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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 JAMADA ALTHANI 3, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwaiti farmer Suarez scores succeeds in as Barca beat growing white Madrid 2-1 to strawberries4 extend20 lead Kuwait striving to meet Min 14º Max 24º drinking water demand High Tide 01:35 & 13:50 Calls for conservation as World Water Day marked Low Tide 07:55 & 20:30 40 PAGES NO: 16468 150 FILS KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Development at the Ministry of Electricity and Water Dr Mashaan Al-Otaibi said yesterday that the Ministry is facing various challenges in its endeavor to meet the growing demand and achieve self-sufficiency of potable water. “On top of the challenges are the grow- ing population, urban communities’ expansion and the highly water-consuming lifestyle,” Otaibi said in a speech on behalf of Minister of Electricity and Water Ahmad Al-Jassar at a function held yesterday to mark World Water Day. He estimated the per capi- ta of drinking water for peo- ple living in Kuwait at 70 cu m a year. “This is much below the international water poverty line of 500 cubic meters per person a year,” he regretted. “To fill this gap and meet the growing demand for potable water, Kuwait has established a number of highly sophisticated water Mashaan Al-Otaibi desalination stations nationwide,” he said. Otaibi revealed that the total production of Kuwaiti desalina- tion plants is about 530 million imperial gallons. “There are plans to increase water production up to 900 million imperial gallons in the coming seven years,” he added. He clarified that the under-construction Al-Zour North project will produce nearly 100 million imperial gallons per day by 2020. Furthermore, Doha and Khiran desalination plants will produce 60 million imperial gal- lons and 125 million imperial gallons respectively. “Kuwait also plans to increase potable water reservoirs to 5,000 million imperial gallons,” he noted. Otaibi stressed on the importance of changing people’s KUWAIT: A man runs for cover during heavy rain yesterday, continuing a trend of scattered rain that has hit Kuwait since Wednesday. The weather changes are a fea- lifestyle to conserve water. ture of the Sarayat season, which continues until mid-May. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (More pics on Page 3) Continued on Page 13 ‘Dizziness’ tobacco Obama rips Bibi over comments hooking UAE teens Israel vote won’t affect Iran nuclear talks ABU DHABI: Despite campaigns on the were doing medwakh,” Rizwana WASHINGTON: US President Barack election win, saying the United States is risks of smoking, teenagers in the Burhanuddin Shaikh, associate profes- Obama criticized Israeli Prime Minister “evaluating” options for peace in the United Arab Emirates are turning to a sor at the department of community Benjamin Netanyahu over his warning region. “We take him at his word when little-known tobacco product five times medicine at the Gulf Medical University, that Arab Israeli voters would vote “in he said that it wouldn’t happen during US Marine more potent than cigarettes and said to told AFP. Then there is its potency. droves”. In his first public comments his prime ministership, and so that’s why cause seizures. Omar, an 18-year-old According to Palat Menon, a researcher about Tuesday’s elections that saw we’ve got to evaluate what other options Corps urges Sudanese student in Abu Dhabi, at the Centre for Advanced Biomedical Netanyahu score a surprise third term, are available to make sure that we don’t describes how each hit of medwakh - a Research and Innovation in the Gulf Obama told The Huffington Post he had see a chaotic situation in the region,” legal product inhaled from a small pipe Medical University, each gram of med- “indicated that that kind of rhetoric was Obama said. ‘vigilance’ - makes him feel. “It’s a horrible habit. wakh contains around 44 milligrams of contrary to what is the best of Israel’s tra- Even as Netanyahu scrambled to deny But if I don’t do it my head hurts,” he nicotine - the equivalent to four or five ditions”. The White House said earlier this he had ruled out the creation of a WASHINGTON: The US Marine Corps yesterday said. “I feel I need it.” cigarettes. “In an average pipe, six mil- week that Obama had warned Palestinian state - long the starting point urged “vigilance” after a group claiming to be Omar is not alone in smoking med- ligrams of nicotine get inhaled in 15 to Netanyahu on Thursday that his last- for Middle East peace efforts and a cor- Islamic State hackers published what they said were wakh, which means “dizziness” in Arabic; 20 seconds, and that is what gives you a minute campaign pledge to oppose the nerstone of US policy - the White House the names and addresses of 100 military personnel the product is reportedly popular head spin,” he said. creation of a Palestinian state and his indicated it could withdraw its unwaver- and urged supporters to kill them. The warning among young people throughout the Shereena Al-Mazroui, section head comments about Israeli Arab voters ing support for Israel at the United came after a group calling itself the Islamic State United Arab Emirates. One puff is of non-communicable diseases at the would force a rethink in Washington. Nations. The US president vowed to keep Hacking Division posted information about mem- enough to make the smoker light-head- Abu Dhabi Health Authority, said that “Although Israel was founded based cooperating with the Israeli government bers of the air force, army and navy, including pho- ed, or as one 17-year-old ex-smoker although little is known about the prod- on the historic Jewish homeland and the on military and intelligence operations, tos and ranks, on the Internet, according to moni- who identified himself as “Clique-C” uct, preliminary research suggests a link need to have a Jewish homeland, Israeli but stopped short of confirming whether toring group SITE Intelligence. described the feeling, “relaxed”. Based between medwakh and seizures. “Some democracy has been premised on every- Washington would continue to block The US Marine Corps said it was visiting all affect- on 2013 statistics from the American users, after they take the puff, they suf- body in the country being treated equal- Palestinian efforts to obtain statehood ed staff, and urged caution online. “Vigilance and Cancer Society and the World Lung fer from seizures, dizziness and faint,” ly and fairly,” Obama said. “And I think through the United Nations. force protection considerations remain a priority for commanders and their personnel,” US Marine Corps Foundation, 15.6 percent of male she said. “This phenomenon has spread that that is what’s best about Israeli The United States - a veto-wielding Lieutenant Colonel John Caldwell said in a state- teenagers smoke tobacco daily in the more within the last 10 years. The democracy. If that is lost, then I think that member of the UN Security Council - has ment, adding that the threat remained “unverified”. UAE, as do 18.1 percent of men. tragedy is that it has begun with chil- not only does it give ammunition to folks opposed moves at the United Nations to “It is recommended Marines and family members And while there are no official statis- dren.” who don’t believe in a Jewish state, but it recognize a Palestinian state, saying that check their online/social footprint, ensuring privacy tics on the use of medwakh among Medwakh is usually sold cheaply in also I think starts to erode the meaning must be part of a negotiated peace deal. of democracy in the country.” It has also shielded Israel from often settings are adjusted to limit the amount of avail- young people, researchers say the habit tobacco shops and grocery stores near able personal information.” is widespread. “We did a study in (the schools, in small glass bottles with no The interview, which took place Arab-led UN votes castigating the Jewish Friday, was published in full Saturday. state for various actions, including The Pentagon regularly tells service members to emirate of) Ajman on schoolchildren packaging or content details. be careful about what they post online. and we found that 36 percent of them Continued on Page 13 Obama also criticized the Israeli leader’s alleged human rights abuses. tough stance on the Palestinians after his Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13 Houthis seize strategic Yemeni city

ADEN: Houthi fighters opposed to Yemen’s forces had meanwhile deployed in Lahj Sunni areas in the centre and west have led president took over the central city of Taiz in province north of Aden, in anticipation of a to months of clashes with local tribes and Al- an escalation of a power struggle diplomats possible Houthi advance. Houthi militiamen Qaeda, raising fears that the poor and heavi- say risks drawing in neighbouring oil giant killed one protester in Taiz when they ly armed country at the base of the Arabian Saudi Arabia and its main regional rival Iran. opened fire to disperse thousands of people peninsula might descend into civil war. The Residents of Taiz, on a main road from the demanding that the rebels withdraw, United Nations Security Council was set to capital Sanaa to the country’s second city of activists said. A few dozen were choked by discuss Yemen after Hadi, a US ally, accused Aden, said that Houthi militias took over the tear gas. the Houthi militia of staging a coup and city’s military airport without a struggle from Eyewitnesses in the central province of appealed to the UN for “urgent intervention”. local authorities late on Saturday. Ibb reported seeing dozens of tanks and mil- Iran yesterday called for dialogue, but Security sources told AFP some 300 men, itary vehicles headed southward from suggested that Hadi should leave to spare including Houthi fighters dressed in military Houthi-controlled areas toward Taiz. Conflict the country further bloodshed. “The expecta- uniforms and allied forces, had deployed at has been spreading across Yemen since last tion is that President ... Hadi will resign rather the airport and reinforcements were arriving year when the Houthis seized the capital than repeat mistakes, to play a constructive from Sanaa by air and land. Security sources Sanaa and effectively removed President role in preventing the break-up of Yemen said Houthi militiamen were also patrolling Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who now seeks a and the transformation of Aden into a terror- parts of Taiz and had set up checkpoints in comeback from his base in Aden. ist haven,” said Iran’s deputy foreign minister Raheda, some 80 km south of the city on the The advance of the Iranian-backed group Hossein Amir Abdollahian, according to state SANAA: Yemeni students hold posters yesterday bearing portraits of victims of road to Aden. A military source said troops has angered Sunni Gulf Arab states led by news agency IRNA. several suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State group as they demon- loyal to Hadi and southern paramilitary Saudi Arabia. The Houthi spread into mostly Continued on Page 13 strate outside a university in the capital. — AFP LOCAL MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Al-Sabah meets Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Minister of Communications Essa Al-Kandari and officials from the Directorate Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Minister of Communications Essa Al-Kandari and officials from the Kuwait Ports General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). — KUNA photos Majda Al-Qattan. Authority (KPA). Amir, Crown Prince receive newly-appointed officials

KUWAIT: Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Al-Sabah. Kandari is also the chairman of KPA. Administrative and Financial Affairs Yahiya of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials to HH the Essa Al-Quoud. and Minister of Communications Essa Ahmad Both meetings took place at Seif Palace Khedr Abdal and Assistant Manager of Amir and HH the Crown Prince. The officials Also yesterday, HH the Amir and HH the Al-Kandari introduced the newly-appointed yesterday. The officials include KPA Director Operations and Port of Shuaiba Adnan Jawad include DGCA Chairman Fawaz Abdulaziz Crown Prince separately received Minister of senior officials at Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) General Sheikh Yusuf Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah Al- Al-Sayegh. Al-Farah; Director General Yusuf Sulaiman Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi, who introduced to to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Nasser Al-Sabah; Assistant Director General for Kandari, who is also head of the Supreme Al-Fawzan and four deputies; Fahd them the ministry’s newly-appointed Assistant Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and to HH the Planning Affairs and Shuwaikh Port Waleed Council of Civil Aviation (SCCA), meanwhile Sulaiman Al-Woqeyan, Khaled Al-Mubarak Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Khaleel Al-Toum; Assistant Director General for introduced a number of Directorate General Al-Shuaibi, Emad Faleh Al-Jluwi and Ahmad Majda Al-Qattan. — KUNA Kuwaiti charities practice affective roles on Syrians

KUWAIT: Kuwait has committed itself on the paign.IIICO played an effective role in the con- ment to its humanitarian values which are inte- official and non-government levels to easing the struction of two model villages in refugee camps gral parts of its foreign policy,” said Manuel burden on Syrians displaced as a result of the in Turkey and Jordan, both funded by His Gomez Acebo, Director of Africa, Arab Maghreb conflict in their country which started just over Highness the Amir, and a physiotherapy centre and Middle East Department at the Foreign four years ago. in Lebanon, funded by the Kuwaiti public for Ministry. Humanitarian campaigns launched by $320, 000. These efforts were followed by the Acebo said these endeavors led to the UN Kuwaiti charity organizations only a few months IICO calling for a pledging-conference of NGOs honoring of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah after the start of the conflict, focused on neigh- at the second such event held for governments, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a Humanitarian boring countries which started to host fleeing with some 70 attending. Leader, and Kuwait as a Humanitarian Center. He refugees like Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. They Kuwaiti charities pledged donations worth a said Kuwait showed leadership in humanitarian provided families with food, education for their total $142 million. The IICO called for contribu- work worldwide, and added that Spain would children, healthcare and shelter. tions to build 10 residential cities for Syrians at participate in Kuwait III like it did in the first and One of these is the Kuwait Red Crescent the neighboring refugee camps worth $142 mil- second meetings. Society (KRCS) which stands tall amongst its lion. This time around things will not change KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- peers through the assistance it provides to much, as a third international aid-pledging Key role Sabah reads a letter from his Armenian counterpart Hovik Abrahamyan, presented refugees as well as its coordination with local event in Kuwait will aim to seek similar successes Acebo, who said Spain and Kuwait were by Ambassador of Armenia Fadi Sharshogliyan. — KUNA and international relief bodies. Amongst KRCS’ on gaining as much financial support as could “allies,” noted that Kuwait was the rotating presi- main campaigns it has launched in these neigh- be for the Syrian refugees. dent of the Arab League and has been playing a boring countries are the loaf of bread, food key role within the Gulf Cooperation Council Prime Minister vouchers and kidney dialysis campaigns, along- Humanitarian endeavors (GCC) in the region. Acebo admired Kuwait’s bal- side seasonal campaigns like breakfast in Meanwhile, Spain praised Kuwait’s humani- anced foreign policy and the country policy, Ramadan and new clothing in Eid holidays. It tarian endeavors at the international level in which has been always about moderation and receives envoys also continues to provide refugees with food, general and towards alleviating the suffering of attempting to address any conflict peacefully. medicine, children’s milk and blankets so that millions of Syrians in specific. Kuwait is set to Kuwait hosted the first and second aid pledg- KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister including an official invitation to visit the may benefit from the basic necessities for life. host the third International Pledging Conference ing conferences for Syria in 2013 and 2014. The Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- country, to boost bilateral ties in various for the Syrian people on March 31, after hosting events successfully raised $3.9 billion in aid Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday the fields. HH the Prime Minister also received Islamic Charity the first and second meetings in 2013 and 2014, pledges, $1.5 billion in the first and $2.4 billion Ambassador of Armenia Fadi Jamaica’s Ambassador to Kuwait on the Another of these organizations is the all aimed at helping some 12.5 million Syrian in the second. Kuwait donated a total of $800 Sharshogliyan. The diplomat handed to HH occasion of ending his tenure. He also International Islamic Charity Organization which people who are either internally displaced or liv- million in the two conferences, $300 million in the Prime Minister a letter from his received the Ambassador of Oman Hamid has had a huge impact on these efforts, most ing in neighboring countries as refugees. the first and $500 in the second. Kuwait III is set Armenian counterpart Hovik Abrahamyan, bin Said bin Salim Al-Ibrahim. — KUNA prominently after collecting donations worth Kuwait’s hosting of the third conference, also to host 78 countries and more than 40 interna- $11.75 million from the public amid a local cam- known as Kuwait III, “is a proof of its full commit- tional organizations. — KUNA Minister lauds constitutional court’s ‘impressive’ role

KUWAIT: Minister of Justice and Awqaf and Mutawa said that the meeting focuses on the Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane said that protection of the constitutional legitimacy and Kuwait Constitutional Court, since its founda- the rule of law. He emphasized the importance tion in 1973, has played a significant role in of the meeting in exchanging expertise, unifying defending the constitutional legitimacy and stances of the contemporary constitutional overseeing lawmakers’ abidance by constitu- issues for the ultimate goals of guaranteeing tional provisions. people’s freedoms and rights and establishing Speaking at the Union of Arab Constitutional the rule of law. Courts and Councils (UACCC) meeting which The four-day event is attended by represen- kicked off in Kuwait yesterday, Sane also praised tatives of 14 Arab constitutional courts and the great efforts of Kuwait’s constitutional court councils and the Venice Commission which is and other Arab constitutional courts and coun- an advisory body of the Council of Europe, cils in promoting justice and safeguarding free- composed of independent experts in the field doms. He underscored that the rule of law is the of constitutional law. The conferees will tackle KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and senior ministry offi- main driving force for nations’ progress and various key issues relevant to the role of consti- cials are seen during the videoconference. — KUNA development. tutional courts in developing constitutional For his part, Chief of Kuwait’s Constitutional Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and political systems and safeguarding consti- FM holds videoconference Court and the conference’s President Yusuf Al- Yaqoub Al-Sane tutional rights. — KUNA with Kuwaiti envoys Kuwait offers KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Sabah Al-Khaled with the country’s diplo- Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled matic missions. Al-Hamad Al-Sabah held a videoconference Senior ministry officials including Khaled UNRWA $2 million with Kuwait’s chiefs of mission (COMs) in Suleiman Al-Jarallah, the ministry’s the Arab and GCC countries yesterday. Undersecretary, Ambassador Abdelhamid Al- AMMAN: Kuwait has offered the UNR- Duaij said. He commended the The meeting focused on discussing the Failakawi, the Director of the Arab World WA $2 million as part of the country’s UNRWA’s hard efforts to provide the latest developments on both regional and Department, and Ambassador Nasser Hajji Al- annual support to the agency. basic needs of the Palestinian people. international arenas. It is part of a number Muzain, the Director of the GCC Affairs Kuwait’s ambassador to Jordan Hamad For her part, the UNRWA’s senior of regional gatherings made by Sheikh Department, attended the meeting. — KUNA Al-Duaij handed over the contribution official expressed gratitude to to UNRWA Deputy Commissioner- Kuwait for the contribution that General Sandra Mitchell during a helps the agency carry on offering Kuwait eager to develop meeting at the embassy building in services to Palestinian refugees. She Amman. said that Kuwait is among the renewable energy: Envoy This is part of Kuwait’s efforts to biggest contributors to the agency, support Palestinian people and allevi- saying it has also hosted internation- ROME: Kuwait pays great attention towards NA), located in Abu Dhabi. Kuwait’s participa- ate their suffering, at the behest of His al conferences for Syria donors. HH the environmental development and the tion in the event aims at presenting its Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- the Amir offered $35 million to the management of power sources, Kuwait’s achievements in the field, and is also a prepa- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, ambassador UNRWA in 2009. — KUNA Ambassador to Italy Sheikh Ali Al-Khalid Al- ration to take part in the upcoming Expo Jaber Al-Sabah said yesterday. The diplomat’s Milano 2015 next May, under the theme remarks were made in his speech at an envi- “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, Sheikh ronmental forum titled ‘the development of Ali told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). international energy scenario and its effects Managing Director of Kuwait Petroleum on environmental policies,’ held in Italy. Italia (Q8) Alessandro Gilotti, on his part, said Kuwait is adopting plans to develop and that fossil fuel is considered as the most rely mainly on ‘green’ renewable and environ- important source for energy in the next ment-friendly energy, Sheikh Ali said. The decades. Member states of the Organization country is also conducting research and stud- of Petroleum Exporting Countries will own ies in the field, in order to protect the environ- bulk of oil reservoirs around the world until ment against pollution and limiting the emis- 2040, despite the expected changes in sion of harmful gases, he added. demography and development, said Gilotti. Meanwhile, the Ambassador mentioned Moreover, the official noted Kuwait’s Kuwait’s struggle to regain environmental efforts to develop its oil industry raise the pro- stability after the 1990 oil wells’ fires, started duction rate up to four million barrel per day by the Iraqi occupation forces. He also noted and play a bigger role in the international oil MANAMA: Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) members Faisal Al- that all GCC countries are working on using market. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Qana’ie and Adnan Al-Sayyed received the 2014 Kuwait Press renewable energy, adding that the UAE has which owns (Q8), is one of the top interna- Award in recognition of their long careers in journalism field. The become the headquarters of the tional companies in developing the produc- honoring ceremony took place during the Middle East Conference AMMAN: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Jordan Dr Hamad Al-Duaij hands over International Renewable Energy Agency (IRE- tion levels, he said. —KUNA for Media Strategies, which took place recently in Manama, the contribution papers to UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Bahrain. Sandra Mitchell. — KUNA MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 LOCAL Crime Electricity, water reserves Report Two killed in satisfactory: Minister Kabd road accidents By Meshaal Al-Enezi does not mean squandering either of the return for money, the health ministry recently By Hanan Al-Saadoun supplies because subsidizing them costs the banned doctors working in various polyclin- KUWAIT: Electricity and water reserves for state fortunes every year,” Jassar said. ics from signing more than 3 sick leaves. KUWAIT: A 31-year-old bedoon man was killed after his the upcoming peak consumption period dur- sports vehicle collided with a truck on Kabd road. The ing the summer are satisfactory, Minister of Conditional freedom Office closed bedoon man lost control over his vehicle while driving on Electricity and Water and Minister of Public The Interior Ministry recently warned both The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s the slippery road, and crashed into a truck that was parked Works Ahmad Al-Jassar said. citizens and expatriates against overusing family care department yesterday banned the on the side of the road, according to investigations. In a Speaking to reporters during a reception their ‘freedom of expression’ in ways that public from entering its offices at the min- separate accident that happened on the same road, a held to receive congratulations on his new might cause them trouble. The ministry also istries complex, which creates huge crowds Kuwaiti man who works for the fire department was killed- posts, Jassar said that all units that had been stressed that freedom of expression was con- and long queues and delays many people’s while another person was injured. The injured man was out of order last summer were completely ditional and some comments could be transactions on the first day of the week, taken to hospital, while criminal investigators moved the repaired and would be reconnected to the deemed a criminal offence committed when many people prefer submitting them. body to the forensic department. An investigation was national grid before the summer. This would against others. opened to determine the circumstances behind the acci- help the total grid output to reach the Taxi driver molests child planned 16,500 megawatts, he added. He Sick leaves A Yemeni taxi driver was arrested in also noted that total water production would In a bid to limit faking sick leaves where Khaitan while attempting to rape a 10-year- be 400 million imperial gallons per day. “This Minister Ahmad Al-Jassar some employees actually purchase them in old Egyptian child, said security sources. Migrants to the UK to pay Health Surcharge from April 6

KUWAIT: From 6 April, nationals from outside be required to pay the health surcharge, but the UK. In setting the surcharge levels, the and, for overseas students, the surcharge the EEA, coming to the UK for longer than six will continue to be fully liable for the costs of UK Government has considered the wide represents only 1% of the total cost of study- months will be required to pay a ‘health sur- any NHS treatment at the point they receive range of free health services available to ing in the UK for a three year undergraduate charge’ when they make their immigration it. The surcharge also does not apply to those migrants alongside the valuable contribu- course. Having paid the surcharge, migrants Policemen offended application. Migrants coming to work, study making applications for settlement and tion they make and the need to ensure the will have the same access to the NHS as a UK Two police officers filed a case against a Kuwaiti man or join family members currently receive free those who are not subject to UK immigration UK remains attractive to the brightest and permanent resident while their stay in the in Ahmadi, saying that he offended them with an medical treatment under the UK’s National control such as accredited diplomats and the best from around the world. UK is lawful. The surcharge will apply to obscene gesture and escaped after they pulled him Health System (NHS) in the same way as a their dependants, who will continue to enjoy The money collected by the UK Home immigration applications where payment is over for committing a traffic violation. permanent resident. The changes will free access to the NHS. Office will be passed to the health depart- made on or after 6 April and is made at the ensure that migrants make an appropriate The health surcharge will be £200 per ments in England, Wales, Scotland and same time as the immigration application. financial contribution to the cost of their year and £150 per year for students, payable Northern Ireland. The surcharge levels are Please visit our website for further details: NHS care. Non-EEA nationals visiting the UK up-front and for the total period of time for lower than the cost of medical insurance https://www.gov.uk/government/organisa- on a tourist visa or any other visit visa will not which they are given permission to stay in required in some of our competitor nations tions/uk-visas-and-immigration New system promises pay hike for 12,000 employees Anti-money laundering By A Saleh conference starts today KUWAIT: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced that it would soon finish the legislations needed to KUWAIT: The Ministry of Commerce the ministry said in a statement yes- terrorist organizations on global approve the payroll strategic alternative project. It also not- and Industry organizes today an terday. Some regional and interna- political and economic situations, it ed that the new system would result in immediate pay international conference on anti- tional organizations as well as added. hikes to over 12,000 employees, and that the salaries money laundering and illicit funding experts in this field will discuss The third session will tackle the would annually increase by 8-10 percent. of terrorism. through four sessions several work- role of international and regional The new alternative system would save KD 15-19 billion The two-day event, themed ‘con- ing papers presented by experts and organizations as well as civil soci- Bootlegger caught over ten years, the CSC stressed. Furthermore, it noted that fronting terrorism between legisla- specialists, the statement added. eties in combating terrorism on all Drugs Control General Department officers arrested a 30-40 percent of government employees would get 20-25 tion and the effectiveness of imple- The first session will discuss the levels, it noted. The fourth one will Russian man on charges of trading in liquor. Officers found percent pay hikes, while 25-35 percent, who already are mentation,’ will be held under the view of the international law and the be on confronting crimes of money 345 imported liquor bottles after they obtained a warrant paid suitable salaries according to regulations, would get 5 patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Islamic Sharia about the concept of laundering and illicit funding of ter- to search his house and car based on earlier information percent increases. “The project will start this month and and Minister of Commerce and terrorism, while the second one will rorism in light of the Kuwaiti Law No regarding his activity. The man was sent to concerned will be completed by the end of 2017 with a total cost of Industry Dr Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej, focus on the impact of ideology of 106 of 2013, it pointed out.— KUNA authorities for further action. KD 350 million,” the CSC explained in a statement.

DHAKA: Members of the Kuwaiti delegation led by Interior Ministry’s Undersecretary Lieutenant General Sulaiman Al-Fahad in a group photo with Bangladesh’s Army Chief of Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and Bangladeshi officials. — KUNA Kuwait, Bangladesh hold security talks

DHAKA: The visiting Kuwait’s Interior nying delegation also met with the tion and security expertise. Undersecretary Lieutenant General Armed Forces Director of the During the five-day visit, the Kuwaiti Sulaiman Al-Fahad met yesterday with Premiership, Abu Bilal Mohammad delegation aims to exchange expertise Bangladesh’s Army Chief of Staff Shafi. The meeting was followed with and information with the local authori- General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and his a visual presentation about the ties, as well as enhancing mutual secu- assistant for administrative affairs and Bangladeshi Armed Forces. The rity cooperation. The Kuwaiti officials man force, Major General Muhammad Kuwaiti and Bangladeshi sides dis- are due to meet with Prime Minister Mahfouz el Rahman. cussed means of cementing coopera- Sheikh Hasina Wajed and a number of Lt Gen Al-Fahad and the accompa- tion, boosting exchange of informa- senior officials. — KUNA

KU’s CGAPS tackles Petroleum Media violence causes Forum kicks off

KUWAIT: Causes of violence and how to counter the phenome- RIYADH: Riyadh hosted yesterday a workshop for media non in the Gulf society is the major topic on the agenda of a men on oil markets and the regional and international conference that kicked off yesterday, and is organized by Kuwait power organizations, ahead of the official launch of the University’s Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies 2nd Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Petroleum Media (CGAPS). Forum. The Arab society, families and social centers are suffering The 2nd Forum, sponsored by Saudi King Salman ben from the phenomenon, KU’s Acting Rector Professor Hayat Al- Abdulaziz, is held under the title ‘GCC Petroleum Media: Haji told the opening session. “This prompts us to work hard for Topics and Challenges.’ Yesterday’s workshop featured combating such negative phenomenon that strange to the Arab two papers, the first by Saudi governor to the society,” Haji added at the ceremony, which was attended by Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) CGAPS Director Suad Abdulwahab Al-Abdurrahman and a host Dr Mohamed Al-Mady, on oil marketing and the of professors, academics and specialists. increased demand due to rising world’s population. Rigidity and intellectual and psychological violence top the It is hard to enjoy life without oil, Mady said in his causes of the phenomenon, Haji noted. The major goal of the paper, noting that the sector is sensitive for both pro- conference is to identify the causes behind the spread of vio- ducers and consumers, as a major source of income. He lence, bodily, intellectual or psychological, as well as the means expected demand on power to soar over the coming to eradicate the phenomenon in Kuwait and other Arab coun- years, saying investments in the sector would hit $40 tries, through scientific and applicable frameworks, she said. She trillion. The second paper tackled the basic and minor called for submitting the recommendation to be made by the factors affecting the oil market and the role of Saudi conference to the Ministry of Education, in a bid to see them Arabia on the international oil scene. It also highlighted implemented on the ground. that the kingdom has been the most important oil pro- The CGAPS focuses its activities on the Gulf and the Arab ducer since 1970 and is expected to continue so. Peninsula, but this phenomenon extends to the entire Arab Riyadh has worked in cooperation with producing and region, neglecting limits of geography and history, Director Al- consuming countries to stand in the face of any inter- Abdulrahman said. — KUNA ruption of oil supplies and reduce sharp price fluctua- tions, it said. — KUNA MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 LOCAL

In Brief 4.5-degree earthquake White strawberries Goodwill ambassador

KUWAIT: Kuwait National Seismic Network (KNSN) KUWAIT: Kuwaiti farmer Yousef Al-Kraibani has suc- KUWAIT: Global Tolerance and Peace Organization registered a 4.5-degree earthquake southwest of cessfully grown white strawberries. He says that he appointed Director of Al-Sabah Health Area Dr Adel Kuwait on Saturday, Kuwait Institute for Scientific has prepared air-conditioned greenhouses for the Al-Asfour as the Ambassador of Peace and Research (KISR) said. There were no reports of casual- unique fruit plant to grow in hot summer condi- Tolerance for 2015-2016, for the third consecutive ties. The earthquake’s epicenter was five kilometers tions. — KUNA time - the first such record at the regional level. Dr underground, said Dr Abdullah Al-Enezi, KNSN super- Asfour will be honored in a ceremony to be held in visor. The earthquake took place at 14:23 hours local Kuwait in the end of March. — KUNA time (11:23 GMT), he added. — KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Heavy rain hit Kuwait yesterday, continuing a trend of scattered rain that hit the country since last Wednesday. The unstable weather conditions resulted from the Sudanese low-pressure sys- tem which affected Kuwait, according to the meteorological department at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The weather changes are also a feature of the Sarayat season, which continues until mid May. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Professor Walker leads health conference’s scientific committee Kuwait Conference on National Health Economics

KUWAIT: NoufEXPO and Kuwait cines on healthcare system needs Assessment as an inevitable eval- variety of topics including the Advancement for Conference and and costs should be considered uative methodology that can be impact of healthcare, health Exhibition Management rather than reviewing medicines applied to all high cost interven- insurance and preventative serv- Foundation (KADCEM) in isolation. Thirdly, any system tions, not only new medicines, to ices on health lifestyles, the role announced that Kuwait being implemented, should be support the delivery of more of patients in the decision-mak- Conference and Exhibition on “Fit for Purpose” taking into effective and efficient healthcare. ing processes as well as providing National Health Economics will account available resources, and The growing size of the popula- robust research and advice to include the participation of utilizing other health technology tion, the rising median age, the governments to enable a more world-class industry and appraisals where possible while increasing awareness of societal effective and equitable allocation KUWAIT: KSIF President Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah awards one of the mothers honored Regulatory leaders. The confer- ensuring that evaluations are rel- impact, the demands for high of resources. In view of the fact in this year’s event. — Photos by Joseph Shagra ence, due to be held from 10-12 evant to local healthcare system quality care, the rising costs of that this topic has been May 2015 at Al-Baraka Ballroom structure, funding and settings.” new health technologies togeth- addressed since the 1980’s by the of Crowne Plaza hotel, will be This topic is comparatively er with increasing hospitalization United States, European and oth- Ideal family society convened under the patronage of costs, means that a move from er developed countries, it is now the Prime Minister of Kuwait, His reference pricing to Health necessary to determine how Highness Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Technology assessment is the these issues will impact honors eight mothers Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. His way forward.” approaches in the Gulf Region. Excellency the Minister of Health The organizing companies By Nawara Fattahova Musical performances Dr Ali Saad Al-Obaidi will be the Growing requirement concluded their press release by Students from the Shamiya Elementary Chairman of the conference. Over the past few years there saying, “We are pleased to host KUWAIT: The Kuwait Society for the Ideal School for Girls and Mohammed Al-Shayea In a press release, Professor has been a growing requirement Professor Stuart Walker as the Family (KSIF) held a concluding ceremony School for Boys presented folk dances and Stuart Walker, Professor of for health economics and out- President of the Scientific of the ‘Ideal Mother of the Outstanding songs on the mother and national songs. Pharmaceutical Medicine, Welsh comes research activities to meet Committee in addition to many Family 2015’ on Saturday at Dasma Theatre. Kuwait Television’s musical orchestra pre- School of Pharmacy, University of the demands of healthcare pro- industry and agency leaders and The ceremony was held to coincide with sented an operetta on GCC countries, Wales, and Founder of The Centre fessionals, health insurers, policy experts. We are confident that Mother’s Day, so participating mothers accompanied by lights and flags of each for Innovation in Regulatory and decision makers, in collec- their participation will contribute could be honored. This was the 11th edi- country. Two Chinese students presented Science, said “I am delighted to tively challenging the trends of to the development of stronger tion of this contest, and four Kuwaiti and their appreciation for mothers - Abdullah have been invited to lead the increasing healthcare spending Healthcare Systems in Kuwait and four expat mothers were awarded. on the organ and Kim on the violin. Then a group of personalities who made great conference’s Scientific Committee across the Gulf region.” Professor the Gulf Region”. President of KSIF Sheikha Fraiha Al- achievements were awarded as the person- and to work closely with Dr Reem Walker added that, “This confer- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah welcomed the alities of the year 2015, followed by the Al-Essa, Executive Director of Professor Stuart Walker ence is considered a major step Short Biography audience, who completely filled all seats of eight mothers. The event was sponsored by KADCEM, the conference’s towards emphasizing the impor- Professor Stuart Walker BSc Dasma Theatre, adding that she is pleased various institutions including private hospi- Scientific Rapporteur, in design- new in Kuwait and therefore, tance of these issues and embrac- PhD (Lond) MFPM FRSC FIBiol to award the winning mothers in this year’s tals, which provided gifts for the mothers in ing a scientific program that will such a conference represents a ing methods for assessing the FRCPath, is an Independent contest. Dr Sheikha Maymouna Al-Khalifa addition to free blood sugar and blood be of considerable value to paradigm shift in the field of financial burden caused by the Consultant in Pharmaceutical Al-Athbi Al-Sabah and Saleh Al-Nahham, pressure tests for the attendees. Kuwait and all other Gulf States”. health technology assessment in high costs of healthcare services, Medicine and Founder of both Deputy and First Consultant at KSIF, also The ceremony concluded with a musical the Gulf Region. It is important in new health interventions and CMR International and the Centre addressed the audience. The speeches and dance performance by a group of stu- Careful evaluation a world where new medicines medical technologies.” for Innovation in Regulatory were followed by poems proclaiming love dents from public schools and the Kuwait In a press release issued by the may well be effective, but not Professor Walker also stated Science. For the past thirty years for Kuwait by poet Musaed Al-Suweirij. TV band. two organizing companies, necessarily priced according to that it is vital to incorporate he has also held the position of Professor Walker said, “Selecting their value. Under such circum- Health Technology Assessment Professor of Pharmaceutical Health Economics as the topic of stances, it is crucial to be able to into every aspect of health policy Medicine, University of Wales, the conference is as a result of a determine a medicines overall planning to allow for the system- Cardiff, and he is a Fellow of the careful evaluation of the current effectiveness as well as its value atic and rigorous examination of School of Pharmacy, London international trends that high- to patient populations and the the problems faced in promoting University. He is frequently light three important issues. healthcare system as a whole. health for all. By applying eco- involved in the organization of Firstly, that value based pricing, Professor Walker, according to the nomic models to healthcare national and international meet- rather than International organizing companies, expressed choices it is possible to under- ings on key issues that concern Reference Pricing, is the way for- his view that “The GCC countries stand the behavior of individuals, the pharmaceutical industry and ward and is currently adopted by are facing various challenges that health care providers, public and Regulatory and Reimbursement many countries around the world impact the quality of healthcare private organizations as well as Reviews and he has lectured to ensure that patients gain services provided to the public. the role of governments in deci- extensively throughout Europe, access to innovative medicines. Such challenges will encourage sion-making. He went on to say the United States, Japan and the Secondly, an overall assessment the adoption of health economics that many institutions are now Asia-Pacific Region as well as Latin Author and columnist Abdullah Buwair presents a memento to Sheikha Fraiha Al-Sabah. of the total impact of new medi- and Health Technology carrying out research on a wide America and the Middle East. MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 LOCAL Trade union hosts seminar on violence against women

By Faten Omar we treat her cruelly? Some people say edge on how to deal with others and ties are being violent toward women that violence is only physical, but psy- how to respect them and not know- by laws that support violence against KUWAIT: The working women’s com- chological violence is the most vio- ing their rights begets violence, and women and discrimination in mittee in the Kuwait Trade Union lent and leaves a lasting effect unlike when the woman does not know her employment between males and Federation held a seminar on vio- the bruises on the body,” he added. rights or if the husband is unenlight- females and what they can do and lence against women yesterday. Karim said that before the advent ened”. On the way boys are brought what they cannot. Karim pointed out “Violence against women is the reali- of Islam, women were servile, but up, Karim said “sometimes the son is that the causes of sexual violence ty we live in - husbands beat their Islam honored women and “we can raised in a violent family, so when he include delay in marriages, the wives and children every day, and see this through how Prophet grows up, he will be a violent hus- media that incites men to sexually this has become a big issue in our Muhammad (PBUH) treated his wives, band”. abuse women and the upbringing of Kuwaiti society, and we are here to his family members and women in Customs and traditions have a men. deal with this phenomenon,” said his society”. role in violence against women. “The The solutions - in Karim’s opinion - Sabah Al-Eqab, Director of the male-dominated society prevents are that there should be more semi- Institute of Labor Culture. Causes women from being creative, because nars and religious guidance over vio- Prof Dr Adel Shukri Mohammed Karim spoke about causes of vio- power is for men only, along with lence against women. The media has Karim, a psychology professor at the lence toward women. “The first is sayings that are spread by people in a big role in turning away from University of Alexandria, praised the that the woman remains silent and the community. For example, when stereotypical images of women, male audience at the seminar. “This will not talk about it, and this makes the mother tells her daughter that while the social affairs ministry must means they believe in women and him insult her more. The other rea- when her husband hits her, ‘the have a hotline and marital counsel- their role in our lives,” he said. son is that some women insult their shadow of the man is better than the ing. The ministry of interior should “Violence against women is a serious husbands, so they beat them,” he wall’s shadow’,” Karim said. punish anyone who beats a woman phenomenon that should be said. or sexually harasses her, and the min- KUWAIT: (From left) Prof Dr Adel Karim, head of the working women’s com- stopped. The woman is the mother, About the cultural reasons, Karim Laws istry of justice must issue laws safe- mittee Sana’ Al-Asfour and Director of the Workers Cultural Institution sister, wife and daughter, so how can said “ignorance and a lack of knowl- Even governments and authori- guarding women’s rights, he said. Sabah Al-Eqab. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Local writer pens novel on Kuwait

By Sunil Cherian

KUWAIT: Sara Mohammed, a Jahra-based writer, is shy about holding a press conference to publicize her new novel on Kuwait, expected to be completed later this year. Last year, she published her debut novel in Arabic - Tikrit - a realistic story set in Saddam Hussein’s birthplace where jus- tice has no face. Her new book, also in Arabic, “will mirror our society, espe- cially the communi- ty in Jahra,” she said. “I wanted to tell a story that really depicts what’s hap- pening around us,” Mohammed said. “Lots of young women who have the habit of reading tend to escape with Sara Mohammed with a a book with its copy of her novel Tikrit. thoughts and fan- tasies. But I see reali- ty around us has more fantasy than fiction,” she said. Tikrit tells the story of Mariam, the young sister of a terrorist who kidnaps a US journalist, Daniel. Mariam, who is assigned to feed the captive, releases him on a humanitarian basis. The novel ends tragically as Mariam is executed by US forces while Daniel publishes his scoop. “No, the pessimism in the end is not to make the readers depressed,” the young novelist said. “I wanted to say that the fate of women is in a sorry state. In the novel, both Mariam and Daniel are given their due. I’ve done justice, you see. The society hasn’t.” Mohammed is reluctant to reveal about her novel set in Jahra. “Let it be a surprise. I can tell you it’s an analytical look at the Kuwaiti society,” she said.

In my view Focusing on quality

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

inisters of higher education and scien- tific research in the Gulf Cooperation MCouncil (GCC) countries met recently in Muscat in a step that underlines the importance of joint GCC work in this field and efforts towards meeting the public’s future expecta- tions. It is important for GCC government to encourage all efforts in the educational field and improve the quality of education, bearing in mind that creating qualified and trained human resources is the basis for development. Innovation and scientific research also needs to be focused on in order to help meet GCC coun- tries’ ambitions. What we need in the region is a change from the spending culture and adopting a new approach that focuses primarily on quality. We also need more focus on GCC countries’ needs when it comes to joint projects in educational fields in order to achieve self sufficiency in industrial and technology fields. Meanwhile, the population growth in GCC countries requires establishing a joint network for quality control in order to prepare fresh graduates and help them overcome difficulties while dealing with the changes imposed by the move towards better quality. In the meantime, it is important to seek coop- eration with leading universities worldwide, so that universities and colleges in GCC states regain their glory and become beacons of educational excellence for the region and the world. And while discussing this subject, it is worth mentioning the recent announcement by the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) to launch Khalifasat, the third satellite to be launched by the institute. The proj- ect is slated for a 2017 launch, and stands as an example of the results gained from exerting efforts and funds on development projects and utilizing the efforts of qualified young nationals. MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Jarida Al-Anbaa

New Middle East ‘Yellow’ media

By Dr Hassan Jouhar By Nermin Al-Hoti

he New Middle East project is a joint Zionist- ews reports are many and rumors are ram- American idea that started to develop with the pant, but the strange thing nowadays is that Tbeginning of the third millennium by three basic YEMEN Nbefore we read or hear anything, we find it advocators. The first is the British-born Jew and proceeded with the two words ‘latest news.’ And American citizen Bernard Lewis, the second is US presi- because of the amount being dealt with either by dent George W Bush (whose administration was domi- hearing or reading, we do not distinguish between nated by Jews and radical rightists) and the third is what is true and what is false. This is the state of our Shimon Peres (the Israeli PM and later president of society and others. Israel). This triangle is more than enough to realize the When someone wanted to spread a rumor or implications and applications of the New Middle East deliver true information in the past, he used to do so that targets reshaping Arab states’ geopolitical maps and through the diwaniya, women’s gatherings or other adding Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey to the new sys- meetings, and it was done during certain and short periods, but today in the era of technology and mul- tem in addition to fragmenting major Arab countries like timedia in the atmosphere of scientific advance- Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Libya. ment, rumors and news no longer have a certain Following the rapid, complicated regional changes timeframe - rather they have become particles in the over the past two decades, one can clearly notice that free air and captured by anyone who wants to until the new ‘Middle East powers’ referred to, namely the majority of societies became preoccupied in fol- Afghanistan and Turkey, staged many dramatic regional lowing the ‘latest news.’ incidents before ‘internal’ conflicts erupted in the coun- I was talking one day to my teacher and mentor, tries targeted with division plans - Syria, Iraq, Yemen and and I told him about something that concerns a gov- Libya. He who wishes to review the proof of this can Al-Jarida ernment department. He asked me: This information cheek Bernard Lewis’ books since 2000, where this is from Twitter? I laughed and asked him how did he Jewish thinker described what is going on today in detail know? He said I was in the diwaniya and one man and presented his schemes to Bush’s administration for said it in front of us, and we discussed it with him, execution on the ground. then called the concerned person, who denied the Well, real facts have shown the absolute failure of this Al-Jarida rumors, so I apologized to him. He said the problem Zio-American scheme, though signs and indicators of now is not the current generation, rather some peo- building a new Middle East still exists, but unlike what ple of the previous generation who got affected by the Lewis-Bush-Perez trio looked forward to. The three Pigs’ revolution believing everything without making sure about the seemed so thrilled with the quick military victory the US authenticity of the news item or information. In the past, when the societies were closed and achieved in Afghanistan and Iraq that they failed to take By Prof Ghanim Al-Najjar notice of the history of nations’ fall and rise. They miscal- gatherings were limited, the majority, when they said something, used to mention the source or culated about the return of the Russian giant, the rise of eorge Orwell marvelously wrote his creative his (Napoleon’s) actions and convince other animals where they read it. Any information should be in a China and the appearance of regional political powers novel ‘Animal Farm’, which was later consid- of his wisdom and decisions’ soundness. Thus, the book by a trusted writer, or a well-known newspaper capable of rubbing American and Israeli noses in dirt! Gered one of the most influential books in con- new regime turns into one worse than that of the or official, not a tabloid as it is called today. All infor- Bush’s concepts, Lewis’ theories and Israel’s ambitions temporary political thinking. The novel tells the story toppled man and eventually, pigs become the new mation that is mentioned in your media is false, with seem to be fading away, because on the one hand, all of how a group of animals revolt against the tyrant in tyrannical humans on the farm and Napoleon starts regret. Your media are false, with regret, rather your regional power equations were reversed to the benefit of a hypothetical farm (the Manor farm) which was run adapting human lifestyles. devices became ‘yellow’ tabloids just to get the latest anti-US alliance led by Russia and China in collaboration by Mr Jones. The revolution sage, the old pig Old Carrying on with his tyranny, Napoleon starts play- news. with Iran and its political ‘backyard’ in Syria, Iraq and Major, was very decisive in setting the revolution ing the same old game of interests with Mr Yemen. On the other hand, president Obama blew all principles and antagonizing the tyrannical and para- Pilkington, a man who owns a nearby farm and they Bush’s foreign policy tactics and started using soft diplo- sitic human beings and achieving justice and equali- both agree to go back to adopting the same old prin- macy, which undermined US’ prestige and this ended ty to all winged creatures and all that walk on four ciples - absolute power, tyranny and corruption. News unipolarization. limbs. Towards the end of the novel, Orwell sums up the Despite internal devastation and civil wars started by By the time the rebellion succeeds under the lead- repeated sad scene by writing: “The creatures outside In brief radical religious powers that are accused of being sup- ership of the young pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, Mr looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and ported by US and Israel and their regional allies, the ‘Arab Jones is removed from the farm and the revolution from pig to man again; but already it was impossible 123,000 paid visa fines sage Old major dies, the revolution’s principles start to say which was which.” Spring’ countries are rapidly heading east towards KUWAIT: Security sources said the number of expats who to fade away one by one and the new animal-domi- Yes, indeed. It is becoming hard for normal Moscow as a new international ally. It also seems that missed the grace period to update their passport informa- nated community is not in any better condition as humans to tell the difference in view of all the fraud, current regimes are heading towards achieving military tion was only 19,000 out of 123,000 who paid fines totaling Napoleon excludes his comrade Snowball and takes disfiguration, deception and dispossession going on. KD 6.19 million by last Thursday. He said the majority of the and political victory over IS and its sisters and once this is the leadership all for himself with the help of a num- It no longer makes any difference if pigs die because achieved, the Middle East will have already changed. 19,000 are Syrians, and they are about to go to the immi- ber of puppies he had raised and trained to grow up of humans or humans die because of pigs. The same gration department after renewing their passports from However, no matter how the new map looks, it is surely into being his own faithful security guards. old story keeps recurring and it seems that tyranny, not what the Lewis-Bush-Perez trio had wished for. This is their embassy in Kuwait. He said the mechanism is slow, He then appoints a young pig named Squealer to suppressing others and liberties are becoming innate but it is moving with ease and expected to be completed why Netanyahu is crying day and night because the use the media and publicity to promote and justify tools in the hands of those with power and influence. ‘magic has turned against the magician.’ during the next four months. Meanwhile, sources said the immigration department began implementing several decisions such as instant deportation of article 18 and 20 holders who are reported absconding by their sponsors Crime without exception. Also, the passport must be valid for two Report years for a family visa seeker, while the passport should be valid for at least six months for various visits. They said the goal behind these measures is to confront visa trade and Thief lures victims bribery. The sources revealed that a decision was made to have an automated link with hotels and companies in the with feminine voice country in order to issue visas. They said that amendments over visas and applications related to visa are to avoid sev- KUWAIT: Mubarak Al-Kabeer detectives solved several rob- eral drawbacks in the old applications. The sources expect- bery cases with the arrest of a man who confessed to be ed approval of an amendment proposal to a ministerial good at imitating women’s voices. He befriended young decree regarding expats’ visa that was presented to the men on social media and asked them to meet him in dark minister next month. They said the amendments agree places, then robbed them at knifepoint. with the developments of the laws and go along with work dynamics and fees that were not changed for years. The Soldier’s car stolen sources said the proposed amendments include increasing A soldier told Ahmadi police that two unidentified the salary condition for family visas and visits, allowing pri- people beat him and stole his car. He said he was driv- vate universities to issue visas to students and grant those ing in Mubarak Al-Kabeer when a motorist asked him with expired passports a grace period of two months for to stop. He said he obliged because he thought he renewal and visa transfer. — Al-Rai wanted to inquire about an address, but two persons came out of the car, beat him up and pointed sharp objects at him. One of the men then got into his car Parliamentary inquiries and drove away. He said his car had his military ID, civil KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for ID and ATM cards. The car the two suspects were in Assembly Affairs Ahmed Al-Marshad stressed that the was reported stolen. Detectives are working on the relations between the government and the parliament case. were currently going through their best times, show- ing unprecedented understanding. “Such cooperation does not mean cancelling the parliament’s monitoring Shopper mugged of the government’s performance. Contrarily, this state A Swedish woman told Reqqa police that a young man of relations resulted in effective parliamentary moni- snatched her bag at a mall’s parking lot. She said that her toring and governmental keenness on boosting and passport and KD 150 were inside the bag. She said passers- developing it,” he underlined, attributing the current by responded to her screams and caught the thief, who state of harmony to the fact that both powers’ mem- was driving a luxury car. bers were highly cultured and what he described as the ‘youth spirit’ and real wish to achieve and reform. Nevertheless, Marshad released the government from Thief in police net blame concerning delays in responding to parliamen- Interior Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for tary inquiries, and rather blamed MPs for the delay, General Security Maj Gen Adbelfattah Al-Ali sent a because many of them do not file inquiries with the Jordanian man to criminal detectives for his involve- parliament’s office so that they could get responses to ment in several robberies. Ali also sent a pistol, them, as many of them wish to personally and directly machinegun, car tools and women’s purses in addition file them at relevant ministries. “The government has to a large quantity of stolen material. A security source no objection to setting a certain mechanism to receive said a patrol in Andalus had suspicions over a car, so MPs’ transactions and coordinate with the parliament,” they asked the driver to stop. When asked about why he underlined. — Al-Jarida he was in Andalus, he said he was waiting for a friend, then changed his story and said he was waiting for his cousin. Mobile phones, currencies and women’s purses Students’ public transport were in the backseat, so he was asked to step out of KUWAIT: Minister of Education Bader Al-Essa disclosed the car. When policemen searched it, they found the that the ministry intends to apply the students’ public weapons. The suspect said he stopped expats and transport system with the beginning of next year, especial- threatened them with the weapons and robbed them ly for students studying in remote new residential areas of what they had. He admitted committing more than such as the Sabah Al-Ahmad City where many new schools 70 thefts in various areas of Kuwait. would open by the beginning of the next school year. Essa added that using the buses would be optional and up to Woman attacked students’ parents because many of them do not favor An American soldier accused an Egyptian man of sending their kids by school buses. — Al-Anbaa attacking her in Fahaheel. The woman told Fahaheel police that while she was in the area, she was surprised by a per- son approaching and grabbing her hand in an attempt to Misprint causes delay attack her. She said he fled after she screamed. The suspect KUWAIT: A misprint at Kuwait Municipality caused the is being questioned about the incident. delay of connecting power to a secondary school in Salem Al-Mubarak School in Reqqa for seven months. Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Facilities and Adultery charges Planning Yusra Al-Qahtani said the school is in dire An Ethiopian woman returned home to find her need for holding classes, especially since the file of the American husband with her best friend. The woman school is complete and it was inspected by the wiring left the flat and called the police. When policemen knocked at the door, he opened it, pulled his wife department at the ministry of electricity and water, but inside and closed it. His wife then opened the door, when it was time to finish the transaction and receive and police arrested the man and her friend. His wife the meter, it was halted by the department because of insisted on filing adultery charges against both of a misprint in the block number in the Municipality’s them.—- Al-Anbaa and Al-Rai letter.— Al-Rai MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Beep it! Bans fuel fears US evacuates as Yemen on brink of civil war of intolerance in India Page 8 Page 11

