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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 RABI ALAWWAL 13, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Minister visits Saudis commute The Real Hirscher coastguards at Sri Lankan Fouz: How jokes of Sabah Al-Ahmad maid’s stoning to have drone Xmas naval base3 death13 sentence gorgeous37 hair present15 Saudi Arabia to diversify Min 09º Max 14º income, raise efficiency High Tide 11:50 & 22:59 King Salman blames Assad for IS rise in Syria Low Tide 05:16 & 16:59 40 PAGES NO: 16737 150 FILS RIYADH: Saudi King Salman yesterday said he has ordered economic reforms to diversify sources of income and reduce high dependence on oil following a PM, speaker lead Fadhl funeral sharp drop in crude prices. “Our vision for economic reform is to increase the efficiency of public spending, By B Izzak utilize economic resources and boost returns from state investment,” he said in an address to the Shura Council. KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- “I have directed the Council of Economic and Mubarak Al-Sabah and National Assembly Speaker Development Affairs to devise the necessary plans, poli- Marzouq Al-Ghanem led the funeral of late MP Nabil Al- cies and programs to achieve that,” he told the consulta- Fadhl, who died on Tuesday. MPs, ministers and a large tive body, without elaborating. number of people took part in the funeral at Sulaibkhat Oil income accounts for more than 90 percent of cemetery, where Fadhl’s body was laid to rest. public revenues in Sheikh Jaber paid warm tributes to Fadhl, saying he Saudi Arabia. The was one of the best politicians to provide good advice world’s largest oil to the government. Ghanem said Fadhl was an honest exporter, Saudi Arabia and dedicated worker serving the interests of the coun- is facing an unprece- try. Many MPs, ministers and dignitaries also mourned dented budget the sudden death of Fadhl. crunch as the price of Fadhl, 66, died on his seat on Tuesday minutes after oil has dropped by calling on his colleagues to entirely focus on serious more than 60 percent parliamentary work during sessions. During his brief since mid-2014. The political career, Fadhl was a strong critic of Islamist king said Saudi Arabia groups and at one point called for declaring some of carried out a large King Salman them as terrorist groups. He repeatedly blasted opposi- number of mega infrastructure projects and boosted its tion groups, especially the Popular Action Movement fiscal reserves in the past several years when oil prices and the Muslim Brotherhood. were high. In another development, the appeals court yester- The size of the fiscal buffers has enabled the king- day suspended the implementation of a one-year jail dom to overcome the consequences from the sharp term against former Shiite MP and lawyer Khaled Al- decline in oil revenues, said the king, adding that devel- Shatti until the court reviews the case. The lower court opment projects have not been affected by the drop. this week handed Shatti the jail term after convicting KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- Saudi Arabia is projected to post a record budget deficit him of undermining a religious sect - Sunnis - in com- Ghanem (right) and other mourners carry the bier dur- of around $130 billion for this year, the International ments on Twitter. A lawyer by profession, Shatti was ing the burial of MP Nabil Al-Fadhl yesterday. (Inset) Monetary Fund says. The IMF has advised Riyadh to elected to the Dec 2012 Assembly, which was scrapped HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- implement reforms, including expanding non-oil rev- a few months later by the constitutional court. He failed Sabah and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- enues, warning that failure to do so would deplete its in a bid for re-election. Khaled Al-Sabah are seen at the funeral. — Photos by foreign reserves. Continued on Page 13 Fouad Al-Shaikh (See Page 2) Continued on Page 13 Scores arrested in Jleeb raid

By Hanan Al-Saadoun concerned ministries. The interior min- istry’s PR and security information depart- British Muslim KUWAIT: A major security campaign was ment said security authorities sealed off launched on the instructions of Deputy the area at 3:00 am with 1,700 policemen family barred Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh and 150 police patrol cars to raid places Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and in the that sold liquor and drugs, international presence of Interior Ministry Undersecretary call centers and brothels, and arrest sus- from US flight Lt Gen Suleiman Al-Fahd to arrest suspects pected criminals and thieves. and wanted persons as well as law violators The campaign resulted in the arrest of LONDON: Prime Minister David Cameron was urged to in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. 1,248 persons without IDs, 305 iqama vio- intervene yesterday after a British Muslim family was The area was divided into five security lators, 135 debtors, 63 wanted people, 123 prevented from flying to the United States for a visit to zones. Field assistant undersecretaries par- prostitutes, 299 absconders, 16 drug deal- Disneyland. The family of 11 was stopped from board- ticipated in the campaign along with the ers, 480 with expired residencies, 23 with ing their flight to Los Angeles at London’s Gatwick air- LONDON: This photo taken on Dec 22, 2015 shows The Dorchester hotel in cen- traffic department, emergency police, heli- criminal and misdemeanor cases, 472 for port on Tuesday last week by immigration officials. tral London, owned by the Sultan of Brunei, decked out with Christmas decora- copters, criminal detectives, state security, deportation and 163 labor law violators. Mohammad Tariq Mahmood, who was travelling with tions, in contrast to Brunei where Christmas celebrations are banned. — AFP Kuwait Municipality, medical emergencies Five liquor factories were busted and 38 his brother and nine of their children, said the officials and the fire department, in addition to stores without licenses were shut down. gave no reason for blocking their travel plans. But he told the Guardian newspaper he believed it Brunei’s sultan was because US officials “think every Muslim poses a threat”. “Because I have a beard and sometimes wear Islamic dress, I get stopped and asked questions,” bans Christmas Mahmood added in comments to the BBC. “I feel that is part of the deal of flying.” The family has also been unable to secure a refund for the cost of the flights - BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Christmas is would be strictly enforced, for fear that around £9,000 ($13,400). just around the corner, but there are no tin- Muslims could be led astray. “Using religious Mahmood’s local lawmaker in London, Stella Creasy sel-laden trees or Santa hats in the oil-rich symbols like crosses, lighting candles, put- of the main opposition Labour party, has asked sultanate of Brunei, where celebrations ting up Christmas trees, singing religious Cameron to look into what happened. Cameron’s have been banned under a shift towards songs, sending Christmas greetings... are Downing Street office confirmed that the prime minis- hardline Islamic law. The all-powerful against Islamic faith,” imams said in sermons ter would respond to Creasy’s request. “Online and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s published in the local press. Punishment for offline discussions reverberate with the growing fear richest men, announced last year he would violating the ban is a five-year jail sentence, that UK Muslims are being ‘trumped’ - that widespread push ahead with the introduction of sharia and the government warned last year that condemnation of Donald Trump’s call for no Muslim to law, eventually including tough penalties Muslims would be committing an offence if be allowed into America contrasts with what is going such as death by stoning or severed limbs. they so much as wore “hats or clothes that on in practice,” Creasy wrote in yesterday’s Guardian. KUWAIT: Police officers round up people during a massive raid in Jleeb Al- Religious leaders in the oil-rich sultanate resemble Santa Claus”. Continued on Page 13 warned this month that a ban on Christmas Continued on Page 13 Shuyoukh yesterday. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah makes a statement to reporters.

Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al- KUWAIT: The funeral prayer is performed during the funeral of MP Nabil Al-Fadhl yesterday. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Sabah addresses the press. Amir cables family of deceased lawmaker

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh of late MP. Fadhl passed away during a bestow upon his soul peace and mercy, and minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad the death of his son, who was killed in a traf- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday National Assembly session on Tuesday. to grant his family and relatives patience and Al-Sabah sent similar cables to the bereaved fic accident on Tuesday. His Highness the addressed a cable of condolences to the fam- His Highness the Amir applauded efforts fortitude. His Highness the Deputy Amir and family. In other news, His Highness the Amir Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime ily of MP Nabil Nouri Al-Fadhl, expressing his exerted by the late Fadhl for services of the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- sent a cable of condolences to Mauritanian Minister also sent similar cables to President deepest sorrow and condolences over death homeland, praying to Allah Almighty to Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz over Mohamed.—KUNA

The body of Nabil Al-Fadhl is being carried to his final resting place. Nabil Al-Fadhl is laid to rest.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Kuwaiti businessman Jawad BuKhamseen (left) and Head of Protocol and Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Deputy Prime Minister Chamberlain at the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Khaled Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah (cen- and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah offer their ter) among people in attendance. condolences to the deceased family. MPs attend the funeral of their colleague. Iraqi FM calls for intensifying efforts to combat terrorism

KUWAIT: Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al- supports the call for solving the crisis politi- backed the “fair needs” of Tunisians, Jaafari stressed on Tuesday the need to inten- cally, adding “we previously warned against Egyptians, Libyans and Yemenis. — KUNA sify international efforts to combat terrorism the military solution.” He noted that Iraq in the region, mainly so-called Islamic State (IS). Jaafari said during a news conference late Tuesday airstrikes launched by the inter- national coalition against IS support the Iraqi armed forces fighting terrorism on the ground, expressing his hope that the coali- tion would double its efforts to defeat IS. Asked about attempts of Iraq to retake Ramadi city today from IS, he noted that combating terrorism is not a traditional war, adding the Iraqi forces are making progress against IS. As for the Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations, he said the two countries have deep-rooted ties, noting that about 49 agreements and memos were discussed by the Iraqi and KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem meets Palestinian Kuwaiti committees. He reiterated that Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub. — KUNA exchanging visits between Iraqis and Kuwaitis were never suspended. He added that terrorism is widely spread- Speaker receives ing in many countries across the globe, urg- ing countries that have not affected by the phenomenon to be vigilant and ready to deal Palestinian envoy with its attacks. The Iraqi official, meanwhile, stressed the necessity of fighting terrorism globally, warning against what is called the KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker capital. The Greek parliament’s decision Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem received came at a time when Palestinians are con- culture of terrorism, which kills people, and Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami tinuously suffering from the unjust Israeli calling for setting up the culture of tolerance Tahboub yesterday. On Tuesday, Ghanem policies which will destroy any chances as an attempt to face the culture of terrorism. lauded the Greek parliament’s recognition for peace in the region, said Ghanem, Kuwait and all world’s countries are victims of of Palestine as a state. In a press release, who is also the President of the Arab terrorism, he said, calling for exerting further Ghanem said that the Greek parliament’s Parliament. efforts to face the phenomenon which, he decision was in line with a popular move- In other news, Ghanem sent a cable of said, is like a third World War. ment amongst European nations to bring congratulations to the newly appointed On the Turkish presence in the Iraqi terri- upon peace in the Middle East. president of Kuwait’s Court of Cassation tories, he said some military forces of Turkey He took the chance to remind Israel Counselor Yousef Jassim Al-Mutaw’a, on advanced into the Iraqi territories, but the that the world is carrying on this policy to the occasion of assuming his new post, Iraqi forces dealt with them and asked the KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah bids recognize the right of Palestinians for an wishing him success in his new duties and Turkish side to immediately withdraw. On farewell to Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari at Kuwait International Airport. Jaafari independent state with Jerusalem as its serving his country. — KUNA the Syrian crisis, he said that his country concluded his visit to Kuwait yesterday.— KUNA THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 LOCAL Sports authority welcomes IOC chief’s statement on Kuwait

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Sports (PAS) and with no respect of Kuwait’s sovereignty, the Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia and the yesterday welcomed President of the statement reiterated. Kuwaiti Olympic Committee as ANOC Vice- International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad tried to give the Chairman Patrick J Hickey did during his meet- Bach’s statement which rebuffed attempts to impression that the ruling only sought to take ing with the Kuwaiti negotiating team in link the recent Kuwaiti court ruling against revenge on him for his stances of Kuwaiti sports Lausanne, Switzerland, last October, he regret- President of the Association of the National “which is categorically untrue.” His case is basi- ted. Olympic Committees (ANOC) Sheikh Ahmad Al- cally offending the (Kuwaiti) judicial authority. Fahad Al-Sabah and Kuwaiti sports and laws. It is a pity that supporters of Sheikh Ahmad Lack of patience Bach’s remarks, during celebrations of the Fulaiteh stated that Bach’s statement shows 120th Anniversary of the Hungarian Olympic that his colleagues lacked required patience and Committee (HOC) in Budapest, have quashed impartiality before they made their statements attempts by IOC members, colleagues Sheikh against Kuwait as they have done when they Ahmad Al-Fahad, and heads of international suspended Kuwaiti sports before taking enough sports federations, to “mix papers up” following a time for studying the case or even making sure recent court ruling against him, said PAS Deputy that there is a real need for amending the sports Director General Dr Hamoud Fulaiteh. laws. He argued that the systematic attacks This happened after it was obviously con- from the IOC and FIFA, where the Chairman of firmed that the ruling against Sheikh Ahmad Al- the Olympic Committee of Asia holds top posts, Fahad, also a member of the FIFA Executive indicate that the measures taken against Kuwait Committee was not at all related to sports or sports are only meant to pressure Kuwaiti insti- their laws in Kuwait, as the President of the tutions for personal goals, away from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) claimed, Fulaiteh Olympic systems, and to put the Kuwaiti sports added in a press statement. movement under the mercy of OCA chairman Dr Hamoud Fulaiteh under the threat of suspension. Court ruling He underlined that PAS is open to dialogue Many of them supported Sheikh Ahmad Al- Al-Fahad give wrong information and raise and cooperation to achieve the interests of the Fahad’s claims, the latest was the President of issues that are not at all related to sports. Kuwait sports. The authority’s calls for dialogue the International Shooting Sport Federation Unfortunately, this comes from international were resonated in its letters to the IOC, dated ((ISSF) Olegario Vazquez Rana who deliberately bodies and IOC member who are supposed to October 20 and 26 and December 6, he said. linked the court ruling to the Kuwaiti sports laws stick to impartiality and to seek facts before In his statement, Bach stressed the prison and ISSF elections, the PAS senior official said. approaching a country’s sovereignty, only to sentence against Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad was a Those world’s sports figures, regretfully, support one who used to threaten sports in his separate issue from the sports law. “This is justice backed Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad, also President home country with suspension, for flimsy argu- in Kuwait, it’s nothing to do with the sports law of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), regardless ments, Fulaiteh said. or sport, “ Bach told a news conference recently. of facts and realities, and have sought to affect Worse still, some even threatened the Kuwaiti He reiterated that the IOC would respect the law Kuwait and punish the Kuwaiti sports, unduly government to comply with the decisions of the of Kuwait, a sovereign state. — KUNA

KUWAIT: A picture showing clouds above Kuwait City yesterday. — KUNA ‘Torrential rain’ forecasted today

KUWAIT: The cloudy and rainy weather degrees. Tomorrow, the heat is expected to that Kuwait witnessed yesterday is expect- be maximum in the range of 16-18 C ed to continue for the next 24 hours as a degrees and 6-8 C minimum. On Saturday, result of the prevailing Sudanese low pres- the weather is expected to be sunny, with sure, said Sami Al-Othman, the acting light to moderate northwesterly winds. director of the meteorology station. The Maximum heat forecast at 17-19 C degrees, clouds and rain chances are forecast to minimum at 5-8 C degrees. recede as of tomorrow, with predictions Yesterday’s weather was partially cloudy KUWAIT: The Qurain Fire Center conducted a mock exercise at Gate KUWAIT: Doha Port customs officers confiscated a large quantity of the weather will clear up on Saturday, with rain chances, accompanied by north- Mall in Aqaila. The exercise mimicked the scenario of a fire in a restau- medications subsidized by the government, and arrested an expatri- Othman said. westerly winds and northerly light winds, rant. Firemen carried out an evacuation then dealt with the fire. ate who attempted to smuggle the tablets outside the country. The The weather today is expected to turn the speed of which ranged between 12-40 — Hanan Al-Saadoun suspect was sent to concerned authorities. For further action. cloudier, coupled with torrential rain. It will km/h. Highest temperature recorded was be moderately cold during the day hours, 17 C degrees, while the lowest temperature with maximum temperature at 13-15 C was 8 C degrees. —KUNA

Manpower authority accused of interfering in unions’ affairs

By Meshaal Al-Enezi Co-operative Society’s board of directors and appointing a temporary manager. The KUWAIT: Labor syndicates of the State decision, issued upon a report made by a Audit Bureau, Kuwait Municipality and the special committee formed to review the Ministry of Electricity and Water yesterday co-op’s account books, appointed Fayez accused the Manpower Public Authority of Abdullah Essa as interim manager for one interfering in unions’ ‘internal’ affairs. They year, during which he will call the general further warned that such interference assembly to convene and elect a new would lead to a ‘catastrophe’ because it board of directors. violates the constitution as well as interna- tional laws and agreements signed by Children’s hospital Kuwait. The three syndicates also The Ministry of Public Works yesterday announced their intention to take part in a signed an agreement to conduct studies sit-in next week outside the manpower and design a new children’s hospital at a authority’s headquarters. total cost of KD 4.166 million. In this regard, the Ministry of Health announced Co-op dissolved that the 792-bed hospital would be allo- Minister of Social Affairs and labor and cated for children and teenagers up to the Minister of State for Planning and age of 18, and it would the first-of-its-kind Development Hind Al-Subaih issued a in Kuwait, built over an area of 120,939 decision dissolving Abdullah Al-Mubarak square meters.

Court annuls jail sentence over receiving labor allowance By A Saleh and a KD 1,000 fine each to suspend the ver- dicts. KUWAIT: The Court of Appeals yesterday annulled a first instance court’s verdict sen- Tobacco taxes tencing a citizen to 10 years in jail for unlaw- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states fully receiving the national labor support intend to double tobacco taxes to 200 per- allowance. The court abstained from punish- cent instead of 100 percent by the begin- ing the citizen and only fined him KD 200. It ning of 2017, said UAE’s minister of state for also made him sign an affidavit pledging to financial affairs Obaid Hameed Al-Tayer. show good conduct for two years. Notably, the public prosecution had charged 146 Cafe cabins male and female citizens of unlawfully get- Municipal Council member Mane Al-Ajmi ting a total of KD 200,000 from the yesterday filed a proposal to discuss cafes at Manpower and Government Restructuring the council’s meeting on Monday. Ajmi Program (MGRP) in the form of national stressed that some serious action should be labor support allowances paid through a taken, especially after discovering a ‘vice private sector company that they supposed- den’ inside a Jahra cafÈ. He proposed ban- ly worked for. The suspects were sentenced ning cabins or gazebos inside cafes. He also Minister visits Coastguard Dept to jail times varying between five and 10 pointed out that serving shisha indoors vio- years, returning the money they received lates the smoking ban law. at Sabah Al-Ahmad Naval base

Kuwaitis must carry their KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior insisted on the necessity of compliance and Al-Fahad thanked Sheikh Mohammad Al- Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al- exerting all efforts for the sake of the country, Khaled for his visit, confirming it will be a passports when traveling Hamad Al-Sabah said that Kuwait’s political the statement said. The minister said the secu- motive for exerting more work and sincerity leadership is keen on following up with the rity establishment needs the efforts of new in order to keep the security of the country to Sweden: Embassy efforts of security men and providing them officers as their addition is vital for technical and safety of its people. with all technical and human needs. Sheikh specialties. “Their role is major and (they) Acting Director General of the Coastguard KUWAIT: Kuwait Embassy in Stockholm showing their identity documents while Mohammad Al-Khaled made those state- should bear their responsibilities at the serv- Directorate Colonel Saleh Al-Foudry gave called on all Kuwaiti travelers to carry their traveling among Schengen countries, the ments yesterday following a visit to the ice of citizens and expatriates,” the statement details of the most important achievements passports with them when planning to visit embassy said in a statement. The decision, Coastguard General Department at Sabah Al- reads. of the directorate, adding that there are proj- Sweden coming from Schengen countries, which also includes visitors coming from Ahmad Naval base. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled expressed ects under study to support the Coastguard due to Swedish government’s recent deci- land, sea, and air ports, will be in effect as A statement released by the ministry’s satisfaction towards the readiness of sea bor- department and secure Kuwait’s territorial sion of imposing strict watch on border of January 4th, 2016, the embassy said, call- Security Information Department said Sheikh ders’ security sector and the Coastguard and waters. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled then ports. ing all Kuwaiti citizens to follow the direc- Mohammad conveyed congratulations of the their quick response to any emergency. toured the exhibition of sea security equip- The decision includes those with tions of Swedish local authorities and com- higher political leadership to 17 newly gradu- Meanwhile, Interior Ministry ment, specialized training center, diving gear Schengen visas, who were exempted from mit to them. — KUNA ated officers during the visit. The minister Undersecretary Lieutenant General Suleiman and training tools of the Coast Guard. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 LOCAL

In my view A good neighbor

By Abdellatif Sharaa

[email protected]

have known Dr Nermin Al-Houti for quite some time through her columns and lectures, but never seen her in National Guard concludes ‘Knights Resistance 3’ Iperson until about two years ago when I was invited to Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates to attend a festival when KUWAIT: The Kuwait National Guard’s ried out the ‘Knights Resistance 3’ drill at KNG’s Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Forces Commander Major General Sheikh the city was the Capital of Arab Culture at the time. When I (KNG) Reinforcement Brigade recently car- the Adaire’ field. The drill was attended by Hashim Al-Refa’e and Kuwait Army’s Land Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah. met her in person, I was really impressed with her presen- tation about education in the region and in Kuwait. Our relation continued since then, and we are exchanging views and I seek some advice and information from her, and she never let me down. I learned from Dr Houti that her uncle had died recently, and I came across a column By Dr Humoud Al-Hattab in a local Arabic daily that spoke about him. I decided to go ahead to write about the man through this column. ‘The good man Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Houti was a respected personality in Shamiya, who died a few days ear- lier. We knew him as a righteous neighbor who loved good deeds, was humble with people, generous to the poor and needy and a worshiper who did not miss a prayer at the mosque. He was our neighbor for fifty years in Shamiya, with a small street separating our houses. Our house and theirs was in block 9 on Wahran Street. Al-Houti, Al-Muqahwi and ourselves were the first to live in Shamiya when it was a semi-desert with only signs of home borders. Next to Al- Houti’s house, was Al-Zanki on the same street along with GCC military training vital: Ambassador the Al-Jinahi house, and they were the first to live in this neighborhood, followed by the Al-Saad family, while there is another home of (uncle) Abdullah on the same street MANAMA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam across from the female teachers’ institute. Mubarak Al-Sabah yesterday said that it is very important Abdelwahab Al-Houti is the eldest son of (uncle) for Kuwaitis to participate in military training courses with Abdullah, and he is a very close friend and a schoolmate their GCC counterparts. Joint training courses allow partici- during various stages. We sat on one desk in the third sec- pants to share experience and create unity among GCC ondary class, the first desk on the left side of the classroom, armies, said Sheikh Azzam, also Dean of the Diplomatic and we had lots of memories in this class, and whoever Corps, while attending graduation of Kuwaitis of the 11th wants to enjoy them can ask Abu Omar about it. batch of army officers cadets of Bahrain Defense Force Uncle Abu Abdelwahab, may Allah bestow His mercy on (BDF) at Isa Royal Military College. him, was a truly self-made businessman, as he depended He also noted that the current unstable situation in the on himself, after Allah, in his trade and supervised it him- region underlines the need for GCC states to have a quali- self, and moreover, he used to clear goods at the customs fied army at the highest levels of readiness to defend the by himself without relying on agents, so he was seen to be Gulf states against any danger. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Military active and vibrant, going to ports to process his transac- AttachÈ to Bahrain Major General Brigadier Ali Al-Asaker tions, and also supervised the sale of his goods personally. praised the high level of military education and training at Our relation with our Al-Houti neighbors was like a fam- Isa college. The college is creating qualified officers on ily, and contacts and visits linked the two families. I person- both military and academic levels, he added. The ceremo- ally had close friendships with the children of ‘uncle,’ and ny was attended by Deputy Speaker of Kuwait National there was no effect of any age difference between me and Assembly Mubarak Al-Khurainij, Bahraini Field Marshal all the children of (uncle) Abu Abdelwhab, as his children, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa and Bahraini Defense may Allah bless them, are known to being warm in dealing Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Youssef bin Ahmed Al- with others and characterized by their ability to under- Jalahma. Moreover, the event was attended by chairman of stand and communicate, and that is what (uncle) Abu Kuwait’s Ali Al-Sabah Military College Major General Abdelwhab instilled in them in good attributes. They are Brigadier Mohammad Ahmad Al-Khoder, who thanked the religious and keen on implementing the teachings of Islam Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) for accepting the Kuwaiti stu- in their daily life. Abdelwahab, the eldest son, was an offi- dents in their training courses.— KUNA MANAMA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah is pictured with Kuwaiti army officers. — KUNA cial at the Awqaf Ministry, and (uncle) Abu Abdelwahab is the father-in-law of Dr Nasser Al-Sane. Shamiya residents know ‘uncle’ Abu Abdelwahab with all his traits. He was loyal to this area, and did not leave it Gulf Bank marks ‘International since the ‘50s of the last century, and their beautiful home, which is a piece of art, still stands witness to the taste of ‘uncle’ Abu Abdelwahab, as he built it according to the Day for Tolerance’ Anniversary beautiful architecture of that era and it got more beautiful with the good manners of its people. Uncle Abu-Abdelwahab Al-Houti frequented the Al- Saqer mosque since it was opened, and used to go there Sponsors ‘Against Violence... With Tolerance’ Forum on foot, and did not miss a prayer. The diwan of (uncle) KUWAIT: To mark the International Day for Tolerance, Gulf Bank sponsored Abu-Abdelwahab is a cultural one, where everybody meets Kuwait University’ second annual ‘Against Violence... With Tolerance’ forum. on Tuesday every week, and mostly you see Shamiya resi- The forum was organized by Kuwait University’s College of Social Sciences, in dents go to the diwan as a landmark of Shamiya. cooperation with Women’s Research and Studies Center and Ministry of Al-Saqer mosque lost ‘uncle’ Abu Abdelwahab, and Interior and was held under the patronage of the Undersecretary of the Shamiya lost him with his death. “Truly, to Allah we belong Ministry of the Interior Lieutenant General Sulaiman Al-Fahad and attending and truly, to Him we shall return.” “There is no might nor the event was Sheikh Faisal Al Nawaf Al-Sabah, Assistant Undersecretary of power except in Allah.”‘ the Ministry of the Interior. The ‘Against Violence...With Tolerance’ forum was held at Kuwait University’s College of Social Sciences and was supported by a number of local governmental organizations such as ‘Protecting Child’ National Higher In my view Committee and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, related organizations and centers from the United Arab Emirates participated in the forum this year. A role model This theme of this year’s forum was ‘Protecting Youth from Crime and Deprivation.’ As such there were several sessions related to the the theme, they were: anger management for youth; protecting society from violence and crime; developing a culture of social responsibility for youth; and elec- tronic crimes. The call to practice tolerance was written into the identity of the United Nations 70 years ago. While people are undoubtedly more connected By Labeed Abdal and more diverse, intolerance is growing in many places. The need and importance of tolerance cannot be understated, it must be taught, nurtured, and defended. Gulf Bank’s support for the International Day of Tolerance is part of its corporate social responsibility program of supporting important events and causes. To learn more about Gulf Bank’s corporate social responsi- bility program, please visit its website at www.-e-gulfbank.com or its social [email protected] media channels on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Hadeel Al-Fadhli, Senior Manager at Gulf Bank, receiving the bank’s token of the appreciation hancellor Angela Merkel’s call to “significantly reduce” the number of refugees entering Germany and her Crejection to closing Germany’s borders for humane rea- sons at the same time is in fact a role model to be followed in taking historical attitudes and advocating human rights by lending a hand to those who had been forced out of their homelands, leaving their houses with or without their families and dependents. The European consolidation in dealing with the refugee problem was more like a self-test of how to manage crises and coordinate with neighboring counties at times of displace- ment similar to those during previous world wars. Opening or closing the borders had been very critical for some European countries and some of them acted religion- wise in a most humane situation, forgetting that the countries the refugees come from like Syria had always accommodated both Muslims and Christians. The same applies to the pas- sage-country Turkey, that was asked to accommodate a large number of refugees as well, as part of sharing the responsibili- ty amongst neighboring countries. Merkel said that ‘isolation was not the answer for Europe’, especially since refugees would have to be integrated in labor markets and provide them with jobs according to local labor market rules and capacity. Her description of the situation as a ‘historic chal- lenge’ to EU and that she was sure that Europe would pass the test despite the long negotiations amongst the G-20 coun- tries concerning responsibilities and funding, was significant to Europe’s past, present and future. This complicated situa- tion calls on the international community to be up to its ABK hosts long service recognition awards responsibilities and support countries that have already received millions of refugees, putting extra loads on their KUWAIT: The Corporate Banking Division the Bank. Commenting on the long- Manager Corporate Banking Division the Bank hosts regular Long Service respective infrastructure and services. With the approach of of Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently standing commitment and value of their took the opportunity to thank all staff Awards for members of staff who have Christmas, we should all stop devastating conflicts, as ordered honored employees who had completed contribution to the development of the receiving awards for their loyalty and been with the bank for 5 years and in all heavenly religions through messengers the Almighty between 5 and 15 years of service with Bank, EMAD ROUSHDY Executive General dedication to ABK. Each department in longer. had chosen to spread peace, love and justice on Earth. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 LOCAL

Property to witness decline in 2016: Experts

KUWAIT: Property experts predict the year 2016 will wit- tor because the government showed seriousness in tack- investment sector (the apartment buildings), where prices negatively affect various property sectors,” he says. ness decline of prices of investment and residential units ling this file with efforts to resolve it quickly. “All these fac- will also move down, in addition to decline of costs of but believe those for commercial purposes will firm. tors result in slashing the prices in the medium and long buildings promoted for sale. Interest rate Recent interest raise on the Kuwaiti dinar and ongoing terms,” he said. As to commercial sector, namely shopping malls and Recent decision by the Central Bank of Kuwait to raise decline of oil prices are among main factors that will push stores, the rates will remain steady in shadow of current cir- the interest rate leads to slashing rates of the housing property rates down. Rented housing cumstances, namely noticeable hike of rents that pushed units, namely the leased ones. Moreover, government Tariq Al-Ateeqi, former director-general of Property The plots’ distribution will lead to results that will be the price per square meter from KD 5.5 to KD 8.5. This sec- plans to levy fees on some utilities and services will lead to Clearance Company, said residential units’ prices declined seen in the rented housing sector (investment houses), tor may be affected with the purchase power of the con- slowdown in some of the sectors, namely construction and 20 percent, early this year, compared to the previous year, which flourished in recent years. Kuwaiti families that sumers, who in turn get affected with changing economic contracting, where products’ prices will increase, thus adding that distribution of plots by the Public Authority for occupied these houses will move to the distributed ones conditions. In case oil prices dropped further and fears of demand on new property units and plots will shrink, Al- Housing Welfare in new residential areas, namely South Al- distributed by the authority, thus easing off some of the yet another bout of global economic crises grow, the com- Ghanim said. Metlaa, West Andullah Al-Mubarak and Northwest Al- pressure on private housing sector. Therefore, prices in this mercial sector will take the brunt of effects, although its Ali Al-Bloushi, of Al-Jamal realty company, said prices in Sulaibikhat, primarily affected the prices. sector will fall in the next three years, particularly in areas current performance “is good with no negative pressures.” the investment sector will fall because supply is higher Moreover, the recent government distribution of hous- such as Al-Gurain, Al-Messila, Al-Fnaitees and Abu Ftaira. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Real-Estate Union than the demand. The year 2015 witnessed decline by 10 ing plots led to easing off pressure on private housing sec- Forecast decline of the housing properties will affect the Qais Al-Ghanim foresees further downward movement in percent of the investment plots in areas such as Hawally, the sector in second half of 2016 because the market will Al-Salmiyah, however other regions namely Al-Farwaniah, absorb the forecast economic developments at the local Khaitan and Al-Mahboula witnessed deeper falls. Prices’ Fonterra joins Horeca sponsors and international levels. Elaborating on these changes, he decline is a new opportunity for investors, who had mentioned the oil prices’ decline to unprecedented levels dropped out of the market due to soaring prices, to benefit KUWAIT: Leaders Group Company announced that focuses on saving time and costs, as well as on since 2007 and forecasts that they will drop further to USD from significant forecast proceeds, namely in the apart- more hospitality, catering and hotel equipment innovating and technologically supporting its vari- 25 per barrel. “This is a very negative eventuality that will ment buildings’ sector. — KUNA companies have so far joined the lineup to take ous products while placing customers’ satisfaction part in Horeca Kuwait 2016. In this regard, Fonterra as a top priority. “Fonterra has a special team of Kuwait’s Chief Customer Sales Manager technical advisors, bakers, chefs and various food Mohammad El-Hajjar announced his company’s experts who all contribute in developing its prod- intention to participate in sponsoring the exhibi- ucts,” he reiterated. tion, adding that this shows the company’s keen- In addition, Hajjar said that Fonterra has a wide ness on participating in specialized exhibitions in range of foodservices products including butter, order to meet with experts and eventually develop cheese including processed cheese, spread its services for consumers’ best interest. cheese, Mozzarella cheese, heat-treated creams Hajjar explained that as a leading dairy prod- and full cream powder milk. “Our company has a ucts’ company that has a worldwide web in food Mohammad world web in over 70 countries,” he concluded. services, Fonterra always provides its clients with El-Hajjar Horeca Kuwait 2016 is organized by Leaders immediate innovative solutions in Kuwait, the Group in collaboration with the Hospitality Middle East and worldwide. “Fonterra’s sales, technical and Services Company. It takes place at Badriya Ballroom, marketing teams all work on providing customers with all the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa in the period of support they need to develop their businesses,” he underlined. January 18-19, 2016 under the patronage of Minister of Further, Hajjar stressed that Fonterra is committed to fully Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh observe international specifications, while at the same time Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Anbaa Report

Remaining Disclaimer Man swindled out days in of KD 82,000 2015 By Saleh Al-Shayeji KUWAIT: A citizen accused an Iraqi national of swindling him out of KD 82,000. A security source said the citizen told them his business manager did not hand over rents to the complex ot being perfect, as human beings, does not where a café he owns is located, valued at KD 12,740. He also mean we should stop seeking and demand- took the monthly income estimated at KD 70,000. Ning perfection. Unfortunately, some, or even Meanwhile, a telephone store owner told Nugra police that most of us, randomly mix various concepts regard- an unidentified person stole a smartphone after pretending less of truths. Those ‘some’ I am talking about have he wanted to buy it. The owner gave police the suspect’s been confusing the ‘state’ and the ‘nation’ and can- license plate number, only to find out it was stolen. not even tell the difference between them both. Whenever we write criticizing some govern- ment decision or a bad real life situation resulting Cab driver held for theft from a bad government decision, lots of the vic- Hawally detectives arrested a Filipino for robbing his compa- tims of this ‘confusion’ immediately question our triot working in a beauty salon. The victim told Salmiya police patriotism and consider that we have relinquished that she got into a taxi after work, but the driver stopped in a it. As it is difficult to have people give up certain dark area, threatened her and took KD 560 that was with her. ideologies or false assumptions, and because I The suspect confessed to committing the crime. He said the Arab World strongly believe in this fact, I stopped arguing with woman was in the backseat, and when she opened her purse any of those I believe to be victimized by such false to get her phone, he noticed a large amount of money in it, ideas. I bear with their opinions, and maybe and that was when the idea to steal it came to his mind. He Al-Anbaa ridicule or insults, without uttering a single word, was sent to the pubic prosecution. In another incident, two thieves robbed a Filipina of KD 315 and a smartphone before because I am sure I would never manage to undo escaping. The victim lodged a complaint at Abu Halifa police the effect of their false ideas, separation from real station, saying that she was beaten and robbed. Detectives life and incapability to cut loose with the narrow took over the case to find and arrest the culprits. Al-Anbaa and shallow perception they have leashed them- selves and their minds to. Loving my nation and patriotism does not mean Domestic violence Theatre in old Kuwait dancing in the ‘government’s nightclub’ or walking An Iranian woman was beaten by her husband, a citizen, so over its circus tightropes. It does not mean she lodged a complaint against him at Fahd Al-Ahmad By Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi applauding everything it does or to be infatuated police station. The woman told police that after domestic by the voice of its official spokesperson while read- differences, he insulted and beat her, causing the injuries t is a known fact that overlooking the sea, Kuwait is Arabic started to flourish in Kuwait. However, the late ing us the decisions it made and will make. As citi- mentioned in the medical report. a fully sea-dependent nation. Kuwaitis used to dive artist Khaled Al-Musallam played a great role that is zens, we are more keen on our nation than the gov- Ifor pearls in summer and sail to India and East unfortunately forgotten in enhancing theatrical activi- ernment. We are the government’s partners in a Africa for trade in winter. Unlike during pearling expe- ties in Kuwait. He used to gather teachers during the nation more owned by us than by them. Man stabbed in fight ditions, sailors had enough time to pass by acting summer vacation and perform plays that highly Patriotism is an emotional attachment to a A Syrian national was stabbed in the thigh during a some scenes during their voyages. appealed to audiences, who used to yearn to watch a nation and homeland, not to governments. The fact fight with two compatriots in Jleeb Al-Shuyiukh. The The first school play was performed at the play because theatre used to be the only means of that governments are replaceable while nations are man, in his twenties, told local police that after he met Ahmadiya School in 1924 during its opening ceremo- entertainment during the absence of any clubs or everlasting and fixed proves this. A nation is our the two persons, an argument took place, so they ny. Another comedy play was performed in 1938 recreational facilities. Audiences often watched the ancestors’ legacy as well as the inheritance we are attacked and stabbed him with a sharp object. He sub- under the title of ‘The American Daktur (Doctor)’. In same play over and over every night, because there going to leave to our children and grandchildren. mitted a medical report stating his injuries. Detectives the same year, the first serious play in Kuwait’s theatre was always something new, as actors usually impro- history was performed under the title of ‘Omar’s Islam’, vised their lines and did not memorize the written Whenever we seek perfection of our nation, we are working on the case. In a separate incident, police- must not necessarily achieve it, yet clinging to men broke up a fight between a Kuwaiti and Egyptian in which Palestinian teachers and the students exert- scripts by heart. hopes of achieving such perfection is still far much family, and they were charged with exchanging blows ed considerable efforts to make the performance a Sheikhs and VIPs also used to attend the perform- at Maidan Hawally police station. Investigations are wonderful and highly appreciated one. ances and watch the plays as eagerly and passionately better than being attached to nation-damaging underway to find out the reasons behind the fight. Women were not allowed to act in the past and so as the common man at that time. Nowadays, theatre bad real-life situations. Being against certain unfair some men, such as the late Mohammed Al-Nashmi, has made gigantic leaps forward and very outstand- and unconstitutional laws or decisions that fail to Abdul Razzaq Al-Nafisi, Ali Al-Rasheed, Saeed ing performances are presented by highly efficient achieve national unity and jeopardize people’s lib- Neighbors’ row Shammas and Abdul Aziz Al-Namash had to play and talented actors and actresses, through establish- erties does not mean I am not patriotic. On the con- A citizen in his forties accused his neighbor of damaging female roles. Later, in the 1960s, pioneering female ing various theatrical groups over the past seven trary, I would be disloyal to my nation if I accept his car, adding when he asked her the reason for doing so, actresses appeared, including Ayesha Ibrahim, Mariam decades. I hope these outstanding artists would go on such situations and applaud them. Though I am she said “why did you park in my spot?” The citizen lodged Al-Ghadban, Mariam Al-Saleh, Hayat Al-Fahd and Suad enlightening, amusing and entertaining the people of sure I have satisfactorily refuted such allegations a complaint at Fahd Al-Ahmad police station. A security Abdullah. Kuwait as well as contribute to building this generous and provided advice to people with deaf ears, I do Thanks to the late Egyptian veteran actor and country’s future. source said officers called the woman but she did not this out of disclaiming their allegations! director Zaki Tolaimat, plays performed in classical —Translated by Kuwait Times answer the phone, so detectives were asked to arrest her —Translated by Kuwait Times for questioning. —Al-Anbaa and Al-Rai Seven new destinations for treatment abroad

KUWAIT: Despite the controversy within the parliamentary legislation committee over cancelling treatment abroad, well-informed health sources said that the Ministry of Health was currently considering dispatching patients for physiotherapy and orthopedic treatment to Greece and Hungary. The sources added that three hospitals had been also accredited in Poland to receive around 300 patients to be gradually sent for treatment, after a medical team had been sent to review the concerned hospitals’ experiences. The sources also noted that the Ministry of Health also approved sending patients for physiotherapy in Bosnia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Slovakia. —Al-Anbaa Mosque’s repair contract ready

KUWAIT: Public Works Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for Maintenance Engineering Sector Mohammad bin Nikhi said the contract for repairing Al-Sadeq Mosque is ready. He said the lowest bid was KIB organizes course on Islamic banking for around KD 777,000, adding that work will start as soon as the contract is signed, and it will take six KUWAIT: As the Kuwait International Bank accounts, deposits, and services, in addi- trainees showed great interest and were believes in the significance of providing its (KIB) always strives to provide new recruits tion to highlighting KIB’s main invest- actively participating in the training course. staff with such training courses to advance months to restore the mosque to its previous condi- with training courses to develop their skills, ments, and financial products and solu- Dr Abdul Hai added that KIB is always keen their capabilities and proficiency, in order tion before the terrorist act. He said the delay was to it organized a training course on the tions. on organizing this workshop for its new to be updated with the latest trends and give competing contractors the opportunity to study “Fundamentals of Islamic Banking Services The Sharia Supervisor at KIB, Dr Hisham employees, followed by a series of inclusive products in the Islamic banking industry. the mosque’s situation and present the best propos- and Products” for two consecutive days. Ahmad Abdul Hai said that this course was training courses that are held periodically As a result, the demand on the sharia-com- als. —Al-Qabas The training course aimed at featuring the an added-value for the staff to develop depending on the requirements of each pliant services regionally and globally has key principles of Islamic banking and iden- their know-how on Sharia-compliant solu- department. been highly increasing, due to its trustwor- 100 national tifying the terms and conditions of opening tions and products; moreover, the 20 He concluded by saying that KIB thiness and flexibility. laborers Awqaf to Panel recommends market fuel prices, adjust status terminate 1,500 no companions on overseas treatment KUWAIT: An official source at the Manpower Public expat employees KUWAIT: The government commit- ed cutting down the treatment made by international advisor Ernest Authority (MPA) said the National Labor Development tee entrusted with studying ways to abroad expenses by limiting the & Young concerning reducing subsi- KUWAIT: Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and reduce the cost of subsidies recently state-paid cost for the patient alone dies paid for 12 goods and public Department receives around 100 transactions for citi- Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane is seeking to end the recommended lifting fuel subsidies without any companions. services. According to the study, put- zens who are adjusting their status after stopping pay- practice of hiring expatriates on monthly payments, and selling it at market prices from The committee, comprising of ele- ting these recommendations into ments of national labor support because of not pro- said official sources at the ministry, noting that 3,600 February. ments from relevant ministries, practice would make petrol prices ducing a work permit. He said the decision came after expats were currently hired by the ministry and that it The committee also recommend- approved all the recommendations jump from 60-65 fils to 100 fils per a decision by the Cabinet. The source said MPA is com- was expected to terminate 1,500 of them. The sources liter, which is equivalent to current mitted to implementing the ministerial decision, explained that there was too much controversy over international gasoline prices, that are hiring expats at the ministry, and accordingly, the min- already the lowest in 11 years. which gave a three-month grace period to correct the ister formed a special committee to study the min- The recommendations also status. He said the decision is clear and there is no istry’s need for these expats in various sectors and included gradually lifting subsidies retroactive effect for the beneficiaries, and payments work on tending to all remarks made by the Audit paid for agricultural activities, a rec- will be from the date of the work permit. —Al-Qabas Bureau in this regard. —Al-Rai ommendation to which many of the committee members showed some reservations on grounds that agricul- ture was a productive sector that Ministry to reintroduce does not even get much subsidies anyway. Speaking about electricity subsi- companies’ law dies, the committee also had reserva- tions about lifting subsidies and set- KUWAIT: The Constitutional Court’s decision a few days ministry is taking quick steps to reintroduce the compa- ago annulling the anti-corruption law because it was nies’ law for approval a second time by the Assembly in ting different prices according to unconstitutional caused chaos in most ministries and order to avoid the fate of the anti-corruption law, and consumption rates. Committee mem- government establishments that were issued similar formed a team for this purpose to review the law’s items. bers agreed that this would need a “urgent decrees.” On that regard, the commerce ministry Sources said the ministry wants to finalize the law during special legislation. The committee has reportedly sought to pass the companies’ law no. the next two days to be ready to introduce it to the also decided reducing diesel and 25/2012 during the same time the annulled anti-corrup- Assembly. They added the law has major changes on kerosene prices to 100 fils per liter by tion law was approved.Sources said that the commerce nearly 10 items. —Al-Qabas the beginning of January. —Al-Rai THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 Malaysia’s Islamic airline takes off Democrats grapple with Trump as primary draws closer with a prayer Page 9 Page 11

ANBAR PROVINCE: Iraqi pro-government forces stand next to armored vehicles as they take position in Al-Aramil area, south of the Anbar province’s capital Ramadi, during mili- tary operations on December 22, 2015. —AFP Forces in final push to retake Ramadi City capture will further shrink jihadists ‘caliphate’

BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces closed in on Devastated city end is coming but... it’s going be a ported by Iraqi federal forces,” Witty 2014, still controls much of Anbar, allied Shiite militia and Kurdish pesh- the Islamic State group’s last redoubts Government forces, which have tough fight,” the US-led coalition’s said. which is Iraq’s largest province and merga forces are also battling IS on in central Ramadi yesterday to retake been supported by daily air strikes spokesman, Colonel Steve Warren, The jihadist group, which swept has borders with Syria, Jordan and other fronts. The jihadist group still the city they lost in May and further from the US-led coalition, had to move told reporters on Tuesday. He said through swathes of Iraq in early June Saudi Arabia. Government forces, controls Mosul, Iraq’s second city. — shrink the jihadists’ “caliphate”. A day carefully through the devastated city, thousands of civilians were still after punching deep into the city cen- whose deserted streets were littered believed to be inside Ramadi, some of tre, forces led by the elite counter-ter- with rubble and shrapnel. Retreating them used as human shields by IS, also rorism service (CTS) inched towards IS fighters usually booby-trap their known as ISIS or by the Arabic the governmental compound in abandoned positions, plant roadside acronym Daesh. Several officials said Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s vast Anbar bombs and move in tunnels which can groups of IS fighters were trying to slip province. also be trapped with huge explosive through gaps in the Iraqi forces’ net “The anti-terrorism troops are now charges. around the city. poised to break into the Hoz area Iraqi forces clearing residential “Dozens of Daesh members have where the governmental compound is neighborhoods in Ramadi were find- withdrawn from the city centre located,” a brigadier general in the ing huge amounts of ammunition and towards Sufiya and Sichariyah,” east of force said. The recapture of the com- explosives, including rockets made Ramadi along the Euphrates Valley, pound would mark another key step from gas canisters. Officials estimated said Ibrahim Al-Fahdawi, who heads towards reasserting full control over before the latest push into Ramadi the security committee in Khaldiya dis- Ramadi, whose liberation a CTS that no more than 300 IS fighters trict. The recapture of Ramadi would spokesman said Tuesday would be remained holed up in the centre. further isolate IS-held Fallujah-which achieved in three days. “The fall of Ramadi is inevitable, the lies half way on the road to Baghdad- and undermine the viabili- ty of the group’s self-pro- claimed “caliphate”.

