graffiti Artists who were the its creator Lee Quinones, also known by his tag first to exhibit their work in a gallery setting. Graffiti exploded in New York in the 1970s because of the subway - an expansive canvas for the young renegade artists. The seminal 1983 documentary “Style Wars” and other media attention contributed to its spread beyond New York. But only a handful of the largely teenage graffiti artists were “doing what we would call mas- terpieces, blanketing whole sides of trains,” said the exhibit’s curator, Sean Corcoran. They includ- Image shows painting by Lee ed DAZE (Chris Ellis), CRASH (John Matos), FUTU- Quiones named Howard the RA 2000 (Leonard Hilton McGurr) and LEE - all Duck, 1988. (Inset) Image successful artists today - who succeeded in con- shows a painting by Sane necting the subculture to a broader audience by Smith untitled, 1989. virtue of their artistic talent. Wong “had the foresight to scoop all this stuff Image shows a painting by Keith Haring, up when no one else in New York was thinking This undated image provided by the Museum about it seriously,” said Sacha Jenkins, a writer untitled, 1982. of the City of New York shows “Untitled by and filmmaker who has written extensively on Sharp” —AP photos the graffiti movement. —AP