TUNIS: Tunisian medics carry the body of a Japanese, killed in an attack on the Museum of Bardo. — AFP Third Tunisia museum attacker ‘on the run’ ‘Under the influence of uncontrollable religious fanatics’

TUNIS: A third attacker in the mas- with a time stamp showing just after venting dozens more deaths if the policeman was also killed. ernment and achieving stability since state oversight of mosques, especial- sacre of tourists in Tunisia’s national noon. The grainy black-and-white terrorists had been able to set off In its first claim of a major attack in the Arab Spring-in marked contrast ly those “under the influence of museum is on the run, President Beji footage then shows the gunmen their suicide belts”. Tunisia, the Islamic State group said it to nations such as Egypt and Libya. uncontrollable religious fanatics”. Caid Essebsi said yesterday, vowing passing an unidentified male. They was behind the assault and threat- But dozens of police and military per- Newspaper Le Temps called for to track him down. “Definitely there point an automatic weapon at him Calls for action ened more. Authorities said the gun- sonnel have been killed in attacks “urgent draconian measures” includ- were three,” Essebsi told France’s iTele briefly before allowing him to flee as Officials had earlier admitted that men had trained in neighbouring blamed on Islamist militants. The ing withdrawing Tunisian citizenship television and Europe 1 radio. “Two they make their way up a staircase. guards supposed to be protecting Libya, where IS is believed to have museum attack has left Tunisia reel- from “terrorists who pledge alle- were killed, but there is one who is After rampaging through the the museum and the nearby parlia- camps. Tunisia has seen an upsurge ing, with newspapers yesterday call- giance to the enemy”. Authorities say now on the run,” he said. “In any case, museum for several hours, the two ment were having coffee at the time in Islamist extremism since the 2011 ing for authorities to do more to as many as 3,000 Tunisians have gone he will not get very far.” gunmen were killed in an assault by of the assault. Tunisian authorities revolution that ousted dictator Zine combat extremism. to Iraq, Syria and Libya to join IS and The attack on the Bardo museum security forces. Essebsi on Saturday have arrested more than 10 people El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the “What’s essential now is to really other jihadist groups, raising fears of in Tunis on Wednesday killed 21 peo- admitted that more could have been believed to be directly or indirectly Arab Spring. The country has taken take action,” French-language daily returning battle-hardened militants ple, all but one of them foreign done to prevent the attack, which involved in the attack, including rela- pride in forming a democratic gov- Le Quotidien wrote, calling for more plotting attacks. — AFP tourists, and was claimed by the raised fears for the future of Tunisia’s tives of one of the gunmen. Islamic State group. It came as vital tourism industry. “There were An arrest warrant was also issued Tunisia-the birthplace of the Arab failures” which meant “the police and for a Tunisian named Maher Ben Spring that held its first free elections intelligence were not systematic Mouldi Kaidi for suspected involve- last year-struggles with rising Islamic enough to ensure the safety of the ment. The dead tourists were four extremism. Authorities on Saturday museum”, Essebsi told weekly Paris Italians, three Japanese, three French, released CCTV footage from the Match weekly in an interview. But he two Spaniards, a Colombian, an attack showing two black-clad gun- said security forces “responded very Australian-Colombian, a British men with automatic weapons walk- effectively to quickly put an end to woman, a Belgian woman, three ing unimpeded though a large lobby, the attack at the Bardo, certainly pre- Poles and a Russian. A Tunisian

TUNIS: An image grab taken from a closed circuit television footage released by the Tunisian interior ministry on its Facebook page reportedly shows the two gunmen (right) who attacked Tunisia’s National Bardo Museum hold- ing their guns in a room as a man (left) runs out of the museum. — AFP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 INTERNATIONAL British medical students feared to have joined IS

ISTANBUL: A group of British medical stu- Sudanese capital Khartoum on March 12 IS. “The families of the young people have University of Medical Sciences said five Turkey has repeatedly been accused dents of Sudanese origin who went miss- and then overland towards Syria. been in Turkey to search for them and students university were missing after by its Western partners of not doing ing after travelling to Turkey are feared to They have been joined by two other bring them back,” he added. “Our greatest travelling to Turkey. enough to halt the flow of extremists have crossed into Syria to join the Islamic medics from the United States and hope is to save the doctors from ISIS and “They all have British passports and are aiming to join IS jihadists, who have cap- State (IS) group as doctors, reports and Canada, also of Sudanese origin, the BBC reunite them with their families.” of Sudanese origin,” he said. “Their families tured swathes of Iraq and Syria. It was sources said yesterday. The families of the said. A Turkish MP from the Republican Ediboglu said the families had travelled have travelled after them to stop them sharply criticized over the failure to stop students have travelled to the Turkey-Syria People’s Party (CHP) Mehmet Ali Ediboglu, to the city of Gaziantep, which has been from joining IS. We are not able to confirm three British teenage girls who crossed border in a desperate appeal for them to who represents the Hatay region border- seen as a key gateway for militants travel- they have crossed into Syria”. The British the Turkey-Syria border to join IS in return home before it is too late, a Turkish ing Syria, wrote on his Facebook page that ling to Syria. He posted photographs of Foreign Office meanwhile said: “We are February. However in the last week it has opposition MP said. According to reports he was helping the families in their search. the nine British citizens-five men and four providing consular assistance to their fam- deported back to Britain a young British in Britain’s The Guardian newspaper and “Eleven doctors-nine British and two women-some proudly posing in academic ilies and we have informed the Turkish woman and three male British teenagers the BBC, the nine young British medical Sudanese-came to Turkey a week ago to dress on graduation day. Ahmed Babikir, police to try and ascertain their where- who were suspected of trying to travel to students flew to Istanbul from the join ISIS,” he said, using another name for students’ dean at Khartoum’s private abouts.” Syria. —AFP US evacuates as Yemen on brink of civil war Jihadists seeking to exploit the chaos

ADEN: The United States said it the Huthi militias and their allies,” actively monitor terrorist threats believed to have converted to had evacuated all its staff from saying they “not only threaten emanating from Yemen and have Twelver Shiism, which is followed Yemen, whose embattled presi- peace in Yemen but the regional capabilities postured in the area by Iran, but insist that Tehran does dent has appealed for “urgent and international peace and secu- to address them,” Rathke said. not meddle in Yemeni affairs. In a intervention” by the UN Security rity.” “I urge for your urgent inter- Yemen has acknowledged that letter to relatives of the mosque Council as attacks by Iran-backed vention in all available means to US personnel gathering intelli- bombings victims, Hadi con- rebels bring his country nearer to stop this aggression that is aimed gence for drone strikes on Al- demned the attacks as “terrorist, civil war. “Due to the deteriorating at undermining the legitimate Qaeda are deployed at Al-Anad. criminal and cowardly”. “Such security situation in Yemen, the US authority, the fragmentation of Hadi pledged Saturday to fight heinous attacks could only be government has temporarily relo- Yemen and its peace and stability,” Iranian influence in his country, done by the enemies of life,” who cated its remaining personnel out Hadi wrote. accusing the Huthis of importing want to drag Yemen into “chaos, of Yemen,” State Department Yemen has been torn by unrest Tehran’s ideology. The Huthis, who violence and internal fighting”, he spokesman Jeff Rathke said in a since ex-strongman Ali Abdullah seized Sanaa in September, vowed said. “Shiite extremism, represent- statement. Saleh stepped down in early 2012 to take further “revolutionary ed by the armed Huthi militia, and The evacuation comes after after a year-long popular uprising steps” following Friday’s blasts. Sunni extremism, represented by several suicide bombings claimed against him, with powerful armed In his first televised speech Al-Qaeda, are two sides of the TIKRIT: In this Saturday, March 21, 2015 file photo, a volunteer fighter with a by the Islamic State group killed groups sidelining the government since he fled to Aden from house same coin, who do not wish good Shiite militant group known as ‘Jihad Brigades,’ fires his weapon during 142 people in Sanaa on Friday, since. The country is now on the arrest in Sanaa, Hadi said he and stability for Yemen and its clashes with Islamic State group militants. —AP with the jihadists seeking to brink of civil war, with a deepen- would ensure that “the Yemeni people.” Hadi has declared Aden exploit the chaos gripping the ing political impasse and an republic flag will fly on the Marran the country’s temporary capital. Friday’s bombings came a day Iraq militia chief slams army after clashes in the southern city between Hadi loyalists and forces ‘weaklings’ over Tikrit strikes allied with the Huthis. CAMP ASHRAF: The head of a powerful the director of the Central Intelligence ‘Tip of the iceberg’ Shiite militia yesterday criticized “weak- Agency said Sunday. The comments by Since taking Sanaa the Huthis lings” in the Iraqi army who want US-led John Brennan on “Fox News Sunday” are have tightened their grip on gov- air strikes to support the massive opera- among the strongest yet voiced by ernment institutions, aided by loy- tion to retake Tikrit from jihadists. The American officials about the involve- alists of former president Saleh. remarks by Hadi Al-Ameri point to a possi- ment of shadowy Gen Qassem But in their push to widen their control to the south, they have ble divide between the Iraqi army and Soleimani in the war against the extrem- faced fierce resistance from Sunni allied paramilitaries known as “Popular ist group. tribes allied with Al-Qaeda. Mobilization” units, which are dominated Brennan described Soleimani as Al-Qaeda distanced itself from by Shiite militia forces, over the now- being “very aggressive and active” as he Friday’s bombings, insisting it does stalled Tikrit drive. advises Shiite militias battling the not target mosques. In an online “Some of the weaklings in the army... extremists, mostly recently in the ongo- statement claiming responsibility, say we need the Americans, while we say ing offensive targeting Tikrit, Saddam the Sanaa branch of IS said the attacks were “just the tip of the ice- we do not need the Americans,” Ameri Hussein’s hometown. Nonetheless, berg”. Iran “strongly condemned” the told journalists at Camp Ashraf, north of Brennan said he “wouldn’t consider Iran bombings. Mohammed Baghdad, when asked about US-led air an ally right now inside Iraq.” The chair- Abdulsalam, spokesman for the support for Tikrit. Army Staff Lieutenant man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Huthis’ Ansarullah party, called the General Abdulwahab Al-Saadi, a top com- Martin Dempsey, testifying at a congres- attacks part of a “clear war against mander in Salaheddin province, of which sional hearing this past week, said that the Yemeni people and its popular Tikrit is the capital, told AFP that he had the US worries that Shiite militiamen revolution”-a reference to Sanaa’s takeover. requested such strikes against the Islamic eventually might turn against Sunni and State jihadist group and that they were Kurdish Iraqis, further destabilizing the SANAA: Yemeni students hold posters bearing portraits of victims of several suicide bombings “It is now imperative that we com- plete the revolutionary steps to pro- needed. country. claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. —AFP tect the people and their revolution,” But the Pentagon said that the Iraqi But Brennan said he didn’t believe the country. The impoverished nation increasingly explicit territorial mountain in (the Huthi militia’s he said in a statement. The threat government has not made any request for presence of Soleimani and his advisers is torn between a north controlled division along sectarian lines, with northern stronghold) Saada, came as reinforcements from the air support for the Tikrit operation, which pointed to Iran having a larger role in by Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels rising violence between the Huthi instead of the Iranian flag”. “The Special Forces, accused of links to the began on March 2. Forces from the army, Iraq and its future. However, he acknowl- and a south dominated by allies of and Sunni tribes and Al-Qaeda. Iranian Twelver (Shiism) pattern Huthis and Saleh, were sent to the President Abedrabbo Mansour that has been agreed upon city of Taez, which is just 180 kilome- the police and a number of different mili- edged it’s not for lack of trying. Hadi, who fled house arrest in ‘Two sides of same coin’ between the Huthis and those ters north of Aden and seen as a tias are taking part in the operation, Baghdad’s Shiite-led government has Sanaa to Aden in February. Washington late Friday pulled who support them will not be strategic entry point to Hadi’s refuge. bringing different tactics, skill levels and forged closer ties with Iran, its one-time The UN Security Council is to out troops from the Al-Anad air- accepted by Yemenis, whether “The bombings in Sanaa will now be willingness to take casualties to the fight. adversary in a bitter 1980s war. hold an emergency meeting yes- base in southern Yemen amid Zaidi (Shiites) or Shafite (Sunnis),” taken as an excuse to open new It is unclear who if anyone has overall “We’re not letting them play that role. terday following Hadi’s appeal. In fighting involving Al-Qaeda mili- he said. fronts by attacking Taez and Marib (in command of the operation, and disputes I think they’re working with the Iraqis to his letter to the Council, Hadi tants nearby which left at least 29 The Huthis belong to the Zaidi the east),” said Yemeni youth activist between the forces involved would ham- play that role,” the CIA head said. “We’re denounced “the criminal acts of dead. The US would “continue to offshoot of Shiite Islam. They are Bassem Al-Hakimi. —AFP per an effort that has already become working with the Iraqis, as well.” Brennan bogged down by the huge number of pointed to the Iraqis themselves for the bombs planted by IS in the city’s streets country’s instability, rather than the pull- Libya rivals fight for control of oil wealth and houses. While pro-government forces out of US troops. Iraqi security forces were able to take control of towns near crumbled in the wake of the Islamic State AL-BAIDA: The battle for Libya’s oil wealth has taken on Militants have stepped up attacks on the industry only legitimate channel that has the right to deal and to Tikrit and then surround it, fighting to group’s lightning offensive last summer. new dimensions as rival governments lay claim to the which had a pre-revolution output of about 1.6 million contract companies to authorize gas and oil sales,” it said clear the city itself proved much more dif- The militants now holds a third of Iraq National Oil Company, further deepening divisions in the barrels per day (bpd), accounting for more than 95 per- in a statement. ficult, and the operation has been halted and neighboring Syria in its self-declared volatile North African nation. The latest row erupted this cent of exports and 75 percent of revenues. The economy week as UN envoy Bernardino Leon, who is mediating has been reeling since December, when production fell to ‘A messy situation’ and the IS fighters besieged. caliphate. “I think the fault really lies with between Libya’s warring factions, warned the country was around 350,000 bpd as the Fajr Libya militia alliance, To be valid, such sales must be made via the new NOC a number of the Iraqis who wasted and heading towards destruction unless a political deal is which includes Islamists, attacked oil terminals in the east. headquarters in the eastern city of Benghazi and ‘Destabilizing’ efforts squandered the opportunity they had found. It also comes as the jihadist Islamic State group, Fajr Libya seized Tripoli in the summer and installed a approved by company chairman Al-Mabrook Abu Seif, it Having the leader of Iran’s elite Quds after the government was reconstituted which has made huge profits from illegal oil sales in Syria government and parliament opposed to the internation- said. The statement, published on its Facebook page, did Force direct Iraqi forces battling the not to put at rest some of these sectarian and Iraq where it has seized chunks of territory, has gained ally recognized government and legislature elected in not elaborate on how new contract payments should be Islamic State group is complicating the tensions and not to be more inclusive as a foothold in Libya. The once lucrative oil industry has fall- June. On Monday, the recognised government, which made, but anyone who violates its decisions will be prose- US mission against terrorism and is con- far as bringing the Sunni community in,” en victim to the unrest that has gripped the country since sits in the remote east between the cities of Tobruk and cuted. Dictator Moamer Kadhafi was toppled and killed in the Baida, severed ties the Tripoli-based National Oil On Thursday, the NOC board in Tripoli hit back. “The tributing to the destabilization in Iraq, Brennan said. —Agencies 2011 NATO-backed uprising. Corporation. “The legitimate Libyan government... is the NOC’s position is neutral and receives no directives from either the Tripoli- or Baida-based governments and oper- ates in complete independence from both sets of authori- ties,” it said in a statement in English. The NOC said it US Embassy opens in would continue to operate from Tripoli, where it was founded in November 1970, and would “remain an inde- pendent institution that operates outside political dis- Saudi after concerns putes”. Libya slid into chaos after the 2011 revolt, with former RIYADH: The US Embassy in Riyadh about a threat to kidnap and attack rebels and powerful tribes vying for power in a state and two other diplomatic missions in workers. whose oil reserves are estimated by OPEC at around 48 Saudi Arabia resumed consular serv- Also yesterday, the state-linked billion barrels. “It really is a messy situation, with two gov- ices yesterday after closing all of last Saudi Okaz newspaper’s website was ernments, two parliaments, two heads of the same central week due to security concerns. temporarily hacked, allegedly by bank, and now two NOCs!” said Valerie Marcel, an associ- However, the embassy said in a Islamic State group supporters. A ate fellow at London’s Chatham House. The expert on oil statement that US citizens should message appeared on the paper’s and energy issues noted that “the two governments and website encouraging Saudi citizens to their militias were already battling it out for control over “continue to be aware of their sur- oil production and export infrastructure”. roundings and take extra precau- revolt against their government and tions when travelling throughout the join the group. It also said the group ‘New level of complexity’ country.” The US Embassy did not was expanding. Saudi Arabia is part “Creating a rival NOC in Benghazi creates a whole new immediately respond to an of the US-led coalition bombing the level of complexity and uncertainty for oil buyers,” she Associated Press request for details. extremist group in Iraq and Syria. The said. But Abu Seif, chairman of the Benghazi-based NOC, The diplomatic facilities in Riyadh, IS group has called on its supporters disagreed. “We sought to run the NOC in a neutral fashion Jiddah and Dhahran closed last week to launch attacks inside Saudi Arabia. but we have failed since Fajr Libya seized Tripoli and put after the embassy warned citizens Last year, a Saudi man stabbed a the headquarters under its control,” he said. that individuals associated with a Canadian citizen while he shopped in Abu Seif said he would respect the terms of contracts terrorist organization could be tar- a mall with his family in the Eastern which have already been struck with the Tripoli headquar- geting Westerners, including US citi- Province. Also last year, IS group sup- ters-but stressed that new ones must get his approval. zens, working for oil companies in porters shot a Danish citizen in his car BIR AL-GHANAM: Fighters from the Fajr Libya (Libya Dawn), an alliance of Islamist- Marcel said the internationally recognized government the Eastern Province. The warning in Riyadh as he left work. Both men has a clear advantage over its Tripoli rival because it con- said officials received information survived the attacks. —AP backed militias, take position during clashes with an opposing militia. —AFP trols export terminals. —AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 US exit from Afghan tied Ecuador’s Correa accuses US of destabilizing government to helping army forces QUITO: Ecuador’s leftist President Rafael policies and his bid for another term, Correa on Saturday accused the United which would have to be approved by the States of trying to destabilize his govern- legislature controlled by his supporters. ment, by infiltrating it with spies. The 51- Correa has been president since 2007. A tough fight against insurgents year-old economist trained in the US has His constitutional reforms would allow faced opposition protests as he seeks unlimited re-election, setting him up to WASHINGTON: The pace of US troop withdrawals from constitutional changes that would allow run again next year. Irate union support- Afghanistan will headline Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s him to seek re-election next year to ers say his plans would not respect work- visit to Washington, yet America’s exit from the war another four-year term. ers’ right to unionize, and indigenous remains tightly hinged to the abilities of the Afghan forces “There has been infiltration here, by people say his land legislation would that face a tough fight against insurgents this spring. the CIA (US Central Intelligence Agency) erode their rights over traditional land President Barack Obama has promised to end the to wear down the government,” Correa, a use. longest US war - it began in the aftermath of the Sept 11, close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas The demonstrations are “a strategy to 2001, terror attacks - and get the remaining troops out of Maduro, said in his weekly address. wear us down,” the president said Friday. Afghanistan by the end of his presidency. Deficiencies in Maduro has repeatedly claimed that the “If they can destabilize us, they will. If they the Afghan security forces, heavy casualties in the ranks of United States is trying to topple his gov- can’t, they know how much popular sup- the army and police, a fragile new government and fears ernment. Analysts say Maduro makes the port we have. So all they can do is try to that Islamic State fighters could gain a foothold in charge, denied by Washington, to deflect keep wearing us down ahead of the Afghanistan have combined to persuade Obama to slow attention from economic crisis there. upcoming elections.” On Saturday, Correa the withdrawal. While Ecuador’s growth has slowed, it is said he was victim of an “ambush” by a Instead of trimming the current US force of 9,800 to not in crisis like Venezuela. Maduro has “mob” of demonstrators at an event in 5,500 by the end of the year, US military officials say the moved toward a centrally planned sys- Riobamba. In February, Correa had a 55 administration now might keep many of them there well tem increasingly similar to that of its top percent approval rating, and 81 percent into 2016. Obama had said that after that, the US would regional ally, communist Cuba. said unlimited re-election should be vot- only maintain an embassy-based security force in Kabul of Opposition forces took to Ecuador’s ed on in a referendum, not by the legisla- perhaps 1,000 troops. But on Friday, Jeff Eggers of the KABUL: A US solider stands guard at the site of a suicide attack near a US military streets starting Thursday over Correa’s ture, pollsters Cedatos found. — AFP White House’s National Security Council said that too could camp. —AP be changed. He said the post-2016 plan will be considered on an on-going basis.

60$bn investment At stake is the US taxpayers’ more than $60 billion investment - so far - in the Afghan forces. The 327,000- member force performs much better than before, but still needs work. While praising their ability to operate mostly independently and securing the nation during a protracted election, US military officials say the Afghan forces still suf- fer from a host of problems: attrition, drug abuse, deser- tions, illiteracy, poor record-keeping, a lack of management and logistical skills, intelligence, a shortage of top-notch leaders and less-than-optimal cooperation between policemen and soldiers. They also are suffering massive casualties as they ramp up operations. More than 1,300 members of the Afghan army were killed in action and another 6,200 were wound- ed in action between October 2013 and September 2014, according to a report this month from the special inspector general for Afghan reconstruction. Casualties in the ranks of policemen are even higher. In nearly 14 years of fighting, at least 2,200 US military service men and women have been killed. “They are now leading the fight, but they still need our support, and that support is critical to enabling them to hold the key cities ... and to hold off a still bubbling insur- gency, particularly in the rural areas,” Michele Flournoy, for- mer undersecretary of defense for policy, said last week at an event organized by the Alliance in Support of the Afghan People. Afghan leaders also worry that Islamic State militants could push into the region and bring guns and money that would spark competition among insurgents disenchanted with the Taliban leadership and eager to prove their prowess with heinous acts of violence. Afghan and US offi- cials say some Afghan militants have rebranded them- selves with IS, raising its black flag and even clashing with Taliban fighters. Army Gen John Campbell, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told a congressional panel recently that the Afghans repeatedly ask the US for close air support, which has been critical in their ability to fend off Taliban fighters battling to capture territory. “What I tell the Afghans is, ‘Don’t plan your operation wholly dependent upon close air support. The Taliban doesn’t have close air support. The Taliban doesn’t have up-armored Humvees. The Taliban doesn’t have D-30 Howitzers. The Taliban doesn’t have, you know, the weapons that you have,’” Campbell said.

‘Rat-hole’ The Afghan Air Force, which currently has about 100 air- craft, is slated to receive 20 light-attack aircraft used for counterinsurgency, close air support and aerial reconnais- sance, but more than half aren’t slated to arrive until 2017 and 2018. “That’s another reason we need to continue to have this train, advise and assist (mission) for the next sev- eral years,” Campbell said. Nearly 14 years after the US invaded after 9/11 to root out al-Qaida and oust its host, the Taliban, Afghanistan remains a dangerous country. The United Nations reports that 3,700 Afghan civilians were killed and another 6,850 were injured in the conflict last year, more than any year since it started documenting civilian casualties. Going forward, lawmakers must weigh the risks that come with cutting the purse strings amid reports of wasteful spending, fraud and corruption. Rep. Walter Jones, R-NC, suggested at a House committee hear- ing that the US might want to “stop pounding money down the rat hole.” — AP Community reels after 7 siblings perish in fire NEW YORK: The tightknit Orthodox Jewish community in New York City where seven siblings died in a house fire during the Sabbath was reeling yesterday as funeral services for the children were being prepared. “I call this not a tragedy but an absolute disaster,” said state Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who represents the Brooklyn neighborhood of Midwood where the fire broke out ear- ly Saturday. The blaze killed three girls and four boys ages 5 to 16, leaving their mother and another child criti- cally injured. “Everyone’s in utter shock,” Hikind said. Funeral plans were tentatively set for late yesterday afternoon. Investigators believe a hot plate left on a kitchen count- er set off the blaze that sent flames up the stairs, trap- ping the children in their second-floor bedrooms as they slept. Many religious Jews who observe the Sabbath refrain from working, in all forms, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday - including using electricity. Authorities identified the Sasoon family victims as girls Eliane, 16; Rivkah, 11; and Sara, 6; and boys David, 12; Yeshua, 10; Moshe, 8; and Yaakob, 5. Authorities say their father was at a nearby conference at the time of the fire. Neither his name nor those of the survivors were released. “They were beautiful little children,” said a tear- ful neighbor Rose Insel, remembering how she rewarded the kids with lollipops after voluntarily shoveling her walk. “It’s unbelievable. It doesn’t seem possible.” Another neighbor, Agit Abeckaser, called them an “amazing family.” “It’s very hard,” she said as her husband prayed for the Sasoons at a nearby synagogue Saturday night. Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro called it the city’s worst fatal fire in recent memory and Mayor Bill de Blasio, after touring the charred home, called the blaze a tragedy for the family, the community and the city. — AP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

Graft-accused son of Senegal ex-leader runs for president DAKAR: Karim Wade, the son of a former opposition Democratic Party of Senegal 2012, with many believing his father was reporting a heightened security pres- Senegalese president and currently on (PDS). He later praised the transparency trying to line him up as his successor. He ence in the capital Dakar. trial for corruption, was chosen Saturday of the vote saying it had been “conduct- was often criticized for alleged misman- The country’s main opposition coali- to be the former ruling party’s candidate ed publicly in front of party activists and agement of public finances and was nick- tion, which includes the PDS, on Friday in the next presidential election. “Karim even the press”. The younger Wade, who named “super minister”, and “the minister urged sympathisers to rally at the court Wade was chosen by 257 of the 268 dele- has been in custody since April 2013 and of the Earth and the sky”, after his father on Monday in a show of support for gates” to be the Democratic Party of on trial since July last year, beat at least placed him in charge of the international Karim Wade. The PDS has said that Senegal’s presidential candidate, leading seven other candidates to become the cooperation, air transport, infrastructure Abdoulaye Wade is expected to make a party member Tafsir Thioye told AFP. PDS’s presidential hopeful. He is alleged and energy portfolios. The 2012 polls statement after the ruling is handed No date has yet been set for the to have illegally acquired companies and were won by Macky Sall, who is expected down. The former leader said last month upcoming election. The announcement real estate worth almost $240 million to seek re-election. that he was prepared to “give his life” to comes as Senegal’s anti-corruption court during his time as a minister and an prevent his son being convicted. is expected to deliver its verdict in the adviser to his father, who was president Tension as verdict looms Adding fuel to the fire, opposition case against Wade-son of the country’s of Senegal from 2000 to 2012. Sall on Saturday insisted he had noth- lawmaker Mamadou Diop Decroix on longtime leader Abdoulaye Wad. He is Prosecutors have called for a seven-year ing to fear from a potential face-off Saturday told reporters that “if the coun- Karim Wade accused of corruption and illegally prison sentence. Wade himself denies the against another member of the Wade try swings towards violence, it won’t be amassing a multi-million dollar fortune charges and his supporters claim the family. “If a candidate stronger than the fault of the opposition but of those be respected but within the context of while a minister. Saturday’s decision was case against him is politically motivated. myself is appointed by the Senegalese, who put people in prison.” Justice the law. The decision that will be handed made at a party congress that was Wade junior was an extremely divisive we will take note,” he told reporters. Minister Sidiki Kaba sought to calm tem- down by the court will be an independ- attended by 88-year-old Abdoulaye figure in Senegalese politics in the run- Tension has been mounting ahead of pers, saying the state would maintain ent one,” he told the pro-government Wade, who is the secretary general of the up to the last presidential election in Monday’s trial verdict, with local media public order. “Freedom of expression will daily Le Soleil. — AFP

Last English king Richard III found in municipal car park

LONDON: Dug out of a municipal car park old church he would have been buried. five centuries after his mutilated body was They found a skeleton consistent with con- unceremoniously interred, England’s temporary descriptions of the king, notably Richard III will finally be given a burial fit for his curved spine, and battle injuries. a king this week. Some 530 years on from Radiocarbon dating showed the man died his violent death in 1485, the last English between 1455 and 1540. “It is incredibly monarch killed in battle will be laid to rest lucky anything survived at all,” said on Thursday in Leicester Cathedral, across Greyfriars Project site director Mathew the street from where his remains were Morris, explaining that Victorian building located in 2012. Their discovery was con- work had come within a centimeter of firmed by a DNA match with Richard’s clos- Richard’s skull. est living relative-Canadian carpenter By coincidence, the remains were Michael Ibsen, who fittingly has now made beneath a letter R indicating a reserved the monarch’s oak coffin. space in the car park. “Skeleton 1” had eight In an unprecedented event, the head wounds, including a brutal slash to medieval king will be reinterred in the pres- the base of skull which cleaved away bone. ence of royalty and England’s highest cleric, Another blow had pierced his skull. DNA in a solemn service broadcast live on testing on Ibsen and Wendy Duldig, both national television. “The story of the king in descendants of Richard’s eldest sister Anne a car park (is) now so familiar around the of York, confirmed they were both related world to many who had heard little of to “Skeleton 1”. The tests also threw up a Richard III,” said Tim Stevens, the bishop of mystery with a “false paternity” finding that Leicester in central England. there was no match through the male line “Now we look forward to welcoming of the family, indicating an illegitimate people from around the world to become child in the royal line. part of... our task of laying the king to rest With no precedent to consult, finding LUGANSK: Members of the Donbass Night Wolves motorbike club, including local president Vitali “Prokuror” (“Prosecutor”) (center), pose in with dignity and honor.” Richard, the last of Richard’s remains triggered impassioned front of the gate of the club’s base. — AFP the Plantagenet dynasty, ruled England wrangling over what to do next. Following from 1483 until his death at the Battle of a judicial review, his bones are being rein- Bosworth near Leicester in 1485. It was the terred in Leicester rather than York, his last major conflict in the Wars of the Roses northern stronghold. Cynics said the rival In Ukraine, Russians take up and Richard’s defeat saw the crown pass cities had one eye on creating a visitor from the Plantagenets to the opposing attraction. London’s Westminster Abbey Tudors. “We’re looking forward to the was also sidelined. A week of events lead- arms against the insurgency opportunity to remind people of the ing up to the reburial begins Sunday when extraordinary moment in English history the coffin will be taken outside Leicester to the death of Richard III marks,” said Stevens. Fenn Lane Farm, the closest place to the Defending their land, family and future The slain 32-year-old was swiftly buried site of his death. without fanfare at Greyfriars monastery in ODESSA: When Andrei Krasilnikov hugged his Russian state media to describe the country’s thetic ear. Leicester. Greyfriars was demolished in the Villainous image wife good-bye last week and climbed onto a bus new pro-Western government. He joined up with pro-Western protestors in 1530s during Tudor king Henry VIII’s disso- The cortege returns to Leicester for a to take him back to the frontline in eastern Odessa and helps the local group opposing sep- lution of the monasteries and Richard’s horse-drawn procession through the city to Ukraine, his motive was typical of those fighting Fear of deportation aratist activity in the Russian-speaking city. remains were thought lost. the cathedral, where Cardinal Vincent for Kiev — to defend his family and future from Despite risking his life for Ukraine, the irony These days he is even putting together free Nichols, the leader of England’s Catholics, what he perceives as Russian aggression. for Krasilnikov and other Russians opposing Ukrainian language lessons in a local library. But Mind blowing coincidence will preach a sermon. Richard was a What sets him apart from his brothers-in- Putin here is that they still face suspicion from despite his expectations, “the reality turned out But members of the Richard III Society of Catholic but will be reburied in the tradi- arms is his Russian citizenship. Krasilnikov, 48, is Kiev even though going back home may mean very different,” he lamented: even Russians who enthusiasts teamed up with Leicester tions of the Church of England, although one of several Russians fighting as a volunteer time in a Russian jail. Krasilnikov has had an support Ukraine’s cause-in battle or not-are side- University archaeologists to excavate the there will be Catholic elements in services against the pro-Moscow insurgency in the application to renew his residency permit reject- lined by its rank and file bureaucracy. site, rightly predicting whereabouts in the throughout the week.— AFP Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Like many ed by suspicious authorities and he says one rea- Ukrainians he views the conflict as “a war by son for staying at the frontline is that immigra- ‘I fight for my land’ Russia against Ukraine” rather than a home- tion officials won’t go looking for him there. One of the few exceptions is Ilya Bogdanov, a grown uprising. “The thing is, we are not fighting “I cannot go outside Ukraine to Russia far-right Russian nationalist who has been fight- against Russians but against (President Vladimir) because I am more than sure that I will get ing in pro-Kiev battalions since last summer. “I Putin’s army,” he said. “Not everyone in Russia arrested there,” he said in an interview in Odessa am fighting against Putin’s regime, for a free, supports Putin and his regime... a regime that is a few hours before heading to the front. The white Ukraine that is pro-European,” he said by militarized, a police regime that can do whatever sense of limbo was echoed by other Russians phone from the village of Pisky near the Donetsk it wants with its own people.” Though he has interviewed by AFP. airport-one area which continues to take fire lived in Ukraine’s southern Russian-speaking city Despite opposing Putin, they said that they despite the month-old truce. of Odessa for a decade and has a Ukrainian wife are often likely to be stonewalled by authorities The fighter in the extreme Ukrainian national- and son, the Moscow-born Krasilnikov still holds in Ukraine, especially low-level officials who are ist Right Sector group chronicles the conflict on a Russian passport. often pro-Moscow. Pyotr Lyubchenkov, an oppo- his Facebook page and regularly gets into argu- His friends in the pro-Kiev Aydar battalion sition activist from Russia’s Krasnodar, had his ments with Russians fighting on the opposite view that “completely normally,” he said, request for political asylum last year denied in side on social media. “It’s a lot of Russians, prac- recounting taking heavy artillery fire with them Odessa. The file that the immigration services tically only Russians” fighting on the separatist in the Lugansk region in February, shortly before had on him “even used descriptions from pro- side, he said, having made a complete break the latest ceasefire came into effect. “They Kremlin websites,” he said. from his past in Russia’s far-eastern city of shook my hand and said that I was a true Russian Lyubchenkov, a 40-year-old psychologist, Vladivostok, including his pro-Putin mother. A who understands everything.” opposed the annexation of Crimea last year and month ago, he received Ukrainian citizenship- Back in the land of his birth, however, he had is wanted in Russia after trying to organise an after a lengthy process that was resolved only LEICESTERSHIRE: The oak coffin with the remains of King Richard III, the last of the to break off ties with friends who started calling opposition rally. He is the subject of a probe through the personal intervention of Ukraine’s Plantagenet dynasty, is placed for a service outside the University of Leicester.—AFP him a “fascist” after he took part in protests last that has already seen two people arrested. “I top leadership. “It was extremely difficult, at year that ousted the Kremlin-backed leader hope I don’t get deported,” he said. “It was a sim- every level they tried to block it,” he said. “I am Viktor Yanukovych. “They got it in their heads ple idea, coming here,” Lyubchenkov said, citizen of Ukraine now, I fight for my land,” he that Ukraine has a fascist regime and a junta,” describing how he had expected his support for says with a laugh. “Everything I have is right Polls open in Spain’s most Krasilnikov said, using the terms employed by Kiev’s pro-Western ideas would meet a sympa- here.” — AFP unpredictable elections

SEVILLE: Polls opened yesterday in the top of the polls in Spain. Podemos was French far right looks for gains in regional polls Andalusia, one of the poorest parts of buoyed by Syriza’s victory, but was given Spain, in a regional vote that will be a key pause for thought by the tense ongoing PARIS: France’s National Front, one of the most conservative UMP led by former president Nicolas with the traditional left and right in a marriage of test of anti-austerity party Podemos ahead squabbles between Syriza and European powerful populist far right parties in Europe, eyed Sarkozy. Ultimately, the UMP was expected to convenience in a second round to block Le Pen’s of the country’s most unpredictable gener- powers over Greece’s debt. significant gains against President Francois make the biggest gains, benefiting from the likeli- candidacy. al election in decades. “Everything is ready Hollande’s ruling socialists in regional elections yes- hood that Socialist voters would make a strategic to fill the ballot boxes with mauve!” the left- Upstart contenders terday. The party appeared set to capitalise on a switch in second-round run-offs on March 29 just ‘A radical solution’ wing Podemos, said on its Twitter account, In Andalusia, “everyone will interpret the high abstention rate, as well as on a search by some to keep the far right out of power. Sarkozy predict- Yesterday’s vote seemed sure to underline referring to the party color, as voting got results as if it were a first round in the gen- voters for radical solutions to France’s economic ed a “wave” of departments falling to his UMP, Hollande’s bleak fortunes. His Socialists and other underway. eral elections,” said Anton Losada, a politi- woes. while the FN was forecast to gain no more than parties in the French left were expected to lose The election is an important warm-up cal scientist at Santiago De Compostela “I feel confident,” Marine Le Pen, the controver- four departments. That same tactic could be about half of the 61 departments they currently for contender Podemos-which is looking to University. “That is going to happen with sial National Front leader said as she cast her vote at repeated on a bigger scale in the presidential poll, control. — AFP match the feat of its ally Syriza in Greece- the Andalusian election and will happen a school in northern France. With turnout at just and also another upstart contender, the again with the other local and regional over 18 percent by midday, Hollande called on the centre-right Ciudadanos. “Everyone is wait- elections in May.” French to vote as he cast his own ballot in central ing to see if the emerging forces are going The main opposition Socialist Party, in France. “Today, the (key) issue is abstention,” he said. to get a very good result. This will be the power in Andalusia since 1982, is seeking The elections are being held across 101 “depart- test,” a well-placed member of the conser- re-election against the Popular Party. Polls ments”, which control issues such as school and vative Popular Party, which currently gov- indicate neither of the giants will win an welfare budgets. Some 43 million people are eligi- erns Spain, said. absolute majority in the regional parlia- ble to vote. Recent years of recession and corrup- ment from Andalusia’s 6.5 million voters. For the National Front, or FN as it is known in tion scandals make the southern region of The winner may have to strike an alliance French, it was a chance to punish the Socialists and farms and tourist beaches a prime testing with Podemos or Ciudadanos. That could build up a head of steam for presidential elections in ground for Spain’s new political dynamic, foreshadow what coalitions may later be 2017 that some analysts believe could see Le Pen transformed by the economic crisis and forged to govern Spain, since polls indicate oust the unpopular Hollande. Earlier this week, Le ensuing budget austerity measures. Now the national election may also fail to hand Pen declared her party would “invade the Elysee the two parties that have taken turns to one party an absolute majority. (presidential palace)”. Yesterday, she told reporters: govern Spain since the 1980s face the rival Andalusia was among the regions hard- “The goal is to show the FN is a great local force, not pair of surging protest movements in a est hit by the collapse of Spain’s housing just one that is able to bring together millions of dress rehearsal for the national polls due market in 2008. Its regional unemployment French in a national election.” The FN has capitalised around November. rate is the highest in the country at 34.2 on anger over France’s lackluster economy, as well Greece’s Syriza won elections in January percent. Socialist leaders there, along with as the politically explosive issues of immigration on a wave of discontent about economic certain labor union representatives, have and the integration of Islam into French society. cuts imposed during an economic crisis-the been hit by a series of corruption scan- Opinion polls showed the far right with about TULLINS: Election poster of Secretary of State AndrÈ Vallini (left) is seen during the first round same trend that has pushed Podemos to dals.— AFP 30 percent of the overall vote, close to levels for the of the French departementales elections yesterday. —AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

Pakistani teaches impoverished kids in outdoor school

ISLAMABAD: On any given day in the eventually found a low-level position in instead of going to school. Now about Pakistani capital, a group of young peo- the city’s emergency services. He worked three-quarters of his roughly 170 stu- ple can be seen gathered outdoors in an hard to learn new skills such as first aid dents go to government-run schools but open field, books open and looking at and firefighting - he even studied how to some to his classes afterward for extra makeshift blackboards attached to metal defuse bombs - and was eventually pro- tutoring. The rest aren’t in school at all. pipes in an open-air school. The school is moted to a full-fledged firefighter. Never That so many students would sit out- the product of years of effort by forgetting his promise to his father, he side, sometimes until late in the evening, Mohammed Ayub, a Pakistani man of always sent money home to his siblings. speaks to the abysmal shape of humble origins who turned a promise to One day in 1985, he saw a boy about 12 Pakistan’s education sector. Large num- his dying father to make sure his siblings years old busing tables at a restaurant, bers of students are out of school. Many got an education into a life dedicated to and that sparked an idea that eventually schools don’t have running water, elec- teaching the less fortunate of this city. changed his life, Ayub said. tricity or functioning bathrooms. For three decades, children who might “I thought, ‘He is no different than my Analysts have also say schools often rely otherwise have gotten no education sat younger brother.’ At that moment I on rote learning that does little to pre- through his classes. decided to teach him, and that was the pare students. “I really don’t remember how many start of my open school mission,” he said. have passed through (the school). They Ayub convinced other boys working in A legend among his students must be in thousands,” Ayub, who is to shops and food outlets in the neighbor- Over the years, Ayub has been joined be honored Monday at a ceremony in hood to study with him in the middle of by a small army of volunteers, including the eastern city of Lahore, told The the market for an hour or two. But the a retired school principal, a doctor, a fire- Associated Press at the field where class- shopkeepers - upset that he was taking man and several older students who es are held. “What I know is that I will up too much space - pushed him out. teach the younger ones. “I used to walk ISLAMABAD: Mohammed Ayub, a 57-year-old government worker, sits among continue this mission until my last After moving multiple times, he eventu- through here and noticed this activity,” students from poor families at a makeshift school set up in a park. — AP breath.” ally settled in an open field near the said Faiqa Haroon, a doctor, who volun- city’s Kohsar market. City officials have teers for the school. “You can’t imagine chairman of the awards committee, said after he is gone. Farhat Abbas, a former Promise to his father agreed not to bother him as long as he the satisfaction I get by teaching these he had read stories about Ayub and student who has come back to tutor Ayub, a 57-year-old government doesn’t try to set up a permanent struc- underprivileged kids.” went unannounced to see the school others, still remembers when Ayub worker, came to Islamabad in 1976 from ture. Ayub is gradually becoming a legend himself. found him cutting down wood in a his hometown of Mandi Bahauddin, He taught students math, Urdu and among his students, part of the dedica- “He is rendering a great service to neighborhood forest to make money about 170 kilometers from the capital to some basic English - though he had no tion that led Irfan Siddiqi, a senior advis- this society,” Siddiqi said. Students love for his family and persuaded him to find a job so he could take care of his training in teaching. He was always good er to the prime minister, to nominate him so much that they have marked come and study. “I want to become a seven siblings after his father died. Back at math, he says. When he started, most him for the ‘Pride of Performance’ award, out a corner of the land where they teacher like him and do the same,” home, he had struggled through a num- of the students were children who lived which is given to Pakistanis for contribu- plan to bury him when he dies so they Abbas said. “Had I not met him, I would ber of menial jobs. In Islamabad, he in the streets or worked during the day tions in various fields. Siddiqi, who is will continue to feel his influence even have remained illiterate.” — AP Afghanistan buries woman beaten to death by mob KABUL: An Afghan woman who was beat- permission of Farkhunda’s father, carried en to death by a mob was buried in Kabul her coffin from an ambulance into a yesterday, her coffin carried aloft by mosque for prayers, and then from the women’s rights activists. Hundreds of peo- mosque to her grave. ple gathered in northern Kabul for the The city’s head of criminal investigation, funeral of 27-year-old Farkhunda, who like Mohammad Farid Afzali, has said many Afghans is known by only one name. Farkhunda suffered an unspecified psychi- She was killed late Thursday by a mob of atric illness, but a neighbor told The mostly men who beat her, set her body on Associated Press that she was nearing the fire and then threw it into the Kabul River, end of a religious studies course and according to police accounts. Police are still preparing to become a teacher. “Everyone investigating what prompted the mob respected her, she was very religious and assault. never left her home without covering her President Ashraf Ghani condemned face with a hijab,” said Mirwais Afizi, 40, Farkhunda’s killing as a “heinous attack” who said he had lived on the same lane as and ordered an investigation. Following Farkhunda’s family all his life. “We never allegations that police stood by and did heard anything about her being mentally nothing to stop the fatal attack, Ghani said ill. She was about to graduate,” he said. it revealed “a fundamental issue” - the An Interior Ministry spokesman said ear- country’s police were too focused on the lier that Farkhunda’s family was staying in fight against the Taliban insurgency to con- protective care. Ghani put women’s rights centrate on community policing. and equality at the heart of his presidential His comments followed widespread campaign last year and has given his wife, condemnation of the killing. In Rula, a high public profile. A Christian of Afghanistan, women are generally treated Lebanese descent, she has spoken for as inferior, despite constitutional guaran- women’s rights in Afghanistan - a country tees of equality. Violence against women routinely named by international rights often goes unpunished. Some Afghan offi- groups as one of the world’s worst places cials and religious leaders sought to justify to be a woman. A screenshot from the viral spoof song ‘Beep It. Ban It.’ by Enna Da Rascalas. Farkhunda’s killing, alleging that she had Under the harsh Islamic rule of the burned a Quran. But at her graveside, the Taliban, who were ousted by a US-led inva- head of the Interior Ministry’s criminal sion in 2001, women were not permitted to investigation directorate, Gen. work, study or leave their homes without a Beep it! Bans fuel fears male relative. The new Afghan constitution ‘She is completely innocent’ guarantees women equal rights and pro- Mohammad Zahir, said no evidence had tection from violence but these standards been found to support those are still enforced haphazardly. The New of intolerance in India allegations.”We have reviewed all the evi- York-based Human Rights Watch issued a dence and have been unable to find any statement on what it called “the brutal single iota of evidence to support claims murder of a vulnerable woman by a mob that she had burned a Quran,” Zahir said. on Kabul’s streets” and called for the pun- ‘Ban becomes a way to eliminate problems’ “She is completely innocent.” He said that ishment of police officers who took no 13 people had been arrested in connection action to stop the killing. “The authorities NEW DELHI: “Don’t eat it, read it, see it, feel it,” debate and disorder, you can’t have a free democ- felt insulted by one of his books. Pressure from with her killing. Hundreds of people gath- need to prosecute those involved in this sings the Michael Jackson impersonator as she racy. It is just making life complex.” Historians Hindu activist groups was also instrumental in the ered at a graveyard in the middle-class sub- terrible crime and take action against any raps her way through a list of pleasures banned point out that the centre-left Congress party passing of a ban on beef earlier this month in the urb of Khair Khana, near Farkhunda’s home. police officers who let the mob have its by India’s conservative government before cho- which has ruled India for most of the post-inde- western state of Maharashtra, which encompass- Unusually for Afghanistan, women’s way,” said Patricia Gossman, HRW’s senior rusing: “Just beep it!” As the world’s largest pendence period has its own track record of bans, es the largest city Mumbai. Cows are sacred to rights activists wearing black and with the Afghanistan researcher. — AP democracy, India has long been proud of its tradi- particularly during the 1975-77 “Emergency” Hindus. The move has been interpreted in some tion of artistic, cultural and religious freedoms. under Indira Gandhi. British author Salman corners as another sign of growing intolerance in But a series of bans, ranging from eating beef to Rushdie’s 1988 book “The Satanic Verses” was for a country that is overwhelmingly Hindu but also watching the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie, has example banned here for allegedly insulting has sizeable Muslim, Christian and Buddhist sparked accusations of a growing climate of intol- Islam. But the last two decades has seen a general minorities. But Pavan Verma, who has written erance under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister relaxation on the part of the watchdogs with TV extensively about cultural and religious history in Narendra Modi. channels able to air shows like “Sex and the City” India, said a certain amount of censorship was Critics say the bans show how “thin-skinned” that would have once been considered too racy. understandable in order to avoid causing offence their politicians have become in the Internet age Even the Rushdie novel “Midnight’s Children”- in such a diverse country. where attempts to put a lid on offending material which is scathing about the Emergency-was are likely to backfire. The spoof of Jackson’s classic released in Indian cinemas in 2013, albeit without Co-existence “Beat It”, which was made by the Indian comedy the nudity. “India is a country of wide social discrepan- trio Enna Da Rascalas, has gone viral since being cies... that try to coexist with each other and it’s uploaded on YouTube last week, reflecting the ‘Climate of intolerance’ not an easy job to keep everyone happy all the backlash against blacklists. Shashi Tharoor, a best-selling author who is time,” Verma, a former head of the Indian Council Announcing a ban earlier this month on a also a Congress lawmaker, says the cultural cli- for Cultural Relations, told AFP. There was wide- British-made documentary about an infamous mate has definitely changed since Modi’s right- spread condemnation in India of January’s mur- 2012 gang-rape in Delhi, Home Minister Rajnath wing Bharatiya Janata Party came to power last derous attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Singh said the comments by one of the rapists May. “Our mounting concern is that there is a cli- Hebdo in Paris which had printed cartoons of the could fuel public anger. Days later, a government- mate of intolerance that has unfortunately been Prophet Mohammed. appointed board of censors blocked the release given free rein,” Tharoor said. But when the editor of a Mumbai-based Urdu of the erotic movie “Fifty Shades of Grey” in cine- “Positions which had always struck the Indian magazine reprinted one of the cartoons as a ges- mas, despite being shown a toned-down version. mainstream as being fringe positions have sud- ture of solidarity, she was arrested under laws And a comedy “roast” show that featured several denly become acceptable to the powers that against insulting religion. Tanmay Bhat, one of the KABUL: Afghan women rights activists carry the coffin of 27-year-old Farkhunda, an Bollywood stars has fallen foul of the authorities lead.” The former diplomat made his name with AIB comedy team at the centre of the obscenity Afghan woman who was beaten to death by a mob, during her funeral. — AP after being uploaded on the Internet and is now “The Great Indian Novel”, a satire that came out in row, said the wave of bans made little logical at the centre of an obscenity investigation over 1989 and is based on the epic Sanskrit poem sense but did reflect a general intolerance. “We some of its sexually explicit jokes. “For this gov- Mahabharata. Were it to be published today, (Indians) tend to have... an ostrich kind of mentali- Modi appeals to farmers on ernment, it seems a ban becomes the quickest Tharoor suspects it would be banned. ty,” he said at a New Delhi event last week. “We way to eliminate a problem,” Shiv Visvanathan, a Acclaimed Tamil-language author Perumal want to put our heads into the ground and be sociologist based in Haryana state, told AFP. Murugan quit writing altogether in January fol- like, ‘if I don’t like something then it’s got to go controversial land reforms “Bans do not tolerate disorder but without lowing protests by Hindu and caste groups who away’.” —AFP NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister farmers. My farmer brothers and sisters, I Narendra Modi appealed to farmers yes- cannot even think of committing such a terday to support his planned changes to sin,” he said. During the 30-minute rules on land purchases, amid rising oppo- address, Modi also said the government’s Fearing IS, Afghan’s Shiites seek help from enemies sition to a key reform of his right-wing door was open to more changes to the KABUL: Even by Afghanistan’s standards of Afghanistan over reports of Islamic State (IS) Shiite IS could introduce a new dimension of government. Modi, who swept to power in bill, which aims to make it easier for busi- often-shifting alliances, a recent meeting radicals gaining a foothold in a country already sectarian strife to the war. “Whether Daish general elections last May, has made nesses to acquire land for important infra- between ethnic Hazara elders and local com- weary of more than a decade of war with the exists or not, the psychological impact of it is changing the rules a major part of his structure projects. He repeatedly assured manders of the Taliban insurgents who have Taliban. very dangerous in Ghazni, which is home to all plans to kick-start industrial projects and farmers that the law did not favor indus- persecuted them for years was extraordinary. Back-to-back kidnappings within a month ethnicities,” Ghazni’s deputy Governor accelerate growth to create much-needed tries and that acquiring their land would jobs. But opposition parties joined forces “only be the last resort”. “This (bill) isn’t for The Hazaras - a largely Shiite minority killed in of two groups of Hazara travelers - by men Mohammad Ali Ahmadi told Reuters. “This last week to march on parliament against industries, not for corporates but it is for the thousands during the Taliban’s hard-line widely rumored, though far from proven, to could easily stir up tensions.” the proposed legislative changes in a rare farmers’ rights, for your benefit, your chil- Sunni Islamist rule of the 1990s - came to their claim fealty to IS - have many spooked. The show of unity, saying India’s millions of dren’s benefit and the betterment of your old enemies seeking protection against what current threat IS poses in Afghanistan, ‘Moving target’ poor farmers will be hard hit in favour of villages.” they deemed an even greater threat: masked observers say, is less about real military might Unlike in Iraq or Syria, IS controls no Afghan big business. The government issued a temporary men operating in the area calling themselves than the opportunity for disparate insurgent territory and operational links between local On his monthly radio show on yester- order in December making it easier to buy “Daish”, a term for Islamic State in the region. groups, including defectors from an increas- fighters and the group’s leadership are murky. day, Modi urged farmers not to be “misled land for projects. But the order lapses in In a sign of changing times, the Taliban ingly fractured Taliban, to band together under But reports of self-proclaimed IS fighters have by the lies and rumors” spread by his polit- April, and the government has so far failed commanders agreed to help, said Abdul Khaliq this global “brand” that controls swathes of been growing since last summer. In Kandahar, ical opponents, saying “I will not break to get a bill passed in both houses of par- Yaqubi, one of the elders at the meeting held Iraq and Syria. The fear is especially keen the Taliban’s birthplace, armed clashes your trust”. “Rumors were spreading that liament to make the changes perma- in the eastern province of Ghazni. The unusual among religious minorities like the Hazaras, between alleged IS fighters and local Taliban Modi is bringing in a law that is unfair to nent.—AFP pact is a window into deepening anxiety in who worry the influence of the fiercely anti- have been reported.—Reuters INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Philippines to let residents return after fighting eases