‘Battle of attrition’ Iraq’s defense minister, Khaled Al-Obeidi, said last week that successive oper- ations by the Iraqi security forces and its allies had shrunk the territory held by IS in Iraq from roughly 40 percent of the country last year to 17 percent. Tuesday’s big push into central Ramadi was only the latest step in a months-long operation, which saw Iraqi forces gradually close in after cut- ting off supply lines into Anbar and retaking neigh- borhoods, key roads and bridges one after the oth- er. “This has been a grind- ing battle of attrition. I think ISIS in Ramadi is exhausted. The city has been isolated for a while,” said David Witty, a retired US army Special Forces colonel and former advisor to CTS. The slow pace of the Ramadi operation had trig- gered calls from some crit- ics for a greater role for the Shiite-dominated Hashed Al-Shaabi paramilitary forces or even US troops on the ground. But Baghdad largely stuck to its strategy, resorting to newly trained local forces from Anbar to move in and hold the ground re-conquered by federal forces. The loss of Ramadi in mid-May had been Baghdad’s worst defeat in the war against IS and its recapture would provide a welcome morale boost to the country’s much-criti- cized military. “It could be symbolic in strengthening more local resistance in Anbar against ISIS, sup- INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 Gazans celebrate Christmas with heavy hearts

GAZA CITY: It is a bitter Christmas for Elias Manna, who and coordination between Hamas and the Palestinian will celebrate alone for the first time because his five Authority, based in the West Bank and dominated by sons have left the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory bitter rival Fatah. Around two-thirds of young people hit by three wars since 2008. “At first, they left to study are unemployed, and a recent survey showed that half there,” Manna, 62, said as he stood before the large of Gazans want to leave the territory-though the block- wooden cross in front of a church for Latin rite ade and strict border controls by Israel and Egypt keep Catholics in Gaza City, explaining that his sons moved many from doing so. The head of Roman Catholics in to Europe. “But they never returned because there is no the Holy Land spoke of such suffering at a mass at the work that would allow them to stay here with us.” Holy Family Church in Gaza during a rare visit to the The dwindling number of Gaza Christians, a small strip to celebrate Christmas. portion of the mainly Muslim population, face the “We have seen violence, exile, hunger and pain,” same hardships as everyone else in the war-torn said Fouad Twal, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem and a enclave, but some say there are added pressures as Jordanian. “We place our hope in the year to come, that well. They speak of worries about growing extremism it brings more justice, equality, unity and mercy.” He in Gaza, where Salafist jihadists have posed a limited also talked of “those who suffer, those who are dis- yet significant challenge to Islamist movement Hamas, placed, those whose homes have been destroyed, who which rules the territory. have lost their property.” “If young people leave for the United States and Gaza Christian George Antoun said it is difficult to Europe, it is because they don’t see any opportunities celebrate in such circumstances. “We celebrate the here,” said Saad, 50. “Life is suffocating and extremism is birth of Christ, but at the same time we are suffering growing.” He added that the thought of moving to cer- from what is happening in Palestine,” he said. “We pray tain Arab countries in the Middle East frightened him that the king of peace, our lord Jesus, brings us peace, due to the “crimes of the Islamic State,” the jihadist that Palestine will be liberated and we will be able to group that has targeted Christians in Syria, Iraq and live like everyone else because that is our right.” Libya. The Palestinian territories are located in the Holy GAZA CITY: A Palestinian Muslim woman poses for a photo holding a chocolate bearing an image of But the complications facing Gazans include visits Land at the heart of the Christian faith and include Santa Claus at a shop. — AFP to Bethlehem. While it is located less than 100 kilome- Bethlehem, where tradition says Jesus was born. But More than double that number-around 7,000 — lived squeezed between Israel, Egypt and the ters away, it may as well be in another hemisphere for the number of Christians living in the Palestinian terri- in the Strip only about a decade ago. Mediterranean. It is under an Israeli blockade, and many Gazans blocked by Israeli restrictions on visiting tories has fallen to 52,000, or 1.37 percent of the thousands of homes were destroyed in the 2014 war the West Bank. This year, Israel says it has granted 800 Palestinian population. Most of them live in the occu- ‘That is our right’ with the Jewish state. Reconstruction has been slow passes to Gazan Christians to travel to Jerusalem and pied West Bank, while less than six percent are in Gaza. Life has become increasingly difficult in the strip due to the blockade as well as a lack of donor money the West Bank. — AFP Waiting to leave Tripoli’s ‘cemetery of the unknown’

TRIPOLI: On the outskirts of Libya’s capital, 300 graves ready Imad wipes the dirt from the tombstone of The Red Crescent has no precise figure, his brother, one of hundreds of migrants but says that several hundred men, women whose journey ended in the “cemetery of and children are buried in what locals have the unknown”. No name is marked on the dubbed “the cemetery of the unknown”. grave, but at least it has a date, and with “This experience will always be engraved in the help of the Libyan Red Crescent, 29- our memory. It’s impossible to forget the year-old Tunisian Imad ben Salem is now corpses... We fear that one day we will be certain this is the burial place of his faced by someone we know,” said younger brother, Qabil, 25. Abdelhamid el-Swei, who is in charge of But an error by a doctor and red tape transporting bodies to the cemetery for the have prevented him from repatriating the Red Crescent. In one corner of the ceme- body for the family to grieve back home. tery, 300 graves have been dug ready for Hundreds of migrants whose dreams of a more migrants who perish at sea and are new life in Europe were sunk in the given funerals in keeping with Muslim rites. Mediterranean are buried in Bir el-Osta Gravedigger Abderrazaq Abdelkarim recalls Milad cemetery, awaiting repatriation if that they needed two days to prepare their identities are confirmed. graves when a boat carrying 120 people “My brother died with 127 others on the sank a month ago. third day of the Feast of the Sacrifice,” the The Red Crescent follows a set proce- holiday marking the end of the annual dure: first, a frontline team is alerted, Muslim hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, in another is tasked with verifying the infor- September, Imad said. “I was supposed to mation and a third is sent to recover the stay three days in Libya, a week at most,” bodies. The remains are then handed to said the young Tunisian, who for more than forensic doctors, registered with a case a month has abandoned his job as a taxi number and then buried in Bir el-Osta driver on which eight members of his fami- Milad. “Not long ago we were working sev- ly are dependent. en days straight,” said Hussam Nasr, a Red “When I arrived, there was no paper- Crescent volunteer for the past 12 years. work and I came up against obstacles at He recalled one instance when they DIYARBAKIR: A protester kicks a tear gas canister during a demonstration in Diyarbakir on December 22, 2015 to denounce security operations every turn,” he said, angrily. “I call on the had to use ropes to haul five bodies from against Kurdish rebels. — AFP Libyan and Tunisian authorities, on the Red the water and 20 meters up a cliff side. In Crescent and the Red Cross: all I want is to the case of Imad’s brother, the body was take my brother’s body back to Tunisia!” identified by the Red Crescent because of Trapped in war zone, Turks Scattered under trees and between his tattoos. But “the forensic doctor... bushes, tombs are marked with the dates failed to mention the tattoos in his report on which the bodies of hapless migrants and the authorities refuse to carry out a were recovered from the water or washed DNA test although it’s perfectly clear that struggle in curfew towns up on Libya’s shores. Some of them date this is my brother. I know he’s here,” Imad back to 2012. If documents are found on said. “He was the youngest among us. I the bodies, their names and nationalities won’t abandon him here. I will not leave are also marked on the tombstones. without him.” — AFP Operation marks a new escalation in violence

ANKARA: His neighborhood battered by dents inside Silopi and Cizre have shown sub- water for three days. Electricity is on and off.” shelling and food running out, Bahattin Yagarcik stantial damage to buildings, with the towns Baran said he was a university graduate and had hunkers down in a basement along with several constantly shaken by the thunderous noise of to study for exams to become a civil servant. other families to take cover from the standoff shelling. The military says that over 100 PKK “But I cannot study. No electricity,” he said, beg- between the Turkish military and Kurdish rebels rebels have been killed in Cizre alone but it is ging for information about “whether the United in southeastern Turkey. not possible to independently verify the toll or Nations is doing anything”. Yagarcik’s hometown of Cizre and the nearby confirm their identities. Murat Oktar, a local municipal official in Nur town of Silopi in Sirnak province in the Kurdish Residents in both towns cower in cramped neighborhood in Cizre, said he had to flee the majority southeast have been under curfew basements, waiting desperately for the moment town to a village on its outskirts last week. since early last week as the army wages an all- when the operation will end. “My neighborhood “There’s been constant shelling. Everyone is in a out offensive against the outlawed Kurdistan in Silopi is almost under siege,” 26-year-old panic. The state is using so much power that it is Workers’ Party (PKK) in the town’s streets. Sehmus Baran told AFP on the phone from as if an enemy state is bombing,” he said. “Shops “Tanks were deployed on the hills overlook- inside Silopi. are closed. Locals are in a state of emergency, ing the city and my three-storey apartment “The windows of our flat were all broken. The storing wheat and cheese. There are people who building was set on fire last Wednesday by inten- flat is freezing. We took shelter under the stairs were wounded. They call for ambulances but no sive shelling. It is completely unusable now,” of the building,” he said. “We had no running answer. There’s no security for people.” — AFP Yagarcik told an AFP correspondent in Ankara by telephone from Cizre. “We-four families, 26 peo- ple including two babies-found sanctuary in a two-room basement. It is freezing. Hardly any Istanbul airport blast electricity. We barely use phones as batteries are TRIPOLI: A Libyan man walks next to graves dug at the Bir el-Osta Milad cemetery for running out, as well as the food we live on,” he kills 1, damages planes unidentified migrants, dubbed by locals as the “cemetery of the unknown”, on the added. “We are in a basement. No heating. We outskirts of the Libyan capital. — AFP are desperate. Babies are crying. I counted 24 ISTANBUL: A female cleaner was killed and planes were damaged and were now being shells that landed within only one minute in my another wounded early yesterday after an repaired in the airport’s hanger. But he neighborhood.” explosion near a plane at Istanbul’s second declined to give details on the possible cause. 70% of Syria refugees live The vast operation marks a new escalation in international airport, with Turkey on high alert “At this moment it’s too early to give a verdict violence between members of the Turkish secu- for possible attacks. The authorities said it was but I want to emphasize there is no weakness rity forces and Kurdish militants after a fragile too early confirm if the airport had been tar- concerning security,” Yildirim told Anatolia. in ‘extreme poverty’: UN ceasefire with the PKK collapsed in July. The geted in an attack, but the transport minister Neither President Recep Tayyip Erdogan campaign reportedly involves some 10,000 BEIRUT: More than two-thirds of Syrian To cope, families are pulling their chil- troops led by six generals and is one of the said there had been no security lapses. nor Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu referred refugees in Lebanon live in extreme pover- dren from school so that they can work. biggest-ever launched by Turkey in urban cen- Five planes suffered slight damage as a to the incident in speeches on Wednesday. ty, according to a United Nations study Only five percent of 15-17 year olds attend- result of fragments from the explosion, the The airport said on its official Twitter account published yesterday, up nearly 50 percent ed school this year. Instead, many work in ters inside its territory. The Turkish government says the operation is minister said. Airport cleaner Zehra Yamac, 30, that “flights from our terminals are continuing from last year. Based on an assessment of agricultural fields for as little as $4 a day. died of head wounds hours after the blast just according to schedule.” Sabiha Gokcen airport, more than 4,000 refugee households, the “The Syria crisis is a tragedy for children on needed to root out militants who were effective- ly taking over the towns by building barricades after 2:00 am (midnight GMT) on the tarmac named after Turkey’s first female fighter pilot, report found that an estimated 70 percent an unimaginable scale and continues to at Sabiha Gokcen airport on the Asian side of is the second international airport in Istanbul of them are living below the Lebanese significantly impact their protection, well- and digging trenches. The local authorities insist Turkey’s largest city, the state-run Anatolia after much larger Ataturk airport. extreme poverty line of $3.84 (3.52 Euros) being and development across the entire the curfews are required to protect ordinary citi- per day. region,” said Tanya Chapuisat, head of the zens. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has news agency reported. Turkey’s private carrier Sabiha Gokcen hosts flights both to “This is a striking increase from 49 per UN children’s agency in Lebanon. vowed: “Never doubt that the terrorist organiza- Pegasus Airlines said in a statement the explo- domestic and numerous international desti- cent in 2014,” said Mireille Girard, head of “Children’s exposure to violence, pover- tion will be buried in the trenches it has dug.” sion occurred next to one of its planes while nations often with budget airlines but also the UN refugee agency’s Lebanon office. ty and displacement are having enormous The army has accused the rebels of using the two cleaners were nearby. national flag carrier Turkish Airlines. The inter-agency study was conducted by consequences, in the immediate and long- schools in the region as hideouts, blaming them “There were no passengers either on the In 2015, up to November, it hosted over 17 the World Food Program, the refugee term,” she added. for the damage the buildings have suffered in plane or on the stairway. Sabiha Gokcen air- million domestic passengers and almost nine agency and the UN’s children’s fund. UN agencies, partner organizations and the campaign. The PKK’s insurgency against the port is continuing its normal operations,” million international passengers, according to Refugees are facing a dire situation as their Lebanon’s government are requesting Turkish state dates back to 1984, initially push- Pegasus said. The wounded victim, also a company figures. It is now fully owned by savings dry up, work opportunities are $2.48 billion for the coming year to support ing for full independence and then for autono- cleaner, was hurt in the leg. Yamac was hospi- Malaysian Airports Holding which completed increasingly rare and humanitarian aid refugees and host communities. my and greater rights. talized but died of her wounds despite the the acquisition of the remaining shares in the packages grow smaller. The UN’s findings “represent an urgent efforts of medical staff, Anatolia said. Police airport this year. “We are working very closely ‘Under siege’ According to the study, the refugees are call to action, demanding that no time is stepped up security at airport entrances after with the Turkish government and our counter- But Kurdish activists and politicians have borrowing to cover even their most basic spared in addressing the increasing needs the blast, searching vehicles while a police parts to facilitate the investigation, and we needs, including rent, food, and healthcare, and vulnerabilities of Syrian refugees here accused the army of acting with impunity, pounding large parts of the towns to rubble and helicopter circled overhead, Anatolia said. await their official report on it,” Dato’ Azmi putting nearly 90 percent of them in debt. in Lebanon,” said Gawaher Atif of the World Security was also stepped up at Istanbul’s Murad, the executive director of Sabiha Household spending dropped to $493 per Food Program. More than four million killing civilians. Human Rights Watch in a report largest airport, Ataturk, on the European side Gokcen said in a statement. “The Turkish gov- month from $762 in 2014, reflecting refugees have fled Syria for the relative on Tuesday urged Turkey to “immediately stop reduced quality of food consumed and a safety of the neighboring countries, the abusive and disproportionate use of force” in of the city, with police checking vehicles ernment has heightened security within the heightened reliance on debt and humani- according to the UN. Millions more have the security operations, which have been in entering the complex, Turkish television said. vicinity of the airport, which includes helicop- tarian aid. been internally displaced. — AFP progress since the collapse of the ceasefire in Transport Minister Binali Yildirim said five ter surveillance,” he added. —AFP July. Pictures posted on social media from resi- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Slain Muslim students’ families Democrats grapple with Trump fighting grief to honor legacy

RALEIGH: Shortly before they were have to end when you die.” In August, effect as primary draws closer gunned down, a young Muslim couple Farris Barakat and his father, Namee, trav- was eating out with relatives when the eled to Turkey to complete a project that Clinton plans to intensify campaign schedule conversation turned to anti-Islamic atti- 23-year-old Deah Barakat had launched tudes in the United States. It was January before his death: a dental clinic for Syrian WASHINGTON: Months of intense come to you in very large numbers, in hasn’t generated the excitement of bigoted rhetoric and proposal to ban 2015, months before the massacres in refugees. Fifteen dentists and 40 or so focus on the Republican race - and very short order, and you will build the Republican field. “I want him to Muslims from entering the US, Clinton Chattanooga, Paris and San Bernardino, other volunteers treated about 800 front-runner Donald Trump - have that into victory,” Sanders campaign talk every single day,” Democratic has also begun telling voters that “it’s California. Deah Barakat and Yusor Abu- refugees, most of them children. reverberated through the Democratic adviser Tad Devine told reporters in National Committee chairwoman OK to be afraid.” The lack of attention Salha had just gotten married and started “These kids are in so much need, and field, prompting front-runner Hillary New Hampshire on Saturday. “That Debbie Wasserman Schultz said of on the Democratic race has given living together in an apartment near the it’s not by choice,” said Namee Barakat, a Clinton to turn her attention to her has been our plan from day one.” But Trump. “It’s going to help propel our Clinton a break from the intense University of North Carolina. native of Syria who came to the US in would-be GOP challengers and leav- Sanders struggled to find his footing nominee to the White House.” scrutiny of the summer, when much When Barakat’s mother worried aloud the 1980s. “I cannot believe anyone ing her chief rival, Vermont Sen Bernie as the race has shifted away from his For Clinton, going after Trump cre- of the political conversation was that the family could be harmed would refuse these refugees” entry to Sanders, gasping for airtime. core economic message to one of ates an opportunity to reenter a polit- focused on her use of a private email because of their religion, “we were all the US. Reshaping negative attitudes Now, after spending weeks largely national security after attacks by ical conversation that has largely server as secretary of state and the out of the spotlight, Clinton plans to extremist elements in Paris and San moved away from the Democratic foreign financial ties of the Clinton laughing it off, like: ‘Nothing bad is about Muslims is a key goal of Farris intensify her campaign schedule from Bernardino, California. Clinton aides side and strike back at her GOP oppo- Foundation, the non-profit started by going to happen. This is America,’” said Barakat’s charity, The Light House an almost incumbent-style effort to a say they are taking nothing for grant- nents, who are getting plenty of air- her husband. Deah’s brother, Farris. “‘Watch it happen,’” Project. He is renovating a house his more aggressive, first-timer approach. Farris Barakat recalled his sister-in-law brother owned in Raleigh to serve as a With just six weeks left before the first saying. “‘You guys won’t be laughing.’” community center, host after-school round of primary voting, Clinton plans About 10 days later, the couple was programs and provide office space for a series of multi-day swings through killed in their apartment along with charities including United Muslim Relief, Iowa starting in January, interspersing Yusor’s younger sister, Razan. A white which tackles poverty and related condi- trips there with stops in New neighbor, who described himself as an tions in developing countries. Hampshire and other early primary atheist and expressed disdain for religion, Scholarships have been created to states. Her campaign will also unveil what Clinton has called her “not-so- has been charged with capital murder. honor the victims at North Carolina State secret weapon,” sending her husband, The families believe the three were tar- University, and at the UNC School of former President Bill Clinton, out to hit geted because of their faith; the sisters’ Dentistry, which held a day of service in the stump after months of behind- father says federal prosecutors recently their honor. Deah Barakat was a student the-scenes activity, wooing donors in told him they are still considering charg- at UNC’s dental school; Yusor Abu-Salha, private events. ing the defendant, Craig Hicks, with a 21, had been accepted to study there. hate crime. Razan Abu-Salha was a 19-year-old stu- Escalating battle The deaths of the three young dent at NC State who had stopped by her And in a sign of the escalating bat- Muslims lie at the intersection of themes sister and brother-in-law’s apartment for tle between the two party front-run- that have gripped the American psyche dinner the night all three were killed. ners, her campaign was forced to engage with Trump on Tuesday after in recent months: Gun violence, attitudes Razan Abu-Salha volunteered along- he called Clinton’s bathroom break toward Islam and the justice system’s side her sister and brother-in-law at den- during the recent debate “disgusting” handling of racially charged slayings. Yet tistry clinics in rural North Carolina, her and said she was “schlonged” in the as the anniversary of the killings draw father has said. Yusor Abu-Salha met her 2008 race for the Democratic nomina- near, the victims’ families are channeling husband while the two helped run the tion, using a vulgar Yiddish term to their grief elsewhere, into deeply person- Muslim Student Association at NC State, describe her loss to now-President al philanthropic projects meant to honor and she had planned to travel with him Barack Obama. On Twitter Tuesday, them. to Turkey for the free dental clinic. She Trump denied the word was vulgar discussed growing up as a Muslim in the and said it simply means “beaten bad- ‘We’re not scary’ US in an interview recorded in 2014 as ly.” GRAND RAPIDS: Republican presidential candidate businessman Donald Trump acknowledges In an interview Tuesday with The “Deah, Yusor and Razan were very part of the StoryCorps oral history project the crowd before addressing supporters at a campaign rally. —AP Des Moines Register, Clinton said: “I good representatives of Muslim- and broadcast by North Carolina Public don’t know that he has any bound- ed in the upcoming contests. “We are time to lob attacks not only at each Her campaign has been able to Americans,” said Farris Barakat. “We’re Radio. aries at all. His bigotry, his bluster, his totally focused on this primary right other but Clinton. “He’s the leading use the lull to build up its operation, not scary. We’re not ‘the other.’ And I “Although in some ways I do stand bullying have become his campaign.” now,” said campaign manager Robby Republican candidate but he’s not organize key states, promote celebrity think people should see that.” The fami- out, such as the hijab I wear on my head, Though Clinton leads Sanders in Mook. In recent weeks, however, really all that different from the other endorsements and roll out foreign lies see the charitable projects as a con- the head covering, there’s still so many national polls by more than 20 points, Clinton has spent far more time Republican candidates,” said Clinton policy initiatives and positions on tinuation of volunteer work the three ways I feel so embedded in the fabric that the numbers are much tighter in Iowa attacking Trump and her would-be campaign chairman John Podesta. infrastructure, manufacturing and tax- victims were passionate about. It’s work is our culture. ... There are so many people and New Hampshire, where Sanders Republican rivals than Sanders, “He heats things up more and that’s es. She’s done a number of interviews that’s needed all the more, the grieving from so many different places, of different has an edge. The Sanders campaign demonstrating a growing confidence not only outrageous but it’s danger- on late night and afternoon talk relatives say, since terror attacks in the backgrounds and religions. But here believes victories in those two states in her primary standing and increased ous.” shows designed to show her softer would undercut Clinton’s strength focus on the general election. But even as Clinton and her party side, including a well-received cameo US and Europe have ratcheted up anti- we’re all one - one culture,” she said. Hicks, and send him into the next contests - publicly slam Trump, they’re quietly on “Saturday Night Live.” “We’re the Muslim rhetoric, including calls to turn the defendant, had been brazen in in Southern and Western states where Political conversation grappling with the question of how to sideshow,” said Paul Maslin, a away Syrian refugees. Facebook rants about his disdain for he’s polling lower- with a boost of Democratic leaders believe that target the GOP front-runner without Democratic pollster unaffiliated with “There’s this concept in Islam called a Islam, Judaism and Christianity. His attor- momentum. reminding their voters of whom they discounting the feeling of insecurity either campaign. “This is the opportu- continuous charity,” Farris Barakat said. neys didn’t return messages seeking “You will take that momentum may be up against in November helps he’s tapped into in the electorate. nity to start to lay the groundwork for “The idea is that your good deeds don’t comment. —AP coming out of the states, people will motivate their party in a primary that Between attacks on what she calls his a general election message.” —AP

Declaration by Raul Castro on the anniversary of the announcements of relations between Cuba and US

ne year has gone by since the simultaneous ages and hardships to our people and is the main announcements made on December 17, 2014, obstacle to the development of the Cuban economy, Oby the presidents of Cuba and the United have been tightened. States to re-establish diplomatic relations between The steps taken so far by President Obama, both countries and work to improve our relations. although positive, have proved to be limited in scope, One year ago, on a day like yesterday, as part of the which has prevented their implementation. By using agreements reached to find a solution to issues of his executive prerogatives, the President could expand interest for both countries, we were able to announce, the scope of the steps that have already been taken to the great joy of all of our people, the return to our and take new steps that would substantially modify homeland of Gerardo, RamÛn and Antonio, with the implementation of the blockade. which we made true the promise made by Fidel who Despite Cuba’s repeated claim for the return of the had asserted that our Five Heroes would return. territory illegally occupied by the Guant·namo Naval On that same date, in accordance with our reiterat- Base, the Government of the United States has stated ed disposition to hold a respectful dialogue with the that is has no intention to change the status of that Government of the United States, on the basis of sov- enclave. The US Government is still implementing pro- ereign equality, to discuss a wide variety of issues in a grams that are harmful to Cuba’s sovereignty, such as reciprocal way, without any detriment to our people’s the projects aimed at bringing about changes in our national independence and self-determination, we political, economic and social order and the illegal agreed to take mutual steps to improve the bilateral radio and television broadcasts, for which they contin- atmosphere and move on towards the normalization ue to allocate millions of dollars in funds. of relations between the two countries. A preferential migration policy continues to be It could be said that, since then, we have achieved applied to Cuban citizens, which is evidenced by the some results, particularly in the political, diplomatic enforcement of the wet foot/dry foot policy, the and cooperation spheres: Medical Professional Parole Program and the Cuban 1. Diplomatic relations were re-established and the Adjustment Act, which encourage an illegal, unsafe, embassies in both countries were re-opened. These disorderly and irregular migration, foment human actions were preceded by the rectification of the smuggling and other related crimes and create prob- unjust designation of Cuba as a State sponsor of ter- lems to other countries. rorism. The Government of Cuba will continue to reiterate 2. High level meetings and visits have taken place. that, in order to normalize relations, it is imperative for 3. The already existing cooperation in areas of the US Government to derogate all these policies that mutual interest, such as aviation safety and security as date from the past, which affect the Cuban people and well as the combat against drug-trafficking, illegal nation and are not in tune with the present bilateral migration, alien smuggling and migration fraud has context and the will expressed by both countries to been expanded. The regular and respectful meetings re-establish diplomatic relations and develop respect- between the military commands of Cuba and the ful and cooperative relations between both peoples United States in the perimeter of the US Naval Base in and governments. Guant·namo have continued. No one should expect that, in order to normalize 4. New possibilities for bilateral cooperation have relations with the United States, Cuba will renounce opened up in areas of mutual benefit, such as environ- the principles and ideals for which several generations mental protection, law enforcement, maritime and of Cubans have struggled throughout more than half a port security and health. century. The right of every State to choose the eco- 5. New dialogues have been initiated on bilateral nomic, political and social system it wishes, without and multilateral topics of interest, such as climate any interference whatsoever, should be respected. change, mutual compensations, traffic in persons and The Government of Cuba is fully willing to continue human rights, this latter being the one on which we advancing in the construction of a kind of relation have profound differences and about which we are with the United States that is different from the one having an exchange on the basis of respect and reci- that has existed throughout its prior history, that is procity. based on mutual respect for sovereignty and inde- 6. We have signed agreements on environmental pendence, that is beneficial to both countries and protection and the re-establishment of direct postal peoples and that is nurtured by the historical, cultural services. and family links that have existed between Cubans All of this has been achieved through a professional and Americans. and respectful dialogue based on equality and reci- Cuba, in fully exercising its sovereignty and with procity. Quite on the contrary, this year we have not the majority support of its people, will continue to be made any progress in the solution of those issues engaged in the process of transformations to update which are essential for Cuba to be able to have normal its economic and social model, in the interest of mov- relations with the United States. ing forward in the development of the country, Although President Obama has repeatedly stated improving the wellbeing of the people and consoli- his opposition to the economic, commercial and finan- dating the achievements attained by the Socialist cial blockade and has urged Congress to lift it, this Revolution. policy remains in force. The persecution of Cuba’s Thank you. legitimate financial transactions as well as the extra- With the compliments of the Embassy of the Republic territorial impact of the blockade, which causes dam- of Cuba in Kuwait INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 Burundi rebels announce force to oust president

NAIROBI: Burundi’s rebels came together yesterday paved the way to the end of the 1993-2006 civil war part fleeing. Hundreds of people have been killed in week, Uganda’s Defense Minister Crispus Kiyonga for the first time as a force aimed at ousting but which they say Nkurunziza has violated by his months of street protests in Burundi, which have said. But those talks will also involve the key opposi- President Pierre Nkurunziza, after months of blood- third term in power. devolved into frequent armed attacks with gunfire tion coalition, Cnared. shed in the troubled central African country. The The rebels have called themselves the disrupting the nights and dead bodies appearing Burundi’s government has so far refused to hold formation of the insurgents comes amid mounting Republican Forces of Burundi, or “Forebu” from its on city streets almost every day. While there have talks with Cnared, branding it a “terrorist organiza- regional pressure on the government to accept name in French, Les Forces Republicaines du been near daily gun battles in the capital, attacks tion” and accusing it of being behind attacks on African Union peacekeepers it calls an “invasion Burundi, said Edward Nshimirimana, a former army are now taking place in other parts of the country security forces. Rwandan President Paul Kagame force”. The 54-member AU said last week it would colonel turned rebel. “Our goal is to drive out too, but until now the rebel force had no name. warned that the violence in the neighboring nation send a 5,000-strong force to halt violence that has Nkurunziza by force to restore the Arusha accord The formation of Forebu is significant, as had the “potential to spill over” to his country. But sparked fears Burundi is sliding back towards civil and democracy,” Nshimirimana told AFP by tele- Bujumbura’s government has dismissed talk of he said he would not send troops to join the African war, and has pledged to send troops despite the phone. Nkurunziza, an ex-rebel and born-again rebellion, instead rather blaming attacks on “armed Union force being sent to Burundi. government’s fierce opposition. Pushing for Christian who believes he has divine backing to criminals” or insurgents. Kagame also dismissed allegations leveled by Burundi’s acceptance of the AU force will be a key rule, won a third term in office in July. Burundi plunged into civil war on ethnic lines Burundian officials and aid groups that Rwanda is part of talks in Uganda on December 28, regional between majority Hutus and minority Tutsis in recruiting and arming refugees as rebel fighters. “I diplomats said. Rwanda denies backing rebels 1993, at a cost of an estimated 300,000 lives by the haven’t even seen the tiniest evidence of that so it The rebels have formed a force “to protect the A coup attempt in May was crushed after two end of the conflict in 2006. Ugandan President becomes a lot of politicking,” Kagame said, calling population” and uphold the Arusha Agreement that days, with many of the soldiers and police who took Yoweri Museveni will host the latest talks next the accusations “childish”. — AFP Spain PM to meet Socialist leader to discuss new govt Four main groupings with significant clout

MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy held talks yesterday with the Socialist leader on forming a new government following inconclu- sive elections, just days after calling him a “mis- erable wretch”. It will be their first meeting since Sunday’s general election which saw Rajoy’s conservative Popular Party (PP) win 123 seats but lose its absolute majority in the 350-seat parliament. The opposition Socialists (PSOE) won 90 seats, followed by the far-left Podemos with 69 DUNKERQUE, France: Children of Kurdish migrants gather outside a tent at the seats and the centre-right Ciudadanos with 40. Grande Synthe migrant camp. — AFP The outcome means parliament will be made up of four main groupings with significant clout, Father of drowned toddler putting an end to Spain’s traditional two-party system of the PP and the Socialists and raising the prospect of weeks of political uncertainty in asks world to open its doors the Euro-zone’s fourth largest economy. Rajoy needs both the Socialists and LONDON: The father of toddler Aylan you all to think about the pain of fathers, Ciudadanos to abstain in a parliamentary vote Kurdi, whose lifeless body on a Turkish mothers and children who are seeking on a new government in order to govern in a beach became a symbol of the refugee cri- peace and security,” says Kurdi who now minority. Ciudadanos has already said it will sis, has made a Christmas appeal to the lives in Erbil in Iraq. “We ask just for a little abstain. The meeting will serve to “see if the world to open its doors to Syrians fleeing bit of sympathy from you.” PSOE is ready to reach agreements and a con- conflict. The message, to be broadcast by sensus on certain issues” or if it choses “intransi- Britain’s Channel 4 on Christmas Day, Thousands perished gence”, the spokesman for the PP in the lower MADRID: Spanish caretaker Prime Minister and Popular Party (PP) leader Mariano Rajoy (left) comes after the UN refugee agency said The UNHCR said that of the million who house of parliament, Rafael Hernando, said in a shakes hands with the leader of Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) Pedro Sanchez at La Moncloa that more than one million migrants and reached Europe in 2015, about half were radio interview. palace. — AFP refugees reached Europe this year. Syrians fleeing the country’s brutal civil He denied a front page report in top-selling with Podemos and smaller nationalist parties. order to take office or else fresh elections will be They included over 970,000 who made war. “The number of people displaced by daily newspaper El Pais, which is close to the held. The Socialists could be accused of destabi- the dangerous journey across the war and conflict is the highest seen in Socialists, which said Rajoy was ready to offer Fresh elections lizing Spain if they are blamed for causing new Mediterranean. Three-year-old Aylan died Western and Central Europe since the the Socialists the presidency of the assembly. Podemos is the only national party to back an elections, while joining forces with Podemos car- in September after his family, sheltering in 1990s,” it said, referring to conflicts in the “That is not on the table,” he said when asked independence referendum in the wealthy north- ries the risk that they will be swallowed up by Turkey from the war in Syria, decided to former Yugoslavia. about the report. Talks between Rajoy and eastern region of Catalonia and it ran in a coali- the fast-growing party. Allowing the PP to stay in make a desperate bid to reach Greece in a In a sign that the crisis shows no sign of Sanchez will likely be tense after a highly acri- tion with nationalist platforms in Catalonia, power by abstaining could alienate left-wing flimsy inflatable boat. Shocking images of abating, at least 10 migrants including five monious election campaign. Valencia on the Mediterranean coast and the supporters angered by austerity measures intro- the toddler washed up and face down on children died yesterday when their boat During the only TV debate between the two northwestern region of Galicia. duced by the PP. the shore helped spur European nations to sank near the Greek Aegean island of leaders last week, Sanchez accused Rajoy of not “Podemos has excluded itself from the “I think the PSOE will end up allowing the PP seek an effective response to the growing Farmakonissi, the national ANA news being a “decent person”. The normally calm Rajoy defense of the unity of Spain,” Rivera said. to govern to avoid fresh elections which would migrant crisis. agency said. Another 13 people were res- responded with his own insult, calling Sanchez a Podemos’s number two Inigo Errejon defended see the PP boost its score as it would recoup “My message is I’d like the whole world cued and two more are feared missing, the “miserable wretch”. Just before their talks the party’s support for a referendum in votes lost to Ciudadanos and to those who to open its doors to Syrians. If a person agency said. And on Tuesday, the Italian Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera called for nego- Catalonia, saying in a TV interview that it is “a abstained,” said political analyst Nacho Martin shuts a door in someone’s face, this is very coastguard said that nearly 800 people had tiations to form a pact with the PP and the PSOE proposal for Catalonia to remain in Spain”. After Blanco. Forming a government with the PP is difficult,” Abdullah Kurdi says in the video been pulled to safety in the Mediterranean to enable a stable government. holding talks with the leaders of each party that highly unlikely as it could see the Socialists suf- message. “When a door is opened they no as they attempted the crossing, and one He said the Socialists should be “responsible” has won seats in parliament, King Felipe VI, the fer the same fate as its Greek counterpart Pasok, longer feel humiliated,” he adds, according body recovered. and allow the PP to govern in a minority to avoid head of state, will nominate a prime minister- which saw its support plunge after it joined a to a transcript released by Channel 4. Greece was by far the leading landing early elections and he warned it would be a mis- most likely Rajoy. The nominated leader must coalition led by the conservative New Aylan’s mother Rihana and brother spot for migrants to Europe this year, with take for the party to try to form a government then win a vote of confidence in parliament in Democracy in 2012. — AFP Ghaleb, 4, died in the same accident and 821,008 arrivals including 816,752 by sea, were buried in the Syrian town of Kobane the International Organization for Migration in September, days after the tragedy. said this week. A total of 3,692 migrants died Abdullah Kurdi had been trying to escape or disappeared crossing the Mediterranean Homeless ‘Michelin guide’ along with his family and up to three other this year, it added. EU leaders have set an Syrians from the flashpoint town, which end-of-June deadline to agree on a new bor- was last year the site of a months-long bat- der and coastguard force to slow the influx tle between Kurdish militias and jihadists. of migrants across the 28-nation bloc’s Hits the streets of Rome “At this time of year I would like to ask porous external frontier. —AFP ROME: It’s a guidebook with nothing about the About 2,500 sleep outdoors and thousands of a shave or a haircut. The number of places to eternal city’s ancient monuments or famed others in precarious shelters such as abandoned wash has increased in recent years in Rome after restaurants and it can’t be found in any book- buildings. Marco Impagliazzo, head of the world- the homeless themselves told charity workers store. Its target audience is those who can’t buy wide group of non-clerics, said a growing num- that was what they were lacking most. Pope even a used paperback - the homeless. The 250- ber were Italian men in their mid-30s who were Francis ordered showers for the homeless to be page pocket book, called “Rome - where to eat, separated or divorced and had none of the fami- opened just off St. Peter’s Square this year. The sleep and have a wash,” has been dubbed the ly safety nets that traditionally protected Italians guide, now in its 26th edition, includes a pull- “Michelin guide for the destitute”. The new edi- in the past. Italy’s economy is emerging only out waterproof map with simple drawings - such tion was presented on Tuesday to draw atten- slowly from a three-year recession and unem- as a sandwich for food points - and public trans- tion to the homeless during the Christmas sea- ployment remains close to record highs, with vir- port routes to get to them. Sant’ Egidio, which son. The Sant’ Egidio Community, a Catholic tually no jobs growth this year among those has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize charity that distributes the guide, estimates that under the age of 35. for its conflict resolution work and AIDS pro- there are about 8,000 homeless people in Rome. The guide includes addresses of medical serv- grams in Africa, plans to distribute 13,000 copies Many are foreigners but a growing number are ices, 40 sidewalk soup kitchens, 40 indoor eater- directly to the homeless and to volunteers who Italians. ies, 45 places to sleep and 17 places to wash, get help them. — Reuters Czech PM’s Twitter Russia issues warrant hacked with anti-immigrant posts for foe Khodorkovsky MOSCOW: Russia said yesterday it had dren. “And what’s most important it will be PRAGUE: Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka’s issued an international arrest warrant for safe for the public,” he said. LYON: In this June 28, 2015 file photo, the suspect in the beheading of a business- Twitter account fell prey yesterday to hackers who top opposition leader Mikhail His spokeswoman Kulle Pispanen dis- man, Yassine Salhi, a towel over his head to mask his face, is led by police officers as swamped it with violently anti-immigrant messages. Khodorkovsky, as Moscow ramped up the missed the announcement as political they leave his home in Saint-Priest. — AP “Refugees are an invasion army! The few women among pressure on a leading critic of President pressure and said it would not affect the them are nothing but the mothers of future terrorists. Vladimir Putin. former head of bankrupt oil giant Yukos. Frenchman who decapitated Guillotine all who help them!” said one of about a dozen The announcement from the “Mikhail Borisovich will by no means limit messages posted both in English and Czech. Investigative Committee, a top law his movements because of the hysterical boss commits suicide in jail Sobotka’s spokesman Martin Ayrer told AFP the gov- enforcement body which reports directly actions of the Kremlin ghouls,” Pispanen ernment was taking steps to stop the attacks on the to Putin, came nearly two years to the day told AFP, referring to the former business account. “We don’t know who might be behind the since the Kremlin strongman stunned magnate by his first name and patronymic. PARIS: A Frenchman who killed his boss and three was born in the eastern French town of attack but looking at the messages it’s obvious that it’s pinned his severed head to a fence at an indus- Pontarlier, near the border with Switzerland, to a Russia by announcing that his political Khodorkovsky’s lawyer Vadim some neo-Nazis,” he added. “If my Twitter account is enemy, who had spent a decade in prison, Klyuvgant said it was up to foreign coun- trial gas factory has committed suicide in his jail father of Algerian origin and a mother with a attacked by neo-Nazis, I take it as evidence that I’m would be pardoned and set free. tries to decide whether to comply with the cell, prison authorities said yesterday. Yassin Moroccan background. Salhi caught the atten- doing my job well. I wish a happy Christmas to all people Khodorkovsky’s supporters say the new warrant. Salhi, 35, hanged himself from the bars of his tion of intelligence authorities in 2005 and 2006 of good will who reject spreading hatred, prefer humani- cell using electrical cable on Tuesday night, because he was socializing with a group of peo- move is aimed at silencing Putin’s exiled Speaking on Echo of Moscow radio, he ty and support democracy,” Sobotka himself said on according to authorities at Fleury-Merogis ple associated with radical Islam, a source close foe. Investigators earlier this month called the arrest warrant announcement prison, in the southern suburbs of Paris. to the case told AFP in June. Intelligence servic- Facebook. The Czech Republic has rejected the EU’s system of charged the former oil tycoon in absentia “another bout of fraudulent activities”. The deliveryman carried out the grisly attack es investigated him for a few years thereafter, with organizing the 1998 murder of a may- Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted on employer Herve Cornara in Isere, southeast- but did not renew their inquiry in 2008. quotas for distributing refugees across the bloc to try to tackle the massive influx of people fleeing conflict, per- or in Siberia. Khodorkovsky, 52, was also that there was no contradiction between ern France in June, displaying his boss’s head He popped up again on the intelligence charged with the attempted murders of the president’s move to pardon the ex- outside the plant surrounded by Islamic flags. services’ radar in 2013 because he was associat- secution and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. Sobotka has however shown a friendly face towards two other people. Investigative Committee tycoon and the arrest warrant. After sending pictures of the scene to a friend ing with people suspected of links to radical spokesman Vladimir Markin said in a state- On Tuesday, investigators raided the who had left to join the jihad in Syria, he tried to Islam. At the time he wore a beard and a tradi- migrants, unlike rival President Milos Zeman, who said that jihadists used the migrant wave as a way to slip into ment that an international arrest warrant apartments of employees of blow up the facility by driving his van into gas tional North African robe called a djellaba. had been issued for the Kremlin critic, who Khodorkovsky’s Moscow-based Open canisters, but was arrested and remanded in France is on high alert after a state of emer- the EU. One of the messages on the prime minister’s lives abroad and spends much of his time Russia group, set up to help nurture civil custody. Salhi had been placed in solitary con- gency was declared in the wake of last month’s Twitter account called for a “white revolution”. finement but was not considered a suicide risk. Paris attacks, when a group of Islamic extremists “Democratic elites are devastating Europe. There is no in London. society in the country, as well as its offices. Prison authorities had previously said he killed 130 people. A jihadist plot was foiled last other option but to raise arms, build a guillotine and take “They’ve gone mad,” Khodorkovsky shot The searches appeared tied to a 2003 case hanged himself using bed sheets. He had week in the French region of Orleans, southwest the law into our hands,” said another. Few asylum seekers back in a statement released by his opposi- which led to the criminal prosecution of always disavowed any religious motive for his of Paris, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve have chosen to stay in the Czech Republic so far, with a tion group Open Russia. He said an order one of Russia’s most powerful oligarchs crime, saying it was a personal dispute with his said Tuesday, as the government prepared con- majority heading to wealthier Germany and other west- to have him arrested in absentia compared and the dismemberment of his Yukos oil boss, but prosecutors were pressing charges of stitutional changes to enshrine emergency ern EU states. — AFP favorably to a new law that would allow company which have become defining Islamic-related terrorism. The married father-of- police powers. — AFP Russian police to fire at women and chil- events in Putin’s presidency. — AFP ThURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Afghan forces battle to halt Taleban in Helmand LASHKAR GAH: Afghan forces yesterday conference in Kabul, adding that rein- shopping they get killed,” said shopkeep- joined other NATO advisers in helmand to said in a statement On Sunday, the battled Taleban fighters who overran the forcements had arrived in the province to er Musa Khan, in Marjah district, near the help Afghan forces who have struggled to province’s deputy governor issued a high- district of Sangin in the southern province relieve troops in Sangin. provincial capital Lashkar Gah. The crisis contain the insurgency since foreign ly unusual public plea via Facebook, of helmand this week after reinforce- Provincial police chief Abdul Rahman in helmand has piled pressure on the troops withdrew from combat operations warning that helmand would fall unless ments and NATO military advisers were Sarjang said the situation had improved government of President Ashraf Ghani, last year. NATO officials say the troops immediate action were taken and urging rushed in to try to stop another district since the beginning of the week but following the fall of the northern city of sent to helmand are not taking a direct Ghani, who visited Azerbaijan on Tuesday, falling into insurgent hands. heavy fighting was continuing. Although Kunduz in September, which Taleban part in combat and they have not con- to come to the province to see for himself. Acting Defense Minister Masoom much attention has been focused on fighters seized and held for several days. firmed reports that special forces were But it is not the only province where Stanekzai said fighting was going on in Sangin, fierce fighting has been under- Government forces have complained bit- among the advisers. The Taleban said the the Taleban have made gains. Yesterday, a Sangin where government forces had way across much of helmand, a tradition- terly about being left without adequate reinforcements showed the government’s spokesman said insurgents had captured been surrounded by insurgents who con- al stronghold of the Taleban and a major supplies and reinforcements as well as desperation. the district of Gulistan in Farah, a remote trolled most of the district including roads centre for opium that US and British with none of the air power that backed “The Kabul administration cannot pro- western province that, like helmand, is a needed for reinforcements and supplies. troops fought for years to control. up NATO forces when they fought in the tect themselves without foreigners and major centre of opium cultivation. “The military is in position and the opera- “There is fighting here every day and region. the nation does not accept that,” Qari however, district governor Asif Nang tion is ongoing,” Stanekzai told a news whenever people come to the bazaar for Military advisers from Britain have Yousuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for Taleban, rejected the claim as “baseless”. —Reuters Malaysia’s Islamic airline takes off with a prayer Islamic conditions adopted to avoid retribution

KUALA LUMPUR: The short domes- No boundaries modest and alcohol-free environ- tant for me because first of all, I am a tic flight from Kuala Lumpur, Ironically, the people who ment will feel right at home.” Muslim, and second, Malaysia is an Malaysia’s biggest city, begins with a answered the call of conservative On a 55-minute flight Tuesday Islamic country,” said Che Masnita recital of Prophet Muhammad’s Islam and started Rayani Air are (delayed by two hours) from Kuala Atikah, a 23-year-old student. “It’s (PBUh) supplication before his travel. hindus, perhaps an indication that a Lumpur to the northeastern city of quite important to have this kind of The passengers - most of them business opportunity knows no reli- Kota Baru, more than 100 passen- airline to represent Malaysia and its Muslims - cup their hands, as a crew gious boundary. The founders of the gers were greeted by Muslim image as an Islamic country.” Rayani member murmurs a short prayer airline, which currently flies to three female flight attendants wearing Air is the fourth Islamic airline in the over the loudspeaker just before domestic destinations using two black headscarves, long pants and world after Royal Brunei Airlines, takeoff. Boeing 737s, are Ravi Alagendrran lime-green jackets. A prayer was Saudi Arabian Airlines and Iran Air. Malaysia’s Rayani Air took to the skies over the weekend with ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani vendor sells Christmas placards on the outskirts of a clear bailiwick. It is the coun- Islamabad. —AFP try’s first Islamic airline, offering flights that adhere to Islamic Pakistan minorities live in fear rules, including prayers, no serv- ing of alcohol or meals with after blasphemy mob killings pork, and a strict dress code for Muslim female flight attendants. KOT RADHA KISHAN: Four-year-old Aliya’s rumor and encouraging the mob to attack The idea for Rayani Air grew life collapsed last year when her illiterate the couple. Pakistan inherited its blasphemy out of much-publicized com- Christian parents were falsely accused of law from former colonial power Britain, plaints by conservative Muslims tossing out pages of the Quran in their rub- which devised the code to ensure commu- who believed that two major air bish, and then lynched and burnt on a brick nal harmony in the then undivided India. disasters for the national kiln by an angry mob. New sections were introduced in the Malaysia Airlines - Flight 370 that The mob killing of Shama Bibi and 1980s under military ruler General Zia-ul- went missing in March 2014 and Shahzad Masih triggered outrage in haq, which elevated Islam above all other Flight 17 downed a few months Pakistan, where desecration of Islam’s holy religions and introduced the death penalty later over Ukraine - were caused book is legally punishable by death and as part of his broader Islamisation agenda. by Allah’s wrath. Their solution: even unproven allegations of blasphemy Critics say the law, often misused by people Airlines must adopt strict Islamic often lead to bloody killings at the hands of carrying out personal vendettas, is feeding customs to avoid divine retribu- vigilantes. violence particularly against minorities. tion. After the ordeal on November 4, 2014, “Such legislation can cause hatred, preju- The reaction to the disasters, Aliya, which is not her real name, left the dice, and within that prejudice, may cause and the creation of the airline dusty brick factory where even as a toddler violence,” says human rights activist hina that operated its inaugural flight she had worked with her family as bonded Jilani. Though Pakistan has never executed a on Sunday, is an example of ris- laborers. Five other Christian families also blasphemy convict, more than 50 people ing hard-line Islamic values in fled. accused of the crime have been killed Malaysia, where Muslims Now she comes home from school every before their trials were completed and 17 account for about 60 percent of day, wearing her backpack and new shoes, are currently languishing on the charge on the country’s 30 million people. to the lower-class area of Lahore where she death row. “We are answering the call of KELANTAN: In this Dec 22, 2015, photo, a Rayani Air flight crew checks the luggage compart- lives with her maternal grandfather, elder many Malaysians who wanted an ment before departure at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. —AFP brother and sister. The children play cricket ‘Fear always present’ Islamic airline,” Rayani’s manag- on the roof terrace of the tiny, two-room What happened to the couple, though it ing director, Jaafar Zamhari, told and his wife, Karthiyani Govindan. recited before takeoff and passen- Jaafar said that male and female concrete house, with a view of a dusty track sent shock and anger through the country, The Associated Press. “We are not They used parts of their first names gers were served halal food, where passengers are not segregated, and lined with small rivers of sewage. But their is far from unique. At least seven other peo- talking about being a holy airline for the airline’s name. Alagendrran animals are slaughtered according that there is no dress code for travel- hearts are not in their new lives, built far ple were murdered by vigilantes last year or flying to holy destinations. We or his wife couldn’t be immediately to Islamic procedures. ers. “Even if they come in shorts, away from the factory-even as Christmas after being accused of supporting or com- just want to provide an alterna- reached for comments, but in At least one passenger said she they are most welcome,” he said. approaches. “The children often cry for their mitting blasphemy, though none this year. tive to travelers, but we are open remarks to local media, he had said chose the airline because of its “We respect the differences among parents,” sighs their grandfather, who AFP is In the case of the Christian couple it to all races and religions.” that “anyone wishing to travel in a Islamic credentials.” It’s quite impor- us.” —AP not naming, saying that even a year on the emerged after the brutal killing the allega- family does not feel safe. tions were unfounded, as often happens. Shahzad’s father, a faith healer who used Unfounded allegations pages with inscriptions in many languages Their sense of insecurity persists even for his work, had died shortly before the inci- Facebook India though authorities have taken unusually dent. The family was burning documents strong measures to protect people like that belonged to him. In the red mud fields row over Internet Shama and Shahzad, who were eventually where the couple worked for 20 years under found to be falsely accused. The police have the towering chimney of the brick kiln, they access for poor traditionally been reluctant to clamp down are remembered by the ragged, poverty- on those who take part in mob violence for stricken wretches who labored alongside NEW DELHI: Facebook went on the offensive yester- fear of enraging Islamists in this conserva- them as “good people”. day in an escalating row with Indian authorities over tive Muslim country of 200 million. “They were workers like us, our brothers. a controversial initiative which the social network But with the country’s top leadership What happened to them is unfair and we are says is aimed at widening online access in the devel- seemingly more determined to tackle reli- sad,” said Rasheed Muhammad, one of their oping world. gious extremism in the wake of a Taliban Muslim colleagues. Shahzad’s elder brother The social media giant took out billboards and full- school massacre last year that left more than Iqbal, who also worked at the factory, said page newspaper adverts and sent SMSs to defend its 150 dead, matters could be slowly changing. he still fears for his life, and police have to Free Basics service, which offers people without the Pakistani courts appear to have shifted to a escort him to his court appearances. “They Internet free access to a handful of websites through more moderate stance on blasphemy could take us too,” he said. mobile phones. Free Basics is “at risk of being banned” recently, warning against false accusations Riaz Anjum, the family’s Christian lawyer, in India, Facebook said in the adverts, adding that the and bailing one accused after she had lan- says he is “100 percent sure that they will get service aims to help a billion unconnected Indians- guished in jail for three years. justice”, and the killers will be held to mostly living in poor rural areas-to get online. In the Christian couple’s case, more than account, despite the slow pace of the legal It follows fierce criticism from net neutrality 100 people are still in jail-including the fac- process. But real change, he said, would only activists who say it violates the principle that the tory owner, who has been accused of lock- come when the law is amended-a cause whole Internet should be available to all, unrestricted ing them up when they tried to flee as the which Pakistan’s government has not by any one company. Earlier this month the Telecom blasphemy allegations gathered steam pushed for since 2011, when two political Regulatory Authority of India ordered Reliance because he thought they would default on leaders who spoke out against the legisla- Communications, the sole mobile operator for the their debt to him. Five other factory execu- tion were killed. Until such time, he sighs, service, to suspend it temporarily without giving a BEIJING: A man wearing a face mask stands in front of a mall. — AFP tives are also imprisoned, as well as two “blasphemy remains a sword over our reason, documents seen by AFP show. Muslim clerics accused of spreading the heads.” —AFP “This campaign gives people the opportunity to support digital equality in India,” Facebook said in a statement on its Save Free Basics campaign. “We are Chinese city’s purple haze committed to Free Basics and to working with Rights groups rap India on Reliance and the relevant authorities to help people blows the country’s mind in India get connected.” Some 3.2 million people harsher terms for minors have petitioned India’s telecoms regulator not to ban BEIJING: Nanjing’s purple haze has put a Beijing declared its first maximum red Free Basics, formerly named Internet.org, which NEW DELHI: Rights groups yesterday International India, in a statement. “But the spell on Chinese social media as much of pollution alert this month, after a thick haze launched nationwide last month after being trialed in denounced India’s new legislation allowing solution is not to change the law. It is to bet- the country suffers its latest bout of chok- rolled into the capital, blocking the sun and several states, Facebook said. tougher punishments for juveniles, which ter enforce it.” Under the existing law, those ing smog. Buildings in the city loomed effectively turning day into night. Nanjing’s The Silicon Valley giant has asked supporters to was sparked by a public outcry over the below 18 can be sentenced to a maximum of large against a violet sky in pictures that cir- purple haze, reminiscent of the Jimi leave a missed call at a designated number that auto- release of a young man involved in a deadly three years in a reform home. culated on Weibo, a Chinese version of hendrix classic song, had social media users matically sends a message to the regulator in support gang-rape. Lawmakers Tuesday passed a bill Save the Children accused lawmakers of Twitter, and were even tweeted by the offi- worried at the implications of the psyche- of the service. Several prominent Indian entrepre- allowing minors aged 16-18 to be sentenced passing the new bill “in haste under public cial Xinhua news agency. delic sunset. neurs and members of the tech community have also to at least seven years if convicted of “heinous pressure and without due diligence”. “Justice spoken out against Free Basics, arguing that even for The tint seemed to be the result of a par- “This is comparable to the London crimes” including rape, murder and acid cannot be confused with revenge especially ticularly colorful sunset refracted by the smog during the industrial revolution”, attacks. however, they will not face life after the (2012) rape case. Making ad-hoc poor citizens, no Internet is better than a hand-picked and corporate-controlled web offering. cloud of pollution that settled over the city said one commentator on Sina Weibo, imprisonment or the death penalty. amendments using a trial and error method earlier this week, experts said in online referring to toxic clouds the covered the The move came days after the release will only make the situation worse,” said “Oh my fellow Indians, either choose this & do a jihaad for independent Internet later or pick comments. Counts of PM2.5 — harmful UK capital in the early 1950s. “We have to after three years of the youngest convict in Bidisha Pillai, a campaign director for the microscopic particles that penetrate deep ask why this is happening! Why?!!!” “When I the fatal gang-rape of a medical student on group’s India branch. #NetNeutrality today,” tweeted Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of PAYTM, an e-commerce site. India is a into the lungs-peaked at 370 micrograms think about how future children might live board a bus in December 2012. The release The amended bill, which will become law per cubic meter yesterday, according to under ‘gray’ skies, unable to even see the triggered widespread calls led by the victims’ after the president ratifies it, proposes a two- key territory for Facebook with 130 million users, official data from Jiangsu province. stars, my mood also becomes gray”, said parents for amendments to an existing law stage process that will first categorize crimes making it the social network’s biggest market outside which critics said was too weak. Amnesty committed by juveniles as petty, serious or the United States. “It goes about a modern twist to The World health Organization’s recom- another user. Others, however, considered termed the legislative changes “regressive heinous. A minor accused of “heinous” crimes what essentially used to be the white man’s burden- mended maximum exposure is 25 over a the city’s colorful smog to be a gas. “Let’s and disappointing”. would then be examined by a board of psy- that India’s poor need Facebook’s FreeBasics to free 24-hour period. The purple pictures left go to Nanjing and inhale that haze”, said “Children do sometimes commit crimes as chologists and social behavior experts, who them,” Amod Malviya, the former chief technology many seeing red. Chinese anger at pollu- one user in a comment that probably violent as those committed by adults,” said will assess whether the defendant should be officer for Indian shopping website Flipkart, wrote in tion has grown to new levels following a would have been appreciated by the drug- Aakar Patel, executive director of Amnesty tried as a child or an adult.—AFP a blog post. —AFP December that has seen some of the worst loving hendrix. “It’s really high quality”, he smog in years. added. —AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