MANILA: Some of the 120,000 people dis- an estimated 140 of its fighters although placed by the Philippine army’s offensive the military has only recovered five of their against Muslim insurgents will soon be bodies, Petinglay said. Six soldiers have also allowed to return home now that violence been killed, she added. has eased, a spokeswoman said yesterday. There has been no new fighting since “We will determine which areas will be safe Monday, possibly indicating the BIFF has for evacuees to go back, areas already been weakened by its losses, Petinglay said. cleared of the Bangsamoro Islamic Petinglay said the government and private Freedom Fighters (BIFF),” said the regional relief organizations had enough supplies military spokeswoman Captain Joan for displaced people, but some of them Petinglay. would soon be allowed to return home The military in the troubled southern now that the situation was stabilizing. province of Maguindanao on Mindanao Islamic separatist insurgencies in the island in February launched an all-out south have claimed tens of thousands of operation against the BIFF, a small insur- lives since the 1970s. Although the MILF gent group fighting to set up an Islamic has signed an initial peace deal, a bungled state in the south of the largely Christian police raid has left the peace process in Philippines. It rejects a peace pact signed jeopardy A total of 44 police commandos by the much larger Moro Islamic Liberation hunting some of the country’s most want- Front (MILF) from which the BIFF split. ed extremists were killed on January 25 The UN refugee agency has warned that when they entered a Maguindanao strong- more than 120,000 people have fled their hold of the BIFF and other Muslim armed homes in the south due to the fighting. The groups. The incident has become an government has housed many of them in embarrassment to President Benigno schools, hampering educational activities. Aquino, who has been blamed for poor Since the operation began, the BIFF-which leadership and coordination of the opera- originally numbered about 300 — has lost tion.—AFP RIKUZENTAKATA: A Shinto shrine gate remains standing on a hill as sea walls are being built in the waterfront area in Iwate Prefecture, north- eastern Japan. —AP 1,000 detained in Japan opts for massive sea exam cheating NEW DELHI: Police have detained more in school exams across the state”. wall to fend off tsunamis than 1,000 people in eastern India over a “More than 1,000 people were cheating scandal that saw relatives scale detained, half of them were parents and the walls of a school exam centre to help teachers while the other half consisted People divided over enormous undertaking students, a senior officer said yesterday. of friends and relatives,” Pandey said. Images last week showed dozens of “Fifty percent have been released but I SENDAI: Four years after a towering tsunami most homes in densely populated suburbs not they would have no idea what to do in case of a people clinging to the windows of a believe that the others are still probably ravaged much of Japan’s northeastern coast, far from the beach. catastrophe,” he said. Despite pockets of opposi- four-storey building to pass cheat sheets in jail,” he added. “We don’t treat them as efforts to fend off future disasters are focusing The city repaired the broken sea walls but tion, getting people to agree to forego the sea in the state of Bihar, where more than hardened, professional criminals. That’s on a nearly 400-kilometer chain of cement sea doesn’t plan to make them any taller. Instead, walls and opt instead for Hosokawa’s “Great 1.4 million teenagers are sitting their why we release them. Our purpose is to walls, at places nearly five stories high. Iguchi was one of the first local officials to back a Forest Wall” plan is a tough sell, says Tomoaki school-leaving exams. let them know that they have commit- Opponents of the 820 billion yen ($6.8 billion) plan championed by former Prime Minister Takahashi, whose job is to win support for the Other images broadcast on local ted a serious offence,” Pandey said. He plan argue that the massive concrete barriers Morihiro Hosokawa to plant mixed forests along forest project in local communities. television showed school staff and added that two policemen have been will damage marine ecology and scenery, hinder the coasts on tall mounds of soil or rubble, to “Actually, many people are in favor of the sea armed police officers standing by as arrested and ten others have been dis- vital fisheries and actually do little to protect res- help create a living “green wall” that would per- walls, because they will create jobs,” said people smuggled in study aids to can- missed from the force for their connec- idents who are mostly supposed to relocate to sist long after the concrete of the bigger, man- Takahashi. “But even people who really don’t like didates inside examination centers. tion to the cheating. The images went higher ground. Those in favor say the sea walls made structures has crumbled. the idea also feel as if they would be shunned if Bihar additional director general of viral on Twitter and made national head- are a necessary evil, and one that will provide “We don’t need the sea wall to be higher. they don’t go along with those who support the police Gupteshwar Pandey said lines late last week, stirring Bihar Chief some jobs, at least for a time. What we do need is for everyone to evacuate,” plan,” he said. While the “Great Forest Wall” being upwards of 1,000 people have been Minister Nitish Kumar and his govern- In the northern fishing port of Osabe, Iguchi said. “The safest thing is for people to live planted in some areas would not stave off flood- rounded up and put in jail, but have ment into action. Kazutoshi Musashi chafes at the 12.5-meter - on higher ground and for people’s homes and ing, it would slow tsunamis and weaken the not been formally charged with a “Reports of cheating in examinations high concrete barrier blocking his view of the their workplaces to be in separate locations. If force of their waves. As waters recede, the vege- criminal offence. Instead, they are has drawn a bad name to Bihar... I have sea. “The reality is that it looks like the wall of a we do that, we don’t need to have a ‘Great Wall,’” tation would help prevent buildings and other being made to pay fines ranging from issued a strict order to stop rampant jail,” said Musashi, 46, who lived on the seaside he said. While the lack of basic infrastructure can debris from flowing back out to sea. Such proj- 2,000 rupees ($32) up to tens of thou- cheating in ongoing examinations,” before the tsunami struck Osabe and has moved be catastrophic in developing countries, too ects would also allow rain water to flow back sands of rupees, depending on their Kumar said on Saturday, according to inland since. Pouring concrete for public works is heavy a reliance on such safeguards can lead into the sea, a vital element of marine ecology. involvement in the cheating, to secure the Press Trust of India news agency. It is a staple strategy for the ruling Liberal communities to be too complacent at times, Some voices in unexpected places are urging their release from lock up. Pandey said not the first time that exam cheating has Democratic Party and its backers in big business says Margareta Wahlstrom, head of the UN’s a rethink of the plan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s parents and teachers were among the been exposed in Bihar-more than 1,600 and construction, and local officials tend to go Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. wife, Akie, offered numerous objections to main culprits “who were found cheat- students were disqualified in 2013 after along with such plans. “There’s a bit of an over belief in technology cementing the northeast coast in a speech in ing or cooperating with the cheating similar videos emerged. —AFP as a solution, even though everything we have New York last September. She said the walls may Grave risks learned demonstrates that people’s own insights prevent residents from keeping an eye out for The paradox of such projects, experts say, is and instincts are really what makes a difference, future tsunamis and would be costly to maintain that while they may reduce some damage, they and technology in fact makes us a bit more vul- for already dwindling coastal communities. can foster complacency. That can be a grave risk nerable,” Wahlstrom said in an interview ahead “Please do not proceed even if it’s already along coastlines vulnerable to tsunamis, storm of a recent conference in Sendai convened to decided,” she said. Instead of a one-size-fits-all surges and other natural disasters. At least some draft a new framework for reducing disaster policy, she suggested making the plan more of the 18,500 people who died or went missing risks. flexible. “I ask, is building high sea walls to shield in the 2011 disasters failed to heed warnings to In the steelmaking town of Kamaishi, more the coast line really, really the best?” escape in time. Tsuneaki Iguchi was mayor of than 1,000 people died in the 2011 tsunami, but Rikuzentakata, a small city near Osabe whose Iwanuma, a town just south of the region’s most school students fled to safety zones imme- downtown area was wiped out by the tsunami, biggest city, Sendai, when the tsunami triggered diately after the earthquake, thanks to training is building a higher sea wall, but also moving by a magnitude-9 earthquake just off the coast by a civil engineering professor, Toshitaka many tons of earth to raise the land well above inundated half of its area. Katada. The risk is not confined to Japan, said sea level. A 7.2-meter -high sea wall built years earlier Maarten van Aalst, director of the Red Cross/Red Local leader Takeshi Konno said no construc- to help stave off erosion of Iwanuma’s beaches Crescent Climate Center, who sees this in the tion project will eliminate the need for coastal slowed the wall of water, as did stands of tall, attitudes of fellow Dutch people who trust in residents to protect themselves. “What I want to thin pine trees planted along the coast. But the their low-lying country’s defenses against the stress is that no matter what people try to cre- tsunami still swept up to 5 kilometers inland. sea. ate, it won’t beat nature, so we humans need to Passengers and staff watched from the upper find a way to co-exist with nature,” Konno said. floors and roof of the airport as the waves car- ‘Save your life’ “Escaping when there is danger - the most INCHEON: South Korean honor guards stand as they wait for the arrival of New ried off cars, buildings and aircraft, smashing “The public impression of safety is so high, important thing is to save your life.” — AP Zealand Prime Minister John Key at Incheon International Airport. Key arrived yes- terday in South Korea for a three-day visit to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of issues, including trade and economy. — AP Religion helps Vanuatu Indonesia leader eyes through cyclone shock

defense on Japan trip SAAMA: Celine Jimmy prayed three times under construction for two years but collapsed try, with planes, helicopters and ships mobilized before running out of a clubhouse into the dark- during the storm, Pastor Jimmy Obas looked to deliver them to the far flung islands of the TOKYO: Indonesian President Joko Widodo experiences in protecting its waters,” he ness to a family home as Cyclone Pam roared exhausted but struck a positive note. archipelago. But for some villages such as Saama will arrive in Tokyo late today, kicking off a told the Yomiuri. China has had occasional- through her village in Vanuatu, her four children “I’m thinking about what sermons I should that have yet to receive any government aid, week-long tour of Japan and China aimed ly tense confrontations with Japan and close by her side. “The trees were falling down preach on how to help them,” the 52-year-old support has come through donations from other at attracting investment and boosting Southeast Asian countries-the Philippines and we jumped over them,” Jimmy, 42, said in said. His wife, Leah Obas, has already decided churches or individual Christians. defense co-operation. “We want to develop and Vietnam in particular-over maritime Saama village some 76 kilometers north of the what to tell the children who attend her Sunday One batch of food came from a visiting (infrastructure) with particular focus on disputes in the East China Sea and the capital Port Vila, of her race to move to a build- school church classes. “I will tell them that God Australian psychiatrist, Colin Kable, who has electric power plants, railways and express South China Sea, respectively. ing with more shelter. “The next morning, we cared for them,” she said. “We did not have any- been supporting the village’s school set up by a ways. I would like to ask Prime Minister Indonesia “is ready to play a role of thanked God because he protected us.” More one lose their lives. None of us died.” Christian organization several years ago. Kable Shinzo Abe for co-operation on this issue,” mediator”, Widodo told NHK. Widodo has than a week after the maximum category five The death toll from the tempest, according to arrived at Saama Saturday with more than 50 Widodo said in footage aired by Japan’s vowed to boost Indonesia’s economic storm destroyed the crops she grew to feed her the UN, is currently 16, although the govern- kilograms of rice, mineral water, canned tuna, public broadcaster NHK. growth, which slipped to its slowest pace in family, Jimmy’s neighbor Glenes Lulu is also ment insists it is only 11. Despite the low num- medical supplies and balloons for the children. Widodo, who took office in October, will five years in 2014, and is seeking new praying, asking God for rain to help seeds grow ber of deaths, the government and aid agencies Watching the food being distributed, Euan be in Japan until Wednesday and will meet investment. The president, nicknamed and so she can have clean water to drink. have warned of a food crisis, with many people Chuck, 49, said he had been attending the daily Abe as well as Japanese businessmen. Jokowi, will also meet Emperor Akihito dur- Religion is important in Vanuatu, whose pop- fast running out of crops to eat and fresh drink- 7pm devotion in the Presbyterian Church’s old Widodo told the Yomiuri Shimbun that he ing the trip, which is his first as leader out- ulation is largely Christian, with the majority ing water sources. building to pray for other villages across the and Abe would sign a memorandum on side Southeast Asia. Widodo, in China from Protestants and about 12 percent Catholic. Large packages of food, water and other islands. “We pray for them-we are just the same. boosting defense co-operation. He said March 26 to 27, will meet President Xi There are also so-called cargo cults, which most- basic supplies are being brought into the coun- Everyone needs something,” he said. —AFP that China’s claim to virtually all of the Jinping and Chinese businessmen. He will ly sprang up during World War II, when hun- South China Sea “has no legal foundation also participate in the Boao Forum for Asia- dreds of thousands of American troops poured supported by international law”. “We would an annual gathering of political and eco- into the islands, bringing supplies. absolutely like to learn Japan’s excellent nomic leaders. — AFP Most have fizzled out although the John Frum movement on Tanna Island, badly-hit by the cyclone, continues to have a significant fol- Police embarrassed after raid lowing, with believers expecting the mythical Frum to return bearing loads of cargo from on brothels finds colleagues America. Tanna is also home to the Prince Philip Movement, which reveres Queen Elizabeth II’s NEW DELHI: Police in eastern Indian were managed to escape-and then made his husband, worshipping him as a divine being. left red-faced when a raid on a sex district own way back to jail in Koderma city in Since the cyclone hit on March 13 — affecting discovered four of their own along with a Jharkhand, the paper said. about half of Vanuatu’s 267,000-strong popula- convicted murderer whom they were sup- “We have ordered a probe and suspend- tion, according to the United Nations-faith- posed to be guarding, a report said yester- ed the four policemen until further notice,” based organizations have joined humanitarian day. The four constables had been tasked Jharkhand director general of police DK agencies in rushing to the Pacific nation to help. with transporting the murderer from a jail Pandey told the newspaper. Jharkhand, in the underdeveloped state of Jharkhand one of India’s poorest states which are Sermons to preach to hospital for a check-up, the Hindustan grappling with a Maoist insurgency, has In Saama, Christianity plays a central role in Times reported. seen several security lapses in recent years. the village’s activities. Two small, unfinished But the officers decided to make a 206- Thirteen prisoners escaped from custody in concrete churches-one Presbyterian and the kilometer detour to visit the red-light area December in Jharkhand by throwing chilli other Assemblies of God-stand out between the in the town of Asansol across the border in powder at their guards. Police shot dead wooden and metal sheeting homes, painstak- West Bengal state, the newspaper said. two more of the prisoners during the get- ingly built slab by slab over several years from West Bengal police rounded up the four as away, staged as they were being transport- villagers’ donations. Standing beside the PORT VILA: People take shelter at the Apostolic Church of Tagabe, a district of Port Vila, on part of the raid although the murderer ed back to a jail. — AFP Assemblies of God church, which had been March 20, 2015, after Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu. -—AFP NEWS MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

A squirrel, silhouetted against the morning sky, walks on an overhead telephone cable in Managua, Nicaragua, yesterday. — AP

US Marine Corps urges ‘vigilance’ ‘Dizziness’ tobacco hooking UAE teens Continued from Page 1 three months ago “with the help of a close friend”, after he was Continued from Page 1 cern.” The United States is leading an international coali- suspended from school for a few days. “When I first stopped, I tion targeting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, “Smoking medwakh is mainstream here,” said Omar (not his started getting a need to use it,” he said, but now he feels “fresh The self-proclaimed IS Hacking Division claimed it where the Islamist militants have taken over swaths of real name). “Almost everyone” he knows at his Abu Dhabi and healthy”. When he smoked it, Clique-C says medwakh gave took the information from government servers, data- territory. IS has claimed responsibility for hacking school smokes it, mainly the boys, he added. Its appeal has him “comfort”. “It was like a pain-reliever. It made my head feel bases and emails and called on its followers to mount attacks in the United States in the past, including even become international, with one Emirati expatriate family so light.” attacks. A defense source, however, told The New York against Central Command, which oversees the air war setting up a medwakh import business in the United States, Although some schools carry out random bag searches for Times most of the information was in fact available in against the IS group. according to Alan Blum, a tobacco expert at the University of medwakh, Emirati authorities appear to be looking the other public records and did not appear to have been hacked In January, the hacked Centcom Twitter feed posted Alabama. way for now. “I have many times seen cases where police cars from government servers. The IS Hacking Division said what appeared to be an office phone directory of offi- Omar appears to know little about the tobacco he smokes would pass by with obviously small kids standing at the corner the 100 military staff had targeted the Islamic State cers that was slightly out of date, forcing the military three to four times a day and which leaves him dizzy for a few and smoking it,” Omar said. “But they just pass by, look at them, group in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. temporarily to take down the command’s Twitter feed. seconds each go. Asked what he thinks it may contain, he and don’t even stop.” The teenager says he is struggling to stop “With the huge amount of data we have from various The words “CyberCaliphate” and “I love you ISIS” replied: “It’s tobacco with spices maybe? It’s not as bad as ciga- smoking medwakh as “it’s everywhere and legal”. “I hate myself different servers and databases, we have decided to replaced Central Command’s usual logo on Twitter and rettes. I don’t know if it’s addictive.” His 17-year-old Lebanese for it,” he said, fearful of what his mother might do if she found leak 100 addresses so that our brothers residing in YouTube before the pages were suspended. This month, classmate - Clique-C - said he stopped smoking medwakh out about the habit. “I definitely want to quit.” — AFP America can deal with you,” the group wrote. “Now we the FBI said it was investigating a string of hacks that have made it easy for you by giving you addresses, all defaced US websites with imagery from the Islamic you need to do is take the final step, so what are you State jihadist group. Houthis seize strategic Yemeni city waiting for?” Websites including a racecar speedway in the state NATO commander Philip Breedlove called the publi- of Ohio, a used-clothes store in Missouri and a church in Continued from Page 1 140 worshippers, raising tensions and leading the Houthis to announce a military mobilisation against the militants. Yesterday, cation an attempt by IS to divert attention from military Canada were defaced with the radical group’s black flag. But Gulf Arab leaders and security officials on Saturday said anti-aircraft guns opened fire at an unidentified plane flying over setbacks. “What we have seen across the last several Attacks against similar low-profile websites were also Hadi was Yemen’s legitimate ruler and they were ready to make Hadi’s compound in Aden and appeared to force it away, witness- months is that every time they take a defeat on the bat- recorded in Montana, New York, Massachusetts and “all efforts” to defend the country’s security. “Yemen is sliding into es said, in the third incident of its kind since last Thursday. tlefield, or every time they are under great pressure on Minnesota. The Islamic state group has relied on an a dark tunnel which would have serious consequences not only US officials said Washington had evacuated its remaining per- the battlefield, they come out with kind of some big aggressive propaganda campaign online to appeal to on Yemen but on security and stability in the region,” the officials, sonnel from Yemen, including around 100 special operations splash like this,” he said at a conference in Brussels. “This possible recruits to join and support the violent who included Saudi Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin forces, because of worsening security, marking a setback in US caliphate, I think, is under great pressure and so they try Islamists in Iraq and Syria. US commanders and senior Nayef, said. “The security of Yemen and of the GCC countries is an efforts against a powerful Al-Qaeda branch. The Houthis are to divert attention from what is happening on the bat- officials have previously said the IS group has shown a indivisible whole,” it added. allied with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, still influential in tlefield,” he added. great acumen for propaganda and for promoting itself Yemen’s struggle for power intensified on Thursday, when loy- the military despite having given up power in 2011 after mass A defense department official told AFP they were to potential jihadist recruits. The group has called for so- alists and opponents of Hadi fought gun battles in Aden. The protests against his rule. The Yemeni army has varied loyalties, investigating the posting. “I can’t confirm the validity of called lone wolf, or freelance, attacks in coalition coun- fighting paused by nightfall, but suicide bombings against a with most units being controlled by the Houthis or Saleh, while the information, but we are looking into it,” the official tries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and Houthi mosque claimed by Islamic State militants killed nearly some are loyal to Hadi. — Agencies said. “The safety of our service members is always a con- Italy. — AFP Obama rips Bibi over comments Kuwait striving to meet drinking water... Continued from Page 1 The Israeli leader opposes any accommodation with Continued from Page 1 Day was first observed in 1993, in conformity with the Tehran and came to Washington during his election cam- recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Such a move would represent a major inflection point for paign to address US lawmakers, denouncing the agree- Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the United Environment and Development contained in chapter 18 US-Israeli relations, the likes of which has not been seen in ment under negotiation as a “bad deal”. Obama, however, Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kuwait Dima (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21. years, or perhaps decades. was cautiously optimistic about the progress of the nuclear Al-Khatib lauded Kuwait’s mega projects which aim to Each year, one of various UN agencies involved in It is now more than 30 years since former president talks while acknowledging the bitterness between Iran and meet the growing demand for drinking water. She also water issues take the lead in promoting and coordi- Ronald Reagan allowed anti-Israel resolutions to pass at the Israel. “Obviously, there’s significant skepticism in Israel UN after Israel bombed Iraq’s nuclear facilities. During their generally about Iran, and understandably. Iran has made highlighted various challenges facing Kuwait’s plans to nating international activities for World Water Day. A phone call, Obama said he told Netanyahu that “it is going to vile comments, anti-Semitic comments, comments about produce and achieve self-sufficiency of high-quality number of NGOs promoting clean water and sustain- be hard to find a path where people are seriously believing the destruction of Israel. It is precisely for that reason that potable water. Several keynote speeches were also able aquatic habitats have used World Day for Water that negotiations are possible”. even before I became president, I said Iran could not have delivered at the event, which included a variety of activ- as a time to focus public attention on the critical Netanyahu’s reelection will also not greatly affect Obama’s a nuclear weapon,” Obama added. ities such an exhibition as well as an awareness per- water issues of our era. World Water Day activities defense of any deal reached with Iran, the US president said. “What is going to have an effect on whether we get a formance by school students. include visual art, theatrical and musical celebrations “I don’t think it will have a significant impact,” Obama told The deal done is, number one, is Iran prepared to show, to World Water Day aims to increase people’s awareness of water, educational events on the importance of Huffington Post. Iran and six world powers are in negotia- prove to the world that it is not developing a nuclear of water’s importance in all aspects of life. It is held on clean water and protecting water resources, cam- tions to clinch a landmark deal that would have the country weapon, and can we verify that in an intrusive, consistent March 22 each year. The international observance of paigns and events to raise money for access to clean scale back its controversial nuclear program in return for way,” Obama said. “Frankly, they have not yet made the World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the and affordable water, special broadcasts on television relief from sanctions. Western powers in London affirmed kind of concessions that are I think going to be needed for 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and and radio and the Internet, walks, runs and swimming their “unity of purpose” in Iran nuclear talks Saturday, urging a final deal to get done. But they have moved, and so Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. World Water competitions. — KUNA the Islamic Republic to take “difficult decisions.” there’s the possibility.”— AFP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues US MNCs set to face pain from strong dollar

By Sinead Carew

he surging value of the US dollar may be posing the biggest threat to US corporate earnings since the 2008 Tfinancial crisis, hurting results at most US-based multina- tionals. Some on Wall Street are even talking about an earnings recession. The dollar’s gain of 22 percent in the past 12 months against a basket of major currencies has landed a double wham- my on US companies with big sales abroad. Revenue and earn- ings from foreign markets are worth less when translated into greenbacks and their costs become relatively less competitive against rivals producing in countries with declining currencies. Dollar moves of this magnitude in the past have resulted in what Bank of America/Merrill Lynch strategists term an “earnings recession,” which is generally defined as at least two successive quarters of declining earnings from the year-earlier quarters. The brokerage says that a 25 percent gain in the US dollar in a 12- No Amazon? No problem for Pak pioneers month period has historically coincided with a 10 percent decline in the market’s earnings per share. That hasn’t happened yet - but the downward trend is clear. By Guillaume Lavallée He launch Homeshopping.pk, an online inside Pakistan, and the business primarily CEO of Frontier Digital Ventures, a venture Wall Street analysts currently estimate earnings growth of 1.3 commerce site that today deals with 500 takes cash on delivery because most people capital fund based in Malaysia that recently percent for 2015, down from a forecast of 8.1 percent at the or Shayaan Tahir, it all began when an transactions per day and employees 65 do not have credit cards. More recently the invested in Zameen.com and beginning of the year, according to Thomson Reuters data. The order he placed on Amazon for a new people. site began accepting online bank transfers. Pakwheels.com. “In order to surf, you need S&P 500’s earnings per share are expected to drop 3.1 percent in FiPod was rejected because the online Products are delivered within 24 hours Despite some security concerns and a a wave, and the wave is here,” added the first quarter and 0.7 percent in the second quarter before giant would not deliver electronics to handful of customers who refused to pay Frenchman Gilles Blanchard, co-founder of recovering modestly in the second-half of the year. Pakistan. Frustrated, he decided to take for an item once it had been delivered, it’s a the site Seloger.com who has invested in Nearly one-fifth of S&P 500 companies have warned on earn- matters into his own hands and founded formula that has so far worked. Other Pakistani startup Zameen.com. ings for the first quarter, with at least 49 companies mentioning one of Pakistan’s first e-commerce ventures young entrepreneurs have followed Tahir Di Gregorio and Blanchard are among the effects of the dollar on results, according to Thomson - a sector that today is booming. That was and today there is a host of online shops the foreign investors who are hoping to Reuters. “This is just the beginning,” said Richard Bernstein, veter- seven years ago. Like thousands of other selling everything from consumer goods - cash in ahead of any move by the global an Wall Street strategist and now CEO of Richard Bernstein young Pakistanis, Tahir was working at a shophive.com and daraz.pk - to real estate - giants to acquire local companies. “When Advisors in New York. “This impact of the dollar on US earnings call centre in the city of Karachi, the coun- zameen.com - and even cars - Amazon and Alibaba come in ... they would could last for three to seven years. It may not happen every quar- try’s violent, freewheeling economic hub pakwheels.com. not want to build anything from scratch. It’s ter but there’s a secular risk to US earnings, primarily to multina- located on the Arabian Sea. Target: 100 Million Customers going to take too much time,” said Muneeb tionals, as the dollar appreciates.” He had saved hard to buy himself an Pakistan is better known abroad for its Maayr, co-founder of the site Daraz.pk, Expectations for S&P 500 earnings are expected to keep iPod - only to have his purchase blocked. violent attacks by Taleban militants, but which sees around 1,000 sales per day. His falling as companies tally the dollar impact on results in the next He enlisted a cousin in the United States to these entrepreneurs are more focussed on goal is for his firm to one day be acquired few weeks. Take chemicals producer DuPont, for example. On Jan send him three of Apple’s music players. its 30 million Internet users, roughly 15 per- by one of the foreign behemoths. 27, the company forecast full-year earnings of $4.00 to $4.20 for Tahir kept one and sold the other two via cent of the population. The total volume of For now, young Pakistani entrepreneurs 2015 after a 60-cent negative drag from the dollar, based on its classified ads. And that was when the idea online sales was around $35 million last are battling among themselves for market level on Jan 23. Since that time, the dollar index, which measures hit him: to create his own Amazon-like site year, according to industry officials-a tiny share, said Maayr, a former investment the dollar against six different major currencies - the euro, yen, for Pakistan, a country of almost 200 mil- fraction of the sales seen by global giant banker at Bear Stearns. The rivalry is push- pound, Swiss franc, Swedish krona and Canadian dollar - has lion people that has been all but forgotten Amazon, Alibaba in China or Flipkart in ing sites to offer better services and driving gained nearly 3.5 percent. Jefferies analyst Laurence Alexander by the web giants ubiquitous in the West. neighbouring India. But experts agree up the number of customers, observers say. estimated in a March 11 note that DuPont’s currency hit for 2015 Amazon, for example, can only sell limit- there is potential. Before he invested in Zameen.com, earnings will be an additional 5 to 10 cents. Dupont, whose quar- ed products to Pakistan via its British site, at The arrival last year of 3G and 4G mobile Blanchard admits that he knew “nothing terly results are due on April 21, declined to comment. a hefty mark-up. “Once I realised I cannot In this photo taken on March 14, networks - years behind other emerging about Pakistan”. “I had heard talk on the TV The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered its expectations buy anything from Amazon... I realised that 2015, Shayaan Tahir, CEO of markets - has proved a further boon to about the Taleban, tribal zones and stuff, for US economic growth and inflation over the next two years in if I cannot get it and I want something from online commerce in the country. “Basically and I thought to myself, why not?” the Amazon then there might be others like me Homeshopping.pk, poses at his call the 30 million could be 100 million in the Frenchman said, eying its large population what was widely seen as an acknowledgment that the soaring centre in Karachi. —AFP dollar has stalled its plan to start raising interest rates. That tem- who want the same product,” said Tahir, 29. next few years,” said Shaun Di Gregorio, and little-known local talent. —AFP porarily arrested the dollar’s sharp gains, but many strategists see the greenback continuing to rally, with Goldman Sachs predict- ing the euro will fall more than 10 percent in the next 12 months Aden: Refuge of president and target to $0.95 from $1.082 late on Friday. International revenues account for about one-third of S&P 500 sales, according to By Hamza Hendawi by his defense minister, Maj-Gen Mahmoud Al- tribal, inward-facing Sanaa. crat in power since 1978. An accord brokered in Goldman Sachs data, and more than 40 percent for technology, Subaihi, to retake the city. Aden was the capital of an independent South 2012 by US-allied Gulf nations removed Saleh and materials, energy and industrial companies. The dollar’s gains are his port city, perched on an extinct volcano Yemen for decades until unification in 1990. installed Hadi, but Saleh remained in the country a boon for rivals in Europe and elsewhere that have more of their protruding into the Arabian Sea on Yemen’s Turmoil Today, secessionist sentiment remains strong - and his loyalists continued to hold powerful posi- costs in currencies, such as the euro, that have declined and will far southern edge, has become perhaps the The drama in the south is just one part of many pro-Hadi militiamen in the streets wave the tions in the government, the military and the secu- get the translation benefits from dollar sales. T last refuge of the country’s embattled president, Yemen’s turmoil. Around the country, Al-Qaeda red, white, black and blue flags of the former rity forces. Saudi Arabia and the US strongly For instance, European aircraft maker Airbus Group NV could and it feels like now all his enemies are bearing militants have been battling the Shiite rebels, South Yemen. Billboards welcoming Hadi to the backed Hadi, and the new president proved a eventually see an improvement in margins as it translates dollar down on it. Driven out of the capital, Sanaa, by known as Houthis, and in some places Sunni city hang on many streets, along with pro-Hadi stauncher ally to the US than Saleh in the fight revenues back into euros. Its hedging of sales at a much lower Shiite rebels who have taken over much of the tribesman have allied with the militants. A new graffiti on the walls. Since he arrived, Hadi has against Al-Qaeda’s branch in the country. dollar exchange rate will, though, delay the full impact for years. north, President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the alarming sign came Friday when suicide bombers issued calls for volunteers to join the army, a move Ever since, Hadi has accused his ousted pred- The company may also have room to price more competitively to remains of his government have made Aden their hit two mosques in Sanaa controlled by the his camp depicts as an attempt to build a military ecessor of undermining him. Saleh is widely win major contests against rival Boeing , though it may prefer to provisional capital. If they lose here, Hadi - the man Houthis, killing more than 130 people in a devas- that stands above tribal, personal or regional loy- thought to be seeking to avenge his ouster and focus on boosting profits rather than increasing market share. the US had hoped would stabilize the chaotic tating attack that may signal the emergence of a alties. So far an estimated 20,000 men in Aden to ensure that his son, career army officer Ahmed, nation and fight Al-Qaeda’s powerful branch - likely new branch of the Islamic State group, the alone have volunteered. is Yemen’s next president. Now Saleh has openly Big Companies Warn will fall, plunging Yemen into a civil war. extremists who are seeking to supplant Al-Qaeda “The protection of Aden is a task the presi- allied himself with the Houthis, using his influ- North American public companies could give up more than In his first speech since fleeing Sanaa, Hadi on region-wide as the flagship for Islamic militants. dent must prioritize,” Hadi adviser Sultan Al- ence in the military to facilitate their expansion. $25 billion in revenues in the first quarter alone, because of cur- Saturday denounced the rebel takeover as “a coup Hadi fled Sanaa last month after escaping Atwany told the AP. “We need to build a new Like the Houthis, Saleh follows the Shiite Zaydi rency-related volatility, said Wolfgang Koester, chief executive of against constitutional legitimacy” and declared sect which exists almost exclusively in Yemen. FiREapps, a foreign exchange data analytics firm in Phoenix, Aden the country’s “temporary capital”. The city is Hadi’s forces were able to fend off the airport Arizona. The fourth-quarter effect was about $18.66 billion, visibly expecting assault, whether from the forces of assault by the pro-Saleh police commandos on according to Koester. Among those that have warned are tech- Hadi’s rival, ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Thursday and even subsequently took the com- nology giant IBM , semiconductor maker Intel Corp, apparel who has allied himself with the Shiite rebels, or from mandos’ base. But the extended public gunbattle retailer Michael Kors, fashion accessories company Fossil Group, Al-Qaeda militants. Army and police forces loyal to underlined the fragility of the city’s defenses. and industrial conglomerate Honeywell , all of which have said Hadi and their allied militiamen patrol Aden’s streets During the fighting, a warplane flown by Saleh’s results would be hit by currency issues. and man checkpoints at key locations. Tanks guard loyalists attacked Hadi’s residence. The three Companies have been rushing to increase their protection roads leading to the city and children are largely bombs missed the palace, and Hadi was not against further dollar strength through increased hedging, though staying home from school. there at the time. But the raid signaled that his that adds to costs and if mismanaged can create risks of its own. “There are great fears that plans are underway opponents are aiming to kill him - or at least “We have seen a huge increase in the number of our clients that for Aden to meet the same fate as Sanaa,” Nayef Al- show him they can. are hedging - they have doubled or tripled. We have also seen a Bakry, Aden’s deputy governor, told AP. Referring huge increase in the percentage of their exposure that they’re to Saleh and the Shiite rebels, “they want to extend Threat hedging,” said David Pierce, director of business development at their reach on both the ground and on the coast”. Meanwhile, Aden also faces a looming threat GPS Capital Markets, a Salt Lake City-based corporate FX broker- Early this week, Hadi’s forces fended off an attempt from Al-Qaeda. The group’s capture of nearby al- age firm that helps clients hedge currency exposure. —Reuters by police commandos loyal to Saleh to capture the Houta is its first major seizure of territory since airport. But there are still two army units loyal to 2011, when it held parts of nearby Abyan and Saleh in the city. And on Sunday, the Shiite rebels, Shabwa provinces for more than a year until backed by forces loyal to Saleh, seized Yemen’s Hadi’s forces drove them out with US backing. All articles appearing on these third largest city, Taiz, 140 km to the northwest of Aden has since 2011 seen an uptick of suicide pages are the personal opinion of Aden. Officials here fear it is a prelude to an attack bombings, assassinations and attacks targeting the writers. Kuwait Times takes no on Aden. In this photo taken on Saturday, children play football in an open field in intelligence and military officials - mostly blamed The takeover of Taiz, known as the “gateway Aden. —AP on Al-Qaeda. The security and military officials responsibility for views expressed to the south,” followed the arrival there two days said Aden has in recent months seen a steady therein. Kuwait Times invites read- ago of a column of 20 armored fighting vehicles house arrest under the Houthis, who took over army, one that owes allegiance to the country infiltration of Al-Qaeda fighters. ers to voice their opinions. Please and 30 truckloads of Shiite rebel fighters and the capital in September. Aden is Yemen’s second and not anyone else.” But the bulk of Aden’s secu- On Thursday, at least 300 inmates in Aden’s pro-Saleh troops. Equally worrying, Al-Qaeda most important city and the country’s economic rity is in the hands of pro-Hadi militiamen main jail - including several Al-Qaeda fighters and send submissions via email to: opin- militants on Friday took a city on Aden’s hub, and as long as Hadi was here he could rea- grouped in what are officially known as the leaders - were freed by forces loyal to Saleh, said [email protected] or via snail doorstep, Al-Houta, capital of neighboring Lahj sonably claim to still be president. Moreover, he “Popular Committees,” a rag-tag army of southern officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. province. Al-Qaeda fighters now have positions chose Aden because as a southerner he has con- tribesmen who took part in the military cam- because they were not authorized to speak to only 20 km from Aden. Hadi on Saturday siderable support in the region. Aden has been at paign against Al-Qaeda in nearby Abyan and journalists. The officials said Al-Qaeda in Yemen The editor reserves the right to edit accused Saleh’s forces, which had held Al-Houta, the center of trade in the Indian Ocean for cen- Shabwa provinces in 2012. was weakened since its expulsion from Abyan and any submission as necessary. of intentionally surrendering it to the militants to turies. Its populace has long seen itself as more Hadi came to office in the aftermath of the Shabwa but has been regrouping, in part ener- create even more chaos, and he sent a force led sophisticated and distinct from mountainous, 2011 Arab Spring uprising against Saleh, the auto- gized by opposition to the Shiite Houthis. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 SPORTS

Calls for video technology German GP offer rejected Els cleared of violation LONDON: Video technology should be introduced to English football to help ref- GERMANY: Formula One world champions Mercedes have revealed that BAY HILL: Four-times major winner Ernie Els was questioned by officials for a erees avoid errors after West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley was they tried to keep the German Grand Prix on this year’s calendar but an possible rules violation before being cleared at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on sent off in a case of mistaken identity on Saturday, referees’ chief Mike Riley said. offer of financial assistance was rejected and the race was struck off. “The Saturday. Television showed Els touching his wedge in long grass in a hazard at McAuley was shown the red card after 90 seconds against Manchester City when German GP is a core race on the Formula One calendar and we have a sig- the par-five sixth hole during the third round at Bay Hill in Florida. referee Neil Swarbrick failed to identify Craig Dawson as the culprit in bringing nificant interest in this race taking place,” the German carmaker said in a However, tour rules official Steve Rintoul could not determine from watching down Wilfried Bony when he was through on goal. Manchester City went on to statement. “Mercedes-Benz has participated in discussions and offered a the video whether the South African grounded his club, which would have win the game 3-0. significant contribution to support a successful German GP, at the resulted in a two-stroke penalty. “We need to see what technology we can use to help get referees’ decisions Hockenheimring, in 2015. This offer was unfortunately not accepted.” more accurate,” Riley, head of the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), “The tape didn’t show that the club was grounded, even though the clubhead Media reports indicated Mercedes had been willing to cover half of any was in the grass,” Rintoul told Reuters. Head rules official Mark Russell spoke to told BBC radio. “Football as a whole has to look at it.” “Neil had potential losses and to pay for a significant amount of promotion. four or five elements to judge in half a second and it is that Els after the round, but the player said he had not soled his club, so Formula One’s governing body, the International Automobile type of situation that would lend itself to technology.” Riley no penalty was assessed. said that he had spoken to Swarbrick after Saturday’s match Federation, issued a revised calendar on Friday with Germany absent for Els, who triple-bogeyed the hole, carded a 72 to trail Swedish at the Etihad Stadium. “All referees want to make correct deci- the first time since 1960. The Nuerburgring had been due to host the July leader Henrik Stenson by 10 strokes. The sions and when you don’t do that, you feel you’ve let yourself 19 race under an alternation agreement but a change of ownership and sixth hole was kinder to American Daniel and your colleagues down,” he said. “We need to make sure the financial difficulties left Hockenheim as the only option. Berger, who recorded a rare albatross next time Neil referees, he has learned from the experience and However, with low attendances at that circuit last year, organisers were (double eagle) when he canned his sec- will be a better referee because of it.” unwilling to risk a further loss with so little time to sell tickets and get ready. ond shot from 236 yards at the par-five Sunderland defender Wes Brown had his red card against It still has a contract to host the race in 2016. Mercedes said the calendar hole. His ball landed softly about 20 feet Manchester United rescinded earlier this month after referee was a matter for the FIA, commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone and short of the hole and trickled in for the first Roger East dismissed him for a foul on Radamel Falcao individual promoters. “In principle, we do not believe it is the job of the albatross at Bay Hill since the PGA Tour began despite replays suggesting team mate John O’Shea com- competing teams to provide financial support for individual events and we keeping such records in 1983. Berger shot a 68 mitted the offence. —Reuters do not believe this is a sustainable model for the future,” it said. — Reuters to trail by nine shots. — Reuters Wild breeze past Blues

ST. PAUL: Justin Fontaine had a goal and two assists, and linemate Thomas Vanek also scored as the Minnesota Wild breezed by the St. Louis Blues with a 6-3 victory on Saturday. Chris Stewart, Zach Parise, Jonas Brodin and Mikko Koivu contributed goals, too, and Charlie Coyle and Ryan Suter each had two assists for the Wild, who improved to an NHL- best 22-6-2 since trading for goalie Devan Dubnyk on Jan. 14. Dubnyk, acquired from Arizona for a third-round draft pick, has started all 30 of those games. He made 26 saves to beat the Blues on a second straight weekend. Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz each had a goal and an assist and Paul Stastny scored late for the Blues, who stayed three points behind Anaheim for first place in the Western Conference. The Blues have played Q8Racing wins first GulfRun one fewer game. 12HR Karting Endurance Race CANUCKS 4, KINGS 1 Radim Vrbata set up the equalizer by Nick KUWAIT: GulfRun, powered by Zain, inaugurated organized by GulfRun and Pro-Vision Sports Bonino in the second period and scored the its first annual 12 Hour Karting Endurance Race Management. The race follows international regu- go-ahead goal during a 5-on-3 power play in over the weekend at Sirbb Circuit in Shuwaikh. 16 lations and certified marshals fly in from the UK to the third, leading Vancouver over Los Angeles. teams consisting of over 70 drivers took part in the regulate the race in accordance to FIA regulations. Eddie Lack made 25 saves for Vancouver. practice sessions and the highly competitive and The 16 teams comprise of 2 to 6 drivers per team The Kings, who have 11 games left, could have challenging 12 hour endurance race. who drive a maximum stint time of roughly 2 tied Vancouver for second place in the Pacific After 12 hours of racing, in the Elite class hours, after which they switch drivers, and keep Division with a regulation win. Daniel Sedin Q8Racing 2 finished in first place with a total of going for 12 hours of non- stop racing. The and Bo Horvath scored empty-net goals in the 1018 laps completed, followed by Drag965 and GulfRun Karting Endurance Race was first Overtake Racing team. In the Silver class AK launched in 2011 to create an exciting competition final minute. Vrbata put the Canucks ahead 2-1 at 4:31 of the third with his 27th goal, playing VANCOUVER: Goalie Jonathan Bernier No. 45 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stops Bo Horvat No. Simulations team finished in first place with a total in Kuwait that aligns with GulfRun’s objective to 53 of the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL action. — AFP of 999 laps completed, followed by Aston Marting promote automobile racing and training in a safe the puck off the end boards after a long slap Racing and NARCO Racing Team. and secure environment and karting is one of the shot by Alex Edler and putting it past Jonathan Recently benched Ryan Strome scored a 14:52 of the second period. Ahmed Al-Mudhaf of GulfRun said, “This is our pillars of motorsports. GulfRun’s and Pro-Vision Quick while he was out of position. Quick fin- goal and set up another by Travis Hamonic. first 12HR Endurance Race, and after the success- Sport Management team extend their gratitude to ished with 38 saves. Kyle Okposo added an empty-net goal with 38 STARS 4, BLACKHAWKS 0 ful event and feedback - we look forward to the continuous support by Kuwait’s private sector, seconds left. Halak, who missed the Islanders’ Kari Lehtonen stopped 33 shots, including a adding this to our annual season of events.” which acknowledges the important role sport plays BLUE JACKETS 3, FLAMES 2 previous game with a lower-body injury, was penalty shot, for his fifth shutout this season Ahmed Almajed of Pro-Vision Sports amongst Kuwait’s youth. GulfRun 12HR Karting Rene Bourque scored his second of the outstanding in recording his fifth shutout of and 32nd of his NHL career, as Dallas routed Management added, “We have witnessed an Endurance Race is supported by a wide range of game at 4:01 of overtime to give Columbus a the season. Strome, a healthy scratch two Chicago. exciting race with many returning teams which sponsors: Title sponsorship by Zain; GR Karting Pace win over Calgary. With prolonged pressure in games earlier, scored in the first period for his Patrick Eaves, Tyler Seguin, Shawn Horcoff have improved their efforts tremendously over Car: Aston Marting; Strategic Partner: Alfa Fuel the Flames end, Kevin Connauton’s shot was first goal in nine games. Hamonic added his in and Jason Spezza scored for Dallas. Alex the years. We now have over 10 professional Station; Platinum Sponsors Burgan Bank; Gold spon- stopped but Bourque slipped the rebound past the third after a power play ended. Cory Goligoski set up two of the Stars’ goals as they teams from the Endurance Karting Series which sorship by Slider Station, Costa Coffee, Nestle Pure Karri Ramo’s outstretched pad. Schneider made 27 saves for the Devils, whose won their second straight and seventh in nine are capable of competing on an international lev- Fitness and Quest Bar; Dealership sponsors: Aston Artem Anisimov also scored for Columbus, three-game winning streak was snapped. games. The Blackhawks had been 6-0-1 in their el.” The GulfRun 12HR Endurance Karting Race is Martin, Honda and Payment Partner, Tap. which has won six of seven overall including its previous seven games. Lehtonen turned away first sweep of Western Canada. Sean Monahan SENATORS 5, MAPLE LEAFS 3 Brandon Saad’s backhander on a penalty shot and Jiri Hudler scored for Calgary. The Flames Kyle Turris scored the winning goal, and 7:13 into the third period. The penalty shot was remain in third place in the Pacific Division, Ottawa extended its winning streak to six the first Lehtonen faced this season and came two points back of Vancouver and two points games by topping Toronto. Turris added an after Jordie Benn tripped Saad. Corey Crawford up on Los Angeles. The Canucks and Kings empty-net goal with 46.6 seconds remaining. made 25 saves for the Blackhawks. hold a game in hand. Mike Hoffman, Erik Karlsson and Curtis Lazar also scored for the Senators. Andrew PENGUINS 3, COYOTES 1 RANGERS 3, HURRICANES 2 Hammond, making his sixth straight start, Arizona goalie Mike Smith inadvertently Jesper Fast and J.T. Miller scored, and Mats improved to 13-0-1 in his first 14 NHL starts as banked a clearance pass off Pittsburgh’s Zuccarello had the lone goal in the shootout as he stopped 22 shots. Joakim Lindstrom, Leo Brandon Sutter’s backside and into his own the New York Rangers edged Carolina. Komarov and Tim Erixon scored for the Maple net, sparking the Penguins from a dreadful Cam Talbot shook off a 1-0 home loss to Leafs, who have lost five straight. James Reimer start to a victory that snapped a four-game los- Chicago and made 28 saves to lift the Rangers allowed three goals on 18 shots before being ing streak. to their NHL best 23rd road victory this season. replaced by Jonathan Bernier, who allowed Daniel Winnik’s redirect over Smith’s head Talbot made two saves in the shootout, and one goal on 23 shots. and under the crossbar 4 minutes later in the Carolina’s other attempt went high. Fast’s goal second period put the Penguins ahead to stay. at 12:59 of the second gave the Rangers a 2-1 JETS 3, CAPITALS 0 Sidney Crosby scored his 23rd goal into an lead after Miller had tied it 3:39 into the period. Ondrej Pavelec made 27 saves as Winnipeg empty net with 12 seconds left and earned his Carolina struck first as Elias Lindholm scored beat Washington for its fourth consecutive win. 50th assist on Winnik’s goal. Marc-Andre Fleury 2:01 in, but the Rangers swept the five-game Mark Stuart, Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry stopped 30 shots. season series. New York improved to 16-3-3 scored for Winnipeg, which extended its lead Tobias Rieder’s short-handed goal 1:34 in since No. 1 goalie Henrik Lundqvist by a neck to four points over Los Angeles in the chase for was the lone offense for the Coyotes, who have injury - 14-3-3 with Talbot in goal. the final Western Conference wild card. The lost 17 of 18. Smith stopped 34 shots in his Jets finished a perfect three-game homestand. 36th loss. He is the first to lose that many in a PANTHERS 2, BRUINS 1 It was the fourth win in a row for Pavelec, who season since Marc Denis for Columbus in 2003- Brandon Pirri scored the winning shootout recently reclaimed his starting job from rookie 04. goal to lead Florida past Boston. Pirri beat Michael Hutchinson. The Capitals lost for the Tuukka Rask in the second round of the first time in four games. OILERS 5, FLYERS 4 shootout. Roberto Luongo turned aside all Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two goals, three of Boston’s shooters. PREDATORS 3, SABRES 0 including the winner 2:46 into overtime as The Panthers won their second in a row and Pekka Rinne made 24 saves to lead Edmonton beat Philadelphia. Teddy Purcell, beat Boston for the first time since a 6-2 home Nashville over Buffalo. Taylor Beck, Craig Matt Hendricks and Jordan Eberle scored in victory on March 15, 2012 - a span of 10 Smith, and Mike Fisher scored for Nashville, regulation for the Oilers (20-39-13), who have games. which snapped a two-game losing streak. won two of three. Claude Giroux netted two Jimmy Hayes scored in regulation for the Rinne earned his third shutout of the season goals, and Ryan White and Michael Raffl also Panthers, and Luongo made 26 saves in his and 36th of his NHL career. Matt Hackett scored for the Flyers (29-29-16), who have lost second start since returning from a shoulder made 40 saves for Buffalo, which has lost nine four in a row and eight of nine. Edmonton injury. of 10. Beck gave the Predators a 1-0 lead at started the scoring just 51 seconds in. — AP Iceberg forces detour Patrice Bergeron scored, and Rask stopped 24 shots in the Bruins’ fourth straight loss. Boston is one point ahead of Ottawa in the of Volvo Ocean Race race for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern NHL results/standings Conference. The Panthers are four points ALICANTE: Volvo Ocean Race crews are speed- the South Pacific than anticipated. behind the Bruins, and three points behind Minnesota 6, St. Louis 3; Columbus 3, Calgary 2 (OT); Vancouver 4, Los Angeles 1; Montreal 2, San ing through the Southern Ocean toward Cape Organizers to bring forward the expected Ottawa. Jose 0; Ottawa 5, Toronto 3; Florida 2, Boston 1 (SO); NY Islanders 3, New Jersey 0; NY Rangers 3, Horn in the fifth leg yesterday after organizers time of arrival in leg five’s destination port of Carolina 2 (SO); Winnipeg 3, Washington 0; Nashville 3, Buffalo 0; Dallas 4, Chicago 0; Pittsburgh 3, guided them clear of a 1-kilometre (0.6-mile) Itajai, Brazil, to April 4 from April 7. CANADIENS 2, SHARKS 0 Arizona 1; Edmonton 5, Philadelphia 4 (OT). wide iceberg that was blocking their path. Meanwhile, one of the sailors, Swede Martin Tomas Plekanec scored in the first period and The massive iceberg was spotted on the Race Stromberg of Dongfeng Race Team, has told Carey Price made 29 saves for his second Western Conference Tampa Bay 44 21 7 233 185 95 HQ satellite screens at the end of last week and how he narrowly avoided losing several fingers shutout in a row and ninth of the season as Pacific Division Detroit 38 21 11 202 189 87 W L OTL GF GA PTS has led to a hasty change in the positioning of of his right hand when he trapped it in a winch Montreal beat San Jose. Price, coming off a 4-0 Boston 36 24 12 190 185 84 ice gates in the toughest of all nine stages in the block on Saturday. “I could easily have lost a few Anaheim 46 20 7 214 199 99 Ottawa 36 24 11 207 188 83 win over Carolina on Thursday, earned his NHL- Vancouver 41 26 4 203 192 86 nine-month offshore marathon. The ice limits fingers,” he wrote in his regular blog from the leading 40th victory to become the third Florida 33 25 14 177 197 80 will force the boats to sail clear of the iceberg’s boat. “My hand went into the block and was Calgary 39 27 6 211 189 84 Canadiens goalie to reach that milestone - fol- Los Angeles 34 23 14 189 179 82 Toronto 27 40 6 192 235 60 passage in the Southern Ocean. Crews will be stuck for a while by the rope until I got help. Buffalo 20 45 7 135 241 47 penalized if they sail over these boundaries “I thought I would lose some fingers, but I lowing Jacques Plante and Ken Dryden, who San Jose 35 29 8 199 201 78 Metropolitan Division toward hazardous areas. The iceberg itself is not was lucky with some flesh wounds and blue fin- share the team record with 42 wins. Brendan Edmonton 20 39 13 172 247 53 the major hazard. Growlers - or chunks of ice gers. It will hurt for the rest of the leg.” Gallagher had an empty-net goal with 14 sec- Arizona 21 43 8 148 239 50 NY Rangers 45 18 7 210 161 97 that have broken off it - are a more potent threat Team Brunel of the Netherlands currently onds left as Eastern Conference-leading Central Division NY Islanders 44 25 4 225 203 92 as they can be unseen by the crews until the last lead the leg from Turkish-U.S. entry Team Montreal won its third game in a row. Antti St. Louis 45 21 6 222 178 96 Pittsburgh 40 22 10 200 178 90 minute. Alvimedica, with overall race leaders, Abu Dhabi Niemi made 27 saves for the Sharks, whose Nashville 44 21 8 208 176 96 Washington 39 24 10 212 180 88 The fleet had already been delayed three Ocean Racing, Team SCA of Sweden, Spain’s chase for a Western Conference playoff spot Chicago 43 22 6 203 162 92 Philadelphia 29 29 16 192 215 74 days in the previous port of Auckland, New MAPFRE and the Dongfeng Race Team of China took a hit. Minnesota 40 25 7 207 181 87 New Jersey 31 30 11 163 183 73 Winnipeg 37 23 12 201 189 86 Zealand, to avoid the worst of Cyclone Pam, closely bunched behind them. In all, the boats Columbus 33 35 4 193 225 70 Colorado 33 26 12 191 198 78 which has claimed at least 16 lives in the South will cover 38,739 nautical miles (71,745 kilome- ISLANDERS 3, DEVILS 0 Carolina 26 35 10 164 196 62 Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu. The six boats ters, 44,642 miles), visit 11 ports and every conti- Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves in his return Dallas 34 28 10 224 230 78 Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one nevertheless made the most of high winds on nent. The nine-month event, held every three to the lineup as the New York Islanders ended a point in the standings and are not included in the tail of the cyclone after setting off last years, concludes on June 27 in Gothenburg, Atlantic Division season-high, four-game losing streak with a Montreal 46 20 7 193 159 99 the loss column (L). Wednesday, and made quicker progress through Sweden. —AP victory over New Jersey. MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 SPORTS Kim leads Founders Cup

PHOENIX: A couple of things stood out early. You can watch some basketball.” when Stacy Lewis glanced at a scoring Alison Lee and second-round leader Kim monitor Saturday night at the JTBC Kaufman were third at 13 under. The 20- Founders Cup. For one, the leaderboard year-old Lee matched the course record was packed on a Desert Mountain course with a 63, and the 23-year-old Kaufman known for low scores and yesterday had a 70. Top-ranked Lydia Ko was 12 shootouts. And at 30, she’s a lot older than under after a 69. The 17-year-old New the other leaders. Zealander has broken par in her last 23 “I do feel old, yes,” Lewis said. “We knew LPGA Tour rounds and 26 worldwide, a it was coming. A lot of the young Koreans streak that started in the first round of her were coming out, so it’s not surprising. I victory last year in the season-ending mean, they are fearless. They don’t have the event. experience, so that’s hopefully to my Ko won the Women’s Australian Open advantage. “But it is a little strange to be 10 and the Ladies European Tour’s New years older than some of these girls.” Zealand Women’s Open in consecutive Hyo Joo Kim, at 19 already a major weeks this year. She tied for second last champion, finished off a 6-under 66 in the year at Desert Ridge, finishing a stroke dark to take a two-stroke lead over Lewis. behind Karrie Webb. Mi Hyang Lee and Ha The South Korean player holed her 1 1/2- Na Jang also were 12 under, and six more foot par putt on the final hole at 6:51 p.m. - players were 11 under. 11 minutes after sunset. “I think it almost makes things easier “Been really good with the driver, sec- because you have to just go out there and ond, third (shots), totally all the clubs,” Kim play and see what happens,” Lewis said said. “If I miss, I save, so I’m playing good. about the packed leaderboard. “You can’t All the putts feel good.” watch one person or the people in your Kim made three straight birdies - the last groups. You’ve just got to go play golf.” with a 25-foot putt on the par-4 16th - and Lee, still a student at UCLA after turning finished at 16-under 200. She won the pro in December, tied the course record set Evian Championship last year in France. by Ai Miyazato in 2013 and matched last “I’ve won before and I’ve been playing year by Webb, Cristie Kerr and Hee-Won four or five times a year on the LPGA,” Kim Han. Lee also matched the best score of her said. “So I have experience, but not much career. “I kind of played my own game,” Lee like this in the States.” said. “I really didn’t even realize that I was Lewis shot a 67. After birdieing six of the playing that well until the last hole when I first 11 holes to take the lead at 15 under, finally looked at the scoreboard.” she had six pars and a bogey - on the par-3 She finished on the par-4 ninth, hitting a 14th - on the final seven holes. 9-iron to 1 1/2 feet. “I was hitting all my “I feel like I played a lot better than the approach shots really well,” Lee said. score,” Lewis said. “Had a bunch of putts, Making her third LPGA Tour start as a pro- MEMPHIS: Grizzlies guard Beno Udrih (center) fights for a rebound against Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake (left) and guard CJ McCollum especially early, that I thought I made. The fessional, Lee won the Pac-12 title last year (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP hole locations coming in were pretty as a freshman and was co-medalist at Q- tough, so I think to make some birdies, you school. She finished finals last week and really had to hit some good shots.” plans to take more classes in the fall Grizzlies and Suns advance The 11-time tour winner was relieved to Webb came from six strokes back in finish the round Saturday in the event that each of her two victories in the event, clos- MEMPHIS: Jeff Green had 23 points and Mike scored 17 for the Nets, who have won four of the start of the fourth. In all, the Pistons finally caught up after falling behind ing with a 66 in 2011 and the 63 last year. Conley scored 21 with nine assists to lead the five. George Hill had 18 points and nine assists outscored the Bulls 47-11 in a 16-minute stretch Thursday when rain delayed the start. The Australian had a 73 on Saturday, leav- Memphis Grizzlies to a 97-86 victory over the for the Pacers (30-39), who lost their fifth spanning the final two quarters. Pau Gasol had “The worst part is going to sleep think- ing her 10 strokes behind Kim. struggling Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday straight. Brooklyn pulled away for good when 27 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago. ing about that one shot or that one putt “It’s going to be a shootout,” Lewis said. Joe Johnson converted a three-point play and you have to hit,” Lewis said. “Just being able “It’s going to be what this golf course sets night. Zach Randolph added 17 points for to do the normal stuff in the morning and up for and the leaderboard this year sets up Memphis, which won its second straight. Marc Bogdanovic made a 3-pointer to put the Nets WARRIORS 106, JAZZ 91 not having to worry about going to bed so for it even more.” — AP Gasol had 13 points, and Tony Allen finished ahead 109-100 with 4 minutes remaining. Stephen Curry bounced back from his worst with 10 points and 11 rebounds. A win for the Pacers would have put them in shooting performance of the season to score 24 Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 27 sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern points, and Leandro Barbosa added a season- points and seven assists. LaMarcus Aldridge had Conference. Instead, the Nets (29-39) closed the high 19 off the bench as Golden State pulled 16 points, but didn’t play in the second half gap in a crowded race for the final playoff spot. away late to beat Utah. because of an injury to his left hand. C.J. One day after shooting 4 of 17 in a win over McCollum finished with 13 points, and Dorell PISTONS 107, BULLS 91 New Orleans, Curry went 8 of 18 from the floor Wright scored 10. Reggie Jackson had 22 points, including 17 in against a Utah defense that had been the NBA’s The Trail Blazers also played the second half the third quarter as Detroit came back from a stingiest over the past three weeks. without starting forward Nicolas Batum, side- 19-point deficit to beat Chicago. Draymond Green added 15 points, six lined with lower back pain. The team said X-rays The Pistons trailed 72-53 with 7 minutes left rebounds and seven assists for the Warriors (56- on Aldridge’s hand were negative. in the third quarter, but got a combined 27 13), who have the best record in the NBA. The loss was the season-worst fourth straight points and 13 assists from Jackson and fellow Derrick Favors had 21 points and 11 rebounds for Portland, which was creeping up the Western point guard Spencer Dinwiddie in the second for the Jazz. Utah lost for only the fourth time Conference standings a week ago. The defeat half. Detroit had already taken an 80-79 lead by since the All-Star break. — AP dropped the Trail Blazers four games behind the Grizzlies for the second playoff seed in the West. NBA results/standings SUNS 117, ROCKETS 102 Eric Bledsoe had a career-high 34 points and Phoenix withstood a fourth-quarter charge by Brooklyn 123, Indiana 111, Detroit 107, Chicago 91; Phoenix 117, Houston 102; Memphis 97, Portland 86; Golden State 106, Utah 91. Houston. Bledsoe scored 23 by halftime and sur- passed his previous career best of 33 points, set Eastern Conference Western Conference earlier this season, on a free throw with about a Atlantic Division Northwest Division minute remaining. Phoenix led by 15 early in the W L PCT GB Portland 44 24 .647 - Toronto 41 28 .594 - PHOENIX: Hyo Joo Kim hits a tee shot on the sixth hole during the third round of the fourth quarter when Houston used a 14-4 run to Oklahoma City 39 30 .565 5.5 Boston 30 38 .441 10.5 LPGA Tourís JTBC Founders Cup. — AP cut it to 105-100 with 5 minutes left. Neither Utah 31 38 .449 13.5 team had scored for about 2 1/2 minutes when Brooklyn 29 39 .426 11.5 Denver 26 44 .371 19 P.J. Tucker made a 3-pointer that started a 12-0 Philadelphia 17 52 .246 24 Minnesota 15 53 .221 29 Grix hat-trick spurt by the Suns that secured the victory. NY Knicks 14 55 .203 27 Pacific Division Donatas Motiejunas had 18 points for the Central Division Golden State 56 13 .812 - Rockets and James Harden added 16 after scor- Cleveland 45 26 .634 - LA Clippers 45 25 .643 11.5 Chicago 42 29 .592 3 ing a career-high 50 in Thursday’s win over Phoenix 37 33 .529 19.5 tames Wildcats Milwaukee 34 35 .493 10 Denver. Phoenix’s victory snapped a three-game Sacramento 23 45 .338 32.5 Indiana 30 39 .435 14 winning streak for Houston and allowed the Detroit 25 44 .362 19 LA Lakers 17 50 .254 38 LEEDS: Scott Grix scored a hat-trick inside the Ash Handley and Brad Singleton hit back for the Suns to avoid a season sweep by the Rockets. Southeast Division Southwest Division opening nine minutes as Huddersfield Giants Rhinos. Joe Burgess’ try for the Warriors made it Atlanta 53 16 .768 - Memphis 49 21 .700 moved up to fourth place in the Super League 16-14 at half-time but further scores from Liam NETS 123, PACERS 111 Houston 46 23 .667 2.5 with a 44-14 victory over Wakefield Trinity Sutcliffe and Rob Burrow ensured Leeds Washington 40 29 .580 13 Brook Lopez had 26 points and four blocked Miami 32 36 .471 20.5 San Antonio 43 25 .632 5 Wildcats at Belle Vue yesterday. The full-back got remained second. shots to lead Brooklyn over slumping Indiana. Dallas 44 26 .629 5 the visitors off to the perfect start with his quick- At the other end of the table Hull FC moved Charlotte 29 38 .433 23 fire treble - the 30-year-old’s third a stunning off the bottom with a 33-22 win at home to Bojan Bogdanovic added 21 points and five Orlando 22 49 .310 32 New Orleans 37 32 .536 11.5 solo effort from 80 metres. Catalans Dragons. Catalans’ Vincent Duport rebounds off the bench, and Deron Williams Wakefield fought back with Dean Collis and opened the scoring, but Hull eased into a lead Danny Kirmond efforts, coupled with Jordan thanks to tries from Marc Sneyd, 23-year-old Crowther’s converted try just after half-time, Australian Jordan Rankin, Steven Michaels and reducing the deficit to 18-14. Tonga international Fetuli Talanoa. Thomas Bosc Waratahs beat Brumbies But second-half tries from Brett Ferres, grabbed the Dragons’ second try to make it 22- Danny Brough - who finished with 16 points in 10 at the interval but Tom Lineham added two total - Leroy Cudjoe and Ukuma Ta’ai eased any tries for the hosts before Morgan Escare and SYDNEY: The New South Waratahs beat the Giants nerves, and Wakefield’s fourth successive New Zealander Zeb Taia reduced the deficit for ACT Brumbies 28-13 yesterday to get their loss left them bottom of the table. French side late on. Catalans lost ground on the Super rugby title defence back on track in a Elsewhere yesterday, Danny Galea scored a chasing pack and they are now just a point match that shone a light on the best and try to help Widnes Vikings emerge 20-16 win- ahead of Castleford following the Tigers’ 30-16 worst of Australian rugby. Matches between ners against Hull KR. Paddy Flynn also bagged a win against Salford Red Devils on Friday. the Waratahs and Brumbies are always bruis- double for the Vikings who claimed just their Justin Carney was among the Castleford ing, physical battles and yesterday’s clash at second win of the season to leapfrog Rovers in scorers as they entered the break 22-12 to the the Sydney Football Stadium kept faith with the table. good - Weller Hauraki one of two try-scorers for Leeds Rhinos kept up the pace with leaders the Red Devils in the first half. that tradition. St Helens following a 26-14 victory over Wigan But both sides finished the opening 40 min- Tensions were high throughout. There Warriors on Friday - but the big surprise came in utes with 12 men as Carney and Salford’s Rangi were no fist fights but the ACT Brumbies’ the team selection as the Rhinos handed a start Chase were sin-binned. Carney went on to grab flanker David Pocock, a vocal supporter of to full-back Zak Hardaker. Hardaker had admit- his second try of the evening as the Tigers same sex marriages, complained to the refer- ted an assault on a student earlier in the week earned their second successive home win in ee about homophobic slurs being made by after Leeds had reported the 23-year-old comfortable fashion. the Waratahs players. Waratahs coach Michael England international to police, but it didn’t On Thursday, reigning champions St Helens Cheika said he was reluctant to comment on seem to affect the hosts. Matty Smith did open maintained their 100 per cent start to the Super the issue because he hadn’t heard what was the scoring for Wigan before former Newcastle League season with a hard-fought 32-24 success alleged to have been said on the field. Knight Adam Cuthbertson, teenage debutant at home to Warrington Wolves. —AFP “The way I see it is like this: if there’s an issue, it will come to light,” Cheika said. “When KOTC shooting tourney it comes to light, I’ll make my position clear on it.” The ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham KUWAIT: Kuwait Shooting Sports Club was also tightlipped when asked about the announced that preparations for Kuwait incident at the post match news conference. Oil Tankers Company championship “We haven’t had a chance to chat to every- which will be held at Sheikh Sabah Al- one about everything that happened out David Pocock Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex from there but we will investigate it further,” he March 26-28, have begun. said. “But I didn’t hear it and I wasn’t on the The Brumbies had good some performers the season but hardly fatal. Competition will be in the following field... and I certainly didn’t hear it. “It was too. Matt Toomua scored a fine solo try in the With the Waratahs and Brumbies likely to events: 10m air pistol and rifle, 50m three reported as that. We’ll have to talk to individu- third minute and Henry Speight was a con- provide the bulk of Australia’s squad for the positions, 50m free pistol, 25m pistol for als and see what the process is.” The Waratahs stant threat on the wing. Flanker David World Cup later this year, yesterday’s clash men, women and juniors. took the spoils in the match, thanks in part to Pocock also made a successful comeback after was also a chance for the players to press their Secretary General of Arab and Kuwait some brilliant individual performances, none but overall, the Waratahs defended better and claims with the NSW and Australian coach Shooting Federations said KOTC better than Israel Folau. were more disciplined and got the rewards. Cheika watching from the stands. Championship is among the events on The NSW fullback scored one try, threw the The win lifted the Waratahs to eighth place His biggest concern would have been with Kuwait Shooting Sports Club agenda Obaid Al-Osaimi final pass for two others and looked danger- in the standings after six rounds and in posi- the set-pieces, particularly the scrums. Time annually as it is distinguished and tion to challenge for the playoffs. The and time again, the scrums collapsed, forcing attracts many shooters. He said KOTC board members for their efforts to help ous every time he got his hands on the ball. Bernard Foley, at flyhalf, also played well Brumbies missed their chance to remain the re-sets and resulting in free-kicks. There was holds the tournament to encourage and and support the shooting sport to con- top of the table, slipping to second spot also some concern about the Wallabies centre tinue their achievements, and wished the for the Waratahs, scoring a try and kicking two support shooters, and he thanked the behind the unbeaten Wellington Hurricanes. Tevita Kuridrani after he left the field with an company on behalf of the chairman and company all success. penalties and two conversions while Kurtley Beale made some strong runs from centre. This was arguably their worst performance of apparent shoulder injury. — Reuters MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 SPORTS Kentucky stay unbeaten

NEW YORK: Two down, four to go for the Kentucky Wildcats as they try to become the first unbeaten national champion since Indiana in 1976. Villanova became the first top seed out as it lost to North Carolina State, while UCLA came up with a second win in the tournament, not bad for a team that many said didn’t even belong in the field of 68. The Atlantic Coast Conference continued its so-far perfect tournament run with wins by NC State, North Carolina and Notre Dame.

EAST REGION NC STATE 71, VILLANOVA 68 NC State is back in the Sweet 16, attacking one of the top teams in the nation for 40 minutes and stun- ning Villanova 71-68 on Saturday night. The Wolfpack went wild as the final horn sounded and danced around the court in celebration. No, it wasn’t quite Jim Valvano’s mad dash after the Wolfpack won the 1983 national championship. But the Wolfpack (22-13) have designs on their own big March run. They will move on to Syracuse, New York to play the winner of the Louisville-Northern Iowa game. N.C. State guards Cat Barber and Desmond Lee shared a long embrace after buzzer. Barber pounded his chest and said, “all heart!” Lacey led them with 17 points and Barber had 13, each coming with big buckets to hold off a late Villanova charge. The Wildcats saw a 16-game winning streak end and have not reached the second weekend since 2009.

SOUTH REGION UTAH 75, GEORGETOWN 64 Brandon Taylor scored 14 points and Delon Wright added 12 and the fifth-seeded Utah beat No. 4 Georgetown 75-64 on Saturday night. The Utes (26-8) will travel to Houston to play the winner of Sunday’s game in Charlotte, North Carolina, between top-seeded Duke (30-4) and No. 8 San Diego State (27-8). Utah hasn’t advanced to the Sweet 16 since 2005, when the Utes fell as the No. 6 seed to No. 2 Kentucky. The Utes are making their first tournament appearance since 2009.

ERFURT: Overall World Cup winner Martina Sablikova of Czech Republic (right) celebrates UCLA 92, UAB 75 together with the second placed Claudia Pechstein of Germany (left) during the women’s LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) - Tony Parker led five 3,000 meters flower ceremony at the Speedskating World Cup. — AP Bruins in double figures with a career-high 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for 11th-seeded UCLA on Saturday to advance to its second straight Sweet 16. Sablikova, Kodaira The Bruins (22-13), the team many thought shouldn’t have even been in the field of 68, have won six of their PITTSBURGH: Villanova’s Dylan Ennis (31) shoots over North Carolina State’s Ralston Turner (front last seven games in earning their first consecutive left) during the first half of an NCAA tournament third-round college basketball game. — AP and Bowe win titles Sweet 16 berths since reaching the Final Four three straight seasons between 2006 and 2008. They will play the regular season but broke out for the NCAA Angeles. No. 14 seed Georgia State (25-10), whose either Gonzaga or Iowa on Friday in the South Regional Tournament. The Pac-12 champions went ahead by 15 injured coach Ron Hunter worked the sideline in a ERFURT: Brittany Bowe of the United Richardson by 216. Bowe later pipped semifinal in Houston. Kevon Looney had 10 points and points with 6:34 remaining and held off 10th-seeded rolling chair, upset No. 3 seed Baylor Thursday. Hunter, States, Nao Kodaira of Japan and Martina Marrit Leenstra of the Netherlands to the 11 rebounds for UCLA. Bryce Alford had 22 points, Ohio State (24-11) in the closing minutes. who tore his Achilles tendon celebrating his team win- Sablikova of the Czech Republic all won 1,000 title by just three points. Norman Powell 15 and Isaac Hamilton 13. Arizona will face the winner of Xavier-Georgia State ning the Sun Belt Conference title, and his son and star speedskating World Cup titles at the last Leenstra had been leading the stand- The 14th-seeded Blazers (20-16) missed out on their in the West Regional semifinals Thursday in Los player, RJ, became the darlings of the tournament. meet of the season yesterday. ings going into the final race, but Bowe led first regional semifinal since 2004 coming off their big Angeles. The Buckeyes gave the Wildcats all they could Sablikova, the world champion, clinched another American 1-2, clocking 1:14.61 to upset of No. 3 seed Iowa State on Thursday. Robert handle, even with standout freshman D’Angelo Russell NORTH CAROLINA 87, ARKANSAS 76 the women’s 3,000-meter title, clocking 4 beat Richardson by 0.52 and Leenstra by Brown led the Blazers with 25 points and William Lee struggling with his shot. Marcus Paige scored 22 points, including 20 in the minutes, 4.06 seconds in the race to edge 1.17. Bowe’s first place earned her 150 added 10. Russell scored nine points and made just 3 of 19 second half, as North Carolina beat Arkansas 87-78 in Dutch skaters Marije Joling and Diane points for a total of 510. Leenstra earned shots after going for 28 points in Ohio State’s overtime the NCAA Tournament on Saturday and advanced to Valkenburg by 1.58 and 3.79 seconds, 106 points and finished with 507. With just MIDWEST REGION win over VCU in its tournament opener. He had seven the Sweet 16 for the first time in three years. Paige respectively. the mass start scheduled for later Sunday, KENTUCKY 64, CINCINNATI 51 rebounds and six assists. Sam Thompson added 18 missed seven of eight shots in the first half, including all Sablikova finished with 580 points, Richardson - who celebrated her 26th Aaron Harrison scored 13 points and Trey Lyles points and Shannon Scott scored 10 for the Buckeyes, three from 3-point range, and was pretty much a non- ahead of Germany’s Claudia Pechstein on birthday on Friday - was leading the overall added 11 points and 11 rebounds and top-ranked who led by six points in the first half but never could factor as the Tar Heels let the Razorbacks keep things 360 and Dutch skater Ireen Wust on 350. World Cup standings with 1,105 points, Kentucky outworked eighth-seeded Cincinnati to match Arizona’s size. The Wildcats won the rebounding close. But the junior guard took over in the second half, battle 43-26. scoring 13 of his team’s 17 points during a 5-minute The 43-year-old Pechstein was fourth in the ahead of Bowe on 1,045. Sablikova had remain undefeated and reach the Sweet 16 for the sec- ond straight season. stretch that helped North Carolina build a double-digit race. Wust didn’t compete at Erfurt. 946. Ruslan Murashov of Russia won the XAVIER 75, GEORGIA STATE 67 lead. The Tar Heels held on from there, thanks partly to Kodaira came third in the second 500 of second men’s 500 of the weekend, clocking Despite the Wildcats’ sixth straight double-digit win, they faced their toughest test in a while and didn’t Jalen Reynolds and Myles Davis came off the bench Paige closing things out from the free-throw line and 34.97 to edge both Laurent Dubreuil of the weekend which was enough to win seem totally in control until the final minutes. The phys- for a combined 38 points as sixth-seeded Xavier end with his ball-handling skills. that distance title with Olympic champion Canada and Michel Mulder of the ical, pesky Bearcats made Kentucky work hard for every the biggest feel-good story of the NCAA Tournament UNC advanced to play either No. 1 seed Wisconsin Lee Sang-hwa of South Korea not compet- Netherlands by 0.13. shot and rebound in an intense contest. with a 75-67 victory over Georgia State on Saturday or eighth-seeded Oregon in the West Regional next ing. Heather Richardson of the United Pavel Kulizhnikov of Russia didn’t race But the Wildcats (36-0) succeeded by making life dif- night. The Musketeers (23-13) advanced to the Sweet week in Los Angeles. It will be Carolina’s 26th appear- States won the race ahead of compatriot after claiming the distance and overall ficult on both ends for Cincinnati, holding the Bearcats 16 for the third time in six years under coach Chris ance in the Sweet 16. Michael Qualls led Arkansas with Bowe for the second day in a row, finishing World Cup titles on Saturday. Bart Swings to 32 percent shooting including just 24 percent in the Mack. They’ll face No. 2 seed Arizona - a 73-58 winner 27 points and 10 rebounds. Bobby Portis finished with in 37.97 seconds to edge Bowe by two of Belgium won the men’s 1,500 by clock- second half. Kentucky blocked six shots after halftime over Ohio State - in the West Regional semifinals in Los 18 points and 14 boards. — AP tenths of a second and Kodaira by 0.72. ing 1:46.81, beating Poland’s Konrad and Willie Cauley-Stein had a highlight-reel slam dunk Kodaira finished the 500 World Cup with Niedzwiedzki by 0.30 and China’s Li Bailin that may be the play of the tournament. The Wildcats 926 points, beating Lee by 46 and by 1.49. — AP move on to face the Maryland-West Virginia winner in the Midwest Regional on Thursday in Cleveland.

NOTRE DAME 67, BUTLER 64 Fenninger retains Brian Grant scored 16 points, including the clinch- ing layup with 18 seconds left in overtime, and the third-seeded Notre Dame edged the Butler 67-64. World Cup Notre Dame (31-5) moved on to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2003 and will play Kansas or Wichita MERIBEL: Austria’s Anna Fenninger tired as I’m happy. I can imagine how disap- State in the Midwest Regional semifinals on Thursday snatched the overall women’s World Cup pointed Tina must be but in a few days in Cleveland. Steve Vasturia led Notre Dame with 20 title for the second year in succession in a she’ll realise what a great battle that points. Demetrius Jackson added 13 points, and Zach nail-biting finale to the Alpine skiing sea- was.”For me, it was the craziest experience I Auguste had seven points and 13 rebounds for the son yesterday. ever had.” The men’s World Cup showdown Irish, which beat the Bulldogs for the first time in 26 For the first time in the history of the was also a tight one but the outcome was years. Roosevelt Jones played through an injured left World Cup, the overall title was decided on the same as last year with Austria’s Marcel knee while scoring 23 points for Butler (23-11), but the very last run of the last race of the sea- Hirscher bagging his fourth big globe in another this NCAA run ended abruptly in the extra son. Fenninger had been fastest in the first succession. session. leg of the closing giant slalom and handled Maze, who led the way for most of the the pressure, winning with a 0.38 seconds season, ended the winter with the consola- WEST REGION lead over team-mate Eva-Maria Brem. tion of the downhill and super-combined ARIZONA 73, OHIO ST. 58 Slovenia’s Tina Maze, the 2013 overall world championship golds while Fenninger Gabe York made five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points and T.J. McConnell also scored 19 points as sec- champion who had led Fenninger by 18 took the giant slalom and Super-G in ond-seeded Arizona advanced to the Sweet 16 for the points in the standings before the race, fin- Beaver Creek a month ago. third straight year. The Wildcats (33-3) overcame a slug- KNOXVILLE: Chattanooga’s Moses Johnson (23), Jasmine Joyner (center) and Pittsburgh (cen- ished third and 0.46 seconds short of her Lindsey Vonn, the other star of 2014- gish start until their outside shooting busted the ter) Cora McManus (51) battle for a rebound in the first half of an NCAA women’s college bas- second World Cup title. 2015 who bagged the downhill and Super- Buckeyes’ zone defense, which they rarely used during ketball tournament game. — AP Maze ultimately lost out by 22 points.”I G crystal globes, finished off with a promis- had to find some extra strength to win this ing fifth place in yesterday’s giant slalom. race and everything that went along with It was also a season of farewells as Swiss it. It’s over at last and the pressure eases off. downhill Olympic champion Dominique Hirscher sweeps World Cup I don’t really know what to think just yet,” Gisin announced her retirement along with Fenninger said. Spain’s Carolina Ruiz-Castillo and “I had so much pressure. I’m glad things Frenchwomen Marion Rolland and Marie season with slalom globe worked out well again but I’m as much Jay-Marchand-Arvier. — Reuters MERIBEL: Marcel Hirscher completed a clean sweep at the Alpine skiing World Cup Finals yesterday when he added the slalom crystal globe to his fourth suc- cessive overall title. The Austrian, crowned overall World Cup champi- on after Saturday’s giant slalom, dominated the final race of the season to topple Germany’s Felix Neureuther from the top spot in the discipline. Hirscher clinched his eighth victory of the winter in a combined time of one minute and 33.53 seconds, 0.83 ahead of former slalom Olympic champion Giuliano Razzoli of Italy while Russia’s Alexander Khoroshilov was third, 1.09 adrift. He beat Neureuther by 23 points to end the season with three crystal globes-overall, giant slalom and slalom-and a sweep of the technical disciplines. “I did- n’t have the choice. I needed to finish first or second to beat Felix. So the tactics were pretty simple,” said Hirscher. “Felix and I are very good friends and that’s why I can’t rejoice completely. It’s the third time I took the cup away from him under his nose,” he added. “Marcel, when he skis like that, and it’s the finals and it’s about the globe, he’s difficult to beat,” said Neureuther, who cited lingering back problems to explain his disappointing 12th place in Sunday’s slalom. In the final overall standings, the best skier of the last four seasons eventually left closest rival Kjetil Jansrud of Norway 160 points behind. Jansrud had decided not to take part in Sunday’s slalom, effectively MERIBEL: Anna Fenninger of Austria holds up the alpine ski, women’s World Cup handing Hirscher the season’s overall title, but took MERIBEL: Marcel Hirscher of Austria competes during the men’s World Cup slalom race, at the giant slalom discipline trophy at the World Cup finals. — AP the downhill and Super-G crowns. — Reuters World Cup finals. — AP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

Pakistan pin hopes on next generation

ADELAIDE: Pakistan will pin their hopes on Cup were badly hit by the suspension of the next generation after their World Cup ace spinner Saeed Ajmal for an illegal bowl- campaign ended with a quarter-final exit to ing action and injuries to pacemen Umar Australia but with departing skipper Gul and Junaid Khan and spinning all- Misbah-ul-Haq warning the team is not up rounder Mohammad Hafeez (also suspend- to international scratch. ed for his action). Pakistan, the 1992 champions, lost their Former captain Wasim Akram said the first two matches to India and the West system is so faulty that there are no back- Indies before staging a comeback with four ups. “When Ajmal and Junaid were out, we consecutive wins to earn a berth in the did not have back-up bowlers and that hit quarter-finals. Pakistan badly,” said Wasim. But Pakistan went down by six wickets “Until and unless we put our house in against Australia in Adelaide, a defeat order we are not going to stand up and be which critics argue exposed the weakness- counted against top teams like Australia, es of the players and system. India and South Africa.” None of Pakistan’s younger batsmen- The return of Junaid and possibly of Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal and Sohaib Mohammad Aamir, who started playing Maqsood-could match the guile of 40-year- domestic cricket last week after his five- old Misbah who was the main run-getter year ban for spot-fixing was relaxed, will with 350 in seven matches. strengthen the bowling. “It’s necessary that the younger bats- But it’s the batting woes that need men take responsibility,” said Misbah, who attention, a problem Misbah hoped would quit ODI cricket after Friday’s defeat. “They be solved sooner rather than later. “Maybe are talented players but maybe they were the lack of international exposure was hurt- not made responsible enough to help the ing the batsmen so I have suggested to the team.” Akmal is the most talented of them Pakistan Cricket Board that they arrange all but he failed to turn his full potential more and more cricket for these youngsters into performances, scoring only 164 runs in because batsmen can only get better with seven innings. exposure,” said Misbah. His dismissal on Saturday, giving a sim- Pakistan’s most pressing task will be to ple catch to Aaron Finch off part-timer pick up a new captain for the one-day Glenn Maxwell, highlighted his shortcom- team. Hafeez would be one contender as is WELLINGTON: Members of the New Zealand team leave the field after defeating the West Indies by 143 runs during their Cricket World Cup ings. Shehzad managed 222 at the tourna- Shehzad but both have their problems of quarterfinal match in Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday. — AP ment while Maqsood scored 124 in five their own. innings.”If our cricket is to match interna- Hafeez’s bowling action was deemed tional standards then our youngsters have illegal in November while Shehzad has a New Zealand’s W Cup to work hard,” said Misbah. “They are the history of disciplinary problems. Former best performers in domestic cricket so they captain Shoaib Malik and senior batsman have to take the mantle from us. Younis Khan have also shown desire to lead “Besides batting, fitness and fielding are Pakistan’s one-day team but the PCB last two key areas where our players have to year said it wanted a young leader to follow semi-final heartbreak work very hard because they are not up to Misbah. “I think Pakistan should start build- international standards,” said Misbah. ing a team for the next World Cup now,” Pakistan’s preparations for the World said Misbah. — AFP AUCKLAND: New Zealand will hope it’s a case of hosts to a decent total. Opener John Wright stand of 194 between Saeed Anwar and seventh time lucky when they face South Africa at anchored New Zealand’s chase until he was run out Wajahatullah Wasti. The match ended in chaos Auckland’s Eden Park tomorrow, as all six of their by Derek Randall and, as wickets kept falling, a tar- when, with Pakistan needing two runs for victory, previous World Cup semi-finals have ended in get of 14 off the last over, bowled by Ian Botham, Roger Twose abandoned an attempt to catch defeat. Below AFP Sport looks back at the Black proved just beyond New Zealand. Anwar as spectators charged on to the field, with Caps’ litany of last-four woes: 1992, Auckland: New Zealand 262-7 (M Crowe the runs awarded later by the umpires. 1975, The Oval: New Zealand 158 (G Howarth 91, K Rutherford 50) lost to Pakistan 264-6 2007, Kingston: New Zealand 208 (M 51; B Julien 4-27) lost to the West Indies 159-5 (A (Inzamam-ul-Haq 60, Javed Miandad 57 no) by 4 Muralitharan 4-31) lost to Sri Lanka 289-5 (M Kallicharran 72, G Greenidge 55) by 5 wkts One-day wkts New Zealand captain Martin Crowe led from Jayawardene 115 no, U Tharanga 73) by 81 runs internationals were still in their infancy when a the front but suffered a pulled hamstring and a mix- New Zealand were rarely in this contest at Jamaica’s crack West Indies side with plenty of limited overs up with his runner saw him run out nine runs shy of Sabina Park. experience in English county cricket proved too a hundred. But with Ken Rutherford making 50, Sri Lanka piled up an imposing total on the back strong in the last four of the inaugural World Cup. New Zealand set Pakistan a stiff chase by the stan- of a brilliant hundred by Mahela Jayawardene and a Left-arm paceman Bernard Julien’s haul was dards of the time. However, Crowe-in a bid to be fit fifty by opener Upul Tharanga. In reply, no New mainly responsible for New Zealand batting fewer for the final-wasn’t on the field when Pakistan bat- Zealand batsman made more than opener Peter than 53 of their then scheduled 60 overs, with Geoff ted and, as a result, a series of elaborate bowling Fulton’s 46, with off-spin great Muttiah Muralitharan Howarth-who played at The Oval for Surrey-top- changes he had planned were not carried out by taking four wickets after Sri Lanka’s new-ball scoring with 51. A second-wicket stand of 125 acting skipper Wright. bowlers had made early inroads. between Gordon Greenidge and Alvin Kallicharran Pakistan were 140 for four after 35 overs, need- 2011, RPS Colombo: New Zealand 217 (S Styris then took the West Indies, the eventual champions, ing 123 from the last 15. But Inzamam-ul-Haq 57) lost to Sri Lanka 220-5 (T Dilshan 73, K to the brink of victory. announced himself to the world with a brilliant Sangakkara 54) by 5 wkts. New Zealand struggled 1979, Old Trafford: New Zealand 212-9 (J innings and, with veteran batsman Javed Miandad, for runs, with Scott Styris playing largely a lone Wright 69) lost to England 221-8 (G Gooch 71, M he shared a match-changing stand of 87. hand in an innings where the next best score was Brearley 53) by 9 runs. The closest New Zealand 1999, Old Trafford: New Zealand 241-7 lost to 39, while paceman Lasith Malinga and spinner have yet come to a World Cup final saw them just Pakistan 242-1 (Saeed Anwar 113 no, Wajahatullah Ajantha Mendis took three wickets each. edged out in a match that went the distance. Wasti 84) by 9 wkts New Zealand, despite fast Fine fifties from Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar New Zealand great Richard Hadlee took a miser- bowler Shoaib Akhtar taking three wickets, still Sangakkara meant that, although Sri Lanka lost ly one for 32 in 12 overs but fifties from Graham managed what seemed a decent total. three wickets in the 160s, they inflicted another Gooch and England captain Mike Brearley saw the But they were undone by a superb opening semi-final defeat upon New Zealand. — AFP India hoping Kohli will deliver against Aussies

SYDNEY: By his own lofty standards, Virat Kohli has had a modest World Cup so far. But his Indian teammates all think the elegant stroke-maker will live up to his reputation as a big-match player when it matters. And few games matter more than Thursday’s semi-final against Australia. For Kohli, it’s a golden opportunity to get back amongst the runs. “I don’t think he has batted badly. When he has got an opportunity he has scored runs,” India’s World Cup captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said. “It’s not that he has scored a century every time he has gone out to bat. But everybody relating his performance with the test series NEW ZEALAND: West Indies’ batsman Chris Gayle is bowled out in this file photo. — AFP and expecting a hundred in every innings from him.” Gayle rules out retirement Kohli’s lean run at the World Cup has been puzzling, partly because of his great record WELLINGTON: Chris Gayle intends to keep back injury. “I’m actually out of the Test record in One Day Internationals and his great playing international cricket with his eyes series, the back won’t hold up for that for- form this summer. on the 2016 World Twenty20 but admitted mat at this point in time. But I haven’t He has scored 22 ODIs, averages almost 52 his back injury will sideline him from next retired from any format as yet. As I go on I from 157 matches in the format and is among month’s Test series against England. The 35- will keep informing the West Indies Cricket India’s best batmen. He replaced Dhoni as test year-old Jamaican hit a typically flamboy- Board about my progress in the future with captain for India’s last match against Australia ant 33-ball 61 as West Indies slumped to a West Indies cricket.” in Sydney in January and scored four hun- crushing 143-run defeat to New Zealand in On Saturday, and with the West Indies dreds in the series and averaged over 86. the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday having to chase 394 at the Westpac, Gayle But his form in ODI has fallen away. He with many in the game expecting Gayle to hit 56 of his 61 runs in boundaries, includ- made a century in India’s opening World Cup end his rollercoaster relationship with the ing eight sixes, as he was reduced to walk- match against Pakistan but hasn’t made a fifty national team. ing pace between the wickets. since. Known equally for his silken touch with But the veteran of 103 Tests and 269 But he put that down to a groin strain the bat and a penchant for run-ins with oppo- ODIs intends to keep playing and is keen to rather than his troublesome back. “The sition players, Kohli also found himself help West Indies to the World T20 in India back actually held up well, to be honest embroiled in controversy after swearing at a next year where they’ll look for a second with you, in the outfield for 50 overs and journalist over a story about his personal life. title to add to their 2012 triumph. then opening the batting,” he said. “Definitely want to play the T20 World “It wasn’t too bad, slight scare again The batting mainstay was censured by the Cup next year for West Indies, there’s no with a niggle in the groin, so all that was Indian board for his ugly outburst against the doubt about that,” Gayle told happening, and you have to take the con- travelling Indian journalist in Perth and www.ESPNcricinfo. ditions into consideration, it was a bit cold advised to maintain his cool. “I’ve got a few concerns and a few and you’re feeling some pain.” After his 107 against Pakistan in Adelaide, injuries to try and solve. I’ll give myself Gayle said he was looking forward to he has scored 46, 33 not out, 33, 44 not out, some time and hopefully look back at it working with former international all- 38 and 3 and Dhoni backed him for a big one and see how well I can actually progress for rounder Phil Simmons, who will take over soon. “I don’t think there has been any poor West Indies cricket at this point in time.” as West Indies coach next month after sign- shot selection. He is a dominant batsman who Bu the left-handed opener, who hit a ing a three-year deal with the WICB. “I know likes playing his shots when he goes in to bat,” World Cup record score of 215 at the World Phil well,” Gayle said. “He’s a good man, he Dhoni said. “It’s quite difficult but at the same Cup until it was bettered on Saturday by has done well with Ireland and he’s one of time I feel it is important to keep focussing on New Zealand’s Martin Guptill with 237, will us as well, so there’s no doubt about it. We the process. It’s just around the corner and big not play in the three-Test home series know how we can actually become a AUSTRALIA : Indian batsman Virat Kohli walks out to bat during a training session. — AFP players always score in big games.” — Reuters against England in April and May to rest his stronger unit.” — AFP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 SPORTS Chelsea scrape to victory

channel. Michael Dawson made the mistake of Hull 2 allowing the Spain striker to carry the ball into the 18 yards box and the result was a curling shot for his 19th club goal of the sea- son. Even at that early stage, the game Chelsea 3 looked lost for Hull and credit must go to manager Steve Bruce for a tactical switch- from 3-5-2 to 4-2-3-1 — that allowed his side LONDON: Loic Remy scored within two min- to apply more pressure on the visitors and utes of coming on as a substitute as Chelsea draw level with two goals in 74 seconds. battled to a 3-2 victory against Hull that Andy Robertson was moved to left-back moved them six points clear at the top of the from left wing-back but the Scotland interna- Premier League yesterday. Goals from Eden tional’s strength is getting forward. Hazard and Diego Costa put Jose Mourinho’s The 21-year-old set up Hull’s first goal side in command when he showed good strength to break into in the first nine minutes at the KC Stadium, the penalty area before delivering a perfect but Hull showed admirable determination to low cross for Elmohamady to finish as he slid draw level with two goals in quick succession in. Courtois had no chance on that occasion from Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel but the Belgium goalkeeper was highly cul- Hernandez before half-time. pable for Hull’s second from the subsequent Mourinho had warned his side against attack. complacency as they bid to finish ahead of Branislav Ivanovic’s pass put him under second placed Manchester City and earn their pressure as Gaston Ramirez closed the ball first title since 2010, so there was a real sense down but the goalkeeper tried to beat him of relief among Chelsea’s players and sup- rather than hack clear, only his touch was too porters when French striker Remy came off heavy and it allowed Hernandez to slide in the bench to score with 13 minutes left. It was and force the ball into the empty net. For the Blues’ first win in three games in all competi- remainder of the half, the buoyant hosts took tions. Hull know as well as anyone just how the game to Chelsea, who looked anything incisive Hazard can be after the Belgian had but a side in control of their destiny at the top scored twice in the last two Premier League of the table. meetings between the teams and it took him Mourinho, unsurprisingly, did not look just 78 seconds to make it three in three. pleased. Few Costa performances would be Costa displayed trademark strength to complete without at least one moment of receive Nemanja Matic’s pass and turn Alex controversy and the Chelsea striker appeared LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s Emre Can (bottom) fights for the ball against Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini during the English Premier League Bruce, laying the ball off to Hazard in the to elbow the jaw of Hull midfielder Jake soccer match. — AP process. Hazard’s shot from 20 yards arrowed Livermore as the hosts defended a set-piece. beyond Allan McGregor and into the corner Courtois was at fault for Hull’s equaliser of the net. Uruguay striker Hernandez squan- but he went a long way to atoning for his mis- dered a good chance to level in the fifth take with three brilliant saves in quick succes- Mata ends Reds run minute. David Meyler’s pass was flicked on by sion to deny Elmohamady, Livermore and Dame N’Doye to Hernandez, but the Hull Ramirez as Hull enjoyed their best spell of the striker rushed his shot and fired directly into second half. game’s major talking point, but there was no dis- created a chance of note, but when Jordan the chest of Thibaut Courtois. Remy’s introduction came in the 74th guising United’s superiority as they confirmed Henderson’s superb right-wing cross was teed As if to highlight Hull’s lack of cutting minute, in place of Costa, and 92 seconds lat- Liverpool 1 the return to form sparked by last weekend’s 3-0 up for Adam Lallana by Sturridge, the former edge, Costa doubled the visitors’ advantage er, he scored the winner. Fabregas’s pass defeat of Tottenham Hotspur. Southampton man could only shoot wide with four minutes later. Hazard dropped deep to allowed Willian to cross from the right. Remy’s After a fourth consecutive league win-and De Gea rooted to the spot. take control of the attack and fed the ball to shot hit McGregor but squirmed through the only a second success at Anfield in eight visits- Rodgers took decisive action at half-time by Cesc Fabregas, who supplied Costa in the left goalkeeper’s legs and across the line. — AFP Man United 2 United will now anticipate forthcoming games introducing Gerrard in place of Lallana, but it against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea was a move that would back-fire spectacularly. with something approaching the confidence of Seconds after coming on, Gerrard clattered LIVERPOOL: Steven Gerrard’s last game against old. Brendan Rodgers’s Liverpool players, mean- into Mata and when Herrera then returned the Manchester United ended with an ignominious while, head into the international break hoping favour, the Liverpool skipper reacted with a red card as Juan Mata’s superb double con- to find a second wind when they return. crude stamp on his opponent’s left calf that left demned Liverpool to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield yes- With Pele and United greats Alex Ferguson referee Martin Atkinson with no option but to terday. and Bobby Charlton in the directors’ box, there send him off. Philippe Coutinho attempted to In his final appearance against his club’s eter- was no shortage of football royalty in atten- sound the revolt, shooting narrowly over from nal foes before leaving for the Los Angeles dance as the two teams-both unchanged-took what has become trademark long range, but just Galaxy, Liverpool captain Gerrard came on at to the field beneath warm spring sunshine. before the hour, United doubled their lead with half-time, only to be sent off after 43 seconds for Visiting goalkeeper David de Gea had to slide a sumptuous goal. a crude stamp on Ander Herrera, who had creat- out and foil Raheem Sterling early on, but it was Four minutes after replacing Ashley Young, ed Mata’s 14th-minute opener. United who took control, patiently stringing Angel di Maria clipped a pass into the box to Mata added a glorious, volleyed second goal passes together in defence and probing for gaps Mata, who catapulted a sensational scissors kick and despite Daniel Sturridge’s reply and Wayne in a Liverpool side who displayed uncharacteris- past Simon Mignolet. Rooney seeing a late penalty saved, United held tic carelessness with the ball. There seemed no way back for the home side, on to condemn Liverpool to a first league defeat Following a spell of possession, Herrera creat- but 10 minutes later Coutinho freed Sturridge since their 3-0 loss at Old Trafford in December’s ed the opener with a fine, piercing through ball with a pass down the inside-right channel and reverse fixture. to his Spanish compatriot Mata, who assuredly the England striker rattled a right-foot shot Liverpool’s run of 13 games without defeat found the bottom-left corner with his weaker inside De Gea’s near post. After Emre Can was had given them an opportunity to knock United right foot. By way of response, Sturridge lashed harshly adjudged to have bundled Daley Blind out of the Champions League places, but an audacious volley wide from Jordan to the ground, Rooney saw his spot-kick parried instead Louis van Gaal’s side remain fourth, a Henderson’s lofted pass, but with the United by Mignolet, but it was United’s day and healthy five points above their rivals with eight supporters behind De Gea’s goal in full, crowing Liverpool’s match ended on a sour note with games of the season remaining. voice, the home side seemed cowed. It was not Martin Skrtel appearing to stamp on De Gea as Gerrard’s moment of madness proved the until 10 minutes before half-time that Liverpool he chased a through ball. — AFP Everton see off QPR