China’s new counter terrorism bill inspired by US legislation

BEIJING: China studied US legislation to separatist “terrorists” it says are behind Hong Lei told reporters yesterday, ism, a frequent complaint from China revised to restrict the distribution of ter- draft its controversial counterterrorism the violence. reflects lessons Beijing learned from about international reactions to vio- rorism-related information” on social law, it said yesterday, amid concerns in In an attempt to control online com- watching US legislators hammer out their lence by Uighurs, which some analysts media. The third draft since the bill’s Washington that the bill’s provisions may munications that the government says own legislation, bills which include provi- say is an inevitable expression of anger introduction, it also redefines “terrorism” tighten media controls and threaten the have contributed to the violence, drafts sions slammed by rights groups for vio- towards repressive policies by Beijing. to include activities with political and intellectual property of foreign tech of the law have included provisions that lating privacy and shirking due process of Addressing concerns about the legis- ideological motives, the report said. firms. could require tech firms to install “back- law. lation, Hong said it “will not have any The current draft is “quite mature”, it The country’s first anti-terror law doors” in products or turn over encryp- restriction on the lawful activities of said, adding that the standing commit- comes as Beijing wages a controversial tion keys to Beijing, potentially threaten- ‘Double standard’ enterprises. It will not leave backdoors, tee of the rubberstamp National campaign to stamp out ethnic violence ing both freedom of expression and intel- “While formulating our counter ter- and it will not impede freedom of People’s Congress recommended it be linked to the western Xinjiang region and lectual property. rorism law, we learned from the legisla- expression online or the intellectual put forward for approval. The com- works to tighten controls over political The US has expressed repeated con- tures of other countries, including the property rights of enterprises”. ments come a day after Chinese courts dissent online and on the ground. cerns about the bill, with US President US,” he said, adding that some of the The bill’s latest version will forbid handed down a three-year suspended The homeland of the mostly Muslim Barack Obama saying he directly raised bill’s provisions were similar to American individuals from reporting on “details of prison sentence to civil rights lawyer Uighur ethnic minority has been plagued the issue with President Xi Jinping during telecommunications legislation. terrorist activities that might lead to imi- Pu Zhiqiang for posts on his social by unrest in recent years, provoking his September trip to Washington. But Washington’s criticism, Hong said, tation”, the official Xinhua news service media account that “incited ethnic China to launch a police crackdown on the law, foreign ministry spokesman showed a “double standard” on terror- said Monday, adding it was “specifically hatred”. —AFP Survivors found as China pledges landslide probe Probe into nation’s latest industrial disaster

BEIJING: Rescuers scrabbling newspaper in the southern the debris early yesterday died Investigation begins through the debris of a huge Chinese boom town. several hours later, firefighters Anger was growing over the lax three-day-old landslide discov- The 19-year-old had used a said. An additional body was standards and poor enforcement ered a young man alive in the rock to tap on debris to try to recovered Wednesday afternoon, seen to be behind the disaster. “The mud yesterday, as China’s cabinet attract the attention of those the China Youth Daily reported, lack of safety supervision and pas- announced a probe into the looking for signs of life among bringing the confirmed death toll sive attitude in taking precautions nation’s latest industrial disaster. the sea of mud. Images from the to three. has caused the whole nation to Tian Zeming survived for scene showed dozens of firefight- The number of deaths was shake with anger and shocked the almost 72 hours on seeds and ers and police thronging around expected to rise sharply after the world!” user Xizidan wrote in a post that was taken down by authori- ties, but was found on the censor- ship tracking website Weiboscope. SEOUL: South Korean bereaved family members of victims of World War II The mudslide was caused by the hold a press conference in front of the Constitutional Court. —AP improper storage of waste from construction sites, according to the S Korean court refuses to official newspaper of the Ministry of Land and Resources. Soil was ille- review Japan WWII treaty gally piled 100 meters (330 feet) high at an old quarry site and SEOUL: A South Korean court yesterday the South Korean court has no binding pow- turned to mud during rain Sunday refused to review a complaint over a 1965 er over international agreements, Seoul morning, according to the state- treaty between Japan and South Korea that could have been obligated to seek a new run Global Times. The State Council, Tokyo uses to deny compensation for South deal with Tokyo had the court ruled the China’s cabinet, has set up a team Korean victims of World War II-era slavery, a treaty unconstitutional, analysts said. The to investigate the disaster, state boost to recent efforts by the neighbors to decision, however, won’t likely stop lawsuits broadcaster CCTV said yesterday. improve bad ties. by South Koreans seeking compensation Seoul’s Constitutional Court said the from Japan’s government and businesses. The team will be headed by the accord was never meant to serve as a stan- Differences on Japan’s responsibility over minister of land resources. dard for providing individual compensation. Koreans enslaved before and during World Documents on the website of The court’s decision came in response to a War II, including Korean women forced to Guangming New District, where the complaint filed by a woman who said the provide sex to Japanese soldiers at front-line landslide occurred, show that treaty blocks her right to seek more com- military brothels, have been a major source authorities were aware of problems pensation because of her late father’s of friction between Seoul and Tokyo. During with the storage and had urged wartime slavery. Japan colonized the Korean a November summit in Seoul, South Korean action as early as July. In an Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. President Park Geun-hye and Abe agreed to announcement dated July 10, offi- The 1965 treaty, which was accompanied try to resolve the sex slaves matter. cials said work at the site was not by more than $800 million in economic aid The Japanese government has never being carried out according to and loans from Tokyo to Seoul, came as directly compensated South Korean victims approved plans and ordered the South Korea worked to rebuild an economy of wartime slavery but set up a fund in 1995 SHENZHEN, Guangdong: Rescuers search for survivors at the site where a giant flow of mud and devastated by the 1950-53 Korean War. The to make payments to former military sex Hongao Construction Waste Dump construction waste engulfed buildings in Shenzhen, Guangdong province yesterday. —AFP treaty declared all compensation issues slaves from private donations. Japanese to “speed up” work to bring its opera- between the countries over property, rights leaders have previously apologized over the fruit that had been buried along- a stretcher, apparently bearing so-called “golden period”-the 72- tions into line. The government and interests as “completely and finally” set- former sex slaves, but many South Koreans side him when a tide of earth and the teenager to a waiting ambu- hour window when survival issued a second warning in tled. see the statements and past efforts at pri- rubble from a huge waste dump lance. chances are highest-closed. The September, noting that the dump’s vate compensation as insufficient. crushed more than 30 buildings, He was confirmed to be one of landslide is the latest in a series of permit to receive waste had expired Binding power Critics say Japan didn’t admit to involve- rescuers were quoted as saying. the 76 listed as officially missing fatal accidents in the world’s most and authorities had made it clear Relations between the countries, both ment in the military-run brothels until after “He has a very strong will to sur- after the disaster, the Guangdong populous country, and comes just that dumping should cease. The city democracies and strong US allies, have been the 1965 treaty. South Korean officials have vive,” the emergency team’s province fire department said on months after a massive chemical had “pointed out problems at the bad since the 2012 inauguration of also argued that the treaty covered only leader told the government-run its official microblog. A second blast in the industrial city of site and requested steps to correct Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, whose economic and property claims between the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily man who was also found alive in Tianjin killed almost 200 people. them”, the statement said. —AFP nationalistic stance on Japan’s wartime past countries, not war crimes or human rights has worried and angered Seoul. Although issues. —AP Junta: 99 percent of people are satisfied with our rule

BANGKOK: It’s the kind of poll result you’d see 10 - and that 98.6 percent of them expressed “Thailand’s human rights situation into free fall.” in a North Korean election or Saddam Hussein’s satisfaction with the government. There was no The junta has limited freedom of expression and Iraq: Thailand’s military-ruled government says immediate explanation for the confusion over assembly and curbed dissent by detaining hun- 99 percent of the country’s people are happy the sample size and results. The Southeast Asian dreds of academics, politicians, journalists and with its performance since it took power in a country has been deeply divided along political others viewed as critics. They are sent to military coup last year. The junta has relentlessly pur- lines for a decade, and there is little sign those bases for what it calls “attitude adjustment” and sued critics, jailing them for attempting to stage wounds have healed significantly since army only released after signing a contract not to protests, lighting candles or even hitting the Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha took power from an voice dissent. “like” button on Facebook, yet says the poll elected government in May 2014 following Meanwhile, the junta has launched a cam- released Tuesday shows an astonishing majority months of protests. paign to boost its popularity and “return happi- of Thais are satisfied with its performance. ness” to Thailand. As a New Year’s gift to the peo- Free North Korean The survey conducted by the government- Claims of popularity ple, the junta chief wrote a song that was run National Statistical Organization found that Despite the government’s claims of populari- released Tuesday called, “Because You Are Association in the EU 98.9 percent of respondents were satisfied and ty, Prayuth acknowledged that the divide Thailand.” confident in the government’s performance, said remains in a speech Tuesday summing up his It was Prayuth’s second such morale-boost- government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd. administration’s accomplishments in 2015. “It’s ing effort since seizing power. Shortly after the The President of the Free North Korean permitted to return home, and keep only a He did not disclose the format or margin of error hard to give a speech, to create understanding, coup, he penned the lyrics to a tune called, Association in the EU, Man-Sok Chang, pittance of the money that the state is paid of the survey, but said 2,700 people nationwide hard to send messages to people nationwide “Returning Happiness to the People,” which is along with other campaigners, was lobby- for their labor. ing MEPs and staff members of the Following the adoption by the UN were polled from Nov 27 to Dec 4. However, the because we have differences,” he said. “In the often played on state-controlled radio and TV European Parliament earlier this week, to General Assembly condemning North number of respondents and dates they were past, we haven’t understood one another and it stations. In his speech yesterday, Prayuth indi- draw attention to the exploitation of over- Korea’s Human Rights record, the polled varied depending on the government led to disputes. Now we have to think about cated that the junta was sticking to its latest seas workers, and violations of human Association is calling on the international source. Deputy government spokesman how to move this country forward.” plan to hold elections in mid-2017. “We have rights. community, and the EU in particular, to Werachon Sukondhapatipak said over 7,000 The junta has been criticized for taking one year and six months, if we start counting North Korea sends workers abroad, apply pressure on the NK government to people were polled earlier in December. Thailand, once a beacon of democracy and free- from January 2016 until (July) 2017,” Prayuth including to the EU, the Middle East, Russia, allow the UN into the country to continue The statistics office that conducted the poll dom in Southeast Asia, backward. According to said, adding later, “I don’t want to hold on to and Africa for fixed terms of three and a an open investigation into the situation. - said 3,900 people were surveyed from Nov. 2 to Human Rights Watch, the junta’s rule has sent power.” —AP half years. During this period they are not Courtesy of North Korean Embassy Poe in danger of Philippines presidential fight knockout

MANILA: A leading contender for the campaign. “Seven members of the com- requirement. Poe, who for a time discernment of my case”. “Until the high ner when she announced her candidacy Philippine presidency, Senator Grace mission believed that Senator Poe is not became a naturalized US citizen, tribunal’s final ruling is out, I remain a in September. Poe, could be barred from standing next a natural born citizen,” Commission on returned to the Philippines when her candidate for president of the Filipino However, she lost her outright lead year after the election commission ruled Elections chairman Andres Bautista said, movie star father Fernando Poe Jnr died people,” said Poe, who has also main- amid legal challenges to her candidacy. yesterday she was not a “natural born” adding she has five days to get the seven months after being defeated in tained she has renounced her US citizen- A Social Weather Stations poll of 1,200 Filipino. The neophyte politician, who Supreme Court to stop the commission the May 2004 presidential election. She ship and fulfilled the residency require- registered voters nationwide, also topped the senatorial election in 2013, enforcing Wednesday’s ruling. vowed Wednesday to fight on. “I am a ment. released yesterday, found Poe level-peg- was a foundling with unknown parents Under the constitution, a Philippine Filipino and qualified to offer myself as Bautista said Poe’s name “is in the bal- ging with Vice President Jejomar Binay who was adopted and raised by president must be a “natural born citi- president of our country. lot as we speak”, but would not say if it at 26 percent. President Benigno Philippine movie stars. zen-meaning a Filipino at birth, be able The (commission) cannot change that would be culled if the Supreme Court Aquino’s preferred successor, former She went to study in the United to read and write, be at least 40 years old much less deprive our people of their fails to issue an immediate injunction. interior secretary Manuel Roxas, was in States in the late 1980s and lived there and a resident of the country for 10 years right to choose our next leader,” she said He said the commission has until third place at 22 percent, just ahead of until April 2005, although she briefly before the vote. Bautista said the com- in a statement. She vowed to appeal to January 20 to prepare the final list of Rodrigo Duterte, a southern Philippines returned to the Philippines to help her mission also found Poe, 47, failed to the Supreme Court, urging the magis- candidates to be included in the May 9, mayor with a hardline stance against father in the 2004 presidential election comply with the 10-year residency trates to be “objective and fair in their 2016 ballot. Poe was the clear front-run- crime. —AFP NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

A campaigner for the Hong Kong Vegetarian Society lies on a mock plate as a meat dish on a pavement in Hong Kong yesterday. The campaigners staged the event to urge consumers to leave meat off the menu on the occasion of the festive season. — AFP Saudis commute maid’s Brunei’s sultan bans Christmas Continued from Page 1 “The ban is ridiculous. It projects this image that Islam does not respect the rights of other religions to celebrate stoning death sentence Although Christians are free to celebrate, they have been their faith,” said a Muslim mother in the capital, also too told not to do so “excessively and openly”, in a directive that scared to provide her name. “Islam teaches us to respect one COLOMBO: A Saudi Arabian court has commuted the death- death by stoning sentence was carried out. De Silva said the has had a chilling effect on the Southeast Asian nation, which another and I believe it starts with respecting other religions by-stoning sentence passed on a Sri Lankan maid convicted government did not want to restrict anyone seeking employ- sits on a corner of Borneo island. Businesses have been even if what is being banned are ornamental displays.” Others of adultery, the government in Colombo said yesterday. “We ment abroad. Lawmakers from both the government and the warned to take decorations down and authorities have were more tempered, and urged the prohibition to be have succeeded in getting the death sentence overturned. opposition had united earlier this month in urging Colombo stepped up spot checks across the capital. Hotels popular respected. “It is an Islamic country and so with respect to the Our concern was to make sure that the original sentence was to secure clemency for the woman and a pardon for the man. among Western tourists that once boasted dazzling lights law, churches need to keep decorations indoors,” said a not carried out,” Harsha de Silva, the deputy foreign minister, Neither is said to have had legal representation when their and giant Christmas trees are now barren of festive decor. Christian Bruneian, unfazed by the strict rules. “The meaning told reporters in Sri Lanka’s capital. “The government of Sri case was first taken up and the Sri Lankan authorities were “This will be the saddest Christmas ever for me,” a of Christmas for us isn’t all about Christmas decorations.” Lanka wishes to acknowledge and appreciate the good alerted to the case only after the sentence was announced. Malaysian expatriate resident told AFP, requesting not to be However, the prohibition does not extend to the business offices of the Saudi authorities,” De Silva said. “The sympathy, Foreign employment minister Thalatha Athukorala said named for fear of reprisals from authorities. “The best part of interests of the sultan, whose estimated $20 billion fortune understanding and the concern expressed, and assistance many Sri Lankans employed in Gulf states got into trouble as Christmas day is waking up and having that feeling that it is includes the historic Beverly Hills Hotel - part of his extended, by many other parties is also noted and deeply they were unaware of local laws as well as cultural and reli- Christmas, but there’s just none of that here and you just feel Dorchester Collection with branches in London, Paris, Milan appreciated.” gious practices. “We try to educate them before they take up deprived. All this is just because of what the sultan wants. In and Rome. It is Christmas as usual this year in the upscale Le De Silva said the woman would now serve a “short jail sen- foreign employment. We even show them pictures of (execu- 2013, I saw many Muslims together with Christians having a Richemond hotel in Geneva where guests are greeted by lav- tence” but details on the exact time that she would have to tions) punishment,” she said adding that about 40 percent of good time at their house parties. Everything was normal and ish displays in the hotel lobby, include bowls overflowing remain behind bars were not yet clear. The 45-year-old mar- Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment did not register with good,” he said. with pine branches, ornaments and candles aplenty. ried mother of two, who has not been named, was convicted the authorities. Most people are too scared to speak up about the ban, The Le Meurice hotel in Paris advertises a Christmas eve of adultery in August after her arrest in April last year. She was In 2013 Sri Lanka recalled its envoy to Riyadh to protest and while some privately gripe about the rule they know seven-course gourmet menu for 650 euros - before drinks - sentenced to death by stoning, while an unmarried Sri Lankan against the beheading of a Sri Lankan maid convicted of mur- there is little to be done. “I will be working on Christmas after while the Beverly Hills Hotel is decked out for the holidays man convicted alongside her was sentenced to 100 lashes. De dering a child in her care in 2005 when she herself was 17 church. We just have to cope,” a Filipino waitress - one of too. Before unveiling the hardline law, the sultan had warned Silva said the Sri Lankan government had not appealed on years old. Sri Lanka maintained she did not receive a fair trial Brunei’s many guest workers - told AFP. Some people dared of pernicious foreign influences such as the Internet and indi- behalf of the man. It was not clear if his punishment had been and appeals for clemency were rejected. Under the conserva- to post pictures on social media depicting Christmas cheer cated he intended to place more emphasis on Islam in the carried out. tive kingdom’s strict Islamic sharia legal code, murder, armed using the hashtag #MyTreedom, part of a global campaign to conservative Muslim country. Strict rules against homosexu- Sri Lankan lawmakers urged the government earlier this robbery, rape, adultery, drug trafficking and apostasy are all highlight oppression against Christians. At least one church ality in the sharia law, punishable with death by stoning, month to ban sending housemaids to Saudi Arabia if the punishable by death. — AFP in the capital sported decorations that were visible from the sparked a backlash among A-listers including Jay Leno, Ellen street, a rare glimpse of holiday cheer in the otherwise deco- DeGeneres and business tycoon Richard Branson, who called Saudi Arabia to diversify income, raise... ration-free city. for the hotels to be boycotted. — AFP Continued from Page 1 ground in Syria, had it not been for the Syrian regime’s PM, speaker lead Fadhl funeral policies, which have exterminated hundreds of thou- Continued from Page 1 completely lift subsidies on petrol within the next few The kingdom, which has been pumping around 10.4 sands... and displaced millions” of people, said the months. million barrels a day, has withdrawn funds from its for- monarch. More than 250,000 people have been killed in MP Ahmad Al-Azemi meanwhile strongly rejected MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji also lashed out at the govern- eign reserves and also issued bonds to finance the Syria since the conflict broke out in March 2011. The proposals to cut government subsidies to the agricul- ment’s plans to lift subsidies on fuel and electricity budget deficit. At the end of October, its reserves fell to kingdom, a key-backer of Syrian opposition groups, has tural sector and to stop financing people who accom- without stopping squandering of public funds like the $644 billion from $732 billion at the end of last year. The repeatedly insisted on Assad’s departure. pany patients sent by the state abroad for treatment. latest government decision to allocate KD 600 million finance ministry has issued bonds worth $20 billion for Earlier this month, Riyadh hosted a meeting of vari- The lawmaker said that the government should find for the Kuwait Airways budget. The lawmaker insisted the domestic market. In 2014, Saudi Arabia posted a ous Syrian armed and political opposition groups who other means to cut spending and boost non-oil rev- that there should be no increase in prices of services budget deficit of $17.5 billion, only its second since agreed to negotiate with the regime but set Assad’s enues in the face of a sharp fall in oil prices. The new and commodities before the government finds ways to 2002. departure as a condition for any eventual political tran- proposals also included calls for the government to curb squandering of public funds. In his speech, King Salman also accused Syrian sition process. The kingdom “calls for a political solution President Bashar Al-Assad yesterday of having aided the to end Syria’s crisis,” said King Salman, who made only a rise of the Islamic State group and called for a political brief appearance at the council. He read only part of the British Muslim family barred from US... settlement with moderate forces to end the war there. speech, the entire text of which was later published on Continued from Page 1 case. Talha Ahmad, a spokesman with the Muslim Council The solution would be to form “a transitional govern- the official SPA news agency. of Britain, told Sky News the denial of boarding privileges is ment made up of moderate opposition forces, ensuring In November, foreign ministers from countries that “We should do more than shrug our shoulders at secre- “very, very worrying” because it is part of a pattern. “It the unity of Syrians and the departure of foreign forces back and oppose Assad’s regime agreed on a roadmap tive American security policies that leave our constituents seems like it’s not a unique or isolated incident,” he said, and terrorist organizations,” the king told the Shura to end the conflict. This would see a transitional govern- in such limbo.” She complained that officials who kept the asserting that Muslims are often singled out. The US Council. ment set up within six months, after regime-opposition family from boarding provided no information and said embassy in London and Britain’s Home Office did not These organizations “could not have found fertile talks, and elections within 18 months. — Agencies she had hit “a brick wall” seeking information about the immediately respond to requests for comment. —Agencies THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Japan PM faces make-or-break test 3 yrs later

By Hiroshi Hiyama

t was an irresistible promise: Elect me, I’ll bring back Japan’s once-soaring economy and restore its battered Inational pride. Three years later, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is facing the enormity of his grand ambitions, and the clock is ticking. Abe, 60, swept to power in Dec 2012 with a novel recipe for success, energizing a one-time global pow- erhouse that languished in a decades-long slump, over- shadowed by regional rival China. The take-charge politi- cian trotted around the globe, inking deals for Japanese firms and selling his eponymous “Abenomics” policy blitz. “I am back and so is Japan,” the two-time nationalist leader declared to an American audience. Abe’s call to action - including big government spending and massive central bank monetary easing - had some early Savers in dark over Sahara’s schemes successes, as the yen weakened sharply from record highs against the dollar. The drop was good news for exporters as corporate profits soared and the benchmark Nikkei 225 By Sumeet Chatterjee through the group’s vast network of agents across the country. relatively weak oversight, said current and former senior stock index doubled to the 20,000 level. A fledgling eco- They collect deposits from investors for a fixed period of time Sahara employees, who said they were briefed on the these nomic recovery appeared to be taking hold. n 2004, Khitish Kumar Pandey took 10,000 rupees ($150) and promise to return the money at interest rates higher than financial plans by Sahara’s senior management. Those that But as he marks three years in office on Saturday, the out of his pension and put it into a savings plan run by what banks offer. operate across state lines are registered not with the central scale of Abe’s self-appointed task may be coming back to IIndia’s embattled Sahara conglomerate. The Sahara agent In addition to hunting for new customers, Sahara agents bank but with the credit cooperatives division at the Ministry haunt him. Growth has stumbled, the war on years of told him his money would triple in 10 years. Sahara India and branch officials are also trying to get Pandey and other of Agriculture. The first of the Sahara credit cooperatives, deflation is not yet won, and a promised overhaul of the Pariwar (family) had become one of India’s most successful investors in older Sahara savings plans to switch into the new Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, was set up in 2010, highly regulated economy is far from complete. companies over the past three decades with this kind of finan- credit cooperative schemes, according to Reuters interviews around the time when India’s markets regulator started inves- “Compared to the magnitude of Abenomics’ stimulus, the cial alchemy, turning tiny deposits into dreams for small farm- with these investors. Sajan Poovayya, who has litigated corpo- tigating the Sahara bond scheme the Supreme Court would economy’s performance has been feeble,” said Ryutaro ers, rickshaw pullers and food vendors with little financial rate and commercial cases before India’s Supreme Court and is later declare illegal. Sahara has started three more credit coop- Kono, economist at BNP Paribas. knowledge. a founder of Bangalore-based law firm Poovayya & Co, says eratives since January 2014: Humara India Credit Cooperative Abe’s initial burst of enthusiasm - after a forgettable one- Pandey, a 78-year old resident of the east Indian city of Sahara could be violating the law if it is forcing investors to Society, Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Saharayn year first term that ended in 2007 - has not been matched Patna, said the Sahara agent promised him his money would convert their maturing deposits into a credit cooperative plan. E-Multipurpose Society. by results, some say. “The first half of (Abe’s) tenure showed grow to roughly 30,000 rupees when the time deposit “The minute you actually breach your obligation to pay me, The credit cooperatives division said it had asked for an progress,” said Satoshi Osanai, economist at Daiwa Institute matured in October of last year. His investment documents and rather than paying me force me to get into a cooperative explanation from Sahara Credit Cooperative Society after of Research. “The second half has not been so bright.” contained a sample illustration showing how a 10,000 rupees movement, that I think erodes the very ethos of the coopera- receiving complaints of non-payment from investors. The divi- deposit would increase to 25,940 rupees over 10 years, or tive movement on one side and clearly, of course, flouts the sion said in a letter sent in reply to a Reuters request for infor- ‘No Better Alternative’ about 10 percent a year. But when Pandey went to the Sahara law because there is a contractual violation in you not return- mation under India’s Right to Information Act, that it had not Abe took power after a rough few years for Japan as it branch to redeem his deposit, the office told him he could ing the money.” Sahara did not respond to repeated Reuters received a response from Sahara Credit Cooperative Society. went through a half dozen leaders and saw China overtake have 15,000 rupees immediately - if he agreed to transfer the requests for comment. Pressuring investors, such as Pandey, to transfer their deposits it as the world’s number-two economy and assume an remaining 15,000 rupees he was owed to Humara India Credit from older Sahara financial plans to a credit cooperative is increasingly assertive role in Asia. It also suffered the shock Cooperative Society Ltd, Pandey said. He has so far not accept- No Maturity Date against regulations, a senior official at the credit cooperatives of the March 2011 triple earthquake, tsunami and nuclear ed that offer. Humara is a new Sahara fund-raising vehicle with Most of the nearly two dozen investors in the old Sahara division said when told of the cases Reuters had discovered. disasters, which dealt another blow to the economy. Facing operational ties to the conglomerate, according to investor plans that Reuters spoke to stopped short of accusing the con- summer elections, Abe’s popularity is hovering around 50 documents reviewed by Reuters and interviews with Sahara glomerate of forcing them to convert their plans. But they said Operational Links percent, relatively strong considering the deep unpopulari- agents in different parts of India. “The agent sold me a dream Sahara officials refused to allow them to redeem their matured The official at the cooperatives division was not aware that ty of some of his policies. His bid to bolster Japan’s defence then, and now he has vanished,” said Pandey, who said he has deposits until they agreed to do so. Reuters reviewed savings Sahara was operating credit cooperatives, such as Humara posture by diverting from the traditional interpretation of gone to the Sahara branch office in Patna, the state capital of certificates provided by investors that showed the transfers. India, the cooperative Pandey and others were asked to switch the pacifist constitution - which could see Japanese troops Bihar, four times over the past few months. “Every time they The agents never make the requests in writing; it’s all verbal, into. He said the division does not have the resources or puni- go into battle for the first time since World War II -angered send me back with one assurance or another,” said Pandey. the investors say. In at least one case, the investor claimed her tive provisions to closely monitor more than 1,400 multi-state neighbors China and the Koreas and was bitterly opposed “We are completely helpless. We don’t know who to approach money had been transferred from her old Sahara plan to a credit cooperative societies across the country. The Reserve at home and sparked rare street protests. and how to get my money back.” new credit cooperative society despite her opposition. Bank of India (RBI), the country’s central bank, said it was scru- An unpopular push to switch on nuclear reactors shut- Sahara and its founder Subrata Roy have been under scruti- Most of the savings certificates that investors showed to tinizing the rapid growth of credit cooperatives, introduced in tered after the 2011 disaster has also done little to boost his ny for years over its financial products, including for possible Reuters make no mention of either the maturity date or the 1984 as a self-help tool in rural areas where banks are scarce. appeal. “(Abe’s) great advantage is that voters think there is money laundering. Over the past four decades, Roy has built interest to be paid on maturity. Such omissions violate Indian “We are looking into it, particularly multi-state credit coop- no better alternative,” said Robert Dujarric, director of con- an empire from his small deposit schemes that includes over- laws requiring companies that run savings deposit plans to eratives,” RBI deputy governor S S Mundra told Reuters. The temporary Asian studies at Temple University’s Tokyo cam- seas hotels such as New York’s Plaza and London’s Grosvenor clearly mention all the terms, said Ramanand Mundkur, man- RBI, he added, should oversee all deposit-taking institutions, pus. A key reason, observers say, is that a weak and frag- House, television stations, a sprawling community resort out- aging partner of Mundkur Law Partners. A few certificates that including the credit cooperatives. He declined to comment mented opposition has been unable to mount a serious side Mumbai, and a stake in a Formula One racing team. Reuters reviewed did state that investors could expect an specifically about Sahara’s credit cooperatives. While most challenge. As a result, Abe is tipped to tighten his grip on Over the years, Roy has had his picture taken with the likes interest rate of 10-15 percent for a one-year deposit. That com- credit cooperatives are owned by their members, Sahara’s power in next year’s upper house elections. of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, David Cameron and the pares to 7-8.5 percent offered by commercial banks. credit cooperatives have operational links to the conglomer- Dalai Lama. But he has spent the last 21 months in New Delhi’s Vimal Kumar Sinha, the head of Sahara’s Patna operations, ate, according to investment documents from Sahara’s cus- ‘Painful Reforms’ Tihar Jail for not complying with a Supreme Court order to said some recent Sahara payments to customers were delayed tomers and data at the ministry of corporate affairs. Meanwhile, Japan’s jobs-for-life culture, a cornerstone of return 360 billion rupees ($5.4 billion) to investors who put because of the difficulties the company faced as a result of the Sahara’s credit cooperatives - Humara India Credit its post-war economic boom, has given way to more part- money in a 2008-11 Sahara time deposit plan. Supreme Court case. He declined to comment on individual Cooperative, Star Multipurpose and Saharayn - are active in time and unstable contract work. The country also has one cases, such as Pandey’s. But, he said, some Sahara agents were most Indian states, according to documents obtained from the of the world’s biggest national debts, a problem aggravated Pushing for Transfers probably coaxing investors to convert their savings into anoth- cooperative division through the Right to Information Act. by a demographic decline that will see a shrinking labour The Supreme Court said the 2008-11 plan violated market er financial plan without the company’s knowledge. Investment certificates from those three cooperatives shown force made to cover the soaring social security costs of the disclosure regulations on raising capital, including failure to to Reuters either display a hologram with the Sahara logo - fast-ageing nation. The International Monetary Fund has file a prospectus - a legal document that provides details Weak Oversight featuring India’s flag and the traditional hand-loom symbol trimmed its growth projections while credit agencies have about a financial product for investors - with the markets regu- Credit cooperatives are widely used by India’s rural poor as with the Sahara name written in small letters - or show the cut their ratings, amid growing doubts that Abe’s economic lator. Selling time deposit plans through loosely regulated an alternative bank. Nearly two-fifths of India’s 1.27 billion Sahara name in the background. Humara India and Saharayn plan will work. credit cooperatives is not illegal in India. Like Sahara’s now people lack a bank account - most of them live in rural areas. did not respond to requests for comment on their links with Even Abe’s key constituency - Japan Inc - is not playing banned 2008-11 scheme, the new deposit plans are sold Sahara turned to credit cooperatives mainly because of their Sahara. —Reuters ball. The premier is struggling to get firms whose bottom line benefited from his policies to share the spoils with employees. Wage hikes, he says, are key to winning the war US upgraded Uzbekistan despite rights abuses on deflation, which held back growth for years as con- sumers delayed spending in the hopes of getting goods By Matt Spetalnick, Peter Eisler and Jason Szep Persons (TIP) Report in July, Uzbekistan was elevated from the maintain relations with hardline President Islam Karimov. “It’s a cheaper down the road. That hurt firms’ expansion and hir- bottom tier of violators. Uzbekistan doesn’t meet “minimum stan- natural geopolitical alliance but it’s complicated because of his ing plans. Abe recently pledged to re-focus his efforts on he news reached Dmitry Tihonov in Uzbekistan’s rural heart- dards” to end trafficking, the report said, but it is “making signifi- human rights record,” says John Herbst, US ambassador to fixing the world’s number-three economy and beef up land as the labor activist quietly recorded the arrival of thou- cant efforts” - a caveat absent from the analysts’ assessment. Uzbekistan from 2000-2003. “His authoritarian regime is not very social programs, as he tries to lure more women and the Tsands of teachers, nurses, laborers, students and other con- Uzbekistan’s government makes an estimated $1 billion a year consistent with our principles.” elderly into a shrinking workforce. scripts sent to the fields to pick cotton. A fire had destroyed from cotton sales, and the harvest mobilizations of roughly a mil- Speaking to reporters before his November meeting with But his legacy hangs on whether he can get tough on Tihonov’s home office. When he returned to search the debris on lion people that date to Soviet times are characterized as a patri- Karimov in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand, Kerry spoke of overhauling Japan’s rigid labour market and tame the spi- Oct 29, his reports for international monitors documenting the otic duty. Uzbek officials did not answer repeated requests for “shared interests”, especially combating Islamist extremism, but ralling costs of the national pension system, observers said. annual mobilization had vanished. comment but generally argue that citizens pick cotton voluntarily. his references to human rights were oblique. He noted a need to Japan has no time to lose as a brief growth jolt from Tokyo’s Human rights groups say Tihonov is a victim of Uzbekistan’s A Reuters examination - based on interviews with local offi- address “the human dimension” of Uzbek governance. Reuters hosting of the 2020 Olympics could give way to another efforts to conceal a massive, state-orchestrated forced labor sys- cials, activists and workers in the fields - found that while the was unable to determine whether they discussed forced labor in long-term economic slide, warned Hideo Kumano, chief tem that underpins its position as the world’s fifth-largest cotton country has made progress ending child labor in the harvest, it their private meeting. economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. “After the exporter. They cite regular arrests, intimidation and harassment of has intensified recruitment of adults and older teenagers using Uzbekistan took initial steps to bar children from picking cot- (summer) election it would be a great opportunity to carry activists. The activist from Angren, a town about 100 km east of the same coercive approach. ton in 2012 and the effort expanded in 2013, when the State out painful reforms...(they) need to happen now.” — AFP the capital Tashkent, says he’s under constant surveillance by local The State Department’s decision to rebuff its experts’ recom- Department downgraded the country in the trafficking report to authorities to remind people “it’s better to keep away from me” - mendation and upgrade Uzbekistan’s rating in the trafficking the “Tier 3” - the lowest rank shared by North Korea and a few oth- an allegation that Reuters could not independently confirm. report reinforces a Reuters article in August that said senior diplo- er countries. In last year’s report, Uzbekistan remained at Tier 3, Persecution of activists is among many abuses cited by wit- mats inflated assessments of 14 strategically important countries and its prohibitions on child labor grew more stringent. nesses and human rights groups that fueled discord in the in the annual review, including the central Asian country. The But the dearth of child workers led to increased conscription All articles appearing on these Obama administration this year over how much criticism Central yearly review is meant to independently grade countries on traf- of adults and older teens, according to a dozen witnesses of the pages are the personal opinion of Asia’s most populous nation deserved in the US State ficking and forced labor. harvest interviewed by Reuters. Still facing the same government- Department’s annual report on modern slavery. In a previously Despite Uzbekistan’s progress barring children from the fields, imposed harvesting quotas, local authorities expanded mobiliza- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no undisclosed memo, analysts in the State Department’s Office to “I don’t see any evidence that this very fundamental form of coer- tions of public employees, such as teachers, nurses and bureau- responsibility for views expressed Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons called forced labor cive labor has changed,” says former US ambassador-at-large Mark crats, as well as private sector workers, the witnesses said. While “endemic” during the cotton harvest and said Uzbekistan had Lagon, who headed the State Department’s anti-trafficking office young, school-age children were not forcibly mobilized on a mass therein. Kuwait Times invites “failed to make significant and sustained efforts” to improve its from 2007-2009. Uzbekistan still has a “miserable human rights scale, many 17-year olds were coerced along with some younger readers to voice their opinions. record. The early 2015 memo, reviewed by Reuters, recommend- profile”. Asked for comment, a State Department official defended children in the later weeks of the harvest to meet quotas, they ed keeping Uzbekistan in the lowest tier of the report’s rankings, Uzbekistan’s upgrade, saying the department stands by “the added. Please send submissions via email raising the specter of economic sanctions on a country whose integrity of the process” for determining country rankings. A dozen workers interviewed by Reuters in September all cotton is used in yarn and fabric that play a significant role in the “Are they still mobilizing workers? Yes,” said a senior official requested anonymity, saying they feared retribution. Among to: [email protected] or global supply chain. But senior US diplomats rejected the recom- who accompanied Secretary of State John Kerry on a Nov 1 visit them, a plumber, 46, said he was bused 250 km to pick cotton for via snail mail to PO Box 1301 mendation, downplaying concerns about human rights in a to Uzbekistan. But “if you don’t show recognition of improved 15 days. When he returned, another group of employees went strategically important country. The landlocked nation of deserts, behavior (on child labor), you risk them deciding it’s not worth out. Food and lodging were provided in dilapidated barracks. Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves mountains and steppes was a transit point for US troops and sup- the effort and then doing nothing.” “There was no way of refusing,” he said. A pensioner, 64, said each the right to edit any submission plies during the war in neighboring Afghanistan. Washington now household in her town was directed to send a volunteer to pick wants its help preventing the spread of Islamic militants, stabiliz- Strategic Importance cotton. She feared those that didn’t would be “on the black list” as necessary. ing Afghanistan and offsetting Russian influence in the region. US policymakers have struggled for two decades to balance and lose public benefits. Because her son runs a small shop that When the State Department issued its 2015 Trafficking in concern about Uzbekistan’s human rights record with the need to supports the family, she went to the fields herself. —Reuters THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 SPORTS

West Ham’s Payet to US investors reportedly Robin Soderling return in New Year in talks to buy Everton finally retires LONDON: France international Dimitri Payet is set to make his return from an LONDON: A consortium led by two US technology investors STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s Robin Soderling finally announced his retire- ankle injury in the new year, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said yesterday. is negotiating to buy Everton Football Club for an estimated The former Marseille attacking midfielder was expected to be out until ment yesterday, more than four years since his last match. “I have realised £200 million (272 million euros, $297 million), The Times that I will not be fit enough to play tennis at the level I demand of myself,” February after sustaining the injury in last month’s 1-1 draw with Everton. But newspaper reported yesterday. The report said the group had Bilic says the 28-year-old’s recovery is going ahead of schedule and he could said Soderling, 31, to the Swedish news agency TT. Soderling fell ill with signed a preliminary agreement with owner and chairman Bill glandular fever in the summer of 2011, but he did not realise the be involved as early as the league match against Liverpool on Kenwright and was checking the club’s accounts with the aim January 2. “It is good news with Dimitri as he is ahead of seriousness of his sickness and continued to train, although he of completing a takeover within the next six weeks. The struggled physically. He described his condition as “overtrain- schedule, so he should train with us after the Villa game agreement means the investors have been given time for or the Southampton game,” Bilic said. “He is training with ing syndrome” and said in a press release that “with this dis- exclusive talks on the deal. The consortium is led by John J. ease it has been impossible for me to train 100 percent”. the fitness coaches and he might be involved in the Moores and Charles Noell, co-founders of venture capital firm Liverpool game which is a big boost. “At the beginning Soderling reached the final of the French Open in both 2009 JMI Equity. and 2010, before rising to a career-high fourth in the world we thought he would be back in February but he is way The 71-year-old Moores, who is also the founder of busi- ahead of schedule and it is not that bad. His ankle is very rankings in late 2010. His greatest moment was per- ness software firm BMC, bought the San Diego Padres base- good-it is stable-so it is great news if it goes like this.” haps inflicting on clay court king Rafael Nadal his ball team in 1994 and sold it in 2012. Contacted by AFP, an West Ham have drawn their last four matches and have first ever defeat at the French Open in 2009. In Everton spokesman declined to comment. The report comes not won since beating Chelsea 2-1 in October, draw- fact, until the Spaniard lost to world number one after fellow English Premier League side Crystal Palace last ing five and losing two of their seven matches Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros quarter-finals week said US investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer had since. They travel to Aston Villa on Saturday before earlier this year, that remained his only defeat on hosting Southampton two days later.—AFP bought a 36-percent stake. — AFP the Parisian clay in 71 matches. —AFP

Ecclestone says German GP could make comeback

FRANKFURT: Formula One supremo does not appear to be the case,” Bernie Ecclestone said Germany could Ecclestone told Auto Motor und Sport. return to the grand prix schedule if an He also cast doubt on whether agreement was reached with track Hockenheim could continue to shoul- owners, according to an interview in a der the financial strain of the grand German magazine. prix. “We really have an extremely “I am sitting here with my pen and favourable contract with Hockenheim. am prepared to sign a contract if they That won’t be the case in the future send me one,” Auto Motor und Sport anymore. They have to accept what magazine on Wednesday quoted other European countries pay too,” he Ecclestone as saying. Formula One’s said. Asked whether next year’s US governing body, the International Grand Prix in Austin would go ahead, Automobile Federation, this year Ecclestone said: “Forecasts are diffi- dropped the German grand prix from cult.” The Oct. 23 race in Texas, the only its Formula One calendar for the first round in the United States and impor- time since 1960. The Nuerburgring tant for teams and sponsors, is on the had been due to host the July 19 race 2016 calendar with an asterisk against under an alternation agreement but a it as subject to agreement with the change of ownership and financial dif- commercial rights holder. ficulties left Hockenheim as the only “They knew exactly what it would option. However, with low atten- cost when they signed the contract dances at that circuit last year, organ- with us. They knew that they would isers were unwilling to risk a further have to build a race track, and what it loss with so little time to sell tickets costs to put on a grand prix,” and get ready, though they still had a Ecclestone said. Ecclestone has said contract to host the race in 2016. this year that he wanted to add more “I had hoped that the new owners American venues, but he told the of the Nuerburgring would be able to magazine that 2016 would be too agree a contract with me, but that soon for a race in California. — Reuters MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO: In this image taken from video a camera drone crashes into the snow narrowly missing Austria’s Marcel Hirscher during an alpine ski, men’s World Cup slalom, in Madonna Di Campiglio, Italy, Tuesday. —AP Hirscher jokes of drone Xmas present

MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO: Marcel Hirscher people=bad idea.” While countries like Austria, since Kosovo, a former province of Serbia joked that he’d had an early Christmas present Switzerland and France do not allow drones populated by mostly ethnic Albanians, after narrowly avoiding a potentially disas- to be flown over crowds of people, that is not declared independence in 2008 — a move trous collision with a drone at the World Cup the case in Italy. not recognised by Belgrade. slalom at Madonna di Campiglio in Italy. A France Televisions spokesman told AFP At September’s US Open tennis tourna- The Austrian was hurtling down the moun- that while they do not film sporting events ment, eventual women’s champion Flavia tain on his second run on Tuesday when the with drones, they do use them to show the Pennetta’s second round match against drone, which was being used to film televi- spectacular landscape around the country Monica Niculescu was disrupted by a drone sion pictures of the course from above, came during the three-week long Tour de France flying over the court and crashing in the crashing down to the ground just inches away bicycle race. It’s not the first time a major stands. from the 26-year-old. sporting event has been disrupted by a way- Italian Pennetta admitted to being terrified “That’s my Christmas present! I’m not hurt ward drone. by the incident at the time, believing it to be a and I was lucky,” joked Hirscher. Television In October 2014, a European bomb. “I was a little bit scared, I have to say,” Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone (left) with an official. footage shows the drone smashing to pieces Championship qualifying match in Belgrade Pennetta said. “I mean, with all the things that as it hits the ground just behind Hirscher, between Serbia and Albania was halted when happen now in the world, I’m imagining, ‘OK, with a propeller bouncing up into the air. violence broke out on and off the field after a it’s a bomb’. However, Hirscher took a more serious drone flew over the pitch. “That was my first reaction. I think it’s VIVA launches CR7 Live tone with journalists when adding: “It’s unbe- The drone was carrying a flag bearing a normal to think something like that.” A lievable, it’s incredible, shameful.” Hirscher map of ‘Greater Albania’, which included teacher from New York City was later revealed he had no idea at the time what had Serbia, in a clear provocation between two arrested and faced a charge of reckless Service with chance to happened, believing an official charged with Balkan nations with fragile ties, particularly endangerment.—AFP flattening out the piste after a competitor’s run had hit the ground. win trip to Madrid “I just heard a noise, I thought a groomer had fallen over,” said Hirscher. The drone was KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing 51507 for 100 Fils per day or just visit the Ski federation being operated by an expert employed by the and most developed telecom operator, URL http://kw.cr7liveat.com and click on host broadcaster Infront Sports and Media. launches CR7 Live service that offer the subscribe button and insert the PIN Both they and the International Ski Federation VIVA’s customers the chance to enter a code that you receive through your (FIS) apologised for the incident and vowed to bans drones draw and win three trips to Madrid with inbox. You can also answer questions ensure no such repeat occurred. 7 days in a five-star hotel, and eighteen about Cristiano Ronaldo for KD 1/SMS to “While FIS and its partners aim to use new devices Samsung Note 5. collect even more points with each technology to enhance the fan experience, an VIENNA: The international ski federation is According to Waldner, FIS had agreed on This exclusive and special service answer and enjoy more chances to enter accident such as the drone crash cannot hap- banning camera drones from its World Cup the use of the drone at Tuesday’s slalom but allow Ronaldo’s fans to get updates the draw. To find out more about VIVA’s pen again,” said an FIS statement. “FIS and the races after one of the flying objects crashed the pilot wasn’t allowed to fly the camera about latest news and information con- new prepaid packages, or any of its other host broadcaster will work together with all and nearly hit Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher directly over the race course. cerning Cristiano Ronaldo, and view sta- competitive promotions, products and the involved parties to see what occurred dur- during a slalom in Italy. “He did not follow our instructions,” the tistics that make him the best player in packages, visit one of the 70 VIVA ing the crash and ensure that this will not FIS will prohibit drones “as long as I am race director said. “He had to fly outside of the world, in addition to download and branches, or the VIVA website at happen again.” responsible .... because they are a bad thing the race track and follow the racer from a 15- watch official videos and photos for him. www.viva.com.kw, or call VIVA’s 24 hour for safety,” men’s race director Markus meter (50-foot) distance. Then there would To subscribe to CR7 Live, send R to call center on 102. ABSOLUTE PREMIERE Waldner told The Associated Press on have been a margin and nothing could have Prior to the event, organisers had been Wednesday, a day after the night’s race in happened.” championing what they described as Madonna di Campiglio. Drones have been used many times “unprecedented live TV images” from the first “It was huge luck that Marcel was not before at ski races. The ski federation said the hurt,” Waldner said. “I am very angry.” The new technology was aimed at enhancing the ever alpine skiing event to use a drone to film drone carrying a TV camera came down and experience for TV viewers as it provides mov- the race. shattered on the icy slope just behind ing pictures from an overhead angle which “The recipe of successful events is to be Hirscher, a few seconds after the Olympic sil- regular cameras can’t shoot. able to build over history, and experience, ver medalist started his second run. FIS said legal restrictions in Italy for the while always trying to pursue innovation, to “I didn’t know what it was, but I felt some- use of drones at events are not as tight as in be one step ahead of your time,” boasted a thing,” said Hirscher, who was unhurt and many other countries, such as Austria and press release on Saturday. continued his run, finishing second behind Switzerland, where flying over a crowd has “Supported by its over-60-year history the Norwegian winner Henrik Kristoffersen. “I been banned. 3Tre (the Madonna di Campiglio World Cup thought it was a course worker behind me, or The company responsible for the camera race) is the perfect place where something a gate.” drone, sports marketing agency Infront, said revolutionary may happen and amaze mil- Course workers slip through the gates it was still examining the crash. “We are lions of TV viewers around the world.” shortly after each skier to smoothen the extremely relieved that apparently none was It added: “A drone will fly over the slope to snow surface for the next competitor. “I am hurt,” Infront said in a statement. “At the same air live images during the event, an absolute very relieved that nothing happened,” time, this incident is being taken very serious- premiere in Audi FIS Ski World Cup.” Hirscher said. “You don’t want to think about ly and the circumstances leading to it are cur- However, the crash has convinced some what could have happened when 10 kilo- rently being examined. An update will be athletes that drones have no place flying over grams (22 pounds) are coming down 20 provided as soon as secured information is a skiing race. “That drone almost crushing meters (65 feet). That would have been a very available.” @MarcelHirscher WHAT!!!” said American skier serious, bad injury. There are a lot of cool The Switzerland-based agency has been Steve Nyman on Twitter. things nowadays. But you have to guarantee the long-term TV rights holder of the FIS the safety - and that was just insane.” Alpine skiing World Cup. — AP “Drones=good idea. Flying over THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 SPORTS 2015 SPORTS MOMENTS IN PICTURES

BERLIN: In this Sunday, July 9, 2006 file photo Fabio Cannavaro lifts the soccer World Cup trophy after Italy defeated France in the final in the FOXBOROUGH: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady responds to a Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. The World Cup was in full swing when the US Federal Reserve last raised interest rates before its deci- reporter’s question during a media availability at the NFL football team’s facility sion Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, to lift its main interest rate from record lows of near zero percent. — AP Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. — AP

CHICAGO: In this Dec. 13, 2015 file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago. Publicly, anyway, the Washington Redskins have not made clear whether they envision Kirk Cousins as their quarterback of the ROME: Spezia players celebrate after scoring the decisive goal during the Italian Cup soccer match between future. A look at his statistics, though, shows that Cousins is compiling numbers that make him look good Roma and Spezia, at Rome’s Olympic stadium, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. Spezia won 4-2 in penalty shootout when compared to Redskins QBs of the past. — AP to advance to the quarterfinals.— AP

CINCINNATI: In this Sept. 12, 2015, file photo, Cincinnati Reds’ Todd Frazier hits a single in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, in Cincinnati. All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier has been FOSHAN: Akira Yanase of Japan, left, prepares to shoot during a match against Iran in the Men’s Water Polo dealt from the Reds to the Chicago White Sox as part of a three-team, seven-player trade that also includes the AASF Asian Championship in Foshan in south China’s Guangdong province, Wednesday, Dec 16, 2015. — AP Los Angeles Dodgers. — AP

EAST RUTHERFORD: In this Feb. 2, 2014, file photo, fans arrive outside MetLife Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos in East Rutherford, N.J. MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will be the site of the 2016 Centennial Copa America final June 26. heT Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football made the announcement Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. — AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 SPORTS

For NFL receivers, more to game than just catching the ball

ATLANTA: When Julio Jones takes off smarter,” said Falcons safety William scheduling vacations, seeing what I’m guys go in there and they’ve got to Jones said. “They’re looking for you. So from the line of scrimmage, it creates Moore. “I know if you ever play a guy like going to do after the season. Now block safeties all the time and corners. it’s kind of getting them out of position. plenty of headaches for those guys who Julio, you’ve got to go block him before nobody has that kind of mindset around That’s who we are and they have to take They’re looking for you instead of com- have to cover him. he blocks you.” here anymore. We’re focused on winning part ownership in it as well.” ing down into the box to defend the That’s not their only concern. The Fitzgerald is having another huge this division, executing assignments on Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle run.” Atlanta Falcons receiver is also willing to receiving year for the playoff-bound every single play.” Shanahan said a receiver’s size doesn’t It’s a matter of self-preservation, said dole out a crushing block when he’s not Cardinals. But he can do so much more. really matter. Blocking if all about atti- Moore, who recently went down with a the intended target. At 6-foot-3 and 220 In an early season blowout of Detroit, CATCHING SKILLS tude. “It doesn’t have to do with whether season-ending injury. “As a strong safety pounds, he’s certainly big enough to do Fitzgerald had four knockdown blocks Even though he’s still the main man you’re big or small,” Shanahan said. “It and being down in the trenches a lot, I some damage. and “sealed the edge for two long runs,” of the offense, Fitzgerald doesn’t care has to do with the ‘want to.’ Usually, if face a lot of receivers that are physical,” “We’ve very active in the blocking according to coach Bruce Arians. who gets the glory. “No matter who guys are willing and their technique is he said. “That’s one thing I look for when game because we love our running Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer scored the touchdown, you see Larry good, they can be an effective blocker.” I’m watching film. If the receivers are backs. You don’t want someone to have calls his 6-foot-3, 225-pound teammate jumping on somebody in the end zone,” Jones showed off his desire to be physical in the run game and the blocks, a free hit on your brother,” Jones said. “the best blocking wide receiver in the said Harold Goodwin, Arizona’s offensive more than a pass catcher on a play that I know how to approach it during the “Also, if you can spring someone for a league.” coordinator. “He knows that he can block didn’t even count earlier in the season. week so it won’t be a blind side (hit).” big play, a big run, it’s going to open you Blocking became a bigger focus for and spring a running back, we’re making After an interception, he ran nearly the Obviously, some receivers are more up in the passing game. So it’s a win- Fitzgerald after Arians was hired and plays and having success as an offense. length of the field to tackle Tampa Bay’s willing to block than others. Frankly, top win.” shifted him from wideout to the slot. That’s what brings him joy.” Kwon Alexander, even though the players such as Jones and Fitzgerald While receivers have always had to Fitzgerald wasn’t thrilled with the move, In Minnesota, the receivers know run- Buccaneers had clearly jumped offsides could get away with giving it the mata- double as blockers to some degree, but he’s got no complaints now - espe- ning back Adrian Peterson is going to be before the snap. dor treatment. It’s not like they’re going today’s generation is taking it to a whole cially after landing a new two-year, $22 the centerpiece of the offense, so to get dumped because they can’t block. new level. Star receivers such as Jones million contract, all of it guaranteed. they’ve got to pitch in with something SELF-PRESERVATION For others, it’s a necessity for staying and Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald are inte- Besides, given all the horrible teams other than their catching skills. The Falcons kept the ball on the in the league. “Some guys don’t like to gral parts of the run game, even though he’s played on in the desert, the 32-year- “They’re not always getting all the penalty, but Jones won even more get in there and get messy,” Shanahan they obviously make the big bucks for old Fitzgerald was willing to do whatev- catches that they want to get, but they respect from his teammates. He’s cer- said. “Usually those guys, if they’re not what they can do when the ball’s in the er it takes to help the Cardinals win. understand we’re pretty good running tainly got the respect of his opponents - extremely talented and making up for it air. “There are so many years ... I was out of the football and they’re a part of it as whether he’s receiving or blocking. in other places, it’s tough for those guys “They’re bigger faster, stronger and contention already,” he said. “We were well,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “Those “They just keep their heads on a swivel,” to last.” —AP Fury’s potential rivals to fight it out on same card

NEW YORK: Four fighters seeking a Wladimir Klitschko, the long-time cham- potential showdown for an undisputed pion from Ukraine who is set for a heavyweight boxing crown against rematch. Fury also won three other Britain’s Tyson Fury will meet on the crowns, including the IBF title he quickly same New York card on January 16, pro- vacated. moters revealed Tuesday. That set up the heavyweight title Undefeated challengers Charles double-header, the first such bouts in Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov will fight Brooklyn for 115 years, and those win- for the vacant International Boxing ners could meet to unify the crowns and Federation world title on the same be ready for the Fury-Klitschko winner Brooklyn card where unbeaten late next year to decide an undisputed American Deontay Wilder defends his king. “I want to become a world cham- World Boxing Council crown against pion so I can go down in history as a top Poland’s Artur Szpilka. heavyweight,” Martin said. US southpaw Martin, 22-0 with one “Glazkov is a great fighter. He’s unde- draw and 20 knockouts, puts his 16- feated, so I know it’s going to be a fight win streak on the line against tough fight, but I’m coming in to be vic- Ukraine’s Glazkov, 21-0 with one drawn torious.” and 13 knockouts. It’s the first world title bout for both The fight was added to Wilder — 35- fighters. It will be Martin’s fifth fight 0 with 34 knockouts-making his third within a year and a week and Glazkov’s title defense against Szpilka, who is 20-1 third fight in 10 months. “I am looking with 15 knockouts. Fury won the World forward to getting back in the ring and Boxing Association title last month by finally getting my opportunity to fight taking a unanimous decision over for a world title,” said Glazkov. — AFP

Panthers have NFL-best 10 players selected for Pro Bowl Ryan Fitzpatrick

NEW YORK: The undefeated Carolina rest of the selections were defensive end Panthers led the NFL with 10 players select- Michael Bennett, safety Kam Chancellor, ed for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday. The special teamer Tyler Lockett, cornerback Panthers are two wins away from a perfect Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas and A big game for regular season. Quarterback Cam Newton linebacker Bobby Wagner. was picked for the third time, and five of his Patriots star Tom Brady was selected for teammates were first-time selections, the 11th time, most of any player this year. including cornerback Josh Norman and Among the other Patriots honored were linebacker Thomas Davis. tight end Rob Gronkowski and cornerback “It’s truly an honor to be selected to the Malcolm Butler, whose last -minute inter- Jets’ Fitzpatrick? Pro Bowl,” Davis said. “All the hard work and ception clinched New England’s Super dedication I’ve put into the game has paid Bowl win over Seattle. off. I’m extremely excited and I couldn’t be Raiders safety Charles Woodson, who FLORHAM PARK: Ryan Fitzpatrick has played in last 10 meetings. That includes a 30-23 victory “Yes, absolutely ... because it’s the next one,” more thankful to the fans who took their announced on Monday that he will retire huge games before, so pressure is no big deal to for New England in October, when New York Marshall said. “And, obviously, it’s the next one time to vote me in, as well as my fellow after the season, was selected for the ninth the Jets quarterback. New York against New held a fourth-quarter lead before the Jets blew it and we understand the implications attached to players and coaches. time. England this Sunday? against Tom Brady and Co. it. So, yeah, the next couple will be the biggest “To have 10 guys selected says a lot Also selected was Giants receiver Odell Try Harvard-Yale, 2004. “You know, 10-0 sea- “I don’t know if I’d put it in those terms,” games of my career.” about our team. It says a lot about our fans Beckham Jr., who has 91 catches for 1,396 son on the line,” Fitzpatrick said with a big smile Fitzpatrick said, “but we’ve got to do a better job Neither Fitzpatrick nor Marshall has ever and how highly they thought of us this sea- yards and 13 touchdowns, tied for the Tuesday. “A lot of alumni at that game. It’ll really when it’s a got-to-have-it play, of making it. made the playoffs during their NFL careers, so son, and I think it says a lot about the way league lead. Beckham was given a one- set you up for your future if you win that one.” He Versus the Giants, we kind of did that and last that is also riding on the final two weeks of the our season has gone. I’m excited and game suspension on Monday for his con- was joking, of course. But, for the record, the week versus Dallas, we did that. So hopefully, regular season. thankful to be part of the 10.” duct on Sunday against Carolina, when he Crimson routed the Bulldogs 35-3 in “The Game” we’ll continue to improve in that area as a team.” “They’ve got a good thing going over there,” Joining them will be center Ryan Kalil, drew three personal foul penalties. that day to finish undefeated. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall didn’t hesi- Fitzpatrick said of the Patriots. “We just have to who was picked for the fifth time, and line- Twenty-five players selected were first- “We won,” Fitzpatrick said. “I think I did all tate when asked if this weekend’s game was the do our best to make sure that we’re playing our backer Luke Kuechly, who earned his third timers, including three rookies: the Rams’ right.” Fitzpatrick was 15 of 24 for 124 yards and biggest he has played in. game and we’re making the plays.” —AP selection. Todd Gurley, Lockett and the Chiefs’ Marcus a touchdown, and ran for 67 yards and a score Seattle, Arizona and New England each Peters. Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and on 11 carries. He led an offense that rolled up had seven players selected, and Cincinnati Michael Irvin will serve as alumni team cap- 326 yards, including 202 on the ground. had five players picked. tains for their Pro Bowl teams. The draft will Still, it’s not exactly the type of experience an Leading the way for the Seahawks was be on Jan. 27. The Pro Bowl will be held on 11-year NFL veteran can draw from - even if it Russian sports minister quarterback Russell Wilson, who was the Jan. 31 in Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, was a pretty big stage for a kid. only member of the offense picked. The Hawaii. — AP “When I was in college, you’re getting 10,000 denies doping cover-ups fans, maybe, and then you get to the Harvard vs. Yale game,” Fitzpatrick said. “At Harvard, you get MOSCOW: Russia’s sports minister says accu- blame such a country as Russia that we, on an 30,000-plus and at Yale you get 50- or 60,000- sations that the government is covering up absolute government level, are covering plus. It was always a huge deal for us, the four doping of athletes are unfounded. Russia’s something up is impossible.” He says individ- games, but I’ve played in enough now with track and field federation was suspended in ual athletes should take responsibility for more people that it’s kind of a distant memory.” November after a World Anti-Doping Agency staying clean. And, there might be just a little more at stake panel accused the country of operating a Mutko says the government “cannot sleep this weekend at MetLife Stadium when the Jets widespread, state-sponsored doping pro- together with each of the athletes.” He adds: (9-5) take on the Patriots (12-2) with their sights gram and covering up positive tests. “How can I control them? What can I do to set on staying on track in the AFC playoff hunt. “I Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko says “to them? It’s silly, don’t you understand?” — AP don’t know if I really want to place the signifi- cance of where it is in my career, but this is a huge one for me and I’m excited,” Fitzpatrick said. “This is why everybody in here plays the game. Playing football games like this in December and have a shot at playing longer. We’re pretty excited about this one.” Because of tiebreakers, the Jets are on the outside of the playoff picture while Kansas City and Pittsburgh, also 9-5, are currently in. A loss to its AFC East rival wouldn’t knock New York out of the race, but it sure would make things a lot more difficult than they already are. As it is, the Jets could finish the season on a six-game win- ning streak but become the third 11-5 team to not make the postseason. “We’ve probably been in playoff mode the last four weeks,” coach Todd Bowles said. So, for the Jets, they insist their approach won’t change from what it has been. “I think maybe it’s even more important this week to stay the same because there probably will be some other guys that really try to ramp it up,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s another football game.” It all starts with Fitzpatrick, who has a career-high 26 touchdown passes and is three short of tying Vinny MOSCOW: Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko speaks during a news conference in Testaverde’s franchise record for a season. Moscow, Russia, yesterday. Mutko said doping has been yet another try to paint Russia as a villain, and dismissed any claims that the government was involved in doping cover- SUNRISE: Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr is assisted on the ice after being CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ups. Instead, he suggested that athletes should take personal responsibility for the injured by a stick to the face during the first period of an NHL hockey game against But Fitzpatrick is also a dismal 1-7 against the breach of sports regulations. — AP the Ottawa Senators, Tuesday, in Sunrise, Fla. —AP Patriots, who have beaten the Jets in nine of the THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 SPORTS

Simmons hopes criticism fires up wayward West Indies

MELBOURNE: West Indies coach Phil through the motions” on the opening push them to do the work-it pushes weekend because he was not facing the in this so it’s something we keep talking Simmons hopes the criticism that has day’s play, when the hosts piled on 438 them to do well on the field.” play. about.” rained down on his team during their for the loss of three wickets. The body language of the West Indies Simmons said both Samuels and Australian selector Mark Waugh last tour of Australia can spark the players Simmons said he felt Warner’s criti- players has come under fierce scrutiny, Taylor had been talked to and that he week questioned the commitment of into a better showing at the Boxing Day cism was “fair”, looking from outside. “Of and captain Jason Holder was moved to and bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose senior West Indies players and their sup- test in Melbourne. course, (the criticism) is going to hurt. If deny allegations in Hobart that his had drilled the importance of body lan- port for 24-year-old Holder. Simmons The team were castigated for their it doesn’t hurt, well then something’s bowlers had tried to avoid doing the guage into the team. said Holder had the respect of the play- three-day defeat in the first test in wrong,” the 52-year-old told reporters at heavy lifting by bowling into the wind at “Oh boy, we have to. We keep doing ers but the coach’s comments suggested Hobart, with local pundits questioning the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Bellerive Oval. that every day,” he said. “Your body lan- the young captain had his hands full try- their unity and commitment to the Wednesday. Batsman Marlon Samuels, who guage always tells something to the oth- ing to enforce discipline. three-match series. “But I know that all the criticism that scored nine and three in Hobart, was sin- er team. It’s something that especially “He speaks his mind to players when Australia opening batsman David we’ve received since before coming here gled out for his lacklustre fielding, while Mr. Ambrose keeps trying to preach to they don’t do what he expects them to Warner remarked on Wednesday that his has hurt and all I can hope is that it Jerome Taylor missed a catching chance them that it’s part of the game and you do which is what I expect of a captain,” team felt their bowlers were just “going pushes them as much as it pushes me to during the tour match in Geelong at the need to show the other team that you’re Simmons added. — Reuters

Aussies aim for series win over struggling Windies

SYDNEY: Australia have their eyes on Twenty20 series last weekend. regaining the top Test ranking as they set about retaining the Frank Worrell Trophy ‘Pumped up’ Windies against the dispirited West Indies in The return of Pakistan-born Khawaja Saturday’s second Test in Melbourne. is expected to be at the expense of either The Australians lie third on the ICC Joe Burns or Shaun Marsh, who hit his Test ladder, behind South Africa and highest Test score of 182 as Khawaja’s India. If South Africa lose their four-Test replacement in Hobart. series with England which begins on Darren Bravo, one of the Caribbean Boxing Day then Australia will grab top tourists’ few shining lights during the spot if they can sweep the West Indies first Test, insists his side will be much bet- series 3-0. ter prepared for the Melbourne Cricket That looks on the cards after the Ground showpiece on Boxing Day. Windies were thrashed by an innings and Bravo top scored with 108 in the West 212 runs inside three days in the first Test Indies’ first innings, while opener Kraigg in Hobart. They last won a Test in Brathwaite contributed 94 after Australia Australia almost 18 years ago. Jason skipper Steve Smith enforced the follow- Holder’s West Indies have been pilloried on. as one of the worst touring teams to “When you’re not scoring runs it’s head Down Under in recent times and always difficult to pick yourself up,” Bravo have struggled to be competitive in all said. “But I believe the guys have that their tour games, even against modest sort of resilience in them. “We’ve scored opposition. international hundreds already, we’ve “We know we’ve got a big Test series proven we are definitely capable of play- here, then against New Zealand, to ing at this level. The guys are really up for achieve the number one status,” Australia it. We’re really pumped up ... we’re much vice-captain David Warner said. better prepared and we’re looking for- “Things have to play into our hands as ward to it.” well with South Africa’s series against The West Indies are considering recall- England. We’ve got a big job at hand, our ing leg spinner Devendra Bishoo after he goal is to be number one in all three for- claimed two wickets against a Victoria XI mats.” last weekend. “He bowled better,” coach The dashing opener insisted compla- Phil Simmons said. “There was a lot more cency would not be an issue for drive in his deliveries and everything like Australia, despite the West Indies being that.” forced to follow on in Hobart. “It did look TORONTO: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives past Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) as Mavericks Zaza Pachouli, left, like they did go through the motions Teams: and Raptors center Bismack Biyombo look during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto. — AP when we were batting on that (first) day, Australia (from) - David Warner, Joe when we batted big,” Warner said. Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith “But it’s a new game. We’re all fired up (capt), Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitch DeRozan helps Raptors and ready to go.” The home side could Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Josh make two changes with Usman Khawaja Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Nathan expected to return from missing the last Lyon, Scott Boland. two Tests with hamstring trouble, while West Indies (from) - Kraigg Brathwaite, edge Mavericks 103-99 newcomer Scott Boland may get his Rajendra Chandrika, Darren Bravo, Marlon chance as a replacement for injured Samuels, Jermaine Blackwood, Denesh paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile. Ramdin, Jason Holder (capt), Kemar Roach, TORONTO: DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points Khawaja has been sidelined since Carlos Brathwaite, Jerome Taylor, and Bismack Biyombo had a career-high 20 NBA Results/Standings scoring 174 and 121 in the first two Tests Devendra Bishoo, Jomel Warrican. rebounds, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 103- against New Zealand last month and Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Chris 99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday Memphis 104, Philadelphia 90; Detroit 93, Miami 92; Toronto 103, Dallas 99; LA Lakers 111, Denver 107. proved his fitness with an explosive 109 Gaffaney (NZL) TV umpire: Ian Gould (ENG) night. Kyle Lowry added 17 points, 10 rebounds off 70 balls in the Big Bash League Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG). — AFP and seven assists for Toronto, which swept the Eastern Conference Western Conference two-game season series against Dallas. Terrence Atlantic Division Northwest Division Ross scored 16 points, and Luis Scola finished W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 19 9 .679 - with 15 points and nine rebounds. The Raptors Toronto 18 12 .600 - Utah 12 14 .462 6 appeared to be on their way to a comfortable Boston 15 13 .536 2 Denver 11 17 .393 8 victory with five minutes to go in the fourth. But NY Knicks 14 15 .483 3.5 Minnesota 11 17 .393 8 Brooklyn 8 20 .286 9 Portland 11 19 .367 9 the Mavericks battled back. Jeremy Evans Philadelphia 1 29 .033 17 Pacific Division scored with 11.6 seconds remaining to trim Central Division Golden State 26 1 .963 - Toronto’s lead to 101-99, but missed a foul shot Cleveland 18 7 .720 - that would have got Dallas within one. Ross Indiana 16 11 .593 3 LA Clippers 16 13 .552 11 then closed it out with a couple of free throws. Detroit 17 12 .586 3 Phoenix 12 18 .400 15.5 Dirk Nowitzki led the way for Dallas with 20 Chicago 15 11 .577 3.5 Sacramento 11 17 .393 15.5 points and seven rebounds. Milwaukee 11 18 .379 9 LA Lakers 5 23 .179 21.5 Southeast Division Southwest Division PISTONS 93, HEAT 92 Atlanta 18 12 .600 - San Antonio 24 5 .828 - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s jumper with 55.5 Miami 16 11 .593 0.5 Dallas 15 13 .536 8.5 Orlando 16 12 .571 1 seconds left put Detroit ahead to stay, and the Memphis 16 14 .533 8.5 Charlotte 15 12 .556 1.5 Houston 15 14 .517 9 Pistons rallied from 18 points down for the road Washington 12 14 .462 4 New Orleans 8 19 .296 15 win. Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 18 points, while Stanley Johnson and Caldwell- Pope each had 14. The Pistons were 15 for 29 from 3-point range, outscoring Miami 45-12 in that department. Chris Bosh scored 20 points for Miami, which missed a pair of go-ahead Day/Night Test lights a shots in the final three seconds. Dwyane Wade missed a 14-footer, and after Andre Drummond missed a pair of free throws at the other end path as Pakistan go home and the Heat got the ball back with 1.1 seconds left, Bosh missed a jumper as time expired. LONDON: Cricket staged its first day/night Test He was one of several Australians to retire in Wade finished with 19 points, and Hassan in 2015 after years of speculation that such 2015, with Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers, Brad Whiteside had 16 points and 16 rebounds for matches might help arrest declining attendances Haddin, Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson Miami. for the sport’s longest format. November wit- (Tests) also bowing out. nessed the landmark fixture when Australia beat South Africa lost their first away Test series in GRIZZLIES 104, 76ERS 90 New Zealand in front of an impressive aggregate nine years when they went down 3-0 to India as Marc Gasol scored 19 points for Memphis, crowd of 123,736 who flocked to the Adelaide touring teams everywhere again struggled. and Mike Conley had 18 points and six assists. Oval for the three days the match lasted. India did however triumph in Sri Lanka, where The Grizzlies had five players score in double Another event significant in that it simply conditions are similar to their own, by coming figures. Courtney Lee had 15 points, reserve took place, was that Pakistan played major inter- from behind to win a three-match series 2-1 as Zach Randolph added 14 points and eight nationals on their own soil for the first time in six they enjoyed their first success on the island in rebounds, and Matt Barnes finished with 12 years, beating Zimbabwe in both Twenty20 and 22 years. Sri Lanka said goodbye to the retiring points and 10 boards. Jahlil Okafor scored 18 one-day series. Pakistan had been a ‘no go’ area duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela points and Hollis Thompson contributed 16 for for rival nations since gunmen opened fire on Sri Jayawardene, two outstanding batsmen. Philadelphia, which dropped to 1-29 while los- Lanka’s team bus in Lahore in 2009. One consolation for South Africa was the ing its 11th straight game. Now the 76ers head Meanwhile Pakistan left-arm quick form of AB de Villiers, who scored the fastest fifty, out for a six-game trip, and they have lost 22 in Mohammad Amir returned to competitive crick- hundred and 150 — off just 64 balls against the a row on the road. Philadelphia had 28 et after serving a jail sentence and a five-year West Indies at the World Cup-in one-day interna- turnovers and shot 65.6 percent (21 for 32) from ban for his role in the spot-fixing scandal that tional history. Bangladesh, so long the the free-throw line. took place during Pakistan’s 2010 tour of makeweights of world cricket, knocked England England. The highlight of Australia’s year came out of the World Cup and enjoyed several home LAKERS 111, NUGGETS 107 when they beat fellow co-hosts New Zealand by ODI series wins. Kobe Bryant tied a season high with 31 seven wickets in the 50-over World Cup final in points after missing a game with a sore right Melbourne. Their record-extending fifth title IPL SCANDAL shoulder, and Los Angeles rallied from a 21- owed much to Mitchell Starc, the left-arm fast Corruption continued to haunt cricket in point, first-half deficit to beat short-handed bowler taking 22 wickets at 10.18. 2015, with the Chennai Super Kings and Denver. Bryant also had five assists and played But it was a different story when Australia Rajasthan Royals suspended from the lucrative stellar defense to help bottle up the hot-shoot- were beaten in the Ashes-the first time they had Twenty20 Indian Premier League because of bet- ing Will Barton, who had 23 points in the first lost four successive away series against England ting-related activities involving team officials half only to finish with 25. The 37-year-old since 1896 despite the hosts effectively ending Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra in 2013. Bryant announced last month he would retire Kevin Pietersen’s international career. Stuart The fall-out extended to the top of the after the season. He received plenty of cheers Broad set up England’s series-clinching win with world game, with Meiyappan’s father-in-law DHAKA: In this photograph taken on April 6, 2014, India’s Yuvraj Singh plays a shot during his penultimate game in the Mile High a remarkable eight for 15 return as Australia Narayanaswami Srinivasan, whose India during the ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament final match between India and Sri City, including chants of “Kobe, Kobe” in the were skittled out for 60 on the first morning of Cements company own CSK, having his term as Lanka in The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. India’s national waning seconds. Up 103-100 with 1:23 remain- the fourth Test at his Trent Bridge home ground. ICC chairman cut short last month when the selectors on December 19, 2015, recalled fading stars Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra ing, Bryant hit two free throws and then a After the defeat, Australia captain Michael Indian board withdrew support for their former for Twenty20 internationals against Australia, keeping one eye on the upcoming jumper to seal the Lakers’ fifth win of the sea- Clarke announced his international retirement. president.—AFP World T20. — AFP son.— AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 SPORTS The glitzy lives of S American federation bosses

SAO PAULO: When Brazilian Football Nero’s ex-girlfriends. Lawmakers suspect holdings have expanded by 175 percent wealth in the footballing world is Ricardo along with the presidents or former pres- Confederation president Marco Polo Del the yacht, My Way-which Del Nero was since the arrival of Marin-who was him- Teixeira, the CBF’s president for 23 years idents of the Venezuelan, Bolivian, Nero was pictured aboard his yacht fond of using for champagne-soaked self indicted by US authorities in May, and another of the 16 Latin American Peruvian and Ecuadoran federations. being kissed by a young model, he could outings with girlfriends a third of his paving the way for Del Nero to succeed football officials indicted this month. Those targeted include Chilean feder- never have imagined the photo would age-was purchased with bribes from him. “If you had to define ‘craftiness,’ in the ation ex-president Sergio Jadue, who is become part of a corruption investiga- sports marketing company Klefer, which Del Nero has so far escaped arrest- good sense of the word, you’d point to collaborating with US investigators after tion into South American football. is now in the cross-hairs of both the US unlike the 83-year-old Marin, who was Ricardo Teixeira,” his ex-father-in-law, leaving the country under police escort. A year later, that kiss has vanished and Brazilian investigations. nabbed in a Zurich luxury hotel. long-time FIFA president Joao He left behind a new $700,000 man- from the Instagram page of Katherine “Everybody saw the luxurious lives Marin, who was extradited to New Havelange, once said of him. sion and a meteoric rise that took him Fontenele, the 24-year-old model whose they lived,” Brazilian sports journalist York and released on $15 million (13.7 Teixeira, who moved to a $7.5-million from the front office of a humble local nude photo had recently graced the cov- Juca Kfouri said of the men who run the million euros) bail, is currently under mansion in Miami after standing down club to the vice presidency of CON- er of Brazilian men’s magazine Sexy. so-called “beautiful game” here. house arrest at his apartment in the as CBF president in 2012, is now back in MEBOL. But the Internet never forgets, and “They flew around in private planes, swank Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. He Brazil, which does not extradite its citi- Also cooperating with the Americans the snapshot has come back to haunt jets, helicopters. They had mansions in has pleaded not guilty to the charges zens. is Luis Bedoya, the “tsar” of Colombian the 74-year-old football honcho, who the best neighborhoods in Rio de against him. football, a former clothing salesman who was one of 16 people indicted by US Janeiro... Nobody ever doubted where Del Nero for his part was forced to TARNISHED GLORY bought a dozen luxury properties during authorities this month in the spiralling that money was coming from.” resign from FIFA’s executive committee But the excesses weren’t limited to the nine years he led the Colombian corruption scandal shaking FIFA. and take leave from the CBF. Brazil. Of the 10 South American football Football Federation, according to a That love birds’ outing on his 16- FIFTH AVENUE PRISON “The presidents of the CBF never hid federation presidents in office in 2013, report by a local news magazine. South meter (52-foot) yacht returned from the Del Nero’s wealth has allegedly their lifestyles. They believed the impuni- just one has not been implicated in cor- Americans are meanwhile left hoping past when a Brazilian Senate commis- expanded immensely since 2012, the ty they enjoyed for so many years would ruption by the FBI: Uruguay’s Sebastian their next generation of football leader- sion carrying out its own investigation year his ally Jose Maria Marin took over last forever. It’s disgraceful for the Bauza. ship will restore the tarnished glory of a into dirty dealings in the national sport as CBF president. Brazilian authorities that the FBI had to The last three presidents of South continent that has won nine World Cups announced it was requesting access to Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao come and investigate,” said Kfouri. American confederation CONMEBOL and whose stars continue to light up the the bank and telephone records of Del Paulo recently reported his real estate The master of turning power to have all been arrested in the probe, best leagues in the world. —AFP Hiddink tells players ‘look in the mirror’

LONDON: New Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink has asked his underperforming players to “look in the mirror” and claims their future at the club is at risk if they don’t up their game. The Dutchman has replaced Jose Mourinho but confirmed at a press conference yesterday it is only likely to be a short-term role. He arrives with Chelsea struggling in 15th spot in the Premier League with supporters unhappy with players for their perceived failure to work for their predecessor. Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard bore the brunt of supporter criticism but Hiddink’s message to them was a clear one. “I spoke fully to the squad and, of course, we talked a bit about the past, why I’m here, the rea- sons why we are down,” he said. “But on the oth- er hand I told them things happen in football and I want everyone to look in the mirror, not just for two seconds, but longer. “And see what anyone can contribute from now on to raise us up. That was what I was emphasising. Not to LUGUE: Conmebol Secretary Hugo Figueredo, right, holds a ballot with the name of look back to much. “We cannot ignore what has Argentina’s Boca Juniors, as Uruguay’s Diego Forlan stands by during the Copa happened in the recent past, but I asked them Libertadores draw ceremony in Luque, Paraguay, Tuesday. — AP and told them to look in the mirror and be hypercritical and give the best for the team. They have to look forward.” He added: “There must be a great desire to COBHAM: Chelsea’s Dutch interim manager Guus Hiddink hosts a press conference at the Van Gaal speculation play. If you don’t have that desire, please knock club’s training ground in Cobham, south west London, yesterday, ahead of their forthcoming on my door and we’ll talk. We’ll talk briefly.” English Premier League fixture against Watford on December 26. — AFP we’ll see. I will see what will happen. We have “He is a legend already in this club, but also disrespectful: Wenger GLAD TO BE BACK only spoken about until the end of the season. outside this club in the world. So it’s nice for Hiddink is reprising the role he took in 2009, a “No manager can guarantee three points every guys with these big hearts to connect them LONDON: Speculation about Louis Van ty manager, not so much for what he has season where he helped Chelsea win the FA Cup. week, but we have to show to ourselves, the somehow with the club. But he is playing for Gaal being replaced by Jose Mourinho as won already because Bayern won before he “I shouldn’t be here, halfway into the season,” club, the players, the fans inside Chelsea and Montreal, under contract. “All the big clubs, and Manchester United manager is disrespect- was there and (his former club) Barcelona the 69-year-old said as he gets ready for his first abroad, that the team have big desire to wash the smaller ones, have these specific guys, fig- ful, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said yes- are winning now, but because of his posi- game in charge at home to Watford on Boxing away the last half year and go up to the next ures, who can go into whatever they like - coach, terday. tive attitude towards the game and that he Day. “That means things are not going as well as coming games.” ambassador, manager - but they must be given United’s home defeat by Norwich City wants his teams to play in a positive man- foreseen at the beginning of the season. But Hiddink has refused to rule out a return to the the opportunity to do so. They give the Chelsea last weekend, after which the Dutchman ner, that I respect,” he said. anyhow I’m glad to be back. It’s a few years ago club for former player Didier Drogba who was in brand a big image, worldwide. said he was “worried” about his position, “Personally I don’t like that a manager that I was here in a similar situation and I tried to the stands alongside him for the 3-1 win over “The official process I don’t know, but I spoke was their third defeat in a row and they are comes out so early on their plans because help out when I was asked to do so. “I worked at Sunderland last week. openly from the bottom of without a win in six matches in all competi- it’s not good for their own teams and that time with a lot of love for the club and to “I worked with him five or six years ago, and I the heart that such impact players can be tions. increases speculations about the managers work with the players is great. was delighted to have such a professional in the huge for the club. How it goes on now, it’s others Mourinho’s sacking by Chelsea last week who are going through a difficult patch.” “First we said let’s go to mid-May. But then squad,” he said. who have to deal with that. Not me.” — AFP has increased speculation that Van Gaal With Mourinho axed, Van Gaal under could be replaced by the Portuguese three- pressure and Manchester City’s Manuel times Premier League title winner. “I do not Pellegrini also coming under pressure, want to get into a world of speculation, I Wenger appeared serene yesterday, with Kompany fit for Sunderland personally have huge respect for Louis van his side bang in form and many predicting Gaal,” Wenger said at a news conference on Arsenal will win the league. Wednesday. Arsenal have won the most points in the “What is going on there at the moment top flight in the calendar year and beat clash, says Pellegrini is disrespectful. This guy has worked for 30 Man City 2-1 on Monday. “We lost our first years in football and delivered an unbeliev- game at home against West Ham and we SUNDERLAND: Manchester City captain mally,” Pellegrini told reporters. “You are always have been top of table at Christmas have gone able quality of work. were not absolutely sure that at Christmas Vincent Kompany is likely to make his comeback missing good players-he’s the captain here and if on to win the title, but Pellegrini dismissed the “Of course he deserves more time.” we would be two points behind the lead- following a six-week injury layoff in Saturday’s he doesn’t play it’s an important player we don’t fact by saying that titles are not won in Wenger, whose team are second in the ers,” Wenger said. Premier League encounter with Sunderland, have in our squad. December. Premier League ahead of the busy “But if you look back at 2015 we have manager Manuel Pellegrini said yesterday. In “One of the most important things of this “We are in this moment in third, four points Christmas programme, two points behind been consistent, we’ve had a positive year the eight league games the Belgium internation- team is to be in the all competitions, not just (behind) Arsenal and six points (behind) Leicester City, said Pep Guardiola’s decision and stabilised our defensive record and al started this season, City conceded once. depending on one player. “We’ll see the starting Leicester. We play Leicester City on the 29th so to announce that he will leave Bayern improved our record against the strong However, they have conceded 18 goals in the line-up on Saturday. After that, especially with it’s very important to win the (next) two games Munich at the end of the season added to teams in the Premier League. nine matches they have played this season with- David (Silva), with Kun (Sergio Aguero), with to finish the first round (strongly),” the former the rumours. “So it looks like we are on the right train out the influential defender, who has been side- Vincent, with Pablo-we have to see how they Real Madrid boss said. “The important thing is to Although he would welcome the going the right way.” Arsenal are at lined with a calf injury. recover between games. I have not decided my be involved at the end of January and then try Spaniard in England, should Guardiola end Southampton on Saturday and host “The injury situation is better - we’ll have the team yet.” After Monday’s damaging 2-1 loss to and win the title in the remainder of the season. up in the Premier League. “He is a top quali- Bournemouth two days later. — Reuters complete squad recovered apart from Samir Arsenal, City will be looking to end their shaky “We lost important points against Arsenal... but Nasri. Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando and Vincent form on Saturday, having lost three of their last it was not a decisive game. You never win the Kompany have all worked with the squad nor- five league games. Five of the past six teams to title in December.” — Reuters Red Star accept Liverpool offer for Marko Grujic

BELGRADE: Cash-strapped former Last year, soccer governing body UEFA European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade banned Red Star from entering the say they have accepted a bid of 5.14 million Champions League qualifying rounds pounds ($7.64 million) from Liverpool for because of unpaid bills. talented 19-year-old midfielder Marko Grujic, who can be deployed across the Grujic. midfield, impressed in the opening half of “The club’s board considered all three the season. According to Serbian media, his official bids for Grujic, including those from family were opposed to him leaving at such Anderlecht and Vfb Stuttgart, and unani- a young age and his father Goran implored mously accepted Liverpool’s offer as it stip- Red Star to keep him. Red Star said they ulates an immediate payment of the trans- had had no choice. fer fee,” a club statement said. Grujic, who “We sincerely wanted Marko Grujic to won the Under-20 World Cup with Serbia in carry on playing for Red Star in the next 10 New Zealand in June, would be loaned years but the club’s financial situation dic- back to Red Star for the remainder of this tated a different decision,” the statement season before joining Liverpool in July. said. “In an effort to honour his father’s Red Star, who won Europe’s premier club wish, we accepted to pay Liverpool one competition in 1991, are 25 points clear at million euros for Grujic to stay at Red Star the top of the Serbian first division which on loan for six months. “The transfer will headed into its December-February winter help Red Star get back on its feet and the break last week. However, the debt-ridden long-term benefit will be having the club have barely stayed afloat over the past resources to bring up more players like few years as they owe more than 40 million Grujic from our youth academy.” Liverpool, euros ($43.59 million) to creditors as well as who are ninth in the Premier League, have MARSEILLE: Picture taken on December 16, 2015 in Marseille, southern France, shows the Velodrome football stadium. Marseille is one of the former players and coaches. not confirmed the deal. — Reuters ten host cities for the Euro 2016 soccer finals that will be played from June 10, 2016 to July 10. — AFP Russian sports DeRozan helps minister denies Raptors edge doping cover-ups Mavericks 103-99

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 201517 18

Hiddink tells players ‘look in the mirror’ Page 19

DALLAS: Ales Hemsky #83 of the Dallas Stars skates the puck against Trevor van Riemsdyk #57 of the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at American Airlines Center on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas. — AFP Allen stops 32 shots, Blues shut out Bruins

BOSTON: Jake Allen stopped 32 shots for his fifth shutout, down from there, dropping the Canadiens to 1-9 in their last CANUCKS 2, LIGHTNING 1 through the first period, ending Jimmy Howard’s night, and Vladimir Tarasenko and Robby Fabbri scored third-period 10 games. Kuemper made 24 saves, giving regular goalie Daniel Sedin scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, the Red Wings never caught up. Dylan Larkin, Mike Green and goals and the St. Louis Blues cooled off the Boston Bruins Devan Dubnyk a rest after the Wild lost 6-3 to Dallas the night Jacob Markstrom made 26 saves and the road-weary Riley Sheahan scored for Detroit. with a 2-0 victory Tuesday night. It was only the second regu- before. Mike Condon stopped 20 shots for the Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks downed Tampa Bay. Sven Baertschi also lation loss in 16 games for Boston (11-2-3). St. Louis posted its outscored 19-5 during their losing streak. They have 15 goals scored for the Canucks, who finished their road trip 2-3-1. PANTHERS 2, SENATORS 1 fifth win in seven games. The Bruins had won six of their last in the last 10 games. Vancouver, which had one power play, allowed just one goal Aleksander Barkov scored the winning goal in a shootout eight at home. Boston goalie Tuukka Rask made 27 saves, but on 10 short-handed opportunities. The Lightning got a goal to lift the streaking Florida Panthers over Ottawa. Brandon lost in regulation for the first time in 11 starts after going 8-0- RANGERS 3, DUCKS 2, OT from Jonathan Marchessault. Canucks captain Henrik Sedin Pirri also scored a shootout goal for Florida. Roberto Luongo 2. Mats Zuccarello scored a power-play goal at 2:37 of over- contributed an assist after missing two games with a lower- stopped both Ottawa attempts to give the Panthers their fifth time and the slumping New York Rangers beat Anaheim for body injury. straight win. Florida has won 11 of its past 14. Corban Knight STARS 4, BLACKHAWKS 0 their fourth win in 15 games. Derrick Brassard had two goals scored in regulation for the Panthers, and Luongo made 15 Patrick Sharp had a goal and an assist in his first regular- and an assist as the Rangers snapped a three-game losing DEVILS 4, RED WINGS 3 saves. Jaromir Jagr had an assist. Mark Stone scored for season game against his former team, leading Dallas to a vic- streak. Henrik Lundqvist made 17 saves. Corey Perry and Kyle Palmieri had a goal and an assist, Cory Schneider Ottawa, and Craig Anderson stopped 39 shots. The Senators tory against Chicago. Sharp scored 11 seconds into the third Rickard Rakell scored for the Ducks, who lost their second in made 25 saves and New Jersey defeated Detroit. Jordin have lost five of their past seven, and five straight on the period to give the Stars a 2-0 lead in what had been a game as many nights and for the fourth time in five games. John Tootoo, David Schlemko and Sergey Kalinin also scored for road. with few chances between the highest-scoring teams in the Gibson stopped 19 shots. the Devils. They had goals on three straight shots midway Western Conference. Jason Spezza and Colton Sceviour also COYOTES 3, MAPLE LEAFS 2 scored for Dallas. Antti Niemi stopped 20 shots for his third Shane Doan scored twice in a 14-second span of the first shutout this season. It was the first of five meetings between NHL results/standings period and assisted on the go-ahead goal, leading Arizona the NHL-leading Stars and the defending Stanley Cup cham- over Toronto. Connor Murphy’s shot zipped through traffic pions. St. Louis 2, Boston 0; NY Rangers 3, Anaheim 2 (OT); New Jersey 4, Detroit 3; Vancouver 2, Tampa Bay 1; Florida 2, Ottawa 1 (SO); Minnesota and into the net with 13:54 to play, giving the Coyotes the 2, Montreal 1; Dallas 4, Chicago 0; Calgary 4, Winnipeg 1; Arizona 3, Toronto 2; San Jose 5, Los Angeles 3. lead. Arizona improved to 10-1-1 in its last 12 games against SHARKS 5, KINGS 3 Western Conference Eastern Conference Toronto dating to the 2005-06 season. Louis Domingue Joe Pavelski scored the tying and go-ahead goals 92 sec- Central Division Atlantic Division stopped Michael Grabner’s penalty shot and finished with 37 onds apart in the third period, and defenseman Brent Burns WLOTLGFGAPTS Montreal 20 13 3 105 89 43 saves. Brad Richardson had two assists and Arizona ended had two goals and an assist to help San Jose beat Los Dallas 26 7 2 124 88 54 Boston 19 10 4 104 85 42 the Maple Leafs’ streak of six games with at least one point. Angeles. Joe Thornton added a goal and two assists, and St. Louis 21 11 4 92 85 46 Florida 19 12 4 95 81 42 James van Riemsdyk and Nazem Kadri scored for Toronto. Chicago 20 12 4 96 87 44 Detroit 17 10 7 89 89 41 Martin Jones made 33 saves against his former team as the Ottawa 17 12 6 105 104 40 second-place Sharks reduced the Kings’ lead in the Pacific Minnesota 18 9 6 91 80 42 FLAMES 4, JETS 1 Nashville 17 11 6 90 86 40 Tampa Bay 17 15 3 87 82 37 Division to eight points. San Jose leads the NHL with 13 road Colorado 17 17 1 99 97 35 Buffalo 14 16 4 79 89 32 Johnny Gaudreau had his second hat trick of the season wins (13-6-2). Tyler Toffoli had two goals for the Kings, both Toronto 12 14 7 86 93 31 and Calgary beat Winnipeg, tying a franchise record with its Winnipeg 15 17 2 92 104 32 Metropolitan Division set up by Tanner Pearson, and Trevor Lewis also scored. Pacific Division 10th straight victory at home. With the Flames nursing a 2-1 Jonathan Quick stopped 17 shots. Washington 25 6 2 105 71 52 lead, Gaudreau scored a key goal at 15:41 of the third period. Los Angeles 20 11 2 84 76 42 NY Rangers 20 12 4 104 93 44 San Jose 17 15 2 93 94 36 NY Islanders 19 11 5 96 82 43 He completed his hat trick with an empty-netter less than 3 WILD 2, CANADIENS 1 Vancouver 13 14 9 91 103 35 New Jersey 17 13 5 83 87 39 minutes later. The streaking Gaudreau has 20 points (13 Jason Pominville and Charlie Coyle scored to help Arizona 16 15 2 90 104 34 Philadelphia 15 12 7 74 92 37 goals, seven assists) during the 10-game winning streak at Minnesota hand Montreal its fifth straight loss. Calgary 16 16 2 91 113 34 Pittsburgh 16 14 3 76 84 35 the Saddledome. Joe Colborne also scored for the Flames, Daniel Carr spoiled Darcy Kuemper’s shutout bid by scor- Edmonton 15 18 2 91 106 32 Carolina 13 16 5 80 101 31 who have won eight of 10 overall. Tyler Myers scored for ing with 7:14 remaining. Kuemper and the Wild clamped Anaheim 12 15 6 62 85 30 Columbus 13 20 3 88 112 29 Winnipeg, which has lost five in a row on the road. — AP FIFA sets date to end ‘ExCo’ FLASHBACK name, curb decision powers