QPR 1

INDIAN WELLS: Simona Halep of Romania embraces the trophy after her win over Jelena Jankovic, of Serbia, in the final match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tourna- Everton 2 ment. — AP

Halep lifts Indian Wells title LONDON: Everton recovered from their Europa League embarrassment as Aaron Lennon’s strike secured a 2-1 INDIAN WELLS: Simona Halep claimed the 37 minutes. Halep broke Jankovic for the win at QPR that pushed the hosts another step closer biggest win of her career yesterday, lifting ninth and last time in the final game as she to Premier League relegation yesterday. Roberto the Indian Wells WTA trophy with a 2-6, 7-5, clinched the premier level title with cross- Martinez’s side had become the final English side to 6-4 victory over former champion Jelena court forehand winner that Jankovic had crash out of European competition this season after a Jankovic. no chance on. Both players had difficulty 5-2 thrashing by Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine on Thursday. The hard-fought triumph over the for- holding their serves throughout as there The dismal nature of that performance, coming during mer world number one from Serbia made were a total of 18 breaks. a disappointing league campaign, prompted some Romaniaís 23-year-old Halep the first player Jankovic looked dominant in winning Toffees fans to turn on the Everton manager, who to win three WTA titles this year. the final five games to take the first set but awoke to ‘Martinez out’ graffiti sprayed on a wall out- Halep, ranked third in the world, won then her serve let her down in the second side Goodison Park yesterday morning But this victory, four of the final five games in the third set and third as she won just 12 points in total secured by on-loan Tottenham winger Lennon after to earn the marathon victory in two hours, on her second serve. — AFP QPR’s Eduardo Vargas had cancelled out Seamus Coleman’s opener, moved Everton nine points clear of the bottom three and restored morale at Goodison. Federer, Djokovic in QPR manager Chris Ramsey had claimed a heated half-time team-talk during last weekend’s defeat at Crystal Palace would prove the catalyst for improved performances in the final weeks of the season. blockbuster final But his side look on course for relegation to the Championship as they sit second bottom, four points INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer roared into the sets 6-3, 7-5. from safety with only eight games remaining. Everton LONDON: Everton’s Romelu Lukaku (centre) is surrounded by Queens Park Rangers players final of the ATP Indian Wells Masters Saturday Serb Djokovic says facing a red-hot Federer were first to threaten when Leon Osman hooked nar- during the English Premier League soccer match. —AP where he will face Novak Djokovic in a block- so soon in the final of another big tournament rowly over from a Leighton Baines corner. Antolin buster showdown between the world’s top two is what he craves.’The ultimate final’ - “It’s the Alcaraz had been replaced by John Stones after his players. Federer’s remarkable run at Indian Wells ultimate final that right now I can have,” woeful performance played a significant role in EPL results/standings continued with a 7-5, 6-4 demolition of Canada’s Djokovic said. “Probably the player that is in the Everton’s European exit. Milos Raonic in the semi-finals. Defending best form. “In the last 12 months he’s been play- And Stones played an important role in snuffing Hull 2 (Elmohamady 26, Hernandez 28) Chelsea 3 (Hazard 2, Costa 9, Remy 77); Liverpool 1 champ Djokovic was equally dominant earlier in ing some of his best tennis.” If Djokovic wins out a couple of promising moments from QPR striker (Sturridge 69) Manchester United 2 (Mata 14, 59); QPR 1 (Vargas 65) Everton 2 (Coleman 18, Bobby Zamora in the early stages. the day with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 win over Sunday he will equal Federer for the most Indian Lennon 77). world number four Andy Murray. Wells men’s titles with four. “It doesn’t play a The visitors were beginning to hit their stride and “It is going to be quite physical out there,” decisive role on how I’m going to approach the went in front in the 18th minute when Coleman took Played Saturday Burnley 0; Stoke 1 (Diouf 14) Crystal Federer said of Sunday’s final. “I think we played match, but it does motivate me,” said Djokovic of Osman’s pass and side-footed a cool finish past Robert Aston Villa 0 Swansea 1 (Gomis 87); Palace 2 (Murray 41-pen, Zaha 45+2); five times last year and then now this would be trying to add to the titles he won in 2008, 2011 Green. Manchester City 3 (Bony 27, Fernando 40, Tottenham 4 (Kane 6, 13, 64-pen, Schlupp the second time this year. We have played each and last year. “It does give me this positive wind QPR would have been level before half-time if Silva 77) West Brom 0; Newcastle 1 85-og) Leicester 3 (Vardy 38, Morgan 50, other a bunch now.” in the back that I can maybe use and manifest Zamora, with the goal at his mercy, had been able to (Sissoko 48) Arsenal 2 (Giroud 24, 28); Nugent 90); West Ham 1 (Sakho 88) The two also met in last year’s Indian Wells on the court.” keep his header on target from Charlie Austin’s cross. Southampton 2 (Long 37, Shackell 58-og) Sunderland 0. final which Djokovic won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). The The 33-year-old Federer won in 2004, 2005, Ramsey’s team thought they had equalised in the first minute of the second half after Junior Hoilett hit the ageless Federer has been in top form the past 2006 and 2012. Federer improved to 16-1 this English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals two weeks in the California desert and a win on year with his only loss coming against Andreas bar from 25 yards and Zamora bundled in the rebound. against, points): Sunday would avenge last year’s heartbreaking Seppi at the Australian Open in January. He However, their celebrations were curtailed by the loss. “I think last year’s final was great,” said avenged that defeat in the third round at Indian linesman’s flag for offside. Martinez’s team were back Federer. “We both played very well. Came down Wells this year, spanking Seppi 6-3, 6-4. He also on the offensive as Darron Gibson smashed a fierce Chelsea 29 20 7 2 61 25 67 Crystal Palace 30 9 9 12 36 41 36 to the wire. I didn’t get off to a good start to the took just 69 minutes to reach the semis by shot wide from Osman’s pass. Man City 30 18 7 5 62 28 61 Newcastle 30 9 8 13 33 48 35 breaker and then he ran away with it. “After los- ousting in straight sets Czech Tomas But the hosts snatched an equaliser in the 65th Arsenal 30 18 6 6 58 31 60 Everton 30 8 10 12 38 42 34 ing by so little last year I was quite disappointed, Berdych, who has been a particularly troubling minute when Chilean substitute Vargas fired into the Man Utd 30 17 8 5 52 27 59 West Brom 30 8 9 13 27 39 33 even though I was happy with how I was play- opponent for Federer over the years. roof of the net from close-range after Austin and Liverpool 30 16 6 8 44 32 54 Hull 30 6 10 14 28 40 28 ing. “So I couldn’t wait until I got a chance to Federer is out for more revenge in the final Sandro unhinged the Everton defence. Southampton 30 16 5 9 42 21 53 Aston Villa 30 7 7 16 19 39 28 play him again here.” against Djokovic. “He’s tough, as we know. He To make matters worse for Martinez’s men, Belgian Tottenham 30 16 5 9 50 45 53 Sunderland 30 4 14 12 23 44 26 This will be the 38th career meeting between barely misses. He moves great. He makes you go striker Romelu Lukaku limped off injured soon after. To Swansea 30 12 7 11 34 38 43 Burnley 30 5 10 15 26 49 25 the two with Federer holding a 20-17 edge. for the extra shot,” he said of Djokovic. “This is Everton’s credit they kept plugging away and took the West Ham 30 11 9 10 40 37 42 QPR 30 6 4 20 31 54 22 Their most recent meeting was in the final last one of the great hardcourt players we have seen points in the 77th minute when Lennon lashed in after Stoke 30 12 6 12 34 37 42 Leicester 29 4 7 18 27 48 19 month in Dubai where Federer won in straight in tennis.” — AFP a poor QPR clearance. Fenninger Halep lifts retains Indian World Cup Wells title

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 17 19

Chelsea scrape to victory against Hull Page 19

SPAIN: Barcelona’s Gerard Pique kicks the ball with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos (left) and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (right) during a Spanish La Liga soccer match. — AP Suarez hands Barca victory over Real

BARCELONA: Barcelona moved four Karim Benzema pulled a shot wide of ruled out for offside, whilst Bravo tipped a od with an incredible run from inside hs points clear at the top of La Liga as Luis the far post before his teasing cross was piledriver from Ronaldo over and Bale own half past numerous Madrid players, Spanish League results/standings Suarez’s brilliant individual effort handed volleyed onto the bar at the back post by stabbed inches wide from the resulting but again his finishing was wayward as he Spanish La Liga table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, them a 2-1 win over Real Madrid yester- Ronaldo. However, it was Barca who went corner. Madrid also had the first opportu- blasted over. drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): day. in front on 18 minutes when Mathieu nity of the second-half as lovely link-up Messi had been very quiet given his Barcelona 28 22 2 4 80 17 68 Jeremy Mathieu headed Barca in front headed home Messi’s in-swinging free- play between Benzema and Ronaldo this stunning performances of late, but he was Real Madrid 28 21 1 7 78 26 64 early on from Lionel Messi’s free-kick, but kick from the left for his first league goal time put the Frenchman through on goal, inches away from sealing the points 17 Valencia 28 18 6 4 52 22 60 Atletico 28 18 5 5 53 23 59 Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at his critics in for the club. but Bravo did just enough to parry his shot minutes from time as his shot curled just Sevilla 28 17 4 7 51 33 55 recent weeks with a deserved equaliser Neymar should have doubled the hosts’ to safety. wide. Neymar then blazed wide again Villarreal 28 14 7 7 43 26 49 before the break. advantage on the half hour when he fired And they were again caught by a suck- from a Messi pass as space began to open Malaga 28 13 5 10 31 31 44 Suarez was to have the final say, straight at Iker Casillas with the goal gap- er punch when Alves’s ball over the top up for Barca. Those wasted opportunities Bilbao 28 11 6 11 27 33 39 Sociedad 28 9 9 10 33 37 36 though, as he registered his first goal in El ing after a mishit Suarez shot rolled across was brilliantly controlled and finished by nearly came back to haunt the Catalans as Celta Vigo 28 9 8 11 29 31 35 Clasico by controlling Dani Alves’s long goal. Suarez on the turn. Bravo had to produce a brilliant save to Rayo 28 11 2 15 33 50 35 ball before turning to strike into the far Seconds later Real were level thanks to Ronaldo, who had been booked in the turn Benzema’s deflected effort behind for Espanyol 28 9 7 12 32 37 34 corner. a lovely move as Benzema backheeled first-half for diving, was then fortunate not a corner. Getafe 28 8 5 15 24 39 29 Eibar 28 7 7 14 26 38 28 A third defeat in four games for Madrid Luka Modric’s pass into Ronaldo’s path and to see red when he appeared to kick out Casillas kept Madrid in the game at the Elche 28 7 6 15 23 52 27 will see coach Carlo Ancelotti come under he poked the ball past Claudio Bravo on after being fouled by Javier Mascherano. other end with a pair of fine saves to deny Deportivo 28 6 8 14 23 44 26 increasing pressure to hold onto his job, the stretch. The cautions continued to mount as 11 Jordi Alba and Messi, but it was to no avail Almeria 28 6 7 15 21 42 25 Levante 28 6 7 15 23 52 25 but it was Madrid who posed the greater The visitors then went on to end the players were booked in all. Neymar nearly as Barca racked up their 18th win in 19 Granada 28 4 11 13 18 43 23 danger early on. half the stronger as Gareth Bale had a goal made amends for his miss in the first peri- games. — AFP Cordoba 28 3 9 16 20 46 18 Sweet 16 for Tevez Gladbach shock Bayern BERLIN: Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich Robben was forced off in the first-half and suffered only their third defeat of the sea- taken to hospital-he also missed last week’s as Juve down Genoa son yesterday as they lost 2-0 at home to win at Werder Bremen with a trapped nerve. Borussia Moenchengladbach, whose Earlier, second-placed Wolfsburg were MILAN: Carlos Tevez took his Serie A goals tally “That would be extraordinary, but football is Brazilian striker Raffael scored twice. held to a surprise 1-1 draw at mid-table this season to 16 as Juventus opened up a 17- full of surprises. “Monaco are a side that are It was Bayern’s first home defeat of the Mainz after the hosts took a shock seventh- point gap on closest challengers Roma thanks to underestimated by everyone, so we’re expecting season and was only Gladbach’s third win in minute lead when defender Niko Bungert a hard-fought 1-0 win over Genoa yesterday. two totally different games to the ones we played Munich in 47 league games, lifting Lucien out-jumped the visiting defence to head Genoa travelled to Turin with faint hopes of against Borussia Dortmund (in the last 16).” Favre’s side back to third in the table. home from a corner. taking a share of the spoils from the league lead- Rudi Garcia’s crisis-hit Roma side travel to Following a defeat to Manchester City in Wolfsburg made their possession count ers having handed Juve their only defeat of the Cesena later on Sunday looking to record only the Champions League’s group stages in as Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo hit the season last October. their second win in 11 games. A slip-up could November and a 4-1 thrashing at Wolfsburg post, then scored their equaliser on 61 min- However Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin add significantly to Garcia’s woes, especially if in the Bundesliga in January, it was only utes. could do little to stop Tevez’s 25th minute strike city rivals Lazio-in third at only a point adrift Bayern’s third defeat in all competitions this On Saturday, Germany winger Karim from inside the area and despite stand-in keeper ahead of their late home game with Verona- campaign. Bellarabi kept Bayer Leverkusen fourth in Eugenio Lamanna later stopping Tevez’s spot- leapfrog them into second place. After Roma’s Despite the loss, Champions League the table with a 1-0 win at Schalke 04. kick, the hosts held on to record their 20th win of 2-0 defeat at home by Sampdoria last week, quarter-finalists Bayern still hold a ten-point Bellarabi, who has been linked to Arsenal, lead at the top of the table and are on grabbed the 35th-minute winner from the the campaign. dozens of the club’s hardline ‘ultra’ supporters course for a third straight league title. tightest of angles with a superb shot across Tevez now leads fellow Argentinian Mauro surrounded players and demanded they “They barely got into our half before goal. Schalke coach Roberto di Matteo was Icardi of Inter Milan and AC Milan’s French winger remove their shirts because they were ‘unde- they scored their first goal and it’s not easy bitterly disappointed as the defeat left his Jeremy Menez in the race for Serie A’s capocan- serving’. Several of Roma’s players, including to break down a side who pack their side five points from a possible Champions noniere (top scorer) award. Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan, were tak- defence,” said Bayern coach Pep Guardiola. League place for next season. Icardi and Menez have both scored 15 goals, en to task by disgruntled fans while walking in “We failed to break down their defence Borussia Dortmund bounced back from with the Inter striker in action later Sunday when the Italian capital earlier this week. and they counterattacked superbly. “We still their midweek Champions League exit with the struggling Nerazzurri visit high-flying Napoli, in fourth at three points behind ITALY: Juventus’ Carlos Tevez (left) chal- have a 10 point lead, but we must fight until a 3-2 win at 10-man Hanover to earn their Sampdoria. Lazio, host Atalanta while Sampdoria and lenges for the ball with Genoa’ Diego the end to defend our title.” first victory in four games. Less than a week after securing their place in Fiorentina, one point further adrift in fifth and Perotti during a Serie A soccer match. — AP Raffael, who turns 30 next Saturday, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the Champions League quarter-finals and a two- sixth, respectively host Inter and travel to profited from a rare mistake by Germany twice as Dortmund picked up valuable leg tie with Monaco, Juventus moved a step clos- Udinese. coach Filippo Inzaghi as Milan’s ninth win of the goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who failed to league points after goalless draws against er towards their fourth consecutive and 31st On Saturday, Menez hit a brace including a campaign moved them up to seventh place block the Brazilian’s long-range shot which Hamburg and Cologne. scudetto. But coach Massimiliano Allegri told Sky controversial penalty as Milan broke a three- ahead of the remainder of the weekend fix- rolled into the Munich goal with half an The win left Borussia tenth with Hanover Sport his season would only be complete if he game winless run thanks to a 3-1 victory over tures. hour gone. 14th and two points from relegation. steered the Turin giants into the last four in Cagliari in a half-empty San Siro. “I’m happy for the team, we got less than we Gladbach claimed their second on 77 Bremen stay ninth after being held to a 1-1 Europe’s premier club competition. Milan hosted Zdenek Zeman’s league strug- deserved from our performances against minutes when Germany midfielder draw at mid-table Cologne as a first-half “Hats of to the lads, and to everyone at the glers looking to get back to winning ways fol- Verona and Fiorentina,” said Inzaghi. “I was con- Christoph Kramer squared for Raffael to fire goal by Germany Under-19 striker Davie club. We’re having a fantastic season. I want to fin- lowing draws with Chievo and Verona and a 2-1 fident that if we played the way we did at his second past Neuer. Selke for the visitors was cancelled out by an ish it off in the best possible way by qualifying for defeat away to Fiorentina last week. Fiorentina, we would be rewarded. “Now, we There was more bad news for Bayern 88th-minute penalty from Cologne midfield- coach Pep Guardiola as Dutch winger Arjen er Matthias Lehmann. — AFP the semi-finals,” said the Italian. The pressure eased on embattled Rossoneri hope to keep on like this.” — AFP Depreciation no threat for emerging Asia

Page 22 Business India’s banking industry faces near-term challenges: Banker MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Page 23 Toyota opens new parts and accessories Challenges of Islamic financing center in Qurain Page 26 Page 25

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank’s Chairman Majed Essa Al-Ajeel addresses the annual general assembly meeting yesterday. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Burgan Bank operating income KD 275.7m in 2014 Bank holds annual general assembly and Shafafiya Investors Forum KUWAIT: Burgan Bank held its annual general 2014 reported at KD 61.8 million while earning in managing and shaping its growth; its balance assembly meeting and Al-Shafafiya Investor’s per share (EPS) reported at 37.6 fils. sheet remains healthy with sound liquidity levels forum at the Burgan Bank Tower yesterday. Burgan Bank’s Chairman, Majed Essa Al-Ajeel at 30 percent and with Capital Adequacy ratio at said: “In 2014, Burgan Bank Group has managed 13.5 percent as the end of December 31, 2014. General assembly to achieve another year of solid financial per- ,”he said. During the general assembly meeting, the formance. Sustainable growth inertia and diversi- Burgan Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer Bank’s board members presented the Bank’s fication of revenue streams are the main charac- Eduardo Eguren said, “On a Group level, 2014 can financial earnings report for the year ended teristics that describe the Group’s performance. be described as a year of optimization and align- December 31, 2014 and agreed to a pay of 15 We definitely generated returns for all our stake- ment to new regulations. The group continued to percent cash dividends while also distributing holders: shareholders, customers, employees and reap the benefits of its resilient business model, bonus shares of 5 percent to registered share- communities”. its performance culture and its focused execu- holders. “During 2014 the Group implemented an tion. Our core strategy has not changed through- optimized new capital plan that puts the Group out the year; we have managed to expand on Shafafiya forum in compliance with Basel III requirements and to calculated growth plans, adapt to change, Following the annual general assembly meet- support its further growth plan. The plan includ- remain resilient to a less favorable operating ings, Burgan Bank held its annual Shafafiya forum ed the issuance of AT1 bonds in 3Q-2014 -the environment and markets volatility, and to deliv- which serves as a platform for the bank’s man- first of its kind in Kuwait and worth $500 million; er; our promises of growing our market share in agement to present the main events for 2014 as closed through a robust demand from local and the core market with profitability, revamping our well as its outlook for 2015 to shareholders, part- international investors which reflected their trust retail bank, growing our cross business origina- ners, as well as institutional investors. in the Group’s performance and prospects,” tion and build capabilities have been met.” The strong operating performance during the added Al-Ajeel. The Shafafiya Forum is an annual event that is financial year 2014 delivered a faster than market “In addition to the AT1bond issuance, Burgan held amongst Kuwait Projects Company’s (KIP- growth almost on all indicators. Compared to last Bank Group has successfully raised capital CO) subsidiaries, and reflects a strong corporate year, Operating income grew by 9 percent from through a rights issue with the total proceeds of governance practice, which promotes corporate KD253.6 million to KD 275.7 million while KD102.6 million. The Group has adequate and fairness, transparency and accountability. The Operating Profits before provisions soared to reg- efficient capitalization levels combined with forum provides an ideal platform to discuss ister KD 153.5 million also reflecting a growth of improved asset quality and liquidity and the risk financial reports and outlook as well as market KUWAIT: Burgan Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer Eduardo Eguren addresses the 9 percent. The Group’s net profit for the year to return architecture has played an efficient role predictions openly with shareholders. annual Shafafiya forum. Saudi extends rebound; IMF, ADB join supporters Arabtec dampens Dubai for Chinese-led lender BEIJING: China received critical support from the The fund will have approval from its shareholders at International Monetary Forum and Asian Development the start to double its capitalization to $100 billion, he MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS Bank yesterday for its goal of establishing a new said. “China will follow the rules of the international Chinese-led multilateral lender, adding to a growing community and will not bully other members but work DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s bourse rebounded further yester- percent because of builder Arabtec which tumbled its wave of endorsements that has worried the United together with them and try to reach consensus in all the day after oil prices mounted an end-of-week rally, while daily 10 percent limit. The company posted an unex- States. Leaders of the IMF and ADB, speaking at a con- other Gulf markets were steady although Arabtec pected fourth-quarter loss of 94.4 million dirhams decisions we make without brandishing the majority weighed on Dubai following the builder’s poor quarter- ($25.7 million), blaming non-recurring general and ference in Beijing, said they were in talks with or happy shareholder status,” he said. ly results. Brent oil rose 1.6 percent to $55.32 per barrel administrative expenses. to cooperate with the Asian Infrastructure Investment on Friday while US crude futures for April delivery Arabtec reorganized itself and laid off some execu- Bank (AIIB), a $50 billion lender to be majority funded BANDWAGON jumped 4 percent to settle at $45.72 as the dollar post- tives and staff after the abrupt departure in June last by China that is seen by some as a rival to these estab- In an editorial published on the same day, China’s ed its biggest weekly decline against the euro in more year of former chief executive Hasan Ismaik, who lished international financial institutions. The United official Xinhua news agency suggested that the United than three years. resigned after differences of opinion with Aabar States, concerned about China’s growing diplomatic States might be embarrassed that many of its allies had Saudi Arabia’s main stock index added 1.5 percent, as Investments, a key shareholder. The construction firm, clout, has urged countries to think twice about signing not heeded its warnings. “For decision-makers in the petrochemical giant Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC) whose shares are among the most traded on Dubai’s up and questioned whether the AIIB will have sufficient United States, they really have to be reminded that if climbed 1.1 percent and other sectors, such as banks bourse, also proposed no cash dividend for 2014, but standards of governance and environmental and social they do not jump on the bandwagon of change in time, and property firms, were also strong. offered a 5 percent bonus share issue. Real estate developer Dar Al Arkan jumped 2.8 per- Other Gulf markets consolidated. Abu Dhabi slipped safeguards. they will soon be overrun by the bandwagon itself,” it cent and was the most traded stock, while Emaar 0.3 percent and Qatar eased 0.05 percent. Some 27 countries have already signed up to partici- said. Economic City climbed 2.2 percent. Top lender National Telecommunications firm Ooredoo fell 1.1 percent pate in the AIIB, China’s Finance Minister Lou Jiwei told IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said yester- Commercial Bank surged 4.2 percent. after it warned investors last week it expected revenue China National Radio on Saturday. It will provide project day that the fund would be “delighted” to cooperate Local and regional investors are accumulating Saudi to fall by as much as 3 percent in 2015 and core earn- loans to developing countries and is slated to begin with the AIIB. China’s Lou and ADB President Takehiko equities as the kingdom prepares to allow direct foreign ings to drop by a similar margin. operations at the end of 2015. Nakao said at the conference they had held discussions share ownership in the first half of 2015. A similar phe- Commercial Bank of Qatar jumped 3.7 percent The United States’ key strategic allies in the region, on possible cooperation, with the Chinese finance min- nomenon helped Dubai’s index more than double in despite going ex-dividend after its shareholders Australia, Japan and South Korea, are also considering ister adding that topics discussed included safeguard 2013 when index compiler MSCI said it would upgrade approved the issue of up to $1 billion in capital-raising joining the proposed Beijing-based bank. Early opposi- standards. Lou has previously said AIIB would comple- it to emerging market status. Savola Group stabilized, instruments. tion to the AIIB from Western countries partially dis- ment rather than compete with other institutions such falling 1.1 percent. It dropped by its daily 10 percent Egypt’s index fell 1.7 percent as all of its constituents limit on Thursday after the firm halved its outlook for declined. One reason for the market’s weakness could solved after Britain said this month it would join, with as the ADB, the Manila-based multilateral lender domi- first-quarter profit before capital gains because of suf- be investors cashing out to take part initial public offer France, Germany and Italy swiftly following suit. nated by Japan and the United States. fering retail sales and exports. Yanbu National of Misr Fertilizers Production Company (MOPCO), which Canberra could formally decide to sign up to the AIIB The AIIB’s Jin said developing countries in Asia would Petrochemicals Co and Southern Province Cement fell announced its intention to list at the end of last week. when the full cabinet meets on Monday, Australian receive the bulk of loans for infrastructure projects, 1.8 and 2.4 percent respectively as they went ex-divi- The listing is part of a flurry of initial public offerings, media have said. which could be co-provided with commercial banks dend. mergers and rights issues that have boosted market At least eight more countries may join the lender by and pension funds. activity. Egyptian food maker Edita will put up shares in the March 31 deadline, Jin Liqun, secretary-general of Non-Asian countries would also only hold 25 percent UAE, EGYPT a secondary offering in April and Orascom Construction the interim secretariat that is establishing the AIIB, told of the AIIB’s shareholding, lower than their stakes at the Dubai’s index was the weakest in the Gulf, falling 1.4 completed a secondary offer this month. — Reuters a panel at the conference yesterday. founding of the ADB, he said. — Reuters MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 BUSINESS Depreciation no threat for emerging Asia News in brief KCIC WEEKLY ANALYSIS ON ASIA Bahrain Q4 GDP growth By Camille Accad helped keep upside pressure on prices in anticipation of a prospective US Fed Additionally, the potential US-Iran deal, eases to 4.0 pct y/y as imported goods become more interest rate hike. The direction in policy which could potentially reduce sanc- MANAMA: Bahrain’s real gross domestic product KUWAIT: The US dollar continues to expensive. However, the impact of low- in the region will depend heavily on the tions on Iran’s economy, could further growth slowed to 4.0 percent year-on-year in the strengthen against world’s major cur- er oil prices is more than offsetting the timing of when the Fed will raise inter- bloat the supply glut. final quarter of 2014, the weakest rate since 3.2 per- rencies. Since July 2014, the reserve effect of the broad-based currency est rates and the level of oil prices, and Given the extended period of low cent in the first quarter of the year, preliminary data currency appreciated around 25 per- depreciation. In theory, more expan- will vary across countries. Economic interest rates and weak oil prices, cen- from the Central Informatics Organization showed cent. The dollar index, which measures sionary policies could be introduced. activity in the US is expanding at a sta- tral banks in emerging Asia will main- yesterday. the US dollar’s performance against a However, the Federal Reserve looks ble pace, but is far from overheating: tain their loose policy stance. The weak- basket of major currencies, reached increasingly likely to raise interest rates manufacturing is in contraction, the ening currency trend however creates 100, a level not reached in over a as the economy recovers. Last week, housing market is still lethargic and additional risk to emerging Asian Ajman Bank agrees on decade. The rally in the currency in the the US central bank removed the word inflation is at a five year low. Hence, economies with large financial sectors. $155m syndicated loan last three quarters is the result of the “patient” from their statement when although some analysts expect interest Those include South Korea and DUBAI: Ajman Bank, the United Arab Emirates’ lender, market anticipating a rate hike in the referring to when to raise interest rates rates to be raised as soon as June, it is Malaysia, who already suffered large has secured a $155 million syndicated Islamic loan for US. As a consequence, currencies from the current record low. Higher unlikely that the Fed would sacrifice any currency depreciations; Hong Kong and general business purposes, according to a statement around the world have lost significant interest rates in the US would fuel fur- growth potential in exchange for lower Singapore would lead the list however from the arranger of the deal yesterday. Dubai-based value against the US dollar. The euro ther money outflows from emerging risk of overheating in the near term. This their fixed foreign exchange systems Noor Bank acted as the sole arranger and bookrunner and the Japanese yen weakened con- Asia, thereby putting additional down- becomes even more evident when the protect them from major currency fluc- for the deal, while Emirates Islamic Bank, First Gulf Bank, siderably against the US dollar in the ward pressure on their foreign low oil price projections are taken into tuations. Overall, this year remains a United Arab Bank and Warba Bank participated in the last nine months, but this is in line with exchange. account. The expansion in US oil supply, positive year to invest in Asia, prefer- loan. The deal consisted of a hybrid murabaha and their policy objectives. The European Central banks in emerging Asia are in the key factor behind the global supply ably in countries less vulnerable to wakala structure with a two-year lifespan, Noor said in Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of a tricky position, having to decide glut that pushed oil prices down, con- changes in oil prices and currency the statement. Murabaha is a cost-plus-profit arrange- Japan (BoJ) are both undertaking an between loosening policy in order to tinued to hit new record highs after ris- volatility, such as Thailand and the ment where one party agrees to buy merchandise for ultra-loose monetary policy in order to stimulate inflation and tightening policy ing for the tenth consecutive week. Philippines. another, which promises to buy it at an agreed mark-up. stimulate their stagnating economies In wakala, one party acts as agent for another. and reverse the deflationary pressures they are facing. The deceleration in prices is a global APICORP inks $950m Islamic phenomenon, and is mostly attributed loan to fund investments to the sharp decline in the price of oil, which is now trading at half its mid- DUBAI: Arab Petroleum Investments Corp (APICORP) 2014 value. Headline inflation in Asia has signed a two-part sharia-compliant facility worth ex-Japan, with the exception of $950 million that it will use to finance investments in Indonesia, is on a clear declining trend, regional energy projects, it said in a statement yes- with more downward pressure expect- terday. The bulk of the financing consisted of a 3 bil- ed in the next few months as lower fuel lion Saudi riyal ($800 million) Islamic loan of five prices spill over onto other products years duration that was provided by five Saudi and consumer and corporate deflation banks: Banque Saudi Fransi, National Commercial expectations intensify. Headline infla- Bank, Riyad Bank, Samba Financial Group and Saudi tion is well below most central banks’ British Bank. The remainder was provided on a three targets, and monetary policy across the year basis by First Gulf Bank, HSBC and National Bank region is already being loosened. So far of Abu Dhabi , the statement added. this year, seven Asian central banks - China, India, Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, Korea and Singapore - have Dubai’s DHCOG 2014 already eased policy. The global disin- profit rises 42% flationary environment will continue to DUBAI: Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group encourage more monetary and fiscal (DHCOG), part of a conglomerate owned by the emirate’s expansionary policies, which should ruler, reported a 42 percent increase in 2014 net profit put further downward pressure on yesterday as property and land sales boosted earnings. these economies’ currencies. The company made a net profit in 2014 of 4.68 billion Compared to last July, emerging dirhams ($1.27 billion) last year, up from 3.30 billion Asian currencies are already much dirhams in 2013, according to an emailed statement. weaker against the US dollar. This has Driving the higher profit was a 13.6 percent rise in total revenue to 13.23 billion dirhams, which Chief Executive Ahmed bin Byat said was aided by a 5.6 billion dirham contribution from higher property and land sales and 8.5 percent growth in recurring revenues. DHCOG is part of S Sudan economy on edge Dubai Holding, which runs multiple businesses including Hard to reach $100-120 oil hotel group Jumeirah, business park TECOM Investments amid war, low oil output and Dubai Properties Group. Among its units is Emirates again: Saudi OPEC governor International Telecommunications (EIT), which has investments in Dubai-listed du, Tunisie Telecom and RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s OPEC governor “We are not against anybody or Malta’s GO. Mohammed Al-Madi said yesterday against the (production of US shale JUBA: Hit by falling oil revenues, South have fallen under rebel control. that he believed it would be difficult for oil)...On the contrary we welcome it, as Sudan’s economy is also troubled by a Oil production has been cut by 60 oil to reach a price range of $100-120 it balances the market in the long run.” violent conflict that looks set to continue. percent, Finance Ministry Director per barrel again. “$100-120 - I think it’s Some producers such as Iran, a diplo- It could get worse in this young country, General Philip Ajack Boldit told The Egyptian pound steady difficult to reach 120 another time...We matic rival of Saudi Arabia, have sharply with the UN warning that South Sudan’s Associated Press. Boldit denied the gov- on official market economy is now threatened by rampant ernment is printing money, saying doing understand that all countries need criticized Riyadh for its decision to let CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank kept the pound steady higher incomes...We want higher oil prices slide rather than trying to inflation as the central bank is allegedly so requires approval by parliament, but at 7.53 pounds to the dollar at a foreign exchange incomes, but we want higher incomes support them with an OPEC production printing money to meet a budget short- he acknowledged that inflation is under- auction yesterday, while the domestic currency for us and future generations,” Madi cut. fall. Since December South Sudan’s gov- way and that the government does not weakened on the black market. The central bank has told an energy conference in Riyadh. But Madi said yesterday that the ernment has resorted to the “old trick” of have enough dollar reserves to bring it now kept the official exchange rate steady for more Brent crude is currently around $55 per price drop was because of fundamental printing money, said Toby Lanzer, the under control. than a month after letting the pound weaken in an barrel. supply and demand factors, not any UN’s top humanitarian official in South Already, the downturn has forced the attempt to wipe out black-market trading. The bank He also repeated that Saudi Arabia non-economic policies. Sudan, at a news conference on Tuesday. government to delay salaries of civil ser- said it had offered $40 million at auction and sold had no political motives in its oil policy. “Was OPEC able to control prices? “Printing money when there is noth- vants. President Salva Kiir last week $38.4 million at a cut-off price of 7.5301 pounds per “There isn’t any political dimension in The answer is, if OPEC could have con- ing to back the value of that currency acknowledged South Sudan’s economic dollar , unchanged from its last auction on Thursday. what we do at the oil ministry - our trolled the prices it would have done usually leads to hyperinflation,” Lanzer woes in a public rally in Juba. Black-market traders said volumes have fallen dra- vision is commercial and economic...We so, but it is not in the interest of OPEC said in the capital Juba. South Sudan’s “Even if we were to sign peace today, matically since the central bank allowed the pound didn’t mean to hurt anybody, our vision to control the prices. economy has suffered since the outbreak the economic conditions in our country to weaken and imposed a cap in February on the is simply the following: the producers “It is OPEC’s interest to achieve in December 2013 of fighting between would not improve automatically because amount of dollars that can be deposited in banks. which have low costs have to have the balance in the market. The price is supporters of President Salva Kiir and it will take some time to reach the level of The limit discourages use of the black market priority to produce, but those who decided by the market, and the mar- renegade troops loyal to his former oil production before the war and the oil because those who exchange dollars outside official have high costs have to wait for their ket is subject to supply and deputy. Several peace agreements have prices are likely to remain low for some channels are deprived of a place to keep their funds. turn to produce,” he said. demand.” —Reuters collapsed. Oil production facilities have time as the supply of oil in the world is been damaged in the fighting and some high and demand is low,” he said. —AP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.590 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Nepalese Rupees 4.000 Singapore Dollar 0.215208 0.221208 South African Rand 0.018965 0.027465 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 81.630 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001878 0.002458 Japanese Yen 2.502 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.900 Australian Dollar 226.55 Thai Bhat 10.175 Taiwan 0.009390 0.009570 Indian Rupees 4.812 Canadian Dollar 240.82 Turkish Lira 115.790 Thai Baht 0.008888 0.009438 Pakistani Rupees 2.947 Swiss Franc 305.96 Srilankan Rupees 2.247 Euro 323.18 Arab Nepali Rupees 3.014 US Dollar 300.60 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.790090 0.798090 Singapore Dollar 219.490 Sterling Pound 447.65 Egyptian Pound 0.038995 0.042095 Hongkong Dollar 38.722 Japanese Yen 2.53 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000084 Bangladesh Taka 3.861 Bangladesh Taka 3.859 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iraqi Dinar 0.000190 0.000250 Philippine Peso 6.704 Indian Rupee 4.801 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.419533 0.427033 Thai Baht 9.203 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.248 Belgian Franc 0.007831 0.008831 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Nepali Rupee 3.007 British Pound 0.443400 0.452400 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 GCC COUNTRIES Pakistani Rupee 2.953 Czech Korune 0.003871 0.015871 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021475 0.045475 Saudi Riyal 80.139 UAE Dirhams 81.73 Danish Krone 0.039721 0.044721 Nigerian Naira 0.001234 0.001869 Qatari Riyal 82.561 Bahraini Dinar 797.85 Euro 0.320515 0.328515 Omani Riyal 0.773985 0.779665 Omani Riyal 780.770 Egyptian Pound 39.28 Norwegian Krone 0.033544 0.038744 Qatar Riyal 0.081774 0.082987 Bahraini Dinar 798.190 Jordanian Dinar 427.11 Romanian Leu 0.086141 0.086141 Saudi Riyal 0.079443 0.080143 UAE Dirham 81.831 Omani Riyal 779.58 Slovakia 0.008909 0.018909 Syrian Pound 0.001272 0.001492 Qatari Riyal 82.78 Swedish Krona 0.030922 0.035922 Tunisian Dinar 0.152684 0.160684 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 80.08 Swiss Franc 0.302548 0.312748 Turkish Lira 0.115919 0.122919 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.435 Turkish Lira 0.115919 0.122919 UAE Dirhams 0.080779 0.081928 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.296 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001357 0.001437 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.402 Australasia Tunisian Dinar 155.650 Australian Dollar 0.225988 0.237488 Jordanian Dinar 424.170 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.221696 0.231196 Al Mulla Exchange Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.016 US Dollar 300.350 America Syrian Lira 2.142 Canadian Dollar 239.250 Canadian Dollar 0.234106 0.242608 Morocco Dirham 30.684 Sterling Pound 444.335 US Dollars 0.296200 0.300900 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 321.480 US Dollars Mint 0.296700 0.300900 US Dollar 298.850 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 297.320 Euro 323.750 US Dollar Transfer 300.400 Bahrain Dinar 798.955 Asia Pound Sterlng 452.450 Euro 328.790 UAE Dirhams 82.150 Bangladesh Taka 0.003560 0.004160 Canadian Dollar 239.000 Sterling Pound 452.850 Qatari Riyals 83.325 Chinese Yuan 0.046901 0.050401 Indian Rupee 4.775 Canadian dollar 241.290 Saudi Riyals 80.275 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036633 0.039383 Egyptian Pound 39.150 Turkish lira 116.800 Jordanian Dinar 423.940 Indian Rupee 0.004539 0.004940 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.240 Swiss Franc 311.300 Egyptian Pound 39.288 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Bangladesh Taka 3.842 Japanese Yen 0.002419 0.002599 Australian Dollar 236.720 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.249 Philippines Peso 6.750 Kenyan Shilling 0.003315 0.003315 US Dollar Buying 299.200 Indian Rupees 4.805 Pakistan Rupee 2.942 Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Pakistani Rupees 2.943 Bahraini Dinar 795.750 Malaysian Ringgit 0.077858 0.083858 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.858 UAE Dirham 81.600 Philippines Pesso 6.692 Nepalese Rupee 0.003033 0.003203 20 gram 231.020 Saudi Riyal 79.800 Cyprus pound 737.245 Pakistan Rupee 0.002766 0.003046 10 gram 116.200 Philippine Peso 0.006691 0.006971 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 58.530 Japanese Yen 3.485 MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 BUSINESS

Weaker euro works India’s banking industry faces in ECB’s favor, but for how long? near-term challenges: Banker FRANKFURT: The weaker euro, which could approach parity with the US dollar, is making the European Central Bank’s task of kickstarting the euro- Federal Bank aims to become No 1 among NRIs zone economy easier. But the feel-good effects could turn sour if the euro’s decline in value becomes too By Sajeev K Peter expected to pick up from the second half of by 0.25 basis points, giving an indication that the common man at almost free of cost or at pronounced too quickly, analysts said. the next financial year. The drop in oil prices is the rates on advances will also come down affordable cost, he said. Officially, the ECB has no exchange rate target. But KUWAIT: The Indian banking industry is also a boon for the Indian economy. Similarly, soon. So, Indian banks are waiting for a Presently, Varghese is the overseeing by making euro-zone goods cheaper to export and expected to post a 10 percent growth in the a renewed spurt in investment inflow into the reduction in base rate in May,” Varghese said. authority of Network 1 that covers all pushing up prices of imports, the weaker euro is posi- current financial year given the challenges country is another positive sign signaling a Federal Bank, headquartered in Aluva in branches of the bank in Kerala. Currently, the tive for the single currency area’s economy. the industry faces today, a top banker from reasonably good growth for the banking Kerala, is the fourth largest private sector bank has 1,225 branches and 1,479 ATMs “In the current context, pushing down the euro is India said Saturday. Giving a broad outlook of spread across 25 states and union territories probably the only means the ECB has for pushing up the Indian banking sector in the near-term of India. inflation,” Natixis economist Sylvain Broyer said. and long term, Varghese K I, General The ECB has rolled out a series of unprecedented Manager, Federal Bank, one of the leading NRI services measures in recent years to try to prevent the euro private sector banks in India, said the prof- Varghese said Federal Bank is aiming to area from slipping into deflation, a dangerous down- itability of traditional Indian banks is under become number one among non-resident ward spiral of falling prices that is difficult to break strain today with their non-performing assets Indian customers. “We want to become the once it has set in. But the euro has fallen by nearly 20 (NPAs) growing at alarming rates. most preferred bank among NRIs by offering percent against the dollar in the past six months and Addressing a press conference, Varghese, them a range of distinct and unique prod- central banks start to feel uncomfortable when who recently took charge as the head of ucts and services,” he said. changes in the exchange rate are too rapid and too overseas operations of the bank, said, “From Outlining the products and services for volatile. April onwards, a new provision on restructur- non-resident Indian customers, Deepak For the moment, the ECB does not appear to be ing loan accounts will come into effect in Govind, AGM and Chief Representative alarmed. President Mario Draghi recently estimated India. As a result, if an account is restructured, Officer, who heads the operations of Federal that the euro’s decline should contribute “significant- no matter if it is an NPA asset or a standard Bank in GCC, said, “The bank offers its NRI ly” in bringing area-wide inflation back up towards asset, the account will continue to be treated customers various remittance products such the ECB’s target of just below 2.0 percent. In as an NPA account, piling pressure on the as Fedfast, Express remittance, Fed Flash and February, consumer prices in the 19-country bloc fell profitability of the banks. Consequently, also various cash payment products.” by 0.3 percent. But in a scenario drawn up by the around 10 percent of the accounts of the According to Govind, around 9 percent of ECB’s team of economists, an excessively weak euro banking sector will come under the restruc- the total NRI remittances to India are chan- could push euro-zone inflation back above the 2.0- tured category and banks will have to make a KUWAIT: Federal Bank General Manager Varghese K I addresses a press con- neled through Federal Bank. Around 35 per- percent target by 2017. Such a scenario is all the more provision of 15 percent instead of five per- ference in Kuwait on Saturday. Deepak Govind, Asst General Manager and cent of total deposits to the bank come from realistic because it was calculated using an exchange cent.” Chief Representative Officer, looks on. NRIs, of which 70 percent are from the GCC rate of $1.04 per euro. countries, he informed. Silver lining industry in longer term, he said. bank in India with a customer base of six mil- Federal Bank has a representative office in Caught off guard However, Varghese remained bullish “Interest rates on NRI deposits vary from lion people across the world. Federal Bank’s Abu Dhabi and also has 18 officers in five The extent of the euro’s recent decline appears to about the long-term outlook of the banking bank to bank and they currently range from fixed deposit and certificate of deposits countries viz, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and have caught the ECB off guard: its most recent official industry. “We see a silver lining on the hori- 8.50 percent to 8.75 percent,” he said, enjoy A1+ of CRISIL ratings, the highest rat- Kuwait. It has rupee drawing arrangement forecasts were compiled using an average exchange zon. The government has attached impor- responding to a concern over a drop in inter- ing in that class. Federal Bank was one with six banks and 71 exchange houses. Jojin rate of $1.14 this year and $1.13 in 2016 and 2017. tance to infrastructure development,” he said. est rates on deposits. “The current trend is for among the first to take technology-enabled Jose, the Federal Bank’s representative officer Nevertheless, the euro could fall even further Now with the ‘Making India’ concept and oth- a downward revision of rates. In March, the state-of the-art services and products to in Kuwait, was also present at the press con- against the dollar as a result of the ECB’s policy of er policy initiatives, the growth momentum is Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate rural and semi-urban areas, reaching out to ference. quantitative easing, or widescale bond purchases, said Commerzbank economist Joerg Kraemer. At the beginning of this month, the ECB embarked on a massive 1.14-trillion-euro bond purchase pro- gram, at a rate of 60 billion euros per month until Left-wing Greek PM to visit Abe-Kuroda September 2016. The idea is to pump liquidity into the financial system. “The debt purchase program is austerity champion Merkel honeymoon soured essentially a program of currency devaluation,” said Kraemer. by fiscal friction By purchasing euro-zone sovereign bonds en masse, the securities become less attractive for TOKYO: A rift is emerging between Prime Minister Shinzo investors in other regions, who divert their money to Abe and his hand-picked central bank boss on how to fix other countries, driving down the euro. The mere Japan’s tattered finances, which could blunt the impact of the speculation that such a QE program might be in the “Abenomics” stimulus policies they have worked together to offing set the euro on its downward path as long ago prosecute. Two years into Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko as last summer. Kuroda’s tenure, the cracks are becoming hard to conceal and could affect the timing of any further monetary easing and an Credibility at stake eventual end to the massive money-printing program he set Nevertheless, “it’s important for the ECB to pre- in train. Their differences over fiscal policy needed to cut serve its currency’s credibility” in the eyes of investors, Japan’s staggering public debt, which at 230 percent of GDP is said Broyer at Natixis. With QE only having just start- twice the U.S. figure and about 50 points higher than perilous ed, it is premature to start talking about when the Greece, have so far been masked by their shared determina- program might begin to be phased out again, said tion to end deflation. one central bank official, speaking on condition of The perception of common purpose is critical to giving anonymity. businesses, markets and consumers the confidence to change But internal debate within the ECB’s governing behavior and ensure that the stimulus measures and inflation council could become fierce in the future, especially targets are effective. But the mask began to slip last year as the most recent economic indicators suggest that when Abe decided to delay a sales tax hike, making Japan’s recovery is already beginning to regain momentum. primary fiscal goal harder to achieve. Powerful ECB governors, such as the head of the “The honeymoon days are over,” said Izuru Kato, chief German central bank or Bundesbank, Jens Weidmann, economist at Totan Research. “Kuroda must be frustrated over view the QE program as unnecessary or even danger- a lack of progress in structural reform and fiscal consolidation.” ous. “If at the start of next year, growth is on track and A former finance ministry bureaucrat, Kuroda feels Japan can- inflation is rising again, the ECB’s biggest difficulty will not afford to delay tax hikes and spending cuts given its dire be to resist pressure for an early end to QE or a scaling fiscal state, while Abe prefers to focus more on boosting down of the bond purchases,” said Gilles Moec of Bank growth to raise tax revenues. Last month a key policy panel of America-Merrill Lynch. —AFP run by Abe’s right-hand man, Economics Minister Akira Amari, began debating proposals that could water down Japan’s fis- cal target of returning to a primary budget surplus, excluding debt servicing costs and income from bond sales, in fiscal 2020. Abe has not resiled from that target, but the panel is lay- Lufthansa services ing the ground for him to add other goals that give him more back to normal wiggle-room on spending, government officials say. ATHENS: A homeless person sleeps outside the entrance of a building in Athens yesterday. The after strike German Chancellor Angela Merkel will receive Greece’s radical left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, BREACH OF ETIQUETTE who has blamed her insistence on tough austerity for his country’s “humanitarian crisis” of poverty His favourite idea, floated at the panel, is to add a goal on the ratio of debt to GDP. This ratio falls without deep FRANKFURT: German airline Lufthansa said yesterday that and mass unemployment. —AFP its services were more or less back to normal after a four-day spending cuts, as long as the BOJ maintains both low inter- walkout by pilots, but unions warned of further disruptions, est rates and solid economic growth with its massive stim- possibly over the Easter holidays. A Lufthansa spokesman BERLIN: The leaders of debt-wracked Greece and eco- The latest flare-up was sparked by a video clip osten- ulus. Defying central bank etiquette, Kuroda spoke against said short and medium haul flights were back to normal on nomic powerhouse Germany meet in Berlin yesterday sibly showing Varoufakis in 2013 making the middle-fin- the proposals at a panel meeting on Feb. 12 in front of Abe. Sunday, but a small number of long-haul flights were still after weeks of bad feeling over Athens’ debt woes, bitter ger gesture to Germany in footage he has vehemently He returned to the theme two weeks later, despite cancelled. wartime memories and an offensive hand gesture. labelled a fake. raised eyebrows in government. “Achieving the primary However, a spokesman for the pilots’ union Vereinigung German Chancellor Angela Merkel will receive Greece’s Seeking to overcome the tensions, Merkel said last balance target is just a first step. Only through this would Cockpit warned of further action in the coming weeks as radical left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who has week she was looking forward to in-depth talks with Japan think about gradually reducing the debt-to-GDP there was no sign of an agreement. “There’s been no move- blamed her insistence on tough austerity for his coun- Tsipras, who would be received with military honors at ratio,” he told reporters. Behind his concern is that Japan’s ment so far,” the spokesman said, refusing to rule out further try’s “humanitarian crisis” of poverty and mass unem- 1800 GMT. huge public debt could lead to cuts in its sovereign debt stoppages at just 24 hours’ notice, and possibly over the ployment. “We will have some time to talk in detail, and perhaps ratings, which in turn would hurt Japanese banks with Easter break in April. Management and unions are Merkel, for her part, maintains that if cash-strapped even argue,” she said last week, while quashing expecta- huge bond holdings. Delays in fiscal reform are also likely embroiled in a bitter dispute over pilots’ early retirement Greece wants more international bail out loans, of which tions that a solution to the Greek debt crisis would be to leave the BOJ with a bloated balance sheet, already provisions. Originally, Vereinigung Cockpit had called for a Germany stumps up the biggest share, it must accept found quickly. equal to 60 percent of GDP, for longer than it wants. Government officials admit they are counting on the BOJ 24-hour walkout last Wednesday, but subsequently extend- the bitter medicine of cuts and reforms. She reiterated her opposition to a “Grexit” of Greece to keep borrowing costs low for as long as possible, even if ed the industrial action over four days. Talking to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini ahead of leaving the currency union, saying that “if the euro fails, Short and medium haul services were cancelled on that means delaying an exit from the radical stimulus meas- the visit, Tsipras said the meeting with Merkel would be Europe fails,” and insisting a solution could only be ures that have led to that unwieldy balance sheet. “The BOJ’s Wednesday and Friday, and there were no long haul and car- an opportunity to talk “without the pressure of any reached at the European level. go flights on Thursday and Saturday. In all, around 220,000 stimulus is crucial in keeping borrowing costs low, which is a negotiation. It’s important because we will be able to To pave the way for the summit, German Foreign prerequisite for fiscal reform to proceed,” one government passengers were hit by the four-day walkout, Lufthansa said. talk about topics which are damaging Europe, and about Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will meet his Greek It has been the 12th and longest stoppage since the pilots official said on condition of anonymity. “There’s no doubt it how to improve relations between our two countries.” counterpart Nikos Kotzias in Berlin yesterday. began their industrial action last April. The dispute hinges on has become very hard for the BOJ to end its quantitative Lufthansa’s plans to scrap an arrangement under which pilots “In this meeting two worlds will collide,” said Hajo easing program” during Kuroda’s five-year term ending in can retire at 55 and receive up to 60 percent of their pay until Funke, political scientist with Berlin’s Free University. ‘Grexit’ fears April 2018, a ruling party official said. —Reuters they reach the statutory retirement age of 65. —AFP “There is the political world of Greece, where a left-wing Greece’s creditors agreed in February to extend its government faces a society in collapse, (of) societal $240-billion euro ($255 billion) bailout by four months in decay... as grave as anything we have seen in western exchange for promises of further reforms. At an EU sum- Europe since 1945,” he told AFP. “The other world is a mit last week, Greece lobbied Brussels to release vital content country that is dominant in Europe, Germany, funds to help it make payments to creditors in coming which worries about maintaining its economic happi- days, and avoid bankruptcy and a possible exit from the ness, and which is now being asked to help the other, euro. The ongoing negotiations have fuelled popular under conditions it doesn’t fully understand.” opposition in Germany to the new Greek government, as many voters fear public funds are disappearing into a WWII memories bottomless well. As tensions have flared, bitter historical memories Mass-circulation daily Bild last month asked readers have resurfaced, with Tsipras’ government reviving repa- to send in selfies holding up “Nein” (no) signs it had ration claims for the Nazi occupation of Greece in World printed to protest against the German parliament War II-an issue which Berlin considers settled. When approving emergency aid for Greece. Tsipras took power in January he lost no time before lay- Some German lawmakers have openly mused about ing flowers at a memorial near Athens for dozens of how the euro-zone could survive a “Grexit”-an outcome NEW DELHI: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Greek leftists executed by the German occupation that more than half of Germans would welcome, accord- Raghuram Rajan (left) and Indian Finance Minister troops in 1944. ing to a recent poll. MADRID: Demonstrators take part in an anti-aus- Arun Jaitley address a joint press conference after The two months since have seen a war of words esca- Funke said many German taxpayers have a distorted terity demonstration dubbed “the Marches for a meeting with the Central Board of Directors of late between Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis view of Greece, in which “the new government is doing Dignity 22-M” in Madrid on Saturday. Tens of thou- the Reserve Bank of India in New Delhi yesterday. and Germany’s Wolfgang Schaeuble, who has been cari- whatever it wants, the Greeks are lazy... and now they’re sands of people from all over Spain rallied yester- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said there is no ‘dis- catured in Nazi garb in a Greek newspaper. This month giving us the finger.” Despite such “rampant prejudice” day in Madrid, many of them after several days connect’ between the government and the RBI the Greek embassy launched a formal complaint about and ill-will on both sides, said Funke, “the hope is that march to demand “Bread, work, housing and digni- and hoped banks would follow the central bank in disparaging comments it said Schaeuble had made there can be a historical compromise, which presuppos- ty” on the eve of regional elections in Andalusia reducing interest rates. —AFP about Varoufakis. es that the partners trust each other.” —AFP considered a test to social unrest. —AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Investors eye data as stocks reach records