GENEVA: The tainted ‘executive committee’ name day-to-day decisions to the FIFA administration, and Detail in the draft includes making the promotion of of FIFA’s ruling panel will end on April 26. FIFA pub- must consult with a newly created panel of mostly women’s football and increasing women’s roles in lished the agenda yesterday for its special election non-football people A proposed new FIFA gover- football governance an official FIFA objective. congress on Feb. 26 which confirms the proposed nance committee will “deal with, and advise and FIFA’s 209 members would also be required “to rebrand to a ‘FIFA council’ with less decision-making assist the council on all FIFA governance matters,” a prohibit all forms of discrimination” in their own power. proposed draft to modernize the FIFA statutes stat- legal statutes. Changes to FIFA statutes, including reforms ed. A new section, Article 23, is dedicated to “confed- agreed by the executive committee this month, take Members of that governance panel will be elect- eration statutes,” and makes minimum demands of effect 60 days after they are formally voted through ed at the annual FIFA Congress at Mexico City on the continental bodies that outgoing president by the congress of 209 member federations. May 12-13, FIFA said. The revised statutes document Blatter has blamed for many of FIFA’s problems. FIFA The so-called ExCo has become symbolic of gives detail to policy proposals agreed by the ExCo also is preparing to relax its rules which prohibit FIFA’s reputation for corruption. After Sepp Blatter on Dec. 2-3. The proposals relied on ideas submit- government interference in how football is run by and Michel Platini were banned for eight years on ted by FIFA audit panel chairman Domenico Scala national federations. Monday, 14 of the 24-man ExCo from 2010 are now and shaped by a reform group chaired by former Currently, FIFA statutes say members shall man- sanctioned or under investigation by FIFA’s ethics IOC director Francois Carrard. They include imposing age their business independently and “are not influ- In this Sunday, March 29, 2015 file photo, Australia captain Michael Clarke holds committee, or indicted by the U.S. Department of term limits of 12 years on future presidents, who will enced by any third parties.” The new draft suggests the Cricket World Cup Trophy aloft after his team defeated co-host New Zealand Justice. have a more ceremonial role, and council members. “without undue influence” by others, such as gov- in the final in Melbourne, Australia. Clarke scored 74 vital runs to help Australia The new council of up to 37 members will cede Their pay and bonuses should also be published. ernments. — AP win the trophy for the fifth time, three more than any other team. —AP World Bank approves $500 million loan to Philippines Page 22

Refugee influx gives extra push usiness to German construction boom B Page 23 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 Mercedes-Benz meets Global stocks extend rally for third day demand for Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models Page 24 Pages 25

NUUK: People look at tuna fish caught in the waters off Greenland being loaded at the harbor in Nuuk, Greenland. — AFP In Greenland, hopes for climate change boost economy Greenlanders hope to cash in on rising temperatures

NUUK: As the world struggles to limit climate Falling commodity prices have put a damper its land, shrinking by nearly 50 cubic miles per countries with poor farmland. “It is completely out a negative impact,” said Rosing. Another change, some people in Greenland hope to on hopes that the territory’s mineral riches- year. The ice sheet, a potentially massive con- ready for shipping. A man and a shovel and export idea rooted in microbiology has come cash in on rising temperatures with new buried beneath the ice-could spark an immi- tributor to a rise in sea levels, lost mass twice as then just off with the nutrient-rich dirt,” said from south Greenland’s potato crops, which species to fish, innovative exports and nent mining boom. Instead fisheries continue fast between 2003 and 2010 as during the Minik Rosing, a geology professor who heads have grown more plentiful as summers have advances in farming. While the North Atlantic to dominate the economy, accounting for entire 20th century, researchers said last week the think tank Greenland Perspective. become warmer. While the cost of farming in Island remains highly dependent on shrimp as about 90 percent of exports, and mackerel and in the journal Nature. For many Greenlanders, the island is high compared to other places, its main export-it is known locally as “the pink Atlantic bluefin tuna have ready markets. That is climate change is already posing challenges Potato protection higher temperatures could see it being done on gold”-warming waters are attracting new types welcome news for the local government, as the and changing the traditional lifestyle: some The substance is a nuisance for a larger scale in the future. of fish. “It’s very nice to be able to offer freshly subsidy from former colonial master Denmark hunters and fishermen have had to put down Greenlanders when it clogs up the fjords and The warming climate is not the only thing caught tuna and mackerel even if we are right that currently accounts for about half of the their huskies as thinner winter sea ice makes “may as well do good elsewhere in the world”, working in farmers’ favor: researchers have here in Greenland,” said Bjorn Johansen, a chef annual budget is now fixed and its value slowly the use of dog sleds for ice fishing too danger- he added. The idea is to export the rock flour to found that the soil is also providing them with a at Hotel Hans Egede, the largest hotel in capital erodes along with inflation. ous. Tourism, one of the industries the govern- places with barren and arid land such as Africa unique advantage. While potato growers Nuuk, which has a population of 22,000. ment wants to grow to diversify the economy, is and South America. The nutrients in the around the world face the threat of disease- In summer, fishermen in east Greenland are From Nuuk to Nairobi also facing obstacles in the thawing Arctic. crushed rocks from Greenland can make the causing microbes such as blight wiping out now catching mackerel and Atlantic bluefin “If summer temperatures continue to During some parts of the year the ice floes in farmland arable again, Rosing said. As the min- entire harvests, south Greenland’s soil contains tuna that have swum far from their spawning increase during this century ... it is likely that the Ilulissat icefjord, Greenland’s largest tourism erals are absorbed by the plants through the microorganisms that inhibit the growth of grounds in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of bluefin tuna could become a regular summer attraction, have been so massive that cruise soil, more vegetation pulls carbon dioxide out harmful fungi. These “have a major biotechno- Mexico. For Johansen they are a break from the visitor in east Greenland waters,” said Brian ships have had problems getting tourists of the atmosphere. logical potential if the molecules can be suc- monotony of Greenland’s traditional staples. MacKenzie, a marine ecology professor at the ashore. They has also made it harder for local One ton can be shipped up to 12,000 kilo- cessfully synthesized into chemical compounds For Nuuk’s home rule government, which is Technical University of Denmark. Satellite fishermen to navigate into open waters. But meters before having a negative impact on the or if the organisms can be used as an organic seeking more sources of income as the econo- images show the Arctic territory’s vast ice sheet, with the melting ice sheet comes rock that has climate, meaning the rock flour can be trans- alternative to pesticides”, said microbiologist my has to support an ageing population, they which holds between six and seven percent of been naturally crushed by the ice. This “rock ported from Nuuk to Nairobi. “We can therefore Peter Stougaard, an associate professor at the are an export opportunity. the world’s fresh water and covers four-fifths of flour” contains nutrients that can be used in easily move it to South America or Africa with- University of Copenhagen. — AFP Facebook to enable Malaysian bauxite rush brings wealth, worries

viewing of Apple’s BUKIT GOH: Malaysian farmer Surin Beris’s to admit a problem. Wan Junaidi Tuanku palm plantation has been razed and bulldoz- Jaafar, the natural resources and environment animated photos ers are tearing into its red soil, releasing minister, gave AFP a government report stat- potentially hazardous dust into the environ- ing that “high concentrations” of hazardous NEW YORK: The latest iPhones come with the ability to turn ment-yet he couldn’t be happier. Surin, 67, is substances were found in water samples tak- still images into video - just like magic - but sharing options reaping a windfall from a modern-day gold en in August from the Pengorak river, near had been limited to other Apple apps. That’s changing as rush in Malaysia’s sleepy rural state of Pahang bauxite mining areas and Kuantan. “Our find- Facebook, one of the leading forums for photo sharing, adds for the high-grade bauxite that lies in its rud- ings showed that there was aluminum, Apple’s Live Photos feature to Facebook’s iPhone and iPad dy soil. Demand for bauxite, which is used in arsenic, mercury, and manganese. The mining app. Facebook will start offering it Monday to a limited num- aluminum production, is soaring-fuelled by activity worsened the water quality,” he said ber of users initially, with a broader rollout planned in the heavy demand from China. in an interview. The river has been rendered coming weeks. Facebook’s support follows a similar move by The boom is a “gift from Allah”, said Surin, a unfit for drinking, irrigation, swimming or Yahoo’s Tumblr service. Muslim in a bright white skullcap who previ- fish, the report said. With Live Photos on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, every still shot is accompanied by a three-second video, with sound. For ously made about 2,000 ringgit ($470) per instance, you can snap a shot of your kid blowing out birth- month cultivating the plum-sized fruit that is Let the good times roll day candles - and get video showing the flame going out as squeezed to make palm oil. “I made a million Malaysia’s six-decade-old ruling coalition everyone sings “Happy Birthday.” ringgit in less than six months. I thank the is routinely accused of paying inadequate The phone automatically records video in the background Almighty for being so generous,” he said. attention to the environmental and social when the camera app is open. The recording is immediately Bauxite mining took off in Malaysia shortly side effects of the harvesting of the country’s discarded if you do nothing. When you snap a shot, the after Indonesia, a top producer, banned min- rich resources. phone saves a second and a half of video leading to that shot eral ore exports in January 2014 to encourage Timber exploitation, for example, is a key and continues recording until you get three seconds in all. domestic metals processing, leaving major BUKIT GOH: A worker wearing a face mask looks on at a bauxite storage site in Bukit source of political funding that helps sustain Why not just take video? You might not know ahead of time consumers like China in a supply crunch. Goh situated in Malaysia’s rural state of Pahang. — AFP the coalition but which environmentalists say when you’ll encounter a scene lending itself to video. With Malaysia has helped filled the gap. Previously has contributed to the decimation of once- Live Photos, you always get the video option - unless you turn an insignificant producer, there has been a levels of radiation. Since it generally lies just residents complain of a rise in respiratory majestic rainforests. the feature off. sharp rise in mining, most of it illegal like below the surface, extraction involves strip- problems and skin rashes. “My four-year-old Mohamad Soffi Abdul Razak, chair of the But sharing had been limited to certain Apple apps - such Surin’s. Malaysian bauxite output more than ping off topsoil, leaving exposed pits. In granddaughter is in pain because she cannot Pahang state government’s environment as the texting app Messages, but not Mail. With tools Apple is quadrupled year-on-year in 2014, to nearly Pahang, where the landscape is dominated breathe properly. We inhale dust everyday,” committee, dismissed the health and environ- making available to third parties, sharing can now be done 963,000 metric tons, according to govern- by tropical forests and agriculture, red dust complained Manap Muda, a village head near ment fears, saying authorities intend to let through Facebook and Tumblr, too. Your friend merely needs to tap and hold the photo to watch the image animate. The ment figures, and is expected to rise. swirls around the pits and along the roads on Kuantan who said authorities were turning a the good times roll. “The bauxite rush is creat- iPhone 6s models are required for creating Live Photos, but which bauxite-laden trucks rumble toward blind eye. ing jobs. Pahang is blessed by God,” he said. viewing can also be done on older iPhones and iPads with Pillaging the land the port of Kuantan on the South China Sea, Fuziah Salleh, a Kuantan opposition parlia- Wan Junaidi, however, said he would press for the latest operating system. On Android and Web browsers, But critics warn the mining is being done where the ore is shipped to China. ment member, said legal loopholes allow more sustainable mining and measures to you get only the still images. Besides Facebook and Tumblr, amateurishly and with little or no govern- Critics fear heavy metals could enter the small landowners to mine without approval prevent the release of dangerous elements. Getty Images is also offering a selection of Live Photos ment attention to potential environmental water supply or food chain, affecting commu- and that many were “raping the land for prof- Few expect the bauxite rush to be slowed, through its app. It’s a curated selection, though, rather than a harm. Bauxite mining can release carcino- nities for years. Environmentalists say local it”. “The people are greedy and are making however. “I have complained, but corruption mechanism for sharing photos with friends. — AP genic heavy metals such as strontium, cesium rivers and the shores along Kuantan are fre- massive money at the expense of public is keeping illegal mining alive,” said Manap and other harmful substances, as well as low quently stained red from mining run-off, and health,” she said. The government has begun Muda, the village head. —AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 BUSINESS World Bank approves $500 million loan to Philippines

MANILA: The World Bank approved a $500 mil- growth and poverty reduction,” said Philippine reached 571.1 billion pesos ($12.9 billion), cut- lion loan yesterday to help the Philippines deal finance secretary Cesar Purisima. “This is the envi- ting economic growth by about 0.9 percent in with natural disasters. It can access the new credit ronmental equivalent of the middle income trap. 2013, and another 0.3 percent in 2014, pushing line following “a state of calamity” declared by the Governments need to be agile in mobilizing about 2.3 million people below the poverty line president, the World Bank said in a statement. On resources if we are to break free from disaster- as a result, the bank said. Typhoons Koppu and average, more than 1,000 lives are lost every year traps that knock back the poorest and most vul- Melor, the two latest extreme weather events in the Philippines, with typhoons accounting for nerable,” he added. that hit the Philippines this year, claimed nearly the majority of deaths and damage. Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines 100 lives combined according to official counts. The country is also highly exposed to earth- in November 2013, one of the strongest ever It is the second time the World Bank has given quakes and volcanic eruptions. “Financial shocks storms to hit land, leaving more than 7,350 peo- the country money to help deal with such catas- caused by natural disasters undermine economic ple dead or missing. Total damage and losses trophes.—AFP

Hyundai Motor’s Genesis and Tucson models earn renowned safety award

KUWAIT: Hyundai Motor’s Genesis and Tucson have been rec- ognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2016 Top Safety Pick+ awards. This prestigious awards body helps consumers select vehicles that offer the highest level of crash protection by conducting extensive testing and award- ing those which are worthy. Jin (James) Kim, Vice President and Head of Operations at Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East said: “Our company’s emphasis on safety is once again highlighted as two very different models, one an SUV and one a luxury sedan, are internationally recognized for their advanced safety technologies. The features which I think have helped us secure these awards are elements such as the autonomous emer- gency braking feature, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and the emergency brake assist offering.” Adrian Lund, IIHS president commented on the rationale behind the Hyundai recognition: “The Genesis is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags and ener- gy-absorbing front airbags, while the Tucson has AEB, helping these vehicles earn our top rating. Both earned a required good rating in the small overlap front crash evaluation and a NBK announces four superior-or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities, a key criteria to qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award.” Al Jawhara winners Hyundai Motor’s Genesis is equipped with many advanced safety technology options, including ESC, Lane Departure KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) to win KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 Warning System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Brake Assist announced the four lucky winners in Al monthly and a grand prize of KD and Electronic Brake Distribution, Lane Change Assist and a Jawhara weekly draws during the 250,000 quarterly. Each KD 50 in a cus- rear-view camera. In addition, the vehicle includes Sensory month of December. The draws were tomer’s account entitles them to one Surround Safety Technologies that help driver alertness and conducted under the supervision of entry in the draw, thus more money in focus on total occupant safety, and even the safety of other Ministry of Commerce Representatives. an account means more chances in each drivers nearby. Ammar Thabet Al Muhanna, draw. The new feature introduced to al Multiple advanced safety technology options are also avail- Abdulmohsen Al Taleb, Abdulaziz Al Jawhara Account enables customers to able on Hyundai Motor’s Tucson, including AEB with pedestri- Dlemei and Sayeed Thaher Al Shameriy double their chances when maintaining an detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot each won KD 5,000. The winners their balance without withdrawing or Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup expressed their gratitude and thanked transfereing from Al Jawhara account. Warning Sensors and a standard rearview camera. In addition, NBK for its great services and promo- Al Jawhara is the most popular prize- advanced high-strength steel represents more than 50 per- tions. The upcoming winner of Al giving account in Kuwait. Al Jawhara cent of the vehicle’s structure, for enhanced crash safety. The Jawhara KWD 250,000 last quarterly account entitles account holders to vehicle also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring draw in 2015 will be announced live on enter the weekly, monthly and quarterly System (TPMS) that alerts drivers if one or more tires are Marina FM on Tuesday, 29th of Al Jawhara draws. All prizes are auto- under-inflated, and includes the tire’s location. December, 2015. matically credited to the winners’ IIHS rates vehicles in a small overlap front crash, moderate NBK has re-launched Al Jawhara accounts the day after the draw. Al overlap front crash, side and roof strength, and head restraint account recently by doubling customers’ Jawhara accounts are available for both tests, as well as a standard or optional front crash prevention chances to win in the weekly, monthly Kuwaitis and expats and can be opened system. Winners of the Top Safety Pick+ award must earn and quarterly draws when they do not at any of NBK’s branches around Kuwait, good ratings for occupant protection in all five of the evalua- withdraw or transfer from their or through NBK website for existing cus- tions. For the first time, a good rating in the small overlap front accounts. NBK customers have chances tomers. crash test is required to earn the award. EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.945 Asia 20 Gram 220.060 Jordanian Dinar 429.300 Bangladesh Taka 0.003448 0.004048 ASIAN COUNTRIES 10 Gram 112.730 Egyptian Pound 38.808 Chinese Yuan 0.045440 0.048940 Japanese Yen 2.516 5 Gram 57.050 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.126 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037174 0.039924 Indian Rupees 4.589 Indian Rupees 4.602 Indian Rupee 0.004301 0.004691 Pakistani Rupees 2.909 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Pakistani Rupees 2.903 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.862 Srilankan Rupees 2.123 Philippines Pesso 6.420 Japanese Yen 0.002432 0.002612 Nepali Rupees 2.881 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 580.455 Kenyan Shilling 0.003164 0.003164 Singapore Dollar 217.428 Australian Dollar 211.78 Japanese Yen 3.510 Korean Won 0.000250 0.000265 Hongkong Dollar 39.270 Canadian Dollar 222.01 Syrian Pound 2.610 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066958 0.072958 Bangladesh Taka 3.869 Swiss Franc 311.03 Nepalese Rupees 3.860 Nepalese Rupee 0.002886 0.003056 Philippine Peso 6.437 Euro 335.60 Malaysian Ringgit 71.805 Pakistan Rupee 0.002701 0.002981 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.375 Thai Baht 8.452 US Dollar 304.60 Philippine Peso 0.006405 0.006685 Sterling Pound 465.02 Thai Bhat 9.405 GCC COUNTRIES Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Japanese Yen 2.55 Turkish Lira 104.170 Saudi Riyal 81.217 Bangladesh Taka 3.866 Singapore Dollar 0.213542 0.219542 Qatari Riyal 83.661 Indian Rupee 4.597 South African Rand 0.014062 0.022562 Omani Riyal 791.060 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.124 Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001766 0.002346 Bahraini Dinar 808.820 Nepali Rupee 2.872 Taiwan 0.009145 0.009325 UAE Dirham 82.920 Pakistani Rupee 2.904 CURRENCY BUY SELL Thai Baht 0.008126 0.008676 ARAB COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 0.08289 Europe Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 37.770 Bahraini Dinar 0.8095 British Pound 0.444600 0.453600 Bahraini Dinar 0.800536 0.808536 Egyptian Pound 0.03881 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.942 Czech Korune 0.004334 0.016334 Egyptian Pound 0.034557 0.037683 Jordanian Dinar 0.4332 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.421 Omani Riyal 0.7910 Danish Krone 0.040609 0.045609 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Tunisian Dinar 150.693 Qatari Riyal 0.08398 Euro 0.327187 0.335187 Iraqi Dinar 0.000201 0.000261 Jordanian Dinar 428.823 Saudi Riyal 0.08119 Norwegian Krone 0.030902 0.036102 Jordanian Dinar 0.425343 0.432843 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.029 Romanian Leu 0.087320 0.087320 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.170 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.009099 0.019099 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Morocco Dirham 31.221 Swedish Krona 0.032056 0.037056 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022124 0.046124 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.300830 0.311030 Nigerian Naira 0.001259 0.001894 US Dollar Transfer 304.400 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate US Dollar 304.750 Turkish Lira 0.098924 0.109224 Omani Riyal 0.784229 0.789909 Euro 333.840 Canadian Dollar 220.635 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.082900 0.084113 Sterling Pound 452.947 Sterling Pound 455.500 Australian Dollar 0.211757 0.223257 Saudi Riyal 0.080287 0.081237 Canadian dollar 219.545 Euro 332.480 New Zealand Dollar 0.200911 0.210411 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 Turkish lira 103.855 Swiss Frank 303.225 America Tunisian Dinar 0.147078 0.155078 Swiss Franc 309.350 Bahrain Dinar 806.235 Canadian Dollar 0.213144 0.221644 Turkish Lira 0.098924 0.109224 Australian Dollar` 221.907 UAE Dirhams 83.215 US Dollars 0.300300 0.304800 UAE Dirhams 0.081896 0.083045 US Dollar Buying 303.200 Qatari Riyals 84.430 US Dollars Mint 0.300800 0.304800 Yemeni Riyal 0.001376 0.001456 BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

A year on, Germany tots up pros and cons of minimum wage FRANKFURT: One year has passed since the minimum wage rule doesn’t apply to den 27-percent increase in wage costs. Germany introduced a national minimum them for a period of, say, 18 or 24 months,” But “on the whole, employers have not wage, with no evidence so far of the cata- said Michael Huether of the IW economic had to lay off people as a result of the strophic economic consequences predict- think tank. So far, the government has reform,” said Klaus Brenke, economist at ed by its opponents. Nevertheless, a huge ruled out making wide-scale exceptions. the DIW think tank. In fact, Germany’s job- influx of refugees, most of whom will ini- less rate has kept falling, to 6.3 percent in tially depend on menial and low-paid Record-low unemployment November, the lowest level since unifica- work, has reignited debate about the need Chancellor Angela Merkel and her con- tion in 1990. for, and effectiveness of, a legal basic servative Christian Democrats (CDU) had wage. Germany is taking in about one mil- long opposed a national minimum wage, ‘That’s enough’ lion asylum seekers this year, which some favoring instead separate pay deals by The German economy is currently in observers predict will drive up unemploy- industrial sector and region. But her coali- fairly good shape and on course for a ment as many will not immediately be tion partners, the centre-left Social record trade surplus this year. “Salaries are able to find, or qualify for, work in Europe’s Democrats (SPD), were adamant they already above the minimum wage in the biggest economy. The influx has come would only enter into a power-sharing export sectors, primarily the manufactur- during a year in which legislation came deal if she agreed to the fixed basic wage ing industry, so they haven’t been affect- into effect from January 1 obliging to help Germany’s growing army of work- ed,” said Joachim Moeller, director of the employers to pay their workers at least ing poor. A year after its introduction, IAB institute for employment research. It 8.50 euros ($9.30) per hour. there are many who say the minimum was mostly people with few or no qualifi- There were plenty of critics of the wage has not actually had much effect. cations who benefitted. From January 1, move, primarily small- and medium-sized “I’m still struggling to make ends meet,” 2017, the minimum wage will finally be in businesses who argued it would push up said Juergen Herbst, who works as a BERLIN: Refugee children walk through a shelter for asylum seekers in Berlin. — AFP force across all sectors, with only very few labor costs and prices, and even force receptionist at a small family-run hotel hotel owners had still kept him on. The the Ifo institute, for example, had warned exceptions. And not everyone sees a case them to lay off workers. In order to give outside Frankfurt. government argued that more than three it could destroy as many as 900,000 jobs to start exempting refugees. “There is time to different industries to adapt, it was Herbst, who is in his 50s, said his pay million people would be better off with and undermine German competitiveness. already an exception in place for people in agreed to stagger the introduction of min- has risen by 149 euros per month. But his the minimum wage. But some economists In isolated cases, companies may have on-the-job training. That’s enough,” said imum wage across some sectors over two child support payments increased as well, doubted its impact, as it would give only a been forced to close. In October, for IAB’s Moeller. “In the same way that the years. Now some opponents suggest an he argued. He said he had to call in the small boost to purchasing power at a time example, a 200-year-old firm called introduction of a minimum wage hasn’t exemption be made for refugees to make unions to force his employer to pay him of already robust consumer demand. Steinbach-which makes figurines for tra- destroyed jobs, making exemptions won’t it easier for them to find jobs. “There could the legal minimum wage. It was a matter At the same time, the doomsday pre- ditional Christmas nativity models-shut create any either,” said DIW economist be a specific rule for refugees stating that of “dignity”, Herbst argued, and said the dictions of others have not been fulfilled- down, saying it could not finance the sud- Brenke. — AFP Refugee influx gives extra push to German construction boom Economists see risk of property bubble forming NEUKIRCH: Near Germany’s southern border, a small family- its highest level since German reunification in 1990. The index, and Munich where populations are growing fastest - more run construction company is being flooded with orders for its which measures sentiment in the sector, dipped slightly this than 400,000 flats now need to be built every year, industry pre-fabricated homes. They are destined to house some of the month but remains high as the European Central Bank’s low experts estimate. one million asylum seekers flooding into the country this year. interest rates turn more Germans away from regular saving With demand outstripping supply, some economists say The family factory in Neukirch, a small town close to Austria funds and towards property investments. This increased pri- the market could overheat. “We don’t have a bubble in and Switzerland, cannot keep up so company chief Joerg vate sector demand is helping the property market further up Germany yet,” said Commerzbank chief economist Joerg Bauer is expanding near the shores of Lake Constance. “We are the scale from the entry level homes built by companies such Kraemer. “But there is a real risk that this might develop into a about to introduce a double-shift at our plant in Neukirch, as Bauer Holzsysteme in Neukirch. bubble in a couple of years.” Trying to head off an urban hous- open a bigger factory building in nearby Lindau and increase For instance, shares in real estate group Patrizia ing crisis, Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and our staff from 40 currently to 60,” he said. Immobilien, which is building 4,000 new flats in cities includ- Construction Minister Barbara Hendricks are planning hefty Demand for entry-level homes for the refugees, many of ing Munich, Hamburg and Berlin, have jumped around 120 tax incentives for investors who build new apartments in cer- whom have been sleeping in gymnasiums, local halls and percent this year. Still, the construction industry has a way to tain city areas in the next three years. tents, is adding to a cocktail of factors fuelling a revival of the go to match the boom it enjoyed when much had to be German construction industry. The sector is also being rebuilt in the former communist east Germany following Government stimulus Nissan Europe, WFP buoyed by population growth in major cities plus an increas- reunification. Turnover in core construction business has In the public sector, investment in housing for the asylum ing interest in real estate. Record-low borrowing costs and ris- increased in the last few years but in 2014 remained about 15 seekers and the infrastructure overhaul are supporting join forces to boost ing real wages are encouraging many Germans to overcome percent below levels of the mid-1990s. demand. Stock in Hochtief, which focuses mainly on public their traditional aversion to buying their own flats and houses, projects such as motorway modernization, has risen about 50 sustainability in with some also regarding property as an attractive invest- Bubble risk percent this year. A Hochtief spokesman said the higher state ment. Housing remains in short supply due to a lack of construc- spending on infrastructure and refugee housing was positive humanitarian mobility This demand, coupled with a 13-billion euro ($14 billion) tion in 2001-2009, when the public sector scaled back tax for the whole sector, adding: “A company like Hochtief can DUBAI: Nissan Europe yesterday announced a year-long humani- push by the government in 2016 to modernize roads and incentives for residential investors and abolished a home sub- benefit from stronger growth in residential construction.” The tarian collaboration with the United Nations World Food Program bridges, is expected to boost construction sales by 2.5 percent sidy for owner-occupiers, who also faced much higher bor- public sector is doubling its funds for social housing to more (WFP) focused on improving road safety and environmental sus- to 235 billion euros next year, the highest level since 2000, rowing costs then. From January to September this year, than 4 billion euros up to 2019 to cope with the asylum seek- tainability within the organization. The program will touch WFP’s according to the industry’s BvB association. The revival adds building approvals were granted for about 223,000 flats, the ers, many of them refugees fleeing war in the Middle East. employees in terms of road safety and significantly enhance WFP’s impetus to a recovery in the domestic economy, which is com- main dwellings in German cities, statistics office data shows. The small- and medium-sized firms that dominate supply chain foot printing and sustainable procurement initia- pensating for sluggish foreign trade as exporters struggle with This marked a 5 percent rise compared with the first nine Germany’s residential building sector are scrambling to meet tives, contributing towards the United Nations (UN) “Greening the a slowdown in emerging markets. Construction accounts for 4 months of 2014. For the full year, the figure is expected to be this demand. At Bauer Holzsysteme, orders have been placed Blue” program to measure, reduce and offset carbon emission of percent of German gross domestic product (GDP) and, with nearly 300,000 flats, but that is still insufficient to cope with for more than 100 pre-fabricated buildings in 2016, up from UN agencies. 2.5 million people working in more than 300,000 companies, the urban growth. “This is a strong development, but it’s still 20 delivered this year. Max Boegl, which is also making modu- With 88 percent of WFP’s 14,600 staff based in the field across it is a major employer. far below the levels we saw in the 1990s after reunification, lar buildings for refugees, is experiencing the same upswing. 82 countries, safety is a critical part of the organization’s day-to- “More and more Germans are putting their money into with more than 600,000 flats,” said Tobias Just, a real estate “We’re noting sharply increased demand since October and day operations in ensuring the efficient delivery of food assistance property,” said Hans-Werner Sinn, head of the Ifo economic expert at the University of Regensburg. To avoid housing we expect this trend to continue next year,” Max Boegl to the people who need it most. Often visiting some of the hard- institute. Ifo’s construction sector index rose in November to shortages - especially in big cities such as Berlin, Hamburg spokesman Juergen Kotzbauer said.— Reuters est-to-reach communities in the world, threatened by natural dis- asters and conflict, road incidents are unfortunately common- place due to hazardous road conditions. Through this collaboration, Nissan Europe will be working Toshiba to cut jobs closely with WFP to create a strong culture of road safety by pro- viding remote training to help WFP’s team of drivers and fleet of 3,200 vehicles - thus enhancing humanitarian access to deep-field amid record losses communities. Nissan will also leverage its environmental leader- ship to support WFP in effectively measuring its carbon footprint TOKYO: Toshiba plans to cut 7,800 jobs, mostly nuclear power plant, which went into meltdown across its air, land and sea operations as well as through its supply in its consumer-electronics business, as it reor- after the March 2011 tsunami. Toshiba said it chain. ganizes in the face of projected record losses for had not yet fully calculated the impact of the This pilot with Nissan, representing an annual investment of the current fiscal year. The Japanese conglomer- nuclear disaster on its books. Analysts say the Ä180,000, marks an important step toward more efficient, greener ate has been struggling with the aftermath of a company has been looking to sell or restructure and safer means of moving humanitarian supplies and people, major accounting scandal, compounded by several businesses to generate more money for supporting WFP’s vision of zero hunger and Nissan’s Blue troubles in nuclear energy and losses in the busi- its mainstay memory-chip business. That’s one Citizenship visions of a future with zero emissions and zero fatali- ness that makes personal computers, TVs and of the company’s strongest divisions but ties. “WFP is delighted to work with Nissan Europe to explore new consumer appliances. requires ongoing investment to keep pace with and innovative ways to green our operations and improve the The job cuts announced Monday will affect technological changes. The chip business faces safety of our fleets,” said Jay Aldous, Director, Private Sector about 30 percent of the consumer-electronics “intense global competition and increasing price Partnerships at the UN World Food Program. “As the logistics business and represent about 3 percent of pressures,” according to a recent report from leader for the humanitarian community, WFP is committed to Toshiba’s overall employees. Toshiba Corp said it Moody’s. improving every facet of our operations so we can more effective- is also selling its TV manufacturing plant in Toshiba is the world’s second-largest maker ly reach the people who need our assistance the most, wherever Indonesia and will sell or seek outside investors of “flash” memory chips, behind Samsung, but its they are.” for a division that makes electronics for health sales declined slightly last year, according to Thierry Pieton, Senior Vice President, Administration & Finance care. Despite its well-known brand, Toshiba has research firm IHS. The company projected a loss Nissan Europe commented: “Following Nissan’s donation of 10 struggled to differentiate its products in con- of 550 billion yen ($4.5 billion) for the fiscal year Million Yen (US$80,000) to support WFP’s relief efforts in Nepal, sumer electronics. Its television business faces through March 2016. That means Toshiba is sink- today is a proud moment for Nissan as we cement our relation- stiff competition from low-cost Chinese manu- ing into its second straight year of loss, after ship with the UN World Food Programme. Improving road safety facturers and high-end Korean brands, while racking up a loss of nearly 38 billion yens ($312 is critical to accessing vulnerable people in hard-to-reach areas, TOKYO: Pedestrians pass before a share prices board in Tokyo. Tokyo stocks dropped on a demand for personal computers has been million) for the previous fiscal year. Japanese and Nissan is committed to using its expertise and resources to stronger yen, with Toshiba slumping on a weekend report that the scandal-hit conglom- falling worldwide. media reports said the latest loss forecast would help WFP reach its zero hunger ambition.” erate will likely post a massive fiscal year loss.— AFP Toshiba is also wrestling with costs from be a record for Toshiba, surpassing the massive decommissioning the Fukushima Dai-ichi losses during the Lehman financial crisis.—AP UK growth slowdown takes rate-hike pressure off BoE LONDON: Britain’s economy grew less strongly than previously change to the previous ONS estimates. Sterling briefly fell after thought in much of 2015, according to official data that may the data and government bond prices edged up. Britain has give the Bank of England pause for thought as it ponders when grown more quickly than most other developed economies to raise interest rates. Britain’s economy expanded by 0.4 per- over the past two years, helping Prime Minister David Cameron cent in the third quarter, down from a previous estimate of 0.5 and finance minister George Osborne to lead their Conservative percent and below the forecasts of 35 economists polled by Party to an election victory in May. Reuters, who had all expected no change in the figure. Growth in the second quarter was revised down more sharply. Risks ahead Weaker growth in the huge services sector, especially in A spokesman for the finance ministry said yesterday’s data financial services, was behind the new, lower assessment of showed Britain was still ahead of most of its peers in terms of growth for the July-September period, the Office for National growth but also highlighted the risks still facing the economy. Statistics said yesterday. The BoE has previously said it expects “That’s why we should continue working through our plan to growth in the third quarter will eventually come in at 0.6 per- build an economy that delivers security for working people,” the cent. “There will be even less near-term pressure to raise interest spokesman said, referring to Osborne’s program of further rates,” Philip Shaw, an economist with Investec, said. spending cuts to fix Britain’s weak public finances. Britain’s Most economists have previously said they expect no move recovery since 2013 has been driven in large part by spending by the BoE until around May of next year. Financial markets by consumers. Yesterday’s data showed household spending expect no rate hike until late 2016 or early 2017. In annual terms, rose more quickly than previously thought in the third quarter, overall economic growth in the third quarter was revised down helped by the biggest annual increase in disposable income to 2.1 percent from a previous reading of 2.3 percent. since 2010 as inflation tumbled to zero and wages rose. Still, the Economists taking part in a Reuters poll had expected no savings ratio fell to its joint lowest level since 1963. —Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 Global stocks extend rally for third day Dollar slightly higher against major rivals LONDON: Global stocks extended a rally into a third day MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside cent in the Dow Jones industrial average lifted Wall Street aversion, as investors have unwound carry trades in which yesterday as oil edged up from 11-year lows and the dollar Japan rose 0.6 percent to the highest in almost two weeks. for a second day on Tuesday. Data on Tuesday showed US the euro is borrowed then sold for higher-yielding curren- eked out minor gains in trade gradually winding down for Tokyo markets were closed for the Emperor’s Birthday holi- economic growth in the third quarter was revised down cies. “When you are in an environment where rate expecta- the holidays. European shares rose on the last full trading day. In China, the blue-chip CSI 300 index broke a four-day slightly to a 2.0 percent annual pace but this still beat fore- tions are stable, the euro is mostly driven by risk senti- day before the Christmas break, following Asian bourses winning streak and closed down 0.3 percent while the casts. Oil prices struggled to lift off lows plumbed earlier in ment,” said Credit Agricole currency strategist Manuel higher. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 1.5 Shanghai Composite index ended down 0.4 percent. the week. Brent crude, the global benchmark, stood at Oliveri in London. “So we could imagine that the euro goes percent, led by miners which rallied on higher copper China’s state news agency Xinhua said slashing the coun- $36.50 a barrel, up 39 cents, having touched an 11-year low to $1.10 or so into the end of the year.” Yields on low-risk prices. London-listed miners Glencore and Anglo try’s excess steel capacity would be a top priority for the of $35.98 late on Tuesday. The dollar strengthened versus government bonds were little changed. German 10-year American both rose more than 4 percent. “We think com- government over the next five years. MSCI’s all-country the euro and held broadly steady against a basket of major Bunds, the euro zone benchmark, yielded 0.61 percent, up modities are due for a bounce, and that should help min- world stocks index was up 0.36 percent, though it is down currencies. The euro fell 0.3 percent to $1.0922 while the 1 basis point on the day. Ten-year US Treasuries yielded ing stocks,” HED Capital managing director, Richard 4.5 percent for the year. Japanese yen was barely changed at 120.97 per dollar. 2.239 percent, unchanged from Tuesday’s close in New Edwards, said. Equity investors were encouraged after gains of 1 per- The euro has performed well this year at times of risk York. Gold traded at $1,071.60 an ounce. — Reuters

PARIS: Members of the public shop throughout the Galeries Lafayette department store yesterday in Paris. — AFP

Oil up after US crude stocks drop, close to 11-year lows LONDON: Oil prices edged up yesterday Brent traded as low as $36.28 a barrel, after an unexpected fall in US crude flipping WTI from a long-standing dis- inventories but remained not far above count into a slight premium over the 11-year lows as supplies remain abun- international benchmark for the first dant and as OPEC lowered the demand time since a short period in November outlook for its exports. US crude futures 2014. “The move with WTI trading above briefly traded above benchmark Brent Brent is not fundamentally justified. prices, a trading pattern rarely seen over It is overdone and you are likely to see the last five years. At 1035 GMT, Brent some correction in that when markets crude futures were up 41 cents at $36.52 return to some kind of normality in terms a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate of volumes,” said Virendra Chauhan, ana- (WTI) futures were up 33 cents at $36.47. lyst at oil consultancy Energy Aspects. US A day earlier Brent touched $35.98, its crude inventories fell by 3.6 million bar- lowest since July 2004. rels last week to 486.7 million, data pub- The Organization for Petroleum lished by the American Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in a report Institute showed on Tuesday. Analysts yesterday forecast that demand for its had expected an increase of 1.1 million crude would be lower in 2020 than in barrels. 2016 as rival producers prove more Official inventory data will be pub- resilient than expected in a low oil price lished yesterday. “Inventories remain environment. It forecast 2020 demand very, very high relative to the previous for OPEC crude at 30.7 million barrels per year and relative to the five-year norm,” day (bpd) versus 30.9 million bpd in 2016 Chauhan said. Since 2010, US petroleum and about 1 million bpd less than it is imports have fallen from a peak of currently producing. OPEC raised its fore- almost 14 million barrels per day (bpd) to cast for tight oil output to 5.19 million around 9 million bpd, government data bpd in 2020, up from 4.50 million bpd in shows. But as shale output dips and the its 2014 report. In a sign of growing com- government eases restrictions on crude petition for market share among OPEC exports, the US market could tighten members in Asia, Iraq signed a $1.4 bil- while global supplies swell on sustained lion deal to supply 160,000 bpd to Indian high output from Russia and the refiners Reliance and Indian Oil Corp. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Iran is expected to add 500,000 bpd of Countries (OPEC). Although no immedi- crude exports next year and Iranian offi- ate large-scale exports are expected, cials have already met with Indian refin- some US oil will likely flow from the ers seeking proposals on how to make United States into the global market next their crude more competitive. Yesterday, year.— Reuters

Gold steadies as rising oil prices offset firmer dollar LONDON: Gold steadied yesterday, decision. Rising rates lift the opportu- hemmed into a narrow range in thin nity cost of holding non-yielding bul- pre-holiday trade, as a recovery in oil lion. prices from 11-year lows offset fresh Attention is now switching to the strength in the dollar. The metal is up speed of rate hikes next year. Signs half a percent this week, having risen that the Fed will lift rates at a steady largely on short covering after last pace could feed into still softer gold week’s slide which followed the prices, analysts said. “With the growing Federal Reserve’s announcement that confidence about the US economic it was lifting interest rates for the first recovery, the Fed would be quite keen time in nearly a decade. to continue monetary policy tighten- However, it has struggled to main- ing, albeit only gradually over 2016, tain gains in thin trade despite a recov- followed by a faster pace in the follow- ery in oil prices, as global stocks ing year,” Societe Generale said in a extended a rally into a third day and note. “This should see the US dollar the dollar rose 0.3 percent against the strengthen over the medium term, euro. Spot gold was at $1,072.16 an putting pressure on dollar-denominat- ounce at 1237 GMT, little changed ed (gold) prices.” from $1,071.96 late on Tuesday, while Investor sentiment towards gold US gold futures for February delivery remains bearish. Assets of the world’s were down $2.20 an ounce at largest gold exchange-traded fund $1,071.90. are near a seven-year low, while short “The precious metal is mostly con- positions on COMEX are at a record solidating today,” Naeem Aslam, chief high, according to recent US govern- market analyst at Ava Trade, said. “We ment data. Support for gold from do have US core durable goods order physical markets also looks bleak. In data due today and it is expected to top consumer China, there are fears be a lot weaker than the last time, but of a protracted loss of confidence a surprise towards the upside could among buyers, with many predicting bring some volatility for the metal.” that demand could fall for a third “But overall we are expecting no year in 2016. Silver was up 0.1 per- major moves.” Gold prices are on track cent at $14.27 an ounce, platinum to end 2015 down 8 percent in a third was flat at $870.40 an ounce, and pal- straight year of losses, made largely in ladium was up 0.4 percent at $554.65 anticipation of the Fed’s interest rate an ounce.— Reuters THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 BUSINESS

New boss in dash for simplicity at bloated Rolls-Royce

FILTON: Twelve months and 80 signatures: bureaucracy above the shopfloor. with Britain’s national interest since it built its narrow-body jets, which carry up to 200 much completely aligned,” he said. But the That is what it recently took Rolls-Royce to first aero-engine for the Royal Air Force in passengers, since 2011 when it decided to share price drop to about 570 pence from a approve a small change requested by a sup- Simplicity and pace World War One, and it was nationalized in the sell out of a multinational alliance making year-high of 1,046 pence in May has raised plier, symptomatic of a business that had East, who became chief executive in July, 1970s after a new turbo-fan engine almost those engines to fellow member Pratt & the prospect of suitors. Jefferies analyst become as complex as the engines it makes announced a restructuring last month, under destroyed the company. It was privatized in Whitney. Sandy Morris believes any suitor would to power the world’s biggest jets. New chief the mantra of “simplicity and pace”, aiming to 1987, although the government kept a “gold- Its former US partner has independently have to offer at least 10 pounds per share executive Warren East says the number of save 150-200 million pounds annually by en share” that can be used to block a takeover. notched up thousands of engine sales for for the company. “There is a tacit accept- sign-offs should be closer to 15, and it’s an 2017. A first step was scrapping a layer of top Recent press reports said the British govern- the revamped Airbus A320neo, prompting ance that the business is worth vastly more example of the complexity he says has jeop- management. “It is going to take four to five ment was considering nationalizing Roll- debate over whether Rolls made a blunder. in 2020 and that by 2025 is worth vastly ardized the financial health of Britain’s engi- years,” he said, but hopes to get 80 percent of Royce’s nuclear submarine unit or merging East is not excluding taking Rolls-Royce more again” he said, referring to the growth neering flagship, a rival to General Electric in it done in 18 months to two years. It is not the some of its businesses into BAE Systems, back into that market, but says it is not a pri- promised by the new engines on order. making the engines of the world’s largest pas- first time the engineering powerhouse has Britain’s other defense heavyweight, if the ority. “I don’t rule out narrow-body in the But Rolls-Royce has issued four profit senger planes. “Virtually every process I look at taken aim at its own complexity. In the 1990s, company’s difficulties worsened. “Of course it’s long term but we have got to get through warnings in just over a year and placed the is over-complicated,” East told Reuters in an the Derwent Project sought radical cuts in possible that there’s all sorts of people dream- to make the business model work in the first dividend under review and the consensus interview. He has met 70 investors in the last lead times and costs. ing up lots of strategies for Rolls-Royce,” East place with one (wide-body) space,” he said. forecast is now for it to be cut. “We are sup- six weeks, seeking support after oil and gas But East, who built British chip designer said. “(But) I can tell you that I’ve had no hint East also said he was open to possible new portive of the path that Warren East has set customers cut orders for marine engines and ARM into a world-beating supplier to the likes whatsoever of any reality behind the stories.” developments including a “middle of the out for the company, though he has limited some aero engines were retired earlier-than- of Apple and was a non-executive director at market” 240-seater being studied by Boeing room for manoeuvre,” Ben Ritchie, senior expected, exposing poor financial discipline Rolls before he replaced John Rishton, is mak- Margins and a possible engine upgrade of the slow- investment manager on the UK and and operational problems. The share price has ing a new effort to tackle management layers Rolls has historically struggled to match selling Airbus A380 superjumbo. European equities team at Aberdeen Asset nearly halved since May, leading to takeover and red tape. The 54-year old, who likes to the 20 percent level of margins made by its Management, and the company’s second talk and reports of UK government concern hold candid town-hall meetings, says things larger US rival GE, which benefits from its Limited room for maneuver biggest shareholder said. On the shop floor that a key military contractor could fall into could get worse before they get better. He exposure to the high-volume narrow-body The arrival of US activist investor at Filton, where the engines for Concorde foreign hands. At Rolls-Royce’s factory in does not rule out another profit warning. aircraft market. Before recent woes, Rolls ValueAct on the shareholder register in July were once made, pride in the company is Filton, near Bristol, fitters make and maintain Analysts are expecting pretax profit to plunge was targeting margins of around 15 per- ramped up expectations of change. But undiminished. Wearing a Rolls-Royce engines to power Tornado and Typhoon fight- next year to about 725 million pounds, cent. Rolls-Royce is on course to take a 50 East, who met the US hedge fund earlier in embroidered shirt, Paul Abrahams, value- ers in buildings that look more like Internet- around the level last posted in 2006, after a percent share of the 250-seat plus twin aisle December, denies reports ValueAct wants to stream manager said: “You feel the hurt era warehouses than the oily workshops of decade of growth ended in 2014. wide-body aircraft market by 2020, up from force Rolls-Royce to divest its marine unit. when we have problems and share the suc- the past. East says the problem is the layers of Rolls-Royce’s fortunes have been entwined 30 percent now. It has been locked out of “My thoughts and their thoughts are pretty cess when things go well.” —Reuters Mercedes-Benz meets demand for Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models

DUBAI: As the importance of fuel and the versatility of a premium SUV. series, the new GLE 500e 4MATIC The high-voltage battery of the S efficiency and environmental aware- The drive system comprise a sets a new benchmark in the SUV 500 e can be charged via maximum ness in the Middle East grows, the BlueDIRECT V6 direct-injection petrol market segment by offering the best external charging capacity electrici- long-time leadership by Mercedes- engine with 245 kW (333 hp) and a on-road and off-road handling, out- ty using a 3.6 kW on-board charger. Benz in developing alternative drive hybrid module with 85 kW (116 hp) standing spaciousness and high lev- The unit is permanently installed in systems is meeting the growing of electric power. The system peak els of safety. the vehicle and charges single- demand for Hybrid and Plug-In torque is a massive 820 Newton phase up to 16 A. The connection Hybrid models. Consistently at the meters. Thanks to the boost function, S 500 e: Ultramodern hybrid for the charging cable is located forefront of technological advance- the innovative system drive also The new Mercedes-Benz S 500 e under a flap in the rear bumper ments, Mercedes-Benz has been doing research into mixed and alter- native drive systems for more than 118 years, and applying new innova- tions and refinements to every new generation of model launched. “With a number of countries in the GCC holding top spots globally RIO DE JANEIRO: Chocolate bars are displayed at Aquim shop in Rio de for the biggest ecological footprints Janeiro, Brazil. The chocolate is produced by Brazilian cacao company in the world, public awareness of the Mendoa, settled in Salvador, Bahia state, which was among the 50 best importance of environmental protec- chocolate makers in the world in the last Paris Chocolate Show. —AFP tion is growing. So too, is the pres- sure to adopt alternative sources of energy to power vehicles. At Mercedes-Benz, we like to sum up Emerging market stocks our approach to sustainability in two words: acting responsibly. Alternative saw sixth rise in 7 days drive systems are the future of the automotive industry, for both fuel LONDON: Emerging market stocks saw their lira steadied at 2.9268 having taken a 1 per- efficiency and environmental factors,” sixth rise in seven days yesterday as cent tumble on Tuesday after the country’s said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & investors looked for some last minute bar- central bank opted not to raise interest rates Marketing at Daimler Middle East & gains in an area that has lost almost 17 per- despite inflation running at over 8 percent. Levant. cent this year. With trading volumes minimal President Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly “In addition to reduced fuel con- ahead of festive holidays it was impossible called for lower interest rates to boost eco- sumption and engines powered by to say how long the mini-revival would last, nomic growth, fuelling fears of political environmentally friendly fuels, though there was a general sense among interference in central bank policy. Istanbul Mercedes-Benz hybrid and plug-in EM followers that 2016 is unlikely to be as stocks rose 1.3 percent to take their gains hybrid models continue to deliver difficult as 2015 has been. over the last seven sessions to over 7 per- the same exceptional performance MSCI’s closely-followed 23-country index cent. A small tick-up in oil prices from 11- thanks to improved acceleration and topped the 800 point level as it rose 0.8 per- year lows and a softer dollar were helping quiet running.” Mercedes-Benz has cent, but the day’s big focus was on Brazil, some of the big commodity producers. A made a strong statement in the one of the heavyweights that has been rise in its government bond yields pushed Middle East region with their Hybrid hardest hit during this year’s turmoil. Its cen- South Africa’s rand lower though Russia’s model - S 400 h and Plug-In Hybrid tral bank is due to publish a new inflation rouble rose 0.7 percent as traders shrugged models - S 500 e and GLE 500 e. report later, which is likely to signal whether off the United States adding another 34 it will have to hike interest rates next month Russian individuals and firms to its sanc- Efficient Luxury Saloon in an already beleaguered economy. The tions list. With the new S 400 h, the world’s real was hovering just off a record low hit in Overnight in Asia, the majority of the first series production car to feature a September. It has lost over 30 percent since regional stock markets had climbed and cur- hybrid drive system with a lithium- the start of the year as a recession has been rencies were mostly flat to firmer. China’s ion battery, Mercedes-Benz is exacerbated by a series of scandals that has central bank, which has a history of making emphatically underlining its claim to engulfed President Dilma Rousseff. changes around this time of year, said it leadership with respect to design, “We expect the central bank to increase would extend the yuan’s trading hours on comfort, innovation and environ- expected inflation for 2016 and 2017 and the Shanghai-based foreign exchange mar- mental compatibility. The combina- that is probably going to have immediate ket from Jan 4. The move will allow trading tion of a further improved V6 petrol implications for its January meeting,” said in the Chinese forex market to overlap with engine and a compact hybrid mod- Cristian Maggio, head of emerging markets European trading hours and is Beijing’s lat- ule makes this model the world’s strategy at TD Securities. “If the real gets any est effort to internationalize its increasingly most efficient luxury saloon with a weaker between now and the meeting, it influential currency. The bank also set the petrol engine. Its fuel consumption would definitely increases the chances of a official yuan rate higher for a third straight of 6.3-6.8 liters per 100 kilometers hike,” he added, saying it could be between day, that traders said suggested it wanted to (NEDC combined) corresponds to a 50 and 75 basis points. Elsewhere, Turkey’s keep the currency stable for now. —Reuters remarkable 21-percent reduction over its predecessor. The combined output is 245 kW/299 hp, with a com- bined maximum torque of 620 new- ton meters. The S 400 h accelerates to All-nighters and Xboxes 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of around 250 km/h - envi- in record year for M&A ronmentally compatible drive sys- tems and outstanding performance LONDON: When bankers talk about paper, they you have to do,” the person said, adding that are not necessarily a contradiction in usually mean stocks and bonds. But in a record their firm’s biggest deal of the year ran to 40,000 terms. The S-Class hybrid offers all offers all-electric driving at speeds up blends an ultramodern hybrid drive underneath the tail light on the year for M&A, for the people who print the doc- copies. the advantages of this drive concept: to 130 km/h and optimizes energy configuration with the unique inno- right-hand side. An automatic lock uments for the bids and offers and prospectus- And it is a round-the-clock business. Junior a comfortable ECO start/stop func- recovery. vations and the luxurious equip- ensures that the cable cannot be es for corporate deals, paper means paper-and corporate lawyers said that during a proofing tion automatically switches the With plug-in hybrid technology ment of the S-Class. The Mercedes- separated from the vehicle by unau- lots of it. Deal volumes this year are up by more process they can spend days camped out in engine off when the S-Class comes to and a system output of 330 kW (442 Benz S 500 e offers a system output thorized persons. The new S-Class than 40 percent on the previous year to a record printers’ offices-where there are often bed- a stop - for example at traffic lights. hp), the GLE 500 e 4MATIC guaran- of 330 kW and 820 Nm torque, can be charged in two hours via fast $4.6 trillion, according to preliminary Thomson rooms, showers and even pool tables and tees brilliant performance with CO2 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just charging power socket such as wall- Reuters data. This translates into hundreds of Xboxes provided to pass the time. “The docu- Plug-in Hybrid Technology emissions of just 78 g/km (3.5 l/100 5.2 seconds and can drive up to 33 box or at a public charging station thousands of pages of documents that have to ments are getting bigger and more complex to For the first time in its SUV history, km). The compact hybrid module is km purely electrically. The certified where available. Alternatively, be sent out to shareholders. For Shell’s pro- draft. In this market, clients are seeing only a Mercedes-Benz offers a plug-in fully integrated into a seven-speed consumption is 2.8 liters/100 km, charging via house connection is posed purchase of BG, currently worth $53 bil- small window to do the deal, so the pressure on hybrid model, the GLE 500 e 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic trans- which corresponds to 65 g CO2/km also possible, of course. Depending lion and one of this year’s mega-deals, printers us is greater to do more in less time,” said Tim drive combines the power and mission. Reducing fuel consumption emissions. Key elements of this on the connection a charge time mailed out 10,500 copies of a 72-page “inten- Black, joint managing director of Black and refinement of a V6 engine, with the and CO2 emissions by 17 percent impressive output are the V6 bitur- e.g. of two hours and 45 minutes tion to make an offer” document, plus half a mil- Callow financial printers, formed after a man- fuel consumption of a three-liter car compared with predecessor model bo and the intelligent hybrid drive. can be attained. lion copies of one regulatory letter, among oth- agement buyout from data room company er announcements, to BG’s shareholders. Imprima last year. The firms that handle this specialized work But environmental awareness and technolo- have had a frantic year of typesetting and proof- gy are changing this niche industry, pushing China Southern Airlines to buy 10 Airbus planes $2.27BN reading under strict security, before printing these companies to look for other sources of and posting the documents to shareholders revenue beyond producing stacks of docu- BEIJING: China Southern Airlines announced yes- increasing numbers. Earlier this month China’s according to an earnings report. across the world under deadlines that can be as ments. Printers can earn tens of thousands of terday it would buy 10 aircraft worth a total $2.27 budget carrier Spring Airlines announced plans to The latest order comes despite slowing eco- tight as just a couple of days. pounds per deal, and the longer the document billion from European aerospace giant Airbus, as a buy 60 aircraft from Airbus worth $6.3 billion at list nomic growth which aviation industry officials fear A handful of companies such as Sterling, and the larger the number of recipients, the big- Chinese boom in air travel defies slowing economic prices. State-owned China Aviation Supplies could hurt air travel. China logged its worst eco- Merrill Corporation and Black and Callow domi- ger the paycheck. The total bill for typesetting, growth. The carrier, one of China’s “big three” with Holding Group signed a deal with Airbus at the end nomic performance since the global financial crisis nate the business, which not only needs big specialist translation, printing and postage can the largest fleet by size, will take delivery of the of October, pledging the purchase of 100 A320 air- in the third quarter, with gross domestic product printing machines and typesetting programs run into the millions. A330-300 medium-to extended-range jets craft worth $9.7 billion at list prices. Yesterday’s rising just 6.9 percent year-on-year. But Boeing esti- but often specialist translators too. As privately Black’s company printed some of the docu- between 2017 and 2019, it said in a statement to announcement comes at a tumultuous time at mates the country will add 6,330 new aircraft held companies they do not publish their earn- ments for the Shell/BG initial offer this year and the Shanghai stock exchange. China Southern. Its chairman Si Xianmin was put worth $950 billion to its commercial fleet by 2034. ings. But one US-based financial printer told also did the Lloyds and HBOS merger prospec- It was the company’s second major purchase under investigation by authorities last month for Airbus passed its 2015 orders target by October on Reuters that revenues this year from deals alone tus back in 2008. That approximately 300-page this month following a $10 billion order for 110 “severe violations of discipline”, a phrase which typ- the back of strong demand from China and had risen twofold. “In this environment it document was delivered to one in 10 UK house- planes from Boeing. China, the world’s second ically refers to corruption. His company recorded a Singapore. At the time, the company said that it becomes all hands on deck. You just do what holds. —Reuters largest economy, is Asia’s biggest aircraft buyer as a 48.4 percent year-on-year fall in net profit to 1.17 had 6,741 jets on its order book, equivalent to ten growing middle class takes to the skies in ever- billion yuan ($186 million) in the third quarter, years of production. —AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 OPEC market share to shrink by 2020 Rivals keep pumping despite oil collapse

LONDON: Global demand for OPEC’s crude will Nonetheless, the report shows that the medium- report said, as Argentina and Russia join North be lower in 2020 than next year as supply from term outlook - from OPEC’s point of view as the America as producers. rivals proves more resilient than expected, supplier of a third of the world’s oil - has Last year’s estimates were 4.50 million bpd by potentially fuelling a debate on the merits of its improved. In the 2014 edition, demand for OPEC 2020 and 4 million bpd by 2040. strategy to let prices fall to hurt other producers. crude was expected to fall to 29.0 million bpd by Under another, upside supply scenario, tight The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting 2020. OPEC said it stopped modeling work on oil production could spread to Mexico and China Countries, which a year ago refused to cut sup- the report in mid-year, since when it has updat- and bring supply to almost 8 million bpd by ply to retain market share against higher-cost ed its forecast of 2016 non-OPEC supply to a 2040, OPEC said. As recently as 2013, OPEC Drake & Scull consolidates rivals, in its 2015 World Oil Outlook raised its decline. OPEC figures in the report do not assumed tight oil would have no impact outside global supply forecasts for tight oil, which include Indonesia, which rejoined in December. North America. The report supports the view includes shale, despite a collapse in prices. The main figures in the report showing OPEC that OPEC’s market share will rise in the long run premier position in Demand for OPEC crude will reach 30.70 mil- medium-term market share under pressure are as rival supply growth fades. OPEC crude lion barrels per day (bpd) in 2020, OPEC said, unchanged from those in a confidential OPEC demand is expected to reach 40.70 million bpd UAE’s engineering sector lower than 30.90 million bpd next year. The report Reuters obtained in November. in 2040, amounting to 37 percent of world sup- expected demand from OPEC in 2020 is about 1 ply, up from 33 percent in 2015. DUBAI: Drake & Scull Engineering (DSE), the region. Our expertise in delivering such million bpd less than it is currently producing. Resilient shale OPEC nudged up its medium-term world oil subsidiary of Drake & Scull International PJSC complex projects has been demonstrated Oil has more than halved its price in 18 months OPEC initially downplayed the impact of demand forecast, expecting oil use to reach (DSI), a regional market leader in the inte- by our pioneering work on district cooling and sank to an 11-year low of $36.04 a barrel this shale oil, although its annual outlook in 2012 97.40 million bpd by 2020, 500,000 bpd more grated design, engineering and construction plants in the Dubai Festival City, Jumeirah week. The drop has helped to boost oil’s medi- acknowledged for the first time that the effect than in last year’s report. But factors including disciplines of General Contracting, Beach Residences, and Meydan Nad Al um-term use, although OPEC said the demand could be “significant”. Years of high prices - sup- slower economic growth, the limited share of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), Sheba in Dubai. stimulus of low crude prices will fade over time. ported by OPEC’s former policy of cutting supply the crude cost in pump prices and the falling Water and Power, Rail, Oil and Gas, and Water The installation of the underground “The impact of the recent oil price decline on - helped make non-conventional oil such as value of some domestic currencies against the and Wastewater Treatment, has announced chilled water pipe network in the mixed use demand is most visible in the short term,” OPEC shale viable. In a change of tack from previous dollar will limit the demand response to lower that it has secured a AED 121 million EPC development will prove to be a challenging Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Badri wrote in the reports, OPEC now says many projects work at crude prices, OPEC said. By 2040, OPEC expects (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) project that will provide us with an opportu- foreword to the report. “It then drops away over lower prices too. “The most prolific zones within demand to reach 109.80 million bpd, 1.3 million contract to design and install a chilled water nity to demonstrate our well-honed EPC the medium term.” some plays can break even at levels below the bpd lower than a year ago, reduced by energy distribution network for a prominent mixed skills. Some of the major district cooling OPEC is increasingly divided over the merits prices observed in 2015, and are thus likely to efficiency and climate-change mitigation efforts. use development in Dubai. The AED 121 mil- projects we are currently delivering in the of the 2014 shift to a market-share strategy, see continued production growth,” the report Only a gentle recovery in oil prices is seen. lion project win has helped DSI achieve AED region include the district cooling plants in which was led by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies, said. Global tight oil output will reach 5.19 mil- OPEC’s basket of crude oils is assumed in the 2.65 Billion in Total Project Awards across Dohaland and Lusail City in Qatar and and at a Dec. 4 meeting failed to agree a produc- lion bpd by 2020, peak at 5.61 million bpd in report at $55 in 2015 and to rise by $5 a year to MENA and Asia, year to date. Saraya Aqaba in Jordan. We are confident tion ceiling for the first time in decades. 2030 and ease to 5.18 million bpd in 2040, the reach $80 by 2020. — Reuters Under the terms of the agreement, DSE that our sound technical fundamentals com- will design and build an underground chilled bined with our experienced team of skilled water pipe network in the mixed use devel- professionals give us a competitive advan- opment which will feature pre-insulated tage as we aim to secure substantial project pipes varying in sizes ranging from 100 mm wins associated with the upcoming Dubai to 1,200 mm for an approximate total length Expo 2020.” of 32 km. In addition, DSE will also deliver all DSE was formed through a strategic related civil works with a scheduled comple- merger of Drake & Scull’s traditional MEP and tion slated for 2018. Water & Power (WP) businesses under one Ahmad Al Naser, Managing Director of specialist entity. Some of the key engineer- Drake & Scull Engineering, said: “DSE has ing projects being undertaken by DSE in the achieved substantial progress in the region- UAE include the Louvre Museum, the al engineering sector and boasts of a strong Fairmont Hotel & Service Apartments, the portfolio of major district cooling installa- Jewel of the Creek, the Habtoor City, and the tions in prominent metropolises across the Mall of the Emirates expansion. Five Stars for All-New Infiniti Q30 in Euro NCAP Assessment

Ford named one of LinkedIn’s 2015 ‘Top 50 Most InDemand Employers’

DUBAI: Ford Motor Company has been recog- on billions of interactions between LinkedIn’s bly pleased to be honored as the top automo- nized as one of the world’s most attractive 395 million-plus members and employers’ com- tive company on the ‘Top 50 Most InDemand employers for 2015, according to LinkedIn, the pany pages, as well as employee profiles, and Employers in the Middle East and North Africa’, world’s largest professional network on the job postings. and this will help motivate us to continue to internet. In the “Top 50 Most InDemand “At Ford our greatest resource is our employ- engage our employees in new and interesting Employers in Middle East and North Africa” list ees, and this honor is a testament to their hard ways in 2016.” released, Ford ranks 43rd, and is the only global work and dedication. We work hard at Ford to Rather than relying on questionnaires, the automotive OEM to appear on the business-ori- create an exciting and high-performing work InDemand employer rankings measure the actu- entated social networking service’s list. environment that provides challenging and al behavior of professionals on LinkedIn - includ- According to LinkedIn, the InDemand list repre- rewarding careers,” said Jim Benitende, President ing reach, engagement, and job activity - as they sents the most sought-after companies based of Ford Middle East and Africa. “We are incredi- explore their career journey. DUBAI: The all-new Infiniti Q30 has ward facing child seat. For Pedestrian Southern Africa nations received the maximum five-star rating Protection, the Q30 scored 91 per cent, a by independent vehicle safety organiza- score which is determined from tests to Most MENA respondents facing food shortages tion, Euro NCAP. The Euro NCAP scoring the most important vehicle front-end feel positive about 2016 JOHANNESBURG: Southern Africa faces food shortages as system considers various aspects of structures, such as the bonnet and wind- drought, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, delays vehicle safety, such as occupant protec- shield, the bonnet leading edge and the planting and stunts crops across the region, the UN’s Food and tion, child protection, pedestrian protec- bumper. The Q30 is equipped with a sen- Bayt.com MENA survey Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said in an alert. “The presence tion and safety assist which is the avail- sor that detects a pedestrian’s legs con- DUBAI: Professionals in the Middle East list for 30.1% of those surveyed. 22.2% of a strong El Nino episode in 2015/16 raises serious concerns ability and effectiveness of safety sys- tact with the bumper and causes the and North Africa (MENA) are looking for- claim to travel during “almost every holi- regarding the impact on food insecurity,” the FAO said in the alert, tems and driver aids. As well as achiev- hood to pop up to give more clearance ward to the New Year, according to the day”, while 30.3% travel once or twice a issued late on Tuesday. Regional harvests last season were also ing the maximum five stars, the Infiniti between the hood surface and the hard Bayt.com ‘Holidays in the MENA Workplace year. Almost a third admit that they “rarely” badly affected by drought conditions, raising the spectre of back- Q30 gained top scores in each of these parts of the engine to protect pedestrians. Poll’. The vast majority of respondents travel for the holidays, while 18% claim to to-back production declines of key cereal crops such as maize. four testing categories. An 81 per cent score in the Safety (79.6%) will be making career New Year’s “never travel” at all. Other favorite holiday “In 2015 maize production, accounting for nearly 80 percent of resolutions. In fact, 30.4% of them have activities are “spending time with family” the total cereal output, declined by 27 percent on account of Roland Krueger, President, Infiniti Assist category was due to the latest adverse weather,” the FAO said. “The steep contraction has result- Motor Company, commented: “The Q30 safety technologies fitted to the Q30 as already resolved to work harder next year. (21.3%);”going out with friends” (15.2%); Feelings about 2016 are very positive: and “partaking in outdoor activities” ed in a tight supply situation in the 2015/16 marketing year (gen- offers a comprehensive technology pack- part of Infiniti’s acclaimed Safety Shield erally May/April) and raised import requirements for most coun- 38.7% describe their feelings as “very posi- (10.9%). age that enhances the car’s driving expe- system. They include Forward Collision tries.” Small-scale farmers in countries such as Malawi and Zambia tive” and 33.2% as “excited”, compared to In terms of New Year’s resolutions, the rience while providing maximum safety Warning, Lane Departure Warning and are especially vulnerable as their plots are almost entirely only 19% describing their feelings as “anx- majority of poll respondents (30.4%) have dependent on the rain. to all occupants. The five-star rating from Speed Limit Alert. A detailed report of ious” and 9.2% as “neutral”.57.1% say that resolved to work harder in the New Year. Maize prices in South Africa, the continent’s top producer of Euro NCAP is testament to Infiniti’s Euro NCAP’s findings can be found on the new calendar year affects their levels 17.8% have decided to change their job or advanced safety approach”. Occupant the organization’s website the staple crop, are near record highs in the face of rolling heat of excitement towards work, while only career, while 17.2% would prefer to travel waves and poor rains over key growing areas. The December protection scored highly in the rigorous http://www.euroncap.com/en/results/ 31% are “not affected at all”. more. Other resolutions included taking a test program with an 84 per cent rating infiniti/q30/22031. Prior to the Q30, maize contract, which expired yesterday, closed at 4,160 rand a An impressive 93% of professionals course (8.1%), getting organized (6%) and ton, almost double its closing levels last year, according to for adult safety. As well as a driver knee Infiniti received a five-star rating from believe in “reinventing oneself, career joining a gym or losing weight (5.4%). The Thomson Reuters’ data. It scaled a record high of 4,250 rand a ton airbag, the Q30 has driver-, passenger-, Euro NCAP for the Q50 Sports Sedan. and/or life” and 83.1% say they would like majority of respondents also claim to have on Monday. The South African Weather Service said last week that front hip-thorax side and front-to-rear When it was launched in Europe in 2013, their career and life to be “very different” stuck to last year’s resolutions (79.8%); temperatures would remain higher than normal and rainfall levels curtain airbags. that vehicle was also praised by next year. More than half of MENA compa- however, almost half of these (48.9%) would be below average into the autumn season in May because Designed and engineered to offer the Thatcham, the UK Motor Insurance nies (52.4%) hold events to celebrate pub- admit to “only sticking to their resolutions of the El Nino, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the best possible levels of protection for chil- Repair Research Centre, for having one of lic holidays at least once a year, according to some extent”. “The fact that employees eastern and central Pacific that occurs every few years.— Reuters dren, an automated system in the front the most advanced standard fit collision to employed poll respondents, with 23.6% are resolving to improve their working of companies hosting several events habits and work harder in the New Year is a passenger seat will turn off the front pas- avoidance systems that the Centre had throughout the year. When asked about boon for workplaces throughout the Turkmenistan eyes senger airbag when someone fits a rear- ever tested. their working environment during holiday MENA region,” said Suhail Masri, VP of Sales, Western markets seasons, the majority of poll respondents Bayt.com. “At Bayt.com, it is our mission to (66.3%) felt that the office environment is provide professionals with the tools and with $2.5 b gas link “more fun” during the holidays, with a knowledge to discover the regional trends third believing it is “a lot more fun”. A third and use these to make better decisions BELEK: Turkmenistan hailed yesterday the completion of a of respondents also felt that the office when it comes to hiring and retaining top $2.5 billion gas pipeline connecting its abundant eastern environment “does not change” during the talent. We encourage professionals in the gas fields to the Caspian Sea while potentially expanding holidays. Middle East keen on reinventing them- Europe’s energy security options. The approximately 800- More than half of employed MENA selves and their careers in 2016 to use the kilometre long East-West pipeline could connect the isolat- respondents feel that their productivity is holiday season to learn new skills that ed state possessing the world’s fourth largest gas reserves not affected by the weather (57.5%); how- would empower them to do so. with markets in the West via an ambitious link that would ever, 42.5% are affected with 24.7% stating They can join career discussions traverse the Caspian. “With the completion of the East- that they “work best in spring/summer”, already taking place on Bayt.com West pipeline, cooperation with our European partners while 17.8 say that they “work best in Specialties, where millions of professionals acquires a new quality,” said Turkmenistan’s President fall/winter”. The holiday season also affects are engaging in career conversations. They Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the opening ceremony productivity for 38.2% of employed can also take courses and tests designed at the Belek compressor station, some 500 km northwest of respondents, but with only 20.8% saying with their upward mobility in mind. the capital, Ashgabat. that it is “affected to a large extent”. A third Bayt.com wishes everyone a blessed holi- The East-West pipeline may prove an important compo- denies that productivity is affected at all. In day season and a happy New Year!” Data nent of a bigger link planned by the European Union, fact, more than a third of poll respondents for the Bayt.com “Holidays in the MENA Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia that would funnel natural (34.1%) “almost always” work on a public Workplace” poll was collected online from gas along the floor of the Caspian before connecting with holiday, while 44.7% “work occasionally”. 20 November-18 December 2015, with pipelines threading into Europe. The Trans-Caspian Only 21.2% said that they do not work dur- 7,708 respondents from the UAE, KSA, pipeline is expected to cost around $5 billion and could ing public holidays at all. When it comes to Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, carry as much as 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas favorite holiday activities for employees Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, annually in the direction of the EU. The pipeline would pro- around the MENA region, travel tops the Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. vide Europe with an opportunity to lessen its dependence on Russia-sourced gas. —AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 TECHNOLOGY Voice of change or lifestyle bibles: Blogs flourish in 2015

PARIS: Thought to be on the wane a decade ago, uncensored-have been a thorn in the side of authori- who in 2009 decided to start a blog to keep her friends site. And, still some genres of blogs remain popular.” blogs in 2015 are alive and well as a powerful voice tarian regimes elsewhere around the globe, with Saudi and family in France up to speed on her adventures Most of the traditional media, including AFP, have driving change in politics, human rights and lifestyle Arabia’s Raif Badawi among the most famous exam- around the world. Six years later ‘Le Blog de Sarah” also waded into the blogosphere, giving their reporters choices across the globe. In some parts of the world, ples. The outspoken advocate of free speech was (http://www.leblogdesarah.com) has become a verita- and writers a chance to write more personal takes on they are the only vehicle to raise taboo topics, often arrested in 2012 on charges of “insulting Islam” through ble reference bible in the country, with some 30,000 their work and postings. “I started blogging in 2002 on with dire or even deadly consequences for the his writing, and has since been convicted to 10 years in people reading it each month. a lark, inspired by some other sites I was reading and to authors. In mainly Muslim Bangladesh, hardline prison and 1,000 lashes, sparking international outrage. “People have more confidence in a blog than in a spare my friends, who didn’t always share my interests, Islamist militants hacked to death four atheist blog- He received the first 50 lashes in January and subse- travel magazine,” says Dawalibi. “Lots of readers ask from having to listen to me talk endlessly about books gers and a publisher in the past year for writing what quent beatings have been continuously postponed. bloggers for advice. and politics,” says Maud Newton, who in 2002 launched they consider heretical material. Blogging in the kingdom “is not very popular... because They have a feeling that they know you, since when one of the first literary blogs (http://maudnewton.com Blogging has become a massive phenomenon in we can get into a lot of trouble,” says Eman Al-Nafjan, you blog, you reveal quite a bit about yourself.” Blogs- ) “I was astonished when, within a year or two, it began the impoverished country in recent years, with blog- who has written the “Saudiwoman’s Weblog” since short for web logs-appeared in 1999 with the Blogger to be mentioned and cited in publications like New gers, some of whom attract tens of thousands of fol- 2008 (http://saudiwoman.me/). site, which for the first time allowed people to create a York Magazine, the New York Times Book Review, the lowers, dealing with issues considered no-go zones for In Ethiopia, six bloggers from the Zone 9 website without knowing programming codes. By the Evening Standard, The New Yorker, and so on. the mainstream media. “Bloggers are the biggest chal- (http://zone9ethio.blogspot.com) website were arrest- mid-2000s, blogs became the centre of debate on the “Over the years, my blog led to my writing for many lenge for the evil forces in the country. For telling the ed in April 2014 and charged with terrorism. Two were web, before the emergence of Facebook and Twitter in newspapers, magazines, websites, and hybrids of blunt truth without hesitation, the bloggers are released in July and four were acquitted of the charges 2004 and 2006, respectively. these. Eventually I became a columnist for the New becoming the targets of these bad people,” said top in October. Around the world, the blogosphere “With the surge in subscribers to Facebook and York Times Magazine.” blogger Arif Jebtik, who himself has been threatened remained vibrant in 2015, with some 76 million sites on Twitter, the prominence of blogs begins to decline as Standing out in the blog crowd - since anyone and by Islamist militants for his writings. Wordpress and 360 million on Tumblr. the number of users on these social media platforms everyone can create their own blog, thousands are cre- “It is easier for the bloggers to reach a general increase,” says Antoinette Pole, a professor at Montclair ated every day - depends on the genre. crowd with sensitive issues such as politics, religion Shift to lifestyle in West State University in New Jersey and a specialist in politi- “If you are a food, fashion, or travel blogger then the and human rights over the Internet, since the national In the West, lifestyle blogs on everything from fash- cal blogs. “Currently, much more discussion and debate images on your blog are critical,” says Pole. “This is a media sometimes has censorship and tend to avoid ion to food to travel have continued to grow in popu- occurs through Facebook or Twitter. While blogs still major draw for blogs of this ilk.” “In contrast, if you’re focus on these topics,” said Imran H Sarker, head of larity in 2015, even as political blogs have been ceding exist, their popularity indeed appears to have waned discussing sports or politics or even literature, images Bangladesh Online Activists’ Network (BOAN). ground to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. over the last 3-4 years. That said, their utility is in their probably are not as important, so the writing becomes Bloggers-with their ability to reach vast audiences Take the case of Sarah Dawalibi, a passionate traveller ability to provide greater depth, almost akin to a web- paramount.”— AFP Google developing new messaging app

YouTube ramps 360-degree video with ‘Spotlight Stories’

CALIFORNIA: Google, part of Alphabet Inc, is building a new mobile messaging application to better compete with rival services such as those offered by Facebook Inc, The Wall Street Journal reported. The new service would tap into Google’s artificial intelligence know-how, inte- grating chatbots, or software programs that answer questions, inside a messaging app, the Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people SPACE: This NASA image shows Expedition 46 Flight Engineer Tim Kopra on a familiar with the matter. December 21, 2015 spacewalk, in which Kopra and Expedition 46 Commander Scott (http://on.wsj.com/1NBajmA) The new app Kelly successfully moved the International Space Station’s mobile transporter rail car will enable users to text friends or a chatbot, ahead of the docking of a Russian cargo supply spacecraft. — AFP which will search the web and other sources for information to answer a question. It is unclear NASA suspends launch of when the service will be launched, or what it will be named, the report said. Google declined to comment. Popular messaging apps include InSight mission to Mars Facebook’s WhatsApp and Messenger services, and Tencent Holdings Ltd’s WeChat, while CHICAGO: NASA has suspended the March conditions of the Martian environment. Google has a service called Hangouts. 2016 launch of its InSight mission to Mars A leak discovered earlier this year, that pre- because of problems with a key scientific com- vented it from retaining vacuum conditions, 360-degree video ponent, the US space agency said Tuesday. The was successfully repaired, and the mission Meanwhile, YouTube has added interactive, next launch window will not occur until team “was hopeful the most recent fix also 360-degree animation video to its line-up, with around May 2018 and NASA said it does not would be successful.” help from the makers of “Wallace and Gromit.” yet know if it will be able to continue with the However, the instrument once again failed Dubbed “Spotlight Stories,” the new feature will mission given budget constraints. to hold a vacuum during testing on Monday in be viewable on the YouTube app of an array of The InSight lander was set to delve deep extreme cold temperature. “It’s the first time Android-powered smartphones. Showcasing beneath the Red Planet’s surface in order to ever that such a sensitive instrument has been the technology was a Santa-themed short film Virginia Tech Center for Technology Development Program Administration Specialist Greg discover how the solar system’s rocky planets built,” said Marc Pircher, Director of CNES’s from Academy Award-winning studio Aardman Brown seen behind the wheel of a driverless car during a test ride showing the alert system formed. “Learning about the interior structure Toulouse Space Centre. “We were very close to Animations, entitled “Special Delivery.” handing over automation to the driver while traveling street in Blacksburg, Va. — AP of Mars has been a high priority objective for succeeding, but an anomaly has occurred, The animated short centers on a building down into sub-stories within their plot by mov- Guerrab said in a blog post. “Special Delivery” planetary scientists since the Viking era,” said which requires further investigation. Our custodian trying to find a “mysterious stranger” ing their phone towards what they want to see. features 10 subplots and three potential endings. John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for teams will find a solution to fix it, but it won’t who remains just out of sight but leaves behind “The sensors on your phone allow the story to be Google Spotlight Stories will be expanded next NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in be solved in time for a launch in 2016.” The rel- a trail of gifts. interactive, so when you move your phone to year to more Android devices as well as a Washington. ative positions of the planets are most favor- Designed by Google as a new form of story- various scenes, you unlock mini-stories within YouTube application for mobile devices powered “We push the boundaries of space technol- able for launching missions from Earth to Mars telling, the immersive films allow users to drill the story,” technical project lead Rachid El by Apple software, El Guerrab said. — Agencies ogy with our missions to enable science, but for only a few weeks every 26 months, accord- space exploration is unforgiving, and the bot- ing to NASA’s statement. tom line is that we’re not ready to launch in the “For InSight, that 2016 launch window 2016 window,” he said in a statement. existed from March 4 to March 30,” the space Bahamian charged with hacking The problematic instrument is a seismome- agency said. “A decision on a path forward will ter provided by France’s Centre National be made in the coming months, but one thing d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), designed to meas- is clear: NASA remains fully committed to the celebs’ emails, stealing scripts ure ground movements as small as the diame- scientific discovery and exploration of Mars,” ter of an atom. “It’s a hard blow,” CNES presi- added Grunsfeld. NEW YORK: A Bahamian man hacked into began only this month, after “a popular radio accounts by sending either a computer virus dent Jean-Yves Le Gall said. While the InSight launch is important, celebrities’ email accounts to steal unreleased host” received an unsolicited offer from some- or a false warning that the person’s account “This is one of the risks of the job. The good Grunsfeld said the suspension “doesn’t affect movie and TV scripts and private sex tapes one selling scripts for the next season of a pop- had been hacked, and then using the infor- news is that our system was able to discover the sequence of any other missions.” Plans to and sought to peddle some of the scripts, ular TV drama, according to court papers. The mation he got back to change the accounts’ the problem when it was still here on Earth.” send a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s boasting to an undercover agent that he had radio host contacted the show’s executive pro- email settings so he could maintain ongoing NASA said the decision to delay follows unsuc- remain “on track,” NASA said. NASA is currently dossiers on at least 130 accounts of stars and ducer, who called Department of Homeland access, it said. cessful attempts to repair a leak affecting the working on three Mars missions with the bigshots in entertainment, sports and media, Security investigators. “The possibilities are definitely unlimited,” device, which requires a vacuum seal around European Space Agency and plans to send federal prosecutors said. Alonzo Knowles was Authorities followed that offer to Knowles, Knowles told the undercover agent in a recorded its three main sensors to withstand the harsh another rover to Mars in 2020. — AFP being held without bail after a court appear- of Freeport, Bahamas, who called himself “Jeff conversation, according to the complaint. On ance Tuesday on criminal copyright infringe- Moxey” and claimed to have “exclusive con- Dec 12, Knowles sent the undercover agent a Drone helps icebreaker navigate ment and identity theft charges as prosecu- tent” worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, sexually explicit image and a video from the tors described a scheme that also involved Homeland Security Special Agent Michael email account of a second radio host that the treacherous the Antarctic waters proffering an actor’s passport, Social Security McDonald said in a complaint. Within days, host had received from another victim described SYDNEY: Australia’s flagship icebreaker has of sea-ice navigation tools, which include numbers for three professional athletes, unre- Knowles - via video call - was showing an as a “television host and columnist,” the com- for the first time used drone technology to satellite imagery and radar. But it has not leased tracks from a singer-songwriter’s undercover agent scripts for an unreleased plaint said. It says he claimed, “This is just an navigate treacherous Antarctic waters, over- been plain sailing in the sub-zero condi- upcoming album and an explicit video comedy movie, a new TV show, and other example of things I can get.” At a meeting in New coming significant technical hurdles, offi- tions. “The electronics do not like snow, the grabbed from a radio host’s email account. materials, some marked as having been dis- York on Monday, the day he was arrested, he cials said yesterday. The Aurora Australis is batteries do not like the cold, and the Though none of the victims were identi- tributed to actors, the complaint said. offered to sell the undercover agent about 15 TV on an annual resupply voyage to Australia’s drone’s compass did not like the ship’s thou- fied, prosecutor Kristy Greenberg told a judge Knowles said he’d gotten into celebrities’ and movie scripts for $80,000, it said. — AP Casey research station with images of sea- sands of tons of steel,” Australian UAV direc- that several agents had spoken to were “quite ice conditions from the quadcopper drone tor James Rennie said. “Because the com- traumatized” by the theft of their personal helping navigation decisions. pass couldn’t calibrate on the ship and its information. “This case has all of the elements The dangers of keeping The Australian Antarctic Division said the need to work alongside the unit’s GPS, there of the kind of blockbuster script the defen- unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was proving was potential for the UAV to behave unpre- dant, Alonzo Knowles, is alleged to have to be a valuable addition to the current suite dictably. —AFP stolen,” Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara outdated Java software said in a statement. “Unfortunately, these cir- cumstances are all too real.” The case comes at SAN FRANCISCO: PC users will see more version, the FTC says. But until August 2014, a time when security is a sensitive subject in warnings about the dangers of keeping out- the tool still left some older versions Hollywood. Hackers calling themselves dated software on their machines, under a untouched. Guardians of Peace broke into Sony Pictures legal settlement negotiated by tech giant The FTC says Oracle revised its Java update Entertainment computers last year and Oracle and regulators at the Federal Trade tool again last year, to help users remove all released thousands of emails, documents, Commission. The FTC says Oracle Corp earlier versions. Even so, some PC users may Social Security numbers and other personal deceived consumers for several years by still have older versions on their machines. In a information in an attempt to derail the release promising that updating their Java software statement announcing the settlement, the FTC of the North Korean-focused comedy “The would keep them safe from malware and said Oracle’s internal documents show that it Interview.” hacking attacks. Until last year, the FTC says, knew that its earlier procedures left some PCs the update tool provided by Oracle did not vulnerable to hacking, despite its assurances The US government blamed North Korea remove some older versions of Java, which to PC users. An Oracle spokeswoman declined for the attack. Subsequently, former Sony meant PCs were still vulnerable. comment Monday. Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal left her position Many consumers aren’t aware they use Without admitting any wrongdoing, Oracle after the hack revealed embarrassing emails Java, which comes pre-installed on many PCs settled an FTC complaint by promising that that included racially insensitive remarks and helps with the operation of many web- current and future Java updates will automati- about President Barack Obama’s purported based functions, including online calculators, cally search for all older versions of the soft- taste in movies, and Sony Pictures agreed to games, chatrooms and even viewing 3D ware. If an older version is found, the update pay current and former employees up to $8 images. The FTC estimates Java can be found tool will notify PC users of the security risk and million to reimburse them for identity-theft on more than 850 million PCs. Oracle was provide a way for removing it. Oracle also losses and other costs. aware since 2010 that older versions of Java promised to publicize the danger of leaving Also last year, hackers broke into female had security flaws that left their users vulnera- older versions of Java on PCs, by posting celebrities’ personal Apple accounts, stole nude ble to malicious attacks, according to the FTC. notices on social media and sending bulletins YANGON: Thet San (background) stands past model airplanes hung inside a drone photos and posted them on the web. Jennifer But earlier update procedures installed a new to leading distributors of security software. PC accessories shop in Yangon. In a ramshackle workshop tucked behind a bustling Lawrence and Mary Elizabeth Winstead have version of the program without removing the users can remove old versions of Java by Yangon market, Kyi Tha fixes a drone’s plastic propeller and gives it a vigorous spin, said they were victims of the hack attack. The older ones. Oracle later changed its Java updating to the current version, Java 8, or by testing a home-made product for eager Myanmar flying enthusiasts who refuse to investigation into the 23-year-old Knowles update tool to make it remove the most recent using the tool at java.com/uninstall. — AP let poverty clip the wings of their hi-tech dreams. — AFP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 HEALTH Anti-marijuana ads provokes laughter

SYDNEY: An anti-marijuana campaign in the #StonerSloth ads. Not sure where NSW Australia featuring a human-sized lumber- Gov’s ad guys found Chewbaccas siblings, ing stoned sloth acting foolishly has back- but those videos are ... Quite something,” fired and become the brunt of jokes on he tweeted, referring to the “Star Wars” social media. Launched this week using the character. The National Cannabis slogan “You’re worse on weed”, it attempts Prevention and Information Centre said the to warn teenagers of the dangers of sus- ad did not reflect its views on how cam- tained cannabis use by depicting those paigns stressing the dangers of cannabis who smoke it as grumbling, oversized should be handled. “stoner sloths”. In a statement, it said any campaign But it has been widely mocked as should “be aware that teenagers are intelli- “ridiculously funny” with thousands of com- gent and have access to a lot of informa- ments on its Facebook page, which has tion, so campaign approaches should attracted more than 16,000 likes. “Smoke respect them and give them credit by weed, become one of the most adorable avoiding hyperbole”. The NSW Greens called animals in the world. Where do I get some it “juvenile” but the state government insist- weed?” wrote Andrew Watton-Davies while ed it was designed to reach young people Scott Hobson noted that: “I literally can’t before cannabis use became a serious prob- tell if it’s satire or legit.” lem. “The campaign is designed to appeal Even Premier Mike Baird, whose New to, and be ‘shareable’ among, teenagers South Wales state government is behind who are some of the most vulnerable to the campaign, has poked fun at it. “Just saw cannabis use,” it said. — AFP

WASHINGTON: Leon Perkins, 3, leans forward to take a bite of snow as he plays with his brother Conner, left, 2, and his father Erin at Snoqualmie Pass. The Seattle family headed to the mountains Tuesday to enjoy the new snow that fell overnight. — AP Strange weather patterns across us linked to El Nino County basking in above-average temperatures

SEATTLE: Astrid Rau just baked 16 kinds of kept colder air from the Arctic at bay, he said. slide southwest of Breckenridge Ski Area on Christmas cookies, including a batch in the shape In the Pacific Northwest and California, the Saturday. They escaped serious injury. of snowflakes. But she’s nevertheless having trou- effects of El Nino haven’t really hit yet. They’re “We’re giving our generally weak snowpack a ble getting in the holiday spirit, thanks to fore- typically seen in January through March, and the very large and rapid load, and it’s unlikely to be casts that have the temperature in her home- heavy rains and snows in the region are probably able to hold up,” said Brian Lazar, deputy director town of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, hitting 72 not linked to the phenomenon, said Washington of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. degrees on Thursday. “I associate cold with State Climatologist Nick Bond. Warnings and advisories were posted for much Christmas,” the 55-year-old says. “And if it’s warm The winter in the Pacific Northwest is still pre- of Colorado’s high country, with an emphasis on it just doesn’t feel quite right to me.” dicted to be drier than normal, so the series of the risk of large, dangerous slides in steep terrain. A weather pattern partly linked with El Nino storms that dumped feet of snow in the has turned winter upside-down across the US Cascades this month and piled the snowpack Striking weather SEATTLE: In this Dec 15, 2015, file photo, a Chipotle Mexican Grill employee prepares during a week of heavy holiday travel, bringing back above normal, were helpful, he said. Come Meanwhile, the National Weather Service said food. After an E. coli outbreak that sickened more than 50 people, Chipotle is changing spring-like warmth to the Northeast, a risk of tor- summer, farmers and salmon alike will rely on the most recent storm had raised the level of its cooking methods to prevent the nightmare situation from happening again. — AP nadoes in the South and so much snow across that melting snow. In Washington, authorities Lake Tahoe by about 2 inches since midnight the West that even skiing slopes have been over- have closed the state’s main east-west route, Monday. Officials calculated that that’s nearly 6.4 Chipotle tweaks cooking whelmed. In a reversal of a typical Christmas, Interstate 90, over the Cascade Mountains billion gallons of water. Elsewhere, severe thun- forecasters expect New York to be in the mid-60s repeatedly this week due to heavy snows and derstorms and possible tornadoes were forecast after recent E coli scare on the holiday - several degrees higher than Los avalanche danger. Officials closed a sledding hill in northern Alabama, northern Mississippi, Angeles. near Snoqualmie Pass on Tuesday because the Arkansas and western Tennessee. Tornadoes are NEW YORK: After an E coli outbreak that fied what triggered the E. coli cases, and The mild conditions have helped golf courses storm kept the state Transportation Department not unheard-of in the region in late December, sickened more than 50 people, Chipotle is Chipotle executives say they may never be in New England do brisk business, but the pat- from plowing the parking lot. On Sunday, a but the extreme weather, driven by warm tem- tweaking its cooking methods. Onions will able to identify what made people sick. tern comes at a steep cost for ski resorts that heavy storm closed Oregon’s Mount Ashland Ski peratures and large amounts of moisture in the be dipped in boiling water to kill germs In the meantime, the company can’t have closed and for backcountry skiers who con- Area when it knocked out power. atmosphere, was nonetheless striking, said Jeff before they’re chopped. Raw chicken will afford to wait and figure out what went front avalanche risks. And like Rau, many California is in its driest four-year span on Masters, director of meteorology at Weather be marinated in re-sealable plastic bags, wrong. Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold Americans complain that it just doesn’t feel like record, and experts anticipate a possible fifth Underground. rather than in bowls. Cilantro will be added said many of changes will be implemented the holidays without a chill in the air. “It’s been a year of drought. Weather forecasters say a strong In addition to El Nino, a weather pattern to freshly cooked rice so the heat gets rid of in coming weeks, but that the company great snow season so far from the Rockies to the El Nino weather system could drench the state, called the North Atlantic Oscillation is also help- microbes in the garnish. doesn’t expect the taste of its food to suf- higher elevations in the Cascades and the north- but one good, wet winter won’t be enough to ing keep cold air bottled up in the Arctic. “When you’re given a project like this, fer. Among the tweaks the company is ern Sierras, and it’s been the total opposite on rehydrate the parched land. A fresh round of Combine that with warm temperatures around you look at the universe of hazards,” said making: the East Coast,” said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster chilly rain was expected to hit San Francisco late the planet from man-made global warming, he Mansour Samadpour, CEO of IEH Cheese will now arrive in restaurants with the National Weather Service. this week. The same system was expected to said, and you have a recipe for intense weather: Laboratories, which was hired by Chipotle shredded. Ingredients like onions will be drop some 4 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada “There are a couple of natural patterns at work, to tighten its procedures. The changes macerated with lemon or lime juice to kill Record warmth Mountains. While ski resorts celebrated a deluge and then there’s this human-caused component mark a dramatic turn in fortunes for germs. 60 samples of every 2,000 pounds Big parts of the county are basking in above- that threatened to drop almost 2 feet of snow in too.” With such balmy temperatures in the Chipotle, which has surged in popularity by of steak will be tested before it’s sent to average temperatures, especially east of the parts of Colorado’s mountains, forecasters Northeast, Pine Oaks Golf Club in Easton, touting its “Food With Integrity” slogan. As stores. A similar testing program will be Mississippi and across the Northern Plains. warned of serious avalanche risks. An avalanche Massachusetts, is probably having its busiest it expanded to more than 1,900 locations, implemented for chicken in coming weeks. Record warmth was expected on Christmas Eve near the Montana-Wyoming state line on Sunday December since it was built more than 50 years the company also sought to draw a distinc- Pork and barbacoa beef are already deliv- along the East Coast, Oravec said. He laid the buried three snowmobilers, killing a 33-year-old ago - a bonus for a club that doesn’t count on tion between itself and other fast-food ered cooked in sealed bags. credit - or blame - with a strong El Nino pattern, North Dakota man. Another avalanche partially much winter revenue. “We’ve got 65 degrees chains that executives said use “chemical Tomatoes, cilantro and other ingredi- the warming of surface waters in the Pacific buried a ski patrol employee at the Snowbasin coming up on Christmas Eve,” said Scott Ibbitson, additives” and “cheap artificial ingredients.” ents will be chopped in centralized loca- Ocean near the equator. That’s helped drive resort, about 45 miles north of Salt Lake City, and a golf specialist at the course. “It’ll be our busiest Now, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc may be tions, rather than in stores, so they can be warm air west to east across the Lower 48 and two snowboarders were caught in a backcountry December day ever.” — AP suffering from traits that helped define it. In tested. Chipotle has said in the past that its annual report in February, the company tomatoes taste better when freshly diced in noted it may be at a higher risk for food restaurants. After the outbreak, Chipotle Clinton announces $2 bn borne illnesses because of its use of “fresh co-CEO Steve Ells changed tunes: “If I’m eat- produce and meats rather than frozen,” and ing a burrito that had tomatoes that were its traditional cooking methods,” rather chopped in a central kitchen in the salsa or than “automation.” The warning started one that was chopped in house, I probably effort to cure Alzheimer’s coming to life this summer when the chain couldn’t tell the difference,” he said in an was tied to food borne illnesses in interview on CNBC last week. WASHINGTON: US presidential candidate Hillary California and Minnesota, although those Not all chopping will be moved to cen- Clinton announced Tuesday a $2 billion annual cases didn’t get as much attention. tralized locations. Onions, for instance, effort to cure Alzheimer’s disease by 2025, calling Then, at the end of October, E coli cases would oxidize and smell bad if they were for doubling federal spending to combat the ill- were reported in Oregon and Washington, chopped days in advance, Samadpour said. ness. The Democratic front-runner plans to intro- prompting the company to shut down 43 So they will remain chopped on in restau- duce her proposal in Iowa during her last presiden- restaurants in those states. YouGov Brand rants, along with lemons, limes and tial campaign swing before the holidays. The fund- Index said customer perceptions about jalapenos. All will now be blanched to kill ing is coupled with proposals to aid the 15 million Chipotle sank to their lowest level since it germs. Still, the road for Chipotle to recover Americans caring for those afflicted by the illness. began tracking the company in 2007. That its image may be long. The proposal marks the first time a presidential was before additional cases popped up in The industry got a wake-up call in 1993, candidate has made combating Alzheimer’s a cam- seven more states. when an E. coli outbreak linked to Jack in paign issue, according to advocates, and is part of a the Box sickened hundreds and left four larger effort by Clinton to increasing funding for Sickened dozens dead. But the scare didn’t extinguish the health research. In November, sales crashed 16 percent. problem. After being tied to an E coli out- “We owe it to the millions of families who stay Then, an unrelated norovirus outbreak sick- break in late 2006, Taco Bell’s sales fell for up at night worrying about their loved ones afflict- ened dozens of students at Boston College. multiple quarters. Barclays analyst Jeffrey ed by this terrible disease and facing the hard reali- And this week, the Centers for Disease Bernstein has noted Chipotle’s recovery ty of the long goodbye to make research invest- Control and Prevention reported five more may take longer than other chains that ments that will prevent, effectively treat and make cases of E coli in later November linked to have been hurt by food borne illnesses, a cure possible by 2025,” Clinton said. “The best sci- Chipotle, which it said might not be part of because social media has increased peo- entific minds tell us we have a real chance to make the larger outbreak. The CDC hasn’t identi- ple’s awareness of such incidents. — AP groundbreaking progress on curing this disease and relieving the pain so many families feel every Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton day.” Five million Americans have been diagnosed Top lawyer rejects claims with Alzheimer’s, a number that’s expected to increase to 15 million by 2050. The disease is the against new tobacco law sixth leading cause of death in the United States Health issues persist and disproportionally impacts minorities and women. Two out of three Alzheimer’s patents are LUXEMBOURG: A senior lawyer for the EU’s European Union’s standardization of the label- for Ebola survivors top court yesterday rejected claims, including ing and packaging of tobacco products was women. by US tobacco giant Philip Morris, that the “proportionate,” Kokott said in a statement Clinton’s plan would guarantee consistent fund- bloc’s new law on plain packaging and ban- issued by the European Court of Justice in ing so researchers can work toward advancing PARIS: The lucky ones who survive Ebola may There had been reports of Ebola after-effects ning flavors was illegal. Philip Morris Luxembourg. “They make a particular contri- treatment, not only for Alzheimer’s but other neu- suffer potentially blinding vision problems, before this outbreak, which started in International, maker of iconic brands such as bution to increasing the visibility of health rodegenerative illness including Parkinson’s dis- hearing loss and joint pain for months after- December 2013. But the new study, published Marlboro, said it would challenge the rules on warnings and maximizing their efficacy,” she ease and Lewy body dementia. Clinton will pay for wards, medical experts reported yesterday. in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, claimed to be the grounds they distorted the EU’s single said, citing the special need to make smoking her plan by closing tax loopholes, though her cam- Many endured the debilitating after-effects the largest and most detailed yet into the market and undercut consumer choice. unattractive to younger people. paign did not specify which ones. without access to treatment in West African nature of post-Ebola complications, and how The company, along with British American As for a ban on menthol cigarettes, con- “Our single bottle-neck has been funding. We countries stretched beyond their limits by the widespread they were. Tobacco, especially criticized the plain pack- tested by Poland, Kokott said there was “a seri- are budget-constrained not a knowledge-con- worst Ebola outbreak in history. Survivors of the outbreak in Sierra Leone, aging requirement which eliminates manu- ous risk that flavored cigarettes will facilitate strained field,” said Alzheimer’s expert Rudolph Of 277 survivors examined at a clinic in Sierra Liberia and Guinea “are experiencing signifi- facturers’ branding and product claims in initiation of tobacco consumption for non- Tanzi, who discovered many of the genes leading Leone, about four months after they were dis- cant long-term effects with potential for long- favor of dominant health warnings. Advocate smokers and make it more difficult for habitu- to Alzheimer’s and oversees a research center at charged, nearly 80 percent reported joint pain, term disability including visual loss,” said General Juliane Kokott said the EU legislation al smokers to escape nicotine addiction. Massachusetts General Hospital. “Hopefully with said the experts. Sixty percent experienced Mishra. The West African outbreak has killed had been properly adopted in 2014 and “The necessity of an EU-wide prohibition $2b a year we can finally do the work we need to vision problems, 18 percent suffered eye inflam- over 11,300 of more than 28,600 people infect- aimed to ensure standard practice across the on all characterizing flavors, including men- do.” Last year, the US government spent $586 mil- mation that could make them blind, and a quar- ed. In the affected countries, not even primary 28-nation bloc so as to combat the health thol, cannot seriously be called into question, lion on the disease. The 2016 budget signed by ter reported hearing difficulties. care is readily accessible, the study authors risks associated with smoking. particularly in view of the precautionary prin- President Barack Obama last week will increase “The numbers were higher than we initially said. Specialist treatment are also rare, Sierra Kokott said the legislation meant all tobac- ciple and the standards of the WHO.” Kokott federal funding to $936 million annually. Total expected,” study lead author Sharmistha Mishra Leone had two ophthalmologists at the time of co manufacturers were on a level playing field said the EU was similarly correct in introduc- costs may exceed $1 trillion by 2050, according to of the University of Toronto told AFP by email. the outbreak. —AFP and they could not claim discrimination. The ing restrictions on e-cigarettes. —AFP estimates. — AP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Daniel and Dr Graham Davies Pioneering transplant saves baby Daniel’s life