WALL STRRET WEEK AHEAD

NEW YORK: Investors enjoying near-record lev- Nasdaq Composite came close to record closing With Wall Street bracing for the first Fed rate outlook for rate hikes have also been in the first quarter of 2014, when the ratio els for major stock indexes will scrutinize hous- highs on Friday. hike since 2006, the S&P 500 on average this clouded by the strong dollar. The green- was 7.2 to 1. Investors also worry about ing data and other economic indicators in the “Any piece of economic data that speaks to year has fluctuated 24 points per session, its back’s 20 percent surge over a year has falling oil prices and how much of the coming week for hints about the timing of US the pace of job creation or inflation will be most volatile since December 2011, according to caused about 50 companies to reduce recent drop is attributable to global eco- interest rate hikes to see if the rally will continue. watched very closely. That’s the driver,” said Art Thomson Reuters data. earnings expectations for the first quarter, nomic weakness as opposed to oversupply. Concern about the Federal Reserve’s path of rate Hogan, chief market strategist at Wunderlich After US consumer prices in January fell their and more could be on the way. Energy companies account for 8 percent of increases and the soaring US dollar have result- Securities in New York. That makes economic furthest in six years due to low gasoline prices, On Friday, the dollar was off 1.5 percent the earnings of S&P 500 companies but ed in big swings in the S&P 500 on a daily basis, updates due in the next few days all the more Tuesday’s February Consumer Price Index is against a basket of major currencies and volatile crude prices reverberate across the even though overall expectations for volatility important, strategists say, including February expected to be up 0.2 percent, according to a registered its biggest weekly decline since economy. Some investors worry that con- remain low. Bolstered by reduced expectations new home sales on Tuesday and February Reuters poll. 2011. Expectations for first-quarter earnings sumers are not spending money freed up of approaching rate hikes, the S&P 500 and durable goods orders on Wednesday. The US economy’s growth prospects and the are already off to a poor start. For every by lower gasoline prices on more goods company that has pre-announced earnings and services. “They’re saving it or paying above Wall Street’s expectations, 5.5 others down debt,” said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice have pre-announced below expectations, president at BB&T Wealth Management in according to Thomson Reuters data. That’s Birmingham, Alabama. “That’s why every- the worst ratio since the same point of time one is nervous.” — Reuters BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

KUWAIT: Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer, Paul Reynolds, Mohamed Hilal, representatives from the Senior Management of the Group and guests attend the inauguration of Toyota Parts and Accessories outlet in Al-Qurain. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Toyota inaugurates new parts and accessories center in Al-Qurain

KUWAIT: Mubarak Naser Al Sayer CEO, Al Sayer COO and Mohamed Hilal Business Director levels of Customer Satisfaction. Al-Qurain facili- renowned brands from MNSS, for the good durability and performance. Al-Sayer Group Group Holding inaugurated one of the Al-Sayer Group Parts Division. Representatives from the ty will be Group Parts Division’s 19thoutlet in prices and quality assured products to retain strives to achieve continuous growth by selling Group Holding Companies the ‘Mohamed Senior Management of the Group, guests and the region, to offer an enhanced customer customer loyalty through such hi-tech parts only quality products supported by outstand- Naser Al-Sayer & Sons (MNSS)’ a new fully oper- members from media were invited to the cere- experience through better accessibility, con- and accessory center. All Toyota Genuine Parts ing service and being acknowledged as the ational Toyota Parts and Accessories outlet at mony. venience. The newly opened outlet is located at are made to the same standards as our vehicles best in the business by Customers, Principals, Al-Qurain. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the major commercial center for customers to which mean each part will fit your vehicle’s Employees and the Community. The opening of a new outlet is part of their Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer, CEO Al-Sayer Group explore, get inspired and demonstrate the lat- exact specifications perfectly and meet the The new Qurain outlet will operate from ongoing network expansion plan. The inaugu- Holding said “Al-Sayer takes great pride in est technology in the real world of Auto acces- high quality standards of your Toyota as they Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00pm and ral ceremony was attended by Paul Reynolds excelling continuously by providing the highest sories”. Customers are interested to buy are built to the highest standards of quality, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

‘Economic emergence’: Fed statement fuels FX market volatility The potential of fair African development NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT ABIDJAN: Across Africa, where many nations show high economic growth rates but with little benefit to KUWAIT: Last week, the market revolved meeting showed that all nine members of its view that job market conditions had months, constrained by a harsh winter, their populations, the notion of social and economic around the Federal Reserve’s Monetary the Monetary Policy Committee were in improved. Although the statement put a strong Dollar and lower crude prices, which “emergence” is taking hold as a remedy for perennial Policy meeting. As widely expected, the favor of leaving the key interest rate at a June rate increase on the table it also have forced companies in the oil field to pessimism. The term has become a buzzword among FED dropped the “patient” pledge from its record low of 0.5 percent and making no allowed the Fed enough flexibility to move either postpone or cut back on capital international donors and African politicians who take it statement, opening the door to a possible changes to the central bank’s GBP375 bil- later in the year, stressing that any decision expenditure projects. Factory production to mean a fairer distribution of wealth and other meas- rate hike in June. However, the FED down- lion asset-purchase program. The pound would depend on incoming data. “The slipped 0.2 percent last month after declin- ures that benefit society at large. About 30 countries graded the expected pace of growth and then followed suit, and gained dramatically committee anticipates that it will be appro- ing 0.3 percent in January. Similarly, manu- on the continent have signed up to the doctrine, inflation dividing views on whether a rate against the US dollar following the FED pol- priate to raise the target range for the fed- facturing activity in the Philadelphia-region according to the United Nations. Ivory Coast’s hike will occur in June or later. The Fed is icy statement. Cable continued to drop eral funds rate when it has seen further expanded at the slowest pace in 13 months President Alassane Ouattara, who hosted a regional preparing to tighten even as stagnant against the greenback amid remarks by the improvement in the labor market and is in March, fuelling concerns over the US conference on the theme this week, has grabbed on to growth in major economies continues to BoE chief economist that the central bank reasonably confident that inflation will economic outlook. The Federal Reserve the promise of economic emergence as he plans to pressure global central banks to ease poli- should consider cutting interest rates if move back to its 2 percent objective over Bank of Philadelphia said that its manufac- seek re-election in October. cy. That has put upward pressure on the inflation threatens to fall further below the the medium-term,” the Fed said in its state- turing index deteriorated to a reading of Emergence, modelled on the success of the “baby greenback, which has jumped more than 4 expected target. Sterling closed the week ment. Investors and economists are divided 5.0 this month from February’s reading of tigers” of Asia-Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam-as well percent since the Fed meeting in January, at 1.4962. over whether the initial hike will come in 5.2. Analysts had expected the index to rise as Brazil, Chile and Colombia in South America, is pre- posing a potential challenge to growth as to 7.1 in March. sented as the opposite of a capitalist and dehuman- US exports become more expensive. ised economic vision. “For me, the goal of emergence On the foreign exchange side, the US German investor confidence is not GDP (gross domestic product) growth per se: it is dollar started the week on a strong note German investor confidence rose for a the pursuit of greater human health and happiness so against its major counterparts as the index fifth month in March, supporting a that each one of us can fulfil our potential and partici- broke the 100 barrier and peaked at 100.37, strengthening recovery in Europe’s largest pate fully in our societies,” said Helen Clark, administra- a level not seen since 2003. However, a economy. The ZEW Center for European tor for the UN Development Program. series of mixed data from the housing and Economic Research in Mannheim said its Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, manufacturing markets combined with index of investor and analyst expectations, barely four years ago came out of a political and mili- investors positioning themselves ahead of which aims to predict economic develop- tary crisis after a bloody decade. It has since achieved the FED meeting helped push the currency ments six months in advance, climbed to an annual growth rate of 9.0 percent and is due to be lower. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Janet 54.8 from 53 in February. Economists had an “emerging” economy by 2020, Ouattara told the Yellen also warned that the stronger dollar forecast an increase to 59.4. German eco- conference, though the Ivorian opposition considers was acting as a drag on US exports and was nomic growth accelerated in the fourth that goal far-fetched. pushing down inflation. That fuelled the quarter as lower oil prices and a weaker Leaders elsewhere in Africa are less ambitious but belief in the markets that rates will likely be euro supported consumption and bol- equally determined. Chad was aiming to emerge in raised at a slower-than-expected pace, stered business confidence. 2020 but has revised the date to 2030, like Togo. More which pushed the US dollar to record its The Swiss National Bank kept a charge cautiously, Senegal’s rulers are looking to 2035 to biggest one-day drop against the Euro in on some cash deposits steady at -0.75 per- attain key goals. “In addition to being strong and sus- almost 6-years. The index dropped to a cent on Thursday, but said it would remain tainable, the growth that leads us to emerge should three-week low of 95.00 and then regained active in foreign exchange markets to generate jobs, force down unemployment and reduce some of its losses to close the week at The Japanese yen opened the week at June, or in September. Trading in federal weaken what it sees as a “significantly over- social inequalities,” Senegalese President Macky Sall 97.80. the 121.40 level against the US dollar. The funds futures contracts point to a valued” franc. The central bank kept its tar- said during the forum. The UN’s Clark envisaged that The Euro traded close to 12-year lows at currency then had a muted response after September hike, while a recent Reuters poll get range for the three-month Libor at - “by 2050, an ‘emergent Africa’ would have tripled the 1.0500 levels at the beginning of the the Bank of Japan kept its monetary policy of 70 economists indicated an even split 1.25 to -0.25 percent, as per market expec- Africa’s share of global GDP, enabled 1.4 billion week. Then the currency found support fol- unchanged. The BoJ Governor Haruhiko between June and later in the year. tations. The SNB said it would continue to Africans to join the middle class, and reduced tenfold lowing the Federal Reserve’s Policy state- Kuroda said lower energy costs may push take account of the strong franc and its the number of people living in extreme poverty. These ment, which pushed investors to sell the consumer prices into negative territory but Unemployment claims potential effect on inflation and economic are exciting prospects.” greenback pushing the Euro to a short- it will not derail a pick-up in inflation as the The number of Americans filing new developments in steering monetary policy. Investment in health and education and reducing lived high of 1.1030. The move quickly lost economy recovers, signaling that he sees claims for unemployment benefits rose inequalities between cities and the countryside and momentum as the greenback managed to no immediate need to expand stimulus. marginally last week, indicating the labor BoJ monetary policy between men and women, along with diversifying the recoup some of its losses and close the The Yen then followed the market reaction market remained on solid footing despite The Bank of Japan maintained its mas- economy and appropriate infrastructure projects, are week at 1.0826. towards the dovish comments by the Fed slowing economic growth. Initial claims for sive stimulus program and signaled its among means cited by experts to reach emergent tar- The euro has dropped dramatically since and appreciated to reach 119.38. The US state unemployment benefits increased belief that a steady economic recovery will gets. the latest release of a better-than-expected dollar then recouped its gains against the 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 291,000 for help achieve its ambitious price target Nonfarm payroll figure earlier in March. Yen to close the week at 120.05. the week ended March 14, the Labor without immediate, additional monetary ‘Bet on the future’ That coincided with the beginning of the Department said. The increase was broadly easing. The central bank, however, offered On a continent where 300 million inhabitants were European Central Bank’s EUR60 billion a Fed Drops ‘Patient’ Pledge in line with economists’ expectations. a slightly more downbeat view on the price considered middle-class citizens by the African month bond buying program in the same The Federal Reserve dropped its stance Claims have bounced around for much of outlook, though it stressed the slowdown Development Bank (ADB) in 2011, out of an overall week. In spite of Wednesday’s rally, the to be “patient” in raising interest rates, end- the winter as harsh weather caused a swing in inflation was due to temporary declines population of around one billion, “Afro-pessimism is Euro is still down against the dollar by ing a period in its communications policy in filings. But through the volatility, the in oil prices. BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda now giving way to optimism,” Ivory Coast’s Planning more than 10 percent since the end of and opening the door for higher borrowing trend remained consistent with a strength- acknowledged that the oil drop could Minister Albert Toikeusse Mabri asserted. 2014. costs as early as June. “An increase in the ening jobs market. briefly pull Japan’s consumer prices back “The African narrative has changed. Just a while ago, Similarly, Cable opened the week at the target range for the federal funds rate into negative territory but insisted the cen- Africa was a place which was exceptional, but for nega- 1.4700 levels. Sterling then dropped to remains unlikely at the April” meeting, the Manufacturing data tral bank’s policy is on track to ending near- tive reasons. It was a place where there was no growth, almost a 5-year low of 1.4668 as data Federal Open Market Committee said in a US manufacturing output fell in ly two decades of deflation. no law,” said ADB vice-president Steve Kayizzi- showed that UK’s unemployment rate statement last week. However, markets are February for the third straight month as the Mugerwa. “People would say, ‘Yeah, that’s Africa’, where remained unexpectedly unchanged in expecting a September hike after the FED production of automobiles and a range of Kuwait there was war, quick death, no accountability,” he said, January and that average UK earnings rose downgraded the expected pace of growth goods dropped, the latest indication of Kuwaiti dinar at 0.29945 before adding how things have changed. —AFP less-than-expected. Additionally, minutes and inflation. In its statement following a slower economic growth in the first quar- The USDKWD opened at 0.29945 yester- of the Bank of England’s most recent policy two-day meeting, the committee repeated ter. Activity has slowed down in recent day morning. BUSINESS MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Challenges of Islamic financing

acob Zachariah Karuvelil, ‘Executive according to specification and sell it to set to reach $6.5 trillion by 2020. Size of countries is where Islamic banks have and/ or continuity is maintained, even if Vice President’ at Path Solutions, in the ultimate purchaser for an agreed the total Islamic banking industry assets separate counters for ladies customers. an employee decides to leave abruptly. Jthe second part of the interview, price and method of payment. ($1.383 Trillion) compared with the top While there are others who have also spoke about the different modes of e. Ijara - An Ijara is a lease purchase 50 conventional banks ($65.507 trillion) opened dedicated branches to support KT: As an IT Executive, what message Islamic financing and the growing chal- contract in which the Islamic financial is still insignificant - The Bankers ladies customers. Similarly, some Islamic would you like to convey to Kuwait lenges it faces today. He also gave a institution purchases capital equipment Database. E&Y analyzed the sentiment banks are offering decentralized servic- working community? message to the Kuwait’s working com- or property and leases it to an enter- of over 2.2 million customers’ social es to their customers. This will help cus- Jacob: My message would be that munity. Excerpts: prise. In other words, Ijara is the transfer media posts on their banking experi- tomers to carry out the service they may one should be 100 percent sincere to of ownership of a service for an agreed- ence with Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia, require from the branch close to them. one’s work. If we are sincere in our work, Kuwait Times: What are the upon consideration. Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Malaysia, The Account Manager concept is well we will be sincere in life too. With all equity-based modes of financing? Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar and Oman. The implemented in many new Islamic being sincere to their duties and Answer: Mudharaba Contract of KT: Growth of Islamic banking results showed that customer satisfac- banks for their high net-worth as well as responsibilities, productivity is Financing - A Mudharaba is a contract Jacob: Global Islamic banking assets tion is mediocre at many Islamic banks. even retail customers, hence providing improved. With proper monitoring, a between two parties where by one part, witnessed a compounded annual (Source: E&Y World Islamic Banking more personalized services to their valu- system of guidance being in place and the financier (Sahib al-Mal), entrusts growth rate (CAGR) of around 17 per- Competitiveness Report 2014-15). able customers. Banks can jointly oper- accountability established, I believe funds to another party, while the entre- cent from 2009 to 2013. Islamic banking Islamic banks need to strengthen ate some of their branches under one much can be achieved preneur (Mudarib) provides the work. assets in six core markets Qatar, customer experience through the use of umbrella i.e. share one big space and Work is great human function. If you The profit is shared in a pre-agreed ratio. Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UAE, digital technology. Those that do not work different banks together. are poor, work to survive. If you are rich, b. Musharaka Contract of Financing - Turkey are about to touch USD 1.8 keep pace with technological advances A solid, stable and scalable banking work and continue working. If you are Musharaka is a joint venture agreement Trillion by 2019. Islamic banks in Saudi are expected to face serious pushback software system plays a significant role burdened with seemingly unfair respon- between two or many parties Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain represent in assisting banks to actualize objectives sibilities, work to thrive. If you are hap- (bank/client) engaging in a specific more than 48.9 percent, 44.6 percent achieving customer satisfaction. Having py, keep right on working. If disappoint- business activity while each of them and 27.7 percent market share respec- a strategic IT partner is key to success.. ments come, work to overcome them. If provides part of the capital. They may tively. Positive progress has been made your health is threatened, work to clean participate in the management of the in Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan, with KT: How organizations can handle up yourself. When dreams are shattered venture. 43.5 percent, 18.7 percent and 22.0 per- employee job satisfaction and reten- and hope seems dead, work. Work as if cent CAGR respectively from 2009-2013. tion? your life were in peril. No matter what What are the debt modes of financ- Iran accounts for nearly half of the bank- Jacob: Each employee is the compa- ails you, work. Work faithfully, work with ing? ing assets in Islamic banks worldwide. ny’s best ambassador and promoter. The passion. Work is the greatest remedy Jacob: a. Murabaha - Refers to a con- (Source: E&Y, World Islamic Banking growth and reputation of the company available for afflictions, both mental and tract in which the Islamic financial insti- Competitiveness Report 2014-15). will be dependent on how efficiently physical. Job security and continuity is tution purchases goods upon the Islamic banking is projected to and effectively each employee manages very important. But I feel it is not advis- request of a client, who makes payment exceed $2.5 trillion of assets by end of his/ her jobs and responsibilities which able to move from one company to that covers costs and an agreed-upon 2015 according to Al-Huda CIBE, and to contribute collectively to achieving the another for nominal financial benefits. If profit margin for the Islamic financial reach $6.5 trillion by 2020 according to company’s mission and vision. As the it is inevitable, while changing job, we institution. The majority of car financing KFH Research. The growth of the Muslim organization’s most valuable asset, have to take in to consideration about is done via Murabaha deals. population will be double the rate of keeping Employees happy is key for a several risk factors and due to that I b. Murabaha to Purchase Orderer - It non Muslims in the period to 2025 and company to succeed. would recommend to accept offers only is a sale whereby two parties or more the world’s Muslim population is fore- Staff retention is one of the major if able to get minimum 50 percent negotiate and promise each other to cast to expand by a third (600 million challenges in IT and banking sector. salary increase. execute an agreement according to people) by 2030 as per PWC October from conventional players who can Competitors are always targeting the which the orderer asks the purchaser to 2014 Report. deliver on digital - E&Y World Islamic top performers. To overcome this, KT: Public activities you are involved purchase an asset of which the purchas- Banking Competitiveness Report 2014- Organizations have to shortlist their top Jacob: A member of MCA, Kuwait a er will take legal possession. Then the KT: What are the challenges 15. Islamic banks are relatively poor at performers every year, have an Action forum of some of the like-minded peo- orderer promises the purchaser to pur- of Islamic banking? cross-selling with an average of 2.1 plan. For one, we have to ensure the ple living in Kuwait, whose interests chase the asset from him and give the Jacob: Islamic banking has still not products per customer compared to 4.9 stars are happy and will remain to be range from promotion of Education, Art, purchaser the profit therein. been defined by regulatory authorities products per customer in conventional part of the Organization. Share options, Culture and other socially supportive c. Salam - Salam is a type of sale and in most of the Islamic countries - IFC banks. profit share, good salary commensurate activities. Also a member of IOMF, it can be defined as a purchase of com- (World Bank Group) Report 2014. Lack to market standards, better incentives Kuwait an organization having a view to modity for deferred delivery in of awareness and understanding of KT: How will you define customer sat- based on performance, Award like best give a helping hand to socially back- exchange for immediate payment Islamic banking products are another isfaction? performer, etc. can be some of the ward, sick and homeless people in the according to specific conditions, or sale issue. High expectations vs. low cus- Jacob: “Achieving and Sustaining options to retain top performers. On community, irrespective of cast, creed of a commodity for deferred delivery in tomer knowledge is usually experi- Customer Satisfaction” is the most the other side, we need to ensure or religion. We believe in helping the exchange of immediate payment. enced. Wrong belief - Islamic finance is important aspect behind the success of through proper Skills Assessment, sick and needy, in whatever way it is d. Istisna’a- Istisna’a is a sale of con- less profitable than conventional any business. Serving its niche market, Training Needs Analysis and accordingly possible. As a proof, to say the world tract between the ultimate purchase finance. Using the word Islamic is some- Islamic banks have a key role to play conducting Trainings, Knowledge that we do care, several of our members (Al-Mustasni) and the seller (Al-Sani) times misleading, that Islamic banking is providing excellent services and sup- Transfer sessions periodically, a plan for are registered postmortem organ whereby the seller, based on an order only for Muslims. port to their clientele. Many simple con- building more than a ‘key minimum’ donors or even living organ donors. We from the ultimate buyer, undertakes to Shortage of skilled professionals - cepts are implemented successfully for number of Experts in each area of busi- encourage and promote organ dona- have manufactures or otherwise One million professionals will be need- enhancing the customer satisfaction ness handled is very important. This way tion and plan to pursue a campaign in acquires the subject matter (Al-Masnoo) ed to fill in the gaps as the industry is levels. One such implemented in some the business would not be interrupted this regard.

HSBC appoints new Chief Executive Officer in Kuwait

KUWAIT: Roger Winfield is the newly HSBC in the Middle East and offers many appointed Chief Executive Officer for opportunities for the Bank to support the HSBC Kuwait, succeeding country’s development ambi- Simon Vaughan Johnson who tions. With our unique global has moved on to a new role in footprint, knowledge of the HSBC France. local market and international Winfield, with over 30 banking expertise we will con- years’ experience in Banking, tinue to connect our cus- joins the team in Kuwait after tomers to business opportuni- spending eight years in ties and support them in their Private Banking based in the ambitions to grow and thrive.” UAE of which the last two HSBC, since re-establishing years as the Market Head for in Kuwait in 2005, will this year the Lower Gulf in GPB MENA. celebrate its 10th anniversary. His experience covers nine The bank offers a full range of other countries with senior products and services for local roles in Commercial Banking, and international corporates Credit Risk, Financial Roger Winfield, CEO that include payments and Institutions and Private HSBC in Kuwait cash management, trade and Banking. receivable finance, investment Roger Winfield, newly banking and HSBC Securities appointed CEO of HSBC in Kuwait said: Services. The Bank also offers global pri- “Kuwait remains an important market for vate banking services. Al-Tijari announces winners of Al-Najma Account draw

KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held prizes during the year worth KD 100,000 the Al-Najma Account draw yesterday. The each on different occasions: The National draw was held under the supervision of the Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and on the 19th Ministry of Commerce & Industry repre- of June which is the date of the bank’s sented by Abdulaziz Ashkanani. establishment. Air India manager bids adieu to Kuwait With a minimum balance of KD 500, cus- The winners of the Al-Najma daily draw tomers will be eligible for the daily draw KUWAIT: Air India country manager Ajai Sinha and connections for the Indian community in farewell speech applauded and congratulated are :- provided that the money is in the account and his wife Preeti Sinha bid adieu to their Kuwait. During his tenure, Sinha earned the trust Sinha for a job well done and for his service to Khaled Ahmad Bu Abbas — KD 7000, one week prior to the daily draw or 2 friends and well-wishers in a gala reception at and confidence of the airline fraternity with his the airline and the community. Zainab Nael Al-Abdullah— KD 7000, months prior to the mega draw. In addi- the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday. hard work and dedication which helped to Hirak Mukhopadyay, airport manager of Air Anwar Motlaq Al-Sawwagh — KD 7000, tion, for each KD 25 a customer can get one Sinha completed a successful tenure in regain lost market share. India will be acting country manager until the Sheikha Masayel Abdullah Al-Sabah— KD 7000, chance for winning instead of KD 50. Kuwait having improved the airline’s services Indian ambassador to Kuwait Sunil Jain, in his new manager arrives to take charge. Khamees Mohsen Al-Ajmi — KD 7000, Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this The Commercial Bank of Kuwait opportunity to congratulate all lucky win- announces the biggest daily draw in ners and also extends appreciation to the Kuwait with the launch of the new Najma Ministry of Commerce and Industry for Warba Bank launches ‘transfer account. Customers of the bank can now their effective supervision of the draws enjoy a KD 7,000 daily prize which is the which were conducted in an orderly and highest in the country and another 4 mega organized manner. your salary’ campaign

Kuwait: Warba Bank has launched a new pro- whereby customer salary segment from KD 500 hired Kuwaitis entering the workforce both at Tawasul Telecom meets int’l, motional campaign, “Transfer Your Salary”, pro- to KD 999 will receive a gift card of KD 100 and the public and private sector for the first time. viding customers with an opportunity to receive customers with salaries ranging between KD And residents expatriates in the State of Kuwait regional industry leaders a prepaid card with a value reaching up to KD 1,000 -KD 1499 will receive KD 125. Al Safwa receiving salaries of KD 1000 and above. 150 immediately when the customer transfers account special customers with salaries that It is worth noting that Warba Bank provides KUWAIT: Tawasul Telecom, the leading ed a unique opportunity for industry leaders his/her salary to Warba Bank. in addition to this exceed KD 1,500 will receive KD 150 gift cards. Lamar account targeting working women in the provider of MPLS Networking Services (Multi- to network, share information, as well as gain exciting offer, customers will enjoy wide range Warba Bank continues to differentiate itself public and private sectors with salaries ranging Protocol Label Switching) in the GCC and the insight into innovative telecom services while of quality banking services provided by the from peers by providing its customers with a set between KD 500 and KD 1499. In addition to all Middle East sponsored the 10th annual net- exploring new business opportunities. Bank. of services that include immediate issuance of the advantages of possessing this account, cus- working event for the Middle East and inter- “The pioneering position of Tawasul Warba Bank’s new campaign, “Transfer Your the ATM card with a free SMS service and spe- tomers can also enjoy private and exclusive national carrier communities: Capacity ME Telecom as the/a leading provider of MPLS Salary”, aims at fulfilling customer’s financial cial benefits to card holders enabling them to services and promotional offers that fulfill their 2015. The event was held in Dubai from connectivity services in the MENA region, and banking requirements and providing them with enter VIP lounges at most international airports requirements and satisfy their expectations. March 10th - 12th at Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel our desire to create global awareness of the the best services through the innovative prod- for free. In addition customers will receive a pre- Warba Bank also provides a range of services hosting 1,200 senior executives who have rapidly growing telecom sector in the Middle ucts and offers fulfilling local market require- paid card from “My Box” which provides the cus- including the Saving Investment account joined from all around the world. East, are the key reasons for us to sponsor the ments. The campaign also aims at attracting tomer with a local P.O Box in United States of through which customers receive competitive The region’s largest telecom event is the industry’s premier event in the region,” said new customers. America, United Kingdom, and United Arab quarterly profits directly transferred to their ultimate meeting point that unites all leaders Salem Almulaifi, Chief of Marketing and The new campaign allows customers who Emirates. accounts. For more information about “Transfer in the telecom sector to exchange ideas and Strategy Officer at Tawasul Telecom, who transfer their salaries to Warba Bank during the “Transfer Your Salary” campaign from Warba Your Salary” campaign, customers are invited to address various trends in the developing tele- attended the event along with a delegation period from 10th March 2015 to 30th July 2015 Bank targets all employed and retired Kuwaiti contact our Customer Service Center on com market in the Middle East. It has provid- representing the Company. to receive a prepaid gift card up to KD 150, nationals with salaries exceeding KD 500, newly 1825555, or visit any of the Bank branches. technology MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 China web freedom group faces online disruption

WASHINGTON: A US-subsidized advoca- fered with visitors to sites with material Zhu Haiquan, spokesman of the dubbed the Great Firewall. Amazon about how to deflect the attack. cy group that helps Internet users inside from news sites including Boxun.com, Chinese Embassy in Washington, said: “As According to the free-expression watch- He said the company has not yet con- China bypass blockages on censored con- which publicizes allegations of corruption we have always stated, Chinese laws pro- dog Freedom House, since late 2013 firmed whether it will forgo the inflated tent says it is suffering a mysterious and human rights abuses inside China; hibit cyber crimes of all forms. The Chinese Greatfire.org has been hosting content on charges. denial-of-service attack disrupting its German provider Deutsche Welle, and government is making great efforts to domains owned by Amazon and other An Amazon spokesman did not imme- operations. Google. combat cyber crimes and safeguard major companies, which officials cannot diately respond to an email seeking com- Greatfire.org says the attack started The statement from a co-founder of cybersecurity. Jumping to conclusions risk censoring because of their large com- ment. The Open Technology Fund, a US- two days ago and Internet traffic is 2,500 the group, who goes by the pseudonym and making unfounded accusations is not mercial footprint within China. government-backed initiative to support times above normal. It says the attack has Charlie Smith, said it’s not clear who is responsible and is counterproductive.” Smith said the current denial-of-service Internet freedom, says on its website it pro- affected “mirror,” or duplicate, websites behind the attack, but it coincides with The Chinese government blocks thou- attack that is flooding the mirror websites is vided Greatfire.org with $114,000 in 2014. that it has set up via encrypted web serv- increased pressure on the organization sands of websites to prevent what it costing the group up to $30,000 per day in Greatfire.org says it gets its funding from a ices offered by companies like Amazon. over the last few months and public criti- deems politically sensitive information bandwidth. He told The Associated Press by variety of sources, including from people Greatfire.org said the attack has inter- cism from Chinese authorities. from reaching Chinese users, an effort phone that Greatfire.org is in contact with and organizations inside China. —AP Big in Asia, Line app hopes cute factor will win worldwide

SEOUL: Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty: Larger and more expressive pack to mobile phone users and app service someday” in China, Move over. And make way for laid- than emoticons, the stickers have later by adding new businesses Yoon said. “If the Line app is back Brown bear and his irrepress- been a draw card for Line whose such as games and a taxi hailing resumed at a time when our char- ible girlfriend Cony the bunny. users are mostly in Japan, Thailand, service. Users can now sell stickers acters are well known, it would be Once just digital stickers that Indonesia, India and Spain. They they make themselves to other a powerful launch. We hope that in users of mobile messaging app Line also set Line apart from the bare Line users. There are more than the countries where the Line app is send to each other like emoticons, bones interface of rival WhatsApp, 200,000 people around the world not used actively, Line characters the bear, the bunny and their seven which was bought by Facebook for who do that. would promote the app.” friends will soon be unleashed about $22 billion. Line is worth Line Corp.’s net profit jumped 50 Apart from stores, Line is in talks through stores, virtual reality and about $18 billion based on revenue percent in 2014 to 126 billion won to open a virtual reality amusement possibly an animated film. from monthly users, according to ($112 million) on revenue of 670 park in China. The first such park, SAN FRANCISCO: This photo provided by Sony Computer Entertainment For smartphone users in Asia Marcello Ahn, a fund manager at billion won ($594 million), accord- where visitors can explore a virtual Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment showcased new tech demos for their VR where most of Line’s 181 million Quad Investment Management. ing to its parent, South Korea’s space with Line characters, will system, Project Morpheus, at 2015 Game Developers Conference, including monthly users are located, the char- The popularity of the Brown and Naver Corp. The app was launched open in Bangkok this summer. ‘The London Heist.’ —AP acters are as familiar as old school Cony stickers has also shaped a in June 2011. Line is also negotiating with icons such as Hello Kitty and new trend in mobile communica- Line also cashed in on the rock Hollywood producers to turn its Disney’s animated stars. They are tion. star popularity of its animal charac- cute characters into an animated Yahoo shutting down China not well known in America or Instead of typing messages, ters through mobile games and an film for theaters or series for TV. Line Europe but owner Line Corp. hopes many users simply tapped a sticker animated TV show in Japan. spun off Line Friends earlier this office in cost-cutting move to change that. showing a coy-looking Brown sit- month to operate the character- It plans to open 100 stores sell- ting on a toilet or eating a bowl of New ventures related business independently BEIJING: Yahoo is closing its research and mobile devices. Yahoo’s revenue declined by ing Brown dolls and other cute ramen. Users began to associate In China, the company hopes from the company’s app business. development center in China as CEO Marissa 1 percent to $4.6 billion last year. “Line Friends” paraphernalia world- themselves with certain characters the stores and other ventures will Though analysts are skeptical Mayer tries to placate shareholders pressur- New York hedge fund Starboard Value, an wide over the next three years. It and the lineup now includes a put it in a strong starting position about the app’s future in China ing the Internet company to cut costs while activist investor that owns a 0.8 percent has already opened two stores in bespectacled middle-aged man in case authorities ever relent on where Tencent’s WeChat is domi- it struggles to bring in more revenue. stake in Yahoo, is among the shareholders Seoul and its first Shanghai and named Boss and James, a blond their blocking of the app. nant, they say the merchandizing The Beijing operation’s responsibilities who believe Mayer needs to trim expenses. New York stores will open this year. narcissist. The first Line Friends store in business could be effective in the will be shifted to other Yahoo Inc. offices, In an open letter released earlier this month, according to a company statement released Starboard Value Managing Member Jeffrey Though partly an accidental “People express their emotion China will open in Shanghai’s US and in Latin America. late Wednesday. Yahoo didn’t specify how Smith urged Mayer to cut costs by about strategy, the company says the with the characters so the depth of Xintiandi shopping district in May, “There is clearly an opportunity to many people will lose their jobs in China, $450 million annually. Smith is also among bricks-and-mortar presence will the interaction is different,” Yoon selling Brown dolls, Cony pens, take existing mobile properties to but pledged to treat all the workers “with the Yahoo shareholders who called upon draw more users to the app and said. Sally mugs and other goods such other channels and generate rev- respect and fairness.” Mayer to spin off the Alibaba stake to avoid help replicate its rapid Asian suc- Stickers also made Line the rare as kitchen utensils, stationary, jew- enues,” said Jack Kent, director of The closure will mark Yahoo’s exit from triggering a huge tax bill from sale of the cess in other regions. It will also give mobile messenger that rakes in elry and toys. mobile media research at IHS China, where the Sunnyvale, California, com- stake. the company a backdoor into cash, first by selling stickers for $2 a “We hope to resume the Line Technology. —AP pany has been winding down since turning In a January conference call, Mayer China, where Line is blocked along over its operations to Alibaba Group in 2005. emphasized that Yahoo’s payroll has with other foreign messaging apps That $1 billion deal gave Yahoo a lucra- remained roughly the same size since she and social media sites. tive stake in Alibaba that is currently worth arrived, even though the company had “We never intended to do a $33 billion. Yahoo is preparing to spin off its inherited more than 1,000 employees character business,” Yoon Sunmin, Alibaba holdings into a separately traded through acquisitions completed during her who oversees Line’s character busi- company later this year, removing an asset reign. She also pointed out that Yahoo had that deflected attention from the challenges closed about a dozen offices while phasing ness, said in an interview that was facing Yahoo’s own businesses. out about 75 products during her tenure. the first time the company has out- Yahoo hired Mayer in July 2012 to engi- “We will continue to seek and execute on lined its merchandizing plans in neer a turnaround, but so far she hasn’t efficiencies that we find on an ongoing basis detail. “It exploded by accident,” he been able to boost the company’s revenue as an effort to better align our resources said, drinking coffee from a paper even though advertisers have been shifting with our strategy and growth opportunities,” cup emblazoned with the dazed more of their spending to the Internet and Mayer pledged. —AP face of Brown.

Visitors Visitors to the newly opened IT majors join hands flagship shop in Seoul’s trendy Gangnam district screamed with with Avaya to bring Tech delight when they saw an outsized Brown bear greeting them near the Conference to the region entrance of the three-storey store. Locals and tourists from Vietnam, DUBAI: Avaya Technology Forum (ATF) who will join us in delivering value to China and Hong Kong queued to 2015, the first of its kind to be held in the region’s technology scene. By look- take a picture with Brown and oth- the Middle East,is being supportedby ing at the range of partners, we can er human-size cutout Line charac- several leading technology players. see that the topics that we will be ters, as if they were pop stars. More than 500 technology profession- focusing on are timely and relevant to Evelyn Tan, a 27-year-old from als and engineers from around the IT professionals across all segments. northwestern China, and her friend world are expected to participate in We are happy to bring this globally- Keira Yi, 23, from Beijing, said they the forum to be held from March 30 to acclaimed conference to Dubai, and don’t use Line in China but came to look at Brown and other cute dolls. April 1, and large IT firms have joined help transform the IT landscape in our “I have some friends from Taiwan LAUSANNE: Persons watch a solar eclipse, at the Swiss Federal Institute of technology (EPFL), in with Avaya to create an innovation markets.” and they use Line,” said Tan. “The Lausanne, Switzerland, March 20. An eclipse is darkening parts of Europe on Friday in a rare platform to deep-dive into the next The Avaya Technology Forum Dubai stickers. They are so cute.” solar event that won’t be repeated for more than a decade. —AP generation communications and net- is a rare opportunity to hear from working technologies. Avaya experts, channel partners and customers on strategies for migrating, designing and implementing innova- After years in shadows, France tivecustomer and team engagement solutions. More than 70sessions will take place over the three-day event, wants legal data monitoring covering a number of topics such ass- mart cities, public safety, software- we must strengthen the effectiveness of the defined networking, cloud-based serv- PARIS: France’s government pressed to legal- then be subject to algorithmic analysis for ize broad surveillance of terrorism suspects potentially suspicious behavior. The metadata surveillance of terrorists,” he said. ices, virtualization, security, and mobili- with a measure that would allow intelligence would be anonymous, but intelligence agents The bill also aims to give French intelli- ty, among others. services to vacuum up metadata in hopes of could follow-up with a request to an independ- gence services a legal framework for using Hein van der Merwe, Chief preventing imminent attacks. ent nine-person panel for deeper surveillance. high-tech tools - already in operation - such as Technologist, Middle East and Africa, at The measure prompted outcry from some Either the panel or people who believe they location trackers for cars or devices that inter- Oracle, said: “We support bringing privacy advocates, human rights groups and are unfairly under surveillance - how they cept nearby mobile phones. The country’s pre- global innovation to a dynamic and the Paris bar association, despite the govern- would know is unclear - could appeal to vious surveillance law was passed in 1991, competitive MENA region and events ment’s efforts to distance itself from U.S.-style administrative judges. The timeframe for data before mobile phones and the Internet, Valls such as ATF 2015 can serve to signifi- mass surveillance in updating a law left essen- storage was murky and likely to be fiercely con- recalled. cantly raise the bar in terms of cus- tially untouched since 1991. tested in parliament. But Sophie in ‘t Veld, a Dutch member of tomer solutions and local delivery In the United States, Internet and communi- the European Parliament, said a general push capabilities.” cations companies are pushing to encrypt traf- Power struggle throughout the 28-nation European Union to At the event, Avaya’s resident fic and keep metadata private. Government Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve went to expand the authority to collect and stockpile experts in unified communications and officials are resisting, seeking “back door” San Francisco last month to discuss the meas- citizens’ data hands too much power to police contact center operations will discuss means for guaranteed access. France’s measure ure with Internet giants including Google, and politicians. transformative technologies and appears to be demanding similar access, put- Facebook and Twitter. A French official who “We are destroying all the legal safeguards, Mohammed Areff trends, from BYOD and mobility to fab- ting the companies under intense pressure on was not authorized to speak about the talks and by doing that, we are not only destroying ric networking and next-generation both sides of the Atlantic. said he expected “a power struggle” with the the privacy and freedom of our citizens but Partners who have signed-on as WLAN. “Vague laws are really problematic when it companies in coming months. destroying the fabric of our societies them- presenting sponsors of Avaya Roger El Tawil - Executive Director, comes to this sort of surveillance practice, French lawmakers start debating the bill in selves,” In ‘t Veld said. Technology Forum Dubai 2015 include Almasa Value Distribution, said: especially when it comes to weak or nonexist- April. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said French officials said Internet companies Oracle, Almasa Value Distribution, “Distributors face some unique chal- ent oversight,” said Joshua Franco, who ana- the data gathering would be restricted under such as Facebook and Google already keep - Plantronics, Siemon, Nutanix, Axis lenges in the fast-paced tech industry. lyzes technology law for Amnesty the law, that its execution will be monitored by and analyze - far more information about their Communications, Senetas, Riverbed, When majors such as Avaya invest in International. the independent panel, and - in the case of customers than the government is proposing. and ITP. creating platforms for knowledge- and The measure presented Thursday was pro- metadata - would not include personal infor- In ‘t Veld also questioned the effectiveness Mohammed Areff, Avaya’s manag- experience-sharing, it is a matchless posed long before the deadly Paris attacks by mation. of vacuuming up mass quantities of data. In “These are legal tools, but not tools of 2011, she said, the European Parliament ing director for the GCC, Levant, Iraq opportunity for us to elevate our skill- Islamic extremists earlier this year, but the gov- ernment says it takes on added urgency with exception, nor of generalized surveillance of passed a resolution she had drafted calling on and Pakistan, said: “The Avaya sets. We are happy to partner with each person who is radicalized and turns citizens,” Valls said in a news conference follow- member states and the EU’s executive arm to Technology Forum is a popular interna- Avaya and be present at the Avaya against France. ing a Cabinet meeting. evaluate the effectiveness of counter-terrorism Technology Forum 2015. This is an tional platform for the IT industry and It would force communications firms to The prime minister stressed that only half of tools. Since then, she said, the agencies con- it is an honor to have the support of investment in our team and capabili- allow intelligence services to install electronic French citizens who left for Syria were flagged cerned have never been able to show the ben- such a strong contingent of partners, ties as much as in the event itself.” “lock-boxes” to record metadata, which would beforehand. “Facing increasing jihadist threats, efits of data collection. —AP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Radiation, climate force Bikini Islanders to seek US refuge

MAJURO: A tiny central Pacific commu- There were 24 nuclear tests conduct- for help with no response.” There is also ter. This is the second time Bikini take the plan to the US government. nity, forced to evacuate their homes ed on the atoll in the 1950s, including serious concern over a recent legislative Islanders have called to be resettled in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Hawaii have because of US nuclear testing, are now “Bravo”, the largest hydrogen bomb det- move by the Marshall’s parliament, the United States. been identified as ideal locations as they demanding refuge in the United States onation conducted by the United States. known as the Nitijela, to take authority In the 1980s, following an aborted are already home to significant popula- as they face a new threat from climate Unable to return to Bikini, the for Ejit Island away from the Bikinians. resettlement on Bikini atoll that ended tions of Bikini islanders. change. islanders are now faced with increasingly The latest flooding at Kili hit last with the islanders exposed to high levels Jamore and other Bikini Council exec- “We want to relocate to the United heavy flooding from high tides and month during annual high tides, and of radiation, they attempted to buy a utives want to use the US-funded Bikini States,” Nishma Jamore, mayor of the storms hitting Kili and Ejit with waves Jamore described the island’s airport tract of land on Maui in the state of Trust Fund to purchase property for the atoll of Bikini, said on the weekend as washing over the islands and wiping out runway as like “the Nile River” as water Hawaii for resettlement. resettlement. Pacific waters continued to eat away at food crops. Jamore voiced their concerns flooded over it. The plan was vetoed when it ran into Currently the Fund allows for proper- the small Kili and Ejit islands in the far- to US Assistant Secretary of Interior considerable opposition from Maui resi- ty purchase only in the Marshall Islands, flung Marshall Islands archipelago. Esther Kia’aina during her visit to the Runway flooded - dents, but it is gathering steam again but Jamore said they have asked the Jamore heads a community of about Marshall’s capital of Majuro this month. As the floods damaged houses and because of the damage to homes and Interior Department to change the 1,000 islanders who have lived in exile “We want to relocate to the United damaged crops, the 1.6 kilometre (one agriculture caused by repeated flooding agreement so they can buy land in the on the islands for decades because their States,” Jamore said. “Kili has been mile) long runway, which is 2.5 metres of Kili and Ejit in recent years. United States. original homeland of Bikini remains too repeatedly flooded since 2012 and we’ve (8.2 feet) above sea level, disappeared “We’re going to Washington next “This will give the people options for radioactive for resettlement. asked the Marshall Islands government beneath about 25 centimetres of saltwa- month,” Jamore said, insisting he would education and jobs,” he said.—AFP

HealthCare.gov sending out corrected tax forms

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration early tax filers. said Friday it’s making progress trying to The issue involves a new government correct a tax-form error that affected form called a 1095-A. It’s like a W-2 form for 820,000 customers of HealthCare.gov. health care for people who got subsidized Administration officials said 740,000 cor- private insurance under President Barack rected forms have gone out to consumers Obama’s law. Consumers who got health in the federal insurance marketplace, and insurance tax credits need the information another 80,000 will be mailed next week. on the 1095-A to file their taxes. State-run insurance exchanges, includ- Last month, federal officials said more ing Covered California, have also sent forms than 800,000 consumers had gotten the with incorrect information to some cus- wrong details on premiums. tomers. The Treasury Department HealthCare.gov CEO Kevin Counihan said announced Friday that taxpayers who got some customers may still have other errors incorrect information from state exchanges on their forms, like the wrong coverage won’t be required to submit corrected dates. He urged them to call returns if they have already filed their taxes. HealthCare.gov at 800-318-2596. Treasury had previously offered the Counihan estimated that 3 percent to 4 same leeway for consumers in the 37 states percent of customers may have some of served by HealthCare.gov, the federal mar- these other errors on their 1095-A forms. ketplace. The Treasury action amounts to a That translates to between 120,000 and reprieve from paperwork headaches for 160,000 households. — AP Potent groups take sides on bipartisan House Medicare plan