s there a greater fear then your child under- explains “When he was first diagnosed I just ops and is ‘taught’ how to recognise and looks bright and his family remains to be Daviesis a consultant paediatric immunologist Igoing continual suffering? And is there no couldn’t help but cry. The fear of the unknown attack invading germs but not the body’s own hopeful and positive about his future. at Great Ormond Street Hospital and an hon- greater gift than someone saving them? was at times unbearable.” All doctors would cells.” The procedure for the transplant was a Stela praises the work of ProfessorDavies orary Professorin Paediatric Immunologyat Stela Pirvu probably ponders over these ques- offer was an unrelated bone marrow trans- long process which involved cultivating slivers and his team. ‘I honestly have no words to University College London, Institute of Child tions as she recounts the time she brought her plant - a procedure never before performed of the thymus in a laboratory for a number of describe Dr Graham Davies and express his Health. son Daniel to Professor Graham Davies and his for a primary immunodeficiency in Romania. weeks and then placing them into Daniel’s interest. Of course he is very dedicated to his Great Ormond Street Hospital in London is team from Great Ormond Street Hospital At this point, Stela had described her son’s thigh muscles. “The recovery of the immune work and highly professional ...but even above recognised as one of the few truly world-class (GOSH), for a pioneering thymus transplant. chances of survival as “extremely low to zero”. system after a thymus transplant is slow,” that he has an extremely kind and generous hospitals for children. GOSH is a world-leading Daniel Pirvu was diagnosed in early life with A doctor suggested a thymus transplant to Professor Davies continues, “it can take heart. To us he is the Doctor that saved research centre, conducting research into complete DiGeorge Syndrome a condition Stela but unfortunately such a transplant months for it to start working.” Daniel’s life, and I cannot think of a way to areas including rare diseases, cancer, genetics with many complications including immunod- wasonly availableat two hospitals in the world, Daniel’s recovery from the transplant was describe how thankful we are that we had the and immunology. In partnership with eficiency, defects of the heart, thymus and GOSH in London and Duke Universityin North particularly slow due to complications from a chance to meet him.’ University College London (UCL) Institute of parathyroid glands as well as abnormalities of Carolina, USA.These seemed inaccessible to BCG (tuberculosis) inoculation he had been Professor Davies asserts that “Children Child Health (ICH) GOSH is one of the top five the palate. Daniel. Luckily Daniel was able to come to given as a baby. However, his immune system needing thymus transplants are rare. It is a research institutions for children in the word. Daniel presented with a range of condi- GOSH when he was 16 months old after his has begun to show signs of improvement and complex procedure that requires highly spe- GOSH is the only academic Biomedical tions that led doctors to conclude he had mother conducted extensive research into Prof Davies is optimistic about the transplant’s cialised laboratory facilities. We were fortunate Research Centre in the UK to be dedicated to Complete DiGeorge Syndrome with a com- thymus transplants, and found Dr Louise long term success.Although Daniel still suffers at GOSH, as when we were setting up the pro- children’s health and between 2010-2014, plete absence of the thymus gland. This essen- Markert from Duke University who put her in from the additional complications linked to gramme we had gene and cell therapy pro- GOSH/ICH research papers had the highest tially meant he had an extremely poor touch with Professor Davies. DiGeorge Syndrome, he has remained stable grammes which use the same facilities. citation impact of any of the top children’s immune system and was vulnerable to many Professor Davies was conducting research and free of significant infections since his Without these and the supporting team at hospitals in the world, as reported by dangerous infections. In fact at one point, into thymus transplants for children with return home last year. GOSH we would not have been able to con- Thomson Reuters. GOSH also places great Daniel was so ill that his internal organs began DiGeorge Syndrome at GOSH at the time, and “He is a very active, cheeky and happy little duct this research.” Prof Davies plans to contin- emphasis on the support and care provided to fail and doctors were reserved about his immediately identified the urgency of a trans- boy. Full of curiosity and life he loves listening ue to provide these transplants in the future for children by nurturing an open and sup- chances of survival. “The life expectancy of plant for Daniel. “The thymus gland is a ‘school’ to music, interacting with nature and num- and hopes to expand it to include those who portive atmosphere, ensuring that parents children with Complete DiGeorge Syndrome is for the immune system” he explains, “through bers, and loves hugs and cuddles.” Stela lov- do not suffer from DiGeorge Syndrome, yet and patients are well informed and closely typically less than two years.” Stela, his mother, the thymus gland the immune system devel- ingly says. Now 3 years old, Daniel’s future lack thymus function for other reasons. involved in the treatment process. More young adults signing Some cardiac arrest victims up for Obama health law ignore warning symptoms WASHINGTON: Midway through sign-up season, to be healthy and their participation helps keep more young adults are getting coverage through premiums in check. The number of younger WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s health care law. The adults signed up is close to double what it was at Sudden cardiac arrest may not number of new customers is also trending higher, this point last year. Obama’s health care law offers always be so sudden: New research suggests a lot of officials said Tuesday in an upbeat report. subsidized private health insurance to people people may ignore potentially life-saving warning Outside analysts who reviewed the adminis- who don’t have access to job-based coverage. signs hours, days, even a few weeks before they col- tration’s update said it reflects encouraging This year nearly 85 percent of customers nation- lapse. progress, but that may not dispel questions about wide are receiving assistance that averages $271 a Cardiac arrest claims about 350,000 U.S. lives a the long-term future of the health insurance mar- month. year. It’s not a heart attack, but worse: The heart kets created under Obama’s 2010 overhaul. Between the insurance markets and the law’s abruptly stops beating, its electrical activity Premiums have been going up and getting new Medicaid expansion for low-income people, the knocked out of rhythm. CPR can buy critical time, sign-ups remains a challenge. health care law has helped bring down the but so few patients survive that it’s been hard to tell Administration statistics also showed some nation’s uninsured rate to 9 percent, a historic low. if the longtime medical belief is correct that it’s a continuing problems verifying the citizenship and That translates to more than 16 million people strike with little or no advance warning. income of applicants for subsidized coverage. gaining coverage since the law passed five years An unusual study that has closely tracked sud- Consumer advocates say those issues generally ago. den cardiac arrest in Portland, Oregon, for over a stem from the complexity of the law, and that Tuesday’s update amounted to a half-time decade got around that roadblock, using interviews many people who run into verification problems report on the 2016 enrollment season. with witnesses, family and friends after patients col- simply drop out. Some become uninsured again. Independent analysts said the administration lapse and tracking down their medical records. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M should be able to meet or exceed its ultimate About half of middle-aged patients for whom Burwell said more than 8.2 million people signed goal, which is having 10 million people signed up symptom information could be found had experi- up or renewed coverage for 2016 from Nov. 1 and paying premiums at the end of 2016. As of enced warning signs, mostly chest pain or short- through Dec 19. Open enrollment ends on Jan 31. Sept 30, the insurance markets had about 9.3 mil- ness of breath, in the month before suffering a car- People who remain uninsured after that risk rising lion people enrolled and paying their premiums. diac arrest, researchers reported Monday. The LOS ANGELES: This Jan 4, 2008 file photo shows Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. — AP fines. “We’re off to a strong start,” Burwell said In the past, about 1 in 5 of those signed up at research offers the possibility of one day preventing Tuesday, noting that the numbers reflect only the the start of the year has dropped out later. Some some cardiac arrests if doctors could figure out how their symptoms bad enough to call 911 before they Association’s emergency care committee. “We 38 states using the HealthCare.gov website and probably found jobs with health insurance bene- to find and treat the people most at risk. collapsed, and they were most likely to survive. strongly recommend you don’t try to ride it out at That’s a reminder to the public not to ignore possi- home.” Previous heart attacks, coronary heart dis- call center. Major states running their own pro- fits. Elizabeth Carpenter of the consulting firm ‘Much too late’ grams, including California and New York, were Avalere Health said the administration seems to ble signs of heart trouble in hopes they’re just indi- ease, and certain inherited disorders that affect not counted in Tuesday’s report, and their totals be on track to exceed its 2016 enrollment goal, “By the time the 911 call is made, it’s much too gestion, said University of Pittsburgh emergency heartbeat all can increase the risk of sudden cardiac will be factored in later. after attrition. “The bigger question is if this sort of late for at least 90 percent of people,” said Dr medicine specialist Dr. Clifton Callaway, who wasn’t arrest. People known to be at high risk may receive About 2.4 million people who’ve signed up are modest year-over-year growth is sufficient to Sumeet Chugh of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in involved in Monday’s study but praised it. an implanted defibrillator to shock the heart back new to HealthCare.gov, said Burwell, ahead of last ensure a balanced, stable risk pool over time and Los Angeles, who led the study reported in Annals “Chest pain, shortness of breath - those are into rhythm. But cardiac arrest is such a public year’s levels. And 2.1 million are under age 35, a continue to attract insurer participation,” added of Internal Medicine. “There’s this window of oppor- things you should come in the middle of the night health problem that the Institute of Medicine last coveted demographic because young adults tend Carpenter. — AP tunity that we really didn’t know existed.” to the emergency department and get checked summer urged a national campaign to teach CPR, Importantly, a fraction of patients considered out,” said Callaway, who chairs the American Heart so more bystanders know how to help. —AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

Dr Amir Zeid, RISE Director, introducing the speaker Presentation by Basel Al-Othman, Founder of KuwaitHackers.com Live hacking experiment

RISE Center at AUK holds lecture entitled, ‘Live Mobile Hacking’

he Center for Research in Informatics, be able to navigate through the cyber threats and penetration-testing expert, Al-Othman’s Sciences and Engineering (RISE) at the that we may be vulnerable to, both collec- research interests include machine learning TAmerican University of Kuwait tively and individually, is key to what this lec- botnet detection and malware analysis for (AUK)held a lecture on Thursday entitled, ture aims to achieve.” intrusion detection and prevention. “Live Mobile Hacking: Malware Attacks and To demonstrate how easily smartphones The AUK Center for Research in Data Protection,”delivered by Founder of can be hacked, and how smartphone security Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) KuwaitHackers.com, Basel Al-Othman. The operates, Founder of KuwaitHackers.com, serves as AUK’s primary source for research lecture highlighted how vulnerable general Basel Al-Othman, made the audience wit- and development activities, a bridge to mobile users are to malicious hacking ness an actual hacking attempt, instigated by industry, and an important venue for com- attempts and introduced ways to ensure data himself, and hacked a smartphone live. “We munity outreach. RISE adapts an integrative protection against malware attacks. The practically live our lives online. It is impera- model by forging connections between aca- event was open to member of the AUK com- tive that we understand the risks involved,” demic disciplines, local & international inno- munity and the public. Al-Othman said, “Credit card information, vators, academia & industry, as well as tech- RISE Director, Dr. Amir Zeid, welcomed the personal photos, sound files and chat mes- nology & society. attendees to the interactive lecture that was sages may be in jeopardy, if one isn’t cautious The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is aimed to provide an understanding of smart- of potential threats.” Al-Othman received his an independent, private, equal opportunity, phone hacking threats and techniques. “We M.Sc. in Computer Science from the and co-educational liberal arts institution of live in a world that is virtually wrapped into a University of Hertfordshire, with a specializa- higher education. The educational, cultural net of rapidly evolving cutting-edge tech- tion in computer security. He is currently an and administrative structure, methods and nologies. Our connectivity is greatly empow- Information Security doctoral candidate at standards of AUK are based on the American ering, yet poses new points of vulnerability De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. In model of higher learning. The language of Dr. Zeid presenting Certificate of Appreciation to the guest speaker that we must be aware of,” Dr. Zeid noted, “To addition to his work as a hacking instructor instruction is English.

Under the caption: Eat Better Live Better he Eat Better Live Better event which launch the new menu that entails new breakfast items and protein sweets. LaSalade is a restaurant that caters food for various tastes and needs. The mission of our restaurant is to provide light and healthy food away from any fried products. We focus to increase awareness that eating healthy is not a punishment since you can still enjoy your favorite meals with light Tingredients and with proper taste. As well the restaurant has a monthly prescription program for weight loss, body builders and fitness. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

ASSE Kuwait Chapter organises Development Conference 2015

merican Society of Safety Engineers Company and several other dignitaries from tion of Mohammad Husain President & CEO, Based Safety (BBS), Ergonomicsetc were pre- The conference was endorsed by International (ASSE), Kuwait Chapter is a premier vol- oil sector companies and other distinguished EQUATE, Mohammad Ghazi Al Mutairi CEO, sented. E-poster exhibition on various topics Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Auntary, non-profit making Health, guests attended the function. Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Ismail were presented. National Examination Board occupational Safety and Environmental organization, which Major General Yousef Al Ansari Director, Abdullah Deputy CEO, Support Services An exposition bymajor industrial suppliers Safety& Health (NEBOSH) and supported by strives to provide professional guidance, train- Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Michael Kuwait Oil Company andMr.Michael Belcher, and service providers were organized during Board of certified Safety professionals(BCSP), ing, consultancy and resources to the industri- Belcher, President ASSE USA, Fadhel Al Ali, President ASSE USA. Fadhel Al Ali, Chairman this two day conference which was a major Institute of Occupational Safety and Health al and social sectors in the region. Chairman ASSE Kuwait, Ashok Garlapati Global ASSE Kuwait, Vasudevan, Director Professional event where the conference delegates had an (IOSH), Centre for Chemical Process Safety As a part of continuous efforts in its profes- Region, Vice President ASSE USA, also partici- Development Conference (PDC) also partici- opportunity to get accustomed to the latest (CCPS). sional journey, ASSE Kuwait Chapter is organ- pated in the inaugural ceremony. pated in the discussions with question and safety and fire equipments in the market. More than 350 delegates including man- ized the8thInternational HSSE & Loss G Sampath Reddy, President of the ASSE answers. BalaSiva Srikanth Deputy Director of The advisory board for the PDC 2015 agers, team leaders, consultants, specialists, Prevention Professional Development Kuwait Chapter in his welcome address high- the Professional Development Conference wereMr. Michael Belcher, CSP President, engineers, physicians, coordinators and Conference (PDC) and Exhibitionon 9th -10th lighted the activities of the Chapter and wel- (PDC) moderated the discussion. American Society of Safety Engineers, USA, inspectors & supervisors of various disciplines December 2015 at Radisson BluHotel,under comed everyone to this prestigious event. At the end of Executive Panel discussion, Ismail Abdulla Ali, Deputy CEO (Corporate from oil sector and other companies attended the patronage of Minister of oil, State of Engr. Fadhel Ali, Chairman ASSE Kuwait Riaz Mohammed Shareef, past president of Services Directorate), Kuwait Oil Company, the conference. AUM students who attended Kuwait. Chapter in his opening address stated the ASSE Kuwait Chapter and Advisory Committee Khaled Saleh Al Asousi Dy. CEO Support the conference and were given free registra- The two day conferencewith the Theme importance of the conference. member was awarded as the chapter safety Services, Kuwait National Petroleum Company tion for their participation. “Sharing Experience to Enhance the HSSE Vasudevan, Director of the ASSE Kuwait professional of the Year - 2015. (KNPC), Major General Yousef Al Ansari The closing ceremony of the conference Culture” was inaugurated by His Excellency Chapter’s 8thInternational HSSE & Loss During the two day conference, sympo- Director, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Ali Al was held on the afternoon on 10th December. Sheikh Talal Al Sabah, Acting Undersecretary, Prevention Professional Development siums on Process Safety Management, Kshawe Manager (HSE), Kuwait National Feedback from the internal and external par- Minister of Oil, Kuwait. Conference (PDC) and Exhibition, briefed the Sustainable Energy and plenary session where Petroleum Company. Ahmed A Abbas ticipant and dignitaries were taken during the The inaugural session was attended by highlights of the conference, which was 68 technical papers on topic related to the Manager, (HSE), Kuwait Oil Company Sati closing ceremony. Bala Siva Srikanth, Deputy Mohammad Husain, President & CEO, EQUATE, organized by the volunteer efforts of the Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene, S.AlOtaibi Manager (EHS and F&S), JO - Wafra Director for the 8thInternational HSSE & Loss Mohammad Ghazi Al Mutairi CEO, Kuwait Chapters members. Process Safety, Personal Safety, Fire Safety, Salem Al Azmi Manager - HSE. Prevention Professional Development National Petroleum Company, Ismail Abdullah After the inaugural ceremony an executive Environmental Engineering & Management, The conference wassponsored by Equate, Conference (PDC) and Exhibition gave the Deputy CEO, Support Services Kuwait Oil panel discussion was held with the participa- Loss Prevention, Industrial Security, Behavior KOC, KNPC and RIMSCO as platinum sponsors. vote of thanks. ICSK Amman students achieve success in INAK badminton tournament

he students of the Indian Community School Kuwait Amman branch have Tbrought glory to the school with their spectacular achievement in the IBAK Inter- School Badminton Tournament2015 held in Kuwait from 3rd to 5th Dec’15. Master Adhnan Jeff of Class VI C was the winner in the under-12 Singles Boys Category. Master Aidan Anesh Mathew Class V-B & Master Adhnan Jeff Class VI-C were the 2nd Runners up in the doubles under-14 Boys category. Rajesh Nair. C, Principal expressed his delight and happiness at the excellent perform- ance put up by the students of ICSK Amman and extended his congratulations.

Khaled Alhassan awarding the winner Shaheen Alkhudhari with the presence of Khaled Alsanousi & Eman Alawadhi GIG supports KIPCO Tmkeen award for young entrepreneurs

ulf Insurance Group, a leading winner of the award. The team helping make their projects more company in the field of ren- includes co-founders Shaheen sustainable.” Gdering the insurance services Alkhudhari and Talal Alyaseen, as Al Hassan pointed out that Gulf in the State of Kuwait and the Middle well as Mohammad Eid Ebrahim and Insurance Group’s support of this East, announced its support for the Ali Ahmad Taqi. award is based on its vision of sup- KIPCO Tmkeen Award for Young GIG’s CEO, Mr. Khalid Saud Al porting Kuwaiti youth, noting that Entrepreneurs. The award is a part- Hassan, commented, “Cooperation the Group has provided the winner nership between KIPCO - Kuwait with young people through the KIP- with a range of insurance policies to Projects Company - and the Youth CO Tmkeen Award has availed us of cover the business’s specific needs. Empowerment Symposium the opportunity to engage in dia- Al Hassan added that Gulf (Tmkeen). logue with the initiators in the busi- Insurance Group would continue to Ajar Online, a cloud service built ness sector in order to determine the support the young talents in Kuwait for the real estate market in Kuwait best means to render insurance con- and encourage them to develop proj- and the GCC, was recently named the sultancy and services with the aim of ects and build promising futures. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

15:45 Kim Possible 16:00 Keeping Up With The 17:00 Innovation Nation 11:05 Tanked 16:10 Jessie Kardashians 17:30 Innovation Nation 12:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 16:35 Austin & Ally 17:00 Keeping Up With The 18:00 Breakthrough 12:55 Bondi Vet 17:00 How To Build A Better Boy Kardashians 19:00 Megastructures 13:50 Yankee Jungle 18:40 Gravity Falls 18:00 E! News 20:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 14:45 Ten Deadliest Snakes DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 19:00 Keeping Up With The 20:50 Innovation Nation 15:40 Treehouse Masters 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 19:30 H2O: Just Add Water Kardashians 21:15 Innovation Nation 16:35 Tanked 01:10 Mythbusters 19:55 Liv And Maddie 21:00 Keeping Up With The 21:40 Breakthrough 17:30 Shamwari: A Wild Life 02:00 The Carbonaro Effect 20:20 Liv And Maddie Kardashians 22:30 Megastructures 17:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 02:50 You Have Been Warned 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 22:00 E! News 23:20 Ufos: The Untold Stories 18:25 Ten Deadliest Snakes 03:40 Auction Hunters 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 23:00 The Soup 19:20 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 04:05 Property Wars 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:30 Sex With Brody 20:15 Tanked 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 21:10 Lions And Giants 05:00 Americarna 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 22:05 Treehouse Masters 05:30 How It’s Made Teenage Witch 23:00 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 06:00 Ice Cold Gold 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 23:55 China’s Deadliest Snakes 06:50 Kindig Customs Teenage Witch 00:10 American Food Battle 00:50 Gator Boys 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 23:10 Wolfblood 00:35 Eat Street 01:45 Call Of The Wildman 08:30 Auction Hunters 23:35 Wolfblood 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 01:00 George Clarke’s Amazing 02:15 Call Of The Wildman 08:55 Property Wars 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Spaces 02:40 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 01:00 Chopped 01:50 Food Lover’s Guide To The 09:45 Americarna 02:00 Chopped South Africa Planet 10:10 How It’s Made 03:00 Man Fire Food 02:15 American Food Battle 10:35 Auction Hunters 03:30 Man Fire Food 02:40 A Marriage Of Flavours 11:00 So You Think You’d Survive? 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:05 East Bites West With Chef 15:10 The Pop Illusionist 00:20 Calimero 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Wan 19:20 Sean Conway - Running 00:35 Zou 05:00 Holiday Baking 03:30 East Bites West With Chef 03:55 My Family: Christmas 2008 Britain 00:50 Loopdidoo Championship Wan 04:25 My Family: Christmas 2008 20:10 Property Wars 01:05 Art Attack 06:00 Chopped 03:55 Meat v Veg 05:00 Teletubbies 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:20 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 05:25 Show Me Show Me 21:00 Predators Up Close With 01:45 Calimero 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:45 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 05:45 Charlie And Lola Joel Lambert 02:00 Zou 08:00 Iron Chef America 05:10 Access 360 World Heritage 05:55 Teletubbies 21:50 Deadly Islands 02:15 Loopdidoo 09:00 Cooking Christmas With Matt 06:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The 06:20 Show Me Show Me 22:40 Amish Mafia 02:30 Art Attack And Lisa Planet 06:40 Charlie And Lola 23:30 Kindig Customs 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 09:30 Cooking Christmas With Matt 06:25 Poh & Co. 06:55 Jollywobbles 03:05 Calimero And Lisa 06:50 George Clarke’s Amazing 07:05 Doctor Who: The Day Of The 03:20 Zou 10:00 The Kitchen Spaces Doctor 03:30 Loopdidoo 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 07:40 Food Lover’s Guide To The 08:25 Doctors 03:45 Art Attack 11:30 The Pioneer Woman Planet 08:55 Eastenders 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 12:00 Food Network All-Star 08:05 American Food Battle 00:35 Mythbusters 09:25 David Copperfield 04:20 Calimero 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 08:30 A Marriage Of Flavours 01:20 How It’s Made 10:15 David Copperfield 04:35 Zou 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 08:55 East Bites West With Chef 01:44 How It’s Made 11:00 Doctor Who: The Day Of The 04:45 Loopdidoo 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Wan 02:08 Strip The Cosmos Doctor 05:00 Art Attack 15:00 The Kitchen 09:20 East Bites West With Chef 02:55 What Could Possibly Go 12:20 Only Fools And Horses 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 16:00 Iron Chef America Wan Wrong? Christmas Special 05:35 Calimero 17:30 The Pioneer Woman 09:45 Meat v Veg 03:42 Stephen Hawking’s Grand 13:25 David Copperfield 05:50 Zou 18:00 Jenny And Reza’s Fabulous 10:10 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour Design 14:15 David Copperfield 06:00 Loopdidoo Food Academy 10:35 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 04:29 Mythbusters 15:00 Blackadder’s Christmas Carol 06:15 Art Attack 18:30 Cooking Christmas With Matt 11:00 Access 360 World Heritage 05:16 Strip The Cosmos 15:45 Doctors 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster And Lisa 11:50 Food Lover’s Guide To The 06:03 What Could Possibly Go 16:15 Eastenders 06:50 Calimero 19:00 Food Network All-Star Planet Wrong? 16:45 Doctor Who: The Day Of The 07:00 Zou 20:00 Holiday Baking 12:15 Poh & Co. 06:50 X-Machines Doctor 07:20 Loopdidoo Championship 12:40 George Clarke’s Amazing 07:37 How It’s Made 18:00 Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff: 07:35 Art Attack 21:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers Spaces 08:00 How It’s Made Christmas Special 08:00 Calimero 22:00 Siba’s Table 13:35 World’s Best Chefs 08:23 Mythbusters 18:30 Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff: 08:10 Zou 22:30 Siba’s Table 14:00 The Wine Quest: Spain 09:08 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Christmas Special 08:25 Loopdidoo 23:00 Iron Chef America 14:30 Top Tables, Top Cities Design 19:00 Doctors 08:40 Henry Hugglemonster 14:55 Street Food Around The 09:53 X-Machines 19:30 Eastenders 08:55 Jake And The Neverland World 10:38 How It’s Made 20:00 The Turn Of The Screw Pirates 15:25 Grandma’s Boy 11:00 How It’s Made 21:30 Dara O Briain: Craic Dealer 09:20 Sofia The First 15:50 Grandma’s Boy 11:23 Food Factory 22:20 Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff: 09:45 Miles From Tomorrow 16:20 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour NEIGHBORS ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE HD 11:45 Food Factory Christmas Special 10:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:45 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 12:08 What Could Possibly Go 00:10 Come Date With Me 22:55 Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff: 10:35 Doc McStuffins 17:15 Dream Cruises Wrong? Australia Christmas Special 11:00 Sofia The First 18:10 The Wine Quest: Spain 15:30 Hot In Cleveland 10:00 Mamma Moo And Crow 12:53 X-Machines 00:35 Come Date With Me 23:25 Sherlock 11:30 Jake And The Never Land 18:35 Poh & Co. 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 11:30 Sophia Grace And Rosie’s 13:38 Mythbusters Australia 00:50 Doctors Pirates 19:05 Street Food Around The Wilmore Royal Adventure 14:23 How It’s Made 01:05 The Jonathan Ross Show 01:20 Eastenders 11:55 Miles From Tomorrow World 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:30 The SpongeBob 14:46 How It’s Made 02:00 Emmerdale 01:50 The Turn Of The Screw 12:20 Henry Hugglemonster 19:30 Grandma’s Boy 18:00 Marry Me SquarePants Movie 15:10 Stephen Hawking’s Grand 02:25 Coach Trip 00:00 The Dogs Of War 12:45 Limon And Oli 20:00 Grandma’s Boy 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 The Adventures Of Don Design 02:55 Coronation Street 01:45 v For Vendetta 12:55 Loopdidoo 20:25 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour Jimmy Fallon Quixote 15:57 Food Factory 03:25 The Syndicate 04:00 The Core 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 20:50 Lee Chan’s World Food Tour 21:00 Hot In Cleveland 18:00 Mamma Moo And Crow 16:20 Food Factory 04:20 Seven Days With‚Ķ 06:15 Dying Of The Light 13:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:15 Dream Cruises 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 20:00 Jungle Book: Mowgli’s 16:44 What Could Possibly Go 05:15 Come Date With Me 08:00 Superfast 14:00 Sofia The First 22:05 The Wine Quest: Spain Wilmore Adventure Wrong? Australia 10:00 Special ID 14:25 Sofia The First 22:30 Poh & Co. 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 22:00 The SpongeBob 17:31 The Ipod Revolution 05:40 Come Date With Me 11:45 The Core 03:14 Grojband 14:50 Miles From Tomorrow 22:55 George Clarke’s Amazing SquarePants Movie 18:18 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Australia 14:00 Toxin 03:35 Johnny Test 15:15 Captain Jake And The Never Spaces 23:45 The Adventures Of Don Design 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 16:00 Dying Of The Light Quixote 05:05 Transformers: Robots In Land Pirates 23:45 World’s Best Chefs 19:05 Long March Into Space 07:05 Coronation Street 18:00 Getaway Disguise 15:40 Captain Jake And The Never 19:50 How The Universe Works 07:30 The Syndicate 20:00 Special ID 05:27 Transformers: Robots In Land Pirates 00:00 Better Call Saul 20:40 Outrageous Acts Of Psych 08:25 Seven Days With‚Ķ 22:00 Northmen: A Viking Saga Disguise 16:05 The Adventures Of Disney 01:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 23:00 How The Universe Works 09:20 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 23:45 The Power Of Few 05:50 Regular Show Fairies S.H.I.E.L.D. 23:45 Gadget Show - World Tour Makeover 06:00 The Amazing World Of 16:35 Miles From Tomorrow 02:00 The Flash 10:10 The Jonathan Ross Show Gumball 17:00 Sofia The First 03:00 American Horror Story: Hotel 00:00 Neighbors-18 11:05 Coach Trip 00:20 Built For The Kill 07:00 Adventure Time 17:25 Aladdin 04:00 The Fosters 02:00 The Package-PG15 11:35 Four Weddings UK 01:10 World’s Deadliest Animals 07:25 Teen Titans Go! 17:50 Adventures Of The Gummi 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 04:00 Searching For Sugar Man 12:30 Come Date With Me 02:00 Built For The Kill 08:10 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu Bears 06:00 Castle 06:00 Police Story-PG15 Australia 02:50 World’s Deadliest 08:35 Ben 10 Omniverse 18:15 Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers 07:00 Bones 02:00 The Core-PG15 08:00 A Common Man-PG15 12:55 Come Date With Me 03:45 Caught In The Act 04:15 Dying Of The Light-PG15 09:20 Nexo Knights 00:00 Violetta 18:40 Jake And The Never Land 08:00 Resurrection 10:00 Recoil-PG15 Australia 04:40 Ultimate Animal Countdown 06:00 Superfast-PG15 09:45 Nexo Knights 00:45 The Hive Pirates 09:00 The Fosters 12:00 Admission-PG15 13:25 Emmerdale 05:35 Built For The Kill 08:00 Special ID-PG15 10:10 Regular Show 00:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 10:00 Castle 14:00 The Good Witch’s Wedding 13:50 Coach Trip 06:30 World’s Deadliest 09:45 The Core-PG15 10:20 Regular Show Teenage Witch 19:30 Sofia The First 11:00 Bones 16:00 A Common Man-PG15 14:20 Coronation Street 07:25 Caught In The Act 12:00 Toxin-PG15 10:30 Johnny Test 01:15 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:55 Doc McStuffins 12:00 Emmerdale 18:00 Good Deeds-PG15 14:45 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 08:20 Dark Side Of Crocs 14:00 Dying Of The Light-PG15 11:20 Uncle Grandpa Teenage Witch 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 12:30 Coronation Street 20:00 St. Vincent-PG15 Makeover 09:15 Caught In The Act 16:00 Getaway-PG15 22:00 A Haunted House-18 11:40 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 01:40 Wolfblood Pirates 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:35 Keep It In The Family 10:10 Monster Fish 18:00 Special ID-PG15 12:05 Teen Titans Go! 02:05 Wolfblood 20:45 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 14:00 Resurrection Christmas Special 11:05 Outback Wrangler 20:00 Northmen: A Viking Saga 12:50 Steven Universe 02:30 Violetta 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:00 Castle 16:30 A Merry Murdoch Christmas 11:30 Outback Wrangler 21:45 The Power Of Few-PG15 13:02 Steven Universe 03:15 The Hive 21:35 Sofia The First 16:00 Emmerdale 18:20 Come Date With Me 12:00 Fish Warrior 23:30 Watchmen-18 13:15 Regular Show 03:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 22:00 Miles From Tomorrow 16:30 Coronation Street Australia 12:55 Africa’s Deadliest 14:00 Johnny Test Teenage Witch 23:20 Lilo & Stitch 19:10 Coronation Street 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:50 Night Stalkers 01:00 Live MSNBC Mtp Daily 14:50 Adventure Time 03:45 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 23:50 Zou 19:35 Keep It In The Family 18:00 Resurrection 14:45 Caught In The Act 02:00 Live MSNBC News 15:10 The Amazing World Of Teenage Witch Christmas Special 19:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 15:40 Croc Inside Out 03:00 Live NBC Nightly News Gumball 04:10 Wolfblood 20:30 A Merry Murdoch Christmas S.H.I.E.L.D. 04:35 Wolfblood 16:35 Caught In The Act 20:00 The Flash 03:30 ABC World News With David 15:35 The Amazing World Of 22:20 Coronation Street 17:30 Monster Fish Muir Gumball 05:00 Violetta 22:50 Emmerdale 21:00 Blindspot 05:45 The Hive 18:25 Outback Wrangler 22:00 Empire 00:00 She Wants Me 04:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 16:00 Ben 10 Omniverse 23:15 Four Weddings UK 18:50 Outback Wrangler 16:45 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 05:50 Mouk 00:00 Keeping Up With The 23:00 Secrets And Lies 02:00 Shanghai Calling Hayes 19:20 Caught In The Act 17:10 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 06:00 Lolirock Kardashians 04:00 Christmas At Castlebury Hall 05:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel 20:10 Croc Inside Out 17:30 Teen Titans Go! 06:25 Hank Zipzer 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 06:00 Streetdance: All Stars Maddow Show 21:00 Caught In The Act 18:20 Regular Show 06:50 Girl Meets World 01:25 Kourtney And Khloe Take 08:00 Until She Came Along 06:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word 21:50 Monster Fish 19:05 The Amazing World Of 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water The Hamptons 10:00 Christmas At Castlebury Hall W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 22:40 Outback Wrangler Gumball 07:40 H2O: Just Add Water 02:20 E! News 12:00 Shanghai Calling 07:00 NBC Nightly News 00:10 Do Or Die 23:05 Outback Wrangler 19:30 Johnny Test 08:05 Austin & Ally 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 14:00 Big Fat Liar 07:30 ABC World News With David 00:35 Do Or Die 23:30 Fish Warrior 19:40 Johnny Test 08:30 Austin & Ally 04:10 E! Entertainment Special 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:00 Until She Came Along Muir 01:00 Man V. Viral 19:51 Adventure Time 08:55 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 05:05 E! Entertainment Special 01:00 Good Morning America 18:00 Cas & Dylan 07:57 NBC Nightly News 02:00 Car SOS 20:15 Steven Universe Teenage Witch 06:00 Keeping Up With The 03:00 Devious Maids 20:00 Laggies 08:18 ABC World News With David 02:55 Air Crash Investigation 04:00 The Leftovers 20:27 Steven Universe 09:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Kardashians 22:00 The Babymakers Muir 03:50 Do Or Die 05:00 Good Morning America 20:40 Teen Titans Go! Teenage Witch 06:55 Keeping Up With The 08:39 Live ABC Nightline 04:15 Do Or Die 07:00 Emmerdale 09:06 MSNBC The Rachel 21:00 Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo 09:45 Jessie Kardashians 04:45 24 Hours In A&E 07:30 Coronation Street Maddow Show 22:15 Uncle Grandpa 10:10 Jessie 07:50 Style Star 05:40 Ufos: The Untold Stories 00:30 Hot In Cleveland 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 22:40 Adventure Time 10:35 Good Luck Charlie: The 08:20 E! 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Lawrence O’Donnell 10:00 Martina Cole’s Lady Killers 03:00 The English Teacher 21:00 Live MSNBC Live With 20:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 05:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle Thomas Roberts 23:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover 07:00 To The Wonder 23:00 Live MSNBC Live With Kate 01:45 The Haunting Of... 09:00 Manny Snow 02:45 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover 11:00 The Magic Of Belle Isle 13:00 Siberian Education 15:00 The Nightmare Before Christmas 17:00 Manny 03:30 Earthbound 19:00 Lost Christmas 05:05 Brannigan 21:00 Black Nativity 06:55 Of Mice And Men 23:00 American Hustle 08:45 Impromptu 07:00 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 10:30 Rich Kids 07:25 Boyster 12:05 The Tender 07:50 Supa Strikas 13:35 The Man In The Iron Mask 08:15 Lab Rats 15:45 The Hills Run Red 08:40 Frozen In Time 17:15 Alexander The Great 09:35 Kirby Buckets 01:15 Endless Love-PG15 19:30 True Heart 10:00 Lab Rats 03:00 Pompeii-PG15 21:00 Breaking Bad 10:25 Kickin’ It 05:00 Christmas In Conway-PG15 22:00 Into The Badlands 10:50 Mighty Med 07:00 Alexander And The Terrible... 23:00 Stay Hungry 11:15 Supa Strikas Very Bad Day-PG 00:40 FX 11:40 K.C Undercover 09:00 Penguins Of Madagascar 02:30 Hide 12:05 Boyster 11:00 Northpole-PG 12:35 Kickin’ It 13:00 Rio 2-FAM 13:00 Phineas And Ferb 14:45 Into The Woods-PG 13:55 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 17:00 Penguins Of Madagascar 14:20 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 19:00 Night At The Museum: Secret 14:45 Pair Of Kings Of The Tomb-PG 15:15 Pair Of Kings 21:00 Paddington-PG 15:40 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 16:10 The Naughty List 23:00 Captain America: The Winter 03:35 Tanked 17:00 Gamer’s Guide To Pretty Soldier-PG15 04:25 Ten Deadliest Snakes Much Everything 05:15 Gator Boys 17:25 K.C Undercover 06:02 Treehouse Masters 17:55 Supa Strikas 06:49 Shamwari: A Wild Life 18:20 Lab Rats 07:12 Shamwari: A Wild Life 18:45 Mighty Med 07:36 Call Of The Wildman 01:00 Vampire Dog 19:10 Annedroids 08:00 Call Of The Wildman 04:30 Zarafa 19:40 Kickin’ It 08:25 Ten Deadliest Snakes 06:00 Columbus In The Last 20:05 K.C Undercover 09:15 Gator Boys Journey 20:30 Supa Strikas A HAUNTED HOUSE ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE HD 10:10 Treehouse Masters 08:00 Worms 20:55 Lab Rats Classifieds

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

SITUATION VACANT Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO Professional cook for WEDNESDAY (24/12/2015 TO 30/12/2015) house, good experience all kinds of food, especially Arabic food, good salary, SHARQIA-1 FANAR-3 DILWALE - Hindi 2:30 PM part time. Call: 23901053, THE PEANUTS MOVIE 11:45 AM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 12:15 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:45 PM 60064934. (C 5102) THE PEANUTS MOVIE 1:45 PM DARK MOUNTAIN 3:00 PM DILWALE - Hindi 9:00 PM 21-12-2015 THE PEANUTS MOVIE 4:00 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 4:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 12:05 AM DILWALE - Hindi 6:00 PM DARK MOUNTAIN 7:30 PM A single American- DILWALE - Hindi 9:00 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 9:30 PM 360º- 1 DILWALE - Hindi 12:05 AM SOUKHYAM - Telugu 3:30 PM POINT BREAK -3D 1:15 PM Lebanese male living in MAMA MANCHU ALLUDU KANCHU - Telugu 6:30 PM POINT BREAK -3D 3:45 PM Salmiya needs a lady work- SHARQIA-2 SOUKHYAM - Telugu 9:30 PM POINT BREAK -3D 6:15 PM er to help in cooking and POINT BREAK 12:45 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 12:30 AM POINT BREAK 8:45 PM cleaning. She must under- POINT BREAK 3:00 PM POINT BREAK 11:15 PM stand and speak English STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 5:15 PM FANAR-4 and her timing and salary POINT BREAK 8:00 PM POINT BREAK -3D 12:00 PM 360º 2 POINT BREAK 10:15 PM POINT BREAK 2:30 PM KHANET EL YEK 12:00 PM are negotiable. Call 6641- POINT BREAK 12:30 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 5:00 PM KHANET EL YEK 2:15 PM 7504. (C 5100) POINT BREAK -3D 7:15 PM KHANET EL YEK 4:30 PM 19-12-2015 SHARQIA-3 POINT BREAK 9:45 PM KHANET EL YEK 6:45 PM KHANET EL YEK 1:00 PM POINT BREAK 12:15 AM KHANET EL YEK 9:00 PM STOMPING GROUND 3:00 PM KHANET EL YEK 11:15 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 4:45 PM FANAR-5 KHANET EL YEK 1:15 AM CHANGE OF NAME KHANET EL YEK 7:00 PM DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 AM STOMPING GROUND 9:00 PM DILWALE - Hindi 2:30 PM 360º- 3 I Dheemu Sudeep holder KHANET EL YEK 10:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 11:45 AM STOMPING GROUND 12:45 AM DILWALE - Hindi 8:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 1:45 PM of Indian Passport No. DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 3:45 PM F6768269 resident of MUHALAB-1 STOMPING GROUND 5:45 PM Pulapathur (V & P) DILWALE - Hindi 11:45 AM MARINA-1 STOMPING GROUND 7:45 PM Rajampet (M), YSR Kadapa NARCOPOLIS 2:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 12:45 PM STOMPING GROUND 9:45 PM Dist, A.P., India. Now I have DILWALE - Hindi 4:45 PM ROOM 1:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 11:45 PM changed my name as DILWALE - Hindi 7:45 PM KHANET EL YEK 3:45 PM NARCOPOLIS 10:45 PM ROOM 6:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 Bheemu Sudeep Kumar NARCOPOLIS 12:45 AM KHANET EL YEK 8:30 PM POINT BREAK 11:30 AM Reddy instead of Dheemu KHANET EL YEK 10:30 PM POINT BREAK 2:00 PM Sudeep in future all trans- MUHALAB-2 ROOM 12:30 AM POINT BREAK 4:30 PM action will be made in KHANET EL YEK 12:15 PM POINT BREAK 7:00 PM Bheemu Sudeep Kumar KHANET EL YEK 2:15 PM MARINA-2 POINT BREAK 9:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 4:15 PM POINT BREAK 12:15 PM POINT BREAK 12:05 AM Reddy only. (C 5101) STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 7:15 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 2:45 PM 21-12-2015 SOUKHYAM - Telugu 4:15 PM POINT BREAK 5:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 SOUKHYAM - Telugu 7:15 PM POINT BREAK 8:00 PM KHANET EL YEK 12:00 PM KHANET EL YEK 10:15 PM POINT BREAK 10:15 PM KHANET EL YEK 2:00 PM LOST KHANET EL YEK 12:15 AM POINT BREAK 12:45 AM KHANET EL YEK 4:00 PM KHANET EL YEK 6:00 PM MUHALAB-3 MARINA-3 KHANET EL YEK 8:00 PM Original document policy POINT BREAK 12:30 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 1:15 PM KHANET EL YEK 10:00 PM No. 633003315 of THE PEANUTS MOVIE 3:00 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE -3D 3:15 PM KHANET EL YEK 12:05 AM Muhammad Mali by the THE PEANUTS MOVIE 5:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 5:15 PM State Life Insurance POINT BREAK 7:00 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 7:30 PM AL-KOUT.3 POINT BREAK 9:30 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 9:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 11:45 AM Corporation Pakistan, Gulf POINT BREAK 12:05 AM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 12:15 AM NARCOPOLIS 1:30 PM Zone is reported to have STOMPING GROUND 3:30 PM been lost. Anyone finding FANAR-1 AVENUES-1 NARCOPOLIS 5:15 PM the same or claiming any THE PEANUTS MOVIE 12:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 1:15 PM STOMPING GROUND 7:15 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 2:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 3:30 PM NARCOPOLIS 9:00 PM interest in it should com- KHANET EL YEK 4:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 5:45 PM STOMPING GROUND 11:00 PM municate with State Life THE PEANUTS MOVIE 6:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 8:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 12:45 AM office Kuwait. Tel: KHANET EL YEK 8:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 10:15 PM 22452208. (C 5099) KHANET EL YEK 10:00 PM NARCOPOLIS 12:30 AM AL-KOUT.4 KHANET EL YEK 12:05 AM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 12:00 PM 16-12-2015 AVENUES-2 THE PEANUTS MOVIE 2:45 PM FANAR-2 STOMPING GROUND 12:45 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 4:45 PM NARCOPOLIS 11:30 AM STOMPING GROUND 2:45 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 6:45 PM STOMPING GROUND 1:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 4:45 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 8:45 PM NARCOPOLIS 3:15 PM STOMPING GROUND 6:45 PM STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 11:45 PM PRAYER TIMINGS STOMPING GROUND 5:15 PM STOMPING GROUND 8:45 PM NARCOPOLIS 7:00 PM STOMPING GROUND 10:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 STOMPING GROUND 9:00 PM STOMPING GROUND 12:45 AM KHANET EL YEK 11:30 AM Fajr: 05:13 Asr: 14:36 NARCOPOLIS 10:45 PM KHANET EL YEK 1:30 PM STOMPING GROUND 12:45 AM AVENUES-3 POINT BREAK -3D 3:30 PM Shorook 06:38 Maghrib: 16:54 DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 AM KHANET EL YEK 6:00 PM 112 Duhr: 11:46 Isha: 18:17

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 24/12/2015 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 Departure Flights on Thursday 24/12/2015 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 JZR 528 Asyut 00:05 SYR 342 Damascus 14:40 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 THY 767 Istanbul 14:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 NIA 251 Alexandria 15:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 JZR 124 Bahrain 15:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JAD 301 Amman 15:55 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:10 AXB 394 Kozhikode 15:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 741 Dammam 15:50 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 KNE 474 Jeddah 16:35 KAC 203 Lahore 03:05 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 KAC 381 Delhi 03:30 KAC 613 Bahrain 15:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 NIA 252 Alexandria 16:30 JZR 503 Luxor 04:25 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:50 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 JAD 302 Amman 16:40 QTR 8511 Doha 06:10 JZR 125 Bahrain 17:50 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:20 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 118 New York 17:55 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 KNE 475 Jeddah 17:25 JZR 529 Asyut 06:50 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 UAL 982 IAD 18:15 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 742 Dammam 18:55 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 QTR 8512 Doha 07:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 BAW 156 London 08:45 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 JZR 554 Alexandria 19:10 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 104 London 19:40 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:55 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 101 London/New York 09:55 KAC 538 Sohag 20:05 KAC 353 BLR 20:40 OMA 641 Muscat 10:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 IRM 1180 Mashhad 10:10 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 543 Cairo 20:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 ABY 121 Sharjah 20:35 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 ABY 122 Sharjah 21:15 AGY 682 Asyut 11:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 NIA 151 Cairo 11:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 KAC 204 Lahore 12:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:00 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 OMA 642 Muscat 11:05 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 JZR 241 Amman 12:50 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:00 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 SYR 341 Damascus 13:30 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 THY 766 Istanbul 13:45 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 AGY 683 Alexandria 12:40 KAC 382 Delhi 13:50 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 NIA 152 Cairo 12:55 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 AXB 393 Kozhikode 14:20 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:40 KAC 284 Dhaka 14:45 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 KAC 537 Sohag 13:35 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 CROSSWORD 1119 STAR TRACK

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

It might feel like you've been through the emotional ringer Reflecting on your own life isn't selfish -- in a way, it's selfless. lately, but don't worry -- you're due for a break today. Everything is going By understanding why you do the things you do, you are able to learn the to go much more smoothly than it has been, and you will benefit from the right kind of lessons you need to become a better friend, a better partner, ambition of others. Let them do all the work while you supervise. Take and a better employee. So don't feel bad about wanting to spend time advantage of this downtime by following up on a travel opportunity. Go alone, today. Even though other people who are getting together and and learn more about a culture that you've always been curious about. Fill having fun want you to join them, your energy is much better suited to today with exploration, and feed your curiosity. introspection. It's a good thing.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21) When you feel like you're in too much of a hurry today, slow Something big happens today that will force you to take a con- down! It sounds simple, but lately you have been letting yourself get troversial stand, but sticking to your principles will cause your friends to caught up in the momentum of your days' activities. Like a leaf in a wind- admire you even more than they already to. By being so principled, you storm, you're getting tossed about and starting to feel a bit powerless over are becoming a respected member of your social group, and you have your situation. This is nonsense -- if you want things to slow down, you can power. You can even stop a silly spat between two of your friends from slow them down. The power is in your hands. It's time for you to remind growing into a fiery argument today -- you could be the voice of reason yourself that you are in control of your own life. that helps everyone avoid conflict.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Mixing your business with pleasure is not always a bad move -- Why not let other people take the wheel today while you just it just requires very delicate footwork. Are you up for it? Make follow along behind them? Not only is it is easier to just go with the flow, it sure you are, because juggling romance with your workload takes a lot ACROSS 2. An organization of countries formed in can be a lot more interesting too! The universe will still give you the more energy than you might think. Make sure you review your company's 1. Characteristic of a mob. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the chance to initiate new ideas, plan new social outings or personal projects -- policy on the matter, too -- is this person worth losing your job? Keep in 4. Low stingless nettle of Central and South sale of petroleum. you don't have to be the one in charge to get a green light on new mind that you can be flirtatious and have fun without moving things into a America having velvety brownish-green 3. English monk and scholar (672-735). endeavors. Don't confuse power with opportunity. If you do, you'll never stage of 'formal romance,' with all its complications. toothed leaves and clusters of small green 4. Cooking utensil consisting of a wide met- get a chance to relax! flowers. al vessel. 12. The executive agency that advises the 5. A lizard of the family Agamidae. President on the federal budget. 6. Someone legally empowered to witness 15. Any of various primates with short tails signatures and certify a document's validity Capricorn (December 22-January 19) or no tail at all. and to take depositions. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 16. Lacking gonads. 7. Frogs, toads, tree toads. Think about a person who really taught you something valu- No one will be able to find fault with the points you are making 17. The molecular weight of a substance 8. A fancy dock for small yachts and cabin able in your life, and bring that good memory to life in the present for a today -- no matter how hard they may look for faults to find! Your mind is expressed in grams. cruisers. while. Remembering this person, whose encouragement helped you in the sharp and you know the subject you're talking about inside and out. It's time 18. Having leadership guidance. 9. The content of cognition. past, will help you keep a positive attitude today. You need to keep hang- to toss out any insecurity or hesitation you may have felt yesterday: There's 19. The essential qualities or characteristics 10. A white metallic element that burns ing in there when times get rough! Honor this person by being a positive no room for anything but confidence and pride, today. You are a star, you by which something is recognized. with a brilliant light. and encouraging presence in someone else's life -- lend a hand or give a are on fire, and you know it. Better yet, everyone else in the room will know 20. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan 11. A state in the southeastern United hug to someone who's feeling extra stress now. it by the time you're through! River. States on the Gulf of Mexico. 22. Any of a number of fishes of the family 12. A member of the Siouan people former- Carangidae. ly living in the Missouri river valley in NE 24. A dark region of considerable extent on Nebraska. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) the surface of the moon. 13. An atom having a valence of one. You are feeling more experimental today -- you'll be drawn to 25. A state of northeastern India. 14. A loud harsh or strident noise. Today you'll think that you are too busy for a long debate over issues, but you are wrong -- there is always time to learn more about things avant-garde ideas and expressions that used to make you suspicious or even 26. A theocratic republic in the Middle East 21. English theoretical physicist who fearful. Suddenly they are making more sense and you are more comfort- in western Asia. applied relativity theory to quantum that are important to you! When you meet someone who challenges your opinions, don't just smile and pretend you agree. Ask them why they feel able with the idea of exploring them. Do it today -- do some research online 28. Any culture medium that uses agar as mechanics and predicted the existence of about the wilder, wackier things you have been hearing about and find out the gelling agent. antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). the way they feel -- their answer will surprise and intrigue you. That creak- ing noise is the sound of your mind slowly opening up to the possibility how they could become a part of your life's journey. Your comfort zone is 31. A trivalent metallic element of the rare 23. French painter and exponent of comfortable, but ultimately it is also restrictive. Step out of it! earth group. Fauvism (1880-1954). that you could be wrong. 32. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions 27. An informal term for a father. of the Old World. 29. Equipped with or connected by gears or 34. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked having gears engaged. Virgo (August 23-September 22) on a skewer usually with vegetables. 30. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle. Pisces (February 19-March 20) 36. The capital and largest city of Ghana 33. A ductile silvery-white ductile ferromag- The problems you had with some feisty coworkers are gone Are you in the mood to hide from the world? Good, because with a deep-water port. netic trivalent metallic element of the rare for now, and there is a much lighter mood at work -- it's finally time to today the universe is sending you the right amount of energy and a great 40. Any of a group of antidepressant drugs earth group. exhale. Your emotions have been caught up in a battle that wasn't yours to opportunity to do just that. The high-maintenance people who are usually that inhibit the action of monoamine oxi- 35. Wearing or provided with clothing. fight, although the people whose defense you came to really appreciated clamoring for your attention are all occupied with other things right now -- so dase in the brain and so allow monoamines 37. Green algae common in freshwater you sticking your neck out like that. Now it's time to put your focus back you are free to do whatever you want, however you want. This quiet 'alone to accumulate. lakes of limestone districts. where it belongs: On your work. After this brief distraction, you'll find work time' will enable you to get back in touch with what you really want to do 44. A spring-flowering shrub or small tree of 38. The capital of Morocco. more rewarding than ever. about a big decision you have been putting off making. the genus Crataegus. 39. Not in a state of sleep. 45. Similar to the color of a ripe orange. 41. A garment that covers the head and 47. In bed. face. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE 50. (Irish) The sea personified. 42. A port city in southwestern Iran. Yesterday’s Solution 51. The branch of computer science that 43. A port city of south central Ukraine on deal with writing computer programs that an arm of the Black Sea. can solve problems creatively. 46. The vertical triangular wall between the 52. Informal terms for a (young) woman. sloping ends of gable roof. 53. Any of various strong liquors distilled 48. Coming into existence. from the fermented sap of toddy palms or 49. Offering fun and gaiety. from fermented molasses. 55. A city in western Germany near the 54. Capable of being added or added to. Dutch and Belgian borders. 57. Providing no shelter or sustenance. 56. The domain ruled by an emperor or 59. A silvery ductile metallic element found empress. primarily in bauxite. 58. Trade name for an oral contraceptive 60. An anti-TNF compound (trade name containing mestranol and a progestin com- Arava) that is given orally. pound. 61. The state prevailing during the absence 62. Having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature of war. especially as specified. 64. A river in western Thailand. 63. A river in north central Switzerland that 69. An Indian nursemaid who looks after runs northeast into the Rhine. children. 65. Any tree or shrub of the genus Inga hav- 71. Resembling an eel in being long and ing pinnate leaves and showy usually white thin and sinuous. flowers. 73. Wrap us in a cerecloth, as of a corpse. 66. A small high-pitched flute similar to a 74. An American operation in World War I piccolo. (1918). 67. A Loloish language. 76. The federal agency that insures residen- 68. Massive plantigrade carnivorous or tial mortgages. omnivorous mammals with long shaggy 77. Chief port of Yemen. coats and strong claws. 78. Give encouragement to. 70. The longer of the two telegraphic sig- 79. The sense organ for hearing and equilib- nals used in Morse code. rium. 72. The compass point midway between northeast and east. DOWN 75. A state in northwestern United States on 1. A master's degree in library science. the Pacific.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Lesotho 00266 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Marshall Islands 00692 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Martinique 00596 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritania 00222 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mayotte 00269 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Mexico 0052 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Monaco 00377 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Mongolia 00976 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Montserrat 001664 Bosnia 00387 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Mozambique 00258 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Brunei 00673 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Nepal 00977 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands 0031 Burundi 00257 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Caledonia 00687 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 New Zealand 0064 Canada 001 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Nigeria 00234 Central African 00236 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 North Korea 00850 Colombia 0057 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Oman 00968 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Pakistan 0092 Cook Islands 00682 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Panama 00507 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Papua New Guinea 00675 Cuba 0053 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Peru 0051 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Philippines 0063 Czech Republic 00420 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Portugal 00351 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Puerto Rico 001787 Djibouti 00253 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Romania 0040 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Russian Federation 007 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Rwanda 00250 Egypt 0020 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Kitts 001869 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Lucia 001758 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Saint Vincent 001784 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa US 00684 Ethiopia 00251 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 San Marino 00378 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Sao Tone 00239 Fiji 00679 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Scotland (UK) 0044 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Senegal 00221 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Seychelles 00284 French Polynesia 00689 Sierra Leone 00232 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Singapore 0065 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovakia 00421 Georgia 00995 Slovenia 00386 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Solomon Islands 00677 Ghana 00233 Somalia 00252 Gibraltar 00350 South Africa 0027 Greece 0030 South Korea 0082 Greenland 00299 Spain 0034 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sri Lanka 0094 Guadeloupe 00590 Sudan 00249 Guam 001671 Suriname 00597 Guatemala 00502 Swaziland 00268 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Sweden 0046 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Switzerland 0041 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 Syria 00963 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Serbia 00381 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Tanzania 00255 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Thailand 0066 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Toga 00228 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tonga 00676 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Tunisia 00216 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 Turkey 0090 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Uganda 00256 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 Ukraine 00380 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 Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 USA 001 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Venezuela 00582 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Vietnam 0084 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 UK 001284 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yemen 00967 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Yugoslavia 00381 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zambia 00260 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 Zimbabwe 00263 l i f e s t y l e THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 F e a t u r e s Will Smith enlightened by playing ‘Concussion’ doctor

hile the new Will Smith film “Concussion” cide. CTE had been researched previously in boxers may lead some to question their support of and it had been identified in soccer and rugby play- Wthe NFL, the forensic pathologist who first ers, though Omalu’s work first linked it to American drew attention to the dangers of repeated head football players and has sparked broad discussions trauma said he wanted his discoveries to “advance about player safety. football.” “Concussion” tells the true story of Dr After researching the role and learning more Bennet Omalu who stumbled upon an insidious about the condition, Smith remains a football fan. brain disorder affecting football players that began Yet, he feels different about the game. “I wanted to in 2002 with an autopsy on former Pittsburgh be a part of it just to deliver information to parents Steelers center Mike Webster. and to players because if I didn’t know, I felt a lot of “I had this hunger in me to use my knowledge to other people didn’t know,” Smith said. David Morse, become a voice for the voiceless, to make a differ- who plays Webster in the film, found the role a chal- ence, just like Will Smith,” Omalu said. Smith said the lenge. “(Mike Webster) was adored by people, the script enlightened him about the dangerous effects city of Pittsburgh, but what we see is a man at the of multiple concussions. “When I met Bennet and end of his life with dementia,” Morse said. “He’s glu- went through the science, I was terrified as a parent,” ing his teeth in with Super Glue, tasering himself. Smith said. “My son played football for four years He’s just in a kind of hell at the end of his life.” and I had no idea this was an issue.” Omalu studied the brains of NFL players who had died under dubi- Wonderful country ous circumstances, including former NFL players Webster’s problems progressed after his 1997 Justin Strzelczyk, Terry Long, and Andre Waters, who induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He are depicted in the film. Strzelczyk was involved in a went on a downward spiral, dying in 2002 at age 50. head-on collision on the wrong side of the highway Morse admits playing Webster affected him. “I’m fas- evading police; Waters shot himself in the head; and cinated by the game, but I can’t watch it the same Terry Long died from drinking anti-freeze. way,” he said. “I still watch it, but I understand way more about what’s happening to these people on Brain disease the field.” The NFL attacked the study, and the His study, in conjunction with the University of Nigerian-born Omalu feared deportation. But he Co-producer giannina Facio-Scott, from left, dr Bennet omalu, director Peter Landesman, actor gugu Mbatha-Raw, actor Will Smith, Pittsburgh’s pathology department, led to the dis- kept his resolve. producer elizabeth Cantillon and actor david Morse poses together at the photo call for ‘Concussion’ at The Crosby Street Hotel. — AP covery that the former players were suffering from “My faith made me not afraid,” Omalu said. od for professional football. “The NFL at that time ness they are. “Nobody wants the game to go away, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, an “Americans are perfect and seek perfection in what- period should not look good. They were doing the but there needs to be an awareness and an honesty asymptomatic brain disease. The effects of the incur- ever they do, so I was simply being American to con- wrong thing. they were trying to crush anybody, Dr. with players and parents of young children playing able disease don’t show up until later in life and tribute my part to this wonderful country, to actually Omalu, who wanted to talk about it,” he said. “Now, the game,” Morse said. — AP manifest as psychotic episodes, dementia, and sui- advance football.” Morse sees that era as a dark peri- they starting to do the right thing and thank good-

This photo provided by Twentieth Century Fox shows, Leonardo diCaprio in a scene from the film, ‘The Revenant’. — AP

The extremes Leonardo DiCaprio This photo provided by Lucasfilm shows Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Harrison Ford as Han Solo in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ directed by JJ Abrams. — AP went to for ‘The Revenant’ ‘Star Wars’ trailers vs what lejandro G Inarritu knew Leonardo DiCaprio would go that will ultimately transform the narrative and find the poet- to the ends of the earth to make the 19th century sur- ry. ... It was all basically us really putting ourselves in this envi- Avival epic “The Revenant” exactly as the famously ronment and seeing what happens.” ended up in the film meticulous director wanted. For Inarritu, DiCaprio was the best person to play Hugh Glass, a real life fur trapper who sur- Instinct and reaction vived a bear mauling and then went to find his mates who left Partly by nature of the story and partly for the sake of his J Abrams never intended to guide “Star Wars” fans in who takes it from her yellow hand in the movie. Abrams him for dead in the unforgiving wilderness. Over the course of character, DiCaprio largely isolated himself from the rest of the wrong direction. The writer-director says - spoiler acknowledged that after Maz Kanata’s castle is leveled by the nearly yearlong production, the Oscar-nominated actor the cast, including his friend Tom Hardy. He studied the life of alert! - that while trailers for “Star Wars: The Force the First Order, the big-eyed buccaneer originally traveled and environmentalist proved his commitment over and over. Hugh Glass and the lives of fur trappers at the time. He J Awakens” feature footage and dialogue that didn’t ulti- to the Resistance’s base to hand off Luke Skywalker’s signa- He ate raw bison. He stripped naked in sub-zero temperatures. learned and practiced the choreography for the shots, too. But mately end up in the final cut of the movie, the discrepan- ture weapon to his sister, Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). He even jumped into an icy river. But, early on, Inarritu had when it came time for the cameras to roll, everything became cies weren’t meant to throw anyone off. “It’s a fairly com- “It ended up being an unnecessary hot potato,” said one very specific worry: Could DiCaprio grow a beard? very animalistic - a largely silent performance rooted in mon occurrence when you’re working on a movie, and it’s a Abrams. “It felt like the movie was stronger if we skipped “You cannot shoot this film with a fake beard. It would look instinct and reaction. “For me it was about really thinking year or six months out,” said Abrams. “We were still editing, over that moment. It definitely wasn’t meant to be diver- terrible,” Inarritu said in a recent interview. “Not every man these thoughts and really trying to feel this man’s pain,” refining and adjusting the film. That evolution process is sionary. It was a scene in the movie I later realized I had put grows so much hair in his face. That was a bet.” Thankfully for DiCaprio said. “Leo thinks like a filmmaker more than an actor,” something that’s hard to predict.” the entire crew through shooting, only to cut it.” “Star Wars” the director, DiCaprio sprouted a gnarly, unruly beard that Inarritu said. “He understands the whole. He was able to be In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Abrams fans shouldn’t expect an extended edition of “The Force becomes a symbol of where exactly his character is on his not only a machine doing exactly what we agreed in a natural detailed his decisions (along with editors Mary Jo Markey Awakens” with such moments folded back into the narra- journey, and how deeply he’s devolved. Makeup added dirt on way but at the same time be absolutely present to react to any and Maryann Brandon) on what footage landed in “The tive. Unlike his predecessor, Abrams isn’t interested in rere- a daily basis, and a combination of glycerin and grit gave his improvisation. That’s when I felt that this is one of the greatest Force Awakens” and what was sent down the garbage leases. “I’m not a huge fan of directors’ cuts and modifica- hair that unwashed, bloody look - the look of someone who’d actors.” Little remains of DiCaprio’s full mountain man transfor- chute. tions to a movie,” he said. “I feel the movie that comes out is survived a bear attack. mation externally. the movie that should be the intended final product.” Call from light Shooting on location The blood and the sweat “Star Wars” fans flipped their Stormtrooper helmets Who talks first It’s a minor thing, and perhaps the easiest test DiCaprio Production wrapped. He shed the beard. The bumps and when a pair of beams flared out from the side of Kylo Ren’s Mark Hamill delivered a new rendition on dialogue had to endure to make the sprawling epic, but it’s one of bruises healed. But the grit of the shoot, the trials and tribula- lightsaber in the first teaser trailer. However, “The Force uttered by Luke Skywalker in 1983’s “Return Of The Jedi” in those details that illustrate the overall production’s commit- tions, the tension of getting that perfect shot, it’s all left on the Awakens” doesn’t actually feature the moment when the the second trailer, although the chilling monologue isn’t ment to authenticity. “It’s a really primal story of man and the screen - particularly in the bear attack. “I think it will go down masked baddie ignites his flickering lightsaber hilt. “There included in “The Force Awakens.” In fact, Skywalker doesn’t natural world,” said DiCaprio in a recent phone interview. “It’s in history as one of the most voyeuristic action sequences might be a look or scene in a trailer that identifies as being spew a single word when on screen at the end of the almost biblical.” In an era of computer generated imagery and ever created,” DiCaprio said. “You feel the blood and the sweat. powerful in that short form, but sometimes that doesn’t movie. Abrams noted that the filmmakers never intended other post-production fixes, this was an unconventional shoot You almost smell the bear. It accomplishes what movies do at jibe with what’s happening in the long form,” said Abrams. for the last Jedi to open his trap. “There were all sorts of dif- from the outset. Inarritu traveled with his crew to Calgary, their best which is to really make you feel like the rest of the “There were a couple of shots that ended up not being ferent ideas pitched over the past three years,” said Abrams. Alberta and then to Argentina when the Canadian snow melt- world has evaporated and you’re singularly in that moment.” used in the film, simply because we were doing our best to “When it became clear what this story was and where ed earlier than expected. As if shooting on location isn’t hard Inarritu wants to keep the specifics of how exactly he make the movie be the best version of itself, which some- ‘Episode VIII” and ‘Episode IX” would go, the end of this enough, he and cinematographer Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki achieved such a harrowing sequence to himself. Revealing the times means losing a moment here or there.” movie was very much intended to be a cliffhanger. also opted to shoot only in natural light, giving the produc- process would destroy the magic of it all, he said. “I wanted for Other trailer portions cut from the film include Rey Obviously, the Luke storyline will continue in a very strong tion a mere 90 minutes a day to achieve complex, highly cho- people (to) feel the cold, smell the fear,” he said. “It was difficult (Daisy Ridley) entering a derelict Star Destroyer on her way, but it wasn’t material for this movie.” — AP reographed long takes. but that’s what we were supposed to do. Nobody should care. home planet and an ominous exchange between the The duo had done this before in “Birdman,” but never in the Nobody should be bothered with having a good time or not. spunky scavenger and itty-bitty pirate Maz Kanata (Lupita unpredictable wilderness. But DiCaprio knew very well what That’s not the purpose of doing a film.” “Judging by the results Nyong’o). he was signing up for. “When you’re out in the elements like I would not change a bit.” — AP this - and there are people who have much harder jobs than IT’LL guIde you people making a movie - but you just appreciate the In the second trailer, Maz Kanata is seen passing a endurance of man and how we’re able to adapt to circum- lightsaber to another woman. But it’s Finn (John Boyega) stances,” DiCaprio said. “You’re signing on to find elements

Austrian radio jockey punished for playing

‘Last Christmas’ 24 times

n Austrian radio station has pun- province of Carinthia, told Reuters on ished one of its moderators after he Wednesday the 27-year-old disc jockey Alocked himself in the studio only to barricaded the studio last Friday with a play the song ‘Last Christmas’, a cult hit wooden stick to play the prank on his lis- from the 1980s by British band Wham!, 24 teners. ‘In general, it was funny but there times in a row. Only once the moderator’s must be consequences,’ Bodner told daughter called the studio to beg her Reuters in a telephone conversation. ‘As father to stop because the song made a consequence he will have to work everyone ‘mad’ did he finish his one-song tomorrow on Christmas and on New marathon, according to a video on Year’s eve.’ — Reuters Youtube. Timm Bodner, programming Chief of This picture taken yesterday shows new work by Italian street artist Maupal, showing a Santa Claus dressed in military uniform, on a street the station Antenne Kaernten in Austria’s in Rome. — AFP l i f e s t y l e THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 F e a t u r e s How to have gorgeous hair!

y job requires me to be in the salon that you keep adding on to for the future and Another thing I’ve been loving to use in my hair is, then use the step 3, which is a moisturiz- almost every other day, either for my when you’re older. Working out, eating hair coloring is to add Olaplex. I used it once ing shampoo to clean out the fillers. Mhair or my nails or any sort of mainte- healthy, drinking water, getting enough and ever since I cannot color my hair without Caviar, is another option for a treatment if nance I have to take care of. Many girls who sleep, as well as taking care of your outer asking my hair colorist to add it to the dye. It you’re feeling like you want to pamper yourself. follow me think I color and style my hair on a appearance is something you will appreciate doesn’t allow the color to damage your hair, This treatment might be more on the expensive daily basis without actually taking care of it, in the later stages of your life. Being a woman, and leaves your hair silky smooth. I swear by the side but it’s sure worth it every once in a while. which is definitely not the case. Whether you deal with many things, marriage and product! It leaves your hair with an incredible shine as or not you genetically have good hair, you pregnancy change many things, hormonal Hair treatments is very essential if you’re girl well as making it very soft. always need to make sure you keep it changes also can change your skin, hair and who loves styling and coloring her hair often If your hair is not very damaged or dried out, healthy, just like when you apply too can even be biological. Point is, whatever it is like myself, I’ve used so many treatments it’s try out the Botox treatment, this to me, I find is much make up too often your skin you want to maintain in terms of your appear- ridiculous, but now I know that I educated a quick fix, as the other treatments mentioned starts breaking out, the same goes ance or skin, hair body, etc, you will have to myself to know what’s best for my hair. are more extensive moisturizing for your hair, to your nails, if you always have take care of and assure it stays healthy. which I love. Sometimes, when you’re in a hurry nail varnish on they’ll eventu- The first thing you would want to invest in, Try fillers! and this fix is just the one for you or for your ally become weak, and so is a moisturizing serum or oil replacement, Try fillers! I literally have fillers in my hair as I younger daughter/sibling. Whatever treatment on. you can apply this after every shower with write this article. This treatment comes in three you choose to go for just make sure it suits your Your body is what wet hair so it can lockdown the moisture in steps, 1 the shampoo to clean your hair, 2 is the hair type as it is always important to educate you take with you your hair. I would suggest to Pantene Oil actual fillers, which comes in as a gel-like ourselves with what products we are using on throughout your life, Replacement, which I always pack with me residue which you apply to your hair starting ourselves. what you do now is when I’m travelling, because that’s the worst from the roots to the ends. Keep it on for 20-30 considered a package time when my hair goes crazy, when I travel. mins depending on how dry and damaged your

Beatles songs ‘Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi’ ceremony being made available for streaming

he Beatles are set to release their back catalogue on streaming sites including Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal Tfor the first time from Christmas Eve, the band’s website said yesterday. The announcement comes after years when the Fab Four’s songs were not available on the sites and five years after they were first made available for downloading on Apple’s iTunes. “On December 24 at 12:01am local time-here, there and everywhere-The Beatles’ music is available for streaming worldwide,” an announcement on the band’s web- site said. “Happy Crimble (Christmas), with love from us to you.” The Beatles were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed groups of all time. The announcement means that fans will be able to listen to the band’s songs on nine services-Spotify, Apple Music, Slacker, Tidal, Groove, Rhapsody, Deezer, Google Play and Amazon Prime. Although some musicians have expressed concern about the amount of money their music can make on streaming services, most have decided they have little choice but to use them. Taylor In this Feb 9, 1964 file photo, The Beatles perform on Swift removed her whole back catalogue from Spotify last the CBS ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ in New York. — AP year but did agree to stream on Apple Music when it launched in June.—AFP Auction of Stallone’s film memorabilia fetches $3 million

n auction of Sylvester Stallone’s black leather “Rocky” jacket and other movie memorabilia has Aearned more than $3 million. Heritage Auctions President Greg Rohan says Stallone’s leather jacket was the top item sold at the three-day auction, with a winning bid of $149,000. A poncho worn by Stallone in the first “Rambo” film fetched $60,000 in a sale that featured boxing trunks and gloves, and other items from the actor-direc- tor’s storied career. Portions of the proceeds will benefit military charities. Stallone attended the auction’s first day and mingled with In this April 21, 2015 file photo, Sylvester Stallone, a fans. The 69-year-old Oscar nominee announced the sale in cast member in the upcoming film ‘Creed,’ arrives July but said it didn’t mean he was saying goodbye to the onstage to introduce a clip from the film at the characters who made him famous. Stallone reprised his Warner Bros presentation during CinemaCon 2015 role as Rocky Balboa in the recent film “Creed.”— AP at Caesars Palace, in Las Vegas. — AP Lebanese Muslim Sufi men play music during a ritual ceremony to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), known in Arabic as ‘Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi’, yesterday in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. — AFP photos THE SECRET GARDEN - DUMOND’S WINTER 2015 COLLECTION

umond was inspired by secret gar- delicate details to be an even greater feast over winter in shoes and bags. Over-the- dens to celebrate winter. The absence for women’s eyes. Sneakers established knee boots return to the fashion scene and Dof light brings a darker side to the themselves as the choice for a cooler, more add a pinch of power to the look. Traditional collection while the delicacy of colors and athletic look and appear with slip-on flats in pointy-toe pumps never go out of fashion flowers give a ladylike touch to the shoes versions with tall shafts, metallic elements and are part of the brand’s winter collection. and accessories. The most obscure side and animal prints. They also appear with Dumond chose a color palette filled with appears in the Victorian boots that appear to higher soles than the version that took over black, caramel and purple. They became win their place in fashionista’s hearts. With the streets this summer. White appears even more vivid with a varnish finish - high- low shafts, medium heels, shoelaces and prominently and prints the athletic style to light of the collection. Thin-strap sandals pointy toes, the shoe merges classic and the shoes even more. The famous fringes of add delicacy to the outfits. Sweet or dark - modern features. boho in its chic version return to the collec- which is your side? Treat yourself to the lat- Cleated soles, in turn, accompany heavy tion both in the children’s and in the adult est collection at The Mall, The Avenues. boots with fur appliquÈs. Perfect for the cold line. weather. The comfortable boyish style is one Dumond’s sweetest and more feminine of women’s passions. Oxfords and loafers got side features crocodile prints, which will take Nicolas Cage returns stolen Mongolian dinosaur skull S actor Nicolas Cage has agreed to turn over a Vegas,” is an avid collector and was reportedly in competi- than 30 specimens, including 15 skulls, have been discov- dinosaur skull he purchased for $276,000, after it tion with Leonardo Di Caprio for purchase of the fossil, ered. New York authorities have returned several fossils to Uturned out to be smuggled from Mongolia, his agent according to US media. Mongolia in recent years, including a Tarbosaurus bataar confirmed Tuesday. The actor bought the Tarbosaurus No charge has been filed against the actor or the Beverly dating back 70 million years. Measuring more than 2.5 bataar fossil at a New York auction in March 2007 and Hills-based auction house, I.M. Chait. According to the New yards (just less than 2.5 meters) tall and around eight “received a certificate of authenticity from the auction com- York District Attorney’s office-which announced the fossil’s meters long, that skeleton was sold at a New York auction pany,” said Alex Schack, who represents Cage. In 2014, how- return but did not include the actor’s name when it made for $1.05 million in May 2012. But it was seized the follow- ever, the Department of Homeland Security contacted the the case public-the skull first arrived in the United States in ing month after Mongolian authorities intervened. The actor to inform him that a years-long investigation had led Florida in 2006. It arrived from Japan, with a customs docu- skeleton was returned to Mongolia in May 2013 and its them to believe it had been illegally smuggled from ment simply describing it as fossilized pieces of stone. Florida-based importer, Eric Prokopi, was sentenced to Mongolia. Mongolia considers all fossils found in its Gobi desert, espe- three months in prison in June 2014. — AFP Once authorities determined the fossil “was indeed ille- cially those from its Nemegt geological formation, to be gally smuggled into the US and rightfully belongs to the government property and has banned their export. This August 30, 2013 file photo government of Mongolia,” Cage agreed to turn it over to Tarbosaurus bataar lived during the Cretaceous period shows US actor Nicolas Cage at Homeland Security, Schack said. Cage, who won an and disappeared some 65 million years ago. Its first fossils the 70th Venice Film Festival at Academy Award in 1996 for his leading role in “Leaving Las were discovered at the Nemegt formation in 1946. More Venice Lido. — AFP l i f e s t y l e THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 F e a t u r e

Kyle Todd (left) getting dressed for his initiation ceremony to become a Sangoma or tra- ditional healer.

Twelve-year-old South African Kyle Todd (center) dancing during his initiation ceremony to become a Sangoma or traditional healer at a traditional Twelve-year-old South African Kyle Todd (center) dancing during his initiation ceremony healer school in Pretoria, South Africa. — AFP photos to become a Sangoma or traditional healer. White boy blazing a trail in S African spiritual world

are-foot, with rattles on his ankles and wear- year, leaving at least seven people dead. Small old Demas, a black mother of four who works with ing a colorful beaded ceremonial skirt, a numbers of whites have in recent years joined the female abuse victims, is satisfied. “He was so pow- Bwhite boy with short blond hair makes ranks of South Africa’s 69,000 registered sangomas erful,” said Demas, who likes consulting Kyle shamanic-like dance moves to a frantic drum beat. but rarely-if ever-are they this young. Phephisile because she believes young healers are more hon- Kyle Todd is a spiritual healer, or “sangoma” as heal- Maseko, coordinator of the national Traditional est about the results of readings. “They tell you ers are known in his native South Africa. At 12, he is Healers Organisation, believes he is the youngest everything they see,” she said. Kyle said he did not one of the youngest whites to be initiated into the practitioner of his craft from the white minority. choose to be a sangoma but was discovered to practice of traditional medicine-a profession tradi- have healing powers a few years ago. tionally dominated by blacks. It started with pre- ‘Whites don’t understand’ Even before undergoing training last year, he monitory dreams, which his parents initially didn’t Sangomas occupy a respected position in South was already able to “accurately” read the bones, take seriously, suspecting he was simply watching African society, particularly among blacks, who according to Solly Mathebula, his teacher, who is too much television. view them with a mix of reverence and fear. Not also a sangoma. Since he qualified, he has been in “First I had visions, I thought it was dreams or only do they treat physical and psychological con- demand. “I have got people from overseas now just a nightmare,” he told AFP in a township near ditions but they also act as mediums. At home Kyle phoning (for appointments with Kyle), I have calls Pretoria where he received his training. In one of is like any other pre-teen, spending hours in front from all over South Africa,” said Mathebula. In his his most vivid dreams, he claims he foresaw the of the television and playing video games or foot- hometown of Musina, near the border with death of South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Nelson ball and marbles with friends. But on a recent Zimbabwe, people stop him while he is cycling Mandela, who passed away in December 2013 at weekend he swapped his Xbox controller for a home from school to solicit an on-the-spot diagno- the age of 95. “A few weeks before Mandela died, I beaded knobkerrie-a short wooden stick with a sis. had a vision he was gonna die and people (said) it knob at one end-and sat on a reed mat attending “They stop me on the street and ask ‘can you was a dream, that I am watching TV and getting to a “patient”. He throws a mix of cow shells, dice, give me a reading’, but I say ‘no I can’t give you a nightmares... until the dreams ... started becoming coins and animal bones onto a goat’s animal skin reading now’,” the slender soft-spoken youth told true,” he told AFP. mat to obtain a “reading” or diagnosis of Philda AFP. But he is considerably less popular in the pre- He also says he foresaw the xenophobic attacks Demas’s condition. dominantly white neighborhood where he lives Kyle Todd (left) getting dressed for his ini- Kyle Todd (left) preparing for his initiation that rocked Johannesburg and Durban earlier this At the end of a 30-minute consultation, 51-year- with his parents and younger sister and brother. He tiation ceremony to become a Sangoma or ceremony. gets teased at school and has lost some friends traditional healer. who fear that he might cast a spell on them. “Most of (my) friends went against me and started being ex-friends,” he said. “It has been difficult... being in a community that doesn’t understand sangomas,” his father Mike, a mine diesel mechanic, said. “They believe that sangomas are part of witchcraft.” Most of Kyle’s clients are blacks who have “accepted him very well”, according to Mathebula. “I treat mostly black people, (because) white peo- ple, most of them don’t believe in this. So they don’t come,” said his protege. A bone-throwing ses- sion may be required to tell if he will go on to become a full-time sangoma. His parents want him to finish his education first and pursue a career in pharmacy or herbal science. Maybe, at that point, “he can combine the two (traditional medicine and science)”, his father said. — AFP

Kyle Todd (center) performs during his initiation ceremony. Kyle Todd (left) getting dressed for his initiation ceremony.

Kyle Todd (left) getting dressed for his initiation ceremony to become a Kyle Todd (left) receiving instructions before his initiation ceremony. Kyle Todd (second left) getting ready for his initiation ceremony. Sangoma or traditional healer. Indulge your sweet tooth this fall with Rado’s chocolate brown ceramic Timepieces

ado is paying homage to its Swiss roots with an Cutting-edge wrist candy tive material also adapts to the wearer’s body temperature, exquisite new range of timepieces in chocolate Chameleon-like chocolate ceramic adapts to subtle making for a cozy wearing experience. Rbrown high-tech ceramic, a unique color and materi- changes in the lighting conditions, transitioning from Sumptuous chocolate brown ceramic is the latest in al combination that evokes the artistry and craftsmanship sweet and light to velvety and dark, just like the Swiss con- Rado’s notable range of high-tech ceramic colors - the of Switzerland’s famed MaÓtres Chocolatiers. The Rado fections that inspired it. The result: bold but versatile inaugural black first pioneered by the watchmaker three HyperChrome family, known for its embodiment of every- autumnal accents ideal for a range of outfits and skin tones decades ago, followed by a pristine white, an elegant grey, day elegance, has added three new watches in this glossy - the perfect pieces to pair with a woolen blazer or cash- and a metallic plasma. Like its predecessors, it is available chocolate color just in time for the festive season. The three mere sweater. A luxurious alternative to the classic tor- in both polished and matt finishes. Creating consistent col- cocoa-coloured models - the HyperChrome Automatic, toiseshell pattern, Rado’s brown high-tech ceramic is a cap- ors with ceramic processes is notoriously difficult, but HyperChrome Automatic Chronograph Tachymeter, and tivating neutral that adds understated interest to any fall or Rado’s mastery of materials and vision of superior quality Limited Edition HyperChrome Automatic Diamonds - will winter ensemble. have made these concerns a thing of the past. Rado time- help you set the table for your holiday feast in style. The Rado’s chocolate brown HyperChrome timekeepers are pieces in chocolate brown high-tech ceramic - a cutting- tasty trio comes in three sizes and is crafted in a luminous not only objects of desire, but also objects of everlasting edge confection to sink your teeth into this fall. earthen hue paired with chic rose gold coloured accents, beauty. Thanks to the properties of Rado’s high tech ceram- making these timepieces equally at home in the chalet or ic, their rich brown hue will not fade over time. They also the city. boast all the usual benefits of watches crafted from high- tech ceramic: Scratch resistant and lightweight, the innova- l i f e s t y l e THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 F e a t u r e s

In this photo provided by the MoMA Design Store, in Brooklyn-based Australian artist Sophie Blackall’s Festive Dinner Table, a holiday dinner party pops out at you, and In these photos provided by Ink Drop Design, Portland, Oregon artist mom Shondra Neumayer creates beauti- In this photo provided by the MoMA Design Store, children’s book there’s a family of realistic, charming characters seated ful cards for her studio Ink Drop Design. — AP photos author and artist David Carter’s New Year’s card is a joyful, festive around the table. It’s one of the highlights of the Museum explosion of abstract shapes and pop up paper construction. of Modern Art’s holiday card collection this year. Holiday cards with an artful edge

hristmas and seasonal greeting cards have cool?’” In a series of cards sold at Society 6’s when the card is opened. There are twirling orna- long been an artistic niche that inspires online store, Christina Rollo, a photographer in ments, sleds that swoosh through a forest, Santa Cillustrators and designers. Besides today’s Binghamton, New York, makes intimate portraits perched precariously on a ladder decorating a ubiquitous family photo cards, contemporary of plump little chickadees and sparrows nestling tree, and a paper bucket full of holiday cham- designs often take advantage of advances in among snowy boughs and berries. pagne. drafting and production ‘ holography, music The Museum of Modern Art in New York has New York-based Elsa Mora’s lantern-shaped embeds, digital photography and laser-cutting been selling holiday cards since 1954. Chay card with intricately cut woodland flora and fau- among them. Other designs begin life with time- Costello, the museum’s associate director of mar- na is a favorite in the MoMA shop, Costello says. honored tools like the paint pot, pencil box and keting, says the card program began as a way to This year, Mora’s “Wintertale” card includes a vil- scissors. foster and encourage young and emerging lage complete with homes, holly and dancing Shondra Neumayer of Portland, Oregon, com- artists by exposing their work to a larger audi- children. “Festive Dinner Table,” a card by artist bines modern vintage-style typography, folk-arty ence. The program’s early years included work by Sophie Blackall of Brooklyn, opens to a holiday woodland silhouettes and antique-style, mar- Alexander Calder, Robert Indiana and Andy dinner party. quee-light imagery with rustic barn-board back- Warhol. Costello says Indiana’s famous “Love” In this photo provided by the MoMA Design Store, a magical village complete with homes, holly Other creative cards, pop-up and not, are grounds in cards she sells at her Etsy shop, illustration was originally created as a holiday and dancing children grace Elsa Mora’s intricately-cut ‘Wintertale’ card. available at Papyrus, Galison and the Art Institute InkDropDesign. She began designing cards out card. of Chicago’s web shop, among other places. The of frustration with what she saw as a market MoMA’s card art is selected through an open cards with special features,” Costello says. tions that result in a card that’s a gift in and of crafts site Etsy.com had over 90,000 Christmas filled with cheap and cheesy holiday cards submission process, and the museum receives “Instead of a card with graphic artwork on its itself.” card offerings in a recent search. — AP “Going to the mailbox should be an exciting hundreds of designs annually. Pop-up cards have front, many artists have begun to think three- The designs feature paper manipulation at its event,” she says. “Each (year) I found myself ask- become particularly popular. dimensionally, with spiraling and fold-out ele- best: shimmering snowflakes, shooting stars, ski- ing the question, ‘Why can’t Christmas cards be “We started to see an increasing trend toward ments and elaborately crafted pop-out construc- ing reindeer, and holiday bouquets that “bloom” Big books make great gifts for the holidays

offee table books are always great gifts Photography, film & illustration this volume offers a 50-year history of the show for just the right enthusiast, and they’re “Schatz Images: 25 Years,” by Howard Schatz: A in art and design. Extras at the back include Cplentiful at holiday time as quick grabs or stunning, two-volume box set from the award- sketches, schematics and full-color sets on cards advance buys. A few suggestions, based on winning photographer spanning portraits of mur- tucked into an envelope. Harper Design, $45. interest area: “Harper’s Bazaar: Models,” by derers and athletes, dancers and models, pregnant “Blue’s Hands,” by Joseph A. Rosen: The pho- Derek Blasberg: Christy, Naomi, Linda, Kate, moms and “interesting nobodies,” as the publisher tographer chronicles his own 30-year love affair Gisele and more. In all, the magazine’s editor in puts it. A limited-edition retrospective. Glitterati with blues music focusing on the working chief, Glenda Bailey, and editor at large, Inc., $365. “Fellini: The Sixties,” by Manoah Bowman: hands of some of the greats. In full color close- Blasberg, have selected 28 famous faces, with Focused on the director’s most iconic work, includ- ups, from juke joints to concert halls and luxury essays, covers and interviews. Abrams, $65. ing “Dolce Vita,” “81/2,” “Juliet of the Spirits” and liners, Rosen sticks to his mission of letting the “Curves,” photographs by Victoria Janashvili: “Fellini Satyricon.” Includes some never-before- hands tell the story, with nugget bios of each Portraits focused on body esteem for women, seen archive photos, along with stills and essays artist at the back. Schiffer Publishing, $29.99. all women - short, tall, big and bigger. Janashvili from an array of contemporary writers. A collabo- “Bob Dylan All the Songs,” by Philippe ends with a nude self-portrait to, she writes, ration between Turner Classic Movies and Running Margotin and Jean-Michel Guesdon: This is the “see myself as a beautiful one - like all the Press, $65. story behind every track. That’s 492 songs. women that I photograph.” Self-published, $51 “Nextinction,” by Ralph Steadman and Ceri Along with exhaustive notes on players, lyrics at Curvesthebook.com. Levy: A follow to the cartoonist’s wild collection of and production, the two have included bites of “Creating the Illusion: A Fashionable History extinct birds. The 192 here, in Steadman’s trade- backstory for true “Dylanologists.” Photos of the of Hollywood Costume Designers,” by Jay mark trippy style, are alive but endangered, includ- man and his famous friends and collaborators This book cover image released by Jorgensen and Donald L. Scoggins: The people ing the giant ibis, the kakapo and the spoon-billed abound. Black Dog & Leventhal, $50. Schirmer/Mosel shows “Peter Lindbergh: Images behind movie fashion get their due in long sandpiper. Steadman and Levy have dubbed “Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record of Women II,” designed by Juan Gatti, with text Collecting,” by Eilon Paz: One need not be a by Werner Spies, Wim Wenders and Peter vinyl head to appreciate this book, but one This book cover image released by Harper Handke. does need a healthy appreciation of music. This Design shows, ‘Back to the Future: The Ultimate gem reads like “Humans of New York” of the Visual History,’ by Michael Klastorian and crate-digging scene. Paz first self-published his Randal Atamaniuk. Marking the 30th anniver- ode to vinyl collectors, beginning in New York sary of the original movie, hundreds of images but spreading to collectors from Portugal to from all three in the time-travel trilogy. Concept Japan to his native Israel and back again to art and storyboards are also included, along Brooklyn. In all, he tells the stories and lovingly with cast and crew interviews. — AP photos photographs the collections of more than 130 people, including Acid Jazz record label co- at White Sands create a wind pattern and the founder Gilles Peterson, among other notables. sunrise turns peaks yellow in Death Valley. Ten Speed Press, $50. Insight Editions, $50. “Revolution: Mapping the Road to American Travel & pop culture Independence, 1755-1783,” by Richard H Brown “Passage to Cuba,” by Cynthia Carris Alonso: and Paul E Cohen: 60 detailed, full-color maps The photographer has spent 20 years shooting tell the story of the American Revolution. Many Cuba. At a time of openness for American visi- document decisive battles, accompanied by tors, she captures street scenes, historic essays putting them into context. Geeks of the moments and beautiful landscapes, from period will revel. W.W. Norton & Company, $75. Havana to the sparkling blue shoreline of Varadero Beach. In thoughtful but spare text, she explains the Spanish architecture of Old This book cover image released by Black Dog & Havana, poses the dancers of Cuba’s water bal- Leventhal shows, ‘Bob Dylan All the Songs,’ by let team and shares her shots of a rally celebrat- Philippe Margotin and Jean-Michel Guesdon. ing the return of Elian Gonzalez. Skyhorse Publishing, $45. This book cover image released by Skyhorse Publishing shows “Passage to Cuba,” by Cynthia Carris “John Baeder’s Road Well Taken,” by Jay Alonso. Williams: Nobody captured “diner conscious- ness” quite like the realist painter Baeder. In this essays accompanied by production shots, illus- themselves the “gonzovationists.” Portion of pro- volume, Williams creates a full account of trations and behind-the-scenes candids. From ceeds to BirdLife International. Bloomsbury, $50. Baeder’s life, including interviews with the artist the silent era of Greta Garbo to Johnny Depp’s “Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History,” and nearly 300 images of his collectable diner pirate. Running Press, $65. by Michael Klastorian and Randal Atamaniuk: paintings, watercolors, vintage photos and “Peter Lindbergh: Images of Women II,” Marking the 30th anniversary of the original memorabilia. The Vendome Press, $45. designed by Juan Gatti, text by Werner Spies, movie, hundreds of images from all three in the “The National Parks: An American Legacy,” Wim Wenders and Peter Handke: The German time-travel trilogy. Concept art and storyboards photographs by Ian Shive: The National Park photographer’s work spanning 2005 through are also included, along with cast and crew inter- Service marks its 100th anniversary in 2016. 2014, black and white from the worlds of fash- views. Harper Design, in conjunction with From a portrait of a golden-mantled ground ion, society and film. Portraits and nudes Universal Pictures, $50. squirrel in Glacier National Park to a serene sun- include Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton and Kate Tv & music set at Denali, this book includes more than 200 This book cover image released by Earth Aware Editions shows “The National Parks: An Winslet - and a few famous men. “Dr Who: Impossible Worlds,” by Stephen never-before-seen images. A bald eagle guards This book cover image released by Schiffer American Legacy,” with photographs by Ian Schirmer/Mosel, $99.95. Nicholas and Mike Tucker: For the hard-core fan, prey in Olympic National Park, the stark dunes Publishing shows “Blues Hands,” by Joseph A Shive. Rosen.

This book cover image released by WW Norton This book cover image released by Harper This image released by Running Press shows This book cover image released by Ten Speed This book cover image released by The & Co shows Revolution: Mapping the Road to Design shows, “Dr Who: Impossible Worlds,” by “Fellini: The Sixties,” by Manoah Bowman. Press shows “Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Vendome Press shows “John Baeder’s Road Well American Independence, 1755-1783,” by Stephen Nicholas and Mike Tucker. Record Collecting,” by Eilon Paz. Taken” by Jay Williams. Richard H Brown and Paul E Cohen. White boy blazing a trail in S African spiritual world

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 38

Motorcyclists dressed in Santa Claus outfits ride down the streets in downtown Tokyo during a Christmas ‘toy run’ by the Harley Santa Club yesterday. Some 500 motorcyclists took part in the run on December 23 - a local holiday - to campaign against child abuse ahead of Christmas. — AFP Thinking Outside the Bow: Tassels and other gift toppers

t’s the year of the tassel in gift wrapping. This holiday 2. To create a monogram, bend 8-gauge wire to form an ini- season, in lieu of the traditional bow, lifestyles maga- tial, and then wrap it with yarn or thin ribbon and glue the Izines are showing tassels and pompoms adorning yarn ends to the wire. Attach it to the package with brightly wrapped packages and wine bottles. “We’re seeing matching yarn or ribbon, says Kayla Kitts, special projects tassels on everything ... on pillows, throws, in fashion and editor for HGTV.com. in jewelry,” says Amy Panos, deputy editor of Home Design 3. Make a gift tag from fabric glued to cardstock, and attach for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Other creative it to the package with ribbon, Kitts says. gift toppers might include washi tape, cupcake liners, fab- 4. Use the eraser end of a pencil, dipped in paint, to create a ric, wire or tree sprigs. design or image on a package wrapped in Kraft paper, Panos recommends “going big” - make the tassel large, says Kitts. “It adds that personalized touch.” or top the gift with a giant, tissue-paper pompom. “The 5. Wrap gifts in a square of inexpensive, holiday-themed fab- bigger the better,” she says. “That’s what makes something ric with the corners gathered and tied at the top; it’s called look festive and modern.” Tassels may be purchased for a “furoshiki,” a Japanese term, and works especially well for few dollars, but are easy to make, says Marcie McGoldrick, small gifts. editorial director of crafts for Martha Stewart Living. 6. Go outdoors and snip something green and wintry (think Homemade ones “have a more considered, personal feel,” evergreen). Panos recommends tucking small pinecones, she says. “They’re great for hostess gifts atop a wine bottle.” pine branches or holly into a package tied with ribbon. If Usually crafted with yarn or thread, tassels can also be In this photo provided by HGTV, create a unique gift top- those aren’t in your vicinity, use what you have, such as made with tissue and other paper. Better Homes’ per with a pencil eraser dipped in acrylic paint as seen on seashells. December issue uses brown Kraft paper, but scrapbook or the snowman gift wrap. ‘It adds that personalized touch,‘ “Anything from the natural world is automatically going to construction paper works too. Panos suggests using metal- says Kayla Kitts, special projects editor for HGTV.com. look gorgeous on top of a package,” Panos says, noting that lic paper or incorporating several colors in the same tassel. around the midsection of a gift: Cut a strip of crepe paper the live tree standing in many homes this time of year is a per- She says solid colors - not patterned paper - work best. “It long enough to fit the package (either lengthwise or fect source. “Snip from the back,” she advises. — AP looks really subdued and elegant,” she says. widthwise), fold it lengthwise and cut slits along the edges The tassels can be saved and hung as ornaments from a to fringe. Reopen, flatten and attach to package and top tree, wreath or light fixture, Panos says. For packages that with a coordinating color of ribbon. In this image courtesy of HGTV, a need to be shipped or stacked flat, she recommends weav- leather tassel adorns a bottle of ing ribbons of different sizes and colors in a simple pattern More creative alternatives to bows juice. Often inexpensive to buy, tas- - crossing one over another and attaching them in the 1. Add flattened cupcake liners to the tops and corners of sels also can be made from thread, back. Or use washi tape, which comes in many colors and packages, says McGoldrick. “They add dimension and tex- yarn, even paper for decoration on holiday-themed patterns. Add a fringed “belly band” ture and come in great colors.” holiday gifts. — AP photos

In this photo provided by Better Homes and Gardens, for In this photo provided by Better Homes and Gardens, paper In this photo provided by HGTV, create a unique gift topper In this photo provided by HGTV, colorful yarn pom-poms gifts that need to be shipped or stacked flat, add a fringed tassels adorn a package. Make tassels-with yarn, ribbon or by bending 8-gauge wire into the shape of a letter then wrap adorn gift packages. ‘belly band’ around the midsection: Cut a strip of crepe paper-as large as possible, says Amy Panos, deputy editor of it with yarn or ribbon and glue to adhere. Attach the mono- paper long enough to fit the package (either lengthwise Home Design for ‘Better Homes and Gardens’ magazine. It’s gram with matching yarn or ribbon to the package, says Kayla or widthwise), fold it lengthwise and cut slits along the almost ‘the bigger the better,’ says Panos. ‘That’s what makes Kitts, special projects editor for HGTV.com. edges to fringe. Attach to package and top with a coordi- something look festive and modern.’ nating color of ribbon.