WASHINGTON: A budding bipartisan deal Congress “to seize the moment and finally to shelter physicians from Medicare cuts, put in place reforms” that would end the championed by the House’s two top lead- constant threatened cuts and strengthen ers, is drawing powerful allies including the Medicare. LIMA: Peruvians carry placards during the “March for Life,” calling for the banning of abortion, organized by the Catholic Church in Lima on American Medical Association and a rain- At its core, the plan would block a 21 March 21. The Peruvian government is attempting to regulate therapeutic abortion, which has been legal in Peru for the last 80 years. — AFP bow of conservative and liberal groups. percent cut in doctors’ Medicare fees loom- House aides released an outline of the ing April 1. It would replace a 1997 law that emerging measure late Friday, and it con- has threatened similar reductions for years firmed what lawmakers, aides and lobbyists - which Congress has repeatedly blocked - Divisive issue of abortion have described for days. The package is with a new formula aimed at prodding doc- studded with provisions that draw many tors to charge Medicare patients for the Democrats, including two more years of quality, not quantity, of care. stalls human trafficking bill money for the Children’s Health Insurance In a first hint of some of the measure’s Program and community health centers, fine print, Friday’s summary said it would plus language boosting Medicare costs for let the government withhold 100 percent Republicans demanding Democrats to back down’ some beneficiaries that appeals to of any delinquent taxes providers owe from Republicans eager to retool the costly pro- their Medicare reimbursements. WASHINGTON: The Senate’s 100 members enforcement to go after people involved in sex Looking for solution gram’s finances. As for winners, the agreement would don’t agree on much. They agreed they wanted trafficking, and creates a fund for helping victims In the wake of that exchange, Cornyn, too, The effort to resolve a problem that has prolong federal payments to Tennessee legislation to help the victims of sex trafficking. that’s paid for with criminal fines. started sounding unwilling to budge. He pro- exasperated Congress for years has been hospitals that treat low-income people Then the bill got caught up in the emotional and posed routing the victims’ fund through pressed by House Speaker John Boehner, through 2025. uncompromising politics of abortion. Spending bills Congress’ regular annual appropriations process, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, It would also help major producers of Now the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act But just as floor debate was to begin, but maintained language specifically referenc- D-Calif. Their rare alliance has given the durable medical goods and prosthetic is stalled, its outlook uncertain. Democrats are Democrats raised alarms about a provision ing an abortion exception, and Democrats proposed deal momentum among law- devices by penalizing low-ball bidders for insisting Republicans remove an abortion fund- blocking money in the victims’ fund from paying refused. Heitkamp and Collins offered a similar makers of both parties eager to be rid of Medicare business. That provision comes ing provision. Republicans are refusing to do so for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or proposal, but their amendment dropped the the issue. from a House-passed bill sponsored by and demanding that Democrats back down. danger to the life of the mother. Similar prohibi- abortion reference, and Cornyn said no. He told The proposal is also attracting powerful Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Ohio, whose state is home President Barack Obama’s attorney general tions on taxpayer dollars have been included in reporters that, Democrats “now having made foes and its fate is not guaranteed. A House to Invacare Corp., one of the country’s nominee, Loretta Lynch, is caught in the cross- Congress’ annual spending bills for decades, but this the focal point,” he was unwilling to give in. vote seems likely late next week, shortly largest makers of home medical devices fire, since Republican leaders decided to hold off Democrats said they couldn’t agree to extend “By striking any reference to the Hyde provi- before Congress begins a two-week spring like wheelchairs. her confirmation vote until the situation with them to a new pot of money. sions it looks like we are not maintaining the sta- recess, but what will happen in the Senate The one-page document provides no the sex trafficking bill is resolved. That might not They also complained that the abortion fund- tus quo, it looks like it’s an erosion,” Cornyn said is less clear. price tags and few specifics. But as lawmak- happen for the better part of a month or more, ing prohibition in existing law, called the Hyde late Thursday of the Heitkamp-Collins plan. Citing the plan’s increased Medicare ers, congressional aides and lobbyists have with senators set to vote on the budget next amendment, must be renewed annually, where- “People like Sen. Feinstein, I think she would tell premiums for high earners and other said for days, it would cost roughly $210 week before leaving town for a two-week recess. as the restriction on the victims’ fund would last you she would consider that a victory.” increased costs for beneficiaries, AARP - the billion over a decade, with around $140 bil- The stalemate over a bill meant to help some five years. Democrats claimed that they had not On Friday, lawmakers and aides involved senior citizens’ lobby - said the package “is lion financed by adding to federal deficits, of the most vulnerable members of society is known about the abortion provision and were still looking for solutions, but it was uncer- not a balanced deal for older Americans.” aides said Friday. The remaining $70 billion embarrassing and disappointing to all involved. accused Republicans of sneaking it in, even tain if they’d succeed. And at the same time, With most of the measure financed with would be split about evenly between Senators of both parties say they want to break though the language had been in the bill since it abortion was beginning to look like an obstacle deeper federal deficits, the conservative Medicare providers and beneficiaries. the impasse and move the legislation forward, was introduced in January, and one Democratic to a deal on an unrelated issue - changing how Club for Growth urged lawmakers to vote In a letter to House Democrats on Friday, and negotiations are ongoing. senator’s office did concede an aide was aware Medicare reimburses doctors - as Democratic “no” because it “falls woefully short” of Pelosi hailed the measure for “providing Yet at least so far, neither side has been of it. senators raised concerns that a tentative House being paid for. certainty to our seniors and stability to moved enough by the plight of tens of thou- Abortion rights groups like Planned agreement would write restrictions on abortions Some House liberals and Senate providers.” On Thursday, Boehner said it sands of trafficking victims to bend and find an Parenthood and National Organization for at community health centers into law. Democrats have criticized the measure for was a chance to “solve this problem once acceptable compromise. The situation illustrates Women jumped in, pressuring Democrats not to In January, the issue showed it could compli- not extending the children’s health pro- and for all.” that when it comes to abortion, other considera- yield, and the issue quickly became personal for cate even internal GOP politics as objections gram for four years, raising Medicare premi- According to the summary and aides tions can get sidelined as even the most prag- some. In a remarkable exchange on the Senate from female and more centrist GOP House mem- ums and restricting abortions at communi- familiar with details: matic lawmakers get pushed into ideological floor, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., related her bers forced House leaders to pull a bill criminal- ty health centers. About 2 percent of the country’s high- corners with no easy way out. own personal history on a prison board sentenc- izing virtually all late-term abortions. Together, est-earning Medicare recipients would face “The longer these things go, the more ing providers before abortion became legal and they’re just the latest skirmishes in an ongoing Strengthen Medicare higher premiums for doctor and prescrip- entrenched people become,” said Sen. Heidi encountering victims of back-alley abortions. battle that almost sunk Obama’s health care law The measure got a boost Friday from the tion drug coverage. The higher premiums Heitkamp, D-N.D., who has been working with Feinstein told Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the and has reared up time and again to complicate liberal Families USA, which cited the impor- would apply to individuals earning Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, to try to find a com- lead GOP sponsor, that women have lost too one debate after another. tance of financing the children’s health pro- between $134,000 and $214,000 and cou- promise. “Our problem right now is that when many fights over abortion and would not back “In my years in the Senate, very few issues gram and providing for the 8 million chil- ples earning between $267,000 and things get polarized it’s always difficult to put down. have been more politically charged and or dren it serves. “Keeping the program’s fund- $428,000. them back together.” The trafficking bill looked “It is our reproductive system. In a sense this emotional than abortion-related debates,” said ing extension is essential so we don’t move Starting in 2020, some people buying primed for quick passage earlier this month, has been a battle for our identity,” Feinstein said. Jim Manley, a former longtime staffer for backwards,” said Ron Pollack, the group’s Medigap plans - they insure expenses after clearing the “There are many of us who believe this is one Democratic leader Harry Reid and the late Sen. executive director. Medicare does not cover - would pay high- Senate Judiciary Committee without opposi- small step for womankind.” Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. “It’s very Also voicing support was Robert Wah, er out-of-pocket costs up to the Medicare tion. It aims to boost the tools available to law intense.” —AP president of the American Medical deductible for doctors’ coverage, currently Association, who said it was time for $147 annually.—AP Texas to dump high school steroids testing program

AUSTIN: When Texas officials launched a mas- drug’s use, and was one of the key advocates in Schools across the country closely watched sive public high school steroids testing pro- creating the Texas program. Texas, said Don Colgate, director of sports and gram over fears of rampant doping from the Hooton believes the low number of positive sports medicine at the National Federation of football fields to the tennis courts, they prom- tests doesn’t mean Texas athletes are clean, only State High School Associations. ised a model program for the rest of the country that they’re not getting caught because of inad- “Texas was going out in front in a big way,” to follow. equate testing and loopholes that allow them Colgate said. “(But) it’s not a cheap process and But almost no one did. And after spending to cheat the process. they knew there were not going to do it on the $10 million testing more than 63,000 students “Coaches, schools, and politicians have used scale of what Texas did.” to catch just a handful of cheaters, Texas law- the abysmal number of positive tests to prove New Jersey and Illinois each spends about makers appear likely to defund the program this there’s no steroid problem,” Hooton said. “What $100,000 annually testing a few hundred ath- summer. If they do, New Jersey and Illinois will did we do here? We just lulled the public to letes. Florida folded its $100,000 program in have the only statewide high school steroids sleep.” 2009. There were questions from the start testing programs left. Texas wasn’t the first state to test high whether Texas should go so big. The University Even those who pushed for the Texas pro- schoolers. New Jersey and Florida were first and Interscholastic League, the state’s governing gram in 2007 now call it a colossal misfire, either Illinois started about the same time as Texas. body for high school sports, surveyed its mem- ZAGREB: A photo shows eight white-tailed eagle talons and an associated phalanx, a waste of money or too poorly designed to But the Lone Star State employed its typical big- ber public schools in 2002 and the vast majority found at the famous Krapina Neanderthal site and kept at the Croatian Natural catch the drug users some insist are slipping ger-is-better swagger by pumping in millions to said testing should be a local decision. By 2007, History Museum in Zagreb. An international research, published earlier this month, through the cracks. sweep the state for cheaters. At the time, Texas headlines of performance-enhancing drug showed that they were part of the world’s earliest jewellery made some 130,000 “I believe we made a huge mistake,” said Don had more than 780,000 public high school ath- abuse in professional sports and a push from years ago and far before appearance of modern humans in Europe. The research Hooton, who started the Taylor Hooton letes, by far the most in the nation. A positive advocates like Hooton prodded lawmakers to gives another important evidence — contrary to long-held beliefs — that Foundation for steroid abuse education after his test would kick the star quarterback or point forge ahead and they pumped in $6 million for Neanderthals possessed the capacity for a complex cognitive thinking. — AFP 17-year-old son’s 2003 suicide was linked to the guard out of the lineup for at least 30 days. the first two years.—AP MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

US agency: Keep threatened status for green sea turtles

HONOLULU: Hawaii’s green sea turtles green sea turtles, and 96 percent of Clubs said at the time of its petition that She said people who fish, harvest They found separate populations of should continue to be classified as them nest at French Frigate Shoals in delisting Hawaii’s turtles would return seaweed and otherwise rely on the turtles in Florida and Mexico have recov- threatened because its population is the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. management of the animals to the state ocean to feed their families tell her num- ered to the point small and nearly all of them nest at the This makes them vulnerable to out- and allow more people in the islands to ber of turtles has grown so much the that they proposed categorizing same low-lying atoll, federal wildlife breaks of disease, rising sea levels and take an active role in taking care of animals are moving inland - to places them as threatened instead of endan- agencies said Friday. other threats, Opay said. “You have all of them. like the Hanalei River - to forage for gered. The Association of Hawaiian Civic your eggs in one basket, so to speak,” he The association cited 2007 data food. She’s heard some areas are over- But the agencies believe turtles in Clubs petitioned the government in said. showing Hawaii’s population of green populated with turtles, known as honu American Samoa and the Northern 2012 to study whether Hawaii’s green Green sea turtles nest on beaches sea turtles had been growing at an in Hawaiian. Mariana Islands, which were considered sea turtles might have recovered to the and feed in the ocean, eating mostly annual rate of 5.7 percent for three NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife threatened before, should now be clas- point where they no longer need seagrass and algae. Adult females decades. The latest review showed a 4.8 Service studied green sea turtle popula- sified as endangered. Endangered Species Act protections. return to the same beaches where they percent annual growth rate. tions around the world as part of the The agencies will be accepting public But Patrick Opay, the endangered were born every two to four years to lay Annelle Amaral, the association’s review. The research prompted them to comment on their proposals for the next species branch chief of NOAA’s Fisheries eggs, sometimes migrating hundreds or president, said the group is disappoint- propose designating 11 distinct popula- three months. They are scheduled to Pacific Islands Regional Office, said thousands of miles. ed the agencies aren’t proposing to tions of the animals, including one in host a public hearing in Honolulu on Hawaii has fewer than 4,000 nesting The Association of Hawaiian Civic delist the population. Hawaii. April 8. —AP Australian icebreaker in Antarctic mercy dash

SYDNEY: An Antarctic expeditionary we are trying to get as much fuel team were working round the clock pumped aboard as possible,” Clifton said. Sunday to refuel an Australian icebreak- “As the ice in the harbour was quite er forced to turn back to its frozen base thick we decided to use a helicopter, to pick up a seriously ill worker. The rather than a barge, to drag the fuel Aurora Australis, with 114 people on hose ashore and connect to the Davis board, left the Davis station on Tuesday supply. for its two-week journey to Hobart in “We are hoping we will have enough Australia but got an emergency call to fuel aboard by late Sunday and can then return two days later with the worker transfer the patient later this evening or gravely ill. The ship battled back Monday morning,” he added. The ship through heavy sea ice to arrive late doctor was flown ashore to assess the ill Saturday. Australian Antarctic Division worker, whose condition has not been operations manager Robb Clifton said revealed other than that he is serious but the team on the ship and at Davis were stable. He faces two weeks at sea before working in shifts to get fuel transferred being transferred to a hospital. Davis is a in the current calm weather conditions. permanent Australian base supporting a “At the moment the temperature is wide variety of scientific research. It is hovering around minus 10 degrees home to about 120 people over summer (Celsius) with only five knots of wind, so and 18 during winter. — AFP

ANTARCTIC: This handout photo released yesterday by the Australian Antarctic Division shows the Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis return- ing to Australia’s Davis station to retrieve an ill expeditioner off the coast of Antarctica. An Antarctic expeditionary team erew working round the Nevada wildlife clock yesterday to refuel the Australian icebreaker forced to turn back to its frozen base to pick up a seriously ill worker.—AFP rejects ban on US anti-drugs work in Colombia coyote-hunting uses cancer-linked herbicide NEVADA: Nevada wildlife managers on because her constituents oppose the Friday voted down a proposal that would tournaments. have banned hunts offering cash and But she said her vote was largely sym- New labeling on world’s most popular weed killer prizes for slaughtering coyotes in com- bolic, because the proposal from wildlife petitions across Western states that con- advocates was awkwardly worded and BOGOTA: New labeling on the world’s most end to the spraying as part of any deal. But Gaviria argued that the need to suppress servationists decry as “killing contests.” likely would not have passed legal popular weed killer as a likely cause of cancer is Daniel Mejia, a Bogota-based economist who cocaine harvests “transcends” other considera- In December, California became the muster in a state where coyotes are not a raising more questions for an aerial spraying is chairman of an expert panel advising the tions. Monsanto and other manufacturers of first U.S. state to prohibit inducements protected species subject to hunting program in Colombia that underpins US- Colombian government on its drug strategy, glyphosate-based products strongly rejected like money and merchandise for hunting restrictions. financed efforts to wipe out cocaine crops. said the report is by far the most authoritative the WHO ruling. They cited a 2012 ruling by the events of wild animals including coyotes, Fauna Tomlinson, spokeswoman for The International Agency for Research on and could end up burying the fumigation pro- US Environmental Protection Agency that the foxes, bobcats and other creatures classi- the conservation group, Project Coyote, Cancer, a French-based research arm of the gram. herbicide was safe. fied in the state as fur-bearers and non- spoke in support of the ban. World Health Organization, on Thursday reclassi- Colombia already has scaled back use of aeri- game mammals. She said that in some cases the con- fied the herbicide glyphosate as a carcinogen Health risks al herbicides in favor of more labor-intensive that poses a greater potential danger to industri- “Nobody can accuse the WHO of being ideo- manual eradication efforts, partly in response to The recent push by wildlife advocates tests have killed hundreds of coyotes per al users than homeowners. The agency cited logically biased,” Mejia said, noting that ques- criticism by farmers. Colombian officials say aeri- event, and she faulted sportsmen for to outlaw hunting contests for wild ani- what it called convincing evidence that the her- tions already had been raised about the effec- al spraying last year covered 55,000 hectares mals like coyotes, which are considered encouraging young people to join in the bicide produces cancer in lab animals and more tiveness of the spraying strategy and its poten- (136,000 acres), down from a 2006 peak of nuisances allowed to be shot on sight in “fun.” limited findings that it causes non-Hodgkin’s tial health risks. 172,000 hectares (425,000 acres). most of the West, comes as increasing “That tells children that wildlife has no lymphoma in humans. Mejia’s own research published last year Critics of the program concede that the gov- numbers of competitions are held in value, that committing mass slaughter of The glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup is found higher rates of skin problems and miscar- ernment has improved safety standards, such as states such as Nevada, California, Idaho, animals is acceptable,” Tomlinson told a mainstay of industrial agriculture worldwide, riages in districts targeted by herbicides. It was by avoiding herbicide flights during strong New Mexico and Oregon. Reuters by telephone. and it’s a preferred weapon for killing Colombian based on a study of medical records from 2003 winds, and installing GPS devices on fumigation The Nevada Board of Wildlife Jason Schroeder, organizer of a coy- cocaine harvests. More than 4 million acres of to 2007. Colombia’s ombudsman office said it aircraft that keep records of plane movements Commissioners rejected banning the ote-hunting tournament that took place land have been sprayed over the past two would seek suspension of the spraying program and help investigators to determine the validity hunts in a 7-1 vote during a meeting in outside Reno in December, said the decades to kill coca plants, whose leaves pro- if the WHO results prove convincing. But US and of farmers’ compensation claims. Reno that heard several hours of emo- events allow sportsmen to keep coyote duce cocaine. Colombian government officials argue that In 2013, Colombia agreed to pay Ecuador $15 tional testimony, mostly from animal populations in check while celebrating The fumigation program, which is partly car- cocaine does more health damage than aerial million to settle a lawsuit over economic and activists, said Commissioner Karen Layne. the West’s time-honored tradition of ried out by American contractors, long has pro- spraying. human damage linked to spraying along their Layne, who said her seat on the com- hunting. “Any time someone tries to stop voked hostility from Colombia’s left, which likens “Without a doubt this reopens the debate on common border. Gen. Ricardo Restrepo, com- mission obliges her to represent the gen- hunting, it’s so totally ridiculous,” it to the US military’s use of the Agent Orange fumigation and causes us to worry,” Colombia mander of the anti-narcotics police, said he had eral public rather than sportsmen, said Schroeder said of the proposal to ban herbicide during the Vietnam War. Leftist rebels, Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria told The not seen the WHO warning, and Colombia’s her- she voted in support of the prohibition the contests. — Reuters currently in negotiations with the government Associated Press on Saturday, referring to the bicide spraying was proceeding as usual. “My job to end a half-century conflict, are demanding an WHO findings. is to carry out the strategy,” he said. —AP WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

The sponsors ‘I love you Mom’ festival

Colonel Stephen Kilpatrick honors Baker Al-Nazer. Colonel Stephen Kilpatrick during the festival. Monco Clinic —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

By Faten Omar Al-Nazer said: “The academy started 7 years ago and this is affiliated with top English Premier League side Everton including cosmetic services to care more about the beau- is our third time participating in the ‘I love you Mom’ festi- FC, and youngsters in the academy have the opportunity ty and health of the mother. She pointed out that the xpo-Tag for organizing exhibitions and conferences val. The academy aims through its sponsorship and par- to follow a proven coaching program that has developed clinic has the latest techniques to tighten sagging facial organized the 3rd ‘I love you Mom’ festival on ticipation in the festival to help the mother in modern some of the finest young players in England, including and neck skin and a French youthfulness program with 53 ESaturday at the Salwa Al-Sabah Ballroom at Marina physical education to raise the capacities of the child and Wayne Rooney. Players will follow the Everton Way online vitamins per session. She explained that Monaco Clinic Hotel under the patronage of Col Stephen Kilpatrick OBE, develop his intelligence and motivate him by daily and coaching program and receive coaching sessions from has participated in conferences outside Kuwait on the Deputy Commander of the British military mission in weekly exercises.” fully qualified and experienced English FA and UEFA women’s health, noting that the clinic is looking for new Kuwait. The event was held over 2 days, with many compa- He added that the Premier Sport Academy is Kuwait’s coaches, all certified by Everton FC. developments in the beauty and health of women under nies and agencies specializing in maternal and child prod- centre of excellence and provides the Premier League Zainab Al-Shammari, Director of Monaco Clinic for the supervision of skilled doctors from Italy and France ucts and health under one roof. experience for players aged 3 to 18 years old to enjoy and plastic surgery, said Monaco Clinic, which is the gold and under the guidance and expertise of top cosmetic Executive Director of the Premier Sport Academy Baker develop their football skills and experience. The academy sponsor, presented during the festival valuable gifts surgeons.

CRYcket 2015 McDonald’s Kuwait introduces new fruitier tournament choices for the spring and summer months Kayamkulam alling all cricket lovers....its here...the much anticipated NRIs elects “CRYcket 2015” cricket tournament for boys and girls Cunder 14 (born on or after 01.01.2001). Friends of CRY new committee Club (FOCC) announces the 18th “DNVGL-CRYcket” tourna- ment, to be held at the Fahaheel Sports Club on Friday, 10th t the general body Apr 2015 from 6:30 a.m to 6 pm. So come on, get yourselves meeting convened on and your teams ready for the cricket event of the year. The Alast Friday at Mangaf, one day “CRYcket” cricket tournament is open to all children Kayamkulam NRIs Kuwait under 14. The children are grouped into teams in two age elected its new committee categories and play softball cricket while spectators, parents members for the next term. and well-wishers enjoy a carnival atmosphere. 12 teams Sirajudeen A, former vice- each are set to participate in the Under-12 and Under-14 president was elected as divisions. “With CRY, Everybody Wins”. For more details & adviser. game rules, visit the FOCC website http://www.focckwt.org. For further info, contact: Abu Halifa: 66204295; Ahmadi: Office-bearers: 23985216/ 9578073; Fahaheel: 99364073; Jleeb Shuyoukh - BS Pillai (President), 97226589; Kuwait city 22437684; Salmiya: 66810338. Premsan (General Secretary), Mathai Tharakan (Treasurer), Tom Jacob, Anil Kumar (Vice- What’s On - Submission Guidelines Presidents), Abdul Wahab, Sunil (Secretaries).

All photos submitted for What’s On Executive committee: o beat the seasonal heat in the McDonald’s current menu for the just in time for the warmer months should be minimum 200dpi. Safeer P Hariz, Khaleel, upcoming months, McDonald’s spring and summer months. The of spring and summer. Late last Sreekumar, Gopalakrishnan, Articles must be in plain text and TKuwait introduces two new pineapple sticks offer a healthier year, with the launch of HAPPY Hassan Kunju, Krishnakumar, should include name and phone fruity choices for its customers eating option for kids, and promot- character, the Happy Meal ambassa- Harisoman, Biju, Satheesh, across all restaurants in the country: ing an active lifestyle. In addition, dor, we have stepped up our efforts Rudran, Hari, Saji George, numbers. Articles and photos that pineapple sticks as an alternative to the tasty tropical fusion of to offer healthier choices for chil- Vipin Mangattu, Renjith, fail to meet these requirements will French fries in the Happy Meal, as Pineapple and Mango joins the dren as well as to promote an active Salim, Sudheer and Firoz. The well as the addition of the all new McDonald’s much-loved Apple and lifestyle. Additionally, at not be published. entire General Body members, Minute Maid Mango Pineapple juice Orange flavours for the ultimate McDonald’s, we are committed to who were present, congratu- to its beverage line-up. The new refreshing experience. continuously offering a variety of lated the newly elected Team choices will be available starting Sherif Coutry, Marketing Director flavours to meet our customers’ Please send them to and extended full support in 21st March for a limited time. at McDonald’s Kuwait, said: “We are evolving tastes, and to introducing accelerating its social, cultural [email protected] The addition of the two new very pleased to offer these two new new products that keep our menu and welfare services. refreshing choices will enhance refreshing treats to our customers fresh and exciting.” WHAT’S ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

Sebamed participated in the Jabriya polyclinic awareness health day, along with several health ministry departments and other private companies.

UNESCO team visits KNES

team from the Kuwait National Commission of the UNESCO with their special visitor from UNESCO Headquarters Paris, Ms Fouzia Belhami visited Kuwait National English School to observe the programme and activity done in supporting the aims of UNESCO and its programme in this occasion. The school choir performs for these special guests appropriate songs promoting friendship, Acooperations, peace and environmental awareness. Kuwait National English School was congratulated for its effort in these fields. MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

20:30 Invent It Rich 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:30 My Name Is Earl 21:20 Invent It Rich 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 22:10 How Do They Do It? 08:15 Chopped SA 10:00 Men At Work 22:35 How Do They Do It? 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 10:30 My Boys 23:00 Invent It Rich Basics 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 02:00 Knife Fight-PG15 00:50 Gator Boys 23:50 Invent It Rich 09:30 Farm Kings Jimmy Fallon 03:45 Collaborator-PG15 01:45 Gator Boys 10:20 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 12:00 Til Death 05:15 Almost Christmas-PG15 02:40 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 10:45 Easy Chinese 13:00 My Name Is Earl 07:15 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 03:35 River Monsters 11:10 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 13:30 My Boys 09:00 Step Up Revolution-PG15 04:25 Tanked 11:35 The Big Eat... 14:00 Melissa & Joey 11:00 Almost Christmas-PG15 05:15 Alaskan Bush People 12:00 Chopped 14:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 13:00 Now You See Me-PG15 06:02 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 12:50 Siba’s Table 15:00 Men At Work 15:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 06:49 River Monsters 00:00 Violetta 13:15 Guy’s Big Bite 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 17:00 Step Up Revolution-PG15 07:36 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 00:45 The Hive 13:40 Guy’s Big Bite Stewart 19:00 Suspension Of Disbelief Warriors 00:50 Art Attack 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 21:00 Devil’s Knot-PG15 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife 01:15 Art Attack 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Wilmore 23:00 Cosmopolis-18 Warriors 01:40 Jungle Junction 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:30 Til Death 08:25 Too Cute! 01:50 Jungle Junction 15:45 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:15 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 02:05 Jungle Junction Coo 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 02:15 Jungle Junction 16:35 Chopped SA 18:30 Melissa & Joey 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 02:30 Violetta 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks The 19:00 Two And A Half Men 03:10 The Hive 11:05 Gator Boys Riviera 19:30 Two And A Half Men 01:30 Kandahar Break: Fortress Of 12:00 Too Cute! 03:20 Art Attack 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 20:00 Mulaney 03:45 Art Attack War-PG15 12:55 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 03:15 Up Close And Personal-PG 13:50 Treehouse Masters 04:10 Jungle Junction 18:40 Siba’s Table Stewart 04:25 Jungle Junction 05:30 Promised Land-PG15 14:45 River Monsters 19:05 The Big Eat... 21:30 Last Week Tonight With John 07:30 Searching For Sugar Man- 15:40 Tanked 04:35 Jungle Junction 19:30 Chopped Oliver 04:45 Jungle Junction PG15 16:35 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games 22:00 Girls 09:00 Salinger-PG15 17:30 Gator Boys 05:00 Art Attack 21:10 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 22:30 Silicon Valley 05:25 Art Attack 11:15 Kandahar Break: Fortress Of 18:25 Treehouse Masters Coo 23:00 Web Therapy War-PG15 19:20 The Wild Life Of Tim 05:50 Mouk 22:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 23:30 Mulaney 06:00 Kim Possible 13:00 Sense And Sensibility-PG Faulkner Basics 15:15 Promised Land-PG15 19:50 The Wild Life Of Tim 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 22:25 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 06:50 Girl Meets World 17:15 Salinger-PG15 Faulkner Basics 19:30 I, Anna-PG15 20:15 Tanked 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 22:50 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 07:40 Jessie 21:00 Ray-PG15 21:10 Secret Creatures Of Jao 23:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 23:30 Cadillac Records-18 21:40 Secret Creatures Of Jao 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 Better Call Saul 22:05 Treehouse Masters 08:30 Austin & Ally 02:00 House Of Cards 23:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 08:55 Dog With A Blog 04:00 Scandal Faulkner 09:20 Binny And The Ghost 05:00 Castle 23:30 The Wild Life Of Tim 09:45 Girl Meets World 08:00 White Collar 01:00 Ice Soldiers-PG15 Faulkner 10:10 Liv And Maddie 09:00 Castle 03:00 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 23:55 Blood Lake: Attack Of The 10:40 Pixel Perfect 10:00 Scandal 05:00 Tinker Bell And The Pirate Killer Lampreys 12:15 Jessie 00:35 Mr Selfridge 12:00 Emmerdale 12:40 Austin & Ally 01:30 Come Dine With Me Ireland 12:30 Coronation Street Fairy-FAM 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 02:00 Emmerdale 14:00 White Collar 07:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 13:30 I Didn’t Do It 02:25 Emmerdale 16:00 Emmerdale 09:00 Good Deeds-PG15 13:55 Austin & Ally 02:55 Coronation Street 16:30 Coronation Street 11:00 Lovestruck: The Musical- 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 03:25 Who’s Doing The Dishes 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show PG15 14:55 Liv And Maddie 04:20 The Chase: Celebrity 18:00 White Collar 13:00 Saving Santa-PG Specials 15:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle- 00:00 Antiques Roadshow 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 19:00 Red Band Society 05:15 Lewis PG15 00:50 Come Dine With Me 15:45 Girl Meets World 20:00 Revenge 06:10 Take On The Twisters 17:00 Good Deeds-PG15 01:40 New Scandinavian Cooking 16:10 Violetta 21:00 Helix 07:05 Come Dine With Me Ireland 19:00 Ain’t Them Bodies Saints- 02:05 New Scandinavian Cooking 17:05 Pixel Perfect 22:00 Game Of Thrones 07:30 Who’s Doing The Dishes PG15 02:30 Bargain Hunt 18:40 Austin & Ally 23:00 Hemlock Grove 08:25 The Chase: Celebrity 21:00 Parts Per Billion-18 03:15 Bargain Hunt 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water Specials 23:00 Machete Kills-18 04:00 Bargain Hunt 19:30 Violetta 09:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 04:45 Come Dine With Me: 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 11:10 Emmerdale 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD Supersized 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 11:35 Emmerdale 06:15 New Scandinavian Cooking 21:10 Austin & Ally 04:25 Julius Jr. 12:00 Coronation Street 06:45 New Scandinavian Cooking 21:35 Jessie 04:35 Calimero 12:30 Ade In Britain 07:15 Bargain Hunt 22:00 Gravity Falls 02:00 Good Morning America 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 13:25 Take On The Twisters 08:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 03:00 Supernatural 05:00 Zou 14:20 Come Dine With Me Ireland 01:15 Barbie As The Island 17:30 ICC Cricket 360 08:45 Come Dine With Me Teenage Witch 04:00 Defiance 05:15 Mouk 14:45 Above Suspicion Princess 18:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 00:40 Extreme Forensics 09:10 Beat My Build 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 06:00 Good Morning America 05:25 Jungle Junction 15:35 Coach Trip 02:45 The Happets Final 1 01:30 Solved 10:00 Antiques Roadshow Teenage Witch 07:00 Emmerdale 05:35 Art Attack 16:00 Coach Trip 04:30 The Ugly Duckling And Me 19:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 02:20 Most Evil 10:50 Come Dine With Me 23:10 Wolfblood 07:30 Coronation Street 06:00 Julius Jr. 16:30 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 06:00 Luke And Lucy: The Texas Final 2 03:10 Devil In The Details 11:40 Masterchef: The 23:35 Wolfblood 10:00 Emmerdale 06:10 Calimero 17:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries Rangers 20:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 04:00 Blood Relatives Professionals 10:30 Coronation Street 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 18:20 Take On The Twisters 08:00 The Happets Final 3 04:45 Extreme Forensics 12:35 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 12:00 Rake 06:35 Zou 19:10 Coronation Street 10:00 Princess And The Pea 21:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 05:30 Solved 13:20 Come Dine With Me 13:00 Twisted 06:50 Mouk 19:35 Coach Trip 11:30 Free Birds Final 4 06:20 Forensic Detectives 13:45 Beat My Build 14:00 Live Good Morning America 07:00 Jungle Junction 20:00 Coach Trip 13:00 The Happets 22:00 ICC Cricket 360 07:10 Forensic Detectives 14:35 Antiques Roadshow 17:00 Rake 07:10 Art Attack 00:00 The Soup 20:30 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 14:30 Barbie In The 12 Dancing 08:00 Nightmare Next Door 15:25 Come Dine With Me 18:00 Twisted 07:35 Julius Jr. 00:30 The Drama Queen 21:25 The Doctor Blake Mysteries Princesses 08:50 Fatal Encounters 16:15 Masterchef: The 19:00 Parenthood 07:45 Calimero 01:25 The Drama Queen 22:20 Coronation Street 16:00 Titeuf, Le Film 09:40 Murder Shift Professionals 20:00 Rake 08:00 Jungle Junction 02:20 E! News 22:50 Emmerdale 18:00 Princess And The Pea 10:30 I Was Murdered 17:10 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 21:00 Twisted 08:10 Zou 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 23:15 Emmerdale 20:00 Barbie And The Diamond 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 17:55 Come Dine With Me 22:00 Supernatural 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 23:45 Above Suspicion Castle Watching 18:20 Beat My Build 23:00 Defiance 08:35 Julius Jr. 04:10 E!ES 22:00 Barbie In The 12 Dancing 11:20 Forensic Detectives 19:10 Beat My Build 08:50 Calimero 05:05 THS Princesses 12:10 American Greed 19:55 Food Glorious Food 09:00 Limon And Oli 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 23:30 Titeuf, Le Film 00:20 Cake Boss 13:00 Disappeared 20:40 Come Dine With Me 09:15 Jake And The Never Land Miami 00:45 Bakery Boss 13:50 On The Case With Paula 21:30 Masterchef: The Pirates 06:55 Keeping Up With The Zahn Professionals 01:35 Extreme Couponing 09:40 Doc McStuffins Kardashians 00:00 Apocalypse: The Second 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 02:00 Mob Wives 10:05 Art Attack 07:50 Style Star World War 00:00 Sunshine Marry? 23:10 Come Dine With Me 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:20 E! News 01:00 Aftermath 02:00 The Quiet Ones 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 23:35 Rachel’s Favourite Food For 11:00 Sofia The First 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 02:00 Situation Critical 04:00 The Sanctuary 00:00 Riddick-18 Bridesmaids Marry? Living 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 03:00 Air Crash Investigation 06:00 Hunt To Kill 02:00 Summoned-PG15 03:15 Little People, Big World 15:30 American Greed 11:50 Calimero 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On 04:00 Killer Shrew 08:00 Mission To Mars 04:00 Legendary Amazons-PG15 03:40 Super Saver Showdown 16:20 I Was Murdered 12:05 Jake And The Never Land 11:35 Eric And Jessie: Game On 05:00 Swamp Men 10:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 06:00 Marvel’s The Invincible Iron 04:30 Cake Boss 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s Pirates 12:00 Hunt To Kill Watching 12:05 E! News 06:00 America’s Lost Treasures Man-PG 05:00 Sister Wives 12:30 Limon And Oli 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 07:00 Last War Heroes 14:00 Appleseed: Alpha 08:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 17:10 Murder Shift 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 12:40 Henry Hugglemonster 13:35 THS 08:00 Apocalypse: The Second 16:00 Fatal Instinct 10:00 Lakeview Terrace-PG15 18:00 Disappeared 12:55 Handy Manny 00:45 American Muscle 14:30 Style Star World War 18:00 2 Fast 2 Furious 12:00 Legendary Amazons-PG15 06:25 World’s Worst Mum 18:50 Fatal Encounters 13:05 Justin Time 01:35 American Muscle 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 09:00 Aftermath 20:00 Mission To Mars 14:00 Planes-PG 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 19:40 Forensic Detectives 13:20 Sofia The First 02:25 American Muscle The Hamptons 10:00 Situation Critical 22:00 R.I.P.D. 16:00 Vehicle 19-PG15 Bridesmaids 20:30 On The Case With Paula 13:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:15 American Muscle 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 11:00 Killer Shrew 18:00 Thor: The Dark World-PG15 07:40 Little People, Big World Zahn 14:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 12:00 Wild Russia 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets 04:05 American Muscle The Hamptons 20:00 The Art Of The Steal-PG15 08:05 Say Yes To The Dress: The 14:35 Julius Jr. 05:00 Chaos Caught On Camera 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 13:00 Animal Intervention 22:00 The Counselor-18 Revealed 14:45 Jake And The Never Land Big Day (Specials) 05:30 Chaos Caught On Camera 17:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 14:00 Armageddon Outfitters 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Pirates 06:00 Yukon Men 18:00 E! News 15:00 Aftermath 08:55 Sister Wives Marry? 15:15 Doc McStuffins 06:50 Fifth Gear 19:00 Keeping Up With The 16:00 Money Meltdown 09:45 Cake Boss 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 15:40 Limon And Oli 07:40 Fast N’ Loud Kardashians 16:30 Money Meltdown 00:00 The Quiet Ones-PG15 10:10 Sister Wives Marry? 15:55 Zou 02:00 The Sanctuary-PG15 08:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 20:00 House Of DVF 17:00 Alaska Wing Men 11:00 Super Saver Showdown 23:00 True Crime With 16:05 Justin Time 21:00 Fashion Bloggers 18:00 Doomsday Preppers 04:00 Hunt To Kill-PG15 07:00 Golfing World Aphrodite Jones Edition 11:50 Cake Boss 16:20 Sofia The First 08:55 Garage Gold 21:30 Fashion Bloggers 19:00 Aftermath 06:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 11:00 Live NRL Premiership 23:50 Extreme Forensics 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 12:15 Cake Boss 09:20 Backroad Bounty 22:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 20:00 Money Meltdown 08:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 14:00 Champions Tour 17:15 Lilo & Stitch 09:45 How It’s Made 22:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 20:30 Money Meltdown 10:00 Hunt To Kill-PG15 18:00 Golfing World 12:40 World’s Worst Mum 17:40 Adventures Of The 10:10 How It’s Made 23:00 THS 21:00 Alaska Wing Men 12:00 Appleseed: Alpha-PG15 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights 13:30 Cake Boss Gummi Bears 10:35 Fast N’ Loud 22:00 Doomsday Preppers 14:00 Fatal Instinct-PG15 20:00 PGA European Tour 13:55 Cake Boss 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue 16:00 2 Fast 2 Furious-PG15 Highlights 11:25 Misfit Garage 23:00 Killer Shrew 14:20 Bakery Boss Rangers 12:15 Philly Throttle 18:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 15:10 Cake Boss 18:30 Ducktales 13:05 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 20:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 19:00 Art Attack 00:10 Zou Edition 22:00 Lone Survivor-PG15 15:35 Little People, Big World 19:25 Sofia The First 00:25 Mouk 13:30 Garage Gold 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive 19:55 Calimero 00:35 Jungle Junction 13:55 Backroad Bounty 00:05 Chopped SA 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 20:10 Limon And Oli 00:00 Live LPGA Tour 00:50 Art Attack 14:20 Yukon Men 00:55 Siba’s Table 20:25 Jake And The Never Land 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 07:00 PGA Tour Bridesmaids 01:15 Julius Jr. 15:10 Fifth Gear 01:20 Siba’s Table Pirates Stewart 17:15 17 Kids And Counting 01:25 Calimero 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:00 Golfing World 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 01:30 Vamps-PG15 17:40 Sister Wives 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 16:50 How It’s Made 02:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 16:00 NHL 21:20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Wilmore 03:30 The Big Wedding-PG15 01:50 Zou 17:15 How It’s Made 02:35 Best In Chow 19:00 WWE Experience 18:30 Super Saver Showdown 21:25 Sofia The First 01:30 Married 05:30 Straight Talk-PG15 02:05 Mouk 17:40 River Monsters (Best Of 03:00 Best In Chow 20:00 WWE Afterburn 19:20 Sneak Peek: The Next Great 21:50 Adventures Of The 02:00 Married 07:30 It’s A Disaster-PG15 02:15 Jungle Junction Series 1-5) 03:25 Chopped Baker Gummi Bears 02:30 Web Therapy 09:30 Blazing Saddles-PG15 21:00 WWE This Week 02:25 Art Attack 18:30 Gold Rush 04:15 Chopped 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 03:30 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Austenland-PG15 21:30 PGA Tour Highlights 20:10 World’s Worst Mum 02:50 Julius Jr. 19:20 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 05:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Rangers 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 13:30 Surviving Christmas-PG15 22:30 PGA European Tour 21:00 Breaking Amish 03:00 Calimero 20:10 Garage Gold Basics 22:45 Ducktales Jimmy Fallon 15:30 It’s A Disaster-PG15 Highlights 21:50 Secret Eskimo Escape 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 05:30 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 23:15 Art Attack 05:30 My Name Is Earl 17:30 The Life Aquatic With Steve 03:25 Zou 21:00 Gold Rush Basics 23:30 Golfing World 22:40 Extreme Couponing 23:40 Limon And Oli 06:00 Til Death Zissou-PG15 03:40 Mouk 21:50 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 05:50 Siba’s Table 23:05 Mob Wives 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster 06:10 Sweet Genius 06:30 My Boys 20:00 Last Vegas-PG15 03:50 Jungle Junction 22:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 23:55 Breaking Amish 23:30 River Monsters (Best Of 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 22:00 Welcome To The Jungle-18 04:00 Art Attack Series 1-5)

00:00 Programmes Start At 00:40 How It’s Made 7:00am KSA 01:05 How It’s Made 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 01:30 Curiosity: How Do Drugs 07:25 Phineas And Ferb Work? 07:50 Supa Strikas 02:20 Through The Wormhole With 08:15 The 7D Morgan Freeman 08:40 Ultimate Spider-Man 03:10 How Do They Do It? 09:05 Lab Rats 03:35 How Do They Do It? 09:30 Kickin’ It 04:00 Man vs The Universe 09:55 Kickin’ It 04:48 The World’s Strangest UFO 10:20 Kickin’ It Stories 10:45 Kickin’ It 05:36 Close Encounters 11:10 Lab Rats 06:00 Close Encounters 11:35 Phineas And Ferb 06:24 Alien Encounters 12:00 Pair Of Kings 07:12 How The Universe Works 08:00 Bang Goes The Theory 12:25 Supa Strikas 08:25 How Tech Works 12:50 Kickin’ It 08:50 X-Machines 13:15 Jumping Ship 09:40 Food Factory 14:55 Star Wars Rebels 10:05 How It’s Made 15:20 Ultimate Spider-Man 10:30 How Do They Do It? 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 10:55 How Do They Do It? 16:10 Supa Strikas 11:20 Joe Rogan Questions 16:35 Pair Of Kings Everything 17:00 Lab Rats 12:10 How Do They Do It? 17:30 Mighty Med 12:35 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Mighty Med 13:00 Bang Goes The Theory 18:50 The 7D 13:25 How Tech Works 19:15 Cars Toons 13:50 X-Machines 19:20 Supa Strikas 14:40 Food Factory 19:45 Kickin’ It 15:05 How It’s Made 20:10 Kickin’ It 15:30 How Do They Do It? 15:55 How Do They Do It? 20:35 Kickin’ It 16:20 Joe Rogan Questions 21:00 Kickin’ It Everything 21:25 Lab Rats 17:10 How Do They Do It? 21:55 Ultimate Spider-Man: 17:35 How Do They Do It? Web Warriors 18:00 Through The Wormhole With 22:20 Hulk And The Agents Of Morgan Freeman S.M.A.S.H. 18:50 How It’s Made 22:45 Japaneezi Going Going 19:15 How It’s Made Gong 19:40 Food Factory 23:10 Pair Of Kings 20:05 Food Factory MISSION TO MARS `ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 23:35 Phineas And Ferb Classifieds

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

MATRIMONIAL

Kuwait Alliance invited for hand- KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY some, god-fearing, Orthodox boy of reputed (19/03/2015 TO 25/03/2015) family in central Travancore, 31/180, fair, BCom and MBA (Finance), bank employee SHARQIA-1 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 4:30 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM CINDERELLA 1:15 PM CINDERELLA 7:00 PM THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM in Kuwait, from god-fearing, CINDERELLA 3:30 PM FANAR-5 CINDERELLA 9:30 PM well-educated girl. CINDERELLA 5:45 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM CINDERELLA 12:05 AM AL-KOUT.3 Contact: CINDERELLA 8:00 PM THE GUNMAN 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 11:45 AM [email protected] CINDERELLA 10:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM AVENUES-7 CINDERELLA 2:15 PM 22-3-2015 CINDERELLA 12:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 PM CINDERELLA 4:45 PM THE GUNMAN 10:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:00 PM CINDERELLA 7:15 PM SHARQIA-2 THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 5:30 PM CINDERELLA 9:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 8:30 PM CINDERELLA 11:45 PM ACCOMMODATION THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:30 PM MARINA-1 AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 Sharing accommodation THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:30 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM AVENUES-8 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:00 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM DEMONIC 1:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:00 PM available in Salmiya near Al THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:45 AM CINDERELLA 7:45 PM DEMONIC 3:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 5:30 PM Rashid hospital for an CINDERELLA 10:00 PM FOCUS 5:30 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 8:00 PM Indian small family or SHARQIA-3 CINDERELLA 12:15 AM DEMONIC 7:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:30 PM working lady. Separate THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM DEMONIC 10:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM THE GUNMAN 2:30 PM MARINA-2 DEMONIC 12:15 AM room and bathroom is RUN ALL NIGHT 4:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 available in a good loca- THE GUNMAN 7:15 PM THE GUNMAN 3:15 PM AVENUES-9 CINDERELLA 11:30 AM tion. Available from March RUN ALL NIGHT 9:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:30 PM THE GUNMAN 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 1:45 PM 22nd onwards. Contact: THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM THE GUNMAN 2:15 PM CINDERELLA 4:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 10:15 PM THE GUNMAN 4:45 PM 99315825, 99838117. CINDERELLA 6:15 PM (C 4953) MUHALAB-1 THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM THE GUNMAN 7:15 PM CINDERELLA 8:30 PM CINDERELLA 12:45 PM THE GUNMAN 9:45 PM CINDERELLA 10:45 PM 21-3-2015 CINDERELLA 3:00 PM MARINA-3 THE GUNMAN 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN 1:00 AM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 7:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:15 PM AVENUES-10 BAIRAQ-2 CINDERELLA 10:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:15 PM THE GUNMAN 1:15 PM CHANGE OF NAME RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 2:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 5:15 PM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM MUHALAB-2 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 7:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 8:00 PM I, Thiru Senthil THE GUNMAN 1:00 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 10:15 PM THE GUNMAN 10:15 PM Venkatagalam, holder of RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM AVENUES-1 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:45 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM THE GUNMAN 1:15 PM Indian Passport No. RUN ALL NIGHT 8:00 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 3:45 PM AVENUES-11 BAIRAQ-3 L2554748, native district THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 6:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 1:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:45 AM Thanjavur, No. 127 THE GUNMAN 12:45 AM YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 8:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 4:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 2:15 PM Natarajapuram colony, 8th YOUM MALOUSH LASMA (Arabic) 11:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 6:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM Str. Medical college road, MUHALAB-3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 9:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:30 AM AVENUES-2 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 11:30 PM Thanjavur, 613007, hereby THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:00 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 11:30 AM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:15 AM change my name to THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 1:45 PM 360º- 1 Muhammaed Shaliq. THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:00 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 4:00 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM PLAZA THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 9:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 6:15 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM (C 4952) THE GUNMAN 3:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:05 AM SUITE FRANCAISE 8:30 PM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM 21-3-2015 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:45 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 11:00 PM CINDERELLA 8:00 PM CINDERELLA 8:15 PM FANAR-1 SUITE FRANCAISE 1:15 AM CINDERELLA 10:30 PM I, Ashpaq Ahamad Ibrahim, SUITE FRANCAISE 1:00 PM FOCUS 1:00 AM THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM SUITE FRANCAISE 3:15 PM AVENUES-3 holder of Indian Passport RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:45 PM 360º- 2 LAILA No. H1510685 issued at SUITE FRANCAISE 8:15 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 3:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 1:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:45 PM Kuwait and having Indian RUN ALL NIGHT 10:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 3:45 PM CINDERELLA 6:15 PM THE GUNMAN 8:30 PM residency at 272 RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM RUN ALL NIGHT 8:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 6:15 PM Kannukere, Tekkatte Post, RUN ALL NIGHT 10:45 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 8:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:45 PM FANAR-2 RUN ALL NIGHT 1:00 AM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 11:15 PM Kundapur Tq, hereby CINDERELLA 12:30 PM AJIAL.1 declare change my name to CINDERELLA 2:45 PM AVENUES-4 360º- 3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 4:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:15 PM Sheikh Ashfak Ahamad. CINDERELLA 5:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM CINDERELLA 1:30 PM (C 4951) CINDERELLA 7:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 2:30 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 4:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 9:45 PM CINDERELLA 9:30 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 5:00 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 6:45 PM 17-3-2015 CINDERELLA 11:45 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 7:30 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM AJIAL.2 RUN ALL NIGHT 10:00 PM AL TIJARA SHATARA (Kuwaiti Film) 12:15 AM THE GUNMAN :30 PM FANAR-3 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM Prayer timings THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 11:45 AM AL-KOUT.1 THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 2:15 PM AVENUES-5 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:00 PM THE GUNMAN 10:15 PM Fajr: 04:31 DEMONIC 4:45 PM CINDERELLA 12:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 2:30 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 6:45 PM CINDERELLA 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 5:00 PM AJIAL.3 Shorook 05:50 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 9:15 PM Special Show “CINDERELLA” 3:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 7:30 PM DILLIWAALI ZAALIM GIRLFRIEND -HINDI 4:30 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 12:05 AM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 10:00 PM DILLIWAALI ZAALIM GIRLFRIEND -HINDI 7:00 PM CINDERELLA 8:00 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 12:30 AM DILLIWAALI ZAALIM GIRLFRIEND -HINDI 9:30 PM Duhr: 11:55 FANAR-4 THE GUNMAN 10:30 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 12:45 PM THE GUNMAN 1:00 AM AL-KOUT.2 AJIAL.4 Asr: 15:23 THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT 3:15 PM THE GUNMAN 12:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 3:30 PM THE GUNMAN 5:45 PM AVENUES-6 THE GUNMAN 2:45 PM CINDERELLA 6:00 PM Maghrib: 18:00 THE GUNMAN 8:00 PM CINDERELLA 11:30 AM THE GUNMAN 5:15 PM THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL 8:15 PM THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT- 3D 10:15 PM CINDERELLA 2:00 PM THE GUNMAN 7:45 PM CINDERELLA 10:45 PM Isha: 19:17

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 23/3/2015 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 Departure Flights on Monday 23/3/2015 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 00:40 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 CEB 7695 Manila 04:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 CEB 7694 Manila 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 GFA 048 Istanbul 19:10 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 415D Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 08:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 104 London 19:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 GFA 048 Bahrain 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 KAC 281 Dhaka 20:55 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 282 Dhaka 09:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 GFA 047 Bahrain 09:40 GFA 047 Istanbul 10:25 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 IRA 666 Esfahan 10:45 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 SYR 341 Damascus 22:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 IRC 6521 Lamerd 11:50 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 KAC 103 London 12:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 SYR 342 Damascus 23:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 IRC 6522 Lamerd 12:50 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 ICV 792 Luxembourg 13:45 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 CROSSWORD 850 STAR TRACK

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

You become engrossed in your projects, yet there are many ideas moving This should be one of those feel-good days. You make your way now by around in your head that will help you plan some moneymaking opportunities for another using practical vision and common sense. This could be some kind of high-water mark for time. You like to plan ahead. Consider gathering the family or a group of your friends and your career recognition. You may be operating a popular restaurant or in hotel manage- clean houses for real-estate showing. Call the real-estate offices around your city and find ment. A gathering of friends this afternoon has a relaxing effect and you embrace this time out about their open house shows. If this does not work-a big garage sale or flea market and find the air filled with laughter and good times. There is an opportunity for each per- sale could be beneficial. You will be tending to the chores early in order to make your own son to comment on where they might want to be in five years and you may be surprised surroundings as pleasant as possible. You are looking forward to fun around water this at some of the ideas your friends have. If you have thought about where you want to be in summer and for now you might consider joining an aerobics exercise group or a sports five years it may include taking on a special talent that you want to perfect. Your charm is group. showing this evening-there is an opportunity for romance.

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

A light heart begins the day. This may be from reading poetry or watching a This is a successful workday and some of the co-worker friends and you may beautiful sunrise. Memories come back to you and it is hard to get them out of your mind. get together for a special gathering this afternoon. Later today you may join in with some Consider writing a poem about particular memories. At this time, you may be busy think- of your friends to join a volunteer group. You will find your time and your talents well ing and working at pulling in extra finances. Sensible thought must be given to the practi- used. You will be able to change what could be a difficult day for a few people, into a most cal use of money. Complaints or your recognition of things out of balance will keep you on memorable, positive time. Your sense of humor is contagious and your ability to find the your toes. Patience and attention to details all afternoon will put you out in front of people right words will be of benefit to all around you. The people you care about are grateful for as you work to sell some artwork or help with coordinating some group activity. Being your nurturing and kind ways. A new exercise plan that a friend might have suggested will more involved with neighbors or sibling satisfies a deep emotional need. The next few help you relax in the evening and you are encouraged to keep a good exercise routine. days bring opportunities for extra money. You enjoy quiet time this evening. Keep a diary.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Planning and goal setting seem to be the thought process for this morning. You may decide that it is time to involve yourself with a few different pieces Financial matters are definitely getting better! Some sort of financial windfall of literature to update and improve your business knowledge. You may have been thinking is in the cards for this next week-possibly in real estate. Think about a plan for investing this ACROSS 3. Seed of a pea plant. about teaching. This is a good time to be in charge of some project that requires a conser- money now. There is growth and gain through these things. This afternoon is a great time 1. (military) Signal to turn the lights out. 4. A cylindrical drawstring bag used by sailors vative mind. Everything seems to be working together and you may find yourself expres- for artistic endeavors. You may find yourself dreaming and wishing you could be surround- 5. Difficult or labored respiration. to hold their clothing and other gear. sive and able to communicate well. Your timing should be perfect and those around you ed by only beauty today. Hopefully, all the practical, mundane stuff has a different place in 12. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized 5. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity. should find you most captivating. You have needs and you sense the needs of others. You your life and this afternoon you can laugh and forget your cares. Perhaps a movie or a are likely to hear some good news today regarding some matter of importance. You may by behavioral and learning disorders. 6. A port in western Israel on the good book can help sweep you away and hold your attention. This evening you are gain insight through some conversations with legal types. Your desire to succeed is inspired! Expressing affection may be an easy effort tonight. 15. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropi- Mediterranean. strengthened and you do well with your endeavors. cal regions for its fragrant flowers and colorful 7. An ancient musical horn made from the fruits. horn of a ram. 16. Island country in the Atlantic east of 8. Worthless or oversimplified ideas. Florida and Cuba. 9. A metric unit of length equal to one bil- Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike lionth of a meter. You may find some books and theories on a few problem-solving techniques You may be prone to impulsiveness today. If you plan to shop, you might do part of an organism. 10. The membrane in the ear that vibrates to that would be helpful in the workplace. Let’s face it, you have been thinking of better ways best if you make out a list and stick to it; otherwise, there are temptations. Another good idea is 18. Deciduous South African tree having large sound. to handle business problems and now may be a good time to gear up for a change. Taking to take just enough cash for what is on your list. Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth odd-pinnate leaves and profuse fragrant 11. The residue that remains when something notes may be all that is necessary. Intense work or concentration with little time for breaks become important issues. Happily, an urge to be a couch potato is short-lived. You read, watch orange-yellow flowers. is burned. over these past few weeks can cause anyone to become frustrated. Concentrate on creating a movie or sew while sitting and can never really seem to be still enough to end up with the 20. A man who is much concerned with his 12. Informal terms for a mother. a balance. This afternoon would be a wonderful time to spend with friends or with neigh- potato-shaped body that comes with this sort of living; thank goodness. A little walking or dress and appearance. 13. (pathology) An elevation of the skin filled bors. This interaction is one of the better ways you have to let go of the stress that may have bicycling exercise this afternoon will help you to regain some focus and feel refreshed. You have the ingredients to cook a new recipe and this evening is a good time to experiment. 21. Having corresponding sounds especially with serous fluid. accumulated lately without you realizing it. terminal sounds. 14. An informal term for a father. 22. An associate degree in nursing. 19. (Judaism) Not conforming to dietary laws. 23. An early form of modern jazz (originating 24. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) around 1940). the Dali region of Yunnan. 26. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 25. A colorless and odorless inert gas. It is possible that you can come to an understanding between friends or Everything’s coming up roses and optimism rules this day. Life is for living from aba cloth. 27. The template for protein synthesis. family members about important matters today. People are willing to bring unsolved prob- and you cannot wait to partake in all those new and rewarding experiences that are wait- 28. A victory cheer. 29. 100 agorot equal 1 shekel. lems to an end and most of what you hear will be a compromise-including your own. Your ing to welcome you! Do not go overboard, but have fun! Your positivism is contagious and typical of your general outlook. You may find that you are appreciated or valued for your 31. A city in northwestern Somalia. 30. A person who hates. mind is alert, your objectives are clear. Your buoyant optimism will help win your way. There are wonderful opportunities for you to help guide others today. For you, success is in feelings as well as your ability to act and get things done. Plato said, “a person is effective, 34. A landlocked republic in eastern Africa. 32. A gun that propels a projectile by com- the recognition of some discovery or insight. Medicine and research, science, technology only when he has the separate parts of himself properly linked together in well-tempered 38. Belonging to or on behalf of a specified pressed air. and psychology are worth considering when it comes to a vocation. You may, in fact, want harmony-when he is one man instead of many.” concentrate on what you want to accom- person (especially yourself). 33. Someone who works (or provides workers) to study later this evening. Whether you are working on a thesis, a report or studying plish and stay focused. Today is a good day to put your skills to good use. Use that opti- 39. A hard brittle blue-white multivalent during a strike. young children, your future work is important. mistic side of you to encourage a young person. metallic element. 35. A B vitamin essential for the normal func- 40. Any strong feeling. tion of the nervous system and the gastroin- 41. A city in southeastern Spain. testinal tract. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 45. A long noosed rope used to catch animals. 36. An oldster in his dotage. 46. A soft white precious univalent metallic 37. A genus of tropical American plants have Communication is the key for this day. What a day to charge your batteries Projects you have worked on for many months will probably reach comple- element having the highest electrical and sword-shaped leaves and a fleshy compound with a two-way flow of ideas and information! You are eager for others to hear your point tion at this time. Be sure to check if these activities produce the results you expect and that thermal conductivity of any metal. of view and just as eager to hear others. You teach and enjoy being taught. This is a prime those results are as important to you as you thought they would be. Be your own judge! fruits composed of the fruits of several flowers day for conferences and negotiations. If nothing else, write those letters and make those Money comes into play today when another person has none and you have some. If you 47. According to the Old Testament he was a (such as pineapples). phone calls. There is an opening in which you may choose to join a club today-new friends have paid this person’s admission before, don’t do it now. If you have never helped this pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel 42. Small genus of Asian evergreen trees hav- and new opportunities are waiting! You appear perhaps more charming and refined than person, trust that they will return the favor. Don’t be afraid to move forward. Make all your (9th century BC). ing columnar crowns and distinguished by usual at this time and may find an opportunity to ask someone for a date or otherwise activities come into balance in order to lessen the stress. Sympathy and understanding 49. A crosspiece between the legs of a chair. leaves lacking a midrib. make yourself known. You can be assured that you will be welcomed and entertained-you toward friends and loved ones are emotional qualities that take on a greater importance. will enjoy a social gathering. It’s an attitude of gratitude that counts most. 51. A Chadic language spoken in northern 43. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. Nigeria. 44. The United Nations agency concerned 52. A self-funded retirement plan that allows with civil aviation. you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward 48. A river in northwestern Russia flowing Yesterday’s Solution your retirement. generally west into the Gulf of Finland. 53. A river that rises in Russia near Smolensk 50. Capable of wounding. and flowing south through Belarus and 54. A small digital computer based on a micro- Ukraine to empty into the Black Sea. processor and designed to be used by one 57. A stock or supply of foods. person at a time. 60. A genus of temperate and arctic evergreen 55. The branch of engineering science that trees (see spruce). studies the uses of electricity and the equip- 62. Amino acid that is formed in the liver and ment for power generation and distribution converted into dopamine in the brain. and the control of machines and communica- 64. An amino acid that is found in the central tion. nervous system. 56. A motley assortment of things. 67. An anti-TNF compound (trade name 58. A large Yoruba city in southwestern Arava) that is given orally. Nigeria. 71. American prizefighter who won the world 59. A river in north central Switzerland that heavyweight championship three times (born runs northeast into the Rhine. in 1942). 61. A region of Malaysia in northeastern 74. A design fixed to some surface or a paper Borneo. bearing the design to be transferred to the surface. 63. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily 75. A fractional monetary unit of Japan and one-seeded fruits. Indonesia and Cambodia. 65. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly 76. A river in central Brazil that flows generally aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true northward (with many falls) to join the stems and roots and leaves. Tocantins River. 66. (computer science) A data transmission 78. Step on it. rate (bits/second) for modems. 79. An ugly evil-looking old woman. 68. A dull persistent (usually moderately 80. A subfamily of Indic languages. intense) pain. 81. The compass point midway between 69. Characteristic of false pride. northeast and east. 70. On or toward the lee. 72. A rapid escape (as by criminals). DOWN 73. A constellation in the southern hemi- 1. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 2. Similar or related in quality or character. 77. A state in midwestern United States. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 LIFESTYLE36 MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Gossip Ian McKellen isn’t ‘top choice’

ir Ian McKellen doesn’t think he’s “top choice” for directors. The ‘Lord of the Rings’ actor admits there are many movies he would have loved to have starred in but was never approached by the filmmakers. He Ssaid: “I don’t think I’m top choice. In theatre - for Shakespeare - I’m quite near the top, but not for all direc- tors. “In film I’m way, way down.”Spielberg’s never asked to work with me, Tarantino has never asked, Sam Mendes has never asked. “It isn’t as if there’s a long list of films I’ve turned down but there are plenty I wish I’d had a go at. That’s the truth.” The 75-year-old actor admitted he finds it harder to learn lines now because the lure of the Internet is so distracting. Speaking to Esquire’s Big Black Book magazine, he said: “How do I kill time? Oh don’t. Internet. “I’ve always loved Dictionaries and encyclopaedias. Now you get all that on your computer. It’s fantastic. “You’re looking up something about Dickens and you’re invited to explore more and more and more.”I don’t know if that’s wasting time or not but it doesn’t help me to learn lines.”

Crowe’s new film convinced his son to not join the army

ussell Crowe’s eight-year-old son was convinced not to join the army after watching ‘The Water Diviner’. The Ractor - who stars as an Australian farmer who travels to Turkey to find his three missing sons after the Battle of Gallipoli - says his new movie had a profound impact on his son Tennyson, causing him to rethink his career plans. The 50-year- old star said his son told him: “Dad, we’re not joining the army any more.” Previous to that, however, Tennyson said that “after university, I’m going to do a couple of battles” and speculated that a soldier might be paid “a million”. But Russell is thrilled that the movie - which also stars Olga Kurylenko - has con- vinced his son to consider the pitfalls of war and change his attitude completely. He told The Times newspaper: “The entire effort of three years of making the movie is worth it just to have put that in my son’s heart.” Meanwhile, Russell - who also has an 11-year-old son, Charles - recently said having children has changed his outlook on life. He said: “Once you have children everything you do and how you see the world is done through Morricone didn’t approve of the prism of having kids.” scenes in Django Unchained Grainger defends nnio Morricone didn’t approve of the graphic scenes in ‘Django Unchained’. The prolific composer and conductor wrote the soundtrack to the award-winning movie, directed by Cinderella co-star EQuentin Tarantino, but admitted he wasn’t pleased by a gruesome plot in the 2012 film, and ordered the 51-year-old filmmaker to remove it. Speaking in the spring/summer The Big Black Book issue of the UK’s Esquire magazine, he said: “In ‘Django Unchained’, there’s that sequence Lily James where a dog attacks and eats a man. That was too much. I sent a message to Quentin Tarantino and told him that was too strong.” However the scene remained in the movie, and added to olliday Grainger thinks less attention should Ennio’s disappointment about the placement of his music, which he has previously admitted be paid to what actresses look like. The 26- made him decide never to work with him again. He said he “wouldn’t like to work with him again, Hyear-old stage and screen star - who appears on anything,” adding he “places music in his films without coherence” and “you can’t do anything alongside Lily James in the new Disney movie of the Lopez wants with someone like that”. And the 86-year-old star revealed in 2013 he had stuck to his promise, classic fairy but his refusal to work with the star meant he used one of the tracks he had previously penned. tale He added: “He said last year he wanted to work with me again ever since ‘Inglourious Basterds’, ‘Cinderella’ - but I told him I couldn’t, because he didn’t give me enough time. So he just used a song I had says it’s a written previously.” “shame” peo- ple judge female per- formers by Rihannaduet their appear- ennifer Lopez would “absolutely” duet with Rihanna. The 45-year-old ance rather singer has revealed she would love to sing with the ‘We Found Love’ than their hitmaker, having recently starred in the animated movie ‘Home’ with talent. J her. When asked if she would work with her co-star, she said: “Absolutely! Responding Who wouldn’t?!” The chart-topping mother-of-two went on to explain she is to claims her such a fan of the Bajan beauty because she is both edgy and feminine. She co-star’s told E! News: “I’m a huge Rihanna fan ... and I feel like she’s such a girl’s girl, waist was which I love, because I’m a girl’s girl and she seems very sweet.”And I love photo- the edginess about her and I think she did a really great job in this film.” The shopped in comments come just days after 27-year-old star also expressed her wish to the film, work with the ‘Booty’ singer, but confessed she would have to add padding Holliday told to her derriere if they shot a video together so she could compete with BANG Jennifer’s round butt. She said: “I would need some butt pads for that video Showbiz at though.” Continuing to praise the star - who released her debut single ‘If last night’s You Had My Love’ in 1999 - she gushed over how successful she continues London pre- to be, despite being older than most pop stars. She added: “I mean, really? miere in She’s shutting down 20-year-olds at forty-something. It’s unheard of.” Leicester Square: “Lily’s got a small Reeves and waist - what is she going to do about it? The Carrey cast in corsets make it look small- er. “I think the movie is The Bad Batch so much about what’s on the inside is what matters - and who you are as a person. “I just think it’s a shame. Really, eanu Reeves and Jim Carrey have been cast in new dystopian movie ‘The Bad Batch’. The there are lots of strong female leads and we’re focus- duo have been cast alongside Suki Waterhouse, Diego Luna and Jason Momoa in the Ana ing on what they’re wearing and what they look like.” KLily Amirpour-directed film, which is a cannibal love story set in a post-apocalyptic Texas The remarks came shortly after Lily, 25, urged people wasteland. The film’s lead, Miami Man, is played by Momoa, while Waterhouse will play female to show more interest in Cinderella’s morals than her lead Arien. Reeves and Carrey will play The Dream and The Hermit respectively, according to waist. She said: “Why on earth are we focusing on TheWrap. Reeves’ casting in the new movie comes shortly after it was revealed that he “started something so irrelevant? “I’ve had friends’ kids and a watching the earliest cuts” of ‘Bill & Ted 3’ more than 12 months ago. The third installment of the little boy called Daniel, who’s nine, who said ‘it’s comedy franchise has been years in the making, and according to Reeves’ co-star Alex Winter - amazing how you promised your mum to be kind who played Bill S. Preston Esq. in the original movies - it is close to a reality. Speaking of his co- and good and you remembered it’. That’s the mes- star - who appeared as Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan - Winter said: “He started watching the earliest cuts sage [of the movie].” —Bang Showbiz of this movie a year ago, and was just super into it. “It’s really funny, because I asked him and I could tell he was waiting for me to ask. Because he was like, ‘Yeah. Duh.’”

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Will Ferrell can’t predict success to star in Fraggle Rock ill Ferrell doesn’t think anyone can predict how well their movies will do at the box office. Will Ferrell has “no sense” of how successful his movies will be. The 47-year-old actor insists stars who claim they knew oseph Gordon-Levitt is to star in the ‘Fraggle Rock’ movie. Jim Henson’s hit Wtheir work would bomb or be a box office smash are “lying” because there are a number of random factors 1980s children’s TV show about a group of carefree creatures known as Fraggles to consider. Asked if he has an idea of how his work will fare, he said: “Sadly no. I have still no sense whatsoever. My Jwho live in caves beneath a lighthouse is finally being turned into a film The barometer hasn’t gotten any sharper. “I think anyone who says they know right away, they’re lying.”When you see ‘Inception’ actor has committed to be the lead star and is also set to work as a pro- the edited film, you just have to feel, ‘We made something that feels different, fresh and new and it has a strong ducer on the movie, according to Entertainment Weekly. Joseph has admitted point of view.’ It’s up to the gods at that point. “You never know when a movie is going to hit the zeitgeist for what- ‘Fraggle Rock’ was one of his favourite ever shows and he is confident he and pro- ever reason, whether it’s release date, what’s out there at the same time, are people in the mood to see a comedy at ducer Lisa Henson - the CEO of The Jim Henson Company and the late puppeteer’s a certain point? All those factors you really aren’t in control of. I don’t feel like my gauge is sharpened in any way.” The daughter - can do the series and Jim proud. In a statement, Joseph said: “The first ‘Get Hard’ actor believes the most important thing to consider with his movies is whether making them “feels good” screen personas I ever loved were Henson creations, first on ‘Sesame Street’, and or not. He told the Independent newspaper’s Radar magazine: “We did this movie ‘Casa de Mi Padre’ which was then on ‘Fraggle Rock’. Jim Henson’s characters make you laugh and sing, but they’re entirely in Spanish. That is an example of, ‘Really! An American comedy star does an entire movie in Spanish, who also layered, surprising, and wise. From Oscar the Grouch, to Yoda, to the Fraggles. doesn’t speak Spanish, and all the studios go, ‘Hmmm... we don’t know how to distribute it.’ That’s one where you go, I’ve never stopped loving his work, even as a young frisky man, and on into adult- ‘That seems weird especially when a lot of the statistics say the Hispanic audience is one of the largest movie-going hood. Collaborating with Lisa Henson makes me confident we can do something that Jim would have loved.” The news is a huge boost to the project which has been audiences in America.’ You just have to feel good about what you’re making and truck along.” in development since 2006. LIFESTYLE37 MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Music & Movies Celine Dion Review to return to Vegas residency anadian singer Celine Dion will return to her resi- dency in Las Vegas in August after taking an indefi- Cnite break last year to care for her cancer-stricken husband, People magazine reported. On her website, the star from French-speaking province Quebec hinted at the news on Saturday, exclaiming “Good news on the hori- zon!” showing her husband and one-time manager Rene Angelil, 73, watching television footage of Dion. Dion, 46, will be resuming her residency at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum in late August with a new show, according to People. “It is very emotional for me and I’m anticipating the emotions to grow even more as the date gets closer,” Dion ‘Kahlil Gibran’s told the magazine. Fans reacted with glee. “I am super excited I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time!! I love you Celine and I am so excited for your return!” one wrote on her website. The five-time Grammy winner performed in Sin City full-time for more than three The Prophet’ years, wowing crowds with her biggest hits that include the theme song for the 1997 Hollywood blockbuster “Titanic” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet-”My Heart Will Go On.” hink of “Kahlil Gibran’s The made Snow White dance so realisti- In 2014, the international sensation suffered from a Prophet” as a gift: a work of cally 77 years earlier), his crew flat- condition that caused her throat muscles to become essential spiritual enlighten- tens computer-animated models inflamed, forcing her to cancel her scheduled shows in T ment, elegantly interpreted by nine into 2D-style characters with some- Canadian singer Celine Dion performs during her first of seven shows sched- Las Vegas since her last performance on July 29 of that of the world’s leading independent times awkward results: a too-fluid uled until December 5 at the Bercy’s Palais Omnisports in Paris. —AFP year. —AFP animators, all tied up and wrapped sense of movement, coupled with a in a family-friendly bow by “The Lion split-second delay as the animation King” director Roger Allers. A long- lags ever so slightly (at least the Allman director: Ga train crash ‘my responsibility’ time passion project for producer backgrounds appear lovingly home- Salma Hayek-Pinault, Lebanese made). philosopher-poet Gibran’s beloved guide to life, death, love, art and so Visually mesmerizing he director of an ill-fated movie about singer Gregg Allman said forth doesn’t naturally lend itself to Chalk that up as a small technical Friday that it’s “ultimately my responsibility” that his crew ended up bigscreen interpretation, and at first, quibble-or perhaps a necessary con- on a Georgia railroad bridge in the path of a freight train that killed a T the pic’s framing device seems too cession given the challenge of pro- camera assistant. “Midnight Rider” director Randall Miller issued a state- ment to The Associated Press less than two weeks after he pleaded guilty silly for such soulful subject matter, ducing hand-drawn animation in the to charges of involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing. A judge but the freshly scripted wraparound new digital era-although several of sentenced him to two years in jail in rural Wayne County, where 27-year- doesn’t shy away from grown-up the other contributors seem deter- old Sarah Jones of Atlanta died in the train crash Feb 20, 2014. Six others concerns, while potentially broaden- mined to keep the bespoke tradition also were injured. ing the book’s reach to younger alive. For example, the astoundingly “It was a horrible tragedy that will haunt me forever,” Miller said in a audiences as well. Although Hayek prolific Bill Plympton still sketches statement provided to The AP by a publicist. “Although I relied on my team, had hoped to land a higher-profile every frame by hand, interpreting it is ultimately my responsibility and was my decision to shoot the scripted distrib, she will probably have better “On Eating & Drinking” with col- scene that caused this tragedy.” Miller said he hoped his guilty plea had luck with the toon champs at GKids, ored pencil (but none of his usual spared Jones’ family from the anguish of having to relive the crash at a trial. whose white-glove release efforts humor, alas). Emirati animator But he also denied he alone was to blame. He said “a great number of mis- have netted six Oscar nominations Mohammed Saeed Harib stunningly takes were made” by his assistants on the film crew, but acknowledged so far. combines watercolor elements for that he had failed to ensure “every safety measure was in place.” “I have tak- “On Good & Evil’s” nature-cen- en responsibility because I could have asked more questions and I was the one in charge,” Miller said. Film director Randall Miller, left, takes the witness stand dur- Visual styles tric montage, while award-winning Prosecutors said they had emails from CSX Transportation, which owns ing a hearing before Chatham County Superior Court, Judge In Gibran’s book, after spending a Italian twins Paul and Gaetan Brizzi the railroad bridge spanning the Altamaha River, showing Miller’s crew John Morse. —AP dozen years in a foreign land, a wise (who worked for Disney on the stu- had twice been denied permission to film a scene on the tracks where the teacher offers 26 sermons on sub- dio’s final non-CG toons, including crash occurred. Hillary Schwartz was convicted after opting for the judge to decide her jects essential to leading a fulfilled the Firebird sequence from “Fantasia case in a short bench trial. Both were sentenced to 10 years on probation and meaningful existence, then sets 2000”) not only brought old-school Pleaded guilty for the same charges Miller faced. Miller also was sentenced to serve eight sail for his home country-a format drawing skills to the final chapter, Miller pleaded guilty March 9, the day a jury was to be selected for his years on probation following his jail term and was ordered to pay a rich with enlightenment, but dan- “On Death,” but storyboarded all of trial. Assistant District Attorney John B. Johnson said Miller and others $20,000 fine. gerously thin on dramatic incident. Allers’ material as well. knew they had been denied permission to access the railroad trestle He said he pleaded guilty in part to protect his wife and business part- For the film, Hayek selected eight of “Work is love made visible,” because they attempted to rewrite the script to drop the scene they ner, Jody Savin, and their children. Charges against Savin were dropped as the most beloved chapters and dele- Mustafa preaches in “The Prophet’s” planned to shoot with actor William Hurt - in the role of Allman - in a hos- a condition of her husband’s guilty plea. “Our children and I love Randy so gated each to a different toon talent, most awe-inspiring segment, “On pital bed placed on the tracks. much and are trying to be strong for him as he has been so strong and inviting the various artists to find Work.” The sequence, overseen by Miller decided to shoot the scene anyway, Johnson said, after the own- brave for us,” Savin said in a brief statement. Miller’s previous films included er of the property surrounding the tracks said the movie crew could access “Bottle Shock” and “CBGB.” The “Midnight Rider” project has been in limbo interpret Gibran’s sentiments accord- clay-painting pioneer Joan Gratz (an its land. He said Miller and his crew went onto the railroad bridge after mis- since the train crash. Allman sued Miller last year to prevent the director ing to their distinctive visual styles. Oscar winner for her short “Mona takenly thinking no more trains would pass that day. Jay Sedrish, the from reviving the movie. They settled out of court and terms were not dis- In order to flesh out the narrative Lisa Descending a Staircase”) proves movie’s executive producer, also pleaded guilty and assistant director closed. —AP connecting these vignettes, director as visually mesmerizing as it is pro- Allers devised a more elaborate found: Hands, bodies and the cos- backstory, inventing a mischievous mos themselves swirl and transform young girl whose name, Almitra, he before our eyes as Neeson shares J Cole shines borrows from the book. Gibran’s insights on labor and the The feisty young lady seldom creative impulse itself. Though speaks (when she does, it’s “Annie” inevitably uneven in places, the film like true star at SXSW star Quvenzhane Wallis who delivers undeniably reflects this idea of a Almitra’s lines), but runs around the project boosted by the passion of all Cole helped close the annual South by town of Orphalese causing havoc who participated. Southwest festival with a top notch performance while her harried mother (Hayek) Jthat proved he’s not just one of rap’s best per- tends to the prophet character, Addition of music formers, but of music in general. Cole was a crowd Mustafa (Liam Neeson). For dramatic For Hayek, whose star persona is favorite at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, purposes, Mustafa has been promot- so indelibly linked to her Mexican Texas, delivering his smart rhymes like they were ed to a dangerous dissident: Kept heritage, this project represents an club anthems. under house arrest, he’s perceived as long-overdue chance to share her Entering the stage, Cole paused to take in loud a threat to the local government. The lesser-known Lebanese background cheers from the audience. Cole’s performance start- authorities announce their inten- (on her father’s side). As producer, ed Saturday and ended early Sunday morning. He tions to send him home, but appear she not only enabled the first Arabic character in her filmography, but kicked off his set with “Nobody’s Perfect” from his to have more sinister plans in store, and Mustafa’s lessons take on a new also hand-selected an international 2011 debut album, but switched to tracks from his importance: quite possibly the final roster of independent animators to critically-acclaimed third release, “2014 Forest Hills words of a condemned man. with whom to collaborate, choosing Drive.” The Grammy-nominated performer, whose artists who’ve maintained their inde- was mentored by Jay Z, has launched his own label Beautiful aphorisms pendence in a medium that tends to called Dreamville. Cole’s signees, Bas, Cozz and That’s a heavily politicized parable merchandize everything. That’s J Cole Omen, also performed Saturday. —AP within which to present teachings where Allers proves such an impor- that don’t feel all that subversive to tant collaborator, steering Gibran’s begin with, especially for younger esotericism back toward the main- audiences who might not be com- stream and giving the project a form New OSN WWE Network HD launches today fortable with the idea that some that feels orderly and unified. ideas can be dangerous enough to The final delight arrives in the form of music-a natural complement eginning today, WWE Network will and Production. “This is great news for WWE carry death sentences, although the to the film’s already poetic source be available in the Middle East and fans in the Middle East and North Africa.” tactic elevates Mustafa’s character to material-not just Yared’s alternately North Africa exclusively through “As WWE’s popularity continues to soar, a sort of martyr, making every word B count-not that his beautiful apho- poignant and playful accompani- OSN, the leading pay-TV network in the we have expanded our footprint in the ment, but also two original songs region, as a premium, linear channel co- region, adding more live events, television risms need the help, thanks to the whose lyrics quote “The Prophet” branded as OSN WWE Network HD. The programming and now, OSN WWE Network already intoxicating combination of directly: Damien Rice’s “On Children,” launch of the channel, included in OSN’s HD,” said Gerrit Meier, WWE Executive Vice Neeson’s mellifluous delivery and which rescues Nina Paley’s otherwise Platinum HD package,comes just before President, International. “WWE is committed Gabriel Yared’s score. disappointing (albeit trippily kaleido- WWE’s biggest event of the year, to growing our brand globally and bringing If only Allers’ in-between portions scopic) contribution, and Irish siren WrestleMania, which airs live on Monday, the WWE experience to our many passion- were as engaging as Mustafa’s Lisa Hannigan and Glen Hansard’s March 30, at 3am GST. ate fans around the world.” speeches. As fruit carts spill and duet, “On Love,” which “The Secret of OSN WWE Network HD offers one-of-a- The all-new OSN WWE Network HD opinionated seagulls take aim at Kells” animator Tomm Moore trans- kind programming including all 12 WWE channel will be available free of charge authority figures, both the action forms into a radiant Art Nouveau pay-per-view events live at no additional beginning today through Sunday, March 29, and animation of the main story whirl, as vibrant as a Gustav Klimt charge, groundbreaking original series, via OSN. On Monday, March 30, subscribers leave something to be desired-at painting come to life. As if it weren’t including Legends’ House and Monday to the OSN Platinum HD package will auto- least in contrast with the calming special enough to hear Neeson recite Night War and reality shows including Total matically receive the channel. Non-Platinum artistic interludes that break up such Gibran’s sentiments amidst such Divas. Additional programming includes- HD package subscribers will have the buffoonery. Designed to mimic the striking visuals, the addition of music documentaries, classic matches and exclu- option to upgrade to the package to enjoy look of classic hand-drawn cartoons, further elevates verses that so many sivecoverage of special events. the channel, or they can select it as an add- Allers’ scenes actually seem to have have already committed to memory “OSN has a long-standing relationship on for only US$9.99 per month.In addition, been achieved through some sort of and which a whole new audience can with WWE, and we are now expanding that all subscribers to OSN WWE Network HD not-yet-perfected rotoscope process, now discover for the first time. — relationship furtherby launching OSN WWE will have access to special WWE video-on- except that instead of tracing live- Reuters Network HD exclusively in the region,” said demand programming in their OSN Plus HD action footage (the way Disney Andy Warkman, OSN Vice President, Sport Box. lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 TRAVEL

Architects Greg Lebon, left, and Kent Trollen sculpt a sand castle on the beach. — AP photos A view of the Pacific Park in Santa Monica. Essentials for visiting Santa Monica - more than just ocean

lanning a trip to Southern California town Los Angeles to keep you not only but don’t want to fight LA’s traffic? Or occupied but enthralled. Pmaybe when you hear the word Disneyland you think, “Been there, done What’s new that”? Check out the city of Santa Monica in Santa Monica Place: This rather mun- all its picture-postcard beauty. From a funky dane looking 1980s shopping mall was old pier surrounded by some of the world’s transformed in 2010. It’s now a bright, best beaches to its upscale shopping dis- open-air gathering spot of upscale restau- trict, scores of art galleries, top-rated rants and stores that connects directly with restaurants and bountiful nightlife, there the city’s pedestrian-friendly Third Street are enough things to do in this little oasis Promenade, forming the heart of Santa just 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of down- Monica’s downtown. The mall not only

A white 1986 Lamborghini Countach joins a convoy of 30 Lamborghinis leaving Santa Monica Beach.

block to the north, but the sign still makes McCabe’s Guitar Shop (Christine Lavin and in the section of town farthest from the for a nice photo opp.) Here you’ll find every- Holly Near will be there later this month), beach, it’s easy to overlook. But inside this thing from musicians, snake handlers, the nighttime destination is the Third Street 19th century rail yard you’ll find a small art artists and other street performers, to quiet Promenade. It rejuvenated Santa Monica’s museum and more than a dozen contem- areas set aside for fishing. In the middle of it aging, moribund downtown when it was porary galleries displaying photos, sculp- all is an amusement park with dozens of closed to cars in the late 1980s and remains tures, paintings and more. There’s also a rides and attractions, including a solar-pow- the city’s signature downtown area with good, reasonably priced restaurant with an ered Ferris wheel that carries riders 130 feet upscale shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques, outside dining area. Or ask for directions to (40 meters) up. The wheel provides yoga studios, art galleries and the like. “Food Truck Alley,” a nearby street on the arguably the best panoramic views of the edge of the city’s high-tech district where a Pacific Ocean, its beaches, Southern Tips dozen or more food trucks congregate The new solar powered Santa Monica Ferris stands over Pacific Park amusement park. California’s mountains and urban skyline Santa Monica may give off a small town every weekday lunch hour. — AP rivals Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive in offering found anywhere. Near the pier’s entrance is vibe, but it still covers more than 8 square high-end, celebrity-frequented brand-name the Hippodrome, built in 1916 and home to miles (21 square kilometers) in a part of the outfits like Kitson, Burberry, Louis Vuitton a vintage carousel with hand-carved hors- country where the automobile is the pri- and Barneys, but also provides an abun- es, only $2 to ride ($1 for kids). mary means of transportation, traffic jams dance of relatively reasonable parking with- One caveat, the food on the pier is noth- are common and road construction proj- in walking distance of the beach. A new-old ing special. For a better dining experience, ects seemingly never end. addition to that beach is the Annenberg go south of the pier, past Southern That said, the city’s Big Blue Bus system Community Beach House. Built in the 1920s California’s original Muscle Beach where covers Santa Monica pretty well. Basic one- by William Randolph Hearst for his compan- bodybuilders still work out. There is One way fares are $1 with multiple-ride passes ion, actress Marion Davies, it was acquired Pico, which offers Mediterranean food available at discounted prices. Several by Santa Monica and opened to the public served at tables almost literally on the sand. hotels also provide shuttle service to the in 2009. Tours of the guest house and its art Or head inland a few blocks. Zagat rates the pier, and bicycle rentals can be a handy gallery are free. French restaurant Melisse “No 1 for food in alternative. If you do want to drive, be Los Angeles,” but, really, it’s in Santa Monica. warned that street parking is difficult to Classic attractions As for the beach, there is 3 miles (5 kilo- find in most tourist areas and restricted to Start by making a beeline to Santa meters) of it, plenty to go around for locals in most residential areas. Monica Pier, the 99-year-old landmark with surfers, swimmers, sunbathers and the like. an entrance sign proclaiming it as the final You can check it all out by biking, roller Hanging out stop on Route 66, the historic highway John skating or walking the boardwalk (actually On the way into town check out Santo Plescia looks at the ‘End of the Hailey James, front, and Alexander Bosdachin swing- Steinbeck declared America’s Mother Road. made of concrete) that parallels the sand. Bergamot Station Art Center. A collection of Trail’ sign for Route 66 on the Santa ing on the beach in Santa Monica. (Fact check: Route 66 actually ended a If there isn’t a concert you want to see at modest buildings near a maintenance yard Monica Pier. Museums may be a feast for the eyes - but what about the belly?

isitors to museums are long used to ‘Competition between museums’ French company Elior Concessions that runs feasting their eyes on sumptuous works That movement towards better food and a eateries for museums and companies, told Vof art-but having to resort to little better real dining experience is taking hold else- AFP. “As with all restaurants, there is a big than snack food for sustenance between gal- where. Paris’s Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and jump in quality in terms of expectations and leries. Now, though, the temples of culture are Rodin Museum are listening harder to visitors’ service,” he said.”But there also has to be out- increasingly turning attention to their eateries, lets for all tastes and budgets,” Camarty added. looking to lift the fare on their tables to the He pointed to the example of the Quai Branly same level as what’s hanging on the walls. The Museum of ethnic art in Paris, which hosts Guggenheim in Spain, New York’s Museum of both a less-costly cafe and a 50-euro-($55-) a- Modern Art and the Lu.C.C.A. contemporary art head restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower. museum in the Italian town of Lucca have taken the lead by starting luxury restaurants that Part of the visitors’ experience have earned one star each in the Michelin Ratcheting up the quality, and therefore Guide. prices, of some of their restaurants also adds “The Guggenheim needed an avant-garde to revenues for museums. “Of course there is a approach, an identity, a style-and that’s what financial interest,” admitted Marjories French chef Gerald Passedat posing in his restaurant, Le Mle Passedat, at the MuCem we did,” Josean Alija, the chef at the Frank Lecointre, events and operations director at museum in Marseille. — AFP photos Gehry-designed museum in the Spanish town the Grand Palais in the French capital. “But it’s international contemporary art show in the MuCEM museum of European and of Bilbao, told AFP. Alija was just 19 when the not just that. We want people to feel good in Grand Palais, FIAC, brings crowds to the Mediterranean civilizations in Marseille, it is Guggenheim opened in 1997 with him at the themselves and to come back. It is part of the restaurant, “but even when there are no important for a top museum restaurant to head of its Basque-flavored bistro. In 2011, the visitors’ experience.” The Grand Palais, a vast French chef Eric Frechon poses in the restau- events we have a Parisian customer base, com- echo its identity or location. He carefully stud- museum decided to step things up a notch by and ornate, 19th-century glass-roofed events rant of le Grand Palais, “le Mini Palais”. ing from around the neighborhood,” said ied what the Guggenheim was doing before opening Nerua, its high-end restaurant which hall just off the Champs-Elysees, in 2009 Frechon, who also heads the kitchen at the he started his MuCEM school, which he wants won its Michelin star under Alija just a year later. culinary expectations.”There is competition opened its adjacent Minipalais restaurant, three-star Epicure restaurant in the luxury to make “a catalyses for gastronomic “It was an unprecedented gamble to join a between the museums, between countries, managed by the group Luderic. Paris Hotel Bristol. Mediterranean cuisine”. In that vein, this museum to a first-class gastronomic restaurant,” and the quality of their restaurants now is part The outlet offers a fixed-price menu of 29 For another three-Michelin-star chef, month he invited a two-star chef from Rome, taken by museum director Juan Ignacio Vidarte, of the criteria of fame or quality of a museum,” euros, as well as other dishes conceived under Gerald Passedat, who has branched out into Anthony Genovese, to participate in an event explained spokeswoman Begona Martinez. Jean-FranÁois Camarty, the head of the big an accomplished chef, Eric Frechon. An annual several eateries and a cooking school in the presenting refined Italian cooking. — AFP lifestyle MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 FEATURES Filipina maid captures dreams through photography Tokyo men stay one step ahead in style

eminine glamour may turn the most heads at fashion on the streets, in contrast to fashion coming from weeks in New York or Paris, but in Tokyo it is the style- American and European fashion houses,” he told AFP after Fconscious men who set the sartorial trends. From his show. sharp futurism to wool-and-denim casuals, the finale of Motofumi “Poggy” Kogi, a buyer for local retailer United Tokyo Fashion Week put the spotlight largely on menswear, Arrows and a fashion awards judge, said strong collabora- aiming to promote the most dynamic area of Japanese tion with craftsmen and textile producers was also a crucial clothes design. “What happens here is probably the future part of Japanese fashion. “Japan has embraced mass pro- of men’s fashion,” said Antonio Cristaudo from Pitti duction but has stayed true to the importance of small rom her poverty-stricken roots in a Philippine Immagine, a collection of fashion industry events in Italy. details,” Kogi said. backwater, via domestic service in Hong Kong to “There’s individuality, they want to be different,” he told That attention to detail was praised by international acclaim in New York, Xyza Cruz Bacani’s inspira- F AFP. “It’s important for all the fashion world to see what’s buyers visiting Tokyo, who said the city’s pioneering styles tional journey started with a camera bought with bor- happening in Japan.” Such innovation is nowhere more evi- were becoming all the more important as men worldwide rowed money. The 28-year-old came to Hong Kong dent than on the streets of Tokyo, from the vintage and take greater interest in dress and grooming. Eric Jennings, nine years ago to join 300,000 other women working skater styles of Ura-Hara to the slick suits of the vice president and fashion director in menswear, home and as maids in the city, hoping to earn enough money to Marunouchi business district. With sharp tailoring and eye- beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, said there had help fund her brother’s education. catching accessories, from hats and bags to shiny shoes, been “unprecedented growth” in the sector in the United But photography has transformed her life, her the get-up of Tokyo gents is striking to the first-time visitor. States. “For the first time probably ever, men are embracing images of everything from trips to the supermarket to “The menswear is just so much more exciting than fashion, upgrading their wardrobes. They’re now outper- scenes of abuse at a refuge for domestic workers earn- womenswear here,” said Misha Janette, an American fash- forming woman consistently coming out of the recession,” ing laudatory spreads in international media and at ion journalist based in Tokyo, who suggested the tendency he said on his first visit to Tokyo. “The trends start in Japan exhibitions. Bacani was recently named as one of the for women to cover up meant their clothes could be “a bit and then they migrate to Europe and then the US. So this is recipients of a fellowship by the Magnum Foundation, shapeless”. For the men, meanwhile, “it’s ok to do your hair, getting one step ahead for me.” — AFP a prestigious scholarship that will allow her to study in be into fashion, use skincare,” Janette said. “They like to be New York for six weeks. proper in Japan.” Although Tokyo’s dandies shine at home With that in mind, just a week ago, she quit domes- and start trends that travel abroad, the success of Japan’s tic service to pursue her passion for photography. But own designers has been limited overseas. when she first came to Hong Kong, survival was her first priority. “The urge to survive is much bigger than International growth the urge to do art,” she told AFP in Macau where her The industry is now trying to change that with the new photographs are on show as part of the city’s Literary Tokyo Fashion Awards, backed by the city government, Festival. A self-professed dreamer, she said she also A model displaying a creation by Japanese designer which push homegrown brands to emulate their leading saw the move to Hong Kong as an opportunity to Takeo Kikuchi. lights such as Junya Watanabe and Rei Kawakubo, founder leave her home village, nine hours’ drive from the of Comme des Garcons. The awards jury chose six brands, Philippine capital Manila. predominantly menswear-focused, which were seen to “It was a big contrast when I arrived at the airport, I have international potential. The winners held a showroom was very excited because everything is moving fast, at Paris Fashion Week this year and presented their and the lights are wonderful, it looks so alive com- autumn/winter collections in Tokyo on Saturday. pared to my village,” she said. Her passion for photog- They ranged from the “sheep boy” theme of the brand raphy really took off four years ago, when her employ- Factotum, designed by Koji Udo and inspired by a Haruki er-whom she describes as a “great lady”-lent her the Murakami novel, to the futuristic color-popped creations of money to buy her first camera, a Nikon D90. “When I John Lawrence Sullivan, a label by Arashi Yanagawa named had (the camera), I shot landscapes to flowers to (por- after the 19th century American boxer. “These are brands traits of) my mom, and then I did street photography.” already very popular in Tokyo but they now have to start From that point on Bacani took photographs at going overseas,” said Akiko Shinoda, director of interna- every opportunity she had, whether out buying daily tional affairs at Japan Fashion Week Organization, who cit- produce for her employer or ranging across Hong Kong ed a lack of focus on sales and few English-language speak- on Sundays off work. At first she only shared her pic- ers as barriers to success. tures with friends on Facebook-mostly shot in grainy Winning designer Udo was frank about Japan’s need to black and white, capturing street moments in classic “develop designs beyond street fashion”, but he expressed reportage style. A Filipino photographer based in San confidence in his clothes’ practical appeal.”The special fea- Francisco saw them on Facebook and was intrigued by ture of men’s fashion in Japan is that it’s actually wearable their originality and quality. From there she came to the attention of the New York Times Lens blog and then of acclaimed photographer Sebastiao Salgado, who praised her work at an exhibition in Hong Kong late last year. Reflecting on her journey thus far, she marvels: “Right now it’s changed my life 180 degrees, here I am having a show in Macau, going to places.”

A voice for the unheard With increasing concerns over the treatment of domestic helpers in Hong Kong and the region, Bacani is now turning to documentary photography to try to draw attention to abuses. “That’s what I want my pho- tography to do, to be able to help people ... to me pho- tography is a very powerful tool to change someone’s perspective towards an issue,” she said. In the summer of 2014, Bacani documented migrant workers who had taken shelter at a refuge after suffering abuse at the hands of their employers, an experience she described as “life-changing”. “I was angry at first, it was a roller-coaster of emo- tion when I saw this kind of situation. “I think I was there to be the voice of those domestic workers who remain unheard, whose voices have been muted.” Just last month a judge sentenced a Hong Kong woman to six years in jail for beating and starving her Indonesian maid in a case that made global headlines. Bacani’s own employer could not be more different, she says, offering support and encouragement to pursue her plans of becoming a photographer full-time. “She said my domestic worker duties... are restricting me from growing up as a person, it’s a chain that holds me,” Bacani said, after stopping her domestic work last week. Bacani’s story has inspired many other helpers in the city, and she is urging them to pursue their dreams too. “They keep on telling me... now that they’ve seen me, I made them realise that it’s possible to do the things that you really want to do outside your job. “I want people to see that your job, your work, it doesn’t define who you are,” she added. “The dreams that I had Models display creations by Japanese designer Hiroko when I was young, I’m having them now.” — AFP Koshino during her 2015-16 autumn/winter collection in Tokyo. — AFP photos

ONTIME features latest DKNY 2015 spring watch collection

NTIME today announced the launch of the Event was attended by the famous Kuwaiti make- any time of day or night. The new Slim Stanhope lection also features the Tompkins style, which elegant range of watches and start this warm sea- latest DKNY 2015 spring watch collection, up artist Sondos Al-Qattan. style features sophisticated geometric elements; introduces an attractive update with new digital son with a fresh new look by visiting the nearest O‘City Energy’, now available across ONTIME The collection is inspired by New York City’s whereas the SoHo’s slender metal wristlet adds a movements and silicone straps that add a fresh ONTIME store near you at The Avenues Mall, stores. The DKNY 2015 collection was first vibrant spirit and energy, and features sleek clas- touch of elegance and bright sunray wristlets and color to the design. The DKNY 2015 ‘City Energy’ Marina Mall, Bairaq, Gate Mall, Awtad Jahra, Al- debuted during a special event held on 18 March, sic styles with colorful dials and digital watches in colorfully stitched white leather straps give off a collection is available across all ONTIME stores in Kout, 360 Mall, and The Airport branch, Mohalab, 2015 at ONTIME - The Time stylists, 360 Mall. bright shades, making the collection suitable for fresh new look to the classy SoHo watch. The col- Kuwait. ONTME invites you to come enjoy this Fanar and Discovery Mall. Filipina maid captures dreams through photography

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 39 Artists shine in ‘Febrayer Al Kuwait’ concerts

By Nawara Fattahova Popular Egyptian star Amro Diab was next decades. On this night, her fans awarded her started her career when she was 13, and released majority of whom came from Saudi Arabia to and his fans welcomed him warmly. He is the with a trophy for passing the 30-year milestone her first album in 2000. But she stopped singing attend his concert. he second musical concert ‘Febrayer Al most popular singer in Egypt and many of his of her career. She faced some problems with the for few years due to marriage and children. She At 12:15 am, Maher joined Abdou onstage to Kuwait’ (February of Kuwait) by Rotana was songs have been translated into different lan- sound system, but she commented that she will concluded at 11:15 pm, with about three quar- sing with him one of his songs. As he is known Theld on Thursday night at the Ice Skating guages including English, Russian, Turkish and continue singing even if the problem persists. ters of theatre occupied. for his long classical songs, Amaal’s style is simi- Rink. Four singers performed during the event others. He has also been awarded internationally She performed for almost two hours. At 11:40 pm, veteran Saudi singer lar to his classical style. Abdou did not interact that started at 10:00 pm with the young Kuwaiti during his long career that started in 1983. He The third musical concert was held on Friday Mohammed Abdou came onstage, but not all with the audience, and after repeated requests singer Abdulsalam Mohammed, who performed performed for about 90 minutes. night with only two singers. It started early at seats were occupied in the family section, by his fans to perform some particular songs, he for about 40 minutes. After a short pause, another The concert concluded with veteran Kuwaiti 9:30 with Egyptian singer Amaal Maher. She is although the men’s side was full. The organiz- said he has to follow the program that he had young Kuwaiti singer Musaed Al-Blushi came star Nawal. She is the most popular female not very popular outside Egypt, although she ers decided to provide more seats in the fami- previously prepared. He concluded his perform- onstage and also performed for about 45 minutes. Kuwaiti singer with a career spanning more three has nice voice and sings in the classical style. She ly side of the theatre for the youths, the ance at 2:00 am.

Father Italo, an Italian catholic missionary points on a map how to find the Shi tribe. Hidden DR Congo museum safeguards endangered tradition erched on a shelf, the “Little Kabila” with tion ceremony of a “mwami” (chief), explains facts began 10 years earlier, at the end of the and other parts in the country’s east, the province (Lega, Bembe, Shi and Buyu), who provided the the mysterious eyes greets visitors to the Father Italo. Second Congo War (1998-2003). remains torn by violence and armed conflicts majority of the authentic pieces. PKivu Museum, housed in a Catholic mission Having lived in the Congo for nearly 40 years, fuelled by Congolese or foreign militias. The Because of their symbolic value, these artefacts but aimed at safeguarding endangered the Italian priest closely knew Father Andre, the ‘Satanic objects’ museum has managed all the same to gather an have been handed down from chief to chief, some Congolese traditional artefacts some might con- museum’s founder who is currently undergoing For South Kivu, the end of this African regional impressive collection of several hundred stat- of whom now have real treasures in their posses- sider “satanic”. The statuette showing a woman treatment in Europe. The museum opened its war, which took place solely on DRCongo soil, did uettes, masks and idols thanks to the cooperation sion. One object is thought to be at least 100 years sitting on her heels and holding a jar in her doors to the public in 2013 but the hunt for arte- not bring peace. Like its Northern Kivu neighbor of the village chiefs of South Kivu’s main tribes old, said Kayumba. The items had to be hidden hands used to feature on all Congolese 10-franc from armed groups trying to steal them, he added. notes, but is no longer in circulation. Under Belgian colonization (1908-1960) and with Laurent-Desire Kabila himself, the father of the arrival of Catholic missionaries, the tradition Congolese President Joseph Kabila, had insisted was quickly denounced as “witchcraft” and the she be represented in this way, according to Congolese were told to “leave it behind even guide Barthelemy Kayumba. The museum lies though this was their way of life and there was a hidden behind the walls of the mission of the real school of wisdom behind it”, says Father Italo. Xaverian Fathers (Catholic missionaries of Jesuit In the Lega tribe, for instance, a chief’s son influence) in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, in does not automatically follow in his father’s foot- eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In Luba steps; instead, the council of elders choses the language, “kabila means to share or distribute”, contender with the “highest moral values”, said Kayumba. Kayumba said. The museum’s role is to “preserve For the Luba, an ethnic group from the coun- the endangered collective memory of a people”, try’s southeast where the head of state was born, adds Father Italo. Outside the Xaverian covent, the statuette fulfils “a function of mutual aid and nothing hints at the existence of the little-known solidarity”, he added.It also held a “symbolic val- museum. Today, it attracts several thousand visi- ue” for Kabila senior, the rebel chief who in 1997 tors per year, most whom come as a part of tours put an end to Mobutu Sese Seko’s 32-year dicta- organized by schools or parishes. torship: “The chief, or the mother, has to take “Many people are surprised that the Fathers care of the weakest and watch over the who came to evangelize have ended up shelter- youngest,” said Kayumba. Like many items in the ing satanic objects,” notes Father Italo. In the face museum, the “Little Kabila” is a copy. But the of this deep-seated spirit, the museum’s mission Xaverian Fathers, who first arrived in the country is to get visitors to “become aware” of their roots in 1954, have also amassed a lot of authentic Museum guide Barthelemy Kayumba shows an old 10-Congolese- and “understand the sense and values of their pieces, often created for the initiation or nomina- Wooden statuettes of the Buyu tribe. — AFP photos Franc banknote displaying the ‘little kabila’. culture”. — AFP